Our Verdict
Coway 250 Wins

It offers superior purification with a CADR of 248.0 and covers 387.5 sq ft, significantly more than Shark's 208.33 sq ft. Choose Shark if you need an integrated heater and fan function.
Bottom Line: Coway 250 is the better choice. It offers superior purification with a CADR of 248.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
86% moreCoverage Sq Ft
86% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Coway
- Cadr Smoke: 86% higher (248.0 vs 133.33)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 86% higher (387.5 vs 208.33)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Coway if...
COWAY Air Purifiers for
Ideal for individuals prioritizing robust air purification for larger spaces. If you suffer from severe allergies, live with pets, or are sensitive to smoke and odors, the Coway 250's 248 CADR smoke rating and 387.5 sq ft coverage are crucial. Its ability to remove 99.999% of 0.01-micron particles and reduce VOCs makes it excellent for maintaining pristine air quality. The washable pre-filter also appeals to those looking to reduce long-term filter costs.
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean
This product is perfect for those seeking a multi-functional device to optimize their indoor environment beyond just air purification. If you need a combined air purifier, heater, and fan for a medium-sized room (up to 208.33 sq ft) and value the convenience of an all-in-one unit, the Shark HC502 is an excellent choice. Its smart sensor adjusts to PM1/2.5/10 and quiet operation are added benefits for comfort-focused users, especially in a bedroom or office.
Spec Comparison
5 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $317 | $320 |
| Rating | 4.4(7.8k) | 4.3(678) |
| Cadr Smoke | 248 | 133.33 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 387.5 | 208.33 |
| Filter Type | True HEPA | Nanoseal HEPA |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | — | HC502 |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Coway Air Purifiers
- Covers 387 sq ft for 5 air changes per hour.
- Removes 99.999% of 0.01-micron particles.
- Reduces 99% of volatile organic compounds.
- Automatically adjusts fan speed to air quality.
- Requires periodic replacement of internal filters.
- Advertised coverage exceeds typical 5 ACH standard.
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 a large room?
Coway 250 is better for larger spaces, effectively purifying rooms up to 387.5 sq ft at 5 air changes per hour. The Shark covers only 208.33 sq ft at the same rate, making Coway more suitable for bigger areas.
What's the main difference in smoke purification?
Coway 250 has a significantly higher CADR for smoke at 248.0, indicating faster smoke removal. The Shark HC502's smoke CADR is 133.33, making Coway more efficient for smoke particles.
Is the Coway's higher coverage worth it?
Yes, if your primary need is robust air purification for a larger area. Coway's 387.5 sq ft coverage is almost double Shark's 208.33 sq ft, ensuring more effective and thorough air cleaning in bigger rooms.
Which has better additional features?
The Shark HC502 offers a unique 3-in-1 function, combining air purification with heating and a fan, making it versatile for year-round comfort. Coway focuses solely on advanced air purification capabilities.
Which is better for allergies and pet dander?
Both are effective, with Coway removing 99.999% of 0.01-micron particles and Shark capturing 99.98%. Coway's larger coverage (387.5 sq ft vs. 208.33 sq ft) might offer broader relief in bigger spaces.
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