Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
Getting the best air purifier for allergies can make the difference to those of us who have an allergic reaction to pollen, dust or any other particles floating around in the air.
The best technology in 2023 for removing allergen-causing particles is a HEPA filter, which is why the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends using portable air HEPA air purifiers to reduce allergic symptoms.
With enough airflow, you can clean a room of particulates and remove all those allergens from the air in your home, potentially avoiding allergy symptoms entirely.
The key thing to know is that when you want to keep your space free of particles, you will need a larger air purifier, which is why all our recommended units on this list have a minimum CADR of 140 CFM.
All our guidance and recommendations align with the latest CDC guidance.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations I am no freelancer writer with a camera; I have been reviewing air purifiers for 10+ years. All the recommended units have gone through our rigorous test and review process. 1️⃣ Air Cleaning Performance Test: We fill our testing room with smoke, turn the air purifier to its highest fan speed, and measure how long it takes to remove PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10.0 particles from the air using an air quality monitor. 2️⃣ Energy Consumption Test: We plug the air purifier through an energy meter and turn it to its top and bottom fan speed so we can calculate how much electricity it consumes in both modes. 3️⃣ Noise Level Test: We use a sound meter to record how loud the air purifier is when running at different fan speeds. Using the data we produce from our experiments allows us to get a true look into individual air purifier performance to support us in identifying those models we think are suitable for different jobs. |
For this specific use case, we only looked for air purifiers with:
✅ HEPA filters — The most effective way of removing harmful contaminants from the air is by using HEPA filters. These filters can capture up to 99.97% of airborne microscopic particles, including dust, bacteria and mold measuring 0.3 microns. In comparison, a pollen particle measures 25 microns, so all grades of HEPA easily catch it.
✅ A minimum CADR of 140 CFM — All units on the list range from a CADR of 140 CFM (for our small bedroom option) to 410 CFM (for large spaces). You want to be able to change the air in your room 5 times an hour for allergies. For the average US bedroom of 132 sq ft, you will need an air purifier with at least 99 CFM.
✅ Affordable price – We get that not everyone wants to spend $500+, so we tried to find those cheap air purifiers that can still do a good job of removing allergens from the air. Our budget-friendly pick costs less than $100 because it can keep air allergen-free without breaking the bank.
| An Epidemiologist Weighs In |
“Excessive exposure to either outdoor or indoor particulate matter is undoubtedly linked to the development of some respiratory diseases, including allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Yet, due to poor air quality and inadequate ventilation, indoor particulate matter can be far more harmful than outdoor ones.”
Madonna A. Fekry, MPH
Epidemiologist and Public Health Specialist
🤧 That means that if you suffer from severe allergies, you will likely need an air purifier in every room to keep allergens at bay, especially during allergy season.
The 3 Best Air Purifiers For Allergies
If you don’t want to read the full article, here are the 3 best air purifiers for allergies in 2023:
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit Core 600S | Taotronics AP003 | Smart Air Blast Mini | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 15 minutes | 29 minutes | 17 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 410 CFM | 226 CFM | 435 CFM |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | Pre-filter, HEPA H13 with activated charcoal pellets | Washable pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter with activated carbon | Mesh Pre-Filter, H13 HEPA Filter + optional Activated Charcoal filter |
| NOISE 🔊 | 55 dB | 52 dB | 49 dB |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | 635 sq. ft. | 322 sq. ft. | 915 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) | 59 lbs (26.8 kg) |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Levoit Core 600 review | TaoTronics AP003 review | Smart Air Blast Mini review |
| PRICE 💵 | $299.99 | $99.99 | $649.00 |
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As everyone’s home and requirements will be different, we’ve made sure to include a range of air purifiers that are suited to different size spaces and cover a variety of budgets too.
Be sure to check out the complete list below, paying close attention to room size suitability and the range of features each unit offers to find the perfect purifier for you. As always, email me if you have any questions I don’t answer here.
1. Best Overall: Levoit Core 600S
The Levoit Core 600S is our top air purifier for allergies this year. This purifier is user-friendly, with an efficient fan, a high-quality filter and even smart features that include app support and auto-mode.
