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.
There’s nothing like packing a bag and heading out on the open road chasing down the American dream. But life on the road can be more challenging than simply putting your foot on the gas down the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially if you have the whole family along for the ride.
RVs are homes on wheels, and with that come all the pollutants we find in our properties each day. To rid our rooms of these pollutants we use air purifiers, why would an RV be any different? Well…it’s not.
Protecting you and your family from harmful contaminants is just as important on the road. With everyone sharing the same space, cooking dinner, sleeping, and using the bathroom, pollutants can build up.
But taking your unit from home will be overkill. It would drain Your vehicles energy and take up much-needed space. Fortunately, there are air purifiers ideal for use in an RV, but there are some important qualities you should consider.
🚌 It needs to service the size of your RV. If it’s too small it will struggle to clean the air, if it’s too big you’ll be wasting space and energy.
🚌 You need enough onboard power to operate the unit each day.
🚌 It should use a HEPA filter
🚌 It needs to fit your budget
Lucky for you, at HouseFresh we’re air purifier nerds so we wanted to take out the leg work and give you our recommendations for the best air purifiers for your RV based on these criteria.
The Top 3 Air Purifiers For RVs
Check out our seven recommendations for the best air purifiers for your RV.
1. Levoit Core Mini
Levoit have proven themselves in the air purifier arena giving us great performing units at budget costs. The smallest in their Core line, the Mini is the ideal size to fit into your RV without taking up floor space.
The Levoit Core Mini proves that good things can come in small packages. They’ve decided to forego any smart features and stick to a simple one-touch operation with three fan speeds. It’s cylindrical design allows the mini to make use of Levoit’s signature VortexAir™ technology which pulls in air from 360 degrees.
Levoit like to keep costs low. This includes running costs and replacement filters. Its round three stage filtration includes a pre-filter, personal HEPA, and activated carbon filter clearing spaces up to 178 sq.ft. It pulls up to 7 watt of power on full speed meaning it won’t drain your RVs batteries. It also includes a tray to add essential oils if you want to add a nice aroma to your moving home.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | Personal HEPA |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 32 CFM |
| Recommended room size: | 178 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 4 – 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25 – 44dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 10.4 H x 6.5 W x 6.5 D inches / 26.4 H x 16.4 W x 16.4 D cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 2.2 lbs / 1 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $15.21 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Only weighs 2.2lbs
👍 Adding essential oils is a nice touch
👍 Filter is super easy to replace
👍 Doesn’t take up floor space
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 CADR could be higher
👎 An air quality monitor would be cool
2. Aroeve MK1
The stylish Aroeve MK1 is used in many homes throughout the US, but we think it would be just as effective in your RV. With three fan speeds including a Sleep mode, a timer, and UV function, this unit covers lots of bases for your mobile home.
With its 360 degree air outlet and dual-channel technology, the MK1 is designed to clean spaces up to 215 sq. ft. Aroeve boast a cylindrical 4 layered filter, pre-filter, Antibacterial layer, H13 True HEPA, and an Activated Carbon layer providing a denfense against airborne pollutants. These will need replacing after 3 – 6 months but new filters aren’t expensive.
The MK1 is fairly quiet at 22dB on its lowest speed which you’re unlikely to hear over the engine whilst driving. And when you’re not travelling, you can move this indoors to use a small room of your home…bonus.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 25 CFM |
| Recommended room size: | 215 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 3 – 6 month |
| Noise level (low – high): | 22dB on lowest fan speed |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 9.7 H x 6.1 W x 6.1 D inches / 24.6 H x 15.4 W x 15.4 D cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 1.57 lbs / 0.712 kg |
What We Really Like:
👍 Comes with a remote control
👍 Has a timer function
👍 Has a H13 HEPA filter
👍 Has a nice display light
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It could have a carry handle
👎 If it tips over, it’s gonna roll
3. Levoit LV-H128
Another unit from the no.1 air purifier brand in the US, I’ve had the opportunity to use the LV-H128 from Levoit so I know that this little unit would be great for your road trip. When you purchase an air purifier from Levoit, you’re also getting the expertise and years of experience manufacturing units from their top engineers
As with some of the other units in our list, the LV-H128 comes with a hidden aroma pad where you can add essential oils to give your RV a fresh scent (useful with the bathroom being so close). Levoit have made it simple for you by having a one-button control to both turn it on and to run through its fan speeds.
