Teddy joined HouseFresh in 2019 as a senior content producer, producing written content as well as product photography and YouTube videos. He supports Danny as a product tester and is our lead how-to writer.
Each week, a new study is illuminated in the news reflecting the harmful effects contaminated air can have on us. Clean, pure, high-quality air in your home is more important than ever to protect your and your family’s health.
| 📖 HouseFresh Air Quality News Roundup 📖 Air pollution causes harm at all stages of life – bbc.com Indoor air pollution kills and science needs to step up – nature.com Clean Indoor Air Benefits Everyone – whitehouse.gov How indoor air pollution affects your health and what to do about it – newscientist.com |
Luckily, air purifiers can dramatically improve the air quality in your home. But with the hundreds of air purifiers on the market, finding the right one for your needs can be challenging. This is why we started HouseFresh in the first place, so we can give you the facts with non of the “hard sale” you find on other air purifier review sites.
In case you didn’t know, we test all the air purifiers we review here at HouseFresh. We do this because we want to uncover the best units but also because we want to be able to warn you before you spend any money on a product that won’t do the job you need it to do.
In 2023, we uncovered great air purifiers that blew us away with their efficiency and cleaning power. But it wasn’t all good news: we also identified a small number of air purifiers that should be avoided due to their lack of cleaning power, high energy costs and poor value for money.
While there was some correlation between price and cleaning power, many overpriced machines performed way less than even our lowest budget recommendation.
Whether you suffer from allergies, have pets that shed, smoke weed or vape, are plagued by dust or simply want to breathe clean air when you’re working in your home office, we have the perfect air purifier for you.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations Most lists of “best air purifiers” are just a ranking of the current bestsellers, regardless of actual capabilities. We don’t want to contribute to that, so we look for: Air purifiers that contain HEPA filters so we know they can clear contaminants from your room efficiently and effectively. Air purifiers that are intuitive and easy to use. Air purifiers with the right criteria to match the specific problems we want to solve. To ensure we can achieve our mission here at HouseFresh, we test and review every single air purifier we recommend in our home lab, so we can compare them using data that doesn’t rely on manufacturers’ specifications. Here’s what we do: 1️⃣ We create particulate pollutants in our home lab with the help of incense sticks. 2️⃣ We use a Purple Air Indoor sensor to record how long it takes the air purifier to reduce the levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3, and PM10ug/m3 particles in the air. 3️⃣ We track energy consumption with an electricity usage monitor. 4️⃣ We measure noise levels in decibels across all power levels available. |
Before we jump into our detailed review, here are what we think are the best three air purifiers for 2023:
The Top 3 Air Purifiers You Can Buy in 2023
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit Core 600S | Levoit Core 300 | Alen Breathsmart 75i | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 24 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) | 145 CFM (246 m3/h) | 347 CFM (589 m³/h) |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | H13 True HEPA filter and integrated activated charcoal filter | H13 (Medical) Grade HEPA and Activated Charcoal | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | 635 ft² | 219 ft² | up to 1,300 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) | 27 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Levoit Core 600S review | Levoit Core 300 review | Alen 75i review |
| PRICE 💵 | $299.99 | $99.99 | $769.00 |
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We didn’t just want to tell you the best air purifiers for this guide, as we all have different needs. That’s why we’ve given you our top units for 25 different categories so that you can choose the air purifier that suits you and your criteria.
So sit back and delve into our ultimate guide to The Best Air Purifiers You Can Buy in 2023.
1. Best Budget Option: Levoit Core 300
When you’re looking to buy any product, your budget is usually high on the list of priorities. You don’t want to overspend, but you also don’t want to buy a cheap unit that doesn’t work. Our favorite budget-friendly unit that really works is the Levoit Core 300.
It’s light, small enough to fit on a desk or table and looks unintrusive in any room. With three fan speeds, sleep mode and a timer, the 300 has everything you need from a budget unit.
Inside the circular body is a H13 (aka medical grade) HEPA filter fixed to a pre-filter and an activated carbon filter to remove microscopic particles from the air in your home. It may not be the biggest filter out there, but they last six-eight months before they need replacing.
The 300 performed better than we had imagined for an air purifier that costs less than $100, as it cleared all the contaminants from our testing room in just 40 minutes.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great performance for the price tag
👍 It’s light and easy to move between rooms
👍 Filter replacements are inexpensive
👍 Sleep mode runs quietly and turns all display lights off
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 There’s no air quality sensor
👎 You can’t remove the pre-filter to clean
“The Core 300 is a hard unit to beat when it comes to value for money.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 40 Minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 (Medical) Grade HEPA and Activated Charcoal |
| Recommended room size: | 219 ft² |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 145 CFM (246 m3/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 50dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 |
| 💡 Tip: For more budget air purifiers, check out the full list of our favorite cheap air purifiers we tested in 2023. |
2. Best for Small Rooms: Levoit Core 200S
In the world of air purifiers, size does matter, so finding an air purifier for a small room can be more difficult. Purchasing a unit that’s too big for the room will take up more space and waste energy. If you’re looking for an air purifier for a small room that will take care of pollutants, is energy efficient and has features usually found in larger units, look no further than Levoit’s Core 200S.
This is our favorite unit for smaller spaces for several reasons, including its filters, ease of use and app connectivity.
The touch control panel on the 200S is laid out well and each function lights up to show which is in use, but if you prefer more modern control, you can download and use Levoit’s VeSync phone application. Available on both Apple and Android, the app allows you to control the unit’s fan speed, set the timer and monitor its filter life from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi.
The 200S contains a spherical three-stage filter that combines a nylon pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter, making this our top recommendation for small rooms.
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s small and unintrusive
👍 The app is easy to set up
👍 Costs very little to run
👍 The filters are simple to replace
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The control panel maintains fingerprints
👎 Would be better if it had an air quality sensor
“If you have a small room and care about easy-to-use units that look stylish, then the Core 200S will take care of your needs without breaking the bank.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 61 Minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Nylon Pre-Filter, H13 True HEPA Filter, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 183 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 118 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.6H x 8.07W x 8.07D inches (32H x 20.5W x 20.5D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 48dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $30.48 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Not quite what you were looking for? Check out the full list with our favorite air purifiers for small rooms. |
3. Best for Larger Spaces: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
An air purifier needs a few essential features to clear large rooms, including a high-powered fan and (most importantly) a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). The BreatheSmart 75i from Alen fits the bill on both counts.
This beast of a unit is engineered to clear contaminants from rooms up to 1,300 sq. ft., and you can see how when you open up the front to reveal its huge powerful fan and large filters. This combination gives the 75i a high CADR of 347 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), ideal for purifying large rooms. It cleared the pollutants from our testing room in just 24 minutes.
