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3 best air purifier and humidifier combos

The following combo appliances will help to keep your home air clean and also increase humidity levels
By
Updated on March 19, 2024
Written by
Paul Allen
Paul is a staff writer for HouseFresh, with a focus on product recommendations and advice for smokers and apartment dwellers. He started writing in November 2020, when he joined the content production team at NeoMam Studios (our parent company).

Our verdict

  • Dyson PH03 is my top pick — it’s a smooth-operating, sleek-looking combo unit from a brand you can trust.
  • Afloia MIRO PRO is the best budget buy — offering users added innovation thanks to its modular design.
  • Sharp KC850U is perfect for large spaces — with the highest CADR score out of all options on this list.

If you’ve ever experienced sore sinuses, itchy eyes or dried-out skin, the chances are you’re living in an environment with low humidity. As we live and breathe in these conditions, the dry air can grate against our most sensitive features as they struggle to stay hydrated. 

Living in a dry climate, such as a desert or a sun-soaked city, it can be common to experience such symptoms. But living in colder climates can equally disrupt our body’s moisture levels as you face the cold, dry air on a winter’s day or take measures to combat the weather by heating your homes.

Either way, living without humidity can be highly uncomfortable and even affect our health. Conditions can often be exacerbated as we battle the daily struggle against poor air quality. With a cocktail of pollutants, including allergens, chemical fumes and increasing wildfire smoke, polluting our environment and the air inside our homes.

Suffering from dirty, dry air isn’t necessary, however. Some excellent products on the market can protect you from pollutants while also regulating humidity. Air purifier and humidifier combos work in tandem to capture microscopic particles using highly efficient HEPA filters while replenishing moisture levels by adding soothing water vapor to your environment, helping you to breathe easily, even when humidity drops.   

When cleaning the air and replenishing moisture, I looked for three key features: 

✅ High-Quality Filters – An air purifier is only as good as its filters. We ensured each option on this list utilized top-of-the-range HEPA filters to capture the smallest particles.

✅ Water Reservoirs – Many humidifiers are limited by how much water they can release. We picked best-in-class humidifiers that boast large reservoirs capable of making a difference. 


✅ Budget-Friendly – Finding an appliance that can do two jobs well without costing the earth isn’t easy. That’s why we scoured our database to provide quality options at every price point. 

The top 3 air purifier and humidifier combos

Eager to see our favorite air purifier and humidifier combos? Here’s a peek at our top three choices

👑 BEST OVERALL💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES
Dyson PH03 Humidify+CoolAfloia MIRO PROSHARP KC850U
CADR 👩‍🔬99.8 CFM88 CFM164 CFM
FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨H13 HEPA with impregnated Activated Carbon fabricPre-filter, Activated Carbon and HEPA filterTrue HEPA, Activated Carbon and washable Pre-filter + Plasmacutter Technology
WATER TANK CAPACITY 💦3.8 L / 6.7 pints1.9 L / 3.34 pints4.3 L / 7.68 pints
MAX ROOM SIZE 📏Up to 2860 sq. ft.219 sq. ft.254 sq. ft.
WEIGHT ⚖️18 lbs / 8.16 kg5.7 lbs / 2.6 kg21.4 lbs / 9.7 kg
FILTER LIFE 🔁12 months3 – 6 months5 years
PRICE 💵$649.99$124.99$362.49

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I’ve selected a range of air purifier and humidifier combos to help you revitalize your air and breathe comfortably all year round. Be sure to check out the complete list below for options across varying room sizes, styles and budgets to find the ideal option for your needs.

1. Best overall: Dyson PH03 Humidify+Cool

Danny our HouseFresh founder got a chance to review the Dyson PH03 and was impressed with it’s ability to be a humidifier, fan and air purifier. Unlike many other units on this list, the design is second to none and would be a conversation starter in many homes. 

For those looking for a decent air purifier with the ability to humidify a room with best in-class smart features – the Dyson PH range is currently what we think is the best air purifier and humidifier on the market.

