Nothing is more infuriating than seeing a dust accumulation on your freshly cleaned surfaces. Whether on shelves, furniture, doorways, or TV screens, the nuisance gray matter can seemingly coat your entire home in a blink of an eye. Many of us wonder what dust is and how we can eliminate it.
While there are various reasons why your house might get dusty, one surefire way to bust dust for good is to invest in an air purifier.
As air purifiers essentially work as powerful fans that draw in vast amounts of air, with a considerable net inside ready to capture any airborne pollutants that pass through, they are one of the most effective tools for removing pesky dust particles from your space.
Instead of a net, however, a high-quality air purifier, like those recommended below, utilizes HEPA filters. These filters are certified to capture 99.7% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, making removing dust from your space light work for a HEPA-powered purifier.
Alongside a HEPA filter, you’ll want to pay close attention to how powerful a purifier is, which you can discover from its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This independently verified score indicates how much air the unit can clean within your space and will also determine what sized room the purifier will be effective in.
For each of our hand-picked recommendations, we ensured the units we chose passed certain criteria that made them proficient at clearing dust from the air in your home.
We chose units that have:
✅ Large efficient HEPA filters – An air purifier designed for dust should be capable of trapping particles smaller than 5 microns (the size of dust particles). HEPA filters are the most efficient filtration system, capable of cleaning 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.
✅ High Clean Air Delivery Rates – This measure indicates how quickly an air purifier can clean a certain amount. That’s why the CADR score is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). When dealing with dust, you want an air purifier capable of cleaning your indoor air fast, preventing those particles from lingering in your home.
✅ Efficiency – Your air purifier must run constantly to manage dust effectively. An energy-efficient cleaner ensures running it 24/7 doesn’t significantly increase your electricity bill.
Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers for dust
If you prefer to go straight to the recommended units, here are three great choices that will effortlessly keep your home dust-free.
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit EverestAir | Levoit Core 300S | Blueair Blue Pure 211+ | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 14 minutes | 32 minutes | 15 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 360 CFM | 134 CFM | 410 CFM |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | 3-Stage Filtration | 3-Stage Filtration | 3-Stage Filtration |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | Up to 558 sq. ft. | Up to 219 sq. ft. | Up to 635 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 9.38 kg | 2.7 kg | 6.2 kg |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | EverestAir review | Core 300S review | Core 600S review |
| PRICE 💵 | $499.99 | $149.99 | $219.99 |
Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As no two homes are the same, we’ve put together nine different recommendations to help eradicate the dust from your space once and for all. With options for various budgets, room sizes and a host of state-of-the-art features, there’s a perfect purifier for everyone on this list.
1. Best overall: Levoit EverestAir
The EverestAir is Levoit’s newest air purifier, and it certainly goes beyond the usual with its exceptional efficiency and game-changing design. Setting a new benchmark as Levoit’s fastest air purifier to date, the EverestAir seamlessly merges speed, power and style.
At its core, a robust fan and filter give the EverestAir the power to cycle the air in a 563 sq. ft. space five times per hour.
Levoit’s renewed three-stage filtration also includes a washable pre-filter in this model (which is easy to remove and clean), a main filter (that captures tiny airborne particles) and an activated carbon filter equipped with ACR technology (which decomposes harmful molecules captured within the filter, preventing their reentry into your home.)
What we really like
What we think could be better
Incorporating a three-channel laser dust sensor, the EverestAir can detect particles as small as 1 micron (PM1.0). As a result, the unit’s Auto Mode jumps to a whole new level of efficiency, protecting your indoor air from dust and keeping your electricity bill in check as it accurately adjusts the fan speed and eliminates guesswork.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 14 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 (4.8 air changes per hour): | 563 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 365 CFM Smoke: 363 CFM Pollen: 428 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 20.7 lbs (9.39 kg) |
| Filter life: | 12-15 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 39.1 dB Speed 2: 43.2 dB Speed 3: 48.6 dB Turbo: 57.8 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 1.26 watts Speed 1: 9.85 watts Speed 2: 15.59 watts Speed 3: 26.6 watts Turbo: 69.8 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $206.36 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $1.37 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
2. Best for large spaces: Levoit Core 600S
The Core range from Levoit is well-known and well-loved for its future-proof features, purifying performance and easy-on-the-eye design. The jewel in the Core crown is undeniably the 600S, one of the most powerful and effective units produced by Levoit, available for a fraction of the cost of other large-area purifiers today.
