Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
I’ve been writing about air purifiers since 2010, and in those early days, it was rare to see anything “smart” about air purifiers — you plugged them in if you were lucky you got a remote control included.
Fast forward to today, and everything is Smart, from thermostats to speakers. By 2027, there will be $52.1 billion spent in the U.S. on Smart home appliances.
Smart air purifiers allow you to control your air purifier from anywhere in the world and get regular updates on the current air quality in the home. Connecting to the internet via an app is now available in many air purifiers.
In finalizing our list of the best Smart air purifiers, we focused closely on the Smart features accessible via their apps and other Smart features like auto-mode that adjusts speed if it detects pollutants via an internal sensor.
Air Purifiers still need to remove pollutants from the air quickly, so we used a combination of CADR scores and our internal testing data to ensure these Smart units performed well when it came to pollutant removal.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations We have tested and reviewed many air purifiers and know what’s essential when listing the best smart units on the market right now. All of our selections feature: ✅ App support — We test the Android and Apple apps to evaluate functionality, including UX and specific abilities ✅ True HEPA — HEPA has the most scientific support for removing even the smallest particle pollutants. ✅ Activated Charcoal — HEPA can’t remove gasses and odors; for this, you need activated charcoal ✅ Auto Mode — A feature allowing an air purifier to remove pollutants based on current pollutant level smartly. We don’t accept freebies; we use our money to be open about our experience. We don’t mind saying if an air purifier sucks or singing its praises if it wowed us. This is how we tested every unit on this list: 1️⃣ By filling our test room with incense smoke, we can track how long the air purifier takes to remove PM1, PM2.5 and PM10-sized pollutants. 2️⃣ A power meter shows how much electricity is used at different speeds, from lowest to highest fan speed. 3️⃣ Using a digital sound meter, we can compare how much sound is generated at different speeds. With this data, we can compare a range of air purifiers and see which ones fit the bill for specific purposes. |
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here is the brief rundown:
Our favorite Smart unit has to be the Mila Air Purifier. It’s not the cheapest, but if you care about Smart, that’s the air purifier I recommend. We suggest the Blue Air 411+ Auto for those with smaller rooms who want a no-nonsense auto-mode. For larger spaces, the Levoit 600S can clean the largest rooms and has auto-mode and app support.
The Top 3 Smart Air Purifiers
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mila Air Purifier | Blueair 411+ Auto | Levoit Core 600S | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 35 minutes | 43 minutes | 15 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 263 CFM (447 m³/hr) | 121 CFM (206 m3/h) | 410 CFM (697 m3/h) |
| SMART TECHNOLOGY | True Smart Unit that has access to a cloud network and continually learns | Auto mode only | Auto mode and app support |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | Seven different choices for specific situations, a unique proposition | HEPA Silent and activated charcoal | HEPA H13 and activated charcoal pellets |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | 350 ft² | 185 ft² | 1,588 ft² |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 8 kg / 18 lbs | 1.5 kg / 3.4 lbs | 6.2 kg / 13.7 lbs |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Mila Air Purifier review | Blueair 411+ Auto review | Levoit Core 600S review |
| PRICE 💵 | $188.99 | $99.99 | $748.99 |
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We think these are the top three Smart air purifiers on the market. However, it’s still worth checking out the other two that impressed us if you are looking for Smart features.
1. Best Overall: Mila Air Purifier
Right now, the Mila is the smartest air purifier we have tested. The app experience reminded me of the Smart Nest thermostats and Philips Hue. The App includes a mode for letting the machine do the work — Automagick. Using the onboard sensors for particles, VOC and CO2, it can continuously track these pollutants and adjust the fan speed to match what is required to keep the specific space clean.
If you have a huge space, you will likely need two of these purifiers, but the app is designed for as many units as you need.
Another feature that stands out with the Mila is the seven different filter options that use different grade HEPA filters and activated charcoal for issues with odors and VOCs. It means you can customize your Mila for any problem.
The Mila is also our top budget air purifier for VOCs this year.
