The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX is an air purifier intended for large to medium-sized rooms. Its headlining feature is the eponymous 'NeverChange' filter system, which the manufacturer advertises to last up to five years without replacement, reducing ownership costs and easing maintenance requirements. It also has an odor-neutralizing cartridge that emits a detergent-like scent. This air purifier has the brand's Clean Sense IQ system, allowing it to monitor air quality in real-time and adjust the fan speed to suit.
Our Verdict
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX is a good option for pet owners. It does a good job capturing the finest of airborne particles, like pet dander. It has a replaceable cartridge that emits a detergent-like scent to mask pet odors as it operates, though it's worth noting that this scent can quickly become overwhelming. Unfortunately, this is a pretty loud air purifier, especially at higher settings.
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Filter system won't need to be replaced often.
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Automatic fan speed adjustment feature.
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Good particle filtration performance.
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Quite loud at higher fan speeds.
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No remote operation.
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX is only decent for use in bedrooms. It's somewhat bulky, and it's louder than a lot of other alternatives, especially at higher fan speeds. Thankfully, you can easily turn off its display, so there won't be any bright lights you need to cover up when trying to get some rest.
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Filter system won't need to be replaced often.
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Automatic fan speed adjustment feature.
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Display light shutoff.
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Good particle filtration performance.
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Quite loud at higher fan speeds.
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No remote operation.
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Filter system won't need to be replaced often.
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Automatic fan speed adjustment feature.
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Good particle filtration performance.
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No remote operation.
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Filter system won't need to be replaced often.
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Automatic fan speed adjustment feature.
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Good particle filtration performance.
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No remote operation.
- 7.4 Pets
- 7.2 Bedroom
Performance Usages
- 7.5 Particle Filtration Rate
- 8.8 Particle Concentration
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Updated Nov 21, 2024:
Added the Shark UA1450 variant to the Differences Between Variants section of the review.
- Updated Oct 31, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.1.
- Updated May 13, 2024: Review published.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
There are three variants of this air purifier, though they differ only in color: the HP301 (Gray), HP302 (White), and HP305 (Black). There's also the Costco-specific UA1450 variant, which comes with two odor-neutralizing cartridges and a remote control. We tested the HP302 (White) model; you can see its label here.
Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant.
Compared To Other Air Purifiers
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX is a mid-range air purifier with unique features. This model offers lower ownership costs than most of its peers, thanks to its exceptionally long-lasting filter system. Its Clean Sense IQ particle detection system and corresponding automatic fan speed adjustment function aren't as unique a selling point, with many other alternatives offering similar functionality. Still, it's certainly a welcome addition nonetheless. Unfortunately, it's quite loud, and there's no way of operating the device remotely besides a remote control sold separately.
Test Results
While not included with the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX itself, Shark also sells a remote control that allows you to operate the air purifier without interacting with it up close. You can purchase this remote here.
There are three levels of display brightness, which you can cycle through by tapping the 'Light' icon: fully off, mid brightness, and full brightness.
The indicator light surrounding the central display changes color depending on the estimate of current air quality:
- Blue: Good
- Orange: Fair
- Red: Poor
You can also cycle through this display to show the concentration of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 particles in the air.
This air purifier has a three-stage filter system comprised of a Mesh Dust pre-filter and a HEPA filter with a Virgin Carbon layer for minimizing odors.
As per the manufacturer, you'll need to clean the pre-filter under water or with a vacuum whenever you notice it getting dirty, though no specific maintenance interval is specified. On the upside, you'll be alerted when the pre-filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, as the air quality indicator ring will flash red, and the central display will show a 'Check Dust Filters' message. If you wash the pre-filter under water, let it dry for at least 12 hours before reinstalling it. The manufacturer also recommends that you vacuum or dust off the outside of the HEPA filter every two months.
The HEPA filter has a manufacturer-estimated lifespan of five years, though that can vary depending on how often and where you use this air purifier. In any case, this is a significantly longer service life than the filters found in most other air purifiers, like the Levoit Core 600S, which needs to have its filter changed every year or so. You can find a replacement here.
This air purifier also features a replaceable cartridge that emits a detergent-like scent to mask foul odors. You can adjust the intensity of this scent by twisting the cartridge dial, as explained in the user manual here. This feature is very similar in concept to the system found in newer Shark vacuum cleaners like the Shark Stratos Cordless. As with those vacuums, this scent can quickly become cloying, especially if you crank the dial to its maximum intensity for hours. The manufacturer recommends replacing the scent cartridge every three months; you can buy a replacement here.
Comments
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX: Main Discussion
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- 21010
I also own this unit. Works great in Bedroom. It’s basically silent, so other brands must be supper silent. It is a little pricey compared to competitors. Too soon to see if filters last longer than others.
Update: Added the Shark UA1450 variant to the Differences Between Variants section of the review.
- 21010
Hey Rjbz, thanks for reaching out!
Great catch, this was definitely an example of clumsy wording on my part. The optional remote is great for making adjustments from across the house, but it is based on line of sight technology, so it won’t do you much good if you’re trying to make changes to the device settings while you’re at work or running errands. Devices that are Wi-Fi enabled can be operated completely remotely with a smartphone app, which this Shark unfortunately lacks. In any case, we’ll update this review to make this clearer.
Also a good point regarding noise - we really only grade operating noise in a vacuum compared to similar devices, which is where the Shark is a little louder than its peers. In broad terms, most consumer-grade air purifiers aren’t that loud, though there are always exceptions to that.
And lastly, I just wanted to say that comments from users like you are always helpful - we really do depend on feedback from our readers to improve all aspects of our product reviews, so please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have any further questions or concerns!
- 21010
Just a thought… In the initial Pets, Bedroom & Air summaries you state that this item isn’t capable of remote function, which isn’t actually correct. It isn’t till reading much deeper into the page that you mention a remote that controls the unit is available. This would likely have many people unfairly moving on from this if the remote is important to them before they read the complete review. I have the remote and it works great. I also don’t find this as noisy as you indicated, unless you have it cranked up to one of the higher settings which is rarely necessary. Maybe your microphone was right next to it. I don’t sit right next to mine. I’m very happy with the one I own and recommend it! I hope my comments are helpful.
Edited 10 months ago: Additional information