The BreatheSmart 75i has a three-stage filter system that combines a pre-filter (which can be removed to clean), a H13 True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter packed with carbon pellets.
| 💡 Tip: We prefer activated carbon filters that contain pellets over a bonded sheet, as they’re more effective at removing VOCs and odors from the air. The 75i comes with three types of HEPA filters to choose from, Pure, Fresh and Pet, to suit your specific needs. |
The 75i is a high-end air purifier with a high-end price tag, but unfortunately, if you want to remove pollutants from a large room effectively, you will need to spend a little more.
What We Really Like:
👍 The controls are easy to use
👍 Replacing the filters is simple
👍 It has wheels for maneuverability
👍 It has an auto mode
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It’s a big unit
👎 I wish it had handles on the side
“The Alen BreatheSmart 75i is worth the high price ticket. Air cleaning performance is excellent and it comes with a large, activated charcoal filter, which is crucial for people who are trying to tackle smells and smoke in large spaces.”
— Daniel Booth, Senior Content Producer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 24 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
| 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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 49dB |
| Filter life: | 12 – 15 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Looking for something different? You should definitely check out our round-up article with the best air purifiers for large spaces we’ve tested. |
4. Best Smart Air Purifier: Mila
You can turn your lights on and off by voice command, and you’re central heating can be controlled from anywhere in the world through an app, so it was only a matter of time before air purifiers caught up. Nowadays, air purifiers contain all modern features, from app control to built-in wireless phone charging.
The most impressive part of the Mila is its smart brain that monitors the quality of the air in your home and adjusts the fan speed accordingly in real-time. You can delve into the menus and tailor the Mila to your specific needs and wants, but its Automagik mode is where this unit shows off its “smart” capabilities.
Using the control panel is cool, but using the intuitive, well-designed, easy-to-navigate smartphone app available for Apple and Android devices. Here you can choose from the eight modes that focus on energy efficiency, sound levels, fan speeds etc. You can also monitor your room’s airborne particle levels and humidity and detect carbon monoxide from anywhere in the world with a WiFi connection.
A great feature from the Mila are the seven different filters you can choose from to suit your particular needs:
| Mila Filter | Filter Type | Good For |
| The Basic Breather | H12 HEPA for everyday use | 🚕 Pollution 🧹 Dust 🚬 Smoke |
| The Big Sneeze | H13 HEPA specializes in capturing allergens | 🌻 Pollen 🐈 Pet dander 🤧 Dust allergies |
| The Rookie Parent | H12 HEPA with 0.70 lbs of activated carbon | 🚕 Pollution 🧹 Dust 🚬 Smoke 👃 Odors 🧪 VOCs |
| The Critter Cleaner | H13 HEPA with 0.84 lbs of activated carbon | 🌻 Pollen 🐈 Pet dander 🤧 Dust allergies 👃 Odors 🧪 VOCs |
| The Home Wrecker | H12 HEPA with 1.96 lbs of activated carbon | 🚕 Pollution 🧹 Dust 🚬 Smoke 🐈 Pet dander 👃 Odors 🧪 VOCs ☠ Formaldehyde |
| The Mama-to-Be | H14 HEPA with 0.70 lbs of activated carbon | 🚕 Pollution 🐈 Pet dander 🌻 Pollen 🧹 Dust 🚬 Smoke 👃 Odors 🧪 VOCs 🔬 Ultrafine particulate (PM2.5) 🦠 Viruses and bacteria |
| The Overreactor | H14 HEPA with 1.25 lbs of activated carbon | 🚕 Pollution 🐈 Pet dander 🌻 Pollen 🧹 Dust 🚬 Smoke 👃 Odors 🧪 VOCs ☠ Formaldehyde 🔬 Ultrafine particulate (PM2.5) 🦠 Viruses and bacteria |
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s super intuitive and easy to use
👍 The air quality monitor detects PM1, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, C02, C01 and temperature
👍 You can choose the right filter to suit your needs
👍 Modern design that doesn’t take up much floor space
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Smart doesn’t come cheap
👎 Manual modes can get confusing
“The Mila air purifier is for those who want smart home features and are happy to pay for them.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 74dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Not your cup of tea? Check out the full list with our favorite smart air purifiers. |
5. Best Quiet Air Purifier: Levoit Core Mini
On your journey to find the right air purifier for your needs, you’re bound to come across the phrase “whisper quiet.” The truth is air purifiers make noise; they use a fan run by a motor, so no unit is completely silent. The good news is that some units are quieter than others; you just have to know what to look for.
The Levoit Core Mini is perfect if you’re looking for an air purifier that will sit and purr while you get on with your life. On its highest fan speed, the Mini only reaches 44 dB, comparable to ‘average room noise’ (the humming of electrical goods, quiet conversation etc.)
The mini manages to stay so quiet as it doesn’t have a large fan, which, in turn, means it doesn’t need much energy to run. We calculated that the average cost to run the Mini is around $6.31 annually! (depending on your energy provider.) This unit has no extra features, so it’s also straightforward to operate.
It is a small unit for 178 sq. ft. rooms, so keep that in mind.
What We Really Like:
👍 Small and inexpensive
👍 Uses an H13 grade HEPA filter
👍 Managed to clear our testing room in 113 minutes (great result for its size)
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Replacement filter costs start to add up
👎 No smart features or extra functions
“It won’t be powerful enough for bigger rooms and filters costs seem high with long-term usage, but it’s the quietest air purifier we have tested. Perfect fit to have on your desk in a home office, or for small spaces like RVs and campervans.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 1 hour and 53 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 (Medical) Grade HEPA and Activated Charcoal |
| Recommended room size: | 178 sq. ft. |
| Clea; you delivery rate (CADR): | 32 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 10.4H x 6.5D x 6.5W inches (26.4H x 16.4D x 16.4W cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 2.2 lbs (1 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25 dB – 44 dB |
| Filter life: | 4 – 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $6.31 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Too small for you? Have a look at our full list with our recommended quiet air purifiers available on the market. |
6. Best for Pet Owners: Alen BreatheSmart 45i
Pets are not just animals that live in our homes; they’re part of the family. But sometimes we forget that they can sometimes (inadvertently) be a threat to our health by shedding dander. Running an air purifier is the perfect way to remove pet dander from the air keeping it clean and healthy.
The BreatheSmart 45i is a smaller version of the 75i but has many of the same features like auto mode, ionizer, air quality sensor and indicator color ring. It may not be as powerful as the 75i, but it still packs a mean punch when removing contaminants from your home’s air.
Built for rooms up to 800 sq. ft., the 45i has an impressive CADR of 245 CFM that works tirelessly to pull in that airborne pet dander that can affect your health.
This unit is our top recommendation for pet owners because you can tailor the filter to your needs. If you have a pet that sheds a lot of fur and dander, you should use Alens’ B4-Fresh True HEPA filter designed to capture these particles. If your pets cause a bit of a stink in the house, you should opt for the B4-Odor True HEPA-Odor Cell filter.
