Reviews

Medify hasn’t been making air purifiers as long as some; founded in 2017 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA, by an engineer set on helping reduce indoor air pollution. They now have a large range of units suitable for various room sizes to match your needs.

With this range of units, Medify has given itself an advantage over the competition. But, the focus isn’t on variety; it’s on the high-quality filters inside them, as they only use H13 or H14 HEPA filters in each model.

The ‘mini’ air purifier market has grown significantly recently, with many brands offering units for smaller spaces. With so many models to choose from, like the Levoit Core Mini, the AROEVE MK01 and the notorious Molekule Air Mini, it’s easy to see why finding the right one is essential. 

We’ve previously reviewed the larger MA-40 with its high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), H13 HEPA filter and ionizer, and the MA-25 that outperformed other similarly priced units, so it’ll be interesting to see how the smaller MA-14 performs.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

Without further ado, this is what I learned after testing the Medify MA-14.

The lowdown on the Medift MA-14

“The MA-14 is an okay unit when used in the right room. It would be ideal for taking on the road in your RV as it doesn’t take up much space and it’s quiet. But there are better air purifiers out there for the same price.”

— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer

If you don’t have time to read all the ins and outs of the MA-14, check out our ‘Too Long; Didn’t Read’ list of the main pros and cons of the unit.

Small, but surprisingly effective

For an air purifier of this size, you’d expect it to have a reasonably low CADR as we’ve seen in the Levoit Mini (32 CFM) or the Molekule Air Mini (estimated 25 CFM), but the MA-14 packs more of a punch with its CADR of 70 CFM which is closer to the $700 Dyson HP04 (89 CFM).

Looks…like a mini air purifier

Now that air purifiers have proved to be a “must-have” device in our homes, brands have to put a lot into the design of their units (see the FÖRNUFTIG by IKEA, for example) to get our attention as customers. 

The MA-14 isn’t breaking any molds with its design, but it still looks good (especially in black). My favorite feature is the stand attached to the bottom instead of the unit sitting flush to the floor, like MA-25.

I like the look of the MA-14. Its curved lines and sunken grill give it a “modern” feel, and the controls are right in front of you, making it very easy to use.

Small True HEPA H13 filter

The MA-14 has an ace up its sleeve by including a True HEPA H13 filter under the hood. It may be small, but we love seeing this grade filter used in home air purifiers. Also known as “medical grade,” this type of HEPA can trap up to 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns.

If you don’t know the difference between HEPA grades (aka you have a life), check out our handy chart or read our full guide here.

Along with the HEPA is an in-built pre-filter and a layer of active carbon composite. The pre-filter is there to trap larger particles like dust in the air. These particles will settle on the surface of the pre-filter, which can be wiped off, prolonging the life of the HEPA.

Activated Carbon is used in many air purifier filters as it removes odors and other harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) through adsorption*. Unfortunately, for this to be effective, the filter has to be packed with a large amount of activated carbon, which the MA-14 filter is not, making it more of a gesture than a solution.

As with all HEPA filters, you must replace them periodically to keep them effective. Because the filter is small enough to fit inside the MA-14, it’s recommended that you replace it every three-four months. Which, compared to other units, is fairly short.

Luckily, replacing the filter when the time comes is simple. All you need to do is follow these easy steps:

1. Unplug the unit
2. Turn it upside down and unscrew the cover clockwise to open
3. Pull out the old filter and insert the new replacement
4. Screw the cover counterclockwise to secure

Easy!

Always remember to remove all the plastic wrapping before you insert a replacement filter into the unit. If you don’t, the filter won’t be able to work and you’ll probably cause a burning smell which, trust me, you don’t want.

3 button control

Some of you out there will be searching for a unit with all the latest technology and gadgetry; well, sorry, keep looking. The MA-14 is a simple air purifier with a no-thrills approach. With only three buttons to operate, you can’t get easier.

There are four fan speeds to choose from:

1. Slow

2. Medium

3. Fast

S. Sleep

When you select Sleep, the fan will set to a slower than Slow speed and all the lights will automatically turn off after five seconds, so there are no distractions to keep you awake. To wake the unit back up, you need to press any button.

