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17 Best Air Purifiers: Your Easy Buying Guide

best air purifier

123RF.com (jomkwan7)

We all spend a lot of time indoors, either in our office or at home. Pollutants, pollen and pet dander can be worse inside some homes than out. For those who suffer from allergies, that can mean feeling miserable during seasons with less pollen, but fewer hours to spend outdoors.

Then, there are those odors we simply can’t live with. Whether it’s cooking smells, cigarette smoke, or other aromatic offenders, we want our air to smell fresh, clean and healthy. The best air purifier can effectively create that environment.

True HEPA air purifiers address these issues. When shopping, remember that you’ll want to budget for replacement filters, in addition to the initial cost of the air purifier. Some have washable pre-filters, which help extend the life of your True HEPA filter.

A few of these air cleaners kill viruses, mold spores, and germs, and many create just enough white noise to guarantee you a peaceful night’s sleep. They all make great gift ideas for someone you love, like your parents. If you’re ready to start breathing easier, check out our guide to the best air purifiers.

What Is the Best Air Purifier?

iqair air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Reduces asthma and allergy triggers
  • Filters out smaller particles than most
  • Covered by a 10-year limited warranty
Price: $899.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
levoit air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Energy Star Verified
  • Timer with multiple intervals
  • Works with three different filters
Price: $99.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
BLUEAIR Blue 211+ Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Washable pre-filter
  • Removes tiny particles from forest fires
  • User-friendly touch button
Price: $329.79 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
large room air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Cleans spaces up to 1,100 square feet
  • Ultra-quiet operation won't disturb others
  • Cleans air in 30 minutes
Price: $603.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
plasma wave 5500
  • Great for light sleepers
  • Quickly removes pet dander
  • Helps reduce allergy symptoms
Price: $179.00 Buy Now at Wayfair Buy Now Read our review
small air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Small and lightweight
  • Compact for offices and small rooms
  • Captures most particles with 3-layer filtration
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
rabbit air a3 Amazon Customer Reviews
  • WiFi-enabled for remote monitoring
  • Filters over 1,000 square feet
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty
Price: $749.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Looks stylish
  • Whisper-quiet on lowest setting
  • Easy to change the filters
Price: $339.89 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Blueair Protect 7470i Air Purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Reduces allergy symptoms
  • Fast removal rate for cleaner air
  • Traps and kills most airborne particles
Price: $599.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Coway Airmega 400S Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Alexa compatibility
  • Can be controlled from anywhere via the app
  • Multiple fan modes
Price: $558.70 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Germ Guardian AC5250PT Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Reduces illness-causing germs
  • True HEPA filtration
  • Great balance of price and features
Price: $130.12 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Compatible with Alexa for voice commands
  • Pumps out tons of fresh air per second
  • Monitors and reports on air quality
Price: $699.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
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  • Four speeds to choose from
  • Pre-filters extend HEPA filter life
  • Effective at reducing odors and dust
Price: $269.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
honeywell air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Programmable auto-shutoff feature
  • Removes dust and pollen
  • Easy to use
Price: $169.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
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  • Certified athsma and allergy friendly
  • Freshens air well
  • Cleans large spaces
Price: $255.44 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
shark air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Purifies up to 500 square feet at a time
  • Available in many sizes
  • Esy to remove filters
Price: $127.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black True hepa air purifier Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Auto-shutoff safety function
  • Well-reviewed by shoppers
  • Convertible from tower to tabletop
Price: $138.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Filters out ultrafine particles
    • Removes most airborne pathogens, including Covid
    • Helps reduce dust, dander, mold and other allergens
    Cons:
    • Replacement filters can be expensive
    • Doesn't have WiFi or Alexa
    • Only comes in one color

    What’s the main difference between the IQAir HealthPro Plus and other air purifiers? It filters particles down to 0.003 microns in size. That’s 100 times smaller than 0.3 microns, which is typical for most air filters. As a result, you’ll inhale fewer potentially irritating or harmful particles, including ultrafine pollution particles. The filtration system has been independently tested and verified by a third-party lab for peace of mind. If you don’t mind splurging, the HealthPro Plus is our ultimate pick to keep your home air cleaner and safer.