Starting with what matters most, the triple threat of Pre-filter, H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon filters do light work of capturing even the smallest allergen particles from your space. These filters need a high-end fan to push gallons of air through them every hour. You’ll find that the Core 600S can completely cycle the air within a 635 ft² room five times an hour, keeping that space free of allergen-causing particles.
It has an in-built Auto mode, which will continuously monitor the air quality and automatically adjust the fan speeds to combat allergens whenever required. However, if you prefer to be more hands-on, you can receive regular updates and operate the settings straight from your smartphone or even connect to a smart speaker for voice-activated control.
What We Really Like:
👍 This is the quickest purifier we’ve ever tested.
👍 Runs whisper quiet on its lowest setting.
👍 Energy efficient for such a powerful unit.
👍 Capable of combating allergens – even in larger, open-plan spaces.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Is on the large side with a less inspiring design than other Levoit models.
👎 Gets a bit loud when on turbo speed.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 15 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter with Activated Carbon |
| Recommended room size: | 635 sq. ft. (59 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) |
| 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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 26 – 55 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
2. Best Budget Option: TaoTronics AP003
For those who have read our recent articles, we are huge fans of this purifier. Initially skeptical whether a mass-produced purifier that costs under $100 could make a difference, we became convinced that this is a purifier to be reckoned with once we got our hands on one.
With three stages of filtration, including a pre-filter, Activated Carbon and top-of-the-line H13 HEPA filter, the TaoTronics AP003 has all the tools necessary to fend off an array of allergies.
Despite its unassuming appearance, this purifier is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, with a punchy fan and a CADR rating of 226 CFM in medium-sized spaces up to 322 ft².
This isn’t the most advanced smart air purifier, but it has many user-friendly features, including a programmable timer, child-lock setting and Auto mode. You’ll also find a unique air quality sensor that feeds back real-time accurate PM2.5 ug/m3 readings, which is all the more impressive when considering the price of this purifier.
What We Really Like:
👍 Incredible value for money.
👍 Precise particle readings through its air sensor.
👍 Comes with a high-end H13 HEPA filter.
👍 Energy efficient, saving on bills in the long run.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Design is pretty basic.
👎 Filters don’t last as long as other brands.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets |
| Recommended room size: | 322 sq ft (30 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 226 CFM (384 m³/h ) |
| 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): | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 32 – 52 dB |
| Filter life: | 3 – 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $30.48 per year |
3. Most Energy Efficient: Blueair Blue Pure 211+
It’s rare to see this level of air cleaning power of 350 CFM in the $300 price range. It also helps that the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ is an easy unit to live with, with a height of only 20 inches in a cube shape that doesn’t take much space in the home.
Like other Blueair Blue Pure series units, the 211+ uses a HEPA silent system that combines electrostatic filtration with HEPA and activated charcoal to achieve a high level of cleaning power — but with reduced sound (max 56dB) and a cost of only $64.12 to run for an entire year, it drew a tiny 16.7 watts even at full power.
The big reason that this air purifier is excellent for those with allergies is its speed at removing particle pollutants. It cleaned our test room in 18 minutes of all particles, even those tiny ones of PM1ug/m3. So we can be confident that the Blue Pure 211+ will remove all pollen before it causes a problem.
The Blue Pure 211+ is designed for a max of 540 sq. ft. but is still beneficial for allergy sufferers in smaller rooms. You could use the machine at a lower speed, with reduced noise and enough cleaning power to keep pollen out of your air.
| 💡 Pro Tip: If you have a much larger space, consider looking into the larger Blueair Blue Pure 121. |
What We Really Like:
👍 High level of cleaning performance — perfect for keeping pollen and other allergens out of your home air.
👍 Size is easy to live with compared with much larger HEPA-only units.
👍 Quiet running with a range of 31 — 56 dB.
👍 Energy efficient, especially when considering the cleaning power level you get.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 No auto-mode unless you pay extra.
