The best air purifiers for allergies → Powerful, quiet and energy-efficient

Apr 2, 2026Mar 29, 2026 by Danny Ashton

Most air purifiers claim to clear large rooms, but for allergy sufferers, that’s often a dangerous lie.

Since 2020, I have tested over 130 air purifiers using the same methodology to gather comparable data, and I have found that only a handful of models pack enough power to effectively remove allergens from the air without sounding like a jet engine or costing an arm and a leg to run.

Because the thing with allergies is that you will need to run your air purifier 24/7.

That is why I’ve shortlisted the only units that deliver excellent performance even at low fan speeds, so you can keep them running in the background without generating much noise or consuming much energy.

1. Best overall: CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

This DIY air purifier uses PC fans and HVAC filters, offering exceptional performance with whisper-quiet operation.

$229 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

The Luggable XL Ultra uses seven Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans that pull air through two 20×25 MERV 13 filters. This combination results in a dust CADR of 315 cfm with a max sound level of 47.2 dBA! Excellent for those with dust or pollen allergies.

The Luggable XL Ultra is the quietest high-CADR air purifier I’ve tested so far, yet it’s powerful enough to provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 393.7 square feet.

The long-term costs are generally low because it’s energy-efficient AND you can choose any 20×25 MERV 13 filters, but we recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900. To make the body sturdier, you might want to consider adding CleanAirKit’s filter guards.

CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra Filter Guard

CONS

Its body is not as sturdy as a traditional air purifier made from plastic or metal. If durability is a concern, you can go instead with the cherry wood Aerating End Table.

It is a large device, so you will need space. But if you worry about size, then you can choose the 5-fan version of the Luggable.

You don’t get any smart features or the usual controls you may expect from a traditional air purifier.

PROS

For the vast majority of allergy sufferers who get triggered by pollen, dust, and pet dander, the absence of a carbon filter is a plus — it means more airflow dedicated to particle removal without affecting particle capture efficiency.

It’s the most energy-efficient high CADR air purifier I have tested and will add just $19.76 to your energy bill each year.

The DIY kit comes with everything you need to build it, except for the filters. You can buy it pre-built if DIY is not your thing.

It is lightweight and comes with a handle to move it from room to room.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 315 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – EnergyStar PM2.5: 402 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	390 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	7D x 25W x 20H in (18D x 64W x 51 cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.63 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	47.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	16.43 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

Northbox Systems is a Canadian manufacturer that produces PC fan-powered air purifier kits that use HVAC filters. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best under $200: AirFanta 3Pro

With a top speed CADR of 353 cfm and a low price of $164.99, there is a lot to like about the AirFanta 3Pro.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

With a top speed CADR of 353 cfm and a low price of $164.99, there is a lot to like about the AirFanta 3Pro. For those with allergies, the big benefit of this device is its excellent air cleaning performance at quiet sound levels.

The 3Pro is a small box with a base at the bottom, one filter at each side, and a PC fan array on top—making a much compact version of the bulky Corsi-Rosenthal box (left).

In testing, we identified a fan speed that generates less than 45 dBA (6.54 V) and has an estimated CADR PM1 of 213 cfm, which is higher than what we saw with the much larger (and much more expensive) Levoit EverestAir.

CONS

Even though it uses PC fans, energy costs are similar to traditional air purifiers when running at full speed.

It doesn’t come with the usual control panel or any smart features you might expect from an air purifier.

PROS

Its incredible air cleaning performance — it took just 17 minutes to clean our test room, which is two minutes slower than the almighty Smart Air Blast Mini.

It is A LOT easier to put it together than a standard DIY PC fan air purifier kit.

It can be assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes.

You get a choice of HEPA H11 filters only or HEPA with activated carbon, but I recommend sticking with the standard HEPA filters as you get higher CADR at a lower price.

It is quite small and will sit comfortably on top of a sidetable or window sill.

Another feature to highlight is that the 3Pro is the only high CADR air purifier that fits inside a backpack. This device can be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes, so could be a great solution for those wanting to have protection from allergens when traveling to a new place.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best for small spaces: Levoit Core 400S

The Core 400S is a cylindrical air purifier that can provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 167 sq. ft. at fan speeds under 45 decibels.

When running at speed 2, the Core 400S generates just 43.2 dBA and based on our particle removal test, we estimated a PM1 CADR of 134 cfm, which is good enough for six air changes in spaces up to 167 square feet.

The Core 400S has a cylindrical filter with a pre-filter mesh that wraps around the particle filter and a layer of pelleted activated carbon.

There are multiple filter options available, but if your allergies aren’t triggered by VOCs, I’d suggest sticking to the standard filter that doesn’t include additional carbon for better particle filtration.

When running at speed 2, it matched the particle filtration of the $750 Rabbit Air A3 and it outperformed the popular Vital 200S.

However, if you’re in Europe, you should know that the European version of the Core 400S uses a different fan motor that is less powerful than the American version of this model.

PROS

The filter was originally advertised as HEPA, but Levoit stopped marketing it as such after Dyson challenged HEPA claims before the BBB.

The filter is bonded, so you will need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is full, even if the particle filter still has life in it.

CONS

The cylindrical design takes up less floor space than the traditional boxy air purifier design.

You get filter options with different amounts of carbon, with the top one being 450 grams (Smoke Remover), which is the most you will get with any Levoit device.

It has a laser particle sensor that unlocks smart modes and you get real-time PM2.5 readings at the top of the device.

It comes with app support via the VeSync app, which has great UX, useful features, and is constantly updated and improved.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 213 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 247 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles and activated carbon filter for odors and gasses
Recommended room size:	319 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	10.8L x 10.8W x 20.5H inches (27.4L x 27.4W x 52H cm)
Weight:	11.2 lbs (5 kg)
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.5 dBA Speed 1: 38.3 dBA Speed 2: 43.2 dBA Speed 3: 51.2 dBA Speed 4: 60.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.93 watts Sleep mode: 3.05 watts Speed 1: 5.28 watts Speed 2: 8.51 watts Speed 3: 16.41 watts Speed 4: 39.64 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

4. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

If the DIY look isn’t for you and you need serious power to clean the air in a large space, then look no further than the ProX.

With an estimated PM1 CADR of 299 cfm at sub-45 dBA fan speeds, the Coway Airmega ProX can provide six air changes per hour in spaces up to 373 square feet.

When running at full speed, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm. This means it’s powerful enough to clean the air six times per hour in rooms as large as 577 square feet while generating just 53.6 dBA of noise.

Unlike the rest of the air purifiers on this list, the ProX comes with an onboard air quality sensor that unlocks auto mode and provides real-time PM2.5 readings. It also comes with two particle + carbon filters.

CONS

Retailing at just over $900, the ProX isn’t cheap.

It’s not small either, weighing 50 lbs or 22.67 kg.

It doesn’t have app support, which we would expect at this price point.

PROS

It is officially the fastest HEPA air purifier we tested – at top speed, the ProX completed our particle removal test in 13 minutes.

Even though it is heavy, it comes with deep handles at each side and wheels at the bottom.

You can adjust the sensibility of the air quality sensor.

You can also adjust the power of the auto mode, rotating between eco, silent and turbo.

It looks incredible and is made of high-quality plastic.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 462 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 299 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 586 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Green True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 in (48 x 93 x 62 cm)
Weight:	51 lbs (23kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.4 dBA Speed 2: 44.4 dBA Speed 3: 53.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Speed 1: 11.76 watts Speed 2: 26.09 watts Speed 3: 58.88 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Best buy-it-for-life PC fan kit: Nukit Tempest Pro

The Tempest Pro is a PC fan air purifier with excellent particle removal performance and a metal body that will last a lifetime.

When running at top speed, the Nukit Tempest Pro is whisper-quite, generating 39.1 dBA of noise while providing an estimated PM1 CADR of 188 cfm, which is good enough for six air changes in rooms no larger than 235 sq. ft.

If your allergies are not triggered by VOCs, you can run it without the activated carbon filters to reduce long-term costs.

Much like the Luggable XL Ultra, the Tempest Pro also uses any type of 20×25 MERV 13 filters you can buy. Based on my tests, I recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filters.

PROS

The 3-speed version is not as quiet as the 5-speed version, so look for the SA600 with five fan speeds.

If you want a smart air purifier, this is not the device for you.

CONS

The control panel is intuitive and the lights switch off automatically, without the need to press any button or activate any special mode.

It restarts automatically following a power cut or after being unplugged, which is something most models don’t do.

It can be mounted to the wall and comes with screw holes on the bottom, but you will need to source the fixtures to do this.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 188 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 188 cfm
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	282 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	26.65 x 20.27 x 7.55 in (67.7 x 51.5 x 19.2 cm)
Weight:	18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Top speed: 39.1 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Top speed: 16.44 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

6. Best money can buy: IQAir Atem X

If money is no object, the Atem X from IQAir is the best air purifier for allergy sufferers wanting to remove pollen, dust, mold and other particles from the air.

The Atem X is the most expensive air purifier we have tested at HouseFresh and its performance, features and design blew me away. At speed 4, it generates 44.5 dBA while providing a PM1 CADR of 229 cfm, which is powerful enough to clean the air six times per hour in rooms up to 286 sq. ft.

It comes with three HEPA filters, but it doesn’t come with a gas filter or any form of carbon filtration as standard, so it won’t be suitable for those with allergies triggered by chemical gases.

IQAir’s signature HyperHEPA filter offers excellent particle filtration. The HEPA grade will depend on the level of airflow and ranges from H13 to E11, as you can see in the full technical specifications below:

The control panel sits at the back and, unlike most other air purifiers, it doesn’t have any screens – instead, you get a few different lights, a fan speed slider and a color-coded air quality indicator.

The Atem X also comes with full app support via the IQAir AirVisual App, which unlocks many features that are not available on the control panel.

At top speed, it delivers excellent particle removal performance. This was great to see, as the Atem X was by far the most expensive air purifier we tested.

PROS

It doesn’t come cheap at one cent under $1400.

It doesn’t come with a carbon filter for removing gases and odors from the air, so you only get particle filtration.

It runs louder at top speed (62.3 dBA) than other highly-powered traditional air purifiers.

Genuine IQAir filters are not cheap, selling for $199.99.

CONS

The design looks incredible and even though it is a big device, it has a footprint smaller than two sheets of A4 paper.

When running at speed 5, it reaches 44.5 dBA and offers similar performance to PC fan-powered air purifiers from AirFanta, CleanAirKits, NorthBox Systems and Nukit.

It comes with IQAir’s 10-year warranty, which certainly inspires confidence.

The app has a good UX, useful functions, and you even get a web dashboard with additional air quality data.

Transparent specs: IQAir made available factory-tested airflow reports and detailed HEPA filter grades at each fan speed.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 429 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 435 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HyperHEPA filtration.
Recommended room size:	643 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	27.08H x 25.19W x 10D inches (68.8H x 64W x 25.4D cm)
Weight:	28.66 lbs (13 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.6 dBA Speed 2: 36.9 dBA Speed 3: 40.7 dBA Speed 4: 44.5 dBA Speed 5: 49.5 dBA Speed 6: 53.6 dBA Speed 7: 58.4 dBA Speed 8: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1 watt Speed 1: 5.3 watts Speed 2: 7.5 watts Speed 3: 10.5 watts Speed 4: 15.5 watts Speed 5: 24.2 watts Speed 6: 35.9 watts Speed 7: 57.2 watts Speed 8: 85.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	10 years
Country of origin:	Switzerland
Country of manufacture:	Germany

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

These air purifiers were very close to making this list.

The units above are my top picks, but there are other excellent models that nearly made the cut. Depending on your budget and availability in your location, it could be worth checking them out.

Blueair Blue Signature

At top speed (59.6 dBA), we estimate a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm and at speed 2 (40 dBA), we estimate 229 cfm, which would be good enough for rooms up to 286 sq. ft. The design is beautiful and it doubles as a table, but I didn’t shortlist it because it comes with an ionizer function that cannot be disabled.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Smart Air Blast Mini MKII

It has a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm at top speed (56.3 dBA) and 272 cfm at speed 1 (44.9 dBA). It comes with optional carbon, so if your allergies are triggered by particles, you can stick to HEPA H13 only. It didn’t make the list because the ProX offers better performance at a quieter level (299 cfm at 44.4 dBA) and has a sensor.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Winix AM80 (or Zero S)

It can be regularly found for $190 and will deliver 134 cfm at speed 3 (43.3 dBA), which is good for 6 ACH in spaces no larger than 167 sq. ft. It is no match for the cheaper AirFanta 3Pro, but it could be a good alternative to the Smart Air SA600.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Levoit Vital 200S

This is a solid performer under $200 with app support, smart functions and a sensor. It didn’t make the list because its raw air cleaning power at top speed (260 cfm at 57.7 dBA) is not nearly as good as what you’ll get with the AirFanta 3Pro (353 cfm at 56.3 dBA).

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

This is not only the cheapest Dyson’s Big+Quiet model ($899.99) but also the best-performing Dyson purifier we tested. It will give you 198 cfm at top speed (51.4 dbA) and 128 cfm at speed 1 (40.4 dBA), which makes it good enough for rooms up to 160 sq. ft. However, its performance is comparable to models that cost a third of its price.

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Smart Air Blast MKII

It has a PM1 CADR of 547 cfm at top speed (54.7 dBA) and 375 cfm at speed 1 (41.9 dBA). It comes with a HEPA H13 filter and you can choose to add pelleted activated carbon, if your allergies are triggered by chemicals or gases in the air.

It didn’t make the list because it will be too big and too heavy for most homes, although it would be my top pick if you’re looking for a device for high traffic areas like classrooms or offices.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

What to look for when buying an air purifier to help with allergies

There are three key factors you should be aware of when selecting an air purifier for allergies.

1. Air changes per hour and room sizes

The most critical number for allergy sufferers is Air Changes Per Hour, or ACH.

ACH indicates how many times an air purifier can completely filter the air in a specific room within one hour.

Walk through Amazon, and you’ll see tiny purifiers claiming to clean 1,000 sq. ft. rooms, but they’re usually quoting that based on just ONE air change per hour. For your allergies? That’s like trying to empty a sinking boat with a teaspoon. Sure, it eventually cleans the old pollen, but in that same hour, a whole new batch of allergens will make their way into the room.

Industry experts at AHAM (that’s the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) say you need at least 4.8 ACH. For severe allergies? We recommend aiming for 6 ACH. Six air changes per hour means that the air in a room will be cleaned of all pollutants every 10 minutes.

This means that many small purifiers with a low Clean Air Delivery Rate (or CADR) aren’t up to the task for serious allergy relief.

Let’s take the popular Levoit Core Mini as an example: The Levoit Core Mini has a dust CADR of 41 CFM. We plug that into our HouseFresh CADR calculator for six ACH, and what do we get? A maximum room size of just 51 sq. ft. That’s barely a walk-in closet, not your bedroom.

You can use our CADR calculator to find out how much CADR an air purifier will need to provide 4-6 air changes per hour, depending on the size of the room where you plan to use it:

2. The importance of sound

But high ACH isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. If your purifier sounds like a 747 taking off, you won’t use it, especially at night when allergies can be the worst.

Let’s use the Molekule Air Mini+ as an example: At top speed, it has a PM1 CADR of 96 CFM, which could give you six ACH in a 120 sq. ft. room. The catch? It does this blasting out 67.4 decibels… That’s louder than a vacuum cleaner – try sleeping next to that! When we tested it at a more livable 45 dBA, the CADR plummeted to 36 CFM, that’s six ACH in a room smaller than what the tiny Levoit Core Mini could manage at its top speed.

Look for units with good air cleaning performance at low fan speeds that generate less than 45 decibels.

Check out our leaderboard to see which air purifier models offer the best performance, based on particle removal tests at top speed and at sub-45 dBA speeds:

3. Particle vs gas filtration

If you are allergic to pollen, dust, or pet dander, focus on finding a device with a high-quality particle filter.

Activated carbon filters are only necessary in cases where your allergies are tied to chemical sensitivities, where you need to remove triggers such as cigarette smoke, perfume, insecticide, new carpet smell, paint fumes, etc.

So, the magic formula for most allergy sufferers is six air changes per hour at under 45 decibels with a solid particle filter.

Wrapping up

So there you have it, four excellent air purifiers that will actually offer solid particle removal performance and good value for allergy sufferers. If you are unsure of which one to get, feel free to drop me an email to danny@housefresh.com and I can help you find the best option for your specific situation.

I hope you found my guide useful, and if you decide to buy any of the air purifiers I mentioned today, please use the links in the buttons to help support the work we do here at HouseFresh. It won’t cost you anything extra and we will get a small affiliate commission that will allow us to keep buying and testing air purifiers in the future.

Do you have any questions about air filters for allergies that I haven’t answered? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

March 29th, 2026

Replaced the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 with the Luggable XL Ultra because it offers better particle removal performance and the XL-7 has been discontinued.
Removed the Nukit Tempest Euro because it has been discontinued.
Replaced the Smart Air SA600 with the Levoit Core 400S as the best for small spaces, due to the higher CADR that provides more air changes per hour.
Added the Nukit Tempest Pro as the best buy-it-for-life option for those looking for a highly durable PC fan-powered air purifier.
Added the IQAir Atem X as the best money can buy for those without budget constraints who want the best air purifier for allergy sufferers.
Added the Smart Air Blast MKII and the Blueair Blue Signature to the ‘Special mentions’ list.

September 2nd, 2025

Added a ‘Special mentions’ section at the end of the article with models that didn’t make the shortlist.

July 1st, 2025

Added a link to YouTube video reviews for all the models on the list.

June 12th, 2025

Added the North Box Systems 6XL and the Nukit Tempest Euro as alternatives to the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7.

The best air purifiers for pet odor, hair and dander

Mar 29, 2026 by Danny Ashton

Best air purifiers for pet hair and pet dander 1

Living with a pet means coexisting with any allergies, hair everywhere and unwanted smells — from litter boxes to bad breath.

Pet odors, hair and dander can linger, even with regular grooming and cleaning. That’s when an air purifier can become a valuable investment.

But that is only the case if you buy the right air purifier.

You should focus on finding a model that comes with a removable pre-filter (ideally washable), activated carbon filtration (for odors), a high quality particle filter (for allergens), good performance at quiet fan speeds, a control panel with the option to lock all buttons, and enough power to change the air 4-5 times per hour.

I kept all that in mind when shortlisting the air purifiers for this list. As always, I have bought and tested all these devices myself, so everything I’ll share is based on my experience and first-hand data.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

I also made a point of sticking to air purifiers without an ionizer or with bipolar ionization technologies that could be disabled without negatively impacting air cleaning performance.

1. Best for large spaces: Levoit EverestAir

The EverestAir boosts power and smart features in a sleek white and silver design that makes it stand out from the crowd.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

For $499.99, you get a good looking air purifier with enough air cleaning power (PM1 CADR of 375 cfm) to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 562 sq. ft. when running at top speed (57.8 dBA).

The pre-filter is easy to remove so you can vacuum pet hairs and extend the life of the main particle filter that sits behind it.

The bonded filter has a high quality particle filter on one side (to remove the smallest of particles from the air) and a gas filter on the other with 400g of pelleted activated carbon (to adsorb odors and gases).

Levoit EverestAir Activated Carbon Filter

The air quality sensor displays particle readings on screen and it unlocks a smart mode where it adjusts fan speeds automatically.

The color-coded LED lights on the display show the percentage of clean air in the room.

And the VeSync app unlocks features like scheduling and display lock to ensure curious pets don’t change settings.

CONS

Levoit originally advertised it as having H13 HEPA filter but they removed all mentions of HEPA from their marketing.

There is no child lock button on the device and you will need to use the app to lock the display.

The air vents can move, but you can set the angle so they are not fully open if you expect your cat to lie on top.

PROS

At speed 2, it cleaned the air in our test room in 29 minutes while generating just 43.2 decibels – we estimate a CADR of 205 cfm.

It is the fastest Levoit air purifier we have tested, reaching PM1 zero in 16 minutes at top speed.

Its large filter comes with 400 g of pelleted activated carbon to deal with pet odors.

The VeSync app is easy to use and it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control.

It doesn’t have an ionizer so it doesn’t generate ozone as part of the air cleaning process.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 205 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 365 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Removable pre-filter, particle filter and 400g of pelleted activated carbon.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm)
Weight:	20.7 lbs (9.39 kg)
Filter lifespan:	12-15 months
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 39.1 dB Speed 2: 43.2 dB Speed 3: 48.6 dB Turbo: 57.8 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.26 watts Speed 1: 9.85 watts Speed 2: 15.59 watts Speed 3: 26.6 watts Turbo: 69.8 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best for smelly pets: Alen BreatheSmart 75i (with the Fresh Filter)

A large air purifier with an H13 HEPA filter and 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted pet smells from the air.

The 75i is Alen’s largest and most powerful air purifier. With an estimated PM1 CADR of 333 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 448 sq. ft.

Similarly to the EverestAir (above), the 75i comes with a removable pre-filter, which is easy to access and keep clean regularly.

It also has a laser particle sensor (which you won’t need to clean regularly) and you get an air quality indicator on screen.

There are multiple filter options available. For pets, I recommend the Fresh filter, which comes with a HEPA H13 and a carbon filter.

Alen’s Fresh filter is packed with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon, which is a lot more than what you get with most other devices.

CONS

The cheapest filter option (Pure) doesn’t have activated carbon so make sure to choose the Fresh or Odor filters.

It’s a large and heavy unit that won’t fit in small spaces.

It comes with an ionizer function, but you can switch it off and this won’t impact the performance of your 75i.

PROS

It is the tenth fastest air purifier at completing our particle removal test – reached PM1 Zero in 18 minutes at top speed (57.5 dBA).

Excellent quiet performance with 164 cfm when running at speed 2 – this is more powerful than the Coway Airmega 150 running at top speed.

The control panel has a color-coded air quality indicator that provides real-time readings.

The pre-filter can be easily removed and washed.

It comes with a lifetime warranty from Alen, as long as you buy filter replacements directly from them.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 333 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 164 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 351 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology
Recommended room size:	448 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	27H x 18.5W x 11.5D inches (68.58H x 46.99W x 29.21D cm)
Weight:	27 lbs (12.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 36.5 dBA Speed 2: 44.7 dBA Speed 3: 51.9 dBA Speed 4: 54.6 dBA Speed 5: 57.5 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.75 watts Speed 1: 5.19 watts Speed 2: 13.27 watts Speed 3: 25.85 watts Speed 4: 33.99 watts Speed 5: 47.4 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 – 15 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription)
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best under $200: Levoit Vital 200S

For less than $190, you can get an excellent air purifier with a removable pre-filter, carbon filtration, quiet operation and smart features.

This has been my top recommendation for most people since 2024 because it is affordable, performs as well as much more expensive units and comes with all the smart features readers ask about. It also has an estimated PM1 CADR of 260 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 390 sq. ft.

The Vital 200S comes with a washable pre-filter that will make it a lot easier to regularly remove pet hairs before they obstruct airflow.

You also get a bonded particle and carbon filter, which has enough carbon to help with mild pet smells but won’t be enough in cases where you’re dealing with serious odors.

Levoit Vital 100S Pelleted carbon closeup

In terms of air cleaning, it outperformed more expensive devices like the Winix 5510 and the Coway Airmega 250S, while generating less noise.

The control panel is simple and easy to figure out without reading the manual. You get a button to activate the child lock and you will also see a color-coded ring that shows air quality in real-time.

CONS

You need to clean the air quality sensors every two months, which is something you might forget to do, leading to a less efficient Auto Mode.

Levoit was forced to remove mentions of HEPA from other units it produces by the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division, which means they are using shady advertising practices we don’t condone.

PROS

It offers a high level of air cleaning performance to $ spent — cleaned our test room in 23 minutes and costs less than $200!

It comes with an in-built air quality sensor that allows for smart functions like Auto Mode.

You can control it from your phone through the Vesync app.

There are many options for generic filter replacements, which helps keep long-term costs low.

It doesn’t have an ionizer so it doesn’t generate ozone as part of the air cleaning process.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

4. Best for small spaces: Levoit Core 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)

A smart and quiet air purifier with a filter packed with 450 grams of pelleted activated carbon to help with pet smells.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

There are many other much smaller devices than the 400S, but if you want to keep your air clean of pet hair, dander and odors, then you shouldn’t go smaller than this. The cylindrical design will make it easier to find a spot for it even in the smallest of rooms.

Even though you’ll see there’s a Pet Allergy filter, I recommend choosing the Smoke Remover filter as it comes with 50 grams more of carbon.

The filter itself is a cylindrical filter, so vacuuming the pre-filter won’t be as easy as with rectangular models like the Vital 200S.

Size-wise, the Core 400S is similar to the Winix T810 but it offers better air cleaning performance at quiet fan speeds that won’t disturb your pet.

Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 213 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 319 sq. ft.

CONS

The European version of the 400S is less powerful than the U.S. version, so keep that in mind if you’re in Europe. Learn more about this on this video.

The filter is bonded (like with other Levoit devices on this list) so so you will need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is used up, even if the particle filter still works.

The particle filter was initially sold as H13 HEPA but it isn’t HEPA. This won’t affect performance but you need to know.

PROS

The cylindrical design takes up less floor space while still offering solid air cleaning performance.

It comes with an onboard sensor, an LED air quality indicator and auto-mode.

You get smartphone connectivity through the VeSync app.

The 400S with the Smoke Remover filter comes with the largest amount of carbon (450 g) in the entire Levoit range of air purifiers.

The Core 400S doesn’t have an ionizer but stay away from the PlasmaPro 400S, which looks the same but does have an ionizer.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 213 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 247 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles and activated carbon filter for odors and gasses
Recommended room size:	319 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	10.8L x 10.8W x 20.5H inches (27.4L x 27.4W x 52H cm)
Weight:	11.2 lbs (5 kg)
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.5 dBA Speed 1: 38.3 dBA Speed 2: 43.2 dBA Speed 3: 51.2 dBA Speed 4: 60.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.93 watts Sleep mode: 3.05 watts Speed 1: 5.28 watts Speed 2: 8.51 watts Speed 3: 16.41 watts Speed 4: 39.64 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Best for homes with multiple smelly pets: Austin Air Healthmate

An air purifier made in the USA with a filter packed with 15 lbs. of carbon that can remove the most stubborn, pungent pet odors from the air.

If you have multiple pets at home, you’re likely to need a lot more carbon than what you usually get with most air purifiers you’ll find in stores. For those cases, I recommend the Austin Air HealthMate and its filter packed with 15 lbs. of activated carbon and zeolite.

Its metal body is heavy but durable, with a flat top that many cats will enjoy sleeping on.

Even though it’s heavy, it comes on wheels so you can easily move it around your house as needed. It’s one of the only devices I’ve tested with wheels that roll well on carpets.

The filter inside the HealthMate is bigger than most small air purifiers you’ll see recommended online.

Instead of a touchscreen display or colorful buttons, the HealthMate comes with a dial to switch between three fan speeds — no risk of your pet accidentally switching the device off.

CONS

It is great at removing odors and VOCs from the air but its particle filtration is as good as much smaller devices like the Xiaomi 4 Compact or the Levoit Core 300.

It is power hungry, pulling 147.6 watts at top speed. It would add $164.39 to your energy bill each year to run it 24/7.

The filter replacement is expensive ($315) but you only need to replace it every five years.

It doesn’t have any smart features or smartphone app controls.

PROS

It comes with the largest carbon filter in the household purifier market.

The filter is packed with a carbon and zeolite mix that increases odor adsorbency.

It is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty.

It doesn’t have an ionizer so it doesn’t generate ozone as part of the air cleaning process.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 154 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPA particle filter with 15 lb of activated carbon and zeolite mix gas filter
Recommended room size:	234 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm)
Weight:	20.41 lbs (9.26 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 42.5 dB Speed 2: 53.2 dB Speed 3: 61.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 61.1 watts Speed 2: 85.05 watts Speed 3: 147.6 watts
Filter lifespan:	5 years
Manufacturer’s warranty:	5 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States (Buffalo, New York)

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

What to look for when buying an air purifier for pets

To find out if the unit you are considering is the right one for the job, these are a few questions that will guide you in your search:

1. Does the air purifier have the right filters?

When it comes to pets, a three-stage filtration system is the most comprehensive option, as it includes a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a particle filter.

Stage 1: Pre-filter. These are designed to pick up larger particles (such as pet hair) before they reach the main filter. Their key function is to prevent fur from clogging the main filters, thus extending their lifespan. Removable pre-filters are more straightforward to clean; some are washable to rinse the shed fur effortlessly.

Stage 2: Activated carbon filter. This is the layer that clears the air from unwanted pet odors — the carbon works by absorbing odors (and VOCs) that pass through the filter, removing them from the air.

Stage 3: Main particle filter. Particle filters are made of pleated sheets that create a maze of randomly assorted fibers capable of capturing the smallest of airborne particles, including pet dander, dust, and pollen.

2. Is the air purifier capable of dealing with your room size?

This is a key issue when choosing the right air purifier for you. A unit suited for smaller rooms won’t be able to make the air changes per hour (ACH) needed to clean the air in large spaces. Therefore, it won’t be efficient at removing the odors and lacks the power to remove all airborne pollutants.

This is where the unit’s CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) comes in, indicating its cleaning performance in CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute). We’ve included each unit’s CADR and room size recommendation in our spec tables.

But you can use our calculator to find the exact CADR you need based on the size of the space where you want to use the air purifier:

3. Does the unit produce any chemical by-products?

Ionization features are often found in air purifiers to enhance their performance. Air purifiers with ionizer functions release ions into the air that attach to airborne particles, forcing them to drop onto surfaces so you can vacuum and wipe them.

The problem is that, in the process, these devices can generate small amounts of ozone, which can be detrimental to the health of those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

If you worry about the health of your pet, then you should stick to air purifiers without ionizers or with ionizer functions that can be disabled, like the ones on my list of recommendations.

To wrap it up

Taking good care of your pets (with frequent grooming, healthy food and periodic visits to the vet) is a solid step forward in reducing their odor and the amount of hair floating around in the air. Regular home cleaning makes for another important element in the equation, but that’s not always enough.

Introducing the right air purifier to your home can make a BIG difference. Just make sure you are buying a device powerful enough for the space where you will place it with a high quality particle filter, a pre-filter that is easy to clean, and a good amount of pelleted activated carbon to deal with odors. Pay attention to sound levels too, as pets are sensitive to noise, and stay away from ionizer functions that cannot be disabled.

If you have any questions about your specific situation, just drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

March 28th, 2026

Added the Coway Airmega 150 and the Alen BreatheSmart 35i to the ‘Special mentions’ section as potential contenders for small rooms.
Added links to the YouTube video reviews for the Austin Air HealthMate and the units under ‘Special mentions’.

October 4th, 2025

Added the Coway Airmega 250S to the ‘Special mentions’ section as a potential pick for medium-sized spaces.

August 12th, 2025

Added the Dyson BP06 to the ‘Special mentions’ section as a potential pick for rooms with smelly pets.

April 28th, 2025

Added links to the YouTube videos of all the units shortlisted.
Created a section with a list of solid devices that didn’t make the cut (Special mentions).

August 190th, 2024

Updated the criteria for the shortlist, including specific features needed for the filters, the design and the number of air changes required to help with pet-related allergies and odor issues.
Removed the Mila air purifier because it didn’t meet the criteria for the minimum CADR required for 4-5 air changes per hour.
Replaced the Levoit Core 300S with the Levoit Core 400S as the best for small spaces, due to the higher CADR that provides more air changes per hour.
Added the Smart Air SA600 as the best option for those who don’t care about smart features.

February 14th, 2024

Updated the sections for all Levoit air purifiers to include information about VeSync removing all mentions of HEPA from their marketing materials after being challenged by Dyson in front of the BBB.

January 13th, 2024

Updated the formatting across all sections of the article.

November 30th, 2023

Added a summary table at the top.

Winix 5520 review

Mar 26, 2026Mar 20, 2026 by Danny Ashton

The Winix 5520 was released alongside the 5510 around the same time the highly popular Winix 5500-2 was discontinued.

But can this new model deliver the same powerful air cleaning performance as its predecessor? And is it better or worse than the Winix 5510? I bought a 5520 with my own money, so that I could put it through all the tests we perform here at HouseFresh in order to find out.

The overall score for the Winix 5520 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for ‘Winix 5520’ to see where it ranks, based on its air cleaning performance and value for money. You can also filter results to easily compare models in the same price range.

The pros and cons of the Winix 5520

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The Winix 5520 is the predecessor to the highly popular Winix 5500-2, but it comes in a smaller and better looking package. It has smart features and app support, and the running costs are fair, too.

Air cleaning performance is very good and matches what we saw with the Winix 5510 – but only when running at top speed.”

Danny Ashton HouseFresh — Danny Ashton
HouseFresh Founder
& Lead Tester

CONS

It only has one fan speed below 45 decibels (speed 1) and its performance is weak (106 cfm) compared to the sub-45 dBA performance of the Winix 5510.

The Winix Smart app is quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit, Xiaomi and Philips.

It comes with a gas sensor rather than a particle sensor, so it will respond to VOCs in the air but not to particulate matter.

PROS

It offers solid performance at top speed, matching what we saw with the Winix 5510 and the Levoit Vital 200S.

It has a smaller body than the Winix 5500-2, so it will fit in tighter spaces.

The filter replacements are fairly priced ($79.99) and can last up to 12 months.

You get app support via the Winix app, which has a clean UX and is easy to use.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 106 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 40.4 dBA Speed 2: 45.8 dBA Speed 3: 50.9 dBA Speed 4: 64.9 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.14 watts Sleep mode: 3.49 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 6.89 watts (7.13 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 10.63 watts (10.92 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 16.77 watts (16.75 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 55.31 watts (55.6 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	Thailand

Filtration technology

Three separate filters for particle and VOC filtration.

The Winix 5520 offers three layers of filtration: a pre-filter for larger particles, a True HEPA filter for small particles, and a pelleted activated carbon filter for gases and odors.

The pre-filter is removable, making it easier to vacuum and clean to remove pet hair, fluff, and large dust particles that accumulate before they block airflow.

As with other Winix air purifiers, the 5520 comes with PlasmaWave, Winix’s trademarked bipolar ionization technology. This feature is meant to supercharge air cleaning performance by releasing electrical charges that make particles easier to remove from the air.

The bipolar ionization process may introduce new chemicals into the air, such as ozone. Winix makes this feature optional, so you can simply deactivate PlasmaWave by pressing the P button if you don’t want to use it.

Design, controls and app features

A stylish, medium-sized air purifier with app support.

I know looks are subjective, but I really like the look of the 5520, with its understated black design and patterned cover.

It’s smaller than the older Winix 5500-2, standing at 22.17 inches (56.31 cm) and weighing 13.3 lb (6 kg).

The controls are simple: a power button, a fan speed button (including Sleep and Auto Modes), and a button to engage PlasmaWave.

You don’t get a child lock or a timer button, which are common features you will find in other mid-sized air purifiers.

It has a gas sensor that informs the air quality indicator light at the front, which changes from Blue (good) to Amber (poor) to Red (bad).

It also has a light sensor at the top, which will react to changes in ambient light, switching the air purifier to low-light in the dark.

You can connect the 5520 to your smartphone via the Winix Smart app, which is available on both iPhone and Android.

The app has a clean design and a good UX, with no major issues. It lets you adjust fan speeds remotely from your phone, monitor filter life, and track air quality data from the sensor.

After using other apps from different manufacturers, I found the Winix Smart app pretty bare – it misses features that are common in apps from brands like Xiaomi and Levoit.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Winix 5520 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 5520 needed 24 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm.

This makes the Winix 5520 powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

As you can see from the chart, the 5520 matched the top speed performance of its sibling (5510), the popular Levoit Vital 200S and the pricier Coway Airmega 250S:

Winix 5520 HouseFresh Particle Removal Chart

This is a good result for a medium-sized air purifier in the sub-$200 price range.

BUT, as I always say, air purifiers running at full power are usually too loud for everyday use, so we must account for noise levels…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Winix 5520 range from 40.4 dBA to 64.9 dBA — which is louder than other mid-sized air purifiers from Levoit, Coway and Blueair.

I used our BAFX sound meter to measure how much sound the 5520 generates at each of its fan speeds at 3 ft away:

Reaching 64.9 dBA at top speed, the 5520 is one of the loudest mid-sized air purifiers on the chart, second only to the Winix 5510 and its 67.2 dBA when running at full power.

Running at speed 1, the 5520 reached 40.4 dBA and completed our particle removal test in 55 minutes. This is the only fan speed under the 45 dBA limit we set for quiet performance tests.

I repeated the test with the 5520 running at speed 2, and it cleared our test room in 44 minutes while generating 45.8 dBA of noise. That is not much louder than our 45 dBA limit, so if you don’t mind the extra noise, you could have the 5520 running at speed 2, and it would clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 200 sq. ft.

Long-term running costs

Running a Winix 5520 will cost you $146.51 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the 5520 pulls at each fan speed and while on standby.

Winix 5520 Energy Consumption HouseFresh

At top speed, the Winix 5520 draws 55.31 watts, so if you were to leave it running at full power 24/7 for a year, it would add $66.52 to your energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price as of March 2026.

However, electricity consumption is not the only long-term cost you should budget for when buying an air purifier… The biggest expense tends to be the filter replacements.

According to Winix, you need to change the filter in your 5520 every 12 months. The set with one True HEPA and one carbon filter costs $79.99, so you can expect to spend that much each year on filter replacements alone.

When we add this to energy costs, we can work out that it will cost you $146.51 to run a 5520 for a year. Let’s compare it with other models:

Because the 5520 is a tiny bit more power-hungry than the Winix 5510, you can expect to spend more each year on running costs, even though both units use the same filter replacements.

Bottom line: Should you get a Winix 5520?

Our data showed that the 5520 offers performance comparable to that of its sibling, the Winix 5510, BUT it comes with a higher price tag and a more power-hungry fan motor.

The 5520 is a solid mid-sized air purifier with similar particle removal performance to that of many popular models in the segment, such as the Levoit Vital 200S, the Smart Air SA600, and even the more expensive Coway Airmega 250S.

Considering its affordable price at $189.99, this makes it a good choice for those looking for a good performing air purifier for rooms up to 373 sq. ft. that also comes with app support, an onboard air quality sensor, and auto mode.

That said, it’s hard to recommend it over the Winix 5510…

Both devices look nearly identical, offer the exact same features and share the same Winix filters:

However, when it comes to air filtration, you will get better performance from the 5510 at quiet fan speeds. Plus, the 5510 costs less to buy and run, because the 5520 has a slightly higher price tag and consumes more electricity.

You will save some money upfront and in the long run with the 5510:

That is why I wouldn’t recommend buying the 5520 over the 5510 unless you really like its front cover design – that is the main design difference between the two.

If you’re looking for a cheap air purifier to help with dust, mold, or pollen allergies, I suggest checking out the AirFanta 3Pro. For $165, you’ll get better particle removal performance in rooms as large as 529 sq. ft., thanks to a higher CADR of 353 cfm (vs the 249 cfm in the 5520). The downsides are that the $165 version doesn’t come with carbon (which you won’t need if you’re trying to tackle dust, mold, and pollen), and that the 3Pro is a PC fan-powered unit without a fancy touchscreen display or onboard sensors you’ll find in a traditional air purifier.

BUT if you like the look of the 5520 and are happy to pay the $189.99 price tag, then you will be buying a good air purifier with smart features that will help remove both particles and odors from the air.

If you decide to get yourself a 5520, please use this link to help support the work we do at HouseFresh. When you buy through that link, we will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We don’t run any ads and have no partnerships with air purifier brands, so we rely on those small commissions to continue buying and testing air quality products.

If you have any questions about the 5520 or about Winix air purifiers in general, please drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you personally as soon as I can.

The best quiet air purifiers → Clean air without noise

Mar 17, 2026Mar 17, 2026 by Danny Ashton

Sounds above 85 decibels are considered harmful to human hearing, so we should avoid prolonged exposure to them. This can become a problem when you consider that the fans inside air purifiers can get really freaking loud – especially if you have more than one device inside a room.

All this is to say that sound matters when it comes to air purifiers, and unfortunately, sound levels in product listings and marketing materials cannot be trusted.

In fact, if you click on a random air purifier on Amazon, you will likely see very low sound levels (around 20 dB) mentioned. But you should know that these incredibly low decibel figures are generally what you can expect when running the air purifier on sleep mode…

Sadly, it’s now common for air purifier manufacturers to only share the sound level at the lowest fan speed. The problem is that at this low fan speed, any small air purifier will not be able to provide multiple air changes per hour in even the smallest of rooms.

That is why we not only test the air cleaning performance of air purifiers at top speed but also at fan speeds below 45 dBA, which is the limit set by Clean Air Stars for noisy classrooms and offices.

My recommendations today are based on benchmark testing of over 130 different air purifiers running at fan speeds that generate less than 45 decibels of sound.

TL;DR: These are the best quiet air purifiers

If reading is not your thing, you can just watch the video version of this article.

I’ve also put together a table with information about each of the air purifiers I recommend for those looking for solid performance with quiet operation:

Read on to learn more about my top picks for the best-performing quiet air purifiers you will find today. If none of them is right for you, scroll down to my list of excellent devices that nearly made the list or drop us a message on Reddit.

1. Best overall: CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

It is honestly so quiet that the first week we had it, I found myself walking up to it now and again to check if it was running.

$310 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

The Luggable XL Ultra cleaned our 728 cubic ft. test room of all PM1 pollutants in 19 minutes while generating only 47.2 dB of sound. Just to put this into perspective, that is around the same time it took the larger Winix 9800 and the Coway Airmega 350 — incredible air cleaning performance below 50dB!

It’s super quiet because it’s powered by seven Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans, which combined with two Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 filters lead to excellent performance at whisper-quiet operation.

CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra Filter inside

With the Luggable Ultra you’ll get 315 cfm under 50 dB, which will be powerful enough for five air changes in spaces of up to 472.5 sq. ft.

CONS

If you go with the DIY kit, know that building it can be tricky – I made a video to show how it works.

The lightweight wood looks great, but the body is more delicate than plastic or metal you’ll find in other air purifiers. If durability is a concern, check out the Nukit Tempest Pro at the end of this list.

It doesn’t come with carbon, so it won’t help with odors and chemical gases.

It’s a large device that won’t fit in smaller spaces. But if you like the look of the Luggable, then you can choose the 5-fan version.

It doesn’t come with any smart functions or app support.

PROS

It offers excellent air cleaning power even under the 45 dBA limit we set for quiet performance tests (284 cfm).

You can use any brand of 20×25 MERV 13 filters, which leads to lower running costs.

It’s lightweight and comes with a handle for easy movement from room to room.

The body is made of lightweight wood, making it more sustainable than traditional plastic air cleaners.

You can buy the DIY kit, which is cheaper and includes everything you need to build it at home (except the filters).

If anything breaks, you will be able to fix it yourself.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 315 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – EnergyStar PM2.5: 402 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	390 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	7D x 25W x 20H in (18D x 64W x 51 cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.63 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	47.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	16.43 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

Northbox Systems is a Canadian manufacturer that produces PC fan-powered air purifier kits that use HVAC filters. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best budget option: AirFanta 3Pro

More than just quiet: this is the only air purifier with a CADR above 350 cfm that you can fit inside a carry-on bag.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

This is another PC fan-powered air purifier like the Luggable XL Ultra (above) but this one is much easier to build and cheaper to buy. Based on our tests, we estimate a CADR of 353 cfm (56.3 dB), which will provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft for just $164.99.

The 3Pro arrives in parts, so you’ll need to build it yourself but it’s super easy: you get plastic square-shaped base, four H11 HEPA filters (carbon is optional) and four PC fans on top.

It has a speed controller, so you can set it to 6.54V and it will offer 213 cfm while generating just 43.3 dB of noise – excellent quiet performance at an affordable price!

CONS

The design is not for everyone, with a subscriber describing it to me as “a sci-fi toaster”.

It has no smart features, no air quality sensor, and no app support.

It’s in high demand, so it is often out of stock on Amazon. If you can’t find it on Amazon, check the official AirFanta shop.

You will have to build it yourself, but it takes just a couple of minutes to do so.

PROS

It offers the best performance for $ spent across the 130+ air purifiers we tested.

It is the only high-CADR air purifier you can fit in a backpack.

The use of PC fans makes it quieter and more energy-efficient than most traditional retail air purifiers.

It comes with an AC-to-DC power adapter that includes a dial to adjust the voltage and sound levels.

You can choose between HEPA-only or HEPA with activated carbon. If you need to tackle odors or VOCs, get the filters with carbon.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best smart option: Blueair Blue Signature

A quiet option for those who want a more traditional air purifier with an onboard sensor, smart features and app connectivity.

The Blue Signature is a cylindrical air purifier that doubles as a table with powerful air cleaning performance, a laser PM2.5 sensor, smart modes and app connectivity. At top speed, it will give you 400 cfm while generating 59.6 dB of noise. This will be enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 600 sq. ft.

When set to speed 2, the Signature will reach 40 dB while still being able to provide a CADR of 229 cfm – pretty impressive quiet performance!

Blueair Blue Signature Quiet Performance HouseFresh

It comes with wraparound filter that combines particle filtration with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and Blueair’s HEPASilent ionizer technology.

