HealthMate vs HealthMate Plus: Best Austin Air Purifier?

If you're researching Austin Air purifiers, you already know you're looking at some of the most durable, medically trusted air-cleaning systems on the market. But many buyers get stuck on one question:

Should you choose the HealthMate or upgrade to the HealthMate Plus?

Both units look nearly identical, share the same steel housing, and use Austin Air’s industry-leading 360° medical-grade filtration. But their filters are engineered for very different needs.

This guide breaks down the real-world differences so you can confidently choose the purifier that fits your environment, health concerns, and long-term goals.

Quick Overview: What Both Models Have in Common

Before we compare them, it’s important to understand what doesn’t change between the two:
Same coverage: Up to 1,500 sq ft: Ideal for large bedrooms, living rooms, offices, or open spaces.

Same build quality: All-steel construction, powder-coated finish, long-lasting motor designed for 24/7 operation.

Same 360° 4-stage filtration structure: 

• Large particle pre-filter
• Medium particle pre-filter
• Certified True HEPA filter
• Activated carbon/zeolite canister

Same performance philosophy: Austin Air purifiers are designed for medical-grade filtration, low maintenance, and extremely long filter life (5 years under normal residential use).

The Real Difference: Carbon Formula & Chemical Adsorption Power

The HealthMate Plus is not simply a "better HealthMate."
It is engineered for specific high-chemical environments, which is where the comparison matters most.

HealthMate (Standard) — Best for General Air Quality & Allergies

The HealthMate is Austin Air’s flagship all-purpose purifier. It’s built for households that want broad-spectrum filtration without needing advanced chemical adsorption.

Best for:

• Homes with mild to moderate allergens
• Dust, pollen, dander
• Light household odors
• Everyday VOCs from cleaning products, furniture, and cooking
• Asthma and allergy sufferers

Why choose it:

• Lower price
• Excellent for most families
• Highly efficient HEPA + carbon/zeolite blend
• Strong long-term performance
• No-frills, high-value filtration

What it removes well:

• Particles as small as 0.1 microns
• Airborne allergens
• Light chemical vapors
• Common household odors

For most shoppers, this is the model they should buy unless they have specific chemical sensitivities or environmental concerns.

HealthMate Plus — Best for Chemical Sensitivities & Heavy VOC Environments

The HealthMate Plus looks the same on the outside, but inside, the carbon canister is significantly upgraded.

Key difference:

The HealthMate Plus uses an enhanced carbon blend that includes potassium iodide, allowing it to remove much more aggressive chemicals and VOCs.

Best for:

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
• New home/building odors (new paint, flooring, adhesives)
• Nail salons, print shops, offices with chemical exposure
• Homes near highways or polluted urban areas
• Formaldehyde from new furniture, cabinetry, carpets
• Wildfire smoke & long-term smoke exposure

Why choose it:

• Strongest Austin Air option for VOCs
• Designed for serious chemical mitigation
• Specifically effective against formaldehyde and off-gassing
• Better for people with odor-triggered symptoms or sensitivities

What it removes well:

• Strong VOCs
• Chemical gases
• Heavy odors
• Smoke byproducts
• Traffic-related pollution

If you’re sensitive to smells or your environment exposes you to strong chemicals, the HealthMate Plus is the hands-down winner.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which Should You Choose? (Simple Decision Guide)

Choose HealthMate if:

• You want a reliable, high-performance purifier for everyday use
• You struggle with allergies or dust
• You want cleaner air but don’t have heavy chemical exposure
• You want the best value for the price

Choose HealthMate Plus if:

• You’re sensitive to chemical odors or VOCs
• You’re moving into a new home with fresh paint or flooring
• You have MCS or respiratory reactions to chemical pollutants
• You live near traffic, wildfires, or industrial pollution
• You run a small business that handles chemicals or fumes

Real-World Examples

1. New Homeowner with “New House Smell”
Get the HealthMate Plus — it's specifically engineered for formaldehyde and off-gassing.

2. Seasonal Allergy Sufferer
The HealthMate is more than enough to help with pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

3. Urban Apartment Dweller Near a Busy Road
Choose HealthMate Plus — it does a better job with vehicle-related VOCs and fumes.

4. Recording Studio or Office Setting
The HealthMate will handle dust and light VOCs from electronics.

Conclusion

Both units are exceptional air purifiers built to last well over a decade with proper care. Your choice ultimately comes down to what type of pollution you want to eliminate:

• For general air quality improvement, go with the HealthMate.
• For chemical-heavy environments or sensitivities, choose the HealthMate Plus.