Most air purifiers claim to clear large rooms, but for allergy sufferers, that’s often a dangerous lie.
In this article, I will dispel the biggest myths and share my advice on the only models you should consider, knowing they will do the job without sounding like a jet engine or cost an arm and a leg to run.
However, before I list the models to consider, let me outline the three key factors you should be aware of when selecting an air purifier for allergies.
1. Air changes per hour and room sizes
The most critical number for allergy sufferers is Air Changes Per Hour, or ACH.
ACH indicates how many times an air purifier can completely filter the air in a specific room within one hour.
Walk through Amazon, and you’ll see tiny purifiers claiming to clean 1,000 sq. ft. rooms, but they’re usually quoting that based on just ONE air change per hour. For your allergies? That’s like trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon. Sure, it eventually cleans the old pollen, but in that same hour, a whole new batch of allergens will make their way into the room.
Industry experts at AHAM (that’s the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) say you need at least 4.8 ACH. For severe allergies? We recommend aiming for 6 ACH. Six air changes per hour means that the air in a room will be cleaned of all pollutants every 10 minutes.
This means that many small purifiers with a low Clean Air Delivery Rate (or CADR) aren’t up to the task for serious allergy relief.
Let’s take the popular Levoit Core Mini as an example: The Levoit Core Mini has a dust CADR of 41 CFM. We plug that into our HouseFresh CADR calculator for six ACH, and what do we get? A maximum room size of just 51 sq. ft.
That’s barely a walk-in closet, not your bedroom.
2. The importance of sound
But high ACH isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. If your purifier sounds like a 747 taking off, you won’t use it, especially at night when allergies can be the worst.
Let’s use the Molekule Air Mini+ as an example: At top speed, it has a PM1 CADR of 96 CFM, which could give you six ACH in a 120 sq. ft. room. The catch? It does this blasting out 67.4 decibels… That’s louder than a vacuum cleaner—try sleeping next to that! When we tested it at a more livable 45 dBA, the CADR plummeted to 36 CFM—that’s six ACH in a room smaller than what the tiny Levoit Core Mini could manage at its top speed.
3. Particle vs gas filtration
If you are allergic to pollen, dust, or pet dander, focus on finding a device with a high-quality particle filter.
Activated carbon filters are only necessary in cases where your allergies are tied to chemical sensitivities, where you need to remove triggers such as cigarette smoke, perfume, insecticide, new carpet smell, paint fumes, etc.
So, the magic formula for most allergy sufferers is six air changes per hour at under 45 decibels with a solid particle filter.
With that in mind, I have shortlisted four air purifier models that offer excellent value for allergy sufferers. I have spent the last five years testing over 100 air purifiers—if you want more details, check this article.
The best overall is the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7
This PC fan-powered air purifier uses HVAC filters and has been a game changer in the world of air purifiers, thanks to its exceptional air cleaning performance at whisper-quiet operation.
The Luggable XL-7 uses seven Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 PC fans that pull the air through two 20×25 3M MERV 13 MPR1900 filters. This combination results in a dust CADR of 323 cfm, allowing the Luggable XL to provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 403 square feet. .
But the incredible highlight is that it does this at 38.8 dBA!
For the vast majority of allergy sufferers who get triggered by pollen, dust, and pet dander, the absence of a carbon filter here is a plus—it means more airflow dedicated to particle removal without affecting particle capture efficiency. Plus, you can choose any 20×25 MERV 13 HVAC filters (which are highly affordable) AND it is also super energy efficient.
The two cons of the Luggable XL-7 are that its body is not as sturdy as a traditional air purifier made from plastic or metal, and it is a large device. However, CleanAirKits offers options that overcome both cons. If durability is a concern, you can go instead with the cherry wood Aerating End Table. And if you worry about size, then you can choose the 5-fan version of the Luggable.
| HouseFresh rating: | ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◻️◻️◻️ 7.7/10 |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | – 23 minutes (top speed) – 23 minutes (sub-45 dB speed) |
| Air filtration technology: | MERV 13 |
| Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour): | 390 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – HouseFresh PM1: 260 cfm – Intertek PM2.5: 323 cfm (dust) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 7D x 25W x 20H in (18D x 64W x 51 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 8 lbs (3.63 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6-12 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Only speed: 38.8 dBA |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Only speed: 10.5 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | – Annual energy cost: $11.66 – Annual filter cost: $89.99 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | United States |
- For those in Canada, you will want to check out Northbox Systems. They are a Canadian team that produces PC fan-powered air purifiers that use HVAC filters locally. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding.
