Compare Shark HP201 vs Alen BreatheSmart 35i

P1 Shark HP201
P2 Alen BreatheSmart 35i

Comparison Takeaways

Shark HP201

Where It Has the Edge

  • durability is 4.7 vs 1.5. Durability is mixed. Some owners report good longevity over many months or nearly two years, while others had...
  • dust removal is 4.5 vs 2.9. Dust reduction is one of the clearest strengths, especially in homes with pets, fields, cooking, or visible buildup....
  • customer support is 3.9 vs 2.5. Customer support receives mixed but often helpful feedback. Some buyers praise Shark support or replacements, while others describe...
  • room coverage is 4.2 vs 3.3. Room coverage works well for many bedrooms, apartments, upstairs rooms, and even larger open areas, but some buyers...

Alen BreatheSmart 35i

Where It Has the Edge

  • smart features is 5.0 vs 2.3. Smart features are a major strength, especially app control, sensors, and auto behavior.
  • PM2.5 detection is 5.0 vs 2.5. PM2.5 monitoring is praised through app data and sensor feature evidence.
  • app connectivity is 4.3 vs 2.0. The app is usually praised for control and monitoring, but one expert/customer thread flags setup or registration friction.
  • warranty coverage is 5.0 vs 3.0. Warranty coverage is praised, especially the lifetime warranty tied to OEM filter use.
Average score
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0
Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.2
activated carbon filter
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

The carbon layer is viewed as solid but not class-leading for odors. One comparison says the Shark filter has enough carbon for particles while another purifier may be stronger on smells.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.5

Optional carbon filtration is appreciated for odor and gas coverage, but expert evidence says the carbon amount is limited for serious VOC problems.

air changes per hour
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

The strongest air-change guidance favors medium rooms over the full advertised maximum. One expert estimated better turnover around 400 to 450 square feet.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.9

Expert testing supports useful air changes only in smaller rooms, with quiet-speed coverage falling below average bedroom sizing.

air circulation
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.2

Air movement feels strong to many buyers, sometimes powerful enough to be overkill in small rooms. One Spanish-language reviewer wished it had more reach for a whole apartment.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
air purification performance
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.5

Most owners say the HP201 makes rooms feel cleaner or fresher, often noticing the change quickly. A smaller group says their unit did not seem to clean effectively or failed after a period of good performance.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.6

Most reviewers say the purifier improves air quality or works well, though one customer reported poor cleaning performance.

air quality sensor accuracy
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.2

Sensor accuracy is the most polarized feature: many owners love seeing it react quickly to smoke, cooking, candles, perfume, or dust. The main bad pattern is defective or clogged sensors reading 100%, 0%, or nonsense values.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Experts and customers consistently praise the sensor as responsive, precise, and aligned with external measurements.

allergen reduction
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.9

Allergy relief is a common positive theme, with several owners saying sneezing, stuffiness, or family allergy symptoms improved. Pet and dust-heavy households mention this benefit most often.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Allergy-related feedback is strongly positive, including customer relief and third-party asthma/allergy suitability evidence.

app connectivity
Product 1: Shark HP201
2.0

App connectivity is a clear drawback in the expert review because the HP201 lacks a smart app. Buyers who want connected controls may find that missing.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.3

The app is usually praised for control and monitoring, but one expert/customer thread flags setup or registration friction.

auto mode performance
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.3

Auto mode is widely liked because it reacts to cooking, odors, smoke, and particles without babysitting. Complaints come from sensor failures that make auto mode run constantly or change speeds annoyingly.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.1

Auto mode is praised when the laser sensor responds quickly, but one customer reported a defective unit that did not ramp up.

breathing relief
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.9

Breathing relief is a real strength in allergy-sensitive homes. Reviewers mention easier breathing, less morning stuffiness, and meaningful improvement for people with respiratory discomfort.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
build quality
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

Build quality is mostly viewed as sturdy or high quality when new. A few disappointed owners expected more from the Shark name when durability or controls failed.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.3

Build quality is split: HouseFresh praises it, while Live Science and customers cite plastic, cheap feel, or rattling.

