We Tried It: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max Review

Updated: Mar. 11, 2024

COURTESY LAUREN ALLAIN

We put the Shark Air Purifier to the test in three situations to see if it's worth the investment.

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I live in the Pacific Northwest and while the location offers plenty of positives, it comes with a few negatives. As someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, this location means excessive tissue use, itchy eyes and general lethargy. Within the last handful of years, we’ve also experienced concerning air-quality issues because of smoke from forest fires.

When I first heard Shark was releasing an air purifier that covers an impressive 1,400 sq. ft (enough for my entire home) with a long-lasting HEPA filter, I knew I needed to try it myself.

I’ve used some amazing air purifiers in the past (and even have air-purifying plants), but the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max comes with some extra features I was really excited to try, like the brand’s Clean Sense IQ that gives a percentage reading of how clean the air is.

What is the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max?

Shark Neverchange Air Purifier front Courtesy Lauren Allain

The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max cleans a home’s indoor air of common pollutants like dust, animal dander and pollen. The Shark air purifier is the brand’s first to use a NeverChange HEPA filter, designed to last for five years of use. We’re always on the lookout for an air purifier that’s a smart value and the Shark certainly fits the bill.

Dr. Courtney Blair is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who says it’s important to choose an air purifier that fits the space you’re trying to keep clean. Thankfully, the Shark air purifier’s coverage of up to 1,400 sq. ft. is likely to work for many spaces and homes.

Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), mentions indoor air quality is worth paying attention to. “Having good indoor air quality is an important part of having a healthy living space,” she says. “People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.”

Carver mentions indoor air quality is impacted by animal dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, fumes released by cooking, and cleaning products. Since our homes are less ventilated than outdoor spaces, these get trapped inside and pose negative health risks. With new viruses of concern circulating and increasing wildfire smoke hazards, it’s more important than ever to keep indoor air clean.

The Shark air purifier comes with impressive features like an LED screen that gives real-time clean air information. It’s easy to assemble, fairly lightweight to move and gives peace of mind that indoor air quality isn’t an issue.

via merchant via Sharkclean

We Tried It

Shark Air Purifier Max

This air purifier guards against odors, dust and dander and captures micropollutants.

Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max features

Shark Neverchange Air Purifier features Courtesy Lauren Allain

Shark makes some of the most dependable vacuum cleaners and is part of the same company as Ninja, which makes buzz-worthy Ninja kitchen appliances. Thanks to the SharkNinja’s positive reputation, it’s no surprise the NeverChange Air Purifier comes packed with useful features. The portable purifier’s sleek and clean design feels on par with its high-tech performance and ability to monitor air quality.

Not only does the purifier use a filter that surpasses HEPA standards, two external filters help catch larger particles and pet hair so they don’t prematurely clog the HEPA filter. I found cleaning the external filters with a vacuum to take about 30 seconds on each side.

One of the features I found the most useful was the eco setting on auto mode. Once auto mode is on, the air purifier shuts off the fan once the air quality reaches 100% for at least five minutes. It’ll automatically kick back on once the air needs cleaning. Not only is this an energy-saving mode, it adds to the lifespan of the HEPA filter.

The included Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge significantly cut down on a musty smell while I was cleaning my basement and I found it did an excellent job with odor control while I was cooking. I also raved about the purifiers’ customization options with three levels of dimness (one being night mode that emits no light) and the ability to mute the air purifier so the buttons don’t beep.

Uses a HEPA filter that surpasses regulations, capturing 99.98% of air particles
Eco-mode available to optimize filter lifespan
Five settings for fan speed
Dual exterior mesh dust filters capture larger particles like hair
Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge releases a fresh scent
LED screen tracks air quality and indicates three particle sizes (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10)
Blue, yellow and red ring on the LED screen reflect good, fair and poor air quality

How we tested it

Shark Neverchange Air Purifier testing Courtesy Lauren Allain

I tested out the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max for two weeks and used it in three environments. The box was large but manageable for one person to move inside. The setup took less than five minutes.

I set it up in my living room, which is the central part of my house, connecting to the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and bathroom—about 900 sq. ft. in total. The purifier took a few seconds to calibrate my indoor air quality, giving me a reading of 95%. This increased to 100% within minutes.

