Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max vs Sharp FP-K50UW Plasmacluster

Last updated: October 22, 2026

The Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max is the better air purifier overall, rated 3.9 to 3.2. The Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max leads on auto mode and value. The Sharp FP-K50UW Plasmacluster wins on filter cost. The Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max costs $67 less ($112.99 vs $179.99).

Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max vs Sharp FP-K50UW Plasmacluster

Prices were last checked October 22, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.

Which should you buy?

Scores side by side

Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every medium rooms air purifier; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.

Factor weightBlueair Blue Pure 511i MaxSharp FP-K50UW Plasmacluster
Overall rating3.9/53.2/5
Value 25%82 $0.74 per cfm of smoke CADR55 $1.08 per cfm of smoke CADR
Filter cost 20%58 $59.98 a year in filters84 $34.99 a year in filters
Quiet 20%80 48 dB at top speed (maker rating)50 noise at top speed not published (neutral score used)
Efficiency 15%74 7.9 cfm per watt50 efficiency not certified (neutral score used)
Auto mode 10%100 particle sensor and Wi-Fi app0 no air-quality sensor or app
Warranty 10%0 1-year warranty0 1-year warranty

Specifications

Blueair Blue Pure 511i MaxSharp FP-K50UW Plasmacluster
Performance
Smoke CADR153 cfm167 cfm
Dust CADR159 cfm171 cfm
Pollen CADR174 cfm188 cfm
PM2.5 CADR156 cfm-
CADR certified byAHAM VerifideAHAM Verifide
Room size (AHAM)237 sq ft259 sq ft
Coverage (maker)1,138 sq ft1,253 sq ft
Noise19 to 48 dB23 dB
Efficiency
Efficiency (IEF)7.9 cfm/W-
ENERGY STARYesNo
Energy use114 kWh/year-
Power at top speed17 W-
Filters
FilterParticle + carbon filter with washable fabric pre-filterTrue HEPA with separate activated carbon filter and washable pre-filter
Activated carbonYesYes
Replacement511i Max filter (111179)FZ-K50HFU (HEPA)
Replacement cost$29.99 every 6 months$69.99 every 24 months
Yearly filter cost$59.98/year$34.99/year
IonizerYesYes
CARB certified (ozone)YesYes
Controls and build
Air-quality sensorparticleNone
Auto modeYesNo
Wi-Fi appYesNo
Fan speeds43
Dimensions14.5 x 9.3 x 9.3 in21.3 x 15.1 x 8.2 in
Weight4.2 lb11 lb
Warranty1 years1 years

All air purifier comparisons →