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31 Best UV Air Purifiers to Kill Germs & Viruses in 2022

uv air purifier

123RF (Antonio Guillem)

Breathing stale indoor air never feels very healthy, and spring pollen season means we’re going to be sneezing a whole lot more. During allergy, virus, and flu seasons, fresh indoor air is a pressing concern. One solid solution is to find an air purifier to cleanse your space of dust, dander, pollen, and pet hair as well as stinky and stale odors from bacteria, cooking, smoke, and maybe even Fido.

But when you’re concerned about more serious pollutants like mold and airborne bacteria, you’ll want to opt instead for a UV air purifier as a more effective option. In addition to HEPA and charcoal filters, these air purifiers use powerful UV-C lights to disrupt and destroy DNA in bacteria, rendering them unable to reproduce so they naturally die out. UV water purifiers use the same light technology to destroy waterborne pathogens.

At the end of our article, we’ll also discuss other germ-fighting technologies that are used in home air purifiers so you’ll know all the options currently available to keep the air in your home virus-free.

What Are the Best UV Air Purifiers?

medify UV air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Works fast
  • Cleans large spaces
  • Easy and compact
Price: $249.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs and viruses
  • 360 degree purification
  • Filters up to 375 square feet
Price: $129.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Small but powerful
  • Kills harmful germs and viruses
  • Cleanses air and surfaces
Price: $699.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs
  • Filters 99.9% of airborn particulates
  • Nightlight included
Price: $129.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs and bacteria
  • Four stage filtration
  • Energy efficient
Price: $249.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Air sanitizer
  • Powerful UV-C light
  • Filter free
Price: $48.20 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C sanitizer kills germs
  • Five layers of True HEPA filtration
  • Cleans up to 540 square feet
Price: $199.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C germicidal lamp
  • Five in one filtration
  • 3,700 square foot coverage
Price: $179.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Powerful DC motor
  • Filters up to 319 square feet
  • UV-C disinfection option
Price: $159.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs
  • Purifies up to 300 square feet
  • Washable filter
Price: $85.88 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills viruses
  • 3,500 square foot coverage
  • Compact design with remote
Price: $299.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Purifies up to 764 square feet
  • Nine stage operation
  • Four fan speeds
Price: $349.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light sanitizer
  • Purifies up to 540 square feet
  • Optional ozone
Price: $156.12 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV light kills germs and viruses
  • Smart air quality monitor
  • Smaller profile
Price: $179.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • H13 True HEPA filter
  • Air quality sensor
  • Filters up to 450 square feet
Price: $130.51 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Small but powerful
  • Five stage filtration
  • UV-C light kills germs
Price: $97.52 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Germicidal UV light kills germs
  • True HEPA filter
  • Compact size
Price: $104.45 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light option
  • Filters up to 338 square feet
  • Three speed fan
Price: $229.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Energy Star rated
  • Filters up to 222 square feet
  • UV-C light sanitizer kills germs
Price: $79.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
smart wifi air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs and viruses
  • Removes 99.97% of particulates up to 0.3 microns
  • Purifies up to 168 square feet
Price: $182.26 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
four in one uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Four-in-one filtration
  • Removes odors and bacteria
  • Easy control panel
Price: $149.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Very affordable
  • UV-C light option
  • Filters up to 180 square feet
Price: $73.59 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Three stage filtration
  • UV-C light kills germs
  • Ozone free
Price: $99.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
mini UV air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV option
  • Three speed fan
  • Filters up to 85 square feet
Price: $79.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills viruses and germs
  • Desktop size
  • Purifies up to 78 square feet
Price: $53.90 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Permanent carbon filter
  • UV-C light sanitization
  • Whisper quiet
Price: $99.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier with night light Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs and viruses
  • True HEPA filtration
  • Nightlight on top
Price: $61.93 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Compact and quiet
  • Filters up to 538 square feet
  • Four stage filtration
Price: $140.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • UV-C light kills germs and viruses
  • Up to 236 square feet of filtration
  • Three fan speeds
Price: $99.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • H13 HEPA filter
  • UV light kills germs
  • 360 degree purification
Price: $139.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
plug in uv air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Plug and go
  • Kills 99.9% of germs
  • Small profile
Price: $32.98 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Medify MA-50 Air Purifier with UV

    Pros:
    • Three layer filtration plus short-wave UV light to kill airborne pathogens
    • Four sided air intake makes this purifier work fast
    • Powerful fan still works quietly and efficiently
    • Replacement filters are readily available and easy to install
    Cons:
    • Among the more expensive options
    • No automatic odor detection which other brands have
    • Replacement filters are pretty spendy

    Killing odors and germs in a large space is no simple task for a smaller air purifier, but the Medify MA-50 is built to tackle the job of cleaning dust, allergens, germs, and bacteria in spaces as large as 1,100 square feet in as little as 30 minutes! In our book that’s an impressive performance.

    The quiet but powerful fan and four-sided air intake make the MA-50 super fast and efficient. An H-13 true HEPA filter with three layers of filtration removes odors and dust, while UV light disinfection kills airborne bacteria and germs. 

