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Deal | Zigma Aerio 300 air purifier now shipping for $169 USD with AI learning capabilities and strong software support

Zigma Aerio 300 air purifier now shipping for $169 USD with AI learning capabilities and strong software support
Zigma Aerio 300 air purifier now shipping for $169 USD with AI learning capabilities and strong software support
The Zigma app can log daily air quality levels and allow users to set different PM2.5 boundaries for the purifier to respond accordingly. The software is much more developed than the simpler ones from other manufacturers.

After testing the Trusens and Proscenic A9 air purifiers, we're now ready to check out the Zigma Aerio 300. This particular model can be found on Amazon for $169 USD and is designed for large rooms (1580 Sqft) or home offices.

Visually, the Aerio 300 is distinctly different from most other air purifiers. Whereas many models are typically boxy with sharper edges or corners, the Zigma is more oval and egg-shaped to be easier on the eyes. It's also shorter than expected at only about 19.5 inches tall compared to 23.5 inches with the popular Winix 5300.

Fan SettingProscenic A9 ((dB(A))Winix 5300 2-in-1 ((dB(A))Germ Guardian AC4825E (dB(A))Zigma Aerio 300 (dB(A))
Off (Background)24.824.824.824.8
129.533.548.840.4
23441.758.661.7
347.845.36670.5
457.550.3N/AN/A
565.264.1N/AN/A
The stub on the bottom aids in removing the front panel for replacing the filter when needed
The stub on the bottom aids in removing the front panel for replacing the filter when needed
Rounded design allows for a smaller footprint than most other air purifiers
Rounded design allows for a smaller footprint than most other air purifiers
Holes along the side of the unit are for the PM2.5 sensor
Holes along the side of the unit are for the PM2.5 sensor
Air enters front the front of the unit and exits from the top. The manufacturers recommends at least 60 cm of space between the front and any obstructions
Air enters front the front of the unit and exits from the top. The manufacturers recommends at least 60 cm of space between the front and any obstructions

What most separates the Aerio 300 from other air purifiers is its informative and detailed software. In this case, the Aerio 300 software carries a number of useful functions not found on many other air purifiers including the ones from Proscenic. For example, the Zigma software integrates AI to predict the local air quality and then act accordingly before the air quality reaches unsafe levels. This approach is different from the typical automatic mode where the purifier will only auto-adjust its speeds only after unsafe air quality levels are detected. The software will even automatically log daily PM2.5 levels and keep a control record of when adjustments are made throughout the day.

Zigma app on Aerio 300 v1.9
Zigma app on Aerio 300 v1.9
Zigma app on Aerio 300 v2.0. "Light Flow" has been removed
Zigma app on Aerio 300 v2.0. "Light Flow" has been removed
To pair the unit with the app, users must scan a QR code on the unit itself. It is unfortunately only compatible with 2.5 GHz networks
To pair the unit with the app, users must scan a QR code on the unit itself. It is unfortunately only compatible with 2.5 GHz networks
Users can set the ranges for AQI
Users can set the ranges for AQI

Another useful feature of the software is its ability to allow users to set what PM2.5 levels are considered healthy or unhealthy. For example, normal air quality is set to PM2.5 35 to 74 ug/m3 by default, but users can widen or tighten this range and the unit will react accordingly. Such an option is not available on the aforementioned Proscenic software. And of course, other common functions like scheduling and Alexa or Google voice control are present on the Zigma.

A strange aspect of the Aerio 300 came after updating its firmware from 1.9 to 2.0. The system came in four fan speeds prior to updating: Night mode, low, medium, and high. After updating, however, the available modes were reduced to just Night mode, medium, and high.

Simple three-button controls. Negative ion/UV light filter button is independent of the primary filter
Simple three-button controls. Negative ion/UV light filter button is independent of the primary filter
Fan is visible once the filter is removed
Fan is visible once the filter is removed
The filter consists of three layers: Activated carbon, pre filter, and H13 HEPA filter
The filter consists of three layers: Activated carbon, pre filter, and H13 HEPA filter
Ribbon along the top edge of filter allows for easy removal
Ribbon along the top edge of filter allows for easy removal

Perhaps the worst aspect of the Aerio 300 is how loud it can be. As shown by our table below, even its lowest fan noise setting (Night mode) is noticeably louder than both the Proscenic and Winix models each at their lowest settings. The delta only grows wider when on higher fan settings as well. We suspect that the smaller size of the Aerio 300 is at least partly responsible for the generally louder fan noise.

Another notable limitation of the Aerio 300 is that its UV-C light cannot be replaced. The manufacturer claims a UV-C light lifespan of 8000 to 12000 hours which equates to approximately one to two years of constant usage. Once the light is out, the UV-C feature will be effectively gone for the life of the unit. This is in contrast to the TruSens air purifier which allows for easy end-user replacement of the UV-C bulb.

If you can appreciate the level of fine-tuning available and the datalogging, then the Zigma Aerio 300 may be preferable over other options. If you don't care much for software controls or prefer larger and quieter purifiers, then the Proscenic and Winix may be the way to go.

Zigma fan noise profile (White: Background, Red: Night mode, Blue: Level 2, Purple: Level 3)
Zigma fan noise profile (White: Background, Red: Night mode, Blue: Level 2, Purple: Level 3)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 12 > Zigma Aerio 300 air purifier now shipping for $169 USD with AI learning capabilities and strong software support
Allen Ngo, 2021-12-24 (Update: 2021-12-28)