Our Verdict
Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i Wins

This purifier offers vastly superior air cleaning capabilities with a CADR Smoke of 1216.0 and coverage up to 1900 sq ft, significantly outperforming the LG PuriCare 360's 274.56 CADR and 429 sq ft coverage, making it ideal for large spaces despite its higher $313.06 price. The LG PuriCare 360 is the better pick for smaller rooms where odor removal and remote WiFi control are paramount, and its $269.99 price offers better value for those specific needs.
Bottom Line: Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. This purifier offers vastly superior air cleaning capabilities with a CADR Smoke of 1216.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i and the LG PuriCare 360 cater to distinctly different user priorities in the air purification market. The Alen 45i is a powerhouse, boasting an impressive CADR Smoke rating of 1216.0 and the ability to cover up to 1900 sq ft. This means it can clean the air in very large, open-plan living areas or multiple connected rooms rapidly and efficiently. Its primary focus is on robust particle filtration, capturing 99.9% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, making it exceptional for allergy sufferers and those concerned with general airborne dust and contaminants. The inclusion of a SmartSensor automatically adjusts fan speed, providing a hassle-free, set-it-and-forget-it experience, complemented by quiet operation and beneficial pink noise for sleep optimization.
Conversely, the LG PuriCare 360, while more aesthetically distinctive with its omnidirectional design, targets a different niche. Its CADR Smoke of 274.56 and stated effective coverage of 429 sq ft at 4.8 air changes per hour (ACH) makes it suitable for smaller to medium-sized rooms, not the expansive spaces implied by its broader 2059 sq ft at 1 ACH marketing. The LG unit's significant advantage lies in its comprehensive filtration system, which includes an activated carbon layer specifically for odor removal, a crucial feature absent in the Alen 45i. Furthermore, its WiFi-enabled functionality and PM 1.0 sensor offer modern convenience, allowing users to monitor air quality and control the unit remotely via an app, a feature not specified for the Alen.
The trade-off between the two is clear: the Alen 45i prioritizes raw purification power and coverage for larger areas, ideal for environments where high particulate removal is the main goal. Its $313.06 price reflects this premium performance. The LG PuriCare 360, priced at $269.99, offers a more balanced approach for smaller spaces, integrating odor control and smart home compatibility. Buyers must weigh whether expansive coverage and superior particle removal (Alen) are more critical than odor filtration and remote control (LG) for their specific living situation and budget.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
343% moreCoverage Sq Ft
343% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 343% higher (1216.0 vs 274.56)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 343% higher (1900.0 vs 429.0)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For a large open-plan living area
AlenThe Alen 45i covers up to 1900 sq ft with a 1216 CADR smoke, making it vastly more effective for spacious environments than the LG.
For homes with pets or cooking odors
LGThe LG PuriCare 360 features an activated carbon filter as part of its three-layer system, specifically designed to capture and neutralize odors.
For a bedroom where quiet operation and sleep optimization are key
AlenThe Alen 45i is known for quiet operation and generates pink noise, which is beneficial for sleep, unlike the LG.
For smart home integration and remote control
LGThe LG PuriCare 360 is WiFi-enabled for remote app control and status checks, a feature not specified for the Alen 45i.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
The Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i is ideal for individuals or families living in spacious homes, open-concept apartments, or environments where extensive coverage and rapid air purification are top priorities. This buyer is likely battling significant airborne allergens, dust, or general indoor air pollutants across large areas, such as a combined living room and dining area, or a large office space. They prioritize the Alen's impressive 1900 sq ft coverage and its very high 1216 CADR smoke rating, which ensures swift and thorough air cleaning. While the $313.06 price is higher, they see it as a justifiable investment for superior performance. They appreciate the SmartSensor's automatic adjustments for hands-off operation and value the quiet performance, especially the pink noise feature, if placing it in a bedroom. They might not have specific concerns about strong odors or don't require remote app control, instead focusing on the core task of powerful, broad-spectrum air purification.
Buy LG if...
LG PuriCare 360 Air
The LG PuriCare 360 is perfectly suited for a tech-savvy individual or a smaller household living in a compact apartment, studio, or needing dedicated purification for a single room like a bedroom or home office. This buyer's main concerns likely include pet odors, cooking smells, or general VOCs, for which the activated carbon filter of the LG is highly beneficial. They value modern convenience, specifically the WiFi-enabled functionality and remote app control, allowing them to monitor air quality via the PM 1.0 sensor and adjust settings from anywhere. The $269.99 price point offers excellent value for a feature-rich purifier. While its 429 sq ft coverage and 274.56 CADR smoke are modest compared to larger units, they are perfectly adequate for their specific needs, eliminating the need to overspend on power they don't require. They prioritize a well-rounded unit with smart features and odor control over sheer expansive coverage.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $313 | $270 |
| Rating | 4.7(754) | 4.6(223) |
| Cadr Smoke | 1216 | 274.56 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 1900 | 429 |
| Filter Type | HEPA | NanoFiber 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
- Covers up to 1900 sq ft per hour
- Filters 99.9% of 0.1 micron particles
- SmartSensor adjusts fan speed automatically
- Generates pink noise for sleep optimization
- No stated activated carbon for odor removal
- Remote app control functionality not specified
- Does not specify VOC filtration capability
LG PuriCare 360
- Captures 99.97% of 0.3µm particles with HEPA filter.
- Three-layer system includes activated carbon for odors.
- PM 1.0 sensor detects ultrafine particle levels.
- Covers 429 sq ft at 4.8 air changes per hour.
- Omnidirectional design limits placement options.
- Provides only 1 air change per hour in 2059 sq ft rooms.
- Multiple filters necessitate distinct replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which air purifier is more effective for very large rooms?
The Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i is significantly more effective, covering up to 1900 sq ft with a CADR smoke of 1216.0, compared to the LG PuriCare 360's 429 sq ft coverage and 274.56 CADR for efficient air changes.
Does either purifier help with odors from pets or cooking?
Yes, the LG PuriCare 360 includes an activated carbon filter within its three-layer system, specifically designed for odor removal. The Alen 45i does not explicitly state activated carbon for odor filtration.
Can I control these air purifiers with my smartphone?
The LG PuriCare 360 is WiFi-enabled, allowing for remote control and air quality monitoring via a smartphone app. The Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i does not specify remote app control functionality.
Which purifier is better for maintaining quiet operation in a bedroom?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is noted for its quiet operation and generates pink noise for sleep optimization, making it an excellent choice for minimal disturbance in bedrooms.
What's the main difference in particle filtration capability?
The Alen 45i filters 99.9% of 0.1 micron particles, while the LG PuriCare 360 captures 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles. Alen targets slightly finer particles, whereas LG's filter system also includes activated carbon for odors.
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