CADR rating
Product 1: Shark HP201
No score yet
Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.2

CADR evidence supports capable small-room performance, not large-space strength.

child lock
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.3

Child lock is seen as useful for families and homes with curious kids or pets. Reviewers like being able to stop accidental button presses.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.8

Child lock is liked by reviewers who want to prevent accidental control changes.

condition on arrival
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.0

Arrival condition is mostly fine when mentioned, but a few buyers received missing instructions or suspicious secondary packaging. One delivery was praised for protective double boxing.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
control placement
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.3

Controls are usually simple, but one buyer reported a touch fan-speed control that was not responsive. Expert walkthroughs otherwise describe the touch buttons as straightforward.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
customer support
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.9

Customer support receives mixed but often helpful feedback. Some buyers praise Shark support or replacements, while others describe difficult calls or only partial discount offers.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
2.5

Customer support evidence is mixed, with one defective-unit response but another customer calling AI support useless.

design and appearance
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.8

Design is a consistent positive: reviewers call it sleek, stylish, good-looking, and not an eyesore. The white version and overall appearance get specific praise.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.7

Design feedback is mostly positive for compact, unobtrusive looks, with one expert less impressed by the plastic body.

display readability
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.4

Display feedback is helpful for many buyers, but readability and meaning can be confusing. Complaints mention cryptic scoring, a wrong display value, or bright lights unless sleep mode is used.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.8

Light and display feedback is positive, especially color-coded air quality and auto-dimming for bedrooms.

documentation quality
Product 1: Shark HP201
2.1

Documentation is uneven. Some owners found the instructions easy, while others said key sensor-cleaning information was missing or the manual was absent or wrong.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
durability
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.7

Durability is mixed. Some owners report good longevity over many months or nearly two years, while others had units fail suddenly, sometimes around one or two years.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
1.5

Durability concerns center on rattling after months and flimsier plastic housing.

dust removal
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.5

Dust reduction is one of the clearest strengths, especially in homes with pets, fields, cooking, or visible buildup. A few buyers still found dust on the unit or nearby surfaces and felt disappointed.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
2.9

Dust evidence is mixed: experts measured dust-related removal, while one customer said dust buildup did not improve.

ease of use
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.9

Setup and daily use are easy for most owners, with simple controls and quick assembly. The main control complaint is an unresponsive touch fan-speed button on one returned-looking unit.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.9

Setup and controls are repeatedly described as easy, intuitive, or plug-and-use.

energy efficiency
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.5

Eco mode is appreciated for saving energy and filter life after the room reaches clean air. Reviewers like that it can settle down instead of running hard all the time.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.3

Efficiency evidence is moderate: experts place energy cost mid-pack, while one customer calls it quiet and efficient.

fan speed options
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.9

Fan speed controls give useful manual range, though some owners dislike the way speeds jump or get loud at higher levels. Multiple settings and auto mode make everyday use flexible.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.0

Fan-speed evidence is factual but positive enough in expert context because four speeds support usable control.

filter availability
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.5

Replacement availability is favorable when buyers can find filters on Amazon. The easier availability is offset by concerns about official filter pricing.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Filter availability is supported by long-term brand availability and subscription mentions.

filter life
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.8

Filter life varies by home and use. Some owners go six months without changing it, while smoke-heavy use and one negative review describe much shorter filter life.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.6

Filter life is polarized: experts cite 6-12 months, some customers like long life, and others saw dirty filters in four months.

filter replacement cost
Product 1: Shark HP201
2.8

Replacement filter cost is a recurring pain point. Buyers call Shark’s filter pricing excessive, mention an $80 filter, or look for cheaper aftermarket options.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.0

Filter replacement cost is one of the clearest concerns, though a few customers accept it because replacements are less frequent.

filter stages
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.3

Filter construction is seen as large and capable, with a pre-filter and HEPA layer called out. Large filter capacity is a plus for owners running the unit continuously.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.7

Filter customization and multiple filter types are praised by expert reviewers.

handle design
Product 1: Shark HP201
No score yet
Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Handle design is praised because it helps make the unit easy to move.

