The type of air purifiers that a manufacturer designs can tell you a lot about the company and the quality of their products. The features of their products can tell you where the company’s emphasis lies and in turn, can tell you which company is most in line with your own values. In the following article, you will find a great Molekule vs IQAir comparison to help you decide which air purifier is right for you. Specifically, we compare the IQAir Healthpro Plus vs the IQAir Healthpro Compact vs the Molekule Air Purifier vs the Molekule Mini Air Purifier.
Molekule vs. IQAir Comparison Ratings
| Specs | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value | ★★★★✩ |
| Power | ★★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | ★★★★★ |
| Specs | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value | ★★★★✩ |
| Power | ★★★★★ |
| Features | ★★★★✩ |
| Performance | ★★★★★ |
| Specs | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value | ★★★✩✩ |
| Power | ★★★★✩ |
| Features | ★✩✩✩✩ |
| Performance | ★★★★✩ |
| Specs | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value | ★★★✩✩ |
| Power | ★★★✩✩ |
| Features | ★✩✩✩✩ |
| Performance | ★★★✩✩ |
Molekule vs. IQAir Reviews
The Swiss-made IQAir HealthPro Plus boasts a true HEPA filter that is claimed to be 100 times more effective than standard HEPA filters. This is a powerful purifier that can clear the air in spaces up to 1,100 square feet! You can control the settings (fan speed, timer, filter indicator, etc.) via the heads up display or by remote. The first thing that we love about the IQAir HealthPro is that the HEPA filters in this device filter particles much smaller than most air purifiers. Most HEPA air purifiers claim to capture ultra-fine particles of 0.3 microns in size, but IQAir’s HyperHEPA filters have proven to capture particles 100 times smaller than its competition.
Using a HyperHEPA advanced filter, these can capture particles down to 0.003 microns in size; 10 times smaller than a virus. What many people don’t know is these ultra-fine particles are actually the most harmful to your health. Ultra-fine particles make up 90% of the air pollution we breathe and easily make their way into your lung tissue and can travel to all vital organs in your body. So getting these out of the air in your home is of utmost importance!
The IQAir HealthPro will filter out the most common contaminants like pollen, mold spores, dust, bacteria, pet dander, and smoke, but it doesn’t stop there. It also filters out viruses and bacteria, which is important for those with compromised immune systems, asthma, and severe allergies.
This model has a new and improved fan, which delivers up to 300 CFM and uses only 27 watts at its lowest speed, thereby cleaning your air while hardly making an impact on your electric bill. With its EvenFlow Diffuser, you get 320-degree clean air output which allows for better air circulation than air purifiers than simply push air out the top.
This model comes with a remote control and an intuitive display panel. With a variety of programmable operating options, filter-life monitoring, and color-coded lights to indicate when the filter needs to be changed, you can fine-tune the device to fit your specific needs. The average filter life when run 10 hours per day is 18 months, which is 3 times longer than the average air filter. So while you may be paying more in upfront costs, you will save in the long run.
Pros:
- Filters downs to .003 microns
- Removes viruses from the air
- Has a remote control
- Low energy usage
- 320-degree clean air output
- Filters last 18 months
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional air purifiers
- Bulky size makes it difficult to move around
- No night-mode, so lights are always on
- Replacement filters are expensive
Trial Results
The fan is very quiet on the low setting and gets progressively louder as you turn it up. This makes sense as you can clearly see that it is pulling in massive amounts of air, which make it great for when things get really bad. From the moment we took it out of the box it was clear that this Swiss-made device is well constructed and high-quality. Not light by any means, this is not really meant to be dragged around the house. Although the design leaves much to be desired, the end result is gives makes it easy to overlook its bulky aesthetic.
The IQAir HealthPro Compact is a slimmed-down version of the HealthPro Plus. At just 25 pounds and standing only 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide, this is a device that may be more useful if you have a tighter space to work with. While smaller than the HealthPro Plus, it uses the same HyperHEPA filter and the only thing that the compact version doesn’t have is the odor and smoke trapping V5 Cell filter.
Using the IQAir exclusive HyperHEPA filter, it will trap ultra fine particles all the way down to .003 microns. This covers pet hair and dander, mold, allergens, dust, bacteria and viruses. This is a great device for those suffering from asthma and allergies, with many 5-star reviews from people who claim that it alleviated all of their suffering.
While most air purifiers use a standard HEPA filter, the IQAir models use a HyperHEPA, which works 100x better. Known to promote better quality sleep, less snoring, and cleaner air, this model is a bit cheaper than the HealthPro Plus. Because to its small size, its easier to move around the home, especially with the built-in handle.