In truth, it’s difficult for us to talk about the Levoit Core 600S without getting a wee bit giddy.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Thanks to its powerful VortexAir™ fan and filter, the 600S boasts a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 410 CFM in a 584 ft² space, offering unrivaled performance for its price and is sure to help get dust under control in your home.
These impressive statistics were proven during our real-world tests, where this purifier cleared our test space of all pollutants in record time, outperforming every other purifier we tested.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 15 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 (4.8 air changes per hour): | 584 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 |
3. Best for small spaces: Levoit Core 300 / Core 300S
For those looking for a purifier capable of transforming the air within a small to medium-sized space without breaking the bank, look no further than the Levoit Core 300S. Equipped with a 3-Stage Filtration system and Levoit’s VortexAir™ Technology, this purifier offers an excellent option for ridding your room of dust, all for under $150.
To further boost the performance of this purifier, Levoit has also equipped the unit with a fine mesh pre-filter to capture large particles, as well as a main filter to tackle airborne pollutants, and a high-efficiency Activated Carbon filter to combat any VOCs such as unpleasant odors or chemical fumes.
What we really like
What we think could be better
The Core 300S offers excellent value, but Levoit has also included smart features not usually found in this price range to add the cherry on top.
With air quality sensors relaying real-time feedback, auto mode to allow the purifier to cycle through fan speeds and even app compatibility to allow you to operate the purifier remotely, the 300S gives rival purifiers that cost twice as much a run for their money.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Levoit Core 300 | Levoit Core 300S | |
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 40 Minutes | 32 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) | 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: | 219 ft² | 219 ft² |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 134 CFM Smoke: 126 CFM Pollen: 154 CFM | Dust: 134 CFM Smoke: 126 CFM Pollen: 154 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.48 lb (3.4 kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | Speed 1: 37 dB Speed 2: 40 dB Speed 3: 50 dB | Speed 1: 39 dB Speed 2: 46 dB Speed 3: 54 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $54.15 | $33.25 |
4. Best customizable design: Blueair Blue Pure 211+
When it comes to making eye-catching purifiers that perform at a high level, no one does it as well as Blueair. Although the Blue Pure 211+ lacks some of the smart features we’ve come to expect at this price point, Blueair certainly hasn’t skimped on performance.
With their trademarked HEPASilent filters providing ultra-efficient purification at whisper-quiet volumes, this unit completely cycles the air in a 540 sq. ft. space in just 18 minutes, making it an excellent option for eradicating dust from your space. That said, it’s worth mentioning that one of the reasons why Blueair is able to do this is that they use ionizer technology for their air purification.
What we really like
What we think could be better
On top of its high-performing HEPASilent filter, this purifier comes with a fabric mesh pre-filter fitted to the outside of the unit to capture large pollutants before they enter the purifier. This adds a unique and customizable design feature to the unit and improves the lifespan of the HEPA filter, allowing it to capture more dust particles for longer.
This option is the ideal unit for those looking for a simple-to-use, fuss-free purifier. With a single button to operate the machine and cycle through its settings, this purifier doesn’t bog you down with depressing displays or confusing controls.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 18 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ Technology and Activated Charcoal Filter + Ionizer technology |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 540 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 350 CFM Smoke: 350 CFM Pollen: 350 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20H x 13W x 13D inches (51H x 33W x 33D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.98 lbs (5.89 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 37.2 dB Speed 2: 45.8 dB Speed 3: 55.7 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 16.9 watts Speed 2: 40.5 watts Speed 3: 54.5 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $202.81 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.71 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | Designed and engineered in Sweden, assembled in China |
5. Best warranty: Alen BreatheSmart 45i
Alen is one of the top brand names associated with air purifiers and for a good reason. Their BreatheSmart house powerful fans and large filters that make them ideal for removing dust from your home. For this guide, I’ve chosen the BreatheSmart 45i as it showcases the best parts of the range in an affordable unit.
