Coway Air Purifier Makes TIME’s 2026 Inventions List

Coway’s North America-bound air purifier "Airmega Mighty2 (Airmega Mighty2)." (Provided by Coway) Coway Says the North America Model Builds on a Bestseller Legacy and Lower Energy Use A Korean air purifier has been named to U.S. news magazine TIME’s list of innovative products set to change everyday life in 2026. Coway said on Oct. 26 that its strategic North American market model, the "Airmega Mighty2 (AP-1512N)," was selected as one of the "Best Inventions of 2026" in the home appliances category. Each year, TIME announces its best inventions after comprehensively evaluating products and services worldwide for originality, effectiveness, and impact. The Airmega Mighty2 received favorable reviews as an "air purifier with two roles" because it fully combines air purification with real-time air quality measurement. The product’s predecessor, the Airmega Mighty, was previously named the best air purifier for 12 consecutive years by Wirecutter, the product review outlet of The New York Times, and was recently inducted into that outlet’s hall of fame. It has also been cited as a bestseller by major media outlets including CNN Underscored and Forbes Vetted, building a strong fan base among local consumers. On the technical side, precise detection capability and efficiency are cited as its core competitive strengths. The Airmega Mighty2 is equipped with a "MegaScan laser sensor" that detects ultrafine particles in real time, enabling users to immediately check and manage indoor air quality conditions. An IEST-certified HEPA filter and a high-quality carbon filter support the product’s fundamental air purification performance. Detailed specifications designed for user convenience have also been improved. Compared with the previous model, energy consumption has been reduced by 20%, lowering maintenance cost burdens, while operating noise has been cut to as low as 19 decibels to ensure quiet performance. Alongside these performance advances, the product has also been recognized for its aesthetic value, having swept the world’s three major design awards, including Red Dot, iF, and IDEA. A Coway official said the latest selection demonstrates globally the company’s air-care technology and quality competitiveness, which have maintained bestseller status in the North American market for more than 10 years, adding that the company plans to further solidify its leadership in the global market based on differentiated innovative technology.