Our Verdict
Alen BreatheSmart 45i Wins
It offers significantly higher CADR (1216 vs 266.933) and superior coverage (1900 sq ft vs 417 sq ft). Choose Nuwave for washable filters and Wi-Fi control.
Bottom Line: Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. It offers significantly higher CADR (1216 vs 266.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
356% moreCoverage Sq Ft
356% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 356% higher (1216.0 vs 266.933)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 356% higher (1900.0 vs 417.0833)
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 prioritizes powerful and rapid air purification in very large spaces. If you have an open-concept living area, a spacious bedroom, or a large office up to 1900 sq ft, its high CADR of 1216 for smoke ensures superior air quality. This buyer values quiet operation for sleep and is prepared for the ongoing cost of replacement HEPA filters to maintain peak performance.
Buy Nuwave if...
Nuwave Forever Smart Air
The Nuwave Forever Smart Air Purifier suits a buyer focused on long-term value and smart home integration. If you seek an air purifier for medium-sized rooms, up to 417 sq ft effectively, and want to eliminate recurring filter purchase costs, its washable filters are a major draw. This buyer also appreciates the convenience of Wi-Fi control via an app and the added benefit of reducing ozone levels, making it ideal for a tech-savvy, budget-conscious household.
Spec Comparison
7 specs compared
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $500 |
| Rating | 4.7(754) | 4.6(497) |
| Cadr Smoke | 1216 | 266.93 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 1900 | 417.08 |
| Filter Type | HEPA H13 | — |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Star | — | Yes |
| WiFi | — | Yes |
| Filter Cost Yearly | — | Free |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Alen Air Purifier
- Covers up to 1900 sq ft hourly
- Removes 99.9% of 0.1 micron particles
- SmartSensor auto-adjusts fan speed
- Operates quietly, emits pink noise for sleep
- Requires ongoing purchase of replacement filters
- Unit requires dedicated space due to large coverage
- Operational noise level at max fan speed unknown
Nuwave Forever Smart
- Washable filters eliminate recurring purchase costs.
- Captures 100% of particles down to 0.1 microns.
- Lowers ozone levels to 1 ppb.
- CADR smoke rating of 266.933 for effective cleaning.
- Effective coverage (5 ACH) is 417 sq ft, not 2,002 sq ft.
- Ozone removal filters are not washable or reusable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which air purifier is better for very large rooms?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is superior for very large rooms, covering up to 1900 sq ft hourly with a CADR of 1216 for smoke. The Nuwave Forever's effective coverage is 417 sq ft.
What is the main difference in filter maintenance and cost?
The Nuwave Forever features washable and reusable filters, eliminating recurring costs. The Alen BreatheSmart 45i uses traditional HEPA filters that require ongoing replacement purchases, adding to long-term ownership costs.
Does the Alen BreatheSmart 45i or Nuwave Forever offer better overall particle removal?
Both capture particles down to 0.1 microns. However, Alen's significantly higher CADR of 1216 for smoke compared to Nuwave's 266.933 means it processes and cleans the air much faster and more thoroughly.
Which product has better smart features?
Both have smart sensors. Nuwave offers Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via an app, a feature Alen lacks. Alen includes unique 'pink noise' for sleep, appealing to those prioritizing quiet operation.
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