When you remove the front cover of the 45i, you’ll see that they’ve wasted little room as the large H13 True HEPA filter covers nearly the whole of the unit. Attached to the HEPA is an activated carbon filter containing actual carbon pellets instead of bonded carbon, which some companies opt for as a cheaper alternative.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Behind the filters is a large, powerful fan that can pull in air from rooms up to 301 sq. ft, giving the 45i a CADR of 245 CFM, making it highly efficient at clearing dust particles from medium-large spaces.
The discrete control panel sits on top of the unit and looks blank until you turn the unit on, illuminating the touchscreen buttons. The 45i has four fan speeds, auto mode and a circular color-coded air quality indicator that shows you the state of the air in your room in real-time.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 34 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filter with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 301 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 207.9 CFM Smoke: 193.9 CFM Pollen: 230.4 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 25H x 15W x 8.5D inches (63.5H x 38.1W x 21.6D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 15 lbs (6.80 kg) |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 36.2 dB Speed 2: 45.7 dB Speed 3: 51.1 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.8 watts Speed 1: 4.4 watts Speed 2: 7.4 watts Speed 3: 15.2 watts Speed 4: 25.3 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $105.40 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $2.06 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
6. Best on/off ionizer function: Coway Airmega AP-1512hh
The Coway Airmega is an award-winning air purifier that is one of the most effective units for removing pollutants from medium-sized rooms of up to 361 sq. ft. With powerful fans under the hood, you can expect dust to be a thing of the past, while thanks to its sleek design, this purifier won’t look out of place in any modern home.
The secret to the Airmega’s advanced performance comes from its four-stage filtration. The first line of defense comes from the True HEPA filter, capable of capturing particles as small as 99.9%, including bacteria, viruses and dust. The unit also utilizes a pre-filter and Activated Carbon filter to eradicate VOCs and handle larger particles. The Airmega AP-1512HH has an optional bipolar ionizer to charge particles, making them easier to remove.
What we really like
What we think could be better
This purifier brings genuine user-friendly features that make removing dust easier than ever. With three timer settings and auto and eco modes, which automatically adjust the fan speeds to combat pollutants, you can let the purifier work its magic without worrying about overseeing it.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
|---|---|
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 25 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon, and Bipolar Ionizer |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 362 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 247.7 CFM Smoke: 233.6 CFM Pollen: 232.2 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18.3H x 16.8W x 9.6D inches (46.5H x 42.7W x 24.4D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.34 lbs (5.60 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 38.9 dB Speed 2: 44.4 dB Speed 3: 60.1 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.3 watts Speed 1: 3.7 watts Speed 2: 8.7 watts Speed 3: 75.3 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $195.79 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.77 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 3 years |
| Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
7. Best smart option: Mila Air Purifier
Our homes are full of gadgets that make our lives easier. If you pride yourself on living in a “smart home,” the Mila Air Purifier will suit your needs. With its modern design, large display screen and intuitive app connectivity, the Mila shows how far air purifiers have come from the old days of simply a filter attached to a fan.
Let’s start by talking about some of the smart features Mila have installed into their unit. The digital screen is informative and intuitive, giving you air quality data in real-time in an easy-to-understand way. Their Automagic Mode offers eight unique smart modes to allow you control everything from energy usage and noise emitted to set routines that fit into your bedtime regime.
What we really like
What we think could be better
For those who feel that pressing buttons on your air purifier is “so last year,” Mila has developed an app for your smartphone so you can control your unit from anywhere. With smart, colorful graphics, you can monitor and dictate every aspect of the air quality in your home.
