We all love our pets, but certain parts of pet parenthood we could do with less of—for example, unpleasant odors and excess hair. Whether you have an old pal having trouble keeping his gases inside or a kitty who likes to rough up the litter box — you could use an air purifier.
Not only will the best air purifiers for pets reduce odors, but they will also remove excess hair. This can create a more comfortable living space for the human members of the family. If anyone in the household is dealing with allergic symptoms, an air purifier is a must-have.
We’ve spent hours researching and analyzing products to help you find the best air purifier for your pet-friendly home. We studied expert advice, real customer reviews, and applied personal experience to create our list of seven super air purifiers.
- Medical-grade filter
- Cleans large rooms
- Child-lock features
- Good for bedsharing pets
- Excellent sleep mode
- Easy maintenance
- Intended for pets
- Excellent for large areas
- Monitor the air quality
- Highly efficient
- Timer
- Filter replacement indicator
- Amazing coverage
- Air quality monitoring
- Dual suction
- Easy maintenance
- Two carbon filters
- Accommodating
Product Reviews
We considered the above points when searching for the items on our list. We then researched real customer reviews from pet owners to see how the units stood against the task. With some extra helpful input from our expert team, we found the best air purifiers for pets.
Medify MA-50 H13 HEPA Filter
Best for People With Pet Allergies
For families with pet allergies, the Medify MA-50 Air Purifier can help.
Fitted with a three-stage filtration system, this air purifier will capture anything from large particles of pollen to fine hair. The higher-grade HEPA filter, which is ranked even higher than True HEPA filter, will remove even the tiniest particles triggering sneezes or coughs from you.
The MA-50 has a few great features to offer as well. It comes with dimmable control light.
What We Like
Super Efficient Medical-Grade Filter
We all love our pets unconditionally, but unfortunately, allergies happen. If you’re feeling extra sniffly or itchy, your pet might be shedding. Pet dander could also be causing an unpleasant reaction.
The higher-grade True HEPA filter in this purifier is classified as an H13. This is one of the most efficient HEPA filters available. It will capture smoke, pet dander, hair, and fine hair. Better still, it will remove bacteria and viruses from your air.
Eliminates Foul Pet Odors
If your kitten’s litter box is stirring up a stinky storm, this purifier will come to the rescue. Place it in the same room, or the next, as the box and set it to auto mode. The purifier will monitor the air’s quality and adjust the fan’s speed accordingly.
Cleans Large Rooms Up to 550 Square Feet
In about 15 minutes, this air purifier will clean a room of up to 550 square feet. It will take only half an hour to clean the air of a room of 1,100 square feet. What an efficient way to get rid of the stink!
Child-Lock Features
This unit is safe even with toddlers at home because of its child-lock safety features.
What We Don't Like
Expensive Filter
When it comes to replacing the filter, note that it is an expensive replacement. We think it’s worth it, though, thanks to the fact it’s medical grade.
Level Four Fan Is Loud
When you want to enjoy the maximum fan mode, you might want to cover your ears. Customers find it extremely loud, and you can maybe hear it from every room in the house. Thankfully the other three noise levels are more subtle.
Unit Vibrates or Rattles
Some customers found that the unit makes a vibrating or rattling sound on some of the higher speeds. While this may not happen right away, you might notice it after a few months. Not a dealbreaker but kind of annoying.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-in-one filter |
| Permanent Filter | No |
| Fan Speeds | Four |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | Covers 550 square feet four times per hour |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 1,100 square feet |
Our Ratings
Bissell MyAir Personal Air Purifier
Best Budget Pick
Bissell is a leading brand when it comes to vacuums, carpet cleaners, and formulas for pet messes — and now we can add air purifiers to the list.
The budget-friendly MyAir air purifier is a compact unit that fits perfectly on any bedside table or office desk. It uses a three-stage filtration system that effectively captures pet dander, hair, and unpleasant odors.
Because it’s a small purifier, it’s recommended to be used in smaller rooms of up to 100 square feet.
What We Like
Good for Bedsharing Pets
Who doesn’t like to snuggle up against their best bud at night? Want to enjoy a cuddle without dealing with hairy air? Feel free to run the purifier in the bedroom during the night and day!