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s designed to blend into the background of your home
👍 It’s mounted on a stand to keep it static
👍 The air quality color ring keeps you updated in real-time
👍 You can switch the ionizer off if you don’t want to use it
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Replacement filters are expensive
👎 I wish it had wheels like the 75i
“The 45i is my top recommendation for pet owners. Although its price comes in at the higher end of the mid-range market, you’ll struggle to find another purifier for under $450 that boasts five (5) air changes per hour in an 800 sq. ft. room with a CADR rating of 245, along with the real-world performance to back it up.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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 |
| 💡 Tip: For more air purifiers to help with your furry friends, check out the our shortlist with the best air purifiers for pets. |
7. Best for Allergies & Asthma: Smart Air Blast Mini
The CDC states that over 60 million Americans suffer from various types of allergies yearly. For those who suffer from allergic reactions caused by airborne contaminants, an air purifier can make a world of difference by removing those contaminants from the air.
If allergies plague your home life, we recommend this beast of an air purifie, the Smart Air Blast Mini. Smart Air is well known for making no-thrills, no-nonsense, powerful units focusing solely on performance. You won’t find any auto mode or air quality sensors on this air purifier, just one dial to operate its large fan.
The Blast Mini is far from its namesake; it is made from metal, so you know it will last. The downside is that it’s big and heavy, but it does come with wheels if you need to move it between rooms.
The huge fan maximizes performance giving this unit a high CADR of 435 CFM that cleared our testing room in an incredible time of just 17 minutes. Combine that with its massive H13 HEPA filter and your home will be 99.95% free of airborne allergens.
What We Really Like:
👍 The metal shell is durable and more eco-friendly than plastic
👍 The filter can last up to 33 months
👍 It has an impressive CADR
👍 Easy to use, and less can go wrong
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It’s a heavy machine
👎 Powerful fan = high energy consumption
“The Blast Mini outperformed nearly all the units we’ve tested. The Blast Mini is exactly what those with severe allergies and asthma need. It’s not loud, and although it’s heavy due to its metal body, it has wheels to move it around. I am confident this air purifier will stand the test of time.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 36 – 49 dB |
| Filter life: | 33 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $277.70 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Too pricey? You will find a better match for your wallet in our list with the best air purifiers for allergies. |
8. Best for Bacteria & Viruses: IQAir HealthPro Plus
Without mentioning Covid-19, our homes can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses without us knowing. No matter how often or thoroughly we clean, these nasty particles can survive on our surfaces. Introducing an air purifier into your home will offer extra protection as their HEPA filters can remove at least 99.7% of bacteria & viruses from the air.
It’s no secret that we fell in love with the IQAir as soon as we opened up the unit and investigated the filters inside. As part of three-stage filtration system, you get IQAir’s signature PreMax pre-filter that captures larger particles like dust, dander and allergens and their V5-Cell filter that contains over 5 lbs of activated carbon pellets to adsorb VOCs and odors.
The immensely effective HyperHEPA filter uses an ultrafine web of fibers to trap any airborne bacteria & viruses that try to pass through.
The HealthPro Plus may have a high price tag, but you’re paying for performance. It cleared the contaminants from our performance testing room in just 25 minutes. Each IQAir air purifier is manufactured and tested in their Swish factory, so you know it will perform flawlessly when you set it up in your home.
What We Really Like:
👍 The filters can last four years before replacing
👍 The HyperHepa filter is one of the top performing filters on the market
👍 It’s meticulously tested before shipping
👍 Comes with a 10-year warranty
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 No smart functions
👎 It’s a heavy unit weighing 35 lbs
“The IQAir Healthpro plus is one of the best pure HEPA/activated charcoal air purifiers on the market as of 2023, BUT its outstanding performance doesn’t come cheap. If you are looking for a serious unit to help tackle bacteria and airborne viruses, then look no further.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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 |
| 💡 Tip: If you want to do some more research, I suggest you read our full list with the best options of air purifiers that attack bacteria & viruses. |
9. Best for Traffic Pollution: Blueair Blue Pure 211+
Living next to a busy road or highway might be great for your commute, but the pollutants from all the passing vehicles can be highly damaging to your health. But as exhaust pollution particles measure 2.5 to 10 microns, running an air purifier with a HEPA filter can capture these particles, removing them from the air in your home.
We’ve picked Blueair’s Blue Pure 211+ as our top recommendation to deal with those harmful pollutants caused by traffic as it uses their trademark HEPASilent™ Technology that gives the 211+ a CADR of 350 CFM.
This large, square, three-stage filtration system starts with its bright material pre-filter that can be removed and hand washed. The supercharged HEPASilent filter traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 microns and lastly, the activated carbon sheet removes the odors traffic pollution causes.
Unfortunately, the 211+ doesn’t come with any “smart” features like an auto mode or air quality indicator light, but what it lacks in features, it makes up in performance. It cleared the pollutants from our performance testing room in just 18 minutes, making it one of the fastest units we’ve tested.
What We Really Like:
👍 Impressive CADR of 350 CFM
👍 Customize your unit with interchangeable color pre-filters
👍 Very easy to use with one-button operation
👍 Light and easy to move
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 No additional features
👎 It’s quite loud on highest fan speed
“The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ blew me away with its air cleaning capabilities. Our air cleaning test showed performance levels not normally seen at this price point. This is an affordable unit that offers a powerful fan and high-quality filters to help tackle traffic pollution indoors.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 18 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ Technology (electrostatic filtration with HEPA) and Activated Charcoal Filter + Ionizer technology |
| Recommended room size: | 540 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 350 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20H x 13W x 13D inches (51H x 33W x 33D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 31 – 56 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year (can be extended to 2 years by creating a Blueair account and registering the unit within 60 days of purchase) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $64.12 per year |
| 💡 Tip: If this is not the right option for your home, you might find a better alternative in our list with the best air purifiers for traffic pollution. |
10. Best for Dust: Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto
I don’t know any household that’s 100% free of dust; it seems to plague even the cleanest amongst us. Not only is it unsightly, but it can harm our health if we breathe it in daily. Introducing an air purifier into your room will significantly reduce dust particles from the air as a HEPA filter will trap them in its tightly woven maze of fibers.
If the build-up of dust is a problem in your home, we recommend purchasing Blueair’s Blue Pure 311 Auto. This mid-sized unit in the Blue Pure range takes care of rooms around 388 sq. ft. and uses its 360-degree intake to consume dust particles. With a CADR of 250 CFM, it cleared our performance testing room of contaminants in 21 minutes.
Blueair has introduced their “ultra-advanced” three-stage filtration system into the 311 Auto consisting of:
- Pre-filter — Can be removed and washed, prolonging the life of the HEPA. Captures larger dust particles.
- HEPASilent filter — Removes smaller dust particles and dust mite matter.
- Activated carbon sheet — Removes odors from your room.
The Auto is an upgrade from the regular 311 as it has an auto mode. This function uses sensors on the back of the unit that monitors the air quality of your room and adjusts the fan speed automatically to compensate in real-time.
