TaoTronics Air Purifier (TT-AP001) – Hands-on Review!

Full Review

The TaoTronics TT-AP001 is a small, adorable air purifier, cylindrical in shape, and would fit perfectly on an office desk, nightstand, or similar place.

It’s quite popular among customers and is often compared to other air purifiers with a similar shape and in a similar price range.

However, there were some deal-breakers that I hadn’t expected when I first tried the TaoTronics TT-AP001. It performed much worse than I thought it would; it could have had better-quality filters and some smart features.

How We Tested the TaoTronics TT-AP001?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the TaoTronics TT-AP001 in two separate performance tests, one in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and the other in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the TaoTronics TT-AP001 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the TaoTronics TT-AP001 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

The particle removal test consists of a few different tests. For the TaoTronics TT-AP001, we ran two tests in pre-defined rooms and measured how much it improved the air quality in 60 minutes while working at maximum speed all the time.

This small air purifier is intended for rooms up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²), in which it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour. In the following tests, you will find out how it performed in one slightly smaller and another slightly larger room.

Apart from the tests below, I also tested it in real-life conditions, such as the kitchen and living room where someone was smoking, and it did poorly in neutralizing bad odors.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, which is slightly smaller than the recommended, the TaoTronics TT-AP001 performed just okay. It improved the air quality by 88% in one hour while operating at maximum speed.

In comparison, the Shark HP102, which has an almost identical CADR, achieved an 11% better result than the TaoTronics TT-AP001. The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, another device with a similar CADR, improved the air quality by 91%, which is about 8% better improvement than the TaoTronics. Even the small Levoit LV-H128 had a better result of about 5%.

The only air purifier we tested in a similar CADR range with a lower result was the Levoit Vista 200. However, this didn’t surprise me as this Levoit model is the worst-performing Levoit we tested.

Overall, the TaoTronics didn’t show anything revolutionary in the performance tests, and there are many better air purifiers in the same range.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

After testing it in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, I didn’t expect it to perform well in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. In 60 minutes, while operating at maximum speed, it improved the air quality by 76%, which is an even worse result than the previous test.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

The results of the smoke performance test weren’t impressive. In fact, this test confirmed the findings from the particle removal tests (check the heading above).

The TaoTronics TT-AP001 took 112 seconds to remove all the smoke from the smoke box, which is a very poor result and significantly lower than some competing air purifiers. Even the budget-friendly IKEA FÖRNUFTIG performed better, removing all the smoke in just 44 seconds.

Moreover, the smallest IKEA air purifier, the IKEA UPPATVIND, also had better results, albeit not by much. It removed all the smoke in 92 seconds.

Not to mention the top-notch devices such as the Levoit Core 300S, which removed all the smoke in 20 seconds, almost six times faster than the TaoTronics. Similarly, the Shark HP102 removed all the smoke in just 29 seconds.

Frankly, the noise level test is probably the only positive aspect of the TaoTronics TT-AP001. It has four fan speeds and is one of the quietest air purifiers we tested.

It produces only 41.6 dBA at the lowest speed, which is among the quietest results compared to some of its top competitors. For example, the Levoit Core 200S produces a sound of 42.1 dBA at the lowest speed, and the Levoit LV-H128 produces a sound of 42.4 dBA.

Even at the maximum speed, it’s among the quietest air purifiers. It produces only 54.6 dBA, which is much lower than the noise produced by the Philips Series 800, Levoit LV-H126, or Medify MA-15.

In the table above, you can see the noise levels at all speeds. 

All in all, it’s a great device for use in a bedroom, but only when considering the noise level. If we factor in performance, there are many better options.

It’s important to consider the costs of the air purifier you plan to purchase. The TaoTronics TT-AP001 uses a small 12W motor, meaning it won’t significantly affect your electricity bill.

If you used it at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $0.49, which is less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

This indicates that the motor is well-optimized, and TaoTronics did a great job. However, there are many other areas that need improvement.

Personally, I prefer a more powerful air purifier that might cost a few cents more per month in maintenance but is highly efficient rather than one with a well-optimized motor but low filter efficiency, such as the TaoTronics TT-AP001.

Although it doesn’t use much power, you will need to replace the filter more often than with some competing air purifiers, making the TaoTronics TT-AP001 acceptable but not ideal for annual maintenance.

Filtration Technology

I was pleased to hear that the TaoTronics TT-AP001 uses the typical three-stage filtration that most devices have nowadays. The filter itself is on the bottom of the device, and it’s a circular one – made up of the pre-filter, the activated carbon filter, as well as the True HEPA filter. The pre-filter stage is meant to deal with larger, more complex particles, and it prepares the air for finer and more fragile stages of filtering.