Even though this is a tiny air purifier, the filter doesn’t let it down. Its 3-stage filtration includes a fine pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter, and an Activated Carbon filter to deal with any nasty odors (useful with the bathroom being so close).
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 41 CFM |
| Recommended room size: | 161 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24 – 59 dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 6.7L x 6.7W x 10.4H in / 17L x 17W x 26.5H cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $20.20 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 Its minimalist design
👍 It has a sleep mode
👍 The function button turns red when the filter needs replacing
👍 Its aromatherapy tap is easy to access
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Doesn’t fare well in hot temperatures
👎 May fall over on bumpy roads
4. Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini
The PureZone Mini by Pure Enrichment is a one of the smallest (effective) air purifiers out there. This little gem fits into your hand and is ideal for those smaller RVs. It’s powered through a USB-C connection so you don’t need to worry about it sucking all the juice from you’r battery.
This little guy has a one-button operation to select from its 3 fan speed options low, medium, and high. It weighs less than 1 lbs and will fit right into your luggage. There’s a moveable carry handle so you can aim the PureZone in different directions and its lithium-ion battery can last up to 12 hours before you need to put it back on charge.
As the unit is so small, so is the filter. The 2-in-1 True HEPA and activated carbon filter will take of spaces up to 54 sq. ft. that may not seem much, but could be just what you need for the cockpit if you’re planning long drives.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | True HEPA |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 5 – 10 CFM |
| Recommended room size: | 54 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 15 – 30 dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 2.7L x 3.3W x 8.5H inches / 6.86L x 8.38W x 21.6H cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 0.6 lbs / 0.27 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $16.29 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 It has a carry handle
👍 Looks like a bluetooth speaker
👍 Comes in several different colors
👍 Charging is easy
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It doesn’t let you know when the battery is running low
👎 Its air output is minimal
5. Levoit Core 300S
If you want to kill two birds with one stone, the Levoit Core 300S is great for both your home and your home on wheels. We recently reviewed the Core 300 so wanted to see how the S version measures up. To put it simply this unit contains more smart features performs better in areas around 219 sq. ft.
Levoit’s updated version of the Core 300 has the ability to connect wirelessly to their VeSync app. Here, you can remotely check the quality of the air in your RV, adjust fan speed, engage auto mode, set the timer function, and make use of its voice control if you need to change any settings whilst driving.
The real selling point of this unit is the filter. Using Levoits’ VortexAir™ technology, the 3-stage filter contains a pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter, and a high-effiency Activated Carbon filter. It may take up a bit more floor space than others on our list, but for large RVs rolling through plenty of traffic, the Core 300S is ideal.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 141 CFM |
| Recommended room size: | 219 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24 – 48 dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches / 22 x 22 x 36 cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 5.95 lbs / 2.7 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $56.48 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 It has an air quality monitor
👍 You can buy customized filters
👍 The color an LED ring tells you the state of the air
👍 Has a display lock
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It uses more power than others
👎 It would benefit from a handle
6. Westinghouse 1804
You could almost mistake the air purifier for a portable radio. With its modern stylings, carry handle, and four different colors to choose from, the 1804 from Westinghouse will fit comfortably on a tabletop, nightstand, or even sat beside you in the cockpit as you go on your adventure.
This funky little unit features a rechargeable battery which can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. The light on the power button will indicate when it needs to recharge. You can select from two fan speeds by pressing the power button, the light will change color to show which speed has been chosen, white = low, blue = high.
