Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 Air Purifier Review In 2022: Less than $100!
Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 Specification
| Product | Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 |
Dimension | 7.3 x 27.3 x 8.5 in (18.5 x 69.3 x 21.6 cm) |
| Weight | 9.9 lb (4.5 kg) |
| Fanspeed | 3 |
| Coverage (up to) | 100 sq. ft. (9 m2) |
| Airflow speed | |
| Dust free (CADR) | 65 cfm (110 m3/h) |
| Pollen free (CADR) | 75 cfm (127 m3/h) |
| Smoke free (CADR) | 68 cfm (116 m3/h) |
| Humidifying(H) speed | |
| Filtration | 4-stage |
Pre-Filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | - |
HEPA filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | True HEPA Filter 9287001 1 year +- 39.99 |
Carbon filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Carbon Filter 9324001 (4 pack) 3 months +- 29.99 |
| Ionizer/ Technologies | PlasmaTRUE technology |
UV-light/ PCO | - |
Other filter | AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment |
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | - |
Optional/ Addon | - |
| Noise level | |
| Power usage level | 37 - 51 W |
| Timer/ Scheduler | |
| Sensors | AeraSmart Sensor |
| Auto mode | |
| Air qualityAQ indicator | |
| Filter change indicator | |
| More color options | |
| Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
| ENERGY STAR | |
| Remote control | |
| Child lock | |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Email/ Phone support |
Key Features
- 4-stage hospital-type filtration
- Carbon filter
- True HEPA filter (99.97% efficiency rate/ down to 0.3 microns)
- AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment
- PlasmaTrue Technology
- AeraSmart Sensor (for air quality detection and Auto mode)
- 3 fan speed with Aera+ mode (Allergy setting with 35% higher turnover rate than low speed)
- 3 years manufacturer warranty
Design And Usability
One of the best cheap air purifiers without much compromisation. At 7.3 inches in depth, 27.3 inches in height, and 8.5 inches in depth, Fellowes AeraMax DX5/ 100 is a modern designed, slim tower air purifier that takes up very little interior space. The plasticky-built body is well fitted with no uneven gaps found in some cheaper models. The air inlet is located at the side that offers comprehension purification without impeding the airflow distribution. At only 9.9 pounds, you can easily grab the back handle and carry it around for room to room purifying.
Moving to functionality, Fellowes AeraMax DX5/ 100 is super easy to use thanks to the front blue digital display. Simply press the button to select your desired fan speed, Auto or Aera+ mode that removes greater allergens, germs, bacteria, and viruses in the air. There is also an air quality indicator and filter change indicator that will remind you to replace the filter when the time is up.
To recap on Fellowes AeraMax DX5/ 100 specification, you have a 4-stage PlasmaTRUE filtration with True HEPA filter, 3 fan speed with Auto mode, AeraSmart Sensor with filter change indicator, and digital display with AQ indicator. Fellowes AeraMax is also UL listed, allergy and asthma-friendly certified, AHAM/ CARB approved, and comes with 3 years warranty that covers all manufacturing defects.
Airflow, Coverage, And CADR
Recommended Read
Filters And Performance
Despite having a smaller tower body, Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 is fitted with a conventional 4-Stage purification system. The first stage charcoal pre-filter traps large contaminants like dust, hair, lint while also remove smoke, toxic fumes, and smelly odor. Next, the True HEPA filter captures 9.97% of fine particles as small as 0.3 microns i.e. mold, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses. The HEPA filter is also coated with AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment that prevents microorganisms' growth on the filter. Finally, the PlasmaTrue ionizer can generate an ionized field that merges positive ions. The diffuse ions will merge and pull positive ions pollutants down for the filter to capture. During our test, the comprehensive filtration mange to improves our indoor air quality within a few hours of runtime. Not bad for an air cleaning device that costs less than 100 bucks.Noise And Energy Usage
Fellowes AeraMax 100 air purifier is fairly silent given its moderate airflow output. Expect virtually zero noise at low speed, bearable noise at medium speed, and white noise at high speed. Since there is no sleep mode available, we suggest leaving the air purifier in sleep mode for a peaceful night sleep. For general use, set it to auto mode and let Fellowes AeraMax 100 decide what is the best mode for you. As for power usage, Fellowes AeraMax 100 consumes 37 watts of electricity at low speed and 51 watts of electricity at high speed. With 12 hours of operation, the average electric cost will be around $0.07 dollars per day, $2 a month, or $24 a year. Not Energy Star Rated but Fellowes AeraMax 100 will not stack up much on your electricity bill if Auto mode is enabled by default.
| Noise Type | Decibels |
|---|---|
| Breathing | 10 dB |
| Rustling leaves | 20 dB |
| Whispering/ Quiet library | 30 dB |
| Light rainfall | 40-50 dB |
| Conversation | 50-60 dB |
| Vacuum cleaner/ Hair dryer/ Washing machine | 65-80 dB |
| City traffic | 80-90 dB |
Pricing And Maintainence Cost
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 VS The Challengers
GermGuardian AC5250PT
Slightly pricier but comes with improved airflow performance, better coverage, and advanced 5-stage filtration with UV-light.
Honeywell HFD-120-Q
Another tower air purifier within the same category in terms of size and performance. Powered by the renowned ifD technology that uses a permanent filter.Final Thoughts On Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5
Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 is a good tower air purifier and a high 90% of 4-5 stars reviewers agreed with us on Amazon. Scanning through the 1000+ genuine ratings online, most users are happy that the air purifier manages to curb down their cough, morning sinus, and nasal congestion due to bad air. Others are happy that they only paid less than 100 dollars for a genuine HEPA air cleaner. A few users also praise that their indoor air smells fresher with Fellowes AeraMax 100 around. As for the meager 5% 1-2 stars complaints, most people feel no changes or no improvement in their air quality. A few criticized the lack of a dedicated pre-filter or they received a broken unit. Ignoring all that, Fellowes AeraMax100 or DX5 is an affordable air purifier for a customer that does not need something exceptional. It can help with your on-going allergy issue if is used in the right spot.Pros
- Slim tower profile yet manage to squeeze a 4-stage filtration.
- Low entry-level price especially after online discount.
- Packed with the same AeraSmart air quality sensors with indicator and Auto mode.
- Use genuine True HEPA filter rather than lower grade HEPA-type filter.
- Additional AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment on the HEPA filter that inhibit bacteria growth.
- Optional PlasmaTrue technology that works exactly like an ionizer.
Cons
- Below average CADR and purifying coverage.
- No dedicated pre-filter to compliment the True HEPA and carbon filter.
- Front blue indicator light is not dimmable in any ways.
- Lacks adjustable louver and Energy Star rated found in DX55/ DX95.
