There are many reasons to buy an air purifier—for example, to breathe cleaner air or fight allergies—but does it have to be smart? Prices in this category range from US$80 to US$800 and include app-based controls, compatibility with smart assistants such as Alexa, access to more data and customization. As part of the first attempt to introduce a smart air purifier, IKEA hopes to enter the market by sticking to its logo: affordable and minimalism. 

The Swedish flat packaging giant is releasing two "Starkvind" devices, a floor-standing air purifier and a side table model, priced at US$129 and US$189, respectively. In other words, you need to pay a separate $35 smart home center to access app-based controls. 

In this price range, you won't be able to get the bells and whistles of Mila and Dyson's high-end smart and regular models. The internal structure of the two IKEA purifiers is exactly the same: they contain a three-filter system designed to capture larger particles such as hair and dust; 99.5% of the smaller particles in the air that are less than 2.5 microns (or 400ths of a millimeter) and Dust and pollen; as well as pollutants such as formaldehyde, and even unpleasant odors. 

Starkvind also has five different fan speeds, which can be used alone or in combination with its TRÅDFRI smart home center through the IKEA home furnishing app for control and scheduling. The latter is a hockey puck-shaped device that acts as a bridge between IKEA's smart products (such as blinds, light bulbs and speakers) and mobile phones. The automatic mode relies on a built-in sensor to automatically adjust the fan speed based on the number of smaller particles in the air. You can view the readings yourself in the app. 

The standalone Starkvind will be available in black and white, while the side tables will have dark or light finishes. Both will be available in IKEA stores and online in October.

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