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The best air purifiers can make your home substantially healthier without much effort on your part. From dust to smoke to pollen, good quality air purifiers filter contaminants from the air that you breathe. If you’re a pet owner, these devices can trap irritants and dander, and those with allergies or asthma should consider adding one to their living space. In general, anyone can benefit from running an air purifier indoors—after all, who doesn’t want to breathe cleaner, fresher air? We consider the Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier, which is compact and features HEPA filtration, a solid pick overall. However, you’ll find models for every lifestyle, budget and space on this list.
From basic models to state-of-the-art machines, these are the best air purifiers for keeping your ... [+] indoor air clean.
No matter which air purifier you choose, ideally you want one with a HEPA filter (short for “high-efficiency particulate air”), which removes at least 99.97% of air pollutants down to 0.3 microns. These devices come in a range of sizes, and the best one for your space depends on where you intend to place it. While some models are compact enough to perch on your desktop, others require room on your floor. In general, the more square footage you want to purify, the bigger the unit tends to be.
Not sure where to start? We’ve done the digging for you. Browse our top 10 air purifier recommendations, plus some expert advice, below. For more hands-off ways to keep a cleaner home, see our recommendations for the best robot vacuums and best robot mops, which do the hard work for you.
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12.5 inches | Coverage area: 129 sq. ft.
Small enough to fit on your desk and designed to filter up to about 129 square feet, this compact Levoit model is equipped with a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores and pet dander. It’s an excellent, inexpensive option that eschews technology like UV and ionization more commonly found in this price range. Instead it features a three-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. And three fan settings let you control the speed and volume of the purifier.
While this air purifier was designed for use in the bedroom (its fan is ultra quiet and it features an optional soft blue night light with two brightness settings), it’s quite portable and can be moved from room to room if needed. Aesthetically, it wouldn’t be out of place on your nightstand with its white or black case and sleek design. Though its capacity is on the smaller side and it doesn’t have as many features as other air purifiers on this list, it’s hard to beat the price. That said, if you want a little more square footage, the brand’s Core 300 model works in rooms up to 219 square feet, and retails for around $100.
What the reviews say: More than three quarters of the 46,000 customers who have reviewed this air purifier have given it a 5-star rating. One writes, “We live in the heart of Manhattan and we bought this particular product as I can smell cigarette smoke coming through the walls from the neighbors. I also wake up with a stuffy nose most days. I put the product in the room to test it and was blown away by how awesome the air smelled—like being up a mountain. I can't smell cigarette smoke and after the first night of using the air purifier, I didn't have a stuffy nose in the morning.”
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 20.5 inches | Coverage area: 403 sq. ft.
While all the picks on this list can clear smoke from the air, the technologically-smart Levoit VeSync Core 400S lets you monitor air quality inside and outside your home with real-time data via the VeSync app. The unit can also be synced with voice assistants and is equipped with an aptly-named Auto Mode, which automatically adjusts the fan speed to ensure clean air and energy conservation. This is especially helpful if air pollution from cigarette smoke or wildfires wafts in and out of your space.
In addition to its high-tech capabilities, the Core 400S has all the essential features you want in an air purifier—namely, a HEPA filter. It offers a wide cleaning radius too, circulating air in rooms up to 403 square feet five times per hour.
What the reviews say: One of the more than 5,000 5-star reviews for this air purifier points out the convenience of the app, saying, “I absolutely LOVE the way it shows you the air quality every second. The app shows you how many total hours you’ve used the Levoit and some fun comparisons for random entertainment. Also, the app alerts you of any outside air quality concerns [like during] the summer wildfires in California this year.”
HEPA filter: No, but it’s FDA-cleared and uses proprietary PECO technology | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12 inches | Coverage area: 600 sq. ft.
This pick from Molekule is one of the priciest on the list, but for serious allergy-sufferers, it may be a worthwhile investment. “Air purifiers with traditional filters (like HEPA) are able to capture 99.97% of mold spores, pollen, dust, bacteria and other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns,” explains the brand’s co-founder, president and chief technology officer Dilip Goswami. “What they’re not able to do is capture VOCs—airborne chemicals that mostly derive from off-gassing of building materials or products in our homes or things like everyday cleaning products. Molekule’s proprietary technology, photo electrochemical oxidation (PECO), not only tackles VOCs, but also uses oxidation to destroy indoor air pollutants at molecular levels.”