Underneath the PH03’s stylish exterior, you’ll find medical grade H13 HEPA filters that are sealed to ensure maximum efficiency as dirty air passes through. As for its humidification credentials, it comes with a generous 1-gallon tank that can help hydrate large spaces for up to 36 hours straight.

Dyson claims that the PH03 can circulate the air in rooms as large as 2,800 sq ft. However, this doesn’t seem to ring true from using this unit firsthand. During our clean air speed test, the PH03 struggled to compete with supposed less powerful purifiers in its price range, it cleaned our test room in 70 minutes which is much higher than the $99 Levoit Core 300.

Costing over $600, this is the most expensive option on this list. If comparing it to standalone air purifiers, I’d have to question its value for money. But as a combo unit, with classy hallmarks such as Auto Mode, which monitors air quality and adjusts the unit’s settings for you, UV lights to ensure the water it expels is free from bacteria and a glossy app for detailed reports and enhanced control, it still proves to be a cut above the competition.  

With price being the biggest downside, be sure to check out the price of this device during sales. We regularly list the best air purifier prime deals and Black Friday, and we often see this unit for $100 less than it’s RRP during these times. 

What we really like

HEPA filters can capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns
The classy design will fit nicely into modern homes
One of the best in-app experiences we’ve tested
Powerful fans enable cooling, hydration-filled air throughout your room

What we think could be better

Cleaning performance doesn’t compete with standalone air purifiers in a similar price range.
Activated Carbon filter could be beefed up for added protection

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:★★★★☆
Time to clean our test room:1 hour and 10 minutes
Air purifier technology:H13 HEPA with impregnated activated charcoal fabric
Recommended room size:Up to 2,860 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):99.8 CFM (169.6 m³/h)
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):36.33H x 11.02W x 12.22D inches (92H x 28W x 31D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):18 lbs (8.16 kg)
Noise level (low – high):36dB – 61dB
Filter life:12 months
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour):Standby mode: 0.6 kWh
Speed 1: 6.2 kWh
Speed 2: 7.1 kWh
Speed 3: 12.4 kWh
Speed 4: 17 kWh
Speed 5: 41.7 kWh
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements):$74.15 per year
Manufacturer’s warranty:2 years
Country of manufacture:Singapore/Malaysia

2. Best budget option: Afloia MIRO PRO

Afloia has taken their noteworthy MIRO air purifier and upgraded the unit to include a modular humidifier, killing two birds with one reasonably priced stone. 

The MIRO PRO proves to be a wise investment for use in smaller spaces of up to 219 square feet. Equipped with a three-in-one filter, including HEPA and Activated Carbon protection, fan speeds capable of circulating the air five times an hour and a simple yet effective evaporative humidifier that can add almost two liters of moisture to your air before it’s time to refill.

Although it won’t set the world alight with a CADR score of 88 CFM, I love this combo unit’s unique design, making it an excellent option for those looking for versatility. Whether you only require added humidity occasionally or need a lightweight alternative to move around the home, Afolia has enabled this unit to work independently, allowing you to remove the humidifier component when it isn’t required. 

What we really like

Decent water reservoir for a budget unit
The in-built 7-color night-light feature is a quality touch
Replacement filters are affordable and readily available 
Small enough to fit on a shelf or bedside table

What we think could be better

Although modular, you cannot use the humidifier without air purifier
Smaller reservoir and auto-shutoff feature mean you can’t reap the rewards throughout the night

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:★★★☆☆
Air purifier technology:Pre-filter, Activated Carbon and HEPA filter
Water tank capacity:1.9 L / 3.34 pints
Recommended room size:219 sq. ft. 
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):88 CFM 
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):21.8H x  7.6W x 7.6D inches / 55.4H x 19.3W x 19.3D cm
Weight (in pounds / in kg):5.7 lbs / 2.6 kg
Noise level (low – high):24 – 55dB
Filter life:3 – 6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:3 years
Estimated energy consumption:$24.18 per year

3. Best for large spaces: SHARP KC850U

Sharp is well-known and well-trusted for its air purification and humidity control appliances. The KC850U combo unit is one of their flagship models, taking the mantle as our top recommended unit for larger spaces, thanks to its impressive CADR score of 164 CFM and ability to circulate the air in rooms as large as 1,230 square feet.   

