After years of testing air purifiers for a variety of things, including wildfire smoke and pet hair, the one question that I get over and over is: “Should I get the Medify MA-25 or the MA-40?”
The Medify MA-40 has a higher airflow (330 CFM vs. 250 CFM) and can deal with larger spaces – it covers up to 1,793 sq ft, whereas the MA-25 is better for smaller areas (825 sq ft). The MA-25 is more compact and operates quieter (35-51 dB noise level) than the MA-40 (46-66 dB noise level). The MA-40 has an optional ionizer that is helpful for capturing more particulates, and the MA-25 does not have that feature. On the other hand, the MA-25 has a display light dimmer, whereas the MA-40 does not. Additionally, the MA-25 has two H13 HEPA filters and the MA-40 has one large one that is considered more effective and the MA-40 filter lasts longer (3,000 hours) compared to the two MA-25 filters (2,500 hours). The filters for MA-40 do tend to be more expensive for replacements.
Both products are offered by a reputable brand that aims to provide medical grade filtration at an affordable price point. While they appear similar at first glance, they are built for different requirements.
In this guide, I will lay out the substantial differences on the basis of real-world use, lab testing, and specifications that actually matter to the typical consumer. If you have allergies, pets, or just want cleaner air in your home, I think this will guide you to the right product.
Why this matters
It is important to consider indoor. air quality is more than just your comfort, it is also your health. A good air purifier should decrease the amount of dust, allergens, smoke, and even viruses in your air. Picking the wrong air purifier might mean spending extra money for features you do not need and even more so, end up with too little protection.
The MA-25 and MA-40 are the two most popular models by Medify Air. They both offer H13 Medical-grade HEPA filters, but they are very different in all aspects; size, strength, and use-case. If you do want cleaner air, knowing exactly what you are buying is a good idea.
MA-25 vs. MA-40: Quick Specs
| Feature | MA-25 | MA-40 |
|---|---|---|
| CADR | 230 CFM | 380 CFM |
| Coverage (4x/hr) | Up to 500 sq ft | Up to 840 sq ft |
| Filter | H13 HEPA + Carbon | H13 HEPA + Carbon |
| Filtration Stages | 3-stage | 3-stage |
| Noise | 35–51 dB | 46–66 dB |
| Fan Speeds | 3 | 4 |
| Ionizer | No | Optional |
| Controls | Touch | Touch |
| Timer/Child Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Power Use | ~28W | ~54W |
| Size (HxWxD) | 13.5″ x 8″ x 8″ | 22″ x 9.9″ x 10.9″ |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs | 15.6 lbs |
| Warranty | Lifetime (with filter subscription) | Lifetime (with filter subscription) |
H13 HEPA: What You’re Actually Getting
Both purifiers use true H13 HEPA filters, which capture 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns—better than standard HEPA, which stops at 0.3 microns. That includes:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Smoke
- Bacteria and airborne viruses
Each model uses the same basic 3-stage setup:
- Pre-filter for big stuff like hair and dust
- H13 HEPA for the microscopic stuff
- Activated Carbon to absorb odors and VOCs
The MA-40 also has an ionizer option, which helps with odor and particles but isn’t essential for most people. I usually keep it off.
Medify as a Brand
Product Design
While Medify is a company that specializes in bringing true hospital-grade air cleaning to personal spaces, the replacement filters are a breeze to replace and last about 3–6 months depending on how much you run them.
Build Quality
What I have seen with my two units is that they are both built very well. For the MA-40, it is heavier, and designed to run all the time. The MA-25 is smaller, but put together nicely as well – no cheap plastic or rattling parts on either model.
Customer Support
The support responds quickly, and I think the lifetime warranty (if you’re subscribed to their filters) is one of may best warranty experiences. They have sent out replacement filters very quickly when I had issues with the fans or screens.
Which Works Best Where?
For Bedrooms:
- MA-25 is quiet and compact. Great for sleeping areas.
- MA-40 moves more air, but can be too loud at higher speeds.
For Offices:
- MA-25 fits nicely on a desk or shelf.
- MA-40 is better for larger or shared spaces.
For Allergies:
- MA-40 is the better choice. Higher CADR means it clears out allergens faster.
- MA-25 works for lighter needs or smaller rooms.
For Pet Owners:
- Both help with dander and smell, but the MA-40 handles it better—especially if you turn on the ionizer.
For Open Living Spaces:
- MA-40 is built for this. Can handle large, open rooms.
- MA-25 struggles in areas over 500 sq ft unless you use two.
Pros & Cons
Medify MA-25
Pros:
- Small and light
- Quiet
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for small rooms
Cons:
- Lower air output
- No ionizer
- Not strong enough for big spaces
Medify MA-40
Pros:
- High CADR
- Covers large areas
- Optional ionizer
- Great for allergies and smoke
Cons:
- Louder
- Takes up more space
- More expensive to run
My Take
So, after testing both in numerous conditions from smoky air to pet-heavy homes, here’s my suggestion:
If you’re looking for quiet for a small bedroom and no need for a sleep setting, go with the MA-25 – the MA-25 is simple, does a good job and is easy to live with.
If you’re dealing with allergies, pets and larger rooms where odours might come from all directions, get the MA-40. Although it’s is a little more expensive, it’s power makes a real difference in how fast and well it cleans the air.
For myself, I have an MA-40 in the living room and an MA-25 in the bedroom – it’s a nice combo.
Final Recommendation
| If You Need… | Choose |
|---|---|
| A quiet bedroom purifier | MA-25 |
| Something affordable | MA-25 |
| To cover 700+ sq ft | MA-40 |
| Help with allergies or pets | MA-40 |
| Fast, powerful air cleaning | MA-40 |
| A compact unit for desk/office use | MA-25 |
Bottom Line
Both the MA-25 and MA-40 provide first class filtration with actual H13 HEPA filters. Medify is one of the few brands still providing this kind of performance at scale.
Just make sure the one you choose is suitable for your space and your specifications. Don’t expect the MA-25 to cover a large living room and don’t pay for the MA-40 if you just need something smaller and quiet.
Still confused? Contact me—I have helped countless people figure this out.
Breathe better. Live better.
