Daniel is our resident house gadget geek. He is our man in the frontline, following consumer trends to help him identify the best up and coming tech to review for HouseFresh. When he’s not tinkering with new gadgets, he composes and records his own music at home.
We all know what devastating effects viruses and bacteria have on our health. With recent global events like the Covid-19 pandemic, we have to do everything we can to stop/slow the spread of infection in our homes and workplaces. Despite our best efforts, a percentage of these bacteria and viruses will survive our cleaning routines and continue to thrive on the surfaces and belongings you come into contact with daily.
Unless you live in a cleanroom laboratory, it’s common for virus and bacteria cells to exist in the home, whether cold and flu virus, mold, E. coli, salmonella, or even super viruses such as MRSA. If left unchecked, exposure to these particles can have health implications.
While sanitizing surfaces with a disinfectant is the primary way to eradicate these dangers from the home, bacteria and viruses will always persist. When you clean, whether wiping down surfaces or hoovering carpets, you will disturb these cells and propel particles into the air. As these particles are so small, they can remain airborne for hours before settling and spreading on surfaces again. We went into detail, answering the question: What does an air purifier do? But in short, it’s simply a fan combined with a filter.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter offers protection against airborne bacteria and viruses. These filters can capture 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and are highly effective at removing airborne viruses and bacteria.
To help you search for a purifier to combat bacteria and viruses, we’ve put together 8 of our top choices. With a range of purifiers suited for various sized spaces and across different budgets, there’s something for everyone on this list.
| Why You Can Trust This List Most of the lists suggesting the best air purifiers for removing bacteria and viruses from the air are a list of the current best sellers on Amazon. But because many people are buying a specific air purifier, that doesn’t mean it is the best option for your specific needs. That’s why before we recommend any products on HouseFresh, we actually go through the effort of testing them in real life, performing the same job under the exact same conditions so we can then use this data to help us highlight the best options for specific scenarios: – Test 1: Air quality – We light an incense stick inside our 705 cubic ft testing room to create as much thick smoke as we can. We then track PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10.0 ug/m3 every few minutes with the help of an air quality monitor. – Test 2: Energy consumption – We plug in the air purifier using an electricity usage monitor so that we can track energy consumption levels when running at the lowest and top speeds. – Test 3: Sound Level – We use a sound level meter to record noise levels emitted by the air purifier when running at its lowest and highest speed. We used all of this data to pick out the best for clearing up bacteria and viruses. In this case, we made sure only to include air purifiers that excelled during our air quality test, offered a high-quality HEPA filter and were graded with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate: 1️⃣ We know that not all air purifiers can remove bacteria and virus particles from the air; only units that contain a filter with HEPA technology. 2️⃣ We also know that viruses and bacteria can spread fast once introduced into the home, so to remove them as quickly as possible, you’ll need to introduce an air purifier with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). |
The Top 3 Air Purifiers For Bacteria And Viruses
Now you’ve seen the top three, check out our other recommendations for the best air purifiers for bacteria and viruses.
1. Best Overall: IQAir HealthPro Plus
IQAir has been in the air purification business since 1963, making it a leader in the industry. The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a powerful air purifier perfect for large rooms up to 1,125 square feet, winning several awards for its performance in cleaning indoor air, including the top air purifier award from the Evening Standard in the UK.
Part of that merit is due to the powerful filtration under the hood. The HealthPro Plus employs what the company calls HyperHEPA filtration technology, which according to IQAir, can capture ultra-fine particles that are ten times smaller than a virus. It also contains a powerful V5 Cell activated carbon filter that removes odor, VOCs and other gaseous pollutants from the air in your home.
Unfortunately, all this high-performing technology comes at a cost. With each unit made and tested meticulously in IQAirs’ Swiss factory, the HealthPro Plus is the most expensive unit on our list. Having tried this unit in my home for a while, I can testify that it is worth the price tag.
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. |
| 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) |
| Filter life: | 4 years |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25dB – 69dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $226 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Each unit is tested in a lab before being sent to customers
👍 Top-performance air purifier with 300 CFM and the ability to remove odor
👍 The filters can last up to 4 years
👍 Comes with a 10-year warranty
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The price is quite high for 300 CFM performance
👎 Requires extra space due to its large size
2. Best Budget Option: TaoTronics AP-003
TaoTronics is a leading global consumer electronics brand renowned for its powerful yet budget-friendly air conditioning units. Their flagship model, the TaoTronics AP-003, is a budget-friendly HEPA air purifier with premium features and air-cleaning power. This high-performing unit checks all the boxes for capacity, features and price.
This air purifier is excellent for small to medium-sized rooms up to 322 square feet. When it comes to performance, the AP-003 doesn’t disappoint. It removes dust and dander from indoor air, eliminates unwanted odors, traps bacteria and viruses and reduces the risk of illnesses.
