The best air purifiers help you breathe easier and keep your home smelling fresh without being too noisy or intruding on your decor. From dust to smoke to pollen, good quality air purifiers filter contaminants from the air that you breathe. If you’re a pet owner, these devices can trap irritants and dander, and those with allergies or asthma should consider adding one to their living space. In general, anyone can benefit from running an air purifier indoors—after all, who doesn’t want to breathe cleaner, fresher air? The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier, which is compact and features HEPA filtration, is a solid pick overall. However, you’ll find models for every lifestyle, budget and space on this list.
From basic models to state-of-the-art machines, these are the best air purifiers for keeping your … [+]
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILERS
Ideally, the best air purifier for your home should include a HEPA filter (short for “high-efficiency particulate air”), which removes at least 99.97% of air pollutants down to 0.3 microns. That said, there are a few other models, like the ultra-sleek Molekule and the Blueair Blue Pure 411+ that don’t technically have HEPA filters but use other technologies for a similarly squeaky-clean result. These devices come in a range of sizes, and the best one for your space depends on where you intend to place it. While some models are compact enough to perch on your desktop, others require room on your floor. In general, the more square footage you want to purify, the bigger the unit tends to be.
To find the best air purifier for your space, browse our top 10 recommendations, plus read some expert advice below. For more hands-off ways to keep a cleaner home, see our recommendations for the best robot vacuums and best robot mops, which do the hard work for you.
Best Air Purifier Overall
A Sleek, Compact Option With A Built-In Night Light
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12.5 inches | Coverage area: 129 sq. ft.
Small enough to fit on your desk and designed to filter up to about 129 square feet, this compact Levoit model is equipped with a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores and pet dander. It’s an excellent, inexpensive option that eschews technology like UV and ionization more commonly found in this price range. Instead it features a three-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. And three fan settings let you control the speed and volume of the purifier.
While this air purifier was designed for use in the bedroom (its fan is ultra quiet and it features an optional soft blue night light with two brightness settings), it’s quite portable and can be moved from room to room if needed. Aesthetically, it wouldn’t be out of place on your nightstand with its white or black case and sleek design. Though its capacity is on the smaller side and it doesn’t have as many features as other air purifiers on this list, it’s hard to beat the price. That said, if you want a little more square footage, the brand’s Core 300 model works in rooms up to 219 square feet, and retails for around $100.
What the reviews say: More than three quarters of the 46,000 customers who have reviewed this air purifier have given it a 5-star rating. One writes, “I have two dogs and moved into my fiancé’s home and just [needed] to get the smell of dog and bachelor out of our small house. It’s done the trick! I move it around from room to room to help get crisp air throughout the house. When it’s in our bedroom it sounds just like our sleep sound machine so we use don’t even use our sleep machine on those nights.”
Pros:
- Three-stage filtering
- Compact
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- No wireless or connected features
- Filter replacement can be expensive over time
Best Air Purifier For Pets
A Larger Option That’s Perfect For Capturing Dander
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable and washable | Dimensions: 16.5 x 9.5 x 27 inches | Coverage area: 1,500 sq. ft.
If you have pets, you need the Hathaspace Smart Air Purifier 2.0. This large capacity air purifier—it can replace the air in a 1,500-square-foot room up to 24 times per day—features a 5-in-1 filtration system that eliminates more than 99% of allergens and pollutants, like pet dander and the dust from a litter box. It also has an activated carbon filter that removes smoke, odors and gases and a cold catalyst filter that eliminates VOCs and harmful chemicals found in cleaning products or other household items, like candles or plug-ins.
It has a washable pre-filter that keeps pet hair away from the HEPA filter to improve performance and increase life expectancy. And, it’s easy to clean—just take it out, wash it down and it’s ready to start purifying again. It also has a filter replacement reminder that pops up to let you know when it’s time to order new filters, a convenient feature that ensures you never go without clean air.
