Keeping your house clean of all the visible dirt and dust is essential, not only for your eyes but also for your comfort. But, what about that which you can’t see?
In your home, countless particles are floating around in the air that you breathe, such as pet dander, smoke, bacteria, and more.
One effective way to clean indoor air is by using an air purifier. These come in all sizes, so we’re focusing on the best whole-house air purifiers today.
We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews and expert advice to round up our five favorites. We’ve judged these air purifiers based on their features, filtration system, coverage, and power.
- Unique HEPA filter
- Full 1100 square feet coverage
- 32.4 decibels quiet
- Smart technology and air monitoring
- Powerful double-sided suction
- Filter replacement indicator
- Powerful cleaning in huge homes
- Automatic quality updates
- Medical-grade filtration
- HyperHEPA filter
- Minimal air leakage
- Powerful fan and remote control
- Removes mold and harmful pollutants
- Easy to use and set up
- Refreshens the air
Product Reviews
With our criteria above in hand, we looked at reviews, expert opinions, and leading sites to find the top models out there. We prioritized units with excellent coverage, filtration systems, power, and effectiveness. Then we narrowed the choices down to the five best whole-house air purifiers.
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
Best Overall Air Purifier
The BreatheSmart Classic air purifier from Alen has received outstanding praise from homeowners suffering from allergies, stating that it helped ease the symptoms. So it’s well worth our top spot.
With a modern design and multiple color options, it suits any home and decor. But despite the beautiful unit, it’s quite subtle. It also features patented technology to ensure whisper-quiet operation.
This bad boy boasts several HEPA filter layers. Unsurprisingly, it successfully removes irritants, odors, and dust from the atmosphere and surfaces. Then while you sleep, it emits a soothing noise for a restful night.
What We Like
Unique HEPA Filter
The BreatheSmart air purifier works specifically to ease symptoms of allergies. To do this, it features a unique HEPA PURE filter.
The filter consists of several HEPA layers. Each layer catches particles such as pollen, pet dander, hair, dust, and dust mites. Next, the unit sieves the air through the pre-filter, capturing hair and larger particles. And then, the next layers trap airborne irritants.
Full 1100 Square Feet Coverage
The machine is very powerful and can cover up to 1100 square feet. It’s excellent for large family rooms or open-concept spaces. The BreatheSmart unit will get to work every 30 minutes to keep your house fresh and clean.
32.4 Decibels Quiet
Whether you use it during the night or you’re sensitive to sounds, the BreatheSmart will not disappoint you. It features Alen’s WhisperMax technology, ensuring a quiet operation. The sound level ranges between 32.4 and 48.7 decibels, depending on your fan speed.
What’s more, while on turbo-speed, the unit emits a “pink noise” — a lower tone than white noise. It resembles heavy rainfall and is quite soothing.
Beautiful Sleek Design
The sleek white design ensures this looks good in most homes. The front panel is smooth, and the vents are hidden to ensure this doesn’t ever look grimy or dusty.
What We Don't Like
It Emits a Chemical Odor
Some users mentioned that during the first few uses, the machine would emit a chemical odor. Fortunately, after a few hours of running, it seemed to disappear.
Very Expensive
While this has great coverage and wonderful filters, it’s very expensive. If you’re on a budget, this might go overboard a bit.
Makes Weird Irritating Noises
While the noise level isn’t too loud, the noises it makes sometimes are a bit worrying. They can be compared to a grinding or squeaking noise. Sometimes it goes away, but other times it’s pretty consistent, which is annoying.
Product Specs
| Unit measurements | 26.75 inches by 17.75 inches by 10 inches |
| Stages of filtration | Multiple |
| Power consumption | 105 watts |
| Room coverage | 1100 square feet |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Our Ratings
Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
Smart Air Purifier
The Airmega 400 from Coway is an excellent addition to the modern home. The unit can automatically adjust to its surrounding environment with integrated smart technology. Reviewers praise how well it works at capturing pollutants from the air.
Featuring two filters, it can separate up to 99.97 percent of particles from the air, leaving your home refreshed. You can keep track of its progress through the sleek LED ring indicator, displaying the quality of the air. The machine can clean your home in no time by doing two air sweeps per hour.
With a modern design and powerful suction, it’s well worth a second look.
What We Like
Smart Technology and Air Monitoring
Included with the Coway Airmega is its Smart Mode feature. This automatically adapts the unit’s speed based on the surrounding environment. Another benefit is energy efficiency — if high speed isn’t necessary, it will save you on your energy bill.
