The best performing air purifiers for wildfire smoke (+ DIY units)

Jul 17, 2026Jul 16, 2026 by Danny Ashton

Wildfire smoke generates pollution from tiny particles (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10), and also chemical gases (VOCs) that occur when different materials burn.

The most dangerous pollutants are tiny particles measuring 1-10 microns, which are small enough to pass through lung tissue and get into the bloodstream. The good news is that high-performing air purifiers with the right filters can remove these particles from the air before they get into your body.

My recommendations today are based on more than 130 air purifier tests, in which we assessed the air cleaning performance of different brands and models to find units powerful enough to quickly clear wildfire smoke from the air without breaking the bank. Read about our testing process if you want to learn more.

Let me point out that I included two air purifiers that you can build at home: the Corsi-Rosenthal Box and a simple fan+filter DIY air purifier. I did this because wildfire smoke can accumulate very quickly, so the best solution is to get a device to clean your air ASAP.

1. DIY option: 30×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box

For those reacting to the immediate threat of wildfire smoke, you can build your own Corsi-Rosenthal Box with a box fan, four HVAC MERV 13 filters, cardboard, and duct tape.

You can build this air purifier using items you may already have in the home. It was popularized by engineers Richard Corsi and Jim Rosenthal during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in addition to airborne viruses, this box can also help remove the dangerous tiny particles created by wildfire smoke.

To build one, you need a cardboard base, four 30x20x1 MERV 13 filters (I recommend 3M Filtrete MPR 1900) on each side, and a box fan on top.

This 30×20 design is the largest one we’ve built, but its performance is outstanding. Here is an infographic explaining how to build one.

In terms of air cleaning speed, it reached the top of our leaderboard, matching the performance you can expect from models selling for $800+.

However, keep in mind that box fans are generally loud and power-hungry, so this might not be the best solution for the long term.

CONS

The filters don’t have activated carbon, so it won’t be effective against the odors and gases generated by wildfires.

It has a large footprint, so it will take up a fair share of space.

Box fans can be loud. The noise levels vary from fan to fan, so make sure to find one that is comfortably quiet.

You will need to rebuild it every time you have to replace the filters.

PROS

You can build your own Corsi-Rosenthal box with four HVAC filters, a box fan, some cardboard and tape. Easy and affordable.

It is relatively easy to put together and can be an activity to do with kids at home.

It’s highly customizable. You can choose the fan and filters you want to use to build it.

The 30×20 version offers incredible particle removal speed, matching what we saw from units selling for $1,000.

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

Air purifiers are essentially just a fan and a filter, and that is exactly what this DIY air purifier is.

You can read our full guide and review of this simple DIY Air Purifier, but in simple terms, you just attach a MERV-13 filter to a box fan and voilà.

In terms of air cleaning performance, it needed more than twice as much time to clear our small test room of PM1 smoke particles, but when dealing with wildfire smoke, this simple DIY device is most definitely better than having no air purifier at all.

Alternatively, you can look for a ready-made fan and filter device in the Lasko AirFlex 2-in-1.

A pro tip for those who choose for this option: we swapped the Lasko filter for a 3M Filtrete 20×20 filter and this doubled its air cleaning performance:

2. Best budget option: AirFanta 3Pro

At under $165, the AirFanta 3Pro boasts outstanding air cleaning performance thanks to four 140mm PC fans — plus, it can cover areas as big as 529 sq. ft.

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

The design of the AirFanta 3Pro is inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box (above): a cube with a filter on each side, fans on top and a base at the bottom. But here’s the main difference: the 3Pro uses four PC cooling fans instead of a regular box fan.

The AirFanta 3Pro comes with four low-resistance E11 particle filters, which quickly remove smoke particles from the air with each pass.

You will have to build the 3Pro but it’s very easy to do. You place the plastic base at the bottom, a filter at each side, and then secure the box with the PC fan array on top.

I recommend you go with the filters that come with activated carbon to clear your air of particles AND gases from wildfire smoke.

In terms of performance, this little box is one of the most powerful air purifiers I’ve tested. Based on its results, it can change the air five times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft.

CONS

You don’t get any fancy features: no app support, no smart features, no touchscreen display.

I’m aware that its look is not everyone’s cup of tea.

PROS

With a list price of $165, this is the most affordable high CADR air purifier on the market today.

It offers outstanding air cleaning performance — it cleared all incense smoke from our test room in 17 minutes!

It is easy to build in just a few minutes. Once disassembled, you can fit it inside a carry-on bag or small suitcase to take with you.

It is a small 12.6×12.6 inches (32×32 cm) box, so it will fit most spaces — especially when compared to a Corsi-Rosenthal box.

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

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 for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

Outstanding air cleaning power for large spaces, smart modes, and an accurate air quality sensor for just under $900.

Speedyness is key when there’s a wildfire nearby. Selling for $899.99, the Airmega ProX is not as affordable as the AirFanta 3Pro, but it comes with such a powerful fan that it bested all 141 units we tested so far, completing our particle removal test in just 13 minutes.

Its outstanding performance could be explained by the use of not one but TWO powerful fans and a set of two bonded HEPA and pelleted carbon filters – one on each side:

The ProX outmatched nearly every other air purifier I’ve tested, with the exception of the commercial Smart Air Blast, which is much bigger.

This is a large air purifier that will be able to clean the air five times per hour in large spaces of up to 693 sq. ft. at top speed, while generating just 56 decibels of noise.

You also get a highly accurate particle sensor that unlocks smart features and automatic modes, where the air purifier will adjust its fan speeds based on the quality of your air.

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, so I recommend sliding it on its wheels.

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.

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

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 ➜

4. Best for small spaces: Levoit Vital 200S

This is our top recommendation for those looking for a smart air purifier with particle and carbon filters for under $200.

You don’t need ultra-powerful air purifiers for smaller spaces. However, I strongly recommend choosing a unit with a minimum CADR of 200 CFM, especially if you need to deal with wildfire smoke. Now, this is a medium-sized air purifier so it might not be what you expect – there are tons of small, cylindrical units on Amazon but those won’t be powerful enough.

Based on our tests, the Vital 200S has a PM1 CADR of 249 CFM and will be able to clean the air five times per hour in rooms as large as 373 sq. ft.

The Vital 200S comes with a powerful fan and a washable pre-filter, a particle filter and a layer of pelleted activated carbon. It can help remove particles and odors from the air.

It’s the traditional air purifier that offers the best value for your money – other models match its CADR but they are also louder and more power-hungry.

The Vital 200S also has pretty low running costs: if you were to leave it running at top speed 24/7, it would cost you just $123.48 over the year between electricity and filters.

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. However, this doesn’t affect performance.

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

PROS

Outstanding cleaning power for under $200, with an efficient $ per CADR ratio and affordable long-term running costs.

Despite being budget-friendly, the Vital 200S comes with all the bells and whistles: onboard sensor, smart modes AND app support.

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.

You can set smart home routines through the VeSync app.

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 ➜

Three other solid air purifiers that didn’t make the cut

If none of the options above seem like the right fit, consider the devices in this section.

It’s always worth mentioning other air purifiers with outstanding performance that didn’t make the final shortlist in case the models I recommend aren’t available where you live.

Coway Airmega Mighty2

The Mighty2 has air-cleaning performance slightly better than the Levoit Vital 200S, with an estimated PM1 CADR of 260 cfm at top speed (56.9 dBA of noise).

It features an onboard sensor, smart modes, and air quality readings, but it didn’t make the cut because it costs more than the Vital 200S ($269.99).

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

Smart Air Blast Mini

The Blast Mini is highly durable (made of metal), has a powerful fan inside, and a huge H13 HEPA filter, with the option to buy pelleted carbon to go with it.

It didn’t make the cut because we noticed it’s been out of stock a lot lately.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

The Luggable XL Ultra is a PC fan-powered air purifier made in the USA by the team at CleanAirKits.

It offers INCREDIBLE performance for its size (PM1 CADR of 315 cfm) and low running costs thanks to the use of HVAC filters and highly efficient PC fans. It didn’t make the cut because it retails for $310, so it’s pricey.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the list above, email me before you end up buying a useless air purifier.

The five air purifiers below are on my do-not-buy list for those looking to clear the air from wildfire smoke:

Levoit Core 300 – We love this budget air purifier, but it will be too underpowered to deal with a severe issue like wildfire smoke. You are much better off spending a little more for the Levoit LV-H133, which still has the same air-cleaning power as the Corsi-Rosenthal box.

Austin Air HealthMate – This air purifier has a large amount of carbon (15 lbs), but its particle removal could be better considering its price of over $700. Wildfire smoke generates a ton of particulate matter, so you need better performance than the estimated 150 CFM, which took 37 minutes to remove all PM1 particles from our test room.

Blueair Blue Pure 211+ – Big media sites regularly recommend this air purifier, but it uses an ionizer that you can’t turn off that potentially can bring ozone into your environment. Considering that many non-ionizer units are available, there is no need to recommend this device for wildfire smoke.

AROEVE MK01 – This popular cheap air purifier on Amazon could not fully clean our air of incense smoke even when we left it for 5 hours, so it would be useless with the particulates generated by a major wildfire.

PuroAir 240 – This air purifier is too underpowered to deal with wildfire smoke effectively. Not only that: you will find it discounted on Amazon all year round, but even with a discount, it is overpriced considering its performance.

Tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke

As we saw in New York in 2023, wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles from the source of the fire, so it’s important to be aware of the problem even if you don’t live in a high-risk zone.

Using a DIY air purifier like the Corsi-Rosenthal box or buying a traditional air purifier is a great way to remove particulate pollution, but there are other things you can do to reduce the risk of wildfire smoke in your home.

Seal Up: Wildfire smoke can pass through any gaps in your home, so seal up any spaces around windows and doors. Close any vents and outdoor intake dampers if you have a central AC.