    This award-winning air filter has four advanced filtration technologies. It includes a HyperHEPA filter that captures up to 99.5% of ultrafine particles. You’ll have extra protection against airborne pathogens, including Covid, MRSA, and various other bacteria and viruses. The particles are removed from the air then trapped in the filter materials so they can’t harm you or your family.

    Besides viruses and bacteria, this Swiss-made purifier reduces mold, pet dander, dust, and various allergens and asthma triggers. It also keeps your home smelling fresh thanks to a combination filter with activated carbon. Considering that most Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, where pollutants can be up to 5x greater than outside, it’s a solid long-term investment for your health.

    Another feature that we love is that each filter is individually tested to ensure it’s delivering at least 99.97% cleaner air or better. And if not? It doesn’t get shipped. A 10-year limited warranty provides peace of mind.

  2. 2. RUNNER UP: LEVOIT Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Can turn off display lights at night
    • Super-quiet night mode won't disturb your sleep
    • Great for smoke, toxins, pet dander, pollen and more
    Cons:
    • Basic model lacks WiFi and Alexa
    • Replacement filters are expensive
    • No option to run on a daily timer

    If you’re experiencing sticker shock from some of the more expensive purifiers on our list, the LEVOIT purifier is a good alternative. It’s much more affordable and can provide lasting relief from allergy and asthma symptoms. As someone with allergies and asthma, my symptoms have been noticeably better since I purchased my LEVOIT purifier two years ago. You can’t beat the overall value.

    Don’t be fooled by its lower price tag, as this purifier can remove impurities with the best of them. It features vortex air technology and 360° intake and purifies air in spaces up to 547 square feet. It takes just 30 minutes to remove impurities in larger rooms and 12 minutes in rooms up to 219 sq. ft. Whether it’s in a bedroom, dining room, living room or a study, you’ll have cleaner air in minutes.

    On the inside, a True HEPA filter captures 99.7% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. This includes dust, smoke, pollen and odor. Depending on your specific needs, there’s a smoke remover filter for smoke and wildfires and a toxin-absorbing filter to get rid of smog, VOCs and other toxins. If you’re allergic to pet dander, the pet allergy filter is for you.

    Day or night, you can run the LEVOIT purifier. Its near-silent operation at 24dB on Sleep Mode ensures everyone gets a good night’s sleep. You can also turn off the display light, which is a feature even some of the most expensive purifiers often lack.

    This model doesn’t have WiFi or Alexa, which helps keep the cost down. If you’re looking for those features or just want a purifier that will clean air in spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft., check out the LEVOIT Air Purifier with WiFi for Large Rooms.

  3. 3. Best Value: BLUEAIR Blue 211+ Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Activated carbon layer captures odor-causing particles
    • Filters air in rooms up to 540 square feet
    • 360-degree air intake means you can place it virtually anywhere
    Cons:
    • No WiFi or Alexa
    • Can't set a schedule
    • Filter has a strange initial chemical odor

    If you don’t need WiFi compatibility or Alexa, the BLUEAIR Blue 211+ Air Purifier is a good value. In terms of performance, it ranks among the best air purifiers on our list. The Blue 211+ also works in most living spaces and actively removes everything from food odors to pet dander, pollen and bacteria and viruses.

    With the ability to filter air in a 540 square foot space according to the industry-recommended rate of 4.8 times per hour, it’s ideal for most rooms. Just set up the Blue 211+ in a home office, living room, playroom or family room. 

    We’re all familiar with common irritants such as dust, pollen and mold, but this air purifier removes more than that. It has an activated carbon layer that helps remove PM 2.5 from the air. Those are the tiny particles that can travel deep into the respiratory tract, including your lungs. Some of the most common causes include forest and grass fires as well as burning wood and heating oil.

    On the topic of filters, this one has a washable pre-filter to trap and remove large particles. The smaller particles are then removed by the main filter. Finally, the activated carbon layer captures odor-causing particles so your home won’t smell like a wet dog or last night’s fried fish dinner. 

    This air purifier doesn’t have WiFi or Alexa, but you can easily control it with one push button. This large button is easy to access and also adds a stylish touch, so you can proudly leave your appliance on display when friends and family come to visit.