👎 No app support, so you need to look at the non-Blue Pure range if you want this.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 18 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ Technology (electrostatic filtration with HEPA) and Activated Charcoal Filter + Ionizer technology |
| Recommended room size: | 540 sq. ft. (50 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 350 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20H x 13W x 13D inches (51H x 33W x 33D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 31 – 56 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Warranty: | 1 year (can be extended to 2 years by creating a Blueair account and registering the unit within 60 days of purchase) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $64.12 per year |
4. Quietest: Smart Air Blast Mini
When clearing your home of allergens, you’ll want a purifier to achieve results quickly. That’s precisely what Smart Air’s Blast Mini does. When we tested this purifier, it cleared our home office of all pollutants in a measly 17 minutes — proving to be one of the fastest purifiers around.
| ✅ This unit boasts the highest Clean Air Delivery Rate on this list of recommended purifiers. |
Taking a no-nonsense approach to cleaning the air, the Blast Mini doesn’t come with apps, auto mode or a delicate design. What you do get, however, is a colossal fan that can draw in vast amounts of dirty air every second before pushing it through its highly efficient filters and finally expelling clean, allergy-free air.
While some may miss the fancy design features, others will love this purifier’s simplicity. It has one dial to operate the unit, simply switching between the three fan speeds and switching the unit off. Despite being a bit of a lump, this purifier comes on convenient castor wheels, making it easy to move around the home.
Plus, this unit won’t sound like a turbojet engine when on its highest speed setting, which is one of the reasons that this unit is our top pick for large spaces.
What We Really Like:
👍 Outstanding power and performance.
👍 Unique air inlet design.
👍 Super simple to use.
👍 Long-lasting, quality filters.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 This unit weighs a ton.
👎 It will use a lot of energy when set to its highest speed setting.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 17 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA Filter with optional Activated Carbon |
| Recommended room size: | 915 sq. ft. (85 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 435 CFM (740 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 22.6L x 13W x 24.8H inches (57.5L × 33W × 63H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 59 lbs (26.8 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 36 – 49 dB |
| Filter life: | 33 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $277.70 per year |
5. Best Filter Technology: IQAir HealthPro Plus
For air quality specialists, the IQAir HealthPro Plus needs no introduction. Widely considered the best purifier money can buy, you’ll find exceptional performance thanks to its innovative filters and a unit built to last by the Swiss masters of purification.
What exactly makes this purifier so good? First, it comes with the most advanced filters on the market. Equipped with a Pre-Max filter to capture larger particles, a V5-Cell filter stacked with a whopping 5lbs of Activated Carbon.
The HyperHEPA can remove 99.95% of ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns in size, which is 100 times smaller than the 0.3-micron particles that standard HEPA filters can capture.
When we received our own HealthPro Plus, we found that its airflow was much higher than the published figures, reaching heights of 494m3/h rather than the stated 440m3/h. This is why it can be trusted to clean the air in hospitals and homes.
What We Really Like:
👍 Most effective filters on the market.
👍 The HyperHEPA filter lasts for four years.
👍 Capable of cleaning large spaces thanks to its impressive airflow.
👍 Runs at surprisingly low volumes on its lower speed setting.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It’s big and resembles an old, bulky Xerox machine.
👎 Is the most expensive purifier on our list.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 25 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HyperHEPA and V50-CELL gas and odor filter |
| Recommended room size: | 450 to 1125 sq. ft. (42 to 105 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 300 CFM (510 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 28H x 18W x 16D inches (71H x 38W x 41D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 35 lbs (16 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25dB – 69dB |
| Filter life: | 4 years |
| Manufacturer warranty: | 10 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $165.04 per year |
6. Best for Filter Costs: Smart Air S
If space is in short supply in your home, this small but mighty purifier from Smart Air will provide an excellent option for removing allergens. With an H12 HEPA and Activated Carbon filter, this unit can transform the air in spaces as large as 430 ft², proven by its impressive CADR score of 185 CFM.
Smart Air believes its rivals oversell performance and features and fail to do the basics right. That’s why they take a stripped-back approach, using quality fans and filters that enable the Smart Air S to nail the basics without costing the earth.
As well as impressive air-cleaning performance, this purifier is simple to set up, operate and maneuver from room to room, allowing you to target specific spaces as you move around the home. This purifier is super quiet, so it can tackle allergens through the night without affecting your rest.
