Our Verdict
Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Wins

It offers superior air purification with 406.4 CADR smoke and 635 sq ft coverage. Choose Shark HC502 for its 3-in-1 functionality (heater/fan included) in smaller rooms (208.33 sq ft).
Bottom Line: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is the better choice. It offers superior air purification with 406.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
205% moreCoverage Sq Ft
205% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
BLUEAIR
- Cadr Smoke: 205% higher (406.4 vs 133.33)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 205% higher (635 vs 208.33)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy BLUEAIR if...
BLUEAIR Air Purifiers for
The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is ideal for individuals or families living in large open-concept homes or needing comprehensive air purification for expansive areas like living rooms or basements. If you prioritize maximum clean air delivery (CADR Smoke 406.4) and wide coverage (635 sq ft) for allergies, pet dander, or general air quality, this unit is your top choice. Its quiet operation (23 dB min) and Energy Star efficiency are also key benefits for continuous, unobtrusive use without a large impact on energy bills.
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean
The Shark HC502 is perfect for apartment dwellers or those with smaller rooms (up to 208.33 sq ft) who seek multifunctionality. If you need efficient air purification alongside the convenience of a heater and a fan, saving space and cost on separate appliances, this 3-in-1 unit is ideal. It's great for bedrooms, offices, or kitchens where climate control and clean air are both priorities, especially given its quiet operation and precise air quality auto-adjustment based on PM1/2.5/10 levels.
Spec Comparison
10 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $320 | $320 |
| Rating | 4.5(12.5k) | 4.3(678) |
| Cadr Smoke | 406.4 | 133.33 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 635 | 208.33 |
| Noise Level db Min | 23 dB | — |
| Energy Star | Yes | — |
| Filter Type | True HEPA | Nanoseal HEPA |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | — |
| Filter Life Months | 6 | — |
| Noise Level db Max | 53 dB | — |
| Model Number | — | HC502 |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
BLUEAIR Air Purifiers
- Cleans 3048 sq ft in one hour for large spaces.
- Removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns.
- Operates quietly, down to 23 dB at lowest setting.
- Real-time PM1, PM2.5, PM10 air quality monitoring.
- Filter replacement required every 6-9 months.
- Operation limited to North America 110-120V.
- Maximum noise output reaches 53 dB.
Shark HC502 3-in-1
- Offers air purification, heating, and fan functions.
- Exceeds HEPA standards; captures 99.98% of particles.
- Auto-adjusts power based on PM1/2.5/10 air quality.
- Heats rooms while simultaneously purifying air.
- Covers only 208 sq ft for effective 5x hourly air changes.
- Requires periodic replacement of specialized Nanoseal filter
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which is better for large rooms?
Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is better for large rooms, effectively covering 635 sq ft. The Shark HC502 is designed for smaller spaces, covering only 208.33 sq ft, making Blueair superior for extensive areas.
What's the main difference in air cleaning power (CADR smoke)?
The Blueair has a significantly higher CADR smoke of 406.4, indicating faster smoke removal. The Shark HC502 has a CADR smoke of 133.33. Blueair offers more powerful air purification.
Which unit offers more functionality beyond air purification?
The Shark HC502 stands out with its 3-in-1 functionality, combining an air purifier with a heater and a fan. The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is solely an air purifier, optimized for performance.
How do their noise levels compare?
The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max can operate as quietly as 23 dB on its lowest setting, suitable for bedrooms. The Shark HC502 is described as operating quietly, but a specific minimum dB level is not provided.
Which is more energy efficient for purification?
The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is an Energy Star Most Efficient 2023 certified product, indicating high energy efficiency specifically for air purification. The Shark HC502 includes heating, which generally consumes more power.
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