There’s nothing quite like the aroma of burnt toast in the morning and spicy curry sauce in the evening… We all wish our extractor fans did their magic and removed the smells along with the smoke, but it rarely happens.
If you want to keep cooking smells and unwanted kitchen odors at bay, then you should consider getting an air purifier with a good amount of activated carbon to remove gases and smelly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your air.
The Eleva 300X offers excellent air cleaning performance, a responsive laser sensor and 260g of carbon to tackle odors.
The Eleva 300X is small enough to fit on top of your kitchen counter, so you can place it near where you cook and it will get to work as soon as smoke and smells are released into the air. With a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm, it can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 247 sq. ft. (23 m2).
Unlike most cylindrical air purifiers, the Eleva 300X has separate particle and odor filters. This is good news: you can replace the odor filter once the carbon is full without having to throw away a particle filter that still has life in it.
For the kitchen, I recommend upgrading to the Premium odor filter as it comes with 260 grams of activated carbon pellets. The more carbon you get, the better the air purifier will be at removing unwanted smells from the air.
It has a laser sensor that enables auto mode, so the air purifier can automatically get to work when it senses pollutants in the air. You can see particle and air quality readings on the screen at the top of the device.
You can also connect your Eleva 300X to the VeSync app from Levoit to control the air purifier remotely, track air quality metrics over time, customize the auto mode, schedule routines and set different smart modes.
CONS
You must register the filters to pair them to the device. If you donโt 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.
It is power-hungry and filters arenโt cheap compared to other small air purifiers I’ve tested.
PROS
It offers excellent value for your money! It has the lowest cost per CADR across all other small units Iโve 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 youโll 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.
This air purifier has a powerful fan that can clean the air in kitchens up to 297 sq. ft. (or 27 mยฒ), removing particle pollution and unwanted cooking smells.
If you prefer to have your air purifier on the floor, then the Alen BreatheSmart 45i would be my go-to choice. It has a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm when running at top speed that will give you five air changes per hour in kitchens no larger than 297 sq. ft. (or 27 mยฒ).
Similar to the Eleva 300X, Alen also offers different filter options. For kitchen odors, I recommend upgrading to the Ultimate Odor filter which combines H13 HEPA filtration with activated carbon pellets treated with an odor neutralizer.
The 45i also has an ionizer function that can supercharge odor removal, but you don’t have to use it if you prefer to avoid ozone emissions no matter how low they may be.
I appreciate being able to give the unit a wipe whenever any oils or grease ends up on the front cover. This is much more convenient than having to dry clean or wash the pre-filter fabric you get with units like the Blueair 311i Max and the 3000i Series – – those two models didn’t do well in our messy kitchen, unfortunately.
The 45i has a laser sensor that unlocks smart functions, so you can leave it running while you cook and it will switch to top speed whenever it detects pollutants in the air.
I used my Alen 45i in our kitchen for a very long time and really missed it when the time came to switch to a different air purifier, as the kitchen is one of the rooms where we test units. Now my 45i lives in our kids’ bedroom.
CONS
Filters do cost a little more than other brands, but do last up to 12 months.
Higher price for extra features and better build quality than budget air purifier brands
PROS
The buttons on the control panel are clearly labelled, which is something I wish more manufacturers would do instead of icons that may or may not be clear to most people.
It has a high quality laser sensor from Plantower – this is the best I’ve seen used in the air purifiers I’ve tested.
It’s pretty quiet considering its power, with sound levels ranging between 36.2 dBA and 56.1 dBA.
You get lifetime warranty if you subscribe to Alen’s filter replacements.
This is a specialist device with a refillable filter packed with 16 lbs of activated carbon, which is the most I’ve seen.
Traditional air purifiers will struggle to deal with serious cooking odors or unwanted kitchen smells. In those cases, I recommend building an odor-busting device using AC Infinityโs CLOUDLINE S8 fan, an 8-inch Carbon Filter, two noise reduction clamps and a pre-filter cloth. The whole setup costs around $410.
In our odor removal tests, our AC Infinity running at speed 5 outperformed every other air purifier thanks to its whooping 16 lbs (or 7.2kg) of activated carbon.
And my favorite thing about it is that you can refill the filter once the carbon is used up. This will save you a fortune in the long run.
This device is meant to be installed on the ceiling. Be aware that 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.
CONS
This device only removes gases and odors from the air. You wonโt 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 isnโt a traditional air purifier. You have to build it yourself and it doesnโt 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 yearsโs worth of carbon is just $89.99! This is A LOT more accessible than the nearly $400 youโre 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)
Two buying tips for finding a good air purifier for your kitchen
Many studies show that kitchens are a significant source of indoor pollution, including smoke, VOCs, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Itโs worth taking the time to ensure that the air purifier you choose will do an excellent job of keeping your air clean whenever you cook.
To find the right air purifier for your kitchen, you need to consider the size of your cooking space, the type of filter and any features you canโt live without.
1. To tackle cooking odors, you need a good amount of carbon
Particle filters like HEPA can’t do anything against odors, which are chemicals or gasses in nature. Thatโs what activated carbon deals with, through a process called adsorption.
2. Consider the size of your kitchen
A common mistake is choosing an undersized air purifier for a given space. If the unit is not big or powerful enough, it will consume filters more than necessary, and the air in your space wonโt be thoroughly cleaned.
You should consider the air purifierโs Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which is basically a measure for how much clean air the unit can deliver within a given time.
Feel free to input your kitchen size into our calculator below and it will output the CADR you should aim for if you want to achieve 4.8 air changes per hour:
Final thoughts
If you’re still unsure about which air purifier to get for your kitchen, drop me a comment below or email me directly to danny@neomam.com and I’ll help you find a better alternative. Make sure to specify your country and budget, so I can find a good air purifier for your specific situation.
And if you’ve got a model in mind but you want to see how it compares to other air purifiers on the market, you can use our air purifier comparison tool:
We started testing and reviewing air purifiers in 2020, and Levoit stood out for its solid performance without a large price tag. They have released many units so if you have been researching air purifiers for a while, you are likely to have seen their brand more than once.
The Core 300 was the first air purifier under $100 that I was happy to recommend, and their Vital 200S has been my top recommendation for most people since I tested it in 2023.
But hereโs the thing though: Not all Levoit air purifiers are created equal. Some models should be avoided, and I will discuss them at the end of the article.
As always, we bought every device on the list with our own money so we could run our usual battery of tests to gather comparable data in order to benchmark each Levoit air purifier against the more than 130 units we have reviewed to date. You can read more about our testing methodology here.
Retailing at $189.99, the Vital 200S is my top recommendation for most people due to its excellent air cleaning performance and smart features.
This medium-sized air purifier comes with a smart features, app connectivity, a removable pre-filter, and a bonded particle and activated carbon filter with pellets. So I think it probably will tick off most boxes for the majority of people.
The Vital 200S took 24 minutes to clear our 728-cubic-feet test room of PM1 pollutants from incense smoke, which makes it faster than more expensive air purifiers such as the $230 Coway Mighty2, the $230 Blueair 311i Max, and the $900 Dyson Big+Quiet BP06.
And it did this while generating just 57 dBA of noise. This makes it powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.
I appreciate that the pre-filter is removable and washable, too. Dirty pre-filters can clog the main filter and reduce performance, so having something that you can remove makes the job much easier compared to cylindrical all-in-one filters.
You also get a bonded filter: one side removes particles and the other adsorbs odors and gases. There are different options, with more carbon for bad smells.
CONS
It comes with an infrared dust sensor instead of laser dust sensor, so youโre going to have to remember to clean the sensor regularly.
The particle filter is not HEPA-grade, even though it was originally advertised as such. This doesn’t affect performance but it’s worth mentioning.
The fact that the filters are bonded together means you need to replace the whole filter when the carbon is full even if the HEPA is still working well.
PROS
Even when running at sub-45 dB (speed 2), it still managed to clean our test room in 46 minutes โ which is 10 minutes faster than the Levoit Core 200S running at full speed.
It is highly energy efficient, pulling just 44.55 watts at full power so it will add just $73.49 to your electricity bill if you were to leave it running 24/7 for a year.
You will need to replace the filters every 12 months, which is double the lifespan you will get with filters in the Levoit Core range.
It has an in-built air quality sensor and you can see the quality of your air in the LED ring on top of the control panel.
It comes with auto-mode (which adjusts fan speeds automatically based on air quality readings) so you can set it and forget it.
You can connect it to the Vesync app to control it directly from your phone.
For just under $300 you get a powerful air purifier
๐กexclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10
With a PM1 CADR of 375 CFM, the Levoit Core 600S is one of the most powerful air purifiers in the Levoit range in a shared spot with the more expensive, Levoit EverestAir. Based on this result, we calculated that it can clean large rooms of up to 562 sq. ft. five times per hour.
This PM1 CADR is calculated based on our particle removal performance test, and in this test, the 600S cleared our test room of incense smoke in a speedy 16 minutes — this is nearly as fast as the $667 Blast Mini from Smart Air!
Now, this result was achieved at top speed, where the 600S generates 62.3 decibels of noise. It’s good to have this level of power for when you need it, but you won’t want to have such a loud unit running like this 24/7.
Running at speed 1, it will generate less than 45 decibels and will still provide good performance. Although, I would recommend setting it to speed 2, which is a little louder but a lot more powerful.
The 600S has a large cylindrical filter with three layers: an outer pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and pelleted carbon on the inside. You can customize it to your needs, choosing between Pet Allergy, Smoke Remover, or Toxin Absorber.
It comes with Levoitโs Airsight Plus, which is a laser dust sensor on the side of the device that is quicker to react to PM2.5 particles than optical sensors, and doesnโt need to be cleaned every few weeks.
This sensor informs an LED ring on top of the 600S that changes color based on the quality of your air, from blue (very good) to red (bad). You also get real-time PM2.5 particle readings in micrograms per cubic meter.
CONS
When running at its top fan speed, the Core 600S was louder than most other high-performing units (61.4 dB).
The pre-filter canโt be removed to clean, so you need to take the entire cylindrical filter out of the device to vacuum the pre-filter.
The particle filter is not HEPA-grade, even though Levoit advertised it as such for many years until Dyson complained to the BBB.
PROS
You normally have to pay much more than $299.99 for this level of air cleaning power.
Even though it’s big, the design includes two deep handles (one at each side), which make it easy to move it from room to room.
It comes with a laser dust sensor and has an LED ring at the top of the device that shows the quality of the air in the room.
It has smart features (like auto-mode) and you can connect it to your smartphone through the VeSync app.
The best-performing Levoit air purifier you can buy for less than $130 and that is small enough to fit on top of a table.
The Eleva 300X retails at $129.99, but I have seen it going for as low as $109.99 during big deal days, making it the best option for those wanting to buy an air purifier from Levoit on a tight budget.
It’s the first model in Levoit’s new Eleva line and it really impressed me, You get a laser sensor, smart features like auto-mode and app connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app (one of my favorite air purifier apps, if I may add).
Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm, making this Levoit able to clean the air in spaces up to 247 sq. ft. (or 23 m2) five times in one hour — and it can do this while generating just over 55 decibels of noise.
In terms of filtration, you get separate filters: a HEPA filter to tackle particles and a gas filter with activated carbon pellets to remove odors. There are different custom gas filters, with the Premium filter being the one that packs the most power (260g of carbon).
You get a touchscreen on top with the controls as well as real-time particle readings from the sensor inside. There is 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 donโt 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 Iโve 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 โ no more all-in-one cylindrical filters youโll 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 Iโm 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.
If you want the best Levoit air purifier money can buy, look no further than the $499.99 EverestAir.
Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.
As soon as we unboxed the Levoit EverestAir, I knew it would be special. Not only does it look like something Apple might design, but it also has all the features you need from an air purifier AND its air cleaning performance blew me away. However, it is not cheap, with a list price of $499.99.
It completed our particle removal test in a speedy 16 minutes at top speed, which is impressive considering its price — especially when compared with units with similar performance that cost up to three times as much.
And when set to speed 2, sound levels stay under 45 decibels and it still managed to complete our particle removal test in 29 minutes. This makes it an excellent option for those looking for an air purifier for a room where quiet is important, like a bedroom.
It comes with a bonded filter with particle and activated carbon filtration, plus a removable pre-filter. It also has a laser sensor and LED air quality indicator at the top, with the option to see particle readings or percentage of clean air.
A cool feature is the ability to adjust angle of the vents at the top, so you can choose the position that works best for your space depending on where you place your EverestAir. This is something that I haven’t seen in other models.
CONS
Not a fan of the bonded particle and activated carbon filter approach, as you will need to replace the whole thing even if the only filter that needs changing is the carbon.
It is big and comes on wheels to move it from room to room, but the wheels only move sideways… It would be better to have some good old caster wheels.
As with other devices on this list, I think Levoit shouldn’t have advertised the particle filter in the EverestAir as TrueHEPA if this wasn’t the case.
PROS
It’s very quiet considering its air cleaning power, with similar sound levels to the less powerful Vital 200S.
You get an LED air quality indicator light, real-time particle readings on screen and smart features such as auto-mode and smartphone connectivity via the Vesync app.
It comes with a laser dust sensor that doesn’t need to be cleaned as you would with an infrared sensor like the one in the Vital 200S.
I know this is subjective, but I think the EverestAir looks like a million bucks. The adjustable vents on top are something I had never seen in an air purifier.
This is a smaller version of the Vital 200S and it comes with all the same features, including an onboard sensor, smart features like auto-mode and app connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app.
Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 148 cfm, making this Levoit able to clean the air in spaces up to 222 sq. ft. five times in one hour while generating just 53 decibels of noise. It’s a good unit but it was outperformed by the $130 Levoit Eleva 300X.
Based on our tests, I estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which is powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in medium-sized rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (or 34.6 mยฒ).
The 400S comes with an on-board air quality sensor, an LED ring that shows air quality in real time, auto mode, sleep mode and app connectivity for $219.99. But it didn’t make our short list because the Levoit Vital 200S has similar performance and features for a cheaper price.
The Core 300 doesnโt come with any bells and whistles, but itโs a solid air cleaner you can buy for $99.99. And the Core 300S is its smart sibling with an on-board sensor and app support.
These two are some of my favorite small, tabletop air purifiers but with the release of the Eleva 300X, they no longer offer the value they once did.
Levoit models we donโt recommend
Not all Levoit models are worth it. These are the ones you should avoid.
This little device is a big seller thanks to its low price. Unfortunately, the Mini is also too underpowered to clean the air in even the smallest of rooms. I recommend you don’t go smaller than the Eleva 300X – – you’ll get a lot more air cleaning power for your money.
This is now an outdated model from Levoit. If you like the boxy look and are looking for an air purifier for a medium sized room (up to 249 sq. ft.), check out the Vital 200S instead.
