It is 2026, and the air purifier market is basically flooded with machines that look like giant Marshmallows or industrial gray cubes. You’ve probably seen the newer Dyson models with their gold accents and "formaldehyde-destroying" claims. But honestly, the Dyson Pure Cool Link air purifier—the one that really started the smart-air trend—is still sitting in plenty of living rooms for a reason.
It’s weird. In the tech world, anything more than three years old is usually considered a paperweight. Yet, the Pure Cool Link (the TP02 tower or DP01 desk version) remains a weirdly viable choice even today. Is it because it’s the best at cleaning air? Not necessarily. Is it because it looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie? Definitely.
The Reality of the Dyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier
Let’s get one thing straight. This isn't just a fan. It’s also not just a purifier. It's a hybrid that tries to do two things at once, and like most multi-tools, there are trade-offs.
The core of the machine is a 360-degree Glass HEPA filter. Dyson claims it captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. That includes the usual suspects: pollen, bacteria, and that fine dust that seems to appear out of nowhere the second you stop cleaning. Underneath that HEPA layer is a sleeve of activated carbon. This is what handles the "smelly" stuff—cooking odors, VOCs from your new rug, or the scent of a wet dog.
But here is the catch.
If you compare the Dyson Pure Cool Link air purifier to a dedicated powerhouse like a Blueair or a Coway Airmega, the Dyson often loses on raw speed. It doesn't have a massive Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) because it’s trying to move air through a narrow slit rather than a giant open grille. It’s a marathon runner, not a sprinter. It’ll get your room clean, but it’s going to take its sweet time doing it.
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Why the Link App Was a Game Changer
Before this machine, you basically guessed if your air was clean. You'd see a little green light on a box and think, "Cool, I guess I'm not dying."
The "Link" in the name refers to the Dyson Link app (now mostly integrated into the MyDyson ecosystem). It was one of the first to give you actual graphs. You could see exactly when your air quality spiked—like that time you burnt the toast at 7:00 AM. It’s strangely addictive to watch the little line go from red (Poor) back down to green (Good).
You can also:
- Check the filter life percentage (no more guessing if it's dirty).
- Set a schedule so it's not wasting power while you're at work.
- Control it from the grocery store because... well, because you can.
- Check outdoor air quality data pulled from local stations.
The "Fan" Problem Nobody Mentions
People buy this because they want a fan and a purifier in one. It saves space. It looks sleek. But you have to remember that Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology is fundamentally different from a traditional bladed fan.
At lower settings (1 to 4), the Dyson Pure Cool Link air purifier is basically silent. It’s perfect for a bedroom. But if you want it to actually cool you on a hot July afternoon, you’ve got to crank it to 10.
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At 10, it sounds like a small jet engine is preparing for takeoff in your corner.
It’s a high-pitched "whoosh" that can be annoying if you're trying to watch TV. Also, because the air has to be forced through such a tiny gap, the "wind" feels very focused. It’s a narrow stream of air, not a wide breeze. If you’re sitting three inches to the left of the beam, you might not feel much at all.
Maintenance and the "Sweet Smell" Mystery
Maintenance is actually pretty easy. You don't wash these filters. You just pop the old one out and click a new one in. Dyson recommends doing this every 12 months if you run it 12 hours a day.
However, if you live in a high-humidity area, keep an eye out. There’s a known issue—not just with this model, but several Dyson purifiers—where the carbon filter can start to smell a bit... sour. Or like old socks. Or, as some users describe it, "sweet yeast." This usually happens when the carbon gets saturated with moisture. If your machine starts smelling worse than the air it’s supposed to be cleaning, it’s time for a new filter, regardless of what the app says.
How It Compares to the Newer "Purifier Cool" Models
If you’re looking at a used Pure Cool Link versus the brand-new 2026 models, here is the breakdown of what you’re missing:
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- Formaldehyde Sensing: The newest (and most expensive) Dysons have a dedicated sensor for formaldehyde. The Link model does not.
- Fully Sealed HEPA H13: Newer models are sealed to H13 standards, meaning air can't leak out of the machine before it’s filtered. The older Link is good, but it’s not quite as airtight.
- Backward Airflow Mode: On newer versions, you can make the air blow out the back so it purifies without cooling you. On the Link, if it’s on, it’s blowing air forward. This sucks in the winter.
- LCD Screen: The Link only has a tiny LED display that shows a number or a letter. Newer ones have full-color screens with live PM2.5 and PM10 graphs right on the base.
Is the Pure Cool Link Still Worth It?
Honestly? It depends on your budget. If you find a refurbished Dyson Pure Cool Link air purifier for under $250, it’s a steal. It still removes the same allergens, it still connects to your phone, and it still looks better than 90% of the appliances in your house.
If you’re paying full retail price, though, you’re better off stepping up to the TP07 or looking at a dedicated purifier from a brand like Levoit if you don't care about the fan feature.
The Link is a "set it and forget it" machine. Put it in Auto Mode. It’ll sit there quietly, occasionally ramping up when you spray hairspray or cook bacon, and then settle back down once the "danger" has passed. It’s reliable, the app is polished, and it doesn't have the "broken motor" issues that plagued some of the early Gen1 units.
Practical Next Steps for Owners
If you already own a Pure Cool Link or just picked one up, do these three things to get the most out of it:
- Clean the Sensor Porch: There’s a little green hatch or a set of holes on the side of the base. Dust gets stuck in there. Every few months, hit it with a vacuum or a can of compressed air. If the sensor is dusty, the machine will think your air is "Poor" even if it's perfectly clean.
- Don't Buy Cheap Knock-off Filters: I know, the official Dyson filters are $70+. It’s tempting to buy the $20 ones on Amazon. Don't. Most of them lack the proper seals or have paper-thin carbon layers. They won't catch the smells, and they might actually put more strain on the motor.
- Use Night Mode: If you’re a light sleeper, Night Mode is your best friend. It caps the fan speed at 4 and dims the LED display so you don't have a bright white light glowing in your room all night.
The Dyson Pure Cool Link air purifier might not be the newest kid on the block anymore, but for basic home filtration and smart monitoring, it still gets the job done without the $800 price tag of the latest tech. Just keep the sensors clean and don't expect it to replace your air conditioner.
Actionable Insight: Check your current filter life in the MyDyson app today. If you are below 10%, order a genuine replacement now rather than waiting for the "Filter F" error, as shipping times for genuine Dyson parts can be unpredictable. If the machine emits a musty odor despite a "Good" air quality reading, replace the filter immediately regardless of the remaining life percentage.