The Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO is a mid-range air purifier intended for use in medium-sized rooms, with this model in particular only being available from Costco retailers. It uses Shark's proprietary multi-layer NeverChange filtration system, with this filter assembly being advertised to last for up to six years without replacement. It also features on-board sensors for measuring air quality, humidity, and temperature, which you can view using the on-board display.
Our Verdict
The Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO is very good for pet owners. Its particle filtration rate is sufficient to handle pet dander in moderately large spaces, though running it in its highest fan speed will likely startle more skittish pets. Performance suffers when the unit is run at quieter fan speeds, though its performance is still enough for bedrooms and offices. The HP365CO also features an activated carbon layer intended to reduce pet odors, though there isn't enough material inside to have a meaningful impact on odors.
Long-lasting filter lowers recurring costs.
Automatic fan speed adjustment minimizes time spent monitoring the unit.
Max CADR is enough for medium-sized spaces.
Quite loud at higher fan speeds.
CADR at lower, quieter fan speeds is insufficient for bigger spaces.
The Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO is a great option for use in bedrooms. While it's rather loud at its highest fan speed, it can still keep airborne pollutants out of the air in smaller bedrooms when run continuously at lower, quieter fan speeds. The display can also be turned completely off, so you won't have to contend with any distracting indicator lights while getting some rest. It's somewhat bulky, though, and is far too big to fit on most nightstands or dressers. There's no Wi-Fi connectivity, though the unit's particle sensor does allow it to automatically change fan speed if your home's air quality dips overnight.
Long-lasting filter lowers recurring costs.
Automatic fan speed adjustment minimizes time spent monitoring the unit.
Max CADR is enough for medium-sized spaces.
Quite loud at higher fan speeds.
The Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO's particle filtration rate is good. It's likely to be overwhelmed as a single unit within especially large spaces, like an open-concept apartment. That said, at its highest fan speed, it has a high enough clean air delivery rate (CADR) to operate effectively within most living rooms or dining areas. Using it in lower, quieter fan speeds does result in a drop in performance, to the point where it's best suited for smaller offices and bedrooms.
Max CADR is enough for medium-sized spaces.
CADR at lower, quieter fan speeds is insufficient for bigger spaces.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This air purifier is available in a few colors, each with a different model code.
| Model Code | Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HP362BK | Black | - |
| HP362 | Dove (Light Grey) | - |
| HP365CO | White | Exclusive to Costco retailers, and the only model variant equipped with a Pet Pro Particle Barrier to better trap fine allergens from pets. |
We bought and tested the HP365CO model, and for those interested, here's the product label for our test unit.
If you come across another variant of this air purifier, let us know in the comments below so that we can update our review.
Popular Air Purifier Comparisons
The Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO is a mid-range air purifier with a particular slant towards pet owners. Compared to the older Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX HP302, it's an improvement in most key areas, with a similar clean air delivery rate, but with less operating noise. On paper, its primary filter assembly also lasts longer, with a service life of six years compared to the HP302's five. That being said, it's also far from a segment leader in this price range. The similarly sized Levoit Core 600S offers a much higher clean air delivery rate along with Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can run the unit while you're away from home, while options like the Winix C610 are considerably more compact, providing similar performance.
If you're looking for alternatives, see our recommendations for the best air purifiers, the best air purifiers for pets, and the best air purifiers for bedrooms.
The Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO is a small improvement over the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX HP302, though both units perform pretty similarly overall. The HP365CO runs quieter at its lowest fan speed, all the while providing similar air filtration performance. Its primary filter also features an additional layer to trap pet-borne allergens when compared to the HP302's filter system.
The Levoit Core 600S is a better overall air purifier than the Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO. At both units' max fan speeds, the Levoit can provide the same level of air quality within an equivalently sized room in two-thirds the same amount of time. Unlike the Shark, it also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can monitor your home's air quality or change settings while you're away from home. That being said, the Shark's long-lasting filters will likely result in lower costs of ownership over time.
The Winix C610 is better than the Shark BreatheClear MAX HP365CO. While both units provide a similar particle filtration rate, the Winix is far more compact, and at its lowest fan speed, it's noticeably quieter, making it the slightly more discreet option for overnight use or in rooms where space is at a premium. That being said, the Shark's NeverChange filter system does result in the latter incurring lower costs of ownership over time.
Test Results
This unit's timer function can only be accessed by enabling its Sleep Mode function.
This air purifier has a four-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter for trapping larger debris, and a primary filter with three stages for different kinds of airborne pollutants:
- Pet Pro Particle Barrier: Exclusive to the HP365CO. Meant for trapping pet dander and other pet-related allergens.
- Activated Carbon Layer: Intended to reduce odors, though the actual quantity of activated carbon is too small to have much of a perceived impact.
- HEPA Advanced Layer: Intended for the most common pollutants and allergens.
This primary filter has an advertised lifespan of six years.
