Coway Review: Air Purifiers

Coway is a South Korean company that specializes in household appliances, especially air and water purification systems. Founded in Seoul in 1991, it has grown to become the largest water purifier company in South Korea and has expanded its operations globally. Coway sums up their mission with the saying: "Out with the bad and in with the good."

Cheaper models still pack a punch

You can filter Coway's line of 20+ Airmega air purifiers by features, color, and price. These models are grouped into four price categories, starting from $100 to $300 and going up to $799. In the lower price range, you'll find models that can purify smaller areas quickly, like the $149.49 Airmega AP-1216L which handles 330 square feet in 12.5 minutes. As you move up in price, you'll see models with larger coverage areas. For instance, in the $200 to $300 range, the Airmega 250S can purify 930 square feet in 30 minutes. The higher-end models, priced at $400 and above, offer even more impressive coverage. The top-of-the-line Airmega ProX, priced at $799, can purify a massive 2,126 square feet in just 30 minutes.

Smart features

You'll find that most Airmega air purifier models share some common features. These include Smart Mode or Automatic Speed Control, a Filter Change Indicator, Real-time Air Quality Monitoring, and Multi-Stage Filtration Systems. Many of them have Eco-Mode (only turning on when poor air quality is detected) Sleep Mode, and Rapid Mode.

Some models said to combat airborne viruses

There are some unique features among Coway's air purifiers, too. The Airmega IconS offers wireless charging, which is pretty cool. Several models like the AP-1512HHS, 250S, 400S, 300S, and IconS have voice control and can be managed through a mobile app. The AP-1216L includes a Vital Ionizer. Coway says it helps capture ultra-fine particles like viruses and bacteria, but ionizers are controversial. They're meant to charge particles in the air so they stick to surfaces, but they produce small amounts of ozone, which isn't great for your health (and can also make your room more dusty). We're not sure if you can turn off this feature on the AP-1216L, so keep that in mind when considering this model.

Art and clean air

Each Coway air purifier has a distinct, artful design, and they come in many colors. The Airmega 150 features a clean, minimalist aesthetic with its rectangular shape and perforated front panel, giving it a subtle presence in any room. The Airmega 100 has a more modern, cylindrical look, accented by its blue-tinted top, adding a touch of sleekness while maintaining a compact profile. If you're drawn to something that can not only purify the air but also elevate the look of your space, the Airmega 250 Art actually has a front panel with a painting of your choice by Korean artist Haily Hills.

Air filtration solutions for business owners

If you're a business owner, you're likely always looking for ways to make your workplace safer and more appealing. Coway's Green True HEPA filter can remove over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and up to 99.999% of nano-particles as small as 0.01 microns. This exceeds the EPA's recommendations for virus filtration. By installing an air purifier, you're protecting your employees and customers, and you're also showing them that you take their health seriously. It could be the factor that makes people feel comfortable entering your business over your competitors', just like it did for the medical community customers of an ice cream shop in Alaska, featured on Coway's website. The models that include this hypercaptive filtration system are the Airmega 150, Airmega Icon, Airmega 400S, Airmega 250, and the Airmega AP-1512HH. You can request a quote for your business on Coway's website.

10% off filters with subscription

Depending on the model you buy, filter replacements cost between $30 and $89. Thankfully, like many air purifier manufacturers, Coway offers a Filter Subscription Service for easier air purifier maintenance that comes with a discount. Subscribers get up to 10% off, free shipping, and flexible delivery plans. You can cancel anytime with a money-back guarantee, and skip or reschedule deliveries as needed. Coway recommends using their genuine filters for best performance.

"F" from the BBB

You should know about some negative reviews we found for Coway air purifiers. Customers have complained about poor customer service, issues with filter replacements, and delivery problems. One person said the company was rude when they tried to buy just a carbon filter. Another customer got a defective air purifier and Coway waited to respond until the return window was up to avoid replacing it. Someone else had their air purifier stolen because of how it was delivered. The Better Business Bureau gave Coway an "F" rating, likely because of issues like these. While these reviews are concerning, they don't tell the whole story about Coway's products.

Many are still happy

Despite those negative reviews, many customers love their Coway air purifiers. You'll find lots of positive feedback on Coway's website, complete with photos. Users say these purifiers really work well. For example, one customer moved their other air purifiers to less-used areas because their Coway "checks all the boxes." Another user feels safer knowing their living room air is cleaner, especially during wildfire season. The purifiers are so effective that one baker couldn't make sourdough starter near the unit because it filtered out the natural bacteria. These purifiers are smart, too - they speed up when they detect things like popcorn smoke. So while there are some complaints, plenty of customers still feel like they've gotten great value for their money.

1-5 year limited warranty

As a Coway air purifier owner, your warranty coverage depends on the specific model you have. For all Airmega models, you're covered for one year on any internal or functional parts. However, if you have certain models like ProX, 400S, 400, 300S, 300, IconS, or Icon, you get extended coverage of five years on the motor and electronic parts. For other Airmega models not listed, there's a three-year warranty on the motor and electronic parts. Remember, your warranty starts from the date of your original purchase. The warranty doesn't cover issues caused by normal wear and tear, misuse, or improper maintenance.

30 days to return

Coway's return policy for air purifiers is pretty standard. You've got 30 days from the shipping date to request a refund, which is a decent window. You'll have to contact their customer service for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and ship the product back within 30 days of approval. You're on the hook for all shipping costs, and everything must be in good condition with all accessories.

Almost perfect

We really like Coway's air purifiers for their sleek, eye-catching designs. The customer reviews featured on their website about their performance are promising, too. However, we can't ignore an "F" from the Better Business Bureau. Even great products can be marred by poor customer service. So, where does that leave you? They're close to perfection, but that BBB rating holds them back from the top spot. If you decide to go for a Coway air purifier, you'll likely love its performance - but keep your fingers crossed that you won't need to deal with their customer service.

Learn More  ➜

On the Coway website