If you’ve ever competed against your sibling, then you’ll understand why this comparison has turned into a real family matter. Being part of a Blue Pure series, Blueair 211+ and Blueair 411 could be described as minimalistic and plain air purifiers with extremely good performances. Not to be surprised, since their crown company, Blueair, is focused on manufacturing nothing less than outstanding air purifiers.
At first sight, you can notice the obvious difference in height between these two machines. Given the fact that it can clean a room up to 530 sq. ft. Blueair 211+ is a lot larger than its family member Blueair 411, which is supposed to be able to clean up to 161 sq. ft.
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No matter the difference in size or shape, these two air purifiers are equally strong in doing their main job, cleaning the air you breathe. And just in case you’re the kind of dress me/undress me kind of shopper, you should know that pre-filter for both air purifiers comes in several colors. That way, you can give yourself some fun time visually adapting your new gadget to your living or workspace.
Follow me in today’s comparison challenge, and see why this was so much fun to me.
- Blueair 411 – is a small air purifier intended for rooms of up to 161 sq. ft. It uses a motor of only 10W and is an ideal choice for a small bedroom, kids’ room, or small office.
- Blueair 211+ – is a large air purifier that covers rooms of up to 540 sq. ft. It is ideal for large rooms such as living rooms, master bedrooms, or similar rooms.
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Specs: Blueair 211+ Vs Blueair 411
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Blueair | Blueair |
| Model | 211+ | Blue Pure 411 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 20.5 x 13 x 13 inches (52.2 x 33 x 33 cm) | 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 15 lb (7 kg) | 3.35 lb (1.52 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 350 CFM (595 m³/h) | 105 CFM (180 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. | 540 sq. ft. (50 m²) | 161 sq. ft. (15 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 | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6 months | 6-8 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. | 61W | 10W |
| 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 (Low), Speed 2 (Medium), and Speed 3 (High) | 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) | 43.9 – 59.7 dBA | 40.6 – 67.5 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 | Living Rooms Offices Allergies Large Spaces Dust | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Blueair 211+ | Blueair Blue Pure 411 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Features Overview
I’ve been testing a lot of air purifiers by now and giving my best to compare them in real-time challenges. The more advanced features they had, the more difficult it was for me to call my last verdict. I have to admit that having way too many buttons and options can sometimes be tiring and annoying because, in many cases, you simply do not have the time to try out all that’s been offered to you by the manufacturer.
Sometimes, you just need something simple that’ll work.
This is what Blueair 211+ and Blueair 411 are based on, simplicity and convenience. Still, both air purifiers have some quite interesting features, out of which many are in common.
One Button For Control
As I previously mentioned, having multiple advanced features is just not a Blueair’s thing. With both air purifiers, you will be offered a single button that does it all with the slightest touch. You can find this button on the front side of a Blueair 211+ and the upper side of Blueair 411. It is quite easy to use any of these air purifiers since their button can only switch between gears and reset the Filter Reset Indicator.
Another interesting and useful feature that makes both air purifiers compatible with smart plug devices is the ability to remember the last chosen working mode in case the power is off for some reason.
Filter Reset Indicator
You know about that dot that lights up, and you know it’s time to replace the filter in your favorite new little helper? Yes, the Filter Reset Indicator. Well, both Blueair 211+ and Blueair 411 have it, and you won’t have to keep diary notes.
If the Indicator lights up in yellow, you should get about one month before your air purifier’s filter becomes inevitably useless. Once the Indicator turns red, there is nothing more to think about other than to replace the filter as soon as possible.
Changeable Pre-Filters
Since both air purifiers are products of the same company, their pre-filters are equally washable. Even more so because the pre-filter is a fabric available in 5 different colors, that way, you can easily combine Blueair 211+ or Blueair 411 with the rest of your interior.
Airflow
You might think that the shape of an air purifier might be a point where these two differ in terms of airflow. But, that’s not the case with Blueair 211+ and Blueair 411.
These air purifiers have equally distributed elements. They both have their motors settled in the upper part of the appliance. It is the lower part where the air enters. Once the air purifier filters the air, it releases it through the holes on the upper side. The process is quite simple and easy to follow up.
Warranty
If you ever decide to buy Blueair’s air purifier, whether it is a 211+ or 411 model, you will get a one-year warranty that goes along with the product. But, if you want an extra year of warranty coverage, you will have to register on Blueair’s website straight upon the purchase.
In my opinion, Blueair can definitely afford themselves a year or two of additional warranty coverage for a Blue Pure series, considering how generous they were with the Classic series and its five years of warranty.
Blueair 211+ Vs Blueair 411 Video Comparison
Filtration Technology
The filtration system is equally present in both 211+ and 411 air purifiers. Blueair 211+ and Blueair 411 have a 3-stage filtration process with an addition of HEPASilent filtration technology.
There is a slight contrast between these two air purifiers, and it has to do with filter dimensions. Due to the fact that Blueair 211+ air purifier is noticeably larger than its baby brother Blueair 411, the filters are also larger.