The unit is suited with pollution sensors, which communicate the indoor air quality to the Smart Mode. On the machine, you’ll see a vibrant LED ring that will let you know the state of the indoor air every minute. It changes color from blue to red.
Powerful Double-Sided Suction
With a double-sided suction, the Coway Airmega is quite powerful. It draws in air from two sides, pushing it through the filters and out through the top. Before leaving the unit, the air goes through two filters — a pre-filter and a True HEPA and activated carbon layer.
The pre-filter is easy to clean and doesn’t require replacement — it works to capture fur and dust. The next layer is the Max2 filter, which is a combination of activated carbon and True HEPA filters. This combo will work to swatch all the microscopic particles.
Filter Replacement Indicator
Once the filter requires a replacement, the Filter Indicator will tell you. The indicator lights up clearly and well in advance for you to change the layers. It can also notify you when it’s time to clean the pre-filter.
Modern Design In Two Colors
The design of the Coway Airmega is truly eye-catching. It’s modern with subtle details and is available in white or black.
What We Don't Like
Expensive Replacement Filters
A few users noted that although the unit is excellent, the Max2 filters are quite expensive to replace.
Mobile App Is a Pain to Use
This device is compatible with a mobile app, but unfortunately, it’s not user-friendly. It’s pretty pointless even to attempt to use it; it’s slow, clunky, and always full of errors.
LED Lights Are Too Bright
If you want this in your room at night, the button lights will probably keep you awake. There’s no option to turn them off. You can cover them with tape and still be able to press the buttons, but this is another step to go through.
Product Specs
| Unit measurements | 14.8 inches by 14.8 inches by 22.8 inches |
| Stages of filtration | Two |
| Power consumption | 66 watts |
| Room coverage | 1560 square feet |
| Warranty | Five-year warranty |
Our Ratings
Medify AirMA-112
Best for Large Homes
With a modern design and powerful suction, the Medify Air MA-112 is fantastic. It has received stellar reviews from users, praising power and silence.
The unit is one of the most powerful air purifiers on our list today. It can cover a 3700 square-foot home in one hour. It draws in air from two sides while distributing it in a 360-degree radius.
Suited with a True HEPA filter, the machine is medical-grade and efficient at removing even the tiniest particles. It features a digital display, giving you an idea of the indoor air quality in colors and numbers.
What We Like
Powerful Cleaning In Huge Homes
The Medify air purifier is mighty. It can clean a 3700 square-foot area in an hour and a 2500 square-foot room in 30 minutes. Its effectiveness is mainly due to the high CADR rating of its filter, which is at 950.
It draws in the polluted air and then distributes the clean air in multiple directions. With four fan speeds, you can easily choose one to suit your needs.
Easy Interface to Use
There are not tons of bells and whistles on this unit. It’s easy to use, even if you’ve never owned an air purifier before. It has a range of accessible features on the sleek touch panel. This includes a timer, fan speed options, optional ionizer, sleep mode, a dust sensor, and a filter replacement indicator.
Medical-Grade Filtration
Using four filtration levels, the Medify Air has a medical-grade performance. It removes everything from pet dander and allergens to larger fibers. The machine includes a True HEPA filter, which effectively removes 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
The activated carbon filter contains carbon pellets, working to remove odors and formaldehyde. As an optional filter, you can choose to add an Anion generator that produces negative ions, refreshing the outgoing air.
Hidden Wheels and Child Lock
To prevent small fingers from meddling with the settings, the unit allows you to lock it. Then underneath are hidden wheels only grown-ups can find and operate, making it easier to move.
What We Don't Like
Large Unit Is Bulky
A few users said the unit is very large and doesn’t blend well with the surroundings. At 28 inches high, it’s almost toddler sized!
No Automatic Quality Updates
This unit used to include an air quality indicator that changed color to display improvements. The fan would adjust automatically for when higher or lower speeds are necessary. However, it doesn’t include that anymore, which is disappointing. What’s worse is that it’s still advertised as including it in the product listing, but don’t be fooled.
Not Budget-Friendly
This won’t be the best option if you’re on a budget. It’s one of the more expensive options we found due to the medical-grade features.
Product Specs
| Unit measurements | 13 inches by 15 inches by 28 inches |
| Stages of filtration | Four |
| Power consumption | N/A |
| Room coverage | 3700 square feet |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Our Ratings
IQAir Medical-Grade Air HEPA Filter
Best Filters
If you’re suffering from allergies or asthma, then the IQAir will surely suffice. It features one of the finest HEPA filters, enabling the unit to collect ultra-fine particles known for causing symptoms.