It’s worth mentioning that the brand has a newer model, the Air Pro, designed for extra large spaces up to 1,000 square feet. If you’re looking for the same sophisticated design for a bigger space, that might be the model worth investing in. Or you can opt for one of the Air Mini models, which purifies up to 250 square feet.
What the reviews say: Most reviewers mention both the attractive design and high performance of this air purifier. One happy customer writes, “I've never owned such a fancy air filter. The unit comes packed really well, comes with a really nice storage bag, an extra pre-filter (one was already installed) and a power cord. The quick setup guide is pretty straightforward and the Molekule was plugged in and working fairly quickly.”
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 9 inches | Coverage area: 155 sq. ft.
This Honeywell HPA100 might not look like much—it has all the visual appeal of a space heater—but Honeywell, no doubt, is hoping you’ll care more about what it can do. This model is designed for medium-size rooms (about 155 square feet) and features a true HEPA filter for guaranteed removal of 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Honeywell says that its fan can filter the air in the room five times in one hour.
It’s one of the more configurable air purifiers on this list. The control panel on the top of the unit lets you set up to four different cleaning levels (which affect the fan speed and overall noise level) and has an auto-off timer option so it doesn’t run continuously. The panel also indicates when it’s time to change the filter, and it has multiple brightness levels so you can dim it at night or when you don’t need to see it.
What the reviews say: With more than 500 reviews, this air purifier has earned a 4.7-star average rating. One of its many satisfied customers writes, “Bought this (and two other sizes) at the recommendation of our daughter's asthma doctor to help with allergies. In the past year, she has only had one sinus infection compared to nine the previous year. ]The air purifiers] are definitely working. The filters are easy to change (only once in the past year).”
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable and washable | Dimensions: 17 x 18 x 10 inches | Coverage area: 361 sq. ft.
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH consistently gets high ratings across the board. This compact air purifier employs a four-stage filtration process that combines a pre-filter, a deodorization filter, a true HEPA filter and a Vital Ion filter that helps remove up to 99.7% of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds and odor from the air. While it’s filtering, it communicates your air quality in real time through its brightly colored LED display. And thanks to its auto mode, if it doesn’t sense any pollution for 30 minutes, the fan will automatically stop to conserve energy.
Because it’s small in size, this particular Coway model was designed to cover up to 361 square feet of space. For reference, that’s the size of a typical bedroom. If you’re looking for a whole-house air purifier, the Alen BreatheSmart is a better choice, but the Coway Airmega does an excellent job in smaller rooms and, with a decibel rating of 24.4 dB to 53.8 dB, it does it really quietly.
What the reviews say: With an impressive 17,000 reviews, this air purifier has a 4.7-star rating. One customer raves, “ I love this air purifier. While I haven't owned it long enough to notice a reduction in dust (especially since I dust about four times a week anyway), I can say that it clears up smells wonderfully. Homemade shrimp Pad Thai, accidental Febreze overdoses, that blown out candle smoke smell, the after-the-dog-park smell, [the] we-found-the-source-of-the-stench-in-the-fridge-and-had-to-put-it-down-the-garbage-disposal smell ... all of it cleared out of the room ([a] moderately-sized open floor plan kitchen/living room/dining area) in about five minutes.”
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable and washable | Dimensions: 16.5 x 9.5 x 27 inches | Coverage area: 1,500 sq. ft.
If you have pets, you need the Hathaspace Smart Air Purifier 2.0. This large capacity air purifier—it can replace the air in a 1,500-square-foot room up to 24 times per day—features a 5-in-1 filtration system that eliminates more than 99% of allergens and pollutants, like pet dander and the dust from a litter box. It also has an activated carbon filter that removes smoke, odors and gases and a cold catalyst filter that eliminates VOCs and harmful chemicals found in cleaning products or other household items, like candles or plug-ins.
It has a washable pre-filter that keeps pet hair away from the HEPA filter to improve performance and increase life expectancy. And, it’s easy to clean—just take it out, wash it down and it’s ready to start purifying again. It also has a filter replacement reminder that pops up to let you know when it’s time to order new filters, a convenient feature that ensures you never go without clean air.
What the reviews say: With close to 1,000 reviews, this air purifier has earned a 4.6-star rating. One happy pet owner writes, “I have never written an online review before but I feel I have to write one now. My husband and I love this machine! We have a pretty small bedroom and our dogs (two big labs) sleep in the same room. Sometimes the room can get pretty stuffy and take on that wet dog odor. With this machine, it smells so fresh now. I sleep so much better too.”
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 27 inches | Coverage area: 1,300 sq. ft.
