Hombli is a relatively new entrant to the smart home market in the Nordic region. This review focuses on the Hombli Smart Air Purifier (also available in a larger, XL model with additional features). This air purifier presents a stylish and user-friendly design, incorporating essential functionalities. We evaluate its real-world performance and provide a comprehensive assessment.
The Smart Air Purifier offers dual control options: integrated buttons on the unit and, more conveniently, via Hombli’s app. The app facilitates control over other Hombli devices (smart lamps, smart power outlets, etc.) and features a streamlined interface with basic IFTTT capabilities for scenario programming. While the app is functional, the inclusion of preset smart modes, such as a customizable “sleep” mode (e.g., operating between 22:00 and 06:00), or an automated air quality analysis with on-demand purification, would enhance its utility.
The air purifier features a cylindrical design (196 x 196 x 450 mm) housing a replaceable three-layer filter system. This system comprises a pre-filter, a carbon filter, and a HEPA filter, which, according to the manufacturer, collectively eliminate 99.97% of particulate matter, including dust, dirt, bacteria, and viruses, down to 0.3 microns. It’s important to note that the filter’s efficacy against the Covid-19 virus (0.1 microns) is limited. The filter combination also addresses undesirable odors and pollutants, such as exhaust fumes, that may enter the room through ventilation systems. An integrated air quality sensor dynamically adjusts the fan speed based on real-time conditions (air quality data is accessible via the app). The unit is designed to purify rooms up to 25 m2. Filter replacement is recommended annually, at a cost of approximately 250 SEK.
We evaluated the Smart Air Purifier over a two-week period, primarily during nighttime operation, and assessed its impact on breathing quality using a Huawei Band 6 smart bracelet. The results indicated a positive effect, with breathing quality scores increasing from approximately 65-70 to 80-88 (note: this refers to breathing quality, not SpO2). The purifier was operated from approximately 20:00 to 06:00 daily (it’s important to avoid opening windows during operation to maximize effectiveness). Determining the appliance’s power consumption remains an area for further investigation, as official information is currently unavailable.
Hombli is entering a competitive market segment dominated by established brands, notably Philips. With a price point of 1600 SEK, certain expectations are warranted. The absence of a humidifier function is a notable omission (although this would likely increase the price marginally) as it can alleviate nocturnal dry coughs. The XL model incorporates UV-C light for viral inactivation (similar to Invisible Shield’s sanitizing bed technology). This feature could be beneficial, particularly given the air purifier’s filter’s limited efficacy against coronaviruses; however, we cannot comment on the real-world effectiveness of this UV-C functionality. Furthermore, one tester found the fan noise level to be excessive. While the manufacturer specifies a minimum noise level “from” 30 dB (likely at the lowest fan setting), measurements of up to 45 dB were recorded from the bed, which could be disruptive. While users of earplugs may not be affected, others may find the noise comparable to that of an air conditioning unit.
In conclusion, while we cannot independently verify the claimed 99.97% reduction in harmful particles, we observed a demonstrable improvement in nighttime breathing quality, making the Hombli Smart Air Purifier a potentially worthwhile investment for enhanced sleep. However, the noise level could be a concern, and the absence of certain features available from competitors at a similar price point should be considered.