HEPA filtration
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

The HEPA-style filtration is discussed positively in the expert walkthrough, mainly as part of the substantial internal filter design. Customer reviews focus more on results than the filter standard itself.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.5

HEPA filtration is evaluated positively in expert discussion of particle and allergy coverage.

indicator lights
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

Indicator lights help communicate air quality status clearly. The expert walkthrough calls out color changes as part of the basic feedback system.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.5

The filter indicator is praised because it reduces guessing about replacement timing.

maintenance ease
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.2

Maintenance is easy for basic filter replacement, but sensor cleaning is a real frustration. Several owners say clogged sensors are hard to access or not explained well enough.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Maintenance is praised for easy filter access, low-maintenance use, and a strong filter-lock design.

noise level
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.1

Noise is split: many owners call it quiet or whisper quiet, especially on low or normal operation. High speed, red-zone cleaning, and heavy odor/smoke events can get loud enough to affect TV or sleep-sensitive use.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.1

Noise feedback is strongly positive overall, but a few customers report weird sounds or rattling.

odor reduction
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.5

Odor removal is a major crowd-pleaser for cooking smells, pets, litter boxes, candles, and smoking. A few disappointed buyers said musty or pet smells were not reduced well enough.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Odor reduction is one of the strongest customer-backed benefits, especially for pets, smoke odor, cooking, and basement smells.

overall satisfaction
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.4

Overall satisfaction is high among owners whose units work correctly, with many saying they love it, would buy again, or wish they had bought more. Dissatisfied reviews concentrate on failed sensors, short lifespan, and poor perceived value.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.1

Overall satisfaction is high across experts and most customers, offset by a few sharp negative experiences.

particle removal effectiveness
Product 1: Shark HP201
5.0

Particle removal gets strong marks when reviewers see it react to cooking, dust, or airborne debris. Praise centers on quick recognition and visible improvement rather than lab-style measurements.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.7

Particle removal is strongly supported by expert test results, including near-complete removal in timed tests.

pet dander removal
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.9

Pet households often report less dander and cleaner-feeling air around dogs, cats, and birds. This is a recurring reason people recommend it for allergy-prone homes.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.9

Pet dander and animal-related feedback is positive, especially in homes with dogs and cats.

pet hair capture
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.2

Pet hair and fur performance is generally positive, with many pet owners seeing less hair and dust. One Spanish-language owner says it only pulls nearby airborne hairs.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
PM2.5 detection
Product 1: Shark HP201
2.5

PM2.5 detection is mentioned in both feature walkthroughs and one negative dust comparison. The strongest complaint says another purifier detected 2.5-micron dust while this Shark still reported perfect air.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

PM2.5 monitoring is praised through app data and sensor feature evidence.

pollen removal
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.8

Pollen comments are mostly positive, with reviewers using it during seasonal pollen or open-window periods. One negative owner said pollen barely changed the reading before it returned to clean.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.6

Pollen evidence is mixed, with expert/customer positives but one customer saying spring pollen did not improve.

portability
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.6

Portability is a quiet plus: several owners describe the unit as light enough to move between rooms or easy to lift when needed. Its larger size keeps portability from being universally effortless.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Portability is repeatedly praised because the unit is light and easy to move.

power connector fit
Product 1: Shark HP201
1.0

Power connector feedback appears only in a replacement story where support required cutting the cord. It is a negative service experience rather than a normal fit complaint.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
power consumption
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.0

Power use is mixed from limited comments. One Spanish-language owner says it does not use much electricity, while another says to expect a higher electric bill.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.0

Power consumption is acceptable in expert testing but one customer complains it raises the bill.

pre-filter quality
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

The pre-filter comes across as thick and substantial in the expert walkthrough. Owners who added extra pre-filter material also saw it as a way to stretch filter life.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
real-time air quality monitoring
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.9

Real-time monitoring makes the product feel useful and informative, especially when cooking or when outdoor air changes. Buyers like watching percentages and particle information move as the unit responds.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Real-time monitoring is a major strength, with repeated praise for alerts, app graphs, and color feedback.

