An air purifier can help you breathe a sigh of relief… Imagine coming home to a room that feels light, fresh, and clean. You breathe deeply without a hint of dust or the anticipation of a sneeze. Your family sleeps well, and your kids no longer have those chronic stuffy noses! A quality air purifier is an excellent solution to help improve the overall quality of air in any space.
But, for most of us, this may not be the reality. Some days, you wish you could just take a sponge to every air molecule and scrub the air clean! Luckily, you can find a better way with an air purifier.
Fortunately, we have curated this list to help you better understand how air purifiers work, how they can be helpful for you and your family, and what you should look for when shopping around around for one. Without any further ado, here's how you can find the best air purifiers, and here's some examples of the best purifiers on the market right now.
7 Best Air Purifiers
We've compiled a list of our top air purifier picks to help you in your shopping search. These picks were narrowed down to the important factors, including size, maintenance, noise, energy efficiency, manufacturer brand, and types of purifiers.
While researching this article, we perused online comments from popular e-commerce sites to get direct insight from buyers. For each air purifier you'll get our insights, and you'll also get to hear directly from the people who use these air purifiers on a regular basis.
1. Best Overall: Coway AP1512HH HEPA Air Purifier
Who It's For: Any buyers who are interested in adding a great all-rounder purifier to their home.
Why We Chose It: We love the big cleaning power this little device packs, as well it's impeccably quiet, energy efficient performance.
The Coway AP1512HH HEPA Air Purifier is first on our list, and for good reason! Coway is an established international company which has been around since 1989, and they have a great history in the United States appliance market.
This model includes a multi-stage filtration system with a pre-filter process, deodorization to keep your home smelling fresh, and a “true” HEPA filter that reduces up to 99.97% of particles in the air. Not only is it good at what it does, but it has lots of user friendly features. What we like most about this purifier is the ease of use.
If you are worried about forgetting to change the HEPA filter, never fear. This Coway purifier has got you covered! This model includes a replacement indicator to ensure you always know when to change your filter. This will keep your appliance working optimally all day, every day.
On top of being super convenient, it is also super energy-efficient. It has a 77W power consumption and quiet noise operation, so you can sleep with peace of mind knowing that neither you nor your energy bills are being kept up!
Lastly, this purifier tells you how well it is working! The Coway AP1512HH actually tells you how clean or dirty the air in your space is at any given moment, with cutting edge detection technology.
But don’t just take it from us, here is what users are saying:
● Most users report that the filters are quite affordable to replace and do not have to be changed out very often!
● Users are impressed by how well it detects and targets odors. No longer worry about coming home to a house smelling like what you cooked on the stove last!
● No significant increases in energy bills!
● “Sneeze” free mornings: wouldn’t that be nice?
2. Best Technology & Style: Molekule
Who It's For: Buyers interested in picking up an extra smart purifier.
Why We Chose It: We love this purifier's highly technological utilities, and it's ability to work synchronously with other home smart devices, like Alexa and Google Assistant.
We think the Molekule represents the future of air purifier technology. Similar to Dyson this brand has a strong reputation for quality service, forward thinking, and excellent products.
Not only does this HEPA purifier and carbon filter dynamically sense, detect, and capture contaminants with auto mode functionalities, but it also acts as an oscillating tower fan. After improving the air quality, it effectively projects purified air throughout the entire space.
It automatically reports air quality on an LCD display. It provides really specific data on volatile organic compounds, allergens, and nitrogen dioxide. Not only will you know how clean your air is after it does its job, but you'll also know what exactly was removed. We find that to be super gratifying!
Beyond those auto modes, this model has even more high-tech features! It actually connects to WiFi so that you can track this air purifier's performance in real time, even when you are out of the house. You can do this using a handy app that's accessible on just about any smart device! Plus, you can connect it to your Alexa or Google Assistant device to voice control your air purifier. Pretty neat!
What their “fans” have to say:
● This super sensitive air purifier convinced one user to ditch his candles altogether.
● The filters last more than a year.
● You won’t see dust accumulating on your floors ever again.
