IQair Vs. Molekule: Which Air Purifier Should You Choose?

With air pollution on the rise, indoor air quality has become a major concern for many homeowners. Air purifiers provide a solution by filtering out pollutants, allergens, and odors. Two popular brands, IQair and Molekule, promise clean and healthy indoor air but use different technologies to achieve it.

So which one is better? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Iqair and Molekule air purifiers to help you decide.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	IQair	Molekule
Technology	HEPA filter	PECO filter
Particle filtration	Removes 99.97% down to 0.3 microns	Good down to 0.1 microns
Gases & VOCs	Not effective	Destroys at molecular level
Filter life	Annual replacement	Replaced every 6 months
CADR rating	Up to 350	Around 190
Coverage area	1,125 sq. ft.	600 sq. ft.
Noise level	22 – 56 dB	31 – 55 dB
Design	Functional, simple	Sleek, modern
Cost	$800 – $1,200	$799 – $1,199
Warranty	5 years on parts, 10 years on housing	2 years on unit, 10 years on housing

An Overview of IQair And Molekule

IQair air purifiers use a traditional HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. This includes allergens from pollen, dander, mold, and dust. The HyperHEPA filter is also effective against bacteria and viruses. IQair systems have up to 6 fan speeds so you can adjust airflow as needed. They are excellent for whole home air purification.

Molekule takes a completely different approach with its proprietary Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology. Instead of simply trapping pollutants like HEPA filters, the PECO destroys them at a molecular level. This allows Molekule to eliminate VOCs, chemicals, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and mold from the air. The sleek, futuristic design makes Molekule models ideal for single rooms.

Filtration Technology Compared

Let’s take a deeper look at how these two technologies work:

HEPA Filtration (IQair)

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters use a dense mesh of fiberglass or plastic fibers to mechanically trap particles. The fibers are tightly woven and very fine, allowing HEPA filters to capture over 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns through diffusion and interception. This includes fine particles like smoke, pet dander, pollen, mold, bacteria, and viruses. The trapped particles remain stuck in the filter instead of recirculating through the air.

However, HEPA filters have limitations:

• Not effective at removing odors, gases, or VOCs
• Must be replaced annually for optimum performance
• Can allow some ultrafine particles like viruses to pass through

PECO Technology (Molekule)

PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) uses UV light and a nano-coated filter to destroy pollutants, including VOCs, bacteria, viruses, and mold, at a molecular level. Here’s how it works in 4 steps:

1. Adsorption: As air passes through the filter, pollutants stick to the nano-coating on the surface.
2. Oxidation: The UV-A light activates the nano-coated filter, creating oxidation that breaks down pollutants and converts them into harmless compounds like CO2 and H2O.
3. Mineralization: Minerals in the filter transform any remaining bigger particles into inert salts and minerals.
4. Collection: These inert byproducts remain trapped on the filter surface.

PECO does not just collect pollutants but oxidizes and destroys them completely. However, the PECO filter needs replacing approximately every 6 months.

Ease Of Use

Both IQair and Molekule systems are simple to operate. Here’s a quick comparison:

IQair

• Touch button controls on unit
• Remote control included
• LED displays show fan speed, filter life, and air quality
• Easy filter replacement

Molekule

• Touchscreen display with intuitive interface
• App for smartphone control
• Indicator lights display filter status and air quality
• Automated filter delivery when replacement needed

Molekule air purifiers provide more convenience with app connectivity and auto-delivery of replacement filters when required. But Iqair models also let you monitor air quality and change settings easily on the unit itself.

Also Read: Comparison Between Blueair And Rabbit Air.

Coverage And Room Size

Another important consideration is the unit’s CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and coverage capacity:

IQair

• Designed to clean large spaces up to 1,125 sq. ft.
• Can effectively purify entire homes
• Models with HyperHEPA filter have high 300+ CADR rating

Molekule

• Ideal for single rooms up to 600 sq. ft.
• Lower CADR rating around 190
• Air Multiplier fans help project purified air farther
• Multiple units needed to cover whole home

If you want to purify the air in a large open floor plan or throughout your whole house, IQair is the better choice. For one bedroom or smaller rooms, a Molekule unit is sufficient.

Noise Levels

Excessive noise can be annoying for some users. Here’s how IQair and Molekule models compare:

IQair

• Noise levels from 22 dB(A) on lowest fan speed
• Up to 56 dB(A) on highest setting
• Overall quiet operation

Molekule

• Ranges from 31 dB(A) to 55 dB(A)
• Generally quiet but higher minimum noise level
• Silent mode at 34 dB(A) available on some models

At their lowest speeds, both brands have quiet operation around 22 to 31 dB(A). Molekule air purifiers tend to have higher minimum noise levels, while Iqair systems can run quieter on the lowest fan setting. But Molekule offers a silent mode on some units for very unobtrusive and relaxing purification.

Appearance And Design

Let’s examine the aesthetics and design:

IQair

• Functional, box-shaped design
• Made from durable hard plastic
• Available in neutral colors like black and white

Molekule

• Sleek and cylindrical shape
• Premium materials like aluminum and leather
• Contemporary style in colors like silver, black, and white

For those that value form and appearance, Molekule air purifiers look more stylish and are designed to fit seamlessly into modern homes. But IQair units have a simple, fuss-free look that blends easily into any space.

Also Read: Choose Between Molekule And Levoit.

Special Features

Beyond just the core filtration, here are some extra features found on these air purifiers:

IQair

• VFAST® fan technology increases energy efficiency
• Auto Mode adjusts fan speed based on air quality
• Timer, filter life LED, and other alerts
• HyperHEPA filter for bacteria and viruses

Molekule

• Dual airflow channels avoid leaks and optimize purification
• Auto Mode adjusts fan speed based on particle levels
• Real-time air quality monitoring and notifications
• Air Multiplier blows purified air farther

Molekule’s air quality sensor and dual channel system offer added convenience, while Iqair provides the ultimate filtration even for viruses. But both brands offer useful auto modes, alerts, and other handy features.

Cost Comparison

Let’s look at the cost and value offered by these two brands:

IQair

• Models range from $800 to $1,200
• Excellent value for large rooms and whole homes
• HEPA filters cost around $120 per year

Also watch the video!

Molekule

• Units range from $799 to $1,199
• More economical for single rooms up to 600 sq ft
• PECO filters cost roughly $130 every 6 months

Molekule air purifiers are ideal for smaller spaces, while larger IQair models offer better value to purify the air throughout your home. The PECO filters used by Molekule need replacing twice yearly, making long term operation more expensive.

Warranties

The warranty coverage also differs:

• IQair – 5 years on parts, 10 years on housing
• Molekule – 2 years on entire unit, 10 years on housing only

Iqair provides a longer 5-year warranty on the internal components. But Molekule offers 10 years of coverage on the outer housing for both brands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Is Coway Better Than Dyson?

Final Verdict

So which brand is better for your needs?

If you want advanced PECO technology for small spaces, Molekule is the winner. The innovative particulate destruction, silent mode, and stylish design make Molekule a great choice for bedrooms, offices, and other compact rooms.

For large open spaces and whole home coverage, IQair air purifiers come out on top. With bigger units and the tried and true performance of HEPA filtration, IQair models provide robust air purification at a bit more affordable price point. Ultimately, choosing between IQair and Molekule depends on your space size, features needed, and budget.

Both brands deliver excellent air filtration with smart conveniences. Focus on whether complete pollutant destruction or maximum coverage for your square footage matters most to make the right selection. With clean air benefits for health and comfort, you can’t go wrong with either IQair or Molekule.