This comparison is a bit different from what we’re used to, mainly because I’m going to compare two completely different air purifiers.
I’ll be comparing the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr., a compact air purifier known for its outstanding odor-neutralization capabilities, and the Blueair 211+, one of the best air purifiers for capturing airborne dust.
The primary difference between these two devices is the CADR value, which favors the Blueair. It covers much larger spaces, with a room coverage of 540 sq. ft. (50 m²), while the Austin Air HM Plus Junior is intended for rooms up to 185 sq. ft. (17 m²). Both purifiers can clean the air in their recommended room sizes 4.8 times per hour.
Another common characteristic is the lack of advanced features, making both air purifiers minimalistic. However, the Blueair has a more modern appearance.
Our Verdict
Some might argue that this isn’t a fair comparison, mainly due to the difference in CADR and room coverage. However, many people find it hard to decide between these two devices and are unsure which one to choose.
To be honest, I’d say the Blueair 211+ is the superior option for large spaces and capturing airborne particles as the primary goal.
On the other hand, while the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. may not be as efficient at capturing airborne particles, it excels at neutralizing bad odors, smoke, and VOCs.
In conclusion, the Blueair 211+ is my top pick and the better option overall: it offers a better price, higher CADR, larger coverage, superior particle filtration, and a more modern design.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comment section below the article.
Specs: Austin Air Jr. Vs Blueair 211+
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Austin Air | Blueair |
| Model | HealthMate Plus Jr. | 211+ |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 11 x 11 x 16.5 inches (27.9 x 27.9 x 41.9 cm) | 20.5 x 13 x 13 inches (52.2 x 33 x 33 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 21 lb (9.5 kg) | 15 lb (7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | - | 350 CFM (595 m³/h) |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 185 sq. ft. (17 m²) | 540 sq. ft. (50 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (67 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Filtration Technology | Large Particle Pre-filter, Medium Particle Pre-filter, Activated Carbon and Zeolite, and True Medical Grade HEPA | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | No | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 5 years | 6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 67 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 60W | 61W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9.1 - Average Score (67 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 8 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Number of Fan Speeds | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 3 – Speed 1 (Low), Speed 2 (Medium), and Speed 3 (High) |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 31 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | No | Smart Plug |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.6 – 54.7 dBA | 43.9 – 59.7 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (67 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Best Suited For | Kitchens Smoke Neutralizing VOCs Small Spaces Odors | Living Rooms Offices Allergies Large Spaces Dust |
| Warranty | 5-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. | Blueair 211+ |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
Comparing two air purifiers with significant differences in CADR, as is the case with these two, isn’t always straightforward.
The challenge is that we didn’t test these air purifiers in the same room sizes but in rooms that best suited their recommended dimensions.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. Vs Blueair 211+ in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, we tested the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. In just 60 minutes at maximum speed, it improved air quality by 86%, which is a decent result, though not groundbreaking.
On the other hand, the Blueair 211+ delivered outstanding results in all tests. In a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, it improved air quality by 96%, and even in a much larger 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, it achieved a 92% improvement.
It’s clear that the Blueair 211+ outperformed in our tests, particularly in capturing airborne particles during everyday use compared to the Austin Air. However, the Austin Air remains unbeatable in environments with smoke or VOC pollution.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
For an air purifier to perform well in our smoke test, two key factors are critical: CADR and filtration technology.
The Austin Air HealthMate Junior features an exceptional carbon filter, one of the best on the market, with approximately 6.5 lbs of carbon inside the filter.
However, its lack of power and very low CADR make it much slower than the Blueair 211+ in this test. The Austin Air took 59 seconds to remove all the smoke, while the Blueair 211+ only took 11 seconds.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the Blueair is the best option for smoke, VOCs, and bad odors; it’s hard to compete with a carbon filter as robust as the one in the Austin Air.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Both of these air purifiers have three fan speeds, and while neither has a sleep mode, both are relatively quiet at the lowest setting.
The Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. produces a sound level of 40.6 dBA at the lowest speed, while the Blueair 211+ is slightly louder at 43.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Austin Air (dBA) | Blueair 211+ (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.6 dBA | 43.9 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 47.3 dBA | 51.2 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 54.7 dBA | 59.7 dBA |
Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend using the Blueair in the bedroom, whereas the Austin Air would be more suitable for bedrooms or similar spaces.
At maximum speed, the situation is similar; the Blueair is still a bit louder, producing 59.7 dBA compared to the Austin Air’s 54.7 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. Vs Blueair 211+ air purifiers.
You can refer to the chart above if you’re interested in noise levels at other fan speeds.
Overall, the Blueair 211+ is louder than the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr., which is expected given its larger and more powerful motor. However, I would prefer if both models offered more than three fan speeds.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Blueair produces well-optimized air purifiers with efficient motors and excellent power-to-CADR ratios. For example, the Blueair 411 Auto uses just 10W, making it one of the most energy-efficient air purifiers on the market.
The Blueair 211+ is a bit more powerful, with a 61W motor, which is expected given its CADR of 350 CFM (595 m³/h). However, the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. also uses a 60W motor, which, in my opinion, is too much for such a small device.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. Vs Blueair 211+ air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Just consider the specifications: the Blueair, which is almost three times more powerful than the Austin Air, uses a motor with the same power consumption.
If you were to run these two devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electric bill would increase by about $2.45 for the Austin Air and about $4.29 for the Blueair.
In addition to power usage costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters. The Austin Air’s filter lasts about five years, whereas the Blueair’s needs replacing every six months.
| Fan Speed | Austin Air (W + $/month) | Blueair 211+ (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0.2W ($0.01) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 12.4W ($1.09) | 15W ($1.31) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 13.8W ($1.21) | 36W ($3.15) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 28W ($2.45) | 49W ($4.29) |
The lower power usage at all speeds and the much cheaper, longer-lasting replacement filters make the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. much more affordable to maintain than the Blueair 211+.
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