TL;DR
Shark's first air purifier, the Compact Pro HP072EU, is a small but mighty device that tackles allergens and irritants with impressive efficiency. It boasts a sleek, portable design, a super user-friendly interface with a real-time clean air percentage display, and an auto mode that intelligently adjusts fan speed. The standout feature? A HEPA filter designed to last up to five years, saving you hassle and money. While it has a polarizing scent feature and lacks a remote, this purifier offers quiet, effective air cleaning for smaller rooms. Curious if it's the right fit for your space? Read the full review!
In an era where indoor living is increasingly prevalent, air quality has become a significant concern for many – particularly those with allergies or sensitivities to common irritants like dust and mites. Shark (part of the SharkNinja brand) has an established presence in various home appliance categories; we have previously reviewed several of their products on senses. This marks their initial foray into air purification with their NeverChange series. We evaluated the smallest model in the lineup, the **Compact Pro HP072EU**, which aims to deliver robust purification in a compact form factor alongside a remarkably low-maintenance user experience.
The key question is, does it deliver on these promises?
Design and First Impressions
The HP072EU immediately impresses with its compact form factor. Measuring approximately 29 cm in height and 23 cm in width, its minimalist design gives it an unobtrusive presence. Weighing just under two kilograms, it offers exceptional portability, making it effortless to relocate between different spaces—such as a home office during the day and a bedroom at night. A minor design oversight is the absence of an integrated carrying handle, which would enhance secure handling. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, available in multiple color options beyond “dove grey” to seamlessly integrate into diverse interior styles without appearing obtrusive.
Installation and User-friendliness
Setup is remarkably straightforward, aligning with expectations for this product category. Users simply unpack the unit, remove the protective plastic from the pre-installed HEPA filter, plug it in, and power it on. The top-mounted control panel is intuitive, featuring clear and responsive touch buttons for fan speed, timer, and display brightness.
A standout feature is the clear LED display on the front panel. Unlike purifiers that rely solely on color-coded indicators (blue, orange, red) for air quality, Shark provides a real-time numerical reading: a percentage of clean air. This offers immediate and tangible feedback to the user. One can observe the percentage decrease during activities such as cooking bacon or opening a window to a busy street, and then watch it progressively return towards 100% as the purifier effectively cleanses the air.
How NeverChange Performs in Practice
Considering its compact size, the HP072EU demonstrates remarkable performance. It is specified for smaller rooms up to 23 m², and during our testing, we observed a tangible improvement in air quality. Airborne dust levels were reduced, and allergy symptoms such as morning nasal congestion were significantly alleviated.
Clean Sense IQ and Auto Mode: In auto mode, the unit intelligently adjusts fan speed based on real-time air quality measurements from its integrated sensors. It exhibits a rapid response to detected pollutants such as smoke, dust, or strong odors. A noteworthy feature is the “Eco Mode,” which automatically deactivates the fan when the air quality remains at 100% for five consecutive minutes, thereby conserving energy and extending filter lifespan (activated automatically in Auto-mode).
Noise Level and Night Mode: For a unit designed for use in bedrooms and offices, the noise level is a critical consideration. At lower fan speeds, the HP072EU operates with a whisper-quiet hum – a gentle white noise that remains unobtrusive. Its night mode is particularly beneficial for light sleepers, as it fully deactivates the display and light ring, eliminating any potential light disturbance.
Odor Neutralizer Technology: This feature has proven to be polarizing among users. The unit incorporates an adjustable scent cartridge designed to release a fresh fragrance. While some users appreciate its effectiveness in neutralizing cooking and pet odors, others—particularly those sensitive to fragrances—find the scent too potent or superfluous and opt to easily remove the cartridge. As a publication, we generally maintain a critical stance on artificial fragrances and scents intended for inhalation, thus our recommendation is to operate the unit without this feature activated.
Key Feature: Extended Filter Lifespan (5 Years)
A central tenet of the NeverChange series is the commitment to a HEPA filter with an advertised lifespan of up to five years. This potentially offers users substantial savings on costly annual filter replacements. This extended lifespan is facilitated by an innovative pre-filter system designed to capture larger particulates, such as dust and hair, before they reach the main HEPA filter. This pre-filter is also easily removable and washable for ongoing maintenance. While the “up to five years” claim likely represents an optimal scenario, contingent on usage and ambient air quality, it undeniably marks a significant advancement compared to competitors that often require annual filter replacement.
Final Verdict Shark NeverChange
The Shark NeverChange Compact Pro HP072EU stands out as an impressive air purifier that largely fulfills its core promises. It offers quiet, efficient operation and exceptional user-friendliness, particularly due to its real-time air quality display. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking improved air quality in specific environments such as bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices, without the concern of frequent filter replacements. Priced at approximately 2,300 kr, the unit offers good value, especially when factoring in the long-term savings from extended filter life. A minor omission for a “Pro” model is the lack of a remote control. While not a critical flaw, it would have enhanced the overall user experience and convenience.
Shark provided samples for this review. Product providers have no editorial influence over our reviews.
