Our Verdict
Nuwave Nuwave Whole House Air Purifiers, Oxypure Wins

It offers significantly superior purification power, with a CADR smoke rating of 390.87 compared to Alen's 253.33, and covers a much larger effective area of 610.73 sq ft versus 395.83 sq ft. While priced higher at $629.99, its zero filter replacement cost for five years provides substantial long-term value. The Alen 45i is the better pick for those prioritizing ultra-quiet operation in smaller spaces and seeking a lower upfront investment of $479.0, accepting periodic filter costs.
Bottom Line: Nuwave Nuwave Whole House Air Purifiers, Oxypure is the better choice. It offers significantly superior purification power, with a CADR smoke rating of 390.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The primary differentiator between the Alen BreatheSmart 45i and the Nuwave Oxypure lies in their raw purification capacity and long-term value proposition. The Nuwave Oxypure, at $629.99, significantly outperforms the Alen 45i in terms of CADR smoke rating (390.87 vs 253.33) and effective coverage area (610.73 sq ft vs 395.83 sq ft). This means the Nuwave can clean the air in larger, more open spaces much faster, making it ideal for whole-house or expansive living areas, whereas the Alen 45i is better suited for single, large rooms like bedrooms or home offices where its advertised effective coverage of 395.83 sq ft is more realistic.
Beyond raw power, the filtering mechanisms and ongoing costs present distinct trade-offs. The Nuwave boasts a sophisticated 5-stage True HEPA and Carbon system, capable of removing 99.99% of 0.09-micron particles and actively reducing ozone, offering comprehensive air quality improvement. Crucially, Nuwave provides zero filter replacement cost for the first five years, a substantial saving that could offset its higher initial price tag. In contrast, the Alen 45i, while featuring a medical-grade HEPA Odor Filter capturing 0.1 micron particles and neutralizing strong odors, requires periodic filter replacements, adding to its long-term operational cost.
Real-world use scenarios highlight these differences. For light sleepers or those who work from home and value an undisturbed environment, the Alen 45i's "ultra-quiet operation" and "Pink noise feature" could be a deciding factor, even if its coverage is more modest. While the Nuwave lists a minimum noise level of 31.4 dB, Alen's emphasis suggests an even quieter user experience. However, the Nuwave counters with added convenience through Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing remote monitoring and control, and dual sensors for both particles and odors, enabling more responsive auto fan speed adjustments. The Nuwave's higher power consumption (125W-128W) is a minor consideration against its superior performance for very large spaces. Ultimately, the choice hinges on budget, space size, and priority between upfront cost, long-term savings, and peak quietness versus maximum purification power and smart features.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
35% lessCoverage Sq Ft
35% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
Nuwave
- Cadr Smoke: 35% higher (253.33 vs 390.87)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 35% higher (395.83 vs 610.73)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For purifying a large, open-concept living space
NuwaveThe Nuwave Oxypure covers a significantly larger area of 610.73 sq ft and has a higher CADR smoke rating of 390.87.
For a bedroom where quiet operation is paramount
AlenThe Alen 45i is specifically marketed for its "ultra-quiet operation" and "Pink noise feature" which aids sleep, making it ideal for quiet environments.
For a buyer prioritizing long-term value and predictable costs
NuwaveDespite a higher upfront price of $629.99, the Nuwave Oxypure offers zero filter replacement cost for the first five years, leading to significant long-term savings.
For users who want remote control and smart home integration
NuwaveThe Nuwave Oxypure is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
The ideal buyer for the Alen BreatheSmart 45i is someone prioritizing a serene, undisturbed environment in a moderately large space, typically a bedroom, home office, or a standard living room up to 395 sq ft. They value peace and quiet above all, seeking an air purifier that can run effectively without disrupting sleep or concentration. The Alen 45i's "ultra-quiet operation" and integrated "Pink noise feature" are critical attractions for this user, as they specifically aid in creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to rest or focused work. While they appreciate good air quality, their primary concern isn't necessarily purifying an entire sprawling home quickly. They are willing to accept the lower CADR smoke rating of 253.33 and the periodic filter replacement costs in exchange for its lower upfront price of $479.0 and emphasis on quiet performance. This buyer might be a light sleeper, a remote worker, or someone simply seeking a high-quality, unobtrusive air purification solution for a defined personal space, rather than a whole-house system. They are not concerned with Wi-Fi connectivity or maximum coverage, instead focusing on efficient, quiet air cleaning for their immediate environment, making it a perfect fit for a quiet oasis.
Buy Nuwave if...
Nuwave Whole House Air
The ideal buyer for the Nuwave Oxypure is a homeowner or individual seeking comprehensive, high-performance air purification for larger spaces or even an entire home, without wanting to worry about frequent filter replacements. This buyer values superior air cleaning power and long-term value, even if it means a higher initial investment. Their priorities include rapid air purification, the ability to tackle significant air quality issues across expansive areas, and convenience through smart features. The Nuwave's impressive CADR smoke rating of 390.87 and its effective coverage of 610.73 sq ft directly address their need for robust performance in open-plan living rooms, large basements, or multi-room purification. Furthermore, the commitment to zero filter replacement costs for five years is a major draw, appealing to those who dislike hidden ongoing expenses and appreciate predictable ownership costs. They are tech-savvy enough to utilize Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control, and appreciate the added layer of ozone elimination. While its minimum noise level of 31.4 dB is quiet, they prioritize air quality and smart features over the absolute "ultra-quiet" claims, understanding that larger purification capacity might come with a slight trade-off.
Spec Comparison
8 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479 | $630 |
| Rating | 4.7(754) | 4.5(2.8k) |
| Cadr Smoke | 253.33 | 390.87 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 395.83 | 610.73 |
| Noise Level db Min | — | 31.4 dB |
| Filter Type | HEPA Odor Filter | True HEPA and Carbon |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | — | Yes |
| Filter Cost Yearly | — | Free |
| Filter Life Months | — | 12 |
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
Nuwave Whole House
- Purifies 2934 sq ft in 60 mins (CADR 664.6 m 3/h).
- Removes 100% of 0.09-micron airborne particles.
- Eliminates ozone to less than 1 ppb.
- Zero filter replacement cost for first 5 years.
- High power consumption at 125W-128W.
- Normal operating noise level not specified.
- True HEPA/Carbon filter requires annual replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which air purifier is better for removing smoke from large rooms?
The Nuwave Oxypure is significantly better, boasting a CADR smoke rating of 390.87, compared to the Alen 45i's 253.33 CADR. It also covers 610.73 sq ft effectively.
What are the long-term costs associated with each air purifier?
The Nuwave Oxypure offers zero filter replacement costs for the first five years. The Alen 45i requires periodic filter replacements, incurring ongoing expenses (typically annual).
Does either product offer smart home connectivity?
Yes, the Nuwave Oxypure is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for app-based control and monitoring. Both models feature smart sensors for auto fan speed adjustment.
How quiet is the Alen BreatheSmart 45i compared to the Nuwave Oxypure?
The Alen 45i emphasizes "ultra-quiet operation" and includes pink noise for sleep. The Nuwave Oxypure has a minimum noise level of 31.4 dB, which is quiet but not specifically marketed as "ultra-quiet" for sleep.
What particle size do these purifiers filter?
The Alen 45i's medical-grade filter captures 0.1 micron particles. The Nuwave Oxypure's 5-stage system removes 99.99% of 0.09-micron airborne particles and eliminates ozone.
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