Molekule Air Pro review

Molekule Air Pro review: Introduction

• Type: Air purifier
• Range: Up to 1,000 sq ft (92.9 m²)
• Filter: PECO-HEPA Tri-Power

At its price point, the Molekule Air Pro is positioned as more than just another air purifier. It’s targeted at those seeking both high-level performance and a device that complements their living space.

At around $1,000 Stateside, £800 in the UK, it’s an air purifying monster that goes head-to-head with the likes of the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde at the top end of the market.

However, it does boast tech that the Dyson doesn’t… the light-activated PECO technology that Molekule claims destroys organic pollutants.

The Air Pro uses a hybrid filtration system, using HEPA13 and carbon filters to capture particles, gases, and odors.

But undoubtedly its standout feature is that third filtration layer powered by ultraviolet light, which Molekule claims can break down pollutants that make it through the other filters.

Read on for our full Molekule Air Pro review.

Design and components

• 58.6 x 28cm
• 10.4kg
• Touch display

If Apple made air purfiers, they would look like the Molecule Air Pro.

The sleek, bullet-like shape gives it a minimalist aesthetic, with the body of the purifier crafted from smooth alloy, sitting atop a clean white base.

The vegan leather strap near the top not only looks good but also helps with moving this fairly hefty 10.4kg machine.

The Molekule Air Pro is easily one of the most visually appealing air purifiers available. The quality is evident in both its design and construction.

Rather than using a simple twist-off mechanism, the filter is accessed by pushing down and twisting the central section of the top.

This core houses the fan, which lifts up to reveal the filter hanging from a spike running through the device.

At the bottom of the unit is a nice wire coil system, making it easy to hide the cable away – although it is recommended you place the Air Pro at few feet away from surrounding walls.

The UV lights are embedded along the central spike and, after running for a while, you can feel a slight warmth inside the unit and for the first few hours of use, there was a faint smell as well.

Those lights do mean a faint blue hue emits from the unit when a room is dark.

The touch screen controls on the top of the unit are easy to use, allowing you to switch between auto mode, six manual fan speeds, and access settings.

However, there’s no power button or timer – Molekule recommends leaving the unit running continuously and the plug even has a ‘run 24/7’ message attached to it.

Features and in use

• Fine particle (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) detection
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

What sets the Air Pro apart is its reliance on ultraviolet (UV) lighting to power its unique PECO HEPA Tri-Power filter. It’s certainly one of the most advanced filters available with a triple-layered filter finished with a final layer of carbon filtration to deliver fresh, clean air. 

While other purifiers typically use UVC light to kill microbes, Molekule opts for UVA, which technically as effective at directly eliminating germs.

Instead, UVA powers a chemical reaction in the filter that’s said to break down VOCs, viruses, bacteria, and allergens at the molecular level – hence the company’s name.

Molekule is keen to stress the benefits of its PECO technology and has received FDA recognition for its purifiers as medical devices.

In terms of sensors, the Air Pro comes fully loaded. It can monitor fine particles (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) that can lead to various health issues, VOCs, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. 

While it’s a comprehensive system, it doesn’t measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which some Dyson products do.

I decided to use a smart plug to automate the power state for the Molekule, with the device powered on overnight when all our windows are closed and also created an Alexa Routine to have the smart plug power on if another brand’s air quality monitor hit a certain level. 

The Molekule app (which actually proved an absolute pain to pair – it took me 5 attempts and resets before it completed the process) mirrors the device’s display for controls, also offers air quality data and a mode overview.

While functional, it lacks scheduling options, which seems like an oversight.

Integration with Alexa is available, but there’s no support for Google Home or IFTTT automation at the moment, hence me throwing a smart plug into the mix.

Replacing the filters every six months will be an ongoing expense, with Molekule’s proprietary filters costing around $140 / £150 a pop. While cheaper alternatives exist, they won’t work with the device’s the PECO technology.

Performance

• 510(k) Class II: Cleared for medical use to destroy bacteria, viruses & mold, and collect particles
• Particulate matter detection (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) down to 0.3 µm, VOCs, CO2, relative humidity
• Lowest speed noise: 33dBa, highest: 64dBa

The Air Pro’s sensor suite tracks six different pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide. In auto mode, which Molekule recommends you use 24/7, the purifier adjusts its fan speed based on air quality.

Designed for large spaces, the Air Pro is a high-performing air purifier, though it’s not the quietest one on the market. At its lowest speed, it’s barely noticeable, but as you increase the fan speed, the noise ramps up. By the highest settings, it can be loud enough to rival a vacuum cleaner.

During testing in a small room with a couple of aerosol cans emptied into the air, the Air Pro proved highly effective. Within a minute, particulate levels dropped from a maximum of 999µg/m3 to a “fair” reading of 30µg/m3. In just under 90 seconds, levels were at a healthy 12µg/m3, and after just four minutes, the air quality reading was back to a green ‘Good’.

The unit’s energy consumption starts at 22 watts on its lowest setting, which is on the higher end for similar purifiers. On full power, it jumps to 108 watts – again, higher than average, but manageable given it won’t need to run at top speed too often.

Final thoughts

The Molekule Air Pro offers high-level air purification and a striking design, but whether it’s worth the hefty price depends on your budget and needs.

For those willing to invest in advanced PECO technology and premium design, it’s a solid option.

However, those looking for similar performance at a lower cost might find alternatives like the Levoit Core 400S a better fit. For the same price, Dyson’s Big+Quiet Formaldehyde also offers long-lasting filters, making it a strong competitor – although doesn’t have the PECO tech on board.

How we test

When we publish our reviews, you can rest assured that they are the result of “living with” long term tests.

Air purifiers usually live within an ecosystem, or a range of products that – supposedly – all work in harmony. And they are designed to offer a range of different options. Therefore, it’s impossible to use a machine for a week and deliver a verdict.

Because we’re testing smart home kit all day, everyday, we know what matters and how a particular smart cleaning machine compares to alternatives that you might also be considering.

Our reviews are comprehensive, objective and fair and, of course, we are never paid directly to review a device.

Read our guide on how we test to learn more.

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