Selling for $89.99, the Core 200S might seem like a great catch but our performance tests show it is not powerful enough. You’d be better off spending an extra $30 an get higher CADR from the Eleva 300X.
One of the cheapest Levoit models on the market, but as with other mini air purifiers, it doesn’t have enough power to keep even the smallest room clean. I recommend you don’t go smaller than the Eleva 300X.
This is another popular air purifier from Levoit that I cannot recommend due to its poor air cleaning performance. I’ll say it one last time: don’t go smaller than the Eleva 300X.
What to look for when buying an air purifier
My goal at HouseFresh is to recommend air quality products you won’t regret buying, and it all starts with a few basics that we need to get right.
1. How big is your room?
When it comes to air purifiers, size matters; buying a unit that is too small for your room wonโt be very effective. On the other hand, buying one thatโs too big will be overkill and a waste of energy and money.
Thatโs why weโve chosen air purifiers to suit a variety of room sizes so that you can find the right unit for your space. Check out our SPECS & FEATURES table to see what size room each unit is most effective in.
You can also use our CFM calculator to see what minimum CADR you would need to achieve a minimum of 4 to 5 air changes per hour (which is the rate recommended by the EPA):
2. What is your budget?
Itโs not just the initial cost of the air purifier you need to consider; itโs also the unitโs running costs.
All of these air purifiers need electricity to run and itโs recommended that you run your unit 24/7; this costs money in energy bills. Some air purifiers are more efficient than others, so check their โEstimated energy consumptionโ before making your decision.
Also the HEPA filters that Levoit air purifiers use need to be replaced periodically so that they can remain effective at all times. Replacement filters come at a cost, so check how much they are and how often they need replacing to factor into your budget.
3. What features do you need/want?
In our selection, there are different features that each unit includes (and some are the same). Think about which of these you need/want on your air purifier.
Some people prefer to get an air purifier with auto mode so that they can switch it on and forget about it. Others, want to have air purifiers with app connectivity to connect to their smart home routines.
4. How much noise do they make?
All air purifiers make noise from the motor running and fan spinning, getting louder at high fan speeds. But they donโt all emit the same level of noise. If youโre like me and you work with your air purifier running, youโll want a unit thatโs as quiet as possible.
Thatโs why we give you noise level data in our SPECS table and as noise is subjective, we record the sound of each unit on all fan speeds so that you can get an idea of the noise it makes.
Common questions about Levoit air purifiers
In August 2023, Vesync (the owners of the Levoit brand) have voluntarily stopped using True HEPA in their advertising. While this doesnโt confirm that Levoit didnโt use True HEPA accreditation, it is a little worrying that they didnโt fight their case with Dyson, the company that challenged them via the BBB National Advertising Division.
I heard belatedly that Levoit has retracted their claim that their most popular air purifiers are actually HEPA at all. Has anyone in #8020agang or #CleanAirCrew evaluated these to determine their filtration efficiency? Seems the whole Levoit CORE line…https://t.co/lD4qm2SDKi
This left a bad taste in my mouth but it doesn’t affect the air cleaning performance of Levoit models. In fact, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Smart Air stated that this change doesn’t affect the CADR score associated with Levoit units. The post also said, “The Corsi-Rosenthal boxes with MERV filters are proof of fast filtration with non-HEPA filters.”
I believe the CADR remains the same, the concern is that they are marketing this as a HEPA filter.
The Corsi-Rosenthal boxes with MERV filters are proof of fast filtration with non-HEPA filters.
Why not just state the grade that achieves the stated CADR and let people choose?
However, the new generation of Eleva units comes with particle filters that have been certified as HEPA grade.
Levoit is anAmerican-based company with its headquarters located in California. Here, they conduct all the research and development for their range of purifiers, designing them to the highest specification to meet US standards. Once the purifier has been designed, it is then manufactured in China.
Levoit air purifiers are all 100% ozone-free. By using high-grade mechanical filters (rather than Ionizer or UV technology), Levoit offers excellent purifier performance without the risk of emitting harmful ozone.
Levoit is a relatively new brand, having launched in 2017. Despite their tender years, they have rapidly gained popularity thanks to their excellent product performance and very reasonable prices.
Levoit products often rank highly amongst independent product reviews and each unit weโve tested has impressed us. From gauging customer feedback online, Levoit are often praised for their helpful customer support, with centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. What’s more, Levoit offers special discounts through VerifyPass to active military personnel, veterans, medical staff, first responders, and teachers, which is a big plus from our point of view.
Wrapping up
If youโre looking for an air purifier to use in your home, Levoit has a vast range for you to choose from.
Each unit made by Levoit is well-engineered to remove pollutants from the air in your home, is easy to use and doesnโt cost an arm and a leg to run.
They have units for a variety of room sizes and budgets. Some come with cool features like auto mode, AQI and app connectivity, and some are there for those who like things a little simpler.
But if you can’t find what you’re looking for, or if you have questions about any of the air purifiers on this list, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you right away.
And if you have a specific Levoit 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 also explore our leaderboard with the scores and test data for every air purifier I have tested so far โ 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:
I spent HOURS browsing lists of โthe best air purifiersโ from big media sites and found that the average cost of the models they recommend is $400!
But you most definitely donโt need to spend $400 to get a good air purifier. To prove it, I have compiled a list of the best air purifiers Iโve tested that will clean the air without breaking the bank.
Since 2020, I have reviewed 133 different air purifiers (and counting!), and I used the data we collected from our tests to select the best-performing options you can buy for less than 190 bucks:
All-in-one HEPA with carbon + removable pre-filter
HEPA particle filter + separate carbon filter
E11 particle filter + optional carbon filter
All-in-one particle with carbon + removable pre-filter
ROOM SIZE (5 ACH)
105 sq. ft.
693 sq. ft.
297 sq. ft.
247 sq. ft.
529 sq. ft.
373 sq. ft.
If you prefer to watch a video version of this article, I’ve got you covered:
Tip
When youโre on a budget, the best way to get the best cleaning power is to use multiple air purifiers instead of just one. If your unit has a CADR of 150 CFM, two units working together will have a CADR of 300 CFM.
For around $50, you will be able to buy a good Lasko fan (on eBay) and a 20×20 MERV 13 filter to build your own air purifier.
You can build it at home with a 20โโ box fan, a 20×20 HVAC filter, some duct tape, and a pair of scissors. It wonโt be able to help with odors and VOCs, but in terms of particle filtration, it will give you a CADR of around 70 cfm, which will provide 3-5 air changes per hour in spaces between 105-175 sq. ft.
If you already have a box fan at home, it will cost you just $30.99, which is the price of two 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filter.
It offers a much higher CADR than the $45 AROEVE MK01 (34 cfm) and the $50 Levoit Core Mini (41 cfm). But it’s loud and power-hungry.
CONS
It’s just a fan and a filter, so you won’t get any fancy features.
It can be loud at top speed, depending on how loud the box fan is that you use.
Box fans tend to consume a lot of energy too.
You don’t get any carbon to help with unwanted smells or VOCs.
PROS
You can build it yourself with materials you probably already have at home.
It offers much better performance than all the other models I’ve tested under $50.
You can use any type of 20″ x 20″ MERV 13 filter, so you will be able to find good deals.
Clean air delivery rateย (CADR):
70 cfm
Filter technology:
MERV 13
Recommended room size:
105 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:
4.5L x 20W x 20H inches (11.4L x 51W x 51H cm)
Weight:
8 lbs (3.4 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:
Speed 1: 51.5 dB Speed 2: 58.3 dBย Speed 3: 62.4 dB
If you combine your 20″x20″ box fan with four 20″x30″ Filtrete MPR 1900 filters ($90), you’ll get a much bigger DIY air purifier called a Corsi-Rosenthal box (or CR box). It will be MUCH bigger than the fan + filter air cleaner from before, but with the size comes incredible power.
In our particle removal test, it cleared the air in 13 minutes โ that’s as fast as the Coway Airmega ProX, which costs just under $1,000. Not bad for a thing you can build yourself…
But be aware, that box fans are not quiet and they arenโt known for is their energy efficiency. Another thing to consider is that the 30×20 CR box is pretty big.
CONS
It’s very big so it can take up quite a bit of floor space.
You will only get the fan speed controller, so no smart controls or features.
It can be loud and power-hungry, as most box fans are.
You don’t get any carbon to help with unwanted smells or VOCs.
PROS
At top speed, it completed our removal test as fast as the much more expensive Coway Airmega ProX (13 minutes).
You can use any type of 20″ x 20″ MERV 13 filter, so you will be able to find good deals. But I recommend the Filtrete MPR 1900.
It’s the best performing air purifier you will be able to build yourself with materials you can buy at the store.
It outperformed 134 air purifier models we have tested at HouseFresh.
Clean air delivery rateย (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 dBย Speed 3: 62.4 dB
An air purifier for small spaces that costs less than $100, comes with smart features and doubles up as a small side table.
There are MANY options for air purifiers under $100 on Amazon, but after testing 21 different models at that price point, I only recommend the SwitchBot Air Purifier. It has a list price of $99.99, but can be found on Amazon for as low as $75 on deal days.
It completed our particle removal test in 30 minutes, which is 10 minutes faster than the more expensive Winix A231, Levoit Vital 100S, and Coway Airmega 100.
It has an all-in-one HEPA and carbon filter with a removable, washable pre-filter mesh on the outside. This makes it easier to clean and vacuum — a good design for pet owners.
CONS
It will be too underpowered for spaces larger than 297 sq. ft.
The amount of carbon in the filter won’t be enough to tackle serious issues with odors and chemical gases.
SwitchBot is new to the air purifier game compared to manufacturers like Coway, Levoit, Winix or IQAir.
PROS
It’s the only air purifier under $100 with a CADR of 198 cfm — this is the same as the more expensive Dyson BP06, PuroAir 400 and Alen 45i.
Itโs doubles as a side table with a built-in light that changes color based on the air quality readings from the onboard PM2.5 sensor.
It has an aroma pad, where you can drop essential oils for a diffuser effect. This is not my cup of tea, but I know some might appreciate it.
It comes with an app and is also Matter-certified, so you can connect it to your existing smart home system if you prefer.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
198 cfm
Filter technology:
HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter mesh
A brand new small air purifier model from Levoit with smart features and app support that will set you back $129.99.
The Eleva 300X is a new air purifier from Levoit that in my eyes has replaced the popular Core 300S. It has excellent air cleaning performance, especially for its price and its small size, and comes with an onboard sensor, smart features and app support.
In terms of performance, the Eleva 300X completed our particle removal test in 36 minutes โ thatโs 23 full minutes faster than the equally priced PuroAir 130i.
You get a HEPA filter that removes particles and a separate gas filter packed with activated carbon pellets that adsorb unwanted smells.
CONS
You must register the filters to pair them to the device. If you donโt 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.
It is cheap to buy but it has slightly higher yearly running costs than other small models.
PROS
It offers excellent value for your money! It has the lowest cost per CADR across all other small units Iโve 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 โ no more all-in-one cylindrical filters youโll 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.
Through the app you can enable Dynamic Manual mode, setting your Eleva to run continuously on your preferred fan speed while also allowing it to momentarily go up to Turbo whenever the sensor notices a rise in pollutants.
If you could stretch your budget to $152, you could buy one of the best air purifiers Iโve ever tested โ powerful enough for large rooms up to 529 sq. ft.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
Out of the 133 air purifiers I’ve tested since 2020, the AirFanta 3Pro stands out thanks to its incredible value for money. The HEPA-only version sells for $160, but you can get it for $152 if you use the HOUSEFRESH discount code.
The 3Pro is inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box: itโs basically a cube with a plastic base at the bottom, a filter on each side, and a fan array on top with four 140mm PC fans.
At top speed, the 3Pro cleaned our test room as fast as the Coway Airmega 350, which costs more with a list price of $339.
CONS
You have to assemble it as it arrives disassembled, but it is quick and easy.
Even though it uses PC fans, its long-term energy costs ($51.99 per year) align with “normal,” retail air purifiers.
It doesnโt have any smart features, no timers, no app support, and no on-board sensors that you are likely to find in a traditional air purifier.
PROS
It offers outstanding air cleaning power at a very low price โ an estimated CADR of 353 cfm, which is in line with what we see in air purifiers that cost upwards of $500.
Its small footprint makes it easy to use around the house, both in rooms big and small.
You can take it apart and rebuild it in just a couple of minutes, and when broken down, it fits inside a medium size carry bag.
You can choose the HEPA-only filters to remove particles from the air, or you can choose the HEPA + carbon filters to also deal with odors and gases.
One of the models I recommend the most often to people due to its affordable price and excellent air cleaning performance.
The Vital 200S completed our particle removal test as fast as the Winix 5510 (above). That said, it was one minute faster to clean the air in our test room when both models were running at speed 2 (sub 45-dBA).
It is more energy-efficient that other air purifier models with comparable CADR and this leads to the lowest running costs in the bunch.
Just like the Eleva 300X, it comes with an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator light, auto-mode and app connectivity.
CONS
It has an all-in-one filter, so once the carbon runs out (which usually happens within 6 months), youโll have to replace the whole thing, even if the particle filter still has life in it.
Levoit initially advertised the filters as HEPA H13 but have changed their marketing, now stating the filter is H13 only on sleep mode.
The air quality sensor is an optical sensor so you need to keep it clean for it to report accurate readings.
PROS
It offers a high level of air cleaning performance to $ ratio, completing our particle removal test as fast as units double its price.
You get smart features and smartphone connectivity through Levoitโs VeSync app.
It remembers settings and modes, so if you unplug it and plug it back in, the Vital 200S will still remember what it was last doing.
It comes with a removable pre-filter that is easy to vacuum, and you can also rinse and dry.
With a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, this new generation of Winix air purifiers was able to complete our particle removal test as fast as the Levoit Vital 200S (above).
This is good performance for less than $180, but unfortunately they are all louder and more power-hungry than the Vital 200S.
With a PM1 CADR of 148 cfm, the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 was able to complete our particle removal test in 40 minutes while generating 57.6 dBA of noise, which is quieter than other models with equal power like the Winix A231.
This is good performance for an air purifier you can buy for less than $100, but it was outshined by what we saw with the SwitchBot Air Purifier.
The HY4866 has a PM1 CADR of 174 cfm at top speed, which will be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 261 sq. ft. It has a list price of $120 but you will regularly find it on deal for less than $90.
It didn’t make the list because it was no match for the SwitchBot Air Purifier and its CADR of 198 cfm.
The cheap air purifiers that we don’t recommend
We test many air purifiers here at HouseFresh and while we are continually looking for units like the Taotronics AP-003 that move the performance needle forward, we also come across a lot of duds. This is especially true at the sub $100 level, and so we felt it our duty to also point out those air purifiers you should avoid in this budget range.
