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10 Best Air Purifiers of 2024

Updated
We’ve got an air purifier for every need.

Dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens exist in the air we breathe every day. Just because they’re invisible doesn’t mean they’re not there. To ensure good air quality and home cleanliness, you should invest in one of the best air purifiers available.

With our help, you can find the right one for you. We’ve researched real customer reviews and expert advice to conclude the 10 best air purifiers currently available.

To make our list, we focused on the type of filtration system, specialized features, effectiveness, energy consumption, and ease of use. We’re confident in our choices, so keep reading to find your best match!

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier
Best Air Purifier for Dust
Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier
  • Air quality sensor works automatically
  • Sleep mode operates at low volume
  • Compact design fits most homes
Product Image of the Elechomes True HEPA Air Purifier
Best Air Purifier for Smoke
Elechomes True HEPA Air Purifier
  • Filter change indicator
  • Aromatherapy function
  • Quiet operation at 33 decibels
Product Image of the Jinpus Air Purifier
Best Budget Air Purifier
Jinpus Air Purifier
  • Compact and portable
  • Highly efficient, 360-degree air purification
  • Sleep mode at maximum 30 decibels
Product Image of the Winix AM80 True HEPA
Best for Baby Nurseries
Winix AM80 True HEPA
  • Works silently and won't disturb your baby
  • Tackles up to 360 square feet
  • Filter replacement indicator
Product Image of the Medify MA-40 Air Purifier
Best for Pets
Medify MA-40 Air Purifier
  • Lifetime warranty included
  • Medical-grade filter prevents allergies
  • Child-lock stops kids from changing settings
Product Image of the Renpho Air Purifier
Best for Mold
Renpho Air Purifier
  • 26 decibel operation
  • 5-stage 360-degree filtration
  • Child-safety mode
Product Image of the Enoch Car Air Purifier
Best for The Car
Enoch Car Air Purifier
  • USB car charging port
  • Neutralizes the air in your car
  • Reduces asthma attacks and allergies
Product Image of the Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
Best Whole House Air Purifier
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
  • Automatic air quality sensor
  • Stylish sleek design
  • Works for the whole house
Product Image of the Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite
Best Ionic Purifier
Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite
  • Tackles odors and freshens home
  • Medical-grade HEPA filter
  • UV sterilizing function
Product Image of the Honeywell HPA300
Best for Allergies
Honeywell HPA300
  • Includes filter replacement light
  • Handle large spaces
  • Turbo Clean setting quickly cleans

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we take pride in our thorough research, hands-on experience, and data-driven analysis to provide you with the most accurate and reliable information on the best air purifiers. Our team of professionals conducts in-depth evaluations, comparing the performance, design, and key decision-making factors of each product. We rank air purifiers based on criteria such as filtration efficiency, noise levels, energy consumption, and ease of use. By examining real-life experiences, we identify essential features that set top-performing air purifiers apart from their competitors. Trust our expertise to guide you in making an informed decision when choosing the perfect air purifier for your needs.



The Best Air Purifiers of 2024

After comparing the market’s leading air purifiers, examining consumer reviews, and conducting our own thorough research, we compiled some of the best air purifiers for different needs and lifestyles that we think are worth considering.

Whirlpool Whispure True HEPA Air Purifier

Best Air Purifier for Dust

Dust is everywhere, no matter how often you vacuum. This air purifier will help take care of what you can’t see.

The Whirlpool Whispure True HEPA Air Purifier uses a true HEPA filter. So it can remove 99.97 percent of particles (as small as 0.3 microns) of dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores from indoor air.

It also has a carbon filter which reduces odors. Although this is a compact device, it can cover large spaces of up to 508 square feet. It boasts a CADR of 328.

This ozone-free air purifier comes equipped with a sleep mode setting, making it an energy-saver. It also features a Quiet Partner System, which can be left on while you sleep or work, as it cleans your air silently.

We love the wildfire smoke protection. This device can remove particles in the air left behind by wildfires.

