Basements are usually the most neglected space in the house. The “ugly duckling” room — filled with pipes, exposed walls, and limited natural light (if any). It can feel like a dingy dungeon, an outlier compared to the rest of the home.
There are many reasons why your basement can turn out this way, from external factors such as radon or rising damp to dusty old belongings stored away. All of these are made much worse by the fact that the basement has restricted ventilation, which intensifies pollutants.
One good way to ensure your basement is free from particulates, gasses, and odors is to install an air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filters.
An air purifier in the basement means airborne particulates like mold will be trapped in the filter instead of on your walls. Additionally, the activated charcoal filter catches nasty odors to boost freshness.
But knowing which air purifier is best for you isn’t simple. So, the HouseFresh team tested over 80 different devices to truly understand which devices work and which don’t.
Using our in-house data, I’ve hand-picked the five best air purifiers that can tackle basement maintenance, paying close attention to filters, purification speed, and long-term running costs.
Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers for basements
For those in a hurry, here’s a look at our top three purifier picks for your basement.
BEST OVERALL | FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | FOR LARGE SPACES | |
---|---|---|---|
Levoit Core 600S | TaoTronics AP003 or Lago Air Purifier | Alen Breathsmart 75i | |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Air cleaning speed | 15 minutes | 26 minutes | 24 minutes |
CADR | Dust: 373 CFM Smoke: 377 CFM Pollen: 437 CFM | Dust: 202 CFM Smoke: 198 CFM Pollen: 215 CFM | Dust: 335.3 CFM Smoke: 330.5 CFM Pollen: 403.4 CFM |
Filter tech | 3-stage filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) | Pre-filter, H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
Max room size | 635 sq. ft. | 322 sq. ft. | 512 sq. ft. |
Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) | 27 lbs (12.2 kg) |
Review | Levoit Core 600S review | TaoTronics review | Alen 75i review |
Price | $299.99 | $748.99 | |
Last update on 2025-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Of course, all basements are different. So, it’s important to understand your specific needs and assess all available options. Read on to find a range of units that cover different-sized spaces, have multiple features, and fit into various budgets.
1. Best overall: Levoit Core 600S
The Levoit Core 600S is the best basement air purifier on the market that provides rapid results, even in larger spaces.

The Core 600S is a no-brainer when facing the stubborn pollutants found in basements. Its powerful fans can clean large volumes of air every minute with a CADR of 373 CFM. Another plus is its relatively inexpensive price tag ( just $0.61 per CADR), which means you probably won’t mind keeping it on around the clock.
Our review shows that Levoit’s filters can remove even the smallest airborne particles. The 600S uses a high-quality 3-in-1 filter consisting of a pre-filter for larger pollutants like dust, a primary filter for smaller particles such as mold spores, and an activated carbon filter for odors and other VOCs rife in the space.
What we really like
What we think could be better
During our clean air speed test, the unit removed all traces of pollutants in just 15 minutes — the second-fastest purifier to do so. Although our test space is slightly smaller than the average basement, Levoit designed this unit to perform 4.8 air changes every hour in spaces up to 584 sq. ft., providing plenty of fresh air to larger rooms.
Despite this powerful performance, this unit is also ultra-energy efficient. This will be particularly useful as you can leave the device to run at its top speed around the clock to ensure it cleans up any pollutants. Once you’re happy that the air is safer to breathe, you can utilize the 600S’s auto mode to operate at lower fan speeds and automatically react snappily whenever pollutant levels rise.


HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 22 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) |
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour): | 615 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 373 CFM Smoke: 377 CFM Pollen: 437 CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
Filter life: | 6 months |
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 40.9 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 61.4 dB |
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 1.53 watts Speed 1: 7.92 watts Speed 2: 11.35 watts Speed 3: 21.15 watts Speed 4: 49.27 watts |
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $195.13 per year |
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.80 |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
Country of manufacture: | China |
2. Less than $100: TaoTronics AP-003
If you want a cost-effective solution to your basement’s poor air quality, look no further than the TaoTronics AP-003.

The TaoTronics AP-003 is proof that not all cheap electronics made in China are junk. This unit from a lowkey brand promised a lot in its sales pitch, but boy, did it deliver with performance and specifications to rival units 2-3 times its RRP.
Setting you back just $79.99, this air purifier has many features to combat basement pollutants. First up is its medical grade H13 HEPA filter. It’s proven to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is far smaller than the average dust or mold particle. Couple this with a granular carbon filter, and the TaoTronics AP-003 will take care of any musky odors, too.
What we really like
What we think could be better
One of the main features that jumped off the spec sheet for this unit was a CADR of 202 CFM. This is super powerful for a unit costing less than 100 bucks, so we had to see it for ourselves. Lo and behold, the AP-003 made light work of our speed test, removing the smallest PM1 particles in less than half an hour, which is exactly what you’ll need when cleaning a basement.
With a low energy draw and a highly accurate air sensor to monitor pollutant levels, this purifier continues to prove its worth. You might be wondering what the catch is. Well, it can be tricky to find in stock online (perhaps an indicator of its popularity). Still, we discovered that many other brands use this model as part of ODM, so there are models available that use the same design, and we had a chance to test one of them, the Lago air purifier.