What We Really Like:
👍 You can customize your unit with different colored pre-filters
👍 It’s highly energy efficient
👍 High CADR for its size
👍 Easy to use straight out the box
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish the activated carbon filter contained charcoal pellets
👎 The pre-filter is a bit fiddly to remove
“If your home is prone to dust building up and you are looking for an air purifier for a room around 400 sq ft, then this is the perfect unit.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 21 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPA Silent and activated charcoal |
| Recommended room size: | 388 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 250 CFM (424 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20.5H x 10.2W x 10.2D inches (52.1H x 25.9W x 25.9D cm) |
| Weight (in pbuild-upin kg): | 6.8 lbs (3.08 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 53dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year (can be extended to 2 years by creating a Blueair account and registering the unit within 60 days of purchase) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $26.28 per year |
| 💡 Tip: The Blue Pure 311 Auto is our favorite option but if it doesn’t quite match what you were looking for, then you should probably read our guide to the best air purifiers for dust. |
11. Best for VOCs: IQAir GC MultiGas
You know the smell of a fresh coat of paint or the odor of new furniture? Those are VOCs. Outdoors, VOCs dissipate without causing harm, but in your home, these chemicals can hang around and cause adverse health effects. To remove VOCs, you’ll need an air purifier with a high concentration of activated carbon.
It may look the same as the HealthPro Plus, but it’s the interior of the unit that makes all the difference.
The filtration system inside the GC MultiGas consists of:
- HyperHEPA particle filtration — This removes 95% of all particles down to 0.003 microns, including allergens, bacteria & viruses and dander.
- Cartidge-based activated carbon adsorption — Using high-grade carbon pellets to remove VOCs and odor.
- Cartidge-based chemisorption gasses — Destroys harmful chemicals using an oxidation process.
- Post-filter sleeve — These wrap around each gas cartridge for an extra layer to prevent the release of media dust.
This extremely effective unit contains 12 lbs of high-quality activated carbon equivalent to the filtration power of 100 gas masks. Combine that with one of the most powerful fans ever used in a residential air purifier, and you’re in for phenomenal results.
What We Really Like:
👍 Its 3D UltraSeal boosts the fan’s efficiency
👍 Each unit is tested in a lab before you buy it
👍 Easy to use
👍 Filters last 4x longer than most other units
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Its awkward to move
👎 Replacement filters are expensive
“It may be a large air purifier, but that’s because it’s packed with the best filters on the market for removing VOCs from your home.”
— Daniel Booth, Senior Content Producer
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 112. |
| 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 |
| 💡 Tip: Want to do more research? Start by reading our guide to the best air purifiers for VOCs based on our in-house testing. |
12. Best for Wildfire Smoke: Austin Air Healthmate
Wildfires can cause a lot of damage to our homes, villages, towns and cities. But even for those who aren’t directly affected by the fire, the smoke can drastically impact the air quality outdoors and in our homes. I don’t have to explain why exposure to wildfire smoke is bad, but I can explain how an air purifier will help.
The top air purifier on the market to deal with wildfire smoke is the American-made Austin Healthmate. It’s made for those with a severe air quality problem and needs a robust unit to tackle it.
The highly-powerful fan is capable of clearing a room up to 1500 sq. ft. of wildfire smoke by pulling it through Austins True HEPA filter that consists of 60 sq. ft. of pleated fibers trapping 99% of particles down to 0.1 microns.
It’s not just the actual smoke that’s an issue; it’s also the smell it leaves behind. This odor can linger as it weaves its way into your furnishings. To help remove those nasty odors, the Healthmate contains over 780 cubic inches of activated carbon and Zeolite.
“This beast of a unit is a testament to American engineering with its HUGE filter (which is key when tackling wildfire smoke), powerful fan and easy operation.”
— Daniel Booth, Senior Content Producer
What We Really Like:
👍 Easy to use with one dial operation
👍 Has a powder coat paint finish
👍 Made from steel
👍 Filter can last 5 years
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It’s a heavy unit
👎 Replacing the filter involves removing screws
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 36 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter, Pre-Filter, Large Particle Pre-Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 750 to 1500 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 150 CFM (estimated based on HouseFresh tests) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 47 lbs (21.3 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 40dB – 62dB |
| Filter life: | 5 years |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $138.76 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Read our full round-up with the best air purifiers for wildfire smoke available to buy. |
13. Best for Cigar & Cigarette Smoke: Levoit Core 600S
Science has shown us the dangers of cigar and cigarette smoke to our health. The advice from the CDC is that you should quit, but sometimes it’s not that simple. Whether you smoke yourself, a member of your household smokes, or smoke is creeping in from another household, the best course of action is to introduce an air purifier into your home.
The Levoit Core 600S is one of our all-time favorite air purifiers for several reasons, but its cleaning ability is at the top of the list. The 600S impressed us by clearing the contaminants in our performance testing room in 15 minutes; that’s 10 minutes faster than a unit that costs hundreds of dollars more.
The design of the 600S allows it to take in air from all sides, and using its circular three-stage filtration system, it works tirelessly to remove cigar and cigarette smoke from all corners of the room. The filter comprises a pre-filter, H13 True HEPA with HEPASmart technology™ and a custom Activated Carbon filter with ARC Formula™.
Levoit’s AirSight Plus sensor allows you to monitor the quality of your air from the color-coded ring and numerical display on the unit or by connecting your unit to their VeSync smartphone app. The app also lets you control settings from anywhere with a WiFi connection.
What We Really Like:
👍 Impressive CADR to $ ratio
👍 Energy efficient
👍 Lightweight, easily moved between rooms
👍 Replacing the filter is very simple
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The pre-filter can’t be removed to clean
👎 It’s a little loud on high fan speeds
“We had to test this thing twice to ensure the first results weren’t a fluke! I couldn’t believe the Core 600S could clean the air in our test room in under 15 minutes. Levoit created a powerful unit with an H13 HEPA filter and a high-quality Activated Carbon filter — the best combo for those looking to clean the air from cigar and cigarette smoke without breaking the bank.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 26 – 55 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Don’t miss our full guide with our favorite air purifiers to eliminate cigar & cigarette smoke. |
14. Best for Weed Smoke: Levoit Core 400S
Now that weed has firmly planted itself in modern society, we can see its benefits and downsides, like the odor and particle matter it produces. Weed is not for everyone, so managing the pollutants it gives off is important. The best way to do this is by running an air purifier in the room you’re smoking in to clear those contaminants from the air.
The 400S is a mid-sized unit from Levoit’s Core range (which is a hit with us at HouseFresh). This smaller sibling of the 600S has many of the same features, including auto mode, sleep mode, air quality indicator and four fan speeds, and connectivity to Levoit’s smartphone app.
Under the hood is Levoit’s signature spherical three-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter to trap all those harmful pollutants weed smoke gives off. Recommended for rooms around 403 sq. ft., the 400S is ideal for running in a den or smoking room.
With a CADR of 260 CFM, the 400S used its power in our performance testing room to clear our simulated contaminants in 33 minutes.