Mask up: If you have to leave your home or use any rooms that don’t have air purifiers, then be sure to use an approved face mask and, if possible, also wear goggles as wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes.

Recirculate: You will still want to use your AC as temperatures will rise due to wildfire smoke, but you will want to enable the “recirculate mode” as this will mean it won’t pull polluted air from outside.

Run air purifiers 24/7: Wildfire smoke is a severe issue, so you will want to ensure that this smoke is continuously removed from your home air, as even when you seal windows and doors, it will still find a way to enter your home air. Smart Air showed in their experiment that pollutants will increase when you switch your unit off, so be sure to keep it running until the wildfire risk is over.

What to Do During a Wildfire Infographic scaled

Tip

Be sure to check out our full guide for more tips on how to protect your home from wildfire, including how to clean up afterward.

Final thoughts

Before I leave you, let me share the most important things you need to consider before buying an air purifier, as well as the biggest mistakes people tend to make:

If you have any questions that we haven’t covered in this guide, then be sure to email me directly (danny@housefresh.com) or drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I read it.

And if you decide to buy a different air purifier from the ones I recommended here today, please do the math to find a unit that will be able to clean the air a minimum of 4.8-5 times per hour in the room where you will use it. You can use our CADR calculator to find out how much CADR you’ll need to provide that level of air cleaning in your specific space:

Or if you already have a specific model in mind and would like to know how it compares to other models, you should definitely check out our comparison tool to see how different air purifiers did in our range of tests including air cleaning performance, sound generation, energy consumption and long term running costs.

You can explore our leaderboard with the scores and test data for every air purifier I have tested so far – just use the search bar to look for specific brands and models, or filter the results based on your budget to find the best-performing models overall and also those that provide the best value for your money:

These air purifiers can remove weed smoke (and its smell)

Oct 20, 2026May 28, 2026 by Danny Ashton

Weed smoke lingers, with odors sticking to clothes, hair and furniture. It can also travel far, reaching roommates and next-door neighbors.

Not only that… Smoking cannabis indoors has been found to dramatically increase the level of PM2.5 particulate matter – – including carcinogens and toxic chemicals, which can result in serious health effects for smokers and second-hand smokers alike.

Thankfully, a high-powered air purifier filled with a high-quality particle filter and a good amount of pelleted activated carbon can remove both the gases and the particles generated by weed smoke.

Since 2020, I have tested and reviewed over 130 different air purifiers from different brands, and these are my top picks for weed smoke right now:

1. Best for most people: Alen BreatheSmart 75i (with the Fresh Filter)

A smart air purifier with HEPA H13 filter and 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted marihuana odors.

This is the most powerful air purifier in Alen’s BeatheSmart range. It has an estimated PM1 CADR of 333 cfm at top speed and can provide five air changes per hour in rooms of up to 448 sq. ft. (41 m²).

It comes with three layers of filtration: a removable pre-filter, a HEPA H13 filter, and a layer of pelleted activated carbon.

Alen offers multiple filter options for the 75i, but for weed smoke, I recommend the Fresh filter, which comes with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon.

The 75i comes with a highly accurate laser particle sensor that informs the air quality indicator light at the top.

It completed our particle removal test in 18 minutes at top speed. Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm.

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

Excellent quiet performance – it has a PM1 CADR of 164 cfm when running at speed 2 while generating 44.7 dBA.

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 ➜

2. Best for intense weed odors: AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with refillable carbon filter

With 16 lbs. (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, you’ll struggle to find an air cleaner with more charcoal to help deal with serious VOCs from weed smoke.

If you are dealing with strong odors from marihuana smoke, you will need A LOT more carbon than what you usually get with traditional air purifiers. For those cases, I recommend building yourself a specialist odor-busting device with parts from AC Infinity.

Our AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 outperformed the mighty Austin Air HealthMate in our VOC removal tests. Be aware that performance dropped when set to its highest fan speed, so I suggest sticking to speed 5 and below.

The 8-inch Carbon Filter comes with 7.2 kg (or 16 lbs) of activated carbon pellets. And the filter is refillable, so you’ll save a fortune in the long run.

To build my AC Infinity unit, I spent $407.99 to buy a CLOUDLINE S8 fan, two noise reduction clamps, a pre-filter cloth and an 8-inch Carbon Filter. By the way, the carbon filter comes with two years’ worth of carbon refills.

The fan blades are exposed at the top, so I covered them with a circular piece of carbon-impregnated fabric that I cut out from an old Coway Mighty filter.

CONS

This device only removes VOCs from the air. You won’t get any particle filtration, so you will need to use it alongside an air purifier if you want to remove particles as well as gases and smells.

This isn’t a traditional air purifier. You have to build it yourself and it doesn’t come with any fancy touchscreens or smart features.

It is LOUD. When set to speed 5 (optimal speed), it generates 61.9 decibels. The good news is that VOC removal improves at lower fan speeds.

PROS

The 8-inch carbon filter comes with 16 lbs (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, which is the largest amount we have seen.

It is much cheaper than specialist odor-busting units from Austin Air, Allerair and Airpura can cost as much as $1,000.

This filter is refillable, so once the carbon is used up, you can dispose of it and refill the cylinder with more carbon.

The price of a years’s worth of carbon is just $89.99! This is A LOT more accessible than the nearly $400 you’re expected to spend on filter replacements with other specialist brands.

Filter technology:	VOC and odor adsorption
Carbon type:	Australian RC412 at 1200+ IAV (38mm thickness)
Carbon quantity:	16 lbs (7.2 kg)
Airflow:	857 cfm
Dimensions:	Fan: 3.3 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches (8.5 x 3.6 x 1.3 cm) Filter: 18.1 x 10.9 inches (46 x 27.7 cm)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 45.7 dBA Speed 3: 50.8 dBA Speed 4: 57.2 dBA Speed 5: 61.9 dBA Speed 6: 66.5 dBA Speed 7: 71.9 dBA Speed 8: 74.9 dBA Speed 9: 77.8 dBA Speed 10: 79.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Speed 1: 3.7 watts Speed 2: 7.4 watts Speed 3: 12.3 watts Speed 4: 20.2 watts Speed 5: 30.3 watts Speed 6: 43.2 watts Speed 7: 60.3 watts Speed 8: 86.2 watts Speed 9: 113.2 watts Speed 10: 148 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

Austin Air HealthMate

The filter inside the HealthMate is packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite mix and is bigger than most small air purifiers you’ll find at the top of Amazon – see how it compares to the Levoit Core 300S.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

It is great at removing odors and VOCs from the air, but its particle filtration is on par with much smaller air purifiers so it won’t offer the level of power you’d get from a unit like the Alen BreatheSmart 75i.

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

The Smoke Remover filter comes with 450 grams of pelleted activated carbon – – the most you’ll get from a Levoit unit.

Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.

The cylindrical Core 400S from Levoit is a mid-sized air purifier that doesn’t take up much floor space and offers solid air cleaning performance, with the option of supersizing the gas filtration to tackle weed smell in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft. (35 m²).

It comes with a cylindrical filter with a pre-filter mesh on the outside, a particle filter in the middle, and pelleted activated carbon on the inside.

Make sure to get the Smoke Remover filter, as it comes with 450 grams of activated carbon pellets, so it will be more effective at removing weed odors.

This is the smallest unit I’d recommend – – anything smaller than this won’t be powerful enough to remove weed smoke from the air.

Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, so the 400S can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

CONS

It’s an all-in-one filter, so you will need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is full, even if the particle filter still has life in it.

The particle filter was initially sold as H13 HEPA, but this was later removed from the marketing. This won’t affect performance, but you need to know.

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 in this video.

PROS

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

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

You get smartphone connectivity through the VeSync app.

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

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 247 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Pre-filter, particle filter and pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	373 sq. ft. (35 m²)
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 less than $200: AirFanta 3Pro (with HEPA + carbon filters)

Most choices above cost $500+ and while they are still my top options for weed smoke, I also wanted to include an affordable device powered by PC fans.

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

With a design inspired by the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box, you will need to assemble the 3Pro yourself, but it’s fairly straightforward: you place a filter on each side on top of a plastic base and secure the cube with a PC fan array on top.

You can choose between particle filters only or particle AND carbon filters. For tackling weed smoke, you will need carbon to remove smell.

AirFanta’s carbon filter is a bonded filter that combines a 15mm thick HEPA E11 filter with a 10mm layer of activated carbon. You will get four of them to fit at each side of the 3Pro.

The 3Pro is one of the fastest air purifiers we have ever tested, and you can buy it for less than $200 – that’s outstanding value for money.

Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm when running at top speed. It’s powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 529 sq. ft.

CONS

You don’t get any buttons or touchscreen. Instead, the 3Pro comes with a power adapter with a dial for adjusting the voltage and the sound level: we recommend 6.45V as a sweet spot of power, energy consumption and sound.

There are no generic filter replacements for the AirFanta 3Pro. You have to go with OEM filters, but they are very fairly priced.

It doesn’t come with any type of smart functions, such as auto mode or sleep mode.

PROS

Outstanding value for money.

It can be disassembled and reassembled in a few minutes, making it the only high-CADR air purifier you fit in a backpack.

Thanks to its compact design, you can easily lift and move this unit around the house.

It has been designed to be affordable yet powerful, which is not something we can say for the vast majority of the air purifiers we have tested.

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 ➜

Three other good air purifiers for weed smoke

The four air purifiers above are my top picks for weed smoke, but these are other units with solid performance that nearly made the list.

Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

In our tests, the Dyson BP06 showed excellent VOC removal power, completing the test in fourth place after the AC Infinity, the Austin Air and the Alen 75i – – not bad!

