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.
Since so many of us have recently transitioned from the luxury of an air-conditioned office to a home office or living room as our workplace, you may need to be aware of the difference in air quality that can come with this environmental change.
Data shows that air quality in home offices is often worse than in office buildings. In one recent study, particulate matter was found to exceed the recommended maximum of 12 µg/m3 in 100% of home offices used for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This means that most people are unfortunately not breathing as much fresh air as they should be when working from home. To remedy this, an air purifier could be your best chance of improving the air quality in your work environment, leading to better, fresher air.
A typical household can harbor pet dander, mold spores and traffic pollutants. Additionally, cooking food can create unwanted odors and harmful VOCs. Unfortunately, this air doesn’t stay in one place, and many people may breathe the same air for extended periods.
Breathing VOCs can cause some undesirable side effects, such as:
- Labored breathing
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Headaches
- Allergic skin reactions
Investing in a good air purifier to reduce harmful chemicals, smells, bacteria, and other contaminants floating around you while trying to work is a great idea.
However, you will want to find a quiet model so the noise doesn’t distract you. You’ll also want to consider purchasing one suitable for the size of your space, so remember to check CADR ratings.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations With so many air purifiers on the market, all making promises of what they can achieve, finding the suitable unit to suit your needs and taste can be challenging. To curate our guides, we look at what features a unit needs to have to ensure it can do your desired job. When looking at units suitable for your home office, we chose units that had specific features: ✅ HEPA Filters – With the amount of microscopic airborne pollutants floating around your home office, you’ll need an air purifier that contains a HEPA filter that will trap and remove these contaminants from your room. ✅ Size – When it comes to air purifiers, size matters. We’ve included a variety of air purifiers that tackle different-sized home offices so you can find the right unit for your space. ✅ Noise – The sound of an electrical fan spinning is not always great for your concentration. That’s why we’ve chosen air purifiers that won’t distract you when you’re in your home office. You’ve probably noticed the same jargon and regurgitation across air purifier review sites on your journey to find an air purifier. We’ve seen it too many times; that’s why at HouseFresh, we buy and test each unit we review ourselves and give you our unfiltered, honest opinions. Buying each unit ourselves allows us to carry out the following performance tests: 1️⃣ Air Cleaning Test – We contaminate a 705 cubic foot room with artificial pollutants and track how long it takes for each unit to remove all traces of PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10.0 particles. 2️⃣ Energy Consumption Test – To find out how much a unit costs to run, we connect each air purifier to an energy meter and work out the average how much you’re likely to pay each year in energy. 3️⃣ Sound Test – Manufacturers usually state this on the box, but we like to be thorough. Therefore we measure how much sound each unit produces in decibels so you know what to expect before you buy. |
Now that we’ve run our tests and put these air purifiers through their paces let’s look at each in more detail. If you like the look of one and want to know more, hit the ‘full review’ button to see all our findings and opinions.
For those who don’t have time to read up on each unit, here are our top three choices for your home office.
The Top 3 Air Purifiers For Your Home Office
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR A SMALL HOME OFFICE | 🛋️ FOR A LARGE HOME OFFICE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alen BreatheSmart 45i | Smart Air QT3 | Coway Airmega 300 | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 33 minutes | 4 hours and 27 minutes | 26 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 245 CFM | 24 CFM | 300 CFM |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology | 95% efficiency HEPA filter made with polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) | Three-stage HyperCaptive™ Max2 filters (pre-filter + activated carbon + Green True HEPA™) |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | 800 sq. ft. | 12.9 sq. ft. | 1256 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) | 1.375 lbs (0.624 kg) | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Alen BreatheSmart 45i review | Smart Air QT3 review | Coway Airmega 300 review |
| PRICE 💵 | $459.00 | $405.54 | |
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now you’ve had a look at our top three recommendations, take a look at the other air purifiers we’ve chosen for your home office.
1. Best Overall: Alen BreatheSmart 45i
The Alen BreatheSmart 45i can blend seamlessly into your office environment. It’s suitable for small to large-sized offices and offers consistent performance utilizing its various fan speeds. Thanks to the air quality color-coded sensor, you’ll always know when to manually increase the fan speed or simply use the auto function.
For cleaning the air, the purifier has an H13 True HEPA filter that’s medical-grade and capable of capturing particles down to 0.1 microns. It can also remove 99.99% of those harmful airborne contaminants, creating a comfortable environment for everyone.
| 💡 Tip: The 45i is designed for rooms up to 800 sq. ft — ideal for those with a medium to large home office. |
With its large fan and powerful motor, the Alen will clear those nasty airborne contaminants from your space, even If you share your office with others.
