The term ‘VOC’ stands for volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can contain various chemicals, some of which will be harmful to your health.
Many VOCs are human-made chemicals used and produced in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, paints and refrigerants. But VOCs can also be created through chlorination in water treatments and contained in industrial solvents, pesticides, building materials and fuel.
These gases can enter your home through common household products you use daily, such as paints, cleaning products, and even beauty products like perfumes and nail polish, among many others. They can also enter your place of work through equipment like printers and photocopiers.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VOC concentrations can be up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Outside, VOCs usually dissipate without causing harm. But indoors, these chemicals can linger and cause adverse health effects ranging from headaches and throat irritation to kidney and liver damage.
If you are dealing with serious VOCs, try to ventilate your house as much as possible by opening windows and doors.
This is especially important when using VOC-heavy chemicals like paint stripping or cleaning products. Always perform this type of activity with your windows open to let more air move inside your home.
It’s important to clarify that many of the most popular air purifiers you will find online or at your local appliance shop are designed to tackle other types of pollutants, such as pollen, dust or cigarette smoke. These devices may have excellent particle filters (such as medical-grade H13 HEPA), but you need to look for gas filters with large amounts of activated carbon.
With those disclaimers out of the way, let me tell you about the air purifiers we recommend to tackle VOCs indoors based on tests we ran on nearly 150 different models. You can read more about how we test here.
1. Best VOC removal performance: AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with an 8-inch filter (16 lbs of activated carbon)
My favorite thing about this device is that the carbon filter is refillable, so it saves me a fortune!
Let me start my saying that this isn’t an air purifier that will help with both gases and particles. This DIY device only has a carbon filter so it will only be able to adsorb and remove unwanted odors and VOCs from the air – if you want particle filtration, you’ll need to get a separate unit. I personally, prefer this setup of two specialists units over one single device that isn’t particularly good at either job.
AC Infinity produces air filters for indoor gardeners, so I choose specific parts from their line to build my DIY carbon filter: one CLOUDLINE S8 fan, an 8-inch Carbon Filter, two noise reduction clamps and a pre-filter cloth.
These parts are supposed to be part of a bigger HVAC-style system that is attached to the ceiling, so when placed on the floor, the fan blades are exposed. That is why I went ahead and cut out a circular piece of carbon-impregnated fabric to cover the top.
In our VOC removal tests, this AC Infinity build outperformed every other air purifier we tested, including the beast that is the Austin Air HealthMate. By the way, we achieved the best performance by keeping the fan speed below 5.
This outstanding VOC removal performance can be explained by the fact that the filter houses a whopping 16 lbs of activated carbon – the most we’ve seen. The best thing is that it comes with two (2!) years’ worth of carbon refills from day one.
CONS
PROS
| Filter technology: | VOC and odor adsorption |
| Carbon type: | Australian RC412 at 1200+ IAV (38mm thickness) |
| Carbon quantity: | 16 lbs (7.2 kg) |
| Airflow: | 857 cfm |
| Dimensions: | Fan: 3.3 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches (8.5 x 3.6 x 1.3 cm) Filter: 18.1 x 10.9 inches (46 x 27.7 cm) |
| Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away: | Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 45.7 dBA Speed 3: 50.8 dBA Speed 4: 57.2 dBA Speed 5: 61.9 dBA Speed 6: 66.5 dBA Speed 7: 71.9 dBA Speed 8: 74.9 dBA Speed 9: 77.8 dBA Speed 10: 79.3 dBA |
| Electricity consumption in watts: | Speed 1: 3.7 watts Speed 2: 7.4 watts Speed 3: 12.3 watts Speed 4: 20.2 watts Speed 5: 30.3 watts Speed 6: 43.2 watts Speed 7: 60.3 watts Speed 8: 86.2 watts Speed 9: 113.2 watts Speed 10: 148 watts |
| Filter lifespan: | 12 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
2. Best for most people: Austin HealthMate (15 lbs of activated carbon)
If you’re looking for a traditional air purifier that can filter out VOCs as well as particles, this might be the one.
Austin Air has been manufacturing air purifiers from its factory in Buffalo, New York, since 1990. The HealthMate is Austin Air’s most popular device, and it has been designed to remove VOCs and chemicals from the air thanks to a MASSIVE carbon filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite.
The HealthMate is fully made out of metal and is very heavy but relatively small considering how big the filter inside is. In terms of features, you only get a dial at the front to switch between different fan speeds and turn the unit off. That’s it.
