Indoor air pollution is a growing concern, with pollutants like allergens, bacteria, mold, chemicals, and viruses floating around our homes. That’s where air purifiers come in – these handy devices filter out contaminants, leaving you with cleaner, healthier air to breathe.
Two popular options on the market are the Molekule and the Mila air purifiers. But how do you choose between them?
Here’s an in-depth comparison of Molekule and Mila to help you decide which is the best air purifier for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Molekule | Mila |
Technology | PECO – Uses UV light to destroy pollutants at molecular level | 3-stage filtration – Pre-filter, HEPA, activated carbon |
Room Size | Up to 600 sq ft (larger models available) | Up to 1,300 sq ft |
Filters | PECO filter lasts ~6 months, $79 replacement | HEPA/carbon filters last 4-6 months, $118 for 2-pack |
Sensors | PM2.5, VOCs | PM2.5, VOCs, humidity, temperature |
Connectivity | WiFi, app control, Alexa, Google Home | WiFi, app control, Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT |
Noise Level | 30 dB low setting | 34-64 dB across speeds |
Cost | $799 and up | $349 |
Performance | Excellent at removing VOCs, bacteria, viruses | Excellent at removing particles, smoke, dust |
Ease of Use | Simple touchscreen, app monitoring | Simple touchscreen, app monitoring |
Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Molekule And Mila: Features Comparison
Here’s how the key features of Molekule and Mila stack up:
Room Size:
- Molekule is designed for rooms up to 600 square feet. Models are available for larger spaces up to 1,000 square feet.
- Mila covers rooms up to 1,300 square feet, making it a good choice for large open layouts.
Filters:
- Molekule’s proprietary PECO filter lasts about 6 months with average use. Replacement filters cost $79.
- Mila uses less expensive, replaceable HEPA and activated carbon filters that last 4-6 months typically. A 2-pack is $118.
Air Quality Sensors:
- Molekule has dual sensors that continually monitor for particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Mila also has PM2.5 and VOC sensors. It tracks humidity and temperature as well.
Connectivity:
- Molekule connects to WiFi and is controlled through an app. Amazon Alexa and Google Home support are included.
- Mila also has WiFi/app connectivity and is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.
Noise Level:
- Molekule has whisper-quiet operation around 30 dB on the low setting.
- Mila claims to be virtually silent and is also very quiet at 34-64 dB depending on fan speed.
Cost:
- The Molekule Air starts around $799, with the larger Molekule Air Mini+ at $899.
- The Mila Air Purifier is more budget-friendly at $349.
Also Read: Comparison Between Aerostar And Filtrete Air Filters
Molekule And Mila: Performance Comparison
Independent testing shows both Molekule and Mila effectively improve indoor air quality, but some differences emerge:
- In Consumer Reports testing, the Molekule Air reduced airborne particles by 65% on high speed over 30 minutes. VOC removal was 46%.
- The Mila Air Purifier scored very well in Allergy Buyers Club testing, removing 99.9% of smoke and dust in under 15 minutes on the highest setting.
- Molekule appears effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses. In one study, it reduced E. coli bacteria by 99.99% and H1N1 virus by 99.98% in single-pass tests.
- Mila claims its medical-grade HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns, including dust, dander, mold and bacteria.
- For chemicals like VOCs, Molekule’s PECO technology probably has an edge over Mila’s activated carbon filter. Molekule’s catalytic reaction is tailored to break down these pollutants.
So while both can improve air quality in different ways, Molekule seems to have a performance advantage for destroying viruses, bacteria and gaseous chemicals. But Mila is no slouch either, excelling at particle removal.
Molekule And Mila: Ease of Use
When it comes to convenience, Molekule and Mila are both designed for simple operation:
- Both have touchscreen displays that let you control fan speeds, timers, child lock and other settings.
- WiFi connectivity and accompanying apps allow you to monitor air quality, change settings and get filter reminders remotely.
- The appliances have similar noise levels around 30-65 dB, so you can comfortably run them at night in the bedroom.
- Molekule and Mila filters are easy to access and replace when needed with clear instructions. Mila’s filters tend to be changed more often.
- Molekule requires a bit more maintenance like regularly cleaning the pre-filter. But overall, they are comparable in usability.
Molekule And Mila: Design
Molekule and Mila both feature sleek, modern designs that fit well in most home decor:
- The Molekule Air has a cylindrical shape with leather handle. Colors include black, white or grey. It is about 23 inches high.