Pros

  • Air quality sensor automatically detects air quality and adjusts fan speeds.
  • Sleep mode operates at a low speed so that you can rest undisturbed.
  • Compact design will fit discreetly in most homes.
  • Quiet Partner System, which uses top technology.
  • Reduces odors from pets, smoking, cooking, and more.
  • A HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of particles as small as .3 microns.

Cons

  • Pricey filter replacements, averaging around 1/5 of the unit cost.
  • Some customers noticed a buzzing or squeaky noise within the unit.
  • It’s a more expensive option than some other candidates.

Product Specs

Type of Filter True HEPA filter and carbon filter
Energy Star Rating Yes
Remote Control No — smart screen touch
Air Quality Sensor Yes

User Experience

When I first started using this product, I noticed a significant improvement in air quality and a reduction in allergens in my home. The built-in automatic air sensors are sensitive and efficient, adjusting the speed of filtration as needed. However, I have experienced an irritating, high-pitched humming noise coming from the unit, which can be disruptive in an otherwise quiet room. Despite this downside, the product effectively cleans the air with its HEPA filter and airflow volume, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking better indoor air quality.

Elechomes Air Purifier With True HEPA Filter

Best Air Purifier for Smoke

Smoking indoors can cause odors to linger, as smoke smell clings to your furniture and carpets. There are also much higher levels of respirable suspended particles, such as nicotine, in smokers’ houses than in non-smokers’ houses.

Thankfully, this air purifier is fitted with an ozone-free three-stage filtration process. It can filter 99.97 percent of pollutants in the air.

Its process includes a true HEPA filter that targets the tiniest airborne particles. On the other hand, the carbon filter helps eliminate odors, creating fresher air for smokers.

The Elechomes air purifier has three fan speeds and a timer setting. The air purifier has a sleep mode setting, quieting the fan and turning off the indicator light. That way, you can have it on at night without being disturbed.

Pros

  • Sleep mode turns down the fan and turns off the light.
  • Filter change indicator tells you when to replace filters.
  • Aromatherapy function allows you to add essential oils.
  • Compact size so you can pop it on a desk or table.
  • Quiet (33 decibels) during the sleep mode.

Cons

  • Filter replacements are difficult to find.
  • It has a small coverage of 215 square feet, so it’s unsuitable for larger homes.

Product Specs

Type of Filter Three-stage filtration: pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter
Energy Star Rating No
Remote Control No — touch panel
Air Quality Sensor No

Personal Perspective

My experience with this air purifier has been a mix of positive and negative aspects. On one hand, it's compact and unobtrusive, fitting nicely in various locations around the house, and works well in spaces like my office or living room with free roaming bunnies. It's also relatively quiet, allowing for undisrupted sleep when used in the bedroom. However, I've found the filters to be quite pricey, almost reaching the cost of the device itself, which makes me question its overall value. Despite this drawback, the air purifier effectively cleans the air and even allows for the use of essential oils to add a pleasant scent.

Jinpus Air Purifier

Best Budget Air Purifier

If you’re looking for an effective air purifier that won’t send you running to the bank, look no further.

The Jinpus air purifier has a HEPA filter, which removes airborne pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, and bacteria. This powerful air purifier boasts an almost silent operation (around 30 decibels) for quiet cleaning.

Its compact, cylindrical design allows for highly efficient 360-degree air purification. The activated carbon filter removes odors and toxic gases from the air in your living space. Plus, it comes with a blue LED light, which you can dim in sleep mode.

Pros

  • Compact and portable, designed for small homes.
  • Very quiet; the loudest it goes is 30 decibels.
  • Highly efficient, 360-degree air purification.
  • Easy to operate due to the LED lights and large buttons.
  • Three-stage filtration system captures 99.97 percent of airborne particles.

Cons

  • LED light may disturb sleep as it cannot be completely switched off.
  • It requires a USB connection, so you may need an adaptor.
  • The filters have a short lifespan, around one month.