Inside the 1804 is a H13 HEPA filter and their patented NCCO (Nano Confined Catalytic Oxidation) reactor which (much like activated carbon) removes VOCs and odors from the air in your RV. This shouldn’t be your choice if you have a large RV, but for more modest vehicles, this is definitely a contender.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | True HEPA |
| Recommended room size: | 100 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 3 – 4 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 34 – 38 dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 6.3L x 6.3W x 3.5H inches / 16L x 16W x 8.89D cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 2.12 lbs / 0.96 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $5.43 per year |
What We Really Like:
👍 It looks great
👍 One button operation
👍 It lets you know when it needs recharging
👍 Has a carry handle and straps
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Would be better with a higher fan speed
👎 Would like to see a timer function
7. OSIMO Portable Air Purifier
If your’re looking for an air purifier to match the stylish interior of your RV, the OSIMO could be the one for you. It reminds me of a droid from Star Wars, one that will follow you around on your adventures. This little guy will sit comfortably on a table or nightstand covering up tp 215 sq. ft.
Inside the body, the OSIMO carries a three-stage filter. First you have a sponge pre-filter to capture largers particles like hair and pet dander, second is the highly efficient H13 True HEPA filter for those tiny airborne particles, and third is th Activated Carbon filter to take care of odors like cooking smells.
The OSIMO has three fan speeds to choose from. You select each one with the same one-button operation. The lowest fan speed, Sleep Mode, is only 22 dB to let you sleep soundly as fresh, clean air circulates your RV.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA |
| Recommended room size: | 215 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 3 – 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 22 – 50dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 6.3L x 6.3W x 7.9H inches / 16L x 16W x 20.1D cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 1.44 lbs / 0.65 kg |
What We Really Like:
👍 It looks cool
👍 Easy to use – one button operation
👍 Comes with a 4.9 ft Type-C USB
👍 Filter is simple to change
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish it came in different colors
👎 It’s loud on full for a small unit
Common Questions About Air Purifiers for RVs
🤔 Why Do You Need An Air Purifier for Your RV?
When living in small spaces, airborne pollutants can start to build up quickly. The more people you have in that space, the more harmful particles will effect the air, ultimately damaging the health of everybody on board. As you’re on the road, the amount of pollutants caused by traffic exhaust fumes can have an unhealthy effect on you and your passengers.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter will trap those bad particles in its tightly woven fibers removing them from the air in your RV.
Let’s not forget about the odors that can seem 10x worse in a small space. Whether it’s last nights cooking, smelly socks from hiking, or this mornings bowl movement, there’s no room to escape unless you have an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to adsorb those odors.
🤔 How Do You Power an Air Purifier in an RV?
Some of the units come with normal household plugs which means you can switch them from your RV to your home easily. Some other in our list come with USB and Type-C USB which can be used with an adaptor or, if you have connectors in your RV, they could plug straigh into the battery.
When buying an air purifier, make sure you:
A. Have the right power outlet
B. Your RV can provide the right power draw for the unit
How We Picked Our Top Choices
We don’t recommend units without being 100% confident in our real-life performance testing process. That’s why we test all the models we recommend in the same room (sized 705 cubic ft) performing the same job (removing incense smoke).
This allows us to compare units side by side and create “best” lists like this one. The most important features we considered when making this selection were:
- Room Size – RV’s range in size from 300ft2-140ft2, so you don’t need a big air purifier – our number 1 unit has a recommended size of 178 ft2 which would be perfect for most RV types.
- Power – Electricity usage is more of an issue than for residential usage so we have suggested units with lower power draw so you don’t drain your RV battery too quickly.
- Value for money – The top 3 units we have recommended are all under $150, so you don’t need to spend alot of cash to keep your RV air clean.
SOURCES
Monthly energy consumption costs have been calculated using our air purifier electricity usage calculator, which allows us to calculate daily and yearly costs associated with running an air purifier for 24hs a day.
You can customize the result by air purifier wattage and by state. In the case of the calculations we shared on this page, we used California as our base state for energy prices.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API