AROEVE MK01 – I could not find a published CADR for this unit, which would make sense as when we tested it, we found it took 163 minutes to clean our room to the levels recommended by the WHO guidelines. Remember that our test room (728 cubic feet) is the smallest in our house, so we can assume that this unit will be underpowered for most home use cases and should be avoided. The budget doesnโt have to be the thing that holds you back from having clean air in your home. Pay $20 extra and get the TaoTronics.
Levoit Core Mini – The Core Mini is the smallest air purifier in the Levoit Core line. It comes with the same three-stage filtration (pre-filter, main filter and activated carbon filter) and it doubles down as a diffuser for essential oils. It only pulls 6.4 watts and generates just 44 dB of sound at its highest fan speed, but it took one hour and 53 minutes to remove all the pollutants in our relatively small test room. This budget unit is too underpowered for most rooms, but if you are looking for a way to clean the air in your RV or campervan, then this could be the one.
GermGuardian AC482e – This air purifier seems awesome on the surface, especially as you will find glowing reviews from well-respected media organizations if you decide to Google it. There is only one problem โ itโs not good at all. It might have been an OK choice a few years back, but the AC4825e failed to perform well in our home lab tests with a poor performance of 104 minutes. When the Levoit Core 300 can achieve this in 40 minutes, you must wonder what you are paying for with the GermGuardian AC4825e.
Levoit Core 200S – The Core 200S is not bad, it is just not good enough for you to spend $89.99 on it. it comes with app support, emits a maximum of 49dB of sound when running at its top speed and doesn’t pull too much power (28.4 watts max) but it took a full hour to clean the air in our test room. You could get a TaoTronics AP003 or a Winix A231 for that money and they would offer you much better air cleaning performance.
How to avoid wasting money when buying a budget air purifier
Air purifiers offer an excellent way to remove harmful particles and improve indoor air quality, but many high-end models come with a hefty price tag. You need to know what to look for in a quality air purifier, and youโll discover many high-performance units that are affordably priced. And weโre here to help!
Our guide for the best budget air purifiers outlines the critical things to consider when buying an air purifier.
1. Take the time to calculate how much it will cost you to replace the filters
Manufacturers usually specify the estimated lifespan of the filters on the product page. They will usually give you a range (like 6-12 months or 3-6 months), so I recommend taking the lowest estimate for your calculation.
Once you know the lifespan, check out the cost of a filter replacement. You will then be able to calculate how much you can expect to spend to replace the filter each year:
Filter list price ————— x 12 = Yearly filter cost Filter lifespan
Doing this will help you avoid models with disproportionate filter costs where, within a year, you might end up spending the same (or more) than the price of the air purifier.
2. Find an air purifier with enough CADR to clean your specific room
Room size is another critical factor when buying an air purifier, as not all air purifiers arenโt created equal. Based on the size of your room, you can estimate how much CADR the air purifier will need to provide a minimum of 4.8 air changes per hour, which is what the EPA recommends.
CADR, or clean air delivery rate, measures the air volume an air purifier can clean in a given time. You can use our calculator to find out what CADR you should be looking for:
3. Donโt be duped into buying one of those small, cheap air purifiers at the top of Amazon
Seeing a $50 price tag might help you make a quick decision, but in the end, it will only lead you to a false economy.
Small air purifiers usually need their filters replaced every 3 to 6 months, compared to the 9-12 months of lifespan you get with mid-sized filters. So in the end, you might end up spending double!
4. Before you hit the โBuyโ button, double-check that youโre not also being tricked into signing up for a filter subscription
Iโve seen multiple examples of online stores that use dark patterns to trick users into signing up for filter subscriptions.
These could be options already selected for you with a checkbox to opt out greyed out or simply not as prominent. And in some extreme cases, just a tiny legend that tells you that youโre also signing up for automatic replacements with your purchase.
If youโre only going to take one thing from this article, let it be this: when buying anything online, be vigilant of the dark patterns that end up signing you up for newsletters you donโt want to receive, add-ons you donโt care about buying, or subscriptions you most definitely donโt need.
Wrapping up
Clean air shouldn’t be something only the 1% can afford. You can make your budget go further by going down the DIY route with a Corsi-Rosenthal box or trying out some of the newer designs that utilize PC fans, like the AirFanta 3 Pro.
To keep running costs low, look into generic filters, as they can be much lower in price. Just be aware that carbon quality might not be the same as with OEM filters, but in our testing, particle removal performance is on par.
But whatever unit you decide to go for, if you are on a tight budget but need an air purifier for your home, make sure to do your research BEFORE you buy. You don’t want to end up like this Redditor, who bought two different air purifiers before realizing they didn’t work and had to buy a third one to help with her cat allergies.
October 22nd, 2026:
Added the Levoit Eleva 300X as a good small air purifier for less than $130.
Added the Winix 5510, 5520 and 5530 to the ‘Special mentions’ section.
March 8th, 2026:
Replaced the Levoit Vital 100S with the SwitchBot Air Purifier, as it achieved faster particle removal results.
Replaced the 20×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box with the 30×20, as it’s much faster at cleaning the air.
Added the Winix 5510 as an alternative for medium-sized spaces.
Replaced the Winix A231 with the DIY Fan + Filter Air Purifier.
January 10th, 2025:
Added the Levoit Vital 100S.
December 23rd, 2024:
We decided to raise the budget to be $150 in order to include the highly powerful and affordable AirFanta 3Pro.
Moved the TaoTronics AP-003 outside of the top picks as it has been discontinued and other models built on its same OEM design are currently out of stock across the U.S.
August 24th, 2024:
Removed the TaoTronics AP-005 as it is consistently out of stock everywhere.
May 25th, 2024:
Embedded the video version of the article.
May 10th, 2024:
Updated long-term running costs calculations.
March 16th, 2024:
Replaced the Levoit Core 300 with the Winix A230/A231 as the top recommendation overall.
Removed mentions of HEPA filtration for Levoit devices after a challenge from Dyson through the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) let to Levoit removing mentions of a “True HEPA filterโ.
November 26th, 2023:
Upfront and long-term running costs were added prominently next to the names of the devices.
An air purifier is just a fan and a filter. But not all fans are created equal, and filters come in all shapes and sizes.
So whether youโre looking for an air purifier to tackle odors before they escape your kitchen, or youโre trying to get rid of dust in your bedroom before your allergies get triggered at night, there will be a specific combination of a fan and a filter that will make the most sense for you.
Since 2020, I’ve bought and tested 152 air purifiers (and counting!) to separate the good units from the absolute scams. You can read more about our testing methodology here.
In this guide, I will cut through all the marketing noise to tell you which are the best air purifiers on the market right now, based on hundreds of tests conducted in the same space over a period of six years.
Don’t buy an air purifier before watching this
These are our picks for the best air purifiers we have tested available to buy right now.
Read till the end to learn about the solid air purifier models that didnโt make the list, as well as the ones we tested that aren’t a good investment based on our data. And if there are any specific models you’ve got in mind, you can use our air purifier comparison tool to compare them side-by-side.
A high-performing air purifier in a small package with an onboard sensor, smart features and quiet operation.
The Mighty2 is a new air purifier from Coway that will tick off all the boxes for most people because it costs just $269.99, fits small to medium-sized rooms, comes with activated carbon as default, has a high-quality laser sensor that unlocks smart features AND it offers excellent performance.
It completed our particle removal test in 23 minutes, outperforming popular models from Levoit, Winix and Blueair while generating less noise.
Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 260 cfm, which will be powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 36m2 (or 390 sq. ft.) when running at top speed.
It comes with a bonded filter with a particle filter (for pollen and dust) on one side and activated carbon pellets (for odors and gases) on the other.
The Mighty2 also comes with a washable, slidable pre-filter that can be removed to be cleaned without opening the front cover – – less mess, especially for pet owners!
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 doesnโt 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 wonโt be hard to find a spot for it, even in small rooms.
If you’re looking for a mid-sized model that offers everything you get with the Mighty2 plus app connectivity, then I’ve got two other recommendations for you:
The Vital 200S offers similar performance to the Mighty2 at a cheaper price ($189.99) and with app connectivity. The pre-filter is removable and the main filter is bonded, with particle filtration on one side and carbon on the other.
Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, making it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 33 m2 (or 360 sq. ft.). READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.
The Philips 3200 is a great option for those living in Europe, Asia and Oceania, where the Mighty2 and the Vital 200s are rare. It comes with smart features, app support and a lamp function for just ยฃ240 (or โฌ260).
Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, so it can provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 33 m2 (or 360 sq. ft.). READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
If you care about one thing — maximum air cleaning at the minimum price — the 3Pro is untouchable.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
The AirFanta 3Pro is a PC fan-powered air purifier that broke the mold. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1CADR of 353 cfm, which is incredible considering its low price of $159.99. This makes the 3Pro capable of providing five air changes per hour in rooms up to 49 m2 (529 sq. ft.).
The 3Pro is a small box with a plastic base, an H11 HEPA filter on each side, and four PC fans on top.
You can disassemble and reassemble it in a few minutes and it fits inside a carry-on suitcase or large backpack – a good travel option.
In terms of size, the 3Pro is relatively small and can fit comfortably on top of a side table or windowsill.
But don’t let its size trick you into thinking this is not a powerful unit. The 3Pro outperforms units twice its size that cost three times as much.
CONS
The design is not for everyone, with a subscriber describing it to me as “a sci-fi toaster”.
It has no smart features, no air quality sensor, and no app support.
It’s in high demand, so it is often out of stock on Amazon. If you can’t find it on Amazon, check the official AirFanta shop.
You will have to build it yourself, but it takes just a couple of minutes to do so.
PROS
It offers the best performance for $ spent across the 130+ air purifiers we tested.
It is the only high-CADR air purifier you can fit in a backpack.
The use of PC fans makes it quieter and more energy-efficient than most traditional retail air purifiers.
It comes with an AC-to-DC power adapter that includes a dial to adjust the voltage and sound levels.
A small cylindrical air purifier with an onboard sensor and app support that is powerful enough to clean the air in rooms up to 23 m2 (or 247 sq. ft.)
Amazon is full of small air purifiers that cost next to nothing. But unfortunately, the vast majority of them are too underpowered to make a meaningful difference to your air. After testing nearly 40 small air purifiers, my top pick right now is the Eleva 300X from Levoit.
At top speed, it completed our test faster than most other small units. With a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm, it can clean the air 5 times/hour in rooms up to 23 m2 (or 247 sq. ft.).
The only exception is the Blue Pure 511i Max, which offers higher performance with quieter operation and less energy consumption. However, I know many people prefer to stay away from ionizers and the one inside the 511i Max cannot be disabled.
You get a pleated HEPA filter for particles and a gas filter for odors. There are different gas filters, with the Premium one packing the largest amount of activated carbon pellets.
It has a laser sensor that informs and air quality indicator light on top that changes color based on the quality of your air. You also get smart functions like auto mode (that reacts to particle pollution) and dynamic mode (which you can set from the app).
CONS
You must register the filters to pair them to the device. If you donโt 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.
It is power-hungry and filters arenโt cheap compared to other small air purifiers Iโve tested.
PROS
It offers excellent value for your money! It has the lowest cost per CADR across all other small units Iโve 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 โ no more all-in-one cylindrical filters youโll 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 Iโm 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.
The ProX offers an impressive PM1 CADR of 462 cfm, smart modes, and an accurate air quality sensor for just over $800.
The Airmega ProX from Coway is a large, powerful air purifier that can offer five air changes per hour in spaces up to 64 m2 (or 693 sq. ft.). Running at top speed, it generates 53.6 dBA and has an estimated PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.
In our tests, it outperformed the $1,400 IQAir Atem X and currently ranks at the top of our leaderboard for large residential air purifiers.
And when it comes to sound, the ProX is the only traditional air purifier that comes close to the quiet performance we saw from the PC fan models.
You get double filtration, with a True HEPA filter and a pelleted carbon filter at each side of the device. The lifespan of the filters is 12 months.
The ProX lacks app support, but it has a laser sensor and four smart modes: eco, silent, turbo + auto. You also get real-time particle readings on screen.
CONS
It is not cheap, with a list price just over $800.
Occasionally, you may accidentally open the side covers when using the side handles to lift the ProX, if you need to move it around the house in areas where the wheels may get stuck.
It doesn’t come with app connectivity, which some people might expect to get when paying upwards of $800.
PROS
It’s the fastest residential air purifier we tested, ranking 2nd after the commercial beast that is the Smart Air Blast โ we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.
It comes with an onboard air quality sensor and shows real-time particle readings on screen paired with a color-coded LED light at the top of the device.
It features four smart modes, giving you more flexibility based on how much power, noise, or energy consumption you want.
It is made of high-quality materials and looks great.
For less than $300, the Levoit Core 600S comes with a laser air quality sensor, auto-mode, and even app support. It offers the most bang for your buck, with a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm that will clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 52m2 (562 sq. ft.). READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.
If odors are your primary focus, my top pick is the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan and one of their 8-inch refillable carbon filters.
To remove serious odors and gases from your air, you need to look beyond the standard air purifiers, as they usually come with a small amount of carbon that will become saturated quickly in spaces with high levels of VOCs. My top recommendation is to build yourself your own odor-busting device using parts from AC Infinity.
Although many air purifiers come with activated carbon filters, these usually come with small quantities of carbon. Now, this is where the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 truly shines, thanks to its carbon filter packed with 16 lbs of activated carbon.
In our VOC removal tests, the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 was the quickest, outperforming the mighty Austin Air HealthMate. Now, performance dropped when set to its highest fan speed – – better stick to speed 5 and below.
By the way, when using it on the floor, the fan blades are exposed. We’ve got children in the house so I fixed this by cutting out a piece of carbon-impregnated fabric for the top that keeps the blades away from little hands.
CONS
This device only removes VOCs from the air. You wonโt 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 yearsโs worth of carbon is just $89.99! This is A LOT more accessible than the nearly $400 youโre 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)
I highly recommend the Alen BreatheSmart 75i V2. It comes with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon but was still able to clear our test room in just 18 minutes. Based on this result, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 333 cfm, which will be good enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 41 m2 (448 sq. ft.) WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW โ
If you don’t mind paying for the Dyson tax, check out the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06, with its 1.94 lbs of carbon and super quiet operation, but still boasting good particle removal performance. Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm so this is a good choice for rooms up to 27 m2 (297 sq. ft.) WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW โ
If you’re looking for an air purifier with large amounts of carbon, then the Austin Air HealthMate might be the one. It comes with 16 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 an estimated PM1 CADR of 160 cfm that will keep the air clean in rooms smaller than 15 m2 (169 sq. ft.) WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW โ
After testing multiple portable air purifiers, I’m confident that the Triple Exhalaron is the only one you can use on the go with a battery pack that will provide enough clean air to make it useful.
The Exhalaron cleared our test room in 46 minutes while generating just 40.5 dBA. This is outstanding for a device you can run on a battery pack – – see how it compares to mid-sized air purifiers running at sub-45 dBA speeds.