The carbon-activated filter fights all organic toxins, while the HEPA filter traps anything that might be leftover – as small as 0.3 microns in size. 

These filters are not washable, and you’ll have to replace the TT-AP001 filters now and then. Even before the filter replacement indicator starts to flash, you might want to check whether they are very dirty – if you notice the performance isn’t on point anymore, of course. 

This TaoTronics purifier doesn’t use an ionizer, additional UV lights, etc. Because of that, I can assure you that it doesn’t generate Ozone at all. I went a step further and asked the manufacturer, TaoTronics, whether they can verify this information, and they did – great!

Pre-filter & Carbon Filter Combination

We’re now going to discuss the filtering stages in detail, and I’ll give you some extra advice on how to take care of the device and prolong its lifetime by taking care of the filters properly. 

As mentioned before, we encounter the pre-filter first. It’s a rough filter meant for larger particles and more abrasive ones as well. You can think of the pre-filter as the less complicated and cheaper filter that protects the rest of those that are a bit more costly and made to filter fine particles.

The next stage is the activated carbon filter, and this filter reduces the household odor, as well as the dander your pets might leave behind. I was a little bit disappointed to see that the TaoTronics TT-AP001 uses a fibrous carbon filter since I’m a big fan of carbon pellets. According to all my tests, they do a much better job at filtering, and they are very innovative. 

It’s also important to note that the pre-filter and the carbon filter are a 2-in-1 combination in this device. They’re connected, which is a big trend amongst companies, but I prefer to see them separated. I don’t know why they connect them, as I don’t see any benefits, only the cons – it’s tougher to clean them properly. 

If you have pets, the pre-filter can get quite messy quite fast, which is why I like to wipe it with a dry cloth now and then. This will significantly prolong the lifetime of your air purifier. With the 2-in-1 situation going on here, this is a little bit of a complication, but it’s still doable. 

True HEPA Filter

If you’ve been looking for the perfect air purifier, chances are you’ve encountered the ever so famous True HEPA filter. It’s often the last or the second-to-last stage of filtration in modern purifiers, and here it’s the final stage. This filter does all the fine and precise work of removing substances and pollutants that are 0.3 microns in size. It even takes care of dust mites, and its overall efficiency lies at around 99.97%.

This filter isn’t washable, and you’re not supposed to clean it. You replace it every now and then. Not a while ago, I tested an interesting purifier named Airdog X3, which used an ionizer instead of a True HEPA filter, and I was pleasantly surprised – I genuinely think this is the only way you can avoid filter replacement while keeping your standards high. 

How to replace the Taotronics TT-AP001 filter?

As mentioned, the TT-AP001 needs timed filter replacement, usually every three to six months. Depending on whether you have pets or not, you might have to replace the filter more often, especially if you notice that the performance has been getting sketchy. My advice is – don’t rely purely on the filter reset light. 

You’ll see that some of the steps look like they’re describing the GermGuardian AC4200W filter replacement, especially the part where you take off the filter lid on the bottom. Overall, it’s useful to check out other product guides, too, since you can catch some tips and tricks!

Total time: 10 minutes.

Room Coverage & CADR

It’s important to take into account how big of a room can a particular air purifier cover. The biggest rookie mistake is thinking that the size of the purifier determines the coverage, as in – the bigger the purifier, the bigger the coverage. While this can be somewhat connected, the TaoTronics TT-AP001 purifier is proof that it’s not necessarily true  – this device is pretty tiny, but it can do great work in certain spaces.

This purifier is meant for rooms that are up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²) large, and it’s ideal for a bedroom or a smaller office. Because it’s not the strongest one out there, I wouldn’t recommend it for particular areas of the house where many people stay at the same time.

If you want something that’s suitable for those kinds of rooms or larger ones, your best bet is probably the MedifyAir MA-15, as it’s a device of similar dimensions. However, the numbers, the airflow, and the performance and tests prove that it’s more powerful.  

Design and Size

When you first see the TaoTronics TT-AP001, you might be fooled and think that you’re looking at a Levoit product. I was immediately reminded of the circular design of the Levoit Core 300 or the Levoit Core 200S. The Levoit Vista 200 seems like a competitor in this category as well!

The TT-AP001 is a cylindrical purifier that comes in white and black, with an additional splash of gray on the top, where the control panel is. I was pretty surprised when I unpacked this device, as it looked bigger in the pictures. It’s actually quite small and doesn’t take up much space at all! 

