When it comes to choosing an air purifier, IKEA offers two excellent options: UPPÅTVIND and FÖRNUFTIG. These air purifiers are compact, efficient, and more similar than you probably think. However, each one is unique and has its strengths and weaknesses.
In this article, I will compare the differences and similarities between the UPPÅTVIND and FÖRNUFTIG to determine which one is better.
The IKEA UPPÅTVIND is a small air purifier designed for rooms of up to 75 sq. ft. (7 m²). It has a two-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter and a particle filter. While this filtration technology effectively filters out large particles, it doesn’t have an activated carbon filter, which is necessary for removing odors and harmful gases.
On the other hand, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a more powerful air purifier that covers rooms of up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m²). It has a three-stage filtration system, including a washable pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. Although the activated carbon filter is not included with the device, you can purchase it separately. The FÖRNUFTIG’s filtration technology effectively removes airborne pollutants, including odors and gases.
If you have questions about these two IKEA models, please feel free to use the comment box below the article.
Our Verdict
Overall, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and UPPÅTVIND are two budget air purifiers that offer simplicity, energy efficiency, and good filtration technology for the price.
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a much larger air purifier, uses larger filters, and has the option to buy an additional filtration stage, an activated carbon filter. Because of these characteristics, this model performed much better in tests than the smaller IKEA UPPÅTVIND.
I strongly believe that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a much better option than the UPPÅTVIND, and I think the price difference isn’t that significant, especially considering what you get with the FÖRNUFTIG.
The only areas where the UPPÅTVIND slightly outperformed the FÖRNUFTIG are noise and power usage tests, but this doesn’t change the overall conclusion of the comparison.
If you have questions about these two IKEA models, please feel free to use the comment box below the article.
In terms of price, the FÖRNUFTIG is initially more expensive than the UPPÅTVIND, but the difference is not significant, especially as the FÖRNUFTIG’s three-stage filtration system and superior performance justify the price.
Specs: IKEA UPPÅTVIND Vs FÖRNUFTIG
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | IKEA | IKEA |
| Model | UPPÅTVIND | FÖRNUFTIG |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 11 x 8.8 x 4.9 inches (28.0 x 22.5 x 12.5 cm) | 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46.1 x 31 x 10.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 3.52 lb (1.6 kg) | 7.84 lb (3.56 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | - | 70 CFM (130 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. | 75 sq. ft. (7 m²) | 108 sq. ft. (10 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 | Pre-filter and Particle Filter | Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 6 months | 4-6 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. | 19W | 19W |
| 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, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| 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 | Smart Plug | Smart Plug |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.5 – 53.8 dBA | 42.2 – 58.2 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 | Bedrooms Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Portable Use Quiet Operation | Bedrooms Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | No (US) | No (US) |
| In-Depth Review | IKEA UPPÅTVIND | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
In the particle removal tests, we compared the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and IKEA UPPÅTVIND air purifiers in two different rooms. Considering that they cover rooms of almost identical dimensions, we tested them in rooms measuring 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) and 194 sq. ft. (18 m²).
In the first test, in a room measuring 120 sq. ft. (11 m²), the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG performed about 9% better. This device improved air quality by about 91%, while the IKEA UPPÅTVIND improved air quality by about 82% in the same room.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the IKEA UPPÅTVIND and IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Both devices operated at maximum speed for 60 minutes in both tests.
In the second test, this time in a slightly larger room than the recommended dimensions, measuring 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), the difference in performance was even greater. The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG improved air quality by about 89%, while the IKEA UPPÅTVIND improved air quality by about 75%.
In addition to these tests, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG showed much better performance in neutralizing bad odors, primarily because this air purifier uses an activated carbon filter. However, keep in mind that this filter is not included with the device and needs to be purchased separately.
All in all, without a doubt, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a much more efficient air purifier and performed far better in all tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Besides the particle removal tests, we also did a smoke removal test and compared the time needed for both these air purifiers to remove all the smoke.
Considering that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is much larger and has a stronger airflow, I somehow expected this device to remove smoke from the glass box much faster.
However, I was honestly surprised that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG removed the smoke from the smoke box more than twice as fast as the IKEA UPPÅTVIND. The difference is an incredible 48 seconds.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When talking about comparing noise levels at all speeds, I have to say that this test is straightforward to run, primarily because both devices have the same number of fan speeds.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the IKEA UPPÅTVIND and IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifiers.
What surprised me is that both of these air purifiers are somewhat louder at the first speed, even though I honestly expected them to be very quiet at these speeds, given the airflow these devices have.
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG produces a sound level of 42.2 dBA, while the IKEA UPPÅTVIND is slightly louder at 42.5 dBA.
| Fan Speed | IKEA UPPÅTVIND (dBA) | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.5 dBA | 42.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 47.2 dBA | 49.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 53.8 dBA | 58.2 dBA |
At other speeds, the situation is completely different; the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is louder at all other speeds, which you can see on the chart or in the table presented.
Operating Costs – Comparison
However, what surprised me the most was the power use of these two air purifiers. Although they have different CADRs, they both use 19W motors.
This only means that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is better optimized for power-to-CADR. If you are about to use these two air purifiers at the max speed, 24h daily, for a period of one month, your electric bill would be raised by about $1.16 in the case of the FÖRNUFTIG and by about $0.59 in the case of the UPPÅTVIND.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the IKEA UPPÅTVIND and IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifiers at all fan speeds.
For the power use at other fan speeds, refer to the chart above, which shows how much it will cost to run these two air purifiers at different fan speeds.
| Fan Speed | IKEA UPPÅTVIND (W + $/month) | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0W ($0) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 1.7W ($0.15) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 3.5W ($0.31) | 5.5W ($0.48) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 6.7W ($0.59) | 13.2W ($1.16) |
Besides the power cost, there is also the cost of a replacement filter, which is more expensive for the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, especially if you use the activated carbon filter as well.
Hello, I wanted to make a correction on the “smart plug” not compatible part. I have both the fornuftig and the uppatvind – and both of them work on my xiaomi smart plug. Both turn on when I turn the smart plug on and the only difference is the uppatvind shows the red filter light temporarily, however it remembers your speed setting.