The Medify MA-14 cleared our test room in 77 minutes 

When looking for the right air purifier for your space, you want to know how efficiently it removes pollutants from your room. That’s why one of the most important factors to remember is to buy a unit that can handle the size of your room.

We recommend that the MA-14 be used in rooms around 109 sq ft to be effective, which may sound small for a living room or den but would be ideal in a small home office, bathroom or even in an RV.

We test each air purifier in the same conditions to compare the units we review like for like. We first fill our home lab (728 cubic ft) with incense smoke to see how fast each air purifier cleans the pollution generated by the smoke.

Once our room is thoroughly contaminated, we turn each unit on to its highest fan speed and measure how long it takes to remove all pollutants from the air. To monitor this process, we use the Purple Air indoor sensor, which updates the PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10.0ug/m3 levels in the room at regular intervals. 

Once the test is complete, we compile all the data onto a graph to see how it performed.

As the MA-14 has a CADR of 70 CFM, we expected it to have a comparable result to the FÖRNUFTIG from IKEA, which has the same CADR and we weren’t expecting anything under 60 minutes as it was a big space for a small unit.

Here’s what we found with the Medify MA-14.

Air cleaning performance test results

The graph shows us that from the peak of contamination, it took the MA-14 77 minutes to clear all that smokey pollution from our testing room. There was no swift decline in the graph like we see from more powerful units, but it cleared the air consistently.

The FÖRNUFTIG completed the same test in 65 minutes with the same CADR. It’s also less expensive and looks better. What gives IKEA the cleaning power over this Medify is the size of its fan compared to the smaller one inside the MA-14.

Noise levels test results

A great feature of the Medify MA-14 is the sound it produces. You wouldn’t expect a unit of this size to produce a lot of noise, but sometimes these little units surprise you (like the Molekule Mini, for example). 

Luckily the MA-14 produces from 21dB on low to 48dB on high, which is about the same level as average room noise. Listen to this sound video, where I run through each fan speed.  

The cost to run a Medify MA-14: $111.05 per year

1. Electricity costs = $37.06

Nothing can be said to be certain in this world except death, taxes and rising energy costs. Hence, it’s important to look at how much energy an air purifier uses to determine how much it will cost you to run per year.

Luckily, brands are energy conscious and do their best to make their products as efficient as possible. Not only does this save your wallet, but it also saves the planet as more energy = more pollution, which = more air purifiers, which = more energy and so on.

We used the average energy prices as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine how much an air purifier will cost to run in your home. We estimate that the annual cost of running the MA-14 would be around $37.06 as we measured it to pull 24.3 watts of electricity from our socket. If we compare this again to the FÖRNUFTIG, which only pulls 14.7 watts when running at top speed ($22.42 per year). IKEA’s unit not only clears our room faster and costs less to run each year.

2. Filter costs = $73.99

Another cost you need to consider when buying an air purifier is the price of replacement filters.

HEPA filters may be the most effective way to clear contaminants from your room, but it comes at a cost. HEPA filters work by trapping particles in their intricate maze of glass fibers, and over time, those fibers fill up and become less effective. Think of it like a spider web catching flies; there is no spider to clean up.

You should change the filters on the MA-14 every three to four months. The reason is that they are much smaller than most filters, so they fill up faster, meaning the cost to run is higher than other units with larger filters.

Once you’ve used the filter it comes with, you should (if used in the correct sized room) be able to get away with buying a 2-pack of filters each year. If you go for the official Medify filters, a twin pack will set you back $73.99 on Amazon. Unofficial filters are cheaper, but we can’t vouch for them as we haven’t tested them. 

Filter

Genuine Medify MA-14 Replacement Filter

Unofficial Generic Medify MA-14 Replacement Filter

Technology

3 in 1 with Pre-filter, H13 HEPA, and Activated Carbon Filter Set, 2-Pack

3-in-1 H13 Grade True HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter Set, 2-Pack

More information

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Price

Price not available

Price not available

Filter

Genuine Medify MA-14 Replacement Filter

Technology

3 in 1 with Pre-filter, H13 HEPA, and Activated Carbon Filter Set, 2-Pack

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

Price not available

Filter

Unofficial Generic Medify MA-14 Replacement Filter

Technology

3-in-1 H13 Grade True HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter Set, 2-Pack

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

Price not available

Bottom line

Medify is a big player in the air purification game, and with units like the MA-40 and the MA-25, it’s easy to see why. But the MA-14 seems to fall short for me. I would be as brazen as to say that the whole of the “mini air purifier” market falls short.