CONS

It is more expensive to buy and run than other table air purifiers from IKEA and SwitchBot.

There is no option to disable the electrostatic ionization function, unlike what we see from other manufacturers like Winix, Coway and Xiaomi.

The wooden legs and the chrome base to turn it into a table are not included, so you’d need to pay up to $100 more to elevate your Blue Signature.

The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.

PROS

It doubles as a side table that will fit most living rooms and bedrooms – you can even buy legs to give it more height.

It matches the air cleaning performance of high-end units that cost twice its price and are twice its size.

It comes with a laser sensor on board that is highly accurate and doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly.

The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.

You can customize the design with multiple pre-filter fabric colors and two leg design options.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 400 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 434 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPASilent particle filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter fabric.
Recommended room size:	600 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	17.3 x 15.7 x 15.7 in (44 x 40 x 40 cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.98 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 34.8 dBA Speed 1: 35.3 dBA Speed 2: 40 dBA Speed 3: 51.9 dBA Speed 4: 59.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.96 watts Sleep mode: 2.63 watts Speed 1: 2.95 watts Speed 2: 6.63 watts Speed 3: 19.08 watts Speed 4: 38.65 watts
Filter lifespan:	9 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year (3 years with product registration)
Country of origin:	Sweden
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

4. Best for small spaces: CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron

An air purifier with a CADR of 120 cfm that has been designed to be used as a table centerpiece.

$359 AT CLEAN AIR KITS

As much as I would like every person to buy the largest, most powerful air purifier they can live with, I know that not everyone has the space for a full-sized device. If this is you and you find yourself looking for a small and quiet air purifier with good air-cleaning performance, you should definitely consider the Triple Exhalaron from CleanAirKits.

At its highest fan speed, it hit 40.5 dB while having a CADR of 128 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in small areas no larger than 192 sq. ft.

In terms of design, the Exhalaron consists of three cylindrical filters covered by a washable pre-filter mesh with a wooden base and three CoolerMaster Mobius PC fans at the top.

CONS

This quiet sound level doesn’t come cheap, as the Triple Exhalaron will set you back $359.

If you don’t need portability or tabletop usage, you get much better CADR to $ with the Luggable Ultra from CleanAirKits or the AirFanta 3Pro.

It has no smart features, no air quality sensor, and no app support – just a dial to adjust fan speeds.

PROS

It is designed to be powered by a battery pack (with a male USBC pigtail), so you can use it on the go or inside your car. You get up to 10 hours of use with a 20,000 mAh battery.

It is a lot more durable than other PC fan-powered kits thanks to its sturdy wooden parts and the use of cylindrical filters over exposed HVAC filters.

It looks cool – I know it’s a personal preference, but I like the steampunk feel of the Exhalaron.

The filters comes with activated carbon for odors and gasses

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – Intertek PM2.5 CADR: 120 cfm
Filter technology:	HEPA H11 with a layer of carbon-impregnated fabric
Recommended room size:	192 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	22W x 7.25D x 8.5H in (56W x 14D x 22 cm)
Weight:	6 lbs (2.72 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.7 dBA Speed 3: 40.5 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 1.1 watts Speed 2: 2.8 watts Speed 3: 6 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

The ProX offers an impressive CADR of 586 cfm (dust) for large rooms without generating excessive noise.

The ProX is the largest air purifier in the Coway Airmega line and can provide five air changes per hour in rooms of up to 693 sq. ft. (CADR of 462 cfm) when running at top speed (53.6 dB). It lacks app support but comes with an onboard air quality sensor that unlocks smart modes.

It’s the only traditional air purifier that comes close to the quiet performance of PC fan models like those from CleanAirKits, Nukit and AirFanta.

It uses two filters, each combining a Green HEPA filter with a pelleted carbon filter to help with both particles and VOCs.

CONS

It is not cheap, with a list price just over $800.

Occasionally, you may accidentally open the side covers when using the side handles to lift the ProX, if you need to move it around the house in areas where the wheels may get stuck.

It doesn’t come with app connectivity, which some people might expect to get when paying upwards of $800.

PROS

It’s the fastest residential air purifier we tested, ranking 2nd after the commercial beast that is the Smart Air Blast – we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.

It comes with an onboard air quality sensor and shows real-time particle readings on screen paired with a color-coded LED light at the top of the device.

It features four smart modes, giving you more flexibility based on how much power, noise, or energy consumption you want.

It is made of high-quality materials and looks great.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 462 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 299 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 586 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Green True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 in (48 x 93 x 62 cm)
Weight:	51 lbs (23kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.4 dBA Speed 2: 44.4 dBA Speed 3: 53.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Speed 1: 11.76 watts Speed 2: 26.09 watts Speed 3: 58.88 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

6. Best buy-it-for-life: Nukit Tempest Pro

The Tempest Pro is the latest PC fan powered air purifier from Nukit and it’s entirely made out of metal.

The design of the Tempest Pro is similar to other Nukit models, with panels made out of black steel that will last a lifetime. But unlike the Euro and the original Tempest, the Pro uses six fans placed in two rows of three and 25×20 MERV 13 filters, so its body is larger — the same size as the Luggable XL Ultra from CleanAirKits.

With its OEM fans, it reached 38.1 dB at top speed with a CADR of 188 cfm – powerful enough for five air changes per hour in rooms up to 282 sq. ft.

Nukit Tempest Pro Performance Test HouseFresh

it isn’t cheap but I honestly think it’s an investment for the long term, for those looking for an air purifier that will last a lifetime and are happy to pay extra for it.

CONS

It is more expensive than other PC fan kits on the market.

There is no option to buy it pre-built, so you will have to build it yourself.

Daisy-chaining the PC fans is a little trickier than with the other kits I’ve built.

PROS

A steel chassis means long-term durability – even when using it in busy areas.

It has low running costs thanks to low energy usage and the use of commonly found HVAC filters.

It comes with all the extra parts, including a PWM controller, a mesh guard and a wall-mount.

It uses any kind of 25X20 MERV 13 filters, so you get a good choice of brands to pick from. I recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR 1900 filters.

It comes with a set of fans but you can upgrade them for increased performance.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 188 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 188 cfm
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	282 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	26.65 x 20.27 x 7.55 in (67.7 x 51.5 x 19.2 cm)
Weight:	18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Top speed: 39.1 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Top speed: 16.44 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

When running at its lowest speed, it hit 44.9 dB and 272 cfm. This is a great option for large spaces, but it didn’t make the cut because the ProX hit 299 cfm at 44.4 dB.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

What to look for when buying a quiet air purifier

If you want to ensure the air in your home is clean, you should run your air purifier 24/7/365. That means that if your air purifier is noisy, it will affect the quality of life of those who live in your home… or even worse, you will likely turn it off sooner or later.

That is why you could say that the Holy Grail of air purifiers is a high CADR unit powered by a quiet fan, but these units are not easy to find, so I rounded up some tips to help you navigate the world of sound when looking for a quiet air purifier:

1. Don’t get duped by reported noise levels

Most air purifier guides on the Internet are nothing more than a repetition of manufacturers’ claims and data, and the thing with manufacturers is that it is in their interest to show you the best numbers, even if they had to jump through hoops to achieve them in a controlled test environment that won’t be reflective of day-to-day use.

That is why you will often see articles about quiet air purifiers quoting very low decibel figures, as manufacturers tend to promote noise levels of their units running at its lowest fan speeds.

When buying an air purifier for your home, be sure to check how much noise it produces at both low AND high fan speeds. Ideally, look for third-party data like the one we publish here at HouseFresh.

Tip

Check out this tool from Clean Air Stars, where you can enter the desired noise levels to find devices that will fit that criteria.

2. Pay attention to the CADR rating

By checking the air purifier’s clean air delivery rate (CADR) rating, you can determine how effectively the device filters pollutants within a given room size.

For example, a device with a 250 CADR rating for dust will be more effective than one with a 200 CADR rating for the same room size. The 250 rating means the air purifier can produce 250 cubic feet of fresh air per minute to remove dust from the room. Therefore, the higher the CADR rating, the faster the air purifier will clean a room’s air.

You can use our handy calculator to find out what CADR rating you should be looking for depending on the size of the room where you will be using the air purifier:

3. Check whether the air purifier has a Sleep Mode

If you are looking for an air purifier for your bedroom, don’t just focus on noise levels; choose one with a sleep mode option.

The sleep mode option not only sets the device to run at the lowest fan speed possible but also turns off the lights on the display, minimizing the chances of the air purifier disturbing the darkness of your room.

4. Beware of small air purifiers that promise whisper-quiet operation

Most lists you will find ranking on Google for “quiet air purifiers” will recommend tons of tiny air purifiers because they operate super quietly at low fan speeds. The problem is that these small devices won’t be able to clean enough air even when running at their top fan speeds (which are usually a lot noisier), so they will offer even worse performance at low fan speeds.

Take the popular Levoit Core Mini, for example. In our test, its top fan speed hit just 44.5 dB, which is below the 45 dB limit we set for this list of recommendations. The reason why this air purifier didn’t make the list is that when running at its highest speed, it took 1 hour and 53 minutes for the Core Mini to clean our fairly small test room of PM1 pollutants. Compare this to the 17 minutes it took the AirFanta 3Pro to complete the exact same test, and you’ll understand why I’m not recommending devices like the Levoit Core Mini.

If you choose the traditional air purifier route over PC fan-powered devices, the best option is to buy a big unit that is powerful enough to clean your air even when running at its lowest fan speeds.

Wrapping up

Our motto at HouseFresh is that our tests reveal what manufacturers won’t tell you. To fulfill that promise, we buy all our devices with our own money to avoid any bias and we spend months testing them thoroughly.

If you buy one of the air purifiers I recommended today by clicking the buttons throughout this page, you will be supporting our work so we can keep testing and reviewing air quality products. In simple terms, when you buy a device through our website, we will get a 3% commission on the sale at no extra cost to you.

These funds will help us continue testing and reviewing air purifiers, so we can identify more devices that offer exceptional air cleaning performance without generating too much noise.

As always, if you have any questions about any of the air purifiers I mentioned in this article, then let me know in the comments.

March 17th, 2026

Replaced the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 with the CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra now that the XL-7 has been discontinued in the U.S.
Replaced the Levoit EverestAir with the Blueair Blue Signature, which offers more powerful quiet performance.
Added two new categories: best for large rooms and best buy-it-for-life.
Trimmed the text in the Special Mentions section to make it easier to digest.

April 28th, 2025

Updated the list of devices under ‘Special mentions’.
Updated the buttons with new designs that include real-time pricing data.

December 12th, 2024

Updated the entire article, from the intro to the conclusion.
Replaced the Alen 45i as the best overall pick with the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7.
Replaced the Levoit Vital 200S as the best budget pick with the AirFanta 3Pro.
Replaced the Levoit Core 300S as the best small for the CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron.
Added the Levoit EverestAir as the best smart option.

June 26th, 2024

Updated the Okaysou section to update readers: the brand entered Chapter 4 bankruptcy procedures.

April 29th, 2024

Updated my picks with embedded Flourish graphs showing test data.

February 18th, 2024

Added a summary table at the top.

Coway Airmega 350 review

Mar 20, 2026Mar 15, 2026 by Danny Ashton

With the Airmega 350, Coway brought the power and low running costs they’re well known for but in a cylindrical design, with the same retro-inspired aesthetic as the Airmega 250S and Airmega ProX.

But can this new model compete with the excellent cylindrical designs from Levoit, Winix and Xiaomi? I bought a 350 with my own money and put it through all the tests we perform here at HouseFresh to find out.

The overall score for the Coway Airmega 350 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for ‘Coway Airmega 350’ to see where it ranks, based on its air cleaning performance and value for money. You can also filter results to easily compare models in the same price range.

The pros and cons of the Coway Airmega 350

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The Airmega 350 is Coway’s alternative to the Levoit Core 600S and the Xiaomi Elite, with a good looking design that will fit even the most stylish of homes. The running costs are very fair, with $79 filter replacements that can last as long as 12 months.

When comparing to Xiaomi and Levoit, you get comparable air cleaning performance but you lose out on a laser sensor and app support. That said, you can use the 350 with a smart plug.”

CONS

It only has one fan speed below 45 decibels (speed 1) and its performance at this speed is weak (100 cfm).

There is a big jump in how loud this thing gets when you go from speed 1 (37.6 dBA) to speed 2 (49.4 dBA).

It comes with an optical sensor rather than a laser sensor, so you can’t forget to clean it regularly.

PROS

It offers excellent performance at top speed, outmatching large units like the Winix 9800 and the Xiaomi Elite.

You can use it with any smart plug, so you can connect it to your smart home system or set simple automations.

The filter replacements are fairly priced and can last up to 12 months.

It looks like a million bucks – I know design is subjective, but I think most people will like the look of the 350.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 352 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 100 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 378 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical Green HEPA filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a surrounding pre-filter mesh.
Recommended room size:	528 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12 x 12 x 23 in (30.5 x 30.5 x 59 cm)
Weight:	17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 49.4 dBA Speed 3: 55.4 dBA Turno mode: 61.8 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Sleep mode: 3.1 watts Speed 1: 4.89 watts Speed 2: 17.04 watts Speed 3: 32.65 watts Trubo mode: 57.95 dBA
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

Coway’s Green True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mesh.

The Airmega 350 comes with a large cylindrical filter with Coway’s signature Green True HEPA and a layer of pelleted activated carbon.

As with other cylindrical models, the pre-filter is attached to the main filter, so you will need to remove the whole thing to vacuum it.

There are three different filters for the Airmega 350:

Fresh Starter+ filter is the standard filter (above)

Allergen+ filter, which is treated with a proprietary compound to remove allergens

Intense Smoke+ filter, aimed at those who want to tackle smoke and VOCs

Design, controls and app features

A cylindrical addition to Coway’s new retro modern family of air purifiers.

It looks like a million bucks – I know design is subjective, but I think most people will like the retro modern look of the 350.

I bought the beige version that matches our 250S, but if you’re not a fan of beige, you’ll be happy to know you can also get it in white.

In terms of size, it stands at 23 inches tall (58.4 cm) and weighs 17.19 lbs (7.8 kg), so it’s on the larger side of cylindrical models.

It’s great to see that Coway included a deep handle at the back, which makes it easier to move it around the house.

It has an infrared particle sensor that measures PM10 pollution and connects to the LED air quality indicator light at the top.

You get buttons to set fan speeds, smart modes and timers. There’s also a light button that turns off the display, the LED ring, or both.

The Coway 350 doesn’t come with an app, but you can use it with any smart plug to add simple routines. I tested it using a Philips Hue Plug and was able to switch it on and off remotely via the Hue app.

You also get a very cool hidden feature I wish more manufacturers would roll out:

If you hold down the Mode and Airflow buttons, you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor, selecting between 1 (sensitive), 2 (default) and 3 (insensitive).

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Coway Airmega 350 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the Airmega 350 needed 17 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 352 cfm.

This makes this Coway Airmega powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 528 sq. ft.

As you can see from the chart, the Airmega 350 outperformed most models we’ve benchmarked it against:

Coway Airmega 100 HouseFresh Particle Removal Test scaled

The only devices that were quicker to complete our test were the much larger Coway Airmega ProX (13 minutes) and the older (and cheaper!) Levoit Core 600S.

We repeated our particle removal test three times across all available fan speeds, which allowed me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

BUT, as I always say, air purifiers running at full power are usually too loud for everyday use, so we must account for noise levels…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Coway Airmega 350 range from 35.2 dBA to 61.8 dBA — which is a little louder than most air purifiers we have benchmarked it against.

I used our BAFX sound meter to measure how much sound the Airmega 350 generates at each of its fan speeds (including sleep mode) at 3 ft away:

Hitting 61.8 dBA at top speed, the Airmega 350 is one of the loudest air purifiers on the chart, second only to the Core 600S and its 62.3 dBA when running full power.

Coway Airmega 350 HouseFresh Top Performance

When running at speed 1, it generates just 37.6 dBA and was able to complete our particle removal test in 58 minutes – slower than most other models on the table.

I wish Coway would add an intermediary fan speed between speed 1 and speed 2, where the 350 stays below 45 dBA.

Long-term running costs

Running a Coway Airmega 350 will cost you $115.69 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the Airmega 350 pulls at each fan speed and while on standby.

At top speed, the Airmega 350 draws 57.95 watts, so if you left it running at top speed 24/7 for one year, it would add $69.70 to your energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price as of March 2026.

But electricity consumption is not the only long-term cost you need to budget for; there’s also the filter replacements.

According to Coway, you need to change the filter in your Airmega 350 every 12 months. The replacement filter costs $79, so you can expect to spend that much each year on filter replacements alone.

When we add this to energy costs, we can work out that it will cost you $148.70 to run a 350 for a year. Let’s compare it with other models:

Thanks to Coway’s affordable filter replacement costs, the Airmega 350 is cheaper to run than most other high CADR models we benchmarked it against, with the exception of the Winix 9800 and the Xiaomi Elite.

Bottom line: Should you get a Coway Airmega 350?

Our data showed that the Airmega 350 offers excellent air cleaning performance when compared to other cylindrical air purifiers on the market today.

If you’re looking for the absolute best bang for your buck, the AirFanta 3Pro will offer the same level of performance at top speed as the Airmega 350, but at a lower price tag ($165).

And if you’re looking for a more traditional-looking air purifier, then the Winix 9800 costs a little less than the 350 ($329) and offers similar performance with much lower running costs courtesy of Winix’s highly affordable Type A filters.

That said, the 350’s running costs are also very fair, so at the end of the first year, the upfront cost will even out:

I also know that many consumers prefer the look and small footprint of cylindrical air purifiers, so if that is you, then the Coway Airmega 350 might be just the thing.

Personally, I much prefer the design of the 350 to the look of Xiaomi’s Elite and Levoit’s Core 600S. However, when compared to Xiaomi and Levoit, you don’t get an accurate laser sensor and app support.

But I’d swap app support any day for the granular light control and the ability to adjust the sensor’s sensitivity that you get with the Airmega 350. Plus, it’s great to know that you can use a smart plug to control your 350 remotely from your phone.

As it has become common with Coway, there is a big jump in sound from speed 1 to speed 2, which means that its performance at sub-45 dBA sound levels is less powerful than all the air purifiers we benchmarked it against. But if 49 dBA is not too loud for you, then you will get excellent performance at speed 2. For reference, we had our 350 in our bedroom for over a month running at speed 2 all day and all night without it bothering us.

Overall, I think the Airmega 350 is a great alternative to the Levoit Core 600S, and I can see myself recommending this model in the future to those looking for a mid-sized cylindrical air purifier that looks good and offers good air cleaning performance.

If you decide to get yourself a 350, please use this link to help support the work we do here at HouseFresh. If you do, we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you, which we will use to continue buying and testing air quality products.

If you have any questions about the 350 or about Coway air purifiers in general, please drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

The best air purifiers you can buy in 2026

Mar 26, 2026Mar 15, 2026 by Danny Ashton

HouseFresh Air Purifier Collection scaled

Since 2020, I’ve bought and tested 134 air purifiers (and counting!) to separate the good units from the absolute scams.

Sadly, the air purifier industry is full of bad actors, with manufacturers claiming lab reports that don’t exist and exaggerating room-size recommendations — and even big media publications recommending sub-par devices to boost their affiliate commissions.

The good news is that improving the air quality inside your home doesn’t need to burn a hole in your pocket.

In this article, I will share our top picks for every room of the house, including options for those living in and outside the U.S. Along the way, I’ll teach you what you need to know about air purifiers before you buy one, so you can make the best choice for your specific needs.

And at the very end, I’ll potentially save you hundreds of dollars by steering you away from popular models that aren’t worth it or have been quietly discontinued.

Don’t buy an air purifier before watching this

These are our picks for the best air purifiers we have tested available to buy right now.

Read till the end to learn about the solid air purifier models that didn’t make the list, as well as the ones we tested that aren’t a good investment based on our data.

1. Best for most people: Levoit Vital 200S

A high-performing air purifier with smart functions and cleaning power that matches units sold for double its price.

The Vital 200S ticks off most boxes for most people because it’s cheaper than $200, fits small to medium-sized rooms, comes with activated carbon as default, has an air quality sensor that unlocks smart features, you can control it through the VeSync app AND it offers excellent performance.

It completed our particle removal test in 24 minutes, matching the newer Winix 5510 and outperforming the popular Blueair 311i Max. However, unlike those two units, the Vital 200S doesn’t have an ionizer.

Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which will be powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 360 sq. ft.

It comes with a bonded filter with a pleated particle filter (for pollen and dust) on one side and a pelleted activated carbon filter (for odors and gases)on the other.

In addition to a bonded particle and gas filter, the 200S comes with a pre-filter that can be removed to be vacuumed and/or washed to extend the life of the filter.

CONS

The carbon and particle filters are bonded, so once the carbon becomes full (within 6-12 months), you will need to replace the entire filter.

The particle filter is not HEPA grade, even though Levoit initially advertised it as H13 HEPA. This doesn’t affect performance.

Its air quality sensor is infrared, so it needs to be cleaned periodically to stay accurate.

PROS

It offers great performance for an air purifier under $200.

The filter has pelleted activated carbon, which is better than carbon-impregnated fabric.

It comes with auto mode and app support with the VeSync app.

You can remove the pre-filter for easy cleaning.

It doesn’t use an ionizer, so it is ozone-free.

It is relatively quiet — it hits 57.7 dBA at its top speed, and its performance at speed 2 (41.9 dBA) is very good.

The VeSync app unlocks smart modes and routines.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

For those in the UK and Europe, check out the Philips 3200. It has a top speed PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, comes with smart functionalities, app connectivity, and a lamp function for just £240 or €260. READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

For those in countries where neither the Vital 200S nor the Philips 3200 is available, I recommend the Levoit Core 400S, as it offers comparable air cleaning performance (249 cfm) and it also has all the same smart functions. READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

If you want a HEPA filter, consider the Winix 9800. It offers better air cleaning performance than the Vital 200S, but it comes with a True HEPA filter. It also features an on/off ionizer function that can be engaged as needed. WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best value for money: AirFanta 3Pro

If you care about one thing — maximum air cleaning at the minimum price — the 3Pro is untouchable.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

The AirFanta 3Pro is a PC fan-powered air purifier that broke the mold. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm, which is incredible considering its low price of $159.99. This makes the 3Pro capable of providing five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft.

The 3Pro is a small box with a plastic base, an H11 HEPA filter on each side, and four PC fans on top.

You can disassemble and reassemble it in a few minutes and it fits inside a carry-on suitcase or large backpack – a good travel option.

In terms of size, the 3Pro is relatively small and can fit comfortably on top of a side table or windowsill.

But don’t let its size trick you into thinking this is not a powerful unit. The 3Pro outperforms units twice its size that cost three times as much.

CONS

The design is not for everyone, with a subscriber describing it to me as “a sci-fi toaster”.

It has no smart features, no air quality sensor, and no app support.

It’s in high demand, so it is often out of stock on Amazon. If you can’t find it on Amazon, check the official AirFanta shop.

You will have to build it yourself, but it takes just a couple of minutes to do so.

PROS

It offers the best performance for $ spent across the 130+ air purifiers we tested.

It is the only high-CADR air purifier you can fit in a backpack.

The use of PC fans makes it quieter and more energy-efficient than most traditional retail air purifiers.

It comes with an AC-to-DC power adapter that includes a dial to adjust the voltage and sound levels.

You can choose between HEPA-only or HEPA with activated carbon. If you need to tackle odors or VOCs, get the filters with carbon.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

For those looking for a more traditional-looking budget device, check out the Levoit Vital 100S. It can remove both particles and odors from the air (and comes with an app too) for $140. WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

For those in Europe, check out the Midea SmartAir Pure Control, which is built on the same design as the now-discontinued TaoTronics AP003 and offers the same top-notch performance for just £160. WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best quiet: CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

The XL Ultra offers the best performance-to-noise ratio with the lowest long-term running costs.

$310 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

The Luggable XL Ultra is an air purifier you can build yourself, with seven PC fans and two HVAC filters, resulting in an estimated PM1 CADR of 315 cfm with a sound level below 48 decibels! That means this air purifier can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 472.5 sq. ft.

It’s the quietest high-CADR air purifier I’ve tested. Running at top speed, it cleared our test room in 19 minutes generating just 47.2 dBA of noise.

For a traditional air purifier to match this level of quiet performance, you have to buy a more expensive, larger unit and run it at low fan speeds.

And even then, the Luggable XL-7 will outmatch it with the energy efficiency of its seven Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 PC fans.

CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra CADR Sound Energy

You can choose any 20×25 MERV 13 filters, but we recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900. Sadly, there is no carbon option for odors.

This combination of energy-efficient PC fans and 25×20 HVAC filters results in incredibly low long-term running costs.

To put it into perspective, for the first-year cost of one IQAir Atem X, you could buy four Luggable XL Ultras and be left with some change.

CONS

The lightweight wood looks great, but the body is more delicate than plastic or metal you’ll find in other air purifiers. If durability is a concern, check out the cherry wood Aerating End Table.

It doesn’t come with carbon, so it won’t help with odors and chemical gases.

It’s a large device that won’t fit in smaller spaces. But if you like the look of the Luggable, then you can choose the 5-fan version.

It doesn’t come with any smart functions or app support.

PROS

It offers excellent air cleaning power even under the 45 dBA limit we set for quiet performance tests (284 cfm).

You can use any brand of 20×25 MERV 13 filters, which leads to lower running costs.

It’s lightweight and comes with a handle for easy movement from room to room.

The body is made of lightweight wood, making it more sustainable than traditional plastic air cleaners.

You can buy the DIY kit, which is cheaper and includes everything you need to build it at home (except the filters).

If anything breaks, you will be able to fix it yourself.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 315 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – EnergyStar PM2.5: 402 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	390 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	7D x 25W x 20H in (18D x 64W x 51 cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.63 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	47.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	16.43 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

Northbox Systems is a Canadian manufacturer that produces PC fan-powered air purifier kits that use HVAC filters. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding.

The Tempest Pro is a PC fan-powered air purifier that also uses 20×25 MERV 13 filters but comes with a metal body, so it’s more durable than the Luggable XL Ultra.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

4. Best for small spaces: Coway Airmega 100

A small cylindrical air purifier with an onboard sensor and a nightlight mode that is powerful enough to clean the air in rooms smaller than 222 sq. ft.

Amazon is full of small air purifiers that cost next to nothing. But unfortunately, the vast majority of them are too underpowered to make a meaningful difference to your air. After testing nearly 40 small air purifiers, my top pick right now is the Coway Airmega 100.

Running at top speed, it completed our test faster than most other small models. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 148 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 222 sq. ft.

Coway Airmega 100 HouseFresh Top Performance

The only exception is the Alen 35i, which offers higher performance with quiet operation but at a higher price. But considering the low price and running costs, the Airmega 100 offers better value.

The filter has three layers: an outer pre-filter mesh cover that you should vacuum regularly, a pleated HEPA filter, and a layer of carbon-impregnated fabric on the inside.

It comes with an onboard air quality sensor that enables auto-mode and and a color-coded air quality indicator light on top (which you can also set to nightlight, with a soft yellow glow).

CONS

Speed 2 is just over our 45 dBA quiet performance limit, reaching 46.5 dBA.

The carbon-impregnated layer on the filter won’t make a significant difference against odors and gases.

It produces a sort of whistling sound when running at its lowest fan speeds – you might not notice it, but some people will.

PROS

It offers better air cleaning performance at top speed than other small models.

It has low running costs thanks to affordable filter replacements and low electricity consumption.

It comes with an onboard particle sensor that is highly responsive and unlocks auto-mode.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 117 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – Manufacturer provided CADR: 135 cfm
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mesh cover.
Recommended room size:	175 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	8.6 x 14 inches (21.8 x 35.5 cm)
Weight:	4.85 lb (2.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.6 dBA Speed 1: 35.3 dBA Speed 2: 35.6 dBA Speed 3: 42.2 dBA Speed 4: 44.5 dBA Speed 5: 46.4 dBA Top speed: 56.1 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.4 watts Sleep mode: 2.2 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 3.6 watts Speed 3: 8.1 watts Speed 4: 9.5 watts Speed 5: 11.3 watts Top speed: 26 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

This is a recommendation for those of you who can afford the $269 price tag and want the absolute best small air purifier on the market.

The Alen 35i has a CADR of 162 cfm at top speed and generates 52.6 dBA. This makes it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces no larger than 247 sq. ft.

And when running on speed, it outperformed every other small air purifier we benchmarked it against, with the exception of PC fan-powered air purifiers.

It comes with a high-end laser sensor, smart features, and app support. Plus, the build quality is excellent, and you also get a lifetime warranty when you subscribe to Alen for filter replacements. All this makes the BreatheSmart 35i an excellent high-end alternative to the Airmega 100.

5. Best for medium spaces: Coway Airmega 350

A mid-sized, cylindrical air purifier with an onboard sensor and smart features that offers powerful air cleaning performance for rooms up to 528 sq. ft.

The Airmega 350 is a good-looking, cylindrical air purifier for medium spaces with a CADR of 352 cfm at top speed, which should be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 528 sq. ft.

It completed our particle removal test in 17 minutes, which is faster than what we saw from other mid-sized models like the Winix 9800, the Xiaomi Elite, and the Levoit Core 400S.

It comes with a large cylindrical filter with a pre-filter mesh on the outside (that you’ll need to vacuum regularly), Green True HEPA in the middle, and a layer of pelleted activated carbon on the inside.

The control panel is easy to navigate with buttons for set fan speeds, smart modes and timers. I love the granular light control: you can turn off the display, the air quality ring, or both.

I was pleased to see that it comes with a handle at the back that makes it easy to move around the house. I wish more cylindrical air purifiers came with handles like this one!

CONS

It only has one fan speed below 45 decibels (speed 1) and its performance at this speed is weak (170 m3/h).

There is a big jump in how loud this thing gets when you go from speed 1 (37.6 dBA) to speed 2 (49.4 dBA).

It comes with an optical sensor rather than a laser sensor, so you can’t forget to clean it regularly.

PROS

It offers excellent performance at top speed, outmatching large units like the Winix 9800 and the Xiaomi Elite.

You can use it with any smart plug, so you can connect it to your smart home system or set simple automations.

The filter replacements are fairly priced and can last up to 12 months.

It looks like a million bucks – I know design is subjective, but I think most people will like the look of the 350.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 352 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 100 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 378 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical Green HEPA filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a surrounding pre-filter mesh.
Recommended room size:	528 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12 x 12 x 23 in (30.5 x 30.5 x 59 cm)
Weight:	17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 49.4 dBA Speed 3: 55.4 dBA Turno mode: 61.8 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Sleep mode: 3.1 watts Speed 1: 4.89 watts Speed 2: 17.04 watts Speed 3: 32.65 watts Trubo mode: 57.95 dBA
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

6. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

The ProX offers an impressive CADR of 586 cfm (dust), smart modes, and an accurate air quality sensor for just over $800.

The Airmega ProX from Coway is a large, powerful air purifier that can offer five air changes per hour in spaces up to 693 sq. ft. Running at top speed, it generates 53.6 dBA and has an estimated PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.

In our tests, it outperformed the $1,400 IQAir Atem X and currently ranks at the top of our leaderboard for large residential air purifiers.

And when it comes to sound, the ProX is the only traditional air purifier that comes close to the quiet performance we saw from the PC fan models.

You get double filtration, with a True HEPA filter and a pelleted carbon filter at each side of the device.

The ProX lacks smartphone connectivity, but it comes with an onboard air quality sensor that enables four smart modes: eco, silent, turbo, and auto. You also get real-time PM2.5 readings on screen.

CONS

It is not cheap, with a list price just over $800.

Occasionally, you may accidentally open the side covers when using the side handles to lift the ProX, if you need to move it around the house in areas where the wheels may get stuck.

It doesn’t come with app connectivity, which some people might expect to get when paying upwards of $800.

PROS

It’s the fastest residential air purifier we tested, ranking 2nd after the commercial beast that is the Smart Air Blast – we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.

It comes with an onboard air quality sensor and shows real-time particle readings on screen paired with a color-coded LED light at the top of the device.

It features four smart modes, giving you more flexibility based on how much power, noise, or energy consumption you want.

It is made of high-quality materials and looks great.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 462 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 299 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 586 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Green True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 in (48 x 93 x 62 cm)
Weight:	51 lbs (23kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.4 dBA Speed 2: 44.4 dBA Speed 3: 53.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Speed 1: 11.76 watts Speed 2: 26.09 watts Speed 3: 58.88 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

For less than $300, the Levoit Core 600S comes with a laser air quality sensor, auto-mode, and even app support. It offers the most bang for your buck, with a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm that will clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 562 sq. ft. READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

7. Best for smoke and odors: Austin Air HealthMate

If odors are your primary focus, my top pick is the Austin Air HealthMate because it comes with a MASSIVE filter packed with 15 pounds of carbon and zeolite mix.

To remove serious odors and gases from your air, you need to look beyond the standard air purifiers, as they usually come with a small amount of carbon that will become saturated quickly in spaces with high levels of VOCs.

Although many air purifiers come with activated carbon filters, these usually come with small quantities of carbon. Now, this is where the HealthMate truly shines, thanks to its gas filter packed with over 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite.

We have recently finished our methodology for testing VOC removal and the Austin Air Healthmate was the quickest in our tests, and the only air purifier to reach zero ppm. Video coming up 🙂

The filter in the HealthMate is larger than most small air purifiers. But this device is not cheap (over $700), so I don’t think you should consider it unless you want to remove harmful VOCs from your air or you’re dealing with serious unwanted odors.

Be aware that, while its VOC removal is excellent, the particle removal is on par with that of a small air purifier. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 113, which is good for five air changes per hour in rooms up to 169 sq. ft.

CONS

It has a high initial cost of just over $750 but comes with no smart features, no sensor or app support.

The amount of carbon in the filter heavily restricts airflow, so it has the same CADR as the much smaller Levoit Core 300.

At 61.5 dBA, it gets pretty loud when running at top speed.

At maximum fan speed, it pulls 148 watts. This is on the higher side compared to similar-performing air purifiers.

PROS

It comes with 15 lbs of activated carbon with zeolite, which is the largest amount we have seen in a household air purifier.

Filters can last up to five years before they need to be replaced.

It has a one-dial operation that is easy to use right out of the box.

Its body is made out of metal, so it’s durable but heavy and comes on high quality castor wheels.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 154 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPA particle filter with 15 lb of activated carbon and zeolite mix gas filter
Recommended room size:	234 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm)
Weight:	20.41 lbs (9.26 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 42.5 dB Speed 2: 53.2 dB Speed 3: 61.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 61.1 watts Speed 2: 85.05 watts Speed 3: 147.6 watts
Filter lifespan:	5 years
Manufacturer’s warranty:	5 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States (Buffalo, New York)

I highly recommend the Alen BreatheSmart 75i V2, which comes with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon, and it was still able to clear our test room in just 18 minutes. Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm, which will be good enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 448 sq. ft. WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

If you don’t mind paying for the Dyson tax, check out the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06, with its 1.94 lbs of carbon and super quiet operation, but still boasting good particle removal performance. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm so this is a good choice for rooms up to 297 sq. ft.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

8. Best table design: Blueair Blue Signature

A high-CADR air purifier that doubles as a table and comes with a laser sensor and app support.

The Blue Signature looks like a piece of furniture and also doubles as one. It has a wide table surface on top, and you can even add legs to lift it off the ground. It’s the most powerful air purifier table I’ve tested.

It completed our particle removal test in 15 minutes, which is less than half the time it took the IKEA Starkvind table.

Blueair Blue Signature Performance vs Sound scaled

Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm, which is powerful enough for five air changes per hour in spaces up to 600 sq. ft.

It comes with a bonded filter that wraps around the body, with a particle filter on the outside and pelleted activated carbon on the inside.

The controls sit at the top, alongside an LED air quality indicator and real-time PM2.5 readings from the onboard laser sensor.

CONS

It is more expensive to buy and run than other table air purifiers from IKEA and SwitchBot.

There is no option to disable the electrostatic ionization function, unlike what we see from other manufacturers like Winix, Coway and Xiaomi.

The wooden legs and the chrome base to turn it into a table are not included, so you’d need to pay up to $100 more to elevate your Blue Signature.

The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.

PROS

It doubles as a side table that will fit most living rooms and bedrooms – you can even buy legs to give it more height.

It matches the air cleaning performance of high-end units that cost twice its price and are twice its size.

It comes with a laser sensor on board that is highly accurate and doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly.

The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.

You can customize the design with multiple pre-filter fabric colors and two leg design options.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 400 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 434 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPASilent particle filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter fabric.
Recommended room size:	600 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	17.3 x 15.7 x 15.7 in (44 x 40 x 40 cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.98 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 34.8 dBA Speed 1: 35.3 dBA Speed 2: 40 dBA Speed 3: 51.9 dBA Speed 4: 59.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.96 watts Sleep mode: 2.63 watts Speed 1: 2.95 watts Speed 2: 6.63 watts Speed 3: 19.08 watts Speed 4: 38.65 watts
Filter lifespan:	9 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year (3 years with product registration)
Country of origin:	Sweden
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

9. Best portable air purifier: CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron

A PC fan-powered air purifier with a CADR of 131 cfm that you can use on the go or inside your car with a USB-C power bank.

$359 AT CLEAN AIR KITS

After testing multiple portable air purifiers, I’m confident that the Triple Exhalaron is the only one you can use on the go with a battery pack that will provide enough clean air to make it useful.

In our testing, the Exhalaron cleaned our test room in 46 minutes, matching the speed of the Levoit Core 300S, while generating just 40.5 dBA. This is outstanding for a device that you can run on a battery pack.

CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron HouseFresh Data

It features three cylindrical HEPA filters (with activated carbon) sitting between a thin wooden base and a thicker wooden top that houses the PC fans. It comes with two handles and a colorful knob.

CONS

Retailing at $359, it is the most expensive of all the portable air purifiers we’ve tested, but it’s the only one that will actually clean your air and keep it clean on the go. A good investment for your car.

PROS

It is super quiet. In our sound test, we measured the sound levels from 35.2 dB to 40.5 dB from its lowest to its highest fan speed.

It is compatible with generic PUREBURG filters, reducing yearly running costs if you prefer not to use CleanAirKits’ OEM filters.

It looks cool. I know this is just personal preference, but I really like the industrial feel of the Exhalaron.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm
Filter technology:	HEPA H10 with a layer of carbon-impregnated fabric
Recommended room size:	192 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	22W x 7.25D x 8.5H in (56W x 14D x 22 cm)
Weight:	6 lbs (2.72 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.7 dBA Speed 3: 40.5 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 1.1 watts Speed 2: 2.8 watts Speed 3: 6 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

10. Best for offices and classrooms: Smart Air Blast

A large, powerful, quiet, no-nonsense air purifier with a massive fan and filter that can effectively clean the air in large classrooms, offices, and other high-traffic areas.

PRICE AT SMART AIR U.S.

With an estimated PM1 CADR of 547 cfm, the Blast from Smart Air can provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 820 sq. ft. But what’s incredible about it is that this power doesn’t come with a super loud noise attached to it.

At its highest fan speed, this air purifier hits only 54.7 dBA, which is quieter than the much smaller Levoit Vital 200S (57.7 dBA).

This air purifier boasts one of the highest CADR ratings across all the air purifiers we have tested to date.

It has a huge H13 HEPA filter that traps particles (dust, pollen, viruses, bacteria). You can also get an optional pelleted carbon filter for VOCs.

The combination of a quiet operation and a high CADR makes it the best choice for classrooms. I appreciate the brackets to fix it to the wall.

CONS

It comes at a high initial price of just over $1,000.

It is an oversized unit that takes up a lot of space, making it likely overkill for most homes.

It’s also a heavy unit (38 kg), not designed to be moved around from room to room as easily — although the wheels help!

It consumes significantly more energy than other large air purifiers, pulling 135.9 watts at top speed.

PROS

It can clean a lot of air but only makes 54.7 dB(A) of sound at its top fan speed, based on our tests.

Very fair prices for new filters that provide 13 months of usage.

With an outer case made of metal instead of plastic, this unit is robust and built to last.

Only has a one-dial command to navigate through three fan speeds.

It’s a set-and-forget unit without any apps or fancy modes, and you can use it with a smart plug.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 547 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Manufacturer provided CADR: 559 cfm
Filter technology:	H13 HEPA filter (and optional pelleted activated carbon filter)
Recommended room size:	820.5 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour):
Dimensions:	15D x 25W x 50H inches (38.1D × 63.5W × 127H cm)
Weight:	84 lbs (38 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 41.9 dB Speed 2: 49.4 dB Speed 3: 54.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 56.3 watts Speed 2: 94.5 watts Speed 3: 133.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	19 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

11. Best you can build yourself: Corsi–Rosenthal Box

A DIY approach to air purifiers that democratizes indoor air cleaning, using materials easily available.

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

You can build a Corsi–Rosenthal Box (or CR Box for short) at home with a standard box fan, four MERV-13 HVAC filters, duct tape, and a cardboard base, making it the best low-cost option for those who need a swift air purifying solution due to wildfire smoke or an unexpected air quality issue.

Our 30×20 CR Box matched the air cleaning performance of the $800+ Airmega ProX, and it even outperformed the $1,400 Atem X!

Depending on the box fan you use, it can get loud and power-hungry. And with the 30×20 MERV 13 filters, it will take up a lot of space.

CONS

It is a huge device and not the best looking — it takes up a lot of space.

It can run loudly and consume a lot of electricity, depending on the box fan you use.

There are no extra features you’ll find on commercial devices, like a child lock or the ability to schedule routines.

You don’t get the option to add a carbon filter to tackle VOCs and odors.

PROS

It is an air purifier you can build yourself with parts you might already have available at home.

Excellent air cleaning performance for the price — one of the best ratios of performance to money spent.

You’ll be choosing the materials, so it’s super customizable and a fun project on its own.

All parts are readily available on Amazon.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	462 cfm (top speed)
Filter technology:	20x30x1 3M Filtrete MPR1900
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20L x 20W x 20H inches (50L x 50W x 50H cm)
Weight:	10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 51.5 dB Speed 2: 58.3 dB Speed 3: 62.4 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 72.57 kWh Speed 2: 88.55 kWh Speed 3: 103.28 kWh
Filter life:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	n/a

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

Five good-performing air purifiers that didn’t make the cut, but that could be a good choice for you.

While we only wanted to feature the best of the best units we’ve tested, it’s also worth mentioning some other air purifiers with outstanding performance.

Winix 5510

This medium-sized rectangular air purifier has air cleaning performance comparable to the Levoit Vital 200S, with an estimated PM1 CADR of 249 cfm at top speed (67.2 dBA). It features an onboard sensor and an LED light at the top that changes color based on air quality. It didn’t make the cut because it is much louder than the Vital 200S’s 57.7 dBA.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty

It comes with a True HEPA filter and carbon impregnated fabric, and has a dust CADR of 247 cfm. It is a solid unit but, after testing over 100 air purifiers, I think it’s a little dated. In 2025, there are better options for performance per $ spent (AirFanta 3Pro), energy efficiency (Vital 200S), sound generated (Luggable XL-7) and odor removal (Winix 5500-2).

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Winix 9800

A rectangular air purifier for medium-to-large rooms, with a HEPA filter and a layer of pelleted activated carbon. With a CADR of 333 cfm, it offers performance comparable to the CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra. It didn’t make the cut because it’s louder than the Luggable, hitting 54.3 dBA to achieve the same CADR. However, if you are looking for a stylish unit with app connectivity and smart features, then this might be the right choice.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Levoit Core 400S

It has a smartphone app and comes with the largest amount of carbon of any Levoit model when choosing the Smoke Remover filter. Its performance is good, but I believe there are newer models (such as the Vital 200S) that offer a better bang for your buck.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

You can explore our full leaderboard here:

Okaysou AirMax 10L Pro – This device became a best-seller on Amazon thanks to a successful influencer campaign on TikTok. In our testing, it failed to match the hype or price point. We found that Okaysou used marketing tricks to inflate its performance. I would avoid any Okaysou device. Update 26 June 2024: Okaysou is now bankrupt, and you can no longer buy it and their 5-year warranty is now worthless.

Molekule Air Mini+ – Molekule has been touting its new PECO technology, but has had to remove many of its previous marketing messages due to misleading advertising claims and class action lawsuits resulting from underperformance. In our test, it was very poor at removing PM1 particles and emitted 86 dB at its highest fan speed — louder than a leafblower! If this device is recommended in 2025, it’s likely due to the high commission for the publisher recommending it, as they start at $349 and go up to $999 with the Pro series.

Rainbow RainMate – This is an old device that is still touted as being able to clean the air. However, it was the worst-performing device in our tests, making me think that water air-cleaning is totally useless in even the smallest of home rooms. Don’t rely on this device to clean your air; stick to a good old mechanical filtration.

PuroAir 240 – Previously sold under the name ‘PuroAir HEPA 14 240’, the PuroAir 240 didn’t live up to the marketing spiel. After completing all our tests, we found that this air purifier has poor air cleaning performance for its price and is too underpowered to clean spaces of up to 1,100 sq. ft., which is something that is mentioned multiple times in the marketing materials and on PuroAir’s website.

Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max – This air purifier has a good CADR-to-sound ratio thanks to their HEPASilent electrostatic ionization technology, but I don’t recommend it because I would much prefer to be able to disable the ionizer the same way I can with Winix, Coway, Xiaomi and Alen devices.

Shark NeverChange HP152 – I liked the innovative pre-filter design for this cylindrical device, the low running costs and the use of a laser particle sensor. Those are all nice features, but unfortunately, the CADR is too low for the price, both at top speed (88 cfm) and at sub-45 dBA fan speeds (52 cfm).

What to look for when buying an air purifier

The basic things you need to consider to make sure you’re not being duped into buying a device that won’t help.

The qualities you should look for in an air purifier will differ if you want to reduce allergy triggers at home, live near a busy road, need to improve your air quality during wildfire season, or deal with pet odors and dander. However, some things will always be important.

1. The size of the room and the CADR (clean air delivery rate) of the air purifier.

It’s vital to analyze these two aspects together, considering many brands overstate the cleaning performance of their units. It’s not necessarily unfunded, but there’s a catch.

According to the EPA, for an air purifier to be truly effective, it should be able to perform 4.8 air changes per hour (or ACH) in a room. Unfortunately, some brands will advertise the room size coverage to achieve just one ACH, being able to claim a somewhat opaque wider coverage.

The rule is simple: a higher CADR (stated in CFM, or cubic feet per meter) means greater cleaning power. Instead of focusing on room sizes recommended by the manufacturer, look at the CADR rating.

The best way to go about it is to figure out how powerful an air purifier needs to be for your space’s specific dimensions. You can use our calculator to do just that:

2. The filtration system

Pure mechanical purifiers stand their ground on efficiency and safety when it comes to air filtration. The most comprehensive systems feature three stages:

A pre-filter to trap larger particles that would otherwise clog the main filter faster. The best units feature a removable pre-filter, making it easier to vacuum, rinse and keep in top shape. But you may find the pre-filter attached to the main one in budget air purifiers. It’s better than not having one, but it’s also harder to clean.

An activated carbon filter to adsorb gasses and smells. If you need an air purifier to deal with mold spores, for example, an activated carbon filter won’t be absolutely necessary, as spores are not gases but particles.

But if you are after a device to help you reduce unwanted smells or deal with chemicals and VOCs, then an activated carbon filter will be able to do what particle filters (like HEPA or MERV 13) cannot.

Tip

Activated carbon is a sorbent media that traps gas molecules on its porous surface. If you need powerful VOCs or odor filtration, look out for pelleted or granular activated carbon, which has a wider surface to collect pollutants. An impregnated carbon fabric filter is not as remotely efficient as pelleted charcoal, but it can help reduce mild everyday smells.

Lastly, the main particle filter will remove microscopic particles from the airstream. HEPA-grade filters can remove at least 99.97% of particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns.

Yet, a denser filter just for the sake of it—like with PuroAir’s HEPA 14—is not necessarily equivalent to a better performance. On the contrary, it’s important to balance fan power and filter thickness. If a filter is too dense and the air purifier is not potent enough to draw a good amount of air and pass it through, the cleaning power is reduced. It takes longer to remove airborne pollutants with restricted airflow.

Many mechanical air purifiers also feature a built-in ionizer that can boost the units’ CADR and efficiency. Although ionizing technology is continuously evolving, at HouseFresh, we prefer those units where, like in the Winix A230 or the 5500-2 included in the list, the ionizing function can be disabled at the user’s convenience.

3. Noise output

The fan that powers your air purifier can generate a lot of noise, and you are unlikely to want to use your unit regularly if this noise becomes too much. That is why it’s worth factoring in how noisy the unit will be, especially when running at its top fan speed. This is particularly important if you want an air purifier for the bedroom or your home office.

Two things to consider:

Smaller units won’t make much of a difference to the air when running at the slowest fan speed, and they tend to be noisier than larger ones at top speed.

Some air purifiers suited for big spaces can be whisper-quiet when running at their lowest fan speeds, so it is worth going bigger to get a unit that will run quieter.

4. Long-term costs

In addition to the upfront cost of buying an air purifier, you should also consider associated maintenance costs such as energy usage and filter replacement.

Running your air purifier 24/7 2ill substantially improve your air, but that also means an appliance adding to your electricity bill all day, year-round. The good news is that many energy-efficient units out there won’t significantly affect your monthly expenses. However, make sure to check this to avoid unpleasant surprises, as some units are on the power-hungry side.

A few things to consider in terms of filters:

Filter replacement costs vary among brands and models — and so does the required replacement frequency.
The longer a unit has been on the market, the more probable good-quality generic filters will be available.
More and more brands are offering convenient filter subscriptions that are cost-effective and include perks for happier customers.

5. Extra features

An extensive control panel with smart functions, app support, onboard air quality sensors or remote controls are handy perks that can make life easier. A no-lights mode for the bedroom, for example, is definitely something worth considering.

However, if asked, I would recommend not to sacrifice CADR or performance over fancier tech-y bonuses. After all, the purpose of an air purifier is to clean the air.

How we test air purifiers

Saying we tested over 110 air purifiers in the last five years sounds great, doesn’t it? But what does testing mean for HouseFresh?

It’s definitely not just getting the units out of their boxes to take some cool editorial pictures for our articles. On the contrary, it is a thorough process that involves reliable testing devices to cover the many aspects of air purifier evaluation.

Air cleaning performance is key, for sure. But we go further. When you decide to invest in an air purifier that will be constantly running at home, things like long-term costs and noise output are also important in a real-world context.

Our testing process includes the following steps:

Step 1. We conduct a particle removal test

First, we burn some incense to pollute the air. Using our PurpleAir indoor sensor (which we’ve chosen after thorough research), we measure how fast each unit can remove PM10, PM1 and PM2.5 at top fan speed. The PurpleAir sensor provides regular updates on particulate matter levels, allowing us to create graphs showing the evolution of air quality in the room.

Step 2. We measure sound levels generated

For noise levels, we use a commercial sound meter from 3 ft. away to measure how much noise in decibels (dB) is generated by the air purifier at each fan speed. Like other measurements, the data is displayed in our reviews, but we also share the results on HouseFresh YouTube channel.

Step 3. We measure electricity consumption

We use a power meter to record how much electricity (in watts) the air purifier consumes when running at each of its fan speeds, including sleep mode and stand-by mode.

Step 4. We estimate yearly maintenance costs

We also calculate the long-term costs you can expect to spend each year to run the air purifier. First, we calculate how much money running the air purifier will add to your yearly energy bill. Next, we conduct desk research to determine the costs of genuine and generic replacement filters, using filter lifespan information stated by the manufacturer.

Step 5. Real-life experience

All four steps comprise the core performance evaluation we run on every unit. We know the data is solid. However, there’s something about everyday use that cannot be measured in a lab-test situation. That is why our “final step” is using the air purifier regularly at home in an ordinary context. You can learn a lot by just living with a device.

Wrapping up

Air pollution is real. Over one-third of Americans still live in areas with unhealthy air and suffer from the consequences to their health. Improving our indoor air shouldn’t be something to take lightly.

Considering how a high-performing air purifier can improve people’s daily lives, it’s somewhat infuriating to find the internet flooded with unfounded reviews of air purifiers that lack the research and data to back them up.

Our goal at HouseFresh is to help consumers find the right air purifier to fit their needs and budgets in real-life situations. We don’t take free units from manufacturers and are not afraid to raise our voices when a hyped unit turns out to be a disappointment. Most importantly, we are driven by a transparent, hands-on approach and constantly improving methods of real-life testing.

We want our readers to find actual, helpful solutions. We may not always address all of your doubts in our articles. That’s why my mailbox is always open: danny@housefresh.com

Since 2020, we’ve been conducting our tests in the same 728-cubic-foot room to gather comparable data. We buy every device with our own money because we don’t want any strings attached. We are data-driven, and all our findings are openly published on the site.

Performing our tests in the same location under the same conditions allows us to compare air purifiers like-for-like in order to draw consistent conclusions. With all this data in hand, we are able to compare performance across different air purifiers from different manufacturers to quickly identify the best units for unique scenarios or situations, no matter how specific or average these may be.

We are confident that our tests reveal what manufacturers won’t tell you. That is why we don’t blindly repeat manufacturers’ specifications and marketing claims without further research or hands-on testing. We know that in many cases, their data has a degree of bias, with many brands overstating the capabilities of their devices with clever marketing and outright lies.

March 15th, 2026

Replaced the Xiaomi 4 Compact with the Coway Airmega 100, which offers better air cleaning performance at top speed and is readily available across multiple countries.
Added two new categories: best for medium rooms and best table air purifier.
Added the Winix 5510 and the Winix 9800 to the Special Mentions section.

February 17th, 2026

Replaced the Xiaomi Pro 4 recommendation for those in the UK and in Europe with the Philips 3200 Series, which offers equal levels of performance and better features for the same price.
Replaced the Nukit Tempest Euro recommendation for those in Europe with the newer Nukit Tempest Pro.

October 29th, 2025

Added a link to our video review of the Coway Airmega ProX.
Replaced the Winix 5510 recommendation with the Winix 9800.

October 15th, 2025

Updated our pick for ‘best for small spaces,’ incorporating the Xiaomi 4 Compact to our list.
Updated our pick for ‘best for VOCs’ with the Austin Air HealthMate replacing the IQAir HealthPro Plus.
Added two new categories: best for bedrooms and best portable air purifier.
Updated our pick for ‘best for classrooms,’ replacing the Smart Air Blast Mini with the Smart Air Blast.
Added new models to the list of units we don’t recommend.
Added the Coway Airmega 100 and the Winix T810 to our list of ‘Special mentions.’

October 14th, 2025

Added our new YouTube video with Danny’s picks for 2025.
Updated the category of the Luggable XL-7 to ‘Best overall’ based on its CADR vs Sound vs Energy Consumption vs Running Costs.
Added new charts to show our test data in an easy-to-digest way.

August 31st, 2025

Added our interactive leaderboard, with a live ranking of all the units we’ve completed tests on bar those effectively discontinued.
Updated our pick for ‘best for large spaces,’ incorporating the Coway Airmega ProX to our list.
Moved the Levoit Core 600S as a budget option for large spaces.
Added links to our written and video reviews for all the models in the ‘Special mentions’ section.

June 26th, 2025

Trimmed the text for the devices under ‘Special mentions’.
Removed the big table with all my top picks at the top, as it wasn’t working well on mobile.

May 11th, 2025

Replace the Winix 5500-2 with the Winix 5510 after we learned that the 5500-2 has been announced to be discontinued in the U.S. and Canada soon.
Removed auto-play videos from the ‘How we test’ section and replaced them with photos of one of our latest tests.

April 3rd, 2025

Included a new category (best performing stylish air purifier) after receiving emails from people looking for a more ‘fashionable’ recommendation.
Added a quick list with all the shortlisted air purifiers at the top of the article with jump links for people who want to navigate faster through the page.

January 2nd, 2025

After learning that that the mighty TaoTronics AP-003 has been discontinued, we added a new budget option (the AirFanta 3Pro).
Included a new category (best performing quiet air purifier) after many people requested a recommendation under 40 dB of noise.
Updated the results of our particle removal test for all units, based on data collected with our new PurpleAir Zen sensor, replacing the data from our older PurpleAir Indoor sensor.

November 10th, 2024

Embedded our video with 10 things you need to know before buying an air purifier into the buying guide section of the article.
Updated the FAQ section to clarify when it makes sense to buy multiple small air purifiers over a large unit.

October 4th, 2024

Added two alternatives to the TaoTronics AP-003 as it has become nearly impossible to find in stock. We tested two devices based on the same ODM KJ35-G-S1 model: the Lago air purifier for the U.S. and the Midea Smart Air SmartAir Pure Control for those in Europe and Asia.

July 12th, 2024

Embedded our new CADR calculator into the buying guide of the article.

May 24th, 2024

Removed internal links and made layout changes after receiving advice on potential reasons why Google had demoted our website, taking away 90% of our search traffic.

April 26th, 2024

Embedded our video shortlisting the best air purifiers of 2024 based on our test data collected between 2020 and 2023.

Blueair Blue Signature review

Mar 17, 2026Mar 8, 2026 by Danny Ashton

The Blueair Blue Signature looks like a piece of furniture and doubles as a table, just like the IKEA Starkvind and the air purifiers from SwitchBot.

However, unlike IKEA and Switchbot units, the Blue Signature is not cheap, with a list price of $449.99 in the U.S. and £369 in the UK.

But does beautiful design and a high price tag equal better performance? We bought one to find out.

The overall score for the Blueair Blue Signature incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for ‘Blueair Blue Signature’ to see where it ranks, based on its air cleaning performance and value for money. You can also filter results to easily compare models in the same price range.

The pros and cons of the Blueair Blue Signature

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The Blue Signature looks like a piece of furniture and also doubles as a table. You can even add legs to lift it off the ground, with options to match your home’s decor.

It’s not cheap at just under $450, but it ticks a lot of boxes for this price: Performance is top tier at both top speed and quiet fan speeds, the running costs are fair, and it has a high quality laser sensor, a table surface, and app support.”

CONS

It is more expensive to buy and run than other mid-sized air purifiers.

There is no option to disable the electrostatic ionization function, unlike what we see from other manufacturers like Winix, Coway and Xiaomi.

The wooden legs and the chrome base to turn it into a table are not included, so you’d need to pay up to $100 more to elevate your Blue Signature.

PROS

It doubles as a side table that will fit most living rooms and bedrooms – you can even buy wooden legs to give it more height.

It matches the air-cleaning performance of high-end units that cost twice as much and are twice as large.

It comes with a highly accurate laser sensor on board that doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly.

The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.

You can customize the design with options for multiple pre-filter fabric colors and two different designs for the legs.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 400 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 434 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPASilent particle filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter fabric.
Recommended room size:	600 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	17.3 x 15.7 x 15.7 in (44 x 40 x 40 cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.98 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 34.8 dBA Speed 1: 35.3 dBA Speed 2: 40 dBA Speed 3: 51.9 dBA Speed 4: 59.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.96 watts Sleep mode: 2.63 watts Speed 1: 2.95 watts Speed 2: 6.63 watts Speed 3: 19.08 watts Speed 4: 38.65 watts
Filter lifespan:	9 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year (3 years with product registration)
Country of origin:	Sweden
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

HEPASilent with pelleted activated carbon and a washable, removable pre-filter.

The filter wraps around and clips onto the Blue Signature’s body – something new from Blueair.

This is the first time we see something like this from Blueair, but it reminded me of the carbon filter in our Dyson Big+Quiet BP06.

On the inside of the filter, you get a layer of pelleted activated carbon.

I was glad to see this, as it’s much better than the impregnated carbon fabric in other Blueair models.

Similar to previous models, the Blue Signature has a removable, washable fabric pre-filter.

I bought the Nordic Fog pre-filter, but you can choose from a range of colors to customize your Signature’s look.

HEPASilent is Blueair’s trademarked air filtration technology that combines electrostatic ionization with mechanical filtration.

The mechanical filtration element is the same as in all other air purifiers, with particle and carbon filters working in combination with a fan to remove pollutants from the air as it passes through the filters. For the electrostatic component, an ionizer inside the device generates negative ions to attract airborne particles, which are then captured by the filter.

This type of ionization process can release ozone, which can then form other chemical byproducts depending on the chemicals already in the air.

Now, the HEPASilent ionizer inside the Blue Signature produces very low levels of ozone: AHAM certified it produces just 3 ppb of ozone, which would be defined as producing zero ozone, based on the UL testing program UL2998 because it sits below the threshold of 5 ppb.

However, I still wish Blueair would include an option to disable HEPASilent, either with a button (as Alen, Winix, and Coway do) or just a setting in the app (as we’ve seen from Xiaomi).

Design, controls and app features

It clearly belongs to Blueair’s family of air purifiers, but with a twist.

It is shorter and lighter than other cylindrical units, such as the popular Levoit Core 400S, but it takes up more floor space. But what you lose in floorspace, you gain in tabletop space.

Another big change from the usual is the option to add a base to your Signature to elevate it from the ground and give it a more ‘furniture look’ – you can add a metal ring base for $100 or wooden legs for $87.

With the Blue Signature, Blueair moved away from the one-button control. It has a touchscreen with buttons to change fan speeds and modes, as well as PM2.5 readings.

The display turns off automatically after a few seconds, and you can wave to get the lights back on. You also get an LED light at the front that changes color based on readings from the onboard laser sensor.

The Blueair app is quite basic compared to the apps from brands like Xiaomi, Levoit, and Philips, but the design is clean, and you can see all the info you need on one screen.

You get real-time air quality readings from the onboard laser sensor, which update quickly on the screen. Historical data is saved, so you can access it whenever you want.

Through the app, you can also control the device, set schedules, and adjust the brightness of the display at the top of the Signature.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Blue Signature in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

Blueair Blue Signature HouseFresh CADR Test

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the Signature needed 15 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm.

This makes the Blue Signature powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 600 sq. ft.

As you can see from the chart, the Signature shows a significant performance jump over the older, bulkier Blue Pure 211+.

The only devices that were quicker to complete our test were the much larger Coway Airmega ProX (13 minutes) and the much, much pricier IQAir Atem X (14 minutes).

We repeated our particle removal test three times across all available fan speeds, which allowed me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

BUT air purifiers running at full speed tend to be too loud for everyday use, so we must account for noise levels…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Blue Signature range from 34.8 dBA to 59.6 dBA — which is a little louder than most air purifiers we have benchmarked it against.

I used our BAFX sound meter to measure how much sound the Blue Signature generates at each of its 4 fan speeds and in sleep mode at 3 ft away:

Hitting 59.6 dBA at top speed, the Blue Signature is one of the loudest air purifiers on the table, second only to the Atem X, with its 62.3 dBA when running full power.

When running at speed 2, it generates just 40 dBA and was able to complete our particle removal test in 26 minutes – faster than the pricier EverestAir and BP06.

If you kept your Blue Signature running at speed 2, it would be whisper-quiet and still clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 343 sq. ft.

Long-term running costs

Running a Blueair Blue Signature will cost you $179.81 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the Signature pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby.

At top speed, the Signature draws 38.65 watts, so if you left it running at top speed 24/7 for one year, it would add $46.49 to your energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price as of March 2026.

This is a huge improvement over the older 211+, and it’s only beaten by the Mobius fans in the Luggable Ultra and the highly energy-efficient BP06 and Starkvind, which are less powerful than the Signature.

So I went one step further and created a chart to compare its CADR, noise levels AND energy usage at quiet fan speeds to see how the Blue Signature compares to other popular high-CADR air purifiers:

Blueair Blue Signature CADR Sound Energy

But let’s calculate how much you’ll need to spend to run your Blueair Blue Signature for a year.

According to Blueair, you need to change the filter in your Blue Signature every 9-12 months. And as always, I will use the lowest estimate of nine (9) months.

The replacement filter is available for $99.99. That means that you can expect to spend $133.32 each year on filter replacements alone.

We can add this to energy costs to work out the total yearly cost and compare it with the other devices I’m benchmarking the Signature against:

Blueair Blue Signature Yearly Running Cost

Thanks to the low energy costs, the Blue Signature is cheaper to run than the older Blue Pure 211+ and most other high CADR models we benchmarked it against, with the exception of the PC fan-powered AirFanta 3Pro and CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra.

Bottom line: Should you get a Blueair Blue Signature?

Our data showed that the Blue Signature offers high performance, even at quiet operation, in a well-designed package for less than $450.

The Blue Signature looks like a piece of furniture and also doubles as a table. You can even add legs to lift it off the ground, with options to match your home’s decor.

It isn’t cheap at just under $450, but it ticks a lot of boxes for this price.

Performance is top tier at both top speed and quiet fan speeds. To match the Signature’s performance with a traditional air purifier, you would need to spend nearly double for a much more utilitarian-looking Smart Air Blast Mini, or go with a much larger machine like the Coway Airmega Pro X.

And if you want the same power in a smaller, good-looking package, then you would need to spend $1,400 on the IQAir Atem X — that’s a spicy price tag if I’ve seen one!

The running costs of the Blue Signature are fair, and while the initial price is higher than that of other mid-size models on the market, you do get a high-quality laser sensor, a table surface, and app connectivity.

So… This thing has the looks, the power and all the features you could ask for… so what’s the downside?

Even though the ozone levels from HEPASilent are very low, I still wish Blueair would include an option to disable HEPASilent, either a button (as Alen, Winix, and Coway do) or a setting in the app (as we’ve seen from Xiaomi).

I have received messages from people who have adverse reactions to any form of ionization, so I think all manufacturers using ionizers should allow consumers to choose whether they want this or not — even if it does lead to reductions in CADR.

So this is the main downside you should be aware of before buying that none of the other big media publisers or YouTube creators reviewing the Blue Signature will tell you about.

If you do decide to buy one, please use this link to support the work we do here at HouseFresh. In doing so, we will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you that we will use to continue buying and testing air quality products.

Did I miss any details? Do you have any questions I left unanswered? Just drop a comment below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I see it.

The best budget air purifiers I tested – cheap but good

Mar 8, 2026 by Danny Ashton

I spent HOURS browsing lists of ‘the best air purifiers’ from big media sites and found that the average cost of the models they recommend is $400!

cost of air purifiers recommended online

But you most definitely don’t need to spend $400 to get a good air purifier. To prove it, I have compiled a list of the best air purifiers I’ve tested that will clean the air without breaking the bank.

Since 2020, I have reviewed 133 different air purifiers (and counting!), and I used the data we collected from our tests to select the best-performing options you can buy for less than 190 bucks:

If you prefer to watch a video version of this article, I’ve got you covered:

Tip

When you’re on a budget, the best way to get the best cleaning power is to use multiple air purifiers instead of just one. If your unit has a CADR of 150 CFM, two units working together will have a CADR of 300 CFM.

1. Under $50: DIY Fan + Filter

For around $50, you will be able to buy a good Lasko fan (on eBay) and a 20×20 MERV 13 filter to build your own air purifier.

You can build it at home with a 20’’ box fan, a 20×20 HVAC filter, some duct tape, and a pair of scissors. It won’t be able to help with odors and VOCs, but in terms of particle filtration, it will give you a CADR of around 70 cfm, which will provide 3-5 air changes per hour in spaces between 105-175 sq. ft.

If you already have a box fan at home, it will cost you just $30.99, which is the price of two 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filter.

It offers a much higher CADR than the $45 AROEVE MK01 (34 cfm) and the $50 Levoit Core Mini (41 cfm). But it’s loud and power-hungry.

CONS

It’s just a fan and a filter, so you won’t get any fancy features.

It can be loud at top speed, depending on how loud the box fan is that you use.

Box fans tend to consume a lot of energy too.

You don’t get any carbon to help with unwanted smells or VOCs.

PROS

You can build it yourself with materials you probably already have at home.

It offers much better performance than all the other models I’ve tested under $50.

You can use any type of 20″ x 20″ MERV 13 filter, so you will be able to find good deals.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	70 cfm
Filter technology:	MERV 13
Recommended room size:	105 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	4.5L x 20W x 20H inches (11.4L x 51W x 51H cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.4 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 51.5 dB Speed 2: 58.3 dB Speed 3: 62.4 dB
Electricity consumption in watts :	Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 72.57 kWh Speed 2: 88.55 kWh Speed 3: 103.28 kWh
Filter lifespan:	6 months

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

2. Under $90: 30×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box

You can supercharge the DIY fan + filter air purifier above by turning it into a Corsi-Rosenthal box for an additional $40.

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

If you combine your 20″x20″ box fan with four 20″x30″ Filtrete MPR 1900 filters ($90), you’ll get a much bigger DIY air purifier called a Corsi-Rosenthal box (or CR box). It will be MUCH bigger than the fan + filter air cleaner from before, but with the size comes incredible power.

In our particle removal test, it cleared the air in 13 minutes – that’s as fast as the Coway Airmega ProX, which costs just under $1,000. Not bad for a thing you can build yourself…

30x20 corsi rosenthal box cadr sound energy

But be aware, that box fans are not quiet and they aren’t known for is their energy efficiency. Another thing to consider is that the 30×20 CR box is pretty big.

CONS

It’s very big so it can take up quite a bit of floor space.

You will only get the fan speed controller, so no smart controls or features.

It can be loud and power-hungry, as most box fans are.

You don’t get any carbon to help with unwanted smells or VOCs.

PROS

At top speed, it completed our removal test as fast as the much more expensive Coway Airmega ProX (13 minutes).

You can use any type of 20″ x 20″ MERV 13 filter, so you will be able to find good deals. But I recommend the Filtrete MPR 1900.

It’s the best performing air purifier you will be able to build yourself with materials you can buy at the store.

It outperformed 134 air purifier models we have tested at HouseFresh.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	462 cfm
Filter technology:	MERV 13
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20 x 20 x 30 inches (51 x 51 x 76 cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.4 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 51.5 dB Speed 2: 58.3 dB Speed 3: 62.4 dB
Electricity consumption in watts :	Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 72.57 kWh Speed 2: 88.55 kWh Speed 3: 103.28 kWh
Filter lifespan:	6 months

We built a Corsi-Rosenthal box with four 30×20 Filtrete filters, and its air cleaning performance is OUTSTANDING
byu/ThisHouseFresh inHouseFresh

3. Under $100: SwitchBot Air Purifier

An air purifier for small spaces that costs less than $100, comes with smart features and doubles up as a small side table.

There are MANY options for air purifiers under $100 on Amazon, but after testing 21 different models at that price point, I only recommend the SwitchBot Air Purifier. It has a list price of $99.99, but can be found on Amazon for as low as $75 on deal days.

It completed our particle removal test in 30 minutes, which is 10 minutes faster than the more expensive Winix A231, Levoit Vital 100S, and Coway Airmega 100.

SwitchBot air purifier CADR sound energy

It has an bonded HEPA and carbon cylindrical filter, with a removable, washable pre-filter mesh on the outside. This makes it easier to clean and vacuum — especially good design for pet owners.

CONS

It will be too underpowered for spaces larger than 297 sq. ft.

The amount of carbon in the filter won’t be enough to tackle serious issues with odors and chemical gases.

SwitchBot is new to the air purifier game compared to manufacturers like Coway, Levoit, Winix or IQAir.

PROS

It’s the only air purifier under $100 with a CADR of 198 cfm — this is the same as the more expensive Dyson BP06, PuroAir 400 and Alen 45i.

It’s doubles as a side table with a built-in light that changes color based on the air quality readings from the onboard PM2.5 sensor.

It has an aroma pad, where you can drop essential oils for a diffuser effect. This is not my cup of tea, but I know some might appreciate it.

It comes with an app and is also Matter-certified, so you can connect it to your existing smart home system if you prefer.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	198 cfm
Filter technology:	HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter mesh
Recommended room size:	297 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	9.84 × 9.84 × 19.29 inches (25 × 25 × 49 cm)
Weight:	9.7 lbs (4.43 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 36.9 dBA Speed 1: 41.9 dBA Speed 2: 53.3 dBA Speed 3: 59.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts :	Standby mode: 0.5 kWh Sleep mode: 1.7 kWh Speed 1: 6.6 kWh Speed 2: 20.7 kWh Speed 3: 36.7 kWh
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

4. Under $152: AirFanta 3Pro

If you could stretch your budget to $152, you could buy one of the best air purifiers I’ve ever tested – powerful enough for large rooms up to 529 sq. ft.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

Out of the 133 air purifiers I’ve tested since 2020, the AirFanta 3Pro stands out thanks to its incredible value for money. The HEPA-only version sells for $160, but you can get it for $152 if you use the HOUSEFRESH discount code.

The 3Pro is inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box: it’s basically a cube with a plastic base at the bottom, a filter on each side, and a fan array on top with four 140mm PC fans.

At top speed, the 3Pro cleaned our test room as fast as the $339 Coway Airmega 350 and faster than the $559 AirDoctor 3500. And thanks to its four PC fans, it’s relatively quiet and energy efficient compared to traditional air purifiers with comparable air cleaning power.

CONS

You have to assemble it as it arrives disassembled, but it is quick and easy.

Even though it uses PC fans, its long-term energy costs ($51.99 per year) align with “normal,” retail air purifiers.

It doesn’t have any smart features, no timers, no app support, and no on-board sensors that you are likely to find in a traditional air purifier.

PROS

It offers outstanding air cleaning power at a very low price — an estimated CADR of 353 cfm, which is in line with what we see in air purifiers that cost upwards of $500.

Its small footprint makes it easy to use around the house, both in rooms big and small.

You can take it apart and rebuild it in just a couple of minutes, and when broken down, it fits inside a medium size carry bag.

You can choose the HEPA-only filters to remove particles from the air, or you can choose the HEPA + carbon filters to also deal with odors and gases.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Under $180: Winix 5510

A modern air purifier for medium-sized rooms with smart features and app support that will set you back $179.99.

The 5510 is a new air purifier from Winix that has come to replace the now discontinued Winix 5500-2. It has excellent air cleaning performance, especially for its price, and comes with an onboard sensor, smart features and app support.

When it comes to performance, the Winix 5510 completed our particle removal test in 24 minutes – that’s six full minutes faster than the $900 Dyson Big+Quiet BP06.

The 5510 comes with separate filters: a removable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter and a pelleted activated carbon filter. It also has bipolar ionization technology (PlasmaWave), which can be disabled.

CONS

It can get loud when set to top speed, hitting 67.2 dBA.

The Winix app is still quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit, Philips and Xiaomi.

PROS

The separate filters mean that you can throw away the carbon when it runs out (within 6 months) and still use the True HEPA filter.

Its body is compact and takes up less space compared to the older Winix 5500-2.

The removable pre-filter is easy to vacuum and keep clean.

Yearly running costs are fair (around $145) thanks to affordable filter replacements.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 125 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 40.8 dBA Speed 3: 51.6 dBA Speed 4: 67.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 3.51 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 4.59 watts (4.87 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 6.58 watts (6.89 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 15.68 watts (15.98 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.62 watts (53.94 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

6. Under $190: Levoit Vital 200S

An alternative to the Winix 5510 that will cost $10 more but doesn’t use bipolar ionization and offers quieter operation.

The Vital 200S completed our particle removal test as fast as the Winix 5510 (above). That said, it was one minute faster to clean the air in our test room when both models were running at speed 2 (sub 45-dBA).

It is more energy-efficient that other air purifier models with comparable CADR and this leads to the lowest running costs in the bunch.

Just like the 5510, it comes with an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator light, auto-mode and app connectivity.

CONS

It has a bonded filter, so once the carbon runs out (which usually happens within 6 months), you’ll have to replace the whole thing, even if the particle filter still has life in it.

Levoit initially advertised the filters as HEPA H13 but have changed their marketing, now stating the filter is H13 only on sleep mode.

The air quality sensor is an optical sensor so you need to keep it clean for it to report accurate readings.

PROS

It offers a high level of air cleaning performance to $ ratio, completing our particle removal test as fast as units double its price.

You get smart features and smartphone connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app.

It remembers settings and modes, so if you unplug it and plug it back in, the Vital 200S will still remember what it was last doing.

It comes with a removable pre-filter that is easy to vacuum, and you can also rinse and dry.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Two good air purifiers under $100 that didn’t make the final cut

The models above are my top picks for those on a tight budget, but there are other air purifiers that narrowly made the list:

GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 H7124

With a PM1 CADR of 148 cfm, the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 was able to complete our particle removal test in 40 minutes while generating 57.6 dBA of noise, which is quieter than other models with equal power like the Winix A231.

This is good performance for an air purifier you can buy for less than $100, but it was outshined by what we saw with the SwitchBot Air Purifier.

MORENTO HY4866

The HY4866 has a PM1 CADR of 174 cfm at top speed, which will be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 261 sq. ft. It has a list price of $120 but you will regularly find it on deal for less than $90.

It didn’t make the list because it was no match for the SwitchBot Air Purifier and its CADR of 198 cfm.

We test many air purifiers here at HouseFresh and while we are continually looking for units like the Taotronics AP-003 that move the performance needle forward, we also come across a lot of duds. This is especially true at the sub $100 level, and so we felt it our duty to also point out those air purifiers you should avoid in this budget range.

AROEVE MK01 – I could not find a published CADR for this unit, which would make sense as when we tested it, we found it took 163 minutes to clean our room to the levels recommended by the WHO guidelines. Remember that our test room (728 cubic feet) is the smallest in our house, so we can assume that this unit will be underpowered for most home use cases and should be avoided. The budget doesn’t have to be the thing that holds you back from having clean air in your home. Pay $20 extra and get the TaoTronics.

Levoit Core Mini – The Core Mini is the smallest air purifier in the Levoit Core line. It comes with the same three-stage filtration (pre-filter, main filter and activated carbon filter) and it doubles down as a diffuser for essential oils. It only pulls 6.4 watts and generates just 44 dB of sound at its highest fan speed, but it took one hour and 53 minutes to remove all the pollutants in our relatively small test room. This budget unit is too underpowered for most rooms, but if you are looking for a way to clean the air in your RV or campervan, then this could be the one.

GermGuardian AC482e – This air purifier seems awesome on the surface, especially as you will find glowing reviews from well-respected media organizations if you decide to Google it. There is only one problem — it’s not good at all. It might have been an OK choice a few years back, but the AC4825e failed to perform well in our home lab tests with a poor performance of 104 minutes. When the Levoit Core 300 can achieve this in 40 minutes, you must wonder what you are paying for with the GermGuardian AC4825e.

Levoit Core 200S – The Core 200S is not bad, it is just not good enough for you to spend $89.99 on it. it comes with app support, emits a maximum of 49dB of sound when running at its top speed and doesn’t pull too much power (28.4 watts max) but it took a full hour to clean the air in our test room. You could get a TaoTronics AP003 or a Winix A231 for that money and they would offer you much better air cleaning performance.

How to avoid wasting money when buying a budget air purifier

Air purifiers offer an excellent way to remove harmful particles and improve indoor air quality, but many high-end models come with a hefty price tag. You need to know what to look for in a quality air purifier, and you’ll discover many high-performance units that are affordably priced. And we’re here to help!

Our guide for the best budget air purifiers outlines the critical things to consider when buying an air purifier.

1. Take the time to calculate how much it will cost you to replace the filters

Manufacturers usually specify the estimated lifespan of the filters on the product page. They will usually give you a range (like 6-12 months or 3-6 months), so I recommend taking the lowest estimate for your calculation.

Once you know the lifespan, check out the cost of a filter replacement. You will then be able to calculate how much you can expect to spend to replace the filter each year:

Filter list price
————— x 12 = Yearly filter cost
Filter lifespan

Doing this will help you avoid models with disproportionate filter costs where, within a year, you might end up spending the same (or more) than the price of the air purifier.

2. Find an air purifier with enough CADR to clean your specific room

Room size is another critical factor when buying an air purifier, as not all air purifiers aren’t created equal. Based on the size of your room, you can estimate how much CADR the air purifier will need to provide a minimum of 4.8 air changes per hour, which is what the EPA recommends.

CADR, or clean air delivery rate, measures the air volume an air purifier can clean in a given time. You can use our calculator to find out what CADR you should be looking for:

3. Don’t be duped into buying one of those small, cheap air purifiers at the top of Amazon

Seeing a $50 price tag might help you make a quick decision, but in the end, it will only lead you to a false economy.

Small air purifiers usually need their filters replaced every 3 to 6 months, compared to the 9-12 months of lifespan you get with mid-sized filters. So in the end, you might end up spending double!

4. Before you hit the ‘Buy’ button, double-check that you’re not also being tricked into signing up for a filter subscription

I’ve seen multiple examples of online stores that use dark patterns to trick users into signing up for filter subscriptions.

These could be options already selected for you with a checkbox to opt out greyed out or simply not as prominent. And in some extreme cases, just a tiny legend that tells you that you’re also signing up for automatic replacements with your purchase.

If you’re only going to take one thing from this article, let it be this: when buying anything online, be vigilant of the dark patterns that end up signing you up for newsletters you don’t want to receive, add-ons you don’t care about buying, or subscriptions you most definitely don’t need.

Wrapping up

Clean air shouldn’t be something only the 1% can afford. You can make your budget go further by going down the DIY route with a Corsi-Rosenthal box or trying out some of the newer designs that utilize PC fans, like the AirFanta 3 Pro.

To keep running costs low, look into generic filters, as they can be much lower in price. Just be aware that carbon quality might not be the same as with OEM filters, but in our testing, particle removal performance is on par.

But whatever unit you decide to go for, if you are on a tight budget but need an air purifier for your home, make sure to do your research BEFORE you buy. You don’t want to end up like this Redditor, who bought two different air purifiers before realizing they didn’t work and had to buy a third one to help with her cat allergies.

March 8th, 2026:

Replaced the Levoit Vital 100S with the SwitchBot Air Purifier, as it achieved faster particle removal results.
Replaced the 20×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box with the 30×20, as it’s much faster at cleaning the air.
Added the Winix 5510 as an alternative for medium-sized spaces.
Replaced the Winix A231 with the DIY Fan + Filter Air Purifier.

January 10th, 2025:

Added the Levoit Vital 100S.

December 23rd, 2024:

We decided to raise the budget to be $150 in order to include the highly powerful and affordable AirFanta 3Pro.
Moved the TaoTronics AP-003 outside of the top picks as it has been discontinued and other models built on its same OEM design are currently out of stock across the U.S.

August 24th, 2024:

Removed the TaoTronics AP-005 as it is consistently out of stock everywhere.

May 25th, 2024:

Embedded the video version of the article.

May 10th, 2024:

Updated long-term running costs calculations.

March 16th, 2024:

Replaced the Levoit Core 300 with the Winix A230/A231 as the top recommendation overall.
Removed mentions of HEPA filtration for Levoit devices after a challenge from Dyson through the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) let to Levoit removing mentions of a “True HEPA filter”.

November 26th, 2023:

Upfront and long-term running costs were added prominently next to the names of the devices.

The best air purifiers for COVID-19, according to our tests

Mar 8, 2026Mar 7, 2026 by Danny Ashton

When we first wrote this post, the World Health Organization didn’t accept that the COVID-19 virus was airborne, though they did recommend ventilation in healthcare facilities.

But by the summer of 2023, the WHO finally announced that COVID-19 is actually airborne. At that point, the U.S. CDC added the following guidelines for American schools, recommending ventilation to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

CDC Covid19 Guidelines for Schools HEPA — A screenshot of the guidelines on the website of the CDC

Dr. Richard Corsi (Dean of Maseeh College of Engineering) recommends that all classrooms install HEPA air purifiers with a CADR of at least 250-300 CFM. Most of us don’t live in classrooms, but it’s wise to err on the side of caution and get a similarly spec’d model for home use.

Many portable HEPA air cleaners can signif' lower risks of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in classrooms < 1,000 ft2. Put on stable small table to lower re-suspension from floor. Go CADR > 300 (scfm) for ETS. Avoid devices w/ gimmicky add-ons. Just purchased 12 for my bldg @Portland_State.
— Richard Corsi, PhD, PE (Texas) (@CorsIAQ) July 15, 2020

Buying an air purifier won’t replace Coronavirus prevention methods such as social distancing, mask usage, and keeping indoor areas well ventilated – these have all been shown to significantly reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID.

I have bought and tested all the air purifiers I’m recommending today, and I use them at home every day. If you have any questions about any of them, please drop them in the comments section. And if you want to read more about our testing process, check out this page.

If you don’t want to read our full article, check out my recommendations in the table below:

The best budget option: AirFanta 3Pro

With a low price of $159.99 and a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm at top speed, there is no other cheap air purifier that can beat the power of the AirFanta 3Pro.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

This PC fan-powered air purifier can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. (49 m²) when running at top speed. This is the minimum number of air changes you want to achieve to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses.

Inspired by the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box, the 3Pro is a small box with a base at the bottom, a filter at each side, and four PC fans on top.

It can be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes, and once you’ve taken it apart, it fits inside a large carry bag.

You don’t get any buttons or control panel, but it comes with a speed controller to adjust the fan speed and noise levels.

If you set it to 6.54 V, it will generate less than 45 dBA but will still be able to provide an estimated CADR PM1 of 213 cfm (362 m³/h).

CONS

You don’t get any fancy features, a touchscreen or smart functions — this is just four fans and four filters.

Some people don’t like the look of it, but that’s just subjective. I personally quite like it.

PROS

Its air cleaning performance is incredible, considering its price and its size.

It is A LOT easier to put it together than a standard DIY PC fan air purifier kit.

It’s the only high-CADR air purifier that you can bring with you when you travel.

For COVID-19, you can just go with E11 particle filters only. If you also want to help with odors, get the filters with activated carbon.

It’s the smallest air purifier on the list and will fit most rooms, and it even sits comfortably on top of a side table.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

The best for small rooms: Smart Air SA600

A mid-sized air purifier from Smart Air that will give you five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

For small rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (or 34 m²), I’d suggest you don’t go smaller than the SA600 from Smart Air. It doesn’t have any smart features, but all lights automatically shut off after a few seconds and it works with a smart plug.

The SA600 uses two sets of filters: two H13 HEPA filters, two pelleted carbon filters, and two pre-filters.

To tackle viruses and bacteria from the air, you can run it without the activated carbon filters for maximum particle removal performance.

The controls are pretty straightforward. I’ve got the 5-speed SA600 and keep it running in the background at speed 3.

At speed 3, it generates just 41.5 dBA of noise, so it’s quiet enough to blend into the background but still provides 128 cfm (217 m³/h).

PROS

Running costs are higher than those of other similarly powered air purifiers, but you can save money if you run it without the carbon.

The 3-speed version is not as quiet as the 5-speed version, so look for the SA600 with five fan speeds.

CONS

The control panel is intuitive and the lights switch off automatically, without the need to press any button or activate any special mode.

It restarts automatically after a power cut or when unplugged, which many other models don’t do.

It can be mounted to the wall and comes with screw holes on the bottom, but you will need to source the fixtures to do this.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 287 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	H13 TrueHEPA filter with a removable pre-filter and pelleted activated charcoal filter (set of two)
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20 x 13.8 x 9 inches (51 x 35 x 23 cm)
Weight:	15.5 lbs (7 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.2 dBA Speed 3: 41.5 dBA Speed 4: 46.1 dBA Speed 5: 56.7 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 4.3 watts Speed 3: 7.1 watts Speed 4: 12.9 watts Speed 5: 53.8 watts
Filter lifespan:	18 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

The best for medium-sized rooms: CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7

A PC fan-powered air purifier that uses any type of MERV 13 HVAC filters and seven PC fans that offer exceptional air cleaning performance at whisper-quiet operation.

$229 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

The Luggable XL Ultra uses seven PC fans that pull the air through two 20×25 MERV 13 filters. I recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filters — based on my tests, these are the best performing HVAC filters.

The Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans made it one of the quietest high-CADR air purifiers I’ve tested, and it’s also highly energy efficient.

You can save money by buying the DIY kit, which includes everything you need to build it yourself. Otherwise, you can buy it pre-built.

CONS

Its body is not as sturdy as a traditional air purifier made from plastic or metal.

It doesn’t come with any fancy features. No app support, no touchscreen, no sensor.

PROS

It is the most energy-efficient high-CADR air purifier I’ve ever tested.

The DIY kit comes with everything you need to build it, except for the filters. You can buy it pre-built if DIY is not your thing.

It is lightweight and comes with a handle to move it from room to room.

It’s powerful and incredibly quiet thanks to the use of PC fans.

You can use any 25×20 MERV 13 filters you can get hold of.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – Intertek PM2.5: 323 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	390 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	7D x 25W x 20H in (18D x 64W x 51 cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.63 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Only speed: 38.8 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Only speed: 10.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

Northbox Systems is a Canadian manufacturer that produces PC fan-powered air purifier kits that use HVAC filters. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding.

The Tempest Pro is a PC fan-powered air purifier that also uses 20×25 MERV 13 filters but comes with a metal body, so it’s more durable than the Luggable XL Ultra.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

The best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

With an estimated PM1 CADR of 462 cfm (785 m³/h) at top speed, the Airmega ProX can provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 693 sq. ft. (or 64 m²).

You get a filter on each side of the device. They are bonded GreenHEPA particle filters with a section of pelleted activated carbon.

It has an onboard air quality sensor, so it can automatically react to changes in air quality when set to one of its smart modes.

CONS

Retailing at just over $900, the ProX isn’t cheap.

It is a large air purifier, weighing 22.67 kg (around 50 lbs).

It doesn’t have app support, which you might expect at this price point.

Sometimes, when carrying the device by its handles, you may end up removing the filter covers due to where the handles are positioned.

PROS

At top speed, the ProX completed our particle removal test in 13 minutes. The only model that was faster is the Blast (see next).

Even though it is heavy, it comes with deep handles at each side and wheels at the bottom.

You can adjust the sensibility of the air quality sensor.

You can also adjust the power of the auto mode, rotating between eco, silent and turbo.

It looks great, and the build quality is excellent.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

The best for very large spaces: Smart Air Blast

A large air purifier made out of metal that can be fixed to the wall and is powerful enough to clean the air in large, high traffic spaces like offices and classrooms.

CHECK THE PRICE

The Blast MKII from Smart Air is a powerful commercial air purifier with an estimated PM1 CADR of 547 cfm (929 m³/h) at top speed, which can clean the air five times per hour in big spaces no larger than 820.5 sq. ft. (or 76 m²).