● The best part is how quiet it is.
3. Best for Large Spaces: Honeywell Home HPA300
Who It's For: Buyers looking for a heavy duty purifier capable of effectively meeting their health needs.
Why We Chose It: We love how effectively this device is capable of cleaning allergens from a home's air, and how it really goes the extra mile to target those particular contaminants.
The Honeywell Home HPA300 is a perfect option if you are looking for an extra large air purifier. It is meant for large spaces (465 square feet) and can powerfully purify the air. It has 3 cleaning levels, a Turbo Clean feature, and a certified HEPA filter to reduce 99.9% of certain airborne viruses, bacteria, and mold spores.
What we like most about this model is that it also circulates the air in your space. This can be especially helpful in large rooms where more air flow is needed. It also ensures that the air is consistently purified, not just the area closest to the appliance.
Plus, it is backed by medical experts. Allergists have named this their number 1 air purifier, and they highly recommend it as an effective way to reduce airborne particles that can agitate allergy symptoms.
What do the people have to say?
● Less dust in the air just makes any home feel lighter!
● When it is on the high setting it can be a little loud, but more like a white noise which can be surprisingly soothing.
● Users enjoy having different settings for different purposes such as “germ”, “allergen” and “turbo”.
● They can “feel” the difference when it comes to seasonal allergies.
4. Best for Small Spaces: Partu BS-03 Air Purifier
Who It's For: Buyers in need of a bargain-priced purifier that still has enough filtration power to get the job done.
Why We Chose It: We love this little box's beautiful ability to clean air with three stage filtration, and it's two-in-one versatility value as both an air purifier and fragrance diffuser device.
The Partu BS-03 Air Purifier features a 3-stage filtration system. The pre-filter traps large particles, the “true” HEPA filter captures fine particles like pollen or mold, and the carbon filter helps to trap and neutralize odors.
This is a two-in-one appliance! Not only does it purify the air, but it also serves as a fragrance diffuser! Add your favorite essential oil for a luxurious experience you would not expect from an air purifier. Take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma of lavender or citrus without worrying if you are also taking in dust, pollen, and smoke!
We also love their safety features. This product was designed with curious kids and pets in mind! Pressing the lock button for 3 seconds will disable the touch mode. This model is super sleek and is small enough to fit on a desk or table. It’s perfect for any room in your home and will fit well in small spaces.
What do users think?
● Low mode is basically silent: you could use it in a baby’s room!
● “I haven’t needed my inhaler since I got it”
● The reusable filter is so convenient and eco-friendly. Being sustainable never felt so good!
5. Best Hybrid Technology: Blueair Blue Pure 411
Who It's For: Environmentally conscious buyers who want their air purifier to reflect their commitment to sustainability.
Why We Chose It: The Blueair Blue Pure 411 had us at “eco-friendly”. This product was designed with sustainability in mind. Not only is it Energy Star rated for best in class energy efficiency, but it also has a washable fabric pre-filter!
You can even choose from different color pre-filters as they slide over the exterior of the device. Blue and dark grey are included, but you can purchase other colors to fit your decor. Stylish and environmentally conscious? Impressive!
The Blueair Pure 411 is designed for small spaces. Its sleek design is great for a bedroom, nursery, or home office space.
The activated carbon filter effectively removes odors. While it does have an effective, recyclable air purifier, you will want to note that this model does not include a “true” HEPA filter.
User feedback:
● Definitely minimizes dust and leaves the air smelling fresher.
● Truly silent on level 1.
● “My only gripe is that I can’t turn the light off at night” reports one user.
● Pre-filter is so easy to take off and wash regularly!
6. Best for Asthma: Medify Air MA-14-W2
Who It's For: Buyers looking for a handy HEPA filter with the power to help them sleep more blissfully through the night, without keeping them up at night.
Why We Chose It: We love this HEPA filter's unparralled purifying power, and it's ability to quietly remove 99.9% of particle contaminants from the air.