    The three-stage filtration system can even reduce most odors from smoke. In stage one, a pre-filter catches large particles like hair and dust. In stage two, the H13 true HEPA filter captures 99.9% of particles up to 0.1 microns – which includes pet dander and pollen. The third activated carbon filter absorbs and eliminates odors from all kinds of sources.

    A short-wave UV light deactivates airborne pathogens to keep your family safe and healthy during cold, virus, and flu season. Easy to install replacement filters come in single or two-packs.

  2. 2. TruSens Medium Room UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Four levels of air purification with an air quality sensor pod
    • UV-C light kills germs including colds and flu viruses
    • Dual airflow makes for more efficient dispersment of clean air
    • Filters up to 375 square feet
    • Simple touch controls and five fan speeds
    Cons:
    • Could filter odors more efficiently
    • Noisier than some
    • Has a HEPA versus True HEPA filter

    As people age, we become a lot more prone to developing allergies or being at risk of catching the viruses that are going around. If you’re looking for a purifier that will keep you breathing easy, this sleek looking UV air purifier for medium rooms is a winning idea. The TruSens HEPA air purifier is an affordable option, plus it has lots of features you’ll want, including four fan speeds, auto-timer, a UV mode, and filter replacement indicators.

    This purifier features 360 degree air purification, while an axial-centrifugal fan delivers optimal suction for better results. With four levels of purification, it catches dust and pet dander. It uses a washable pre-filter and carbon filter to capture pet hair and dust, a HEPA filter, and UV light sterilization to purify the air. This unit captures common pollutants as well as viruses to keep their home safe. An air quality sensor pod communicates with the purifier to signal when it needs to ramp up.

    At just 22 inches tall, the TruSens covers up to 375 square feet. An integrated handle makes it so easy to pick up and move into a convenient spot. PureDirect proprietary technology splits clean air into two air streams, delivering purified air more comfortably and efficiently throughout any room. That bi-directional airflow delivers purified air more effectively, and in some cases, has been proven to be up to 24% more efficient. You can get a larger model as well. It covers 750 square feet.

    If you like the thought of UV air purifiers as a gift option, there are many choices available at every price point.

  3. 3. Air Oasis Air Oasis iAdaptAir Purifier

    Pros:
    • UV-C light kills 99.9% of germs and viruses
    • Doctor recommended
    • Uses NASA technology
    • Uses ozone to eliminate odors
    Cons:
    • More expensive than many
    • Not as effective on smoke and odors as some
    • No option to eliminate the ozone function

    Tiny but mighty, the Air Oasis iAdapt Air and surface purifier uses five different air purification technologies and filters spaces up to 600 square feet. This filterless air purifier quietly and effectively reduces up to 99% of allergens, odors, mold, mycotoxins, VOCs, and germs. It uses NASA developed AHPCO technology with advanced HEPA and carbon filtration.

    Germicidal UV-C, and Bi-Polar ionization break down mold, yeast, viruses, and other pollutants on a molecular level. It rids both the air and surfaces of harmful contaminants, especially important at times like this. This air purifier also uses ozone and ionization for odor elimination including smoke, pollution, and cooking odors. iAdaptAir units are scientifically tested and doctor recommended.

  4. 4. HoMedics Total Clean Tower 5-in-1 UV-C Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Perfect for larger rooms and spaces up to 245 square feet
    • Five in one filtration including germicidal UV-C light
    • Four fan speeds with four different preset times
    • Includes a nightlight
    Cons:
    • Difficult to find replacement UV-C bulbs
    • No information available
    • No information available

    If you’re looking for a large room UV air purifier, you can always feel good going with a brand you trust for so many other healthy home options. This HoMedics TotalClean UV air purifier is a five-in-one solution that purifies spaces up to 195 square feet. 360-degree HEPA-Type filtration removes up to 99.9% of airborne allergens as small as 2microns. A built-in carbon filter reduces odor and VOC’s and freshens the air. A prefilter captures large particles like dust and pet dander.

    UV-C light kills bacteria and viruses. This purifier has four speeds and can be set to run for different durations of 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours at a time. It also features a glowing nightlight, making it the ideal solution for your kids’ rooms. We have not been able to test this device, but want to make certain you have access to every unit while time is of the essence.

  5. 5. InvisiClean Claro UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Uses up to 85% less power than other purifiers
    • Four stage filtration for large spaces up to 375 square feet
    • UV-C light kills 99.9% of germs and viruses
    • Easy to operate control panel
    Cons:
    • Doesn't remove dust as well as some
    • Quite noisy on turbo setting
    • Some customer service issues reported

    The 4-in-1 UV air purifier from InvisiClean uses a True HEPA air filter to capture 99.97% of particles including dust, pollen, allergens, mold spores and more. An activated charcoal pre-filter captures large particles like pet dander as well as eliminating odors from cooking, smoke and air pollution. A powerful UV-C light kills germs and bacteria while an ionizer function freshens the air.

    It has a powerful low EMF radiation DC motor with four speeds delivers more than DOUBLE the air output using up to 85% less electricity than other air purifiers – an asset if you’re energy conscious. A real-time air quality sensor measures and detects changes in air quality. In auto mode, the fan speed will auto adjust to clear the air quickly and automatically. Displays real-time PM 2.5 levels, temperature, and humidity.

    This air purifier is for large spaces up to 375 square feet. It features a large, easy to use control panel on top which you’ll appreciate.

