Our Verdict
Alen BreatheSmart 45i Wins

It offers superior air purification with 1216 CADR smoke and 1900 sq ft coverage. Choose Shark HC502 for its 3-in-1 function (purifier, heater, fan) despite its lower 133.33 CADR smoke and 208.33 sq ft coverage.
Bottom Line: Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. It offers superior air purification with 1216 CADR smoke and 1900 sq ft coverage.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
812% moreCoverage Sq Ft
812% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 812% higher (1216 vs 133.33)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 812% higher (1900 vs 208.33)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
This purifier is ideal for homeowners or renters with large open-concept living areas, master bedrooms, or multiple connected rooms up to 1900 sq ft, who prioritize comprehensive air quality. If you suffer from severe allergies, have pets, live in areas prone to wildfire smoke, or are sensitive to VOCs and odors, its high 1216 CADR smoke and advanced HEPA filtration for particles down to 0.1 micron make it a robust choice. Those seeking quiet operation for undisturbed sleep and the convenience of a smart sensor auto-adjusting fan speed will find the Alen 45i worth its higher investment for superior performance.
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean
The Shark HC502 is perfect for individuals living in smaller apartments, single rooms, or offices up to 208 sq ft who seek a versatile, space-saving appliance. If you need a device that not only purifies the air but also provides heating in winter and acts as a fan in warmer months, this 3-in-1 unit is an excellent, more budget-friendly solution. It's ideal for those who value multi-functionality and smart sensor capabilities that automatically adjust to PM1/2.5/10 air quality without needing extensive coverage.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $464 | $320 |
| Rating | 4.4(60) | 4.3(678) |
| Cadr Smoke | 1216 | 133.33 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 1900 | 208.33 |
| Filter Type | HEPA | Nanoseal HEPA |
| Model Number | 45i_V2 | HC502 |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Alen Air Purifier
- Covers up to 1900 sq ft hourly
- Captures particles down to 0.1 micron
- Filters VOCs, odors, chemicals
- Quiet operation promotes sleep
- Limited absorption for heavy odors/chemicals
- Requires periodic filter replacement
Shark HC502 3-in-1
- Offers air purification, heating, and fan functions.
- Exceeds HEPA standards; captures 99.98% of particles.
- Auto-adjusts power based on PM1/2.5/10 air quality.
- Heats rooms while simultaneously purifying air.
- Covers only 208 sq ft for effective 5x hourly air changes.
- Requires periodic replacement of specialized Nanoseal filter
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which air purifier is recommended for larger living spaces?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is ideal for large rooms, covering up to 1900 sq ft. In contrast, the Shark HC502 is designed for smaller areas, effective for only 208.33 sq ft.
What is the primary performance difference in air cleaning capacity?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i boasts a much higher CADR smoke of 1216 and covers 1900 sq ft. The Shark HC502 has a CADR smoke of 133.33 and covers 208.33 sq ft, indicating a vast difference in purification power.
Which product offers more than just air purification?
The Shark HC502 is a 3-in-1 device, functioning as an air purifier, heater, and fan. The Alen BreatheSmart 45i specializes solely in advanced air purification.
How do the filters differ between the Alen and Shark models?
The Alen 45i uses a HEPA filter designed to capture particles down to 0.1 micron and VOCs. The Shark HC502 features a Nanoseal HEPA filter, claiming to capture 99.98% of particles, exceeding standard HEPA filtration.
Explore Other Categories
Popular comparisons across the site
Ask AI
Get instant answers about specs
Get the Deets
Ask our AI assistant
Ask Deets anything!

