- For those in Europe, check out the Nukit Tempest Euro, which uses PC fans and IKEA Starkvind filters. But be aware that, unlike Northbox Systems and CleanAirKits devices, the Tempest Euro is only available as a DIY kit for you to build yourself.
The best under $200 is the AirFanta 3Pro
With a top speed CADR of 413 cfm and a low price of $159.99, there is a lot to like about the AirFanta 3Pro.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
With a top speed CADR of 413 cfm and a low price of $159.99, there is a lot to like about the AirFanta 3Pro. This air purifier is a small box with a base at the bottom, one filter at each side, and a PC fan array on top—much like the design of the Corsi-Rosenthal box.
For those with allergies, the big benefit of this device is its excellent air cleaning performance at quiet sound levels.
In testing, we identified a fan speed that generates less than 45dBA and has an estimated CADR PM1 of 213 cfm, which is higher than what we saw with the much larger (and much more expensive) Levoit EverestAir.
Okay, it might not win beauty contests, but you can’t argue with its raw power at quiet speeds.
Another feature to highlight is that the 3Pro is the only high CADR air purifier that fits inside a backpack. This device can be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes, so could be a great solution for those wanting to have protection from allergens when traveling to a new place.
By the way, you get a choice of HEPA H11 filters only or HEPA with activated carbon, but I recommend sticking with the standard HEPA filters as you get higher CADR at a lower price.
| HouseFresh rating: | ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◻️◻️ 8.1/10 |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | – 17 minutes (top speed) – 28 minutes (sub-45 dB speed) |
| Air filtration technology: | True HEPA H11 and optional activated carbon |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 529.5 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – HouseFresh PM1 top speed: 353 cfm – HouseFresh PM1 sub-45 dBA: 213 cfm |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.7 lbs (3.49 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 – 12 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | 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 (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | 43.23 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | – Annual energy cost: $48.02 – Annual filter cost: $118.00 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
The best for large spaces is the Coway Airmega ProX
If the DIY look isn’t for you and you need serious power to clean the air in a large space, then look no further than the ProX.
With an estimated 299 cfm at sub-45 dBA fan speeds, the Coway Airmega ProX can provide 6 air changes per hour in spaces up to 373 square feet.
At top speed, the ProX completed our particle removal test in 13 minutes – this is officially the fastest HEPA air purifier we tested and at full speed, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm and this would give you 6 air changes per hour in rooms as large as 577 square feet.
Unlike the rest of the air purifiers on this list, the Airmega ProX comes with an onboard air quality sensor and auto mode BUT it doesn’t have app support.
In terms of what’s not to like, the ProX isn’t cheap, retailing at just over $800, and it’s not small either, weighing 50 lbs or 22.67 kg.
| HouseFresh rating: | ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◻️◻️◻️ 7.4/10 |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | – 13 minutes (top speed) – 20 minutes (sub-45 dB speed) |
| Air filtration technology: | Green True HEPA filter with activated carbon |
| Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour): | 693 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – HouseFresh PM1: 462 cfm – AHAM PM2.5: 586 cfm (dust) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 in (48 x 93 x 62 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 51 lbs (23kg) |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 37.4 dBA Speed 2: 44.4 dBA Speed 3: 53.6 dBA |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby: 0 watts Speed 1: 11.76 watts Speed 2: 26.09 watts Speed 3: 58.88 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | – Annual energy cost: $65.54 – Annual filter cost: $199.00 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 3 years |
| Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
The best for small spaces is the Smart Air SA600
The SA600 is a mid-sized air purifier from Smart Air that will give you six air changes per hour in rooms up to 160 sq. ft.
When running at speed 3, the SA600 generates just 41.5 dBA and based on our particle removal test, we estimated a PM1 CADR of 128 cfm, which is good enough for six air changes in spaces up to 160 square feet.
Something I particularly like about the SA600 is that it uses two sets of non-bonded filters, so you can choose to run it without the activated carbon filters if your allergies are not triggered by VOCs and this will help you reduce long-term costs.
Also, the SA600 can be wall-mounted and comes with screw holes on the bottom, but you will need to source the fixtures to do this.
In terms of cons, the SA600 doesn’t come with an on-board sensor, auto-mode and app connectivity but this can actually be a pro as you can just set it at speed 3 and forget about it until the time comes ot replace the HEPA filters.
