The one problem that the Classic model successor – the 75i – solved is the energy-efficiency. Due to larger coverage, Alen BreatheSmart is considered a large room air purifier. Smaller original Alen BreatheSmart series models – FLEX and FIT50 – are outmatched by the new Alen BreatheSmart 45i model (with 245 CADR rating). It’s the biggest of the 3 original Alen BreatheSmart models, most appropriate for large rooms. Models that have the Energy Star rating will use less energy than comparable products. Match your unit to your personal style with one of our designer panels.
For an air purifier of this size and cost, we expected to see these two units give us a time of around 30 minutes, but we didn’t predict the difference to be so minimal. What differentiates these two air purifiers from many other models is that you can choose from five different variations of H13 HEPA filters to customize your unit to your needs and wants. As the 45i and Flex were so similar in size, we wanted to pit them against each other. This guide compares their test results, specifications, design, controls, filters, performance, sound and running costs to see which unit best suits your needs and budget. Known for their simple yet elegant designs and heavy-duty filters, Alen air purifiers are extremely popular and trusted throughout the world.
On Auto mode, a built-in dirt sensor or other inputs will allow the fan to run on a higher fan speed when the air is determined to be dirty and on a lower speed when clean. That means your Alen air purifier is guaranteed for life with a convenient filter subscription. If you ever have issues with your purifier, we’ll fix it or replace it for FREE. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best air purifiers. HEPA filters trap airborne pollutants in their tightly woven maze of fibers (think of a fly in a spider’s web), removing them from the air.
Both units have four fan speeds, including T for Turbo, so you would expect that they would emit the same amount of noise. But the Flex is ever so slightly louder than the 45i on paper, though we doubt you’d notice the difference with them running side by side. Every unit we review goes through the same performance tests where we fill our office (705 cubic ft) with simulated pollutants.
The app controls are now accessed by tapping a remote-control icon on an individual device’s dashboard. This activates an overlay with a graphic of the unit’s onboard control panel with fan speeds and other controls displayed underneath it. Your pre-filter is the first line of defense when it comes to your purifier’s four-stage filtration system for cleaning the air. The pre-filter is the black foam layer that covers the exterior of your air filter. It’s designed to capture larger particles such as dust and cat or dog hair.
Another consideration you need to make when buying an air purifier is the cost of replacing the filters. The filters in air purifiers need replacing periodically (the manufacturer will tell you how long they last on average), and it’s not recommended that you wash them. When it comes to noise levels emitted, the winner is the 45i, as it generates less noise. Although the 45i is only one decibel quieter than the Flex when running at its highest fan speed level.
Owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their room air purifier brand to their friends and family. We’ve added this extra decibel to the Flex, working a little harder to match the alen breathesmart 45i’s cleaning performance. With the exception of their basic B4-Pure filter, they contain various levels of activated carbon pellets. This is used in filters because of its ability to adsorb odors and other VOCs (Volatile Organic compounds).
✅ If you want to pay a little extra for features like an auto mode and the choice of ionization — go for the BreatheSmart 45i. Replacing your filter periodically ensures you’ll have plenty of room to trap those harmful contaminants from the air in your home. As the 45i and Flex are the same size, Alen decided they could use the same filters for both. First, we bought the BretheSmart 75i, which showed us how powerful Alen units can be.
This shows that the Flex is working harder overall as it has a lower CADR of 225 CFM compared to the 45i, which has 245 CFM. Seven touch-sensitive round buttons are placed along the black glossy top of the 45i to adjust its settings. When it comes to the design aesthetics, it’s a draw as these two both look virtually identical. Let’s do a simple calculation to figure out how much electricity will the Classic model need.