It comes with three cylindrical HEPA filters that sit between a thin wooden base and a thicker wooden top that houses three quiet and energy-efficient Cooler Master PC fans. You also get two handles at the top and a knob to adjust fan speeds.
CONS
Retailing at $359, it is the most expensive of all the portable air purifiers we’ve tested, but it’s the only one that will actually clean your air and keep it clean on the go. A good investment for your car.
PROS
It is super quiet. In our sound test, we measured the sound levels from 35.2 dB to 40.5 dB from its lowest to its highest fan speed.
It is compatible with generic PUREBURG filters, reducing yearly running costs if you prefer not to use CleanAirKits’ OEM filters.
It looks cool. I know this is just personal preference, but I really like the industrial feel of the Exhalaron.
A large, powerful, quiet, no-nonsense air purifier with a massive fan and filter that can effectively clean the air in large classrooms, offices, and other high-traffic areas.
With an estimated PM1 CADR of 547 cfm, the Blast from Smart Air can provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 76 m2 (820 sq. ft.). But what’s incredible about it is that this power doesn’t come with a super loud noise attached to it.
At its highest fan speed, this air purifier hits only 54.7 dBA, which is quieter than the much smaller Levoit Vital 200S (57.7 dBA).
This air purifier boasts one of the highest CADR ratings across all the air purifiers we have tested to date.
It has a huge H13 HEPA filter that traps particles (dust, pollen, viruses, bacteria). You can also get an optional pelleted carbon filter for VOCs.
The combination of a quiet operation and a high CADR makes it the best choice for classrooms. I appreciate the brackets to fix it to the wall.
CONS
It comes at a high initial price of just over $1,000.
It is an oversized unit that takes up a lot of space, making it likely overkill for most homes.
Itโs also a heavy unit (38 kg), not designed to be moved around from room to room as easily – – although the wheels help!
It consumes significantly more energy than other large air purifiers, pulling 135.9 watts at top speed.
PROS
It can clean a lot of air but only makes 54.7 dB(A) of sound at its top fan speed, based on our tests.
Very fair prices for new filters that provide 13 months of usage.
With an outer case made of metal instead of plastic, this unit is robust and built to last.
Only has a one-dial command to navigate through three fan speeds.
It’s a set-and-forget unit without any apps or fancy modes, and you can use it with a smart plug.
You can build a CorsiโRosenthal Box (or CR Box for short) at home with a standard box fan, four MERV-13 HVAC filters, duct tape, and a cardboard base, making it the best low-cost option for those who need a swift air purifying solution due to wildfire smoke or an unexpected air quality issue.
Our 30×20 CR Box matched the air cleaning performance of the $800+ Airmega ProX, and it even outperformed the $1,400 Atem X!
Depending on the box fan you use, it can get loud and power-hungry. And with the 30×20 MERV 13 filters, it will take up a lot of space.
CONS
It is a huge device and not the best looking – – it takes up a lot of space.
It can run loudly and consume a lot of electricity, depending on the box fan you use.
There are no extra features youโll find on commercial devices, like a child lock or the ability to schedule routines.
You don’t get the option to add a carbon filter to tackle VOCs and odors.
PROS
It is an air purifier you can build yourself with parts you might already have available at home.
Excellent air cleaning performance for the price — one of the best ratios of performance to money spent.
Youโll be choosing the materials, so itโs super customizable and a fun project on its own.
All parts are readily available on Amazon.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
462 cfm (top speed)
Filter technology:
20x30x1 3M Filtrete MPR1900
Recommended room size:
693 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:
20L x 20W x 20H inches (50L x 50W x 50H cm)
Weight:
10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:
Speed 1: 51.5 dB Speed 2: 58.3 dB Speed 3: 62.4 dB
The good-performing air purifiers that didn’t make the cut, but that could be a good choice for you.
Since 2020, we have tested nearly 150 different air purifier models and, along the way, we have found some incredible units. That is why I thought it could be useful to give a shoutout to other excellent air purifiers in case they are available in countries where my top picks are not.
If sound is important to you, consider buying a PC fan kit. I tested models from CleanAirKits, Nukit and Northbox Systems, and they all excelled at cleaning the air while generating minimal noise.
Plus, they consume very little electricity and use non-branded MERV 13 filters, which then leads to very low running costs.
You can build your PC fan kit yourself using parts from CleanAirKits, Nukit or NorthBox Systems, highly-efficient yet whisper-quiet PC fans and HVAC filters (ideally MERV13) like 3M’s Filtrete MPR1900+.
I left PC fan kits out of my list because they cost over $300 and donโt come with many features or carbon, so I know most people wonโt consider them.
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.
All three of them come with an onboard sensor, an ionizer function that can be switched off, and smartphone connectivity through the Winix app. WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW โ
Our test results were nearly identical across all three, with the 5510 being quieter and more energy-efficient than the other two.
Ultimately, neither of these mid-sized Winix models made the cut because the Coway Mighty2 offers even better air cleaning power at quieter operation while pulling less energy.
The Alen 35ihas a PM1CADR of 162 cfm at top speed and generates 52.6 dBA โ powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 23 m2 (247 sq. ft.).
It’s bigger than most small cylindrical air purifiers, but you get a choice of specialist filters and a 10-year warranty when subscribing to filters from Alen. READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
And when running on speed 2, it outperformed every other small air purifier we benchmarked it against, with the exception of PC fan-powered air purifiers.
If you live in Europe, you might still be able to buy the legendary Winix 5500-2 – an excellent affordable air purifier that has been one of my top recommendations for years.
It is a little bulkier than the new mid-sized Winix units and it doesn’t come with app support, but it does the job without breaking the bank. READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
It sells for ยฃ159 / โฌ 199 and offers excellent performance that rivals modern units from popular brands like Levoit and Philips, although itโs a bit loud.
I didnโt shortlist it because it has been discontinued in North America, but itโs an incredible air purifier that we really wish was still around in the U.S. and Canada.
The Blue Signature Large doubles as a side table, comes with an onboard sensor that unlocks smart features and includes app support. It has the looks and packs the power, too.
It didnโt make the cut because what you donโt get is the option to disable its HEPASilent, which is a trademarked technology that uses an ionizer that releases small levels of ozone.
In our tests, it matched the performance of bigger and pricier models. For $450, you get a CADR of 400 cfm that can clean the air 5 times / hour in rooms under 55m2 (600 sq. ft.).
So if the use of an ionizer doesnโt bother you, then you should definitely consider getting a Blueair Signature. READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
With a list price of $500, this is a premium model from Levoit that comes with everything youโll get with the Vital 200S and then some. READ MY FULL REVIEW โ
You also get app connectivity, an onboard sensor, adjustable vents at the top, a deep handle at the back and wheels at the bottom to easily move it from room to room.
It looks good and packs the power to thoroughly clean the air in large rooms up to 52 square meters (or 562 sq. ft.) without generating a lot of noise.
I love my EverestAir but it didnโt make the cut because the Coway ProX packs more power and the AirFanta 3Pro offers a similar CADR at a cheaper price.
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 also explore our leaderboard with the scores and test data for every air purifier I have tested so far โ 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:
Other models that we tested but don’t recommend
These are the popular models that other reviewers often recommend, along with what our tests show.
Okaysou AirMax 10L Pro – This device became a best-seller on Amazon thanks to a successful influencer campaign on TikTok. In our testing, it failed to match the hype or price point. We found that Okaysou used marketing tricks to inflate its performance. I would avoid any Okaysou device. Update 26 June 2024: Okaysou is now bankrupt, and you can no longer buy it and their 5-year warranty is now worthless.
Molekule Air Mini+ – Molekule has been touting its new PECO technology, but has had to remove many of its previous marketing messages due to misleading advertising claims and class action lawsuits resulting from underperformance. In our test, it was very poor at removing PM1 particles and emitted 86 dB at its highest fan speed – – louder than a leafblower! If this device is recommended in 2025, it’s likely due to the high commission for the publisher recommending it, as they start at $349 and go up to $999 with the Pro series.
Rainbow RainMate – This is an old device that is still touted as being able to clean the air. However, it was the worst-performing device in our tests, making me think that water air-cleaning is totally useless in even the smallest of home rooms. Donโt rely on this device to clean your air; stick to a good old mechanical filtration.
PuroAir 240 – Previously sold under the name ‘PuroAir HEPA 14 240’, the PuroAir 240 didn’t live up to the marketing spiel. After completing all our tests, we found that this air purifier has poor air cleaning performance for its price and is too underpowered to clean spaces of up to 1,100 sq. ft., which is something that is mentioned multiple times in the marketing materials and on PuroAir’s website.
Jaspr – This large air purifier has a high CADR of 353 cfm but I don’t recommend it because 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. This means that you will spend just over $1900 in the first year of ownership – – the highest year-1 cost I’ve ever seen.
Shark NeverChange HP152 – I liked the innovative pre-filter design for this cylindrical device, the low running costs and the use of a laser particle sensor. Those are all nice features, but unfortunately, the CADR is too low for the price, both at top speed (88 cfm) and at sub-45 dBA fan speeds (52 cfm).
What to look for when buying an air purifier
The basic things you need to consider to make sure you’re not being duped into buying a device that won’t help.
The qualities you should look for in an air purifier will differ if you want to reduce allergy triggers at home, live near a busy road, need to improve your air quality during wildfire season, or deal with pet odors and dander. However, some things will always be important.
1. The size of the room and the CADR (clean air delivery rate) of the air purifier.
Itโs vital to analyze these two aspects together, considering many brands overstate the cleaning performance of their units. Itโs not necessarily unfunded, but thereโs a catch.
According to the EPA, for an air purifier to be truly effective, it should be able to perform 4.8 air changes per hour (or ACH) in a room. Unfortunately, some brands will advertise the room size coverage to achieve just one ACH, being able to claim a somewhat opaque wider coverage.
The rule is simple: a higher CADR (stated in CFM, or cubic feet per meter) means greater cleaning power. Instead of focusing on room sizes recommended by the manufacturer, look at the CADR rating.
The best way to go about it is to figure out how powerful an air purifier needs to be for your spaceโs specific dimensions. You can use our calculator to do just that:
2. The filtration system
Pure mechanical purifiers stand their ground on efficiency and safety when it comes to air filtration. The most comprehensive systems feature three stages:
A pre-filter to trap larger particles that would otherwise clog the main filter faster. The best units feature a removable pre-filter, making it easier to vacuum, rinse and keep in top shape. But you may find the pre-filter attached to the main one in budget air purifiers. Itโs better than not having one, but itโs also harder to clean.
An activated carbon filter to adsorb gasses and smells. If you are after a device to help you reduce unwanted smells or remove chemicals and VOCs from the air, then you need a filter packed with carbon pellets. Carbon-impregnated fabric filters are okay for mild odors but won’t be powerful enough for serious issues with smells.
Lastly, the main particle filter will remove microscopic particles from the air. If you need an air purifier to deal with dust or pet dander, for example, you will need a particle filter like HEPA or MERV 13.
But a denser filter just for the sake of it – like with PuroAir’s HEPA 14 – is not necessarily equivalent to a better performance. On the contrary, itโs important to balance fan power and filter thickness. If a filter is too dense and the air purifier is not potent enough to draw a good amount of air and pass it through, the cleaning power is reduced. It takes longer to remove airborne pollutants with restricted airflow.
Many mechanical air purifiers also feature a built-in ionizer that can boost the unitsโ CADR and efficiency. Although ionizing technology is continuously evolving, at HouseFresh, we prefer those units where, like in the Winix 5510 or the 5500-2 included in the special mentions, the ionizing function can be disabled at the userโs convenience.
3. Noise output
The fan that powers your air purifier can generate a lot of noise, and you are unlikely to want to use your unit regularly if this noise becomes too much. That is why it’s worth factoring in how noisy the unit will be, especially when running at its top fan speed. This is particularly important if you want an air purifier for the bedroom or your home office.
Two things to consider:
Smaller units wonโt make much of a difference to the air when running at the slowest fan speed, and they tend to be noisier than larger ones at top speed.
Some air purifiers suited for big spaces can be whisper-quiet when running at their lowest fan speeds, so it is worth going bigger to get a unit that will run quieter.
4. Long-term costs
In addition to the upfront cost of buying an air purifier, you should also consider associated maintenance costs such as energy usage and filter replacement.
Running your air purifier 24/7 2ill substantially improve your air, but that also means an appliance adding to your electricity bill all day, year-round. The good news is that many energy-efficient units out there wonโt significantly affect your monthly expenses. However, make sure to check this to avoid unpleasant surprises, as some units are on the power-hungry side.
A few things to consider in terms of filters:
Filter replacement costs vary among brands and models – – and so does the required replacement frequency.
The longer a unit has been on the market, the more probable good-quality generic filters will be available.
More and more brands are offering convenient filter subscriptions that are cost-effective and include perks for happier customers.
5. Extra features
An extensive control panel with smart functions, app support, onboard air quality sensors or remote controls are handy perks that can make life easier. A no-lights mode for the bedroom, for example, is definitely something worth considering.
However, if asked, I would recommend not to sacrifice CADR or performance over fancier tech-y bonuses. After all, the purpose of an air purifier is to clean the air.
How we test air purifiers
Saying we tested over 110 air purifiers in the last five years sounds great, doesnโt it? But what does testing mean for HouseFresh?
Itโs definitely not just getting the units out of their boxes to take some cool editorial pictures for our articles. On the contrary, it is a thorough process that involves reliable testing devices to cover the many aspects of air purifier evaluation.
Air cleaning performance is key, for sure. But we go further. When you decide to invest in an air purifier that will be constantly running at home, things like long-term costs and noise output are also important in a real-world context.
Our testing process includes the following steps:
Step 1. We conduct a particle removal test
First, we burn an incense stick (always the same brand and type) to pollute the air in our 728 cubic feet test room. Using our PurpleAir and AiGradient air quality monitors, we measure how fast each air purifier can remove PM1 particles at each available fan speed. The sensors provide regular updates on particulate matter levels, allowing us to calculate the PM1 CADR of the device.
Step 2. We conduct a VOC removal test
Then, we fill up our grow tent with Lynx Africa deodorant to release chemical gases into the air. We let the VOC levels stabilize before setting the air purifier to its highest fan speed for 45 minutes. We track tVOC levels with our PurpleAir and AiGradient air quality sensors before visualizing the data for comparison reasons.
Step 3. We measure sound levels generated
For noise levels, we use a commercial sound meter from 3 ft. away to measure how much noise in decibels (dB) is generated by the air purifier at each fan speed. Like other measurements, the data is displayed in our reviews, but we also share the results on HouseFresh YouTube channel.
Step 4. We measure electricity consumption
We use a power meter to record how much electricity (in watts) the air purifier consumes when running at each of its fan speeds, including sleep mode and stand-by mode.
