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Molekule Air Purifiers comparison: Air vs. Air Pro vs. Mini vs. Mini+

Updated: Nov 20, 2024

Molekule has been producing air purifiers since 2014. The air purifiers are well-built and the main selling point is the PECO filtration system. Instead of catching allergens, PECO destroys them.

The company has three different air purifiers with different specs and different features. Which is best for your home let's go ahead and find out now.

Video made by Modern Castle

What is the PECO filter?

The Molekule purifiers clean the air with the PECO filtration system.

The Molekule Air has both a pre-filter and PECO filter. While the Molekule Mini and Air Pro have a hybrid filter that combines the two. The pre-filter captures larger airborne particulates while the PECO filter destroys smaller particulates.

PECO stands for photoelectrochemical oxidation. And this technology is proprietary to Molekule.

Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) utilizes the traditional principles of mechanical filtration not to merely concentrate pollutants on filters, but to destroy them using chemistry.

The PECO air purifier uses a PECO-filter in addition to a more standard Pre-Filter.

The Pre-Filter serves to collect some larger pollution particles in the environment and to protect the PECO-Filter from substances that would otherwise block the light that activates the nanocatalyst.

The Molekule Air Mini does not have a Pre-Filter, but an integrated PECO-Filter with an outer layer that captures large particles.

The PECO air purifier uses a PECO-filter in addition to a more standard Pre-Filter. The Pre-Filter serves to collect some larger pollution particles in the environment and to protect the PECO-Filter from substances that would otherwise block the light that activates the nanocatalyst.

While a true HEPA filter traps the particles, PECO uses light filtration to create a reaction on the surface of the filter that destroys pollutants by breaking down the molecular structure. It is also able to catch even the smallest things such as allergens, pollens, viruses, mold, bacteria, chemicals, ozone, etc.

*PECO filters still need regular replacements to operate at peak performance

What does the Molekule air purifiers look like?

Molekule Air Pro and Molekule Air Mini have cylindrical shapes with an air intake at the bottom. And the outlet at the top are made of machine parts with a sleek look and each includes a carrying handle.

To control the device there is a touch control on top of the units. The Air and Air Pro have LED screens that give updates on air quality. The Mini doesn't have a screen but has LED lights to indicate fan speeds.

Another way to control the purifier is the app.

The Molekule purifiers dimensions

Dimensions/Models Air Air Pro Air Mini / Air Mini+
Diameter, inches 8.25 11 8
Height, inches 23 23 12
Weight, lbs 18 23 7.3

App connection

Each model is WiFi-enabled and can be connected to the app. In the app, you can track the indoor air quality in real-time and also choose between fan speeds. There is also an ability to track your PECO-Filter status and get notified when it’s time to replace it.

And through the app, you can sign up for the auto-refill program. That will deliver new filters to your door as needed.

You can also control the air purifier with the one-touch button in the mini and mini+ versions and with the LED display built into the Molekule Air.

The Molekule Air has Dark mode which shuts off UV light. Another thing is standby mode which turns off the light and fan of the Molekule Air purifier.

A handle

To carry the purifier from one room to another, there is a handle made of different materials depending on the model.


Molekule Air vs. Air Mini vs. Air Mini+

The main difference between them all is the size, weight, handle material, particle sensor, and modes.

The Air Pro is the most-featured, the biggest, and heaviest. It covers the biggest area and as a result is the most expensive/

The Air and Air Mini are medium and the smallest in size respectively. The Air Mini+ adds a particle sensor auto mode and leather handle. However, all other specs features and hardware are identical to the original Mini.