Looking to cover a lot of square footage? Not a problem with the Alen BreatheSmart 75i Large Room Air Purifier. This air purifier cleans up to about 1,300 square feet twice an hour without making a lot of noise. In fact, Alen claims the technology in the BreatheSmart is twice as quiet as that of its key competitors, even on Turbo speed.
The Alen BreatheSmart features a HEPA Pure filter that is certified to capture 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. This works in combination with the device’s Laser Smart Sensor, which also detects airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, to effectively clean your air of dust, pollen, allergens and dander. Additional models can capture odor and smoke as well, and carry a higher price because of those features.
It measures about 27 inches high and 18 inches wide, with a control panel on top that includes an air quality indicator light which always reflects the real-time purity of the room’s air with an easy-to-read display. And you can choose from among 14 different colors and panels to find one to match your home’s interior.
What the reviews say: One of the hundreds of 5-star reviews for this air purifier notes, “We have a large open plan kitchen/living room/dining area and this makes a noticeable difference in air quality. We're into the hot weather now and keep windows closed all the time while the a/c runs. Coming in from outdoors we always feel that our house smells fresh and clean. The large front filter is easy to clean and the HEPA filter is very effective.”
HEPA filter: No, but verified by the AHAM | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 20.5 inches | Coverage area: 185 sq. ft.
[Editor’s note: The Blueair Blue Pure 411 was featured when this story was first published but is no longer available. It has been replaced with the Blueair Blue Pure 411+. More colors are available on the Blueair website for an additional $8.]
If you’re looking for a snazzy device for modestly sized rooms, this Blueair model may well be the way to go. It’s designed for spaces up to about 185 square feet, and Blueair claims it can filter that space in 12.5 minutes.
This three-stage air purifier combines mechanical filtration with an electrostatic filter and, to reduce odors, an activated carbon filter. It comes with two washable pre-filters designed for filtering out particles, pet dander, smoke and more. That said, be aware that while Blueair claims the system filters 99% of pollutants and it’s had its performance independently verified by the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), the filter itself isn’t HEPA-certified, if you’re looking for that particular seal of approval.
Visually, Blueair made sure that this purifier doesn’t look like an ordinary appliance. It has an interesting design that splits the device into two contrasting colors—colors that you can change depending upon the filter you install. A single button turns it on, off and varies the fan speed, but there’s no display or status on the device, nor is there a way to set an on or off timer.
What the reviews say: One of the more than 7,000 5-star reviews reads, “I really like how the filters work. The ‘blue’ equivalent of a ‘pre-filter’ is a washable cloth that you drape over the outside. Rather than constantly buying new pre-filters you just throw ‘em in the wash on gentle/cold and you're good to go! The inner filter is something that just locks in place. It's very easy to replace and the price is comparable with other air filters.”
HEPA filter: Yes| Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 25 inches | Coverage area: 800 sq. ft.
While the Dyson HP01 Pure Hot + Cool is admittedly expensive, it replaces three different devices with its purifying, heating and cooling capabilities. True to the Dyson name, it performs with efficiency and cutting-edge technology, including sensors that constantly monitor the air. In addition to containing a HEPA filter that eliminates 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, it also has an activated carbon layer that filters odors and VOCs. You can set the fan to its cooling mode, which offers a gentle airstream as it purifies, or switch to Backward Airflow mode for improving the air without a chill. Feeling a little too cool? Simply switch to the heating mode to warm up. The whole thing is easily operated by remote control.
The Forbes Vetted updates editor personally recommends Dyson devices. “While I don’t have this exact model, I do have an older heater/cooler fan as well as the PH04, which functions as an air purifier, cooling fan and humidifier,” she explains. “Overall, Dyson’s products are top-notch; they run smoothly, look sleek and are multi-functional, which is great for saving space. With the PH04, I feel better knowing that the air in my home is being deeply purified using cutting-edge technology.”
What the reviews say: This air purifier has a 4.5-star rating from almost 2,000 reviews. One customer, who enjoys the hot and cold functions of HP101, writes, “The multiple settings makes this a very convenient appliance. You can narrow or widen the target heating or cooling area and the fan tilts up and down as well. So far the fan seems powerful and efficient.”
HEPA filter: Yes | Filter maintenance: Replaceable | Dimensions: 28.3 x 15.7 x 15.4 inches | Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Between the advanced H13 HEPA filters and the incredible coverage this offers, the MA-112 Air Purifier is excellent for cleaning the air on a floor or potentially throughout your home. The advanced filters are capable of removing 99.9% of even the smallest particles, and its powerful technology can make your house fresher within an hour. It also has wheels so you can easily move it when needed.