The KC850U boasts a sleek, future-proof design alongside long-lasting HEPA filters, which will help to reduce air pollution for years to come. Their five-year filters boast one of the longest lifespans I’ve encountered, especially in the combo market.

Although capable of working in much larger spaces, the KC850U is best suited to medium-sized rooms of up to 250 sq ft. In this range, you’ll benefit from more frequent air changes and faster relief from low humidity, with 1.3 pints added to your space every hour. I was particularly impressed with this unit’s water capacity, reducing refills and allowing for soothing moisture to be added throughout the night.

What we really like

HEPA and Activated Carbon filters can last as long as 5 years 
CARB certified for so produces less than 50 ppb of ozone
Super quiet on lower fan speeds
It comes with an enormous water reservoir 

What we think could be better

It would be cool to see an Auto mode that reacts to humidity levels
Disappointing warranty for a premium product

SPECS & FEATURES

HouseFresh Rating:★★★★☆
Air purifier technology:True HEPA, Activated Carbon and washable Pre-filter + Plasmacutter Technology
Water tank capacity:4.3 L / 7.68 pints
Recommended room size:254 sq. ft. 
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):164 CFM  
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):23H x 15W x 10.5D inches / 58.6H x 37.8W x 26.5D cm
Weight (in pounds / in kg):21.4 lbs / 9.7 kg
Noise level (low – high):19 – 51 dB
Filter life:5 years
Manufacturer’s warranty:1 year
Estimated energy consumption:$98.81 per year

What to look for when buying an air purifier and humidifier combos

The air we breathe indoors is more harmful than what we would find outside. Many pollutants, such as dust, mold, or bacteria, become trapped inside the home due to highly efficient insulation and airtight windows and doors. 

As the average American spends 90% of their time indoors, it’s essential to take action to reduce exposure to such pollutants and enjoy breathing cleaner, fresher air. 

Investing in an air purifier is the best way to achieve better air quality in your home. But many of us may also benefit from using a humidifier too. Low humidity can cause severe discomfort as it dries out and irritates your eyes, nasal passages, throat and lungs. 

Whether you’re trying to decide on the correct type of water vapor technology air filter type or simply trying to wrap your head around their Smart features, below, I’ve debunked what to look for and how this might help improve your air quality. 

1. How large is your space?

Appliances such as air purifiers and humidifiers are designed to work in a specific-sized space. How large this is boils down to the power of the fans inside the unit and how much air they can process. 

Opting for a low-powered budget model for use in a large room would fail to improve air quality or add adequate moisture, as the unit couldn’t circulate air throughout the whole space. 

Manufacturers typically share a recommended room size for each purifier and humidifier combo, providing a guideline for consumers to compare their room measurements against. 

2. Does the air purifier utilize quality filters?

Air pollution is comprised of microscopic particles, gasses and odors that remain suspended in the air. To eradicate these pollutants, you’ll need the right tool for the job—HEPA and Activated Carbon filters. 

HEPA or High-Effincy Particulate Air filters are widely considered the benchmark of an effective air purifier. This term certifies a filter can capture at least 99.7% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, covering most of the particulate matter found in the home. 

Activated Carbon filters are designed to capture VOC pollutants such as odors and gases. This filter works by locking pollutants into the filters, affixed to the porous carbon substrate found inside through a process known as adsorption. 