As a mini-unit, the MA-14 is better than most; it has a much higher CADR than others and outperformed the Levoit Core Mini in our home performance tests. But, when you compare it to other units you could buy in the same price bracket, like the FÖRNUFTIG from IKEA or even the powerful AP003 from Taotronics, you could get so much more for your money.

The Medify MA-14 does have strengths. If the size is a factor, for example, you’re looking for an RV, bathroom, or small home office air purifier, the MA-14 will sit neatly on a desk or the floor in a corner and not take up too much room. It’s also very quiet, so it won’t distract you from whatever you’re doing.

The best part of this unit is that Medify has equipped it with an H13 HEPA filter, which has given it the edge over the competition. But with the lack of smart features and a small fan, that’s all the MA-14 has to offer.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Medify MA-14 24 hours a day, 365 days per year utilizing the latest average energy prices as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.174/kWh as of May 2024.

The team behind Medify understands the issues we all face as air quality worsens year on year. To help combat this air quality crisis, they have created a range of products to foster healthier environments in order to prevent illnesses, allergies, and respiratory conditions for people around the globe. 

From a personal unit specifically designed for use in your car to extra-large units designed for open-plan living spaces or offices, the Medify range sets out to cover all bases where indoor air quality could be affected. As a mid-range product, the Medify MA-25 is designed for use in medium-sized spaces between 250 and 1000 sq. ft., offering an affordable purifier for the average home.  

Each of Medify’s purifiers comes with a medical grade H13 HEPA filter, capable of capturing 99.9% of pollutants as small as 0.1 micron in size. They are also extremely confident in the build quality of their purifiers, so much so that they offer a lifetime warranty on all their units. 

After reading Medify’s glowing reviews and being impressed with the Medify MA-40 when we reviewed it last year, we decided to put the MA-25 to the test. As always, we purchased this purifier with our own money, so you can rest assured this review will remain editorially impartial and give you an unbiased account of its performance. 

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

The lowdown on the Medify MA-25

No time to read the whole review? Here are the key takeaways we learned while putting this purifier through its paces. 

The specifications

The Medify MA-25 comes with 3-stage filtration and a powerful fan, contributing to a CADR rating of 135. This unit is currently on the market for $157.38, which works out as slightly more expensive than the Blueair Blue Pure 411 at $130 with a CADR of 120 or the Levoit PUR-131 for $151.99, which also has a CADR of 135.  

Average appearance enhanced by fancy flourishes

On receiving delivery of the purifier, I was surprised to find such a neatly packaged parcel. Thanks to the unit’s compact size and 3-in-1 filter, there were only a couple of components inside the box, which led to a speedy setup. Once everything was unpacked, it was easy to set up the purifier with little need to consult the instruction manual. Simply remove the back panel and slot in the filter, ensuring the pull tab is facing outwards, then plug into the mains and the unit is ready to go. 

It’s fair to describe the Medify MA-25 as an average, run-of-the-mill appliance. Its simple cuboid design doesn’t exactly break the mold, however it does possess a couple of nice features that elevate its appearance. Its glossy touch screen control panel adds a quality flourish, whilst the choice of three colors, coming in black, silver, or white, allows you to choose a unit to best suit your home.

When comparing the unit to a similar purifier made by a rival manufacturer (such as the Levoit Core 400S), you really notice its compact size. Measuring up at 13.5 x 8 x 8 inches, this unit won’t take up much living space and can even be placed on a table or sideboard without looking out of place. 

Thanks to its different color options, the MA-25 also gives you the option to pick a colorway that will best match your home, whereas other manufacturers will often only produce more mundane white goods. 