Even though it’s heavy, it’s easy to move it around the house thanks to the four wheels at the bottom. I appreciate that the wheels are of excellent quality and run well over hard floor and also carpets – usually air purifier wheels are rubbish on carpets.
Bear in mind that this large quantity of carbon will restrict airflow, which in turn impacts the HealthMate’s HEPA filter’s ability to quickly remove particles from the air. Even though it’s a big device, it has a particle removal performance that matches much smaller units.
Based on these results, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 160 cfm at top speed. This means it can clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 169 sq. ft. (or 15 m²). This is comparable to what you get with the Levoit Core 300S.
CONS
PROS
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – Top speed PM1 CADR: 160 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 154 cfm (dust) |
| Filter technology: | HEPA particle filter with 15 lb of activated carbon and zeolite mix gas filter |
| Recommended room size: | 169 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour) |
| Dimensions: | 23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm) |
| Weight: | 20.41 lbs (9.26 kg) |
| Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away: | Speed 1: 42.5 dB Speed 2: 53.2 dB Speed 3: 61.5 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts: | Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 61.1 watts Speed 2: 85.05 watts Speed 3: 147.6 watts |
| Filter lifespan: | 5 years |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Country of manufacture: | United States (Buffalo, New York) |
The Austin Air HealthMate is excellent at removing gases and odors from the air but its particle removal performance is comparable to small, tabletop units like the Levoit Core 300S. If you’re looking for an air purifier with large amounts of carbon that is also efficient at removing dust, pollen and other allergens from the air, then you should look elsewhere.
IQAir HealthPro Plus (5.5 lbs carbon)
The HealthPro Plus from IQAir is a legendary air purifier released in 1998 that is still widely recommended today. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 213 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 319 sq. ft. (29 m²).
You get a large pre-filter that captures larger particles like pet hair and fluff, followed by a HyperHEPA filter that removes the smallest of particles from the air, and lastly, there’s a VOCs filter with 5 lbs of activated carbon.
3. Best for less than $200: AirFanta 3 Pro (1.3 lbs of activated carbon)
For just $179.99 you can get your 3Pro with four bonded filters with a E11 filter for particles on one side and 600g (or 1.32 lbs) of activated carbon pellets.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
Most cheap air purifiers come with just a carbon-impregnated fabric filter to remove VOCs that won’t be enough for most. That is why I was very happy to see AirFanta roll out a version of their popular 3Pro that includes 600g of activated carbon pellets.
Now, keep in mind that this is not a traditional air purifier. This is a design inspired by the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box with a plastic base, a filter at each side and an array of four PC fans on top. Yes, you read that right: it uses PC fans!
This makes the 3Pro incredibly powerful but also quiet and energy-efficient. In our particle removal test, it outperformed air purifier that cost 3x as much. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm so it can offer five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. (or 49m²).
If you choose the HEPA-Carbon option, you’ll get four filters with an E11 particle filter on one side and pelleted activated carbon on the other. This means you’ll need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is saturated.
Something special about the 3Pro is that you can assemble it and disassemble it in just a couple of minutes. Once you’ve taken it apart, it will fit in a large backpack or small suitcase so you can travel with it if that is something you’d like to do.
CONS
PROS
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm |
| Filter technology: | True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon |
| Recommended room size: | 529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour) |
| Dimensions: | 12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm) |
| Weight: | 7.7 lbs (3.49 kg) |
| Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away: | 3.63 volts: 36.1 dB 4.19 volts: 36.9 dB 5.24 volts: 39.7 dB 6.54 volts: 43.3 dB 7.44 volts: 46.7 dB 8.56 volts: 49.1 dB 12.6 volts: 56.3 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts : | 43.23 watts |
| Filter lifespan: | 6 – 12 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of origin: | China |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
4. Best smart option: Alen BreatheSmart 75i (3.6 lbs of activated carbon)
An air purifier with a H13 HEPA filter and 1.63 kg of pelleted activated carbon that comes with smartphone connectivity.
The Core 400S is the air purifier that comes with the largest amount of activated carbon across the entire Levoit range.
This is the largest air purifier in Alen’s range and is one of my favorite ones. Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 448 sq. ft. (41 m²).
In terms of features, you get an onboard laser sensor that informs the auto mode and an LED ring in the middle of the control panel that changes color depending on the quality of your air. It also comes with an ionizer function that can be disabled.
