We put the Shark Air Purifier to the test in three situations to see if it's worth the investment.
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I Tried the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max, and It’s Filled With Useful Features
Updated on Apr. 28, 2025
I live in the Pacific Northwest and while the location offers plenty of positives, it comes with a few negatives. As someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, this location means excessive tissue use, itchy eyes and general lethargy. Within the last handful of years, we’ve also experienced concerning air-quality issues because of smoke from forest fires.
When I first heard Shark was releasing an air purifier that covers an impressive 1,400 square ft (enough for my entire home) with a long-lasting HEPA filter, I knew I needed to try it myself.
I’ve used some amazing air purifiers in the past (and even have air-purifying plants), but the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max comes with some extra features I was really excited to try, like the brand’s Clean Sense IQ that gives a percentage reading of how clean the air is.
On Sale
VIA MERCHANT
I Tried It
Shark Air Purifier Max
This air purifier guards against odors, dust and dander and captures micropollutants.
What is the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max?
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max cleans a home’s indoor air of common pollutants like dust, animal dander and pollen. The Shark air purifier is the brand’s first to use a NeverChange HEPA filter, designed to last for five years of use. We’re always on the lookout for an air purifier that’s a smart value and the Shark certainly fits the bill.
Dr. Courtney Blair is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who says it’s important to choose an air purifier that fits the space you’re trying to keep clean. Thankfully, the Shark air purifier’s coverage of up to 1,400 square ft. is likely to work for many spaces and homes.
Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), mentions indoor air quality is worth paying attention to. “Having good indoor air quality is an important part of having a healthy living space,” she says. “People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.”
Carver mentions indoor air quality is impacted by animal dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, fumes released by cooking and cleaning products. Since our homes are less ventilated than outdoor spaces, these get trapped inside and pose negative health risks. With new viruses of concern circulating and increasing wildfire smoke hazards, it’s more important than ever to keep indoor air clean.
The Shark air purifier comes with impressive features like an LED screen that gives real-time clean air information. It’s easy to assemble and fairly lightweight to move and it gives peace of mind that indoor air quality isn’t an issue.
How we tested it
I tested out the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max for two weeks and used it in three environments. The box was large but manageable for one person to move inside. The setup took less than five minutes.
I set it up in my living room, which is the central part of my house, connecting to the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and bathroom—about 900 square feet in total. The purifier took a few seconds to calibrate my indoor air quality, giving me a reading of 95%. This increased to 100% within minutes.
As someone sensitive to smells, I wasn’t thrilled about the included Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge which has a noticeable scent. I was tempted to not even install it, but I wanted to test the air purifier correctly, so I set it to the lowest scent option (off is also an option). To my surprise, the smell was minimal and actually pleasant. After two weeks, I still faintly notice it when I get home and don’t mind it at all. And if you’re especially sensitive, you can opt to forgo the cartridge altogether.
I’m also a light sleeper, sensitive to both sound and light. The Shark NeverChange is perfect for me since the sound is minimal and in night mode, the entire panel and colored air-quality ring go dark. As a sleeper sensitive to light, I really appreciate this. It’s really done wonders for lessening my allergies which usually get worse while I’m sleeping.
For the next round of testing, I carried the unit downstairs to my basement while I was doing some sorting of seasonal clothes. I was impressed by the responsive air quality percentage reading which dropped almost immediately when I opened the bins of clothes.
Lastly, I brought it to a cabin in a national forest for a weekend where the air quality dropped to 70% when a neighboring cabin had an evening campfire. Once I closed up the cabin’s windows, the Shark air purifier cleaned the air of the smoke and was back to 100% air quality within 10 minutes.
My absolute favorite element of this air purifier is the display that uses a percentage readout instead of just a color-coded system to indicate air quality. It also has a colored ring on the display, but I prefer the percentage.
When it comes to areas of improvement, I would love a longer power cord. A remote control would also be greatly appreciated. This air purifier does have a remote control but it must be purchased separately. Apart from that, I love the Shark NeverChange. I have recommended it to several friends and will absolutely continue to use it. As it stands, I hardly ever turn it off. It’s been fantastic at cutting down on allergens and giving me peace of mind that my indoor air is healthy.