Its performance in our test room was the same as that of the Taotronics AP003, and even the filter that came with it looks to be exactly the same and has the same model number.
The only downside of the Lago is that its price seems a little higher than Taotronics, but it is available on Amazon.com, so if you have trouble getting it from Taotronics.com, then this might be a better option for keeping your basement clean.
HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 26 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets |
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 307 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 202 CFM Smoke: 198 CFM Pollen: 215 CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 21.8 x 14.1 x 7.9 inches (55.4 x 35.8 x 20cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.64 lbs (6.19 kg) |
Filter life: | 6 months |
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 38.4 dB Speed 2: 42.8 dB Speed 3: 54.2 dB |
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.7 watts Speed 1: 5.9 watts Speed 2: 10.5 watts Speed 3: 36.5 watts |
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $90.66 per year |
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.49 |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
Country of manufacture: | China |
3. Oldie but goodie: Honeywell HPA300
Honeywell’s HPA300 offers powerful performance without the premium price tag.

To put it simply, the HPA300 is a workhorse of an air purifier. It may not come with the latest smart features or a shiny new design, but it clears pollutants quickly thanks to its powerful fan and quality HEPA filters.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Available for less than $200, this air purifier offers valuable bang for your buck. With a CADR of 300 CFM, this equates to just 80 cents per CFM, which is incredibly cost-efficient.
This power makes the HPA300 a great option for use in basements as large as 465 sq. ft, as we saw when reviewing the unit, taking just 14 minutes to clear our test space of all PM1 particles.
Being an older unit, it’s not quite as energy efficient or quiet as its counterparts on this list, but this is traded off by a low initial purchase price and cheap True-HEPA filter replacements that are readily available online and in many stores, allowing you to keep your basement’s air clean and healthy long into the future.


HouseFresh rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
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Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 20 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | Activated Carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter |
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 465 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 320 CFM Smoke: 300 CFM Pollen: 300 CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20.8L x 10.83W x 22.38H inches (52.8L x 27.5W x 56.8H cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
Filter life: | HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months |
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 43.6 dB Speed 2: 48.8 dB Speed 3: 53.9 dB Speed 4: 59.5 dB |
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 28.35 watts Speed 2: 42.92 watts Speed 3: 55.8 watts Speed 4: 76.2 watts |
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $205.22 per year |
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.84 |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
Country of manufacture: | China |
4. For large basements: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
Big basements meet their match with the Alen BreatheSmart 75i.

The 75i is a giant among air purifiers. As the largest of Alen’s BreatheSmart range, it takes on the mantle of the beefy big bro to the average-sized 45i and FLEX. With this added size comes added versatility, as the unit can take on huge spaces and eliminate larger quantities of pollutants thanks to its customizable filters.
What we really like
What we think could be better
So just how large of a basement are we talking about? Alen designed this unit to circulate air 4.8 times per hour in a 512 sq. ft. space, with a generous CADR of 335 CFM. Yet somehow, this unit draws a meager 45 watts on its top speed setting, allowing you to run the purifier for longer without racking up higher energy bills.
What I love about this option is that Alen offers a range of filters to suit your needs. Each option includes an H13 HEPA that captures particles as small as 0.1 microns with impressive effectiveness, but you can also tailor the amount of activated carbon the filter contains. Higher carbon quantities (found in the Odor or Smoke filter) provide enhanced protection from VOCs and odor, which is paramount if your basement is subject to radon or other chemical pollutants.


HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 24 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 512 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 335.3 CFM Smoke: 330.5 CFM Pollen: 403.4 CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 27H x 18.5W x 11.5D inches (68.58H x 46.99W x 29.21D cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 27 lbs (12.2 kg) |
Filter life: | 12 – 15 months |
Noise level in decibels (as reported by the manufacturer): | 24 – 49dB |
Electricity consumption in watts (as reported by the manufacturer): | Lowest fan speed: 1.8 watts Highest fan speed: 45 watts |
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $147.72 per year |
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $2.23 |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
Country of manufacture: | China |
5. On/off ionizer function: Winix 5500-2
Sleek style meets speedy performance. The Winix 5500-2 is one of the latest units to light up our clean air speed test.

Winix has been making air purifiers for a while. But with the 5500-2, the company has mastered its craft. This air purifier utilizes four stages of purification, including Winix’s trademark PlasmaWave technology (a type of bipolar ionizer), which can help remove particles from the air even faster.
What we really like
What we think could be better
This unit blends style and function, with impressive qualities under the hood. As well as Plasmawave technology, you’ll find a washable pre-filter ideal for dirty spaces, a granular activated carbon filter for odors and VOCs and a True HEPA filter to remove the smallest dust and mold particulates.
Boasting a CADR score of 243 CFM when independently tested against dust makes for a highly efficient unit to use in a basement environment. We were blown away by how fast the 5500-2 performed in our speed test, clearing all pollutants in just 20 minutes.


HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 23 minutes (with PlasmaWave) |
Air purifier technology: | PlasmaWave, removable pre-filter, washable activated carbon filter and True HEPA filter |
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 360 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 243 CFM Smoke: 232 CFM Pollen: 246 CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / cm): | 15W x 8.2D x 23.6H inches (38W x 21D x 60H cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) |
Filter life: | 12 months |
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 38.8 dB Speed 2: 42.5 dB Speed 3: 47.5 dB Speed 4: 58.9 dB |
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.34 watts Speed 1: 6.5 watts Speed 2: 9.11 watts Speed 3: 14.80 watts Speed 4: 53.46 watts |
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $161.53 per year |
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.66 |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 year |
Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
Other air purifiers we tested but don’t recommend for basements
Having reviewed and tested over 50 different air purifiers, there were more than many that didn’t quite meet our high standards. To help our readers avoid wasting their money, we’ll happily call out a disappointment when we see one. So, if you’re looking to improve the air quality in your basement, steer clear of these units:
- GermGuardian AC4825e – GermGuardian has been a staple in the air purifier world for some time. Yet, its products are unfortunately stuck in the past. When we tested the AC4825e, it took almost 2 hours to clear our test space of pollutants. At the same time, its bacteria-killing UV-C technology failed to impress and instead managed to spike electricity use.
- AROEVE MK01 – Billed as a medical-grade air purifier, AROEVE seemingly put all its eggs in the H13 HEPA basket, forgetting that for the filter to work, the purifier must circulate air effectively. With lackluster fans providing a poor CADR of 25 cfm, this unit would always struggle to reduce indoor air pollution, especially in an enclosed basement environment.
What to look for when buying an air purifier for basements
Basements are usually where you’ll find the worst air quality in your home.
The reason is simple: basements lack ventilation. This means that excess moisture has nowhere to escape, resulting in mold, mildew, and an unmistakable musky odor. Other pollutants, such as dust, allergens, and VOCs, are left to linger, exacerbating the issue further.
To fix this, you need to take action by increasing airflow and rooting out the causes of your air pollution problem. Utilizing an air purifier is an easy solution. However, to guarantee you get a device up to the task at hand, be sure to look for the following features:
1. High-quality filters
It’s vital that your air purifier can remove the smallest particles to improve air quality. It’ll need tightly woven filters to capture minuscule dust, mold, and any other particulate lurking in your basement.
As a rule of thumb, HEPA filters guarantee results. They’re rigorously tested to show they can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The average dust and mold spore particles vary in size between 2 and 10 microns, so they fall comfortably within the HEPA range.
While not all manufacturers use HEPA-certified filters (see Levoit), we’ve tested each option on this list, making sure each unit is a safe choice for you.
2. Odor-busting activated carbon
As well as an excellent primary or HEPA filter, you’ll need activated carbon to remove VOCs such as musky odor and chemical fumes.
These filters work by trapping gaseous pollutants in the pores of a carbon substrate found inside the filter in a process known as adsorption. The more carbon a filter possesses, the more effective it will be, so keep an eye out for that when purchasing your device.
3. Energy efficiency
Tackling build-ups of air pollution in your basement is a big task for any air purifier. You’ll need to use your air purifier 24/7 to remove these pollutants as quickly as possible.
If you opt for a power-hungry unit, this could skyrocket your electricity bill.
Look for an air purifier with an Energy Star rating, or check out our annual energy expenses for each unit we test, where we measure how many watts a unit uses at its top speed and calculate an estimated cost using the Department of Energy’s appliance energy calculator.
4. Room size suitability
Air purifiers are most effective when used in an appropriate-sized space. Some units are effective in smaller rooms, and others can clean the air in much larger rooms, like a basement.
Ensuring you’ve found a suitably sized air purifier is critical, as an underpowered unit used in a basement will struggle to make a difference in your air quality.
The advertised space should indicate that the device can perform 4-5 air changes every hour, helping to increase ventilation and deliver much-needed clean air throughout your basement.
Manufacturers usually share what size room they have developed the unit for, so take a close look at the specifications or check out our specs and features table, where we always list the correct room size.
Common questions about air purifiers in the basement
Place your air purifier as close as possible to the source of the pollutants. Leave at least five centimeters between your purifier and any wall or large furniture to allow air to flow freely in and out of the unit
Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps through cracks in a building’s foundation or vents. Seal any entry points before using a HEPA and activated carbon filter air purifier.
Air purifiers remove harmful airborne pollutants, while dehumidifiers expel excess moisture from the air. If you have a damp basement, using a quality dehumidifier and air purifier together can eradicate musty air and stop its spread or inhalation.
Using an air purifier if you live in a basement improves airflow and captures pollutants. This means less exposure to allergens, dust particles, and odors, creating a happier and healthier living environment.
Wrapping up
Basements are notorious for their poor air quality, so investing in an air purifier is a surefire way to keep the space cleaner and healthier.
As these spaces have a large footprint, measuring the space and purchasing a purifier that can circulate the air is extra important. Opt for as high a CADR as your budget will allow, even if this means overlooking smart features and operating volumes that are less useful in a basement. Finally, make sure the unit you choose is cheap to run, as you’ll likely use it much more to combat the challenges in a basement setting.