Product Specs

Type of Filter True HEPA filter and activated carbon filter
Energy Star Rating No
Remote Control No
Air Quality Sensor No

Community Feedback

My experience with this mini air purifier has been quite positive overall. As someone who lives with a smoker, I've noticed a significant improvement in air quality and reduced odors in my room. The device is small, quiet, and emits a calming blue light, which doubles as a nightlight. While I can't say for certain that it has reduced mold particles, I have experienced fewer headaches since using it. Although it doesn't come with a plug and the nightlight feature can't be turned off completely, I still highly recommend this purifier for its effective performance and budget-friendly price.

Winix AM80 True HEPA Air Purifier

Best Air Purifier for Baby Nurseries

Babies are more susceptible to illness as they’re still developing a fully functional immune system. This air purifier may help prevent your baby from getting sick. We love its large room coverage and odor-removing filter.

The Winix air purifier also has a true HEPA filter, which captures 99.97 percent of airborne toxins. These include dust, pollen, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other particles as small as 0.3 microns.

It also has a washable pre-filter and activated carbon filter, eliminating odors. Moreover, it safely uses PlasmaWave technology to break down pollutants and allergens. And, it does all these without emitting harmful ozone.

The device has four fan speeds. Its air quality sensor will automatically regulate the quality of the air and adjust its function accordingly. It can cover large rooms of up to 360 square feet.

Pros

  • Works silently; will not disturb your baby on low or medium mode.
  • Can tackle spaces of up to 360 square feet.
  • Air quality sensor analyzes air quality and automatically adjusts the fan’s speed.
  • Filter replacement indicator lets you know when it’s time to change the filters.
  • Four-stage purification system including a carbon filter and a true HEPA filter.

Cons

  • UPS is recommended to protect the motor and fan.
  • The HEPA filter isn’t washable, and replacements are expensive.

Product Specs

Type of Filter Mesh pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and PlasmaWave
Energy Star Rating Yes
Remote Control Not specified
Air Quality Sensor Yes

First-Hand Impression

After using the Winix 5500-2 air purifier for a while, I've noticed a significant reduction in dust and pet dander in my living space. The unit is quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain with washable pre-screen and carbon filters. Although the air quality sensor and bright lights could be improved, the overall performance and value of this air purifier make it a great investment for a cleaner and healthier home.

Medify MA-40 Air Purifier Medical-Grade HEPA Filter

Best Air Purifier for Pets

Having pets (especially ones that live indoors) affects your living environment. Animals shed fur, produce odors, and can leave traces of themselves in the air you breathe.

This air purifier is suitable for pet owners. It freshens the air in your living space by removing airborne particles and pet hair. For one, it uses four levels of filtration system to eliminate pet dander and odors.

Its filtration system consists of a permanent pre-filter, a medical-grade HEPA filter, an odor-reducing carbon filter, and an optional anion generator. For allergy sufferers, its medical-grade HEPA filter helps tackle those niggling pet-induced sniffles.

The company offers a lifetime warranty as long as the filters are replaced with a legitimate Medify air filter every 2500 hours of usage.

Pros

  • Carbon filter reduces odors which is necessary for pet homes.
  • Tall and slender, so it can fit in various tight spaces.
  • Great for allergy sufferers due to the medical-grade HEPA filter.
  • Lifetime warranty as long as you replace filters every 2500 hours.
  • Child lock prevents kids from changing settings.
  • Tackles rooms up to 1,600 square feet at a CADR rating of 330.

Cons

  • When on high speed, the fan noise is loud.
  • This unit doesn’t have an air quality sensor despite being advertised as including one.

Product Specs

Type of Filter Medical-grade HEPA filter, pre-filter, carbon filter, and optional anion generator
Energy Star Rating Yes
Remote Control No
Air Quality Sensor No

User Experience

Best air purifier I've purchased recently is the Medify MA-40 2.0 Medical Grade Filtration H13, True HEPA Air Purifier. Since using this product, I've noticed a significant improvement in air quality in my home, particularly in reducing dust and pet dander. On the downside, the sleep mode could be quieter as it's a bit noisy for my liking.

Renpho Air Purifier

Best Air Purifier for Mold

Mold can be harmful to your health if left unchecked. It’s essential to ensure that the air you breathe is free of mold.