  6. 6. Remington Airetrex 365 Home Air Sanitizer

    Pros:
    • Filter free operation means no expensive add ons
    • Sanitizes the air neutralizing pathogens with UV-C light
    • Replaces the air multiple times per hour
    • Quiet nighttime mode and easy touch screen controls
    Cons:
    • Doesn't filter dust, dander, or pollen
    • It's a sanitizer versus purifier
    • Fairly spendy

    One of the biggest complaints about air purifiers is having to replace expensive filters, but the Remington Airetrex 365 Sanitizer is filter-free making your one time cost, genuinely one time only. A powerful 10 watt UV-C bulb kills 99.9% of airborne germs and viruses, leaving you and your family breathing more easily. This air sanitizer has a delayed on and off switch so you can run it at the times most convenient for you.

    With an easy to read touch screen panel on top, controlling this device is simple, and it has a control lock so kids or pets won’t accidentally switch it on when they’re around. You can run it on high airflow volume during the day, and on low and more quiet speed during the night so it keeps sanitizing the air while you sleep.

    The Airetrex 365 exchanges the air multiple times every hour, neutralizing airborne pathogens and providing peace of mind when you most need it.

  7. 7. KOIOS Large Room Air Purifier with UV-C Sanitizer

    Pros:
    • Good for large rooms up to 540 square feet
    • Five layer True HEPA filtration system
    • UV-C sanitizer plus negative ionizer
    • Filter replacement indicators
    • Affordably priced
    Cons:
    • A bit loud on medium and high speeds
    • Remote doesn't come with batteries
    • Lights are too bright at night

    When you’re looking to clean and sanitize the air in a large space up to 540 square feet, the KOIOS air purifier and UV sanitizer can make that happen up to 2.5 times per hour. It cleans dust, pollutants, and allergens quickly and effectively using six layers of True HEPA Filters including a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon and VOC absorber, formaldehyde adsorption particles, and anti-microbial treatment plus a germ-killing UV-C sanitizer and negative ion generator. Whew!

    With a sleep mode, as well as low medium and high speeds, you can control the unit with a convenient remote control. The time functions continuously for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours and then will automatically shut off. This purifier automatically senses the air quality in a room and adjusts its speed to quickly reduce particulates and odors.

    You’ll also appreciate the nightlight feature that will keep you from tripping over the unit in the dark, plus the whisper-quiet operation.

  8. 8. Ivation 5-in-1 HEPA & UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Elegant cherry cabinet
    • UV-C germ-killing light
    • Easy to clean
    • Optional ozone generator
    • Huge capacity with up to 3,000 square feet of coverage
    Cons:
    • Instructions are lacking
    • Ozone is a problem for some
    • Replacement filters are hard to find

    Many air purifiers look like exactly what they are – hence a mostly unattractive exterior that looks out of place in an elegant home. This New Comfort UV air purifier offers an elegant cherry wood cabinet that gives it a more desirable profile in traditional homes, along with the virus and germ-killing properties you’re looking for. With the capacity to provide 3,700 square feet of coverage, this purifier features five-stage filtration to keep your home smelling and truly being fresh air-filled.

    It eliminates dust, odors, and other undesirable elements from the air, making it perfect for either home or office use. This purifier features a photocatalytic filter that catches large particles, pet hair, and dander, followed by an activated carbon filter, and then a HEPA filter. As air is drawn through, these cleanse out most of the unwanted particles in the air. The front grill is removable for easy cleaning and filter replacement. 

    The UV-C germicidal lamp destroys harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses, while the negative ion generator helps to minimize mold, spores, pollen, and other indoor allergens and pollutants. This air purifier is also an ozone generator, but you have the option to use it or not. It also features an easy to adjust digital control panel that lets you customize your air purification treatments to be exactly what you need.

  9. 9. InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier with UV

    Pros:
    • Powerfully purifies the air in spaces up to 319 square feet
    • Energy efficient DC motor is super powerful
    • Four fan speeds including turbo
    • Optional UV-C light disinfection as well as ozone
    Cons:
    • Not as effective at odor elimination as others
    • Noisy on higher fan speeds
    • No way to tell if UV-C light is working

    The InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier offers four-in-one filtration for medium and large spaces up to 319 square feet. This newer Aura II has improved performance along with a modern new design. This powerful purifier has a gutsy DC motor that is much stronger than the AC motors used in most other air cleaners, so it delivers 170 cubic feet of purified air per minute, yet it uses up 82% less energy than others.

    It also has four fans speeds versus three – low, medium, high, and turbo. It also has three timer settings, (2, 4, 8 hours), as well as a sleep mode that turns off all lights while it’s running. A filter change indicator alerts you when it’s time to switch out filters. This purifier clears the air of dust, dirt, pollen, allergens, and germs and viruses with a True HEPA filter and activated carbon prefilter along with an optional ionizer and disinfecting UV-C light.

  10. 10. Envion Therapure UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • UV air purification kills germs and viruses
    • Purifies up to 300 square feet three times an hour
    • Sleek tower design
    • On board clean filter is washable
    Cons:
    • Loud at higher fan speeds
    • Filter is hard to remove
    • Blue lights are bothersome at night

    If you’ve been searching for a germ and virus killing air purifier for a medium to a large room, the Envion Therapure tower can sanitize the air in spaces up to 300 square feet three times every hour. This UV air purifier removes dust, allergens, and odors and well as germs and viruses thanks to a powerful UV-C light filter. 

