Our Verdict
Shark HC502 Wins

It offers superior purification with 133.33 CADR_smoke and covers 208.33 sq ft, significantly more than LG's 99.2 CADR_smoke and 155 sq ft. Choose LG for Wi-Fi remote operation and advanced PM 1.0 sensing.
Bottom Line: Shark HC502 is the better choice. It offers superior purification with 133.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
26% lessCoverage Sq Ft
26% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
Shark
- Cadr Smoke: 26% higher (99.2 vs 133.33)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 26% higher (155 vs 208.33)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy LG if...
LG PuriCare AeroTower Air
The LG PuriCare AeroTower is ideal for individuals prioritizing smart home integration and precise air quality monitoring. If you need remote control via Wi-Fi, value a PM 1.0 sensor for microscopic particle detection, and have a room up to 155 sq ft, this is your choice. It's perfect for tech-savvy users who appreciate sleek design, quiet operation, and are willing to pay slightly more for advanced smart features and a robust 3-layer filtration system.
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean
The Shark HC502 is perfect for buyers seeking a versatile, multi-functional device. If you need an air purifier, heater, and fan combined into one unit for larger spaces up to 208.33 sq ft, this is for you. It's ideal for those in varied climates who want superior purification (133.33 CADR_smoke) and the convenience of auto-adjusting power based on air quality, all at a competitive price point.
Spec Comparison
6 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 | $320 |
| Rating | 4.2(14) | 4.3(678) |
| Cadr Smoke | 99.2 | 133.33 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 155 | 208.33 |
| Filter Type | True HEPA | Nanoseal HEPA |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | — |
| Model Number | — | HC502 |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
LG PuriCare AeroTower
- 99.97% particle capture for 0.3μm.
- Three-layer filtration system cleans various pollutants.
- PM 1.0 sensor monitors microscopic particles.
- Cleans 155 sq ft rooms 4.8 times hourly.
- 744 sq ft coverage results in very slow air changes.
- Requires periodic filter replacement, incurring cost.
- Smoke CADR of 99.2 CFM limits rapid purification.
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 rapid air purification in a larger room?
The Shark HC502 is better for rapid purification. It has a higher CADR_smoke of 133.33 CFM and covers 208.33 sq ft, compared to the LG PuriCare AeroTower's 99.2 CADR_smoke and 155 sq ft.
What's the main difference in functionality?
The main difference is the Shark HC502 is a 3-in-1 unit, functioning as an air purifier, heater, and fan. The LG PuriCare AeroTower primarily serves as an air purifier and fan, but includes Wi-Fi for remote control and a PM 1.0 sensor.
Is the price difference worth it?
The Shark HC502 is slightly cheaper at $319.75 and offers more functions (heating) and better purification specs (133.33 CADR, 208.33 sq ft coverage). The LG at $349.99 is pricier but includes Wi-Fi.
Which has better particle capture?
Both are excellent. The Shark HC502 with its Nanoseal HEPA filter captures 99.98% of particles. The LG PuriCare AeroTower with its True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of 0.3 m particles. The difference is negligible for most users.
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