This powerful air purifier uses a five-stage filtration process to tackle mold. Its phases include a pre-filter, intercept coating, true HEPA filter, carbon, and net filter.

This air purifier traps airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke.

On the other hand, the HEPA filter reduces unwanted odors in your living space, such as smoke and cooking fumes.

The air purifier is designed to cover large rooms of up to 480 square feet. It possesses an air quality sensor that adjusts the fan speed depending on the particles in the air.

Finally, it has a child-lock, which ensures that the settings are unaffected by curious children.

Pros

  • Filter replacement indicator flashes red when it’s time to replace the filter.
  • Quiet operation as low as 26 decibels which won’t interrupt sleep.
  • Child-safety mode locks the unit, so kids can’t change settings.
  • 5-stage 360-degree filtration, including true HEPA filter and carbon filter.
  • The unit changes the air up to five times an hour.
  • Captures various particles, including pollen, smoke, dust, cooking odors, and more.

Cons

  • Produces a relatively loud noise when adjusted to the highest setting (53db).
  • It’s hard to find replacement filters.
  • After a few months, it starts to make a whining noise.

Product Specs

Type of Filter Five-stage filtration: pre-filter, intercept coating, true HEPA filter, carbon filter, net filter
Energy Star Rating No
Remote Control No
Air Quality Sensor Yes

Personal Perspective

When I first purchased this air purifier, I was impressed by its sleek design and modern touch pad. I've used it in various rooms, including a musty room and another with a cat litter box, and it has successfully removed all odors and mustiness. The different filters available allow me to cater to specific needs, such as allergens or damp locations. Its portability and button lock feature make it convenient for use around kids, pets, and forgetful partners. The only minor downsides are the slightly louder noise level compared to other models and the light turning on automatically when the purifier is switched on.

Enoch Car Air Purifier

Best Car Air Purifier

It’s important to purify the air in your car, as well as your home. This car air purifier emits negative ions, which remove lingering odors.

The Enoch purifier can release 5.6 million negative ions per cubic centimeter. The negative ions neutralize pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are toxic after long-term inhalation. These ions also eliminate airborne particles of bacteria, dust, pollen, and smoke.

This car air purifier releases a light ozone scent, similar to that of rain. Ozone is effective at deodorizing over extended periods. However, it can also be dangerous to health (1).

This handy gadget can charge your phone, making it a perfect companion on long road trips. It also has a blue LED indicator, allowing you to locate it in the dark.

Pros

  • USB car charging port charges two devices at once.
  • Neutralizes the air and airborne contaminants in your car.
  • Eliminates odors, dust particles, cigarette smoke, and more.
  • Works quickly due to the 5.6 million negative ions per cubic meter.

Cons

  • Emits ozone which can be dangerous.
  • After the particles fall to the floor or dashboard, you need to vacuum or dust.
  • Customers noticed a high-pitched noise from the purifier.

Product Specs

Type of Filter N/A — Ionic Air Purifier
Energy Star Rating No
Remote Control No
Air Quality Sensor No

Community Feedback

I've been using this product in my car for a while now and have noticed a significant improvement in the air quality. As a frequent driver, I appreciate how it removes unwanted odors, such as smoke, quickly and efficiently. The built-in charger is a nice bonus, although I do wish it had fast or rapid USB ports for my daily charging needs. One downside is the occasional high-pitched noise it emits, but it's not too bothersome when I have the radio on. Additionally, the included air freshener gives off a pleasant Lemon Balm scent, adding to the overall freshness of my car's interior.

Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier

Best Whole House Air Purifier

To clean the air in your entire house, you need a powerful air purifier. The Alen BreatheSmart Classic air purifier is one. This device can clean the air in spaces of up to 1,100 square feet.

The Alen BreatheSmart uses a HEPA filter to alleviate allergy symptoms. It catches airborne particles of dust, pollen, and pet dander throughout your entire house.

It is designed to improve indoor air quality and tackles airborne irritants and larger particles, such as hair. Its modern design and various colors make it a stylish option that won’t clash with your interior decor.