The good news is that this powerful unit is actually quiet so it won’t disturb you while you work:
What We Really Like:
👍 Easy to read air quality indicator
👍 Simple to maintain and install replacement filters
👍 Air quality differences are felt fast
👍 Fast at clearing out light indoor odors
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Higher fan speeds can create noticeable noise
👎 Filters seem to be quite expensive
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 33 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
| 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 (63.58H x 38.1W x 21.5D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 49dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
2. Best for a Small Home Office: Smart Air QT3
Space is essential if you’re working in a smaller home office; that’s where portable air purifiers come in, and the best of the bunch is the QT3 from Smart Air. This small unit is ideal for sitting on your desk as you work. There are no smart features, but you can’t expect them from a unit of this size.
Personally, I love the look of the QT3 with its little feet, easy to use controls and carry handle. Inside is a small H11 HEPA filter that’s super easy to install and can last six months which is amazing for a filter of that size. Keep the QT3 charged overnight and the 2000mAh battery will keep your purifier running through your working day.
The QT3 may only have a CADR of 24 CFM, so it’s only effective in small offices, but sitting this little unit on your desk could mean the difference between inhaling harmful pollutants and breathing clean, healthy air.
At the highest fan speed, the Smart Air QT3 produced 40 dB, which is equivalent to standing in a quiet library. Listen for yourself:
What We Really Like:
👍 Weights just 1.375 lbs
👍 You can adjust the direction of airflow
👍 Uses only ozone-free technology
👍 Will fit modern home office decor
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 No activated carbon the deal with odors
👎 It’s ineffective in larger rooms
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 4 hours and 27 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 95% efficiency HEPA filter made with polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) with an 800-hour lifespan |
| Recommended room size: | 12.9 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 24 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 5.9L x 5.7W x 7.1H inches (15cm L x 14.5cm W x 18cm H) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 1.375 lbs (0.624 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 6 months |
| Filter life: | 32dB – 49dB |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $8.41 per year (but it can also be used with an in-built battery) |
3. Best for a Large Home Office: Coway Airmega 300
The first option on our list, the Coway Airmega 300, is built with large rooms in mind, making it a good choice for spacious offices. With dual suction capability, it can draw in contaminated air from two sides and release clean air from the top of the unit.
There’s also an air quality monitor that tracks the number of pollutants in the in real-time. It shows you how clean the air is by displaying a bright, colored LED ring. When auto mode is activated, the unit adapts the fan function as it sees fit.
Through its 3-stage filtration system, the unit works well at tackling airborne issues big and small. There’s a washable pre-filter for large dust particles, a True HEPA filter for fine dust and mold spores and a deodorization filter to combat various odors, all of which help create a fresher office environment.
In our testing, the Coway Airmega 300 sound levels ranged from 22dB for the lowest speed (faint leaves rustling) and up to 52dB at its highest fan speed (moderate rainfall). This means that you are getting a powerful unit that won’t interrupt your work meetings with its noise:
What We Really Like:
👍 Easy-to-clean pre-filter
👍 Good circulation so it moves plenty of air fast
👍 Effective scheduling feature
👍 Air quality sensor has good sensitivity
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The control panel can be too sensitive to accidental touches
👎 Might have some initial app connectivity issues
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 26 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Three-stage HyperCaptive™ Max2 filters (pre-filter + activated carbon + Green True HEPA™) |
| Recommended room size: | 628 to 1256 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 300 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 13.6W x 21.2H x 13.6D inches (34.5W x 53.8H x 34.5D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 22dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years from the date of the original retail purchase |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $55.71 per year |
4. Best for Focus Work: Blueair Blue Pure 411+
The Blueair Blue Pure 411+ is the go-to compact air purifier for small offices where space and silence are essential. There are no complicated controls to navigate; simply one button to turn on the unit and change between fan speeds. It’s stylish, compact and highly energy efficient.
A feature that helps this air purifier stand out amongst its competitors is the washable pre-filter fabric. This is on the outside of the unit, so it’s easy to remove and aesthetically pleasing. And if your home office has a color scheme that can’t be deviated from, choose from six different colored pre-filters to match your needs.
Deeper inside the unit is the second layer of protection in the form of HEPASilent technology. This uses electrostatic filtration, working with a particle filter to capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles. Last is the carbon layer, designed to take care of light odors.
| 💡 Tip: The Blueair Blue Pure 411+ is ideal for those with a small home office, who appreciate a silent space where to do deep work. |
The Blue Pure 411+ is super quiet. Sound levels ranged from 17dB for the lowest speed and up to 46dB at its highest – this is equivalent to light rain or a quiet office.
