This Small-Space Air Purifier Doesn’t Need a New Filter for 5 Years

I never thought air purifiers were totally necessary until I started noticing funky smells in my apartment. It got me thinking about all the other invisible particles that could be floating around in the air — dust, allergens, hair, dander — and before you know it, I was sold on the concept. I’ve tested lots of different models as part of my role as shopping editor, so I know what makes an air purifier truly great. Banishing odors and pollutants is obviously the main objective, but the best purifiers are also totally unobtrusive and require minimal maintenance. The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Compact Pro is exactly that. 

Whether it’s my water filter or my AC filter, it feels impossible to keep up with refills. So the most impressive thing about this air purifier by far is the NeverChange filtration system — it’ll last you up to five (yes, five) years! Just think of all the money you’ll save on pricey filter refills. It also features an extra “pre-filter,” the Debris Defense, to help eradicate dust, hair, and lint before they can even make it to the air purifier’s main NeverChange filter. This not only helps prolong the lifespan of the filter, but it also ensures that all the little stuff (the 99.98% of large, small, and micro-sized particles) really get captured. 

For anyone who’s ever struggled to determine if their air purifier is actually working, you’ll get a huge kick out of the NeverChange Air Purifier’s CleanSense IQ feature, which rates the quality of your air in real-time and gives you tangible proof that it’s improving. The device will also adjust its power settings along the way for constant air monitoring. I sometimes pause in front of the device and watch the percentage climb on the display screen as it cleans the air, and can confirm that it’s incredibly satisfying.

I’ve been using the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier on the Auto setting. And after two months, I can say that it’s the most advanced model I’ve tried so far. First off, it’s incredibly sensitive (which is a great thing!). The CleanSense IQ automatically adjusts the purifier’s fan power when it detects particles in the air, so I can hear it whirring to life when I’m cooking, using my gas oven, or even when I blow out a candle. So I know it’s working hard to clean the air in my home. I also get an immense amount of pleasure from watching the air-quality rating slowly increase as the device does its thing. 

The air purifier’s CleanSense feature, combined with the NeverChange filtration system, means I don’t really have to think about it once it’s on. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it device — what could be better? 

In terms of sound, I’d give the NeverChange an 8 out of 10. It is quite hushed at its lowest fan setting, but I really noticed the sound when it adjusts to the high fan setting while I’m cooking (it almost sounds like a much softer stove fan). It’s not a huge deal for me personally, because that tells me the purifier is working hard (and it does quiet down again once the air is clean).  

I set up the NeverChange air purifier in the tight space between my dining table and kitchen island, and it’s so compact that it didn’t disrupt the area at all. I live in a railroad-style apartment, with the kitchen and living area in the middle, so the space doesn’t have the best airflow. The NeverChange air purifier keeps the area’s “stale” air smelling fresh and clean, while banishing cooking smells within minutes after cooking. And if I ever want to move it between rooms, the stout device has built-in handles at the sides that make repositioning it super easy. 

If you’re interested in investing in an air purifier but don’t want to get locked into the recurring cost of replacement filters, the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Compact Pro is definitely worth considering. Especially if you live in a small apartment and love to cook at home, the NeverChange keeps spaces of up to 250 square feet smelling fresh and clean — all while keeping allergy-causing dust, lint, and particles out. And I hardly have to think about it! 

Buy: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Compact Pro, $179.95