Excellent Sleep Mode
When on Sleep Mode, the MyAir purifier will operate at a whisper-quiet level. It features a nightlight that you can turn off if you prefer to sleep in the dark. This is unlike other units with dimmed nightlights that can bother some users.
Easy Filter Maintenance
The three-in-one filter is super easy to replace since there’s only one to worry about. You won’t have to guess the replacement time; the unit will notify you when it’s necessary. It’s also easy to remove.
Odors Will Be Gone
If you’re struggling with unpleasant odors caused by your pets, this purifier will solve the problem. It’s fitted with an activated carbon filter that absorbs any odor in the room.
Compact Design Fits Most Rooms
The small unit is only 8 inches in diameter and 12 inches high. It is the perfect size for bedside tables, kitchen counters, office desks, and in nurseries or children’s rooms.
You can also take it with you when traveling as it fits easily in a suitcase. Then you can enjoy purified air when away from home as well.
What We Don't Like
No Medium Fan Speed
Although we love the compact MyAir purifier, we wish there was a medium fan speed. Now, you can choose between low or high, which is welcome. But we would much appreciate something in between.
No True HEPA Filter
If you want a true HEPA filter for small particles and allergens, you may want to consider another option. This doesn’t include a true HEPA filter, nor is it effective at capturing small particles like dust.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-in-one filter |
| Permanent Filter | No |
| Fan Speeds | Two |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | Not specified |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 100 square feet |
Our Ratings
Winix C545 Air Cleaner
Best With True HEPA Filter
The Winix C545 was made to tackle common pet issues such as odors, dander, and hair. It’s equipped with a True HEPA filter and a washable advanced odor control filter.
If one of your major issues is shedding hair, this will make a significant difference. As air is drawn in, the pre-filter will capture large hair. Meanwhile, the HEPA filter will take care of the smallest strands.
What We Like
PlasmaWave Technology
PlasmaWave Technology will break apart odors, chemical vapors, and allergens before they have a chance at causing you harm. Plus, it’s safe to use and doesn’t produce any ozone.
Intended for Pets
What sets this purifier apart from others is that it was made for pet families. It removes pet dander, fine hair strands, bad odors, and more.
Excellent for Large Areas
This air purifier can filter the air of a room of up to 300 square feet. Although the unit is rather big, it still looks sleek and modern and can stand subtly in a corner or next to the couch.
Eliminates Pollutants at Molecular Level
PlasmaWave Technology breaks apart molecules such as odors and allergens. Because it attacks the particles at a molecular level, they’re broken apart and absorbed by the filter much quicker.
Monitor the Air Quality
Always know how polluted, or unpolluted, your indoor air is. The purifier will monitor the air and notify you via the color-changing light on the display.
What We Don't Like
High Settings Are Noisy
A few users said that the high settings were quite noisy. However, those settings aren’t usually needed when you’re in the room, so it’s not a huge annoyance.
Replacement Filters Are Expensive
Replacing the filters on this unit is expensive. Plus, the filters are hard to find. You must get them suited precisely for this model as other Winix filters will not fit.
Wi-Fi Compatibility Is Useless
This unit is Wi-Fi enabled and can connect to the Winix app. But users don’t find it useful at all. It can take hours to set up; even then, it’s not worth the hassle.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Four-stage |
| Permanent Filter | Washable pre-filter and washable Advanced Odor Control carbon filter |
| Fan Speeds | Not specified |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | Not specified |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 360 square feet |
Our Ratings
Winix AM80 True HEPA Air Purifier
Best for Medium Rooms
If you need a unit for medium rooms, this purifier is right for you. It comes with four fan speeds, different modes, and smart sensors.
It’s suitable for rooms of up to 360 square feet and is nearly silent in medium, low, and sleep mode.
The AM80 is further equipped with a four-stage filtration system. This consists of a pre-filter, carbon, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology.
What We Like
Pet Odor Eliminator
If you’re getting frustrated with the pet smell that seems to linger in your home, this will help. The four-stage filtration system includes a mesh pre-filter and an activated carbon filter that absorbs bad odors and VOCs.