As with other air purifiers in Alen’s range, there are many filter options for the BreatheSmart 75i. For those looking to tackle VOCs, I recommend choosing the Fresh filter, as it comes with 3.6 lbs (or 1.6kg) of activated carbon pellets.
It has app connectivity through the Alen app, which not only allows you to control your 75i remotely but also lets you track PM2.5, tVOC, CO2, temperature and humidity levels in real time – – and the data is easy to export, too.
CONS
PROS
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – Top speed PM1 CADR: 333 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 164 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 351 cfm (dust) |
| Filter technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
| Recommended room size: | 448 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour) |
| Dimensions: | 27H x 18.5W x 11.5D inches (68.58H x 46.99W x 29.21D cm) |
| Weight: | 27 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away: | Speed 1: 36.5 dBA Speed 2: 44.7 dBA Speed 3: 51.9 dBA Speed 4: 54.6 dBA Speed 5: 57.5 dBA |
| Electricity consumption in watts: | Standby: 0.75 watts Speed 1: 5.19 watts Speed 2: 13.27 watts Speed 3: 25.85 watts Speed 4: 33.99 watts Speed 5: 47.4 watts |
| Filter lifespan: | 12 – 15 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
5. Best commercial unit: Smart Air Blast MKII (3.74 lbs of activated carbon)
A commercial air purifier with excellent particle removal performance and a large H13 HEPA filter with optional pelleted activated carbon.
The Blast is a commercial air purifier completely made out of metal that can handle the bumps and scrapes of a busy environment, making it perfect for classrooms, offices, event venues and gyms. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 547 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in large spaces up to 820 sq. ft.
The Blast has the third largest amount of carbon (3.74 lbs) we have seen after the IQAir HealthPro Plus and Austin Air HealthMate.
Whether you choose to go with HEPA only or HEPA + Carbon, the filters in the Blast is much larger than what you’ll see in a standard air purifier.
CONS
PROS
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – Top speed PM1 CADR: 547 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Manufacturer provided PM2.5 CADR: 559 cfm |
| Filter technology: | H13 HEPA particle filter with optional activated carbon filter (3.74 lbs) |
| Recommended room size: | 820.5 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour) |
| Dimensions: | 22.6L x 14.4W x 25.3H inches |
| Weight: | 59 lbs (38 kg) |
| Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away: | Speed 1: 41.9 dB Speed 2: 49.4 dB Speed 3: 54.7 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts: | Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 56.3 watts Speed 2: 94.5 watts Speed 3: 133.5 watts |
| Filter lifespan: | 19 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of origin: | China |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
Other good air purifiers for VOCs that didn’t make the cut
These devices didn’t make the shortlist but are worth mentioning due to their good performance and solid carbon filters.
➜ Dyson Big+Quiet BP04 or BP06
The Dyson’s Big+Quiet range cost around $1.000 so they are not cheap. Based on our particle removal tests, we calculated a top speed PM1 CADR of 198 cfm – – powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 297 sq. ft. (or 27 m²).
The carbon-impregnated fabric filter is innovative and comes with 1.9 lbs (900 g) of carbon. Both the BP04 and the BP06 performed well in our VOC removal tests but the wraparound filter has a short lifespan and we had to replace it after 4 months.
➜ Levoit EverestAir
This is the most expensive model in Levoit’s range of air purifiers, so it’s full of fancy features. You get app connectivity, a good quality laser sensor and the ability to adjust the air vents.
It al offers excellent air cleaning power. Based on our particle removal test, with a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm that can clean the air five times per hour in large spaces up to 562 sq. ft. (52m²).
The filter has two sides: one side removes particles and the other side adsorbs gases. It comes with 0.88 lbs (400g) of activated carbon – less than the 600g in the AirFanta 3Pro.
It performed really in our VOC removal test, ranking within the top 5 best performers were powerful enough to get the EveresAir to the 5th position in our VOC removal leaderboard.
➜ Levoit Core 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)
This smart air purifier can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (34 m²) when running at top speed (PM1 CADR of 249 cfm). And it doesn’t take up much floor space thanks to its cylindrical design.
You get multiple filter options: The Original filter has 240g of carbon. The Pet Allergy and Toxin Absorber filter have 400g of carbon. Finally, the Smoke Remover filter comes with 450g of carbon.