The unit achieves that cleaning power thanks to its powerful True HEPA filter that can remove 99.97% of pollutants and airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. It also features activated carbon filters that work great at removing odor particles from the air.
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) |
| Filter life: | 3 – 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 32 – 52 dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $30.48 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Can clean rooms up to 322-square feet
👍 Contains an H13 HEPA and activated carbon filters
👍 It’s a quiet air purifier
👍 Best-priced air purifier for the features that we have tested
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Not enough activated charcoal to remove significant volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
👎 No app support
3. Best for Larger Spaces: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i is an excellent air purifier for large living rooms since it covers up to 1,300 square feet and removes 99.99% of dangerous airborne pollutants. The 75i boasts a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 347 CFM, which is more than enough to cover most modern homes.
It comes equipped with True HEPA (H13) filters that can remove 99.99% of airborne contaminants down to 0.1 microns and activated carbon that targets VOCs. That means it can capture those tiny airborne particles of viruses and bacteria and remove VOCs, making your indoor air healthier to breathe.
The 75i is also incredibly quiet for use in a home environment. Most air purifiers on the market produce over 70 dB of noise, that’s noisy for home use. The 75i produces 24 dB of noise at its lowest fan speed and 49 dB when maxed out. You can also take advantage of customizable features, like the five fan speeds, filter life indicator and an ionizer for extra sanitation.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 24 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 1,300 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 347 CFM (589 m³/h) |
| 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): | 12.2 kg (27 lbs) |
| Filter life: | 12 – 15 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 49dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Cleans huge living rooms up to 1,300 sq feet
👍 Low noise levels of up to 49 dB at maximum fan speed
👍 HEPA and activated carbon filters to get rid of viruses and VOCs
👍 Lifetime warranty
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The amount of activated carbon is on the low end
👎 It’s bulky, you may have fewer placement options
4. Levoit Core 600S
With over ten years of experience in the air conditioning space, Levoit has become a major player in the industry. The Levoit 600S is a fantastic unit to control the spread of bacteria and viruses in your home or office.
The unit cleaned our test room of all particles in less than 15 minutes, making it the fastest air purifier we’ve ever tested. Its speedy performance should come as no surprise, considering it’s the most powerful cleaner Levoit has ever created.
Performance-wise, the 600S boasts powerful H13 HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. These filters can remove tiny particles from the air down to 0.1 microns, so there is no problem eliminating bacteria, viruses and gaseous pollutants.
The beauty of the 600S isn’t just its speed and powerful filters. You also get many user-friendly features, including smart speaker connectivity and the VeSync app, that make operating this air purifier a breeze.
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. |
| 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) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 26 – 55 dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Smart features that make it easier to operate
👍 Super quiet when at the lowest speeds
👍 High-performing H13 HEPA and activated carbon filter
👍 Most powerful unit we have tested at removing particulate matter
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 On the chunkier side – might be too big for smaller rooms
👎 The pre-filter is fixed, which makes it difficult to clean
5. Smart Air Blast Mini
Smart Air is relatively new to the market, but their Blast Mini air purifier is a force to be reckoned with, despite its “Mini” title. The Smart Air Blast Mini is a high-capacity, quiet HEPA air purifier effective for schools, hospitals and homes. This unit can deliver 820 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air, making it excellent for use in large spaces, up to 915 sq feet.
The Blast Mini comes equipped with a True H13 HEPA filter, capable of capturing both 0.3-micron and 0.07-micron particles. These filters can effectively eliminate dangerous airborne viruses, bacteria and other pollutants from the indoor air. A heavyweight activated carbon filter also traps gaseous pollutants such as radon, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The Blast Mini is easy to operate as it lacks smart controls. It only features one dial that allows you to select between its three-speed settings. While you won’t find a smart sensor or digital display, you’ll appreciate its power and ability to deliver clean air in extra-large rooms.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 17 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 915 sq. ft. |
| 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) |
| Filter life: | 33 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 36 – 49 dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $277.70 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 True HEPA 13 filters and activated carbon filters
👍 Simple design, which makes it easier to operate
👍 High-capacity purifier can deliver 820 CFM
👍 Comes on castor wheels for easier maneuverability
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 A very heavy unit, weighing a whopping 59 lbs
👎 Doesn’t include activated carbon filter as a standard
6. Mila Air Purifier
The Mila is an excellent choice for a powerful, high-tech air purifier that also looks great. This smart air cleaner offers a selection of filters and features that let you clean the air in the most convenient way possible. A sleep mode allows you to set your daily bedtime routine and a motion sensor detects when you enter the room.
