Oransi AirMend AMD-150H air purifier review

The Oransi AirMend AMD-150H is unlike any of the air purifiers we have seen before. We know that it is a bold statement to make (and one that you have probably heard multiple times), but in this case, it is entirely justified.

To start with, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H uses the same type of motor as the Mars Rover. This engine has never been used in home appliances before. According to the brand, this innovative approach makes the AirMend AMD-150H lighter, quieter and more efficient than other air purifiers of the same size. 

Secondly, it has no smart features, air quality sensors, or even controls on the unit — the AirMend AMD-150H is operated entirely by a remote control. Lastly, it is one of the very few air purifiers that is assembled in the USA. Oransi also promises to make and locally source as many parts as possible in its Virginia-based facility.

Priced at $169.84, the AirMend AMD-150H is on the affordable side, but can this budget-friendly air purifier perform well, too? We tested this innovative appliance to see if it deserves a spot in our guide to the best air purifiers on the market.

Oransi AirMend AMD-150H air purifier review

Oransi AirMend AMD-150H: Design

• Looks may not be to everyone’s taste 
• Light, compact and portable
• Exceptionally easy to use and maintain

The Oransi AirMend AMD-150H looks more like a small fan or air-conditioning unit than an air purifier. It is a white box measuring 13 inches in height and width, with an air outlet and LED fan speed indicator at the front, and a cable outlet at the rear. We found this minimalistic design somewhat bland and unappealing, but then again we are used to modern appliances brimming with hi-tech features. Those who prefer simple, old-fashioned devices may say otherwise.

What we did like, however, was its compact build. The Oransi AirMend AMD-150H weighs only seven pounds (3.18 kilograms), so even though it has no handles, it is easy to move around.

We also appreciated its simple controls. Unlike most (if not all) air purifiers on the market, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H has no buttons or touchscreens on the unit, and can only be operated via a small remote control. This little device turns the purifier on and off and allows you to set a preferred fan speed. For safekeeping, the remote control can be magnetically attached to the top of the unit. This unique approach has its advantages — if you have small children, for example, not having controls on the unit may prevent them from tampering with the device.

The Oransi AirMend AMD-150H is straightforward to maintain, too. The pre-filter can be washed with a soft cloth or vacuumed, while the HEPA filter can be easily changed. At $45.84, the replacement HEPA filter costs more than what you would expect from an air purifier this size. However, it can last up to 18 months — much longer than most other HEPA filters on the market.

Oransi AirMend AMD-150H: Features

• No air quality sensors or automatic modes
• 10 manually adjusted fan speeds
• LED fan speed indicator will not disturb sleep

The Oransi AirMend AMD-150H is stripped of all the features you typically see even in some of the most affordable air purifiers. It has no air quality sensors or automatic modes, which means that it can’t adjust the fan speed based on air quality readings. It can’t be connected to an app or controlled with a voice assistant, either. If you need an air purifier that ramps up in response to rising air pollution levels, or one that you can schedule in advance, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H will not meet your expectations.

Instead, this air purifier features 10 manually adjusted fan speeds. The simple dot-based LED indicator will light up every time you set your preferred settings, and then it will disappear shortly after — which means the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H will not disrupt your sleep with flashing lights.

Oransi AirMend AMD-150H: Performance

• It is relatively noisy, even at the lowest fan speed
• Excellent air-cleaning performance
• Does not reduce strong odors

Performance-wise, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H is a hit-and-miss affair. The first thing we noticed was its relatively high noise levels. This air purifier made a constant humming sound, even when set to the lowest fan speed. When we measured it with the Sound Meter decibel-counting app, we registered around 25-30 decibels (dB) — equivalent to a quiet refrigerator. On the highest fan speed, its noise levels peaked at 62 dB, which is on par with regular conversation. Moreover, on several occasions, we heard high-pitched screeching sounds coming from the unit.

Our AirMend AMD-150H did not seem to reduce strong odors, either. In all fairness, Oransi offers an option to swap the HEPA filter for an activated carbon filter that traps smells and airborne particles, such as smoke, paint fumes and volatile organic compounds — but this also means that you will miss out on the efficient HEPA filtration.  

However, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H thoroughly impressed us with its air-cleaning performance. We performed a series of tests using an industry-grade air particle monitor, a device capable of detecting airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. First, we conducted ambient air tests. We placed the air purifier in a closed medium-sized room and ran it for 30 minutes at the lowest fan speed. After 15 minutes, we noted a 78% reduction in particles measuring 0.3 microns and a 75% decrease in pollutants measuring 2.5 microns. 

After 30 minutes, these values rose to a whopping 90% and 88%, respectively. When we repeated the test at the highest fan speed, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H cleared 97% of 0.3-micron pollutants and all particles measuring 2.5 microns. No 10-micron particles were detected at any point during the tests.    

Then, we performed smoke tests. We burned 10 matches in an enclosed room and ran the air purifier on the highest setting for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H got rid of 89% of particles measuring 0.3 microns and 94% of 2.5-micron pollutants, while the largest 10-micron particles decreased by 99%. After 30 minutes, these values rose to 99%, 99.7% and 100%. Then, we burned five incense sticks and repeated the procedure — and obtained similarly impressive results. 

Oransi AirMend AMD-150H: User reviews

The Oransi AirMend AMD-150H is a relatively new product, so there are no user reviews on Amazon or Walmart yet. However, there is plenty of positive feedback on the Oransi website, where this air purifier scores a massive 4.8/5 stars. 

Buyers liked that the AirMend AMD-150H is quiet, portable and effective at reducing symptoms of asthma and allergies, with several customers highlighting great customer service from the company. Negative reviews, though few and far between, cited excessive noise levels, the lack of controls on the unit and relatively expensive filter replacements. 

As one user commented, "I purchased the AirMend due to its small size. It does everything the larger filters do & has helped me better manage my allergies & asthma. The only reason I gave it four stars rather than five is that it can only be turned on and off with the remote. There is no on/off switch on the unit. If I lose or misplace the remote, I’m sunk! (It does have a magnet that attaches the remote to the purifier, but I have knocked it off a number of times)."

Should you buy the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H?

✅ Buy it if: If you are a fan of simple appliances that do their job efficiently without relying on gimmicks and smart features, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H will be right up your street. This lightweight air purifier delivers excellent air-cleaning performance at a wallet-friendly price, all without taking up much space or requiring an internet connection.

❌ Don't buy it if: However, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H lacks air quality sensors, automatic modes or any other features that would enable this air purifier to adjust its performance in line with changing air pollution levels. It is also relatively loud, and its basic design may not suit everyone’s taste.

If the Oransi AirMen AMD-150H is not for you

At less than $100, the GermGuardian AC4825E is a great alternative to the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H. This air purifier is compact, sleek-looking and easy to use, and features both HEPA and charcoal filters.

The Sensibo Pure is another HEPA-equipped air purifier that is user-friendly and small enough to fit on a tabletop, but unlike the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H, it comes with air quality monitoring and handy app control.

If you are looking for something bigger (and do not mind spending almost $300), then check out the Levoit Core 600S. The winner of our best air purifiers roundup, this appliance combines excellent air-cleaning performance with user-friendly design and extensive smart features. 

Oransi AirMend AMD-150H: How we tested

We spent over two weeks testing the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H, looking at its design, day-to-day performance and ease of use. We also measured how loud this air purifier was on different settings using the Sound Meter decibel-counting app.

Lastly, we put the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H through a series of performance tests to assess its air-cleaning capabilities, all of which were carried out using an industry-grade air particle monitor, a device capable of detecting airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. We started with an ambient air quality test, where we ran the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H for 15 and 30 minutes on the lowest fan speed, noting the differences in the air quality readings over time. Then, we repeated the test at the highest fan speed.

Next, we conducted several smoke tests to see how the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H handled heavy pollution caused by burning matches and incense sticks. We recorded the changes in air quality readings before and after running the air purifier for 15 and 30 minutes on the highest fan speed.