Pros
- Filters a large area―up to 1,400 square feet
- Long-lasting HEPA filter
- Quiet fan operation with the option to turn control buttons to silent
- Odor Neutralizer cartridges help with pet odor and cooking smells
- Night mode eliminates all lights and display
- Useful air quality reading, broken down into particle type
Cons
- Scent from Odor Neutralizer cartridge could be unappealing to some
- Remote control sold separately
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max features
Shark makes some of the most dependable vacuum cleaners and is part of the same company as Ninja, which makes buzz-worthy Ninja kitchen appliances. Thanks to the SharkNinja’s positive reputation, it’s no surprise the NeverChange Air Purifier comes packed with useful features. The portable purifier’s sleek and clean design feels on par with its high-tech performance and ability to monitor air quality.
Not only does the purifier use a filter that surpasses HEPA standards, two external filters help catch larger particles and pet hair so they don’t prematurely clog the HEPA filter. I found cleaning the external filters with a vacuum to take about 30 seconds on each side.
One of the features I found the most useful was the eco setting on auto mode. Once auto mode is on, the air purifier shuts off the fan once the air quality reaches 100% for at least five minutes. It’ll automatically kick back on once the air needs cleaning. Not only is this an energy-saving mode, it adds to the lifespan of the HEPA filter.
The included Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge significantly cut down on a musty smell while I was cleaning my basement and I found it did an excellent job with odor control while I was cooking. If you are sensitive to smells, you can easily turn the setting off or remove the odor neutralizing cartridge entirely. Doing so will not affect the overall performance of the air purifier.
I also raved about the purifiers’ customization options with three levels of dimness (one being night mode that emits no light) and the ability to mute the air purifier so the buttons don’t beep. I’m a light sleeper, sensitive to both sound and light, and the Shark NeverChange is perfect in both minimal sound and the ability to turn off the display.
- Uses a HEPA filter that surpasses regulations, capturing 99.98% of air particles
- Eco-mode available to optimize filter lifespan
- Five settings for fan speed
- Dual exterior mesh dust filters capture larger particles like hair
- Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge releases a fresh scent
- LED screen tracks air quality and indicates three particle sizes (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10)
- Blue, yellow and red ring on the LED screen reflect good, fair and poor air quality
What other reviewers have to say
One Shark air purifier reviewer mentioned her family has benefited from a dust-free home. “I felt like the air in our house is always dusty, and I have no idea why. I’ve been using this new filter for a little while, and it’s helped to make a huge difference in our air quality,” says Haley K. “I love that there is a child lock for the buttons and it’s super quiet. I’ve been keeping it on auto mode, and I don’t have to worry about it.”
Another reviewer pointed out her husband’s health has improved with cleaner indoor air. Anna B. says, “Since we installed the air purifier, my husband’s allergies have significantly improved. We have two dogs as well, and I’ve observed that the dust in the home has decreased and it does not smell like dogs anymore,” she wrote. “It goes without saying that the auto setting was quite useful and effective during the day. With simple controls and a washable outer filter, the device is simple to operate and maintain. Particularly for anyone with allergies or respiratory problems, an air purifier is a perfect addition to the home.”
Angel noticed the Shark’s biggest selling point—the long-lasting filter. “Just the fact that this filter doesn’t need replacing for five years is an absolute win. It also helps keep all the dog hair out of the air. I can smell the difference in my home; it has the same odor neutralizer in it that my Shark vacuum does, and I love it in both products. Nothing makes a mom feel better than her little one going to sleep soundly, breathing in the freshest air possible.”
Shark NeverChange Max vs. Levoit Vital 200S
We tested a dozen air purifiers for pets in hopes of finding the best of the best. The Shark NeverChange may have landed the coveted best overall spot but the Levoit Vital 200S wasn’t far behind. In fact, we named it the best budget air purifier for pets since it costs about $140 less than the Shark NeverChange Max.
