We generally recommend most people to go for the biggest air purifier they can live with to get the most power (and, ultimately, the most value) for their money.
Having a slightly more powerful air purifier than you need will allow you to run it at lower fan speeds and still get solid air cleaning performance without generating a lot of noise. Plus, in the long run, you will find that small-sized air purifiers will cost you nearly as much to maintain than larger devices due to the fact that you will need to replace their filters a lot more often.
However, I know that sometimes people just want a small air purifier. So, to help those of you who are in the hunt for a small-sized device, I have dug through our data to find small air purifiers that weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg) and ranked them based on air cleaning performance and value for money.
If you don’t want to read my full article, you can watch the video version below:
| BEST OVERALL | BUDGET OPTION | QUIETEST OPTION | SMART OPTION | STYLISH OPTION | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirFanta 3Pro | Winix A231/A230 | CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron | Levoit Core 300S | Smart Air Sqair | |
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Time to PM1 zero | 17 minutes | 40 minutes | 46 minutes | 45 minutes | 32 minutes |
| HouseFresh CADR | 353 cfm | 148 cfm | 128 cfm | 131 cfm | 185 cfm |
| Filter tech | H11 HEPA + carbon | True HEPA + carbon + ionizer | HEPA H10 + carbon | Bonded particle + carbon | H12 HEPA + carbon |
| Max room size | 529 sq. ft. | 231 sq. ft. | 180 sq. ft. | 196 sq. ft. | 277 sq. ft. |
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 12.6 x 12.6 inches | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches | 22 x 7.25 x 8.5 inches | 8.66 x 8.66 x 14.17 inches | 13 x 13 x 14.3 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs | 7.1 lbs | 6 lbs | 6 lbs | 10.7 lbs |
| Yearly running costs | $125.23 | $119.54 | $110.88 | $79.43 | $120.10 |
| List price | $159.99 | $75.99 | $359.00 | $149.99 | $179.95 |
By the way, none of the devices on this list was gifted to us in exchange of a glowing review. We bought each device on this list with our own money so that we could run tests to assess their air cleaning performance, sound generation, electricity consumption, yearly running costs and long-term user experience. You can read more about our testing process here.
1. The best small air purifier overall: AirFanta 3Pro
The 3Pro is the only high-CADR air purifier that you can fit inside a carry-on suitcase or large backpack.
The AirFanta 3Pro is one of the most powerful and affordable air purifiers I tested in 2024. This relatively small 12.6 x 12.6 inch box starts at $159.99 and it was still able to clear our 728 cubic feet test room of incense smoke pollutants in 17 minutes — this is a mere two minutes slower that the $500 Blast Mini from Smart Air.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
You can assemble (and disassemble) the 3Pro yourself in just a few minutes. It has a plastic base with clear lines that show where to place the four HEPA filters at each side before you can close the box with an array of four PC fans on top. It has no control panel but you get a 110-220v AC to 3-12v DC power adapter to control the speed of the fans and adjust the noise output.
What we really like
What we think could be better
If you’re looking for a small air purifier that can clean a lot of air while fitting nicely on top of a side table, a wide shelf, a countertop or a wide-ish window sill (or that you can take with you wherever you go), then you can’t go wrong with the AirFanta 3Pro.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 17 minutes |
| Air filtration technology: | True HEPA H11 |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 671 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Estimated: 430 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.7 lbs (3.49 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 – 12 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | 3.63 volts: 36.1 dB 4.19 volts: 36.9 dB 5.24 volts: 39.7 dB 6.54 volts: 43.3 dB 7.44 volts: 46.7 dB 8.56 volts: 49.1 dB 12.6 volts: 56.3 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | 43.23 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $125.23 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.35 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
2. The best for tight budgets: Winix A231/A230 (a.k.a. Zero Compact)
The smallest air purifier from Winix offers solid air cleaning performance in a small package and you can regularly find it on Amazon for less than $80.
For those looking for spend as little as possible in a small sized air purifier that will fit on top of a desk, a bedside table or a narrow surface, my top budget-friendly choice is the Winix A231/A230.
While the A231 is the cheapest air purifier on this list, it was still able to clean our test room in 40 minutes, outperforming many other similarly sized devices like the Philips 800 Series, the Xiaomi 4 Compact, the PuroAir 240 and even the much more expensive Molekule Air Mini+.