What to look for when buying an air purifier for VOCs
From irritating your eyes and throat to damaging your organs and nervous system, the dangers of VOCs can be severe and must be addressed. Your best option is to pick an air purifier specifically designed to absorb these chemicals. But not all air purifiers are made equal…
1. Choose an air purifier with a large amount of activated carbon
Activated carbon is simply carbon that has been oxidized to create millions of ultra-wide pores that can absorb gas molecules effectively. You can mainly remove VOCs with the help of powerful activated carbon filters, as these will trap gasses and vapors in addition to smells associated to smoke, pets and cooking.
The downside to this type of filtration is that the amount of gases an activated carbon filter can deal with is directly connected to the quantity of activated carbon in the filter itself. That is why you should aim for an air purifier with as much activated carbon as possible.
2. Find a model that will be powerful enough to clean your room
Even though it might feel like a drag, take the time to measure the space where you will be placing your air purifier to ensure that the space is not too big for the air purifier to clean.
The best way to know whether a unit will do a good job in the room you intend to use it in is to use our calculator to see what CADR rating you should look for:
3. Consider noise levels if you’re sensitive to sound
Since your device will likely run at full speed 24/7 while dealing with VOCs in the air, you must consider the associated noise level before purchasing it.
If you can, buy the biggest, most powerful air purifier you can live with. Run it at lower fan speeds, where it will generate less noise while still effectively cleaning the air. There are quiet air purifiers, but sadly most of them don’t use a large amount of activated charcoal, so they are not a good fit for removing VOCs.
4. Keep upfront costs in mind but also calculate replacement filter costs
These air purifiers are costly, especially the ones that use large amounts of activated carbon. And the thing with carbon filters is that they will become full eventually and you will need to replace them (except for the Winix 5500-2, where you can just wash, dry and reuse the carbon).
As a rule of thumb, always check the price of the air purifier itself and the price of the replacement filter(s). That way you will be able to calculate how much you will need to spend each year to run the device in your home. Air purifier manufacturers include filter lifespan figures on their websites, and we also include this information it the tables with specifications you will find throughout this page.
Common questions about VOCs and air purifiers
When we speak about VOCs, many of them are ubiquitous pollutants that can be found in any home. You will have a higher chance of being exposed to these while sitting inside your home than you ever will be while going outside.
Many of them can vaporize at room temperature, but they can potentially harm your health if they are in high concentrations. How harmful also depends on how long the exposure has been going on.
The Environmental Protection Agency reports regular or prolonged exposure to these volatile organic compounds or VOCs can have nasty health implications.
They may include:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
- Damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system
- Some organics can cause animal cancer, while others are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.
Common sources of VOCs in the home include:
| Building materials | VOCs can be found in paint, caulks, adhesives, vinyl flooring, insulation materials, and composite wood products. |
| Household Products | Common household products such as air fresheners, fuel and cleaning products emit VOC compounds in the air. |
| Personal Care Products | Formaldehyde is the most common type of VOC. It is found in many products we use daily at home, including nail polish! |
| Daily Activities | Some daily activities and habits like cooking, dry cleaning, photocopying, burning wood, and smoking also release VOCs into the air. |
HEPA can only remove particulate pollutants from the air like dust, dirt or pollen. VOCs are gas, so activated charcoal is the best current technology for removing them from the air. Be wary of technology like UV-C as it has been shown to generate chemical byproducts like ozone during cleaning.
The easiest way to test for VOCs is with an air quality monitor – we found the QP Lite performs well, has a respected sensor, and won’t cost more than $100. For our performance tests, we use the latest Purple air indoor sensor that includes a gas sensor from Bosch for detecting VOCs.
Wrapping up
Air purifiers aren’t difficult to find, but when you want them to handle volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you must pay extra attention to what type of filters the device comes with.
HEPA filters are popular but unable to clear odors and chemicals from the air, so you want to choose an air purifier with a gas filter that comes with a large amount of activated carbon.
If you can afford it, then our top choice is the IQAir HealthPro Plus, hands down.
August 30th, 2026
- Added the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with an 8-inch filter and its 16 lbs of activated carbon pellets.
- Updated the ‘Special mentions’ section and included models that performed well in our new VOC removal test.
May 12th, 2025
- Swapped out the discontinued Winix 5500-2 for the AirFanta 3 Pro with Carbon
- Added more detail on how we test air purifiers
