If you’re comparing the IQAir HealthPro Plus (HPP) and the newer IQAir Atem Earth, you’re likely trying to answer one key question:
Which air purifier delivers better overall filtration performance?
After reviewing both units, here are my current thoughts based on design analysis, filtration structure, and published performance data.
Short version:
- The HealthPro Plus remains the stronger overall filtration system
- The Atem Earth is beautifully designed and pretty strong for particle filtration, but it also has some limitations
Let’s break it down.
1. Internal Filter Seal: Why It Matters
One of the most overlooked factors in air purifier performance is the quality of the seal between the filters and the inside of the air purifier.
If air can bypass the filter media, filtration efficiency drops dramatically.
HealthPro Plus
The HealthPro Plus has a very strong internal seal design.
The filters are properly housed and sealed within the unit.
This gives me high confidence in:
- Very little air bypass
- Consistent filtration performance
- Long-term reliability
Atem Earth
The Atem Earth uses a HEPA media design that does not appear to have a traditional rigid filter housing.
Based on the installation process shown in IQAir’s own video, the seal appears somewhat dependent on proper manual installation.
That introduces potential for:
- Human error
- Inconsistent sealing
- Possible bypass over time
Between the two, I currently prefer the HealthPro Plus internal seal system.
2. Carbon Filtration: Major Difference
This is one of the biggest differentiators.
HealthPro Plus
- Contains a substantial amount of activated carbon
- Effective for filtering:
- VOCs
- Odors
- Chemical fumes
- Wildfire smoke gases
- VOCs
Atem Earth
- Contains only a very small amount of carbon
- Carbon appears very minimal relative to airflow capacity
The reason for this could possibly be that lower carbon resistance = higher CADR and airflow numbers.
Higher airflow and CADR numbers look impressive in marketing to many consumers.
However:
Less carbon = weaker gas/VOC removal.
In my view, the carbon in the Atem Earth feels like an afterthought.
If IQAir offered a version with 4+ lbs of carbon, even at the cost of lower airflow ratings, it would be a much more complete solution.
As it stands:
- HealthPro Plus = more of a complete filtration system
- Atem Earth = strong particle system, little if any gas filtration
3. EN1822 Certification & Transparency
The HealthPro Plus has publicly shared:
- Third-party EN1822 certification data
- Lab names
- Filtration performance results
IQAir leveraged this in their marketing of the HealthPro Plus in the past — and rightly so.
When I asked about EN1822 lab details for the Atem Earth, I was told:
- The unit is EN1822 certified
- However, the company does not share the lab or official test reports
That lack of transparency raises questions.
If the filtration performance is high level, why not publish the numbers?
There may be a valid internal policy reason — but from a consumer perspective, transparency builds trust.
The HealthPro Plus clearly wins in this category.
4. Airflow Direction & Direct Path of Clean Air (DPCA)
Airflow direction matters more than most people think.
HealthPro Plus
- Air exits sideways (somewhat parallel to the floor)
- This can help put users directly in the path of clean air
- Strong DPCA effect
Atem Earth
- Air exits upward toward ceiling
- Relies more on room mixing and air exchanges
I currently prefer the sideways airflow design of the HealthPro Plus, in general, for most environments.
5. Prefilter Design
The HealthPro Plus includes a strong prefilter stage.
The Atem Earth does not appear to include a dedicated prefilter.
Why does this matter?
Without a prefilter:
- HEPA filter will get clogged with debris much quicker
- Overall Airflow will probably decrease over time
- Long-term performance will likely decline quicker
Prefilters extend:
- HEPA lifespan
- Airflow stability
I strongly prefer filtration systems with robust prefilters.
6. Aesthetics
The Atem Earth is very aesthetically pleasing.
IQAir did an excellent job on the look of the Atem Earth. The unique wood exterior is impressive looking.
But, personally, I prioritize:
- Filtration performance
- Seal quality
- Carbon capacity
I know aesthetics absolutely matters to many consumers but I am not one of them.
Watch a YouTube Video of this Blog post:
Performance Tier Ranking
Based on my current ranking system:
- HealthPro Plus = Tier 1 particle filtration
- Atem Earth = Upper Tier 2 particle filtration
The Atem Earth is better than most consumer air purifiers on the market for particle filtration.
However, it does not surpass the HealthPro Plus in overall filtration depth.
Here is a link to my Best Air Purifiers Ranking List for Allergies and Asthma. I rank both units on this list.
Should You Buy the Atem Earth?
The Atem Earth is:
- A good to very good particle purifier
- Better than most mainstream units
- A solid long-term health investment
However, If your primary concern is:
- Maximum particle filtration performance
- VOC reduction
- Wildfire smoke
The HealthPro Plus is the stronger system.
Coupon Code (North America)
A sales rep recently provided the code:
MCS5
This worked for:
- HealthPro Plus
- Atem Earth
- GC series
- Atem X
It does not appear to work for:
- Whole house units
- Replacement filters
Discount is 5%.
Regional availability may vary. It works on the IQAir Website in the United States however, I heard it doesn’t work in France.
Final Verdict
If I had to choose between the two:
I currently prefer the IQAir HealthPro Plus for overall filtration performance.
The Atem Earth excels in:
- Design
- Smart features
- Modern aesthetics
- Strong particle filtration
But for:
- Seal integrity
- Carbon capacity
- Transparency
- Prefilter design
- Total system robustness
The HealthPro Plus remains elite.
FAQ 1
Is the IQAir HealthPro Plus better than the Atem Earth?
The HealthPro Plus generally offers stronger overall filtration due to better internal sealing, more activated carbon for VOC removal, a dedicated prefilter, and publicly shared EN1822 lab results. The Atem Earth excels in design and particle filtration but has very little carbon, no prefilter and limited transparency on lab testing.
FAQ 2
Does the IQAir Atem Earth remove VOCs and odors?
The Atem Earth contains a very small amount of activated carbon, and it is very limited compared to the HealthPro Plus for VOC/Chemical filtration. It may reduce some odors for a period of time, but it is not designed as a long term, or heavy-duty VOC or chemical filtration system.
FAQ 3
Is the IQAir HealthPro Plus EN1822 certified?
Yes. The HealthPro Plus has publicly shared third-party EN1822 lab test results and certification data. IQAir has historically used these results in marketing materials.
FAQ 4
Is the IQAir Atem Earth EN1822 certified?
IQAir states the Atem Earth is EN1822 certified, but detailed lab reports and test data are not publicly shared. The company has indicated that disclosing lab information is against policy.
FAQ 5
Does the IQAir Atem Earth have a prefilter?
The Atem Earth does not appear to include a traditional dedicated prefilter stage like the HealthPro Plus. This may impact long-term airflow stability and HEPA filter lifespan.
FAQ 6
Which IQAir unit is better for wildfire smoke?
The HealthPro Plus is very good for wildfire smoke because it contains 5 lbs. of activated carbon, which helps remove smoke-related gases and odors in addition to particles. The IQAir GC unit has 12 lbs. of carbon but it does not filter particles as well as the HealthPro Plus.
FAQ 7
Is the IQAir Atem Earth Tier 1?
Based on performance evaluation, the Atem Earth would be considered an upper Tier 2 particle filtration solution, while the HealthPro Plus qualifies as Tier 1.