We estimate a CADR of 148 cfm, which means that the A231 can provide five air changes per hour in dorm rooms up to 222 sq. ft. In terms of design, the A231 comes with a bonded True HEPA filter with activated carbon, an onboard air quality sensor and auto-mode. You will also get Winix’s signature PlasmaWave bipolar ionizer technology but you can disable it if you have concerns about ionization and ozone.
What we really like
What we think could be better
You might find the same small Winix design under different names depending on where you live or what color options you’re looking at. The A231 is white and grey, the A230 is black and the Zero Compact is the name used outside of America. I will be referring to the A231 as that is the option we bought and tested but the design (and expected performance) is exactly the same across all the model names.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 40 minutes (with PlasmaWave) |
| Air purifier technology: | Fine mesh pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, PlasmaWave technology |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 231 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 154 CFM Smoke: 149 CFM Pollen: 147 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 9.5D x 9.5W x 14.6H inches (24.13D x 24.13W x 37H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 35.2 dB Speed 2: 48.3 dB Speed 3: 57.9 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.06 watts Speed 1: 35.4 watts Speed 2: 37.7 watts Speed 3: 45.6 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $119.54 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $0.51 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
3. The quietest option: CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron
The Triple Exhalaron is a PC fan-powered air purifier with a CADR of 131 cfm that can be used in small spaces no larger than 196 sq. ft. and has been designed to be used as a table centerpiece.
Like the AirFanta 3Pro at the top of this list, the Triple Exhalaron by CleanAirKits is powered by PC fans: it uses three CoolerMaster Mobius argb (2400 rpm) that are particularly quiet, hitting just 40.5 dBA of sound at top speed from 3ft away.
The design of the Exhalaron is truly unique, with three cylindrical HEPA H10 filters (with activated carbon) that sit on top of a thin wooden base and are covered by a thick wooden top that houses the PC fans. It comes with two handles to easily grab and move the air purifier around, and a colorful knob to adjust the fan speeds.
If you are looking for a small air purifier that can clean the air in rooms no larger than 192 sq. ft. and that you can place on a table, then you should consider the Triple Exhalaron. This is the only air purifier we have tested that has been designed to be used as a table centerpiece ensuring it will reduce viral load.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Unlike most other air purifiers, the Exhalaron has been designed to be powered by a USB-C power bank, so you can take it with you on the go. You should be able to get around 10 hours of use with a 20,000 mAh battery.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 46 minutes |
| Air filtration technology: | HEPA H10 + carbon |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 180 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 128 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 22W x 7.25D x 8.5H in (56W x 14D x 22 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 6 lbs (2.72 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.7 dBA Speed 3: 40.5 dBA |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 1.1 watts Speed 2: 2.8 watts Speed 3: 6 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $96.36 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by Intertek): | $2.99 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | United States |
4. The best smart option: Levoit Core 300S
The Core 300s is a smart air purifier suitable for rooms no larger than 196 sq. ft. with an on-board air quality sensor that connects to your smartphone for $149.99.
Even though it costs less than $150, the Core 300S comes in an inbuilt air quality sensor that makes it possible for the device to run on auto-mode, automatically adjusting fan speeds based on the quality of your air. Not only that; you can also connect your 300S to your smartphone using Levoit’s VeSync app. So if you’re looking for a small air purifier with smart functions, then the Core 300S should be on your list.
Based on our first-hand testing data, the Levoit Core 300S has a CADR of 131 and will be able to give you five air changes per hour in small spaces no larger than 196 sq. ft. It comes with a bonded cylindrical filter that includes a pre-filter mesh, a HEPA-like particle filter (to tackle pollen, dust and other small particles) and a layer of activated carbon (to remove odors and gases).
What we really like
What we think could be better
The Core 300S is more energy efficient than its non-smart older brother, the Core 300. This leads to cheaper yearly running costs, which is always something you need to account for when buying an air purifier filters and electricity don’t come cheap. The OEM filters for the Core 300S cost $29.99 but you will find lots of generic options at half the price.