What the reviews say: With close to 1,000 reviews, this air purifier has earned a 4.6-star average rating. One happy pet owner writes, “I have it running 24/7 on automatic setting. Cleans up the air in our room. Our pup sleeps in our room and I used to have a window open (even during winter) [and] the dog smell eventually permeates. But with this air purifier, [the] room smells clean all the time now!”
Pros:
- Covers 1,500 square feet
- 5-in-1 filtration system that effectively eliminates pet dust and dander
Cons:
- Has a large footprint
- Expensive
Best Air Purifier For Smoke
A Smart Device That Lets You Monitor Air Quality
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 20.5 inches | Coverage area: 403 sq. ft.
While all the picks on this list can clear smoke from the air, the technologically-smart Levoit VeSync Core 400S lets you monitor air quality inside and outside your home with real-time data via the VeSync app. The unit can also be synced with voice assistants and is equipped with an aptly-named Auto Mode, which automatically adjusts the fan speed to ensure clean air and energy conservation. This is especially helpful if air pollution from cigarette smoke or wildfires wafts in and out of your space.
In addition to its high-tech capabilities, the Core 400S has all the essential features you want in an air purifier—namely, a HEPA filter. It offers a wide cleaning radius too, circulating air in rooms up to 403 square feet five times per hour.
What the reviews say: One of the more than 5,000 5-star reviews points out the convenience of the app, saying, “Moved into an apartment with a lot of smell and smoke problems. Within about 30 seconds of this air purifier on high, I was breathing comfortable, clean smelling air! The app is actually very pleasant to use and has cool information about the air quality and how much your purifier has filtered.”
Pros:
- App- or voice-controlled
- App monitors air quality inside and outside the home
- Works in rooms up to 403 square feet
Cons:
- May seem too complicated if you’re not technologically inclined
Best Compact Air Purifier
A Small Model That Tracks Air Quality In Real Time
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable and washable | Dimensions: 17 x 18 x 10 inches | Coverage area: 361 sq. ft.
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH consistently gets high ratings across the board. This compact air purifier employs a four-stage filtration process that combines a pre-filter, a deodorization filter, a true HEPA filter and a Vital Ion filter that helps remove up to 99.7% of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds and odor from the air. While it’s filtering, it communicates your air quality in real time through its brightly colored LED display. And thanks to its auto mode, if it doesn’t sense any pollution for 30 minutes, the fan will automatically stop to conserve energy.
Because it’s small in size, this particular Coway model was designed to cover up to 361 square feet of space. For reference, that’s the size of a typical bedroom. If you’re looking for a whole-house air purifier, the Alen BreatheSmart is a better choice, but the Coway Airmega does an excellent job in smaller rooms and, with a decibel rating of 24.4 dB to 53.8 dB, it does it really quietly.
What the reviews say: With an impressive 17,000 reviews, this air purifier has a 4.7-star average rating. One customer raves, “Many air purifiers rated for this room size and comparable CADR were much bigger in size. This unit has a simple, clean design, doesn’t take up much more space than a small fan and is lightweight enough to easily move around from the living room to the bedroom at night.”
Pros:
- Compact design
- Four-step filtration process
Cons:
- Expensive for the coverage space
Best Splurge Air Purifier
An Elegant Option That Delivers Strong Performance
HEPA filter: No, but it’s FDA-cleared and uses proprietary PECO technology | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12 inches | Coverage area: 600 sq. ft.
This pick from Molekule is one of the priciest on the list, but for serious allergy-sufferers, it may be a worthwhile investment. “Air purifiers with traditional filters (like HEPA) are able to capture 99.97% of mold spores, pollen, dust, bacteria and other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns,” explains the brand’s co-founder, president and chief technology officer Dilip Goswami. “What they’re not able to do is capture VOCs—airborne chemicals that mostly derive from off-gassing of building materials or products in our homes or things like everyday cleaning products. Molekule’s proprietary technology, photo electrochemical oxidation (PECO), not only tackles VOCs, but also uses oxidation to destroy indoor air pollutants at molecular levels.”