3-in-1 air filter with H13 HEPA

When purchasing the MA-25, you receive a 3-in-1 filter consisting of a pre-Filter, H13 HEPA, and activated carbon composite filter. This conveniently packaged filter will protect you from a whole host of household pollutants, all you have to do is unclip the back panel and slot the filter inside. Here’s a look at just how easy it is:

With the unit set up, you can expect this purifier to tackle a range of pollutants thanks to its advanced H13 HEPA filter. This type of HEPA filter is medical grade, meaning it can capture a higher percentage of smaller particles than its predecessors can. It is certified to remove 99.9% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including harmful toxins, bacteria, and viruses. 

As well as a HEPA filter, you will also find the pre-filter and activated carbon filter for enhanced protection. The mesh pre-filter comes attached to the HEPA filter to capture any larger particles such as hair, fur, or lint on entry. This can be regularly vacuumed to prolong the lifespan of the HEPA filter and keep your purifier operating at its optimum. 

The activated carbon filter is a composite layer made up of hundreds of charcoal pellets, providing the third stage of filtration. Thanks to these tightly packed, porous pellets, this filter will absorb VOCs and odors from your home as gaseous pollutants pass through and adhere to the carbon substrate. 

Although Medify has clearly opted for high-quality filters to enhance their purifiers’ level of protection, it’s hard to look past their disappointing lifespan. Where most other manufacturers offer filters that last 6 months (with others lasting even longer), Medify states their filters will need to be replaced every 3-4 months or after 2500 hours.

A quick word to the wise for any readers that are planning to buy this purifier is to be sure to remove the plastic wrapping before inserting your filter and switching on the machine, otherwise you won’t purify much air and might add some unusual aromas to your space, trust us!

Foolproof controls everyone will understand

One of the best things about the MA-25 is its simplicity. By just taking one glance at the glossy touch screen control panel, even those with a serious aversion to technology will be able to operate this unit. 

Each of the controls is clearly labeled and illuminated to indicate which setting the purifier is on. Simply cycle through the fan speeds to adjust the power of the unit when required or utilize the 4-stage timer setting so you never have to remember to switch it off again. 

You can also operate the purifier in night mode, setting the purifier to its lowest fan speed along with cutting the LED lights so you can get a good night’s sleep. While the handy child-lock feature will prevent wandering hands from playing with your new toy. 

Although there is no doubting this is an easy purifier to get to grips with, some users may be left pining for more advanced features that are increasingly being found at this price point. Perhaps developing a compatible app for remote use or an air quality sensor for detailed feedback would take this purifier to the next level. 

The Medify-25 cleared our test room in 45 minutes 

In order to see how the Medify MA-25 performed in the real world, we took the unit to our home office/testing lab to put it through its paces.In the interest of conducting a fair and controlled test, this is the same space we use for each of the purifiers we test, which measures up at 705 cubic feet, around the size of a medium-sized bedroom. We also use the same method for creating pollutant particles, by burning incense sticks and measuring the amount of PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10.0 created by using our PurpleAir indoor air sensor.

With the stage set and room filled with an abundance of incense smoke, we fired up the Medify MA-25 to see how well it performs in our real-world tests. At the time of switching on the unit, we recorded the particulate matter levels in the room to be: 

Within 43 minutes, the room was cleared completely of all particulate matter, showing this is a great option for eradicating harmful pollutants in well under an hour. 

To put this into context, the MA-25 outperformed two of its close competitors from within a similar price range, the Levoit PUR-131 and the Blueair Blue Pure 411, whilst giving other top-performing units a run for their money too. 

During our tests, we also recorded the noise levels produced when cycling through its various fan speeds. With volumes ranging between 35 and 52dB this certainly isn’t the quietest purifier we’ve tested, but to hear what that sounds like for yourself, check out our sound guide below.

The cost to run a Medify MA-25: $226.69 per year

1. Electricity costs

With energy prices rising around the world, affecting the day-to-day cost of living, it’s more important than ever to know how much an appliance will cost you in the long run. With this in mind, we use our energy use calculator to estimate what you might expect to pay if using the Medify MA-25.

Whilst testing this purifier, we measured how much electricity the unit used when running on its highest speed setting. We found that it draws just 35.3 watts of power, making this unit pretty energy efficient. This would equate to $76.69 per year, if left to run 24/7 on the highest speed, which isn’t bad at all for a worst-case scenario cost. 

2. Filter costs

Similarly to energy costs, you need to factor in replacement filter costs before committing to buying an air purifier. For HEPA and carbon filters to work effectively and keep your unit running at its best, they need to be periodically replaced once they become saturated with pollutant particles. 