    It ionizes the air to more efficiently trap particles. Utilizing its uniquely engineered hemispheric HEPA- type technology, the TPP630 effectively reduces allergens, pollution, smoke, and odors, and it removes harmful VOC’s which are found in paint and carpet fumes. The highlight of this air purifier in our opinion is the fact that it has a washable filter which eliminates the expense of buying new ones so frequently.

  11. 11. New Comfort 6 Stage UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Six stage air filtration
    • UV-C light kills viruses and bacteria
    • Eliminates smells
    • Powerful five speed fan draws air through the True-HEPA filter
    • Cool clear lucite cover
    Cons:
    • Cord is on the short side
    • No timer
    • Ozone isn't favorable for everyone

    When you’re looking for a lot of power in a little package, the New Comfort six-stage UV air purifier delivers up to 3,500 square feet of coverage without overtaking your space. The purifier uses six types of filtration to remove, capture, or eliminate nearly any airborne particles, from viruses and mold to spores, odors, dust, and other allergens.

    It features a powerful five-speed fan that virtually pulls air through the True HEPA filter to cleanse even the largest spaces of up to 99.97% of airborne particulates. TiO2 and UV light work in conjunction as the most powerful way to eradicate mold spores, dangerous viruses, and bacteria from your air. UV-C light alters and destroys the DNA in viruses, mold, and other bacteria, per this article from Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.

    This purifier also has an ozone generator which is a fast way to get rid of cooking odors, smoke, and irritating chemicals. The activated charcoal filters naturally remove and absorb odors and other impurities.  The digital control is simple to operate and you have to option to use either UV or ozone as you prefer. You’ll also like the cool clear lucite cover that looks uber-modern.

  12. 12. Air Shield UV Air Purifier from Advanced Pure Air

    Pros:
    • Nine-stage detection and filtration
    • Huge filtration footprint despite its compact size
    • Air quality sensor ramps up fan speed automatically
    • Germicidal UV light kills germs and bacteria
    Cons:
    • On the more expensive side
    • Metal plasma filter is difficult to clean
    • Cleaning instructions are less than adequate

    Don’t be fooled by the compact size of the Air Shield UV air purifier. While it stands just 25 inches tall, this air purifier can clear the air in up to 764 square feet, making it a great option for open living areas like kitchens and family or great rooms. It has a unique nine-stage detection system that includes air quality sensors allowing the system to operate most efficiently for whatever issues are prevalent.

    It includes a pre-filter, electrostatic dust collector, activated carbon filter, high performance HEPA filter, germicidal UC light, dual photocatalyst nano-Ti02 germicidal sanitizers, and a negative ion generator to filter out pollen, smoke, air pollutants, odors, bacteria, germs, mold, pet dander, and more so your house will smell great and you’ll breathe air without worrying about dangerous viruses.

    A four-speed fan allows for rapid filtration, but this also features a quiet mode for nighttime use. The easy onboard control panel is right up top and shows when it’s time to clean or replace filters. 

  13. 13. Azeus Large Room UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Delivers up to 2,000 hours of operation without filter changes
    • Has a UV-C light sanitizer and the option of ozone for serious odors
    • 360 degree air intake with full room purification up to 2.5 times per hour
    Cons:
    • Replacement filters can be difficult to find
    • Loud at higher fan speeds
    • UV-C bulb is smaller in size than many others

    When you’re looking for a UV air purifier to handle spaces up to 540 square feet, the Azeus UV air purifier is among the few you can find under $200. It can clean and sanitize the room up to 2.5 times per hour of dust, pollutants, and allergens quickly and effectively using five layers of True HEPA Filters including a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon and VOC absorber, formaldehyde adsorption particles, and anti-microbial treatment plus a germ-killing UV-C sanitizer and negative ion generator. 

    This model features a sleep mode, as well as low medium and high speeds, and the convenient remote control allows you to set the unit for your preferred mode. The timer allows for continuous operation at 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours and then will automatically shut off. This purifier has a smart sensor that automatically evaluates the air quality in a room and adjusts the fan speed to quickly reduce particulates and odors. You also have the option of using ozone should odors be severe.

    You’ll also appreciate the nightlight feature that allows you to see this unit in the dark, plus the whisper-quiet operation. Similar in many ways to the Mooka air purifier, it offers the same levels of filtration at a slightly more affordable price.

  14. 14. Oransi Finn HEPA UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Sleek design and small profile makes it easy to move from room to room
    • Comes with a 24 month HEPA filter and two extra pre-filters
    • Smart air quality monitor
    • 10 year warranty
    Cons:
    • Filter sensor can be finicky
    • UV light can create and odd odor
    • Exterior construction not as durable as some others

    Dust, dander, odors, and allergens don’t stand a chance against the ORANSI Finn air purifier. The stylish design and relatively small footprint belies its cleaning power as it offers filtration of up to 400 square feet. The pre-filter, HEPA filter, and UV-C lamp do the trick and what’s even better is that this air purifier comes with two extra pre-filters free of charge. 

