Autowit Fresh 2 Air Purifier and Humidifier – Review

The Autowit Fresh 2 is an air purifier equipped with an innovative three-stage filtration system designed to improve the air quality in your car.

Our Verdict

Performance

2.5

Noise

8.5

Operating cost

8.2

Value for money

3.8

Ease of use

9.1

5.4/10

RATING

I purchased this air purifier in 2019 through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to support the creator and review this small, innovative device.

The Autowit Fresh 2 is a compact air purifier packed with great features, including an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and a humidifier function.

The idea behind this project is excellent, and having an air purifier in a car could be especially beneficial for those who spend a lot of time traveling in their vehicles.

However, I’m concerned that the Autowit Fresh 2 isn’t powerful enough to make a significant difference in-car air quality.

I tested it in my car for some time, and I can confidently say it doesn’t noticeably improve air quality. It’s simply too small, with a tiny filter, and isn’t capable of delivering revolutionary air quality improvements in a vehicle.

If you have any questions, please feel free to use the comment section below the article.

What do we really like?

  • This small air purifier includes an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode.

  • It’s truly impressive that a humidifier feature is also included at this price.

  • The Autowit Fresh 2 is made from high-quality materials, and the build quality is among the best I’ve faced.

  • For the price, you get an air purifier with a HEPA filter, auto mode, and a humidifier feature. It’s also energy-efficient and affordable to maintain.

What could be better?

  • The Autowit Fresh 2 lacks power and has a low CADR, covering rooms of up to 86 sq. ft. (8 m²), which isn’t sufficient for home use.

  • It’s not effective in removing smoke and unpleasant odors.

  • The overall performance of the Autowit Fresh 2 could have been better; it made almost no noticeable improvements in air quality during our tests.

  • The humidifier feature doesn’t produce any noticeable change in air humidity.

Specifications

ManufacturerAutowit
ModelFresh 2
Dimensions (inches / cm)8.5 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches (21.6 x 7.9 x 7.9 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)0.97 lb (0.44 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)-
Filtration TechnologyNano Silver Filter, HEPA Fold Filter, and High-Quality Charcoal Filter
Filter Replacement IndicatorNo
Filter Life3-4 months
Number of Fan Speeds3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Air Quality IndicatorYes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App No
Voice Control No
Other FeaturesWorks in Cars
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 86 sq. ft. (8 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 1W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)45.3 – 66.8 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Warranty1-year

Full Review

Autowit released its first version of an air purifier back in 2018. After some time, they introduced a new, improved version with advanced features.

The Autowit Fresh 2 is a small air purifier that can be placed almost anywhere; you can even set it on a table while dining.

Autowit Fresh 2 - Car Air Purifier and Humidifier
Autowit Fresh 2 was placed on a small desk. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Due to its compact size, the Autowit Fresh 2 air purifier and humidifier isn’t intended for room use; it’s designed primarily for use in cars.

This air purifier includes a range of features, such as an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode.

The Fresh 2 is not only an air purifier but also a humidifier. It’s one of the few purifier and humidifier combos available in such a small size and at an affordable price.

2.5

Performance – Particle Removal Tests

I wanted to compare how much the Autowit Fresh 2 would improve air quality under different conditions.

So, I used it in a car both when someone was and wasn’t smoking and during morning, day, and night drives. Additionally, I tested it on longer and shorter rides and in various weather conditions.

In conclusion, the Autowit Fresh 2 doesn’t perform effectively. It uses a very small filter, contains only a minimal amount of carbon, and lacks the power to generate adequate airflow.

Autowit Fresh 2 - Performance Test in the Car.
I tested Autowit Fresh 2 performance in a car using the Temtop laser particle meter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

This also means the Autowit Fresh 2 is almost completely ineffective against cigarette smoke. I used it a few times in a car with someone smoking, and my conclusion remains unchanged.

Additionally, it’s not very effective at reducing dust or other airborne particles. I believe that the cabin filter already installed in most cars is more effective and beneficial than using the Autowit Fresh 2.

