Air purifiers are one of my favorite HomeKit accessories. Even though I live in an area with quite good air quality, I continue to run one in our home to clean the air for my family, especially in the spring months. The problem is that most air purifiers look like medical equipment. I love the Smartmi E1, and this device effectively ends the era of ugly devices. The best-looking HomeKit/Apple Home air purifier on the market is definitely this one.

HomeKit Weekly is a series that covers everything related to smart home accessories, automation tips, and Apple’s smart home framework.

Quick Info About Smartmi E1

The Smartmi E1 Air Purifier is designed to provide clean, allergen-free air with its H13 HEPA filtration system. It is built to capture pollen, dust, and pet hair, making it ideal for allergy season. Unlike bulky towers that cover large areas, the E1 is compact and customizable. It covers up to 194 sq. ft., operates at a sound level of 48dB, and offers smart control through HomeKit. If you want, you can mount it on the wall like a piece of art.

Apple Home Support

The Smartmi app provides a very easy way to connect the device to your network. Since it offers ‘Sign in with Apple’ support, I avoid creating another username and password. My method is to first check for software updates in the Smartmi app, then manually add it to Apple Home using the code hidden behind the filter cover. It matched quickly. Once in Apple Home, you no longer need to open the manufacturer’s app. You can control the fan speed, power status, and check the status directly from the Home app.

This reveals the true power of the device: automations. Since air purifiers can be noisy at high speeds, I created an automation that runs the E1 at 100% speed when the last person leaves the house. This cleans the air while no one is home. Then, I create a second scene that drops it to “Silent” mode when the first person arrives home. This prevents noise pollution while keeping the air clean.

Hardware Quality

What sets the Smartmi E1 apart is not its software features but its design. Most air purifiers are white boxes that sit in the corner and take up space. Smartmi has done a great job of creating something unique here. It comes with hardware for both a floor stand and wall mounting.

It’s so sleek that it doesn’t protrude into the room. Additionally, you can change the front decorative panel with a different pattern to match your decor. This makes it feel more like a piece of furniture than a device.

Besides working great with HomeKit, I really appreciate that the physical buttons on the device are preserved. Sometimes you want to walk by and turn it off without shouting at Siri or reaching for your phone.

Overall Assessment of Smartmi E1

If you’re tired of bulky, ugly air purifiers, the Smartmi E1 is a great option. I’ve been using this device for a while, and I’m very pleased with its appearance, smart home integration, and overall functionality.

It can be purchased directly from Amazon.