Besides the smart features, the Mila Air Purifier does an excellent job at removing viruses and bacteria from the air, thanks to its customizable HEPA filters. One of our favorite things about the Mila is that when you buy it, you can choose from seven different filters tailored to specific needs. When it comes to dealing with viruses and bacteria, you should opt for The Mama-to-Be (yes, that is the actual name) as it comes with an H14 HEPA filter able to filter ultrafine particulate, offering the highest tier of HEPA air filtration (medical-grade).
And if looks matter, you’ll love the design of the Mila Air Purifier. It’s one of the best-looking air purifier we’ve tested and features a classy design with a polka dot pattern that will add a style statement to your home. The unit can handle up to 1,000 square feet of space, so it’s ideal for larger rooms.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 35 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPA (ranges from H12-H14) + Activated charcoal (granular carbon) |
| Recommended room size: | 1000 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 263 CFM (447 m³/hr) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12L x 12W x 15H inches (30.48L x 30.48W x 38.1H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 18 lbs (8 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 74dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 A ton of smart home features
👍 Elegant design that can augment your home’s aesthetic appeal
👍 Has options for different filters for specific use cases
👍 Powerful sensors that can detect VOCs and other gaseous pollutants
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The unit is in the higher price bracket
👎 Smart features have no voice control
7. Levoit Core 400S
The Levoit Core 400S is a top-performing air purifier with cutting-edge features only available in high-priced air purifiers. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly air purifier to clean, you’ll definitely love the Core 400S. The unit can clean small to medium-sized rooms, up to 403 square feet, with 260 CFM.
It features H13 True HEPA filters that can remove 99.97% of pollutants, including viruses and bacteria, from the indoor air. The unit features a three-stage filtration system; a pre-filter that traps larger particles like dust, an H13 True HEPA filter that removes smaller particles like pollen and smoke and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter that eliminates odor and VOCs.
Besides the powerful filtration system, the 400S has smart features, including the auto mode, which adjusts the fan speed to match the air quality level in the room. There’s also an accompanying app that allows you to monitor and adjust your air quality remotely.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 33 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter |
| Recommended room size: | 403 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 260 CFM (442 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 10.8L x 10.8W x 20.5H inches (27.4L x 27.4W x 52H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 52dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $39.95 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Good alternative for the 600S if you have a smaller room
👍 Smart features are easy to use and can track pollutants when not at home
👍 Good quality activated carbon pellets used in the filter
👍 Great CADR CFM to $ ratio
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It would be cheaper to get 2 Taotronics AP003 for similar performance
👎 App has a lot of extra features that are not relevant to just air purification
Common Questions About Air Purifiers for Bacteria and Viruses
🤔 How do bacteria and germs spread?
Germs spread through direct and indirect contact. Through direct contact, germs can spread person-to-person through a handshake, hugs, or kissing. As for indirect contact, they move around via people touching a surface that already has germs on it and then touching their face (e.g. eyes, nose, mouth). They can spread through saliva as well from sharing drinks.
Germs can also be airborne. When someone coughs or sneezes, the droplets fly into the air and contain germs. They can travel up to 6ft away, landing on either a surface or another person.
🤔 What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
Understanding the difference between bacteria and viruses requires some biological insight. With bacteria, they are free-living cells. They can survive as quickly outside a body as they can inside it. On the other hand, viruses are a collection of non-living molecules. So, they need a host to live.
🤔 How does ultraviolet light help tackle bacteria and viruses?
Ultraviolet light, abbreviated to UV-C, is a safe form of radiation that humans can be around. It can help by killing off airborne bacteria and viruses after the molecular bonds tie their DNA together. As they are so effective, it’s common to find UV-C light used to decontaminate surgical equipment.
Although it is safe to be around, it’s still hidden inside the unit when used in air purifiers, ensuring you’ll only touch it when you need to change the bulb. It works in an air purifier by destroying viruses and bacteria pulled in and passed by the UV-C light.
Final Thoughts
Bacteria and viruses are sadly a part of life, and each time you go outside, there’s a chance you or your family can bring them back home. So, one of the best ways to combat this situation is by installing a high-quality air purifier in your rooms.
Air purifiers reduce contaminants in the air that can contain potentially harmful germs, as they contain HEPA filters of different gradients. The most effective HEPA filters in household air purifiers are H13 or medical grade. These will clear 99.99% of pollutants like bacteria and viruses from the air in your home.
You must choose the right air purifier for the size of your room. Choosing one too large or too small won’t work as efficiently as it should. So make sure to measure your space before shopping.
SOURCES
We calculated monthly energy consumption costs with the help of the Department of Energy’s appliance energy calculator. We started by calculating yearly costs associated with running each unit for 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. We chose to run this calculation utilizing the US average utility rate, which is $0.12/kWh as of February 2023.
Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API