If that’s not enough, the PlasmaWave will break down odors at a molecular level, destroying them before they settle. It does the same with viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Winix claims it won’t produce any ozone, so that you can use it with ease of mind.
True HEPA Filter
The True HEPA filter effectively removes up to 99.97 percent of pollutants found in the air. This includes dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and allergens at the tiny size of 0.3 microns. It will also capture other harmful pollutants such as mold spores and organic chemicals.
Four Fan Speeds
You can choose between four fan speeds to suit the room and air quality. The high and turbo settings are super-efficient and will draw in large amounts of air in one go.
Different Modes Including Sleep and Auto
When needed, you can set the purifier to specific modes to suit the room and time of day. An auto mode utilizes smart sensors to monitor the air quality and set the fan accordingly.
Sleep mode is excellent for late nights. While you’re sleeping, it’s nearly silent, reaching only 27 decibels. There are also no annoying lights that could disturb your sleep.
What We Don't Like
Replacement Filters Are Expensive
Unfortunately, when it’s time for a filter replacement, you may be in for a shock. The replacements are pretty overpriced, which also put off several customers.
Air Quality Sensor Isn’t Always Accurate
While the auto mode is handy, the sensor can hit or miss. Customers found that this unit didn’t always judge the air quality accurately. In turn, it didn’t always choose the best fan speed setting to clean the air effectively.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Four-stage |
| Permanent Filter | No |
| Fan Speeds | Four |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | Not specified |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 360 square feet |
Our Ratings
Levoit True HEPA Energy Star Air Purifier
Best Eco-Friendly Air Purifier
Using only 40 watts, this air purifier is Energy Star certified. This means you can save on your bills and be more eco-friendly while breathing clean air at home.
The PUR131 has a three-stage filtration system that includes a carbon filter and True HEPA. It will quickly remove unpleasant pet odors, dander, hair, allergens, mold, and other pollutants.
This purifier is best suited for medium to large rooms of up to 360 square feet.
What We Like
Effective Unit With True HEPA Filter
This air purifier can clean a room of up to 360 square feet 4.5 times per hour. Even if you have a hairy dog that’s shedding, the dander won’t be lingering for long.
The three-stage filtration includes a pre-filter, honeycomb activated carbon, and a True HEPA filter.
The pre-filter captures larger particles such as hair, dust, and pollen. The True HEPA filter, on the other hand, takes care of tiny pollutants. The activated carbon filter will quickly absorb bad odors such as smoke, kitty litter, and other smells.
You Can Set a Timer
You can set the timer to turn the unit off after a certain amount of time. Choose anywhere between one and 12 hours. This is an excellent way to save some extra energy.
Filter Replacement Indicator
The smart filter replacement sensor will calculate air quality, fan speed, and run time to determine when a change is needed. It will then notify you on the display panel when it’s time to replace the filter. This feature is beneficial as it ensures the purifier is working at all times.
Optional LED Lights
For night use, having bright LED lights can be a significant bother for many people. However, the PUR131 makes it possible to turn the light on or off as you like.
What We Don't Like
Humming on High Speed
Unfortunately, this purifier tends to make a humming sound that can be annoying when at high speed.
Not the Most Durable
Many customers found that their air purifier stopped working between six months and a year. Levoit offers a one-year warranty, but a warranty does not cover you for units that break just after the one-year mark. If you want something longer than 1-2 years, you might want to consider another option.
Note that you can add on a 3-year protection plan via Amazon, which gives customers peace of mind.
Auto Mode Doesn’t Always Detect Poor Air
We want auto mode to detect bad air and adjust accordingly. However, this unit often concludes that the air quality is very good, even when customers know it’s poor.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-stage |
| Permanent Filter | No |
| Fan Speeds | Three |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | 4.5 |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 360 square feet |
Our Ratings
Coway Airmega 400 Air Purifier
Best for Large Areas
If you need an air purifier for a larger area, this will suit you. The Coway Airmega covers a whopping 1,560 square feet, cleaning the air twice per hour.
The purifier is fitted with a Max2 filter that combines activated carbon and True HEPA filters. It effectively removes airborne pollutants and odors.
It’s surprisingly sleek and not as cumbersome as similar units. Plus, it has powerful dual suction to clean the air more efficiently.