The H13 HEPA filter inside is massive and has a long lifespan of up to 19 months. You can also buy an activated carbon filter to go with it.

The body is fully made out of metal with wheels to move it around. You can also fix it to the wall, when using it in high traffic areas.

CONS

It costs over $1000, so it’s a big investment.

It is very, very big, so it might be overkill for most homes.

You don’t get any smart features or app support.

PROS

It’s currently the fastest air purifier at completing our particle removal test (11 minutes).

It’s big and heavy but comes with high quality wheels that make it easy to move around.

You can set it at speed 1 and it will generate just 41.9BA, while still providing a CADR of 375 cfm (637 m³/h). Impressive!

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 547 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Manufacturer provided CADR: 559 cfm
Filter technology:	H13 HEPA filter (and optional pelleted activated carbon filter)
Recommended room size:	820.5 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour):
Dimensions:	15D x 25W x 50H inches (38.1D × 63.5W × 127H cm)
Weight:	84 lbs (38 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 41.9 dB Speed 2: 49.4 dB Speed 3: 54.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 56.3 watts Speed 2: 94.5 watts Speed 3: 133.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	19 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Some notable mentions

These seven air purifiers were very close to making this list. Depending on your budget and availability in your location, it could be worth checking them out.

Smart Air Blast Mini MKII

It has a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm at top speed (56.3 dBA) and 272 cfm at speed 1 (44.9 dBA). It comes with optional carbon, so for tackling Coronavirus, you can stick to HEPA H13 only. It didn’t make the list because the ProX offers better performance at a quieter level (299 cfm at 44.4 dBA) and has a sensor.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

IQAir Atem X

At top speed (62.3 dBA), we estimate a PM1 CADR of 429 cfm and at speed 4 (44.5 DBA) we estimate 229 cfm, which would be good enough for rooms up to 286 sq. ft. I didn’t shortlist the Atem X due to its high price tag ($1,399.99), which makes it hard to recommend over the cheaper Airmega ProX and Smart Air Blast.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

Levoit Vital 200S

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Check out our air purifier leaderboard

Since 2020, I have tested and reviewed over 130 air purifiers. Explore the interactive table low to see which models come on top for performance, value for money, and overall features:

What to look for when buying an air purifier for COVID-19

The EPA states that air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a building or small space.

The way that the virus spreads makes it especially hard to tackle, as it is emitted from infected persons through tiny droplets, which attach to particulate matter and remain in the air for several hours, depending on factors like ambient humidity, ventilation, wind rates, and the amount of particulate matter pollution in the air.

When choosing an air purifier, it’s essential to keep the main goal of your purchase in mind. Dr. Corsi keeps it simple:

“No need to purchase gimmicky add-ons that sometimes do little and sometimes emit ozone. HEPA is fine.”

Don’t be swayed by new virus-killing technology. HEPA has been shown to be very capable of removing COVID-19 particles. HEPA is backed up by decades of research.

Most new technologies like ionizers, PECO, UV, PCO, etc. are sold as doing something new, but in most cases, perform very poorly. They also have the potential to make the air worse as they can lead to harmful byproducts created when they interact with other chemicals in the air.

Tip

Whatever air purifier you pick, make sure to ventilate your home well by opening windows to allow fresh air in — increasing ventilation is another way of reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Common questions about COVID-19 and air purifiers

With the sheer amount of COVID-19 research published, we asked consultant scientist Bharti Sharma who has published several academic COVID-19 papers published, to help us understand the latest research when it comes to COVID-19 and air quality:

Using a fan within an enclosed space during COVID-19 infection can increase the transmission of the infection, particularly if there is no ventilation. Portable and ceiling fans just circulate the air inside a room, but they do not exchange, purify, or replace the air.

A limited number of research studies have shown that HEPA filters can remove viruses in droplet form in the air as the size of the airborne droplets is big and permits the HEPA filters to remove them.

Yes, they have shown high efficiency in capturing the COVID-19 virus and research studies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or air purifiers are universally used in medical institution wards for filtering the air.

The CDC recommends ventilation through portable or built-in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems for filtering air in higher-risk areas like medical institutions or areas used by individuals suffering from COVID-19 infection or other viral infections.

Using ventilation within public buildings, like hospitals, malls, office complexes, schools, libraries, eateries, cruise ships and elevators, can minimize airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors together with isolation, social distancing and masking.

The sampling of air samples from hospital rooms in several research studies has proven that, yes, it is possible to detect SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive particles of sizes >4 μm and 1–4 μm from air samples.

Wrapping up

Whatever air purifier you decide to buy, remember that ventilation, social distancing and masking are also all essential in the fight against Coronavirus.

If you have any questions about the models I recommended in this article, please drop them below and I’ll reply personally as soon as I can. Or if you prefer to ask me something in private, you can always email me at danny@housefresh.com.

Winix 5510 review

Mar 17, 2026Feb 20, 2026 by Danny Ashton

The Winix 5510 is the much-anticipated successor to the incredibly popular Winix 5500-2, which has been one of my most recommended air purifiers since I first tested it back in 2023.

We received MANY requests to review the 5510, so I’m happy to share the results of our tests with you today.

I paid $459.65 in total, including import fees and shipping, to get the Winix 5510 delivered to me in the UK, based on a list price of $249.99. However, as of May 2025, you can find the 5510 on Amazon for $179.99 and on the Winix America store for $199.99.

The overall score for the 5510 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for ‘Winix 5510’ to see where it ranks, based on its air cleaning performance and value for money. You can also filter results to easily compare models in the same price range.

The pros and cons of the Winix 5510

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The 5510 looks good, doesn’t take up too much space, and can clean the air as fast as the Levoit Vital 200S, the Philips 3200 Series and the Smart Air SA600.

So if you’re looking for a mid-sized air purifier that offers excellent air cleaning performance and you value smart features with app support, then the 5510 is definitely worth your consideration.”

CONS

The 5510 is louder at top speed than similarly-sized air purifiers from Winix and other brands.

Its air cleaning performance drops when running at sub-45 dBA fan speeds.

The app is still quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit and Xiaomi, but this is expected as it’s very new for Winix.

PROS

It has a better-looking design compared to every other rectangular Winix device I’ve tested.

When running at top speed, its air cleaning performance is on par with the SA600, the 5500-2 and the Rabbit Air A3.

The Winix app is intuitive and has no annoying ads like the ones we see in other apps.

Its body is compact and has a smaller footprint compared to the older Winix 5500-2.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 125 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 40.8 dBA Speed 3: 51.6 dBA Speed 4: 67.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 3.51 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 4.59 watts (4.87 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 6.58 watts (6.89 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 15.68 watts (15.98 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.62 watts (53.94 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

Design, controls and app features

A good-looking air purifier with smart features and app connectivity

The body of the 5510 is smaller than that of the now-discontinued 5500-2 and other mid-sized Winix air purifiers.

After reviewing the T810 and now the 5510, it has become obvious to me at this point that Winix is focusing heavily on the aesthetics of their devices with their new generation of air purifiers.

It has a gas sensor that triggers auto mode and a light sensor that puts it to sleep mode when detecting darkness.

The control panel is intuitive and easy to navigate. You also get an air quality indicator in the form of an LED light that changes color (from blue to red) depending on the quality of your air.

You can connect it to your smartphone via the Winix app, which is available on both iPhone and Android.

The app has a clean UX, works well, and allows you to control the 5510 remotely from your phone. It’s bare-bones compared to other air purifier apps, but it does the job without any issues.

Filtration technology

True HEPA filtration with activated carbon and optional bipolar ionization via PlasmaWave.

The 5510 comes with three separate mechanical filtration layers: a removable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA particle filter.

This means that once the carbon runs out (and starts getting smelly), you can just take it out and keep using the True HEPA filter till you can replace the carbon.

I reached out to Winix for more information and they confirmed that the 5510 comes with 226 grams of carbon – same as the older 5500-2.

As with other Winix devices, the 5510 comes with PlasmaWave, a bipolar ionization process that electrostatically charges particles, making them easier to remove. You can disable it if you prefer to avoid ionizers.

The 5510 uses a different type of filter set, Filter Q — 1712*0123-00, which works with the 5510 and 5520 models but is too small for the 5500-2, the 5300-2 and other older rectangular Winix devices.

Winix 5510 VS 5500 2 Filters — The filters in the Winix 5510 (left) are smaller than those in the Winix 5500-2 (right)

Air cleaning performance

We tested the 5510 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

First, we tested the Winix 5510 running at top speed with PlasmaWave enabled. According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, the 5510 needed 24 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room, which matches what we expected based on its CADR report:

Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, I estimate a top speed PM1 CADR of 249 cfm. This is powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

Winix 5510 HouseFresh Performance Data scaled

As you can see from the table, the 5510 compares very well against some of the best mid-sized devices we have tested when looking at raw performance at top speed, but considering it is a new model, I was hoping it would be at least a little quicker than the older 5500-2.

our air cleaning tests in isolation won’t tell us the full story…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Winix 5510 range from 35.2 dBA to 67.2 dBA — considerably quieter than every single large air purifier we have benchmarked it again.

The reality is that if an air purifier is too loud, then someone will turn it off eventually.

That is why I used my sound meter to measure how much noise the Winix 5510 generates from 3 ft. away at each of its fan speeds, including sleep mode:

Be aware that our background noise is 35 dBA, so the 5510 running at speed one (1) and in sleep mode is likely to be quieter if you could measure sound levels in a silent room.

When running at top speed, it reached 67.2 dBA, which is considerably louder than other air purifiers with a similar clean air delivery rate.

Winix 5510 HouseFresh Performance VS Sound Data scaled

At speed 2, it reached PM1 zero in 47 minutes while generating 40.8 dBA, which is under our 45 dBA limit for daily use.

Winix 5510 Quiet Performance Test HouseFresh

Long-term running costs

Running a Winix 5510 will cost you $141.20 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

At its top speed, the 5510 draws 53.84 watts. If you had to leave your 5510 running 24/7, it would cost $61.21 in energy costs for a year.

But let’s look at the other main factor affecting yearly running costs: filter replacements.

According to Winix, you can expect to change filters every 12 months, and you can buy a new filter set for $79.99, so you can expect to spend around $80 each year on filter replacements.

We can now combine energy and filter replacement costs with the list price to calculate how much you will spend on the first year of owning a Winix 5510, and compare this to what you’d pay with other similar performing air purifiers:

The 5510 has a list price of $179.99, but you could find it as low as $149.99 during Prime Day or Black Friday:

Retailer	Lowest Ever	Highest Ever

Bottom line: Should you get the Winix 5510?

Now that the Winix 5500-2 has been discontinued, the 5510 is the best next thing from Winix.

I hate to say this, but the Winix 5510 offers less powerful air cleaning performance at louder operation than older mid-sized Winix models. Sadly, I can’t recommend the 5500-2 or the 5300-2 anymore, as they have both been discontinued.

But does this mean that the 5510 is a bad investment? Well… not really.

In our air-cleaning performance tests, the Winix 5510 running at top speed is just 1 minute slower than the older 5500-2. And this level of power comes in a much more compact body and smaller filters, which explains why it is louder, as the fan has to work harder.

Plus, the 5510 looks more high-end than the 5500-2 and the 5300-2 AND it comes with smartphone connectivity through the Winix app, which has a good UX and no annoying bugs. So you get some good features that you wouldn’t get access to with the older models.

However, if you are sensitive to sound and prefer to run your air purifier at low, quiet fan speeds, then I suggest you look into the Winix T810. The T810 offers similar performance at top speed to the 5510, but you will get better air cleaning power at quiet fan speeds. Plus, it also comes with smartphone connectivity through the Winix app.

If you are a big fan of app support but are not too bothered about getting a Winix device, then I recommend looking into air purifiers from brands like Levoit and Xiaomi, as their apps are much more polished and feature-rich.

Devices like the Levoit Vital 200S or the Xiaomi Pro 4 will offer air-cleaning performance similar to that of the 5510.

And if you are in the UK or Europe and like what the 5510 has to offer, you’ll be disappointed to hear it’s not available in your region yet.

Two good comparable models would be the Philips 3200 Series (for those who want a smart unit) and the Smart Air SA600 (for those who don’t want smart features).

If you decide to buy a 5510, please make sure to use this link to support the work we do here at HouseFresh. We will get a small commission on the sale at no extra cost to you, and this will allow us to continue to buy and test air purifiers in the future.

Are you still unsure about whether the Winix 5510 is the right air purifier for you? Just drop me a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Or email me if you would rather discuss in private 🙂

The best air purifiers in the UK right now

Mar 15, 2026Feb 17, 2026 by Danny Ashton

After testing over 120 air purifiers, I feel we finally have enough data from models available in the UK to recommend the best options for different room sizes and use cases.

Even though they might look similar at a glance (it’s basically an appliance, right?), not all air purifiers are created equal. So whether you’re looking for an air purifier to help you through allergy season, or a device to remove unwanted odours from the air, I’ve got a recommendation for you.

By the way, every air purifier you’ll read about on this list has gone through our full testing process, so you can rest assured I’m not just paraphrasing manufacturer specifications or retailer talking points here – – I bought all of these units with my own money and have no special deals or sponsorships with any brands.

1. Best for most people: Winix Zero S

A medium-sized air purifier (for rooms up to 35 m2) that outperformed models sold for twice its price.

Selling at £185, the Winix Zero S is my top pick for most people because it offers excellent particle removal performance without any fancy bells and whistles that would add to the price.

Its removable pre-filter is easy to clean: you can simply vacuum it, or if it gets too gunky, you can just take it out to rinse under water and let it dry.

The Zero S uses Winix Filter H sets, which come with a HEPA filter and a pelleted activated carbon filter. A set costs £69 and will last up to 12 months.

There’s no app support, but it has a sensor that triggers automatic mode to kick in when air quality drops. It also has an air quality indicator light.

It features PlasmaWave bipolar ionization, which charges airborne particles, making them easier to remove from the air. If you prefer to avoid potential ozone byproducts, you can simply disable it.

CONS

I wish the handle at the back were a little deeper to make it easier to move it around the house. But, hey, at least it has a handle!

I know some people prefer to avoid air purifiers with ionizer functions. But you can disable PlasmaWave if that’s you.

The controls are bare-bones: just a power button, a PlasmaWave button, and two arrows to switch between speeds and auto mode.

There is no app support.

PROS

It completed our particle removal test in 24 minutes, so we estimate a CADR of 423 m3/h – it can provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 35 m2.

Running at speed 3, it’s whisper-quiet at 43.3 dBA and still cleaned our test room 16 mins faster than the fancier Winix 5510.

If you’ve got pets, you’ll appreciate the removable pre-filter, which is easier to clean than all-in-one pre-filters in cylindrical models.

It has separate filters, so you don’t need to throw away a perfectly good HEPA filter after the carbon runs out.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 423 m3/h – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 228 m3/h – AHAM CADR: 404 m3/h (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	35 m2 (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	37.9 x 19.9 x 60 cm
Weight:	7.5 kg
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.6 dBA Speed 2: 38.4 dBA Speed 3: 43.3 dBA Speed 4: 57.4 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.2 watts Speed 1: 5.2 watts (4.8 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 7.6 watts (7.2 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 11.5 watts (11.1 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.6 watts (52.6 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Philips 3200 Series

The Philips 3200 offers the same level of performance as the Winix Zero S (CADR of 423 m3/h), but in a more modern, cylindrical body. It uses two 3-in-1 filters: pre-filter mesh, particle filter, and carbon filter.

It has an optical sensor, auto mode, and you also get PM2.5 readings on the touchscreen at the top. It also has an LED ring that changes colour based on the air quality, or that you can set as a lamp (warm white glow).

It connects to the Philips Air+ App, so you can set schedules, adjust the light, and receive filter change alerts. You can also enable the Allergy Sleep mode, which supercharges the normal sleep mode.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

2. Best value for money: AirFanta 3Pro

A PC fan-powered air purifier that offers a very high CADR of 600 m3/h, suitable for rooms up to 49 m2.

The AirFanta 3Pro offers the best value for money out of all the air purifiers I’ve tested to date. Based on our particle removal tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 600 m3/h, which is outstanding considering its low price of £118. With this power, the 3Pro can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 49 m2.

The 3Pro is a relatively small box inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal Box design. It has a plastic base, four HEPA filters at each side, and four 140 mm PC fans on top.

You can even disassemble and reassemble the 3Pro to bring it with you inside a carry-on suitcase or large backpack wherever you go.

It outperforms air purifiers twice its size that cost three times as much. That’s why it’s my value pick as you’ll get incredible power for less than 120 quid.

If you also want to remove odours and chemical gases from the air, you can upgrade to the HEPA + carbon filters for £130 to add a layer of pelleted activated carbon on top of the HEPA filtration.

CONS

It comes disassembled, so you’ll have to build it yourself, but it only takes just a couple of minutes.

You don’t get the usual controls or app support. Instead, you will receive a speed controller to control fan speeds and noise levels.

There are no generic filters, so you have to use OEM AirFanta filters (but they are well-priced and usually in stock).

PROS

It offers the best performance per £ spent across the 120+ air purifier models I’ve tested.

It is the only high-CADR air purifier you can fit in your favourite supermarket chain’s bag for life (once disassembled).

The PC fans are quieter and more energy-efficient than the big fans inside traditional air purifiers.

You can choose between HEPA-only or HEPA + activated carbon. If you need to tackle odors or VOCs, get the filters with carbon.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 600 m3/h – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 362 m3/h
Filter technology:	E11 particle filter with optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	49 m2 (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	32 x 32 X 32 cm
Weight:	3.49 kg
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	3.63 volts: 36.1 dBA 4.19 volts: 36.9 dBA 5.24 volts: 39.7 dBA 6.54 volts: 43.3 dBA 7.44 volts: 46.7 dBA 8.56 volts: 49.1 dBA 12.6 volts: 56.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Midea SmartAir Pure Control

The Midea SmartAir Pure Control doesn’t have the raw power of the AirFanta 3Pro BUT it offers excellent value for its £99.99 price tag.

Midea SmartAir Pure Control Filter scaled

It completed our particle removal test in 31 minutes, so we estimate a PM1 CADR of 326 m3/h – powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 27 m2.

Midea SmartAir Pure Control Controls scaled

It comes with a sensor and an air quality indicator on top. Plus, it connects to the Midea SmartHome app so you can control it remotely from your phone.

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega 350

A cylindrical air purifier with a CADR of 598 m3/h – powerful enough to clean the air in 49 m2 rooms.

The Airmega 350 from Coway is a medium-sized, cylindrical air purifier that can deliver five air changes per hour in spaces up to 49 m2. Running at top speed, it completed our particle removal test in 17 minutes (PM1 CADR of 598 m3/h), matching the performance of the Levoit Core 600S and even outperforming the more expensive Xiaomi Elite.

The cylindrical filter has a pre-filter mesh on the outside (that you’ll need to vacuum regularly), Green True HEPA in the middle, and a layer of pelleted activated carbon on the inside.

The filter replacement costs £69.99 and can last up to 12 months, so you can expect to spend that much on replacements each year.

The control panel is straightforward but comprehensive. I love the granular light control: you can turn off the display, the air quality ring, or both, which is perfect for a bedroom.

It can get loud at top speed (61.8 dBA), but we found that running at speed 2, it generates 49 dBA and still provides 263 m3/h.

CONS

It only has one fan speed below 45 decibels (speed 1) and its performance at this speed is weak (170 m3/h).

There is a big jump in how loud this thing gets when you go from speed 1 to speed 2.

It comes with an optical sensor rather than a laser sensor, so you can’t forget to clean it regularly.

PROS

It offers excellent performance at top speed, outmatching large units like the Winix 9800 and the Xiaomi Elite.

You can use it with any smart plug, so you can connect it to your smart home system or set simple automations.

The filter replacements are fairly priced and can last up to 12 months.

It looks like a million bucks – I know design is subjective, but I think most people will like the look of the 350.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 598 m3/h – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 170 m3/h – AHAM CADR: 642 m3/h (dust)
Filter technology:	Green HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	49 m2 (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	30.5 x 30.5 x 59.1 cm
Weight:	7.8 kg
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 49.4 dBA Speed 3: 55.4 dBA Speed 4: 61.8 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Sleep mode: 3.1 watts Speed 1: 4.89 watts Speed 2: 17.04 watts Speed 3: 32.65 watts Speed 4: 57.95 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	China

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Levoit Core 600S

The 600S is the largest air purifier in Levoit’s Core range and, in our tests, it outperformed my top pick for large spaces by one full minute – but it’s more expensive, with a list price of £299.99.

It completed our particle removal test in 16 minutes, so we estimate a PM1 CADR of 637 m3/h – powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 52.3 m2.

It has a sensor, an air quality indicator ring and PM2.5 particle readings on top. And it connects to Levoit’s VeSync app, so you can control it remotely from your phone, set routines, and a lot more.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

4. Best for small spaces: Philips 900 Series

A cylindrical air purifier small enough to fit on top of a side table that actually cleans the air for £130.

The Philips PureProtect Mini 900 Series is a small, cylindrical air purifier that surprised me. It sits in the same category as the popular Levoit Core 300S and the Winix A231, but it outperformed both of them in our particle removal tests.

It cleaned our test room of PM1 pollutants in 39 minutes (at top speed), so we estimate a CADR of 250 m3/h. This makes it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 20 m2.

As with other cylindrical air purifiers, you need to tip it upside down to access the filter. The filter has a pre-filter mesh on the outside, a particle filter layer in the middle, and a carbon layer on the inside.

The 900 Series comes with a sensor that unlocks auto mode and also informs the air quality indicator light AND the PM2.5 particle counter in the middle of the touchscreen control panel.

You also get app support through the Philips Air+ App, so you can control your 900 remotely, set schedules, access historical air quality data, adjust the lights on the screen, and customize smart modes.

CONS

It is too small to be helpful in spaces larger than 20 m2, so don’t even think about buying one of them for a medium-sized room.

The filter comes with a small amount of pelleted activated carbon, so it won’t help with serious issues with odours or VOCs.

I wish there were an in-between fan speed with more power than speed 1 (155 m3/h) but less noisy than speed 2 (54.5 dBA).

PROS

It outperformed excellent models from Levoit, Winix, Xiaomi and Coway.

It comes in two colours: white and black. The white version is cheaper (£130) than the black (£149.99).

It’s highly energy efficient! It would add around £47 to your yearly energy bill if you left it running 24/7.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 250 m3/h – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 155 m3/h
Filter technology:	Outer pre-filter mesh, particle filter and pelleted activated carbon layer
Recommended room size:	20.5 m2 (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	36.4 x 24 x 23.8 cm
Weight:	2.5 kg
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 34.7 dBA Speed 1: 42.3 dBA Speed 2: 54.5 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.2 watts Speed 1: 6.9 watts Speed 2: 19.8 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	Netherlands
Country of manufacture:	China

GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2

The GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 is a small, rectangular unit that fits most desks and tabletops. A good small pick for those of you who don’t like the sound and/or look for cylindrical models.

GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 H7124 Controls

It comes with an onboard sensor, air quality indicator light and app connectivity through the Govee Home app. It’s also a Matter-certified device, so you will be able to connect it to your smart home system.

GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 H7124 Filters

It comes with a bonded particle and carbon filter, and completed our particle removal test in 40 minutes, so we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 m3/h – can provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 20.3 m2.

5. Best for quiet spaces: CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

An eco-friendly PC-fan powered air purifier with incredible performance-to-noise ratio and the lowest long-term running costs I’ve seen.

£299 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS (£34.72)

The Luggable XL Ultra is an eco-friendly air purifier, powered by seven PC fans and two MERV 13 filters, resulting in an estimated PM1 CADR of 535 m3/h with a sound level of 47.2 decibels! That means this air purifier can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 43.9 m2.

The DIY kit comes with nearly everything you’ll need to build it at home, including seven CoolerMaster Mobius 120P PC fans.

These PC fans are the secret behind the incredible quiet performance of the Luggable. For a traditional air purifier to match this level of quiet performance, you have to buy a much larger, much more expensive machine and run it on its lowest settings.

You’ll only need to buy two 20×25×1 MERV 13 filters. You could use any brand, but we recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900.

This combination of energy-efficient PC fans and 25×20 non-branded filters leads to incredibly low long-term running costs. Over a period of 12 months, you can expect to spend £34.72 on filter replacements and £40.15 on electricity costs.

CONS

The lightweight wood looks great, but the body is more delicate than plastic or metal you’ll find in other air purifiers.

It doesn’t come with carbon, so it won’t help with unwanted odours or VOCs.

It’s narrow but long, so it won’t fit in very tight spaces. A tip: you can stand it to save some floor space.

It doesn’t come with smart functions or app support.

PROS

It cleaned our test room of all PM1 in 19 minutes – this is faster than my pick for most people (Winix Zero S @ 24 minutes) and nearly as fast as my pick for large spaces (Coway 350 @ 17 minutes).

You can use any brand of 20×25×1 MERV 13 filters.

It’s lightweight and comes with a handle so you can move it from room to room with ease.

The body is made of lightweight wood, so it’s way more sustainable than traditional air purifiers made out of plastic.

If anything breaks, you can fix it yourself.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 535 m3/h – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 482 m3/h
Filter technology:	MERV 13 filter (20x25x1)
Recommended room size:	43.9 m2 (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	50.8 x 63.5 x 17.7 cm
Weight:	3.6 kg
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 44.1 dBA Speed 2: 47.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Speed 1: 12.06 dBA Speed 2: 16.43 dBA
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Nukit Tempest Pro

Unlike the lightweight wooden frame of the Luggable Ultra (above), the Nukit Tempest Pro features a steel body. As I said in my review, it takes one look at this thing to know that you’re buying it for life.

It uses six PC fans that come in the box with everything else you need to build the air purifier, except the filters. You can place it on the floor, or you can mount it on the wall – you get the wall mounts inside the box, too.

It uses the same 20×25 MERV 13 filters as the Luggable Ultra, and completed our particle removal test in 33 minutes while generating just 39.1 dBA of noise! We estimate a PM1 CADR of 319 m3/h and can provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 26.2 m2.

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

What to look for when buying an air purifier

My top tips on what you should consider before you buy your first air purifier.

The specific features you should look for when buying an air purifier depend on why you’re buying it and the room where you’d like to use it. But, regardless of the use case and your budget, there are some things that will ALWAYS be important to consider.

1. The size of the room and the CADR (clean air delivery rate) of the air purifier.

According to the EPA, for an air purifier to be truly effective, it should provide at least 4.8 air changes per hour (ACH) in a room. However, many air purifier brands overstate the cleaning performance of their units, advertising room size coverage based on just one air change per hour.

We made a handy CADR calculator so you can enter the size of your room to find out how much CADR (in cfm or m3/h) an air purifier needs to clean the air in that specific room size 4.8 times per hour:

NOTE: The room size recommendations in the SPECS tables beneath each of the air purifiers I recommended in this article are calculated based on five (5) air changes per hour.

2. The types of filters

The most common types of filters in an air purifier include three stages of air filtration:

PRE-FILTER	Pre-filters trap larger particles that would otherwise clog the main filter faster (like pet hair).	> TIP: The best units feature a removable pre-filter, making it easier to vacuum, rinse, and keep in top shape. This is a must for pet owners!
ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER	Activated carbon filters adsorb chemical gases and odours.	> TIP: If you need to deal with serious VOCs or unwanted odours, look out for pelleted or granular activated carbon, which has a wider surface to collect pollutants compared to impregnated carbon fabric.
PARTICLE FILTER	Particle filters remove microscopic particles from the airstream. They could have different grades, such as HEPA H13 or MERV 13.	> TIP: You don’t need to buy an air purifier with a HEPA filter to get good particle filtration. In fact, sometimes a denser filter like HEPA H13 won’t lead to better performance. It’s better to focus on CADR figures to decide whether a particular air purifier model will be good enough for your specific space.

3. Noise output

The fan that powers your air purifier can generate a lot of noise, and you are unlikely to want to use your unit regularly if this noise becomes too much. That is why it’s worth factoring in how noisy the model you want to buy will be, especially if you want to use it in your bedroom or home office.

Two things to consider:

Smaller units won’t make much of a difference to the air when running at the slowest fan speed, and they tend to be noisier than larger ones at top speed.

Some air purifiers suited for big spaces can be whisper-quiet at their lowest fan speeds, so it is worth going bigger to get a unit that runs quieter.

4. Long-term costs

In addition to the upfront cost of buying an air purifier, you should also consider associated maintenance costs, such as electricity use and filter replacements. Here are some tips to estimate long-term running costs:

Manufacturers usually provide electricity usage in watts (approximation to real-life), so you can use this Electricity Cost Calculator to find out how much the model you’re interested in could add to your electricity bill.

Filter replacement costs vary by brand and model, and so does the filter lifespan you can expect. Use the lowest estimate suggested by the manufacturer on their website as your base to calculate how much you can expect to pay per year:

( £ of the filter / 12 months ) x filter lifespan = yearly filter cost

The longer a unit has been on the market, the more likely that you’ll find good-quality generic filters that will be cheaper than branded ones.

5. Extra features

A comprehensive control panel with smart functions, app support, onboard air quality sensors or remote controls are handy perks that can make life easier. A no-lights mode for the bedroom, for example, is definitely something worth considering.

However, if asked, I would recommend not sacrificing CADR or performance for fancier tech-y bonuses. After all, the purpose of an air purifier is to clean the air.

How we test air purifiers

Saying we tested over 120 air purifiers in the last five years sounds great, doesn’t it? But what does testing mean for HouseFresh?

HouseFresh is fully data-driven, and our findings are openly published on the site.

Since 2020, I’ve been conducting particle removal, sound, energy and features tests in the same space to gather comparable data. Performing all these tests in the same location, under the same conditions, allows me to compare air purifiers like-for-like and draw consistent conclusions.

We don’t blindly repeat manufacturers’ specifications and marketing claims without further research or hands-on testing. In fact, we don’t have any special relationships and don’t accept any form of sponsorship from brands.

I buy every device with my own money to remain unbiased, and I’m confident that our tests reveal what manufacturers won’t tell you.

Common questions people have about air purifiers

Many mechanical air purifiers also feature a built-in ionizer that can boost the units’ CADR and efficiency by electrostatically charging particles in the air, making them easier to capture. This process has been proven to generate chemical byproducts, such as ozone, which can be detrimental to the health of those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Although ionizing technology is continuously evolving, at HouseFresh, we prefer to recommend air purifiers without ionizer functions or those where the ionizer can be disabled at the touch of a button, such as the PlasmaWave technology in Winix devices.

It depends. More often than not, expensive air purifiers get boosted because the associated commissions are higher than those for budget-friendly air purifiers. There are plenty of overpriced units out there with shockingly low cleaning performance that are best to avoid, such as the Molekule Air Mini+.

Smart features also build up in a unit’s price tag, so if you are into auto modes, air quality readings, or remote app control, you might consider chipping in an extra quid.

Usually, one powerful air purifier is more convenient than two or more smaller units. Although a larger, high-performing unit will have a larger footprint and take up more space, the long-term costs (filters, energy bills) and noise output would double or triple with more than one air purifier running constantly.

That being said, if you have a very large space (think 75+ m2.), then you might be better off placing multiple air purifiers around the room. In this thorough guide to ventilation and air purifiers, you will find an example of someone who chose multiple units to clean the air in her large loft.

Finding the right spot to place an air purifier is key. Height is only one variable, but ensuring the unit is far enough from the wall or furnishing to draw in enough air is as important. And so it is that the air purifier has the right CADR to effectively achieve enough ACH in the room.

Now, in terms of height, the ideal placement will depend on how you’ll use the air purifier. In bedrooms, for example, it is best to place the unit 2-3 ft off the ground to take advantage of the clean airflow near your face while you sleep. But if the unit will be in the kitchen, it’s best to place it near the source of pollutants.

The idea is to keep the air outlet close to the source of pollutants and to your breathing zone.

Short answer: yes, air purifiers definitely remove dust.

The woven fiber maze of particle filters captures larger, coarse particles (such as pollen, dead skin flakes, dust mites, mold spores, pet fur or dander) and tiny ones as small as 0.3 and sometimes 0.1 microns (fine dust, soot, smoke, viruses and bacteria).

As this particulate matter (usually called PM10 and PM2.5, referring to the particle sizes) is trapped by the filter, it’s permanently removed, unable to reenter your indoor air.

There are a few things to consider:

Placement: Finding the right spot for your unit is of super important. To ensure good airflow, avoid obstructions at both the inlet and outlet.
Maintenance: Replace the filters when needed and keep the unit clean, removing any particle or dust debris on the device. A not-so-demanding routine will help keep your air purifier in top shape for longer.
CADR: Make sure to choose a unit with the right CADR for the room where you’ll place it. If the CADR is too low, it will make little difference to your air. Try to stick to 340 m3/h as a minimum if you can afford it.

Wrapping up

My goal when launching HouseFresh was (and continues to be) to help consumers find the right air purifier to fit their needs and, most importantly, their budget.

I want our readers to find actual, helpful solutions. If you haven’t found a model that suits your space or meets your requirements, feel free to drop a comment below or send me an email to danny@housefresh.com, and I’ll reply personally as soon as I can.

February 17th, 2026

Published our first edition of this guide, shortlisting the best air purifiers in the UK. No edits to report yet 🙂

Coway Airmega ProX review

Mar 16, 2026Dec 3, 2025 by Danny Ashton

The highest CADR air purifiers I have tested were designed for commercial spaces.

But what if you wanted something that not only looks good in the home but also comes with all the features you expect from a residential air purifier? Enter the Coway Airmega ProX.

The ProX is the largest model in the Coway Airmega line of air purifiers. But does size equal better performance? We bought one to find out.

The overall score for the ProX incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for the ProX (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:

The pros and cons of the Coway Airmega ProX

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The ProX isn’t cheap, is heavy and takes up a lot of space… but I have to say I’m a big fan.

I like that Coway has dropped the use of an ionizer that we have seen in older models but still managed to provide outstanding air cleaning power with mechanical filtration alone. And they did this without the loud noise and high energy consumption that usually comes with high CADR.”

CONS

The replacement filters are expensive and will set you back around $200 each year.

The bonded filter design means you will need to replace a perfectly good HEPA filter if the carbon element runs out first.

The filter covers sometimes will pop off when you lift the ProX using the handles on each side.

It takes up a lot of space.

PROS

It has an incredible performance-to-noise ratio. It’s powerful and quiet in a way that surprised me.

It comes with a responsive and low-maintenance laser particle sensor.

It has very low energy consumption for a device with such high CADR.

Coway included thoughtful ‘smart’ features, like the light sensor for auto-sleep mode.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 462 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 299 cfm – AHAM dust CADR: 586 cfm
Filter technology:	Two washable pre-filters and two Max2 filters (Green True HEPA and activated carbon)
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 in (48 x 93 x 62 cm)
Weight:	51 lbs (23kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.4 dBA Speed 2: 44.4 dBA Speed 3: 53.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 11.76 watts Speed 2: 26.09 watts Speed 3: 58.88 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

You get Coway’s signature Green True HEPA and pelleted activated carbon, times two.

The ProX has two sets of Max2 filters, one at each side, and unlike the popular AP-1512hh, it doesn’t come with an ionizer function.

The filters themselves are bonded filters that combine two Green True HEPA filters with an activated carbon filter.

The filters are bonded, so you’ll need to replace them once the carbon is full, which might happen before the particle filter is at the end of its life.

According to this Redditor, the Max2 filters in the ProX container 0.88 lbs of pelleted activated carbon. Be aware that this won’t be enough to address serious odor and VOC issues.

Design, controls and app features

It has the same retro feel as other new Airmega models, with muted colors and hard lines.

The ProX is the largest air purifier we’ve tested from Coway, weighing 51 lbs (23.1 kg).

Considering how heavy it is, I was glad to see it has four wheels to move it around – great for hard floors, not so great for carpets.

If you want to lift it, you can use the handles at each side of the device.

The only problem is that if you pull the handles from the wrong angle, you will end up removing the filter cover… which is a little annoying.

It doesn’t include app support, but it has a laser sensor and customizable auto modes.

You also get an air quality indicator at the far right, in the form of an LED light that changes color based on your air quality.

The large body of the ProX houses two fans stacked on top of each other on either side of the device, which is something I had never seen before.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the ProX in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the ProX needed 13 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.

This makes the Airmega ProX powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 693 sq. ft.

As you can see from the chart, 13 minutes is the same amount of time it took for our DIY 30×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box to reach PM1 zero:

The only device to perform quicker than this was the even larger Smart Air Blast, which completed our particle removal test in a speedy 11 minutes.

We repeated our particle removal test three times across all available fan speeds, which allowed me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

BUT looking at the results of our air cleaning tests in isolation won’t tell us the full story…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the ProX range from 37.4 dBA to 53.6 dBA — considerably quieter than every single large air purifier we have benchmarked it against.

As I always say, if your air purifier is too loud, someone in the house will eventually turn it off.

That is why I used our BAFX sound meter to measure how much noise in decibels the Airmega ProX generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away:

I was surprised by how quiet the ProX is! Hitting 53 dBA at top speed is nothing considering its power.

When comparing particle removal speed to noise levels at top speed, it becomes clear that Coway has nailed performance at quiet operation:

I repeated the HouseFresh CADR test at each fan speed with excellent results.

At speed 2, it reached PM1 zero in 20 minutes while generating 44.4 dBA. And at speed 1, it took 28 minutes at just 37.4 dBA.

When we compare this to other high-CADR air purifiers, you can see that, in terms of quiet performance, the ProX is only outmatched by the much larger Blast from Smart Air. And it’s clear that even at speed 1, this device delivers excellent air cleaning performance without the noise.

Long-term running costs

Running a Coway Airmega ProX will cost you $264.64 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the ProX pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby.

At speed 3, the ProX pulls 58.88 watts. Running it at top speed 24/7 for one year will add $65.54 to your energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price of 0.1268/kWh at the time of our test.

After conducting our particle removal test, I knew the Airmega ProX offers impressive raw performance, but I didn’t expect it would deliver this high CADR with such low energy consumption.

So I went one step further and created a chart to compare its CADR, noise levels AND energy usage at quiet fan speeds to see how the ProX compares to other popular high-CADR air purifiers:

As the table above shows, the Coway Airmega ProX delivers incredible CADR at lower fan speeds without excessive energy use or noise, vastly outperforming most large air purifiers I benchmarked it against. The exception would be the Luggable XL-7, which is A LOT more energy efficient and noticeably quieter than the ProX — that said, it’s not nearly as powerful.

But let’s look at the other main factor affecting yearly running costs: filter replacements.

According to Coway, you can expect to change filters every 12 months, and you can buy a new filter set for $199, so you can expect to spend $199 each year on filter replacements alone.

We can add this to energy costs to work out the total yearly cost and compare it with the other devices I’m benchmarking the ProX against:

$199 for a set of filters is steep, and it pushes the total annual cost to over $260, which is more than the Alen 75i and Levoit EverestAir, and doesn’t come close to the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 with its standard 3M HVAC filters.

Bottom line: Should you get a Coway Airmega ProX?

The ProX is one of the best options for those looking for an air purifier to help with dust, pollen, pet allergens, or smoke in large spaces.

The ProX isn’t cheap, is heavy, and takes up a lot of space… but I have to say I’m a big fan.

I like that Coway has dropped the ionizer we saw in older models without dropping performance. Even without the ionizer, the ProX still provides outstanding air-cleaning power with mechanical filtration alone. And they did this without the loud noise and high energy consumption that usually comes with high CADR.

This air purifier doesn’t have an app. However, it still comes with a ton of features that most consumers will appreciate, such as a customizable auto mode, a particle sensor, an air quality indicator, a child lock, and the ability to adjust the sensor’s sensitivity.

Coway also innovated in how the ProX handles sleep time. Instead of a useless sleep mode, the ProX running in auto mode will automatically switch all lights off without you needing to do anything else. It won’t disturb your sleep, but it will ramp up the fan speed when detecting pollutants in the air.

And even if you were to leave your ProX running at speed 1 all day, it would still provide you a higher CADR than you would get from a medium-sized unit like the Levoit Core 400S running at full speed.

For those looking for an air purifier to help with dust, pollen, pet allergens or smoke in large spaces, the Coway Airmega ProX is one of the best options out there because it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to run, it will offer excellent performance at quiet operation AND it will look good in your home while it’s at it.

Sadly, it is only available in the U.S. right now but I’ll update the review if that changes.

Now, for those looking for the best bang for buck, know that PC fan models like the Luggable XL-7 and the AirFanta 3Pro will still provide a lot more value — and you will be able to get multiple of these devices for the price of the ProX.

And if you’re looking for a high CADR air purifier for a commercial space, an office, or a classroom, then check out the Smart Air Blast, which will offer more air cleaning power than the ProX with a full metal body and no smart features, so you can set it and forget it.

But for those who want a large unit that looks good AND has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a standard consumer air purifier, the Airmega ProX is a solid choice.

Did I miss any details? Do you have any questions I left unanswered? Just drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I see it.

Alen BreatheSmart 35i review

Feb 11, 2026Nov 30, 2025 by Danny Ashton

The Alen 35i is the smallest and most affordable model in Alen’s premium lineup of air purifiers.

But ‘affordable’ is relative at $269 – especially considering that the 35i is significantly more expensive than small units from Coway and Levoit that promise similar performance.

So, what are you actually paying for? Is it just a brand name, or does this machine have any special features that make it worth the extra cash? To find out, we bought one ourselves and put it through the same tests I’ve performed on nearly 120 air purifiers to date.

The overall score for the Alen BreatheSmart 35i incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for the 35i (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:

The pros and cons of the Alen 35i

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“If you can afford the $269 price tag, then the Alen 35i is one of the best small air purifiers I have reviewed.

In my experience, Alen makes air purifiers that you are buying for life. You’ll get excellent build quality, solid performance and a lifetime warranty if stick to OEM filters.”

CONS

It comes at a higher initial price than other small air purifiers on the market today.

For the same price, you can get a more powerful mid-sized air purifier from brands like Levoit and Coway.

Filter replacement costs are also higher than those of other brands, so you will spend more in the long run, too.

PROS

At top speed, it’s quieter than similarly sized models, without losing air cleaning power.

It comes with a high-end laser sensor, which makes the auto mode genuinely useful.

The Alen app works well and provides real-time PM2.5 data as well as tVOCs and CO2 levels.

Build quality is high, from the filter seal to the power supply — and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 162 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 101 cfm – AHAM dust CADR: 164 cfm
Filter technology:	Medical-grade H13 HEPA filter with optional pelleted activated carbon.
Recommended room size:	247.5 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20.6 x 13 x 7.6 inches (52.32 x 33.02 x 19.30 cm)
Weight:	11 lbs (5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 36.4 dBA Speed 2: 40.2 dBA Speed 3: 46.1 dBA Speed 4: 52.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.29 watts Speed 1: 7.05 watts Speed 2: 10.25 watts Speed 3: 15.92 watts Speed 4: 31.14 watts
Filter lifespan:	9-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	Lifetime (with filter subscription)
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

You can customize the choice of filter for your Alen 35i depending on whether you want to tackle particles or odors (or both).

You get to choose between three specialist filters — I went with the standard Pure filter, which is a HEPA H13 filter without carbon.

For removing particles and gases, you can go with the Fresh or Odor filters, both of which combine HEPA H13 with 0.5 lbs of activated carbon.

That said, be aware that a half-pound layer of carbon won’t be enough to tackle serious issues with chemicals like VOCs:

My favorite detail is the filter lock at the top that keeps the filter in place while creating a perfect, airtight seal.

This seal is also improved by the use of rubber around the filter, which stands out from the cheaper foam we see in other air purifiers.

By the way, if you want to remove mold spores or dust but don’t care about odors or gases, then the cheaper Pure filter will do the job you need it to do.

Design, controls and app features

A small air purifier with smart functions and an onboard laser particle sensor that is faster and more precise than the one you get in units from Coway and Levoit.

It looks like a shrunken-down version of its bigger siblings, the 45i and 75i:

Even though it’s the cheapest in the series, it still carries the same thoughtful design elements as the larger Alen devices.

It has a high-end laser particle sensor that you won’t need to clean, unlike optical sensors.

The sensor is fast and precise, triggering the LED ring at the top to go from blue (good) to purple (bad) in seconds.

The control panel is intuitive and gives you access to everything you need without the app.

You have clearly labeled buttons for the child lock, the lights, the multiple fan speeds, and the auto mode.

The 35i comes with app connectivity, which I know is not something everyone cares about but I was glad to see considering the price tag of this device.

Through the Alen Air App, you will be able to do all the useful things you’d expect. You can set timers, create custom schedules, and control your 35i from across the room via the virtual remote.

You can even get instant alerts on your phone the moment pollution spikes, and also see detailed graphs of the air quality levels in the room.

In fact, the 35i also has sensors for humidity, CO2, and tVOCs, so the app gives you a pretty good picture of air quality in your home.

Air cleaning performance

I tested the Alen 35i in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at speed 4, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 35i needed 36 minutes to reach PM1 zero.

That’s a good time – a few minutes faster than the Coway Airmega 150 and the Levoit Vital 100S, and a massive jump over the popular Shark NeverChange HP150.