The Mila is just all about the tech; there are a variety of filters to choose from to tailor the unit to your specific needs. Ranging from H12 – H14 HEPA, the choice of filters are designed to suit your needs; whether you suffer from allergies, have pets, suffer from odors, or you’re expecting a new baby, you’ll be able to find the right filter for you in Mila’s filter range.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 35 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPA (ranges from H12-H14) and ganular activated carbon filter |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 217 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 146 CFM Smoke: 140 CFM Pollen: 152 CFM |
| 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 (8.16 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 37.5 dB Speed 3: 42.2 dB Speed 6: 54.8 dB Speed 8: 58.8 dB Speed 10: 59.2 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 5.62 watts Speed 1: 8.42 watts Speed 3: 10.1 watts Speed 6: 20.45 watts Speed 8: 36.2 watts Speed 10: 38.32 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $208.45 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $3.22 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | Designed in the U.S., assembled in China |
Common questions about dust and air purifiers
Dust comprises many different pollutants, from pet dander to pollen, many of which can contribute to allergies. However, when people refer to a specific dust allergy, they usually refer to dust mites.
These microscopic critters feed off dust particles and excess moisture in the air and are found to be one of the most common allergens found in the home. As we inhale or come into contact with dust mites or the proteins they leave behind, they often cause symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, itching, or developing a runny or stuffy nose.
Dust mites will exist in every home worldwide, and although they are nigh-on impossible to eradicate, they can be curtailed and symptoms can be managed. The best way to keep on top of dust mites is to frequently dust your home, keeping the space ventilated and an air purifier running and keeping humidity levels low.
Inhaling small quantities of dust will happen from time to time. Fortunately, our immune system is well equipped to deal with foreign pollutants, such as dust, entering our bodies.
When we inhale dust regularly, however, we may see our immune system kicking into overdrive to help resolve the issue. When this happens, you may recognize having a stuffy nose, itchy eyes or other common allergy symptoms that flair while the dust is in your system.
Being exposed to vast quantities of dust every day over prolonged periods (usually through work rather than domestic exposure) can lead to more serious conditions such as:
- Silicosis
- Lung cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease
If you work in a dusty environment, such as a building or industrial site, then your employer should ensure the necessary PPE and safety precautions are provided.
As dust comprises hundreds of pollutant particles such as skin cells, cloth fibers, and dirt from the earth, it is simply impossible to escape.
Certain homes may be more susceptible to dust build-ups. Sometimes based on what’s inside, such as pets or lots of soft furnishings, sometimes based on the house itself, with gaps by old doors or windows, an old HVAC system, or your local environment being key factors, and sometimes down to having a poor dusting and vacuuming regime.
Be sure to check out our 10-step guide on banishing dust from your home for good.
Most manufacturers suggest that you leave your unit to run all the time to reap the benefits of clean air. However, this may seem overkill to leave the unit running while no one is home or the space isn’t utilized. Not to mention the effect this can have on your energy bills.
Instead, we recommend allowing your unit to run for a few hours daily when pollutants are most rife. This will usually occur when traffic within the space, as pollutants particles become disturbed and affect your surrounding air.
Many modern purifiers come with smart features which can be extremely useful in letting you know when or how to operate your purifier. Many purifiers will have in-built or app-compatible air quality monitors so you can keep an eye on pollutants and use the purifier accordingly. In contrast, Auto mode units continuously monitor the air and cycle through the higher fan speeds when required.
Wrapping up
Dust is a problem we all have to deal with in our homes, and it’s not going away anytime soon. The best thing we can do to manage it is to introduce an air purifier into the home and ensure we’re cleaning thoroughly and regularly.
Before buying the air purifier that looks the best or suits your budget, remember these other factors to consider:
- It uses HEPA filters
- It has an appropriate CADR
- It will operate efficiently in your room size
In this buying guide, we’ve only chosen air purifiers that use HEPA filters and made sure to include a range of units that have a variety of CADRs for different sized rooms, so you can find the right air purifier to keep dust from taking over your home.
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 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
