In this Dyson PH03 vs PH04 review, we will compare two of the latest Dyson air purifiers that can help you clean your indoor air from PM 2.5 and other types of air pollution.
In addition, both devices also act as a humidifier and fan at the same time. But is the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 the right choice for you, or should you rather invest in the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04?
This side-by-side comparison will help you find out.
Dyson PH03

Dyson PH04

Coverage Area
81 m³
81 m³
Airflow
350 liters
350 liters
CADR (Particles)
?
?
CADR (Formaldehyde)
N/A
?
Working Noise
36 – 61 dB
36 – 61 dB
PM 2.5 Sensor
Yes
Yes
Comparison: Dyson PH03 vs PH04 – What are the Differences?
Coverage Area & Efficiency
While both the PH03 and PH04 are able to purify the air in a room with a size of 81 m³ (2860 ft³) without any problems, the humidification is limited to about 41 m³ (1448 ft³) and therefore more suitable for bedrooms or other relatively small rooms.
An oscillation of 90 degrees combined with Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology ensures that the fresh air is circulated evenly throughout the room. You can also mimic a cooling, refreshing breeze with Breeze mode or use Backward mode if you do not want any cooling at all.
Winner: Draw
81 m³
81 m³
Clean Air Delivery Rate / Airflow
Both devices remove 99.97% of particles and allergens including pollen, dust, and pet dander as small as 0.3 μm and are equipped with an activated carbon filter for gases and odors including VOCs. Additionally, the PH04 comes with a catalytic filter for formaldehyde.
With both machines fully sealed to HEPA H13 standard, the captured pollutants are guaranteed to stay inside while a stream of 350 liters (87 gallons) of purified and humidified air flows out every second. Unfortunately, Dyson did not disclose the CADR for the PH03 or PH04.
Winner: Draw
350 l/s
350 l/s
Working Noise
The noise generated by the PH03 and PH04 ranges from 36 decibels (dB) on the lowest speed setting to around 61 dB on the highest. You can set your device to automatic mode during the day so it only runs as fast and therefore as loud as it needs to.
Once the air pollution and/or humidification levels are back to normal, the air purifier will automatically reduce the speed. Before you go to sleep, switch to night-time mode that restricts the speed level to four out of ten and keeps the noise level down.
Winner: Draw
36 – 61 dB
36 – 61 dB
Sensors & Display
Three sensors (one for particles, one for gases, and one for humidity and temperature) constantly monitor the surroundings of both devices. An additional fourth sensor enables the PH04 to also detect formaldehyde.
The information gathered by the sensors is then used as an input for the automatic mode and shown on an LCD display as well as the Dyson Link app (see below). Data includes 24H AQI, PM 2.5, PM 10, VOCs, NO2, SO2, temperature, humidity, and filter life.
Winner: Draw
Yes / LCD
Yes / LCD
Connectivity & Compatibility
You can interact with the PH03 and PH04 in three different ways. With the remote control, you can turn the device on and off, change oscillation, speed, and humidification levels, set a timer, and change the mode. It can easily be attached to the top of the device.
Using the Dyson Link app, you can not only control the air purifier remotely but also view the current air quality and receive a notification when it is time to change the filter. Lastly, both devices also support voice control via Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Home.
Winner: Draw
Yes / Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home
Yes / Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home
Weight & Dimensions
In the final round of this Dyson PH03 vs PH04 comparison, we will have a quick look at the weight and dimensions of both devices. Once again, they are completely identical with a length of 155 mm (12.28 in), a width of 210 mm (11.02 in), a height of 923 mm (36.33 in), and a weight of 8.29 kg (18 lb).
Winner: Draw
155 x 210 x 923 mm, 8.29 kg
155 x 210 x 923 mm, 8.29 kg
Conclusion: Dyson PH03 vs PH04 – Which is the Better Air Purifier?
Central heating and air conditioning can both be the cause of dry air in your home or office. The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH03 and its successor can not only remove pollutants but also help you prevent this problem by humidifying the surrounding air at the same time.
In the end, the decision boils down to one thing: How worried are you about formaldehyde? Potentially originating from common items including furniture and carpets, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04 is the only model of the PH-line capable of detecting and removing this polluting gas.
If you find yourself doing a lot of DIY work using paint, varnishes, particleboard, or plywood, or own a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you might also want to invest in the PH04. Otherwise, go for the almost identical PH03 and save some money on the way.
Dyson PH03

Dyson PH04

Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Dyson humidifier worth the money?
While Dyson humidifiers do come at a high price, they can also be used as air purifiers and fans. So in combination with a two-year warranty and the brand’s reputation, they are worth the investment if you are looking for a high-end product.
Looking for an air purifier that can also heat and cool you depending on your needs? Find out more in our comparison Dyson HP01 vs HP04 vs HP07.