Both air purifiers noticeably reduced odors and allergens in our testers’ homes. They are both easy to use, cover large areas and have effective debris filters that capture pet hair, dander and dust. The key differences between these two air purifiers are the price and the maintenance.
The Shark NeverChange Max retails for $330, though it often goes on sale. While the unit costs more up front, you actually save money on maintenance. Thanks to the unit’s HEPA Filter Technology, you can get up to five years of use out of a single HEPA filter. And when the time comes to replace your existing filter, you can expect to spend $80 on a new filter.
The Levoit Vital 200S retails for $189.99. It’s certainly cheaper, but the filter only lasts up to 12 months. In other words, you’ll have to purchase a new filter every year. Depending on your home and how many pets you have, you may even have to replace it twice a year. Since a new Levoit filter ranges from $60-$65, you’re likely to spend more money in the long run.
Final verdict
My overall review of the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max is exceptionally positive. With concern about viruses, pollution and poor air quality, I feel safer knowing the air in my home is healthy and clean. While running the purifier on auto mode, I’m able to consistently keep my air quality over 99%.
I’m especially delighted with the night mode, which turns off all lights since I prefer to sleep in a dark room. I’m positive anyone looking for a high-tech purifier will love the features, ease of use and impressive performance of this Shark air purifier.
Where to buy the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max
On Sale
VIA MERCHANT
I Tried It
Shark Air Purifier Max
This air purifier guards against odors, dust and dander and captures micropollutants.
Shop the NeverChange Air Purifier MAX on Amazon for $330. Breathe easier knowing your indoor air is clean and smells fresh with this powerful air purifier.
About the experts
- Dr. Courtney Blair is a board-certified doctor in allergy/immunology based in Virginia. In 2021, she served as the president of the Greater Washington Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society. She’s consistently voted as one of Virginia and Washington’s top doctors for over 10 years.
- Melanie Carver is the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), based in Virginia. She is an expert in environmental control for asthma and allergies and serves on the executive management team for the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program.
FAQ
Can I leave my Shark Air Purifier on all the time?
Yes, you can leave the air purifier running all the time, but it’ll shorten the lifespan of the HEPA filter. If you leave the unit on all the time, Shark recommends using the auto mode, which activates eco mode. This mode kicks on after five minutes of 100% air quality, which turns the fan off until the purifier detects particulate matter.
Dr. Blair says it’s best to run an air purifier all the time, if possible. “Ideally, the filters run all the time,” she says. “But to conserve the filter, running them at night and in a closed room is a good option.”
How long does the Shark Air Purifier last?
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max uses the longest-lasting filter of all Shark air purifiers. When powered at Max fan speed for 12 hours per day in a 300 sq. ft. room, Shark says the filter will last for five years. The fragrance from the Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridge will also fade over time, but Shark sells replacement cartridges in a two-pack for about $15. The Shark air purifier comes with a two-year warranty.
Are Shark Air Purifiers washable?
Some components of the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max are washable, but not all pieces. Shark recommends wiping the exterior of the unit with a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water. To clean the interior, Shark says owners should remove the HEPA filter and vacuum the interior to remove any dust or debris every two months. The HEPA filter itself is not washable and should never come in contact with water.
Clean the mesh dust filters by removing them when the air purifier powers on. Vacuum or wipe any dust, hair or debris off and replace. The purifier will automatically recalibrate the cleanliness percentage of the mesh filters.
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, our team of editors and testers are always excited to try new products. We especially love testing products that enhance our overall health and wellbeing. We sent the Shark NeverChange air purifier to Allain, who set it up in the home she shares with her partner and two dogs. During the testing period, Allain focused on the unit’s overall performance, paying special attention to changes in the how the air feels and smells. She also noted any changes in the allergy symptoms she and her partner regularly experience. Lastly, she also considered how easy it was to unpack and operate, whether or not it was too loud and its overall value. “I’ll absolutely continue to use the Shark NeverChange. I hardly ever turn it off, as is, and it’s been fantastic at cutting down on allergens and giving me peace of mind that my indoor air is healthy,” Allain raves.
