Little do most people know that Indoor air is at least 5-10 times more polluted than outdoor air. While getting good ventilation might be the quickest and cheapest solution around, it is not possible in most situations. An air purifier would be the next in line solution and Fellowes AeraMax DX5/ 100 can be the link. AeraMax 100 is effective at capturing influenza virus from indoor air based on independent testing. It is also the perfect model to reduce airborne pollution without costing much money. But what is the tradeoff for this tower air purifier? Does it have enough capacity to clean the air of an entire room? Find out more in our Fellowes AeraMax 100 review.
** MRSP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)/ RSP (Retail selling price) is provided by cleanairprice.com. Accurate at the time of posting.
^ Annual filter cost is calculated based on filter price and 12 hours of usage. Pricing could vary depending on air quality, usage frequency, and speed.
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) |
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
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 is not Energy Star rated unlike DX55/ DX95.
The starters
Dimension
7.3 x 27.3 x 8.5 in
(18.5 x 69.3 x 21.6 cm)
Fellowes AeraMax 100/ DX5 is made entirely from white plastic housing with a black vent on the top front, dual grey side vents, and a modern black control panel. The lightweight slim tower dimension means you can easily move the air purifier around via the back handle or place it anywhere in the home. There air vent surrounding the air purifier is unfortunately unadjustable unlike the AeraMax DX55 or DX95. Build quality is standard that should last for a couple of years on regular use. Other notable features you will find in Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 includes an AeraSmart Sensor (Blue = good air quality, amber = moderate air quality, red = bad air quality ), Auto mode, UL listed, AAFA, AHAM, CARB certification and 3 years warranty.
Airflow, speed, and CADR
Purifying coverage
100 sq. ft.
(9 m2)
Despite having a smaller tower body, Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 is fitted with a 4-Stage purification system that consists of a carbon filter that captures odors, a True-HEPA filter that captures smaller particles at 99.97% success rate down to 0.3 microns, AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment that protects the HEPA filter from mold/ pollen growth and finally PlasmaTrue ionizer that releases ions so surrounding airborne particles can be easily captured by the filter. The downside of a slim body is the small coverage where Fellowes AeraMax 100 can only purify the air up to 200 sq. ft. (small room equivalent). CADR is not great either with dust at 65 cfm, pollen 75 cfm, and smoke 68 cfm.
Dust CADR
65 cfm
(110 m3/h)Pollen CADR
75 cfm
(127 m3/h)Smoke CADR
68 cfm
(116 m3/h)What’s inside count
Keep it down
At what cost
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
For around 120 after discount, Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 tower air purifier is quite a bargain as it comes with a True HEPA filter and a dedicated carbon filter. Most competitor models will cost more with poorer filtration. The filter replacement cost is also low at around 60 dollars annually. As for drawbacks, the lack of a dedicated pre-filter is surely the biggest miss while the drop in airflow performance is expected based on the price tag and size. Ignoring all and Fellowes AeraMax is not a bad air purifier for a customer that does not need something exceptional.
There is a very limited place you can buy Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 air purifier. Walmart, HomeDepot might carry the brand but not the air purifier. The official website does not have an e-commerce store last we checked, so naturally online retailer like Amazon is the best place to go. You will get a good discount, free shipping, 30 days return policy, and many bundled deal. Both colors are also available in Amazon so go check it out.
Fellowes AeraMax100/ DX5 VS the challengers
GermGuardian AC5250PT
Slightly pricier but comes with a 5-stage filtration including a UV-light. Airflow performance and coverage also slightly better but still within the same realm.
Honeywell HFD-120-Q
Another tower air purifier that is within the same category in terms of size and performance. Honeywell uses ifD technology with a permanent filter that is reusable.
Verdicts and ratings
5.4


5.4
Max Fernandez
A loving father and a dedicated reviewer for airfuji.com with more than 1000 air purifiers under his belt. Max Fernandez is also one of the million patients currently suffering from asthma. Feel free to nudge him if you have any questions.
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