Bonus features include a sleep mode, timer and child lock. In addition to homes, it’s a great option for office spaces, warehouses and the like. One thing to note: Many commenters point out that if you have a lot of separate rooms (as opposed to an open floor plan) it may be more efficient to buy multiple smaller units and place them throughout your home.
What the reviews say: With an average 4.6-star rating, this air purifier has over 1,100 positive reviews on Amazon. One customer notes, “I have had other air filtration systems before and [have had] this one for 3 months [and it] has the 1,000 square foot apartment smelling amazing. This is the most powerful filtration system I ever had and it's worth every dollar.” Says another reviewer on the Medify website, “We purchased the MA-112 a few months ago and it’s easily one of the best purchases we’ve ever made. Living in a 120-year-old farm house comes with a fair amount of dust. [The MA-112] easily purifies our 2,200 square foot house in such a short amount of time. We all feel like we can breathe so much easier!”
To find the best air purifiers out there, we researched the top devices on the market and combed through reader reviews. Then, we evaluated the best of the best according to efficiency, capacity, appearance and value—and since everyone has a different budget, we included swankier models and economical picks alike. We also tapped medical professionals to share some insights about these devices (below).
How large of a model do you need? Do you want a “smart” unit you can control using your phone? Here’s what you should think about before hitting purchase.
Make sure to check how large of a space an air purifier can handle. Many models specify “Air Changes per Hour” for a given size room, and you’ll want to make sure the one you’re eyeing will actually work efficiently in the space where you plan to use it.
HEPA filters are considered the gold standard with air purifiers. “The filter captures both large and small particles that move through it,” explains Catherine Monteleone, M.D., professor of medicine, allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. “This type is usually best for allergens and best for use in a single room.”
CADR stands for clean air delivery rate. “CADR is a product of two filter variables: the air flow rate and the filtration efficiency,” Corry explains. “Many units include this measurement.” However, he says, it shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all for choosing an air purifier. “Units that move lots of air but have poor filters that remove only large particles and fail to include a carbon insert will rate highly by CADR, but not clean your air very well at all, no matter how long you run the unit,” Corry says. “The better thing to do is purchase a unit that is a true HEPA system, so it will remove even very small particles.”
An air purifier isn’t exactly something you can hide in a cupboard—it has to be out in the open in order for it to work effectively. You’ll want to choose one that matches your decor or at least isn’t an eyesore when it’s sitting on a shelf, table or the floor.
Some purifiers have smart options like apps that let you control all the action from your phone. Others double as heating or cooling systems or both. But not everyone needs those extra bells and whistles. Figuring out what you will and won’t require from your purifier in advance is important—you don’t want to spend extra for features you’ll never even use.
Yes. At baseline, these units are designed to remove unwanted particles and irritants from the surrounding air. “An air purifier can filter particles down to a specific size,” says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. “This is helpful for allergens like mold and animal dander as well as certain viral, bacterial, fungal and other irritants and pollutants.”
Air purifiers typically feature a fan that moves air through a filter, weeding out impurities in the process, says David B. Corry, M.D., vice chair for immunology in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to HEPA filters, which usually have a “woven material of differing weaves that can remove things as small as 0.3 microns,” some air filters are electrostatic, meaning air is passed over an electrically charged series of plates and causes particles to stick to other things.
If your unit has a HEPA filter, you’ll want to change the filter on a regular basis. This, Corry explains, “leads to permanent removal of the particles and volatiles from your local environment.”
Yes, air purifiers really work, but whether they’re worth the money or not depends on your situation. For someone with allergies or asthma, an air purifier can help with symptoms since it removes common allergens from the air. And in general, when used properly, air purifiers can help you maintain a healthier home.
However, keep in mind that filters, especially HEPA ones, need to be changed on a regular basis. If you aren’t going to change the filters, then an air purifier may not be worth it; a dirty filter won’t work as efficiently as it’s supposed to. Similarly, an air purifier that you don’t end up using will only be a waste of money.
It’s safe to sleep with an air purifier on, and especially if you have allergies or asthma, it can be quite beneficial. The air purifier makes for a more comfortable sleeping environment and can improve your sleep. Just be sure to set your device in a clear, clutter-free space if it’s going to be running while you’re sleeping.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an air purifier by itself isn’t enough to protect you from contracting COVID-19. However, the EPA website notes, a quality unit “can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space.” In other words, running an air purifier can a good protective measure but it shouldn’t be your only one.