Our Verdict
Alen Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart 45i Wins

It offers vastly superior air purification capabilities, covering an impressive 1900 sq ft with a CADR smoke rating of 1216.0, compared to the Shark's 104.17 sq ft and 66.67 CADR. Despite a slightly lower price of $313.06 versus $326.74, the Alen delivers monumental performance for large spaces. The Shark HC451 is the better pick for users needing a compact, multi-functional device that combines air purification with heating and cooling for very small, localized areas.
Bottom Line: Alen Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart 45i is the better choice. It offers vastly superior air purification capabilities, covering an impressive 1900 sq ft with a CADR smoke rating of 1216.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
The most striking difference between the Alen BreatheSmart 45i and the Shark HC451 lies in their primary function and operational scale. The Alen is a dedicated, high-performance air purifier engineered to tackle significant air quality issues across expansive areas up to 1900 sq ft, boasting an exceptional CADR (Smoke) of 1216.0. This makes it an ideal choice for open-concept living spaces or multiple rooms within a larger home where comprehensive air cleaning is paramount.
In stark contrast, the Shark HC451 is a versatile 3-in-1 appliance—combining air purification, heating, and fanning—but it is strictly limited to very small rooms, with an effective coverage of just 104.17 sq ft and a modest CADR (Smoke) of 66.67. For a user experiencing widespread allergens, dust, or smoke across a large area, the Alen offers true whole-home filtration; its robust capacity means air is cleaned quickly and thoroughly. The Alen's SmartSensor automatically adjusts fan speed, ensuring consistent air quality with minimal user intervention, and it even generates pink noise for sleep optimization.
The Shark, while less potent as a purifier, offers undeniable convenience for a personal space like a small office or bedside. Its ability to heat and cool eliminates the need for separate appliances, which can be a significant space-saver and cost-effective for someone who needs all three functions in a limited footprint. However, its lower purification power and smaller coverage mean it cannot compete with the Alen in terms of whole-room air cleaning efficiency. The Shark’s Nanoseal HEPA filter captures a slightly higher percentage of airborne particles (99.98% versus the Alen's 99.9%), but this marginal improvement is heavily overshadowed by its vastly smaller operational area. The Alen, priced at $313.06, offers superior value for pure air purification performance across large environments, while the Shark, at $326.74, justifies its higher cost through multi-functionality in compact settings.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
1724% moreCoverage Sq Ft
1724% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Alen
- Cadr Smoke: 1724% higher (1216.0 vs 66.67)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 1724% higher (1900.0 vs 104.17)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For a large open-concept living space
AlenThe Alen BreatheSmart 45i covers up to 1900 sq ft with a CADR smoke of 1216.0, far exceeding the Shark's limited 104.17 sq ft.
For a small bedroom needing temperature control
SharkThe Shark HC451 combines air purification, heating, and fan cooling, making it ideal for a small room where all three functions are desired.
For someone with severe allergies across their entire home
AlenThe Alen's high CADR and extensive coverage ensure comprehensive air purification throughout large areas, effectively reducing allergens.
For a minimalist seeking a multi-functional device
SharkThe Shark's 3-in-1 design (purifier, heater, fan) consolidates multiple appliances into one, saving space and simplifying utility.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Alen if...
Alen Air Purifier BreatheSmart
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the ideal choice for individuals or families residing in larger homes or open-concept living spaces who prioritize comprehensive, high-capacity air purification. This buyer typically experiences issues like persistent pet dander, seasonal allergies, or general dust accumulation across extensive areas and needs a robust solution. Their priority is exceptionally clean air, and they demand an appliance capable of handling significant square footage efficiently. With its ability to cover up to 1900 sq ft and an impressive CADR (Smoke) of 1216.0, the Alen 45i ensures that air is rapidly and thoroughly cleaned throughout a substantial portion of their home. The integrated SmartSensor offers set-and-forget convenience, automatically adjusting fan speeds based on real-time air quality. They appreciate the quiet operation and the pink noise feature for optimal sleep in bedrooms, signifying that air quality is a key contributor to their overall well-being. While they may not get heating or cooling functionality from this unit, their primary concern is unparalleled air purification performance over a wide area, which the Alen delivers exceptionally well at its $313.06 price point.
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC451 3-in-1 Clean
The Shark HC451 3-in-1 Clean Sense Air Purifier is perfectly suited for the pragmatic buyer living in a compact space, such as a small apartment, dorm room, or someone needing a personal environmental control device for a specific area like a bedside or small home office. This individual values versatility and efficiency, preferring a single appliance that can tackle multiple needs without cluttering their limited space. Their priorities extend beyond just air purification; they also require supplemental heating during colder months and a cooling fan during warmer ones. The Shark’s 3-in-1 functionality directly addresses these combined requirements, providing air purification alongside adjustable heating and cooling. While its purification coverage is limited to 104.17 sq ft and its CADR (Smoke) is 66.67, this is perfectly adequate for the intimate spaces it's designed for. The Clean Sense IQ feature offers convenience, while the quiet operation and dimmable lights cater to nighttime use. They are willing to forgo the extensive coverage of a dedicated, large-room purifier for the convenience and multi-functionality that the Shark offers at its $326.74 price, making it a smart, space-saving choice for their specific lifestyle.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $313 | $327 |
| Rating | 4.7(754) | 4.3(355) |
| Cadr Smoke | 1216 | 66.67 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 1900 | 104.17 |
| Filter Type | HEPA | Nanoseal HEPA |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | — | HC451 |
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
Shark HC451 3-in-1
- Purifies air, heats rooms, and provides fan cooling.
- Nanoseal filter captures 99.98% of airborne particles.
- Clean Sense IQ auto-adjusts purification power.
- Operates quietly with dimmable lights for sleep.
- Effective purification covers only 104 sq ft.
- Low CADR of 67 for smoke limits purification speed.
- Requires periodic filter replacements, adds cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
How large of a room can the Alen BreatheSmart 45i purify?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is designed for large rooms, effectively purifying spaces up to 1900 sq ft. Its CADR smoke rating is 1216.0, ensuring fast and thorough air cleaning.
Can the Shark HC451 heat a room?
Yes, the Shark HC451 is a 3-in-1 device that functions as an air purifier, a heater, and a fan. It is suitable for small rooms up to 104 sq ft, offering complete climate control.
Which air purifier is better for dust and allergens in a large home?
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is significantly better for large homes, covering 1900 sq ft and filtering 99.9% of 0.1 micron particles. The Shark covers only 104 sq ft, making it less suitable for extensive areas.
Does either product have a smart sensor feature?
Both products feature smart sensors. The Alen has a SmartSensor that automatically adjusts fan speed, and the Shark has Clean Sense IQ for auto-adjusting purification power based on detected particles.
Is the Shark's Nanoseal HEPA filter more effective than Alen's HEPA?
The Shark's Nanoseal filter captures 99.98% of airborne particles, slightly more than Alen's 99.9% for 0.1 micron particles. However, the Alen purifies a much larger volume of air due to its extensive coverage.
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