Our Verdict
Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i Wins

It offers vastly superior smoke CADR at 1216.0 CFM and covers an impressive 1900 sq ft, dwarfing the Nuwave's 390.87 CADR and 610.73 sq ft coverage, all at a significantly lower price of $404.1 compared to $629.99. The Nuwave is a better pick for those prioritizing zero filter costs for five years and advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi control, along with ozone elimination for specific health concerns.
Bottom Line: Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. It offers vastly superior smoke CADR at 1216.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The Alen Alen BreatheSmart 45i and Nuwave Oxypure Smart Air Purifier cater to distinct user needs, primarily differing in raw purification power, coverage, and long-term cost structure. The BreatheSmart 45i stands out as a performance giant, boasting a smoke CADR of 1216.0 CFM and coverage up to 1900 sq ft. This makes it exceptionally effective for rapidly clearing the air in large open-concept living areas or homes with persistent smoke, pet dander, or dust issues. Its H13 HEPA filter captures 99.9% of 0.1-micron particles, ensuring high air quality even without the Nuwave's marginally finer 0.09-micron claim. Alen's appeal is amplified by its lower entry price of $404.1.
Conversely, the Nuwave Oxypure, at $629.99, positions itself as a premium, feature-rich option with a different value proposition. While its smoke CADR of 390.87 CFM and 610.73 sq ft coverage are considerably lower than Alen's, it compensates with advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, dual sensors for air quality and odors, and the crucial benefit of zero filter replacement costs for the first five years. This "set it and forget it" financial aspect, combined with its ability to remove 100% of 0.09-micron particles and eliminate ozone to less than 1 ppb, makes it attractive for environmentally conscious users or those seeking a comprehensive, low-maintenance solution for moderately sized spaces.
In real-world use, the Alen will feel like a powerhouse, quickly scrubbing the air in a large basement, living room, or open floor plan. Its "pink noise" feature also suggests a design focus on unobtrusive operation, especially during sleep. The Nuwave, while less powerful on paper for sheer volume, offers a more connected experience. Users can control it remotely via an app, monitor air quality, and appreciate the peace of mind regarding filter expenses for half a decade. The trade-off is clear: raw power and coverage for Alen versus advanced features, finer filtration, ozone removal, and long-term (initial) filter savings for Nuwave. Alen targets performance-first buyers, while Nuwave targets tech-savvy users prioritizing convenience and specific health benefits like ozone reduction.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
211% moreCoverage Sq Ft
211% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 211% higher (1216.0 vs 390.87)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 211% higher (1900.0 vs 610.73)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For a large open-concept living area
AlenThe Alen BreatheSmart 45i covers 1900 sq ft and has a superior smoke CADR of 1216.0, making it ideal for large spaces.
For a bedroom with specific quiet operation needs
TieThe Alen boasts "pink noise for sleep" while the Nuwave specifies a minimum noise level of 31.4 dB, both indicating a focus on quietness.
For tech-savvy users who want app control and long-term filter savings
NuwaveThe Nuwave Oxypure is WiFi-enabled for app control and offers zero filter replacement costs for the first five years.
For managing heavy smoke or pet dander in a moderately sized home
AlenWith a smoke CADR of 1216.0, the Alen offers significantly faster and more effective air purification for these challenges compared to Nuwave's 390.87 CADR.
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 living in larger homes, open-concept apartments, or those with significant air quality concerns across expansive areas. This buyer prioritizes raw purification power and coverage above all else, needing to quickly and efficiently clear allergens, dust, and especially smoke or pet dander from up to 1900 sq ft. They might have a pet that sheds heavily, live with smokers, or have allergies that demand rapid air turnover. The BreatheSmart 45i's exceptional smoke CADR of 1216.0 CFM is a critical spec for them, ensuring swift pollutant removal. They appreciate the Alen's relatively lower upfront cost of $404.1, making high-performance air purification accessible, even if it means ongoing filter purchases. While they might forego advanced smart home integration like Wi-Fi control, they value a robust, reliable machine that performs its primary function – powerful air cleaning – with quiet operation, providing "pink noise" for undisturbed sleep. They are looking for a workhorse purifier that delivers tangible results in a big way.
Buy Nuwave if...
Nuwave Whole House Air
The Nuwave Oxypure Smart Air Purifier is perfectly suited for the tech-savvy, health-conscious consumer who lives in a medium-sized space (up to 610.73 sq ft effectively) and values advanced features, specific health benefits, and long-term cost predictability. This buyer might be concerned not only with common allergens and dust but also with ultra-fine particles and ambient ozone, appreciating the Nuwave's ability to remove 100% of 0.09-micron particles and eliminate ozone to less than 1 ppb. They prioritize convenience and connectivity, making good use of the Wi-Fi-enabled app control to monitor air quality and adjust settings remotely. Crucially, the "zero filter replacement cost for the first 5 years" is a major draw for this buyer, as it significantly reduces the total cost of ownership over a substantial period, despite the higher initial price of $629.99. They are willing to invest more upfront for a comprehensive, low-maintenance solution that integrates into their smart home ecosystem and provides specific air quality assurances beyond just particle removal, even if it means less coverage and lower CADR compared to some competitors.
Spec Comparison
8 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $404 | $630 |
| Rating | 4.7(754) | 4.5(2.8k) |
| Cadr Smoke | 1216 | 390.87 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 1900 | 610.73 |
| Noise Level db Min | — | 31.4 dB |
| Filter Type | HEPA H13 | 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
- 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 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
How effective is the Alen BreatheSmart 45i at removing smoke?
It boasts an impressive smoke CADR of 1216.0 CFM, making it highly effective for rapidly clearing smoke particles from large areas up to 1900 sq ft.
Does the Nuwave Oxypure help with ozone concerns?
Yes, the Nuwave Oxypure is designed to eliminate ozone to less than 1 ppb, providing peace of mind for users concerned about ozone exposure.
What is the coverage area difference between the two purifiers?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i covers 1900 sq ft, while the Nuwave Oxypure covers 610.73 sq ft, meaning Alen purifies a much larger space.
Are there long-term filter costs for the Nuwave Oxypure?
Nuwave offers zero filter replacement costs for the first five years, after which the True HEPA/Carbon filters require annual replacement.
Can I control the Nuwave Oxypure from my smartphone?
Yes, the Nuwave Oxypure is WiFi-enabled, allowing for smart control and monitoring through a dedicated smartphone application.
Is the Alen BreatheSmart 45i suitable for a bedroom?
Yes, it is explicitly marketed as perfect for bedrooms and home offices and operates quietly, emitting "pink noise" for improved sleep.
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