What We Really Like:
👍 Easy to read air quality indicator
👍 Quiets down immediately after the air is cleaned
👍 Low power consumption
👍 Lightweight and easy to move around
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Higher fan speeds can create noticeable noise
👎 Touch controls could be more sensitive
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 43 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 3-stage True HEPA filter with activated charcoal |
| Recommended room size: | 185 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 120 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 17H x 7.8W x 7.8D inches (43.18H x 19.812W x 19.812D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 3.4 lbs (1.54 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 17dB – 46dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $10.51 per year |
5. Levoit LV-PUR131
The Levoit LV-PUR131 helps purify the air of an average or medium-sized office setting. With a True HEPA filter and a Honeycomb activated carbon filter, the unit performs on average 30% more efficiently and with 30% more speed than its competitors. In this case, it can quickly remove airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns and freshen the air.
This purifier features a smart sensor to detect air quality changes and adjust between the three fan speeds if it needs to. A timer function also runs the entire workday or only for specific periods. If you need it to perform quietly, you can activate the Sleep Mode function as that consistently runs the fan at the lowest speed.
It may not be the most stylish-looking unit on our list. Still, the LV-PUR131 is all about function over fashion, so if you’re looking for a great performing air purifier with easy-to-use controls at a budget price for a medium-sized home office, the 131 may be the one for you.
What We Really Like:
👍 Simple to replace the filter
👍 The fan runs with minimal noise on higher speeds
👍 Can absorb odors fast
👍 User-friendly design so it’s easy to operate
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 May need to leave it on high to get the most effective filtration
👎 Dust might form on top of the purifier
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 60 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 360 to 516 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 135 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18.5H x 14.6W x 7.2D inches (47H x 37.1W x 18.3D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 11.22 lbs (5.1 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25dB – 44 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $32.59 per year |
6. Coway AP-1512HH
The Coway AP-1512HH is a powerful unit with a streamlined appearance, so it can be placed out of the way while still offering total room coverage in small to medium-sized offices. With its 4-stage filtration technology, the purifier captures and reduces common indoor airborne particles and allergens and deftly handles those pesky odors and VOCs.
There are variable fan speeds and an auto mode function that adapts the air purifier as needed for the conditions of your workspace. This unit features an air quality indicator that will communicate via colored LEDs, so you know exactly how good or bad the air quality is. The timer feature means that the air purifier can run for one, four, or eight hours before it will automatically shut itself off.
Under the hood, the AP-1512HH has a pre-filter (that can be removed and cleaned), a True HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of tiny harmful particles, an activated carbon filter to trap any lingering odors and other VOCs and an ionizer (which we don’t really like but you can turn it off).
Another pro of this air purifier is the noise levels it reaches. It can go from 24 dB at the lowest fan speed (equivalent to a whisper) to 53 dB at the highes fan speed (not louder than a household refrigerator). Have a listen for yourself to decide if this would suit your home office:
What We Really Like:
👍 Relatively quiet operation
👍 Designed to be energy-efficient
👍 Affordable replacement filters
👍 The air quality sensor isn’t overly sensitive
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The fan might wobble a bit, even at low speeds
👎 Doesn’t always handle surface dust well
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 23 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon, and Bipolar Ionizer |
| Recommended room size: | 361 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 240 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): | 12.3 lbs (5.58 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 53dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 3 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $168.58 per year |
7. Levoit LV-H132
The Levoit LV-H132 is a unit designed for smaller offices. It can function well when placed on the floor or higher up on a counter or table. Available in black or white, the purifier features three-speed settings, with the lowest one most ideal for those quieter office moments.
This air purifier uses 3-stage filtration. Up in the front is the fine pre-filter, used to capture lint, hair and fibers. The True HEPA filter goes after finer particles, like dust mite debris, pollen, and airborne bacteria, that cause additional allergy symptoms. Then there is the activated carbon filter that absorbs common indoor odors.
The best thing about the LV-H132 is its size. You can pick up this unit and place it anywhere in your office. It’s super easy to use and if you’re concerned about the big light on the top distracting you, don’t worry, you can turn it off with a button.
What We Really Like:
👍 Sleek, space-saving design
👍 Reasonable noise level
👍 Accurate filter replacement indicator
👍 User-friendly setup process
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Buttons might become unresponsive at times
👎 Air could circulate more evenly
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 1 hour and 38 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter and activated carbon |
| Recommended room size: | up to 129 ft² |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 40 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 7.9L x 7.9W x 12.6H in (20 x 20 x 32 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 6 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25 dB – 50 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $28.38 per year |
8. IQAir HealthPro Plus
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a well-built air purifier that features 320° clean air delivery, providing plenty more options on how it can be set up to cover the entire office. It’s designed for spacious areas and thanks to the EvenFlow Diffuser, the air is evenly distributed in different directions with minimal noise. The unit is energy-efficient as well, thanks to its maintenance-free motor.
As for its performance when cleaning the air, the purifier features HyperHEPA filtration. This can trap particles down to 0.003 microns, allowing it to work successfully against fine and ultrafine airborne particles like viruses and bacteria.
| ⚠️ The HealthPro Plus is a big, heavy unit. We’ve added it for those of you who have the luxury of a large home office or have several people working with you. |
The cleaning power built into this air purifier is very impressive and the filters last around 4 years before they need replacing, so if you have the space, we highly recommend the HealthPro Plus.