Step 5. We estimate yearly maintenance costs
We also calculate the long-term costs you can expect to spend each year to run the air purifier. First, we calculate how much money running the air purifier will add to your yearly energy bill. Next, we conduct desk research to determine the costs of genuine and generic replacement filters, using filter lifespan information stated by the manufacturer.
Step 6. Real-life experience
All five steps comprise the core performance evaluation we run on every unit. We know the data is solid. However, thereโs something about everyday use that cannot be measured in a lab-test situation. That is why our final step is using the air purifier at home in different rooms with different use cases. You can learn a lot by just living with a device.
Wrapping up
Air pollution is real. Over one-third of Americans still live in areas with unhealthy air and suffer from the consequences to their health. Improving our indoor air shouldnโt be something to take lightly.
Considering how a high-performing air purifier can improve peopleโs daily lives, itโs somewhat infuriating to find the internet flooded with unfounded reviews of air purifiers that lack the research and data to back them up.
Our goal at HouseFresh is to help consumers find the right air purifier to fit their needs and budgets in real-life situations. We donโt take free units from manufacturers and are not afraid to raise our voices when a hyped unit turns out to be a disappointment. Most importantly, we are driven by a transparent, hands-on approach and constantly improving methods of real-life testing.
We want our readers to find actual, helpful solutions. We may not always address all of your doubts in our articles. Thatโs why my mailbox is always open: danny@housefresh.com
Since 2020, weโve been conducting our tests in the same 728-cubic-foot room to gather comparable data. We buy every device with our own money because we donโt want any strings attached. We are data-driven, and all our findings are openly published on the site.
Performing our tests in the same location under the same conditions allows us to compare air purifiers like-for-like in order to draw consistent conclusions. With all this data in hand, we are able to compare performance across different air purifiers from different manufacturers to quickly identify the best units for unique scenarios or situations, no matter how specific or average these may be.
We are confident that our tests reveal what manufacturers won’t tell you. That is why we don’t blindly repeat manufacturersโ specifications and marketing claims without further research or hands-on testing. We know that in many cases, their data has a degree of bias, with many brands overstating the capabilities of their devices with clever marketing and outright lies.
October 22nd, 2026
Replaced the Coway Airmega 100 with the Levoit Eleva 300X, which offers better air cleaning power and features for the same price.
Moved the Alen BreatheSmart 35i to the ‘Special mentions’ section, as it’s no longer a better alternative to my pick for the best small unit now that the Eleva 300X came into the picture.
September 18th, 2026
Replaced all animated GIFs with autoplay videos to reduce loading times for the page.
August 25th, 2026
Replaced the Levoit Vital 200S with the Coway Airmega Mighty2 AP-1512N, which offers better air cleaning performance at top and sub-45 dBA fan speeds.
Replaced the Austin Air HealthMate with the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan + 8-inch filter, which offers better VOC removal performance and a refillable filter with a whopping 16 lbs of carbon.
Added the Winix 5530 and the Winix 5520 to our list of ‘Special mentions’ alongside the Winix 5510.
Added the Blueair Signature Large to the list of ‘Special mentions’.
Replaced the Levoit Core 400S with the Levoit EverestAir in the ‘Special mentions’ section.
August 15th, 2026
Added a link to our new video with our picks for 2026, replacing the 2025 video.
Replaced the Xiaomi 4 Compact with the Coway Airmega 100, which offers better air cleaning performance at top speed and is readily available across multiple countries.
Added two new categories: best for medium rooms and best table air purifier.
Added the Winix 5510 and the Winix 9800 to the Special Mentions section.
February 17th, 2026
Replaced the Xiaomi Pro 4 recommendation for those in the UK and in Europe with the Philips 3200 Series, which offers equal levels of performance and better features for the same price.
Replaced the Nukit Tempest Euro recommendation for those in Europe with the newer Nukit Tempest Pro.
October 29th, 2025
Added a link to our video review of the Coway Airmega ProX.
Replaced the Winix 5510 recommendation with the Winix 9800.
October 15th, 2025
Updated our pick for ‘best for small spaces,’ incorporating the Xiaomi 4 Compact to our list.
Updated our pick for ‘best for VOCs’ with the Austin Air HealthMate replacing the IQAir HealthPro Plus.
Added two new categories: best for bedrooms and best portable air purifier.
Updated our pick for ‘best for classrooms,’ replacing the Smart Air Blast Mini with the Smart Air Blast.
Added new models to the list of units we don’t recommend.
Added the Winix T810 to our list of ‘Special mentions.’
October 14th, 2025
Added our new YouTube video with Danny’s picks for 2025.
Updated the category of the Luggable XL-7 to ‘Best overall’ based on its CADR vs Sound vs Energy Consumption vs Running Costs.
Added new charts to show our test data in an easy-to-digest way.
August 31st, 2025
Added our interactive leaderboard, with a live ranking of all the units we’ve completed tests on bar those effectively discontinued.
Updated our pick for ‘best for large spaces,’ incorporating the Coway Airmega ProX to our list.
Moved the Levoit Core 600S as a budget option for large spaces.
Added links to our written and video reviews for all the models in the ‘Special mentions’ section.
June 26th, 2025
Trimmed the text for the devices under ‘Special mentions’.
Removed the big table with all my top picks at the top, as it wasn’t working well on mobile.
Removed auto-play videos from the ‘How we test’ section and replaced them with photos of one of our latest tests.
April 3rd, 2025
Included a new category (best performing stylish air purifier) after receiving emails from people looking for a more ‘fashionable’ recommendation.
Added a quick list with all the shortlisted air purifiers at the top of the article with jump links for people who want to navigate faster through the page.
January 2nd, 2025
After learning that that the mighty TaoTronics AP-003 has been discontinued, we added a new budget option (the AirFanta 3Pro).
Included a new category (best performing quiet air purifier) after many people requested a recommendation under 40 dB of noise.
Updated the results of our particle removal test for all units, based on data collected with our new PurpleAir Zen sensor, replacing the data from our older PurpleAir Indoor sensor.
November 10th, 2024
Embedded our video with 10 things you need to know before buying an air purifier into the buying guide section of the article.
Updated the FAQ section to clarify when it makes sense to buy multiple small air purifiers over a large unit.
October 4th, 2024
Added two alternatives to the TaoTronics AP-003 as it has become nearly impossible to find in stock. We tested two devices based on the same ODM KJ35-G-S1 model: the Lago air purifier for the U.S. and the Midea Smart Air SmartAir Pure Control for those in Europe and Asia.
July 12th, 2024
Embedded our new CADR calculator into the buying guide of the article.
May 24th, 2024
Removed internal links and made layout changes after receiving advice on potential reasons why Google had demoted our website, taking away 90% of our search traffic.
April 26th, 2024
Embedded our video shortlisting the best air purifiers of 2024 based on our test data collected between 2020 and 2023.
We generally recommend that most people go for the biggest air purifier they can live with to get the most power (and the most value) for their money.
Having a slightly more powerful air purifier than you need will let you run it at lower fan speeds and still get solid air cleaning performance without making much noise. Plus, in the long run, you will find that small air purifiers will cost nearly as much to maintain as larger devices because you will need to replace their filters much more often.
However, I know that sometimes people just want a small air purifier. So, to find the ones worth buying, I spent $4,872 on 30 air purifiers small enough to fit on top of a table.
I used all the air purifiers we bought at home and also ran a series of tests to find out how well they clean the air at different fan speeds, how noisy they are, how much energy they consume, and how much they will cost you to run each year. You can read more about our testing process here.
The first of a new generation of Levoit air purifiers with excellent air cleaning power for just $129.99.
The Levoit Eleva 300X is a small, cylindrical air purifier with separate particle and carbon filters that will help remove dust, pollen, smoke and other allergens from the air in spaces no larger than 247 sq. ft. (or 23 m2).
At top speed, it cleared our test room of pollutants in 36 minutes while generating 55.4 decibels of noise. We estimate a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm.
As you can see from the table, the only unit that offers offer better air cleaning at top speed is the Blueair 511i Max. But this small Blueair uses an ionizer function that cannot be disabled.
The Eleva 300X has a high quality laser sensor that tracks particle levels in real time and informs smart functions such as auto mode.
You can track particle pollution levels on the screen at the top and you also get an LED indicator light that changes color based on your air quality.
CONS
You must register the filters to pair them to the device. If you donโt 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.
It is power-hungry and filters arenโt cheap compared to other small air purifiers I’ve tested.
PROS
It offers excellent value for your money! It has the lowest cost per CADR across all other small units Iโve 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 youโll 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.
If youโre looking for a small, cylindrical unit that wonโt break the bank but will still offer solid performance, then the Blueair 511i Maxmight be just the thing.
It comes with app connectivity, an onboard sensor, smart modes and a bonded filter with HEPA filtration and a layer of carbon.
CONS
The filter comes with carbon impregnated fabric instead of pellets so itโs unlikely to be very helpful with odor control
You will be forced to use its in-built ionizer, in the form of Blueairโs trademarked HEPASilent technology, which cannot be disabled.
PROS
Itโs one of the best performing small air purifiers we tested โ second only to the AirFanta 3Pro.
When running at speed 2, it generates just 39.4 dBA and still cleaned the air as fast as the PuroAir 130i running at top speed.
It has super low running costs, thanks to the fact that itโs energy efficient and filter replacements are cheap.
2. The best for performance in overall: AirFanta 3Pro
If youโre buying a small air purifier to help with your allergies, the 3Pro is the only one powerful enough to help.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
This PC-fan powered air purifier is a 32 x 32 cm cube that weighs just 2.3 kg and is small enough to fit on top of a side table or a large desk. You have to build it yourself but it takes just a minute: place the plastic base at the bottom, stand a filter at each side and secure the filters with the PC fan array on top.
At top speed, it offers an impressive PM1 CADR of 353 cfm, so it can clean the air 5 times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. (or 49 m2) while generating 56.3 decibels.
For those looking for the best performance in a small package, then nothing beats the $165 AirFanta 3Pro. It outperforms units that cost 7x as much!
A cool thing about it, is that you can break it down and fit the parts inside a bag, making it a great option for those looking for a small air purifier to travel with.
You get the option of buying it with HEPA filters only (for particles) or HEPA with pelleted carbon (for gases and odors).
CONS
It doesnโt come with any smart features, a fancy touchscreen, a sensor or app connectivity. You just get four powerful PC fans and four excellent filters.
It has no control panel but you get a voltage controller to control the speed of the fans and adjust the noise output.
It looks very different from a traditional air purifier. I know the utilitarian design wonโt be everybodyโs cup of tea.
PROS
It offers excellent value for your money — it’s the most powerful air purifier you can buy for less than $165.
You get the option of buying it with E11particle filters only. But if you’re looking for a device that can deal with odors and gases, then you can buy the HEPA + carbon filters for $75.
You can assemble it and disassemble it in just a couple of minutes, so you can take it with you wherever you go inside a small suitcase or big backpack.
It uses PC fans, so it is quieter and more energy-efficient than most traditional retail air purifiers.
The best option for those looking for a small, portable air purifier to use on the go.
The Triple Exhalaron from CleanAirKits is a PC fan-powered air purifier that weighs 2.7 kg and can be powered with a USB battery pack, so you can use it on the go inside your vehicle, or take it with you while you travel.
Iโve tested many portable air purifiers and this is the only one with a performance that can go head-to-head with home air purifiers.
And thanks to the use of PC fans, it reaches just 40.5 dBA when running at top speed, so it offers better air cleaning at quiet operation than most other small air purifiers.
In terms of design, you get a wooden base, three cylindrical filters and a hard wooden top with three powerful PC fans.
There’s no control panel, fancy touchscreen, smart features or even buttons, but you do get a knob to dial the fan speed up and down.
CONS
It isnโt cheap, selling for $389. You can get a cheaper price if you go for the Exhalaron with just two filters instead of three.
Considering the price, you might expect to get a fancy touchscreen or smart features but all youโll get is a knob on the side to adjust fan speeds.
You also donโt get any sort of carbon filtration so it wonโt help with odors.
PROS
It is the only truly portable model that can actually clean the air effectively at the same level you’d expect from a normal air purifier.
You get up to 10 hours of use with a 20,000 mAh battery pack.
It is durable thanks to the wooden body and the choice of flexible filters protected by a mesh cover
Yearly running costs are low thanks to minimal energy consumption and cheap filter replacements.
This $99.99 air purifier matched the performance of the Coway Airmega 100, even though it’s a little louder.
The GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 (or H7124) is a small air purifier with good air cleaning performance that comes with an air quality sensor and smart features for just $99.99.
Even though it’s not as small as the usual cylindrical air purifier, it’s still big enough to sit on a desk or side table.
GoveeLife air purifiers come with the option to connect the devices to your smart home setup thanks to the fact that they are Matter certified.
The filter is bonded, combining a side of HEPA filtration for particles and a side of pelleted activated carbon for odors and gases.
There isn’t enough carbon to tackle serious VOCs and chemicals, but it’s much better than the carbon-impregnated fabric filter we find in most small units.
CONS
It is more power-hungry than the Airmega 100, drawing 38.2 watts at top speed versus the 23.2 watts drawn by the Coway 100.
Filter replacements are also more expensive than the Coway’s – you can expect to spend $58.39 each year on filters vs $37.52 you’d spend with the Airmega 100.
PROS
Good air cleaning performance at top speed for less than $100, comparable to what youโll get with the $140 Levoit Vital 100S.
You can connect it to your existing smart home system via Matter.
It comes with an air quality sensor and you get an LED light at the bottom that changes color depending on the quality of your air.
We bought and tested 30 different tabletop air purifiers to find the best models for this list. Many of them were very close to making the cut, so I thought it could be useful to give them a shoutout in case they are available in countries where my top picks are not.
The new Dyson HushJet HJ10 nearly made the shortlist because it offers performance similar to the Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max.
It comes with separate HEPA and pelleted carbon filters, which is something you donโt see with cylindrical air purifiers โ especially not small ones.
I ended up leaving it out of my main recommendations because it costs $349.99, so it will be out of budget for most people.
The Philips 900 Series was a solid contender: it offers the same top speed performance as the Coway Airmega 100 and comes with smart features and app support.
Ultimately, it didnโt make the cut because Coway is available in more countries, but if you can find the 900 Series on deal where you live, then itโs a great small unit.
It costs less at $62.99 and performed as well as the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2, outperforming it at sub-45 dBA fan speeds. Plus, it comes with a sensor, auto mode and an air quality indicator light that can be set as a night light, just like the Coway Airmega 100.
It didn’t make the cut because the build quality isn’t as good as other models on this list. But if you can find this model where you live, know it’s a good unit.
The Alen 35i offers good air cleaning power and quiet operation with the high-quality build one can expect from a brand like Alen.