This efficient machine is suited with a strong fan and maintenance-free motor, distributing the filtered air in several directions. It works to eliminate drafts as well as escaping unfiltered air.
You can control all the settings via the included remote. The machine will notify you of any changes.
What We Like
Super HyperHEPA Filter Technology
The IQAir includes a super-fine filter, dubbed as HyperHEPA filtration technology. It’s an exclusive version of HEPA, designed to collect particles as small as 0.003 microns. Through independent testing, IQAir found that it successfully stopped 99.5 percent of ultra-fine particles known for causing viruses.
Minimal Air Leakage
To prevent unfiltered air from escaping, the IQAir includes a triple-sealing technology. It ensures that almost all the air entering the unit gets filtered before exiting. The system consists of a 3D UltraSeal, which are individual seals providing an airtight closure.
Powerful New Edition Fan
Included with the IQAir are a New Edition fan and a maintenance-free motor. This combo can deliver air up to 780 cubic feet per minute. It’s also energy efficient — depending on your setting, it draws between 27 to 215 watts.
Then the EvenFlow diffuser delivers air in a 320-degree radius. It’s ultra-quiet and won’t create a draft.
Remote Control Included
You can control the unit using the included remote. With that, you can monitor the filter, program the settings, and much more.
What We Don't Like
Creates Bad Smells
Some reviewers noted that when you first use the unit, it emits a bad odor. However, a few also said that the company quickly responded and sent out a new filter to prevent the smell.
Hard to Replace Filters
It’s not the most manageable unit to maintain. Firstly, the filters are pricey. Secondly, replacing them is pretty difficult to do. The unit is clunky and hard to open and reassemble.
Product Specs
| Unit measurements | 16 inches by 15 inches by 28 inches |
| Stages of filtration | Multiple |
| Power consumption | 215 watts |
| Room coverage | 1125 square feet |
| Warranty | One year warranty, 10 years if you register |
Our Ratings
PureAir 3000 - Whole Home Air Purifier
Best for Mold and Mildew
If your home is prone to mold, mildew, and other harmful pathogens, the PureAir 3000 is fantastic. Users praise the way it helped refresh their homes.
The PureAir 3000 utilizes a unique method for successfully removing all harmful particles. It’s very powerful and easy to use. Included is a user’s manual and a remote to control it.
However, it does use ionization so if you have asthma, use it with caution.
What We Like
Removes Mold and Other Harmful Pollutants
This device utilizes something called photocatalytic oxidation. The process works effectively at breaking down odors and mold, bacteria, and other harmful pollutants in the air. PureAir claims that it can successfully reduce such dangerous pathogens by 99 percent in just 24 hours.
Easy to Use and Set-Up
The unit is very easy to set up and use. It includes thorough instructions for setup, use, and maintenance.
Refreshens the Air
While removing almost all the pollutants from indoor air, the PureAir 3000 will also refresh it. Utilizing a method resembling that of nature leaves the atmosphere crisp and fresh.
Advanced Technology Cleans Air and Removes Odors
This unit uses cool technology, including ARC, activated oxygen, photocatalytic oxidation, and ionization. These features work wonders at removing contaminants and odors from pets, smoking, cooking, and more.
What We Don't Like
Emits Odor
A few users complained that the unit emits an odor. Thankfully, it seems to disappear after a few uses.
Be Careful of Ozone Feature
This unit uses an ozone generator to clean the air, which can be harmful. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t seem to claim many warnings about this. But you must do your own research and be careful, as inhaling ozone can have serious health risks for humans and animals (1).
Expensive With Short Warranty
This is one of the most expensive air purifiers we’ve seen. Plus, it has a one-year warranty which isn’t very generous considering the price.