What We Really Like:
👍 Utilizes an H12 HEPA filter for greater efficiency.
👍 Compact and cute design.
👍 Whisper quiet on its slowest fan speed.
👍 Great performance for its price tag.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Activated Carbon filter should come as standard.
👎 Some may miss the smart features found on other units in this price range.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H11 HEPA and optional activated charcoal filter |
| Recommended room size: | 430 sq. ft. (40 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 185 CFM (315 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 13H x 13W x 14.3D inches (33.02H x 33.02W x 36.32D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $45.20 per year |
7. Best for Smart Features: Alen BreatheSmart 45i
Don’t let the sleek and modern design of the Alen BreatheSmart 45i fool you, this air purifier is a beast in terms of performance.
The Alen 45i comes with different filters and each of them offers different level of protection. All of the filters available will help tacke allergens but don’t get too caught up in features and go with the cheapest option: the B4-Pure filter. It will do the job.
If the standard white unit look is not for you, the 45 is also available in faux woodgrain and metallic tones: oak, weathered gray, brushed stainless, graphite and espresso.
| 💡 Pro Tip: The 45i has great performance for a smaller to a medium-sized room but would not be the best choice for a larger room. If you look the look but have a larger space, you should check out the Alen 75i. |
What We Really Like:
👍 Minimalist design that blends in nicely into any home.
👍 It is lightweight, so you can easily move it from room to room.
👍 It’s quiet enough to run through the night without disturbing your sleep.
👍 The ionizing feature can be switched off if you are concerned or have respiratory issues.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The replacement filters are not cheap.
👎 It comes with 3 different power cables for various regions, which might seem as a nice thing to do but can also be seen as wasteful.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 33 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 800 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 245 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 25H x 15W x 8.5D inches inches (63.58H x 38.1W x 21.5D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 9.1 kg (20.1 lbs) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 49dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier for Allergies
Armed with the right air purifier, you will find that allergy symptoms occur much less frequently and begin to appreciate a much higher air quality standard.
| 🤔 What allergens can an air purifier help with? An air purifier will help tackle a myriad of airborne allergens. From microscopic dust particles to chemical irritants such as formaldehyde, countless pollutants in your indoor air can trigger allergies. To combat a specific allergen, you must assess whether it is gaseous or consists of particulate matter. This will help you identify a purifier best suited to your needs, whether using a high-quality HEPA filter for allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander or an Activated Carbon filter to tackle VOCs. |
Air purifiers come in different shapes and shapes. Look for these features when buying an air purifier for allergens.
1. Focus on finding an air purifier with a medical-grade HEPA filter
You’ll need a high-quality HEPA filter when removing allergens like pollen and pet dander.
Usually made of materials such as fiberglass, cotton, or foam, HEPA filters can filter up to 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, including all common allergens.
HEPA filters also do a great job of catching larger particles, which makes them particularly effective at removing pollen and dander, which are pretty large.
We recommend using medical grade H11 / H12 / H13 True HEPA filters for severe issues. These filters remove 99.99% of viruses, bacteria and airborne particles larger than 0.1 microns.
Choose an air purifier with activated charcoal filters made using pellets, which also work against VOCs and odors. But if you only need something for allergies, choosing a pure HEPA-based system could save money if you don’t care about gasses and odor removal.
2. Don’t dismiss the CADR Rating
Clean air delivery rate, or CADR, measures the effectiveness of an air purifier in dealing with different types of allergens.
The higher the score, the more powerful and the bigger room it can be used in.
You should focus on the score for various pollutants and pollen, as this is the effectiveness most appropriate for those wanting to remove allergens from the air.
| 📖 Curious to learn more about CADR scores? We wrote an entire article about CADR rating. |
3. Make sure the unit can cover the space where you want to use it
Air purifiers can be categorized by “coverage” or the largest space they can effectively clean, typically circulating the air two to five times an hour.
Some air purifiers are ideal for large spaces, such as classrooms, while others can only clean a small room, like a college dorm.
Manufacturers usually list the maximum room size the air purifier can cover. We recommend buying a device that can cover more space than needed to ensure full coverage.
