The air purifier market in India is evolving rapidly, driven by growing health consciousness and increasing awareness of indoor air pollution. As urban households begin to see clean air as a necessity rather than a luxury, brands are racing to offer smarter, more affordable solutions. Honeywell, a global leader in air purification technology, is expanding its footprint in this space with the new Air Touch V5, an entry-level model priced at ₹9,699.
Honeywell Air Touch V5
Rs 9,697
What Is Good?
- Effective HEPA and Carbon filtration
- Lightweight and compact design
- Decent air purification performance
- Affordable filter replacement
What Is Bad?
- No remote control
- Takes up to 30 minutes to bring down PM2.5 levels
It features a multi-layer filtration system, including an H13 HEPA filter and Activated Carbon filter, to tackle airborne pollutants. With a claimed Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 380 CFM and a coverage area of 589 sq. ft, it aims to provide clean air in medium-sized rooms. But how does it perform in real-world conditions? We tested the Air Touch V5 extensively to find out.
Honeywell’s Strategy and Market Positioning
Honeywell is a relatively new brand that is looking to expand its product category. Given that India is a price-sensitive market, it is natural that Honeywell is looking to have its presence in the sub-₹10,000 price range. This signals a deliberate strategy to broaden its consumer base. Having said that, the Air Touch V5 sits below the brand’s mid-range and flagship models, such as the Air Touch S8 and Air Touch U5, which offer advanced IoT integration, larger coverage areas, and sleeker industrial designs. It is looking to be present at all customer touch points through its myriad of options.
In this price segment, Honeywell is competing against popular budget-focused rivals such as LEVOIT, Qubo, Xiaomi, Eureka Forbes, and Sharp, while maintaining its brand promise of performance and reliability. This product also complements Honeywell’s broader smart home ecosystem strategy. While the Air Touch V5 keeps things simple for entry-level users, the company’s connected models, like the U5, integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, appealing to tech-forward households.
Build Quality and Design
The Honeywell Air Touch V5 sports a compact and lightweight plastic build, weighing just 3.5 kg. Its design is minimalistic, with a white body and a front air intake. The top panel features touch controls for power, fan speed, and mode selection. The LCD display provides real-time air quality updates. However, it lacks a remote control, which could have improved convenience.
In comparison, the LEVOIT Air Purifier LV-H128 (review) is smaller and lighter (1.5 kg), making it easier to move around. It features a sleek, modern design with rounded edges and a compact footprint, which is ideal for bedside tables. The Sharp FP-JA30M-B, on the other hand, weighs 3 kg and has a curved white ABS plastic body. It feels slightly less robust than the Honeywell model but maintains a minimalistic aesthetic.
Filters and Air Purification Performance
The Honeywell Air Touch V5 utilises a four-stage filtration system:
- Pre-Filter: Captures large dust particles and pet hair.
- Nano-Silver Anti-Bacterial Filter: Targets bacteria and germs.
- H13 HEPA Filter: Removes fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
- Activated Carbon Filter: Reduces odours, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
We conducted air quality tests in a room’s corner and centre positions to evaluate its effectiveness.
Corner Test
In our corner test, the Air Touch V5 started with a Starting AQI of 100, with readings for HCHO at 0.102 mg/m³, TVOC at 0.431 mg/m³, and PM2.5 at a staggering 402 µg/m³. After 25 minutes of operation, the AQI improved significantly to 30, demonstrating its capability to reduce harmful particulates effectively.
The LEVOIT LV-H128 showed similar results, starting at an AQI of 100 with PM2.5 at 389 µg/m³; after 45 minutes, it reached an AQI of 35. The Sharp FP-JA30M-B began at an AQI of 100 and PM2.5 at 397 µg/m³, ultimately improving to an AQI of 56 after 25 minutes.
Centre Test
Similarly, in the centre test, the initial readings for the Air Touch V5 mirrored those of the corner test with an AQI of 100 and PM2.5 at 399 µg/m³. After 25 minutes, the AQI dropped to 31, showcasing consistent performance across different room placements.
In comparison, the LEVOIT LV-H128 started at an AQI of 100 (PM2.5: 399 µg/m³) and improved to an AQI of 33 after 25 minutes. The Sharp FP-JA30M-B also began at an AQI of 100 and ended at an AQI of 64, indicating varied performance among these models.
Ease of Changing Filters and Cost
Thanks to a front-access panel, filter replacement is straightforward. The replacement filter costs Rs 2,500 and is readily available on Amazon. Honeywell recommends changing the filters every 6-12 months, based on air quality and usage.
Noise Levels
The noise output varies depending on the fan speed:
- Minimum Noise (1-foot distance): 30.6 dB
- Peak Noise (1-foot distance): 55.5 dB
At its highest setting, the Air Touch V5 is noticeable but not excessively loud. On lower settings, it remains quiet enough for bedrooms and offices.
Smart Features and IoT Integration
The Honeywell Air Touch U5 includes smart features that enhance ease of use. The Honeywell app allows for remote control, real-time air quality monitoring, and setting adjustments. It also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice commands and automation. Adjusting purification intensity remotely was seamless, eliminating the need to walk up to the device. The app’s sleek design and intuitive navigation improve the user experience, and pairing it with the purifier was effortless, unlike some models that overcomplicate the process. These smart capabilities make the Air Touch U5 a convenient choice for users who prefer remote access and automation.
Final Verdict
The Honeywell Air Touch V5 air purifier stands out due to its effective four-stage filtration system and smart technology integration. At a competitive launch price of Rs 9,699 and a two-year warranty, it offers substantial value for those seeking improved indoor air quality. Its ability to significantly reduce pollutants in both corner and centre placements further solidifies its position as a reliable choice in home air purification.
In summary, whether you’re battling allergies or simply want cleaner air in your living space, the Honeywell Air Touch V5 is equipped to meet your needs while blending seamlessly into your home environment.
Note: Shubh Bhushan conducted the AQI, TVOC, PM2.5, and HCHO tests with calibrated equipment along with the author for this review.