Medify states that their filters will need to be replaced every 3-4 months. This is a relatively short lifespan, especially when you consider a genuine filter replacement will set you back $50. When comparing this cost to those of Winix or Levoit you realize this is indeed a high price to pay, with competitors’ purifiers lasting 6 months and costing around $30-40. 

Sale

Medify MA-25 Genuine Replacement Filter Set for Allergens, Smoke, Wildfires, Dust, Odors, Pollen, Pet Dander | 3 in 1 with Pre-filter, HEPA and Activated Carbon for Removal to 0.3 Microns | 1-Pack

• GENUINE MEDIFY MA-25 FILTERS ONLY: Ensure optimal performance and longevity of your air purifier by using authentic Medify MA-25 replacement filters (ASIN: B084Q965BF). Non-genuine filters risk damaging your machine and compromised air quality.
• EFFORTLESS FILTER REPLACEMENT: Our user-friendly design ensures a hassle-free filter change. Keep every room in your home, school, or office filled with fresh, irritant-free air. Regularly updated filters effectively neutralize lingering odors.
• TRUE HEPA H13 FILTRATION: Medify Air’s HEPA filter material tested to remove 99.9% of particles from O.3 to 0.1 µm by Intertek Laboratories. Breathe easier with effective removal of dust, pollen, allergens, smog, smoke, wildfire smoke, odors, pet dander, and more.
• 3-STAGE PURIFICATION PROCESS: The MA-25 boasts a three-layer filtration system—pre-filter for large particles, True HEPA H13 for superfine contaminants, and activated carbon for odor removal. Ideal for pet owners, allergy sufferers, and smokers.
• EXTENDED FILTER LIFE & COST-EFFICIENCY: Our long-lasting filter set delivers up to 2,500 hours or 3-4 months of continuous, high-quality air purification. With fewer filter changes needed, enjoy cost savings and a healthier, cleaner home environment.

$45.99

Buy on Amazon

It’s worth noting that alternative filters that are compatible with the MA-25 are available on Amazon for a much more affordable price. However, you may wish to think carefully before purchasing these as Medify’s lifetime warranty is only applicable if genuine filters have been used. 

25 Filter MA HEPA Replacement for MA Air Purifier 25 Series S1/W1/B1 | 3-in-1 MA Air 25 True HEPA Activated Carbon Filter, 2 Set

• 25 replacement MA filters are designed for MA Series 25 S1/W1/B1 models air purifier. The package includes 2 Set 25 air filters for MA. It's recommended to replace the filters every 3-4 months on both sides at the same time.
• The 25 replacement flters for MA air purifier are made of 3-in-1 filtration systems including Nylon Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter.
• The 25 HEPA filter are capable of attaching 99.9% of airborne as small as 0.3 microns, and the carbon filter helps you solve the problem of unpleasant odors and gases.
• Package includes 2 Set MA filters 25, fully meet your needs for the replacement of MA air purifier, with premium materials and advanced technology, ideal solution for homes with pet dander, odors, wildfire ashes, smokers, open layout kitchens.
• We value customer service and satisfaction. If you have any problems with the filter fitting your air purifier, please contact us through our Amazon home page. Filter made of FSC-Certified paper

$32.99

Buy on Amazon

Bottom line

Medify have certainly got their priorities in order, creating a mid-range purifier that comes with superior H13 HEPA filters and build quality backed up by a lifetime guarantee. Giving consumers peace of mind they can breathe clean and healthy air for years to come. 

We found that the MA-25 is, without doubt, a quality purifier that will work well in medium-sized spaces. This was proven during our real-world tests where all traces of polluting particles were eradicated in 43 minutes, beating many of the other units within a similar price range, such as the Levoit PUR-131 and Blueair Blue Pure 411.

That being said, there is still room for improvement. Despite having quality filters, their lifespan doesn’t compare to rival manufacturers and replacements don’t come cheap unless you source alternatives from Amazon. Also, while the simplicity of this unit makes life easier, the lack of advanced features does make it feel more basic. 

rish to help us show clearly how long it took a specific purifier to remove all pollutants from the air.