Our Verdict
Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i Wins

It delivers substantially superior air purification capabilities, featuring a CADR smoke rating of 253.33 CFM and effective coverage of 395.83 sq ft, significantly outperforming the LG PuriCare AeroTower's 99.2 CFM and 155 sq ft. While priced slightly higher at $479, its robust performance justifies the cost for serious air quality needs. The LG PuriCare AeroTower is the better pick for users who prioritize smart home integration, a multi-functional fan/purifier, and are dealing with smaller room sizes where its Wi-Fi capabilities and design aesthetic can shine.
Bottom Line: Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. It delivers substantially superior air purification capabilities, featuring a CADR smoke rating of 253.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i and LG PuriCare AeroTower present two distinct philosophies in air purification, primarily differing in their core performance metrics and feature sets. The most significant disparity lies in their purification power: the Alen 45i boasts a remarkable CADR smoke rating of 253.33 CFM, which is over 2.5 times higher than the LG AeroTower's 99.2 CFM. In practical terms, this means the Alen can clean the air much faster, especially critical in situations with sudden spikes in pollutants like cooking smoke, pet dander, or strong odors. Its effective coverage of 395.83 sq ft also makes it suitable for genuinely larger spaces, whereas the LG AeroTower's 155 sq ft coverage limits it to smaller bedrooms or offices, despite its advertised higher maximum coverage which would result in very slow air changes.
Filtration also sees a key difference. The Alen 45i utilizes a 'HEPA Odor Filter,' specifically designed to neutralize strong household odors, a major benefit for pet owners or kitchens. The LG AeroTower, with its 'True HEPA' and 'NanoFiber' filters, focuses on capturing 0.3µm particles at 99.97% efficiency and includes a PM 1.0 sensor, offering precise particle monitoring. While both clean effectively, the Alen excels in odor removal.
Connectivity and design offer another trade-off. The LG AeroTower, with its 'AeroTower' design, multiple airflow options, and Wi-Fi capability, caters to a more tech-integrated home. Users can control it remotely via an app, which adds convenience. The Alen 45i, while featuring a SmartSensor for auto-adjustment, lacks Wi-Fi but compensates with an 'Ultra-quiet operation' and a 'Pink noise feature' that can aid sleep, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms where absolute quiet is paramount. The slightly higher price of the Alen 45i ($479 vs $449.99) is primarily invested in raw purification power and odor elimination, while the LG AeroTower's value comes from its smart features and versatile fan functionality.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
155% moreCoverage Sq Ft
155% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 155% higher (253.33 vs 99.2)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 155% higher (395.83 vs 155)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For large open-plan living areas or basements
AlenThe Alen 45i offers a significantly higher effective coverage of 395.83 sq ft and a CADR smoke rating of 253.33 CFM, ideal for quickly purifying larger spaces.
For bedrooms requiring ultra-quiet operation and sleep aid
AlenThe Alen 45i boasts ultra-quiet operation and a pink noise feature, designed specifically to aid sleep without disruptive fan noise.
For users prioritizing smart home integration and remote control
LGThe LG AeroTower is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for convenient remote operation via an app, a feature the Alen lacks.
For homes with persistent pet odors or cooking smells
AlenThe Alen 45i comes with a specialized HEPA Odor Filter designed to neutralize strong household odors more effectively than a standard HEPA filter.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
The Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the ideal choice for individuals or families who prioritize robust, rapid, and thorough air purification for larger living spaces or sensitive environments like bedrooms. This buyer might live in an open-plan apartment, have pets, deal with cooking odors frequently, or suffer from allergies/asthma requiring pristine air quality. They value performance above all else, needing an air purifier that can quickly and effectively remove pollutants and strong smells. The Alen's high CADR smoke rating of 253.33 CFM ensures swift air changes, while its HEPA Odor Filter is a critical feature for neutralizing persistent household odors. Furthermore, its ultra-quiet operation and optional pink noise feature make it perfect for those who require minimal noise disturbance for sleep or work. While they might forgo the smart home integration of Wi-Fi connectivity, this buyer understands that the slightly higher price of $479 is an investment in superior air cleaning power and a more comfortable, quieter home environment.
Buy LG if...
LG PuriCare AeroTower Air
The LG LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifier Fan is perfectly suited for the tech-savvy individual living in a smaller space, such as a studio apartment, small bedroom, or home office, who appreciates a multi-functional device with a modern aesthetic. This buyer values convenience and smart home integration, wanting the ability to control their air purifier remotely via Wi-Fi. They might also appreciate the dual functionality of an air purifier and a fan with multiple airflow options, helping with both air quality and circulation. While its CADR smoke rating of 99.2 CFM and coverage of 155 sq ft are modest compared to the Alen, they are sufficient for their specific smaller room needs. The PM 1.0 sensor provides granular air quality monitoring, appealing to those who like to keep a close eye on their environment. This buyer is willing to accept slightly less raw purification power for the benefits of smart features, a sleek design, and the added utility of a fan, all at a competitive price of $449.99.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479 | $450 |
| Rating | 4.7(754) | 4.2(14) |
| Cadr Smoke | 253.33 | 99.2 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 395.83 | 155 |
| Filter Type | HEPA Odor Filter | True HEPA |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | — | Yes |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Alen Air Purifier
- Neutralizes strong household odors
- Medical-grade filter captures 0.1 micron particles
- SmartSensor auto-adjusts fan speed
- High CADR smoke rating (253.33)
- Effective coverage (395 sq ft) less than advertised
- Pink noise feature may not be preferred by all users
- Requires periodic filter replacement
LG PuriCare AeroTower
- 99.97% particle capture for 0.3μm.
- Three-layer filtration system cleans various pollutants.
- PM 1.0 sensor monitors microscopic particles.
- Cleans 155 sq ft rooms 4.8 times hourly.
- 744 sq ft coverage results in very slow air changes.
- Requires periodic filter replacement, incurring cost.
- Smoke CADR of 99.2 CFM limits rapid purification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which air purifier is better for rapid removal of smoke?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is significantly better with a CADR smoke rating of 253.33 CFM. This is over 2.5 times higher than the LG AeroTower's 99.2 CFM, allowing it to clear smoke much faster.
Can I control the LG AeroTower remotely?
Yes, the LG PuriCare AeroTower is Wi-Fi enabled, which allows you to operate it remotely using a smartphone app for convenience and control from anywhere.
What is the effective coverage area for each product?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i effectively covers up to 395.83 sq ft. The LG PuriCare AeroTower is designed for smaller rooms, effectively cleaning 155 sq ft rooms 4.8 times hourly.
Does either unit help with strong household odors?
Yes, the Alen BreatheSmart 45i is equipped with a specific HEPA Odor Filter designed to neutralize strong household odors, making it particularly effective for this purpose.
Is the Alen 45i suitable for a bedroom?
Absolutely. The Alen 45i features ultra-quiet operation and a pink noise feature, specifically designed to create a peaceful environment conducive to sleep without disturbance.
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