  4. 4. Alen BreatheSmart Customizable Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • True HEPA filter captures most airborne particles
    • Efficiently cleans and purifies air every 30 minutes
    • Multiple filter options for all needs
    Cons:
    • Can be noisy at higher settings
    • Some reports of auto-sensor issues
    • Not as effective at odor removal as some

    Alen’s exclusive SmartSensor air purifier automatically detects and adjusts to changing air quality, prolonging filter life and conserving energy. WhisperMax technology uses pink noise to eliminate irritating high-frequency sounds, so the BreatheSmart can purify the air without disturbing others. 

    This high-performance purifier with a HEPA filter delivers cleaner, more breathable air throughout your home. It’s perfect for living rooms, open concept rooms, and other spaces up to 1100 square feet. The BreatheSmart quietly and efficiently removes allergens and dust, purifying your air every 30 minutes – three times faster than most.

    BreatheSmart is fully customizable, offering four different filter types to accommodate changing air purification needs, and eight different panel color options to match your home décor. All of Alen’s air purifiers include a lifetime warranty, ensuring years of pure air for your home. To protect against most bacteria, germs and fungi, and this air purifier filters 99. 97% of particles up to 0.3 microns for cleaner, healthier air.

  5. 5. Winix Plasma Wave 5500

    Price: $179.00
    Pros:
    • Multi-layer filter minimizes bothersome smoke odors
    • Removes most irritants, including dust and smoke
    • Works in rooms up to 360 square feet
    Cons:
    • Moderately loud on turbo mode
    • Doesn't have an ionizer
    • Not for larger rooms

    Are your asthma or allergy symptoms worse because of dust, pet dander or smoke? The Winix Plasma Wave 5500 uses a four-stage air cleaning system to get rid of these bothersome airborne particles and more. Pollen, volatile organic compounds, and household odors are also readily absorbed by the washable carbon filter. A true HEPA filter captures 99.7% of particles, leaving you with cleaner and healthier air.

    This air purifier’s effectiveness is backed by numbers. For example, its CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating from AHAM (Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers) is five air changes per hour. That’s more than some of the pricier purifiers on our list, and helps keep your air clean and clear. It’s 99% effective at removing pet hairs and other irritants in rooms up to 360 square feet. Place it in a bathroom, living room or bedroom for rapid results.

    If you’re a light sleeper, switch it to the sleep setting and the noise won’t rise above 27.4 decibels. That number increases to 50.4 decibels on the turbo setting and is somewhere between with the other settings. Just change the filters every 12 months to keep the purifier running smoothly.

  6. 6. Best Small Air Purifier: OSIMO HEPA Filter

    Pros:
    • Only 22dB in sleep mode
    • Easy to operate with one button
    • Removes 99.9% of air pollutants
    Cons:
    • Doesn't have a filter change indicator
    • Can be tough to change the filter
    • Replacement filters can be hard to find

    If you’re looking for a small and affordable purifier for your desktop, side table or home office, consider the OSIMO HEPA Filter. It weighs just under 1.5 pounds and easily fits onto a desk or table. And unlike those larger purifiers, it won’t take up valuable floor space in your office or living room.

    Don’t be fooled by its small size, as the OSIMO purifier has a three-stage filtration system, just like many of the larger machines on our list. It removes up to 99.9% of particles as small as 0.3 microns to freshen your home air. This includes everything from dust and dander to smoke and odors around your home. There’s a pre-filter and a True HEPA filter for added protection.

    The 360° air purification quickly purifies and releases air in rooms up to 215 square feet. You can choose between three fan speeds to effectively clean the air. If you’re napping or trying to sleep at night, the sleep mode will keep the noise level to a quiet 22dB for uninterrupted snoozing.

    You can’t control this purifier with a smartphone, but it operates with a single button. Just push the button to turn the machine on or off and control the fan speed. 

  7. 7. Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Fully customizable six-layer filtration system
    • Transitions to sleep after dark and powers up when it's light
    • Filters last up to two years with 12-hour daily operation
    Cons:
    • App isn't very sophisticated
    • No option to set different schedules for days of the week
    • Not as powerful as some others on strong odors like cigarette smoke

    If you’re going to splurge on keeping your household healthy, we highly recommend the RabbitAir A3. It has an innovative six-stage filtration and deodorization system that targets the smallest, dirtiest particles and can even be customized to your specific needs. Everything from pet dander to mold to bacteria and particles that carry viruses will be removed from the air. 