Pros

  • Quiet operation at 32.4 decibels, or 48.7 max.
  • Air quality sensor analyzes air and adjusts fan speed automatically.
  • Filter life indicator lets you know when to change the filter.
  • Stylish, sleek design which looks beautiful in most homes.
  • Works for the whole house up to 1100 square feet coverage.
  • Unique HEPA filter eases allergy systems and catches small particles.

Cons

  • Very expensive, so not great for those on a budget.
  • Strange chemical smell during the first few uses.
  • Some customers noticed a grinding or squeaking noise.

Product Specs

Type of Filter HEPA-Pure filter
Energy Star Rating Yes
Remote Control No — control panel
Air Quality Sensor Yes

First-Hand Impression

I'm extremely pleased with the effectiveness of this air purifier in combating my asthma and allergy symptoms. The unit operates quietly, even on higher settings, which is appreciated by my noise-sensitive husband. I was impressed with the quality and ease of assembly, as well as the sleek appearance of the device, although it is larger than expected. Since using this purifier, I have noticed a significant reduction in dust and pet dander in our home, and I no longer need to take allergy medication daily. Despite the high price for the units and replacement filters, I wholeheartedly recommend this air purifier for those with sensitivity to air quality.

Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-in-1 Air Purifier

Best Ionic Air Purifier

Ionization effectively fights air pollutants. An ionic air purifier in your home can help reduce illnesses, which is ideal if you’re prone to getting sick.

This ionic air purifier comes with a four-stage filtration process, UV light, and an air ionizer. It helps to create an allergen-free living space by removing airborne pollutants, bacteria, and viruses.

Its activated carbon removes odors and impurities. On the other hand, the true medical-grade HEPA filter eliminates dust, dander, smoke, and pollen.

Meanwhile, the photocatalyst and UV-C light destroy bacterial pathogens. Finally, the ionizer traps allergens by binding to positively charged airborne particles, such as dust, causing them to become heavy and drop out of the air.

Pros

  • Three automatic timer settings help conserve energy.
  • Tackles odors, freshening up the air in your home.
  • Kills bacteria and viruses, as well as germs and fungi.
  • UV sterilizing function destroys illness-causing microorganisms.
  • Lightweight at 9.3 pounds, so you can move it from room to room.
  • Smart technology true HEPA filter only needs replacing twice a year.

Cons

  • Only covers an area of 190 square feet.
  • The noise level is quite loud and not suitable for nighttime.
  • It’s hard to find replacement filters, and they are expensive.

Product Specs

Type of Filter Four-stage filtration process
Energy Star Rating No
Remote Control No
Air Quality Sensor Yes

User Experience

I'm extremely satisfied with this air purifier because it has made a significant difference in the air quality of my home. The sleek and modern design fits perfectly in any room, and it's easy to set up and use. Since using this product, I've noticed a decrease in lingering odors, dust, and even my allergies have improved. The air quality sensor, functional UV-C, and ionizer features make this the best air purifier I've owned, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve the air quality in their home.

Honeywell HPA300

Best Air Purifier for Allergies

Allergies can be tricky to manage. So it may be handy to invest in an air purifier that can limit the impact of your allergies by removing allergens from the air you breathe. Allergists have recommended this air purifier.

The Honeywell HPA300 air purifier uses an odor-reducing pre-filter and true HEPA filter to trap various types and sizes of allergens in the air — as small as 0.3 microns.

It consists of three air cleaning levels. These can remove pet dander, pollen, mold, dust, and smoke particles.

The device is capable of catching some germs and neutralizing odors. It’s designed to improve indoor air quality, as it filters and circulates the air in your living space up to five times per hour.

Pros

  • Includes filter replacement reminder light.
  • Can handle large spaces of up to 465 square feet.
  • Adheres to guidelines set out by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and provides a strong CADR performance.
  • It cleans air quickly five times an hour.
  • It can remove dust, hair, pollen, odors, gases, and more.
  • Turbo Clean setting quickly cleans polluted air.

Cons

  • The replacement filters are pricey.
  • This unit doesn’t feature an air quality sensor.
  • The unit is loud and sometimes makes a high-pitched noise.