The air inlets look as if it is “wrapped” around the whole bottom portion of the device, which means that this TaoTronics air purifier has a 360° air inlet for better performance. This is a plastic device, but the plastic feels sturdy and pretty solid for the price point.

The previously mentioned control panel on the top has all the needed buttons. Although this design lacks a handle for portability, you won’t have a problem moving this air purifier around – it’s small and pretty lightweight. More on the numbers later.

Overall, I think that this particular device fits into all kinds of interior design styles easily. It’s minimal and modern, but it doesn’t take up too much space. 

Control Panel

The control panel is on the top of the device, and it features several touch buttons that I find very easy to use. They’re big enough, you don’t have to put a lot of pressure on them, and they are pretty self-explanatory.

The Taotronics TT-AP001 does not give a signal that a button is clicked, but you’ll find glowing indicators above each button. 

Also, please keep this device at least 15 inches away from the objects surrounding it! Not only is this a phenomenal safety tip, but it’s also a great way to ensure that you’re getting the maximum productivity you can. 

These indicator lights cannot be turned off on their own. The only time they are off is when you turn the sleep mode on—more on that in a few minutes. 

Airflow

As I mentioned when I discussed the TT-AP001 design, the air inlet is a 360° one, and it takes up a third of the device. The air then goes through the filtering process, and it gets pushed out vertically on the top.

My best advice here is to pay extra attention to these “air inlet ribs” – you shouldn’t block them with other objects, which might create an additional hassle and potential damage to the device.

Size and Dimensions 

The TaoTronics TT-AP001 is a 3.3 lb device (1.5 kg), and it’s very portable. It doesn’t have a handle or wheels, but it doesn’t need anything – it’s only 7.6  7.6 x 10.6 inches in dimensions (19.3 x 19.3 x 26.9 cm). 

What’s In The Box?

When you buy this device, you get the TaoTronic TT-AP001 air purifier, as well as the 3-in-1 filter, the power adapter, and the needed papers – the user manual and your warranty card to make sure that you can resolve potential issues with the manufacturer.

Features Overview

Taotronics TT-AP001 has many features. Most of them are standard features I have already witnessed in other air purifiers

Fan Speeds

It’s really useful to be able to choose between several fan speeds – fours in this case. The first three are gradually getting faster, while the fourth can be considered a turbo mode. The turbo mode is significantly faster and stronger. I think this is a great feature, but it will surely impact the energy cost as well. 

Sleep Mode

When I hear that an air purifier has a sleep mode function, I usually look for quiet but productive performance. This purifier surely has it all – even when in sleep mode, the operating speed isn’t slowed down. This means that the noise stays the same, but the numbers have proved that this plays no factor, as the first speed of this device is quieter than some sleep modes I’ve tested from other manufacturers!

Another great feature is that the indicator lights get dimmed down immediately, which means they won’t disturb you. Even light sleepers won’t have any problems when it comes to the TaoTronics TT-AP001. Honestly, you will forget it’s there. 

Night Light

Having a night light comes in handy when you want to go to sleep, and having a purifier that doubles as a night light makes the use much more practical. The TT-AP001 purifier shines in the color blue, and you get to choose between three different intensities. In my opinion, the light is very soothing to the eyes, and it shouldn’t be a problem for light sleepers.

The whole design, as well as the blue night light, reminded me of the Levoit LV-H132. If you still doubt whether this device is really for you, maybe you should give the Levoit model a go and compare the two!

Filter Replacement Reminder

Many people don’t know that buying an air purifier doesn’t mean that they are set for life – you have to buy the replacement filters every now and then (approx every 3 to 6 months). They’re not too expensive for most purifiers, but it can be a little bit problematic to remember that they need to be replaced!

That’s why having a filter replacement reminder plays a huge role in modern air purifiers. You’ll essentially get notified by the blinking light and know that your TaoTronics air purifier needs a little bit of an upgrade. This is honestly one of my favorite features when it comes to air purifiers because I don’t have to bother with the calculations.

Support and Warranty

The TaoTronics TT-AP001 comes with a 1-year warranty, but if you get it on Amazon, you can surely get a better warranty as well. You can choose to prolong it by 18 months and then go to the official TaoTronics Warranty page, where you enter your purchase information.

With my device, I also got a card with all the basic information about the warranty – I was also notified that I could return the device in 60 days if I wanted to. Everything seemed straightforward and simple, so I decided to take all of this a step further and contact customer service to see how long it would take for them to reply.

They were quick to answer my questions, and they provided simple yet effective answers. If you ever have a problem yourself, you can contact them by sending an email to support@taotronics.com. Either that or you call the US number (888) 456-8468

FAQ on TaoTronics TT-AP001