Molekule Air review

Editor's note: This product is in the process of being tested.

The Molekule Air doesn’t compromise when it comes to style. The asking price for this air purifier is considerably higher than other options in our round-up of the best air purifiers: $800 to be precise. However, it’s a good-looking gadget that won’t clash with the decor in a contemporary home due to its leather handle and slight, cylinder-shaped design.  

As a premium option, you’d expect the air purifier to do more than just look good, of course. The purifier performs very well too, and that’s partly down to its filter. Instead of using other common High-Efficiency Particulate Absorbing Filter (HEPA) filter, which catches pollutants using fine fibers, the Molekule Air uses a Photo Electrochemical Oxidiation (PECO) filter to break down pollutants using a chemical reaction. 

This more elaborate process is what bumps up the price of the Molekule Air purifier to around $800, as well as its ability to deal with large spaces of up to 600 square feet. It offers other high-tech features too, such as app connectivity. You’ll only need to tap a button on your smartphone to place it on night mode, which can help to conserve energy while still keeping air quality in check throughout the night. 

There’s a turbo mode that can be used to quickly and efficiently tackle pollutants, but the noise of the purifier significantly increases when this is on, so that’s to note if you don’t like too much background noise. When it’s on its lowest setting, the purifier only emits 41 dB of noise.

Molekule Air: Features

The Molekule Air aims to improve the overall indoor air quality in your home. Ideal for bedrooms or living spaces, the Molekule uses two filters to eradicate common allergens in the air. Everything from viruses and smoke, to pollen, pet dander, and mold will be purified with this air purifier. 

The Molekule Air uses Photo Electrochemical Oxidation and is able to take in the surrounding air from every angle as it has a 360 degrees air intake function. The air is then passed through a pre-filter which captures larger particles before it makes its way through a PECO filter. The purified air is then expelled from the unit and disperses back into the room. 

In order for the Molekule Air to do its job effectively, you will have to change the filters. The pre-filter will need replacing around every three months, and the PECO filter every six months. Molekule does offer a subscription service where filter replacements can be delivered to your home. 

Most of the air purifiers we reviewed featured HEPA filters but the Molekule does not. HEPA filters are fantastic at collecting allergens and unwanted chemicals in the air, however, the Molekule Air has been designed to not only collect what a HEPA filter can collect, but also destroy it. 

This unit features touch screen controls and an adjustable fan speed. There are three different fan speeds to choose from. On the Molekule Air’s screen, you’ll be able to see the status of the filter and you can switch between modes. You can also control the Molekule Air via an app which is a handy extra. If you’re considering other air purifiers that can be controlled via an app, check out our Dyson Pure Cool TP04 tower fan review. 

As this air purifier is designed to be used in bedrooms, you’d expect it to be quiet too. On its lowest setting, the Molekule Air creates 41 decibels of noise, but on its highest setting, it created 65 decibels of noise. This is louder than the more affordable Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet Air Purifier review.  

One thing that isn’t so great about the Molekule Air is that it when it’s on full power, so is it’s light, which is a real pain if you’re trying to get to sleep. There is a night mode, but this isn’t as powerful. 

Molekule Air: User reviews

The Molekule Air scores an average of 4.1 out of five on Amazon. Some user reviews mention an unpleasant smell after using the air purifier for a few days. Other users also mentioned how they found the unit to be expensive and buying the replacement filters was also another expense on top. Some reviews mention that this air purifier is also fairly heavy if you’re thinking about moving it from room to room and the boost mode is really noisy. 

Other user reviews praise the design of the Molekule air purifier, they also mention that you can adjust the light via the app if you don’t want to be woken up by it at night. One user stated that ‘what you’re paying for is design and quality materials’. 

Should you buy the Molekule Air?

The Molekule Air may cost more upfront than other air purifiers out there, but its powerful purification isn’t to be taken lightly. This air purifier is a dream for larger spaces of up to 600 square feet, and to make things even better, its PECO filter actually breaks down allergens, rather than just catching and collecting them. At the same time, the gadget looks sleek and elegant, fitting in with stylish home decor.

All of this combined with the device’s smart features makes it a very fine choice for those who have the budget for it. After all, you’ll be able to track its progress using WiFi connectivity and leave it to sort out the air quality for you when the smart sensor and night mode are turned on.

If this product isn't for you

Is the Molekule Air purifier looking a little out of your budget range? While it may not have all the added frills and features, the Honeywell HPA300 is a budget-friendly option that deals with up to 465 square feet. 

For a product that’s somewhere in the middle budget-wise, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 is quiet and powerful, as well as packed with excellent features such as smart sensors, LED mood lights, and customizable filters to deal with different allergy triggers.

As for those who live with a furry friend, the Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet Air Purifier may make a worthwhile investment. Pet dander and hair can be some of the most problematic issues when it comes to home air quality, but the device’s four-step purification process deals with them efficiently and relatively noiselessly.