Oh, and something else worth mentioning is that this is one of the few air purifiers I’ve tested that comes back on automatically after a blackout, compared to most units that will need to be turned back on manually.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 24 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 TrueHEPA and activated charcoal filters |
| Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour): | 430 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 287 CFM Smoke: 265 CFM Pollen: 299 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / cm): | 20 x 13.8 x 9 inches (51 x 35 x 23 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 15.5 lbs (7 kg) |
| Filter life: | HEPA: 8 months Carbon: 4 months |
| Noise level in decibels (from 3ft. away): | Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.2 dBA Speed 3: 41.5 dBA Speed 4: 46.1 dBA Speed 5: 56.7 dBA |
| Electricity consumption (in watts): | Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 4.3 watts Speed 3: 7.1 watts Speed 4: 12.9 watts Speed 5: 53.8 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $131.08 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $1.39 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
Some notable mentions
These seven air purifiers were very close to making this list. Depending on your budget and availability in your location, it could be worth checking them out.
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII
The Smart Air Blast Mini is a powerful air purifier that boasts a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm at top speed (56.3 dBA) and an impressive 272 cfm at speed 1 (44.9 dBA). You get an option of buying it with or without activated carbon, so if your allergies are triggered by particles, you can save money in the long run by choosing to stick to HEPA H13 only. Read our full review here.
It didn’t make the list because the Coway Airmega ProX has higher performance at a quieter level (299 cfm at 44.4 dBA) and it comes with an onboard sensor that enables auto-mode.
IQAir Atem X
The Atem X is a top-of-the-range air purifier from IQAir. At top speed (62.3 dBA), it offers a powerful 429 cfm and running at speed 4 (44.5 DBA) we estimate a CADR of 229 cfm, which would be good enough to provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 286.2 sq. ft. Watch our full review here.
The main reason why I didn’t shortlist the Atem X is its high price tag of just under $1.4k, which makes it hard to recommend over the $800 Airmega ProX.
Winix AM80 (or Zero S)
The Winix AM80 (also known as Zero S or Zero SE in Europe) can be regularly found for $190 and will deliver 134 cfm at Speed 3, while generating 43.3 dBA of noise. This makes it a good option for those wanting to get six air changes per hour in spaces no larger than 167.5 sq. ft. Watch our full review here.
However, I didn’t include it on the main list because it is no match for the cheaper AirFanta 3Pro. That said, it could be a good alternative to the Smart Air SA600.
Levoit Vital 200S
The Vital 200S from Levoit is a solid performer under $200 that comes with app connectivity, smart functions and an onboard air quality sensor. You can read our full review here.
It didn’t make the list because its raw air cleaning power at top speed (260 cfm at 57.7 dBA) is not nearly as good as what you’ll get with the AirFanta 3Pro (353 cfm at 56.3 dBA).
Dyson Big+Quiet BP06
The BP06 is the cheapest ($899.99) air purifier in the Dyson Big+Quiet range, and is also the best performing Dyson air purifier I have ever tested. In terms of performance, it will give you 198 cfm at top speed (51.4 dbA) and 128 cfm at speed 1 (40.4 dBA), which will be good enough for 6 ACH in rooms up to 160 sq. ft. Watch my full review here.
It didn’t make the cut because, even though it is a good device, its air cleaning performance is comparable to models that cost a third of its price.
Coway Airmega 200M / Coway Airmega AP-1512hh
The Coway Airmega 200M and the Airmega AP-1512hh are two popular models highly recommended by big media sites. The 200M offers 118 cfm at speed 1 (36.9 dBA) and the AP-1512hh provides 115 cfm at speed 2 (44.4 dBA), making both of them suitable for 6 air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 144 sq. ft. Watch my review of the 200M here and the AP-1512hh here.
However, they are both noisy at high-performing top speeds (over 60 dBA) and too underpowered to offer meaningful air cleaning at sub-45 dB fan speeds.
Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max can usually be found for less than $200 and offers good performance with a PM1 CADR of 220 cfm at top speed (57.7 dBA) and a CADR of 108 cfm at speed 1 (37 dBA) that would be able to provide six air changes per hour in spaces of up to 135 sq. ft. Read our review here.
However, the reason why I didn’t include it as one of my top picks is that you will be forced to use an ionization process (HEPASilent), as this feature cannot be disabled, unlike what we see in models from other manufacturers like Winix, Coway and Alen.
Wrapping up
So there you have it, four excellent air purifiers that will actually offer solid particle removal performance and good value for allergy sufferers. If you are unsure of which one to get, feel free to drop me an email to danny@housefresh.com and I can help you find the best option for your specific situation.
I hope you found my guide useful, and if you decide to buy any of the air purifiers I mentioned today, please use the links in the buttons to help support the work we do here at HouseFresh. It won’t cost you anything extra and we will get a small affiliate commission that will allow us to keep buying and testing air purifiers in the future.
Do you have any questions about air filters for allergies that I haven’t answered? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