That said, both the AirFanta 3Pro and the Nukit Tempest Euro outperformed the 35i, showing the power of PC fan powered air purifiers.

Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 162 cfm. This makes the 35i powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 247.5 sq. ft. when running at top speed.

I repeated the particle removal test with the Alen 35i running at each available fan speed, allowing me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

Sound levels

I measured how much sound the Alen 35i generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away – noise ranges from 36.4 dBA to 52.6 dBA at full speed.

The 35i hit 52.6 dBA at speed 4, making it noticeably quieter than the Coway Airmega 150.

Not only that, but it’s also a full 15 decibels quieter than the Oransi AirMend 150HB.

It generates 40.2 dBA at speed 2, and it took 58 minutes to reach PM1 zero in our test room.

This is a better performance than the other traditional small devices, but once again, it doesn’t come close to the small PC fan-powered air purifiers on the list.

Long-term running costs

Running an Alen 35i will cost you $107.30 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the 35i pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby:

At speed 4, the 35i pulls 31.14 watts and would add $35.30 to your annual electricity bill, assuming you run it 24/7 year-round.

Alen 35i energy consumption compared scaled

That puts it right in the middle of the pack, cheaper to run than the higher CADR models from Oransi, AirFanta, and the midsize Levoit, but a few dollars more expensive than small, less powerful models from Coway, Shark and Levoit.

Alen recommends replacing the Pure filter every 9-12 months. A Pure filter costs $54, bringing your annual filter cost to $72.

When you combine this to the $269 upfront cost, the total cost to buy and run the Alen 35i for its first year reaches $376.30.

To put that in perspective, the more powerful AirFanta 3Pro would cost you just $327 in the first year. The popular Coway Airmega 150? Only $272… And even the larger Vital 200S has a cheaper year-1 cost at $291.

Bottom line: Should you get an Alen BreatheSmart 35i?

Our data shows that the Alen 35i is the most expensive in its class, both to buy and to own – does that make it the best small air purifier money can buy?

Based on the messages we get every day, it’s clear that many consumers want a small air purifier, which explains the trend we’re seeing of manufacturers releasing smaller models recently.

The problem is that many of these cute, small air purifiers are advertised as “quiet as light rain” and “suitable for large spaces,” yet our data shows that most are too loud and underpowered.

Not only that, small air purifiers are generally as expensive to run as larger devices because filters usually cost just as much, but they need replacing more often.

BUT, I know that some people want a small device or need something to help clean the air in small spaces.

If that is you, then you’ll get the most bang for your buck with the AirFanta 3Pro and more power with the Nukit Tempest Euro. Both of these are small devices and use quiet, energy-efficient PC fans.

However, I’ve heard from enough people who don’t like the look of PC fan air purifiers, or who just want a traditional device with smart features and an air quality sensor. If that is you, then you might want to look at the Levoit Vital 100S (left) or the Coway Airmega 150 (right).

However, investing in the Alen 35i could be worth the additional $100 when you consider that:

It is quieter at top speed than every other air purifier we’ve benchmarked it against, except for the PC fan-powered 3Pro and the Tempest Euro.

It also managed to outperform every other traditional air purifier when running at speed 2, making it the best performer at sub-45 dBA.

It comes with a laser particle sensor, which makes the auto-mode more responsive, more accurate, and more useful than most.

So, if you can afford the $269 price tag or find it on deal, then the Alen 35i is one of the best small air purifiers I have reviewed, hands down.

Retailer	Lowest Ever	Highest Ever

It’s worth mentioning that, in my experience, Alen makes air purifiers you can buy for life. You’ll get excellent build quality, solid performance, and a lifetime warranty if you stick to OEM filters. My 10-year-old Alen A350 still works, and I can still buy filters from Alen even today!

And that’s it from me.

If you decide to get yourself a 35i, please use our affiliate link, as this will help me continue running this channel and buy and test more devices in the future. And if you have any questions, please drop them below in the comments section and I’ll reply as soon as I can.

The best Black Friday air purifier deals for 2025

Dec 17, 2025Nov 27, 2025 by Danny Ashton

In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28th, but I found that Amazon and other manufacturers are offering deals from November 20th onwards.

Whilst most “Black Friday” listicles are just lists of the most popular and profitable products, all the air purifiers on our list are those we have put through our in-depth testing process and regularly recommend at full price.

If you don’t want to read our full notes on each of the air purifiers we handpicked for this Black Friday deals article, you can browse the tables below, where we rounded up the juiciest discounts from Amazon and manufacturers.

The best Black Friday Week Deals

AIR PURIFIER	BLACK FRIDAY PRICE	DISCOUNT	OUR REVIEW
Winix 5510	$129.99	28% off	5510 review
Levoit Vital 200S	$149.99	21% off	Vital 200S review
Coway Airmega 350	$239	29% off	Coming soon!
Levoit EverestAir	$349.99	30% off	EverestAir review
Alen BreatheSmart 45i	$314.30	30% off	Alen 45i review
Coway 100	$75	42% off	Coway 100 review
Levoit Core 600S	$219.99	31% off	Core 600S review
AirFanta 3Pro	$144	10% off	AirFanta 3Pro review
Philips 3200	£189.99	27% off	3200 review

By the way, I will continue to update this page as more deals are announced.

1. Levoit Vital 200S (38% off)

Our top recommendation for most people since 2024 is on sale this week at just under $150.

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Most people want an air purifier that does everything well and doesn’t cost too much to buy or run, and after testing over 110 air purifiers, I’m comfortable saying that the Levoit Vital 200S is the one. With a top speed CADR of 260 cfm, it cleans the air five times per hour in rooms up to 390 sq. ft.

It comes with a bonded particle and carbon filter, so it can help remove allergens, dust, mold spores and odors from the air.

It also has a pre-filter that catches pet hair and lint, and is easy to remove and wash — much better than all-in-one cylindrical filters!

It delivers better, quieter air cleaning performance than air purifier models that are more expensive to buy and to run.

If you have been on the fence about the Vital 200S, this sale price should help make it a little easier.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Winix 5510 (28% off)

At just under $130, this is a GREAT price for this air purifier. For comparison, I paid $249.99 when it first came out.

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

The Winix 5510 is a smaller, smarter successor to the popular 5500-2. But smaller doesn’t mean less powerful: it has a top speed CADR of 249 cfm, so it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft.

Unlike the Levoit Vital 200S, the 5510 comes with separate filters. You get a removable pre-filter, a HEPA H13 filter, and a washable carbon filter that can help remove the smallest of particles and unwanted odors from the air.

It comes with an LED light at the front that changes color based on real-time readings from its air quality sensor. It also features app support via the Winix app, which lets you schedule routines and control the device remotely.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 125 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 40.8 dBA Speed 3: 51.6 dBA Speed 4: 67.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 3.51 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 4.59 watts (4.87 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 6.58 watts (6.89 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 15.68 watts (15.98 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.62 watts (53.94 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Coway Airmega 350 (33% off)

We paid $339 for our 350, but this Black Friday, you’ll be able to get your hands on it for $239.

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Released in February 2025, the Coway Airmega 350 brings midsize power in a cylindrical design, with the same retro-inspired aesthetic as the Airmega 250S and Airmega Pro X. Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed CADR of 352 cfm that is powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 528 sq. ft.

It comes with a large, all-in-one cylindrical filter with a layer of Green HEPA particle filtration and pelleted activated carbon to remove odors.

Be aware that cleaning the pre-filter is more cumbersome than with the removable rectangular pre-filter in the Vital 200S and 5510.

You get an onboard optical sensor with adjustable sensitivity and an LED ring at the top of the device that changes color depending on the quality of your air.

It doesn’t come with app support, but it is compatible with any smart plug.

I appreciate the handle at the back that makes it easy to move the air purifier around the house. You’d be surprised at how many manufacturers forget to add handles to cylindrical models!

I also like the overall look and retro vibes of the design.

For those who want a good-sized cylindrical air purifier with excellent top-speed performance in turbo mode, the Coway 350 is well worth a look, especially at this low price.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 352 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 100 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 378 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical Green HEPA filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a surrounding pre-filter mesh.
Recommended room size:	528 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12 x 12 x 23 in (30.5 x 30.5 x 59 cm)
Weight:	17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 49.4 dBA Speed 3: 55.4 dBA Turno mode: 61.8 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Sleep mode: 3.1 watts Speed 1: 4.89 watts Speed 2: 17.04 watts Speed 3: 32.65 watts Trubo mode: 57.95 dBA
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	China

4. Levoit EverestAir (30% off)

This top-of-the-line Levoit air purifier usually costs $499.99, but you can save $150 on Black Friday.

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

This year, Levoit has released A LOT of Black Friday Deals for its Core and Vital lines, but the biggest discount you will get will be on its most premium air purifier model: the Levoit EverestAir.

This is a powerful air purifier with a top speed CADR of 375 cfm, so it can provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 562 sq. ft.

It has a bonded filter that combines particle filtration with 400g of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted smells and gases.

The EverestAir also has an on-board air quality sensor that enables auto-mode, where the air purifier adjusts fan speeds automatically based on the quality of your air.

You also get air quality readings on screen and in the mobile app.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 205 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 365 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Removable pre-filter, particle filter and 400g of pelleted activated carbon.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm)
Weight:	20.7 lbs (9.39 kg)
Filter lifespan:	12-15 months
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 39.1 dB Speed 2: 43.2 dB Speed 3: 48.6 dB Turbo: 57.8 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.26 watts Speed 1: 9.85 watts Speed 2: 15.59 watts Speed 3: 26.6 watts Turbo: 69.8 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Alen BreatheSmart 45i (30% off)

During Black Friday Week 2025, you will find the Alan 45i for $314.30 on Alen.com — this will save you a little over $130!

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

The Alen 45i is a good option for those looking for an air purifier for medium-sized areas. Based on the results of our air cleaning test, we estimate a top speed CADR of 198 cfm, which means that the 45i can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft.

It is a mid-sized air purifier from Alen’s BreatheSmart line, so it’s not as large as the 75i, but it’s definitely bigger than the 35i.

It weighs 15lbs (6.8kg), but it comes with a generous handle at the back that makes it easy to move from room to room, as needed.

As with other Alen devices, it comes with a high-quality laser particle sensor from Plantower. This makes its air quality readings incredibly accurate.

This sensor doesn’t need regular cleaning, unlike the sensors inside units from Winix, Coway, and Levoit.

The controls are clearly labelled and you also get an LED ring that changes color depending on the quality of your air.

As with other Alen devices, the 45i comes with a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter that can be upgraded with various carbon filtration options.

Alen is also offering savings on the larger Alen 75i, starting at $559.30, which is nearly $240 off! The 75i provides even more power, making it better suited to larger spaces, and still comes with the many filter options you get with the 45i.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 198 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 123 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 207.9 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA H13 filter with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology
Recommended room size:	297 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	25H x 15W x 8.5D inches (63.5H x 38.1W x 21.6D cm)
Weight:	15 lbs (6.80 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 36.2 dB Speed 2: 42.2 dB Speed 3: 51.1 dB Speed 4: 56.1 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.8 watts Speed 1: 4.4 watts (5.1 w/ionizer) Speed 2: 9.3 watts (10.1 w/ionizer) Speed 3: 22.3 watts (22.8 w/ionizer) Speed 4: 38.5 watts (38.7 w/ionizer)
Filter lifespan:	9-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription)
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

6. Coway Airmega 100 (42% off)

At $75, this Coway is super cheap to buy and run, and is an excellent choice for smaller spaces.

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

The Airmega 100 is usually more expensive than other small air purifiers from different brands, but this Black Friday price makes a big difference. Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed CADR of

It comes with an onboard particle sensor that triggers automatic fan speed changes when air quality drops. There’s an indicator light at the top of the unit that changes color depending on air quality.

The light can also be turned off, or you can switch it to the nightlight, which is a faint shade of orange.

It has the lowest running costs of any other smaller air purifier we’ve tested, which is something we always see in air purifiers manufactured by Coway.

That is assuming the carbon-impregnated gas filter doesn’t run out before 12 months.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 148 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 40 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 124 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical True HEPA filter with a layer of carbon-impregnated fabric and a pre-filter mesh.
Recommended room size:	222 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	8.6 x 8.6 x 15.55 in (22 x 22 x 39.5 cm)
Weight:	6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.6 dBA Speed 1: 38.9 dBA Speed 2: 46.5 dBA Speed 3: 57.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.3 watts Sleep mode: 3.5 watts Speed 1: 5.6 watts Speed 2: 9.5 watts Speed 3: 23.2 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	China

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

7. Levoit Core 600S (31% off)

This Black Friday, you can get the largest model in the Core series at just $219.99 — $100 less than usual!

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

I first reviewed the Core 600S in 2002 and, after re-testing everything about it in 2025, I can confidently say it can hold its own against newer models — especially given its price! This Black Friday, the price drops to $219.99, one of the lowest we have seen for this large air purifier.

The 600S comes with an all-in-one filter with a particle layer and a pelleted activated carbon layer surrounded by a pre-filter mesh you’ll need to vacuum every few weeks.

The filter is bonded, so you will need to replace the whole thing once the carbon is full, which might happen sooner than the particle filter needs replacing.

It comes with an onboard sensor, app connectivity and an air quality display.

It is loud at top speed, reaching 62 decibels, but its air-cleaning performance is excellent. Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed CADR of 375 cfm, which will be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces as large as 562 sq. ft.

I calculated how much you can expect to pay in year 1 of owning a Core 600S, and it goes to show how good a deal you get, given its raw air-cleaning power.

The only air purifier with this level of power that is cheaper to buy and run for the first year is the incredible AirFanta 3 Pro. The Winix 9800 is slightly less powerful (333 cfm).

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 398 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 37.9 dBA Speed 1: 44.4 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dBA Speed 4: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.3 watts Sleep: 4.33 watts Speed 1: 7.46 watts Speed 2: 10.7 watts Speed 3: 20.29 watts Speed 4: 48.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

8. AirFanta 3Pro (10% off)

The most powerful air purifier you can fit inside a suitcase to bring with you when you travel is now available for $144 (HEPA only) and for $158 (HEPA and carbon).

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

Even without the Black Friday discount, the PC-powered 3Pro is one of the most affordable high-CADR air purifiers you can buy. This year, AirFanta is offering 10% off any order, including the HEPA-only version and the HEPA + carbon version.

With a design inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box, the AirFanta 3Pro offers air filtration on all four sides of the cube, powered by E11 filters (activated carbon optional), a base at the bottom, and four powerful PC fans on top.

It blew me away with its particle-removal speed in our smoke test — especially considering its price! Based on its results, we estimate a top speed CADR of 353 cfm, which is powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft.

If you want to remove unwanted odors and chemical gases from the air, as well as allergens, dust, and other particles, you can choose to go with the particle + gas filters (600g of pelleted activated carbon). If you don’t need to tackle gases, then you can choose to just get the E11 filters.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

9. Philips 3200 (27% off)

This Black Friday, you can buy our top recommendation for those in the UK for £189.99 — down from its list price of £259.99

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL

The 3200 is a mid-sized cylindrical air purifier from Philips with excellent performance at top and bottom fan speeds. Running on Turbo mode, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft.

The Philips 3200 comes with two cylindrical filters with three layers of filtration: a pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and a layer of activated carbon.

The filters should last up to 12 months, but may last less if you have serious issues with odors and VOCs.

It comes with an air quality sensor on the back, enabling auto-mode and PM2.5 readings, which are displayed at the top of the device.

The LED ring light at the top can be set to change color based on air quality, or you can switch to lamp mode for a warm white glow that looks great.

It has app connectivity via the Philips Air+ App. Through the app, you can set schedules for different modes, switch the light to lamp mode, and get alerts when it’s time to clean the pre-filter.

You can also enable the Allergy Sleep mode, which I highly recommend.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 169 cfm – Manufacturer reported: 306 cfm
Filter technology:	Two bonded HEPA NanoProtect particle filters with a layer of activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	11.2 x 11.2 x 20.4 inches (28.5 x 28.5 x 52 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 35.4 dBA Medium: 42.6 dB Turbo: 52.9 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.1 watts Sleep: 2.2 watts Medium: 12.6 watts Turbo: 31.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	Netherlands
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Common questions about Black Friday

Be mindful that many deals have limited quantities, so they can sell out quickly.

Most deals are not much better than the usual price drops you are likely to find throughout the year, but sometimes, Black Friday deals are worth it. That is why we only included air purifiers we consider to be selling at an especially low price, based on the prices we tracked over the last 12 months.

In 2025, Amazon will run Black Friday deals for a week, from the 20th of November to the 28th of November. There are also deals on Cyber Monday (1st December), but they are usually focused on consumer electronics.

Usually, better prices are available on Prime Day as it’s only open to Prime members, but there are still deals to be had on Black Friday, as this post proves, and you don’t need a Prime membership to access these deals.

It depends on the retailer, but Amazon often has a limited amount of stock, so when they are sold, the deal is removed. If a deal doesn’t sell out, it will usually end by the end of November.

The best Black Friday dehumidifer deals in 2025

Dec 17, 2025Nov 21, 2025 by Danny Ashton

Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the shopping season after Thanksgiving and in the lead-up to Christmas. It has grown to become a day when manufacturers and stores offer dehumidifiers at discounted prices, so it can be a good time to buy.

In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28th, but this year, Amazon will host Black Friday Week with deals available from November 20th to November 28th.

We will update this article throughout the week with the best deals we find on dehumidifiers that are actually worth your money. Something to keep in mind is that lots of crappy devices will go on the deal, too, so you want to avoid being duped by a big discount.

The models on this list are the same we recommend at full list price, so it’s even better if you can grab them at a lower price at this time of year.

Tip

Unlike Prime Day, you don’t need to be an Amazon Prime member to access Black Friday Deals.

1. For large spaces: Midea Cube 50-Pint (20% off)

This Black Friday, you can find our top-most recommended dehumidifier on sale for $239.97.

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I have been running the 50-pint Midea Cube in our basement for over two years without any issues and it currently ranks as our top recommendations for those looking for dehumidifiers.

You can connect it to the Midea Cube Air app to control it remotely. It also comes with an onboard sensor that measures humidity, with readings displayed on screen at the top.

It runs quieter than the traditional dehumidifiers we’ve tested, and the much larger-capacity bucket can get heavy when full, but you can set a full level you’re comfortable lifting.

We currently run this 24/7 in our YouTube studio and use the gravity hose to move water outside, eliminating the need to keep emptying the bucket.

Humidity reduction rate:	54% drop (from 95% to 41% in 30 minutes)
Water removal capacity (per day):	35 pints (19.89 liters)
Bucket capacity:	50 pints (6.25 gallons)
Electricity consumption (top speed):	378.83 watts
Energy factor:	2.19 liters/kWh
Noise level in from 3 ft. away (top speed):	54.2 dBA
Airflow (top speed):	185 cfm
Recommended room size:	600-800 sq. ft. (50-80% relative humidity)
Dimensions:	14.8 x 14.4 x 14.5 in (37.5D x 36.7W x 37H cm)
Weight:	45.2 lbs (20.5 kg)
Refrigerant type:	R-410A
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

This Black Friday, the Midea Cube 35-Pint is available at 16% off at $209.99.

Now, just to be transparent: I haven’t tested the 35-pint version of the Midea Cube.

However, after running the larger 50-pint version in our basement nonstop for over two years now without any issues, I feel comfortable recommending other sizes of this model.

2. For small spaces: hOmeLabs 25-Pint (15% off)

A 25-pint dehumidifier from hOmeLabs for those with small humid spaces on deal at $186.

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In this case as well, I tested the larger version of this model, which could remove 50-pints of water per day. This 25-pint device is designed for much smaller spaces.

It can remove 25 pints of moisture at 65°F and 38 pints at 80°F, so be sure to account for the temperature at which you plan to use it.

hOmeLabs states that it can remove up to 64 pints in warmer climates. In those cases, the in-built gravity hose will come in handy.

It comes with app connectivity for those who want to control their dehumidifier remotely from their phone.

Water it can remove in a day:	25 pints (11.8 litres)
Recommended room size:	3,000 sq. ft. (278.7 m2)
Water tank capacity:	3.5 gallons (16 liters)
Dimensions:	14.45 x 14.76 x 14.57 in (36.7 x 37.4 x 37 cm)
Weight:	41.01 lbs (18.6 kg)
Other features:	Gravity drain hose. Washable dust filter. Automatic defrost control.
Warranty:	1 year

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

If 24 pints is too little for your very humid space, you’ll be happy to hear that the new 50-pint model from HomeLabs is also on deal, now available at a super-low historical price of $212.49.

It can remove up to 120 pints at 95°F and 50 pints at 65°F, and it also offers high-efficiency water removal, based on third-party testing from EnergyStar.

We have tested it with good results. Based on our data, it isn’t as hardy and convenient as the 50-Pint Midea Cube, but it’s a solid device.

3. For crawlspaces: Moiswell 145-Pint (21% off)

The most powerful dehumidifier I have tested is available at $474 this Black Friday.

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The Moiswell 145-Pint is a high-capacity dehumidifier that can remove 70 pints of water per day, based on data from EnergyStar. Its narrow rectangular body makes it an excellent choice for crawlspaces and low-ceiling basements.

This dehumidifier comes with an in-built pump that allows you to move water up to 16.5ft vertically to reach a drain.

I’m not a huge fan of pumps because they are one of the first things to break, but they are handy while they work.

The control panel has four buttons: one for switching on/off, two for adjusting the humidity target, and a timer function.

I use a Philips Hue Smart Plug to set automated routines as I do with other appliances in the house.

It is heavy, weighing 70 lbs (‎31.75 kg), so I was glad to see Moiswell added handles at the top to make it easier to move it around.

It is still heavy, but the handlebars make picking it up and dragging it around A LOT less challenging.

Water it can remove in a day:	145 pints (
Recommended room size:	6,000 sq. ft. (557 mᶟ)
Water tank capacity:	No tank.
Dimensions:	19.2 x 12.2 x 13.3 in (48.7 x 30.9 x 33.7 cm)
Weight:	70 lbs (‎31.75 kg)
Noise level at top speed:	56.8 dBA
Other features:	Gravity drain hose, internal pump and external pump option.
Warranty:	2 years

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

4. Best for the UK: Ebac 3850e (20% off)

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This Black Friday, you can buy the dehumidifier I’ve been using 24/7 in our dining room with no issues for just £295.20. That is a great deal if you ask me.

I use the onboard smart mode to keep humidity down without continuously adding to my energy bill. The clothes drying mode is also great.

The best thing is the water bucket, which resembles a watering can. This makes it much easier to empty it when full.

This dehumidifier has been designed specially for the UK climate and is also made in the UK in their factory in Northumberland.

Humidity reduction rate:	42% drop (from 95% to 53% in 30 minutes)
Water removal capacity (per day):	36.95 pints (21 liters)
Bucket capacity:	5.28 pints (0.55 gallons)
Electricity consumption (top speed):	178.50 watts
Energy factor:	4.90 liters/kWh
Noise level in from 3 ft. away (top speed):	54.3 dBA
Airflow (top speed):	92.81 cfm
Recommended room size:	600-800 sq. ft. (60-80% relative humidity)
Dimensions:	19.9 x 12.87 x 10.74 in (50.6 x 32.7 x 27.3 cm)
Weight:	28.66 lbs (13 kg)
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	UK
Country of manufacture:	UK

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

Common questions about Black Friday

Be aware that many of the deals are for sub-par products that use the sale to push a dehumidifier that isn’t powerful enough for most use cases. Avoid these mini devices as they will disappoint. Be aware that most dehumidifiers are made at the same factory, as we discuss on our dehumidifier page.

Most deals are not much better than the usual price drops you will likely find throughout the year, but sometimes, Black Friday deals are only worth it if you would have already liked the model at its standard list price, and the sale price is just a cherry on top. Don’t just choose a model based on price alone.

In 2025, Amazon will run Black Friday deals for a week from November 20th to November 28th.

It depends on the retailer, but Amazon often has limited stock, so once it’s sold, the deal is removed. If a deal doesn’t sell out, it will usually end by the end of November.

The dos and don’ts of buying a dehumidifier

Before you go ahead and buy a dehumidifier, please take the time to read my tips below:

DO

Choose dehumidifiers that have been Energy Star certified. Before buying a model, look for it on the Energy Star website to ensure it has been third-party tested.

Be aware of strange brand names on Amazon that are offered at lower prices. Many dehumidifier sellers care more about making money than building a long-lasting brand. While it might be a little pricier to go with a trusted brand like Midea or Ebac, you will find that buying a unit from an unknown company offers less value in the long term – – especially when you can’t find anyone to contact if you need help with warranties and repairs.

Be wary of recommendations from big publications. In most cases, they do not even test the dehumidifiers before telling you to buy them.

DON’T

Stay away from small, Peltier dehumidifiers. Most people choose this type of dehumidifier because they are small and cost around $50-80, but after testing several Peltier-effect dehumidifiers, they were all too weak to reduce humidity in our tests.

Don’t use a dehumidifier in your bathroom. Bringing an electric device into your bathroom poses a risk that is not worth taking. If you are struggling with humidity in your bathroom, the first step is to improve ventilation by keeping the door and window open to let air in, or by installing exhaust fans if that’s possible.

Don’t buy a dehumidifier with a pump if you can help it. Models with internal pumps generally cost the most, and the pumps are one of the first things to break.

Philips 3200 Series air purifier review

Dec 17, 2025Nov 12, 2025 by Danny Ashton

Philips is a Dutch multinational company founded in 1891. In 2021, they sold the domestic appliance portion of the business to a private equity firm (Hillhouse Investments). This appliance arm of Philips is now led by Versuni, so that is the company behind their air purifier range.

The 3200 is a stylish mid-sized device that promises performance on par with the larger, now-discontinued Philips 3000i Series. But is this all too good to be true?

The overall score for the Philips PureProtect 3200 Series (AC3220/10) incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for the 3200 (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:

The pros and cons of the Philips 3200

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“After spending a few months with the Philips 3200 at home, I am convinced that it’s a significant upgrade to the now-discontinued 3000i.

You get the same level of air cleaning performance at a lower initial price with half the energy usage and cheaper long term costs.”

CONS

Filter names are confusing, so it’s hard to know which one to buy. For future reference: the filters are called FY3200/30.

It uses an optical sensor that needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure accurate particle readings and a responsive auto-mode.

It has two bonded filters, so you’ll have to replace the entire thing when the carbon runs out, even if the particle filter has life in it.

PROS

It offers excellent air cleaning performance at quiet fan speeds.

You can enable ‘Allergy Sleep’ mode in the app, which makes sleep mode actually useful.

It has low energy usage – nearly 50% reduction compared to the Philips 3000i Series

It has a very cool lamp mode that can be scheduled, as I do with my Philips Hue lights.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 169 cfm – Manufacturer reported: 306 cfm
Filter technology:	Two bonded HEPA NanoProtect particle filters with a layer of activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	11.2 x 11.2 x 20.4 inches (28.5 x 28.5 x 52 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 35.4 dBA Medium: 42.6 dB Turbo: 52.9 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.1 watts Sleep: 2.2 watts Medium: 12.6 watts Turbo: 31.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	Netherlands
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The Philips 3200 comes with two 3-in-1 cylindrical filters that capture particles and reduce mild odors.

Upon removing the front cover, you will find two small 3-in-1 filters: an outer pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and a carbon filter on the inside.

The filters are bonded, so you will need to replace the whole filter when the carbon runs out, which is usually earlier than the particle filter.

When I reached out to Philips, they told me that each cylindrical filter is packed with 50g of coconut carbon, which brings the total to 100 grams:

Philips stated that “coconut carbon is more effective than standard carbon, is renewable, and uses less energy to produce.”

Philips NanoProtect HEPA statement scaled

In terms of particle filtration, the 3200 uses the same HEPA NanoProtect filter used in other Philips air purifiers, which most people will assume is a certified HEPA filter.

However, Philips confirmed with us that it was not the case when I reached out for comment while working on my review of the Philips 3000i.

Marketing terms like ‘HEPA NanoProtect’ can be confusing to consumers, and mentions of how the filter “captures 99.97% at 0.003 microns” can be misleading because this level of particle removal can be achieved with a wide range of filter grades.

Design, controls and app features

A medium-sized cylindrical air purifier with smart functions, with a silver and black design that helps it stand out from the standard white we see from other brands.

The Philips 3200 (center) is a mid-size air purifier, similar in size to the Levoit Core 400S (right) and the Winix T810 (left).

Winix T810 Philips 3200 Levoit Core 400S

It weighs 6.2kg (13.6 lbs), so it’s not too heavy to move around – although I wish it had a handle somewhere so I wouldn’t have to carry it like a baby.

It comes with an optical sensor on the back, enabling auto-mode and PM2.5 readings, which are displayed at the top of the device.

How to clean the sensor in the Philips 3200

Optical sensors require regular cleaning to prevent dust buildup, which can affect their accuracy. Philips recommends cleaning it every two months with a dry cotton swab.

The LED ring at the top changes color based on the air quality in your room. Going from blue (good) to purple (fair) to red (poor).

If you prefer, you can also set the ring to be a lamp. When set to lamp mode, the top of the 3200 emits a nice, warm white glow.

Through the Philips Air+ App, you can set schedules for different modes, switch the light to lamp mode, and receive alerts when it’s time to clean the pre-filter.

You can also enable the Allergy Sleep mode, which supercharges the normal sleep mode by allowing the air purifier to reach a more powerful yet quiet fan speed when it detects PM2.5 in the air.

This is much better than the performance of the standard sleep mode, which is capped at the lowest fan speed, regardless of the level of particles in the air.

Unlike most cylindrical air purifiers, the 3200 has two filters and two fans. Whilst I have seen two fans used in larger devices, this is the first time I have seen this dual-fan approach in a mid-sized device like this.

Read on to find out whether this two-fans-two-filters gamble paid off for Philips – and whether doubling the number of fans led to double electricity consumption…

Air cleaning performance

I tested the Philips 3200 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at Turbo speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 3200 needed 24 minutes to reach PM1 zero.

I was surprised to see that the 3200 matched the performance of the larger and more expensive Philips 3000i Series, which goes to show that the choice of using two fans and two filters paid off:

That said, you could get more powerful air cleaning with the Xiaomi Elite or the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7, if you can afford the extra £40.

Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm. This makes it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft.

I repeated the particle removal test with the 3200 running at each available fan speed, allowing me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

Sound levels

I measured how much sound the 3200 generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away – noise ranges from 35.4 dBA to 52.9 dBA at full speed.

The 3200 hit 52.9 dBA at Turbo speed, so it’s much quieter than the older 3000i (59.2 dBA).

The 3200 is the second quietest mid-sized air purifier on our table, outmatched only by the PC fan-powered Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits (38.8 dBA).

It generates 42.6 dBA at Medium speed, and it took 35 minutes to reach PM1 zero in our test room.

Philips 3200 Quiet Performance vs Sound scaled

It’s fair to say that the Philips 3200 offers excellent performance at quiet fan speeds – even though it was once again outperformed by the incredible power of the Luggable XL-7 with its seven Cooler Master Sickleflow 120 fans.

Long-term running costs

Running a Philips 3200 Series will cost you £131.82 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the Philips 3200 pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby:

At Turbo speed, the 3200 Series pulls 31.1 watts, so if you were to leave it running 24/7 at this speed for one year, it would add £71.83 to your energy bill, based on the November 2025 average UK electricity price cap of £0.26 per kWh.

Here, the Philips 3200 also does well against other similarly priced mid-sized models, although it still uses more energy than the Blueair 3350i and the European version of the Levoit Core 400S.

Philips 3200 Electricity Consumption Compared scaled

According to Philips, you can expect to change filters every 12 months, and you can buy a new filter set that includes two filters for £59.99. We can add this to energy costs to work out the total yearly cost and compare it with other mid-size devices we have tested:

When accounting for both energy and filter replacements, the Philips 3200 is one of the more affordable mid-size air purifiers to run.

Bottom line: Should you get a Philips 3200 Series?

Our data shows that the 3200 Series is a significant upgrade to the now-discontinued 3000i Series – does that make it the best air purifier in the UK?

On paper, the 3200 certainly looked good, but it took me a while to pull the trigger and buy it because I was super disappointed to learn that Philips had discontinued the 3000i after just a few years on the market. But I reached out to Philips, and they said that the 3200 is here to stay. They also confirmed that they have no plans to discontinue the filter replacements for the 3000i, so that is some good news for UK owners of the 3000i 🙂

After spending a few months with the Philips 3200 at home, I am convinced that it’s a significant upgrade to the now-discontinued 3000i.

You get the same level of air cleaning performance at a lower initial price with half the energy usage and cheaper long term costs.

However, aside from finances, the best feature of the 3200 is how well it performs at quiet fan speeds below 45 dBA.

The use of two fans allows this device to outperform most mid-size models available in the UK and Europe.

It is clear as well that Philips has been upgrading its app by rolling out better smart features, and I’m a big fan of their Allergy Sleep mode, which dials up the CADR of the default Sleep mode.

And even though I thought the lamp function would be gimmicky at first, I was surprised by the quality of the light and I soon found myself scheduling the light through the app as I do with my Philips Hue lights.

However, if you don’t care about smart functions, apps and lights, then you should definitely check out the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits, which has recently been introduced to the UK and Europe.

Or if you’re looking for a traditional air purifier that offers better bang for your buck, then you should check out the Winix Zero S, which costs £179 and offers similar performance to the 3200 without the fancy app.

But for those of you who want it all (looks, smart features, app connectivity, quiet performance and a nightlight), then you can’t go wrong with the Philips 3200.

If you think the 3200 is the right air purifier for you, please use our affiliate link to buy one to help support the work we do here at HouseFresh at no extra cost to you. And if you have any questions about this or any other air purifier, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Levoit Core 600S review

Feb 27, 2026Nov 9, 2025 by Danny Ashton

If you’ve been shopping around for a new air purifier, you will no doubt have come across Levoit.

Having emerged on the scene in 2017, they’ve become one of the most popular manufacturers on the market, with an array of air purifiers to suit different needs and budgets.

Levoit’s Core line has sold millions of units thanks to impressive performance at affordable prices. The Core 600S is the largest and most powerful unit in the range, with a particle and gas filter capable of providing five air changes per hour in spaces up to 562 sq. ft.

I have been using my 600S at home since 2022. But after over a hundred air purifier tests, is it still a top contender all these years later?

The overall score for the Levoit Core 600S incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for the 600S (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:

The pros and cons of the Levoit Core 600S

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

“The Core 600S is the biggest air purifier in Levoit’s Core range, with an estimated PM1 CADR at top speed of 375 cfm that matches the newer, fancier Levoit EverestAir. The main difference? The Core 600S costs less than $300.

I have been using my 600S since 2022 without any issues. In 2025, I re-tested everything about it and found that it still is a good option for those who want an air purifier with smart features and excellent raw air cleaning power at a low initial price.”

CONS

It’s loud at top speed (62 dBA) and, at speed 1, it makes an annoying whirring sound that might bother you if you’re sensitive.

The filter isn’t HEPA as initially advertised when I bought it in 2022. This won’t affect performance for most pollutants, but it’s not good.

Its air cleaning performance at quiet fan speeds lags behind more modern large air purifiers like the Coway Airmega ProX.

It has a bonded filter, so you’ll have to replace the entire thing when the carbon runs out, even if the particle filter has life in it.

PROS

The raw air cleaning performance at top speed (375 cfm) is fantastic for the price (less than $300).

It comes with a laser sensor that reacts quickly to airborne particles and doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly.

Despite its size, it remains lightweight and easy to move around thanks to its deep handles at each side of the unit.

The app’s customisable auto-modes are a game changer, letting you tailor its performance to your exact needs.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 398 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 37.9 dBA Speed 1: 44.4 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dBA Speed 4: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.3 watts Sleep: 4.33 watts Speed 1: 7.46 watts Speed 2: 10.7 watts Speed 3: 20.29 watts Speed 4: 48.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The Core 600S comes with a 3-in-1 cylindrical filter that captures particles and helps reduce mild odors.

The large cylindrical filter has three layers: an outer pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and a layer of pelleted activated carbon on the inside.

Be aware that using a bonded filter means you will need to replace both the particle and carbon filters, even if only one needs replacing — usually the carbon, as it will likely fill sooner than the HEPA.

When it’s time to replace your filter, you can choose the standard filter or upgrade to the Pet Allergy, Smoke Remover, or Toxin Absorber.

The specialized filters all come packed with 360g of activated carbon instead of the 160g you get in the Standard filter.

When I bought my Core 600S in 2022, Levoit advertised it as a HEPA H13 filter. Today, you won’t have ‘H13’ mentioned anywhere. The change in marketing occurred in 2023, when Levoit discontinued HEPA claims for its products following a Better Business Bureau challenge brought by Dyson.

The bad news is that Levoit seems to have misrepresented the grade of their filters. The good news is that, HEPA or no HEPA, the particle filtration of the 600S is excellent.

Installing and replacing the filter on the Core 600S couldn’t be easier. Twist the body and slot in the filter with the tabs facing up. Check out our video below to see just how easy it is.

Design, controls and app features

A large cylindrical air purifier with smart functions that is lightweight and easy to move around the room.

It is the largest in the Levoit Core range, which includes the 200S, 300S, and 400S.

It weighs 13.7lbs (6.2 kg) but is easy to move around thanks to handles on each side.

It comes with Levoit’s Airsight Plus, which is a laser dust sensor on the side of the device.

It is quicker to react to PM2.5 particles than optical sensors, and doesn’t need to be cleaned every few weeks.

The LED ring on top changes color based on your air, from blue (very good) to red (bad).

Inside the ring, you get real-time PM2.5 particle readings in micrograms per cubic meter.

When I first tested the Core 600S back in 2022, the VeSync app worked well, but it was pretty simple compared to what it is now.

Levoit has clearly invested in its app in the last few years, and all improvements have been rolled out across old models. The most exciting change in my view is that I can now adjust the auto-mode settings on my old 600S 🙂

Standard auto-modes often cap the air purifier to a set speed threshold, which is usually below the top speed. This makes regular auto-modes less efficient, as they don’t reach top speed even when air pollution levels are high.

Now, Levoit allows you to customize your auto-mode, offering choices for Default, Quiet, Eco and Efficient. My preference is the efficient mode, as you can set the size of your room, and the air purifier will reach full speed to provide a full air change before returning to the default auto-mode.

I can also see the sensor and the Core 600S in my Home Assistant app, which is good news for those who want to integrate their air purifier with Home Assistant.

The warning covers 900 toxins and carcinogens that, if exposed to, can result in adverse health effects. The 1986 act now covers any goods sold in California, which has enforced labels on everything, from bread to Starbucks coffee.

Regarding the 600S, and air purifiers in general, the warning usually relates to the electrical components inside, with solder known to contain chromium and circuit boards often found to contain lead. These are trace amounts and won’t pose any danger through normal use. The Core 600S is FCC-compliant and CARB-certified, ensuring compliance with federal and California health and safety standards.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Core 600S in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 600S needed 16 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm.

This makes it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 562 sq. ft.

When we compare this against other similarly priced and similar performing air purifiers, you see what a good deal you get with a 600S:

The only cheaper model that matches the top speed performance of the Core 600S is the AirFanta 3Pro, with its four PC fans and four E11 filters that you can buy for less than $160.

We repeated our particle removal test three times across all available fan speeds, which allowed me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

BUT air cleaning performance alone won’t tell us the full story…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Core 600S range from 37.9 dBA to 62.3 dBA — considerably louder than popular large air purifiers like the Winix 9800 or the Levoit EverestAir.

Here’s the thing: if your air purifier is too loud, you will turn it off eventually. That is why we use a sound meter to measure how much noise in decibels the Core 600S generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away:

But I know that sound can be subjective, so please have a listen for yourself:

The Core 600S runs loud, hitting 62.3 dBA at top speed.

Every other air purifier I’ve benchmarked it against is quieter than this, with the loudest one of the pack being the Xiaomi Elite (61.5 dBA).

Levoit Core 600S Performance VS Sound scaled

The 600S generates 44.4 dBA at speed 1, so I repeated the particle removal test at this speed, and it took 38 minutes to reach PM1 zero.

We estimate a PM1 CADR of 156 cfm, based on the natural ventilation of our test room.

Levoit Core 600S Performance VS Sound 45dB scaled

When we compare this to other similarly priced devices, you can see that the 600S offers generally low performance at low fan speeds compared to other large units — with the exception of the Blueair 211+, which took much longer to clean the air.

Long-term running costs

Running a Levoit Core 600S will cost you $173.30 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the 600S pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby.

At top speed, the Core 600S pulls 48.1 watts, so if you were to leave it running 24/7, it will add $53.32 to your yearly energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price as of September 2025.

When comparing against other similarly powered and similarly priced devices, it becomes clear that the 600S is one of the most energy efficient high CADR traditional air purifiers.

But let’s look at the other main factor affecting yearly running costs: filter replacements.

According to Levoit, you need to change the filter in your Core 600S every 6-12 months. As always, I will take the lowest estimate for my calculations here. The original standard 600S filter is available for $59.99. That means that you can expect to spend $119.98 each year on filter replacements alone.

We can add this to energy costs to work out the total yearly cost and compare it with the other devices I’m benchmarking the 600S against:

The Levoit Core 600S sits right in the middle of the comparison here — it isn’t the most expensive, but it’s also not the cheapest to run in the long term.

Bottom line: Should you get a Levoit Core 600S?

After re-testing everything about this air purifier, I can confidently say it still holds its own against newer models — especially given its price.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

I calculated how much money you can expect to pay on year 1 of owning a Core 600S and it goes to show how good a deal you get, considering its raw air cleaning power.

And this is based on the list price of $319.99, which is usually higher than what you can find the 600S selling for online.

Now, it doesn’t come without its downsides:

It is loud at top speed hitting 62 decibels.

Its only sub-45 dBA fan speed is speed 1 and at that speed it is not as powerful at cleaning the air.

It comes with a bonded filter so you will need to replace it once the carbon is full, which might happen sooner than the particle filter needs replacing.

But if you’re not too bothered about noise and are looking for a powerful unit under $300 that comes with smart features and smartphone connectivity, then the Levoit Core 600S is a solid choice.

I have mine running in a corner of the basement, as I don’t care about noise down there, it is a hardy unit and I can set automations so it only comes on when it detects particles in the air.

The big standout benefit and a big win for existing owners has been the investment that Levoit has made to the app. You now can adjust the way the Auto mode works, which was one of my main bug bears around auto-modes in general.

The fact that you can create automations using just the sensor’s information to switch it on the 600S is a game-changer. Whilst I am sure there are plenty of home automation enthusiasts out there that can do this type of thing, the fact that this works out of the box and is as simple as a few clicks is impressive.

Now, if sound is important to you and you don’t care about smart features, then you should definitely look into the PC fan kits like the AirFanta 3Pro or the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

And if you’re looking for a more traditional air purifier that is quieter than the 600S and does have an auto mode, then the Winix 9800 might be a better option.

However, for those who value app connectivity and raw air cleaning power at a low initial price, then the Levoit Core 600S is well worth considering.

If you decide you like this model and want to support the channel, be sure to use the affiliate links I included throughout this article. We will get a small commission at no extra cost to you that will allow me to continue to buy, test and review air quality products in the future.

The best air purifiers for mold aren’t enough. Here’s why.

Dec 17, 2025Nov 3, 2025 by Danny Ashton

“What if I told you that a silent, invisible threat in your home is becoming more deadly every year?”

“Back in 1969, only 450 deaths in the U.S. were linked to mold and fungal infections. By 2021, the figure had skyrocketed to over 7,000 deaths, according to data from the CDC.”

Stories like these are terrifying. And this fear of a hidden danger in your home is exactly the kind of thing some air purifier manufacturers use to sell you overpriced machines with promises they can’t always keep.

In this article, we’re cutting through all that marketing hype as I’ll explain what you need to know about mold, air purifiers and humidity before you waste your money. Let’s start with a very important question.

Do you need an expensive HEPA filter to remove mold?

Before you start shopping for an air purifier, you need to understand what you’re trying to catch.

The airborne spores from molds such as Aspergillus measure 2 to 5 microns wide, so they can be easily removed from the air using many different types of particle filters.

While marketing materials attached to specific air purifier models suggest you need HEPA H13 or even H14, the reality is that a higher-grade filter can actually reduce the speed at which you can remove mold spores from the air because the filter itself is much denser and restricts airflow.

Your house is not an operating theater, so instead of trying to remove the most particles in a single pass with a medical-grade HEPA filter, focus on finding an air purifier powerful enough to provide multiple air changes in the room with the mold issue. To do this, focus on Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which is the volume of filtered air the air purifier can deliver.

So instead of obsessing over filter grades, I suggest you focus on whether the air purifier you are considering has a high enough CADR to provide 4-6 air changes per hour in your room. You can use our CADR calculator to figure out what CADR you need for your room.

Three more points:

Avoid those small, popular air purifiers with a CADR below 100 cfm. Unless you’re planning to use the air purifier in a tiny closet, small units simply won’t have the strength needed to clean the air quickly enough.
For most people, an air purifier with a CADR of at least 200 cfm will do. A 200 cfm air purifier can provide 4 air changes in spaces up to 375 sq. ft. or 6 air changes in rooms up to 250 sq. ft.
CADR can be maximized with a lower-grade filter, such as MERV 13 or E11. However, moving to lower filter grades, such as MERV 8, will lead to lower CADR because, even though airflow is higher, the filter efficiency is not high enough.