As I have mentioned in some of my previous lines, the first stage belongs to a pre-filter, a color-changing fabric that is equally washable in both appliances. The particle filter takes second place, while the last stage belongs to the fibrous filter coated with carbon.
I’ve noticed that both devices show exceptional results throughout the filtration process, but both are noticeably incapable of removing the excess gas present in the room. Especially if the room has been exposed to, let’s say, an overly smokey atmosphere.
It might be a good idea to invest in a True HEPA filter to make these air purifiers stand out even more in the performance test. However, I must admit I wasn’t disappointed at all, considering the doubts I had about their particle filters.
How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices?
As I was writing about the Filter Reset Indicator, I mentioned that the device itself will give you a hint at the proper time to replace the filter. Still, there are some things you should be aware of.
Whether you pick Blueair 211+ or Blueair 411, filters are supposed to last up to 6 months of regular use. Plus, if you take proper care of the pre-filter and wash it every once in a while, you will get so much in return.
Keep in mind that the more you take care of your air purifier, the more it will take care of your health.
Noise Tests
Checking up on both air purifiers, somehow it seems that the number 3 is the crucial one. Three filtration stages and three fan speeds. If you use any of these air purifiers set up to the lowest speed, you can give yourself a good night’s sleep without having to worry about the noise in your bedroom.
On the other hand, it’s the noise frequency that both Blueair 211+ and 411 release while working on their top speed level. It feels like a strange buzz in the ear, which I personally wouldn’t mind, but some of you might.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Blueair 411 | 40.6 – 67.5 dBA |
| Blueair 211+ | 43.9 – 59.7 dBA |
Generally speaking, Blueair 411 is more silent while in the first gear, and Blueair 211+ is more pleasant while on maximum speed level. It seems like it’s a tie, isn’t it?
Performance Tests
If you have read this comparison review carefully, you might have noticed the distinction within room coverage between these two air purifiers. Blueair 211+ covers more than triple the room size that a Blueair 411 can cover. It is the reason why I decided to test both of them in a 320 sq. ft. room size to make the results more credible.
Just in case, I decided to test both air purifiers in other room sizes to be sure of their performance and my judgment. Check out the results and see for yourselves.
320 sq. ft. Room Tests
Like in any other test I performed, I had to put both air purifiers in identical conditions. By that, I meant having to test both of them for an hour, working on top speed level.
By the end of the test, Blueair 411 has improved the air quality by around 90%. At the same time, Blueair 211+ did an even better job by elevating the score up to 96%.
320 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
Other Tests
To be sure, I had them tested in different room sizes, which were approximately close to their default room coverage given by the manufacturer.
In the first experiment, I had Blueair 411 tested in a 194 sq. ft. room, and as it turned out, the air quality was far better than the first time. About 95% cleaner air, which was great.
Another experiment was performed in a 560 sq. ft. room, and the final result gave me around 92% of cleaner air with the usage of Blueair 211+.
I must say I was impressed and very satisfied with the results for both air purifiers. Generally speaking, their performance is excellent and, what is more important, the air quality is far better than expected.
Operating Costs
I am aware that many of you are more likely to make judgments once you are familiar with the total cost to which you will be exposed once you decide to buy an air purifier. Maybe, even some of you will skip the whole review just to get to the part where money is all about but don’t go rushing.
At first, there is an obvious difference in the power that these air purifiers consume. With Blueair 411 you’ll get a 10W motor, while with Blueair 211+, you get a six times stronger 61W motor.
If you left both air purifiers, for example, working to the fullest for a whole month, the Blueair 211+ would cost you about 4.3$. On the other hand, Blueair 411’s cost wouldn’t exceed a single dollar.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Blueair 411 | 0.3 – 7.6W |
| Blueair 211+ | 0.2 – 49W |
Putting the expenditure costs along with the filter replacement costs, you’ll get to the same conclusion as I did. Most definitely, Blueair 411 is one of the cheapest and most affordable air purifiers. Especially when confronted with the Blueair 211+ air purifier.
Which One Does It Better?
My guess is, you’ve already made up your mind, and you only want confirmation from my side. That is why this comparison was a true challenge to me, and somehow I suspected of it from the very beginning.
When you get two excellent air purifiers from the same series, you can expect shades to be determining fact in your final call. And, my final decision rules in favor of Blueair 211+. That is if you have an extra-large space that you plan to cover with this powerful machine. What you will get are a high airflow and overall better performance.
But, if your space does not exceed 200 sq. ft., then, most definitely, I would recommend you to buy Blueair 411. You can’t get any better than an affordable and powerful machine at the same time, like in this case.
Feel free to leave a comment or contact me via an e-mail address if you prefer. Share your thoughts with me.
Does the blue air 411 or 211 emit ozone?
Both of these are CARB-certified, which means they either produce ozone within allowed levels or don’t produce it at all, meaning they are safe to use.