However, I tested other air purifiers that performed much better than the Autowit. For instance, the Medify MA-CAR is a far more efficient and effective air purifier.

8.5

Noise Levels Test

The noise level of the Autowit Fresh 2 depends on the fan speed you choose; you can select from three different speeds and an auto mode.

In silent mode, you won’t hear it running. In auto mode, the device will adjust its speed automatically, which can result in more noise at higher speeds.

However, at maximum speed, the Autowit Fresh 2 is louder than some air purifiers that are 10 times larger. It produces a sound level of 66.8 dBA, which is quite high. I believe the engineers at Autowit could improve the motor to reduce noise.

Noise Levels Test - Comparison

This chart compares the noise levels at the minimum and maximum speeds of the Autowit Fresh 2 air purifier with those of its competitors.

You can refer to the chart above to see how it compares to much larger air purifiers in terms of noise level.

One thing to note: if you enjoy chatting or listening to the radio while driving, you probably won’t notice the Autowit Fresh 2 operating, even at maximum speed.

I used the Autowit air purifier during a drive to see if it would disturb me while driving. The purifier was on the whole time, and I barely noticed it.

Fan Speed Autowit Fresh 2 (dBA)
Speed 1 (Low)45.3 dBA
Speed 2 (Medium)58.3 dBA
Speed 3 (High)66.8 dBA

However, it’s surprising that such a small device can produce such loud noise. There’s definitely room for improvement, especially considering its low performance.

8.2

Operating Costs – Power Usage Test & Filter Price

The Autowit Fresh 2 doesn’t consume a significant amount of power. Since it plugs into your car, there’s no need to worry about its energy usage.

It won’t impact your electricity bill at all. However, I think the replacement filter could be more affordable, especially considering it’s a very small filter that lasts no more than 3 months.

While it won’t increase your electricity costs, the relatively high price of the replacement filter makes the Autowit Fresh 2 less affordable to maintain than expected.

Filtration Technology

The size of the Autowit Fresh 2 filter is small since the size of the whole device is small. However, that small filter can still remove 90% of PM 2.5 particles, as well as pollen, dust, smoke, odors, floccus, formaldehyde, and other particles.

As it uses a three-stage filtration system (composite nano filter, HEPA folded filter, and carbon filter), Fresh 2 can remove 99% of all airborne particles. The only problem with the filter is that it can get dirty too fast and needs to be replaced every 3 to 4 months.

Autowit Fresh 2 - Filter

The 3 stage filtration system removes particles, smoke, gases as well as odors.

Check Price On Amazon

How to change the Autowit Fresh 2 filter in 4 easy steps?

As I have already mentioned, Fresh 2 requires changing the filter more often than some other air purifiers. Now, I will show you how to change the filter of the Autowit Fresh 2 air purifier in 4 easy steps.

Total Time: 5 minutes.

Open the bottom cover

Turn the Autowit upside down and turn the bottom cover clockwise to open it.

Open the bottom cover

Pull the old filter out

Take the old filter out of the device by pulling it out with fingers.

Pull the old filter out of the Autowit Fresh 2

Put a new filter in

Take a new filter, unpack it, and prepare for putting it into the device.

Put a new filter in the Autowit Fresh 2

Seal the bottom cover back

Seal the bottom cover back, and you’re done with changing the Fresh 2 filter.

Seal the bottom cover back

Design

Autowit Fresh 2 has a premium design. It looks like a water bottle or a small speaker that is made of high-quality plastic and aluminum, which provides a unique design.

The Autowit Fresh 2 is such a small device, made for car usage, which indicates that you won’t have any trouble fitting it to your car cup holder.

Touch Button

There is only one button to control the Autowit Fresh 2 air purifier, but with that button, you can control four adjustable modes: Auto Mode, Silent Mode, Medium Mode, and Strong Mode.

One push on the power button will start the air purifier in auto mode. You can confirm that Auto Mode is running by blinking LED light. If you push the power button the second time, you will enter Silent Mode.

Silent Mode is the quiet mode, and you can see that you are in silent mode if one-third of LED lights are on. On the next push, you are switching Fresh 2 to Medium Mode, and two-thirds of the LED light is on. 