What We Really Like:
👍 Truly smart from the ground up as it can learn what is needed to keep your home air clean
👍 Good performance to $ ratio
👍 Simple to use without the need to tinker if you prefer
👍 Many choices for specific features, such as lower levels of sound
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Filter costs are a little higher than competitors but do provide options
👎 Sound level can be high but is rarely used at higher fan speeds unless the room is unoccupied
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) |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 74dB |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
2. Best Budget Option: Blueair 411+ Auto
This previous-generation unit is available at a great price with auto mode but no app support. If you also want app support, you can spend a little more with the latest Blueair 411iMax, giving you access to the Blueair app, which is usually only available for ranges higher than the Blue series.
The Blueair can be a true “set-and-forge”t air purifier as it will adjust to changes in pollutants as it detects them without you needing to adjust continuously. Due to the HEPASilent, it’s also one of the quietest air purifiers we have tested. You don’t get much-activated charcoal, but it does have some.
This is the air purifier we recommend for those who want the very best bang for your buck with auto-mode.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great features and performance for lower budget
👍 Runs quiet with a maximum of 46 db
👍 One button does everything; simple to use
👍 Can adjust the design with pre-filter color options
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Less activated charcoal than other units at this performance price point
👎 No app support unless you pay a little more for the latest generation
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): | 121 CFM (206 m3/h) |
| 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 |
3. Best for Large Spaces: Levoit Core 600S
The Levoit Core 600S is the fastest air purifier we have tested — cleaning our room in 15 minutes. It gives you light indicators for fan speed, Wi-Fi connection, display locked and a handy light to show when the filter needs replacing. It also features a ring of colored LEDs to display air quality and a numeric display to show the PM2.5 range and the timer.
If you want to change settings from another location, you can control your unit by connecting it to the Levoit app. The UX isn’t as slick, but you still get many features often missing from other smart range air purifiers.
Be aware that this is a large unit and would not be suitable for a smaller room, so you might prefer the Levoit Core 400S for smaller spaces with all the same Smart features.
What We Really Like:
👍 Fastest air purifier we have tested at cleaning our test room, and one of the cheapest large purifiers
👍 Great Smart features with full app support for Android and Apple
👍 Filter costs are affordable, especially for generic versions
👍 Can adjust itself depending on if it thinks people are in the room
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Less activated charcoal than other units at this performance price point
👎 No app support unless you pay a little more for the latest generation
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 |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
4. Alen BreatheSmart 45i
Alen has been in the air purifier market for a long time; we even have a review of this 2010 Alen A350. We tested it again recently and found it still to be a solid performer (albeit with much more electricity usage higher than the modern series). The Alen 45i only pulled 50 watts to clear our test room in 33 minutes using an ionizer, HEPA and activated charcoal filters.
There is app support for both Apple and Android, which enables you to access current air quality from the on-board sensor and the quality outside. Inside the app, you adjust fan speeds, enable auto-modes and even see how long you have left until you need to change your filter.
If you have multiple Alen units, the app works well to show you how each unit is doing from one screen. Another highlight is that you can see historical air quality from your unit’s sensor and the outdoor air quality for your location.
All Alen units come with a lifetime guarantee if you pick up the subscription, so you can return your unit after many years if it fails.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great app and auto-modes with additional details via color-coded lights
👍 Lifetime warranty is unique in the market
👍 Filter options for specific situations
👍 Pink noise helps with those worried about sleeping
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Filter costs are a little higher than similar-performing units
👎 Can’t connect the 45i to the latest Alen air quality sensor that is available for the very similar Alen Flex
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 (416 m3/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 25H x 15W x 8.5D inches inches (63.58H x 38.1W x 21.5D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 9.1 kg (20.1 lbs) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 49dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
5. Dyson HP04
The Dyson HP04 is a combo air purifier with a bladeless fan and heater functions, but it also costs close to $800. There are certainly better units for pure air purifier performance, but we have featured this here because the App performance and UX are the best we have seen. I like the design, but improved air cleaning performance with future Dyson units would be good.