    The filtration system also reduces the buildup of common allergens including dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander. It also reduces the growth of bacteria and viruses on the filter. You’ll also appreciate the flexibility to choose from customized filters such as Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Odor Remover, or Toxin Absorber.

    This purifier covers up to 1070 square feet, which is almost 200 more square feet than the previous model. You can use it in a home office, living room, bedroom or nursery, as well as with an open floor plan. The purifier filters over 8,000 cubic feet of air in just 30 minutes to keep your family healthy and comfortable.

    When you want to control the quality of air in your home or office from any location, this RabbitAir purifier supports complete monitoring and adjustments, as it’s WiFi-enabled and controlled via the RabbitAir app. 

    This purifier can stand on its own or be mounted to the wall. It even looks cool and will appear almost like an avant-garde art piece. This purifier is smart, transitioning the unit to sleep after dark and bringing it back to operational as the day lightens. You’ll also appreciate how economical this purifier is. It has filters lasting up to two years with 12-hour daily operation, and it has an Energy Star-rated motor.

  8. 8. BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • PM 2.5 particle sensor monitors help detect smoke particles
    • Three-stage filter captures most airborne particles
    • Removes airborne irritants such as smoke from wildfires and cooking
    Cons:
    • Replacement filters aren't cheap
    • Can't be controlled with a smartphone
    • Doesn't have a timer

    Unlike most of its competitors, the BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier looks more like a work of art than an appliance. From its modern legs to its clean lines and smooth edges, it’s hard to overlook this purifier. But it’s equally functional with a three-stage filtration system that captures everything from food odors to pet dander for a cleaner, healthier home.

    The secret to the BISSELL air320’s success is its three-stage filtration system. Large particles such as fibers, pet fur, hair and lint are captured in the pre-filter. Smaller bits such as pollen, dust and dander are captured in the main HEPA filter. The third filter is made with carbon and it reduces bad smells from gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pet and cooking odors.

    For added peace of mind, there’s color-coded air quality feedback. It signals when the air quality is good, moderate or poor, and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. If there’s cigarette smoke or even smoke from nearby wildfires, you’ll know if PM 2.5 particles are in the air you’re breathing. These tiny particles can get trapped in your respiratory system and lungs, potentially leading to breathing issues.

    Equipped with five speed settings, the lowest one can be library-quiet to avoid disturbing you and your family. A filter change indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter. However, BISSELL suggests replacing your filters every six months for peak performance.

  9. 9. Best for Asthma & Allergies: Blueair Protect 7470i Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Ideal for mid-sized bedrooms and living rooms
    • Effectively removes pollutants down to 0.1 microns
    • Very quiet at lower speeds
    Cons:
    • Unit isn't recommended for larger rooms
    • Not as effective as some at removing dust
    • App can be buggy

    The Blueair Protect 7470i gets you a lot of bang for your buck, maximizing clean air delivery in mid-size rooms up to 418 square feet. If you need more coverage, consider the Protect 7770i for rooms up to 674 sq. ft. Although it works well in most spaces, this purifier is ideal for mid-sized bedrooms and living rooms.

    To keep allergy and asthma symptoms at bay, the air is purified up to 4.8 times per hour, or every 12.5 minutes. This is based on the suggested removal rate from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). It means that allergens such as dust, dander and pollen won’t cause troublesome symptoms when you’re indoors.

    Even on the highest setting, this air purifier is quiet enough to blend into the background. On the lowest setting, it’s quieter than a whisper. That means you can have conversations and even sleep without disruption. is whisper-silent on low and delivers designed white noise on higher speeds.

    While it’s running, Blueair’s patented HEPASilent technology uses both electrostatic and mechanical filtration to trap 99.97% of airborne particles then kills 99% of them in the filter. It also automatically adjusts to maintain the ideal air conditions and has three advanced sensors for maximum effectiveness.

    To make your life more convenient, you can use the accompanying app to get real-time updates and track the clean air progress. There’s also an LED display to check the progress and settings. 

    Your filters should last up to a year. To make sure you’re replacing them on time, a built-in algorithm calculates the filter life using sensor data, fan speed and estimated loading. 