Strong Mode is the most effective mode on this Autowit model, and it will purify the air at the fastest speed. However, this mode is the loudest as well. When the strong mode is on, all LED lights are turned on. If you click the power button again, you will switch back to Auto Mode, and the circle continues. It is a pretty simple control that is very effective to use.

Autowit Fresh 2 Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo - On the Desk
Autowit Fresh 2 was placed on the office desk. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

To control the Fresh 2 humidifier feature, there is a drop button above the power button. When the humidifier is on, you will see the blue light on the LED, and then the device will start to release water vapor. Once you turn the humidifier on, it will work for 15 minutes, after which it will work in cycles of three minutes pause and one minute work.

Distilled water is not required, you can use regular water and a humidifier will work just fine. Under no circumstances should you add essential oils. Essential oils may damage the humidifier.

Size and Dimension

Autowit Fresh 2 air purifier and humidifier in one is small (8.5 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches) and easy to move from car to car or even from car to home and vice versa. It’s made from high-quality plastic and aluminum, and when you hold it, you will notice that it is heavier (15.5 ounces) than it looks.

Accessories and Parts

When you buy Autowit Fresh 2, you will get one micro USB cable, one car charger, a user manual, and a thank you card. With a USB cable, you can attach it to a power bank, cell phone, laptop, or even desktop PC. As long as you have a device with a USB port, you can use it as a power supply.

To properly fixate Autowit Fresh 2 in the car, you can use a cup holder that comes in the package. The cup holder is easy to install and won’t take up much space in the car.

Review of Autowit Fresh 2 Features

Autowit Fresh 2 - Placed in the Cup Holder in the Car.
Autowit Fresh 2 – Placed in the cup holder in the car. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Removes 99% of Airborne Particles

With a combination of a powerful motor and HEPA filter, Autowit Fresh 2 air purifier will suck large amounts of air in a small period and remove 99% of particles from the air.  Dust, smoke, germs, pet dander, bad smell, and other allergy triggers can be easily removed with the Fresh 2 air purifier.

3-Stage Filtration

Autowit Fresh 2 has three stages of filtration, including a nanosilver filter, a HEPA filter, and a high-quality charcoal filter.

The first one in the order of sucking air is the nanosilver filter, which is actually a pre-filter that is used to remove all the big particles that can be caught without a HEPA filter.

HEPA fold filter is the second line of defense, which removes almost everything from the air. The only things that go through the HEPA fold filter are smoke, gases, and other bad smells.

The third and last line of defense is a high-quality charcoal filter. The charcoal filter is used to remove bad odors, chemicals, gases, and other unwanted smoke from the air.

Four Adjustable Airflow Modes

Usually, air purifiers have three speeds, low, medium, and high, but Autowit Fresh 2 has four, which means more choices that will surely cover all your needs.

Thanks to the robust design and almost noise-proof construction, Autowit Fresh 2 is not noisy. You can drive in silence with Fresh 2 without any trouble, especially if you set it to low speed. In such a mode, you won’t even know that the air purifier is cleaning the air in the car.

Smart Auto-Detection Sensor and Visible Display

Autowit Fresh 2 is a premium air purifier with some advanced functions. Of course, such an advanced high-tech product will have smart sensors. In my opinion, having a real-time indicator of air quality is a good way to be sure that the air purifier actually works. I can say that this smart sensor in Autowit Fresh 2 is a price-worth feature.

Autowit Fresh 2 - Smart Auto-Detection Sensor and Three Different Lights Which Indicate Different Air Quality.
Autowit Fresh 2 – Smart auto-detection sensor and three different lights. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

There are three levels of pollution that Fresh 2 detects. The green light means that the air quality is excellent. If you notice the green light is lighting for some time, I suggest turning off the air purifier and let it relax a bit. You will know that the air quality is good when the air purifier emits a green light.

Besides, check a review of Airdog X3 that has an air quality detector too, but which is excellent for home-usage.