What We Really Like:
👍 Has handles on the side for manouverability
👍 Easy to operate from both the unit and the app
👍 Low running costs
👍 Has both color coded and numerical air quality display
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Replacement filters don’t come cheap
👎 It’s not the best looking unit on the market
“The Levoit Core 400S is my number one recommendation for those looking to clean weed smoke from the air inside medium-sized rooms. It offers good cleaning power for $ spent AND comes with smart features so you can control the unit from your phone without disrupting your ‘chilling time’.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $39.95 per year |
| 💡 Tip: If the Core 400S is not for you, can might find a better unit in our list with the best air purifiers for weed smoke that we’ve tested. |
15. Best for Vaping: Levoit Core 300S
Vaping has become extremely popular as a healthier alternative to smoking in the past few years. However, it still creates fumes containing chemicals and compounds that pollute the air. As more states ban e-cigarettes completely, indoor vaping is becoming increasingly popular. We encourage you to run an air purifier to manage the pollutants given off by vapes.
When you vape indoors, you’ll notice that big cloud of smoke you inhale dissipates quite quickly, or so you think. The pollutants in your vape smoke hang around longer than you realize; that’s where the Levoit Core 300S comes in. With a CADR of 141 CFM, this smaller unit in the Core range is ideal for rooms up to 219 sq. ft.
What makes the 300S a better option than the 300 is the smart functions included. This upgraded model comes with Levoit’s AirSight Plus sensor that monitors the air quality in your room in real-time. This sensor instructs the unit to increase or decrease the fan speed in accordance with the quality of the air, making it ideal to use when vaping.
Trust me; I’ve tested the auto mode out for myself. When I blow vape smoke near the machine, you can hear the fan speed ramping up to full to remove the pollutants as quickly as possible. On its highest fan speed, the 300S cleared the contaminants from our performance testing room in 39 minutes, which is great for an air purifier of this size.
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s lighter than the Core 300
👍 The auto mode is perfect for vaping
👍 It’s very quiet on low fan speeds
👍 Low running costs
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Replacement filter costs can be high
👎 Wish it had a numerical air quality indicator
“The 300S is a great upgrade on the Core 300. It’s a little lighter and includes Levoit’s AirSight Plus air quality sensor and VeSync app connectivity. These smart capabilities make it the best unit for vaping, as the Core 300S will work in the background.”
— Daniel Booth, Senior Content Producer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 39 Minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage H13 True HEPA Filtration with Activated Carbon |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 219 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 141 CFM (240 m³) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 5.95 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 48dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 |
| 💡 Tip: Not your style? Find a better-suited unit in our guide with the best-performing air purifiers for vaping. |
16. Best for Kitchen & Cooking Odors: Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-780N
If you’re anything like me, you love to cook. There’s just something about chopping, frying and adding spices; it’s almost like a science experiment. Unfortunately, cooking can cause a lot of odors and I don’t even mean bad ones. Great-smelling food will rumble the tummy, but you don’t want the scent lingering for days.
You can’t deny it, the MinusA2 looks cool with its shiny black exterior, slim horizontal controls and the LED strip that takes center stage through the middle. Its design is just one of the reasons we’ve chosen the MinusA2 as our best air purifier for kitchen & cooking odors, but not the most important one.
This unit is unique from many other air purifiers because you can (if you want to) mount the MinusA2 on the wall, saving space and removing a floor obstacle from your busy kitchen. Just don’t mount it too high, or you’ll never be able to reach the controls, as the buttons are pretty small.
The most important reason why we chose this unit is for the filters it uses. Under the hood is a five-stage filtration system that makes the MinusA2 a valuable asset to any kitchen, especially if you consider yourself an amateur chef.
| Pre-filter | Captures larger airborne particles like dust, hair and pollen |
| Medium filter | A bonus filter to capture smaller particles that slip through the pre-filter |
| BioGS® HEPA filter | Rabbit Air’s signature filter that removes 99.97% of microscopic particles |
| Customized filter | You can tailor this filter to suit your needs. For the kitchen we advise the Odor Remover |
| Activated Carbon filter | To absorb cooking smells and VOCs |
What We Really Like:
👍 Comes with a stand if you don’t want to wall mount it
👍 The customized filter lets you tailor your unit
👍 Suitable for kitchens up to 815 sq. ft.
👍 Connects to the Rabbit Air app for easy use
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish the buttons were bigger
👎 The app isn’t as intuitive as some of the others
“One look at the MinusA2, and you’ll realize that Rabbit Air is trying to do something different. It reduces chemicals and odors in the kitchen like VOCs and cooking odors by trapping them in its layer of activated carbon.”
— Daniel Booth, Senior Content Producer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Air purifier technology: | BioGS® HEPA filtration |
| Recommended room size: | 815 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 200 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20.25H x 21.4W x 7D inches / 51.4H x 54.4W x 17.8D cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 19.4 lbs / 8.8 kg |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25.6dB – 51.3dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $64.12 per year |
| 💡 Tip: For more air purifiers to eliminate smells in the kitchen, read our ranking of the best air purifiers for cooking odors. |
17. Best for Bathrooms: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG
We all know what happens in bathrooms, but we don’t think about how the air quality can affect our health. And it’s not just about odor; mold can start to build up from steamy showers, chemicals can linger from cleaning products and, of course, all the pollutants from the toilet. Bathrooms aren’t usually large, so you need a smaller air purifier that can do the job but not get in the way.
When you think of air purifier brands, IKEA may not be the first one to come to mind, but with their first unit, they’ve made a splash (pun intended) with the FÖRNUFTIG as it’s become our top recommendation for keeping the air in your bathroom clean and fresh.
The FÖRNUFTIG looks great (which you expect from IKEA) with its slim body, fabric pre-filter, carry handle and rounded edges; oh yeah and it’s cheap…to buy and to run. IKEA has thought about saving space, so you can either use the provided stand on the floor or mount it onto the wall vertically or horizontally, it’s up to you.
It comes with a pre-filter and HEPA filter as standard to remove those harmful microscopic particles that float around your bathroom. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with an activated carbon filter, but we strongly suggest you fork out the extra, as this removes odors from your bathroom.
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s lightweight
👍 One dial operation
👍 Energy efficient
👍 Filters are easy to replace
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It’s pretty loud on highest fan speed
👎 Wish it came with the activated carbon filter as standard
“If you’re looking for a budget purifier that performs well, looks good in your bathroom and won’t cost you much to run, the FÖRNUFTIG is a worthy option.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆ ☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 61 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter and optional Activated Carbon Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 85 — 105 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 70 CFM (119 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18H x 12W x 4D inches (45.7H x 30.5W x 10.2D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 6.7 lbs (3.04 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 28dB – 60dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | FÖRNUFTIG does not come with a warranty from IKEA |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $15.77 |
| 💡 Tip: Not sure about the IKEA option? We’ve got you covered with our list of the best air purifiers for a bathroom. |
18. Best for Bedrooms: Smart Health S
For many of us, our bedroom is a sanctuary away from the world, where we can finally switch off and relax. But the bedroom isn’t always the temple we think it is, as the air can be swarming with harmful contaminants like dust, dander, allergens and odors. Introducing an air purifier will clear these contaminants from your bedroom, leaving you to unwind and get a great nights sleep.