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 45 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage Filtration (pre-filter, main particle filter, high-efficiency activated carbon filter) |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 219 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 134 CFM Smoke: 126 CFM Pollen: 154 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 5.95 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 38.9 dB Speed 2: 45.7 dB Speed 3: 54.5 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 1.7 watts Speed 1: 5.9 watts Speed 2: 9.8 watts Speed 3: 21.8 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $79.43 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $1.12 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
If space is not too tight, you should check out the Levoit Vital 100S — the little sibling of the popular Vital 200S. The Vital 100S cleared our small 728 cubic feet test room of all PM1 particles eight minutes faster than the Core 300S (37 minutes). It takes up a little more floor space than the 300S due to its rectangular design BUT you also get a separate pre-filter that can be removed and washed to extend the life of the main filter.
5. The most stylish option: Smart Air Sqair
A small air purifier for those who don’t just care about performance but also want a device that looks like a piece of furniture.
The Sqair (or Smart Health S, as it’s known in some countries) is a small-ish air purifier manufactured by Smart Air with an estimated CADR of 185 cfm, making it a good choice for rooms no larger than 277 sq. ft. As with other air purifiers from Smart Air we have reviewed, the Sqair comes with a HEPA filter as default but if smells and chemical gases are an issue, then you can buy the optional activated carbon filter separately.
Personally, I think this is one of the best looking air purifiers on the market. It has a small white body, four wooden legs and a black grill on top with a simple dial to switch between fan speeds.
But the Sqair is more than just a pretty thing. This is a solid air cleaner that managed to complete our particle removal test in just 32 minutes, which is faster than what we saw with medium-sized devices like the Mila (38 minutes), the Coway Airmega 150 (38 minutes) and the Shark NeverChange5 150 (66 minutes).
What we really like
What we think could be better
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
|---|---|
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 32 minutes (without carbon) |
| Air purifier technology: | H12 HEPA and optional activated charcoal filter |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 163 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 127 CFM Smoke: 105 CFM Pollen: 144 CFM |
| 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) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 35.5 dB Speed 2: 49.1 dB Speed 3: 58.2 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 5.6 watts Speed 2: 19.7 watts Speed 3: 39.4 watts |
| Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement): | $120.10 per year |
| Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM): | $1.42 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
Other small-sized air purifiers we tested but don’t recommend
- Levoit Core Mini – Weighing just 2.3 lbs (1.06 kg) and selling for just $49.99 on Amazon, the Core Mini might seem like the perfect small air purifier. However, it is too underpowered to make any meaningful difference to the air in even the smallest of rooms. Plus, if you go with the Core Mini, you will end up spending the same amount of money you’ll need to run a larger device like the Core 300S due to the fact that the small filters need to be replaced every three months or so.
- Molekule Air Mini+ – This is undoubtedly a very good looking small-sized air purifier but it doesn’t come cheap at $359.99 and our test data showed that its air cleaning performance is seriously lacking considering this high price. Not only did the Air Mini+ take a full hour to complete our particle removal test but it is also way too loud: when we measured the noise levels from 3 ft. away, we recorded 67.4 dBA when running at top speed.
- PuroAir 240 – When we reviewed and tested this device in early 2024, it was called the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 but the name has now changed and all references to HEPA 14 have been removed without any clarification on what the grade of the filter actually is. But the main reason why we don’t recommend this small air purifier is that it’s not good value considering its list price of $199.00 on Amazon, especially when compared to the $75 Winix A231 which completed our particle removal test 11 minutes faster than the PuroAir 240.
Final thoughts
If space is not as tight, then I still recommend you to go for the biggest air purifier you can live with. By going bigger, you will be able to run your device at lower fan speeds that generate less noise, while still getting good air cleaning perfomance. Also, if the need arises, you will have an air purifier that packs some extra power. AND you are likely to spend the same amount of money each year to replace the filters, compared to small devices with filter that cost nearly the same but need to be replaced more often.
If you are looking for a small device because you have a small budget available, then please check out my list of recommendations ranking the best air purifiers you can buy for less than $150. You will find some DIY options in there that will cost you as little as $80 but will offer you powerful air cleaning performance nevertheless.
Now, if space is a serious concern, then I hope you were able to find a good option for your specific situation in the list above.
If you have any questions about the air purifiers featured on this list or about buying a small air purifier, just drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I read it.