3. How much moisture do you plan on adding to your space? 

Using a humidifier can benefit your health and your home. However, different users may require different amounts of moisture to be added. For those needing lots of humidity to assist with ongoing health conditions such as sinusitis, you may wish to opt for a combo unit with a larger tank that can expel more moisture in a faster time frame. 

For those who need occasional relief during winter flu season or to regulate humidity in spaces with vulnerable furniture or belongings, a smaller, more budget-friendly option may be more suitable.  

4. Would you benefit from any smart features?

As technology permeates into our everyday appliances, users can reap the rewards of greater control, enhanced data and easier-to-use features. This is no exception to the air purifier and humidifier market. With many options boasting compatible apps, voice-activated controls or in-built air sensors that take the guesswork out of improving air quality.

On the flip side, some users prefer a super-simple unit, where setting it up and operating its controls requires minimal instruction or integration into other devices. 

Common questions about air purifier and humidifier combos

No. Humidifiers change the amount of moisture in the air. They typically don’t contain the filters needed to clean the air (True HEPA filter) as found in an air purifier.

Air purifiers are excellent tools for cleaning the air in your home or work environment. Using a powerful fan to pull the air in from each corner of your room, they capture pollutants in a range of filters as the air passes through the unit. This leaves clean, fresh and healthy air to be redistributed into the space. The most effective air purifiers will contain a combination of Activated Carbon and HEPA filters, which can trap VOC and particulate matter pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.

A humidifier’s job is to add moisture to dry air. Low humidity can be damaging to your health, causing dry skin, throat and lips, and can also cause shrinking and even cracking to wooden furniture, so it’s important to regulate moisture levels, aiming for between 30-50% humidity. 

There’s nothing to stop you from using both devices at the same time. As they do very different jobs there you can use them both at the same time to increase humidity and keep the air clean of particles and gasses.

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter. A True HEPA filter comprises tightly woven glass fibers, which have a 99.97% efficiency rate at capturing small airborne particles. They have become the industry standard in air purification. Even NASA has studied this type of filter and concluded that it be the best way to clean the air in the home.

From dust mites to pet dander, plenty of polluting particles exist within your home. Not to mention the traffic fumes, wildfire smoke and mold spores that sneak in from outside. 

Exposure to these pollutants might manifest in allergy-like symptoms or exacerbate existing health conditions, with some of the most common side effects including:

  • Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breathe
  • Headaches, dizziness and confusion
  • Chest pain and increased asthma attacks
  • Loss of concentration and fatigue
  • Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat

In serious cases, poor air quality can contribute to cardiovascular disease, COPD and lung cancer and, according to the World Health Organization, contributes to 7 million excess deaths every year.

People living in environments characterized by low humidity also experience many of the most common symptoms of air pollution. Dry conditions are known to exacerbate health conditions, with a particular emphasis on respiratory infections and allergies

Wrapping up

Whether pre-empting a painful cold this winter or adding some much-needed moisture to your low-humidity space, a humidifier can work wonders at alleviating painful symptoms and protecting vulnerable belongings. 

Couple this with a pollution-busting air purifier and you’re set to breathe easy all year round. However, splashing the cash or having the space for two separate appliances isn’t always an option. 

Although there are fewer choices in the combo market, there’s still an excellent range of options that can help to rebalance moisture levels and eradicate pollution once and for all.  

At HouseFresh, we have been reviewing air quality products since 2010. In all these years, we learned not to rely on manufacturers’ claims and the ever-so-glowing marketing materials. That is why we buy products with our own money, so we can write unbiased reviews after we’ve had enough time to evaluate air quality products in our home lab. Every unit we recommend has been thoroughly tested to assess its performance, energy consumption, and noise levels emitted in real-life environments. If you have any questions about our testing process for different types of air quality products, just drop us an email at hello@housefresh.com.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Paul Allen

Paul is a staff writer for HouseFresh, with a focus on product recommendations and advice for smokers and apartment dwellers. He started writing in November 2020, when he joined the content production team at NeoMam Studios (our parent company).