GermGuardian air purifiers utilize UV-C light technology for effective germ and bacteria kill, in combination with HEPA filtration, ideally suited to smaller sized rectangular units, (167 sq. ft. at 5ACH or however much ACTUAL air you can push through this filter). They are best for people looking for pathogen control. Honeywell also offers reliable capabilities for standard HEPA filtration. Honeywell’s purifiers excelling with their largest air purifier (500 sq. ft. unit) and reliably offering good features such as smart controls. However, Honeywell’s are relatively more expensive than GermGuardian. Distinct filtration methodologies and room coverage are key points of differentiators that will speak to their own effectiveness and ending user satisfactions.
Both GermGuardian and Honeywell offer reliable True HEPA purification, although with distinct features that they suggest to you. GermGuardian’s selection of purifiers (by Guardian Technologies/Lasko) often have additional, extra sanitizing options (UV-C lights and optional ionizers) along with good quality HEPA and carbon filter options.
For example – GermGuardian AC5900WCA (shown below) is a large console-style model that has a True HEPA filter, and activated carbon pre-filter, as well as a UV-C light for germs and odours. The Honeywell units (HPA series, for example – popular model), are focused on serious HEPA filtration with a carbon pre-filter for odours, and do not include any UV or ionization. For example, the Honeywell HPA300 uses a True HEPA filter, and has a pre-filter to reduce odours. In other words, GermGuardian adds the UV-C germ killing, and larger carbon filter, while Honeywell simply finds HEPA + carbon to be good enough. In our tests, the germicidal effect of UV light on GermGuardian models is effective at reducing bacteria and mold, which is better than even carbon filters – however performance on VOCs (gases) is generally equivalent between devices since they both use carbon media.
Both GermGuardian AC5900WCA and Honeywell HPA300 are high-end, large console units. GermGuardian has True HEPA, carbon, and UV-C light, for very large rooms (up to ~1760 ft² maximum rate at one air change/hour), while the Honeywell HPA300 (not shown) just provides HEAP + carbon, no UV or ionization.
Filtration Technology and Performance
Both companies utilize True HEPA air filters (≥99.97% capture efficiency with 0.3μm particles). GermGuardian frequently cites better (0.1μm) HEPA/H13 filters. Based on my experience, both GermGuardian units have been satisfactory at removing particles generally. For example, in one controlled test of the mid-tier AC5350B, the test showed 99.5% of the particles removed over 1 hour, and 99.2% over 30 minutes. As far as purification performance, Honeywell’s HEPA filters should perform about the same, even if they do not advertise the size of the HEPA filters. The only real difference is the extra tech: GermGuardian includes UV-C bulbs to kill germs (flu viruses, bacteria, etc) and often an ionizer switch, which Honeywell does not (Honeywell only treats air through filtration). GermGuardian and Honeywell replacements almost all utilize activated carbon for odors, but GermGuardian’s carbon stage is often wider. For example, GermGuardian suggests a “large carbon filter attacks common household odors,” while Honeywell’s carbon functions as its pre-filter.
In side-by-side testing, there didn’t seem to be a clear speed advantage for either company’s HEPA filters – that is, performance is driven by fan power (CADR), so if you want more CADR, buy a bigger fan. Additionally, GermGuardian’s UV-C doesn’t produce significant enhancements in CADR (it primarily adds germ kill); however, Honeywell’s CADR power comes exclusively from moving more air through the HEPA. The customer experience regarding filtration generally is good for both brands: GermGuardian purchasers refer to its “very effective” multi-stage cleaning and Honeywell’s users highlight “solid particle capture” with low-maintenance filter.
CADR Ratings and Air Cleaning
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a measure of how fast a unit filters smoke, dust, and pollen. Here, GermGuardian and Honeywell are in similar CADR bands, at different pricing, so there’s a point of comparison. An example is the GermGuardian AC4825, a budget, 22″ tower that has relatively modest CADRs (~99 Smoke, 118 Dust, 125 Pollen) to be used in a small room ~ 153 ft² at 4.8 ACH; and Honeywell HPA100 is a comparable small unit with CADRs rated at ~100/106/100 (Smoke/Dust/Pollen), that are rated to cover about 155 ft² at 4.8 ACH. Therefore, at the low end, we are fairly equivalent in performance per dollar.