The Medify Air MA-14-W2 purifier boasts a powerful H13 filter that is more powerful than a “true” HEPA filter. This filter removes up to 99.9% of particles including, but not limited to common contaminants like asbestos, lead dust, virus carriers, pet hair, and mold.
This lightweight but powerful model has some really convenient features such as sleep mode and a night light, which makes it ideal for living spaces and bedrooms. It also has a 3 speed fan to help circulate the air through any space. A handy filter replacement indicator helps you make sure you never forget to swap it out and keep your appliance working at its peak performance.
What people are saying:
● Got rid of not-so-good odors fast!
● It is the perfect size and doesn’t take up too much room.
● Best sleep ever! No more stuffy nose or headaches.
7. Best Pro Performance: IQAir HealthPro Plus Home HEPA
Who It's For: Buyers who are after the most professional grade air purifier performance on the market.
Why We Chose It: We feel that this appliance touts some of the finest, widest-reaching air purification capabilities on the market.
The IQAir HealthPro Plus Home HEPA Air Purifier is a professional-grade appliance. This model means business! It is the number 1 rated air purifier because it' HyperHEPA filters trap ultrafine particles beyond what a standard HEPA filter can do.
It can purify large spaces (over 1,000 square feet). It is a big model, so it would be best in a space that has lots of storage or an open area such as a sizable office space. With a system like this, you likely will not need more than one to purify all the air in your home or office.
Some of the best features include programmable operating options alongside the ability to track the lifespan of your filter, so you know how long it is working and exactly when you need to change it out. The company also backs this product with a strong warranty, so you can feel confident in your investment, now and in the future.
Users most enjoy:
● The wheels! It is easy to move around. Having this portable option is a game changer.
● “I have not breathed this freely in years”, reports one user.
● While it is expensive, users report it is worth “every penny.”
Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), home furnishings, everyday products we use, and even our kitchen cabinets can be the source of invisible, harmful particles. Other harmful contaminants include secondhand smoke, grease from cooking, air pollution, and residue from cleaning products.
An air purifier will help filter the air and trap most pollutants. While it cannot replace your vacuum cleaner (you still need to do the basics of dusting and cleaning the floors), it can reduce allergens, dust mites, smoke, and other airborne particles throughout the air of your indoor spaces.
It is easy to mix up an air purifier with a humidifier or a dehumidifier. Although some brands combine functionality, humidifiers release moisture to the air so you can get a good night’s sleep. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, help remove excess moisture from the air to prevent mold and mildew.
Who Are Air Purifiers For?
Air purifiers can be helpful to anyone. Even if you do not have noticeable symptoms, poor air quality can have negative long-term effects on your health. (Both Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic have written extensively on this topic)
Typically, air purifiers are helpful for people who have allergies and:
- Sensitivity to dust, pollen, dandruff, and other airborne contaminants
- Work in a room without windows and/or fresh air circulation
- Smoke and would like to air out their rooms
An air purifier can be especially helpful to parents who are concerned about the well-being of their children. So many young people have trouble getting a good night’s rest. Not many people realize this can be connected in some part to air quality. Kids and adults alike are kept up by unnecessary allergy symptoms which leave them frustrated and tired.
If you are concerned about not being able to open windows, or air circulation is not great in your office, you may want to consider getting an air purifier.
Who Will NOT Benefit From An Air Purifier?
While air purifiers are great for most homes and office spaces, they'll only be effective with proper use. Air purifiers are not for people who like to keep the windows open. This is because air purifiers require a sealed room to function best. Besides, open windows promote effective air circulation themselves.
Air purifiers will not rid of unwanted smells. For instance, while they can help remove cigarette smoke, the odor will still linger. This is actually the reason why car rental companies and hotels prefer non-smoking customers. The odor can be near impossible to get rid of.
Unfortunately, you'll not be able to eliminate or prevent mold with an air purifier. You may want to work with a professional to pinpoint the root causes to clean.
Types of Air Purifiers
There are a few different types of air purifiers to choose from. Understanding the benefits of each will help you narrow down your choices. You'll want to consider important factors like price, the space where you will use the air purifier, and the specific health needs of you and your loved ones.
