Quick Take
Score: 6.5/10 | Molekule is beautifully designed and heavily marketed, but the FTC settlement for misleading claims and below-average performance make it hard to recommend.
The Controversy
In 2020, Molekule settled with the FTC after the agency concluded the company made "false claims that its air purifiers destroy virtually every type of indoor air pollutant."
Their proprietary PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) technology claims to destroy pollutants at the molecular level rather than trapping them. Independent testing has shown mixed results that don't support the marketing claims.
The Research
Consumer Reports testing found the Air Mini+ scored a "Poor" rating for dust removal and "Fair" for smoke removal.
Wirecutter noted that while the technology is interesting, performance didn't match HEPA alternatives at similar or lower prices.
The lack of CADR ratings makes objective comparison difficult - Molekule has chosen not to submit products for standard industry testing.
The Honest Assessment
What Some Love: The design is genuinely beautiful - a leather handle and minimalist aesthetic. The app provides decent air quality tracking. If style matters most, it looks great.
The Concerns: FTC settlement for misleading claims. Below-average performance in independent testing. Premium pricing ($400+) for filter subscription model. No CADR ratings for comparison.
The Bottom Line
I can't recommend Molekule when proven HEPA alternatives deliver better performance at lower prices. Beautiful design doesn't filter air.