It’s worth mentioning that the brand has a newer model, the Air Pro, designed for extra large spaces up to 1,000 square feet. If you’re looking for the same sophisticated design for a bigger space, that might be the model worth investing in. Or you can opt for one of the Air Mini models, which purifies up to 250 square feet.
What the reviews say: Most reviewers mention both the attractive design and high performance of this air purifier. One happy customer writes, “My husband had very serious allergies [to] dust and pollen and we tried many other purifiers already, but none of those would work. When he used Molekule [the] first time, he told me the air was so fresh and sweet. That’s really a great purchase!”
Pros:
- PECO destroys pollutants 1,000 times smaller than those in HEPA tests
- Sleek decor-friendly design
Cons:
Jonathan Baudoin/Forbes
Best Air Purifier For Allergies
A Configurable Model For The Allergy-Prone
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 9 inches | Coverage area: 155 sq. ft.
This Honeywell HPA100 might not look like much—it has all the visual appeal of a space heater—but Honeywell, no doubt, is hoping you’ll care more about what it can do. This model is designed for medium-size rooms (about 155 square feet) and features a true HEPA filter for guaranteed removal of 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Honeywell says that its fan can filter the air in the room five times in one hour.
It’s one of the more configurable air purifiers on this list. The control panel on the top of the unit lets you set up to four different cleaning levels (which affect the fan speed and overall noise level) and has an auto-off timer option so it doesn’t run continuously. The panel also indicates when it’s time to change the filter, and it has multiple brightness levels so you can dim it at night or when you don’t need to see it.
What the reviews say: With more than 500 reviews, this air purifier has earned a 4.7-star average rating. One of its many satisfied customers writes, “This is an amazing product. I have seasonal allergies and pet allergies. My roommate has a cat. I have this running all the time on allergen mode in my room and you can immediately tell the difference in air quality from the living room and my room. Yes I’m usually confined to my room but being able to breathe is a blessing.”
Pros:
- Auto-off timer
- Visual indicator to change filter
Cons:
- Visually unappealing
- Limited to small rooms
Best Air Purifier For Large Spaces
A Sleek Unit That Can Purify An Entire Floor
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 27 inches | Coverage area: 1,300 sq. ft.
Looking to cover a lot of square footage? Not a problem with the Alen BreatheSmart 75i Large Room Air Purifier. This air purifier cleans up to about 1,300 square feet twice an hour without making a lot of noise. In fact, Alen claims the technology in the BreatheSmart is twice as quiet as that of its key competitors, even on Turbo speed.
The Alen BreatheSmart features a HEPA Pure filter that is certified to capture 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. This works in combination with the device’s Laser Smart Sensor, which also detects airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, to effectively clean your air of dust, pollen, allergens and dander. Additional models can capture odor and smoke as well, and carry a higher price because of those features.
It measures about 27 inches high and 18 inches wide, with a control panel on top that includes an air quality indicator light which always reflects the real-time purity of the room’s air with an easy-to-read display. And you can choose from among 14 different colors and panels to find one to match your home’s interior. On Amazon, it’s also available three versions: Allergies, Allergies + Odor and Allergies + Odor + Smoke.
What the reviews say: One of the hundreds of 5-star reviews for this pick notes, “Before I bought this air purifier, we were getting sick every few weeks. We have noticed a huge difference and it’s amazing. It is definitely easy to use and is quiet when you have it set on a lower setting. I was hesitant at first because of the price, but I read consumer reports and did a lot of research before I made the purchase; definitely happy with my purchase.”
Pros:
- Covers an enormous 1,300 square feet
- Configurable color panels
Cons:
- Has a large footprint
- Expensive
Jonathan Baudoin/Forbes
Best Air Purifier With Washable Filters
An Air Purifier That Blends In With Your Decor
HEPA filter: No, but verified by the AHAM | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 20.5 inches | Coverage area: 185 sq. ft.