HEPA Filters Are The Most Popular Type
HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) are the most popular type of air filter. These filtration systems essentially use a dense, engineered paper to trap particulate contaminants and improve air quality.
When shopping for a HEPA filter, it is essential to read the fine print. “True” HEPA filters are certified to remove 99.7% of all microscopic particles. However, not all HEPA filters are “true” certified so it is important to look carefully.
The good news is, there are multiple organizations such as AHAM Verifide and ASHRAE that monitor the marketplace to keep us safe.
PROS: HEPA filters are known to be highly efficient. They are easy to find and are tailor made to help people with respiratory problems.
CONS: HEPA filters need to be replaced regularly. If you know you're going to forget to keep up with maintenance, this may not be the option for you. You will also need to factor in the cost, as HEPA filters can be pricey. Plus, these filters tend to be noisier than the other options on the market.
Ionic Air Filters Require Maintenance
Ionic filters work without a paper filter. They clean the air by emitting a burst of charged ions, “grabbing” onto airborne contaminants and pulling them out of the air. Most ionic air filters will include an electrostatic collection plate. This can make it easy to remove particles from the entire room, not just from the air.
PROS: Unlike the HEPA filter, Ionic air filters are simple and maintenance free. You will not need to worry about changing anything out or picking up extra filters at the store. Set it and forget it! Plus, they are known to be very quiet, which is important, especially in a bedroom or office.
CONS: Some ionic filters pull pollutants to the floor, but do not actually remove them from the room. Models with collection plates require frequent cleaning. So, while you will not have to change filters, you will still need to clean the collection plates to completely remove the contaminants from the space. If you are considering an ionic air purifier, be sure to inquire about how the collection plate works.
Carbon Air Filters Only Focus on Odor Removal
Carbon Air Filters utilize activated carbon, working to trap fumes, gases, and odors in your space. While they can help refresh a room, Carbon Air Filters DO NOT remove harmful particulate pollution. This is the main difference between carbon air filters and ionic or HEPA purifiers. Carbon air filters can remove odors from things like pets, cooking, smoke, paints, and cleaning supplies.
PROS: Carbon air filters are quite affordable. Furthermore, they don't require a whole lot of maintenance to keep a room smelling fresh and clean.
CONS: The downside is that carbon air filters only handle fumes and odors. They are not designed to get rid of heavy particles like dust and construction debris.
Important Features to Look Out for When Buying an Air Purifier
Now that you are familiar with the all of the different types of popular purifiers and filters on the market, you can begin to narrow your search. You will want to consider factors such as the size of the purifier, maintenance needs, storage ease, overall design, reliability, and energy efficiency. Let’s break it all down.
What is CADR? Size and Dimensions
First, consider the space you would like to purify. If you're looking for an at-home option, most air purifiers will do the trick. The majority of air purifiers are designed to be used at home.
They're the perfect size to fit on a desk; just make sure that the airflow circulating in and out of your purifier is not obstructed.
If you are wanting to purify the air of a larger space such as an office, you might search for a larger model. While larger air purifiers can remove more contaminants, they are usually too obtrusive for at-home use. However, they can be perfect for a large office with space to spare.
This is where the clean air delivery rate (CADR) comes in handy. Try to select a high CADR rate for a given room size. Here is what the EPA suggests for an average 8-ft ceiling room:
| Room Size | Min CADR |
|---|---|
| 100 sq.ft. | 65 cfm |
| 200 sq.ft. | 130 cfm |
| 300 sq.ft. | 195 cfm |
| 400 sq.ft. | 260 cfm |
| 500 sq.ft. | 325 cfm |
| 600 sq.ft. | 390 cfm |
If you have higher ceilings, simply choose an air purifier with a higher CADR rate.
Regular Maintenance (& Maintenance Costs)
It is important to consider not only the upfront cost of any new appliance, but also the long term maintenance cost and needs of the tool. Depending on the type of air purifier you choose, your maintenance needs will vary. You will want to consider your budget and your time.
Air purifiers with physical filters, like a HEPA filter, need to be changed out more often. As a result the costs can start to add up over time.
