Acerpure Pro Vero review: Greener but leaner

Rated to cover 47.5m2, the Acerpure Pro Vero is more powerful than the brands’ more expensive Cool 2-in-1 in a slimmer formfactor. In our testing we found that the unit was able to clear the air of incense smoke in just 11 minutes and 48 seconds on the highest setting, which was surprising considering how comparatively tiny the device is. Utilising a 3-in-1 HEPA filter the Pro Vero has a Pre Filter that picks up larger dander like hair, a main HEPA filter rated to PM2.5 particles, an activated carbon filter with an anti-formaldehyde coating for absorbing odours and of course formaldehyde. 

The Pro Vero’s HEPA filter is less effective than what we’ve seen in most air purifiers, including Kmart’s cheap range. Acerpure uses a HEPA 11 filter which isolates 99.9% of airborne particles, while the best air purifiers we have reviewed use HEPA 13 filters which isolate 99.97%. For reference HEPA 13 filters are medical grade and more effective at removing pollutants, bacteria, and viruses from the air.

Every other Acerpure air purifier uses the more effective HEPA 13 filter, so it is disappointing to see the brand make this call on this device in particular. Notably Acer doesn’t have replacement 3-in-1 plus HEPA filters (the filter that comes with the model) available to purchase, but instead says that the 4-in-1 HEPA seen in the Cool is compatible with the Pro Vero. This doesn’t have the same formaldehyde coating, but it is HEPA 13.

In total opposition to the commanding Acerpure Pro UVC, the Pro Vero is a modest looking device. Sitting just 57cm high and 25cm across, the sage speckled unit is so compact that it can slot in almost anywhere.

These speckles visually demonstrate the use of post consumer recycled (PCR) materials within the build. Made using 35% PCR, Acerpure claims this decreases the unit’s production related CO2 emissions by up to 20%. Funnily enough these recycled materials actually feel stronger than the new plastic used in the other models. Where both the UVC and 2-in-1 Cool feel quite flimsy, the Pro Vero’s build is secure and feels more durable.

Another place where the Vero veers away from Acerpure’s range is with smart features. Both of the brand’s other air purifiers connect with the Acerpure Life app, but the Vero doesn’t have bluetooth or Wifi compatibility. In all fairness the app doesn’t add much more functionality to the other devices other than scheduling and particle monitoring so this isn’t really a loss to consumers, just an interesting choice. Without needing to connect the device setup is stupid easy. Just plug and play. 

Like its sister devices, it uses a subtle traffic-light inspired display as an air quality sensor - red for high PM2.5, yellow for moderate, and green for clear. There are just three buttons on the display used to turn the device on and off, switch it to quiet time mode, and change the speed. One of the speeds is Green Mode which minimises power consumption by automatically switching modes when the air quality changes. It is very similar to an auto-mode, but the device does have a comparatively lower source power requirement of just 35W where most other air purifiers use around 60-65W. Not only does this make it cheaper to run, but it also contributes less to overall power consumption.

Acerpure Pro UVC Air Purifier retails for $369 in Australia, and is available from a handful of retailers. We are already seeing discounts that bring it down to under $200 which makes it a bargain.

Replacement filters will set you back $129 direct from Acer and should be replaced every 6 months if you run the air purifier round the clock.

While it is refreshing to see the greener option as the cheapest air purifier in a collection, it is subsequently disappointing that it misses out on some features from the rest of the Acerpure range. Admittedly the lower HEPA filtering can be fixed the first time you buy a replacement filter, and the app connectivity is neither here nor there, but they seem like weird places to draw the line.

On the upside, the Pro Vero is a simple, sleek, and powerful device with the added benefit of being slightly better for the environment. None of its missing functions are a deal breaker, so if you’re after something that should lighten the air, and your green-guilt without lightening your wallet too much, this device ticks the boxes.