Airthings Renew air purifier review: Quiet but powerful multi-stage filtration
Airthings Renew
Pros
- Very quiet operation
- Multi-stage filtration
- App offers detailed air quality report
- Washable pre-filters
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- Replacement filters are a bit pricey
Airthings has become a go-to brand for indoor air quality monitoring. Their products, like the View Plus – which I praised in my 2022 review – are known for their user-friendly interface and detailed data. I’ve personally relied on that one to keep track of my home’s air quality for several years, and it’s consistently delivered reliable information. This strong track record has solidified Airthings’ position in the market.
Beyond monitoring, the company has expanded into air purification. Their newest product, the Airthings Renew, debuted at CES 2024. It’s a two-in-one deal, combining air quality tracking with air cleaning for a complete indoor air solution.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
It this review I will delve into the Renew’s features and performance. How good is it at improving indoor air quality? Let’s put this purifier to the test and find out if it’s a breath of fresh air.
View Airthings Renew on Amazon.
Jump to
Design
Technical specs
How to use
The bottom line
Airthings Renew review: Design
When I first set up the Airthings Renew, its design immediately caught my attention. The matte gray exterior and “audio-grade” woven textile front cover reflect a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that fits well with various home decor styles. It’s clear that Airthings has put thought into creating a device that doesn’t just perform well but also looks good. The minimalist aesthetic allows it to blend into the background of your home quite well.
One of the Renew’s strengths is its versatility in placement. I’ve experimented with it standing upright, lying flat, and even wall-mounted using the included wall hook. This flexibility is useful in adapting to different room layouts. At 11 lbs, it’s substantial but still manageable to move around using the built-in strap.
The controls and indicators are subtly integrated into the design, maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. The Renew prioritizes its primary function as a purifier rather than a display device, which aligns with its minimalist aesthetic.
Having said that, the indicator lights can be used for a quick air quality check. They shine in red, yellow, or green depending on the air quality – without being overly bright. However, for more detailed information on air quality along with a historical timeline, you can refer to the accompanying smartphone app.
Practicality seems to have been a priority in the design. Changing filters is remarkably easy – no tools required, everything just pops on and off. I can literally pull the thing apart in about 30 seconds, which I love. And then snap everything back in its place. The power cord is also well-designed, neither too short to limit placement options nor so long as to become an eyesore.
There is a multi-stage filtration system on-board which is a plus as it helps to clean the air thoroughly. This consists of two washable pre-filters for dust, pet hair, and larger particulates, a HEPA-13 filter that traps 99.97% of remaining tiny particles, and an active charcoal filter for removing chemicals and odours.
While the system is effective, it’s worth noting that filter replacement is an ongoing cost. The company suggests changing the filters about every six months, depending on use and air pollution levels. A replacement will set you back $70 and it includes both the HEPA and carbon filters. So that’s something to take into consideration. You might find air purifiers with cheaper filters, but they typically need replacing every three months.
The device and app will notify you when it’s time to change filters. It helps that you can clean the pre-filters with a gentle vacuum when necessary. It’s a good idea to do this on a regular basis.
In terms of performance, the Renew can clean the air in rooms up to 525 sq ft (49 m2) in about 30 minutes. While I think it’s ideal for bedrooms due to its quiet operation and understated design, it can effectively clean the air in any room or small apartment within its capacity.
Airthings Renew clearly has many positive attributes as far as design and performance. Of course, the ongoing cost of filter replacement is something to keep in mind. Also, while the design is pleasant and versatile, it may not suit all tastes or decor styles. But all things considered- this is a really good looking and performing device that will fit nicely into most homes.
Airthings Renew review: Technical specs
Airthings Renew | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 6.7″D x 16.3″W x 16.1″H |
ACH (air changes per hour) | 5 x for 210 sq ft room (19.5 m2); 4.8 x for 219 sq ft room (20 m2); 4 x for 263 sq ft room (24 m2); 3 x for 350 sq ft room (33 m2); 2 x for 525 sq ft room (49 m2). |
CADR (clean air delivery rate) | 140 CFM |
Noise level | 23 dB (Silent mode) – 51 dB (Boost mode) |
Power usage | 1 w (Standby) – 2.6 W (Silent) – 31.5 W (Boost) |
Air quality sensors | High-precision laser-based particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) |
Pre-filter | Two pre-filters to trap larger particles: Audio-grade textile outer pre-filter + Removable & washable inner pre-filter |
Particle filter | Yes – HEPA 13 – Removes 99.97% of all particles in the air measuring 0.3 microns in diameter. |
Activatec Charcoal filter | Yes – Removes odours and VOCs. |
Operational speeds | 5 |
Connectivity | WiFi 802.11b/g/n |
Airthings Renew review: How to use
Setting up the Airthings Renew is a breeze. Take it out of the box and look for an optimal location in your home. Regardless of the chosen position, it’s important to maintain at least 8 inches of clearance around the air inlet and outlet for efficient operation.