Alright, that’s enough theory. Let’s get into my recommendations…

Best for basements: Levoit Core 600S

Most people who reach out asking for a mold recommendation mention their basement. My top pick is this $300 air purifier from Levoit.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

If you’re looking for a unit for a damp basement with humidity levels above 60%, I recommend looking for a high-CADR model with a hardy case that can be wiped down regularly to remove moisture and minimize the risk of mold growth on the filter. My pick is the largest air purifier from Levoit: the Core 600S.

I bought my 600S back in 2022, and it’s still going strong.

In fact, I recently retested everything about it, and it cleaned our test room faster than more expensive models like the Xiaomi Elite or the Winix 9800.

Levoit Core 600S HouseFresh Performance scaled

The only issue is that it runs loud at top speed, hitting 62.3dBA, but this shouldn’t be an issue in most basements – unless you’re spending a lot of time down there.

Levoit Core 600S HouseFresh Performance VS Sound scaled

The device itself is made entirely out of plastic, so it’s easy to clean.

Be aware that, at 23.6 inches (60 cm) tall, it is the largest model in Levoit’s Core range of air purifiers—see how it compares to the Core 300S (left) and the Core 400S (middle).

When buying filters, you can choose from Standard, Pet Allergy, Smoke Remover, or Toxin Absorber. The main difference between them is the amount of carbon they have. For mold, stick with the Standard filter.

You can also connect the 600S to your phone via the VeSync app to control it remotely, set automations, and even customize the auto-mode.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 398 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 37.9 dBA Speed 1: 44.4 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dBA Speed 4: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.3 watts Sleep: 4.33 watts Speed 1: 7.46 watts Speed 2: 10.7 watts Speed 3: 20.29 watts Speed 4: 48.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

Best budget option: Corsi-Rosenthal Box

If you don’t care about smart features and want to save some money, you can just build your own large CADR air purifier.

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

My top budget pick for large spaces is the Corsi-Rosenthal Box, a DIY device you can build yourself using a box fan, four MERV 13 filters, and a cardboard base. The combination yields a high CADR at a very low cost.

We tested two versions of the Corsi-Rosenthal Box, and the design with larger 3M 30×20 MERV 13 filters reached the top of our leaderboard as one of the fastest air purifiers in our particle removal test.

Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimated a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm for our 20×30 CR box, which is incredible for something that costs less than $140.

To build it, we used a Lasko box fan and four 20X30 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filters.

Now, there are some issues with Corsi-Rosenthal boxes: they run loudly and can be power-hungry. Plus, they take up a lot of space — this is especially true for our 20×30 CR box.

However, the Corsi-Rosenthal Box is hard to beat for raw performance for the least amount of money upfront. And any savings you make can be put towards a long-term solution that I will discuss later in the article.

Tip: By the way, if you’re building a CR box for a very damp basement, I recommend adding some legs so the cardboard base doesn’t end up sitting on a wet floor.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 462 cfm
Filter technology:	3M Filtrete 20x30x1 MERV 13 MPR 1900 filters
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20 x 20 x 35 in (51D x 51W x 89H cm)
Weight:	11.26 lbs (5.1 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 51.5 dBA Speed 2: 58.3 dBA Speed 3: 62.4 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Speed 1: 72.57 watts Speed 2: 88.55 watts Speed 3: 103.28 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months

Best for bedrooms: PC fan air purifiers

$229 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

PC fan air purifiers revolutionized the air purifier market by providing high CADR at low noise levels. Unlike the loud box fans used in CR boxes, these devices use the same ultra-quiet, high-airflow fans found in gaming PCs, designed to move a lot of air without making much noise.

If you’re in the U.S. or the UK, you have the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

If you’re in Canada, there’s the team at Northbox Systems with their 6XL.

If you’re in Europe, you can go with the smaller Nukit Tempest Euro.

And if you live in Australia or around Asia, there’s the AirFanta 3Pro.

All the models I recommend above performed very well in our particle removal test, in many cases outperforming units double their size and double their price:

Another advantage of PC fan air purifiers is their low running costs, thanks to the combination of energy-efficient PC fans and affordable filters.

To build CleanAirKits and NorthBox PC fan kits, you can use any type of MERV 13 filter. The Nukit Tempest Euro uses Starkvind E11 filters you can buy at IKEA. And the 3Pro uses proprietary (and fairly priced) filters from AirFanta — you can choose between HEPA-only or HEPA and carbon.

Something to keep in mind: these are DIY kits you will need to build yourself, unless you want to pay extra for a pre-built version, which might not even be available where you live.

If you like the idea of a PC fan-powered device but are not comfortable building one, consider the AirFanta 3Pro, as the assembly process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any cable management.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

Best for most people: Levoit Vital 200S

If you are looking for a standard air purifier under $200 to help with mold in a medium-sized room, check out the Levoit Vital 200S.

The Vital 200S from Levoit offers good particle removal performance, has a PM1 CADR of 260 cfm that can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 375 sq. ft., doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to run, comes with an on-board sensor that unlocks smart features, and has app support. This combination makes it the best option for most people.

In our tests, the Vital 200S performed as well (or better) than air purifier models that are more expensive and have similar features:

This is a quiet little beast. At speed 2, the Vital 200S generates just 41 dBA of noise while offering a PM1 CADR of 128 cfm. This means it could clean the air in a room up to 192 sq. ft. five times per hour, without disturbing you.

In addition to the particle filtration you’ll need to remove mold spores from the air, the 200S also has a layer of carbon to tackle damp odors.

Levoit Vital 200S Activated Carbon Filter

You can connect the Vital 200S to your phone through Levoit’s VeSync app. From the app, you can operate the air purifier remotely, schedule routines, customize auto modes, keep track of filter life, and more.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

Two good-performing air purifiers that didn’t make the cut, but that could be a good choice for you.

The models above are my top picks BUT it’s also worth mentioning some other air purifiers with solid air cleaning performance that can help with mold, as I know that everyone has different needs and likes.

Winix 9800

A medium-sized device with a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter and a removable pre-filter. With a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm at 54.3 dBA, it offers excellent particle removal performance and app connectivity in a stylish design for $329.

It didn’t make the list because it was outperformed by the Core 600S (PM1 CADR of 375 cfm), which comes at a cheaper list price ($319.99).

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

AlorAir Clean Shield HEPA 550

If you’re looking for a powerful air purifier to help remove mold spores in a very damp basement or a damp construction area, then the Clean Shield HEPA 550 might be just the thing.

It has a PM1 CADR of 429 cfm so it can clean the air in spaces as large as 643 sq. ft. five times per hour. But it will do it while generating 74.5 dBA of noise, so it is not suitable for home rooms.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

A long-term solution to mold

Understanding why an air purifier alone won’t solve your mold issue.

Okay, you’ve picked the perfect air purifier with the right CADR for your room. It’s removing mold spores from your air 24/7. But if you stop here, you will be fighting this battle forever.

An air purifier removes the symptom, not the cause. To win the war against mold, you must control the one thing it needs to survive: water.

Mold spores are everywhere, all the time, just lying dormant. They only become a problem when the humidity in your home rises, giving them the water they need to wake up and grow. This is why the most important tool in your arsenal isn’t an air purifier; it’s a dehumidifier.

In fact, research has shown that using a dehumidifier in combination with an air purifier has significant effect on overall mold levels.

My number one tip is to avoid mini dehumidifiers and small Peltier devices that cost less than $100, as they are just not effective, so they end up being a waste of money. Instead, stick to refrigerant dehumidifiers and stay away from models with pumps, as they are a common cause of failure. If you want to read more, read my quick guide on how to choose a good dehumidifier.

In my experience, dehumidifier sensors are not always accurate and they generally just measure humidity levels only directly next to the unit. That is why I recommend getting a hygrometer (a relatively cheap humidity sensor) so you can place it in the moldiest corner, and then set the dehumidifier to high until you have been able to bring the humidity below 50%, as research shows that mold starts to grow at 68% relative humidity.

For those with damp basements, I highly recommend the Midea Cube dehumidifier. It comes with a gravity hose that empties the bucket without needing me to do anything.

In terms of hygrometers, I’m a big fan of the HT.w from SensorPush. This is the same sensor we use in our dehumidifier tests for tracking levels of humidity every minute.

If you have a limited budget, my tip is to build your own Corsi-Rosenthal box, so you can save some money to buy yourself a dehumidifier as well.

Tackling both the airborne spores AND the humidity is the only way you’ll solve the problem long-term.

I hope this article helped cut through some of the confusion around mold and air purifiers. If you have any questions or if you’ve had your own success story dealing with mold, please drop a comment below, as I’ll reply as soon as I can.

The hottest Prime Day Big Day deals for air purifiers

Dec 17, 2025Oct 7, 2025 by Danny Ashton

It feels like October has just started but today the Amazon Prime Day Big deal started and runs for 48 hours.

Amazon Prime Big Day Deals runs from October 7-8th offering many discounts and historical low prices for those with a Amazon Prime membership.

To be able to access Prime Day deals, you must be an Amazon Prime member. If you’re not one already, you can sign up today as they provide a 30-day trial where you can cancel at any time 😉

We woke up early to search Amazon Prime Day deals and learned that some of our favorite air purifiers (the ones we regularly recommend) are available at a discount if you buy them over the next two days.

Best Prime Big Day Air Purifier Deals 2025 United States:

AIR PURIFIER	HOUSEFRESH RATING	PRIME DAY DEAL PRICE	DISCOUNT	COUNTRY
Winix 5510	★★★★☆	$129.99	28% off	🇺🇸
Alen Flex with Odor	★★★★☆	$333.99	20% off	🇺🇸
Coway Airmega 100S	★★★☆☆	$60.31	38% off	🇺🇸
Levoit Core 600S Grey	★★★★☆	$249.00	22% off	🇺🇸
Coway Airmega 250S	★★★☆☆	$246.05	38% off	🇺🇸
Levoit EverestAir	★★★★☆	$349.99	30% off	🇺🇸
Levoit Core 400S	★★★★☆	$181.98	21% off	🇺🇸
Levoit Core 300S	★★★☆☆	$119.99	20% off	🇺🇸
ALORAIR Clean Shield HEPA 550	★★★★☆	$397.60	20% off	🇺🇸
Clean Air Kits Luggable XL-7	★★★★★	$229	5% off	🇺🇸

Best Prime Big Day Air Purifier Deals 2025 United Kingdom:

AIR PURIFIER	PRIME DAY DEAL PRICE	DISCOUNT	COUNTRY
Winix 5300	£109.00	27% off	UK
Coway Airmega 100S	£79.99	38% off	UK
Levoit Core 600S	£239.99	22% off	UK
Levoit Core 300S	£119.99	20% off	UK
Philips 3200	£199.99	23% off	UK
Clean Air Kits Luggable XL-7	£251.00	5% off	UK

1. Best value Prime Big Day Deal: Winix 5510 ($129.99 — 28% off)

If you were thinking of buying the air purifier that replaced the new discontinued 5500-2, then now is the time to do it.

UNLOCK amazon PRIME DEAL

Based on historical pricing data, $129.99 is the lowest price for the new Winix 5510 making this Prime Big Day deal a steal for this replacement for the super popular (and now discontinued) Winix 5500-2.

The 5510 comes with an onboard air quality sensor, which unlocks auto mode and an LED air quality indicator light. You also get app support and the option to disable the PlasmaWave ionizer.

Particle removal speed is excellent but the downside is that this model is louder at top speed than most other mid-sized air purifiers with similar performance.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 125 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 40.8 dBA Speed 3: 51.6 dBA Speed 4: 67.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 3.51 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 4.59 watts (4.87 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 6.58 watts (6.89 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 15.68 watts (15.98 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.62 watts (53.94 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

➜ Read our full review

2. Best budget Prime Day deal: Coway Airmega 100S ($60.31 — 25% off)

Our top-rated Coway models is available on Amazon at a historically low price.

UNLOCK amazon PRIME DEAL

At this price, the Coway Airmega 100S offers significantly more value than many other small air purifiers on the market.

The Coway 100S was able to match the speed of the Winix A230, and during this Prime Day big deal, it’s even cheaper!

Winix A231 Coway 100 Xiaomi 4 Compact scaled

The Coway 100S is a similar size to many other smaller air purifiers on the market. Be aware it’s doesn’t come with app support but I do really how the light at the top adjusts depending on the level of air quality.

➜ Watch our full review

3. Best for large spaces: Levoit Core 600S ($249.00 — 22% off)

This high-performing of the Levoit Core series is now available in grey and also comes at a historically low price

UNLOCK amazon PRIME DEAL

While normally found for over $300, the Levoit Core 600S is now less than $250 and gives you the option of grey or white chassis and you also get access to the onboard laser sensor via the Vesync app which has had significant upgrades over the years.

At top speed, Core 600S managed to clean our test room in 16 minutes, which is excellent performance considering its affordable cost.

The standard filter has 160 grams of carbon but can be upgraded to 360 grams with the Pet Allergy, Smoke Remover, or Toxin Absorber.

I am glad to report that all the improvements you see today in Levoit’s app have been rolled out across even the older devices, including our three-year-old Core 600S.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 398 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 37.9 dBA Speed 1: 44.4 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dBA Speed 4: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.3 watts Sleep: 4.33 watts Speed 1: 7.46 watts Speed 2: 10.7 watts Speed 3: 20.29 watts Speed 4: 48.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

➜ Read our full review

4. Best for design: Coway Airmega 250S ($246.05 — 38% off)

I loved the design of the Coway Airmega 250S especially the super easy to use removable pre-filter

UNLOCK amazon PRIME DEAL

Normally found closer to $400, you can now get the sleek modern design of both the 250S (app) and 250 (non app) version for under $250.

The bonded filter includes pelleted carbon and a True HEPA filter.

Much quieter than older Coway models at top speed and still powerful enough for medium sized rooms.

Whilst I would love to see more than 3 speeds, the control panel is super simple and has auto mode thanks to it’s on board optical particle sensor.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 91 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 261.2 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a washable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.5 x 19.7 x 8.3 in (47 x 50 x 21 cm)
Weight:	20.5 lb (9.3 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	– Sleep mode: 35.7 dBA – Speed 1: 36.5 dBA – Speed 2: 50.2 dBA – Speed 3: 59.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	– Standby mode: 1.76 watts – Sleep mode: 4.53 watts – Speed 1: 6.52 watts – Speed 2: 22.01 watts – Speed 3: 57.71 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

➜ Read our full review

5. Best for construction sites: ALORAIR Clean Shield HEPA 550 ($397.60 — 20% off)

This air purifier was made specifically for construction sites and you can get it for just under $400.

UNLOCK amazon PRIME DEAL

You will usually find this hardy air purifier selling for around $500 so at $397.60, it is a good deal for those looking for a solution to a dusty construction site.

It offers multiple layers of filtration, including a MERV 10 filter (traditionally found in commercial units), a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter.

It comes with anti-slip feet and a rotomolded polyethylene (LLDPE) body that is hard and durable. The design is stackable so you can use multiple units together.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 429 cfm – Manufacturer provided CADR: 410 cfm
Filter technology:	MERV 10 + H13 True HEPA + activated carbon
Recommended room size:	643 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20.87 x 24.8 x 14.96 in (53D x 63W x 38H cm)
Weight:	39.6 lbs (17.96 kg)
Noise level in decibels:	Speed 1: 73.7 dB Speed 2: 74.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.12 watts Speed 1: 213 watts Speed 2: 224 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	10 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

6. The best unofficial deal: CleanAirKits (5% off)

You can get 5% off for any air purifiers from CleanAirKits with the code UKPRIME until Saturday

$229 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

If you have been waiting for a price drop to get a PC fan-powered air purifier from Clean Air Kits, then you will be happy with the 5% discount they are offering until October 11th. Just enter the code UKPRIME at check out to unlock your 5% discount. This is also good news for those in Europe and the UK as Clean Air Kits are now able to deliver here and their discount code works for both the US and Europe.

The Luggable XL-7 is an incredible air purifier with seven Cooler Master Sickleflow 120 PC fans and two 20×25 MERV 13 filters.

Running at top speed, it outperformed much more expensive traditional HEPA air purifiers at whisper quiet operation (38.8 dBA), making it the quietest air purifier we tested. With a CADR of 260 cfm, it offers 5 air changes per hour in rooms up to 390 sq. ft.

➜ Read our full review of the Luggable XL-7

The Triple Exhalaron is a small device from CleanAirKits with three PC fans on top and three cylindrical HEPA H11 filters at the bottom.

It offers 128 cfm at top speed, which makes it suitable for rooms up to 192 sq. ft. for five air changes per hour. And it’s portable with a battery pack.

➜ Watch our full review of the Triple Exhalaron

7. The best budget unofficial deal: AirFanta 3Pro (10% off)

Over the next 2 days, you can buy this outstanding PC fan-powered air purifier for just $144.

Now, this is not technically an Amazon Prime Day deal, but AirFanta has just announced that for the next two days, you can buy all their products with a 10% discount.

The 3Pro’s smart CR box-inspired design combines a plastic base with four low-resistance HEPA H11 filters at each side and an array with four powerful PC fans on top.

This little box costs less than $150 and it still managed to clear all PM1 particles from the air in our 728-cubic-feet test room in 14 minutes. This means that the 3Pro outperformed air purifiers that cost way more.

The cherry on top? The AirFanta 3Pro is the only air purifier with a CADR north of 350 you can fit inside a suitcase or backpack to bring with you wherever you go.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	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 :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

➜ Read our full review

Frequently asked questions about Amazon Prime Day deals

Amazon first launched Prime Day in the summer of 2015, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the company. Since day one, Prime Day has encouraged other retailers to use the time to release their own deals, so it is a good time to find good prices for big purchases. Worth the wait if you’re planning to buy something expensive!

Many products are sold during Prime Day, from air purifiers to other household devices. That’s why we recommend using this time to make big purchases that you had planned to do already. Many Amazon products, like the Kindle, are found at historically low prices too.

The short answer: yes.

BUT if you are not a member and you have found a great deal, then you don’t need to miss it: Just grab the 30-day free trial so you can buy all the deals, and then go to the subscriptions page to cancel the Prime membership afterwards if you know you won’t need the benefits of Amazon Prime outside of Prime Day.

It started on 7th October and will run until 8th October 2025, but some other retailers will run sales throughout the week.

I love Amazon, but many items are not great, so try to avoid blind searches and look at those specific brands and products you already know about to check if the price has changed.

There is no point in saving a load of money on one of the air purifier deals above just to spend another $200 on stuff you don’t need or a product that doesn’t live up to expectations.

Also, be aware that deals run out, so try to purchase before this happens.

Xiaomi 4 Compact review

Mar 16, 2026Sep 16, 2025 by Danny Ashton

The 4 Compact is the smallest air purifier we have tested from Xiaomi. It is currently available in the U.S., Europe, Asia and some countries in South America, selling for under $100.

It comes with app support through Xiaomi’s Mi app and has an in-built infrared laser particle sensor that feeds live data to the air purifier to enable a smart mode that automatically adjusts fan speeds based on the quality of your air. In terms of filtration technologies, the Compact 4 comes with a small 3-in-1 cylindrical filter including a pre-filter mesh cover for large particles, a low-grade particle filter for small particles and a layer of activated carbon for odors.

The overall score for the Xiaomi 4 Compact incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for the 4 Compact (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:

The pros and cons of the Xiaomi 4 Compact

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“If $99 is the top of your budget, then the 4 Compact is definitely a good option for you.

At this price, the 4 Compact will give you okay performance at top speed but above average performance at sub-45 decibels, which I’d argue is more important in the day to day.

It also has some of the lowest running costs when compared to other popular small devices, so you won’t be spending an arm and a leg to use this air purifier each year.”

CONS

Top speed performance is not as good as what you get with other popular small air purifiers like the Levoit Vital 100S or the Coway Airmega 100.

Minimal buttons on the control panel mean you will need to use the app to actually set manual fan speeds.

The filter doesn’t come with enough carbon to make a significant difference against odors and gases.

PROS

It offers very good performance at sub-45 dBA fan speeds, outmatching the Winix A231 and the larger Coway Airmega 200M.

It has low running costs thanks to affordable OEM filter replacements and low electricity consumption.

The design is small and lightweight, so you can easily place it on top of sidetables and window sills.

The Mi app is one of my favorite ones: it’s easy to use and unlocks a wide range of fan speed options.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 117 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – Manufacturer provided CADR: 135 cfm
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mesh cover.
Recommended room size:	175 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	8.6 x 14 inches (21.8 x 35.5 cm)
Weight:	4.85 lb (2.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.6 dBA Speed 1: 35.3 dBA Speed 2: 35.6 dBA Speed 3: 42.2 dBA Speed 4: 44.5 dBA Speed 5: 46.4 dBA Top speed: 56.1 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.4 watts Sleep mode: 2.2 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 3.6 watts Speed 3: 8.1 watts Speed 4: 9.5 watts Speed 5: 11.3 watts Top speed: 26 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The 4 Compact comes with a 3-in-1 cylindrical filter that can capture particles and help with mild odors.

The filter has three layers to it. First, you get an outer pre-filter mesh cover that wraps around the particle filter which has a layer of activated carbon on the inside.

However, it is worth mentioning that this is a small filter so it doesn’t come with enough activated carbon to help with serious issues with VOCs or strong smells.

On their website, Xiaomi explains that the filters in the 4 Compact have a lower grade of density than traditional HEPA-grade filters, which they say will lead to higher performance at a lower noise level.

Xiaomi also states that in their testing, the filters could remove 99.9% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. It sounds impressive but is something that many particle filters can achieve, including MERV 13 filters.

Design, controls and features

A small cylindrical air purifier that doesn’t take up too much floor space, similar to what you get with the Airmega 100, Core 300S, Winix A231 and PuroAir 240.

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The 4 Compact (right) is a small cylindrical air purifier, similar in size with what you get with the Winix A231 (left) and the Coway Airmega 100 (center).

It is lightweight, doesn’t take up too much floor space and can easily fit on top of a desk or side table without looking too bulky.

It comes with an infrared laser particle sensor, which is nice to have BUT is a cheaper sensor compared to what you get with the Xiaomi 4 Pro or the Xiaomi Elite, both of which have a laser sensor that also measures temperature and humidity.

Also, you need to remember to clean the sensor with a dry cotton swab to wipe the dust that will stick to it every few months to ensure the air quality readings are accurate.

Like other Xiaomi air purifiers we have reviewed, the control panel consists of a touchscreen with three buttons that sits at the top of the device.

From left to right, you get a button to dim or turn off the lights, a power button and a mode button to switch between auto, manual and sleep mode.

By the way, you will need to access the app in order to set manual fan speeds. Once you set what the manual speed is, the 4 Compact will automatically switch to it after you choose Manual with the mode button.

The mode button also doubles as a child lock if you press and hold the for seven seconds.

You also get a bunch of indicators on the screen, such as a child lock indicator, a Wi-Fi indicator and a filter life indicator.

There is also an LED air quality indicator bar at the top that changes color from red to yellow to green, based on the levels of pollutants in the air.

Through Xiaomi’s Mi Home app, you will be able to set the most optimal fan speed based on the size of your space and save your settings the Manual mode the device will go into when selecting M on the touchscreen.

You will also have the option to schedule routines, check the current filter lifespan and set automations with other Xiaomi devices.

Something disappointing is that, unlike the Xiaomi Pro 4 or the Elite, you don’t get an exact reading for PM2.5 levels in the air. Instead, the app shows a combined indoor air quality score.

Personally, I haven’t had any issues with the Mi app but I read some negative reviews on the App Store from people who had issues with their electric scooters and their vacuum cleaners.

It seems most issues are happening on iOS as the current rating for the app is 3.7 from Apple users compared to 4.5 from Android users.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the 4 Compact in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

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When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows the 4 Compact needed 50 minutes to reach PM1 zero – and we estimate a PM1 CADR of 117 cfm which would be good enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 175 sq. ft.

When it comes to air cleaning performance at full power, the Compact 4 was outperformed by small models from Levoit, Coway and Winix.

But it’s not just about raw particle removal performance when running at top speed…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the 4 Compact range from 35.3 dBA to 56.1 dBA — quieter than popular small units like the Winix A231 and the Coway Airmega 100.

Xiaomi 4 Compact Sound Electricity Tests scaled

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The reality is that if your air purifier is too loud, you are likely to end up turning it off eventually.

That is why we use a sound meter to measure how much noise in decibels the 4 Compact generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away:

Be aware that our background noise is 35 dBA, so the 4 Compact running on sleep mode and at speed 1 and 2 might be quieter if you could test sound levels in a silent room.

By the way, unlike standard air purifiers, there are no specific speed settings in the Compact 4. Instead, you get 14 options for room sizes inside the app that range from 2-4 cubic meters to 16–27 cubic meters. For this test, I selected six different rooms sizes.

Reaching 56.1 dBA at top speed, this Xiaomi device generates as much noise as you can expect from other small air purifiers we have tested, although it is on the higher side compared to the Levoit Vital 100S.

Now we have the sound levels at different fan speeds, we can find the speed that is below the 45 dBA limit we set for our quiet performance tests so we can re-test air cleaning performance.

Running at speed 4, the 4 Compact generates 44.5 dBA and was able to reach PM1 zero in 76 minutes, which we estimate to be a PM1 CADR of 77 cfm.

When accounting for sound, the Xiaomi 4 Compact ranks among the top three best performers on our table, right after the older Core 300S and the Vital 100S from Levoit.

However, part of this is down to the lack of fan speed options with the Winix and Coway models, so their sub-45 dBA fan speed is much quieter than what you get with the small Xiaomi.

But let’s start adding up long-term costs to see how much money you would need to spend each year to run an 4 Compact in your home.

Long-term running costs

Running an 4 Compact will cost you $93.52 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

We used our energy meter to record how much energy the 4 Compact uses when running at each fan speed and also while on standby.

Xiaomi 4 Compact Electricity Consumption scaled

At top speed, the 4 Compact pulls just 26 watts. This means that if you were to leave it running at top speed 24/7 for one year, it would add $28.88 to your annual energy bill, assuming an average U.S. electricity prices.

However, it’s not just energy costs that add to the running cost of an air purifier, you will also need to replace the filters eventually.

The OEM filter for the 4 Compact costs £24.99 (or $32.43) and Xiaomi says you need to replace it every 6-12 months.

As always, we will take the lowest estimate of six months to calculate filter replacement costs in the worst case scenario. So, according to this estimate, you will need to buy two filters per year for your 4 Compact and this will cost you £49.98 (or $64.64).

When we combine this with the electricity cost, you can expect to spend $93.52 each year to run this device all day, every day at top speed.

At $93.52 per year, the running costs for the Xiaomi 4 Compact are on the low side of the scale for the small air purifiers we have benchmarked against it.

Like we saw when testing the 4 Pro and the Elite, Xiaomi air purifiers generally have low running costs thanks to low-cost OEM filters and energy-efficient fan motors.

Bottom line: Should you get a Xiaomi 4 Compact?

If £70 (or $99) is the top of your budget, then I’d say yes.

At this price, the 4 Compact will give you okay performance at top speed but above average performance at sub-45 decibels, which I’d argue is more important in the day to day.

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It also has some of the fairest annual running costs when compared to other popular small devices, so you won’t be spending an arm and a leg to use this air purifier each year.

So out of the many small air purifiers on the market, the Xiaomi 4 Compact stands out as being good value both at the point of purchase and in the long run.

And this is a key point when it comes to small and cheap units as the low upfront cost will trick you into buying them, but then you’re stuck with a device that will cost you twice as much to run as the months go by.

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That being said, if you can, try to go bigger and choose a mid-size air purifier like the Winix T810, the Levoit Vital 200S or the AirFanta 3Pro that will give you more power and will make a more meaningful difference to your air much faster than the 4 Compact ever will.

But if you need a small air purifier that won’t cost you three times the price just to run it each year and you find that Xiaomi sells devices in your country, then the 4 Compact is a very good option.

By the way, if you decide to buy a 4 Compact, please use this link to support the work we do at HouseFresh, as we will get a small affiliate commission over the price of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

The best wall-mounted air purifiers we tested

Dec 17, 2025Sep 9, 2025 by Danny Ashton

Air purifiers are scientifically proven to make our homes healthier. They use highly engineered filters to capture harmful microscopic particles from your rooms and replace them with clean, pollutant-free air.

But an air purifier can take up much-needed room if you’re limited on floor space. Luckily, there are air purifiers on the market that have been designed to be mounted onto your wall.

In this article, I will share my top picks based on our own tests. We bought every air purifier on this list with our own money to remain unbiased and to experience the customer journey the same way you would.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

Ok, let’s get into our full list of the best wall-mounted air purifiers on the market today.

1. Best overall: RabbitAir A3 SPA-1000N

A powerful air purifier that can be mounted to the wall straight out of the box.

PRICE on amazon

The A3 is a high-end air purifier from RabbitAir that offers excellent air cleaning performance, with an estimated PM1 CADR of 249 cfm when running at top speed, where it generates 57.9 dBA of noise. This makes the A3 powerful enough to provide five (5) air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

Unlike other devices that can be mounted but share zero instructions on how to do it, Rabbit Air made sure you get everything you need to wall-mount your A3 from day one. Inside the box you will find a wall-mount bracket and a clear step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Tip

The MinusA3 can be mounted right side up or upside down. If you are planning on mounting the device higher than 6 ft., you should consider doing it upside down so you can access the control panel, which otherwise will sit at the top of the device and could be hard to reach.

CONS

Selling at $749.99, the A3 has a much higher initial price compared to models from Winix, Levoit and Coway BUT neither of those brands offers devices that could be wall-mounted.

The LED light is cool but it doesn’t connect to the air quality sensor, so it can be confusing if you’re used to the usual color-coded LED lights you get with other units.

It comes with 280 grams of carbon, which is good but isn’t much considering its high price.

PROS

It is a great looking design and you get the option to have beautiful works of art in the cover, if that is something you’d like.

It can be mounted to the wall straight out of the box, and it comes with clear instructions on how to it and everything you need to mount it.

Running at fan speed 3, it provided a good amount of air cleaning at a sub-45 dBA level of sound.

It comes with an app that allows you to schedule routines and also gives you access to all the other functions that you get on the main control panel.

Usage without the ionizer didn’t have a significant effect on performance, so you can confidently turn the ionizer off and you’ll get solid ozone-free air cleaning.

Now, if you decide to having the A3 on the floor, know that this thing is HEAVY. I haven’t mounted it on the wall at home because I’m constantly running tests and need to move my air purifiers up and down the basement, so I really feel the heavy weight and the lack of deep handles.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 262 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	BioGS® HEPA filter and a separate pelleted activated carbon filter with 280 grams of carbon
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	19.7H x 18.9W x 8.4D inches (50H x 48W x 21D cm)
Weight:	20.3 lbs (9.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.7 dBA Speed 2: 36.2 dBA Speed 3: 42.1 dBA Speed 4: 49.1 dBA Speed 5: 57.9 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.39 watts Speed 1: 6.6 watts (7.08 watts w/ionizer) Speed 2: 7.31 watts (7.86 watts w/ionizer) Speed 3: 12.39 watts (12.84 watts w/ionizer) Speed 4: 21.55 watts (22.21 watts w/ionizer) Speed 5: 57.18 watts (59.45 watts w/ionizer)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	5 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best under $300: Smart Air SA600

A high-performing air purifier from a trusted brand that can be mounted on the wall and offers excellent air cleaning power.

U.S. PRICE on SMART AIR UK PRICE on SMART AIR

The SA600 from Smart Air is a no-nonsense air purifier that will give you an estimated PM1 CADR of 249 cfm when running at top speed, while generating just 56.7 dBA of noise. This is powerful enough to provide 5 air changes per hour in spaces up to 373 sq. ft. just like the RabbitAir A3 above BUT it does so without charging an arm and a leg for it.

While not sold as a wall-mounted design, it includes spaces on its chassis for mounting brackets on any wall or surface. We wish more air purifier brands would offer this choice as wall-mounted can be especially useful in classrooms or any room many people use.

CONS

No auto-mode or smart features.

You need additional brackets to wall mount it and there are no instructions in the box on how to do it.

PROS

Great performance at cleaning our test room both at full speed and at quiet fan speeds, especially considering it’s price.

Only 52dB at its highest fan speed, which is much less than the average, especially for larger devices.

It comes with two H13 HEPA filters and two gas filters with pelleted activated carbon + two removable pre-filters for easy cleaning.

Lights automatically switch off every time.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 287 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	H13 TrueHEPA filter with a removable pre-filter and pelleted activated charcoal filter (set of two)
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20 x 13.8 x 9 inches (51 x 35 x 23 cm)
Weight:	15.5 lbs (7 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.2 dBA Speed 3: 41.5 dBA Speed 4: 46.1 dBA Speed 5: 56.7 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 4.3 watts Speed 3: 7.1 watts Speed 4: 12.9 watts Speed 5: 53.8 watts
Filter lifespan:	18 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best money can buy: IQAir Atem X

If money is not an issue, then the Atem X from IQAir is the best air purifier you can mount on your wall.

CHECK PRICE NEAR YOU

The Atem X sits at the top of the IQAir line of air purifiers, with a unique design that is guaranteed to get the attention of anyone who comes into contact with it. But this is not just a pretty device: with a dust CADR of 435 cfm certified by AHAM, the Atem X is officially the highest CADR device we have ever tested.

The only downside of this air purifier is its high price ($1,399.99) and the fact that it doesn’t come with activated carbon as standard. And if you want to mount it, you will need to buy a separate wall mount kit. However, if money is not an option, then this is the best air purifier you can mount on your wall.

CONS

Rolls Royce-tier design doesn’t come cheap at 1 cent under $1400.

OEM filters are not cheap and there are no generic filters available that could help lower the yearly costs.

It runs louder at top speed than other highly-powered HEPA retail air purifiers.

It doesn’t come with a carbon filter for dealing with gases and odors, so you only get particle filtration.

PROS

The design looks incredible and even though it is a big device, it has a footprint smaller than two sheets of A4 paper.

Performance at top speed is one minute faster than the beast that is the Smart Air Blast Mini MKII and nearly 10 minutes faster than the highly popular Winix 5500-2.

At quiet fan speeds, it offers similar performance to the PC fan powered air purifiers from AirFanta and CleanAirKits, which isn’t normal for a traditional HEPA device.

The app has a good UX, useful functions and you even get a web dashboard with a ton of air quality data to explore.

It comes with IQAir’s 10-year warranty, which certainly inspires confidence.

In our particle removal test, the Atem X outperformed every other HEPA retail air purifier we have tested to date. The only device that cleared our test room of PM1 particles faster was our 30×20 DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Box, but you can’t mount that on the wall, unfortunately.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 429 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 435 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HyperHEPA filtration.
Recommended room size:	643 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	27.08H x 25.19W x 10D inches (68.8H x 64W x 25.4D cm)
Weight:	28.66 lbs (13 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.6 dBA Speed 2: 36.9 dBA Speed 3: 40.7 dBA Speed 4: 44.5 dBA Speed 5: 49.5 dBA Speed 6: 53.6 dBA Speed 7: 58.4 dBA Speed 8: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1 watt Speed 1: 5.3 watts Speed 2: 7.5 watts Speed 3: 10.5 watts Speed 4: 15.5 watts Speed 5: 24.2 watts Speed 6: 35.9 watts Speed 7: 57.2 watts Speed 8: 85.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	10 years
Country of origin:	Switzerland
Country of manufacture:	Germany

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Other wall-mounted air purifiers we have tested

Rabbit Air MinusA2

The MinusA2 is the first air purifier we reviewed from Rabbit Air. It is as sleek as the A3 but with a top speed dust CADR of 193 cfm, it is not as powerful as the A3 (262 cfm for dust) when it comes to air cleaning performance.

It can be a good option for those who need to clean spaces no larger than 289 sq. ft., based on the MinusA2 providing at least 5 air changes per hour.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG

An affordable air purifier from IKEA that can be mounted on the wall and will cost you just $79.99 for the HEPA only version. If you have a limited budget, then this could be a good option. However, you will need to spend an additional $23 if you want to get the gas filter to tackle odors.

In terms of air cleaning, the FÖRNUFTIG is not the most powerful device with a PM1 CADR of 80 cfm, which will only be good enough for small spaces up to 120 sq. ft.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

What to look for when buying an air purifier to mount on your wall

First, let’s address the question many of you are probably asking yourselves: Can all air purifiers be wall mounted?

The simple answer is no.

For air purifiers to be able to be wall-mounted, they need the right holes to attach brackets that then attach to your wall. We would strongly advise against making your own incisions as this could compromise the effectiveness of your air purifier.

The most important features you need to consider BEFORE choosing a wall-mounted air purifier are:

**1. Is it really wall mountable?**

Remember you should never attach a unit to your wall if this unit doesn’t already come with the right holes in the right places and with brackets for you to use when pinning it to the wall.

Each unit featured in this list can be both wall-mounted or floor-standing, and instructions on how to mount are easily accessible, like this instructional video for the Rabbit Air A3.

2. What is the size of the room?

Measuring your room and purchasing an air purifier suited to that space is essential. For example, there’s no point using the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG in a 500 sq. ft. room as it won’t clean the air effectively.

That is why we tried to be inclusive in our shortlist by recommending products suitable for different-sized rooms.

You can use our handy calculator to find out what CADR score you should be looking for in order to guarantee that the air purifier you buy is powerful enough for the room:

3. Is the unit built with high-quality materials? And does it come with a warranty?

When mounting an air purifier on the wall, you want to be sure that it will not crash to the floor or, even worse, fall on somebody’s head. Look for units build with reinforced materials or those that come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers accidental damage.

Every air purifier we included in this list has been built to high standards and has a warranty.

4. What filtration technology do you need?

The filters are arguably the most important part of any air purifier. However, your filter requirements will depend on whether you want to remove particles and/or gases from the air.

If you don’t have an issue with odors or VOCs, then an air purifier with a particle filter alone will do the trick. The HyperHEPA filter in the Atem X, for example, will do an excellent job at removing dust, pollen and smoke particles.

Now, if you are looking for an air purifier to help remove unwanted smells or chemical gases from the air, then you need to look for units with activated carbon – ideally, pelleted. Both the RabbitAir A3 and the Smart Air SA600 offer this, in addition to particle filtration.

What you need to know when mounting an air purifier on the wall

Placing your air purifier in the right place can make a big difference to the air quality in your home.

An air purifier works best when it isn’t pressed up against a surface; that’s why it’s recommended that you keep your unit at least six inches away from the wall. In the case of wall-mounted purifiers, they are (usually) designed so that the air intake is far enough away from your wall to maximize efficiency.

Make sure you read the installation instructions properly and follow them so that your air purifier doesn’t work harder than it should due to how it’s been mounted.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to positioning your unit:

Do

DO place your air purifier close to the source of pollution

DO check the inlets and outlet are not blocked or confined

DO keep it away from traffic (don’t place it where it could get knocked or damaged)

DO try to keep it away from doors and windows

Don’t

DON’T position your unit in the corner of the room

DON’T install your unit so high you can’t reach it

Lastly, here’s a common question we’ve received from a few readers:

We strongly advise against installing your air purifier next to your TV.

Air purifiers can create an electrical disturbance known as Radio Frequency Interference (or RFIs), which can affect the picture on your television. If this happens, you may notice the picture jumping or looking wavy.

I hope you found my guide helpful. If you have any questions I didn’t cover or want to know more about any of the mountable air purifiers I recommended above, please drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

IQAir Atem X review

Dec 17, 2025Sep 2, 2025 by Danny Ashton

IQAir is one of the longest standing air purifier manufacturers and are known for their above-average prices, innovative Swiss engineering and the uncommon offer of a 10-year warranty.

The Atem X is part of their latest generation of air purifiers, with integrated air quality sensors, smart features and app connectivity. This is undoubtedly a high-end device that promises style AND performance.

Selling at $1,400, this is officially the most expensive unit we’ve ever bought, so as you can imagine, my expectations are very very high. I tested our Atem X in the same space we’ve tested more than 100 other models, and in my review, I will break down its design features, air cleaning performance, energy consumption, user experience and more.

The overall score of the IQAir Atem X incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

The pros and cons of the IQAir Atem X

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“If you can afford the $1,4000 and value high-end design, then you should definitely consider the Atem X over other premium models like the Dyson Big+Quiet, the Jaspr and the Molekule Air Pro due to how powerful its air cleaning performance is.

A big downside, however, is that there are currently no gas filters for the Atem X in the U.S., so you will need to buy an additional device to deal with VOC issues.”

CONS

The Rolls Royce-tier design doesn’t come cheap at one cent under $1400.

It doesn’t come with a carbon filter for dealing with gases and odors, so you only get particle filtration.

It runs louder at top speed (62.3 dBA) than other highly-powered traditional air purifiers.

Official IQAir filters are not cheap, selling for $199.99.

PROS

The design looks incredible and even though it is a big device, it has a footprint smaller than two sheets of A4 paper.

Performance at top speed is one full minute faster than the beast that is the Smart Air Blast Mini MKII and nearly 10 minutes faster than the highly recommended Winix 5500-2.

When running at fan speeds that generate less than 45 dBA of sound, it offers similar performance to PC fan-powered air purifiers from AirFanta, CleanAirKits, NorthBox Systems and Nukit – this is not normal for a traditional air purifier.

Transparent specs: IQAir made available factory-tested airflow reports and detailed HEPA filter grades at each fan speed.

It comes with IQAir’s 10-year warranty, which certainly inspires confidence.

The app has a good UX, useful functions and you even get a web dashboard with a ton of data – which is something we have never seen before in an air purifier.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 429 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 435 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HyperHEPA filtration.
Recommended room size:	643 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	27.08H x 25.19W x 10D inches (68.8H x 64W x 25.4D cm)
Weight:	28.66 lbs (13 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.6 dBA Speed 2: 36.9 dBA Speed 3: 40.7 dBA Speed 4: 44.5 dBA Speed 5: 49.5 dBA Speed 6: 53.6 dBA Speed 7: 58.4 dBA Speed 8: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1 watt Speed 1: 5.3 watts Speed 2: 7.5 watts Speed 3: 10.5 watts Speed 4: 15.5 watts Speed 5: 24.2 watts Speed 6: 35.9 watts Speed 7: 57.2 watts Speed 8: 85.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	10 years
Country of origin:	Switzerland
Country of manufacture:	Germany

Filtration technology

The Atem X comes with IQAir’s signature HyperHEPA filter, which is highly efficient at capturing particles but it has no activated carbon to remove VOCs from the air.

The Atem X comes with three HEPA filters that surround the device.

To access the filters, you need to remove the front round cover and unclip the ‘Impaktors,’ which are blades that trap larger particles and catch them in the washable pre-filter that sits underneath.

However, it’s disappointing that this $1,400 device doesn’t come with a gas filter or any form of carbon filtration as standard. That said, in some regions like the UK and Thailand, you can get a set of HyperHEPA CF Filters if you need to tackle Formaldehyde. Hopefully, this option will be made available in the U.S. soon.

The HEPA grade will be dependant on the fan speed and ranges from H13 to E11, as you can see the full technical specifications made available by IQAir

Design, controls and features

Most high CADR air purifiers are big, utilitarian-looking devices that put form over function but IQAir broke the mold with the Atem X.

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When it comes to the design, the Atem X looks very different from any other air purifier on the market right now.

The only models that come close are other IQAir air purifiers in the Atem Series, such as the Atem Car.

Even though the Atem X has a small footprint, it’s still pretty heavy (28.7 lbs or 13.5 kg). The good news is that it comes with a strap at the back and a stand with wheels that you can clip to the base.

One thing I didn’t expect was how cool the Atem X looks once you remove the white front cover. Without it, you can see a red and black fan that sits behind a transparent plastic cover.

This means you can see the fan doing its thing, and I must say it is quite hypnotising! It was fun to show my kids.

The control panel is situated at the back and, unlike most other air purifiers, it doesn’t have any screens – instead, you get a few different lights.

From left to right, you get a filter warning light, the power button, an auto mode button, a fan speed slider that is surrounded by a color-coded air quality indicator, a light dimming button, a wi-fi button and an ethernet connection indicator.

The Atem X also comes with full app support using the IQAir AirVisual App, which unlock many features that are not available on the control panel.

The app has 4.7 out of 5 rating for Android and a 4.8 on Apple, but the vast majority of the reviews are not a fair representation of the UX and functionalities in the Atem X, as most people use the app to check the air quality in their area.

Once you add the Atem X to the app, you will get to enable child lock for the controls on the device, schedule routines, adjust the brightness of the lights, see indoor and outdoor air quality data, and also customize the auto mode (which IQAir calls ‘Smart mode’) by limiting the maximum fan speed to 5, 7 or 8 depending on the level of sound you want.

Overall, the IQAir AirVisual App app worked well and I had no issues, and I especially liked how quickly the indoor air quality data showed up on the screen.

You also get access to a web dashboard, which will be particularly useful for those who use multiple IQAir devices in one place – like in a school setting or an office. But be aware that you will need to get a paid subscription if you want to create groups of many devices, add multiple members, create widgets and other features that could be useful to those managing multiple air purifiers.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Atem X in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense stick.