[Editor’s note: The Blueair Blue Pure 411, pictured, was featured when this story was first published but is no longer available; the product link, price and description have been edited for the Blueair Blue Pure 411+, a similar model. To view more color options, head to the Blueair website.]
If you’re looking for a snazzy device for modestly sized rooms, this Blueair model may well be the way to go. It’s designed for spaces up to about 185 square feet, and Blueair claims it can filter that space in 12.5 minutes.
This three-stage air purifier combines mechanical filtration with an electrostatic filter and, to reduce odors, an activated carbon filter. It comes with two washable pre-filters designed for filtering out particles, pet dander, smoke and more. That said, be aware that while Blueair claims the system filters 99% of pollutants and it’s had its performance independently verified by the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), the filter itself isn’t HEPA-certified, if you’re looking for that particular seal of approval.
Visually, Blueair made sure that this purifier doesn’t look like an ordinary appliance. It has an interesting design that splits the device into two contrasting colors—colors that you can change depending upon the filter you install. A single button turns it on, off and varies the fan speed, but there’s no display or status on the device, nor is there a way to set an on or off timer.
What the reviews say: One of the more than 7,000 5-star reviews reads, “I LOVE the all-in-one filter. It’s so affordable and easy to replace. I love the fabric cover/pre-filter. So simple to vacuum or even throw in the washer. I love how quiet this is on the lowest setting. The medium setting might be too loud for some at night, but it’s much quieter on medium than other air purifiers I have owned. If you have allergies, asthma, or share walls with a smoker next door, you very much need to buy Blueair.”
Pros:
- Can purchase different colors on the Blueair website
- Verified by the AHAM
- Washable pre-filters capture debris
Cons:
- There is no timer or automatic shut-off
- Not a HEPA-certified filter
Best Multi-Use Air Purifier
A High-Tech Option That Serves Multiple Purposes
Editor’s Pick
HEPA filter: Yes| Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 25 inches | Coverage area: 800 sq. ft.
While the Dyson HP01 Pure Hot + Cool is admittedly expensive, it replaces three different devices with its purifying, heating and cooling capabilities. True to the Dyson name, it performs with efficiency and cutting-edge technology, including sensors that constantly monitor the air. In addition to containing a HEPA filter that eliminates 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, it also has an activated carbon layer that filters odors and VOCs. You can set the fan to its cooling mode, which offers a gentle airstream as it purifies, or switch to Backward Airflow mode for improving the air without a chill. Feeling a little too cool? Simply switch to the heating mode to warm up. The whole thing is easily operated by remote control.
The Forbes Vetted updates editor personally recommends Dyson devices. “While I don’t have this exact model, I do have an older heater/cooler fan as well as the PH04, which functions as an air purifier, cooling fan and humidifier,” she explains. “Overall, Dyson’s products are top-notch; they run smoothly, look sleek and are multi-functional, which is great for saving space. With the PH04, I feel better knowing that the air in my home is being deeply purified using cutting-edge technology.”
What the reviews say: This air purifier has a 4.5-star average rating from almost 2,000 reviews. One customer writes, “The multiple settings makes this a very convenient appliance. You can narrow or widen the target heating or cooling area and the fan tilts up and down as well.”
Pros:
- Effectively takes the place of three devices (air purifier, heater and cooling fan)
- Can operate as just an air purifier
Cons:
- Not equipped with Wifi or Bluetooth
- Expensive
Best Air Purifier For Open Floor Plans
A Powerful Air Purifier For Up To 5,000 Square Feet
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 28.3 x 15.7 x 15.4 inches | Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Between the advanced H13 HEPA filters and the incredible coverage this offers, the MA-112 Air Purifier is excellent for cleaning the air on a floor or potentially throughout your home. The advanced filters are capable of removing 99.9% of even the smallest particles, and its powerful technology can make your house fresher within an hour. It also has wheels so you can easily move it when needed.