Product Specs

Type of Filter Activated carbon pre-filter and true HEPA filter
Energy Star Rating No
Remote Control No
Air Quality Sensor No

Personal Perspective

My experience with this air purifier has been nothing short of amazing. As someone with severe allergies and pets, I've tried many air purifiers over the years, but this one takes the cake. The durability, efficiency, and white noise level are all top-notch, making it a dependable choice for those looking to improve their air quality. The filters only need replacing once a year, and even generic replacements work just as well as the name brand.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type of Filter Energy Star Rating Remote Control Air Quality Sensor
Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier for Dust True HEPA filter and carbon filter Yes No Yes
Elechomes Air Purifier Air Purifier for Smoke 3-stage filtration: pre,HEPA,carbon No No No
Jinpus Air Purifier Budget Air Purifier True HEPA filter, activated carbon No No No
Winix AM80 For Baby Nurseries Mesh pre-filter, True HEPA, activated carbon, PlasmaWave Yes N/A Yes
Medify MA-40 Medical-Grade For Pets Medical-grade HEPA filter, pre-filter, carbon filter, & optional anion generator Yes No No
Renpho Air Purifier Air Purifier for Mold Five-stage filtration: pre-filter, intercept coating, true HEPA filter, carbon filter, net filter No No Yes
Enoch Car Air Purifier Car Air Purifier N/A – Ionic Air Purifier No No No
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Whole House Air Purifier HEPA-Pure filter Yes No Yes
Pure Enrichment Elite Ionic Air Purifier Four-stage filtration process No No Yes
Honeywell HPA300 For Allergies Activated carbon pre-filter, true HEPA filter No No No

Why Buy an Air Purifier? (Buying Guide)

Is it worth spending money on something that will just sit quietly in the corner of your room?

Air purifiers are good for your health. They remove airborne particles of dust and mites, mold, allergens, and smoke from your indoor air. Besides these, they also eliminate other nasty microscopic pieces you might be unknowingly inhaling (2).

For instance, an air purifier may be a good investment if you or someone in your household is prone to getting sick. These can trap bacteria and viruses that cause illness.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are various types of air purifiers to choose from:

Ultraviolet Air Purifiers

UV air purifiers remove harmful viruses, bacteria, and pathogens from the air using ultraviolet light (3). They can remove 99 percent of microorganisms present in the air, such as mold spores.

This type of air purifier is inspired by the medical use of UV light in hospitals to disinfect laboratories and patient rooms.

Pros

  • Kill germs, viruses, bacteria, and mold, which cause illness.
  • Less maintenance than filtered purifiers.
  • Use less electricity compared to other purifying systems.

Cons

  • Bulbs must be replaced frequently, depending on the frequency of use.
  • Dust can decrease the efficiency of bulbs.

HEPA Air Purifiers

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air purifiers have a dense HEPA filter.

It traps up to 99.99 percent of particles (over 0.3 microns) in the air.

These include pollen, dust, and mold.

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Pros

  • Effective in removing almost all air pollutants.
  • Captures both small and large particles.
  • Good for people who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Cons

Activated Carbon Air Purifiers

Activated carbon air purifiers are good at removing smoke, odors, and fumes from the air by trapping gas molecules in a bed of activated carbon or charcoal (4). They are designed to tackle volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some will also work alongside HEPA filters that will remove other particles from the air.

Pros

  • Effectively remove odors, smoke, and other chemicals in the air.
  • Particularly useful for those sensitive to smells.
  • A great power combo when combined with a HEPA filter.

Cons

  • Ineffective for the elimination of pollen, dust, and mold.

Ionic Air Purifiers

Ionic air purifiers use ionization to combat contaminants in the air. They release negative ions that attach to airborne particles through electrostatic attraction. This process makes the particles heavy, so they drop out of the air.

Pros

  • Very quiet since they function without a motor.
  • Able to remove anything (except odors) from the air.
  • There aren’t any filters you need to clean or replace.

Cons

  • Generate ozone, which is potentially harmful.
  • You must clean more often to remove dust particles that have fallen from the air.