The app is fantastic! You can control the unit’s functions and monitor the air quality of your room and outside. You can also see your unit’s activity and get temperature, humidity and filter life reports.
If you are good with the cost and like Dyson’s design, it’s worth considering one of these combo units.
What We Really Like:
👍 Design is on point as we would expect with Dyson
👍 App connection is super easy and gives a ton of extra information and control
👍 Also has a remote for those of us who prefer less tech in our life
👍 Great sensor that provides information on current air quality
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 High price point initially and with filters
👎 Combination features means you pay a lot more than just an air purifier
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 1 hour and 24 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPA and Activated Carbon filters |
| Recommended room size: | 400 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 89 CFM (151 m3/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 30.1H x 8.1W x 5.1D inches (76.5H x 20.7W x 13D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.36 lbs (5.6 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 62 dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $42.05 per year |
Buying Guide: Finding the Best Smart Air Purifier for You
You really start to appreciate Smart modes the more you use them. The ability to adjust things via the Internet is a price worth paying. While you pay more for Smart features, for some situations with varying levels of pollutants, it can improve how quickly you can remove them.
| 🤔 Why get a smart air purifier? With a standard air purifier, you’re limited to operating it using the buttons on the device. With a Smart air purifier, you can use an app to control the device with your smartphone. Sometimes you can even control it through a virtual assistant like Amazon’s Alexa. This allows you to control your air purifier from anywhere in the world. For example, you’ve gone out for the day and want fresh air in your home when you get back. You don’t want to waste energy by leaving your purifier running all day; with a Smart air purifier, you can use your phone to turn your purifier on an hour before you get home. Smart mode also makes sense for irregular pollutants. You don’t want to continually manually change fan speeds for issues that are not always happening. |
What to Look for When Buying a Smart Air Purifier
Many “smart” gadgets have poor supporting apps, making using them a chore. You must also consider the app experience and raw air cleaning performance for something smart. Here are the things you should consider:
1. How does the App perform?
App performance is key when choosing a smart unit. Check the Google and Apple app stores to find out if other customers enjoy using the app and if there are any issues you should be aware of.
2. Does the unit have Auto Mode?
Auto-mode is a basic smart feature that means the air purifier uses a sensor to control the fan to remove a pollutant when it detects them. It’s slowly becoming a standard feature but is not always available at the lowest budgets. Auto mode is great but not essential.
3. Does the unit feature HEPA and Activated Charcoal technology?
This is non-negotiable. Numerous academic studies have proven this filter technology; it just works. Avoid technologies that are not supported by hundreds of studies. Many are just marketing strategies and often perform worse per $ spent.
4. What are the energy costs?
Unlike other household or office gadgets like heaters, washer/dryers, or refrigerators, air purifiers are efficient by design. They don’t use massive amounts of electricity, but with energy prices soaring, we encourage you to research this before adding any new electrical device to your home.
| 💡Tip: This online tool makes it easy to calculate air purifier costs. Simply enter any model’s wattage (this can be found in the manual or product page). |
It should also be noted that smart features mean your unit can switch to lower power modes that use less energy.
5. What are the filter costs in the long term
Over time, your HEPA and activated charcoal will become full of pollutants and need replacing. We don’t want you to be shocked at this amount, so please research this. Costs are not usually a barrier and you don’t always have to buy the official filters.
Common Questions About Smart Air Purifiers
🤔 What is a smart air purifier?
A smart home means your home has a system that connects with your appliances to automate specific tasks and is typically remotely controlled. A smart air purifier is the same and includes an auto-mode that automatically adjusts to specific air quality issues. You can also adjust from any location you have the internet via the app.
🤔 What is the best smart air purifier?
We think the Mila air purifier is currently the best. It has more smart features than any other air purifier on the market and feels similar to other smart home appliances like the Hue or Nest system.
Wrapping Up
The best smart air purifier we have tested is the Mila air purifier. It’s not the cheapest but comes with many smart features often rare in air purifiers. Using multiple units is super easy via the app, and the filter options allow you to customize your unit to your specific needs. Feel free to email me if you need specific advice or questions answered about smart purifiers.
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API