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
Changelog
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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.
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
Hi DreSand, You’re right, we currently do not evaluate the capabilities of the virtual surround features. In the future, we definitely plan to expand our methodology and evaluation of the surround/ height experience offered by soundbars. Evaluating the virtual surround features might definitely be worth covering either objectively or subjectively and is not off the table for future improvements at this time. Thanks for taking the time to reach out with what you would like to see added. This definitely help plan our future improvements.
Thanks, I look forward to the possibility! Anecdotally, I know these features are important to a lot of folks who, for various reasons, don’t/ can’t have a legitimate 5.1.2 setup (including yours truly). I also haven’t seen dedicated virtual surround review/ scores anywhere online, so I think something like that would be valuable. Thanks for taking the time to reply!
Edited 1 year ago: Shortened - 21010
Hi DreSand,
You’re right, we currently do not evaluate the capabilities of the virtual surround features. In the future, we definitely plan to expand our methodology and evaluation of the surround/ height experience offered by soundbars. Evaluating the virtual surround features might definitely be worth covering either objectively or subjectively and is not off the table for future improvements at this time. Thanks for taking the time to reach out with what you would like to see added. This definitely help plan our future improvements.
- 21010
@RTNGS I haven’t noticed any testing of virtual surround features in 2.1 (or any) setups, including this Vizio m215aw-K6 model. Is that correct or did I just miss it?
A lot of your reviews mention soundstage limitations on these 2.1 set ups, but I think that’s the best possible reason to consider reviewing such virtual/ psychoacoustic features (such as DTS Virtual:X).
I’ve owned a few bars now that utilize DTS Virtual:X specifically, and I can tell you that the soundstage with this turned on is dramatically enhanced. Sound effects in certain scenes with off-screen action seemingly sound like they’re happening in next room over. I’ve even heard some height effects (such as the house cracking in Disney’s Encanto). Mind you, it didn’t compare to a legitimate Atmos set up, but in the case of the Vizio m215aw-K6, it definitely sounded like it was coming from above the bar.
It’s understandable that it would be very difficult to measure psychoacoustic performance, but I think that you’d be doing your members a service by adding even a subjective section (like you do with blooming on TVs, for example), because surely certain models/brands implement these features better than others!
Edited 1 year ago: Grammar/ Punctuation