It didnโt make the cut because it is bulkier than other small units on the final list.
However, if budget is no objection, then the small units from Alen offer incredible performance and top-notch build quality that will last for years to come.
The Airmega 100 is a small, cylindrical air purifier with a bonded particle and carbon filter that can clean the air five times per hour in spaces no larger than 177 sq. ft. (or 16 m2).
It used to be my top recommendation for small spaces but the Levoit Eleva 300X outperformed when running at full power and also at sub-45 decibel fan speeds.
Levoit Core Mini – Weighing just 2.3 lbs (1.06 kg) and selling for just $49.99 on Amazon, the Core Mini might seem like the perfect small air purifier. However, it is too underpowered to make any meaningful difference to the air in even the smallest of rooms. Plus, if you go with the Core Mini, you will end up spending the same amount of money you’ll need to run a larger device like the Core 300S due to the fact that the small filters need to be replaced every three months or so.
Molekule Air Mini+ – This is undoubtedly a very good looking small-sized air purifier but it doesn’t come cheap at $359.99 and our test data showed that its air cleaning performance is seriously lacking considering this high price. Not only did the Air Mini+ take a full hour to complete our particle removal test but it is also way too loud: when we measured the noise levels from 3 ft. away, we recorded 67.4 dBA when running at top speed.
PuroAir 240 – When we reviewed and tested this device in early 2024, it was called the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 but the name has now changed and all references to HEPA 14 have been removed without any clarification on what the grade of the filter actually is. But the main reason why we donโt recommend this small air purifier is that itโs not good value considering its list price of $199.00 on Amazon, especially when compared to the $75 Winix A231 which completed our particle removal test 11 minutes faster than the PuroAir 240.
My advice for finding an air purifier you won’t regret buying
Before I leave you, let me share three tips to help you choose a good option even if you donโt go with any of my picks.
1. Donโt be duped into buying one of those mini air purifiers at the top of Amazon.
Seeing a $50 price tag might help you make a quick decision, but in the end, it will only lead you to a false economy.
Mini air purifiers usually need their filters replaced every 3 to 6 months, compared to the 9-12 months of lifespan you get with small or mid-sized filters.
So in the end, you might end up spending double!
2. Take the time to calculate how much you will spend on filters over a year.
Manufacturers usually specify the estimated lifespan of the filters on the product page. They will usually give you a range (like 6-12 months or 3-6 months), so I recommend taking the lowest estimate for your calculation.
Once you know the lifespan, check out the cost of a filter replacement. You will then be able to calculate how much you can expect to spend to replace the filter each year.
Doing this will help you avoid models with disproportionate filter costs that will become a hole in your wallet.
3. If you already have different air purifier models in mind but need help deciding which one is best, check out our new tool.
You can now use our air purifier comparison tool to compare the performance, sound, energy consumption, and long-term running costs across different units we have tested:
We might not have every small air purifier under the sun, but there are a lot of models in there!
4. If you can go bigger than a tabletop air purifier, please do.
A mid-sized air purifier like the Levoit Vital 200S, the Winix 5510, or the Coway Mighty2 will cost a little more to buy, but you will get double the air cleaning power with a unit that will fit a small room.
By going bigger, you will be able to run your device at lower fan speeds that generate less noise, while still getting good air cleaning perfomance. Also, if the need arises, you will have an air purifier that packs some extra power. AND you are likely to spend the same amount of money each year to replace the filters, compared to small devices with filter that cost nearly the same but need to be replaced more often.
Use our CADR calculator to find out the ideal CADR cfm you need in your air purifier to clean the air in the room where you will use it at least 4-5 times per hour:
Final thoughts
If you are looking for a small device because you have a small budget available, then please check out my list of recommendations ranking the best cheap air purifiers. You will find some DIY options in there that will cost you as little as $80 but still deliver powerful air cleaning performance.
Now, if space is a serious concern, then I hope you were able to find a good option for your specific situation in the list above.
If you have any questions about the air purifiers featured on this list or about buying a small air purifier, just drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I read it. Or send me an email to danny@housefresh.com.
And if you go a bit deeper, explore our air purifier leaderboard to see where all the different models I’ve tested rank based on their performance and value for money.
It feels like 2026 has just started, but somehow we made it to October and Amazon’s Prime Big Deals Days are here.
Amazon Prime Big Deals runs from October 6th to the 7th, offering many discounts and low prices for those with an Amazon Prime membership.
To be able to access Prime Day deals, you must be an Amazon Prime member. If you’re not one already, you can sign up today as they provide a 30-day trial where you can cancel at any time ๐
We woke up early to sift through Amazon Prime Day deals and found that some of our favorite air purifiers are on deal, with discounts that go between 10 and 38% off — impressive!
Get a 30% off on the highly anticipated successor to Coway’s most popular air purifier for medium sized rooms.
The Coway Airmega Mighty2 AP-1512N usually sells for $270 so this $190 price is the lowest we’ve seen since it was first released at the beginning of 2026. Based on its air cleaning performance and features, I’ve chosen this to be the best Prime Day deal this October 2026.
When we tested its particle removal performance, it completed the test 23 minutes – faster than the Levoit Vital 200S (also on deal) and quieter than the Winix 5510 (now 29% off).
One of my favorite features is the removable pre-filter which you can slide out without needing to open the front cover, minimizing mess. This is perfect for pet owners!
The 5510 completed our particle removal test in 24 minutes, which is just one minute slower than the Coway Mighty2 but it’s also louder, at 67.2 decibels when running full power.
We estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (or 34 mยฒ). It comes with an onboard sensor, smart features, and an air quality indicator light at the front.
The Vital 200S-P is the sibling of the Vital 200S, with the exact same dimensions, performance and features.
It cleaned our test room in 24 minutes, so it offers the same air cleaning power than the 5510 (above) but it’s quieter, hitting just 57.7 decibels at top speed.
Just like the Mighty2 and the 5510, you also get particle and gas filtration. But unlike the Mighty2, it comes with smartphone connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app.
2. Best large air purifier deal: Coway Airmega ProX ($633.49 โ 30% off)
Outstanding air cleaning power for large spaces, smart modes, and an accurate air quality sensor for just over $600.
Normally found on Amazon selling for around $800, you can now get the beast that is the Coway Airmega ProX for just over $600. This is a steal for anyone looking for an air purifier for an open-plan space or a large room up to 693 sq. ft. (64 m2).
The ProX outmatched nearly every other air purifier I’ve tested, with the exception of the commercial Smart Air Blast – bigger brother of the Blast Mini.
You get an onboard sensor, smart features and double filtration, with a True HEPA filter and a pelleted carbon filter at each side of the device.
The 350 completed our particle removal test in 17 minutes, which is four (4) minutes slower than the Coway Airmega ProX. Based on this performance, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 352 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 528 sq. ft.
In terms of design, it’s smaller than the ProX, but it also comes with an onboard sensor, smart features, and an air quality indicator. You get particle and gas filtration.
The 600S is the largest air purifier in Levoit’s Core range, with a size similar to the Airmega 350 and a performance to match.
It cleaned our test room in 16 minutes, so it packs a little more power than the 350 (above) and a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm that can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 562 sq. ft.
Just like the 350, you also get particle and gas filtration. But unlike the Coway, it comes with smartphone connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app.
If you’re looking for a small air purifier that will offer good air cleaning performance, this might be the deal for you.
The 511i Max is a small air purifier from the new Blue Pure range from Blueair that usually sells for $139.99, but it is currently on sale for just $94.49 – a great deal! In our tests, it outperformed other popular small units like the Dyson HushJet, the Coway Airmega 100 and the Philips 900 Series.
It comes with an air quality sensor that unlocks the auto mode and an indicator light at the front that changes color depending on the changes in air quality in the room.
You get particle filtration and a thin layer of carbon-impregnated fabric, which won’t be enough to help with serious odors but will do a good job in spaces like a bedroom.
This small air purifier from Coway also comes with an onboard sensor and a nightlight mode, and it’s powerful enough to clean the air in rooms smaller than 222 sq. ft.
It has a cylindrical filter with three layers: an outer pre-filter mesh cover that you should vacuum regularly, a pleated HEPA filter, and a layer of carbon-impregnated fabric.
Something I don’t like: It produces a sort of whistling sound when running at its lowest fan speeds โ you might not notice it, but some people will.
The EverestAir looks great, offers powerful performance, and comes with all the smart features – it has it all.
This Prime Day, you can get an air purifier that sits at the top of the Levoit line for less than $350. And it’s not just about the designs and features… The EverestAir has a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm, which is powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 562 sq. ft. when running at top speed (57.8 dBA).
It has an air quality sensor inside and it shows real-time particle readings on the display at the top. Plus, it comes with auto mode and you can unlock other smart modes via the app.
It has a bonded filter with particle filtration on one side and a gas filter on the other with 400g of pelleted activated carbon (to adsorb odors and gases).
Now is the time to buy this high-CADR air purifier that doubles as a table and comes with all the bells and whistles.
The Blueair Blue Signature large is my favorite air purifier with a table function, with a large surface at the top and the possibility of adding legs underneath for a more ‘furniture-y’ look. In terms of performance, you’re also getting one of the best air purifiers we have tested.
It completed our particle removal test in 15 minutes, which is less than half the time it took the fancy Dyson Big+Quiet BP06. Itโs one of the most powerful air purifiers Iโve tested.
Not only does the Blue Signature look like a piece of furniture, but it also doubles as one: it comes with a tabletop surface, and you can add legs to lift it off the ground.
Frequently asked questions about Amazon Prime Day deals
Amazon first launched Prime Day in the summer of 2015, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the company. Since day one, Prime Day has encouraged other retailers to use the time to release their own deals, so it is a good time to find good prices for big purchases. Worth the wait if youโre planning to buy something expensive!
Many products are sold during Prime Day, from air purifiers to other household devices. Thatโs why we recommend using this time to make big purchases that you had planned to do already. Many Amazon products, like the Kindle, are found at historically low prices too.
The short answer: yes.
BUT if you are not a member and you have found a great deal, then you donโt need to miss it: Just grab the 30-day free trial so you can buy all the deals, and then go to the subscriptions page to cancel the Prime membership afterwards if you know you wonโt need the benefits of Amazon Prime outside of Prime Day.
It started on October 6th and will run until October 7th 2026, but some other retailers will run sales throughout the week.
I love Amazon, but many items are not great, so try to avoid blind searches and look at those specific brands and products you already know about to check if the price has changed.
There is no point in saving a load of money on one of the air purifier deals above just to spend another $200 on stuff you donโt need or a product that doesnโt live up to expectations.
Also, be aware that deals run out, so try to purchase before this happens.
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 includedtwo 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 Boxย
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.
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:
At under $165, the AirFanta 3Pro boasts outstanding air cleaning performance thanks to four 140mm PC fans โ 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 โ 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 โ especially when compared to a Corsi-Rosenthal box.
Outstanding air cleaning power for large spaces, smart modes, and an accurate air quality sensor for just under $900.
Speedyness is key when thereโs 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 Iโve 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. Itโs 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 โsmartโ features, like the light sensor for auto-sleep mode.
This is our top recommendation for those looking for a smart air purifier with particle and carbon filters for under $200.
You donโt 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 doesnโt 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 doesnโt use an ionizer, so it is ozone-free.
It is relatively quiet โ 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Other units we tested but donโt 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.
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 canโt 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 itโs important to be aware of the problem even if you donโt 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 donโt 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 โrecirculate modeโ as this will mean it wonโt 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.
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 havenโt 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:
It may seem that the options are endless when buying a dehumidifier, but in reality, most units are made in the same factories.
We know this because of the recalls:
In 2021, a manufacturer called New Widetech recalled two million dehumidifiers due to fire and burn hazards, including units from popular brands such as Honeywell, Danby, DeโLonghi, Ivation and Idylis.
In 2023, the world’s largest air conditioner manufacturer, Gree, recalled 1.56 million dehumidifiers sold under different brands, including Frigidaire, GE and Kenmore.
The moral of the story is that most dehumidifiers on the market are produced in just a handful of the same factories.
So while you may think that you’re choosing between dozens of different brands and models, you’re often just choosing between different logos slapped onto the same machines.
With that in mind, let me tell you which dehumidifier brands and models are worth it โ and which ones to avoid.
Dos and don’ts of buying a dehumidifier
DO
Get the largest dehumidifier you can live with. Otherwise, you will spend most of your day emptying the tank.
Choose a dehumidifier with a gravity hose if you want a ‘set and forget’ option.
Be wary of recommendations from big publications. In most cases, they do not even test the dehumidifiers before telling you to buy them.
DON’T
Don’t go for small and mini-sized dehumidifiers like the Pro Breeze Mini, as they are just too underpowered to be useful.
Don’t get a dehumidifier with internal pumps. In my experience, dehumidifiers with pumps break more often.
Product testing is important to us here at HouseFresh, so before I take you through our shortlist of the best dehumidifiers, let me tell you a little bit about how we tested each device.
How we test dehumidifiers
To put this list together, I purchased 33 of the most popular dehumidifier models across all sizes, ranging from large 145-pint devices to tiny machines designed to be used in a cupboard.
We used our Levoit Classic 300S humidifier to raise humidity levels to 94% inside our Shorty Gorilla Grow Tent and left the tent for 5 mins for the numbers to stabilize before setting the dehumidifier to top speed for 30 mins.
We gathered humidity data with our SensorPush wireless hygrometer and repeated the test a minimum of three times. We also tested the natural decay inside our tent without any dehumidifier running.
In 2026, we introduced a water extraction test. To do this, we measured how much water each model is capable of removing in the same room of our house at 20 degrees Celsius and 52% humidity during a set amount of time.
We weighed the water bucket before and after the test to determine how much water was removed during the test.
Next, we measured how much electricity each dehumidifier pulls at different speeds.
Lastly, we used our BAFX Sound Level Meter to measure how much noise in decibels each dehumidifier generates.
We conducted this test from three feet away, the same way we measure noise levels of the air purifiers we test.
In addition to these tests, we used each of the dehumidifiers in our own home to assess how well they perform at removing moisture from the air in different rooms over several months.
This is generally the most eye-opening stage in our testing as we experienced the same issue twice across different dehumidifiers: the internal pump of both the hOmeLabs 4000 sq. ft. and the Moiswell 145 pint (Defender XP70) broke within a couple of months of daily usage.
For smaller spaces that are not too humid, don’t go smaller than the AEOCKY Boreas-001.
For areas larger than 500 sq. ft., look for larger dehumidifiers with capacities increasing in 10-pint increments. I like the Midea Cube 35-Pint, just be sure to avoid Peltier designs that measure in 500-1000ml – they are not powerful enough and very inefficient.
For very large spaces of around 1,200 sq. ft., you require powerful dehumidifiers capable of removing 50 pints of moisture in 24 hours. The AEOCKY Rhea-003 model and has high water-removal efficiency for larger spaces. I also like the inclusion of an attachment so you can use any garden hose as a gravity hose.