Bonus features include a sleep mode, timer and child lock. In addition to homes, it’s a great option for office spaces, warehouses and the like. One thing to note: Many commenters point out that if you have a lot of separate rooms (as opposed to an open floor plan) it may be more efficient to buy multiple smaller units and place them throughout your home.
What the reviews say: With an average 4.6-star rating, this air purifier has over 1,100 positive reviews on Amazon. One customer notes that it is “used in a very open concept layout in our home. I like how the purifier was easy to setup and [can] easily be pushed around on its wheels. Great product that makes our home smell amazing.”
Pros:
- Cleans large spaces
- Has a timer
- Works with a powerful advanced filter
- Has wheels for easy moving
Cons:
- Large
- May work best in open spaces/floor plans
How We Chose The Best Air Purifiers
To find the best air purifiers out there, we researched the top devices on the market and combed through reader reviews. Then, we evaluated the best of the best according to efficiency, capacity, appearance and value—and since everyone has a different budget, we included swankier models and economical picks alike. We also tapped medical professionals to share some insights about these devices (below).
What To Consider When Buying An Air Purifier
How large of a model do you need? Do you want a “smart” unit you can control using your phone? Here’s what you should think about before hitting purchase.
Size
Make sure to check how large of a space an air purifier can handle. Many models specify “Air Changes per Hour” for a given size room, and you’ll want to make sure the one you’re eyeing will actually work efficiently in the space where you plan to use it.
Filter
HEPA filters are considered the gold standard with air purifiers. “The filter captures both large and small particles that move through it,” explains Catherine Monteleone, M.D., professor of medicine, allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. “This type is usually best for allergens and best for use in a single room.”
CADR
CADR stands for clean air delivery rate. “CADR is a product of two filter variables: the air flow rate and the filtration efficiency,” Corry explains. “Many units include this measurement.” However, he says, it shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all for choosing an air purifier. “Units that move lots of air but have poor filters that remove only large particles and fail to include a carbon insert will rate highly by CADR, but not clean your air very well at all, no matter how long you run the unit,” Corry says. “The better thing to do is purchase a unit that is a true HEPA system, so it will remove even very small particles.”
Aesthetic
An air purifier isn’t exactly something you can hide in a cupboard—it has to be out in the open in order for it to work effectively. You’ll want to choose one that matches your decor or at least isn’t an eyesore when it’s sitting on a shelf, table or the floor.
Other Features
Some purifiers have smart options like apps that let you control all the action from your phone. Others double as heating or cooling systems or both. But not everyone needs those extra bells and whistles. Figuring out what you will and won’t require from your purifier in advance is important—you don’t want to spend extra for features you’ll never even use.
Do Air Purifiers Really Work?
Yes. At baseline, these units are designed to remove unwanted particles and irritants from the surrounding air. “An air purifier can filter particles down to a specific size,” says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. “This is helpful for allergens like mold and animal dander as well as certain viral, bacterial, fungal and other irritants and pollutants.”
Air purifiers typically feature a fan that moves air through a filter, weeding out impurities in the process, says David B. Corry, M.D., vice chair for immunology in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to HEPA filters, which usually have a “woven material of differing weaves that can remove things as small as 0.3 microns,” some air filters are electrostatic, meaning air is passed over an electrically charged series of plates and causes particles to stick to other things.
If your unit has a HEPA filter, you’ll want to change the filter on a regular basis. This, Corry explains, “leads to permanent removal of the particles and volatiles from your local environment.”
Should I Sleep With An Air Purifier On?
It’s safe to sleep with an air purifier on, and especially if you have allergies or asthma, it can be quite beneficial. The air purifier makes for a more comfortable sleeping environment and can improve your sleep. Just be sure to set your device in a clear, clutter-free space if it’s going to be running while you’re sleeping.
Is An Air Purifier Helpful For COVID?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an air purifier by itself isn’t enough to protect you from contracting COVID-19. However, the EPA website notes, a quality unit “can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space.” In other words, running an air purifier can a good protective measure but it shouldn’t be your only one.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2022/08/10/best-air-purifiers/