As soon as we received the Smart Health S from Smart Air, we fell in love with its design. I mean, look at it; it’s so cute. With its beechwood legs and simple operation, this small, powerful air purifier is ideal for bedrooms. That’s why we’ve picked it as the best bedroom air purifier.
Smart Air is known for its no-nonsense, high-efficiency air purifiers; the smallest in their range does not disappoint. You won’t find any extra features on this unit like an auto mode or air quality sensor, just one dial to change the fan speed.
Inside the unit is an H11 HEPA filter that traps 95% of particles down to 0.3 microns, clearing all those nasty contaminants that can float around your bedroom. The Health S doesn’t have an activated carbon filter as standard, but we highly recommend upgrading it.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great price for a unit with a CADR of 185 CFM
👍 Low running costs
👍 Very well designed
👍 Easy to use
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish it came with an activated carbon filter
👎 No smart functions
“For those wanting to clean the air in their bedroom on a budget, the Smart Air S is up there with the Levoit 400S and the TaoTronics AP003. It’s quiet (guaranteeing a good night’s sleep), powerful, and looks like a stylish piece of furniture.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H11 HEPA and optional activated charcoal filter |
| Recommended room size: | 430 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 185 CFM (315 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 13H x 13W x 14.3D inches (33.02H x 33.02W x 36.32D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $45.20 per year |
| 💡 Tip: For more options, go ahead and check out our list with the best air purifiers for your bedroom – and to get the most out of your unit, check out our guide on where in your bedroom you should place your air purifier. |
19. Best for Your Home Office: Blueair Blue Pure 411+
Being in the same room for multiple hours a day can have harmful effects on your health. And as you need all your concentration for work, you don’t want a loud air purifier putting you off. So, the ideal air purifier would be powerful, quiet and small enough to be out of the way (no matter how big your office may be).
We put the 411 through its paces a while back, so we thought we better check out the upgraded 411+ to see if there are any improvements. We were impressed; the 411+ is pretty much the same size, has the exact low running costs and the same CADR and sound output, but it’s lighter, can service larger rooms and has dramatically improved efficiency.
While the 411 took 68 minutes to clear contaminants from our performance testing room, the 411+ took just 43 minutes.
This unit is ideal for home offices as its size and shape make it easy to tuck away or have on your desk without losing any performance as it takes in air from 360 degrees. It’s also hushed, running at just 17 dB on its lowest fan speed, which is great for your concentration.
What We Really Like:
👍 High cleaning power using little power
👍 Customizable with different color pre-filters
👍 Replacement filters are inexpensive
👍 Easy to use
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 No auto mode
👎 Wish it contained activated carbon pellets
“A clear upgrade on the decent Blue Pure 411, the Blueair Blue Pure 411+ is an easy budget air purifier for those looking to clean the air in their home office and who don’t want something that will create a lot of noise.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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 |
| 💡 Tip: If you want to check some other options, be sure to read our full guide with our favorite air purifiers for a home office. |
20. Best for Basements: Honeywell HPA300
Basements are usually poorly ventilated and can draw in humid air, making it the perfect place for mold and bacteria to grow and thrive. You can improve the air quality down there with an air purifier. You want to look for one with a powerful fan and high-grade HEPA filters to tackle all the pollutants a basement will throw at it.
Honeywell is a brand well known for their home appliances, and their range of air purifiers is some of their best work. The HPA300 may be small, plastic and budget-looking, but what is on the inside counts.
Remove the front grill and you’ll expose Honeywell’s three HEPA filters that cover the impressively powerful fan beneath. We put the HPA300 through its paces in our performance testing room, and it dazzled us by removing all the contaminants in 25 minutes. Pretty impressive for a unit of that size.
With a CADR of 300 CFM, the HPA300 is ideal for use in your basement. It doesn’t take up much room, you can set a timer for ease, and if it’s tucked away in the basement, you won’t notice that the fan runs louder than other units on the market (probably because it’s working so hard).
What We Really Like:
👍 Did I mention its powerful fan?
👍 Very easy to operate
👍 Takes up little floor space
👍 Replacement filters are easy to come by
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish it wasn’t as loud on high fan speeds
👎 You have to replace the pre-filter instead of cleaning it yourself
“The Honeywell HPA300 is a no-thrills, hard-working air purifier for those who want to clean the air in their basements without spending a lot of money.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 26 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Activated Carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter |
| Recommended room size: | 465 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 300 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20.8L x 10.83W x 22.38H inches (52.8L x 27.5W x 56.8H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 48.3dB – 71.2dB |
| Filter life: | HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $189.01 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Can’t picture this unit in your basement? Read on to find other options in your guide to the best air purifiers for basements our team has tested this past year. |
21. Best Portable Air Purifier: Smart Air QT3
As you can see from our other categories, air purifiers are essential to keep your home’s air quality high. But what about when you’re on the move? If you’re susceptible to allergens, being out in the wide world of unclean air can be very uncomfortable. Luckily, you can now buy portable air purifiers ideal for vacation.
When you’re looking for a portable air purifier, you want it to be small, lightweight and have good battery life. We’ve chosen the Smart Air QT3 as our favorite portable air purifier because it covers all those bases…and looks excellent with its carry handle, tiny legs and simple two-button controls.
As this is a small, portable unit with a CADR of 24 CFM, we knew it wouldn’t perform well in our testing room, but we did it anyway, and we were right. The QT3 won’t quickly remove pollutants quickly; it is designed to be close by your side to help with contaminants directly near you.
Just because it’s small doesn’t mean they’ve not made an effort. The filter inside is an H11 HEPA that will remove allergens, pollen and dander. Unfortunately, the filter doesn’t include any activated carbon to remove odors, but we can forgive it for the convenience of being able to take this air purifier wherever you go.
What We Really Like:
👍 Weights just over 1 lbs
👍 Has a USB rechargeable battery
👍 You can adjust airflow with its movable louvers
👍 Uses an H11 HEPA filter
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish it had activated carbon
👎 It’s not available on Amazon
“The QT3 is a solid portable air purifier from the team at Smart Air that is not yet perfect but is one of the more capable air purifiers you can use on the go.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 4 hours and 46 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) |
| 💡 Tip: For more air purifiers ideal for taking with you, check out our guide to the best personal air purifiers on the market. |
22. Best for Your Car: Pure Enrichment PureZone
Studies show that the average American drives just under an hour daily. While you may feel at home in your car, the polluted air from other vehicles could fill your lungs, causing adverse health effects. There’s not much room for an air purifier in the average car, but fortunately, mini units are out there to combat those harmful toxins you inhale on the road.
The Pure Enrichment PureZone is the ideal size to fit into the beverage holder in your car and contains a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. It only has a CADR of 10 CFM, so it will be completely ineffective in any space larger than 54 sq. ft., but in a car is where the magic happens.
