BlueAir Classic 205 Air Purifier Review

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The BlueAir Classic 205 Air Purifier is a small unit with a thorough if not slightly controversial filtration system.

In this review, we discuss the filters, pros, cons, noise levels, maintenance requirements, overall performance, and effectiveness. We also compare the Classic 205 with the BlueAir 211+ from the style-focused, non-HEPA Blue Pure series.

Design, Specifications and Aesthetic Review 

The BlueAir Classic 205 has a small, compact, rectangular construction with a grey and white color scheme. It is simple enough to fit in well with any decor without being a focal point of the room. 

Size: 21 x 17 x 8 inches 
Weight: 22 pounds 
Recommended positioning: on the floor 
Noise:  32 – 56 decibels 
Covering area: 279 square feet (small-medium rooms such as bedrooms or home offices)
Energy efficiency: Energy Star Rated, 20 – 80 watts 
Warranty: 1 year, but can be extended to 5 years via the Friend app or BlueAir site registration form 

The Pure Blue Classic has a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 180 for smoke, 200 for dust and 200 for pollen. CADR refers to the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute) which is cleaned and released by the air purifier. 

Is HEPASilent Technology as quiet as it sounds?

Like many BlueAir purifiers, the Classic 205 isn’t as quiet as you might imagine from the ‘HEPASilent’ technology. 

The lowest fan speed is quiet enough for noise-sensitive people, but the medium and high speeds are considered loud by many customers. 

Some people have resorted to returning their unit due to the noise, while others like the “white noise” it creates. 

How is it operated by the user?

The operation is very simple when using manually, with three illuminated buttons for WiFi (if it’s in use or not), filter change, and fan speed. There is no remote control, but you can use your phone as a remote control if you install the BlueAir Friend App and use the WiFi compatibility on your 205 unit. The unit is only compatible with Ghz 2.4 WiFi. 

Additional control options and accessories: 

• BlueAir Friend App: a free app that connects with the unit’s WiFi compatibility. Use it to turn the machine on, change fan speeds and turn off the blue light. Be aware that the BlueAir Friend app is low rated as people have trouble with connection and loading times. Others have found it easier to simply use the unit manually. 
• BlueAir Aware air quality monitor: a separate device sold by BlueAir which monitors and gathers data on the air quality and the performance of your BlueAir purifier. The data is reachable on the BlueAir Friend App and can be monitored remotely. 

BlueAir Classic 205 Filtration System Review

• HEPASilent Technology: this trademarked system uses the Classic 200 Series Particle Filter OR the DualProtection filter. HEPASilent Technology captures 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.1 microns. This is impressive as the guideline for HEPA sets the minimum allergen size at 0.3 microns. The “silent” refers to the fan which has been designed for quiet operation, but does not quite deliver this according to many reports of a loud operation.

• Classic 200 Series Particle Filter: HEPA filter made of polypropylene which acts as an antibacterial so mold and germs cannot thrive in the filter. 

• Ionizer: charges the particles before they enter the filter, so they stick strongly to the filter and will not be sent back into the room. The ionizer doesn’t release ozone into the air, and if any ozone is produced it is locked in an internal chamber. 

• OPTIONAL DualProtection Filter: this replaced the previous version, the SmokeStop filter. You can choose to replace the Classic 200 Series Particle Filter (which the unit comes with) with this. 
  
  It removes odors, smoke, chemicals, gasses and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds – which are potentially harmful compounds that emit from common household items such as cleaning products, nail polish and gas bottles). 
  
  It removes all allergens that the Particle filter removes (including viruses, bacteria, and mold) but with the added protection against gasses, odors and, smoke. 
  
  Note that the DualProtection Filter is more expensive than the particle filter, at over double the price (around $130). 

Note: BlueAir air purifiers have a track record (as shown by verified customer reviews) of emitting chemical-like odors. BlueAir assures that this is normal and should go away within a few days of initial operation. They also assure that it is not harmful or toxic in any way. 

Some users have reported that the odor did go away within a few days, while others have noticed it lingering for long after. We recommend contacting BlueAir if you notice an ongoing chemical smell, as they are known to send out replacement filters. 

Is it suitable for removing allergens and odors?

The Classic 205 has a great track record for improving allergy and asthma symptoms. Many customers have reported that they’re experiencing better sleep with fewer allergy symptoms such as coughing and an itchy throat. 

The DualProtection filter does a great job of removing odors from pets, food, and smoke. In saying that, the regular 200 Series Particle Filter also does a good job at clearing odors so you could try that one first, and move to the DualProtection if you find you need extra protection. 

Key Features Review

• WiFi and Alexa compatible: control the unit with your voice, or use the Friend App to control it remotely 
• Filter replacement light: changes from blue to orange when filters require replacing 
• 3 fan speeds: low, medium and high. Low is most suitable for nighttime due to the quiet operation 

Cleaning and maintenance requirements

What is the cost per year for filter replacements? Where can I buy filters? 

Make sure you buy authentic BlueAir filters as imitation filters from other brands will void your warranty. Here is a genuine BlueAir Particle Filter which can be reasonably affordable if you can catch it while it’s on sale. Here is a genuine BlueAir DualProtection filter replacement. 

How often do the filters need to be replaced?

The Classic 200 Particle filter and DualProtection Filter should be changed every six months. Note that you can reduce your household waste by recycling your used filters as BlueAir filters are recyclable. 

Can the filters be washed? And if so, how?

None of the Classic 200 filters are washable, they must be replaced. 

What’s the difference between the BlueAir Classic 205 and the BlueAir Pure Blue 211+?

BlueAir recommends the Classic series for people with asthma or allergies over the Pure Blue series, as the Classic’s true-HEPA filtration, is more thorough. The BlueAir Pure Blue 211+ has a modern design with a boxy construction as opposed to the thin shape and neutral colors of the 205. 

The 211+ has three filtration stages, a fabric pre-filter, a carbon filter and, a non-HEPA particle filter. The 211+ has 5 color choices (which you can select), a “one-touch” operation, and does not have WiFi capabilities.

Pros: 

• True-HEPA filtration 
• Effectively reduces asthma and allergy symptoms
• Effectively removes odors 
• Optional DualProtection filter for extra protection against gas and smoke 

Cons: 

• The internal ionizer cannot be turned off 
• Emits chemical smell when first used 
• WiFi connection can be slow and/or difficult 
• Blue light cannot be turned off without Friend App

Final Verdict 

The BlueAir Classic 205 is a great true-HEPA air purifier for small rooms and people who don’t mind a little white noise in the background. The Classic 205 can be frustrating for people trying to connect to WiFi and use the Friend app, but if you’re happy to simply use the manual buttons it won’t be an issue.

The Classic 205 removes allergens, improves allergy symptoms and leaves the air fresh and odor-free.

Common Questions & Answers

Top 4 Tips for Using the BlueAir Classic Air Purifier

• Check that your WiFi is Ghz 2.4 before you commit to this unit, as you will otherwise not be able to connect to the internet
• Make sure you use genuine BlueAir filter replacements otherwise your warranty will be void. You can find them here 
• Place your unit as far away from walls as you realistically can, as the more open space there is around the unit, the more effective it will be 
• If you do find that the bright blue light on the unit is distracting at night, but you don’t want to use the Friend app (or cannot connect), opaque tape is a good “hack” for covering the light without damaging the unit