It didn’t make the list because the filter lifespan is very short when dealing with high concentrations of VOCs like weed smoke. But if you have money to spend, then this is a good option as it also offers a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm. ➜ READ OUR FULL REVIEW

Levoit EverestAir

The EverestAir comes with a ton of bells and whistles. It has an auto-mode that will kick in within seconds of detecting weed smoke and also offers full app support with the VeSync app.

In our VOC removal tests, it ranked 5th right after the Dyson BP06 (above). This makes it a good option under $500 but the carbon in the filters will be depleted within months if you’re dealing with high levels of weed smoke. ➜ READ OUR FULL REVIEW

Coway Airmega Prox

The ProX is the one of our most recommended air purifiers for large spaces. It offers excellent air cleaning performance (PM1 CADR of 462 cfm), comes with particle and odor filtration, and has smart functions + an on-board laser sensor with real-time particle readings on screen.

It didn’t make the list because it ranked 6th in our VOC removal tests but it costs more than the Alen 75i, which had a better result. ➜ READ OUR FULL REVIEW

Wrapping up

If you’ve reached this point in the guide and are still unsure which air purifier to get, just email Danny at danny@housefresh.com, and he will help you.

And if you want to compare the air purifiers I shortlisted here side-by-side, you can use our comparison tools or play with the interactive tool below:

October 20th, 2026:

Made the photos of the air purifiers a little smaller to help reduce the speed at which the web page loads.

August 26th, 2026:

Replaced the Austin Air HealthMate with the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with an 8-inch refillable carbon filter.
Replaced all models in the ‘Special mentions’ section based on the latest VOC removal results.

May 28th, 2026:

Replaced the IQAir HealthPro Plus with the Alen BreatheSmart 75i. After testing the V2 of the 75i, I found it offers more powerful particle and gas filtration.
Replaced the Winix 5500-2 with the Levoit Core 400S because the 5500-2 has been discontinued in the U.S. and Canada.

June 22nd, 2025:

Added the PC fan-powered AirFanta 3Pro to the list.
Moved the Alen 45i and the EverestAir outside of the main ranking to a new section with other good options that didn’t make it as top picks.

October 4th, 2024:

Updated the layout of the article to incorporate a list of air purifiers we don’t recommend for weed smoke.

May 29th, 2024:

Added a new reader question to the FAQ section of the guide.

May 16th, 2024:

Updated the introduction and removed a few broken links.
Added more detail to each of the top picks, focusing mainly on the activated carbon filters.

January 29th, 2024:

We rolled out a new design for the site, so we had to make lots of adjustments to the layout of this page to fit with the new design elements.

January 10th, 2024:

Updated the list of units, based on our data from tests we conducted in 2023. The Levoit EverestAir entered the ranking.

The best air purifiers for allergies, based on 150+ tests

Oct 25, 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 just over 150 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.

CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra HouseFresh Test Data

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 ➜

2. 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: Coway Airmega Mighty2

The Mighty2 is a new air purifier from Coway that can provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 188 sq. ft. at a fan speed quieter than 45 decibels.

When running at speed 2, the Airmega Mighty2 generates just 42.6 dBA and based on our particle removal test, we estimated a PM1 CADR of 151 cfm, which is good enough for six air changes in spaces up to 188 square feet.

The Mighty2 has a bonded filter with particle filtration on one side and a layer of pelleted activated carbon on the other.

It has a washable pre-filter that slides out without the need to open the front cover – – this is particularly useful for those with a dust allergy, as it minimizes floating dust everywhere.

When running at speed 2, it outperformed larger air purifiers like the the popular Vital 200S from Levoit and the Winix 5510.

Coway Mighty2 Quiet Performance Chart scaled

If you suffer from allergies and you’re looking for an air purifier for a small space, you shouldn’t go smaller than the Mighty2. Smaller models won’t pack the power needed.

CONS

The carbon and particle filters are bonded, so once the carbon becomes full (within 6-9 months), you will need to replace the entire filter even if the HEPA side still has life in it.

When set to Smart mode, it will automatically go into Sleep mode when the light sensor detects darkness. That is why I recommend leaving it on speed 2 all day.

It doesn’t come with app support, which isn’t something you need in an air purifier but you might expect it.

PROS

It offers excellent performance for an air purifier of this size that sells for less than $300.

The filter is chunkier and larger than what you get with other mid-sized models. Plus, it comes with carbon pellets instead of the carbon-impregnated fabric you get with the old Coway Mighty.

The removable pre-filter slides out without the need of opening the front cover, minimizing dust and fluff floating around when the time comes to clean it.

It comes with a laser particle sensor that responds much faster than the optical sensor you get in other Coway models.

It is smaller than other mid-sized air purifiers, so it won’t be hard to find a spot for it, even in small rooms.

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

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Speed 1: 99 cfm Speed 2: 151 cfm Speed 3: 212 cfm Turbo speed: 260 cfm
Filter technology:	Washable pre-filter and bonded pelleted activated Carbon + HEPA-grade particle filter (on sleep mode)
Air quality sensor:	Laser particle sensor (PM1, PM2.5, PM10)
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	390 sq. ft. (36.23 m2)
Dimensions:	16.9 x 17.9 x 9.3 in (43 x 45.5 x 23.7 cm)
Weight:	15.2 lbs (6.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.9 dBA Speed 1: 38.1 dBA Speed 2: 42.6 dBA Speed 3: 49.3 dBA Turbo speed: 56.9 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.39 watts Sleep mode: 2.53 watts Speed 1: 4.85 watts Speed 2: 10.28 watts Speed 3: 19.88 watts Turbo speed: 49.12 watts
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 ➜

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 speed 2 (44 dBA), the Coway Airmega ProX can provide six air changes per hour in spaces up to 373 square feet while generating less than 45 decibels.

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 Large

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 ➜

Smart Air Blast

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 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.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Winix 5510 / Winix 5530 / Winix 5520

I tested the Winix 5510, the 5520 and the 5530 with great results in terms of performance, sound, energy efficiency and long-term running costs.

Our test results were nearly identical across all three, with the 5510 being quieter and more energy-efficient than the other two: it delivers 125 cfm at speed 2 (40.8 dBA), which is good for 6 ACH in spaces no larger than 156 sq. ft.

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 ➜

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.

August 26th, 2026

Replaced the Levoit Core 400S with the Coway Airmega Mighty2, which offers a higher CADR at sub-45 dBA fan speeds.
Removed the Blast Mini from Smart Air from ‘Special mentions’ as it has been out of stock for a long time now.
Added the new range of mid-sized air purifiers from Winix to the ‘Special mentions’ list.

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 mold aren’t enough. Here’s why.

Oct 20, 2026Nov 3, 2025 by Danny Ashton

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 in diameter, so they can be easily removed from the air using different types of particle filters.

So… do you really need an expensive HEPA filter to remove mold?

While marketing materials for specific air purifier models suggest you need HEPA H13 or even H14, the reality is that a higher-grade filter can reduce the speed at which an air cleaner removes mold spores from the air because the filter itself is much denser and restricts airflow.

That is why, instead of obsessing over HEPA filter grades, I suggest you focus on finding an air purifier powerful enough to provide multiple air changes in the room with the mold issue. To do this, look at the air purifier’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which is the volume of filtered air it can deliver.

Aim for a model with a high enough CADR to provide 4-6 air changes per hour in your room. You can use our CADR calculator to determine the 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.

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

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 best air purifiers for dust, based on 150+ tests

Oct 20, 2026Aug 7, 2025 by Danny Ashton

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 150 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.

FIND IT ON AMAZON FIND IT ON THE MI STORE

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.

And if you have a different air purifier in mind to help you reduce the amount of dust at home, try searching for it in our comparison tool. If it’s a model we have tested, you’ll be able to see how its air cleaning power, sound levels, energy consumption and long term running costs compare to other air purifiers in our collection:

The best air purifiers to get rid of litter box smell

Oct 25, 2026Nov 30, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Having a cat as a pet is pretty awesome. But despite being relatively low maintenance, there are a few cat caregiving duties many cat owners would rather do without. And having to deal with their litter box often takes the top spot as the worst thing about owning a cat.

In fact, according to a survey published on the Las Vegas Review Journal, 44% of cat owners polled said that the biggest concern they have is how their cat’s litter box affects their home’s general hygiene.

The good news is that an air purifier with good filters packed with activated carbon can help remove unwanted litter box smells, while removing the amount of cat hair and dander in the air. Read on for my top picks, based on over 100 tests I’ve conducted since 2020.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

1. Best for large spaces: Levoit EverestAir

A large air purifier with a powerful fan and 400g of activated carbon to capture odors from the litter box.

Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.

Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm at top speed for the EverestAir and 205 cfm at speed 2, while generating just 43.2 dBA of sound. This is a powerful air purifier that will provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 562 sq. ft.

The EverestAir comes with 400g of pelleted activated carbon, which will adsorb unwanted smells while the air circulates through the device.

It comes with an onboard air quality sensor that displays readings on screen and on the smartphone app.

CONS

It doesn’t come cheap at $499.99 but often goes on sale for Prime Day and Black Friday.

The particle filter is not HEPA grade. This doesn’t affect the performance but it was initially sold as H13 HEPA.

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

PROS

It outperformed more expensive devices such as the $700+ Rabbit Air A3 and the $800+ Dyson BP06.

The design stands out and looks like something Apple would create.

It comes with 400g of activated carbon as standard, which is a good amount for tackling litter box odors.

It has wheels to move it around the house without having to lift it.

You can adjust the angle of the vents on top.

This is a large air purifier that sits solidly on its base, so it can withstand a curious cat jumping on top of it. The wheels at the bottom only move in one direction, so it won’t slide around the floor easily unless you push it in the right direction.

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 ➜

2. Best under $200: AirFanta 3Pro (with activated carbon filters)

This PC fan-powered air purifier is the most powerful budget-friendly model we have tested.