  10. 10. Best Smart Purifier: Coway Airmega 400S

    Pros:
    • Real-time air quality monitoring with colorful LED ring
    • Provides 1,560 square feet of coverage
    • Adapts to its surroundings to conserve energy
    Cons:
    • Expensive replacement filters
    • Requires a separate device for Alexa compatibility
    • Average noise level on highest settings

    If having features such as WiFi and Alexa compatibility on your air purifier will make life easier, check out the Coway Airmega 400S. As long as you have an Alexa device, you can use your voice to monitor your home air quality and make adjustments. It also works with Google Home. A non-WiFi version is available as well. But WiFi or not, the 400S is Coway’s most advanced air purifier to date.

    To ensure your air quality is always good, you can monitor your purifier and make adjustments at home or on the go. Just download the mobile app to control your purifier from anywhere. Even if you’re away, you can enjoy real-time air quality monitoring and set the desired mode. You’ll also receive indoor and outdoor air quality reports and can also schedule the purifier.

    Real-time air quality monitoring ensures you’ll never take a breath of unfresh air inside your home. The 24/7 pollution monitor senses air quality night and day and makes adjustments as needed. This also helps save energy and can lower your monthly energy bills. A colorful LED ring shows how clean or dirty your air is every minute of the day.

    The Coway Airmega 400S is ideal for larger spaces and can purify rooms over 1,500 square feet. It exchanges air at least twice per hour and can reduce over 99% of fumes and VOCs. A combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter reduces 99.7% of particles down to 0.3 microns. That’s most particles of pollen, dander, and other allergens.

    Looking for a purifier for smaller rooms? Check out the more compact (and affordable) Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier. It covers rooms up to 361 sq. ft. and can purify your air from smoke, pollen, dust and other irritants. 

  11. 11. Germ Guardian AC5250PT True HEPA Filter Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • UV-C light sanitizer kills bad germs linked to illness
    • Effectively purifies air of dust, allergens and mold
    • Covers mid-size rooms with a minimal profile
    Cons:
    • Can get noisy after sustained long-term use
    • Filters may more easily clog than other models
    • Set up isn’t all that intuitive

    The tall, narrow profile of this GermGuardian lets it fit inconspicuously into corners. It removes airborne dust, mold and plant pollen, giving you cleaner air. The three-speed tower features a true HEPA filter that cleans 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, while the charcoal filter removes offensive odors, from smoke to pet and food smells.

    A standout of this air purifier is the fact that it offers UV-C light technology with Titanium Dioxide to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, germs, and mold spores, making it an excellent choice for children’s rooms, as well as medical exam areas.

    If pet dander is a specific problem, the GermGuardian AC4300BPTCA 3-in-1 Air Purifier with Pet Pure True HEPA Filter targets that key issue and also includes the UV-C light sanitizer as well.

  12. 12. Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Air purifier and bladeless fan in one
    • LCD display gives you updated air quality readings
    • Heats and cools rooms
    Cons:
    • Somewhat noisy
    • Not great at filtering smoke
    • Can't turn on the heater function in the app

    If you love all things Dyson, (we do too!) you’re bound to fall for the Hot + Cool Air Purifier. Not only is it sleek and stylish like you’d expect from Dyson, but this Alexa-enabled purifier has all sorts of features that impress.

    First, it pumps out fresh air at an astounding rate of 77 gallons per second to give any room a refreshing blast. You can also use it to heat and cool your bedroom, living room or other space as needed. 

    This purifier automatically senses and reports air quality levels on a small LCD display. That includes ultrafine particles (PM 2.5), allergens (PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) & Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). It also initiates purification straight away to keep allergy and asthma symptoms under control.

    HEPA and activated carbon filters capture 99.97% of microscopic allergens and pollutants as tiny as 0.3 microns. You can replace the filters regularly to keep your Dyson running like a champ.

    Tap into Alexa to monitor your air quality and get live reporting. You can also use your voice to turn the unit on and off. While the unit is reasonably compact, it’s robust enough to clean the air in a large room. 