What We Like
Amazing 1,560 Square Feet Coverage
This will be the perfect addition if you live in an apartment or have a large living space. The broad coverage will effectively remove pet dander, bad odors, and hair.
Air Quality Monitoring
Keep up to date with the quality of your indoor air. It monitors the air through different sensors and then notifies you through the LED ring on the front of the unit. Additionally, in auto mode, the purifier automatically adjusts the fan speed to accommodate the potential pollutants in your air.
Dual Suction Draws Air in From Two Sides
Unlike other air purifiers that only draw air in from the front, this one will draw air in from two sides. It then effectively lets clean air out from the top.
Filter Indicator Light Included
When it’s time to change the filter, a light on the display will light up to notify you. Filter lifespan is calculated based on how much air it processes.
Washable Pre-Filter
The pre-filter will capture all large particles of dust, pollen, and hair. It’s easy to care for and can be washed when needed. Make sure it’s entirely dry when put back in.
What We Don't Like
Noticeable Noise Level
This air purifier is quite loud; even in sleep mode, it still makes a noticeable sound. It might be due to the size and strong dual suction.
Poorly Designed Mobile App
Although the sound of this being a smart air purifier might be tempting, note that the app isn’t user-friendly. There are lots of errors; it’s slow to use and not compatible with the machine.
Bright LED Lights
If you want to have this in your room at night, it might disturb you. You cannot turn the lights off, and they’re very bright.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Two-in-one filter and pre-filter |
| Permanent Filter | Washable pre-filter |
| Fan Speeds | Four |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | 2 |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 1,560 square feet |
Our Ratings
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Ultra-Quiet Air Purifier
Best With Permanent HEPA Filter
If you’re looking for an affordable air purifier, in the long run, the TrueAir is for you. It features a permanent HEPA filter that can easily be cleaned when needed. Two replaceable carbon zeolite filters capture and absorb odors.
The TrueAir is best suited for smaller rooms of up to 140 square feet, but it’s still highly effective.
There are three speeds to choose from. The settings and dial operation are easy to figure out and use.
What We Like
Easy Maintenance Saves Money
HEPA filters can be pricey, but this purifier features a permanent filter that requires no replacement. When you feel like the performance quality is reducing, vacuum the filter, and it will be as good as new.
Two Carbon Filters
Pet odors won’t stand a chance against this purifier with two carbon zeolite filters. These effectively absorb bad odors and chemical vapors, leaving you with fresh air to inhale.
Accommodating and Compact
Air purifiers can be large and cumbersome, which makes it difficult to find a suitable location. However, the TrueAir is compact and fits easily on a bedside table or a shelf. It certainly doesn’t hurt that you can place it either horizontally or vertically.
Three Speed Setting Options
You can choose between three-speed settings. First is the Whisper Clean option, which works quietly at night. Next is the Medium Setting for general use. Finally, you have Quick Clean, which uses more power to clean more effectively and quickly.
What We Don't Like
Not for Allergies
This purifier uses a HEPA-grade filter, not a True HEPA, so it will only capture up to 99 percent of airborne pollutants. It’s efficient for pet hair and odors, but we highly suggest you choose a different unit if you’re dealing with allergies.
Carbon Filters Are a Weird Shape
When assembling the unit, you’ll notice the carbon filters are an odd shape and don’t look like they’ll fit. Plus, the instructions don’t explain how to assemble them. You might have to look it up online. Do note, though, that the filters do fit, but they must be inserted in a specific way.