Specifications / Model Molekule Air Pro Molekule Air Molekule Air Mini Molekule Air Mini+
Filtration 1 Filter: Integrated PECO & Pre-filter 2 Filters: 1 PECO & 1 Pre-filter (1 extra in the box) 1 Filter: Integrated PECO & Pre-filter 1 Filter: Integrated PECO & Pre-filter
Filters life 6 months PECO-filter (6 months); Pre-filter (3 months) 6 months 6 months
Noise level 33-64 dB 41-65 dB 39-62 dB 39-62 dB
Area coverage/hour 1,000 sq. ft. (92.3 sq.m.) 600 sqft (55.7 sq.m.) 250 sqft (23.22 sq.m.) 250 sqft (23.22 sq.m.)
Fan speed 6 manual, auto, quiet auto, boost, silent, dark 5 manual 5 manual + auto protect (automated mode)
Dark mode yes yes no no
Weight 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) 18 lbs (8 kg) 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
App yes yes yes yes
Display type Digital touch display (LED) Digital touch display (LED) Touch display (one-button) Touch display (one button)
Body material Anodized aluminum Anodized aluminum Medical-grade polycarbonate Medical-grade polycarbonate
Handle material Vegan leather Premium leather Natural felt Vegan leather
Power consumption 61-153 W 20-80 W 20-55 W 20-55 W
Size (height x diameter) 23.9 in (58.6 cm) x 10.9 in (27.8 cm) 23 in (53.4 cm) x 8.25 in (20.95 cm) 12 in (30.5 cm) x 8.26 in (20.98 cm) 12 in (30.5 cm) x 8.26 in (20.98 cm)
Particular matter sensing yes no no yes
Ozone emission none none none none
Warranty 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years
Price $$ $999.99 $399.99 $360.05

Molekule Air Mini 

The Air Mini is cheaper than its brother, the Air Mini+, and lacks some features such as Auro Protect mode, particle level indicator, and particle sensor.

It has the same size, 5 fan speeds, a 2-years warranty, and weight. It is as quiet as the Mini+ too.

The handle is made of natural felt instead of vegan leather and that's about the difference between the two.


Molekule Air Mini+

The Air Mini+ has the same specifications of the Air Mini with some upgrades. The handle is made of vegan leather.

It is a small machine that replaces 250 sqft of indoor air every hour. Because of the PECO filtration system, it destroys pollutants and senses particles in small rooms.

The machine has Auto Protect mode. Based on the manufacturer statement, the Auto Protect mode delivers particle protection by auto-adjusting fan speed based on the sensor. It also has a particle level indicator and particle sensor. These are the exclusive only for the Air Mini+. Thanks to the particle level indicator and sensor the purifier senses the air quality helping the machine to understand when it needs to boost fan speed to clear the air.

By using the app, you can choose from 5 fan speed and Auto Protect mode depending on the air quality and also see the status of the filters.

The unit is fairly quiet making about 39 to 62 dB of noise depending on the noise level.


Molekule Air

The Molekule Air is the biggest and most powerful air purifier in the family. It clears up to 600 square feet of air every hour.

The body is made of anodized aluminum and the handle is made of premium leather.

The build quality is solid. It also has a Pre-filter and PECO filter while the Mini versions have 1 filter. In the box with the Air, you can find a spare pre-filter.

Because of being taller, the purifier is also heavier. It is equipped with a LED display which allows setting fan mode, dark mode that shuts off the device's lights, check for a filters status, and put the Molekule into a standby mode.


Molekule Air Pro

The Molekule Air Pro is the newest and biggest air purifier that covers up to 1,000 sqft rooms. It has similar to the Molekule Air design and about the same specifications but the Pro version maxes out more airflow.

It has 6 manual fan speeds and a display that shows the air quality information. It also senses the air quality and auto-adjusts airflow when the air is bad.


Purification test

The three purifiers were placed in a medium-sized room and ran for one hour on the highest settings. Here are the results:

Molekule Air

Molekule Air Before After 1 hour
PM2.5 6.2 0.6
PM10 10.7 1.2
Particulates 379 4
AQI 25 0

Molekule Air Pro

Air Pro Before After 1 hour
PM2.5 10 0.3
PM10 17.4 0.4
Particulates 1574 89
AQI 41 1

Molekule Air Mini

Air Mini Before After 1 hour
PM2.5 3.9 0.6
PM10 5.9 0.9
Particulates 329 49
AQI 16 0

To conclude

The Molekule Mini and Mini+ are suitable for small spaces. They are cheaper and lacks some features but still have advanced PECO filtering technology. If you want a purifier for personal needs, have a look at the Air Mini or Mini+.

If you want a balance of price and performance go with Molekule Air as it is a great machine for medium to bigger rooms. With the premium materials and being solid-built, this is a purifier that gives the best for the price. Overall it's a balanced and solid PECO air purifier.

For the best overall performance go with the Molekule Air Pro. It can treat rooms up to 1000 square feet. It has an auto mode to detect air quality levels and it can connect to the app. So you can remotely monitor and adjust settings.

 

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