For those wanting to dry out a large basement or the entire house, the Rhea-003 from AEOCKY is our top choice for this year.
The Rhea-003 is the largest in the range of dehumidifiers from AEOCKY. We have been using it at home for nearly three months now and it surprised me with its performance and its energy-efficiency.
It tops our water extraction ranking, removing 11.47L of water within 24 hours and beating all 27 different dehumidifiers we tested – this includes two 50-Pint models from Honeywell and Frigidaire and an 80-Pint model from Waykar.
What’s even more impressive is that it did this pulling just 357.55 watts, making it our most energy-efficient model with an efficiency factor of 1.3 litres/kWH. This matches the results of ENERGYSTAR, where this model is also a top performer.
This is a large dehumidifier but luckily it isn’t as noisy as you may expect. In our sound tests, we measured 57.3 dBA at top speed from 3-feet away – to put this into perspective our 50-Pint Honeywell reached 68.6 dBA.
In terms of controls, you get all the standard functions plus a child lock and a light switch. There are two fan speeds and you can adjust the humidity range. The on-board hygrometer was fairly accurate when comparing with our room humidity monitor.
CONS
The water bucket is much smaller than the one in the Midea Cube, so you will find yourself emptying very often. If you’re planning on using it in a very humid space, I suggest you set it up with a gravity hose.
Even though it is quiet compared to large dehumidifiers, it is a lot louder than small-to-medium sized units so it will be great for a basement but not ideal for a bedroom.
PROS
It comes with a 3-year warranty, whereas most other dehumidifier brands only offer 1 year.
Low energy usage that helps keep long-term costs low โ it is less power-hungry than large models from brands like GE, Midea, Honeywell, Frigidaire and hOmeLabs.
In our water extraction tests, it outperformed all 27 dehumidifiers I tested in 2026.
It generates 57.3 decibels of at top speed, which is much quieter than the 60-70 dBA you usually get with large dehumidifiers like this.
It includes an attachment so you can connect it to any outdoor hose – this comes very handy when setting up a gravity hose in cases where the drain is far away.
Water removal capacity (per day):
– HouseFresh test data: 20.18 pints (11.47 liters) – ENERGYSTAR test data: 44.3 pints (25.17 liters)
Bucket capacity:
14.80 Pints (1.85 gallons)
Electricity consumption (top speed):
357.55 watts
Integrated energy factor (top speed):
– HouseFresh test data: 1.3 L/kWh – ENERGYSTAR test data: 2.2 L/kWh
Noise level in from 3 ft. away (top speed):
57.3 dBA
Refrigerant type:
HFC-32
Recommended room size:
5,500 sq. ft. (50-80% relative humidity)
Dimensions:
17.68 x 11.02 x 24.09 inches (44.91 x 27.99 x 61.19 cm)
If you’re looking for a dehumidifier for a bedroom or home office, then look no further than this new model from Levoit.
We have tested many air purifiers and humidifiers from Levoit, so I was very excited when I learned about the release of their very first dehumidifier model. In our tests, I was particularly surprised by how quiet it is – – especially considering its dehumidification performance.
In our water extraction rate, the Levoit Smart Dehumidifier was able to remove 1.10L of water from the air within three hours.
Based on this result, we estimate that it can remove 8.87L of water in a day in real world conditions. It outperformed our previous top pick (the Midea Cube 35-Pint) and models from hOmeLabs, GE and Pro Breeze.
Reaching 50.2 decibels at Turbo speed, the Levoit Smart Dehumidifier is the quietest high performance dehumidifier I have tested. This makes it perfect for spaces that require quiet operation, such as a bedroom or home office.
The water tank slides out from the side. I really like the wide handle that is integrated into the tank and the enclosure at the top to minimize splashes.
You also get a removable pump, the ability to use it with a gravity hose and even the option of connecting it to a garden hose. I tested them all with good results – just be aware that the pump won’t kick in until the tank is full.
In terms of controls, you get buttons to set the desired humidity level, choose the fan speed, switch between dehumidification modes and set timers. It connects Levoit’s VeSync app, so you can control it remotely, access humidity data and schedule routines.
CONS
The pump doesn’t run continuously and it won’t kick in until water reaches the limit of the bucket.
You don’t get any type of laundry mode on the control panel, so we’ve been setting it to Turbo when drying clothes – not ideal.
PROS
It generates 50.2 dBA at full power, which is much lower than the 60-70 dBA you can expect from units with comparable performance from brands like Honeywell or Frigidaire.
The pump is detachable, so you’re not forced to use it. Plus, if it were to break, you could just remove it and keep using your dehumidifier.
It is pretty compact and easy to live with for a unit capable of removing so much water from the air.
It is energy efficient. Based on our energy consumption tests, we calculated an energy efficiency factor of 1.24 L per kWh.
You get a 2-year warranty.
Water removal capacity (per day):
– HouseFresh test data: 18.75 pints (8.87 liters) – ENERGYSTAR test data: 24.5 pints (11.59 liters)
Bucket capacity:
7.36 pints (3.48 liters)
Electricity consumption (top speed):
298.8 watts
Integrated energy factor (top speed):
– HouseFresh test data: 1.24 L/kWh – ENERGYSTAR test data: 1.9 L/kWh
Noise level in from 3 ft. away (top speed):
50.2 dBA
Refrigerant type:
HFC-32 (GWP:675 | Lower GWP)
Operating conditions:
– Temperature: 41ยฐ-90ยฐ F (5ยฐ-32ยฐ C) – Humidity: โค 90% RH
My top picks can be expensive or might be too large for your space. This is the only cheap + small dehumidifier worth your money.
Up to now, Iโve been recommending medium to large size dehumidifiers with price tags around $300. But this AEOCKY device is much smaller and cheaper, so it could be a good option for those looking for a dehumidifier on a budget.
The Boreas-001 vastly outperformed all other popular small and mini dehumidifiers we tested – usually units you’ll find at the top of Amazon.
And it did this while generating just 52.7 decibels of noise, which is a lot quieter than what you can expect from larger dehumidifier.
You get buttons to set the humidity level, change fan speeds and modes, switch off lights, set auto mode and lock the screen (child lock).
You also get a big handle at the top and castor wheels at the bottom to move the dehumidifier around the home.
CONS
The water bucket is on the small side, so you may find yourself emptying it more often than you’d like.
PROS
With a list price of $229.99, the Boreas provided the best level of water removal per $ spent compared to other small dehumidifiers we tested.
The 3-year warranty is unique to AEOCKY and is a major stand out feature for a dehumidifier at this price point.
The height of the bucket makes it possible to use a gravity hose โ something that is much harder to do with the standard bucket design.
It generates 48.1 decibels of noise, which is much quieter than what you’ll get with the larger dehumidifiers on this list (above).
If you go smaller than this, you are likely to waste your money.
As a resident of the north of England, I know that our kind of damp is different, and our electricity bills are a lot higher. The good news is that I found a UK brand that designs dehumidifiers for the UK environment with an onboard smart mode that can keep humidity down without continuously adding to your energy bill.
When it comes to performance, the Ebac 3850e matched what you will get with the Xiaomi Smart Lite:
Something I appreciate about my 3850e is that Ebac has redesigned the water bucket and turned it into a sort of watering can, so it is much easier to empty it when full compared to your standard bucket design:
We measured the noise generated by our Ebac and it reached 54.3 decibels at top speed, so it’s louder than the Xiaomi Smart Lite (below).
That said, we have ours in our dining room, and the noise doesnโt get in the way of conversations or our day-to-day.
Ebac is a British company that has been manufacturing dehumidifiers in County Durham since 1972, so if you live in the UK and want to support a local business, then Ebac is the way to go.
CONS
Considering how small it is, it can get loud, hitting 54 decibels.
Ebac is currently not available outside of the UK.
PROS
It has been designed with the UK’s cold, humid climate in mind.
It is small and easy to move around. You can even buy a set of wheels to add to the bottom.
The bucket design in the shape of a watering can minimizes the chances of splashing water all over the place when removing the “bucket” from the device.
Humidity reduction rate:
42% drop (from 95% to 53% in 30 minutes)
Water removal capacity (per day):
36.95 pints (21 liters)
Bucket capacity:
5.28 pints (0.55 gallons)
Electricity consumption (top speed):
178.50 watts
Energy factor:
4.90 liters/kWh
Noise level in from 3 ft. away (top speed):
54.3 dBA
Airflow (top speed):
92.81 cfm
Recommended room size:
600-800 sq. ft. (60-80% relative humidity)
Dimensions:
19.9 x 12.87 x 10.74 in (50.6 x 32.7 x 27.3 cm)
Weight:
28.66 lbs (13 kg)
Manufacturerโs warranty:
1 year
Country of origin:
UK
Country of manufacture:
UK
Special mentions
We have tested over 30 dehumidifiers and there were some that nearly made the list. Perhaps one of them will be a good option for your specific situation.
The Midea Cube is a simple cube that you can stack up: the bucket sits at the bottom and the fan sits at the top. In terms of performance, it was able to outperform popular models from brands like Pro Breeze, GE and hOmeLabs.
I used mine in our basement for just over 3 years with a gravity hose and had zero issues with it. It didn’t make the cut because the Levoit Smart Dehumidifier offers more power at quieter and more energy-efficient operation.
The small yet powerful Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier Lite is available across Europe and Asia for less than 250 EUR. Its performance is comparable to small units like the MeacoDry Arete Two 12L and the Honeywell 16L.
It didn’t make the cut because the AEOCKY Boreas-001 offered better performance for nearly half the price. Plus, I’m not a fan of having the water bucket at the back of the unit – pretty inconvenient!
Things to keep in mind when buying a dehumidifier
Our top tips for ensuring you won’t buy a device you will regret later.
Donโt fuss over the latest models. It seems like new dehumidifier models come out weekly, but you should know that they are usually very similar to previous ones, so you donโt need to worry about trying to keep up with the latest dehumidifier as you would with an iPhone.
Pay attention to the features. I recommend choosing simple dehumidifiers without fancy smart models or internal pumps as they will cost you a lot of money and wonโt add a lot of value.
Be aware of strange brand names on Amazon that are offered at lower prices. Many dehumidifier manufacturers care more about making money than building a long-lasting brand. While it might be a little pricier to go with a trusted brand, you will find that buying a unit from an unknown company offers less value in the long term โ especially when you canโt find anyone to contact if you need help with warranties and repairs.
Sadly, many dehumidifiers have a habit of failing. That means you might be more likely to need customer support than other consumer products. Another reason to go with a trusted brand like Midea, Frigidaire or Honeywell.
Choose dehumidifiers that have been Energy Star certified. Many devices are not sent to Energy Star for testing and could be less efficient than promised. Always look for the unit on the Energy Star website to ensure they have been tested.
Oversizing your dehumidifier has no benefit. Buying a larger dehumidifier than you need will just increase your electricity bills. Itโs better to get the right size for the room you want to keep dry.
Why you should ignore Peltier dehumidifiers
They might be cheap and cute, but they will also be a waste of your money
We have tested several Peltier-effect dehumidifiers, and in all cases, they were too weak to reduce the humidity in our basement.
The charts below show the comparison between the test of the Honeywell TP70WKN and the NineSky H2 dehumidifier:
As you can see, the Peltier dehumidifier (NineSky H2) struggled to bring the humidity down to 63% and even when it did, it could only keep it there for a very short period of time.
That is a stark difference from the Honeywell TP70WKN, which managed to bring the humidity down to 49% and kept it within the 50% range for as long as the dehumidifier ran.
Most people choose Peltier dehumidifiers because they are small and cost around $50-80. In many cases, they look cute too as you can see in the images below:
Truth be told, most people donโt want to hear that they must spend $200 on a dehumidifier for it to achieve meaningful results. The problem with not wanting to invest in a serious dehumidifier is that you are wasting $80 on a piece of plastic that will do nothing to lower humidity levels in your home.
At HouseFresh, we want to raise awareness about these useless devices so that fewer consumers are duped out of their money.
If you are struggling with humidity in your bathroom, the first and foremost step is to improve ventilation. Keep the bathroom door and window open to let air in, or install exhaust fans if thatโs possible.
Bringing an electric device into your bathroom poses a risk that is not worth taking.
Wrapping up
Searching for the best dehumidifier can seem overwhelming, but I hope my guide shows you that most devices are made in just three factories.
Make sure you choose an efficient device by focusing on those that have achieved the Energy Star Certified status.
Finally, know that there is no major difference between the models across brands; they are all pretty much the same thing manufactured in the same place. The exception to this rule is the Midea Cube design, which is why itโs our top recommendation.
October 12th, 2026:
Replaced the Midea Cube 35-Pint with the Levoit Smart Dehumidifier, which can remove more water from the air while generating less noise and consuming less electricity.
August 27th, 2026:
Replaced the Frigidaire 50-Pint with the AEOCKY Rhea-003 as the best dehumidifier for large spaces.
Updated the section about the Midea Cube 35-Pint with new charts including data from our latest peformance tests.
Updated the methodology section with information about our new water extraction test.
Replaced the Ivation 13-Pint with the AEOCKY Boreas-001 after we encountered issues with our Ivation after long-term use at home.
May 30th, 2026:
Replaced the Honeywell 50-Pint with the Frigidaire 50-Pint after learning that Honeywell is not currently producing large capacity dehumidifiers.
July 27th, 2025:
Added the Xiaomi Smart Lite as a Special Mention after testing it at home for over three months with good results.
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:
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 cfmat top speed and can provide five air changes per hour in rooms of up to 448 sq. ft. (41 mยฒ).
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) doesnโt have activated carbon so make sure to choose the Fresh or Odor filters.
Itโs a large and heavy unit that wonโt fit in small spaces.
It comes with an ionizer function, but you can switch it off and this wonโt 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.
With 16 lbs. (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, youโll 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.
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 wonโt 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 yearsโs worth of carbon is just $89.99! This is A LOT more accessible than the nearly $400 youโre 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)
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.
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 mยฒ).
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 373sq. 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.
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.
AirFantaโs 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.
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. โ READ OUR FULL REVIEW
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. โ READ OUR FULL REVIEW
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. โ 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 donโt 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.
While you can download apps to find out the quality of the air outside, these apps won’t complete the picture because the air quality indoors is different. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor pollution can be 2-5 times worse than outside.
Poor air quality can lead to dizziness, headaches and fatigue in the short term โ all of which can lead to respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease in the long term. That is why monitoring the air quality indoors matters.
Since 2020, I have tested over 100 air purifiers, and along the way, I have used nearly 20 air quality sensors as part of our air purifier testing process. In this article, I will share my findings and highlight the best air quality monitors on the market right now.