Loud on Medium and High Setting
The Whisper Clean mode is quiet, but the medium and high settings are loud and distracting.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-stage |
| Permanent Filter | Yes |
| Fan Speeds | Three |
| Room Circulation Per Hour | Not specified |
| Recommended Room Coverage | 140 square feet |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Filtration Stages | Permanent Filter | Fan Speeds | Room Circulation per hour | Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medify MA-50 Medical-Grade | For People With Pet Allergies | 3-in-1 filter | No | 4 | 4 | 1,100 sq. ft. |
| Bissell MyAir | Budget Pick | 3-in-1 filter | No | 2 | N/A | 100 sq. ft. |
| Winix C545 | With True HEPA Filter | 4-stage | Washable pre-filter & AOC carbon filter | N/A | N/A | 360 sq. ft. |
| Winix AM80 | For Medium Rooms | 4-stage | No | 4 | N/A | 360 sq. ft. |
| Levoit Energy Star | Eco-Friendly Air Purifier | 3-stage | No | 3 | 4.5 | 360 sq. ft. |
| Coway Airmega | For Large Areas | 2-in-1 filter and pre-filter | Washable pre-filter | 4 | 2 | 1,560 sq. ft. |
| Hamilton Beach TrueAir | With Permanent HEPA Filter | 3-stage | Yes | 3 | N/A | 140 sq. ft. |
Why You Need an Air Purifier for Pets
One major pollutant from pets is their dander; even people without pet allergies can suffer from too much pet dander.
Pet dander is microscopic protein flecks shed by the pet’s skin. As your pet cleans themselves by licking or scratching their skin, dander is released into the air and can be inhaled. This is also why getting a hairless dog or cat won’t necessarily mean it’s allergen-free (1).
Other pet allergens include urine, saliva, and blood. These allergens are almost impossible to spot and also stick easily to surfaces such as carpets, furniture, and clothes. Plus, they can stay potent for a long time (2).
Inhaling pet dander or other allergens can cause coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Vacuuming your house regularly can help to keep these allergens at bay, but it isn’t always enough.
How Will an Air Purifier Help?
Air purifiers work by drawing in air and filtering it through different stages (depending on the model). Once the air is filtered, it’s released back into the room for you to enjoy.
Most air purifiers use a two-stage filter or more. This includes an activated carbon filter and HEPA filter. Some purifiers will also have a pre-filter that captures larger particles.
The activated carbon filter will absorb odors and even chemical vapors and VOCs. These filters will usually capture particles in sizes from 0.5 to 50 microns (3).
HEPA filters are more thorough at capturing small particles such as dust mites and pet dander. However, these vary significantly depending on the type. A True HEPA filter will remove up to 99.97 percent of all pollutants as tiny as 0.3 microns.
Take Note
If you do not have any allergic effects from your pet, you can easily go for a HEPA-grade filter. This will remove larger particles such as hair and dust, giving you a cleaner home environment.
Buying Guide
Here’s what you should consider before buying an air purifier.
Size and Location
Before deciding on an air purifier, consider the size of the room it will cover. Smaller units usually cover up to 360 square feet, with some only covering 100 square feet. This is due to the size of the fan and filters.
Small air purifiers are easily located on a table, shelf, or kitchen counter. Large units need more clearance (usually two feet between the unit and walls). These are generally placed next to a sofa or in a corner.
Settings and Modes
Many air purifiers have different modes and settings to make things easier for the user. These often include sleep modes and auto modes. Some will also have a filter replacement indicator.
An auto mode is beneficial when you’re unsure how polluted your indoor air is. The unit will use special sensors to monitor indoor air quality and then set the fan speed to best suit it. Some units will even notify you via a color-changing LED light on the display.
Washable Pre-Filter
Pets are generally covered in fur, which they shed at different points in their lives. This shed will often linger around in the air, on furniture and clothes.
Pre-filters are excellent at capturing large particles and hair but can quickly get clogged. So having a washable pre-filter is the best option for long-haired pet owners. Whenever you feel the efficiency is reducing, check the pre-filter and give it a rinse.
FAQs
Why Does My House Get So Dusty With Dogs?
Your house gets so dusty with dogs because of pet dander. Pets shed hairs and dead skin, which gathers and attracts dust. You’ll often find balls of pet hair in corners and behind sofas and chairs.
How Can I Reduce Dust and Pet Hair At Home?
The easiest way to reduce dust and pet hair at home is to vacuum regularly and brush your pets to remove the loose hair at the source. You could also replace your carpets with hardwood flooring to prevent hair from gathering and becoming matted in the fibers.
Are Air Purifiers Safe for Dogs?
Air purifiers are safe for dogs. They are 100 percent safe for all pets and children because they extract impurities from the atmosphere and return clean air.
Do Air Purifiers Eliminate Pet Odors?
Air purifiers will eliminate pet odors, provided your chosen model has an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon is the only type of filter that removes foul smells.
