Alen Breathesmart 45i Review: 11 Real World Tests

In This Review
Purification Performance | Ozone Test | Filters | Coverage | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we test 11 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the air purifier. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Test Type	Test Data
PM2.5 (1 hour test)	0.2 ppm
PM10 (1 hour test)	0.2 ppm
Particles (2 hour test)	43
AQI (2 hour test)	2
Ozone Detected	0.0 ppm
Filter Type	HEPA, Carbon, Pre-Filter, Ionizer
Coverage Area	800 sq. ft. (74 sq. m.)
CADR	245 CFM
Max Wind Speed	8.7 mph (14.0 kph)
Noise Test	53.4 dB

To test the purification performance of the Alen Breathesmart 45i, we placed it in a medium sized room in our office (~14’ x 10`). Next, we lit incense to introduce smoke and other particulates into the air for 30 seconds. After, we use a professional air quality detector to take a measurement of the smoke-filled air.

Next, we run the air purifier on the highest fan speed for 2 hours, taking measurements of the air quality at the one hour mark and the end of the test. Here is what we found:

Performance Metric	Starting Measurement	After 1 Hour	After 2 Hours
PM2.5	38.6 ppm	0.2 ppm	0.1 ppm
PM10	66.5 ppm	0.2 ppm	0.1 ppm
Particles	8305	43	29
AQI	108	2	2

In our air purification tests, the Alen Breathesmart 45i was able to reduce PM2.5 to 0.2 ppm. This is 0.28 ppm lower than the average of 0.48 ppm, based on all of our air purification tests to date.

Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. Simply, the lower the numbers the better.

Alen does mention in their quick start guide that after the initial start-up, they recommend placing the fan speed on “Turbo” for 2 hours to help purify the surrounding air. At our second-hour measurement, we saw the PM2.5 further decrease to 0.1 ppm, which is near our testing average of 0.15 ppm. After that, they recommend placing the Alen Breathesmart 45i on “Auto Mode” to adjust the fan speed as needed.

With most air purifiers ozone generation isn’t an issue. That said, some that use negative ion generators have the potential to create ozone. To test this, we run the Alen Breathesmart 45i, letting it run for 1 hour and measure the levels of ozone before and after with an ozone meter device.

In our ozone tests, the Alen Breathesmart 45i generated 0.0 ppm.

The Alen Breathesmart 45i has a 3-in-1 air filter.

Coverage

The Alen Breathesmart 45i has a coverage area of 800 sq. ft. It is best suited for medium to large rooms or even a 1 to 2-bedroom apartment.

Comparing the Alen Breathesmart 45i to the average, we see it is slightly larger, but the CADR is slightly smaller. Across all air purifiers we’ve tested to date, the average coverage area is 744 sq. ft. and the average CADR is 290 CFM.

Wind Speed Test

Our wind speed test uses an anemometer placed directly on the air vents of the Alen Breathesmart 45i to measure the fan speeds in miles per hour. We run it on the lowest and highest fan speeds and record the speed of the air coming out of the device.

In our wind speed test, the Alen Breathesmart 45i was able to generate a maximum wind speed of 8.7 mph. This is 3.6 mph lower than the average of 12.3 mph, based on all of our wind speed tests to date.

We typically see air purifiers with larger coverage produce higher wind speed. However, with the Alen Breathesmart 45i, it did come in slightly slower wind speed.

Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the air purifier. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.

The Alen Breathesmart 45i has an exceptional build quality between the body, fan, and filters. Each coming together to make a remarkable air purification system in quality. The body is constructed of durable plastic and has a heavy base to prevent possible tipping. The fan is placed in the rear of the system. Finally, the filters are 3-in-1, combined for simplicity in handling and maintenance.

Part	Build Quality
Overall	Exceptional
Body	Exceptional
Fan	Exceptional
Filters	Exceptional
Controls	Excellent
Display	Excellent
Remote	n/a
Wheels	n/a

When compared to others in similar size and coverage, The Alen Breathsmart 45i stands out with its overall body construction and handling. It had convenient handles for moving the system around. The filter cover was easy to remove and securely snap back in place. It gave me confidence that it wouldn’t easily tip over if bumped. Overall, the build quality is excellent and exactly what we look for in a mid-sized air purification system.

