Molekule Air Pro Review

Pros

• Fantastic purification performance reducing PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.1
• 4-part filtration system including PECO, HEPA, and Carbon
• Easy to use controls on screen and in app
• Aesthetically appealing with vegan leather handle for carrying device
• 2 different auto modes with a 1,000 sq. ft. coverage area

Cons

• Filter replacement is more frequent than a standard HEPA filter
• No custom scheduling options in app

Scoring

In This Review

Purification | Filters | Wind Speed | Ozone | Noise | Usability | Size | Specs | Summary

Purification Performance

For our purification test, we placed the Molekule Air Pro in a medium sized room in our office (~14’ x 10’). We lit incense, letting it smoke for 30 seconds releasing smoke and other particulates into the air. Then, we use a professional air quality detector to take a measurement of the current air quality. 

We then let the Molekule Air Pro run for 2 hours on the maximum fan speed, taking measurements of the air quality after the one hour mark and the end of the test. 

The Molekule Air Pro had fantastic results in our purification test. After 1 hour the PM2.5 and PM10 were lowered into healthy air quality levels. After the 2nd hour, the PM2.5 and PM10 were both 0.1, which is great to see.

While there are a number of data points we measure to help us determine the air quality, the most important thing to know is: the lower the numbers the better. Below we’ve included information on testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. 

We have previously tested the Molekule Air Pro and it had slightly worse results. 

The difference lies in the filters used in this latest version.

The Filters

Previously, the Air Pro included Molekule’s proprietary filter called PECO. PECO (aka: Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) uses light shining on the filter membrane to create a reaction on the surface that destroys pollutants. 

This, along with a pre filter, were the only filter types used in the previous version. Now their filter is more robust. It includes:

• Pre-filter
• PECO filter
• HEPA filter
• Activated carbon filter

The pre-filter catches the larger particulates floating through the air like hair or dust. 

The PECO filter, which works through the light-based reaction, works in tandem with the HEPA filter which captures particles as small as 0.1 microns. 

Finally, the activated carbon filter helps remove toxic gasses, VOC’s, and other unpleasant odors from the air.

This updated filter improved the performance of the Air Pro, in our view. 

Wind Speed Test

To measure wind speed, we place an anemometer directly on the air vents of the Molekule Air Pro. We run it on the lowest and highest fan speeds and measure the speed of the air coming out of the device. 

Both of the wind speeds of the Molekule Air Pro were different than average, all though not by much.

On average, we see air purifiers have a minimum wind speed of 3.1 mph and a maximum wind speed of 11.8 mph. This puts the Molekule Air Pro slower on the lowest end, but slightly faster at its max. 

Ozone Test

Some air purifiers, especially those with negative ion generators, have the potential to create ozone. In the vast majority of cases, not enough ozone is created, if at all, that it would warrant concern. However, due to the potential health risks of ozone, we tested the Molekule Air Pro, just in case. 

To test this, we use an ozone meter and measure ozone levels before running the air purifier. Next, we let the Molekule run for 1 hour and take an additional measurement of the ozone levels. 

Just as we expected, no harmful levels of ozone were created by the Molekule Air Pro. 

Noise Test

To test noise levels of the Molekule Air Pro, we take measurements of the noise it generates while running on the minimum and maximum fan speed. In addition, we take a measurement of the ambient noise levels of the room before running the device. 

Here are the results:

As the low wind speed of the Molekule would suggest, the device is very quiet on the lowest end, only being 0.3 dB above the baseline. That said, it can get quite loud at its max fan speed. On average, we see air purifiers generate 61.4 dB of noise, making the Air Pro significantly louder. 

Common noise levels:

• 20 dB – rustling leaves
• 30 dB – whisper
• 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
• 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
• 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
• 70 dB – traffic, showers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Usability Tests

Overall usability for the Molekule Air Pro is excellent. The overall design of the device is aesthetically pleasing, making it something that adds to your décor, instead of something you hide away. 

In addition, it comes with a vegan leather strap attached, which makes moving the device easier. 