That said, you need to be aware of the associated noise levels. The IQAir Healthpro Plus is louder at its highest speed than the average (69 dB), but noise level is below average at low speeds (25 dB). Have a listen to decide if this is a deal breaker for you:
What We Really Like:
👍 Removes odors well
👍 Filters last a reasonable length of time
👍 Includes remote for easier control at a distance
👍 Built-in transportation wheels
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Replacement filters can get costly
👎 A bit bulky and old-fashioned in appearance
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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25dB – 69dB |
| Filter life: | 4 years |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 10 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $165.04 per year |
Buying Guide: Air Purifiers for Your Home Office
Whether you use your home office for work, being creative, for hobbies or just as a place to escape and unwind, the quality of the air can have a profound effect on your productivity (or lack of).
Studies have shown poor air quality can directly impact our decision-making, problem-solving and concentration levels. Introducing the right air purifier to your home office can boost your productivity and keep the air clean and healthy.
| 🤔 Why should you introduce an air purifier to your home office sooner rather than later? It’s not just your concentration and productivity that can be affected by poor air quality. All those harmful airborne pollutants can be dangerous to your health. According to the EPA, Americans spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, where the concentration of pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. We are sat in a danger zone for most of our day. The effects caused by indoor pollutants can be: -Irritation of your eyes, nose and throat -Headaches, dizziness and fatigue -Respiratory diseases, heart disease and even cancer If you already have health issues, you could be more susceptible to the effects caused by indoor pollutants. |
With all these risks from indoor pollutants, you can see why introducing an air purifier to your home office is, especially if you spend long periods in there.
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier for Your Home Office
Before buying an air purifier for your home, you need to make some important considerations to know that you’re getting the suitable unit to suit your needs.
1. Measure your home office
The size makes a big difference in which air purifiers will run effectively and efficiently in that space. You must measure your office before you start looking for a unit.
| Volume = room area (length x width) x ceiling height |
Once you have that figure, you can compare it to the size of the space each air purifier will perform in. This is why we add this information to our reviews ‘SPECS & FEATURES’ section.
| 💡Pro Tip: Where you place your air purifier in the room is also important, so remember this when looking at the size of a unit. |
2. Make sure it uses a HEPA filter
HEPA filters are the most effective for removing harmful microscopic particles from the air, using their tightly woven maze of fibers to trap at least 99.7% of airborne pollutants like allergens, dust, dander, bacteria and viruses.
3. Look at CADR
Another key specification you need to pay attention to is a unit’s CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rate. The measurement shows us how effectively the air purifier removes particles from a space over time (usually measured in CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute).
The basic rule of thumb is the higher the CADR, the more effective the air purifier is, but more powerful isn’t always better; you will get maximum efficiency from a unit with a CADR that matches the size of your space.
FAQs About Air Purifiers for Your Home Office
🤔 What do square footage ratings mean?
When shopping around for an air purifier, the square footage rating is among the many features you should consider before buying. This will determine if you’re getting the appropriately powerful unit for the room you wish to use it in.
Square footage rating is simply based on the area in which the unit in question can perform efficiently.
This usually includes calculating how many single air changes it can make within an hour in a particular room size. In these calculations, it’s normal to go off the assumption that the room in question has an 8ft. ceiling.
🤔 What are the benefits of having an air purifier in an office?
One of the main benefits of having an air purifier in an office is the same reason it’s beneficial to have one at home: healthier and cleaner air. A good purifier prevents viruses and bacteria that can linger in the air. In a business setting, no matter how spacious or small it is, airborne particles can quickly float around and spread illnesses.
The right air purifier will capture those particles and reduce the likelihood of everyone in the office getting sick.
There are additional benefits that stem from capturing harmful airborne particles. Fewer illnesses getting spread means fewer people are getting sick, which can also mean fewer employees taking sick leave. Productivity can increase from there.
🤔 How much does it cost to run an air purifier all day?
The cost of running an air purifier throughout the day depends on the purifier itself. Many have an Energy Star rating, a great indicator to show that they don’t consume as much energy, so that they won’t cost you much in the long run.
Generally, you’re looking at a power consumption of as low as $0.05 per day and up to $1.00 per day. You can quickly check with individual air purifiers to get a more specific idea of their energy typical energy consumption.
Wrapping Up
No matter how large or small your home office is, you want the air there to be clean and fresh. Science has shown the harmful effects of bad air on your health and the positive impact of clean air; the trick is finding the right air purifier for your space.
Luckily there is a solution — measure your space, know your budget and always choose an air purifier with HEPA filters.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API