    With three fan speeds and an easy to use control panel with LCD readout on top, you can adjust whenever you feel you need to, and it’s quite lightweight, so it’s easy to move from room to room. The HEPA filter has a 24 month life as well, so you’ll be trouble and replacement free for a couple of years of use. We also think this UV air purifier has one of the longest warranties we’ve seen at ten years. Wow.

  15. 15. TOSOT H13 True HEPA Air Purifier with UV-C Sanitizer

    Pros:
    • H13 True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 microns
    • Air qualtiy sensor adjust fan speed to optimum level for clearing the air
    • Offers up to 450 square feet of filtration
    • Three fan speeds plus a sleep mode
    Cons:
    • More expensive than some
    • Turbo fan speed is loud
    • Night light can be too bright for some

    If you’re looking for a UV air purifier that can clear up to 450 square feet at a time, the TOSOT Air Purifier is an ideal option that features an H13 True HEPA filter as well as germicidal UV-C light filtration. The H13 True HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles 0.1 microns or larger, which means particles about 1000 times smaller than an average human hair.

    An optional UV-C light eliminates airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, and other worrisome things as they pass through the air purifier. With an air quality sensor, this purifier will automatically adjust the fan speed to the optimum level to clear your home’s air, and once improved with slow down to a quieter fan speed.

    This purifier offers three fan speeds (up to turbo) as well as a sleep mode. It also has a filter replacement indicator that lights up when it’s time to make a change. You can actually order the TOSOT purifier with a replacement filter included in this bundle pack.

  16. 16. SilverOnyx True Hepa & UV-C Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • True HEPA H13 filter captures 99.97% of dust and allergens up to 0.3 microns in size
    • UV-C light kills germs, bacteria and viruses
    • Filters up to 500 square feet
    • Sleep mode keeps it quiet at night
    Cons:
    • Noisy at higher fan settings
    • More effective on odors than dust
    • More expensive than some with similar features

    When you’re looking for a compact unit that delivers big results, the SilverOnyx air purifier cleans and sanitizes up to 500 square feet. With four levels of filtration, it traps larger particles like pet dander, filters ultra-fine particles like dust, and neutralizes household odors too. The air purifier’s HEPA H13 Filter is known to filter ultra-fine particles, capturing 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. In addition, a built-in ionizer and UV sanitizer help to remove harmful bacteria, mold, and germs.

    It offers two speeds and the fan will kick up automatically when it detects dust, allergens, and odors.

  17. 17. Crane Tower Air Purifier with Germicidal UV Light

    Pros:
    • Compact and quiet
    • Three timer settings plus coninuous operation option
    • Filters up to 99.97% of airborne particles
    • Germicidal UV light as well as a True HEPA filer
    • 300 square feet of filtration
    Cons:
    • Loud on higher fan speeds
    • Operating instructions lack important details
    • Will not run without meticulous filter placement

    When you’re looking for a compact UV air purifier option that can safely filter spaces up to 300 square feet, the Crane Tower is a logical choice for lots of reasons. With a germicidal UV light to kill germs, and a True HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of airborne particles and germs as small as 0.3 microns, this purifier also knocks out common household odors that can irritate sensitive sinuses.

    This purifier has three fan speeds plus an ultra-quiet low noise mode if you opt for continuous operation which is the perfect amount of white noise while you sleep. You can also set the timer for 2, 4, or 8 hour run times. Once the cycle is complete, the purifier automatically shuts off.  At just 9.25 by 9.25 inches in diameter and 15.3 inches in height, this compact unit is perfect for smaller spaces like your office and baby’s room.

    When unboxing, be sure to remove the plastic covering over the filters prior to operation.

  18. 18. Germ Guardian Air Purifier with UV-C Option

    Pros:
    • Small but filters as well as larger options
    • Optional UV-C light function
    • Runs for up to eight hours or customizes to your desires
    • Filters 338 square feet up to four times per hour
    Cons:
    • More pricey than some
    • Somewhat noisy at higher fan speeds
    • Filter access connections aren't always the best

    If you’ve been hunting for a germ-killing air purifier for a mid-size room up to 338 square feet, this model from Germ Guardian is an ideal option. It offers all the features you’d expect from Germ Guardian including a True HEPA air filter that reduces up to 99.97 percent of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as .3 microns from the air in your home or office.

    This powerful purifier also offers the option of UV-C light to kill airborne viruses such as influenza, staph, rhinovirus, and it works with Titanium Dioxide to reduce volatile organic compounds as well. An activated charcoal filter reduces odors from pets, smoking, cooking, and more while trapping allergens, pet hair, and dander to keep your home’s air seriously clean and safe. 

    With three fan speeds, it’s a compact size that doesn’t take over a room. At just 22 inches tall, it can clean the air up to four times per hour, and you have the option of shutting off the UV-C light if you want to ensure its long life for cold and flu season.

  19. 19. Eureka Instant Clear NEA120 UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Compact tower features three in one filtration
    • UV-C light function is optional
    • Energy efficient and quiet
    • Blue light indicator when filters need to be replaced
    Cons:
    • Not as visible filtering of dust and pet hair
    • Noisy on higher fan speeds
    • Replacement filters are expensive

    If you’re looking for a compact air purifier to handle up to 222 square feet, this UV air purifier from Eureka is an ideal option. It offers three-in-one filtration as well as germ-killing UV-C light with TiO2 to stop viruses in their tracks. An intuitive control panel allows you to choose whether or not you want to use the UV-C cycle, as well as set timers, fan speeds, and more.