  13. 13. Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Easy to use controls
    • Efficiently purifies air
    • Easy to move around from room to room
    Cons:
    • Can be a bit noisy on highest settings
    • Some reports of unbalanced fan wheels
    • Not as effective at odor removal as some

    For large rooms up to 500 square feet, this air purifier features electronic controls and four fan speeds. The Turbo setting quickly clears the air. Sleep Mode means quiet operation while saving energy. The true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. A charcoal pre-filter traps odors and pre-cleans the air before it reaches the HEPA filter.

    The HEPA filter removes airborne allergens such as dust, pet dander, pollen, tobacco smoke, fabric fibers, and mold spores, using the quietest high-efficiency air purifier technology. Great for large rooms up to 500 square feet, this air purifier filters the air 4.8 times per hour.

    Two separate filter replacement lights indicate when it’s time to replace the HEPA filter or charcoal pre-filter. Built-in handles make it easy to move the air purifier to any room in the house. It’s easy to keep your Whispure Air Purifier running 24/7 as long as you stay stocked up on carbon pre-filters

  14. 14. Best for Large Rooms: Honeywell InSight HPA5300 HEPA Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Effectively cleans dust, pollen and VOCs from the air
    • Good for large spaces up to 310 square feet
    • Control panel is well laid out and easy to use
    Cons:
    • App not compatible with all iOS operating systems
    • Timer function limited to one program at a time
    • Not as quiet as some
    • App is iffy for some users

    Do you have a large room that’s up to 500 square feet? This Honeywell air purifier can help keep the air in your living room, master bedroom or open floor space clean and healthy. It captures up to 99.97% of microscopic allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and smoke particles as small as 0.3 microns. It also reduces odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

    Although this air purifier doesn’t have Bluetooth, it features high-tech “touch screen” controls such as an auto-off timer up to 8 hours and 4 cleaning levels. There’s even an option to dim the lights, which is great if you’re trying to sleep.

    Compatible with Android and iPhone app, you can remotely control this air cleaner from your phone. The pollen sensor goes into automatic operation based on pollen conditions in the zip code you set on your phone app. It also offers a filter/pre-filter status gauge with notifications of when the filter needs to be changed.

    For larger rooms, consider the Honeywell 50250-S True HEPA Air Purifier which cleans nearly 400 square feet.

  15. 15. Fellowes AeraMax 300 Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Sends out ions to freshen the air
    • Effectively purifies air in large spaces up to 600 square feet
    • Extremely quiet
    Cons:
    • May increase your electric bill with heavy use
    • Can be noisy at highest setting
    • Ionizer smell is off-putting to some

    The Fellowes AeraMax 300 Air Purifier automatically detects air quality and purifies the air. Certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, this air purifier utilizes a true HEPA filter with antimicrobial treatment to safely remove 99.97% of airborne particles including pollen, ragweed, and other allergens. It also reduces viruses, germs, dust mites, mold spores, and cigarette smoke.

    It includes a special high-performance mode for allergy, cold and flu seasons. The carbon filter reduces odors from a 300 to 600 square foot area, meaning it will take care of your large spaces effectively. To keep your air purifier working hard year-round, make sure to stock up on Carbon Authentic Replacement Filters.

  16. 16. Shark HP102 Air Purifier with True HEPA

    Pros:
    • HEPA filter captures most micro particles
    • Treated with Microban to reduce bacteria growth
    • Changes air at least once per hour
    Cons:
    • Filters may need to be replaced every six months
    • Doesn't have an app or smart functions
    • Fan can get slightly loud

    Efficient enough to clean up to 500 square feet at a time, this Shark air purifier offers Clean Sense IQ technology that tracks air quality and makes automatic adjustments to keep the air clean. It also boasts a NANOSEAL filter that captures up to 99.98% of large, small and tiny 0.1–0.2 sized particles. 

    You can place your Shark purifier nearly anywhere in your home to capture dust, dander, smoke, odors and other allergens and irritants. With a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 100 from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, this air purifier and air cleaner is best used for small to medium living spaces, kitchens, and bedrooms. Other models are available for larger rooms, including one that covers up to 1,200 square feet.

    The Shark purifier uses a 3-stage air cleaning system, featuring a washable HEPA filter that’s 99.97 percent efficient at removing particles from the air. With regular use, the filters should last between 6 and 12 months. 