Pros:
- Lighter and smaller
- The frame is very well built
- Powerful fan
Cons:
- Expensive filter replacements
- Higher fan levels are too loud for prolonged use
Trial Results
This is the flagship of the Molekule line of air purifiers and with its sleek design and leather strap it will add to the charm of any room its in. It has a 360-degree air intake, which is not common for most air purifiers and will allow it to do its job very efficiently.
This model features a dual filtration system: a pre-filter to capture large debris like hair and dust, and then the PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) filter that breaks down smaller particles and pollutants. Great for eliminating viruses VOCs, allergens, bacteria, and mold in rooms up to 600 square feet. It operates on 3 fan speeds with the lowest setting running at 41dB, making it a great choice for any room of the house.
The Molecule Air is WIFI compatible, which makes using it a breeze. Connect it with your smart phone to control the device from anywhere in your home, or you can use the one-touch display for changing the fan speeds. When you want to move it from room to room, simply grab the leather strap and go.
The biggest difference between the Molekule and other air purifiers is that rather than collect the pollutants in the air, it destroys them. Using nanoparticle-coated filter layers, these react to light and destroy any contaminants. Utilizing low-energy UV-A light, this starts a series of chemical reactions on the surface of the filter that generate hydroxyl radicals. These are what destroy any organic airborne pollutants!
Pros:
- Effective for destroying pollutants rather than just collecting
- Makes air cleaner and fresher
- Stylish design
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- No air-quality measurements
- Auto-speed does not auto adjust
Trial Results
We loved the look of the Molekule air purifier and that it had 360-degree air intake and outtake. What we didnt love was that it seemed to take a while for the to become as clean ‘feeling’ as the IQAir models. Even with the fan speed maxed out, it doesn’t seem to pull in or expel nearly as much air, though after 2 days of use our allergies symptoms did go away and the air felt much fresher than outside. The ability to change the settings from your phone is a plus, but the app lacks any other features, such as air-quality measurements. This is a great air purifier for a small space and slightly less expensive than the IQAir models, so if budget (and design aesthetic) is a factor, this would be a good choice.
This smaller Molekule model was designed to work in rooms up to 250 square feet in size and while it may take a bit longer to clean the air, it is very portable and can sit just about anywhere.
The Molekule Mini air purifier features just the one PECO filter, but weighs only 11 pounds and stands just 12 inches high. It has 5 fan speeds and is a great option for smaller rooms and studio apartments, or to sit alongside your office desk.
Like the other Molekule air purifier on our list, it is WIFI compatible so you can change the fan speeds from your smart phone. You can also use the one-touch interface if you are right next to it.
The natural felt handle and small size make for easy portability, which is the main feature of this air purifier. It will clean the air, but unless you are in a smaller room, it may take quite a while. The 5 fan speeds start at whisper-quiet, which is great for overnight use, and end at boost.
It has a 360-degree air intake and exhaust, which help with air circulation. It also means that theres no chance of blocking the filters if you place it up against a wall.
Pros:
- Can easily be carried from room to room
- Advanced filtering technology
- Great for studios and dorms
Cons:
- Inefficient in rooms larger than 250 square feet
- Can only change fan speed from the app, limited features
- No independent remote control
- Expensive filter replacements
Trial Results
Molekule vs. IQAir Company Comparison
Molekule
Molekule was launched back in 2014 by a brother and sister duo of engineers. The company was borne of the CEO’s father’s desire to help with his son’s intense asthma. This was apparently the genesis of PECO filtration technology which is what propels many of the Molekule products. They are a company seemingly predicated on innovation and motivated by a desire to help people around the world enjoy cleaner indoor air.
IQAir
IQAir began with the Hammes brothers who came up with one of the first residential air filters. The company relocated from Germany to Switzerland. With innovations in automobile air conditioning filtration, IQAir ultimately pioneered the HealthPro Plus in 1998; a product that would become their flagship purifier and represent one of the most powerful filters available on the market today. After reviewing their products, it is clear that IQAir is a company that emphasizes powerful, multi-faceted filtration via methods that are time-tested and true.
Final Words
In comparison, IQAir is a much older and established company than Molekule. But that doesn’t really take anything away from Molekule. Their innovative PECO filtration technology is turning heads in the medical and consumer arenas and the prices for their high-quality purifiers are very reasonable.
HEPA filters are still the standard and IQAir has seen fit to focus on enhancing and perfecting HEPA technology. In the end, it’s the new school vs. the old school, portable vs. not so portable, economical vs no so economical. If you have a small space to purify and want to save some money, try the Molekule brand. If your purification needs are more serious and your budget is more expansive, check out IQAir.
Also, check out our other comparison articles below:
Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.