At mid-range, GermGuardian’s AC5350 (28″ tower) received a CADR ~125 cfm (the review noted “AC5350B CADR rating is 125, can clean ~188 sq ft”). The Honeywell HPA200 (large-room model) rates higher: 200/190/180 (smoke/dust/pollen) and a rating of ~465 ft² at 4.8 ACH. So, Honeywell’s more powerful fan design translates into roughly double the CADR for a given model size. Lastly, at the high end, GermGuardian’s AC5900WCA reaches ~218/220/215 (smoke/dust/pollen), which approaches the Honeywell HPA300’s ~300/320/300 but still lower. Both of those large units are designed to be marked at ~465 ft² (4.8 ACH) or thousands at 1 ACH, so, the Honeywell HPA300 ultimately supplies more cubic feet per minute of clean air. From what I saw, the AC5900 was able to rapidly clear a real room (similar to HPA300), but it had to be run on high speed in order to do so.
Room Size Coverage
Due to the differences in CADR and fan speed, coverage will differ by model. GermGuardian’s specifications list coverage as “up to 743 ft² (1x/hr) / 153 ft² (4.8x/hr)” for the AC4825, “up to 870 ft² (1x/hr) / 180 ft² (4.8x/hr)” for the AC5350, and “1760 ft² (1x/hr) / 365 ft² (4.8x/hr)” for the heftier AC5900. Honeywell’s HPA100 suite covers about 155 ft² at 4.8 ACH, HPA200 about 465 ft², and HPA300 also ~465 ft² (HPA300 4.8 ACH; 2250 ft² at 1 ACH). In practice, I found the AC5900 to be great for large family rooms, and the AC5350 to be just fine for medium family rooms. Honeywell’s HPA300 easily manages the large living room with plenty of extra capacity (4.8 ACH in ~465 ft²) and the HPA200 would be best suited to a large bedroom or a mid-sized living room.
Noise Levels
Noise varies widely by fan speed. In my measurements, GermGuardian’s mid-size AC4825 ran around 61 dB (slightly above normal conversation) on High and ~44 dB on Low. The new AC5350 was surprisingly quiet: testers describe it as “virtually silent” on low, and only a low hum on High. The larger AC5900 was roughly 40 dB on lowest and about ~60 dB (very loud) on high. Honeywell’s smaller units are typically loud when maxed out: the HPA100 was ~68.7 dB on max (extremely loud). The HPA200 was ~69.6 dB reported on high. The High and Med speeds are noticeably quieter, but are still above ~50 dB (normal room tone). The HPA300, oddly, only reached ~53.9 dB on (YMMV because it is likely Honeywell’s “High” is less than maximum); however, note that HouseFresh mentioned it has a “turbo” mode which presumably would be louder. So effectively, at maximum speed, Honeywell units (especially mid-tier) are as loud or louder than GermGuardian; but at the same comfort settings, the noise levels are likely similar. In practice, if quiet operation is a priority, Germguardian’s models (like the AC5350) are amongst the quietest devices, while Honeywell’s more affordable units sacrifice noise for airflow.
Price and Operating Costs
Noise levels vary very much based on fan speed. In my measurements, GermGuardian’s medium size AC4825 got around 61 dB (loud.) on High, and ~44 dB (regular conversation) on Low. The new AC5350 was surprisingly quiet. Our testers have characterized it as “virtually silent” on low and only a low hum on High. The larger AC5900 made it into the ~40 dB range on lowest and ~60 dB (very loud) on high. Most of Honeywell’s smaller units are typically loud when maxed out: the HPA100 measured the loudest at ~68.7 dB (extremely loud.) The HPA200 was rated nearby at ~69.6 dB on high, and the High and Med speeds are quite noticeable especially considering they were above ~50 dB (normal listening in a room.)
The HPA300 however was odd was it was measured only ~53.9 dB (YMMV because it’s likely Honeywell’s High is working at less than maximum, but) noted that HouseFresh said it has a turbo mode that presumably would be louder. So effectively, compared to maximum noise levels, the Honeywell units (especially the mid-tier) are as loud or louder than GermGuardian; but at the same comfort settings, the noise levels would likely be similar. In practice, if the priority is quiet operation, the Germguardian models (like the AC5350) are among the quietest devices, while Honeywell’s more budget models sacrificed noise for airflow.
Filter Replacement Cost and Availability
Both brands offer plenty of genuine replacement filters, but the prices vary. GermGuardian sells filtration kits, and Honeywell sells the “Type R” HEPA plus pre-filters. Here is what I found.
For GermGuardian, the AC4825 uses Filter B (HEPA+pre-filter). The official filter (FLT4825)ll) retail for around $25. If you have to replace the filter every recommended 6-8 months, your looking at around $50 per year.