Setup

Setup is quite simple for the Molekule Air Pro. Here is what comes with the device in the box:

• Molekule Air Pro
• Cloth carrying bag
• Manuals & laboratory testing results
• Gen 2.1 PECO / HEPA filter (pre-installed)

With the device unboxed, you will need to remove the packaging around the filter, which is inside the device. Once that is done, you can unwind the cord to your desired length and plug it in. 

From there the device will start running, but you can also continue the setup with the Molekule app. By following the in-app instructions, this complete setup process takes about 5-10 minutes for a single person. 

Controls & Display

On top of the Molekule Air Pro is a touch screen display which allows you to control the device. In total, there are 5 screens you can swipe through.

1. Home screen: displays general air quality and current fan speed.
2. PM sensor level: displays more detailed information of the current air quality that is being read by internal device sensors. 
3. Fan modes: displays the current fan speed and allows the user to change between 1-6 different modes manually, or select 2 different versions of an auto mode, standard or quiet.
4. PECO-Filter status: shows the current filter life of the filter.
5. Settings: gives the user access to various settings and other device information.

The display is clear and easy to read, in addition to the screen being easy to interact with, although a little laggy at times. 

App

The app and on-screen display offer a lot of the same information. Mostly, the app offers an intuitive interface to control your Air Pro wirelessly. While it offers essentially the same functionality as the on-board screen, some may find the larger screen on their phone easier to read and use. 

Maintenance

The most important piece of maintenance required for the Molekule Air Pro is replacing the filters. Molekule recommends replacing the filter every 6 months, which they will notify you of in the app or the screen on the device. 

The process is fairly simple. You push and twist the top part of the device, which will then rise up allowing you to remove the top. From there it is easy to access the filter and remove it if needed.

Size & Coverage Area

The Molekule Air Pro stands tall with a smooth silver top section and white base. 

Here are the exact dimensions of the Molekule Air Pro:

• Width: 10.9”
• Height – 23.1”
• Weight – 22.9 lbs.

It can cover up to 1,000 sq. ft. which is good enough for most large rooms. 

Molekule Air Pro vs. Mini+ vs. Purgo

Molekule currently manufactures 3 different air purifiers for their customers to consider. Both the Air Pro and Mini+ include the exact same features and filters, but come in different sizes. The Mini+ covers up to 250 sq. ft. while the Air Pro covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. 

Specs	Air Pro	Mini+	Purgo
Coverage Area	1,000 sq. ft.	250 sq. ft.	3,000 sq. ft.
HEPA Filter	Yes	Yes	Yes
Activated Carbon Filter	Yes	Yes	Yes
PECO Filter	Yes	Yes	No
SteriDuctTM	No	No	Yes

The Purgo stands apart from the other devices offering a different approach to air filtration. It forgoes the PECO filter, in favor of their SteriDuct UV-C system. This uses UV light to help eliminate viral, bacterial and fungal microorganisms from the air, in tandem with a standard pre, carbon, and HEPA filter setup. In addition, it offers 4-6 air changes in a 3000 sq. ft. area every hour. 

Specifications

Specifications
Manufacturer	Molekule
Model	Air Pro
Width	10.9″
Height	23.1″
Weight	22.9 lbs.
Filters	PECO, HEPA, carbon
Wifi Compatible	Yes
Max. Wind Speed	12.1 mph
Room Coverage	1,000 sq. ft.
Returns	Varies by retailer
Warranty	2-years limited
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the Molekule Air Pro?

I would recommend the Molekule Air Pro if you’re looking for the following features:

• Excellent purification performance: Improving upon its previous filter by adding in HEPA and activated carbon mediums, the Molekule Air Pro performed well in our tests. It reduced both PM2.5 and PM10 to safe levels in one hour and further to 0.1 after 2 hours. In addition, no harmful levels of ozone were generated during the test. 
• Simplistic clean design with large coverage area: The Molekule Air Pro has a clean design with a vegan leather strap for easy carrying. This medium size offers 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage, which is great for medium to large sized rooms. 
• Intuitive on-device or in-app controls: While the controls on the device and in the app are similar in functionality, they are also intuitive and easy to use. It gives the user information about the air quality and quick ways to change settings on the device.

For more information or to buy the Molekule Air Pro, click here.