  17. 17. VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier

    Pros:
    • Convertible style makes it flexible
    • Noticeably reduces dust and pet dander
    • Effective at reducing cigarette smells
    Cons:
    • Pre-filters need frequent cleaning
    • Not as much airflow as some
    • Doesn’t have an air quality display

    This compact True HEPA air purifier automatically removes 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns from your home. It can reduce troublesome allergens such as pollen, bacteria and pet dander. The innovative and sleek design cleans up to 375 square feet, so it’s perfect for home and office use.

    This small system includes a True HEPA Filter along with four precut activated carbon pre-filters. They eliminate the need to cut, clean or vacuum pre-filters and extend the life of the main HEPA filter. It effectively removes odors from pets, smoking, cooking and more. 

    With a three-stage fan, it runs from ultra-quiet to turbo, depending on your needs. We like the fact that you can convert it from a tower to a tabletop air filter by simply removing the base.

Is It Worth Getting an Air Purifier?

Let's cut to the chase so you can decide whether an air purifier is right for you.

After all, most will set you back a few hundred bucks. And that price doesn't even include the replacement filters, which can also be costly.

As we examined the world of air purifiers, ionizers, True HEPA, and other tech innovations that might address stinky and stale smell issues, we were surprised to discover that, after your initial cash outlay for many of these devices, you'll also need to budget for replacement filters, which aren't cheap.

Some purifiers actually have washable filters, totally a plus, while a couple of the devices we reviewed are actually filterless air purifiers.

Despite the initial investment, the long-term relief from troublesome respiratory symptoms, including sneezing and coughing caused by airborne pathogens, can be well worth it.

Do Air Purifiers Filter COVID?

Probably the most surprising thing we discovered when writing this article is that many air cleaners claim to kill viruses from the flu and measles, to MRSA, Strep, COVID, and the common cold. That alone makes them a worthwhile investment compared to spending days in bed feeling terrible.

However, an air purifier alone might not offer enough protection against highly transmissible viruses.

As with COVID, for example, the CDC strongly suggests ventilating with clean outdoor air whenever possible. But if that's not an option, a portable air cleaner is a good solution for a single room or area.

Which Air Purifier Should I Get for Allergies and Asthma?

When your allergy and asthma symptoms flare up, you'll quickly look for lasting relief. 

Air purifiers can remove airborne irritants in just 5 to 15 minutes, so you can soon breathe easier. 

As an added bonus, many of them create just enough pleasant white noise to guarantee you a peaceful night's sleep, in addition to clearer sinuses and waking up to less puffy, scratchy eyes. You'll feel better, and look better too.   

Some of our favorites include this Shark purifier with a True HEPA filter and the Blueair Protect 7470i.

What’s the Best Air Purifier for Pets?

As much as we love our furry friends, they can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. If you share your home with pets such as cats, dogs, hamsters or birds, chances are the air you're breathing is less than clean.

The good news is that the right air purifier can reduce dust, dander, pollen and other allergens commonly associated with animals. 

Some of the best air purifiers for pets that we've tried include the IQAir HealthPro Plus, which traps tiny particles down to 0.003 microns, and the more affordable LEVOIT purifier.

And if you really want a clean house, check out our best automatic-empty robot vacuums that will remove pet hair, dander and dust from hard floors and carpets.

Which Is the Best Air Purifier for Smoke?

Wildfires and smoke events can occur without much warning, which is why it's a good idea to be prepared ahead of time. Once the fine particulate matter gets into the air, it can quickly enter your respiratory tract.

This particulate matter is called PM2.5, and it's as bad as smoking 155 cigarettes every year. A proper purifier can remove these particles from the air so you and your family can breathe easier.

The California Air Resources Board lists thousands of brands and models they recommend for filtering harmful particles from forest and grass fires.

Several of these models are on our list, including the Alen BreatheSmart purifier, Levoit air purifier, Rabbit Air and more. You can search the entries to find out if your preferred model is included.

Are HEPA Air Purifiers Better?

HEPA filters are highly effective at trapping airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust and smoke. Many purifiers have HEPA filters, but you'll want to make sure the one you're considering is a True HEPA filter.

According to BannerHealth, it's the most effective type at removing ultra-fine particles that can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. Avoid machines with a HEPA-like filter, which may not offer the full protection of a HEPA filter.

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