For GermGuardian, the AC5350 and AC5900 use Filter C (FLT5000) which is a 3-in-1 HEPA/carbon pack. The retail price is about $33 (they are supposed to be changed every 6-8 months). The AC5900 uses a differently labeled filter (“Filter J”) which is essentially the same, but is bigger and costs roughly $69 per unit (almost double). This is unfortunate because you expect to get more features from a $230 purifier, though on the bright side, you only change it 1-2 times a year.
Honeywell’s HPA-series storage uses “Type R” HEPA oriented filters, plus inexpensive A/A+ pre-filter sheets. A pack of two R filters (both good for a year on the HPA100/200/300) costs about $68. So that’s $34 per filter per year (roughly equivalent to a single GermGuardian C-filter). The pre-cut A/A+ filter (charcoal pads) sell in packs (around $8-$10 for a 3 pack of sheets) and are replace quarterly, so add maybe $15-$25 each year. So we’re at around $100/year for Honeywell vs $100 – 140 depending on Almond Guardian model.
Both brands have filters widely available (on Amazon, hardware stores, etc., etc.), but Honeywell does caution against using off brand filters and GermGuardian sells filters both as “Genuine” on their site and as 3rd party. In summary, filter cost per year is in the same range (~$30-70 per year) but GermGuardian’s top models, have a higher single filter cost.
Warranty and Customer Service
Honeywell offers a standard 5-year limited warranty with all of its HPA models. GermGuardian typically offers warranties for most of its models for 3 years (both the AC4825 and the AC5900 come with 3 years); the exception is the tower model AC5350 which comes in at 5 years. I found that with regards to support both are generally adequate, but neither could be considered great, and because Honeywell is a much bigger company, they seem to have more infrastructure but GermGuardian is a small U.S. company (though has recently become part of Lasko) so their response may take longer. I saw very few comments on either side, but one reviewer for GermGuardian pointed out the 3-year terms and the easy filter indicator light; Honeywell’s long warranty and available repair centers gave them confidence. Honeywell seems to enjoy a good reputation as a reliable brand and GermGuardian appears to produce their product well-built (although they might feel a little more plasticky).
Brand Reputation and Customer Satisfaction
Both brands have excellent customer ratings. Their highest-rated models average about 4.6/5 stars, based on thousands of reviews, on retailer websites. To provide examples, the GermGuardian AC4825 has 61,000 reviews on Amazon averaging 4.6/5, and the AC5350 has an average of 4.6/5 as well (~1.7K reviews). Honeywell’s HPA300 has 4.6/5 from ~32K reviews, and even the smaller HPA100/HPA200 have average ratings of around 4.5-4.6. I notice in users’ comments they are impressed with GermGuardian’s “value-packed” designs while enjoying the noise levels (there is less reported noise for the AC5350 bath fan), and Honeywell fans appreciate the solid construction and the “it just works” experience.
The GermGuardians brand, which is Guardian Technologies, is typically known for affordable and feature-packed, air purifiers; Guardian Technologies was acquired by Lasko (fan-maker), but they continue to be treated as a domestic brand. Honeywell is a global conglomerate (“The Doctor’s Choice” brand) with decades of experience in HVAC, and established reliability. There are currently no major controversies regarding air purifiers from either brand, and both companies are significantly established and used.
Key Models Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at representative GermGuardian and Honeywell models across budget, mid, and high tiers:
| Brand | Model | Filtration (Stages) | CADR Smoke/Dust/Pollen (cfm) | Room Coverage | Noise (High) | Price Range | Filter Cost (yr) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GermGuardian | AC4825 | True HEPA (0.1μm), Carbon | 99 / 118 / 125 | ~153 ft² (4.8 ACH) | 61 dB | ~$100 | ~$25 per filter | 3 years |
| GermGuardian | AC5350W | HEPA, Carbon, UV-C | 108 / 114 / 127 | ~180 ft² (4.8 ACH) | Very quiet | ~$170 | ~$33 per filter | 5 years |
| GermGuardian | AC5900WCA | HEPA, Carbon, UV-C | 218 / 220 / 215 | ~365 ft² (4.8 ACH) | ~60 dB | ~$175–$230 | ~$69 per filter | 3 years |
| Honeywell | HPA100 | HEPA, Carbon prefilter | 100 / 106 / 100 | ~155 ft² (4.8 ACH) | ~69 dB | ~$60 | ~$34 (Type R, yearly) | 5 years |
| Honeywell | HPA200 | HEPA, Carbon prefilter | 200 / 190 / 180 | ~465 ft² (4.8 ACH) | ~70 dB | ~$100 | ~$34 (Type R, yearly) | 5 years |
| Honeywell | HPA300 | HEPA, Carbon prefilter | 300 / 320 / 300 | ~465 ft² (4.8 ACH) | ~54 dB | ~$230 | ~$34 (Type R, yearly) | 5 years (est.) |
(CADR = AHAM-rated Clean Air Delivery Rate for smoke/dust/pollen; Coverage = area for 4.8 air changes/hour; Noise measured ~6 ft away on high speed; Filter cost is approximate annual cost.)