Electronic Air Cleaners

Electronic air cleaners are equipped with HEPA filters and positively charged ions. These work with your air conditioner to remove almost all allergens in the air.

Electronic cleaners ensure that the air that travels through your home’s HVAC system passes through filters, which trap larger particles. The smaller particles are then caught by electrically charged filters, which prevent them from circulating in your home.

Pros

  • Effectively remove dust, bacteria, viruses, fumes, and smoke from the air.
  • Able to catch the smallest of particles.
  • Straightforward cleaning process, as collector cells can be hand-washed or placed in your dishwasher.

Cons

  • Require professional installation.
  • Collector cells need to be cleaned monthly.
  • Filters must be replaced monthly.

Central Air Cleaners

Central air purifiers can be connected to your central heating or cooling system to purify your air circulation.

They work within your home’s air ducts to remove particles, such as dust and pollen, smaller than one micron.

Pros

  • Very quiet, which won’t interrupt relaxing evenings or sleep.
  • Efficient at removing small particles such as pollen and dust.
  • Limits the impact of allergies and viruses on your health.
  • Extend your air conditioner’s lifespan by filtering out particles that affect its functionality.

Cons

  • Require professional installation.
  • Costly, ranging into the thousands.

Air-To-Air Exchangers

Air-to-air exchangers provide ventilation throughout your home by replacing stale air with fresh air. They use energy recovery ventilators (5). This means that, for instance, in cold weather, the air-to-air exchanger will trap heat in the air. Whereas, during warmer seasons, the air-to-air exchanger will cool the clean outside air entering your home.

Pros

  • Regulate temperature and humidity within the home.
  • Reduce the presence of mold in the air, which can prevent illness.
  • Improves the air quality inside a building or home.
  • Flushes out odors and indoor pollutants.

Cons

  • Expensive to install and run since it uses electricity often.
  • Maintenance is ongoing, time-consuming, and expensive.

Choosing Your Air Purifier

Here’s a list of the prime features to look out for when choosing an effective, high-quality air purifier that’s right for you:

True HEPA Filter

These filters catch 99.97 percent of the smallest particles in the air, including dust, pollen, and pet dander (6).

Reusable Pre-filters

Reusable pre-filters trap large particles in the air and prolong the primary filter’s lifespan in your air purifier. You can also wash them, allowing you to save money on replacement filters.

UV Light

UV light eliminates bacteria, viruses, and germs that cause illness, helping to create a clean and sterile living space.

Filter Change Indicator

This indicator means you don’t have to guess when the filter in your air purifier needs to be changed; the indicator will tell you.

Air Quality Sensor

This allows for a ‘hands-free’ system, as it regulates the air quality by identifying toxins. Then it automatically adjusts the fan speed to eliminate them quickly and restores its regular operation.

Energy Star Label

This label distinguishes air purifiers that are environmentally friendly, have low operating costs, and greater efficiency levels.

Remote Control

This provides an element of convenience. Air purifiers with a remote control feature allow you to control the settings from anywhere in the room. You no longer have to fiddle around with the buttons on the purifier itself.


The Best Air Purifier Brands

Below is a non-exhaustive list (in no particular order) of some of the brands known for producing good quality, effective air purifiers.

Rabbit Air

This brand is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. and produces effective and innovative air purifiers with a modern design. Their products come armed with a five-year warranty (7).

Alen Air

This brand is highly rated and only produces air purifiers. Naturally, they possess specialist expert knowledge on high-quality air purification and apply advanced technology to their products. No wonder their air cleaners come with a lifetime guarantee (8).

IQAir

This brand manufactures high-quality air cleaning products. IQAir is dedicated to improving the quality of life of its consumers by helping them breathe clean and healthy air. They also do their bit for the community by helping people adversely affected by air pollution.

Blueair

This brand uses technological innovation to supply air purifiers and filters. Its products are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and silent while providing optimal air-cleaning power.

Hamilton Beach

This brand is a leading distributor of home and kitchen appliances. Their range includes blenders, toasters, slow cookers, air purifiers, and clothing irons. Hamilton Beach products are designed to enable convenience.

