Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max Review

This Energy Star-certified unit boasts a super-quiet performance of just 47.9 decibels on high, all while removing a staggering 81.5% of small particles in a hyper-fast 10 minutes.

Air Cleaning Performance

The Blue Pure 311i Max scored a near-perfect score for its cleaning prowess, and it was able to quickly clean a medium-sized room's air for smoke and allergens.

In just a 10-minute timespan, the 311i Max by Blueair was able to eliminate 88.2% of all large particles (>2.5 microns, like bacteria and dust) and 81.5% of all small particles (<2.5 microns, like smoke). This was better than just about every other purifier in our testing rubric. The Blue Pure 311i Max's circular filter shape helps it clean indoor spaces more quietly and efficiently than most other designs.

We also kept the 311i Max running on high and used the same air quality monitor to assess when 99% of all particulate matter (PM) was removed from our testing room. Our team was delighted to find that this model was able to clear 99% of all large particles in a short 21 minutes. Small particles of less than 2.5-.5 microns were virtually gone in 27 minutes.

Though it doesn't directly affect cleaning performance, we did appreciate that Blueair Blue Pure offers a variety of pre-filter covers (sold separately) that are machine washable and designed to blend perfectly with a wide variety of home décor styles. In addition to its included everyday filter that we tested for dust, smoke, and odors, Blue Pure sells a few specialty filters that claim to provide extra protection from pollutants. Check out the SmokeBlock or the AllergenBlock when it comes time for a filter replacement, if you're seeking specialized air filtration.

Noise

Many consumers find that an air purifier helps them sleep better or enjoy indoor activities more comfortably when there's smog or wildfire smoke outside. As such, choosing a unit that's decently quiet (even on higher fan settings) is crucial. The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max was impressively discreet, with a decibel reading of only 47.9 on its highest setting.

The average refrigerator is roughly 55 decibels, and a suburban area at night is a scant 40 decibels. By those averages, it's safe to assume that the Blue Pure 311i Max would be barely noticeable in most home settings where you'd be carrying on a conversation at a normal volume or watching TV.

We also used a decibel meter to monitor each air purifier's sound output from 6 feet away on medium and low settings. The Blue Pure 311i Max had an overall noise level of 40 decibels on medium, but what was most impressive was its whisper-quiet low setting, which boasted only 32.4 decibels. This was among the quietest of the purifiers we tried out on low, and is a truly noteworthy feature for those who plan to keep the unit on a lower setting while sleeping every night.

Ease of Use

It's important to have an air purifier that's both functional and easy to use. The Blue Pure 311i Max was one of the simplest to set up and adjust of all the models we tried out for this article, with a quick-to-pair mobile app and shockingly lightweight profile.

We were impressed with the 311i Max's on-unit interface, which sports settings for Auto, Sleep, and Fan Speed (low, medium, or high). However, one of the best extras for this product is its mobile app, which seamlessly pairs with a smartphone and allows users to monitor their indoor air quality, set the fan speed, and track their filter's expected lifespan all with the click of a button. This app is also an awesome feature for people who work a standard schedule at a job that's away from the home, as it allows you to set a daily “routine” to keep your space clean during peak traffic hours or turn the purifier on when you're on your way home from the office.

For users who are worried about lugging a bulky air purifier up and down stairs or switching it between rooms, the Blue Pure 311i Max is a phenomenal option, because, even though it's large in size, it's surprisingly light, at only 7.3 pounds. Considering the medium to large square footage that it can clean, this is easily one of the lightest models on the market.

Operating Cost

Let's face it: nobody wants to buy an air purifier that burns through electricity all day long or requires pricey filter replacements every month. With an expected filter lifespan of 12 months and an estimated annual electricity cost of just $19 per year, the Blue Pure 311i Max was among the most affordable to operate units we tested.

We also factored in the manufacturer's suggested filter lifespan, which was 12 months for the 311i Max. At $45 per regular filter, plus its expected electricity costs, we estimate that this air purifier will incur approximately $64 per year in operating expenses.

Should You Buy the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max?

If you've got a medium-sized room, like a studio apartment or large bedroom, that needs efficient air filtering, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max is a great option. This powerful and lightweight unit was able to clear our our testing space with ease and boasted a discreet sound profile. Considering that it's Energy Star certified and only needs a new filter every 12 months, this is also a wonderfully affordable air purifier that won't break the bank, even after years of use.

What Other Air Purifier Should You Consider?

For those seeking a more affordable option to clean and circulate air in a smaller room, check out the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier, which is our pick for best buy. The Shark NeverChange is another noteworthy option for people who are too busy to remember to order replacement filters, as its suggested filter lifespan is a whopping 5 years or 60 months.