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

The 3Pro is a mini Corsi-Rosenthal box with a base at the bottom, four low resistance H11 particle filters packed with pelleted activated carbon at each side and an array of four PC fans on top. The result? An air purifier that offers a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm at top speed for less than $200.

You get a speed controller to set fan speeds. I recommend setting it to 6.54V, where it generates just 43.3 dBA of noise that won’t disturb your cat but still offers solid air cleaning performance.

This is the only high CADR air purifier that you can disassemble and fit inside a carry-on bag or backpack to take with you when you travel.

To deal with litter box smells you will need to buy the version of the 3Pro that comes with pelleted activated carbon, which will set you back $175.99 at the moment of writing this.

We are currently working on our written review of @Engineer_Wong’s AirFanta 3Pro, including new air cleaning performance data using HEPA + Carbon filters 🤓 pic.twitter.com/vYrDG3eGAm
— HouseFresh (@ThisHouseFresh) September 5, 2024

CONS

It looks nothing like traditional air purifiers and this will put some people off.

It doesn’t come with any smart features, app connectivity or an onboard air quality sensor. This is a device for you to set and forget.

PROS

It is the most powerful air purifier you can buy for under $200, outperforming devices from Levoit, Winix, Coway, Xiaomi and Dyson.

Instead of buttons, you get speed controller to set the speed of the fans and the noise output.

PC fans are whisper quiet compared to most traditional air purifiers, so this device won’t disturb your cat.

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

When taken apart, the parts are small enough to fit inside a large backpack or small suitcase.

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 very bad litter box smells: Austin Air HealthMate

With a colossal gas filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite, the HealthMate is the best air purifier for VOCs we have tested.

The HealthMate from Austin Air is the air purifier with the largest amount of carbon in its filter and that is exactly what you will need if you have multiple cats and litter boxes at home, or if you want to tackle very bad litter box smells.

It filter is larger than most small air purifiers. In this photo you can see how its size compares next to the popular Levoit Core 300S. This is what 15 lbs of activated carbon look like!

It comes with a one-dial operation and a smooth top surface, so you can rest assured that your cat won’t accidentally change the settings when jumping on top of it.

CONS

It is one of the most power-hungry units we have tested, pulling 147.6 watts when running at top speed.

It doesn’t have any smart features or smartphone app controls. Similarly to the 3Pro above, the HealthMate is a set-and-forget unit.

Excellent at removing odors but its particle filtration is as good as much smaller devices like the Levoit Core 300 or the Xiaomi 4 Compact.

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.

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

The filters can last up to five (5!) years before needing to be replaced, which is a lot more than the usual 6-12 months.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 160 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:	169 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 OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

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

A medium-sized cylindrical air purifier that will fit inside smaller rooms while still offering powerful air cleaning performance.

Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.

In our tests, the 400S performed well with an estimated PM1 CADR of 213 cfm at top speed, which will be powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces as large as 319 sq. ft. If place in a room smaller than 300 sq. ft., the Core 400S will be able to circulate and clean the air a lot more often.

The Core 400S is a mid-sized device in Levoit’s Core range. It is larger than the popular Core 300S (left) but smaller than the Core 600S (right).

You get multiple filter options. Go for the Smoke Remover filter and you’ll get 450g of carbon — the highest amount across all options.

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.

It uses a bonded filter 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 good 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.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 247 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Pre-filter, particle filter and pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	373 sq. ft. (35 m²)
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 OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

These air purifiers didn’t make the cut but they are all excellent at cleaning the air and removing unwanted smells, so it’s worth mentioning them in case they are available in countries where my top picks are not.

Levoit Eleva 300X (with Premium carbon filter)

This is a small air purifier with smart features and app support. It offers a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm at top speed, which will be good enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces no larger than 247 sq. ft.

If you think it could be a good option for your home, make sure to also get the Premium carbon filter to get the largest amount of carbon to remove litter box smells from the air.

Alen BreatheSmart Flex

The only air purifier in Alen’s BreatheSmart line that doesn’t come with an ionizer, making it safer for pets. It also lacks smart features and app connectivity.

We estimate a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm at top speed, which will be good enough for five air changes per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft. It has a H13 HEPA filter and for litter box smell, I suggest going for the Odor Neutralizer option as it comes with more carbon than other filters in the Flex range.

Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

The BP06 is the best air purifier I’ve tested from Dyson. It lacks smart functions and app support but is more affordable than other models in the Big+Quiet range.

Based on our tests, it has a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm at top speed and will provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft. It has an innovative wraparound fabric with 900g of carbon on top of the H13 HEPA filter to tackle litter box smells.

What to look for when buying an air purifier for litter box smell

1. To remove odors, you will need a gas filter with a good amount of activated carbon

For an air purifier to capture unwanted odors, it must utilize activated carbon filters. These filters work by locking gasses (known as VOCs) into the pores of a carbon substrate in a process called adsorption. The filter’s more carbon equates to a larger surface area to lock in odors.

Bot all air purifiers use this type of filter as standard. Be sure to check whether the air purifier you are considering comes with a carbon filter and always favor those models with large amounts of pelleted carbon.

2. You might want to avoid units with ionizers

Many air purifiers use a bipolar ionization process to negatively charge particles in order to attract them to the filter so they can be removed from the air. 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.

Ozone is a lung irritant, so if you worry about the health of your cat then you should stick to air purifiers without ionizers, like the ones on my list of recommendations.

3. Find an air purifier with a CADR that matches the size of your room

In order for an air purifier to be useful, it has to be able to provide at least five air changes per hour inside the room where you need it.

For litter box smell, you should aim at placing the air purifier close to the source of smells. If that is possible, then measure the room where you’ve placed the cat litter tray and use our CADR calculator to find out how much CADR you will need to ensure the device is powerful enough:

Common questions about litter box smell

Living in a smelly environment is a surefire way to induce stress and anxiety. Cats themselves are particularly fussy when it comes to toilet time and, if their litter box is unpleasant or dirty, they may find new places around the home to do their business, further compounding the issue.

But beyond unwanted smells spreading throughout your space, cat litter can threaten your health. As well as odor, ammonia will also be circulating throughout your air and exposure to this toxic gas can cause a raft of health complications — from headaches to nausea and, in severe cases, pneumonia.

Other health issues linked with human exposure to cat litter include cat scratch disease, roundworms and toxoplasmosis.

Having more than one cat can create more odor around the litter box. If you live in a multi-cat household, you should consider getting the largest air purifier you can handle to make sure it will circulate the air quickly and have enough carbon to adsorb unwanted smells — the Austin Air HealthMate is my top pick for these cases.

And if you have multiple litter boxes spread around the home, then you should consider having an air purifier in each space like the affordable AirFanta 3Pro.

THINGS TO TRY

Increase ventilation around the affected area. If you can, move the litter box near an open window or doorway.

Hang an activated charcoal bag near the tray if you do not have the space or budget for an air purifier.

Be mindful of your cat’s diet. Protein-rich foods given to kittens can cause a real stink, so switch to adult-appropriate foods when right.

THINGS TO AVOID

Avoid using air fresheners or scented products near the litter box. Although this might help mask the smell of human noses, cats can be sensitive to new scents and some chemical fragrances can even be toxic.

Don’t let the contents of the litter box fester. Cat waste should be cleared as soon as possible and the litter should be changed at least once a week.

On top of the initial purchase cost of your air purifier, you can expect two ongoing costs: filter replacements and energy consumption.

Depending on the device, you will need to replace the filter between 6-12 months with some devices (like the Austin Air HealthMate) having filters that last up to five years. Always look for the cost of the filter replacement so you can estimate how much money you’ll need to spend each year.

Most modern air purifiers come ENERGYSTAR certified, meaning using them regularly won’t cost the earth. That said, you can use this energy cost calculator to check how much you can expect to spend based on the energy consumption of the device — check the SPECS table I put together for each device, as I added in there how much electricity in watts each air purifier pulls at each fan speed.

To wrap it up

If you have any other questions about air purifiers you could use to help reduce the smell of your cat’s litter box, please drop them in the comments below and I will get back to you as soon as I see your question.

Or if you prefer to contact me privately, just send me an email to danny@housefresh.com and I’ll do my best to reply when I get a chance.

And if you’ve got any specific models in mind, take a moment to check out our air purifier comparison tool to see how the model you’re considering compares to the more than 150 units I’ve tested since 2020:

The best air purifiers for cigarette smoke

Oct 20, 2026Jun 27, 2021 by Danny Ashton

According to the CDC, 11.6% of all adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes and 3.7% smoke cigars; if that’s you, then you most likely don’t mind the odor, but that potent smoke can travel far.

Cigar and cigarette smoke can enter your home from neighbors or even from one person smoking as they walk by. The smell is pervasive and can make it hard to sleep or spend time in a room where the smoke has invaded.

We all know the dangers of secondhand smoke. Still, smoke particles from cigarettes can even cause thirdhand smoke, a residue of toxic particles that becomes embedded in furniture, carpet or walls. Thirdhand smoke particles can last for years and remain toxic as long as they are in your home.

While there are things you can do to clear smoke from a room, a long-term solution is to get an air purifier. This will allow you to remove smoke particles and odors before they cause harm.

Cigarette smoke is one of the hardest pollutants to remove, so I included only air purifiers that excelled across all our tests and have filters packed with activated carbon pellets.

Tip

You should know that no consumer air purifier can reduce the risk of lighting a cigarette in your room. There are many dangers of this beyond just the particles and odors, and we recommend you always go outside or, if you have the funds, look at a commercial smoke eater device, but be aware that you are looking at costs of $3k and up.

1. Best overall: AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with refillable carbon filter

A specialist device with a refillable filter packed with 16 lbs of activated carbon.

To remove the gases and smells from cigarette smoke from your air, you need to look beyond traditional air purifiers. Standard models usually use gas filters with a small amount of charcoal that will become saturated quickly in spaces with high levels of VOCs. For serious cigarette smoke issues, I suggest you build your own odor-busting device with parts from AC Infinity.

My recommendation is to go with AC Infinity’s CLOUDLINE S8 fan, an 8-inch Carbon Filter, two noise reduction clamps and a pre-filter cloth. All parts will set you back around $410.

When using it on the floor, the fan blades are exposed at the top. To fix this, I cut out a circular piece of carbon-impregnated fabric and placed it above the fan before adjusting the top clamp. This also reduced carbon particles floating around.

In our VOC removal tests, this AC Infinity build outperforming every other carbon-packed air purifier. We found that performance dropped when you set it to speed 6 and above.

This could be explained by the fact that this 8-inch Carbon Filter from AC Infinity is packed with 16 lbs (or 7.2kg) of activated carbon pellets. And the best thing about it is that it is refillable, so you can replace the carbon when it’s used up.

CONS

This device only removes gases and odors from the air. You won’t get any particle filtration, so you will need to use it alongside an air purifier with a MERV 13 or HEPA filter if you want to remove smoke particles too. A cheap model could work.

This isn’t a traditional air purifier. You have to build it yourself and it doesn’t come with any fancy touchscreens or smart features.

It is LOUD. When set to speed 5 (optimal speed), it generates 61.9 decibels. The good news is that VOC removal improves at lower fan speeds.

PROS

The 8-inch carbon filter comes with 16 lbs (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, which is the largest amount we have seen.

It is much cheaper than specialist odor-busting units from Austin Air, Allerair and Airpura can cost as much as $1,000.

This filter is refillable, so once the carbon is used up, you can dispose of it and refill the cylinder with more carbon.

The price of a years’s worth of carbon is just $89.99! This is A LOT more accessible than the nearly $400 you’re expected to spend on filter replacements with other specialist brands.

Filter technology:	VOC and odor adsorption
Carbon type:	Australian RC412 at 1200+ IAV (38mm thickness)
Carbon quantity:	16 lbs (7.2 kg)
Airflow:	857 cfm
Dimensions:	Fan: 3.3 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches (8.5 x 3.6 x 1.3 cm) Filter: 18.1 x 10.9 inches (46 x 27.7 cm)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 45.7 dBA Speed 3: 50.8 dBA Speed 4: 57.2 dBA Speed 5: 61.9 dBA Speed 6: 66.5 dBA Speed 7: 71.9 dBA Speed 8: 74.9 dBA Speed 9: 77.8 dBA Speed 10: 79.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Speed 1: 3.7 watts Speed 2: 7.4 watts Speed 3: 12.3 watts Speed 4: 20.2 watts Speed 5: 30.3 watts Speed 6: 43.2 watts Speed 7: 60.3 watts Speed 8: 86.2 watts Speed 9: 113.2 watts Speed 10: 148 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

2. Best traditional option: Austin Air HealthMate

An air purifier made in the USA with a filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite mix.

If you’re looking for a more traditional air purifier that offers both odor and particle filtration, the HealthMate from Austin Air might be just the thing. Unlike the AC Infinity DIY unit above, the filter in this model also has a layer of HEPA filtration that will remove allergens from the air.

It has a metal body that is robust and heavy but comes on wheels to move ir around your house. You also get a dial to change between fan speeds.

In terms of size, it is small enough to fit in the corner of a room. The top is completely flat so it can double as a table, which is handy.

It comes with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite mix and reached excellent results in our VOC removal test, second only to the AC Infinity.

Its particle removal performance isn’t great though, with a PM1 CADR of 160 cfm that is powerful enough for rooms smaller than 15 m2 (169 sq. ft.)

CONS

At maximum fan speed, it pulls 148 watts which are on the higher side compared to similar-performing units,

It has no app support, on-board sensor or smart features.

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

PROS

You get 15 lbs of activated carbon with zeolite, which is the largest amount we have seen in a traditional air purifier.

Filters can last up to five years before they need to be changed. That said, this depends on how much cigarette smoke you’re trying to remove from the air.

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

It comes on castor wheels that run well.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 160 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:	169 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 ➜

3. Best cheap option: AirFanta 3Pro

An air purifier powered with quiet and energy-efficient PC fans and packed with 1.3 lbs of activated carbon.

The AirFanta 3Pro is a small box with a plastic base, one filter at each side and four PC fans on top, inspired by the design of the Corsi-Rosenthal box. You can buy one without carbon for 165 bucks but if you stretch your budget to $180, you can get four bonded filter with particle filtration on one side and pelleted carbon on the other.

This air purifier is smaller than most popular air purifiers – small enough to fit on top of a side table or a window sill, and it still packs incredible air cleaning power.

Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm, which means it can clean the air five (5!) times per hour in rooms up to 49 m2 (529 sq. ft.).

AirFanta 3Pro HouseFresh Performance Chart

The carbon filters come packed with 600g (or 1.3 lbs) of activated carbon pellets, making this an excellent budget option for those wanting to tackle cigarette smoke.

And something cool about the 3Pro is that you can disassemble it in just a few minutes to take it with you when you travel.

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 ➜

Special mentions

Other air purifier models that didn’t make the cut, but that could be a good choice for you.

I have tested over 140 different air purifiers in the past six year and, along the way, we have found some incredible units. Below I share some excellent air purifiers for tackling cigarette and cigar smoke, in case you find they are available in countries where my top picks are not.

➜ Levoit EverestAir (400g of carbon)

With a list price of $449.99, this is a premium model from Levoit that comes with all the bells and whistles: an onboard sensor, smart functions, app connectivity and even adjustable vents at the top. Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals.

It ranked 5th in our odor removal test and we calculated a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm, so I recommend it for rooms up to 52 m2 (or 562 sq. ft.). It’s also very quiet and not too power-hungry. READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

➜ Dyson Big+Quiet BP06 or BP04 (900g of carbon)

The Big+Quiet line includes the best-performing air purifiers I’ve tested from Dyson. They ranked 4th in our odor removal test and we estimate a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm, which will be powerful enough for spaces no larger than 27 m2 (or 297 sq. ft. ).

It comes with a HEPA filter that removes smoke particles from the air and a wraparound carbon-impregnated filter that adsorbs VOCs from burning cigars and cigarettes. The filter only lasts a few months but it works. READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

➜ Alen BreatheSmart 75i (3.6 lbs of carbon)

The BreatheSmart 75i from Alen ranked 3rd in our odor removal test. We calculated a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm, which will be powerful enough to clean the air in rooms up to 41 m2 (or 448 sq. ft. ) five times per hour.

To tackle cigar and cigarette smoke, you should choose Alen’s Fresh filter which comes with 3.6 lbs (or 1.6kg) of activated carbon pellets and a layer of H13 HEPA that will also remove particles from the air. READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

You can also explore our leaderboard with the scores and test data for every air purifier I have tested so far – just use the search bar to look for specific brands and models, or filter the results based on your budget to find the best-performing models overall and also those that provide the best value for your money:

PuroAir 240 – This is a hyped unit that simply lacks the performance to back it up. Smaller devices like this have very low CADR and small amounts of carbon so will lose effectiveness quickly with a pollutant like cigarette smoke.

Levoit LV-H132 – I was shocked to see this device recommended for smoke by a well-known magazine. While it’s cheap, its performance in our particle removal test was very poor. It took 1 hour and 38 minutes to make our test room clean. It is underpowered for most situations, but it would be dangerous if you relied on it to remove smoke.

Okaysou AirMax 10L Pro – A super popular air purifier thanks to its slick use of TikTok influencers, but it failed to match our expectations. It cleaned our test room in 4 minutes, longer than the much cheaper Core 300, and it made claims about its 5-in-1 filter technology that weren’t true.

Jaspr – This is a big air purifier with a CADR of 353 cfm and one pound of (or 453g) or carbon, which isn’t bad but won’t be enough to help with cigarette smoke. The main reason why I don’t recommend it is that it costs nearly $1,200 to buy and you can expect to pay an additional $704.36 per year in electricity bills and filter replacements. Way too expensive for what it is.

Levoit LV-H128 – At less than $40, this is a great price but a terrible air purifier as it took 2 hours and 42 minutes to clean our test room of 728 cubic feet of particle pollutants measuring at least 1 micron. It will be totally useless for any-sized room to deal with smoke from cigarettes and cigars.

Molekule Air Mini+ – You have probably seen adverts for this good-looking device from Molekule. We were a little suspicious of its PECO technology, and it took almost an hour to bring down the levels of PM1 to breathable levels. At this price level, it’s just a total waste of money, and you are better off with any of the other air purifiers we recommend. There is even a class action settlement in progress for devices sold by this brand.

What to look for when buying an air purifier for smoke

1. A minimum of 5 air changes per hour in your room

Many air purifier manufacturers overstate the room size they can work in. While the EPA recommends a minimum of five air changes per hour, many brands will give the room size for 1 air change.

Be very wary of manufacturers who don’t provide a CADR rating or don’t send their devices to AHAM for testing, as we have seen many of these devices exaggerate their performance when we test them ourselves.

One air change is almost useless, especially with something as pervasive as cigarette or cigar smoke.

That is why when we list room sizes, we always base them on their reported CADR and the maximum size when providing at least 5 air changes per hour.

To make things simpler, we produced a tool that tells you the CADR in CFM you need for your room size – enter your room size and adjust the ceiling height if required and our tool will let you know what CADR is needed:

2. A serious amount of activated carbon

While HEPA and MERV 13 filters do a great job of removing particles from the air, these filters can’t do anything against odors and gases from cigarette smoke. Instead, you will need a gas filter with a large amount of activated carbon that can adsorb and remove gases and odors from your air.

When it comes to activated carbon, bigger is better, which is why the top two choices we recommend for dealing with smoke are to measure their carbon filters in lbs.

Look for activated carbon filters that use pellets instead of impregnated fabric, as they will last longer and will be more effective at removing odors.

Wrapping up

Whether you found the unit that sounds right for you in this guide or will keep browsing the internet for other options, make sure to check if the one that catches your eye has the right CADR to clean your space and comes with enough activated carbon to actually be helpful in removing cigar and cigarette smoke from the air.

If you have any question that I haven’t covered in this guide, please from a comment below or send me an email to danny@housefresh.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

October 20th, 2026:

Reduced the size of the photos on the page to help make the page faster for readers.

August 28th, 2026:

Replaced the IQAir HealthPro Plus with the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan + 8-inch carbon filter after completing our new round of VOC removal tests.
Replaced the Levoit Core 600S with the AirFanta 3Pro with carbon as the best option for those on a tight budget.
Added the Jaspr to the section of units we don’t recommend.
Created a new section with ‘Special mentions’ to include three models that performed well in our VOC removal test but didn’t make the main list.
Added our comparison tool and full ranking to the page.

January 14th, 2026:

Added ‘Jump to’ sections for easier navigation.

June 23rd, 2025:

Fixed a few typos.
Updated the selection of air purifiers we don’t recommend based on our latest tests.

May 12th, 2025:

We removed the Mila air purifier because we found the performance and overall design of the Alen Breathsmart 45i to be of better value.
Updated data points with our latest test results.
Improved guide to focus on carbon filter quantities.
Added charts with particle removal performance data.
Added detail on how we test air purifiers.

Vaping indoors? These air purifiers will reduce secondhand vape exposure

Oct 25, 2026Jun 16, 2021 by Danny Ashton

An increasing number of countries across the globe are banning e-cigarettes. In the U.S., the use of e-cigarettes in public places has been banned in cities and towns across 47 states, with the only ones that do not regulate indoor vaping being Nebraska, Nevada, and Tennessee.

As the crackdown on e-cigarettes intensifies, it leaves fewer options for consumers to find a place to vape. And this makes vaping at home the most obvious option, since you can vape when and where you want. But indoor vaping has one drawback—nicotine build-up and smell.

Although vaping is considered a healthier alternative to smoking, it creates smelly fumes containing chemicals and compounds that pollute the indoor air. In this guide, I’ll share the best air purifiers on the market for people who vape indoors, based on our first-hand data after testing nearly 150 different models.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

1. Best for most people: Levoit Vital 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)

If you choose the Smoke Remover filter, you’ll get 450 grams of activated carbon pellets to remove vape fumes from the air.

With a list price of $219.99, the Levoit Vital 400S is an affordable air purifier for those looking to remove vape smoke from the air in medium sized rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (or 35 m2).

To tackle vape odors and chemicals, you will need a good amount of activated carbon. The Core 400S offers the largest amount across all Levoit air purifiers.

As you’ll find with other Levoit air purifiers, there are different filter options with the Core 400S. Make sure to choose the Smoke Remover filter, as that is this custom filter comes packed with 450 grams of activated carbon pellets.

The filter is cylindrical and offers three levels of filtration, with a pre-filter mesh on the outside, a particle layer in the middle and the carbon on the inside.

It also has a laser sensor that tracks air quality in real time, so you can leave your Core 400S running in the background autonomously.

CONS

The filter is bonded so the particle filter is attached to the gas filter. This means, you will need to replace the whole thing when the carbon gets full – which might happen within a few months if you vape a lot.

Levoit originally marketed the filter as HEPA but it later removed all mentions after Dyson challenged this claim. This doesn’t affect performance but it’s worth mentioning it.

It is louder at top speed (60.3 decibels) compared to more modern air purifiers, like the Coway Airmega Mighty2.

PROS

It only needed 24 minutes to clear our test room of incense smoke — we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm.

It is energy efficient, drawing 38 watts on its highest speed setting

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

It offers great performance at sub-45 dBA fan speeds (134 cfm).

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 247 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Pre-filter, particle filter and pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	373 sq. ft. (35 m²)
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 ➜

2. Best for heavy vapers: Austin Air HealthMate

This air purifier is made in the U.S. and comes with 15 lbs of activated carbon – the most you can get in a residential air purifier.

If you live in a house with multiple people who vape, or you consider yourself a heavy vaper, then the Austin Air HealthMate might be just the thing you need.

The filter inside is larger than most small air purifiers and it comes packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite mix – the largest quantity we’ve seen in a residential unit.

In terms of size, it takes up more space than the Levoit Core 400S (above) but the top is completely flat, so it could make for a handy side table.

It’s sturdy and made completely out of metal, but you don’t get any smart features or an onboard sensor. There is only a dial to switch between fan speeds.

The downside is that its particle removal performance isn’t great. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 160 cfm, so it can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 15 m2 (169 sq. ft.)

CONS

At maximum fan speed, it pulls 148 watts which are on the higher side compared to similar-performing units,

It has no app support, on-board sensor or smart features.

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

PROS

You get 15 lbs of activated carbon with zeolite, which is the largest amount we have seen in a traditional air purifier.

Filters can last up to five years before they need to be changed. That said, this depends on how much cigarette smoke you’re trying to remove from the air.

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

It comes on castor wheels that run well.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 160 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:	169 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 ➜

3. Best cheap option: AirFanta 3Pro (with carbon)

This PC fan-powered air purifier comes with four filters packed with 1.3 lbs of activated carbon in total.

The AirFanta 3Pro is a box that you’ll have to build yourself but it will only take you a couple of minutes. You place the plastic base on the floor, a filter at each side and secure everything togther with the array of PC fans on top.

You’ll find that the 3Pro is small enough to fit on top of a side table, so it can be a good option for those with limited space.

But don’t let the size fool you! This is a powerful air purifier with a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm, so it clean the air five (5!) times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. (or 49 m2).

AirFanta 3Pro HouseFresh Performance Chart scaled

To deal with vape fumes, you need to get the $180 version, which comes with four bonded filter with particle filtration on one side and activated carbon pellets on the other.

Just like the Austin Air HealthMate (above), the 3Pro doesn’t come with any smart features or app support. You will get a controller to adjust the fan speed.

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 ➜

4. Best tabletop option: Levoit Eleva 300X

A small cylindrical air purifier you can buy for less than $130 that can tackle vape fumes in small spaces.

The Eleva 300X is a new model from Levoit that has come to replace the popular Core 300S for a cheaper price. If you’re looking for a small air purifier you can have on top of a side table or in a small space, this is my top pick.

Based on the results of our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm so it’s powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 247 sq. ft. (or 23 m2) while generating just over 55 dBA.

Levoit Eleva 300X Review CADR Sound Energy

In terms of design, it comes with a laser sensor, smart features like auto-mode and app support through the VeSync app.

You get two separate filters: a HEPA filter for particles and a carbon filter for odors and gases. To deal with vaping fumes indoors, I recommend you to get the Premium carbon filter as it comes with 260g of activated carbon.

It has a touchscreen at the top with particle readings from the sensor and there’s also an LED ring that changes color based on the air quality.

CONS

You must register the filters to pair them to the device. If you don’t do this, you lose the filter lifespan tracking function.

The use of AI in the data reporting seems to add complexity and lag for no obvious benefit.

PROS

It offers excellent value for your money! It has the lowest cost per CADR across all other small units I’ve tested.

Its performance at quiet fan speeds rivals that of the $349 Dyson HushJet Compact but for a much cheaper price.

You get two separate filters for particles and gases – no more all-in-one cylindrical filters you’ll be throwing away sooner than you need to.

It comes with a high quality laser sensor that provides data on PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 particle levels.

The new app enables a Dynamic Manual mode I’m in love with: you can manually set your Eleva to run at speed 2, for example, while also allowing it to momentarily go up to Turbo whenever the sensor notices a rise in pollutants.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 165 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 115 cfm
Filter technology:	Separate HEPA particle filter and gas filter with activated carbon pellets.
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	247 sq. ft. (23 m²)
Dimensions:	9.4 x 9.4 x 15.1 in (23.8 x 23.8 x 38.3 cm)
Weight:	9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.8 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 39.8 dBA Speed 3: 44.9 dBA Turbo speed: 55.4 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 1.85 watts Speed 1: 5.33 watts Speed 2: 6.91 watts Speed 3: 10.03 watts Turbo speed: 23.91 watts
Filter lifespan:	HEPA filter: 2 years Carbon filter: 6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Find the best air purifier for you

If you already have a specific air purifier model in mind, you can use our comparison tool to see how it compares to other air purifiers we have tested, based on results on their air cleaning performance, sound generation, energy consumption and long term running costs.

And if you’re still unsure, drop me a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as I can.

The best air purifiers for removing VOCs from the air

Aug 30, 2026Jun 11, 2021 by Danny Ashton

AirDoctor AD3500 Activated carbon filter pellets

The term ‘VOC’ stands for volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can contain various chemicals, some of which will be harmful to your health.

Many VOCs are human-made chemicals used and produced in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, paints and refrigerants. But VOCs can also be created through chlorination in water treatments and contained in industrial solvents, pesticides, building materials and fuel.

These gases can enter your home through common household products you use daily, such as paints, cleaning products, and even beauty products like perfumes and nail polish, among many others. They can also enter your place of work through equipment like printers and photocopiers.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VOC concentrations can be up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Outside, VOCs usually dissipate without causing harm. But indoors, these chemicals can linger and cause adverse health effects ranging from headaches and throat irritation to kidney and liver damage.

If you are dealing with serious VOCs, try to ventilate your house as much as possible by opening windows and doors.

This is especially important when using VOC-heavy chemicals like paint stripping or cleaning products. Always perform this type of activity with your windows open to let more air move inside your home.

It’s important to clarify that many of the most popular air purifiers you will find online or at your local appliance shop are designed to tackle other types of pollutants, such as pollen, dust or cigarette smoke. These devices may have excellent particle filters (such as medical-grade H13 HEPA), but you need to look for gas filters with large amounts of activated carbon.

With those disclaimers out of the way, let me tell you about the air purifiers we recommend to tackle VOCs indoors based on tests we ran on nearly 150 different models. You can read more about how we test here.

1. Best VOC removal performance: AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with an 8-inch filter (16 lbs of activated carbon)

My favorite thing about this device is that the carbon filter is refillable, so it saves me a fortune!

Let me start my saying that this isn’t an air purifier that will help with both gases and particles. This DIY device only has a carbon filter so it will only be able to adsorb and remove unwanted odors and VOCs from the air – if you want particle filtration, you’ll need to get a separate unit. I personally, prefer this setup of two specialists units over one single device that isn’t particularly good at either job.

AC Infinity produces air filters for indoor gardeners, so I choose specific parts from their line to build my DIY carbon filter: one CLOUDLINE S8 fan, an 8-inch Carbon Filter, two noise reduction clamps and a pre-filter cloth.

These parts are supposed to be part of a bigger HVAC-style system that is attached to the ceiling, so when placed on the floor, the fan blades are exposed. That is why I went ahead and cut out a circular piece of carbon-impregnated fabric to cover the top.

In our VOC removal tests, this AC Infinity build outperformed every other air purifier we tested, including the beast that is the Austin Air HealthMate. By the way, we achieved the best performance by keeping the fan speed below 5.

VOC Removal Performance AC Infinity scaled

This outstanding VOC removal performance can be explained by the fact that the filter houses a whopping 16 lbs of activated carbon – the most we’ve seen. The best thing is that it comes with two (2!) years’ worth of carbon refills from day one.

CONS

This device only removes VOCs from the air. You won’t get any particle filtration, so you will need to use it alongside an air purifier if you want to remove particles as well as gases and smells.

This isn’t a traditional air purifier. You have to build it yourself and it doesn’t come with any fancy touchscreens or smart features.

It is LOUD. When set to speed 5 (optimal speed), it generates 61.9 decibels. The good news is that VOC removal improves at lower fan speeds.

PROS

The 8-inch carbon filter comes with 16 lbs (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, which is the largest amount we have seen.

It is much cheaper than specialist odor-busting units from Austin Air, Allerair and Airpura can cost as much as $1,000.

This filter is refillable, so once the carbon is used up, you can dispose of it and refill the cylinder with more carbon.

The price of a years’s worth of carbon is just $89.99! This is A LOT more accessible than the nearly $400 you’re expected to spend on filter replacements with other specialist brands.

Filter technology:	VOC and odor adsorption
Carbon type:	Australian RC412 at 1200+ IAV (38mm thickness)
Carbon quantity:	16 lbs (7.2 kg)
Airflow:	857 cfm
Dimensions:	Fan: 3.3 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches (8.5 x 3.6 x 1.3 cm) Filter: 18.1 x 10.9 inches (46 x 27.7 cm)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 37.6 dBA Speed 2: 45.7 dBA Speed 3: 50.8 dBA Speed 4: 57.2 dBA Speed 5: 61.9 dBA Speed 6: 66.5 dBA Speed 7: 71.9 dBA Speed 8: 74.9 dBA Speed 9: 77.8 dBA Speed 10: 79.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Speed 1: 3.7 watts Speed 2: 7.4 watts Speed 3: 12.3 watts Speed 4: 20.2 watts Speed 5: 30.3 watts Speed 6: 43.2 watts Speed 7: 60.3 watts Speed 8: 86.2 watts Speed 9: 113.2 watts Speed 10: 148 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

2. Best for most people: Austin HealthMate (15 lbs of activated carbon)

If you’re looking for a traditional air purifier that can filter out VOCs as well as particles, this might be the one.

Austin Air has been manufacturing air purifiers from its factory in Buffalo, New York, since 1990. The HealthMate is Austin Air’s most popular device, and it has been designed to remove VOCs and chemicals from the air thanks to a MASSIVE carbon filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite.

The HealthMate is fully made out of metal and is very heavy but relatively small considering how big the filter inside is. In terms of features, you only get a dial at the front to switch between different fan speeds and turn the unit off. That’s it.

Even though it’s heavy, it’s easy to move it around the house thanks to the four wheels at the bottom. I appreciate that the wheels are of excellent quality and run well over hard floor and also carpets – usually air purifier wheels are rubbish on carpets.

Bear in mind that this large quantity of carbon will restrict airflow, which in turn impacts the HealthMate’s HEPA filter’s ability to quickly remove particles from the air. Even though it’s a big device, it has a particle removal performance that matches much smaller units.

Based on these results, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 160 cfm at top speed. This means it can clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 169 sq. ft. (or 15 m²). This is comparable to what you get with the Levoit Core 300S.

CONS

It reaches 61.5 decibels when running at its top speed, which is louder than a refrigerator but quieter than a vacuum cleaner.

It is power-hungry. When running at its top speed, it pulls 147.6 watts, so if you were to run this device 24/7 all year, it would add $243.47 to your electricity bill by the end of the year.

Its metal body and massive filter make this a big and heavy device. The good news is that it comes on wheels.

PROS

It comes with a 5-year warranty, which isn’t something you see often with air purifiers.

The filters last a lot longer than the 6-12 months we see with most other air purifiers (60 months).

With a one-dial operation, this is an easy-to-operate air purifier you can use right out of the box without a long setup process.

It has a flat top so it can double as a side table, depending on the room where you want to use it.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 160 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:	169 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 ➜

The Austin Air HealthMate is excellent at removing gases and odors from the air but its particle removal performance is comparable to small, tabletop units like the Levoit Core 300S. If you’re looking for an air purifier with large amounts of carbon that is also efficient at removing dust, pollen and other allergens from the air, then you should look elsewhere.

IQAir HealthPro Plus (5.5 lbs carbon)

The HealthPro Plus from IQAir is a legendary air purifier released in 1998 that is still widely recommended today. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 213 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 319 sq. ft. (29 m²).

You get a large pre-filter that captures larger particles like pet hair and fluff, followed by a HyperHEPA filter that removes the smallest of particles from the air, and lastly, there’s a VOCs filter with 5 lbs of activated carbon.

IQair Healthpro plus Activated carbon front

3. Best for less than $200: AirFanta 3 Pro (1.3 lbs of activated carbon)

For just $179.99 you can get your 3Pro with four bonded filters with a E11 filter for particles on one side and 600g (or 1.32 lbs) of activated carbon pellets.

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

Most cheap air purifiers come with just a carbon-impregnated fabric filter to remove VOCs that won’t be enough for most. That is why I was very happy to see AirFanta roll out a version of their popular 3Pro that includes 600g of activated carbon pellets.

Now, keep in mind that this is not a traditional air purifier. This is a design inspired by the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box with a plastic base, a filter at each side and an array of four PC fans on top. Yes, you read that right: it uses PC fans!

This makes the 3Pro incredibly powerful but also quiet and energy-efficient. In our particle removal test, it outperformed air purifier that cost 3x as much. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm so it can offer five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. (or 49m²).

If you choose the HEPA-Carbon option, you’ll get four filters with an E11 particle filter on one side and pelleted activated carbon on the other. This means you’ll need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is saturated.

Something special about the 3Pro is that you can assemble it and disassemble it in just a couple of minutes. Once you’ve taken it apart, it will fit in a large backpack or small suitcase so you can travel with it if that is something you’d like to do.

CONS

It doesn’t come with any fancy features or a control panel you might expect in an air purifier. You only get a speed controller to dial the fan speed (and associated sound) up and down.

I know some people don’t like how it looks as it is a lot more utilitarian looking than traditional devices. But looks don’t make a difference to performance.

PROS

It is highly affordable and you’ll be able to get one for less than $180.

It’s 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.

The filter comes with activated carbon pellets instead of the carbon-impregnated fabric you get with cheap air purifiers at this price point.

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

When taken apart, the parts are small enough to fit inside a backpack or a small suitcase.

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 ➜

4. Best smart option: Alen BreatheSmart 75i (3.6 lbs of activated carbon)

An air purifier with a H13 HEPA filter and 1.63 kg of pelleted activated carbon that comes with smartphone connectivity.

The Core 400S is the air purifier that comes with the largest amount of activated carbon across the entire Levoit range.

This is the largest air purifier in Alen’s range and is one of my favorite ones. Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 448 sq. ft. (41 m²).

In terms of features, you get an onboard laser sensor that informs the auto mode and an LED ring in the middle of the control panel that changes color depending on the quality of your air. It also comes with an ionizer function that can be disabled.

As with other air purifiers in Alen’s range, there are many filter options for the BreatheSmart 75i. For those looking to tackle VOCs, I recommend choosing the Fresh filter, as it comes with 3.6 lbs (or 1.6kg) of activated carbon pellets.

It has app connectivity through the Alen app, which not only allows you to control your 75i remotely but also lets you track PM2.5, tVOC, CO2, temperature and humidity levels in real time – – and the data is easy to export, too.

CONS

It isn’t cheap, with a list price of $814.

It’s pretty big. If you’re looking for an air purifier for a small to medium sized room, check out the Alen 45i instead (also with the Fresh filter).

PROS

The app works well and allows you to operate the 75i remotely. Plus, you can export all your data, which isn’t common with air purifier apps.

Great air cleaning performance even at quiet fan speeds.

You get a laser sensor, which doesn’t need cleaning regularly and is more accurate than the infrared sensors we see in other models.

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

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Best commercial unit: Smart Air Blast MKII (3.74 lbs of activated carbon)

A commercial air purifier with excellent particle removal performance and a large H13 HEPA filter with optional pelleted activated carbon.

The Blast is a commercial air purifier completely made out of metal that can handle the bumps and scrapes of a busy environment, making it perfect for classrooms, offices, event venues and gyms. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 547 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in large spaces up to 820 sq. ft.