As someone sensitive to smells, I wasn’t thrilled about the included Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge which has a noticeable scent. I was tempted to not even install it, but I wanted to test the air purifier correctly, so I set it to the lowest scent option (off is also an option). To my surprise, the smell was minimal and actually pleasant. After two weeks, I still faintly notice it when I get home and don’t mind it at all.

I also carried it downstairs to my basement while I was doing some sorting of seasonal clothes. I was impressed by the responsive air quality percentage reading which dropped almost immediately when I opened the bins of clothes.

Lastly, I brought it to a cabin in a national forest for a weekend where the air quality dropped to 70% when a neighboring cabin had an evening campfire. Once I closed up the cabin’s windows, the Shark air purifier cleaned the air of the smoke and was back to 100% air quality within 10 minutes.

Pros

Filters a large area―up to 1,400 sq. ft.
Long-lasting HEPA filter
Quiet fan operation with the option to turn control buttons to silent
Odor Neutralizer cartridges help with pet odor and cooking smells
Night mode eliminates all lights and display
Useful air quality reading, broken down into particle type

Cons

Scent from Odor Neutralizer cartridge could be unappealing to some
Remote control sold separately

FAQ

Can I leave my Shark Air Purifier on all the time?

Yes, you can leave the air purifier running all the time, but it’ll shorten the lifespan of the HEPA filter. If you leave the unit on all the time, Shark recommends using the auto mode which activates eco mode. This mode kicks on after five minutes of 100% air quality, which turns the fan off until the purifier detects particulate matter.

Dr. Blair says it’s best to run an air purifier all the time, if possible. “Ideally, the filters run all the time,” she says. “But to conserve the filter, running them at night and in a closed room is a good option.”

How long does the Shark Air Purifier last?

The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max uses the longest-lasting filter of all Shark air purifiers. When powered at Max fan speed for 12 hours per day in a 300 sq. ft. room, Shark says the filter will last for five years. The fragrance from the Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge will also fade over time, but Shark sells replacement cartridges in a two-pack for about $15. The Shark air purifier comes with a two-year warranty.

Are Shark Air Purifiers washable?

Some components of the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max are washable, but not all pieces. Shark recommends wiping the exterior of the unit with a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. To clean the interior, Shark says every two months owners should remove the HEPA filter and vacuum the interior to remove any dust or debris. The HEPA filter itself is not washable and should never come in contact with water.

Clean the Mesh Dust Filters by removing them when the air purifier powers on. Vacuum or wipe any dust, hair or debris off and replace. The purifier will automatically recalibrate the cleanliness percentage of the mesh filters.

What other reviewers have to say

One Shark air purifier reviewer mentioned her family has benefited from a dust-free home. “I felt like the air in our house is always dusty, and I have no idea why. I’ve been using this new filter for a little while, and it’s helped to make a huge difference in our air quality,” says Haley K. “I love that there is a child lock for the buttons and it’s super quiet. I’ve been keeping it on auto mode, and I don’t have to worry about it.”

Another reviewer pointed out her husband’s health has improved with cleaner indoor air. Anna B. says, “Since we installed the air purifier, my husband’s allergies have significantly improved. We have two dogs as well, and I’ve observed that the dust in the home has decreased and it does not smell like dogs anymore,” she wrote. “It goes without saying that the auto setting was quite useful and effective during the day. With simple controls and a washable outer filter, the device is simple to operate and maintain. Particularly for anyone with allergies or respiratory problems, an air purifier is a perfect addition to the home.”

Angel noticed the Shark’s biggest selling point—the long-lasting filter. “Just the fact that this filter doesn’t need replacing for five years is an absolute win. It also helps keep all the dog hair out of the air. I can smell the difference in my home; it has the same odor neutralizer in it that my Shark vacuum does, and I love it in both products. Nothing makes a mom feel better than her little one going to sleep soundly, breathing in the freshest air possible.”

Final verdict

Shark Neverchange Air Purifier top Courtesy Lauren Allain

My overall review of the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max is exceptionally positive. With concern about viruses, pollution and poor air quality, I feel safer knowing the air in my home is healthy and clean. While running the purifier on auto mode, I’m able to consistently keep my air quality over 99%.

I’m especially delighted with the night mode that turns off all lights since I prefer to sleep in a dark room. I’m positive anyone looking for a high-tech purifier will love the features, ease of use and impressive performance of this Shark air purifier.

Where to buy the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max