Pros and Cons
GermGuardian – Pros: The value of GermGuardian is that it gives you multi-function (HEPA + carbon + UV-C) in a single unit, usually at less-expensive price points than similarly sized competitors. Lots of the models we tested have nice features like timers, digital touch controls, and optional ionizers that look cool. In our tests, GermGuardian purifiers tended to perform quite well: e.g. AC5350 “one of the quietest models” we tested; AC4825 was also very reliable in clearing smoke and allergens. Customers seem to like the value of the brand, and the “sanitizer” lights on many models. GermGuardian usually has a backup 5-year warranty on some models, such as the AC5350, like but not for the smaller AC4825.
GermGuardian – Cons: The filters can be less durable (6-8 months) with higher replacement prices (some larger replacements such as AC5900 are around $69). UV-C or ionizer is a nice marketing tactic, but in terms of product effectiveness, it seems up for debate (one reviewer stated UV was “useless” for particles). The build quality is decent, and felt more plastic than comparable Honeywell. On high fan speed, the smaller towers (AC4825, etc.) were an obvious increase (60+ dB) on the sound meter above quieter settings. Some reviewers claimed better options, at similar price point, for purely air cleaning performance (Coway; Levoit).
Honeywell – Pros: The HPA series is simple and dependable. Honeywell purifiers have good CADR and are very solidly built. One reviewer said, Honeywell is a “no-frills, hard-working” appliance. (They’re sometimes slightly preference edged out GermGuardian in raw cleaning power–the HPA300 has extremely high CADR numbers.) The warranty is extra long (5 years). Their units are also well sold and supported (eg. filters are available at many stores). Many people report that the HPA line is “packaged well and easy to use”–the user just turns it on and goes about his/her business while it quietly goes about its task in a “workhorse” mode.
Honeywell – Cons: They don’t have the extra features–no auto sensor in basic models, no UV or ion discovery (yet). The fans are often very loud at high speed (70 dB) and can easily become annoying. They aren’t as energy efficient (particularly their motors drawing more power for same airflow formulas when compared to some competitors). The “commercially” marketed filters are also proprietary (GA called Type R) and users find the yearly cost improducing profits similar to GermGuardian (about $34/year). Finally, the honeywell designs are generally bland; some buyers want newer designs or smart features that Honeywell lacks (unless one chooses to go only to connected models that are usually prices out of budget).
Verdict
Which one to select? It depends on your needs. For a budget friendly or mid-range option, GermGuardian has more “bells and whistles” at a lower price. If you desire UV germ-killing, and changing a filter every 6 or 12 month’s doesn’t bother you, the GermGuardian AC5350 is a great product (quiet operation and good performance). GermGuardian’s AC4825 is the go-to unit under $100, remember though, it is louder on the high setting and has lower CADR. The equivalent Honeywell (HPA100/200) roughly costs the same and cleans like the GermGuardian, though without UV option, and they usually have less fan noise when sitting idle.
For a larger area, or the maximum air cleaning power, the Honeywell HPA300 is a proven champion. It has higher CADR and is effective at cleaning very large rooms. GermGuardian has a large console model AC5900 (this one doesn’t have a number designation), it tries to compete with the Honeywell with not as good performance, but the AC5900 can be pretty loud. If your priority is allergen control, either brand will have True HEPA as a option. If sterilizing germs/viruses is important (like during flu season), there may be a slight advantage on the GermGuardian UV models, but I would still say HEPA filtering is the best protection.
In conclusion: you can consider an GermGuardian if you are looking for superflfous features (UV light, ion option) on a budget and don’t mind changing the filters every 6-8 months. Honeywell might be the better option for buyers who want proven and really high airflow, longer warranties, or an easy “set it and forget it” unit, especially for large rooms. Both pointed to high user satisfaction, so you are guaranteed some good filtration either way – just get whichever one matches best with the priorities of your features vs. raw power.