reliability
Product 1: Shark HP201
1.6

Reliability is the biggest concern. Several units stopped working, malfunctioned, or developed sensor failures, even though many others worked well during the review period.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
1.8

Reliability evidence is negative where customers report odd noises, defects, or quitting use.

remote control
Product 1: Shark HP201
No score yet
Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.5

Remote control is viewed positively through app and Wi-Fi control evidence.

replacement experience
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.3

Replacement handling can resolve a failed unit, but it is not always convenient. One owner had to pay shipping and another waited a week after cutting the cord.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
room coverage
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.2

Room coverage works well for many bedrooms, apartments, upstairs rooms, and even larger open areas, but some buyers recommend oversizing the unit for faster turnover. A few felt it could not cover an entire apartment.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.3

Room coverage is best for small rooms; reviewers repeatedly caution against expecting large-room performance.

safety certifications
Product 1: Shark HP201
No score yet
Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.0

Safety certification evidence is positive but limited to one expert discussion.

safety concerns
Product 1: Shark HP201
1.5

Safety concern is rare but serious: one owner threw away malfunctioning units because they worried about fire hazard. This is not a broad pattern, but it matters for risk-sensitive buyers.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
scheduling options
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

The timer is useful for controlling runtime, with the walkthrough noting a 12-hour maximum. It is a simple scheduling feature rather than full app-based scheduling.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.5

Scheduling is praised in app-focused expert/video reviews.

size and footprint
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.9

The HP201 is not tiny, and several buyers describe it as large or bigger than expected. Even so, many still find the size manageable, attractive, or worth it for larger rooms.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Customers and experts like the compact footprint, especially for bedrooms, studios, and unobtrusive placement.

sleep mode
Product 1: Shark HP201
5.0

Sleep mode gets direct praise from a bedroom user who liked running it overnight without bright lights. The quiet low-speed operation supports bedroom use for many reviewers.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.7

Sleep mode and bedroom use are reviewed positively because the unit is quiet and can dim lights.

sleep quality benefit
Product 1: Shark HP201
5.0

Sleep benefits are meaningful for bedroom users, especially people dealing with allergies, dust, or stuffiness. Several owners say sleep quality improved after using it.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Sleep benefits are strongly positive in the few reviews that mention better sleep or breathing at night.

smart features
Product 1: Shark HP201
2.3

Smart features are a tradeoff: Clean Sense and auto reactions feel smart to many buyers, but some critics see the feature set as basic or ineffective. Lack of app control is the most concrete limitation.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Smart features are a major strength, especially app control, sensors, and auto behavior.

smoke removal
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.3

Smoke performance is generally helpful for cooking smoke, candle smoke, cigarette smoke, and wildfire smoke. It may run hard or take time when the air is heavily contaminated.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
4.3

Smoke evidence is strong in expert testing and a customer fire-smoke odor account, but one defective-unit review is negative.

value for money
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.7

Value is strongly tied to whether the unit keeps working. Many buyers say it is worth the price or a great deal, but failures, filter costs, and high upfront price make others regret the purchase.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.4

Value is mixed: many think it is worth buying, while experts and one customer stress high upfront and ownership costs.

VOC reduction
Product 1: Shark HP201
No score yet
Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
3.6

VOC evidence is mixed: monitoring and some detection are praised, while experts warn carbon is limited for serious VOC issues.

VOC sensor accuracy
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.0

VOC-like sensing is mixed but useful for odors and vapors: owners mention perfume, cleaning sprays, strong cooking smells, and even body odor triggering the unit. One critic says it senses vapors better than actual dust.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet
warranty coverage
Product 1: Shark HP201
3.0

Warranty coverage helps, with a two-year warranty mentioned in replacement stories. The downside is that failures just outside coverage can leave buyers feeling unsupported.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
5.0

Warranty coverage is praised, especially the lifetime warranty tied to OEM filter use.

Wi-Fi reliability
Product 1: Shark HP201
4.5

Wi-Fi feedback is sparse and contradictory to other comments, with one customer praising WiFi connectivity. There is not much detail on stability or setup.

Product 2: Alen BreatheSmart 35i
No score yet