    This 26 inch tower has a flashing blue light indicator to let you know when filter replacements are needed, and speaking of filters, it uses a pre-filter with an activated carbon layer to trap large dust particles and pet dander, and to capture formaldehyde and other VOCs and household fumes, a  True HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of dust particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, and the option of UV-C light to kill airborne bacteria and viruses. 

    With three fan speeds, you can control noise volume as well. The sleep mode is whisper quiet and you’ll appreciate that this air purifier is Energy Star rated.

  20. 20. Germ Guardian Smart True HEPA UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Five fan speeds plus ultra-quiet mode
    • Filters air up to four times per hour
    • Covers up to 168 square feet
    • UV-C light kills viruses and harmful bacteria
    • Smart controls powered by Alexa or Google Assistant
    Cons:
    • Still kind of noisy
    • Lighted control panel cannot be turned off at night
    • Not superb at odor removal

    If you’re looking for a UV air purifier for a mid-size space, there’s one company that’s been leading the way in this technology, and that’s Germ Guardian. This smart UV air purifier is big enough to filter air in 167 square feet up to four times per hour. This purifier relies on a multi-faceted filtration system that removes up to 99.97% of airborne particulates and kills harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. 

    The pre-filter traps dust, pet dander, and large particles, while the True HEPA filter reduces up to 99.97 percent of harmful dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as .3 microns. The  UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses such as influenza, staph, and rhinovirus, and works with Titanium Dioxide to reduce volatile organic compounds.

    You can monitor and control your GermGuardian air purifier anywhere from the Guardian Technologies App that notifies you and sends important alerts about air quality and more. This smart purifier is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

  21. 21. Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-in-1 UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Attractive slim profile makes it easy to put in any room
    • Four stage filtration removes odors, dust and pet dander
    • UV-C light kills germs
    • Convenient control panel on top
    Cons:
    • Loud at higher fan speeds
    • Control panel lights are too bright at night
    • Controls are not as intuitive as some

    When you’re looking to tackle smoke, smells and bacteria including viruses, the PureZone Elite 4-in1 air purifier is an ideal choice. PureZone Elite traps and destroys 99.97% of particles as small as 0.03 microns. This premium 4 stage filter safely cleans and sanitizes the air with an activated carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter, UV-C light and a photocatalyst filter, as well as an ionizer option.

    It also gets rid of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other household odors. With an easy to use top control panel, it features three fan speeds as well as a timer. The tall, slim profile makes it a good fit in any space where you’re looking for added peace of mind.

  22. 22. Germ Guardian True HEPA UV Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Very affordable with many features including optional UV-C light
    • Filters up to 167 square feet with 99.97% removal of dust, allergens and viruses
    • Charcoal filter reduces odors from cooking, pets and smoke
    • Three year warranty
    Cons:
    • Loud on higher fan settings
    • Not as good at smoke removal as some
    • Best for only small rooms

    Germ Guardian has really led the way in home ready UV air purifiers, and they deliver a solid product at an affordable price. This UV air purifier features a True HEPA filter to remover up to 99.97 percent of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as .3 microns from the air. The UV-C light kills airborne bacteria and viruses, a key issue for all of us during this scary time.

    It removes dust, pet dander, allergens, and more – features that you’ll pay more for in many other models. We think it’s a great buy for the price as it can filter up to 167 square feet and has three fan speed settings. The UV-C light is optional, so when you’re not concerned about viruses, you can switch it off. At 22 inches tall, the narrow profile will easily fit in any room without looking bulky or out of place.

  23. 23. Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 3-in-1 Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Air quality sensor automatically adjusts to remove dust and odors
    • UV-C light effectively kills germs, bacteria and viruses
    • Filters up to 200 square feet
    • Five year warranty
    Cons:
    • Somewhat noisy
    • Poor instructions for filter changes
    • Some customer service issues reported

    Get rid of odors, dust, allergens, and even viruses in smaller spaces with the PureZone Elite 3-in-1 Air Purifier. This easy to use unit features a three-stage purification system to eliminate all those airborne annoyances making your home environment more healthy.  Stage 1 uses an activated carbon pre-filter to catch dust and large particles. Stage 2 uses a True HEPA filter which can capture up to 99.97 percent of fine particulates as small as 0.3 microns and helps eliminate odors. Stage 3 passes air through a UV-C light which disrupts and kills harmful bacteria including viruses.

    This purifier also reduces cooking odors, pet dander, and leaves those who are allergy-prone breathing a whole lot easier. It has three fan speeds and an optional timer that will add longevity to the replaceable carbon pre-filter it comes with. The design is compact and is geared for filtration of up to 200 square feet, making it a great choice for kitchens and bedrooms. The five-year warranty adds to your peace of mind.