- Mila has a soft, rounded rectangular shape with top handle. Available in white/gray or black. It measures roughly 27 inches high.
- The appliances have similar footprints designed to tuck away nicely in corners. Mila is taller while Molekule has a slightly smaller base.
- Touchscreens blend seamlessly into the clean, minimalist look. The controls are intuitive on both models.
- For the size, Molekule and Mila are both surprisingly quiet. Visual air quality rings let you easily check performance.
Overall, they are both modern, unobtrusive devices that don’t detract from home aesthetics. It just comes down to your preferred shape and color.
Also Read: Comparison Between Blueair and Dyson
Molekule And Mila: Customer Reviews
If we look at customer feedback, both purifiers get largely positive reviews:
- Molekule earns an average 4.4 out of 5 stars on its website. Positive reviews mention it improves allergy symptoms and removes odors effectively. Complaints cite high cost of ownership.
- Mila receives 4.7 out of 5 stars on average directly from customers. Many report noticeable air quality improvements and relief from conditions like asthma. Critical reviews mention faulty sensors.
- On Amazon, Molekule has a 3.8 rating while Mila earns a 4.6 after hundreds of reviews. Cavities include noise complaints on Molekule and defective units for Mila.
- Across major review sites, Mila seems to edge out Molekule slightly when it comes to overall customer satisfaction.
Here is what people are talking about Mila air purifier.
Molekule And Mila: Pros and Cons
Molekule Pros:
- PECO technology destroys pollutants rather than just collecting them
- Effective at eliminating VOCs, bacteria, viruses and allergens
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Attractive, compact design
Molekule Cons:
- Very expensive both upfront and over time
- Pre-filter needs regular cleaning
- Occasional app connectivity issues
Mila Pros:
- Inexpensive up-front cost
- Excellent particle removal
- Very quiet and user-friendly
- Helpful air quality sensors
- Good value for large rooms
Mila Cons:
- Replacement filters add ongoing costs
- Not as effective on gases and chemicals
- Some durability complaints
Also Read: Differences Between Mila And Blueair Air Purifiers.
How Do Molekule and Mila Work?
Both Molekule and Mila use multiple stages of filtration to clean the air, but their technology differs.
Molekule features a patented technology called Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO). Air is drawn into the unit and first passes through a pre-filter that traps larger pollutants like dander, dust and pollen.
The air then moves to the PECO filter, which uses UV light to activate a catalytic reaction that breaks down pollutants at a molecular level. This destroys allergens, mold, bacteria, viruses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Mila, on the other hand, uses a 3-stage filtration system. Air first goes through a mesh pre-filter that catches large particles. It then passes through a proprietary Sterling UM100 filter that uses an electrical charge to attract and trap smaller pollutants down to 0.1 microns.
Finally, activated carbon helps remove odors and chemical fumes. An additional UV-C light helps kill germs.
So while both purifiers use a multi-stage approach, Molekule claims an advantage with its PECO technology that doesn’t just collect pollutants but destroys them. Mila offers tried-and-true filtration methods but relies on users to change filters regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some comparable PECO technology purifiers like the Austin Air Healthmate and the IQAir HealthPro Plus also destroy pollutants at the molecular level. Other high-end HEPA purifiers like the Dyson Pure Cool and the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty offer similar performance and features.
No, Molekule is not FDA approved. The FDA does not certify air purifiers like Molekule and Mila. However, both use filtration materials and technologies widely accepted as safe and effective. Molekule PECO filters have undergone independent laboratory testing for safety.
Not exactly. The Mila air purifier senses overall air quality levels and types of particles, but does not specifically identify mold. Its sensors track particulate matter that could include mold spores. Frequent mold detection may indicate a moisture issue that requires further inspection.
Yes, Molekule claims its PECO filters destroy formaldehyde as well as other VOCs and gaseous pollutants through oxidation at a molecular level. Independent lab results showed it reduced formaldehyde by 61% in 30 minutes. The PECO reaction converts formaldehyde into tiny amounts of water and CO2.
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Conclusion
Molekule and Mila take different approaches to air purification, but both improve indoor air quality. For those concerned about allergens and chemical fumes, Molekule’s innovative PECO technology gives it an edge. But for general particle filtration on a budget, Mila is a great choice.
Carefully compare the features and decide which model best fits your needs and home. Either way, you can breathe easier knowing these high-tech purifiers offer cleaner, healthier air.
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