Its batteries can last around four-six hours (depending on how hard it’s working) and are charged with USB-C, so if you have a connector in your car, you can also plug it in. Charging it at home can cost as little as $8 a year in energy.
There are three-fan speeds to choose from, easily selected by a push of a button when you enter heavy traffic or drive through a particularly heavily polluted area and it’s pretty quiet to run on low fan speeds. You’ll probably want to turn up the radio on higher fan speeds, but you shouldn’t need it on high for long.
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s lightweight and has a carry handle
👍 Filter replacements are around $10
👍 Charges quickly
👍 No ionization
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It’s only powerful enough for a car
👎 The case isn’t sealed so some pollutants may escape
“The PureZone Mini is an affordable portable air purifier, which will be great for your car but won’t be the best option for using in your home.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 6 hours and 46 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | True HEPA with activated carbon pre-filter |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 54 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 10 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 2.7H x 3.5W x 8.5D inches (6.8H x 8.8W x 21.5D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 0.58 lbs (263g) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 15 dB – 46 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $8.41 per year |
| 💡 Tip: For more air purifiers to deal with pollutants on the road, check out the top air purifiers for your car. |
23. Best Air Purifier + Fan Combo: Blueair Pure Fan Auto
Unfortunately, if you suffer from allergies, summer can be the worst time of the year; if even you don’t, with people out on a summer’s drive, odors from hot garbage and smoke from wildfires, air quality can be at an all-time low. You can now buy air purifier + fan combos to combat these pollutants, all while keeping cool.
We are usually skeptical about combo units as some are just a gimmick, but Blueair is a brand you can usually rely on. They’ve proved that you can make a combo unit that is effective in both of their functions, even if the Pure Fan Auto is a better air purifier than a fan.
There’s no denying that the Blueair Pure Fan Auto looks great. The body sits upon wooden legs, which make the unit look like a stylish piece of furniture that won’t look out of place in any room of the house.
Under the hood, you’ll find Blurair’s HEPASilent filter, with combines a high-quality HEPA filter with an electrostatic charge that allows the Pure Fan Auto to offer a CADR of 250 CFM. The filter lacks activated charcoal, so it won’t be able to help clean odors or gasses from the air, but if you’re looking for a combo unit, then this is our favorite.
What We Really Like:
👍 Simple functionality with Auto mode included
👍 Powerful air cleaning performance
👍 Small and easy to live with compared to other air purifiers with this level of air cleaning power
👍 Max sound level is much lower than that of the Dyson HP04
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Fan performance is weaker than the Dyson combo units
👎 Lack of activated charcoal and app support
“The Blueair Pure Fan Auto is the best air purifier + fan combo we tested, but you need to know that the fan function doesn’t match the air cleaning performance.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 26 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ filtration technology |
| Recommended room size: | 322 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 250 CFM Pollen / 220 CFM Dust / 210 CFM Smoke |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 15.5 x 12.9 x 11.2 inches (39 x 33 x 29cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 10.38lbs (4.7kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25dB – 54dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2-year warranty when you register your air purifier |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $45.20 per year |
| 💡 Tip: Can’t see yourself using a Blue Pure Auto? You will find a better option in our guide to the best air purifier + fan combos. |
24. Best Air Purifier + Humidifier Combo: Dyson PH03
Breathing in dry air can harm us as much as polluted air. Low humidity can irritate your eyes, nasal passages, throat and lungs and damage the structure of our homes, warping our furniture and floorboards. When you combine an air purifier with a humidifier, you’re not only saving money and energy, but you’re also benefiting your health and the health of your home.
Another combo unit from Dyson see’s them rolling a humidifier and air purifier into one premium-looking unit. With its app connectivity, you can monitor and control every aspect of the PH03, including continuous air quality updates for particles and VOCs from your home and your local area.
The filters Dyson use in this unit are pretty much the same as in the TP04, which means they’re not nearly as effective as other units in this price range. They still use HEPA and activated carbon technology, but with a CADR of 99.8 CFM, clearing a room of contaminants can take a while.
The humidifier has a large water reservoir stored at the unit’s bottom. It pulls moisture up through the unit and dispurses it into the air using directional slits on each side of the head.
What We Really Like:
👍 It’s energy efficient
👍 The app is one of the best we’ve used
👍 Best cleaning performance of the combos we’ve tested
👍 Design is high-end
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Filter life is short
👎 It’s loud on highest fan speed
“A premium combination unit that includes a humidifier, fan and air purifier. The design, intelligent features and app are world-class but the Dyson PH03 has the same cleaning power of a $100 air purifier with a much higher price tag. If you really need an air purifier + humidifer combo, this is the one. But you might be better off buying two different specialist units.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 1 hour and 10 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with impregnated activated charcoal fabric |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 2,860 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 99.8 CFM (169.6 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 36.33H x 11.02W x 12.22D inches (92H x 28W x 31D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 36dB – 61dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $44.15 per year |
| 💡 Tip: For more options, check out the full list of our favorite air purifier + humidifier combos. |
25. Best for Classrooms: TaoTronics TT-AP003
The classroom is where we learn, grow and thrive. However, studies have shown poor air quality can impact our problem-solving abilities and decrease our concentration levels. Opening the windows may not be an option (and can let in more pollutants), so introducing an air purifier to the classroom will protect your overall health and help you concentrate on all that wonderful knowledge.
On our daily search for air purifiers you (the consumer) were raving about we came across the TaoTronics TT-AP003 and instantly knew we had to get our hands on one to test. This unit lives up to the rave reviews, as we were highly impressed by its cleaning power, especially for a budget unit.
What makes the TT-AP003 ideal for classrooms is a combination of its powerful fan, a CADR of 226 CFM, auto mode, air quality monitor and its low annual running costs. It’s also straightforward to use. When you’re teaching a class, you don’t want to think about how the air purifier performs; with this unit, just set it to auto mode and let the machine do the rest.
This air purifier contains high-performance filters, including a washable pre-filter, H13 HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter packed with charcoal pellets to remove odors and VOCs from your classroom.
What We Really Like:
👍 Cleared out performance room in 29 minutes
👍 Has a high-efficiency motor
👍 Creates zero harmful ozone
👍 Filters are easy to replace
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish it had app support
👎 Not easy to find on Amazon
“A budget air purifier with premium functions and powerful air cleaning power. If you’re buying one for a classroom, you will be able to buy multiple units without the need of a huge budget as the TaoTronics AP003 is extremely well-priced.”
— Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
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) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 32dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 3 – 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $30.48 per year |
| 💡 Tip: If you want to do more research, do not miss our guide to the best air purifiers for the classroom. |
Buying Guide: What You Need to Know About Air Purifiers Before You Buy One
Airborne pollutants are everywhere and can cause all kinds of negative effects on our health and the health of those around us. Whether you suffer from allergies, have a dusty home, own pets, smoke weed or are affected by wildfire smoke, an air purifier with suitable filters can remove those harmful contaminants from your home, leaving you with fresh, clean air to breathe.
| 🤔 What are the types of indoor air allergens that can be removed using air purifiers? Are swollen eyes, running nose, uncontrolled sneezing, or other fever-like symptoms keeping you from relaxing at home? Chances are allergens could compromise your home. Allergy control begins at home. Many people with allergies stay at home, not knowing that allergic triggers are rampant in the indoor environment. But there are steps you can take to remove these allergens. The EPA recommends these three ways to improve indoor air quality. -Minimize contact with indoor airborne allergens -Ventilate your home well -Use air purifiers to clean the indoor air But it all starts with knowing what type of allergens you’re dealing with at home. This guide will introduce you to the six common allergens lurking in your home. Let’s dive in! 🧹 1. Dust According to the American Lung Association, 4 out of 5 homes have detectable dust mites. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, persistent runny nose, and post-nasal drip.You can alleviate these symptoms using a good air purifier, preferably with HEPA filters. Steam cleaners can also help remove some of these harmful particles. 🌻 2. Pollen When plants pollinate, the outdoors becomes saturated with these tiny airborne particles. These particles eventually enter our homes through open doors and windows and attach themselves to various household items. When pollen infiltrates the indoor air, it may cause several symptoms, including itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose. You can alleviate these problems by using cleaning products like air purifiers. 🐈 3. Pet Dander We love our furry friends, but they produce dander that can harm our health. When this dander mixes with our indoor air, it can cause allergies. Symptoms can range from sneezing to hoarseness, runny nose, and more. You can alleviate these symptoms by using air purifiers or staying away from pets if you’re hyper-allergic to dander. 🦠 4. Mold Spores Experts agree that molds are present in every home. If not removed, molds can multiply quickly, especially in dark, damp areas like the basement. Mold floats easily in the air and can cause chronic problems, especially for those suffering from allergies. High concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air can cause severe reactions, including sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and a runny nose. You can easily alleviate these problems using dehumidifiers to dry out moisture that molds need to grow. 🚬 5. Second-Hand Smoke Smoke is undeniably one of the most harmful indoor air pollutants. Cigarette smoke is not an allergen but a dangerous irritant. While smoke may not cause allergic reactions, it can cause more serious symptoms, including coughing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. Cigarette smoke also leaves an unpleasant smell that makes a house unbearable. Smoke particles can be removed with proper ventilation and HEPA air purifiers. ☠ 6. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic gas flammable at room temperature. This chemical compound is widely used in various home products, including paint, markers, liquid cleaners, dyes, adhesives, and air fresheners. High levels of formaldehyde can trigger allergic reactions. Even low levels of formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. The most effective way to remove formaldehyde from your home is through HEPA air purifiers. |
Unfortunately, there’s not one air purifier that can handle every issue. You have to make certain considerations to ensure you’re buying the right unit for your issue and the size of the room you’re operating it in.
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier
1. Make sure the unit uses a HEPA filter
HEPA filters have been used for decades to filter out unwanted airborne pollutants, and for good reason. They use a tightly woven maze of tiny fibers to trap microscopic particles, removing them from the air.
You can buy air purifiers that use other filters, but we’ve done our research and concluded that HEPA filters are the most efficient at removing pollutants.
2. Check the unit’s CADR
There’s a good reason we list the Clean Air Delivery Rate in the specs & features of each unit. The Clean Air Delivery Rate shows us how effective the air purifier is at removing airborne contaminants from the air. It’s measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute); the higher the number, the more powerful it is.
If you have a larger space, you will need a unit with a higher CADR for it to clean the air efficiently.
3. How big is your space?
Different air purifiers are designed to clean different-sized spaces, so measuring your room is important. Buying an air purifier that’s too big for your room will be a waste of space and use more energy. On the other hand, using an air purifier that’s too small for your space means it won’t clean the air effectively.
Here’s a simple formula to help you measure the square footage of your room.
| Volume = room area (length x width) x ceiling height |
The Most Common Questions About Air Purifiers
🤔 What is a HEPA filter?
If you’re in the market for an air cleaner, you’ve probably come across the term “HEPA” used in regard to filtration. So, what does it mean?
Today, the air filtration market is saturated with different filters, all claiming to remove pollutants from the indoor air. From HEPA and activated carbon to electrostatic filters, TiO2 filters, UV light filters, and more, there’s a wide variety of filters out there.
While each filter type has its own advantages, many people prefer appliances with HEPA filters due to their efficiency in trapping pollutants and cleaning the air.
HEPA filters do a stellar job at filtering different types of particles, and even a grade H10 is more effective than Merve 12 as per US ASHRAE 52.2.
These filters are tested usin g05- 0.3-micron size particles, which are the most difficult to catch. Even when particles are smaller than this, they still get filtered through diffusion, meaning HEPA filters are very effective at capturing nanoparticles.
When you buy a HEPA filter, you’re not purchasing the HEPA brand but a type of filter that can effectively clean air according to HEPA standards. Hence, HEPA is simply an efficiency standard of air filters, not a product.
🤔 How do HEPA filters work?
Different types of HEPA filters exist, but True HEPAs employ a mechanical air filtration method. Air is forced through a mesh, which can capture particles of up to 0.3 microns in size and below.
However, HEPA filters don’t work like a sieve that only filters particles up to a particular size. HEPA filters are made by arranging polypropylene or fiberglass fibers to trap particles while allowing air to pass through.
The fibers create a narrow pathway for air to pass through. Pollutant particles are filtered because they can’t keep up with the constant movement through the fibers.
With a HEPA filter, particles are captured through three mechanisms: diffusion, interception and impaction.
Mechanism 1: Diffusion
Diffusion works on trapping the tiniest particles. Microscopic particles are not held tight by the viscous fluid and diffuse in the flow system.
The small particles are captured through diffusion, which applies the principle of the Brownian Motion. This mechanism slows down particles as they collide with gaseous molecules, causing them to get trapped in the fibers.
Here, the particles smaller than 0.3 microns are trapped due to the collision of gas molecules with smaller particles (0.1 microns).
Mechanism 2: Interception
Interception works on mid-sized particles or particles not big enough to have inertia or small enough to diffuse within the flow system. As the particles follow the flow of air to the fiber, they’re “intercepted” and captured.
Mechanism 3: Impaction
Inertial works on large particles suspended in the flow system. These particles are usually heavier than the fluid surrounding them, so as the fluid changes direction to enter the fiber space, the particles continue in a straight line where they collide with the fibers and get trapped.
Wrapping Up
Air purifiers may look like they all do the same job, but trust me, they are not all the same. Finding the suitable unit that can clean your room size efficiently and effectively tackle any issues with airborne pollutants you have, may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be.
Remember the considerations you need to make (room size, budget, issues etc.) and look for that unit that will fulfill your needs. I hope this guide has been helpful, and I know introducing an air purifier into your home will make a difference.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API