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When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows the Atem X needed 14 minutes to reach PM1 zero – and we estimate a PM1 CADR of 429 cfm which would be good enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 643 sq. ft.

The Atem X provides excellent particle removal speed, outperforming some of the most powerful air purifiers we’ve tested in the the Smart Air Blast Mini and the Levoit EverestAir.

So I’m pleased to say that spending $1,399.99 on the Atem X won’t be a total waste of money as this device is officially one of the best performing air purifiers we have tested.

But it’s not just about raw power when running at top speed…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Atem X range from 35.6 dBA to 62.3 dBA — quieter than popular models like the Winix 5510 but louder at top speed than most air purifiers we’ve tested.

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If an air purifier is too loud, you will turn it off eventually. That is why we always measure how much sound air purifiers generate from 3 ft. away.

These are the results for the Atem X:

Be aware that our background noise is 35 dBA, so the Atem X running at speed 1 and 2 is likely to be quieter if you could measure it in a silent room.

Reaching 62.3 dBA at top speed, the Atem X is quieter than the DIY 30×20 CR box (which uses a standard box fan) and the AlorAir HEPA 550 air scrubber (which is generally used in construction zones), but it is louder than the Blast Mini, the Core 600S, the EverestAir and the AirFanta 3Pro – all of which offer similar air cleaning performance.

However, one of the benefits of larger CADR devices with multiple fan speeds is that you can run them at lower fan speeds and still clean the air effectively.

Running at speed 4, the Atem X generates 44.5 dBA and it managed to clear our test room from all PM1 pollutants in 26 minutes, which we estimate to be a PM1 CADR of 229 cfm, when accounting for the natural ventilation in our test room.

So when it comes to sub-45 dBA air cleaning performance, the Smart Air Blast Mini and the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits were still able to clean the air quicker at quiet fan speeds, but the Atem X was able to outperform the AirFanta 3Pro and the EverestAir and Core 600s from Levoit.

But let’s start adding up long-term costs to see how much money you would need to spend each year to run an Atem X in your home.

Long-term running costs

Running an Atem X will cost you $295.52 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

We used our energy meter to record how much energy the Atem X uses when running at each fan speed and also while on standby.

At top speed, the Atem X pulls 85.5 watts. This means that if you were to leave it running at top speed 24/7 for one year, it would add $95.53 to your annual energy bill, assuming an average U.S. electricity prices as of September 2025.

However, it’s not just energy costs that add to the running cost of an air purifier, you will also need to replace the filters eventually.

On their website, IQAir states that you need to replace the filters for the Atem X every 12 months. The genuine filter set includes the three HyperHEPA filters costs $199.99, so you will spend that much each year.

When we combine this with the electricity cost, you can expect to spend $295.52 each year to run this device all day, every day at top speed. Now, this is unlikely but it is the best way for us to calculate ongoing costs in a fair, comparable way.

As you can see from the chart, even though the Atem X is highly energy efficient, the expensive filter replacement costs drive the yearly running costs up.

To be clear, though, these calculations are using the 12-month estimate from IQAir, as we always use manufacturer’s filter lifespan information. But considering that the Atem X only uses a particle filter, I would expect that you would get a longer filter lifespan. For those in the UK, Allergy Cosmos estimates that the filters could last three years and this would mean a filter cost per year of $66.66.

Bottom line: Should you get an IQAir Atem X?

I can’t make a case for it being the best bang for your buck, so I won’t.

If particle removal performance is your top priority regardless of noise levels and long-term running costs, then you should consider building your own Corsi-Rosenthal box using 20×30 MPR 1900 MERV 13 filters from Filtrete and a Lasko box fan.

However, if money is not an issue, then the Atem X is definitely worth considering. A big downside, however, is that there are currently no gas filters for the Atem X in the U.S., so you will need to buy an additional device to deal with VOC issues.

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Like a Rolls Royce, the Atem X is expensive to buy and expensive to run, but it looks incredible inside and out, and wouldn’t look out of place in a 5-star hotel. Plus, it can be wall-mounted for an even cleaner look with the optional bracket.

It has an incredibly sensitive onboard sensor and auto-mode that can be adjusted to exactly what you want. The app is clean and works well, and you even get a web dashboard to access your data and control the device remotely.

And running at lower fan speeds, it can even compete with the very large Smart Air Blast Mini or the new generation of PC fan-powered air purifiers from AirFanta and CleanAirKits.

But there is no way around the fact that it costs $1,399.

However, if you are okay with spending this amount of money and value design and features, it’s hard not to recommend this over the other premium models on the market like the Dyson Big+Quiet, the Jaspr and the Molekule Air Pro. With the Atem X, you will not only get the looks and the features but also a lot more air cleaning power.

So, should you buy it? If you want the best-looking, smart purifier for removing particles with a 10-year warranty and don’t mind the spicy price tag, then the Atem X is it. But if you’re budget-conscious, the mighty DIY 30×20 Corsi-Rosenthal box still rules.

If you do decide to buy yourself a fancy Atem X, please use the links in this article. It won’t cost you anything extra but you will be supporting the work we do at HouseFresh, as we will get a small affiliate commission over the price of the sale.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i review

Dec 17, 2025Aug 12, 2025 by Danny Ashton

Alen air purifiers are highly regarded for their impressive design, build quality and performance. This Texas-based manufacturer has developed an excellent reputation by being at the forefront of the industry for over 15 years.

Alen is also known for its above-average prices, and the BreatheSmart 75i, with a price tag of $799, is undoubtedly high-end. You might be here because you wonder whether it’s worth spending the extra money on this device, and that is why I bought an Alen 75i to test it in the same space I’ve tested over 100 air purifiers since 2020.

The overall score of the Alen 75i incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

By the way, I originally reviewed the older BreatheSmart 75i back in 2022 and I have now updated my original review with the data of the newer 75i V2.

The pros and cons of the Alen BreatheSmart 75i

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

“For those looking for an air purifier for dealing with odors and VOCs in rooms up to 500 square feet, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i could be worth the $799 investment.

However, if you don’t have serious issues with gases and smells, then it might be overkill.”

CONS

It is considerably more expensive ($799) than other air purifiers with the same performance.

It is a large unit that takes up a lot of space.

The app is bare bones compared to many other air purifier apps.

PROS

It is more powerful than the older 75i model, with a dust CADR of 351 cfm certified by AHAM.

It offers solid performance at sub 45 dbA fan speeds: we estimate a PM1 CADR of 164 cfm at speed 2 with just 44.7 dBA of noise.

You get a laser sensor, which doesn’t need cleaning regularly and is more accurate than the optical sensors we see in other models.

It is packed with up to 3.6 lbs of carbon when choosing the Fresh filters.

Alen offers lifetime warranty if you stick to their branded filter replacements.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 333 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 164 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 351 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology
Recommended room size:	448 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	27H x 18.5W x 11.5D inches (68.58H x 46.99W x 29.21D cm)
Weight:	27 lbs (12.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 36.5 dBA Speed 2: 44.7 dBA Speed 3: 51.9 dBA Speed 4: 54.6 dBA Speed 5: 57.5 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.75 watts Speed 1: 5.19 watts Speed 2: 13.27 watts Speed 3: 25.85 watts Speed 4: 33.99 watts Speed 5: 47.4 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 – 15 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription)
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The Dyson BP06 comes with a HEPA filter as standard, and you can choose between various options with different carbon quantities to suit your needs.

The first layer of filtration comes in the form of a removable pre-filter that sits in front of the HEPA filter.

As standard, the 75i comes with their Pure filter, which is a thick H13 HEPA filter without any carbon.

You can choose between Alen’s Fresh filter and their Odor filter if you want a combination of HEPA and pelleted activated carbon.

The Fresh filter has a thinner HEPA H13 combined with a carbon section that comes packed with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon.

The Odor filter also combines a HEPA 13 filter with less carbon but it has a catalyst to neutralize unwanted smells.

From all the air purifiers we have tested, the Alen 75i with its Fresh Filter has the third largest amount of carbon after the IQAir Healthpro Plus and Austin Air Healthmate:

We are developing our methodology for testing VOC removal and our preliminary data shows the 75i with the Fresh filter a great option for those wanting to remove orods and VOCs from the air.

Design, controls and features

The 75i is a large air purifier with a laser particle sensor, smart functions and app connectivity.

The 75i is Alen’s largest air purifier and is much bigger than the 45i and the 35i.

Build quality is solid. The plastics feel dense with no creaking, and the panel seams are tight, giving it a premium feel.

If you don’t want the plain white cover, there are five other options ranging from graphite to oak BUT you will need to pay a little extra.

Considering its size, I appreciate the large handle at the back and the wheels underneath for when you need to move it from room to room.

It comes with a laser sensor is that is much quicker to react to air pollution than the typical optical sensors we see in most air purifiers and doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly.

You also get an air quality indicator at the top. The LED ring changes color reacting to the pollution levels, going from blue (excellent) to green (good) to yellow (fair) to red (poor) and finally purple (very poor).

In terms of the control panel itself, I appreciate the clearly labelled buttons and the fact that all options are available without the need to use the smartphone app – which is a concerning trend I’ve noticed with new air purifiers.

The biggest improvement I’ve found from our older 75i is that the 75i V2 comes with app connectivity through the Alen Air app, where you can create schedules, check sensor data and you get an option to turn your phone screen into a mini remote to control your 75i

The app installed quickly (and even worked on my 5ghz network!) and I had no issues with it since I started using it. I love that it visualizes sensor readings in easy to understand charts for PM2.5, tVOC, CO2, temperature and humidity – and the data is easy to export, too.

One thing this app is lacking is the option to adjust the sensitivity in the auto mode to make sure it hits top speed when it needs to. This is something that other manufacturers like Levoit, Xiaomi and IQair have introduced that I really like. However, to be fair to Alen, the auto mode in the 75i reaches full speed when there is a high level of pollutants in the air by default.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the 75i V2 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense stick.

First, we tested 75i V2 running at each of its fan speeds in the same 728 cubic ft. test room where we have tested over 100 air purifiers.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows the 75i needed 18 minutes to reach PM1 zero – and we estimate a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm which would be good enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 448 sq. ft.

For raw performance to $ spend, the Alen 75i provides more value for raw CADR than the IQAir Atem X, the Dyson BP06 and the Rabbit Air A3 but sits behind the Levoit EverestAir and the Smart Air Blast Mini.

But results at top speed won’t tell us the full story…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Alen 75i range from 36.5 dBA to 57.5 dBA — quieter than popular models like the Winix 5510, the IQAir Atem X, and the Rabbit Air A3.

As part of our testing, I used a sound level meter to measure how much noise the Alen 75i generates at each of it fan speeds.

Reaching 57.5 dBA at top speed, the 75i is quieter than the Levoit EverestAir, the IQAir Atem X and the Rabbit Air A3 but it is louder than the Dyson BP06, the Airmega ProX and the Blast Mini from Smart Air.

At speed 2, it cleared our test room from all PM1 pollutants in 36 minutes, so we estimate a PM1 CADR at sub-45 dBA of 164 cfm based on the natural ventilation of the room. At this sub-45 dBA speed, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 246 square feet.

So when it comes to quiet air cleaning performance, the 75i outperforms the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 but its performance is worse than every other large air purifier on the table:

Long-term running costs

Running a 75i will cost you $170.23 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

We measured how much energy the 75i uses when running at speed 1 (5.19 watts), speed 2 (13.27 watts), speed 3 (25.85 watts), speed 4 (33.99 watts), speed 5 (47.4 watts) and on standby (0.75 watts).

If you were to leave your 75i running at top speed 24/7 for one year, it would pull 411.7 kWh and add $52.21 to your annual energy bill, assuming an average U.S. electricity prices as of August 2025.

But energy costs are not the only thing you need to budget for – the filters need to be replaced, and this can become a significant expense, depending on the lifespan of the filter and how expensive replacements are.

Alen says you need to replace the filters for the 75i every 12-15 months, and as always, we will take the lowest estimate.
So you will need to buy one Pure Filter for $99 each year as a minimum, which leads us to a yearly running cost of $151.21 combining this with the electricity cost:

Thanks to the low energy usage and fair filter costs, the Alen 75i has the lowest running costs of all the large air purifiers we have benchmarked it against for this review.

And you can drop those yearly costs even further if you decide to go with a generic filter replacement from PUREBURG, which cost $75. That said, you will lose Alen’s lifetime warranty if you go the generic filter route, so you would need to decide if those $25 savings are worth losing that.

Bottom line: Should you get an Alen BreatheSmart 75i?

A powerful air purifier that can be customized with filters packed with carbon for serious odors and VOCs.

I have used Alen air purifiers for many years and something I can vouch for is how they continue to support older models. I still have my old A350 here in the basement and it not only works but I can still buy filters for it from Alen directly!

This means that when you choose to spend more on an air purifier from Alen, you know that you are investing in a device you will be able to run for as long as Alen exists.

And the fact that you can choose to go with the Fresh filter and get 3.6 lbs of activated carbon is a pro for me as it is a lot of carbon compared to what you get with most other air purifiers on the market today.

So for those looking for an air purifier for dealing with odors and VOCs in rooms up to 500 square feet, then the 75 could be worth the $799 investment.

The app is simple but works really well and the data you get from the laser onboard sensor offers accurate readings similar to those from a high-end air quality monitor.

So if that initial price doesn’t put you off, the Alen 75i is a solid contender for those looking for a premium air purifier.

But if odors are not a concern and you’re looking for a more powerful particle removal performance at a cheaper price, then look into the Levoit EverestAir (which sells for $499.99) or the Blast Mini which you can buy from Smart Air for around $700.

If you liked my review and want to support the work I do here at HouseFresh, please, use the affiliate links in the description and I’ll get a 3% commission at no extra cost to you.

The best air purifiers for dust, based on 100+ tests

Dec 17, 2025Aug 7, 2025 by Gisele Navarro

Whether you struggle with dust allergies or you’re trying to reduce the amount of dust flying around your home, an air purifier can help.

The fans in air purifiers draw air that then passes through a series of filters, where pollutants are removed. In the case of dust, you need to choose a device with a good particle filter and shouldn’t worry about carbon filtration.

However, not all air purifiers are created equal and some devices won’t pack the power to circulate the air fast enough so it stays clean. That is why, I recommend you to look for an air purifier that will be able to provide at least five air changes per hour, based on how much clean air it can deliver.

And as dust is an ongoing issue in most houses, I suggest to focus on finding an air purifier that runs quietly at top fan speeds and that offers good particle removal performance even at its lowest fan speeds. That way you will be able to run your purifier 24/7 without disruptive noise in the background.

I kept all those points in mind when shortlisting the models I’ll share with you today. As always, all my recommendations are based on first-hand testing of over 100 air purifiers, which we have bought with our own money to remain unbiased and experience the customer journey as you would.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

As no two homes are the same, I made sure to include options for various budgets, room sizes and different features.

1. Best dust filtration at whisper-quiet operation: CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7

An air purifier that uses seven Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 PC fans and 20×25 3M MERV 13 MPR1900 filters to quickly remove dust particles from the air without loud noises.

$229 AT CLEAN AIR KITS RECOMMENDED FILTERS ($45.94)

The Luggable XL-7 is part of a new generation of air purifiers that combine PC fans with HVAC filters. This is a device you can build yourself ($189) or buy pre-assembled ($259), and that is powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 484.5 sq. ft.

The Luggable XL-7 is the quietest high-CADR air purifier we have ever tested thanks to the use of PC fans that are quiet and energy-efficient.

It uses any 20×25×1 filters, but we recommend 3M Filtrete MPR1900.

CONS

It’s made out of hardboard panels so the body is not as sturdy as a traditional air purifier made from plastic or metal.

MERV 13 filters are hard to find outside of the U.S. and Canada, so it might not be the right choice for you if you live elsewhere.

PROS

Incredible performance to sound ratio: Dust CADR of 323 cfm (Intertek) with a max sound level of 38.8 dBA!

You get the option of buying the DIY kit (which comes with everything bar the filters) or you can buy it pre-built if you’re not a DIY kind of person.

This is the best-performing air purifier we have ever tested under 40 dBA.

It comes with a metal handle and is lightweight so you can easily move it from room to room.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 260 cfm – Intertek PM2.5: 323 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	MERV 13 (20×25)
Recommended room size:	390 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	7D x 25W x 20H in (18D x 64W x 51 cm)
Weight:	8 lbs (3.63 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Only speed: 38.8 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Only speed: 10.5 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States

If you live in Canada, check out Northbox Systems 6XL. Northbox Systems is a Canadian company that produces PC fan-powered air purifiers that use HVAC filters locally.

For those in Europe and Asia, check out the AirFanta 3Pro, which costs just $159.99 but still offers 353 cfm at quiet operation. The design is inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal Box but it is much smaller, and unlike the Luggable XL-7, it uses filters you can buy on Amazon.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best under $200: Levoit Vital 200S

For those looking for a traditional air purifier that will remove dust without costing an arm and a leg to buy and run.

This is a solid air purifier you can buy for $189.99, although it usually goes on sale for less than that. Even though its filter is not HEPA-grade, the particle filtration of the Vital 200S is better than more expensive models.

At top speed (57.7 dBA), it offers a dust CADR of 254 cfm (AHAM), so it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 381 sq. ft.

It has an app, an onboard air quality sensor and smart functions that automatically adjust fan speeds based on the level of dust in the air.

CONS

Levoit originally marketed the filter as H13 HEPA but they were forced to remove the label after Dyson challenged this claim through the National Advertising Division.

It is not available in many countries.

PROS

It offers good air cleaning at top and bottom fan speeds: at speed 2, it generates 41.9 dBA and still offers a CADR of 128 cfm.

It comes with pelleted activated carbon, so it will not only help with dust but also with odors.

In our particle removal test, it outperformed popular models like the Winix 5510, the Coway Airmega AP-1512hh, the Rabbit Air A3 and the Dyson BP06.

The VeSync app from Levoit is pretty good and they regularly roll out updates that add new functions across all models.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best for small spaces: Xiaomi 4 Compact

To deal with dust, you should buy the larger air purifier you can live with. But if you don’t have much space, then the 4 Compact is the best option right now.

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For those looking for a purifier capable of removing dust from the air in very small rooms, my recommendation is the Xiaomi 4 Compact. For most people, I would suggest not going smaller than the Vital 200S (above) but if space is tight, then this $99 air purifier from Xiaomi is my top pick.

It is a small cylindrical air purifier that doesn’t take up too much floor space with a size similar to what you get with other small air purifiers like the Airmega 100, the Core 300S and the Winix A231.

The filter inside has three levels of filtration: a pre-filter mesh cover for larger dust particles, a non-HEPA grade particle filter for smaller dust particles and a layer of activated carbon to tackle smells.

CONS

Top speed performance is not as good as what we saw with other small air purifiers like the Levoit Vital 100S or the Coway Airmega 100.

The mode button on the control panel only circles between sleep, auto and manual mode but in order to use the device on manual mode, you need to adjust fan speeds through the app.

It is a small device so it won’t be powerful enough to make a meaningful difference in spaces larger than 175 sq. ft.

PROS

It offers the best performance at sub-45 dBA fan speeds across all small purifiers we tested.

It is cheap to buy and cheap to run thanks to low priced OEM filters and low electricity consumption.

The design is small and lightweight, and you can have it on top of shelves, desks or sidetables.

It comes with a great app that is easy to use and unlocks a wide range of fan speed options.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 117 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – Manufacturer provided CADR: 135 cfm
Filter technology:	Bonded cylindrical particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mesh cover.
Recommended room size:	175 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	8.6 x 14 inches (21.8 x 35.5 cm)
Weight:	4.85 lb (2.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.6 dBA Speed 1: 35.3 dBA Speed 2: 35.6 dBA Speed 3: 42.2 dBA Speed 4: 44.5 dBA Speed 5: 46.4 dBA Top speed: 56.1 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.4 watts Sleep mode: 2.2 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 3.6 watts Speed 3: 8.1 watts Speed 4: 9.5 watts Speed 5: 11.3 watts Top speed: 26 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

4. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

A large air purifiers that can clean the air five times per hour in spaces as large as 879 sq. ft. based on its dust CADR of 586 cfm (AHAM).

BUY FOR $819.99

This is the fastest residential air purifier we have ever tested: at top speed, the ProX completed our particle removal test in 13 minutes while generating just 53.6 dBA of noise — this is incredibly quiet considering that the next model in our ranking (IQAir Atem X) reached 62.3 dBA to offer similar performance.

The ProX is the largest device in Coway’s Airmega range. It weighs 51 lbs (23kg) but it comes with wheels and handles at each side that make it easier to move it around the house.

It has an air quality sensor, particle readings on screen and four smart modes that adjust fan speeds automatically based on the level of dust particles in the air.

CONS

This air purifier is not cheap, with a list price just over $800.

The positioning of the handles means that when pulling the device upwards, you sometimes end up removing the plastic sheet that covers the filters.

There is no app connectivity, which is something you might expect to get when paying upwards of $800.

PROS

It is officially the fastest residential air purifier we tested – we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.

It comes with four smart modes so you can set it to adjust fan speeds automatically, based on sound levels generated and energy consumption.

It comes with an onboard air quality sensor and an LED light that changes color depending on the level of pollutants in the air + accurate particulate matter readings at the top of the device.

It is very stylish and is made of high-quality materials.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 462 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 299 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 586 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Green True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 in (48 x 93 x 62 cm)
Weight:	51 lbs (23kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.4 dBA Speed 2: 44.4 dBA Speed 3: 53.6 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0 watts Speed 1: 11.76 watts Speed 2: 26.09 watts Speed 3: 58.88 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

Special mentions

These air purifiers nearly made my list. Depending on your budget and availability in your location, it could be worth checking them out.

Smart Air SA600

With a dust CADR of 287 cfm (AHAM), this mid-sized air purifier from Smart Air will give you five air changes per hour in rooms up to 430 sq. ft. This is a unique air purifier that uses two sets of H13 HEPA filters, two pelleted carbon filters and two pre-filters.

I didn’t include it in my main list because it offers similar performance to the Vital 200S without any smart functions — if you are not bothered, then definitely look into the SA600.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

IQAir Atem X

Based on its AHAM report, the Atem X has dust CADR of 435 cfm which will be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 652 sq. ft.

I didn’t shortlist the Atem X due to its high price tag ($1,399.99), which makes it hard to recommend over the $800 Airmega ProX.

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

The BP06 is the cheapest model in Dyson’s Big+Quiet range and its performance is good – especially compared to other Dyson units I’ve tested. It has a dust CADR of 190.8 cfm (AHAM) which will clean the air give times per hour in rooms no larger than 286.2 sq. ft. when running at top speed and while generating just 51.4 dbA of noise.

I didn’t include it because it costs the same as the Airmega ProX but it has a third of the air cleaning power.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

Winix 5510

With a list price $249.99, the 5510 usually goes on deal for less than $200. It offers a dust CADR of 252 cfm (AHAM) at top speed while generating 67.2 dBA. This means it can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 378 sq. ft.

I didn’t shortlist it because it can be loud at full speed, but it comes with app connectivity and looks great so you might like it.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Common questions about dust and air purifiers

Yes! Using an air purifier with a high quality particle filter will help remove dust from the air before it settles on your furniture and home surfaces but it won’t completely get rid of dust.

A regular home cleaning routine paired with a good performing air purifier can help keep dust under control but you will still need to dust, vacuum and mop. Here are some quick tips to help you reduce dust in your home:

Dust with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber will trap dust particles instead of just moving the dust around.

Vacuum beyond the floor, always starting with upholstery and curtains. Consider getting a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Mop uncarpeted floors after vacuuming. Try mopping your floors with a wet microfiber mop to remove any dust leftovers and crud spots.

Wash bed sheets, duvet covers, pillow covers, blankets and bed throws weekly. Use water over 120°F to kill any dust mites.

Clean vents and replace air filters regularly. Vacuum everything and scrub removable parts with soapy water.

Dust comprises many different pollutants, from pet dander to pollen, many of which can contribute to allergies. However, when people refer to a specific dust allergy, they usually refer to dust mites.

Dust mites are microscopic critters that feed off dust particles and excess moisture in the air, and they are one of the most common allergens found in the home. When those with allergies to dust inhale or come into contact with dust mites or the proteins they leave behind, they experience symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, itching, or developing a runny or stuffy nose.

Dust mites will exist in every home worldwide, and although they are nigh-on impossible to eradicate, they can be curtailed and symptoms can be managed. The best way to keep on top of dust mites is to frequently dust your home, keeping the space ventilated and an air purifier running and keeping humidity levels low.

Inhaling small quantities of dust will happen from time to time. Fortunately, our immune system is well equipped to deal with foreign pollutants, such as dust, entering our bodies.

When we inhale dust regularly, however, we may see our immune system kicking into overdrive to help resolve the issue. When this happens, you may recognize having a stuffy nose, itchy eyes or other common allergy symptoms that flair while the dust is in your system.

Being exposed to vast quantities of dust every day over prolonged periods (usually through work rather than domestic exposure) can lead to more serious conditions such as:

Silicosis
Lung cancer
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Kidney disease

If you work in a dusty environment, such as a building or industrial site, then your employer should ensure the necessary PPE and safety precautions are provided.

As dust comprises hundreds of pollutant particles such as skin cells, cloth fibers, and dirt from the earth, it is simply impossible to escape.

Certain homes may be more susceptible to dust build-ups. Sometimes based on what’s inside, such as pets or lots of soft furnishings, sometimes based on the house itself, with gaps by old doors or windows, an old HVAC system, or your local environment being key factors, and sometimes down to having a poor dusting and vacuuming regime.

Be sure to check out our tips for reducing dust in your home.

Wrapping up

Dust is a problem we all have to deal with that is not going away anytime soon. Vacuuming and cleaning your house thoroughly and regularly can help, but you can supercharge your dust-busting routine by introducing an air purifier to capture dust particles flying into the air before they settle on surfaces.

But, before buying an air purifier, remember the key factors to consider:

Look for a device that uses high quality particle filters – you don’t need to worry about carbon
Make sure its CADR can provide five air changes per hour, based on the size of your room
Find a model that is quiet enough for you to run it 24/7

If you have any questions about any of the air purifiers on the list or have recommendations of your own, please drop them in the comments below.

Dyson Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP06 review

Dec 17, 2025Jul 27, 2025 by Danny Ashton

I have been open about my disappointment in the air cleaning power of Dyson combo devices like the TP07, HP04 and PH03. But the BP06 is Dyson’s first pure air purifier, so my expectations are much higher.

The BP06 doesn’t have any of the smart functionalities you’ll find in other models in Dyson’s Big+Quiet range. The issue is that, selling at $600, this bare bones air purifier falls into the territory of premium devices with smart features like the Levoit EverestAir. In this review, I will help you decide whether its performance is worth the investment.

The overall score for the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

The pros and cons of the Dyson BP-06

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“The Dyson BP06 is a much better air purifier than every Dyson combination units I have tested before. It offers good performance at top (51 dBA) and bottom (40.4 dBA) fan speeds and is more affordable than other units in Dyson’s Big+Quiet range.

That said, the BP06 offers the same power you will get from cheaper air purifiers, like the Winix T810, Vital 200S the Alen 45i.”

CONS

It is considerably more expensive ($600+) than other air purifiers with the same performance.

It lacks auto mode, smart functions, app connectivity, multiple fan speeds and an on-board particle sensor. If you want those features, you need to upgrade to the BP03 and BP04.

It’s takes up a lot of space and isn’t easy to move around the house.

PROS

It is a much better air purifier than previous Dyson models we have tested, such as the TP07, PH03 and HP04.

It offers good performance at speed 1 (128 cfm) while generating just 40.4 dBA of noise.

It comes with non-bonded filters, so you can replace the used-up carbon filter without throwing away a perfectly good particle filter.

It has low energy usage (32.9 watts at top speed), adding just $36.66 per year to your energy bill when running it 24/7.

Its filter can last up to 30 months, which is much longer than the usual filter lifespan of 6-12 months.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 198 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 190.8 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology	H13 HEPA filter and separate filter with 900g of activated carbon
Recommended room size:	297 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	32.67 x 17.08 x 16.33 in (83H x 41.5L x 43.4W cm)
Weight:	25.5 lbs (11.57 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 40.4 dBA Top speed: 51.4 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.5 watts Speed 1: 10 watts Top speed: 32.9 watts
Filter lifespan:	Particle filter: 30 months Carbon filter: 24 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	UK
Country of manufacture:	Malaysia

Filtration technology

The Dyson BP06 comes with a cylindrical HEPA filter and a separate activated carbon filter.

To access the filter, you need to remove the head (or conic amplifier) from the top and the metallic cover underneath:

How to replace the filter in the Dyson BP06

To catch particles, the BP06 comes with a large cylindrical H13 HEPA filter that Dyson recommends you to replace every 5 years.

HEPA filter inside the Dyson BP06 air purifier

The activated carbon filter is a flat piece of carbon impregnated fabric that clips into place around the internals of the device. Dyson states it comes with 900g of carbon.

Carbon filter inside the Dyson BP06 air purifier

This is a good amount of carbon and will help remove unwanted odors from the air.

Chart comparing the amount of carbon in different air filters

However, if you are looking for an air puriifer to deal with serious VOC issues, you should look into the Austin Air HealthMate instead.

Design, controls and features

The BP06 is a large air purifier without smart functions that you can operate with one button.

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Love it or hate it, one can’t deny that the design of the Dyson Big + Quiet range is unique in the world of air purifiers. While it still uses a cylindrical design for the filter section at the bottom of the device, the fan on top looks very different from what brands like Winix, Coway, Blueair and pretty much everyone else offers.

Chart comparing the weight of popular air purifiers

The BP06 weighs 11.57kg (or 25 lbs), which matches the weight of other large air purifiers like the Atem X from IQAir. However, it’s much heavier than mid-size devices like the Levoit Vital 200s or Winix 5500-2.

So you could say that this device lives up to the ‘Big’ in its name.

Person carrying the Dyson BP06 up the stairs

We found it tricky to carry it upstairs because it doesn’t have any handles, so you basically have to pick it up like a giant box.

The bigger size and weight make it tricky to find a space for it, especially in smaller rooms. But it has wheels to move around the room on smooth floor surfaces.

Tip

You can upgrade the look by choosing the Nickel + Prussian Blue of the BP03 for an extra $300 or the fancy Prussian Blue + Gold of the BP04 for an extra $400.

But it’s not just the looks. Unlike the BP06, the BP03 and BP04 come with smart features, app connectivity, an on-board air quality sensor and multiple fan speeds.

In terms of operation, you get one button you can press to turn your BP06 on, rotate through the two fan speeds available, and also turn it off.

Person using the Dyson BP06 air purifier at home

Like other Dyson devices, the BP06 comes with a display screen where you can see the current fan speed and real-time air quality readings.

The BP06 doesn’t have sensors for particulates or gases, but it comes with a CO2 sensor so it will show you real-time CO2 readings on screen.

How to use the controls in the Dyson BP06

While air purifiers can’t remove CO2, high levels of CO2 are a good indicator of poor ventilation. This can prompt you to open the window, which will make a big difference to your air.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Dyson BP06 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense stick.

a computer monitor showing test results next to Dyson BP06 air purifier

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According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, the BP06 needed 30 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm, which matches the AHAM PM2.5 CADR result of 190.8 cfm.

When it comes to raw particle removal speed, it’s clear from the table that you pay a lot more with the Dyson BP06.

Chart comparing air cleaning performance of various air purifiers

Now, when we compare the performance of this device to what we saw with other Dyson devices, you see that the BP06 vastly outperformed the combo units we’ve tested here in the past:

Chart showing air cleaning performance of Dyson air purifiers

However, when we compare the results of the BP06 to those of other premium air purifiers, it once again becomes clear that the Dyson tax doesn’t mean you are getting the best air cleaning power:

Chart showing air cleaning performance of luxury air purifiers

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Dyson BP06 range from 40.4 dBA to 51.4 dBA — quieter than popular models like the Winix 5510, the IQAir Atem X, and the Coway Airmega 250S.

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As part of our testing, we use a sound level meter to measure how much noise each of the air purifiers we review generates at each fan speed.

Dyson made things extra easy for me because the BP06 only has two fan speeds 🙂

At top speed, it reached 51.4 dBA. We visualized how this compares to other similarly-prices air purifiers running at top speed:

The Dyson Big + Quiet BP06 lives up to its name with a significant reduction in sound when compared to other similar performing HEPA retail devices. But as expected it can’t compare with a PC fan powered air purifier like the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

Running at speed 1, the BP06 managed to reach PM1 zero in 46 minutes while generating just 40.4 dBA.

The data shows the BP06 offers the same level of performance at speed 1 than the $189.99 Vital 200S. And while it is a little quieter, it can’t compete with larger CADR devices like the EverestAir and the Rabbit Air A3.

We estimate a PM1 CADR of 128 cfm at speed 1, which would be enough to provide five (5) air changes per hour in spaces no larger than 192 sq. ft.

Long-term running costs

Running a Dyson BP06 will cost you $194.64 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

We measured how much energy the BP06 uses when running at speed 1 (10 watts), speed 2 (32.9 watts) and on standby (0.5 watts). It would cost you $36.66 in energy costs for a year, based on 24/7 usage at top speed at the average U.S. energy rate.

And you will also need to replace the filters eventually. The original HEPA filter costs $169.99 and the carbon filter costs $89.99.

On their website, Dyson states that the lifespan is half that time: 21,900 hours (or 30 months) for the HEPA filter and 8,760 hours (or 12 months) for the carbon filter. So, you would need to budget $157.98 annually for filter replacement costs.

When combining energy costs with filter replacement costs, you can expect to spend a total of $194.64 each year to run a Dyson BP06 24/7 at full speed.

The running costs for the Dyson BP06 are fair compared to other popular air purifiers and as it comes with a non-bonded filters, you could also choose to run the device with HEPA only if you wanted to save money on carbon filters.

There are many generic filters available, starting at $162.22 for a set of one particle and one carbon filter. We will be testing the performance of the BP06 with generic filters as part of the experiments we share with our supporters on our Patreon.

Bottom line: Should you get a Dyson BP06?

The BP06 is a much better air purifier than any of the Dyson combo units we have tested before.

FIND it on amazon FIND IT ON DYSON.COM

When it comes to air cleaning, the BP06 offers good performance at top speed at a much lower sound levels than competing HEPA retail devices.

At speed 1, it’s quiet enough (40.4 dBA) to leave it running in the background, with an estimated PM1 CADR of 128 cfm. This is good enough for five air changes in spaces up to 192 sq. ft., which is the same power you will get from popular devices like the Levoit Vital 200S and the Winix T810 running at fan speeds below 45 decibels.

The only fly in the ointment is the price.

The BP06 is bare bones compared to other models in Dyson’s Big+Quiet range and this lack of fan speeds and features comes at a lower price tag that is easier to swallow, selling currently at $699.99 at the time of writing this review.

However, at this price point, this bare bones BP06 falls into the territory of premium devices like the Coway Airmega ProX, the Levoit EverestAir and the Rabbit Air A3, both of which offer multiple fan speeds, app support, an onboard particle sensor, and higher performance at lower sound levels.

So, it is big and it doesn’t come cheap, but if you are a fan of Dyson and are set on getting an air purifier from their range, then I can confidently say that you won’t be burning your money if you go with the BP06 – which isn’t something I could say about older models.

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Now, if you like the BP06 and want the extra features such as remote control, particle and gas sensor, app connectivity, auto mode and more fan speeds, then you may want to look at the pricier BP03 and BP04, but I think it’s much harder to make a value case for these models because the price places them in the Atem X territory and they are not nearly as powerful.

If you have any questions I haven’t answered already about the BP06, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

And if you do decide to buy an air purifier after reading one of my reviews, please use the affiliate links in the buttons or buy us a coffee to support the work we do here at HouseFresh.

Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Pro review

Dec 17, 2025Jul 1, 2025 by Danny Ashton

The 4 Pro is a mid-sized air purifier from Xiaomi, available across Asia, Europe and some countries in South America.

It comes with app support through Xiaomi’s Mi app and smart functionalities such as sleep mode and auto-mode. It also has an on-board laser particle sensor, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor that feed live data through the app and also on screen. In terms of filtration technologies, the 4 Pro has a cylindrical particle filter with 650 grams of pelleted carbon and comes with an ionizer that can be disabled.

The overall score for the Xiaomi 4 Pro incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

The pros and cons of the 4 Pro

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“The Xiaomi 4 Pro offers good value for money, with air cleaning performance scores that much more expensive air purifiers like the Levoit Core 400S and the Coway Airmega 250S.

The only fly in the ointment is that the in-built ionizer can only be disabled through the app.”

CONS

If you want to disable the ionizer, you will need to use the app as there are no buttons on the device to do this.

There are cheaper air purifiers with better air cleaning performance in Europe like the AirFanta 3Pro (£160) and the Winix 5500-2 (£159).

We noticed a strange whining sound when using sleep mode that only becomes apparent at night, when our home is extra quiet.

PROS

Solid air cleaning performance at top speed for a £200 device, beating more expensive devices like the Dyson BP06 and the Coway Airmega 150.

Good performance at sub-45 dBA fan speeds, for those looking for a quiet device that can still clean the air. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 186 cfm when running at speed 2.

The Xiaomi app works really well and allows you to operate the 4 Pro remotely.

One of the most affordable air purifiers to use in the long run, thanks to cheap OEM filter replacements and low energy usage.

It is quite narrow so it will fit small spaces, even though I would class it as a mid-sized device.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 285 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 174 cfm
Filter technology:	Particle filter with 650g of activated carbon pellets and optional ionizer function
Recommended room size:	448 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	10.8 x 10.8 x 26.7 in (27.5 x 27.5 x 68 cm)
Weight:	15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 35.3 dBA Speed 1: 35.5 dBA Speed 2: 35.3 dBA Speed 3: 44.5 dBA Speed 4: 53.2 dBA Top speed: 59.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1 watt Sleep: 4.4 watts Speed 1: 4.1 watts Speed 2: 5.4 watts Speed 3: 13.9 watts Speed 4: 26.6 watts Top speed: 45.9 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The Xiaomi Pro 4 features a particle filter packed with activated carbon that lasts between six and 12 months, and an ionizer function you can disable.

An all-in-one cylindrical pleated particle filter with a pre-filter mesh on the outside that you need to vacuum every few weeks.

The filter comes packed with 650g of pelleted activated carbon that adsorbs odors and gases but that won’t be the best for serious VOCs.

In addition to mechanical filtration, the Xiaomi 4 Pro has an ionizer that electrically charges air molecules to produce negative ions with the goal of attracting and neutralizing positively charged particles such as dust, pollen, bacteria, and other pollutants. This process generates small amounts of ozone.

The good news for those who want to avoid ionization are that the ionizer can be disabled through the Xiaomi app — although I would much prefer to get a button to disable it as you do with the Xiaomi Elite.

Design, controls and smart features

The 4 Pro is a smart air purifier you can control through an OLED screen and also from your phone.

You get an OLED screen at the front that displays air quality readings, temperature and humidity levels.

You also get a power button and a mode button to switch between sleep mode, auto mode, three fan speeds and ‘manual’ mode which you can set on the app.

You can also adjust the brightness of the screen tapping on a button that sits at the back of the device, right above the sensor.

It connects to the Mi Home app, which is the same app you will use for other Xiaomi smart devices.

The app itself is slick and it works well. It displays real-time air quality readings and allows you to disable the ionizer, schedule routines and set your own ‘manual’ mode based on your coverage area.

I prefer the controls and app functionalities you get with the Xiaomi Elite. You get more buttons on screen and historical data in the app.

The Xiaomi Elite costs double of what you pay for the Pro 4, but is it worth the extra money or should you go for the Pro 4 instead? My tests show that air cleaning performance at sub-45 dBA speeds is exactly the same, but we estimate a CADR of 299 cfm a top speed for the Elite compared to a lower CADR of 285 cfm for the Pro 4 at full power.

The biggest difference, however, comes in the form of a more attractive, Dyson-inspired design, a more comprehensive control panel (which allows you to disable the ionizer with the touch of a button) and the ability to store air quality data on the app. If any of those things matter to you, then perhaps the Elite will be worth the upgrade, but watch my full review below before you decide.

Air cleaning performance

The Xiaomi 4 Pro matches the particle removal results we saw when testing popular units such as the Coway Airmega 250S and the Blueair 311i Max.

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According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, the Xiaomi Pro 4 needed 24 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 285 cfm, which would allow the Pro 4 to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 448 sq. ft.

But this information in isolation won’t tell you much, so check out how this compares to other popular mid-sized air purifiers on the market today:

The Xiaomi Pro 4 completed our particle removal test faster than the much more expensive Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 (30 minutes) but slower than the cheaper AirFanta 3Pro (17 minutes). This is a decent result but if you are looking for an air purifier with solid air cleaning at a cheaper price, then you should definitely check out the 3Pro.

Sound levels

In our testing, the sound levels of the 4 Pro ranged from 35.3 dBA to 59.2 dBA. It is much quieter than the new Winix T810 (62.5 dBA) and the Coway Airmega 200M (64.3 dBA)

We used a sound level meter to measure how much noise our air purifiers generate at each fan speed.

At top speed, the Xiaomi Pro 4 reaches 59.2 dBA. Check out the chart below to see how this compares to other similarly-priced air purifiers running at top speed:

Completing our particle removal test in 24 minutes while generating just over 59 decibels is a good result, but it is also in line with what is expected for a mid-sized air purifier like the 4 Pro.

However, sound levels at turbo fan speeds are not as important as air cleaning performance at lower fan speeds.

That is why we always identify a fan speed where the air purifier generates less than 45 dBA of noise to assess its quiet performance.

Running at the Pro 4 at speed 2 (or 23-59 meters) generates 44.5 dB(A) of sound and it needed 34 minutes to complete our particle removal test.

As you can see from the table, 34 minutes is the exact same result we saw when we tested the more expensive Xiaomi Elite, so even though the Elite has a higher CADR at top speed (299 cfm) but they both have the same sub-45 dBA CADR (174 cfm) so they could provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 261 sq. ft.

Long-term running costs

Running a Xiaomi 4 Pro will cost you $162.24 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

As always, we used our energy meter to measure how much electricity the 4 Pro uses when running at each fan speed and also while on standby. Energy consumption ranges from 4.4 watts on sleep mode to 45.9 watts when running at top speed.

This means that if you had to leave your 4 Pro running 24/7 at top speed, it would cost $51.10 in energy costs for a year, using average U.S. energy rates.

Considering you need to replace the filter every six months and that the replacement costs $55.57 (£42.99), you can expect to also spend $111.14 per year on filters.

When compared to other similar-performing air purifiers, the 4 Pro is generally cheaper to run, thanks to its low energy usage and low-cost OEM filters:

There are many generic filters available, starting at £39.22 (or $28.55) when you buy two. As they don’t use a HEPA grade or pelleted activated carbon the generic filters could offer a good option for those wanting to save money. We have shared performance test results with our Pro 4 using PUREBURG filters with our Patreon supporters here.

Bottom line: Should you get the Xiaomi Pro 4?

A good option for those living in the UK, Asia and other parts of Europe looking for a mid-sized air purifier with smart functions and app support for under €250 or just over £200.

FIND A SHOP IN YOUR AREA

This Xiaomi air purifier is faster at cleaning the air at top speed (21 minutes) than the pricier Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 (30 minutes), and its quiet performance at sub-45 dBA matches the pricier Xiaomi Elite (both with a PM1 CADR of 174 cfm at speed 2).

Both points go to show that the 4 Pro offers excellent value for its price (£210 in the UK and €247 in Europe), especially considering long-term running costs are also cheap compared to most other mid-sized air purifiers.

Plus, it comes with app support, an air quality sensor and displays not only air quality but also temperature and humidity measurements on its OLED screen. And it can be connected to Google Home and Alexa, so it could be a great choice if you are looking for an air purifier for your smart home.

If you’ve got the extra budget and are a fan of Xiaomi already, check out the Xiaomi Elite. You’ll get everything you get with the 4 Pro with improved performance at top speed and lower yearly running costs thanks to a longer lasting filter.

I really wish you could disable the ionizer with a button on the control panel instead of having to open the app to do it. And I also noticed that the fan motor makes a high-pitched whining noise at low fan speeds, which in our case means we had to take this air purifier out of our room because it was disturbing our sleep.

If those two things would nag you too but are set on a smart air purifier, then check out the Winix T810 and the Levoit Core 400S, both of which sell for a similar price than the 4 Pro, come with app connectivity and offer good air cleaning performance. And if you’re not bothered by smart functionalities, then you should definitely consider the AirFanta 3Pro as it offers a higher CADR (353 cfm) for a lower price ($160).

By the way, if you decide to buy a Xiaomi 4 Pro and want to support the work we do at HouseFresh, please use this link so we can earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review. Did I miss anything? Please drop a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as I can.

Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max review

Feb 12, 2026Jun 16, 2025 by Danny Ashton

The Blue Pure 311i Max is a mid-sized air purifier from Blueair, available worldwide under various model names, including the Blue Pure 3350i Max (Europe) and the Blue Pure 3450i Max (Oceania and parts of Asia).

The 311i Max has smart functionalities, such as WiFi connectivity, auto-mode, an LED air quality indicator and an app that allows you to control the air purifier remotely. As with other devices from Blueair, it features their trademarked HEPASilent technology which combines mechanical filtration with electrostatic ionization.