Additionally, the Alen Breathesmart 45i comes with the option to change the color of the body panels. The options are White, Oak, Weathered Gray, Brushed Stainless, Graphite, and Espresso.

To determine the level of noise that the Alen Breathesmart 45i creates we use a sound meter and measure the decibel levels on both the lowest and highest fan speeds. In addition, we measure the ambient noise levels of the room as a baseline comparison.

In our noise tests, the Alen Breathesmart 45i generated 53.4 dB of noise on the max fan speed. This is 8.6 dB lower than the average of 62.0 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

The Alen Breathesmart came in with an excellent score for its max noise. Our ambient noise in the lab was 41.2 dB, which means that the noise from the Breathesmart 45i was not overpowering. It was a comfortable level of white noise while on its max fan speed.

The Alen Breathesmart 45i has a friendly user functionality with its simplistic controls.

Removing the Alen Breathesmart 45i from its packaging took no more than 5 minutes, with the most tedious task being removing all the plastic covers.

There are plastic wraps across the body, across the control panel, and the filter comes wrapped in plastic. Be sure to remove all the plastic before turning the system on.

The control panel is simple and has LED lights to help the user identify the current setting and status of the Breathesmart 45i. However, I do wish Alen had labeled the “T” with the full word “Turbo” on the control panel. It took me a few minutes to find it in the manual on what exactly the “T” fan speed is.

Wireless Controls

There are no wireless controls with this base model. For wireless control, you will need to upgrade to the Air Intelligence Bundle

In The Box

• Alen Breathesmart 45i
• 1 x HEPA Air Filter
• Quick Start Guide

The Alen Breathesmart 45i has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $69. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the Alen Breathesmart 45i.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
HEPA, Carbon, Pre Filter	Replace Every 12 Months	$69.00
Sensor	Remove any obstructions, clean as needed	$0

Size & Dimensions

Many of the air purifiers we test come in a symmetrical shape, like a circle or square. However, the Alen Breathesmart 45i has a wide front face of 15 inches, giving it a wide body look when viewed from the front. But, when looking at the thickness and depth, it only measures 8.5 inches.

Attribute	Measurement
Height	25.0″ (63.5 cm)
Length	8.5″ (21.6 cm)
Width	15.0″ (38.1 cm)
Weight	15.0 lbs. (6.8 kg)

Specifications

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specifications
Manufacturer	Alen
Model	Breathesmart 45i
Height	25.0″ (63.5 cm)
Length	8.5″ (21.6 cm)
Width	15.0″ (38.1 cm)
Weight	15.0 lbs. (6.8 kg)
Filter	HEPA, Carbon, Pre-Filter, Ionizer
Noise Levels	53 dB (max)
Coverage Area	800 sq. ft.
CADR	245 CFM
Wi-Fi Compatible	No
Warranty	Lifetime
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

The Alen Breathesmart series has several models of this series that range in size and coverage. The largest is the Alen Breathesmart 75i covering 1,300 sq. ft., the 45i is the mid-range air purifier, and the Alen BreathSmart FLEX comes in with a slightly smaller coverage than the 45i with 700 sq. ft.

Each model in the series comes with a WiFi-connected option, allowing users to connect their air purifier to the Alen Air App. This gives the user additional functionality and control over their air purifier.

How does Alen Breathesmart 45i compare?

Below is a complete list of our air purifier tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our air purifier tests to date.

Test Type	Test Data	Avg. Data
PM2.5 (1 hours)	0.2 ppm	0.4 ppm
PM10 (1 hours)	0.2 ppm	0.7 ppm
Particles (1 hours)	43	60.8
AQI (1 hours)	2	1
Ozone Detected	0.0 ppm	0.0 ppm
Filter Types	HEPA, Carbon, Pre-Filter, Ionizer	n/a
Coverage Area	800 sq. ft.	744 sq. ft.
CADR	245 CFM	290 CFM
Max Wind Speed	8.7 mph	12.3 mph
Noise Test	53.4 dB	62.0 dB

While the Alen Breathesmart 45i had impressive results in air purification, it did struggle to achieve those results within the first hour. Typically, we see exceptional air purifiers achieve 0.1 PPM in both PM2.5 & PM10 within the first hour. However, it achieved those scores in our 2nd-hour measurement. It’s an excellent air purifier, but for complete purification, you’ll need to wait a couple of hours, depending on the size of your room.

Other Air Purifiers to Consider

FAQs