While ionic air purifiers with built-in collection plates do not require you to buy filters on a regular basis, they do require a more complex cleaning process, so you'll want to be realistic about your schedule and what you can keep up with.
Are They Loud?
Noise is another factor to consider. Some of us are more sensitive to low-level noise than others. Typically the noise of an air purifier at 24 - 54 dB does not bother most people. However, you might notice the sound more at night when the ambient noise level is different.
Most people can sleep while the air purifier is working. Many even like to have the gentle noise. However, you will still want to consider noise level if you are a light sleeper and plan on having the air purifier in your bedroom.
In general, air purifiers are much quieter than the top of the line quietest dishwashers.
HEPA filters and carbon filters use a fan mechanism to drive air through the unit, so they tend to make more noise. The operating speed of the fan will also affect the volume.
Ionic air purifiers are great for people looking for quieter machines. If you buy an air purifier that is too big for the room it is intended for, it will likely be too loud. So, size is important to consider, not only for space reasons, but also for noise.
Will My Energy Bill Go Up Significantly?
Air purifiers need to be running continuously to be effective. If you turn it on and off, it will not do its job properly, and you will not get the air quality results you are looking for.
Since it needs to run all the time, you'll need to pay attention to the energy efficiency of the unit before you buy it. If you do not, you might end up with an air purifier that cleans out your air and your wallet. You will find that most air purifiers adjust their level of operation based on the pollution level in the air to limit energy use.
Home air purifiers can range from 5 watts to 200 watts of power. We consider between 50 watts and 100 watts to be in the acceptable spectrum. Energy Star appliance ratings will typically fit in this profile.
Reputable Manufacturer
There are a lot of new air purifier companies on the market, and not all of them are turning out high-quality machines. However, some newer companies like Bluair and Partu are doing a good job.
When in doubt, trusted brands like Honeywell, Dyson, and Conway tend to have a track record for the best warranties and customer service support teams.
In addition, choosing a product from a reputable brand can offer convenience. It'll be much easier to find original manufacturer filters and parts, sourced from brands with proven longevity in the market.
Type of Pollutant or Particulate
You already know that all air purifiers are different by design. But, they're also different because they often target different pollutants or particulates. Some are specifically designed to remove dust and debris from the air. Others are intended to reduce microscopic biological contaminants like germs and bacteria.
You'll want to choose your home air purifier based on what type of pollutant you are trying to remove.
Conclusion
Air purifiers are an effective solution that will not only leave your space feeling fresh and clean, but improve the health of you and your loved ones as well!
There are a variety of air purifier options to fit your specific spaces, your specific needs, and your specific budget. Now that you are a knowledgeable consumer, you can breathe easy and shop confidently for an air purifier that is effective, sleek, convenient, and energy efficient.
FAQs
Q: Are air purifiers a waste of money?
Not if you're looking to improve your Indoor Air Quality and remove air pollution. You can consider it an investment in your health.
Q: Do I need one in every room?
Air purifiers are designed and sized to clean the air in an individual room. Using multiple units in a household can be effective, but it might be more effective to buy a larger unit.
Q: Where should I place the air purifier?
You should place the air purifier close to the source of potential contaminants, whether it's odors, fumes, or pet hair. Be sure to avoid tight spaces and corners. Moreover, you may want to consider placing your purifier near room entryways.
Q: Why are good air purifiers so expensive?
The best air purifiers utilize high density particulate filters. It's possible to get cheaper air purifiers, but cheaper filters have a lower capacity and will remove less pollutants from the air. In most cases, you get what you pay for.
Do air purifiers make a difference?
With cleaning power potent enough to remove 99.9% of airbone contaminants, purifiers will undoubtedly make a difference in the air quality of your home.
Will an air purifier help with sleep?
While it may not offer what some would characterize as a traditional sleep aid, an air purifier can aid the quality of one's sleep by eradicating any allergens that could potentially disturb it.
What brand of air purifier is best?
That's up for you to decide, but we hope this guide will potentially be helpful in your decision.