A yellow light means that the air is ok, acceptable, but not the best. It is a wise choice to let the Fresh 2 on now and prevent the air from going to the last level, which will emit a red light.

When you see the red light, you must immediately turn the air purifier to maximum fan speed because the air in the car is poor. Trust me; you don’t want to breathe poor-quality air. Poor-quality air is filled with allergens, dust, pollen, or other unwanted airborne particles that can harm your respiratory system. Always make sure that the light on the air purifier is green.

Air Humidification Done with a Built-In Water Tank

Air humidification with the Autowit Fresh 2 combo is very simple. You fill the water in the built-in water tank and let the air humidifier do the job. You can watch how the fresh humidifier air is coming out on the top of the device.

Autowit Fresh 2 uses ultrasonic sounds to change water into vapor. There is no heating process, and you don’t need to wait for the device to heat up. Usually, when technology heats up, it also emits some unwanted components like ozone. However, Autowit doesn’t heat water; it uses advanced technology to release cold vapor into the air.

The human ear can not hear these ultrasonic sounds. We humans can not hear this sound, which means that the sound that this humidifier emits will not bother you.

Low Energy Consumption and Low Maintenance Costs

Low maintenance costs are one of the benefits you will get if you decide to buy Autowit Fresh 2. The only thing that needs to be replaced in the Fresh 2 air purifier is a filter, which will work for up to 4 months if you use the air purifier properly. There are no other costs involved with this product. You won’t even need to clean anything inside the air purifier.

Another good thing about the Autowit air purifier is that you can turn it on with a USB cable. This device can use different power supplies to work. The most important thing is that the power supplier has a USB port so you can plug in the air purifier.

On the other hand, you can have a laptop and plug the air purifier in a USB port and have it charged while you play games or write an essay, and at the same time enjoy fresh and clean air coming out from the Autowit Fresh 2.

Mobile Device

Autowit Fresh 2, thanks to its small size and ability to plug into various power sources, is one of the best mobile air purifiers you can buy. It is also one of the best air purifiers for the car. You can place it in a car bottle holder, and for a return, you will get fresh and clean air. Nowadays, each car has more than one bottle holder, so there will always be empty space for an Autowit Fresh 2.

This small but very powerful little device will purify the air in the car and make driving pleasant without trouble.

Warranty

Autowit gives a not-so-generous limited warranty of one year. Since the day you bought it, you can be safe that the air purifier will work as intended. If you have any questions, you can contact the Autowit company on their website and get all the answers you need.

FAQ on Autowit Fresh 2

How often should I replace the filter?

As it is pretty small, you should change the filter between 3 – 4 months.

How long can I use the air purifier per day?

It depends on the air quality, but I suggest using the Fresh 2 in Auto mode until the device goes green. After it goes green, use it for a few minutes more. Otherwise, if the air around you is too polluted, you should use the device on the third speed for a longer time.

Is the Fresh 2 chargeable?

No, it’s not chargeable. You power the air purifier by plugging it into a USB charging port, and you can use various power suppliers like a phone, a laptop, a power bank, etc.

Is it good to use it while I’m smoking in the car?

Autowit Fresh 2 is not powerful enough to fight the smoke while somebody is smoking. As soon as the person stops smoking, the air purifier will purify the air in your car within 16 minutes. Therefore, I suggest opening the window while smoking and using the air purifier afterward for additional air cleaning.

3 responses to “Autowit Fresh 2 Air Purifier and Humidifier – Review”

  1. Dave

    I’m in the process of searching for the best air purifier for use in my car, as I spend more than 3 hours daily in it. The Autowit is a great option, but I’m looking for something more powerful. Do you have any suggestions? Also, could you make more reviews of air purifiers for cars?

    P.S. I really enjoy your blog.

    • Milan Antonic

      Car air purifiers are generally less powerful than those used at home, and it’s not that easy to find something much more powerful than the Autowit Fresh 2.

      Anyway, thank you for the suggestion and your kind words. I will do my best to purchase and review more car air purifiers.

  2. Athenio

    Very detailed and insightful review. And I think this is the air purifier I need. Thank you, love you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *