The Airpura T600 and C600 are the same machine with one difference that matters: the prefilter. Both carry 26 lbs of activated carbon, a HEPA Barrier filter, a 560 CFM fan and the same $1,049.98 price. The T600 adds a TarBarrier prefilter that catches the sticky tar in tobacco smoke before it reaches the carbon. If someone smokes in the home, choose the T600. If the problem is chemicals, fragrance, new furniture or general odors with no smoking, choose the C600, which costs less to keep running.
Side by side
| Airpura T600 | Airpura C600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Tobacco smoke | Chemicals, gases and odors |
| Prefilter | TarBarrier, replace every 6 to 12 months depending on smoking | Poly prefilter, replace every 12 months |
| Carbon | 26 lbs, 3 inch coconut shell carbon, replace every 24 months | 26 lbs, 3 inch coconut shell carbon, replace every 24 months |
| Particle filter | HEPA Barrier, 95% at 1 micron, replace yearly | HEPA Barrier, 95% at 1 micron, replace yearly |
| Airflow | 560 CFM, variable speed | 560 CFM, variable speed |
| Coverage | Up to 2,000 sq ft at two air changes an hour | Up to 2,000 sq ft at two air changes an hour |
| Sound at 6 feet | Same 560 CFM fan; ask us for the figure | 35 dB on low, 62 dB on high (Airpura sales sheet) |
| Price | $1,049.98 | $1,049.98 |
| Five-year cost with filters | $2,279.90 or more | $2,159.90 |
Specifications and intervals are Airpura's. Prices are ours on October 19, 2026, black or white finish. The five-year figures are worked out in our filter cost guide.
What the TarBarrier does
Tobacco smoke carries tar, a sticky residue that coats whatever it touches. On carbon, it can clog the pores that hold gases and shorten the carbon's life. The TarBarrier sits in front and takes the tar first. It is replaced more often than an ordinary prefilter, every 6 to 12 months depending on how much smoking there is, which is why the T600 costs more to run.
Why neither uses True HEPA
Both machines use Airpura's HEPA Barrier, rated 95% at 1 micron, rather than True HEPA at 99.97% at 0.3 microns. They are built around the carbon. If fine particles matter as much as smells, for example with asthma, look at a True HEPA machine with a large carbon bed such as the Airpura R600 or the Austin Air HealthMate Plus. See HEPA vs activated carbon.
The DLX versions
The T600 DLX and C600 DLX cost $50 more, at $1,099.98, and use a treated carbon blend in place of plain carbon, for heavier smoke or chemical loads.
Which to buy
- Someone smokes indoors: T600. Without the TarBarrier, smoke tar would shorten the carbon's life.
- Chemical sensitivity, fragrance, renovation or new furniture: C600.
- Wildfire smoke rather than cigarettes: either works for the smell, but wildfire smoke is mostly fine particles, so a True HEPA machine is the better first choice. See air purifiers for wildfire smoke.
Weighing the C600 against the V600 instead? See Airpura V600 vs C600.
Common questions
Can I put a TarBarrier in a C600?
Ask us before you order and we will confirm the part with Airpura. Email support@freshhomeair.com.
Do they make ozone?
No. Both are mechanical filters with no ionizer and no ozone.
Is 26 lbs of carbon a lot?
Yes. It is one of the heaviest carbon loads Airpura builds. See how much activated carbon an air purifier needs.
Both ship free with a 30-day home trial. Not sure which fits your home? Email support@freshhomeair.com and Nolan will answer it himself.