4. Be mindful of the noise output
You don’t want to replace one nuisance (allergens) with another (noise).
Look for an air purifier with a high CADR and a low level of sound produced. Different air purifiers have different noise levels. The noisiest units produce over 80 decibels of noise.
Since an air purifier for allergies will be on throughout the day, you’ll want a device with the least noise. Aim for a device rated less than 50 dB. These are considered ultra-quiet and produce less noise even when operating at maximum fan speed.
5. Decide if you need smart functions
While an auto-mode is good in some situations, for those looking to reduce allergic symptoms, you are likely to run your air purifier all the time, so you are unlikely to need smart functions like automatic mode.
The reality is that auto-mode, onboard sensors and app support don’t come cheap. Make sure you’re not choosing a smart air purifier with a rubbish HEPA filter because it won’t do the job you want.
Common Questions About Allergies and Air Purifiers
🤔 How can I keep allergens out of my home for good?
Keeping your space allergen-free sounds like the ideal solution; however, it is only easy to achieve if you plan to turn your home into a nuclear bunker.
This is because allergens exist everywhere we go. They are dragged into the home on our shoes, clothing and skin each time we go outside and the pesky particles can even infiltrate our homes through vents and gaps in seals around windows and doors. They can even be emitted from your belongings, such as wooden furniture and carpeting.
Although it may be tricky to eradicate allergens, there are ways to minimize their effects. First and foremost, change certain habits to minimize allergies entering the home, such as leaving windows closed, storing coats and jackets in a separate cupboard and leaving shoes outdoors.
If you have a mold or dust build-up in your home, try to tackle the issue head-on, removing the existing allergens and keeping on top of cleaning. Try to keep pets away from bedrooms or communal areas where allergy sufferers spend time. Be sure to seal vents and areas around doors and windows where allergens may enter too.
With all these steps in place, an air purifier will work wonders at eradicating any other allergens that slip by your safeguarding measures.
🤔 What causes allergies?
Allergies are your body’s reaction to foreign substances. The body perceives these substances as harmful, whether they are or not.
The severity of allergic reactions depends on an individual’s immune system.
Accordingly, the immune system produces antibodies for that substance. When exposed again to that substance, these antibodies can release many chemicals, including histamine, which causes allergic symptoms.
To some people, allergies may register as mild irritations, usually to the eyes, nose and throat. Others might exhibit severe symptoms, including swellings and difficulty in breathing.
The causes of allergies are numerous. Here are the common contaminants in the indoor air that can trigger allergic reactions:
| 🌼 Pollen 🐈 Pet dander 🐜 Dust mites 🌫️ Fumes 🦠 Certain types of bacteria and mold spores |
🤔 Do air purifiers really help with allergies?
In short, Yes.
If your allergies are triggered by pollutants, such as pollen, dander and dust, a quality air purifier can help.
Lung India conducted a study on asthma patients whose allergies were triggered by pet dander and found that symptoms improved after ten weeks of staying and sleeping in a room fitted with a HEPA air purifier.
🤔 Is it best to leave the air purifier on all the time?
For allergies, Yes.
You want to remove allergens, such as pet dander and dust mites. Since dander will always be present in your home if you keep pets, leaving the air purifier on 24/7 is the surefire way to eliminate these pollutants.
🤔 What is the best budget air purifier for allergies?
The best air purifiers for allergies are equipped with large HEPA filters. We’d recommend TaoTronics AP003 for an affordable yet high-performing pet dander and pollen device.
🤔 Are ionizing air purifiers safe?
While ionizing air purifiers do a stellar job at disinfecting the air, they should be used cautiously as they produce harmful ozone.
According to EPA, even low ozone levels could cause coughing, throat irritation, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Be wary of any ionizer units that create large amounts of ozone.
| 📖 Want to learn more about ionizing technology? Here’s an article about how ionizer air purifiers work. |
Wrapping Up
Each unit on our list includes HEPA and Activated Carbon filters to work well against different allergens. Whatever you choose, we recommend you pick a unit that matches the size of your room you want to keep allergen free.
If you have any questions about any of the air purifiers on the list or you have some recommendations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API