Once you’ve determined the ideal spot, simply connect the supplied power cable to the unit and plug it into a standard electrical outlet. That’s all there is to it. The Renew will automatically enter Auto mode, and its air quality sensor will begin sampling the air. As mentioned, the device is extremely quiet until you get into the upper speeds. But you won’t need to use those too often.
After considering different rooms in the house, I decided to put this machine in my bedroom. I could feel a crisp shift in air quality as soon as I switched it on, reminiscent of a gentle mountain breeze. The location is ideal for me as the device doesn’t disrupt my sleep, and its soft operation blends into the background noises of the room. You really can’t hear it at all at its low settings.
At times, I would bring the air purifier to other rooms – perhaps when I had the oven on for a while. The device is easy to move to different locations. In those instances it was satisfying to see how the air quickly cleans. The device would kick into high-gear, and after several minutes the air quality indicator lights would shift from red to green. Nice.
The Renew’s control panel is the hub for day-to-day operation, offering several modes and functions. Auto mode is the recommended “set it and forget it” option. That is the one I use most. On this setting, Renew’s laser-based particulate matter sensor continuously monitors air quality, adjusting the fan speed as needed. It’s an energy-efficient way to maintain optimal air quality without constant manual adjustments. For those who prefer direct control, you can actually manually adjust between five fan speeds using the dedicated buttons.
Another mode I use on a daily basis is the Silent mode. I would switch that one on late at night, as it operates at the lowest fan speed for 8 hours with dimmed panel lights. In the morning it toggles back to auto-mode on its own.
Finally, there’s also a Boost mode. That is the noisy one and it is used when you need rapid air purification. For example, after cooking or in response to sudden pollutant increases. This mode runs the fan at maximum speed for a maximum of one hour.
Additional functions accessible through the control panel include a child lock, activated by pressing Auto and Boost together for 3 seconds, a filter change indicator that illuminates when it’s time to replace filters, and a Wi-Fi status indicator showing connection status. The Renew also includes thoughtful features like a fan-safe function, which stops the motor if an abnormal drop in fan speed is detected, preventing damage from accidental objects in the air outlet.
Optional smartphone app
As with all tech these days, there’s an accompanying smartphone app. The good news is that you don’t really need it to operate the device. This will come as a relief to those with app-cluttered phones. All Renew’s controls are available using the onboard control panel.
Having said that, to unlock the full potential of the device you may want to consider downloading the Airthings app. This allows you to create an account, connect the device to your Wi-Fi network for firmware updates, and add it to your Airthings ecosystem.
The app also provides real-time and historical air quality data as shown in the screenshots below. Plus you get remote control capabilities enabling you to monitor and adjust your Renew from anywhere. I actually already had the app installed, as it is the same one that is used for View Plus. So it was just a matter of adding another device to the account.
Airthings Renew review: The Verdict
Airthings Renew is an impressive air purifier that delivers on its promises. In day-to-day use, it functions exceptionally well, with one of its standout features being its near-silent operation in most modes. This quiet performance is particularly appreciated in bedrooms or home offices where noise can be a distraction. I also like the minimalistic design, portability and the versatility in placement.
The multi-stage filtration system is another plus. It’s thorough in its approach, capturing everything from large particles like pet hair down to microscopic pollutants. I particularly appreciate that some of the filters are washable, which helps extend their life and reduce overall maintenance costs.
 | Airthings Renew |  |
The auto mode takes the guesswork out of air purification, adjusting fan speeds based on real-time air quality measurements. That is the one I revert to the most. The night mode is there to ensure undisturbed sleep while maintaining clean air throughout the night.
However, it’s worth noting that there is an ongoing cost associated with the Renew. The need to replace filters every six months or so, depending on usage, is a consideration for potential buyers. But this is a common aspect of high-quality air purifiers and should be viewed as an investment in maintaining clean, healthy air in your living space.
Despite this minor drawback, the Airthings Renew offers excellent value. Its combination of effective purification, quiet operation, smart features, and user-friendly design makes it a top contender in the air purifier market.
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