The Blast has the third largest amount of carbon (3.74 lbs) we have seen after the IQAir HealthPro Plus and Austin Air HealthMate.

Whether you choose to go with HEPA only or HEPA + Carbon, the filters in the Blast is much larger than what you’ll see in a standard air purifier.

CONS

It comes at a high price (costing nearly $1,000) but doesn’t have any smart functions.

This unit is extremely heavy, weighing 38 kg — the good news: it comes on wheels.

The design feels quite utilitarian so it won’t be a good fit for everyone.

It will add $136.29 to your yearly energy bill.

PROS

It has unmatched raw air cleaning power: the Blast is the fastest air purifier we’ve ever tested (PM1 CADR 547 cfm).

It offers great performance even at its quietest speeds — we estimate 375 cfm at speed 1 while generating just 41.9 dBA.

The stainless steel body makes it durable in the long run.

It’s a set-and-forget air purifier 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 PM2.5 CADR: 559 cfm
Filter technology:	H13 HEPA particle filter with optional activated carbon filter (3.74 lbs)
Recommended room size:	820.5 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	22.6L x 14.4W x 25.3H inches
Weight:	59 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 MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Other good air purifiers for VOCs that didn’t make the cut

These devices didn’t make the shortlist but are worth mentioning due to their good performance and solid carbon filters.

➜ Dyson Big+Quiet BP04 or BP06

The Dyson’s Big+Quiet range cost around $1.000 so they are not cheap. Based on our particle removal tests, we calculated a top speed PM1 CADR of 198 cfm – – powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 297 sq. ft. (or 27 m²).

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

The carbon-impregnated fabric filter is innovative and comes with 1.9 lbs (900 g) of carbon. Both the BP04 and the BP06 performed well in our VOC removal tests but the wraparound filter has a short lifespan and we had to replace it after 4 months.

➜ Levoit EverestAir

This is the most expensive model in Levoit’s range of air purifiers, so it’s full of fancy features. You get app connectivity, a good quality laser sensor and the ability to adjust the air vents.

It al offers excellent air cleaning power. Based on our particle removal test, with a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm that can clean the air five times per hour in large spaces up to 562 sq. ft. (52m²).

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

The filter has two sides: one side removes particles and the other side adsorbs gases. It comes with 0.88 lbs (400g) of activated carbon – less than the 600g in the AirFanta 3Pro.

Levoit EverestAir Activated Carbon Filter

It performed really in our VOC removal test, ranking within the top 5 best performers were powerful enough to get the EveresAir to the 5th position in our VOC removal leaderboard.

➜ Levoit Core 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)

This smart air purifier can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (34 m²) when running at top speed (PM1 CADR of 249 cfm). And it doesn’t take up much floor space thanks to its cylindrical design.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

You get multiple filter options: The Original filter has 240g of carbon. The Pet Allergy and Toxin Absorber filter have 400g of carbon. Finally, the Smoke Remover filter comes with 450g of carbon.

What to look for when buying an air purifier for VOCs

From irritating your eyes and throat to damaging your organs and nervous system, the dangers of VOCs can be severe and must be addressed. Your best option is to pick an air purifier specifically designed to absorb these chemicals. But not all air purifiers are made equal…

1. Choose an air purifier with a large amount of activated carbon

Activated carbon is simply carbon that has been oxidized to create millions of ultra-wide pores that can absorb gas molecules effectively. You can mainly remove VOCs with the help of powerful activated carbon filters, as these will trap gasses and vapors in addition to smells associated to smoke, pets and cooking.

The downside to this type of filtration is that the amount of gases an activated carbon filter can deal with is directly connected to the quantity of activated carbon in the filter itself. That is why you should aim for an air purifier with as much activated carbon as possible.

2. Find a model that will be powerful enough to clean your room

Even though it might feel like a drag, take the time to measure the space where you will be placing your air purifier to ensure that the space is not too big for the air purifier to clean.

The best way to know whether a unit will do a good job in the room you intend to use it in is to use our calculator to see what CADR rating you should look for:

3. Consider noise levels if you’re sensitive to sound

Since your device will likely run at full speed 24/7 while dealing with VOCs in the air, you must consider the associated noise level before purchasing it.

If you can, buy the biggest, most powerful air purifier you can live with. Run it at lower fan speeds, where it will generate less noise while still effectively cleaning the air. There are quiet air purifiers, but sadly most of them don’t use a large amount of activated charcoal, so they are not a good fit for removing VOCs.

4. Keep upfront costs in mind but also calculate replacement filter costs

These air purifiers are costly, especially the ones that use large amounts of activated carbon. And the thing with carbon filters is that they will become full eventually and you will need to replace them (except for the Winix 5500-2, where you can just wash, dry and reuse the carbon).

As a rule of thumb, always check the price of the air purifier itself and the price of the replacement filter(s). That way you will be able to calculate how much you will need to spend each year to run the device in your home. Air purifier manufacturers include filter lifespan figures on their websites, and we also include this information it the tables with specifications you will find throughout this page.

Common questions about VOCs and air purifiers

When we speak about VOCs, many of them are ubiquitous pollutants that can be found in any home. You will have a higher chance of being exposed to these while sitting inside your home than you ever will be while going outside.

Many of them can vaporize at room temperature, but they can potentially harm your health if they are in high concentrations. How harmful also depends on how long the exposure has been going on.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports regular or prolonged exposure to these volatile organic compounds or VOCs can have nasty health implications.

They may include:

Eye, nose and throat irritation
Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
Damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system
Some organics can cause animal cancer, while others are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Common sources of VOCs in the home include:

Building materials	VOCs can be found in paint, caulks, adhesives, vinyl flooring, insulation materials, and composite wood products.
Household Products	Common household products such as air fresheners, fuel and cleaning products emit VOC compounds in the air.
Personal Care Products	Formaldehyde is the most common type of VOC. It is found in many products we use daily at home, including nail polish!
Daily Activities	Some daily activities and habits like cooking, dry cleaning, photocopying, burning wood, and smoking also release VOCs into the air.

HEPA can only remove particulate pollutants from the air like dust, dirt or pollen. VOCs are gas, so activated charcoal is the best current technology for removing them from the air. Be wary of technology like UV-C as it has been shown to generate chemical byproducts like ozone during cleaning.

The easiest way to test for VOCs is with an air quality monitor – we found the QP Lite performs well, has a respected sensor, and won’t cost more than $100. For our performance tests, we use the latest Purple air indoor sensor that includes a gas sensor from Bosch for detecting VOCs.

Wrapping up

Air purifiers aren’t difficult to find, but when you want them to handle volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you must pay extra attention to what type of filters the device comes with.

HEPA filters are popular but unable to clear odors and chemicals from the air, so you want to choose an air purifier with a gas filter that comes with a large amount of activated carbon.

If you can afford it, then our top choice is the IQAir HealthPro Plus, hands down.

August 30th, 2026

Added the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with an 8-inch filter and its 16 lbs of activated carbon pellets.
Updated the ‘Special mentions’ section and included models that performed well in our new VOC removal test.

May 12th, 2025

Swapped out the discontinued Winix 5500-2 for the AirFanta 3 Pro with Carbon
Added more detail on how we test air purifiers

1. DIY option: 30×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box

For those reacting to the immediate threat of wildfire smoke, you can build your own Corsi-Rosenthal Box with a box fan, four HVAC MERV 13 filters, cardboard, and duct tape.

CONS

PROS

2. Best budget option: AirFanta 3Pro

At under $165, the AirFanta 3Pro boasts outstanding air cleaning performance thanks to four 140mm PC fans — plus, it can cover areas as big as 529 sq. ft.

CONS

PROS

3. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

Outstanding air cleaning power for large spaces, smart modes, and an accurate air quality sensor for just under $900.

CONS

PROS

4. Best for small spaces: Levoit Vital 200S

This is our top recommendation for those looking for a smart air purifier with particle and carbon filters for under $200.

CONS

PROS

Three other solid air purifiers that didn’t make the cut

If none of the options above seem like the right fit, consider the devices in this section.

Other units we tested but don’t recommend for wildfire smoke

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the list above, email me before you end up buying a useless air purifier.

Tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke

Final thoughts

1. Best for most people: Alen BreatheSmart 75i (with the Fresh Filter)

A smart air purifier with HEPA H13 filter and 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted marihuana odors.

CONS

PROS

2. Best for intense weed odors: AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with refillable carbon filter

With 16 lbs. (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, you’ll struggle to find an air cleaner with more charcoal to help deal with serious VOCs from weed smoke.

CONS

PROS

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

The Smoke Remover filter comes with 450 grams of pelleted activated carbon – – the most you’ll get from a Levoit unit.

CONS

PROS

4. Best for less than $200: AirFanta 3Pro (with HEPA + carbon filters)

Most choices above cost $500+ and while they are still my top options for weed smoke, I also wanted to include an affordable device powered by PC fans.

CONS

PROS

Three other good air purifiers for weed smoke

Wrapping up

1. Best overall: CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

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

CONS

PROS

2. 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.

CONS

PROS

3. Best for small spaces: Coway Airmega Mighty2

The Mighty2 is a new air purifier from Coway that can provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 188 sq. ft. at a fan speed quieter than 45 decibels.

CONS

PROS

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.

CONS

PROS

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.

PROS

CONS

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.

PROS

CONS

Special mentions

These air purifiers were very close to making this list.

Winix 5510 / Winix 5530 / Winix 5520

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

1. Air changes per hour and room sizes

2. The importance of sound

3. Particle vs gas filtration

Wrapping up

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.

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.

Best for bedrooms: PC fan air purifiers

For those looking to remove mold spores from the air in their bedroom, I highly recommend considering air purifiers powered by PC fans.

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.