Product Specs
| Unit measurements | 12 inches by 9 inches by 12.25 inches |
| Stages of filtration | Multiple |
| Power consumption | N/A |
| Room coverage | 3000 square feet |
| Warranty | One year warranty |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Unit measurements | Stages of filtration | Power consumption | Room coverage | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alen BreatheSmart Air Purifier | Overall | 26.75″ x 17.75″ x 10″ | Multiple | 105 W | 1100 sq ft | Lifetime |
| Coway Airmega 400 Air Purifier | Smart Air Purifier | 14.8″ x 14.8″ x 22.8″ | Two | 66 W | 1560 sq ft | 5-year |
| Medify AirMA-112 | Large Homes | 13″ x 15″ x 28″ | Four | N/A | 3700 sq ft | Lifetime |
| IQAir Medical-Grade HEPA Filter | Filters | 16″ x 15″ x 28″ | Multiple | 215 W | 1125 sq ft | 1 year |
| PureAir 3000 Air Purifier | Mold and Mildew | 12″ x 9″ x 12.25″ | Multiple | N/A | 3000 sq ft | 1 year |
Benefits of Whole House Air Purifiers
1. Better Productivity
Clean air is crucial if you’re spending much time at home. Improving the air you breathe can increase your productivity (2).
As the levels of airborne pollutants become too high indoors, you can quickly become fatigued and lethargic. You may notice that you feel sleepy most of the time, or you might experience frequent headaches. These could all be signs that the indoor air is poor.
2. Improved Health
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, an air purifier can significantly affect your well-being. Indoor pollutants such as dust, dander, and hair, among others, are likely to be the culprits of your symptoms (3).
Because most air purifiers can effectively remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, they can better your symptoms. If the machine contains the right filter, even better; it can collect 99.97 percent of the particles.
3. Superior Sleep
Poor indoor air quality can interfere with your sleep (4). Dust and other particles can cause snoring and reduce the efficiency of your rest. With infants, polluted air could, in severe cases, result in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (5).
Therefore, improving indoor air quality can minimize any chances of developing sleep disorders. In all, you’ll get a restful night.
Things to Consider
Here are the features to look for if you’re looking for a product that will keep the air in your entire home clean.
Coverage Area
For each air purifier, we will state its coverage capacity. Work out how big your home is and buy accordingly. You’ll find that our picks range from 1100 to 3700 square feet.
Keep In Mind
Noise Level
Almost all air purifiers will tell you their noise levels from the lowest to the highest setting. If it doesn’t say in the description, scroll down to the reviews, and other users will surely tell you how loud it is.
To combat a noise issue, buying a larger unit is a good idea.
It may sound counterintuitive, but you can often operate larger units in a lower and quieter setting. In comparison, smaller machines must work faster in large homes. Unfortunately, this usually means more noise.
Filter
The filter is what makes the air purifier successful. If the filter is of poor quality or just doesn’t have enough filtration stages, the air won’t get purified. The best filters to look for are HEPA and activated carbon.
HEPA filters remove the tiny pollutants from the air, including dust, dust mites, pollen, and mold.
For odors, though, you’ll need an activated carbon filter. Among smells, these can collect chemicals, gas molecules, formaldehyde, and more.
Fortunately, most whole-house air purifiers utilize both. The downside, however, is that they’ll require replacement eventually, which can be pricey.
Warranty
Warranties allow you to replace broken parts or even the whole unit, should something go wrong. When manufacturers back their products with a warranty, they stand by the quality. So, having a good one generally means that the product is worth its price.
FAQs
Do Air Purifiers Use a Lot of Electricity?
Air purifiers don’t use a lot of electricity. Running one for 12 hours is the same as running your dishwasher for 30 minutes or powering a standard laptop.
Do You Leave Air Purifier on All Day?
You should leave your air purifier on all day because pollution is a continual problem. Once you switch off the air purifier, the air quality drops, which means the purifier needs to work harder to restore clean air.
How Long Does It Take for an Air Purifier to be Effective?
It doesn’t take long for an air purifier to be effective. You should notice the results between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the quality and capacity of the purifier. It also makes a difference where you place the purifier.
Is It Better to Have One Large Air Purifier or Multiple Small Ones?
Knowing whether it’s better to have one large air purifier or multiple small ones is a matter of choice. A whole-house air purifier is cumbersome, but you only need to pay out once, whereas multiple purifiers could be more expensive.
However, having an air purifier in every room is better for air quality because a whole-house model needs to be placed at a central point. Plus, large air cleansers work more effectively in open-plan homes because of better airflow.
How Much is a Whole House Air Purifier?
A whole house air purifier will cost between $400 to $4,000, depending on whether you have a free-standing or professionally-installed model. HEPA filter air purifiers are more expensive, typically starting at $1,000.
How Do You Install a Whole House Air Purifier?
The best way to install a whole house air purifier is to call in the professionals. Retro-fitting is never simple, and if you are upgrading your HVAC system, you may invalidate the warranty if you do the work yourself.