  24. 24. Bionaire Germ-Reducing UV Mini Tower Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Compact tower is ideal for smaller spaces up to 85 square feet
    • Permanent filter so no replacements necessary
    • UV-C light option to kill germs and viruses
    • Easy top control panel
    Cons:
    • No remote control option
    • Fan is noisy on higher settings
    • Good only for very small spaces

    If you’ve got a small space that you’re looking to clear out dust, allergens, and viruses, the Bionaire Mini UV Tower Air Purifier is a popular choice. This little tower has a built-in permanent HEPA filter and an optional ionizer should you so choose to use that feature. It also has an optional UV-C light to filter out bacteria and viruses as well as mold.

    This compact tower stands just 21 inches tall, and features a convenient top control panel allowing you to set the fan speed and choose whether or not you need to use the ionizer and UV options. It has three fan speeds and is ideal for space of 85 square feet or less, so it’s perfect for small bathrooms, dorm areas, and closets. 

  25. 25. Germ Guardian Desktop UV-C Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Desktop size makes them convenient for office use
    • UV-C light kills viruses and germs
    • HEPA and charcoal filters remove particulates and odors
    • Affordably priced
    Cons:
    • Louder than some
    • Only efficient for small spaces
    • Direction of airflow is odd

    If you’ve been looking for a small and affordable solution for your offices at work or for different rooms in your home, this Germ Guardian desktop UV air purifier is the perfect answer. At just 11 inches tall, these mighty minis feature HEPA filters that capture 99.97 percent of dust and allergens as small as 3 microns like household dust, pet dander, mold spores, and plant pollens.

    • A charcoal filter reduces common odors from pets, smoking, and cooking. UVC light technology works with titanium dioxide to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, germs, and mold spores. Sweet. The price is right, and Germ Guardian is well known for their affordable and efficient units.
  26. 26. OION Technologies Air Purifier with UV-C Sanitizer

    Pros:
    • Captures 99.97% of particles up to 0.5 microns
    • Three speed whisper quiet fan
    • Easy to use control panel
    • Impressively compact
    Cons:
    • A bit expensive for a smaller unit
    • UV-C light sanitizer can smell odd
    • Instructions are lacking

    When you’re looking for a UV air purifier that offers 4-in-1 filtration in a compact unit, the Oion Technologies UV air purifier offers lots of amenities in a compact tabletop model. It captures over 99.9% of particles as small as 0.5 microns and destroys micro-organisms such as staph, influenza, and rhinovirus. It also captures household allergens, mold, dust, pet dander, smoke, and reduces other obnoxious odors.

    A built-in UV-C filter, along with a built-in permanent carbon filter further sterilizes the air and annihilates micro-organisms that can cause illness. With whisper-quiet operation, this air purifier has three fan speeds, a sleep mode, and an easy to use top control panel. What’s really impressive is that at top fan speed this petite purifier can purify smaller rooms efficiently.

  27. 27. Germ Guardian UV-C HEPA Filter Air Purifier for Kids

    Pros:
    • Nightlight projects images onto the ceiling for kids
    • True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particulates
    • UV-C light kills germs
    Cons:
    • Louder than larger purifiers
    • Projector issues reported
    • Lights can disrupt sleep

    This is the perfect option for a child’s room. This can be a scary time for kids, so while you’re trying to protect them, this Germ Guardian UV-C air purifier adds a whimsical night light to the mix that projects fun images onto the ceiling to keep their little minds occupied with more happy thoughts. This 11 inch air purifier features a True HEPA filter that rids their room of 99.97% of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as .3 microns from the air.

    The UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses such as influenza, staph, rhinovirus, and works with Titanium Dioxide to reduce volatile organic compounds. Get it in two colors, blue or pink, although pink is the only option available right now.

  28. 28. Ninuo Air Purifier with UVLamp

    Pros:
    • Lightweight and compact
    • Super quiet operation
    • Hidden handle in back makes it easy to relocate
    • Removes up to 99.9% of dust, allergens, and germs up to 0.3 microns
    Cons:
    • Not as intuitive as others
    • A bit noisier than some
    • Filters not yet available

    If you’re looking for a compact and small way to get fresh air, the Ninuo UV air purifier is quite lightweight and compact, yet it cleanses and purifies a whopping 538 square feet. At just a bit over eleven pounds, this purifier uses a four-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, high-grade HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and UV light to remove 99.9% of pollutants up to 0.3 microns from the air, including dust, pet dander, smoke, germs, and viruses. 

    It features both a time and automatic mode, allowing you to choose how to use it, and the decision is as simple as a touch of the remote control button. It operates quietly, just 45Db, so it’s ideal for a baby’s room, and with two fan speeds, you can choose how robust its performance and coverage will be. 

  29. 29. Beurer 3-in-1 UV-C Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Three fan speeds plus a timer
    • Offers UV-C light purification option
    • 1-8 hour timer
    • Filters up to 236 square feet
    Cons:
    • No additional information available
    • No additional information available
    • No additional information available

    In addition to three-layer filtration that removes 99.5% of impurities in your home, this unit also offers UV-C purification and ionization. This is ideal for killing mold spores, harmful bacteria, and viruses.  Dust mites and pet dander don’t stand a chance either against the pre-filter, charcoal filter, and EPA filter. 

    Choose from low, medium or high settings when using the fan buttons on our illuminated panel. The extra fan option allows for air to circulate around the room and keeping the ambiance feeling fresh. It also offers time options so you can run the purifier from 1-8 hours depending on your preferences. We have not had the option to try the UV air purifier, as you’ll see, but it’s more important than ever to leave stock available to the buying public.