The overall score for the Blue Pure 311i Max incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

The pros and cons of the 311i Max

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

“Raw figures from our particle removal tests show that this air purifier offers solid air cleaning performance, and the use of HEPASilent allows the 311i Max to clean a lot of air without consuming too much energy.

If you don’t mind the use of electrostatic ionization, then this could be a good option for you.

What we really like

Good air cleaning performance at top speed for less than $300, comparable to what you’ll get with the Winix T810 and the Dyson BP06.

Low energy usage that helps keep long-term costs low – it is less power-hungry than smaller devices like the PuroAir 240 or the Molekule Air Mini+.

The app works well and allows you to operate the 311i remotely.

It is aesthetically pleasing, as we have come to expect from Blueair devices with fabric pre-filters.

Good size for small to medium-sized rooms.

What we think could be better

It comes with an optical sensor instead of laser sensor, so you’re going to have to remember to clean the sensor regularly.

You will be forced to use its in-built ionizer, in the form of Blueair’s trademarked HEPASilent technology, which cannot be disabled.

With every new generation of 311 devices, Blueair introduces a new design that uses different filters, so if you’re thinking about upgrading from the old 311 Auto, you won’t be able to use any filters you might already have at home.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 220 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 108 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 321 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle and carbon filter with a removable fabric pre-filter and HEPASilent electrostatic filtration.
Recommended room size:	330 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	19 x 12.5 x 12.5 in (48H x 32W x 32D cm)
Weight:	7.87 lbs (3.56 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 34.9 dBA Speed 1: 37 dBA Speed 2: 47.8 dBA Top speed: 57.7 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.6 watts Sleep: 2.8 watts Speed 1: 5.2 watts Speed 2: 13.4 watts Top speed: 29.2 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	Sweden
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The Blue Pure 311i Max features a cylindrical filter with three layers of filtration, along with an in-built ionizer.

The first layer is a washable fabric pre-filter that comes in various colors.

The second layer is a pleated particle filter that sits underneath the fabric pre-filter.

The third layer is a carbon-impregnated fabric that sits on the inside of the main filter.

When buying a filter replacement, you can choose a basic particle + carbon filter, or upgrade to Blueair’s specialist filters: the SmokeBlock (with additional carbon) or the AllergenBlock (with an odor neutralizer). Personally, I’d suggest you stick to the basic filter as it’s cheaper and will do the job in 90% of cases.

In addition to mechanical filtration, the 311i Max utilizes an ionizer that electrostatically charges particles, attracting them to the filter where they are captured and removed from the air. This process generates small amounts of ozone, and unfortunately, it cannot be disabled.

Other manufacturers such as Alen, Coway, and Winix use similar ionization technologies to supercharge their particle removal speed. However, they all include buttons or app options that allow users to disable the ionizer for those who don’t want to risk introducing ozone into their air.

Controls and smart features

The 311i Max is a smart air purifier you can control with just two buttons and also from your phone.

This air purifier comes with auto mode (adjusts fan speed based on PM2.5 levels), sleep mode (quiet and with dimmed lights) and three fan speeds.

On the back, you get a sensor that measures the level of PM2.5 particles in the air. Unfortunately, it’s just an optical sensor so you need to remember to clean it.

On the front, you get an air quality indicator in the form of an LED light that circles through five colors, going from blue (excellent) to red (very polluted).

The 311i Max comes with app support through the Blueair app. I had no issues installing the app, connecting it to the device, and using it on a regular basis. From the app, you’ll be able to adjust the fan speed, set the mode (auto or night), enable the child lock, track the filter lifetime and schedule routines for the device.

Air cleaning performance

This air purifier delivers good performance at its top speed, matching our expectations based on its AHAM CADR report.

According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, the Blueair 311i Max needed 27 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room. Based on this time, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 220 cfm.

But this information in isolation won’t tell you much, so check out how this compares to other popular mid-sized air purifiers on the market today:

The Blue Pure 311i Max completed our particle removal test faster than the much more expensive Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 (30 minutes) but slower than the cheaper Levoit Vital 200S (23 minutes).

Sound levels

In our testing, the sound levels of the 311i Max ranged from 34.9 dBA to 57.7 dBA. It is quieter than other popular air purifiers like the Winix 5510 and the Coway Airmega 200M.

We used a sound level meter to measure how much noise each of the air purifiers we review generates at each fan speed.

At top speed, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max reaches 57.7 dBA. Check out the table below to see how this compares to other similarly-priced air purifiers running at top speed:

Completing our particle removal test in 27 minutes while generating only 57.7 dBA is impressive, although it doesn’t make a dent on the performance of the PC fan-powered Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

The reality however is that you are unlikely to want to run your air purifier at top speed all the time, so we found a fan speed at which the 311i Max generates less than 45 dBA of noise, which is the limit we have set for our quiet performance tests.

Running at the 311i Max at speed 1 will produce 37 dB(A) of sound, which is below the 45 dB(A) limit and close to the 40 dB(A) limit that CleanAirStars recommends for quiet classrooms and offices. At this speed, the 311I Max needed 54 minutes to complete our particle removal test:

When we repeated the test at speed 2, the 311i Max reached PM1 zero in just 32 minutes while generating 47.8 dBA of noise. At home, I’ve been using it at this speed and it is louder than I would like BUT it is also more efficient at cleaning the air.

You can see in the table below the CADR and sound levels you get with the 311i Max at each available fan speed:

Long-term running costs

Running a Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max will cost you $122.19 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

As always, we used our energy meter to measure how much electricity the 311i Max uses when running at each fan speed and also while on standby. Energy consumption ranges from 2.8 watts on sleep mode to 29.2 watts when running at top speed.

This means that if you had to leave your Blueair 311i Max running 24/7 at top speed, it would cost $32.21 in energy costs for a year, using average U.S. energy rates.

Considering you need to replace the filter every six months and that the replacement costs $44.49, you can expect to also spend $89.98 per year on filters.

When compared to other similar-performing air purifiers, the 311i Max is generally cheaper to run, thanks to its low energy usage and low-cost OEM filters:

There are many generic filters available, starting at $17 per filter when you buy two. As they don’t use a HEPA grade or pelleted activated carbon the generic filters could offer a good option for those wanting to save money. We will run performance tests with a range of generic filters for our Patreon supporters.

Bottom line: Should you get the Blueair 311i Max?

A good option for those looking for a mid-sized air purifier that won’t cost an arm and a leg to run, and who aren’t bothered about using an ionizer.

At top speed, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max will be faster at cleaning the air and MUCH cheaper to run than the pricier Dyson Big+Quiet BP06, so overall performance and value for money is very good. Even at speed 2, it can provide 185 cfm while generating 47.8 dBA of noise, which is louder than our 45 dBA limit but not by much.

Energy consumption is lower than other mid-sized air purifiers and filter replacement costs are fair, so you won’t be spending more than you should to run this device all year long.

Plus, it comes with app connectivity and an on-board air quality sensor, for those who are looking for an air purifier with smart features.

But there are two clear cases where I don’t recommend this Blueair device:

Don’t get the 311i Max if want to remove odors or chemical gases from the air. The lack of pelleted activated carbon renders this model pretty useless for VOCs. Instead, look for an air purifier with large amounts of pelleted charcoal — here are my recommendations.

Don’t get the 311i Max if you are wary of ionizers or don’t want to add ozone to your air. Unlike popular air purifiers like the Coway Airmega AP-1512hh or the Winix 5500-2, Blueair doesn’t include an option for users to disable the ionizer inside their devices. If this doesn’t sit well with you, then look into models from Levoit and Smart Air, or check out my list of ozone-free air purifiers.

And if you’re not set on getting a Blueair device but love the idea of a quiet and energy-efficient model, then check out the new generation of PC fan-powered air purifiers like the CleanAirKits Luggable XL (U.S.), the NorthBox Systems 6XL (Canada) and the Nukit Tempest Euro (Europe). All of these models are able to clean the air incredibly fast while generating less than 45 dBA of noise and pulling very little electricity.

If you decide to buy a 311i Max and want to support the work we do at HouseFresh, please use this link so we can earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

January 23rd, 2026:

Replaced interactive comparison tables with static images that visualize performance, sound, and long-term costs data in an easy-to-digest way.
Added a new chart with PM1 CADR figures and sound levels in dBA for each available fan speed.
Added information on the new specialist filters available for this model + my advice on whether you should spend the extra money.
Added a link to a new AHAM CADR report for this model that has been uploaded to the Energystar database.

4 best Winix air purifiers, based on our tests

Dec 17, 2025May 16, 2025 by Danny Ashton

Over the last few years, I have tested nine different air purifier models from Winix, and by the end of this article, you will know which one is the best choice for you.

Since 2020, I have tested and reviewed 110+ air purifiers from different brands, and devices manufactured by Winix tend to stand out.

In fact, at this point, I’m confident enough to say that Winix is a brand that generally makes good-value, high-performing air purifiers, so choosing the best ones hasn’t been easy.

All my recommendations are based on our first-hand experiments, including a particle removal test at top fan speed and sub 45 dbA speed, sound tests from 3 feet away, electricity consumption, and yearly running costs. We also live with the air purifiers in our home to assess the overall user experience in the long term and test out features like app support and auto mode in different day-to-day situations. Read more about how we test.

Let’s kick things off with the best Winix air purifier for most people.

1. Best for most people: Winix 5510

A brand new model from Winix that came to replace the now discontinued Winix 5500-2

The two reasons why the Winix 5510 is my number one pick are its performance and its price — now that the 5500-2 has been discontinued, Winix has dropped the price of the 5510 to $179.99.

At top speed, the 5510 completed our particle removal test in a speedy 24 minutes, which is faster than much more expensive devices like the Coway Aimega 250S or the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06.

Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 248 cfm (which PlasmaWave enabled), which makes the 5510 a solid choice for those wanting to get five air changes per hour in spaces up to 372 sq. ft.

What we really like

It has a better-looking design compared to every other rectangular Winix device I’ve tested.

When running at top speed, its air cleaning performance is on par with the older 5500-2, the popular Smart Air SA600, and the much more expensive Rabbit Air A3.

The Winix app is intuitive and has no annoying ads like the ones we see in other apps.

The filters are not bonded together, making the pre-filter easier to clean and the gas filter easy to replace when the carbon runs out without needing to throw away the HEPA filter as well.

Its body is compact and has a smaller footprint compared to the older Winix 5500-2 and Winix Zero Pro.

What we think could be better

The 5510 is louder at top speed than similarly-sized air purifiers from Winix and other brands.

Its air cleaning performance drops when running at sub-45 dBA fan speeds.

The app is still quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit and Xiaomi, but this is expected as it’s very new for Winix.

When running at speed 2, the 5510 generates 40.8 dBA of noise so I repeated our particle removal test at this fan speed and it managed to clear all PM1 pollutants from the air 60 minutes. This is much slower than the 43 minutes I recorded when testing the older 5500-2 at speed 2, but it is a larger device with a bigger fan and filters so it makes sense.

If you care about quiet performance, then I recommend running the 5510 at speed 3 which generates 51.6 dBA of noise but is powerful enough to clear the air much faster — completing our particle removal test in 38 minutes.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 125 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 40.8 dBA Speed 3: 51.6 dBA Speed 4: 67.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 3.51 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 4.59 watts (4.87 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 6.58 watts (6.89 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 15.68 watts (15.98 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.62 watts (53.94 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

➜ Read our full review

➜ Watch our video review

2. Best for small rooms: Winix A230 / A231

The best choice for those looking for a Winix air purifier for a room smaller than 200 sq. ft.

I always recommend that most people push for a mid-sized air purifier as they have similar long-term running costs as small devices and you can run them at lower fan speeds but still get excellent air cleaning performance without the noise. However, I know not everyone has space for a large device so for those of you looking for a small Winix air purifier, my top pick is the Winix A231 in white and grey or A230 in black.

In our testing, it cleaned our test room of PM1 particles from incense smoke in 40 minutes (with PlasmaWave enabled), which is faster than what we recorded when testing more expensive and similarly sized air purifiers like Levoit Core 300S or the Xiaomi 4 Compact.

Based on the particle removal results, we estimate a CADR of 148 CFM, which makes the Winix A231 a good choice for those looking for a device that could offer five (5) air changes per hour in spaces up to 222 sq. ft.

What we really like

Even though its list price is $99.99, you will often find it on Amazon for just 75 bucks.

It comes with an on-board sensor, auto-mode and a color-coded ring that shows air quality data at a glance.

The official filter replacements from Winix are affordable and there are also many generic filters are available, so you don’t need to worry about not finding filter replacements online.

You get two options in terms of design: white (A231) and black (A230).

Running the A231 25/7 at top speed will cost $50.65 in energy per year, which is comparable to mid-sized units like the Winix ZERO-S and the Winix 5510.

What we think could be better

The bonded cylindrical filter uses impregnated carbon instead of the pelleted carbon you get with the Winix 5510, which won’t be good enough to tackle serious issues with odors and could lead to filters needing to be replaced more often.

Reaching 57.9 dBA at top speed, it is as loud as bigger air purifiers like the Levoit EverestAir or the Rabbit Air A3.

The A231 generates 57.9 dBA of noise at top speed and this will be loud for many people. We repeated our particle removal test with the A231 running at speed 1 (35.2) and it needed 86 minutes to clear our test room of PM1, so we estimate a CADR of 66 CFM (good for 5 air changes per hour in spaces up to 100 sq. ft.)

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 148 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 67 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 154 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Fine mesh pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, PlasmaWave technology
Recommended room size:	222 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	9.5D x 9.5W x 14.6H inches (24.13D x 24.13W x 37H cm)
Weight:	7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.2 dB Speed 2: 48.3 dB Speed 3: 57.9 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.06 watts Speed 1: 35.4 watts Speed 2: 37.7 watts Speed 3: 45.6 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	Thailand

➜ Read our full review

➜ Watch our video review

3. Best for medium-sized rooms: Winix T810

A new model from Winix that rivals popular air purifiers such as the Levoit Core 400S and the Xiaomi Pro 4

PRICE ON amazon PRICE ON Sylvane

Based on their latest releases, it is clear that Winix has been focusing heavily on the smart functions and design aesthetic. In fact, the T810 (or T830 in blue) is, in my opinion, the best-looking Winix device on the market. But looks are not the reason why I have included the T810 on this list.

The performance of the T810 in our testing was good at both full speed (26 minutes with PlasmaWave enabled) and also at its highest sub-45 dBA speed (46 minutes) — this is the sweet spot I’m looking for when testing air cleaning speed as most devices are loud at top speed.

What we really like

This is the first Winix device to sport a screen that can provide real-time air quality information with exact PM2.5 data.

At speed 2 (44.8 dBA), the T810 needed 46 minutes to clear our test room of all PM1, which is just 3 minutes slower than the 5510 but with a smaller footprint.

You get app support through the Winix app, which is intuitive to use and has no annoying ads.

It comes in two colors, and they both look great: silver (T810) or blue (T830).

What we think could be better

Like the A231 (above), the filters in the T810 use impregnated carbon instead of pellets, which we see with other Winix models. This might lead to a shorter filter lifespan if you have a serious issue with odors and gases.

Due to the use of an all-in-one filter, I find that it is more cumbersome to clean the pre-filter in the T810 regularly as you need to remove the whole filter and it can get messy.

If you want a medium-sized Winix air purifier with app support and the benefit of an onboard screen to see the real-time data from the air quality sensors inside the device, then the T810 in grey (or the T830 in blue) are my top picks.

HouseFresh rating:	◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◻️◻️◻️ 7/10
Time to reach PM1 zero (running at top speed in our 728 cubic feet test room):	– 26 minutes (top speed) – 46 minutes (sub-45 dB speed)
Air filtration technology:	True HEPA particle filter with carbon and pre-filter mesh
Ionization technology:	PlasmaWave bipolar ionization that can be disabled
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	343 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– HouseFresh PM1: 229 cfm – AHAM PM2.5: 267 cfm (dust)
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	11.3 x 11.3 x 20.4 in (28.7 x 28.7 x 51.8 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	10.4 lbs (4.7 kg)
Filter life:	12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	– Sleep mode: 35.1 dBA – Speed 1: 37.4 dBA – Speed 2: 44.8 dBA – Speed 3: 50.3 dBA – Speed 4: 62.5 dBA (top speed)
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	– Standby: 0.52 watts – Sleep more: 2.2 watts – Speed 1: 4.40 watts (4.72 w/PlasmaWave) – Speed 2: 8.23 watts (8.47 w/PlasmaWave) – Speed 3: 12.30 watts (13.42 w/PlasmaWave) – Speed 4: 41.92 watts (42.59 w/PlasmaWave)
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	– Energy consumption: $47.31 per year – Filter replacement: $79.99 per year
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of manufacture:	Thailand

➜ Read our full review

➜ Watch our video review

4. Best in the UK & Europe: Winix 5500-2

Winix has recently discontinued the 5500-2 in the U.S. but this excellent air purifier is still widely available across Europe.

As of May 2025, Winix was confirmed that the 5500-2 and the 5300-2 will be discontinued in the U.S. and Canada BUT this is an excellent device and it is still available in the UK and Europe, so I have to include it on this list.

I have reached out to Winix to ask about their long-term plans, and they confirmed that they will keep producing filter replacements for the 5500-2 until 2032, so if you find this air purifier on sale where you live, then it is definitely worth considering as it offers EXCELLENT air cleaning performance both at top speed and sub-45 dBA speed.

A big advantage of the Winix 5500-2 is that there are various filter replacement options both OEM and generic, which can lead to big savings in terms of long-term running costs and also guarantee filter replacements long after Winix stops manufacturing their genuine filters:

What we really like

With PlasmaWave enabled, the 5500-2 cleaned our test room in 23 minutes — without the ionizer, it still managed to clean the air in 24 minutes

It comes with separate filters so the pre-filter is easy to clean without taking all the filters out AND you can just replace the carbon when it runs out without needing to replace the HEPA filter.

Affordable filter replacements, with genuine filters available for $50 and generic filters for $15 per year

It is an oldie but goodie — the 5500-2 has been released nearly a decade ago, so you know you’re buying a device that will keep working without issues in the long run.

What we think could be better

This is an old Winix device, so the design is more dated than some people would like. It’s bigger and bulkier than both the T810 and 5510, and lacks the smart features and app connectivity that these newer models have.

It has been discontinued in the U.S. and Canada, so it might get harder and harder to find in stock online.

HouseFresh rating:	★★★★★
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	23 minutes (with PlasmaWave)
Air purifier technology:	PlasmaWave, removable pre-filter, washable activated carbon filter and True HEPA filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	360 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 243 CFM Smoke: 232 CFM Pollen: 246 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / cm):	15W x 8.2D x 23.6H inches (38W x 21D x 60H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	14.8 lbs (6.7kg)
Filter life:	12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 38.8 dB Speed 2: 42.5 dB Speed 3: 47.5 dB Speed 4: 58.9 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 0.34 watts Speed 1: 6.5 watts Speed 2: 9.11 watts Speed 3: 14.80 watts Speed 4: 53.46 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$161.53 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$0.66
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 year
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

➜ Read our full review

➜ Watch our video review

Other Winix air purifiers we have tested

A round-up of Winix units we have reviewed, and why they didn’t make the cut.

Winix 5300-2

We first tested the 5300-2 in 2021 and it offered excellent value back then. These days, however, there are other solid options from Winix like the 5500-2 and the 5510 that will give you more powerful air cleaning for a similar price.

Plus, as of May 2025, Winix America has confirmed that they are discontinuing the 5300-2 in the U.S. and Canada in favor of the newer Winix 5520.

Winix C545

The C545 first showed up in 2019 and these days you can only find it refurbished on the Winix website BUT it was brought back by Costco and became pretty popular in 2023.

It offers great performance on par with the Winix T810, but I didn’t include it on my main list as you will only be able to buy it if you’re a Costco member.

Winix Zero-S / Zero-SE

The Winix Zero-SE is a Costco version of the Winix Zero-S, which is widely available in Europe and the UK. This is an good-performing air purifier and it has lower long-term costs than newer models like the 5510 and the T810.

I didn’t include it because its design means that the front cover comes off easily when moving it around, and moving it around is in itself more awkward than it needs to be due to its shallow handle at the back. BUT if you find it at a good price and know you won’t need to move it around the house, then the Zero-S/Zero-SE is a solid device.

Winix Zero Pro / HR900

Only a few days after publishing my video review for the Winix Zero Pro or HR900 in the U.S., Winix announced that it would be discontinued so that is why I didn’t include it on this list.

This was a real shame, as I really liked this device. It offers good air cleaning performance, looks good, and has a dual gas and particle sensor for improved auto-mode performance.

Wrapping up

I hope this article will help you choose the right Winix air purifier for your unique situation.

If you decide to buy one of these devices, please use the affiliate link we included in the buttons throughout the article to support the work we do at HouseFresh. We will get a small 3% cut at no extra cost to you and this will allow us to continue buying and testing air purifiers in the future.

As always, feel free to ask away any questions you may have in the comments below.

Coway Airmega 250S review

Dec 17, 2025Apr 2, 2025 by Danny Ashton

Coway is the manufacturer behind the most popular air purifier in the world, the Airmega AP-15122HH which has been the number one pick from the team at the NY TImes’ Wirecutter since 2014.

The Airmega 250S is a relatively new model that has been around since the end of 2021, and has been very well received by the press. So well received, in fact, that one reviewer referred to it as “the Wagyu Beef of Air Purifiers”…

That got me even more interested in testing its performance.

As always, we bought the Airmega 250S with our own money to experience the customer journey just as you will and remain unbiased without any special deal or connection to Coway.

The overall score for the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

The pros and cons of the Coway Airmega 250S

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

PRice on amazon Price ON COWAY

“The Airmega 250S has excellent build quality and is beautifully designed, so it is a good option for those who are happy to spend a little more on an air purifier that will look great while cleaning the air.

However, if you are sensitive to noise, you might want to pass on the 250S because it doesn’t offer good air cleaning performance under 45 dBA.”

If you don’t want to read my full review of the Coway Airmega 250S, here are the three things I like and the three things I don’t.

CONS

Long-term running costs are higher than similar performing devices due to the filters needing to be changed every six months.

Sub-par air cleaning at its only sub-45 dBA fan speed. There is a big jump in noise levels when moving from speed 1 to speed 2.

The app has a habit of logging you out, which is quite annoying and could explain the low user ratings in both the App store and the Google Play store.

PROS

Build quality and design are a step above the rest. The Airmega 250S is full of little design details, from the braided cable to the retro-modern aesthetic.

It offers solid air cleaning performance at top speed – earning the 250S a spot in our rankings right beside many of our top recommended air purifiers.

It is more energy efficient than previous Coway models we’ve tested.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 91 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 261.2 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a washable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.5 x 19.7 x 8.3 in (47 x 50 x 21 cm)
Weight:	20.5 lb (9.3 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	– Sleep mode: 35.7 dBA – Speed 1: 36.5 dBA – Speed 2: 50.2 dBA – Speed 3: 59.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	– Standby mode: 1.76 watts – Sleep mode: 4.53 watts – Speed 1: 6.52 watts – Speed 2: 22.01 watts – Speed 3: 57.71 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

The best Airmega 250S feature: Retro-inspired design built with high quality materials

The 250S has been built to last and is guaranteed to look great in most rooms.

If you’re reading this review, it’s probably because you saw the 250S and thought the design was worth paying extra compared to other air purifiers from Coway.

I’ll be honest, as soon as I unboxed this device, I became obsessed with how it looks. I am not one to care about design or aesthetics but the Airmega 250S really made me notice. And it’s not just how nice the retro-inspired design looks — from the plastic chassis to the braided cable, this thing has been made with high quality materials.

Filtration technology

The Airmega 250S comes with a bonded H13 HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter that is also washable.

PRice on amazon Price ON COWAY

With the Airmega 250S, Coway moved away from the non-bonded filters we’ve seen in the past from models such as their incredibly popular AP-15122HH or the newer Airmega 200M. And unlike those models, the 250s also lacks an ionizer function.

It comes with an all-in-one filter they call ‘Max 2’ filter with a Green True HEPA particle filter on one side and a gas filter with pelleted carbon on the other.

The removable pre-filter on this unit is really high quality and slides into place beautifully. I like that it’s washable so you can rinse it, dry it and place it back.

Bonded filters can have better performance at removing particles compared to separate filters, but once the carbon runs out, you will need to replace the whole filter — even if the HEPA filter didn’t need to be replaced.

Design, controls and features

A customizable heavy, rectangular air purifier with two on-board sensors and app connectivity.

PRice on amazon Price ON COWAY

Weighing 20.5 lb (or 9.3 kg), the Airmega 250 S is heavier than other similarly powered air purifiers, and it is also wider than other mid-sized devices so it will take up more space on the floor. Luckily, it has hand holds on each side, so it’s fairly easy to move around the house.

It comes with two sensors: one for particles and one for gases. When on auto mode, it switches to high fan speeds as needed based on the readers of the sensors.

While it has no screen showing air quality levels, it comes with an LED bar that changes color depending on how bad the air quality is — you will also get an alert through your phone once you have setup the app.

The AQI light bar is easy to see and will change color from blue (good) to green (moderate) to yellow (unhealthy) to red (very unhealthy), depending on the sensor readings.

Something I really like is the introduction of a ‘Rapid’ mode, which will supercharge the usual auto mode ensuring the device will hit its highest fan speed until the air quality is improved.

We bought the Airmega 250S in Warm Gray, but if you go with the Airmega 250 Art, you can upgrade the look of the device to include an artwork imprinted on the front cover.

However, it will cost you an additional $50 if you buy from Coway (or an added $100 if you buy from Amazon) and you will be giving up on the app connectivity that you get with the 250S.

The Airmega 250S comes with app connectivity through the Coway IoCare app, which is easy to use and has a clean UX without invasive ads. You can access all the controls you get on the device from the app, with the added option of scheduling routines and accessing historical air quality data.

An issue I encountered with the IoCare app is that it keeps logging me out. This is especially annoying if you don’t have the password handy. Based on the poor 1.4 out of 5 stars the app gets in the App store, it looks like I am not the only one having difficulties. But to be fair to Coway, I haven’t had any other issues with the app apart from this.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Airmega 250S in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense stick.

PRice on amazon Price ON COWAY

We started by testing the particle removal performance of the 250S running at its highest fan speed. According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, it needed 24 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room:

Based on the natural ventilation of our 728 cubic feet test room, we estimate that it has a top speed PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which could provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

With this data in hand, we can compare the performance of the 250S to the results of other similarly-priced air purifiers running at their top speed:

Coway Airmega 250S Performance Top Speed

As you can see from the table, air cleaning performance to cost seems fair when benchmarking with other similar powered devices. That said, you still get a much better bang for your buck with something like the AirFanta 3Pro or the Vital 200S.

And if you are set on getting a Coway but not too fussed about it being the 250S, then you should probably look into the Airmega 200M, as it offers better particle removal performance for a cheaper price.

Sound levels

The sound levels of the 250S range from 35.7 dBA to 59.3 dBA — louder than similar performing models like the Smart Air SA600 and the Levoit Vital 200S.

If an air purifier is too loud, you will find yourself turning it off eventually.

That is why we used a sound meter to measure how much sound the Coway Airmega 205S generates from 3 ft. away at each of its fan speeds:

Be aware our background noise is 35 dBA, so the 250S running at sleep mode and set to speed 1 is likely to be quieter than 36.5 dBA if you could measure sound levels in a silent room.

Even though it’s a larger device, when running at its highest fan speed, the 250S is quieter than the Airmega 200M. That said, it is still louder than most other mid-sized traditional air purifiers we benchmarked it against.

However, it is clear that this device is much louder than a PC fan-powered air purifier like the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

One of the benefits of going with a mid-to-large sized air purifier, is that you can run them at low (and quiet) fan speeds while still enjoying powerful air cleaning performance due to use of larger fans and filters. That is why we also test the particle removal speed of our air purifiers running at quiet fan speeds.

The Airmega 250S needed 64 minutes to remove all PM1 particles from the air running at speed 1 (36.5 dBA) and 30 minutes running at speed 2 (50.2 dBA).

When comparing the sub-45 dBA performance of the 250S to other air purifiers running at fan speeds that generate less than 45 decibels, it becomes clear that this air purifier doesn’t offer good air cleaning at quiet operation.

Coway Airmega 250S Performance Sub 45DBA

Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate that the Coway Airmega 250S has a sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR of 91 cfm which would be powerful enough to offer five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 136.5 sq. ft.

I would like for Coway to add a fan speed in between speed 1 and speed 2 that doesn’t exceed 45 dBA, as this is a sound level that many people will have no issues hearing all day in the background.

Long-term running costs

Running a Coway Airmega 250S will cost you $224.08 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

PRice on amazon Price ON COWAY

As always, we used our energy meter to record how much energy the Airmega 250S uses when running at each fan speed and also while on standby. If you had to leave your 250S running at its top speed 24/7, it would cost $64.10 in energy costs for a year.

Now, I know this is an unlikely scenario as you will probably prefer having the device running at a quieter fan speed in the background, but I use this ‘worst case scenario’ to estimate the most the 250S could add to your energy bill each year.

But it’s not just energy costs that add to the running cost of an air purifier, you will also need to replace the filters eventually. In the case of the 250S, Coway says that you need to replace the filters every 6-12 months.

The recommended official filter (AP-1720-FP) costs $79.99, which means that you will need to spend $159.98 each year in filter replacements.

When we combine energy costs with filter replacement costs, we find that the Coway Airmega 250S will cost you $224.08 per year to run.

Due to the filters needing to be changed twice per year, the costs are higher than those models that only need changing every 12 months. In this benchmark of similar devices, the 250S ranks as the air purifier with the highest long-term running costs.

Coway Airmega 250/250S Air Purifier Replacement Filter Set, Max 2 HEPA Filter and Active Carbon Filter, AP-1720-FP

Coway Airmega 250/250S Replacement Filter
Coway Airmega Max2 filter is an all-in-one that combines Coway HEPA filter with an Activated Carbon filter.
Coway Airmega Max2 filter has an average of 12-month lifespan.

Bottom line: Should you get the Coway Airmega 250S?

For raw money-to-air-cleaning-performance, you will get a better deal with the older AP-15122HH or the newer Airmega 200M.

PRice on amazon Price ON COWAY

The Airmega 250S has excellent build quality and is beautifully designed, so it is a good option for those who are happy to spend a little more on an air purifier with smartphone connectivity that will look great while cleaning the air.

However, if you like the look of the 250S but are not keen on having yet another app on your phone, then you may want to choose the Airmega 250 instead or even the Airmega 250 Art for a snazzier look.

If you’re not convinced by the looks, then I’d say there are other mid-to-large sized air purifiers out there that will give you great air cleaning power even at quiet fan speeds for less or about the same price you’ll pay for the 250S.

A big problem with this device is the small number of fan speeds.

While speed 1 is very quiet, air cleaning performance is not as impressive. Switching to speed 2 will improve this, but the 250S will get noisy as this fan speed goes over 50 dBA, which is louder than most people would like to have running continuously.

It would be much better to see a fan speed in between that runs at just under 45 dBA, as we know that many people could deal with this sound level running all the time in the background.

For those wanting a powerful air purifier with excellent quiet performance, smartphone connectivity, and a design that looks as good as the Coway 250S, check out the Levoit EverestAir.

And if you want to save some money, look into the Winix 5500-2 and the Levoit Vital 200S, both of which will give you the same level of air cleaning power for a cheaper upfront and long-term cost.

I hope my review was helpful and if you have any questions about the Coway Airmega 250S, be sure to leave them in the comments below.

NorthBox 6XL review

Jan 24, 2026Apr 2, 2025 by Danny Ashton

After his father went into a long-term care facility at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert Fantinatto teamed up with his son Aidan to make PC-fan powered air purifiers easily available to Canadians.

As with all the air purifiers we tested, we bought the NorthBox 6XL with our own money. We went with the DIY kit as it was easier to ship all the way to the UK, and chose the HDF hardboard version as it was cheaper at $220 CAN.

The DIY kit came with everything we needed to build the 6XL, except for the two 20x20x1 3M Filtrete MERV13 filters and the six Arctic P14 fans. But if DIYing is not your thing, you can get the fully assembled version for $350 CAN.

In this review, I will be comparing the NorthBox 6XL against the more than 100 air purifiers I have tested to date. I will take you through my first-hand data on air cleaning performance, sound generation, electricity consumption, user experience and long-term running costs.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

The lowdown on the NorthBox 6XL

“The NorthBox 6XL is an excellent alternative to the CleanAirKits Luggable models for those living in Canada, who will be able to buy them without worrying about tariffs while supporting a Canadian small business.

Air cleaning performance, sound generation and energy consumption are on par with what we’ve come to expect from PC fan-powered devices.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

$220 CAD (DIY KIT) $ 350 CAD (ASSEMBLED)

If you don’t want to read my full review, here are the five things I really like about the 6XL, and the three things I don’t.

What we really like

Excellent air cleaning performance comparable to the impressive Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

Outstanding particle removal speed at quiet operation with Noctua P14 Redux fans.

It is more affordable than other PC fan air purifier kits such as those from CleanAirKits and Nukit.

It uses 20x20x1 MERV 13 filters that are easily available.

It is lightweight and easy to move around.

What we think could be better

I found it trickier to build compared to the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 — but it’s definitely easier than the Nukit Tempest.

There is no mesh filter guard or pre-filter available, which is something we see with the Tempest and the Luggable.

North Box Systems doesn’t have an online store, so you will need to email them to make an oder.

HouseFresh rating:	◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◻️◻️◻️ 7/10
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	– Top speed: 21 minutes (Arctic P14 Max) – Sub-45dBA speed: 23 minutes (Noctua P14 Redux)
Air filtration technology:	MERV 13 (20x20x1 3M Filtrete MPR 1900)
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	427 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	HouseFresh PM1: 285 cfm
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	20 x 20 X 5.5 in (50.8 x 50.8 X 14 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Filter life:	12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	– Arctic P14 Max: 50.2 dBA – Noctua P14 Redux: 45.1 cBA
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	– Arctic P14 Max: 28.45 watts – Noctua P14 Redux: 14.4 watts
Estimated running cost:	– Energy consumption: $31.60 per year – Filter replacement: $89.98 per year
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of manufacture:	Canada

The best 6XL feature: Repairable, upgradeable and customizable

You can choose different types of PC fans depending on what you value most: sheer power or quiet performance.

One of my favorite features of the new generation of PC fan-powered air purifiers is the fact that you can fix and replace parts, using widely available air filters and fans.

In the case of the NorthBox 6XL, we were able to build multiple versions of the same device without any issues. Each time, we were able to improve the performance of the air purifier in regards to its particle removal efficiency and its sound generation.

This makes the 6XL highly customizable, depending on what you value most: quiet power or particle removal speed.

A natural HDF hardboard body that houses two 20×20 MERV 13 filters

The design of the 6XL is reminiscent of the Luggable XL-7 we reviewed from CleanAirKits.

The moment I finished building my 6XL, I could immediately see the resemblance with the design of the Luggable XL from CleanAirKits—especially considering the use of 3M Filtrete MERV 13 filters.

In fact, on their website, North Box Systems highlighted CleanAirKits’ own Rob Wissmann as a source of inspiration, alongside the DIY movement around the Corsi-Rosenthal box.

However, unlike CleanAirKits, you don’t get a handle and won’t find an option to add a mesh guard or pre-filter on top of the MERV 13 filters.

That said, you will get two choices for the body of your NorthBox 6XL: glossy black acrylic or natural HDF hardboard, with the first one adding $30 to the price.

Personally, I prefer the wooden look and the cost-savings associated with the HDF hardboard, but I am aware that there might be durability benefits with the acrylic version.

$220 CAD (DIY KIT) $ 350 CAD (ASSEMBLED)

As I mentioned in the intro, we went with the DIY kit to build our 6XL at home because it was cheaper and easier to ship to the UK. The kit comes with everything you need (bar the filters and the fans), including a UL/C 12V power supply, safety grills to place on top of the fans and a set of adjustable internal tension cords to keep the cables nice and tidy on the inside.

This was the third PC fan kit I put together and I must say that I found it a little trickier than the kit from CleanAirKits but much easier than the one from Nukit. I really appreciate the team at North Box published a how-to video for people to follow while building the air purifier.

And I know that Robert Fantinatto made some adjustments to the kit after my initial video, so I’m looking forward to building and testing another model from North Box Systems to see the improvements.

In terms of fans, North Box recommends the Arctic P14 fans, which will set you back $49.99. For my build, I wanted to try something different so I went with the Artic P14 Max fans and I also tested Noctua P14 Redux fans.

And when it comes to filters, you will be able to use any 20x20x1 MERV 13 filters you can get hold of.

North Box recommends the 3M Filtrete MPR1900, so we went with those filters because we were super impressed with the particle removal efficiency of the Filtrete MPR1900 when we tested them with the Luggable XL and the Lasko 2-in-1.

The NorthBox 6XL cleared our test room in 21 minutes

Our build with Arctic P14 Max fans completed our particle removal test two minutes faster than the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on EBAY

We tested the NorthBox 6XL in the same 728-cubic-feet room where we have tested 100+ different air purifier models since 2020. By testing every device in the same room doing the same job of removing incense smoke, we can quickly compare performance across devices.

Our 6XL build with Arctic P14 Max fans cleared all PM1 pollutants from incense smoke in 20 minutes, which is two full minutes faster than the result achieved by the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 with one more PC fan than the 6XL:

That means that, by choosing to use the P14 Max fans, I managed to improve the air cleaning performance of the 6X, but as you will see later, this build has some downsides.

Next, we repeated the particle removal test with the Noctua P14 Redux fans, and this version of the 6XL took a little longer, reaching PM1 zero in 23 minutes:

You can see in the table below how these results compare to some of the most popular air purifiers we have tested:

Similar to the Luggable XL, the NorthBox 6XL comes at a higher initial cost when compared to HEPA retail devices with similar air cleaning performance. However, you will get a lot more value out of the 6XL when looking at quiet performance and long-term running costs.

It is quieter at top speed than air purifiers from popular brands such as Levoit, Winix and Coway

In our testing, the Noctua build of the 6XL hit 45.1 dBA and the P14 Max build hit 50.2 dBA.

$220 CAD (DIY KIT) $ 350 CAD (ASSEMBLED)

While air cleaning performance is very important, it is not the only thing you should focus on when choosing an air purifier. Sound is important too.

If an air purifier sounds like a jet engine, you’re likely to end up turning it off eventually. That is why, we used our sound meter to measure how much sound is generated by the NorthBox 6XL from 3 ft. away.

Our data shows that the P14 Max build generates 50.2 dBA and the Noctua build is quieter at 45.1 dBA. But this information in isolation is not as helpful, so let me show you how this compares to other air purifiers running at their top speed:

As you can see from the table above, in my quest to improve air cleaning performance with the use of Arctic P14 Max fans, I built a version of the 6XL that is much louder than the other PC fan kits I have tested.

I want to be clear, this is down to me choosing these fans rather than any issue with the design from North Box. North Box recommends the use of Arctic P14 fans, which would be much quieter.

If sound is a big deal for you

If you’re keen to experiment with the PC fans for the 6XL, I would suggest looking into the non-Max version of the Arctic P14 fans, which will be much quieter and we recorded reaching 41.8 dBA in our build of the Nukit Tempest.

We have been experimenting with lots of different fan models for our Nukit Tempest that you might want to check out:

While I was able to improve the CADR of our 6XL a little with the use of P14 Max filters, the downside is that you’ll get much louder operation so it is probably not worth it.

Using the Noctua P14 Redux fans, I managed to lower sound levels to the 45 dBA limit we set for our quiet performance tests. Check out the table below to see how the air cleaning performance of the 6XL compares to other air purifiers at sub-45 dBA fan speeds:

North Box 6XL Sub45 performance compared

As the chart above shows, when comparing quiet performance below 45 dBA it becomes clear that PC-fan air purifier kits offer a lot more value that you’ll ever get from HEPA retail devices.

And even though that the NorthBox 6XL with Noctua P14 Redux fans is louder than other PC-fan powered devices, its particle removal performance still outmatches every other shop-bought device on the list.

The cost to run a NorthBox 6XL: $85.50 CAD per year

1. Electricity costs = $30.97 CAD per year

As part of our reviews, we use a power meter to measure how much energy is pulled at each fan speed. As the NorthBox 6XL has only one speed, we only needed to record energy consumption at its only speed.

When running the 6XL with P14 Max fans, it pulled 28.45 watts. When we swapped for Noctua P14 Redux fans, the power consumption dropped to 14.4 watts.

We can now compare the estimated energy costs associated with running a NorthBox 6XL, based on calculations we made using the appliance cost calculator from BC Hydro.

But it’s not just electricity costs that add up to the maintenance costs of running an air purifier in your home 24/7; you also need to think about filter replacements.

2. Filter costs = $54.53 CAD per year

As with any air purifier, you’re going to have to replace the filters in your NorthBox 6XL eventually.

The 6XL uses two MERV 13 20x20x1 filters and, depending on where you live, you should be able to get 12 months of use out of them before it’s time to replace them.

If you go with the recommended 3M Filtrete MPR1900, you will pay $163.58 on Amazon.ca for a set of six filters, which should last you around three years. That means that you should budget around $54.53 per year in filter replacements for your 6XL.

When we combine energy usage with filter replacement costs, we estimate that the NorthBox 6XL could cost you

Still, when you combine the energy usage with these filter prices, the Northbox 6Xl annual running cost is $85.50 CAD. This figure compares favorably with other air purifiers we have tested:

As you can see from the table above, choosing to build your 6XL with Arctic P14 Max fans, you will end up paying more in the long run due to how power-hungry those PC fans are compared to what you can expect to pay with the Noctua P14 Redux fans.

Bottom line: Should you buy a NorthBox 6XL?

If you are based in Canada, the 6XL is the best value PC fan-powered air purifier you can buy today.

So before I jump into the conclusion, it’s fair to say that I messed this one up when I decided to build my first iteration of the 6XL using six Arctic P14 Max fans.

When I swapped out the P14 Max fans for the Noctua Redux fans, we improved performance at quiet fan speeds. However, the Noctua fans are quite pricey so it might be better to get the standard P14 fans, as recommended by North Both.

$220 CAD (DIY KIT) $ 350 CAD (ASSEMBLED)

All in all, I’d say that the NorthBox 6XL is an excellent alternative to the CleanAirKits Luggable models for those living in Canada, who will be able to buy them without worrying about tariffs while supporting a Canadian small business.

The 5XL and 6XL PC fan-powered air purifiers from North Box should be the top choice for those looking for a PC fan air purifier in Canada.

If you have any questions about this device, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll try to reply as soon as possible.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the NorthBox 6XL for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, based on the Canada average utility rate as of March 31st, 2025.

	BEST OVERALL	BUDGET	SMART	SMALL	LARGE	BUY-IT-FOR-LIFE
	CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra	AirFanta 3Pro	Blueair Blue Signature	CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron	Coway Airmega ProX	Nukit Tempest Pro

Top speed performance	315 cfm @ 47.2 dB	353 cfm @ 56.3 dB	400 cfm @ 59.6 dB	128 cfm @ 40.5 dB	462 cfm @ 53.6 dB	462 cfm @ 53.6 dB
Quiet speed performance	284 cfm @ 44.1 dB	213 cfm @ 43.3 dB	229 cfm @ 40 dB	128 cfm @ dB	299 cfm @ 44.4 dB	462 cfm @ 53.6 dB
Filter tech	MERV 13	HEPA H11 + carbon	Particle + carbon + ionizer	HEPA H10 + carbon	True HEPA + carbon	MERV 13
Max room size	472.5 sq. ft.	529 sq. ft.	600 sq. ft.	192 sq. ft.	693 sq. ft.	693 sq. ft.
Long-term running costs	$65.70 / year	$169.99 / year	$179.81 / year	$123.62 / year	$269.82 / year	$269.82 / year
List price	$310.00	$164.99	$449.00	$359.00	$999.00	$999.00

	BEST CHEAP	SMALL SPACES	MEDIUM SPACES	LARGE SPACES	VERY LARGE SPACES
	AirFanta 3Pro	Smart Air SA600	CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra	Coway Airmega ProX	Smart Air Blast

TOP SPEED PM1 CADR	353 cfm (600 m³/h)	249 cfm (423 m³/h)	315 cfm (535 m³/h)	462 cfm (785 m³/h)	547 cfm (929 m³/h)
SUB-45 dBA PM1 CADR	213 cfm (362 m³/h)	128 cfm (217 m³/h)	284 cfm (482 m³/h)	299 cfm (508 m³/h)	375 cfm (637 m³/h)
FILTER TECH	E11 particle filter + optional carbon filter	H13 HEPA filter + optional carbon	MERV 13 filter	GreenHEPA filter + carbon filter	H13 HEPA filter + optional carbon
ROOM SIZE (5 ACH)	529 sq. ft. (49 m²)	373 sq. ft. (34 m²)	472.5 sq. ft. (44 m²)	693 sq. ft. (64 m²)	820.5 sq. ft. (76 m²)
PRICE	$164.99	$279.95	$299	$999.00	$1,094.00
FULL REVIEW	3Pro review	SA600 review	Luggable review	ProX review	Blast review