Blueair Review: Air Purifiers

Blueair is a Swedish company that has spent over two decades developing high-performance, low-noise air purifiers with Scandinavian design, which are now used in over 60 countries worldwide. Their company was founded on the belief that "freedom to breathe is a basic human right".

Blueair's parent brand is Unilever - that's not a good thing

However, we have to ask ourselves: is Blueair really promoting our freedom to breathe, or our freedom to buy air purifiers while their parent brand, Unilever, destroys the climate for the benefit of their shareholders? Unilever demonstrated its interests in the climate are purely for show when it walked back its promise to cut its use of virgin plastics in half by 2025. They also abandoned their pledge to pay their direct suppliers a living wage. Both of these recent changes followed an 8% drop in the company's share value. While reviewing their air purifiers, we read several reviews from Canadians who needed an air purifier to get through summer wildfires. They thanked Blueair for providing them, but ironically, Blueair is part of the reason they need them.

Prices range from $60 to $830

Blueair's air purifiers range in price, with the smaller models being the most affordable (from $59.49 to $135.99) and the larger, premium models costing up to $829.99. That means you can choose the right air purifier for your budget and room size, whether you need a basic model for a small bedroom or a high-powered unit for a large living area.

Blue line for smaller rooms

Blueair has three lines of air purifiers. Many of the Blue line models are great for small rooms, with compact and stylish designs. Models like the Mini Max, Blue Pure 411i Max, and 511i Max, are meant for rooms between 90 to 526 square feet. They run quietly and have smart features like WiFi so you can control them remotely.

DustMagnet doubles as a side table

For medium-sized rooms (356-929 square feet), check out the Blue Pure 311i Max ($229.99) or the DustMagnet 5440i ($319.99). The DustMagnet is unique because it can catch 99% of airborne dust before it settles while serving as both an air purifier and a side table - so it can pull double-duty while being placed in the middle of the room where it works best. Both the 311i Max and DustMagnet have smart features and can automatically adjust based on air quality.

360° air circulation

Larger rooms up to 1116 square feet will benefit from the Blue Pure 311i+ Max ($299.99) or the Protect 7470i ($599.99). These models have high CADR ratings and the same advanced features of other models. The Protect 7470i's 360° air outlet creates efficient air circulation in bigger spaces.

Air purification of up to 1524 square feet

For extra-large rooms up to 1524 square feet, the Blue Pure 211i Max ($199.49) or the Classic 605 ($829.99) are great options. The Classic line, like the 605, is built for durability and intelligence, providing the highest performance for large areas with significant air purification needs. These models use more energy and cost more, but they'll give you unparalleled air cleaning power.

Save 15% on filters

With Blueair's filter subscription service, you can choose the delivery schedule that works best for you, and Blueair will automatically send you a new filter when it's time to replace your old one. The subscription comes with 15% off every filter, exclusive product offers, and free shipping (except for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, where a flat rate of $25 applies). You can make changes to your subscription or cancel it at any time by contacting Blueair's customer support team, but you'll need to do so at least 48 hours before your next filter is scheduled to ship to avoid being charged. Filters typically cost between $20 and $150, depending on your air purifier.

Free shipping on orders over $39

When it comes to shipping your Blueair air purifier, you'll find the process pretty straightforward. The company will process and ship your order within 2-3 business days, and you can expect it to arrive at your doorstep in about 3-5 business days after that. If you're spending over $39, you'll get free shipping within the continental U.S. For orders under $39, there's a flat $5 shipping fee.

60 days for returns

As for returns, Blueair gives you a decent window to change your mind. You've got 60 days from your purchase date to return items bought directly from them. That's plenty of time to test out your air purifier and see if it's right for you. If you decide it's not working out, you can return it for any reason. To start a return, you'll need to visit their online return portal. Blueair will provide a prepaid return label, which you must use. Once they receive your return, it'll take about 10-14 days to process, and you should see a refund on your original payment method within 3-5 business days after that.

Register your air purifier to extend your warranty to 5 years

When you buy a Blueair air purifier, you'll get a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The standard warranty lasts for one year from the date you bought it. If something goes wrong during that time, Blueair will replace your purifier with a new or refurbished one that works just as well. You can extend this warranty up to five years by registering your product within 60 days of purchase. Keep in mind, though, that the warranty only covers normal use and doesn't include replacement filters. Also, if you buy a refurbished unit, it's a final sale and can't be returned. The warranty terms can vary depending on which Blueair product you have, so check the specific details for your model.

BBB accreditation was revoked

We would think twice before investing in a Blueair air purifier. The company's reputation has taken a serious hit recently. On February 29, 2024, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) revoked Blueair's accreditation due to their failure to address customer disputes properly. While they still maintain a "B-" grade with the BBB, this revocation is a big red flag.

Your air purifier might become expensive e-trash

Customer complaints paint a pretty grim picture too. People are reporting all sorts of issues: Wi-Fi connection problems that never get resolved, difficulty finding replacement filters, and even fraudulent credit card charges. The most common gripe seems to be about their customer service - or lack thereof. Customers say they're often left hanging, with no response to emails or calls. Some people's expensive air purifiers have been rendered useless junk because Blueair discontinued the specific filters they need. It's not all bad - the products themselves seem to work well when they're functioning. But with such poor after-sales support, you might want to consider other options before buying a Blueair purifier.

Not worth the risks

When it comes to Blueair air purifiers, you're facing a bit of a dilemma. On one hand, their products generally seem to work well and offer some high-tech features and aesthetically appealing designs. But on the other hand, the company's ongoing troubles with customer service and the BBB are pretty concerning. You might find yourself with a great air purifier today, but struggling to get help or replacement parts tomorrow. When we weigh the risks, we don't find that Blueair is worth the investment.

Learn More  ➜

On the Blueair website