  30. 30. OdorStop HEPA Air Purifier with H13 HEPA Filter & UV Light

    Pros:
    • High quality long-life filter
    • Five fan speeds
    • 360 degree air intake
    • Four levels of filtration
    • Automatically detects and responds to air quality
    Cons:
    • Doesn't feel very robust
    • UV light is less effective than some
    • Noisy on higher fan speeds

    If you’re looking for a small model UV air purifier, the desktop size Odor Stop UV purifier offers lots of advantages in addition to a portable size. This state of the art H13 HEPA air purifier captures 99.97% of contaminants is ideal for reducing dust mites, bacteria, mold, pollen, cooking odors, smoke, and other harmful airborne particles. H13 HEPA air purifiers help to reduce the effects of indoor asthma triggers. 

    A unique 360 degree air inlet provides users with the highest efficiency and the longest filter life possible. It also has a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, auto mode, UV light, plus a filter life and air quality display. In auto mode, the unit automatically adjusts to the conditions present.

    The UV-C light adds to the germ-killing power, which is ever more important at the moment. A five-speed fan allows you to adjust airflow at will.

  31. 31. HomeZens Portable Plug in Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Plug can rotate to fit your outlet configurations
    • Small profile doesn't take counter space
    • UV-C light kills germs, viruses, and odors
    • Purifies up to 110 square feet
    Cons:
    • Not a long term solution
    • Poor instructions
    • Some customer service issues reported

    If you’ve been considering the value of a UV air purifier for your bathrooms or closets, but you simply don’t have the counter space, the HomeZens plug-in UV air purifier might be the ideal option to maximize results while taking up a minimum amount of space. At just 7.5 inches tall, this little purifier can tackle odor and remove 99.9% of germs and viruses in rooms up to 110 square feet.

    Because this purifier operates at a low speed, it never distracts with noise. It’s ozone free and combines a 5,000 hour UV-C light along to do its work. Perfect in a nursery, it will never wake your baby. You’ll love that the plug rotates on the back to match your outlet configuration. And you’ll never need to worry about filter changes with this purifier either.

While there are fewer choices for UV air purifiers on the market than there are for traditional models, we've found a wide variety of popular options from budget-friendly to a bit more spendy. They are all super-efficient and will help keep you breathing easier in rooms from small to large. Some are even rechargeable and can be easily moved from room to room, while a few are actually doctor-recommended.

When you're looking to clean and sanitize more of the surfaces around your home, office, or in your car and RV, UV lamps are easy to use when you plan to be out of the space for a few hours, and UV sanitizers are extremely effective options for your small sanitizing jobs.

How Do UV Air Purifiers Work?

In addition to activated charcoal and True HEPA filters, UV air purifiers use powerful UV-C bulbs to kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Considering we're all concerned about viruses, especially right now, these are a great option to up the germ-fighting game in your home or office. 

When UV-C light hits microbes, the light disrupts the bonds that hold their DNA together. Without working DNA, these bacteria and viruses can't replicate or perform regular cell functions and so the colony dies off. 

That means you can literally breathe a sigh of relief. If you're still finding this concept somewhat complicated, we get it. 

For more information, this article from Scientific American makes the complex topic pretty easy to understand.

If you're still wondering whether a UV air purifier is worth the investment when it comes to virus concerns, even AARP Bulletin called out air purifiers as one of the solid ways to fight the COVID-19 virus.

Should I Use A UV Air Purifier with Ozone?

Several of our featured UV light air purifiers have an Ozonator included. Some allow for optional use and others don't.

While we have mixed feelings about using ozone, it is a seriously effective way to eliminate bad odors, especially if someone has smoked in the house or you've cooked something that just seems to permeate the air for days on end.

While the EPA warns that breathing ozone can actually be harmful to your health, you'd need to breathe in a lot of it. If you want to use the ozone function on your purifier, we'd recommend you run it during the hours you're away from home, allowing a few hours for it to clear before returning.

Are UV Light Air Purifiers More Expensive?

We thought that adding the germ-killing advantage to an air purifier would up the price, but honestly, every purifier we found was in what we'd deem the reasonable price margin.

There were a few that didn't qualify as a UV air purifier but also had extra germ-eliminating filters that make them worth noting. We particularly like the RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier which has a BioGS HEPA filter that actually helps reduce bacterial growth.

They also have an Artisan model that's wall-mounted and looks like a piece of art rather than an air purifier. That is too awesome.

What Are Other Effective Alternatives to UV-C Light?

Medical grade air purifiers often use H13 True HEPA filters which can capture 99.5% of particulates as small as 0.21 microns. Purifiers like this one from Medify are an option if you don't want to utilize UV-C light purifiers.  This big purifier can cleanse up to 840 square feet, while this Medify model offers even greater filtration, clearing up to 2,400 square feet. It's ideal for office use.

PECO air purifiers are another option. These use free radicals to break down and destroy pollutants including dust, pollution, and viruses. Molekule makes many different air purifiers that use this technology.

RabbitAir uses a BioGS HEPA filter to trap allergens and viruses and offers nearly the same level of effectiveness as UV air purifiers.