Honeywell

This brand produces air purifiers, humidifiers, heating and cooling systems (thermostats), and home security devices. Honeywell designs its products with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. Their smart home products use technological advancements to enhance convenience.

Levoit

This brand focuses on improving health and well-being through its stylish and functional products. Their range includes air purifiers, humidifiers, and salt lamps. Levoit air purifiers boast a 40 percent higher efficiency rate than other air purifiers. This results from its cylindrical 360-degree filter design with a larger surface area and the ability to take in air from all angles.

Coway

This brand specializes in the global supply of innovative home wellness appliances. They pride themselves specifically on looking after the world’s air and water.

GermGuardian

GermGuardian offers a wide range of small appliances to facilitate healthier home environments. Their products include air purifiers, heating and cooling appliances, humidifiers, and oil diffusers.

Austin Air

This brand introduced medical-grade HEPA air purification to residential consumers. They specialize in producing effective air purifiers targeted at people who have asthma. Their purifiers are designed to remove contaminants released into the air during wildfires (9).

Dyson

Known as a market leader, Dyson designs and manufactures a range of technologically advanced homeware, office, and hair styling products. Their range includes vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, air purifiers, fans, heaters, and hair dryers.

Holmes

This brand produces home appliances, such as air purifiers, humidifiers, and fans. Their functional and stylish products are designed to increase comfort. Holmes air purifiers can accommodate any budget.

Winix

Winix produces air and water purifiers and humidifiers. Their air cleaners eliminate 99.97 percent of airborne particles through PlasmaWave technology and true HEPA filtration systems. Other bonuses are that their products boast convenience to use through your smartphone and quiet operation.

FAQs

How Do I Detect an Indoor Air Quality Problem?

Pay close attention to your allergies. Note the appearance of new symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing. If you frequently suffer from bronchitis or pneumonia, it may result from pollutants contaminating your indoor air.

Consider your external environment. Is there construction happening near you? Or has there been a fire nearby? Residual smoke and dust can contaminate your indoor air quality (10).

How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Besides investing in an air purifier, there are several things you can do to improve the air quality in your home.

  • Change your air conditioning filter regularly, especially if you live in a polluted area.
  • Use cooking vents in your kitchen to limit fumes and odors.
  • Clean as often as possible and vacuum your rugs and carpets regularly to limit dust accumulation around your furniture.
  • Allow fresh air in whenever possible (11).

What Are CADR Ratings?

CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. The higher the CADR rating of an air purifier in cubic feet per minute, the more air it cleans. Different particle sizes (smoke, pollen, and dust) should be given their own rating.

You can use CADR ratings to compare the performance of different air purifiers. It indicates how fast an air purifier can clean the air in a particular room.

Do Larger Air Purifiers Have Better CADR Ratings?

The size of the air purifier may not always determine its CADR rating. High CADR ratings come from an air purifier’s high fan power, filter surface area, and ability to cover the air in an ample space.

Where Should I Place My Air Purifier?

Small air purifiers are handy as they can be moved from room to room as needed. When deciding where to place your air purifier, choose the room(s) you spend the most time in. It may also be wise to choose the room(s) you think are most affected by air pollutants.

The ideal location for an air purifier is in the middle of a room, with no objects blocking it and preventing the air from reaching it. However, this may cause a tripping hazard. So try to aim for at least 3 feet of space between the device and a wall or piece of furniture (12).

What is the Best Air Purifier at a Reasonable Price?

The best air purifier at a reasonable price is the Coway Airmega AP. It costs almost half the price of other models, and yet it has four-stage filtration, built-in smart features, and sensors to take away the guesswork.


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About the Author

Matthew Sullivan

Matthew Sullivan is a technical writer with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the realm of HVAC, humidity, air purification, and mold prevention. With a background rooted in mechanical engineering, Matthew seamlessly blends the intricate world of technicalities with the everyday challenges that homeowners and businesses face. His vast expertise has led him to collaborate with leading HVAC manufacturers, consult on cutting-edge air purification systems, and become a sought-after voice on mold mitigation.