Our Verdict
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) Wins

It offers superior air purification with 233 CADR smoke and 361 sq ft coverage. Choose the Shark HC502 for its integrated heating and fan functions, despite lower purification specs (133.33 CADR smoke, 208.33 sq ft).
Bottom Line: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) is the better choice. It offers superior air purification with 233 CADR smoke and 361 sq ft coverage.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
75% moreCoverage Sq Ft
73% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Coway
- Cadr Smoke: 75% higher (233.0 vs 133.33)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 73% higher (361.0 vs 208.33)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Coway if...
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) is ideal for individuals prioritizing dedicated, high-performance air purification for medium to large living spaces. If you need to effectively clean the air in rooms up to 361 sq ft and value a True HEPA filter with advanced features like air quality monitoring and eco mode, this is your choice. It's perfect for those seeking to reduce allergens, odors, and VOCs without needing additional heating or cooling functions, all within a reasonable budget of around $220.
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean
The Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean Sense Air Purifier MAX is best for buyers seeking a multi-functional device to purify, heat, and cool their space. If you have a smaller to medium-sized room (up to 208 sq ft) and want to consolidate appliances, this unit offers convenience. Its Nanoseal HEPA filter captures ultra-fine particles, and the auto-adjusting power based on air quality ensures efficiency. It's suitable for those willing to invest around $320 for a versatile, space-saving solution for year-round environmental control.
Spec Comparison
8 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $220 | $320 |
| Rating | 4.6(28.0k) | 4.3(678) |
| Cadr Smoke | 233 | 133.33 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 361 | 208.33 |
| Noise Level db Min | 24.4 dB | — |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs | — |
| Filter Type | True HEPA | Nanoseal HEPA |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Level db Max | 53.8 dB | — |
| Model Number | — | HC502 |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W)
- Covers rooms up to 361 sq ft (CADR smoke 233)
- Four-stage filtration, 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles
- Reduces VOCs and odors
- Real-time air quality monitoring with LED
- Max noise level is 53.8 dB, audible in quiet settings
- Filters are not covered by manufacturer's warranty
- Limited warranty: 1 year parts, 3 year motor
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 air purifier is better for maximizing air cleaning performance?
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) is superior for pure air cleaning, covering 361 sq ft with a 233 CADR smoke rating. The Shark HC502 covers 208.33 sq ft with 133.33 CADR smoke, but adds heating and fan functions.
What is the main difference in air purification capacity?
The Coway Airmega has significantly higher capacity, purifying 361 sq ft with a CADR smoke of 233. The Shark HC502 is designed for smaller spaces, covering 208.33 sq ft with a CADR smoke of 133.33.
Should I choose the Shark for its 3-in-1 functionality?
Yes, if heating and fan functions are essential. The Shark HC502 offers air purification, heating, and a fan, making it versatile. However, its air purification coverage (208.33 sq ft) and CADR (133.33) are lower than the Coway.
Which air purifier operates more quietly?
The Coway Airmega can operate as quietly as 24.4 dB at its lowest setting. While the Shark states it operates quietly, a specific minimum decibel level isn't provided for direct comparison.
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