These tools can help you get local information on air quality without spending money, which you can then use to mitigate the problem, such as investing in an air purifier. If you only have $150, you are better off investing the entire budget in a good performing (and affordable) air purifier instead of buying a cheap sensor and a cheap air purifier.
TL;DR: The air quality monitors we recommend
If you are short on time and can’t read my full article, then you can watch my YouTube video instead.
While you might be tempted to go straight for a particle sensor, you might find a CO2 sensor more useful as a first step towards understanding indoor air quality. High levels of CO2 have been linked to poor decision-making, slower reaction times, and increased tiredness. Plus, a study from 2021 showed that the level of CO2 can reflect risks of COVID, as it can be a proxy of how well ventilated a room is.
The Aranet4 HOME is small, portable CO2 monitor that you can bring with you wherever you go.
I highly recommend this CO2 monitor for those who want a device that can quickly assess whether better ventilation is needed in a space.
The Aranet4 can last up to four years on a single set of batteries thanks to its e-ink screen.
Plus, battery life can be extended to up to seven (7!) years if you set it to record CO2 readings every 10 minutes.
CONS
The battery cover slid off the device a few times while it was in my backpack.
It is an expensive monitor and won’t be affordable for many people.
PROS
With lithium AA batteries, you can extend battery life to up to seven (7!) years.
Excellent e-ink display that makes it easy to see readings even under the sun.
Its NDIR sensor has a long lifespan and requires less recalibration than other types of CO2 sensors.
The buzzer emits a sound when the CO2 concentration reaches the red threshold (1400 ppm).
Measurements:
CO2, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure
The Aranet4 HOME uses a highly accurate NDIR (nondispersive infrared sensor) and this is a big reason why it has a high price tag. However, you can find cheaper (and smaller) CO2 sensors that use photo-acoustic sensors. These sensors have been shown to work well indoors but are not as useful outside, according to a study by AirGradient, but they can be found for less than $50.
I have also tested the Qingping CO2 Monitor from Smart Air that can be found for less than $70. It uses an NDIR sensor and is very accurate but it has a much shorter battery life compared to the Aranet4 (around 30 days).
The QP Pro 2 is the second release of the Qingping Pro model. Similar to the first generation, the QP Pro 2 not only measures CO2 levels but also PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter) levels. And, according to AQMD’s Air Quality Sensor Performance Evaluation Center, the Qingping series from Smart Air has been shown to perform as accurately as much higher-priced devices.
On top of CO2 and PM, the QP Pro 2 also measures temperature, relative humidity and noise levels.
It also detects VOCs, which is rare as VOC sensors are expensive and are hardly ever included in budget air quality monitors.
It also functions as a clock (with alarms) and displays the weather, air quality index and UV index in your area.
It also looks GREAT, with a high quality aluminium outer casing that houses a replaceable sensor and a 4-inch touchscreen display.
CONS
The Qingping+ app can be buggy โ especially after updates.
The Air Quality Index data is not measured locally, so it is only available for a set list of large U.S. cities but might not show any data depending on where you are based.
PROS
You can replace the PM sensor when the time comes.
It has been made with high quality materials and the touchscreen displays the most important air quality data in an easy-to-digest way.
Set up takes only a few minutes, and the settings are straightforward and intuitive.
You can connect it to the Xiaomi Home app to build routines for your Xiaomi devices around air quality readings from the Qingping Pro.
Measurements:
CO2, PM2.5, PM10, tVOC, temperature, relative humidity and sound levels
The internal battery of the QingPing Pro Gen 2 will only last a few hours so be sure to keep the sensor plugged into a battery pack or the well with a USB-C cable if you are pulling regular readings.
We use the PurpleAir Zen as our primary sensor for hands-on air purifier testing, as it tracks PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 every few seconds. One of the reasons we chose it is that you can export all your data, which isn’t a common feature.
The Zen comes with a replaceable dual laser particle counter and a gas sensor โ the most powerful combo of any sensor on my list.
It doesn’t come with a fancy screen, but you do get an in-built color-coded LED ring that ranges from green (good) to purple (hazardous). allowing you to quickly see the overall quality of your air at a glance.
It can be used indoors (with the tabletop mount) and also outdoors (with the use of cable ties).
If accuracy is your core concern, then the Zen sensor is the best you can get without investing tens of thousands of dollars in reference instruments like the GRIMM EDM 180 or the Teledyne API T640.
CONS
This device is a little ‘techy-er’ than others on this list, so if you don’t want to do any technical steps, this sensor might not be the best option.
You used to be able to download the data directly from the website but now you need to use their API. which will be trickier for non-technical people.
It doesnโt have an app like you will find in other plug-and-play sensors that I look at later on.
PROS
It has two Plantower PMS6003 laser particle counters and a Bosch BME688 gas sensor for improved accuracy.
ยฑ10% at 100 to 500ฮผg/mยณ ยฑ10ฮผg/mยณ at 0 to 100ฮผg/mยณ
Mounting type:
Indoors table top or wall mounted
Power source:
5V USB Micro, 0.18A continuous, 600mA peak
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
3.5 x 3.5 x 4 in (8.5 x 8.5 x 10 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
0.78 lb (357 g)
App connectivity:
No
Manufacturerโs warranty:
1 year
Tip
If you like the sound of a PurpleAir sensor but you can’t justify the $200+ price tag of the Touch or the Zen sensors then check out the new PurpleAir PIXEL. It is small, portable and powered by USB. Plus, it also has an LED color coded light to show the quality of the air at a glance.
Current status:
Testing the PIXEL portable air quality monitor from @ThePurpleAir, which is powered by the world's smallest particulate matter PM2.5 sensorโthe Bosch BMV080. pic.twitter.com/2xV6qs8lQU
If you are looking to spend less than $50, then this is the one I recommend. The S1 is a small air quality monitor from Temtop with a laser sensor that can measure PM2.5 levels, relative humidity and temperature.
It has two buttons at the top: a power button and a mode button. Using the mode button, you can rotate between four different modes.
To save battery life, I recommend sticking to the interval mode. In this mode, the sensor collects PM2.5 data every 5 minutes, extending battery life to up to 25 days.
You can place it directly on any surface and it stands pretty well on its own, but it also comes with a bracket that sticks to the back.
Without the bracket, you can also use the magnet at the back of the sensor to stick your S1 on your fridge or any other magnetic surface.
CONS
It’s a cheap unit, so it won’t be as accurate as other monitors on this list.
If you want to export the air quality data or connect the sensor to your smartphone, you will need to upgrade to the S1+ ($39.99).
PROS
You can use it straight out of the box.
It’s portable, you can set it on a table, or you can stick it to your fridge with its magnetic back.
When set to power-saving mode, battery life can last up to 60 days.
You get an easy-to-follow indicator that shows whether the air quality is good (0-50), fair (51-150), or poor (>150).
The Temtop LKC-1000S+ is a handheld air quality monitor that measures PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde (HCHO), tVOC, temperature and relative humidity. It comes with a little stand at the back so you can place it on surfaces without the need to be holding it all the time.
Something I really like about this monitor is that it has a function that shows the changes of PM2.5 levels for the last 12 hours represented as a histogram chart, which makes it easy to digest the data as a bar chart compared to a simple line chart. However, I know this is a subjective thing because I am a sucker for data visualization ๐
CONS
The laser particle sensor has a lifetime up to 20,000 hours but you won’t be able to replace it once the lifetime comes to an end.
It doesn’t measure CO2 levels. If you like the Temtop design but need a CO2 monitor, I’d recommend the Temtop M2000 (Gen 2).
PROS
This is my second Temtop monitor and I really appreciate the flip-out stand at the back.
The color LCD screen shows the data across all metrics clearly, including the
It can store up to three (3) months of continuous data inside the device, and you can also export the data through a USB cable.
At the bottom of the screen, you get a color-coded air quality indicator light that ranges from green (good) to maroon (hazardous) so you can quickly see what the quality of your air is at a glance.
Measurements:
PM2.5, PM10, HCHO (formaldehyde), tVOC, temperature and relative humidity
The Airthings View Plus is not cheap at just under $300, but it can detect CO2, PM2.5, tVOCs, temperature, humidity, pressure AND radon. Similarly to the Aranet4 HOME, it comes with an eInk display that can be customized to show the air quality values you want to always have on show.
This monitor integrates with IFTTT, Alexa and Google Assistant, and it also connects to the Airthings app, where you can see historical data visualized in easy-to-digest charts. It runs with six AA batteries and you can also plug it in with a USB-C cable.
CONS
You cannot export your data. Data can only be accessed via the Airthings Wave app or the web dashboard.
The reading intervals are a lot more spaced out than other monitors on this list. The shortest interval is 2.5 minutes but this only works when the View Plus is plugged in.
It is an expensive sensor. If radon is not an issue, you’ll be able to get every other measurement for half the price with the QP Pro.
PROS
If you wave in front of the monitor, the LED light on top of the screen activates to show the air quality in the room (green = good, yellow = fair, and red = poor).
The UX of the View Plus is super clean, compared to many of the sensors on this page.
You can plug it with a USB cable, which also allows the View Plus to become a hub for other Airthings devices.
It works as a tabletop and also has mounting brackets on the back to mount it on the wall.
Measurements:
Radon, CO2, PM2.5, tVOC, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure
Sensor type:
Alpha-spectrometer for radon + NDIR sensor for CO2 + Laser scattering based optical particle counter
CO2 concentrationaccuracy:
ยฑ50ppm ยฑ3% within 10โ35ยฐC (50-95ยฐF) and 0โ80% RH
Two sensors with open-source hardware and firmware that you can assemble yourself with replaceable parts, or buy fully assembled.
AirGradient devices are the best alternative to PurpleAir monitors due to the use of high-end replaceable sensors from industry leaders like Plantower, Sensirion and SenseAir. And unlike PurpleAir, AirGradient follows an open-source model for the data whereas the terms and conditions from PurpleAir make it clear that they own all the data.
Another unique aspect of these sensors from AirGradient is that both of them are available as build-it-yourself kits. If you go for the kit version, you will get everything you need to build the monitor at home, including detailed instructions that are clear and easy to follow. And if you have any problems, you can drop a question in the AirGradient Forum and someone from the community will get back to you with their advice.
CONS
The sensors have not yet been tested by AQMD, but AirGradient does extensive testing and their devices are used in several universities.
Similarly to what we see with PurpleAir, AirGradient sensors are more suited to tech-savvy people who will be able to get a lot more value than just air quality readings.
PROS
Both monitors use high-end replaceable particle sensors from Plantower (PMS5003), gas sensors from Sensirion and NDIR CO2 sensors from SenseAir.
AirGradient states that all data is yours. You can access your data without setting up an API, so it’s easier to export it than with PurpleAir sensors.
The sensors come with Home Assistant integration and the AirGradient community has also built extensions to existing data platforms like ESPHome, Prometheus, and openHAB.
Both sensors work as a tabletop and can be mounted on walls or poles.
The AirGradient ONE is an indoor air quality monitor that measures CO2, PM2.5, tVOC, NOX, temperature and humidity. It has a color-coded LED bar and small 1.3-inch OLED display at the front that show the current air quality in the room. Even though it’s an indoor sensor, it comes in a plastic, UV resistant and weather proof enclosure.
The AirGradient Open Air is an outdoor air quality monitor. Similarly to the ONE, the Open Air monitor detects CO2, PM2.5, tVOC, NOX, temperature and relative humidity. At the back of the device, you get zip tie holders you can use for pole mounting and you also get screw holes for wall mounting. There is also a small hole at the back that you can use with a secure screw to prevent the monitor from being stolen.
ยฑ40 ppm ยฑ3% of reading at 5 to 30ยฐC, 0-85% RH (400 – 2000ppm range)
PM2.5 concentrationaccuracy:
ยฑ10%@100-500ฮผg/mยณ, ยฑ10ฮผg/mยณ@0~100ฮผg/mยณ
tVOC/NOX concentration accuracy:
tVOC <ยฑ15 @ 0 to 500 VOC Index NOX <ยฑ50 @ 0 – 500 NOX Index
Mounting type:
Pole or wall mounted
Power source:
2A 5V USB-C
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
3.60 x 3.41 x 3.34 in (9.1 x 8.6 x 8.5 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
0.38 lbs (180 g)
App connectivity:
Yes
Manufacturerโs warranty:
1 year
Common questions about air quality monitors
The air quality sensors available to consumers estimate particulate matter or gaseous pollution in the air, often based on a reading of a different but easier-to-measure substance related to the pollutant. For instance, a sensor may be designed to measure the amount of light that particulate matter scatters, which, more often than not, increases as the levels of pollution rise. These results are then interpreted by the device and shown on a scale of low to high, sometimes with associated colored bars or LEDs.
The most basic air quality monitor is one you probably already have in your homeโa smoke detector, which uses a binary scale and signals whether smoke is present.
Air quality is measured by the EPA using the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), and it has six categories corresponding to different levels of health concerns. Each of the six categories has its own color to make it easier for the public to know if the air quality is approaching unhealthy levels. The colors and categories are:
Green โ Good
Yellow โ Moderate
Orange โ Unhealthy for sensitive groups
Red โ Unhealthy
Purple โ Very unhealthy
Maroon โ Hazardous
According to the CDC, โThe EPA has identified six pollutants as โcriteriaโ air pollutantsโ. These six air pollutants are:
Carbon Monoxide. Breathing in high levels of CO can cause confusion, unconsciousness, and death.
Lead. Lead in the air may have an adverse effect on the nervous system, kidneys, immune system, and cardiovascular system.
Nitrogen Oxides (NO2). Breathing air with high levels of NO2 can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and can become severe.
Ozone. Increased ozone levels can cause coughing, damage your airways, and make the lungs more vulnerable to infections.
Particulate Matter. This pollutant contains solids or liquid droplets so small they can only be seen under a microscope and if inhaled, can cause serious health problems, getting into your lungs, and even into your bloodstream.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). Exposure to SO2 can cause harm to your respiratory system and make it difficult to breathe. Asthmatics and young children are at particular risk.
Youโve probably heard that the air inside your home can contain up to five times more pollutants than the outside air. The only way to accurately monitor the air quality in your home is to invest in a suitable quality air quality monitoring device.
An indoor air quality monitor, by definition, does precisely what the name implies: it monitors the quality of the air inside your home, continuously or periodically, depending on the type of monitor.
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, get a monitor that tests for nearly all the pollutants found indoors such as the QP Pro.
It all depends on the technology the sensors use, the type of sensor, and lastly, the incorporated display method. Many middle- to high-end air purifiers have at least one integrated sensor. The most commonly found sensor is a PM2.5 sensor, capable of detecting particle matter up to 2.5 micrometers. They are normally the cheapest to manufacture and provide only basic readings and results. PM2.5 sensors found in air purifiers mostly use infrared technology, and while they do what they are supposed to do, the measurements are not very accurate. On the other hand, laser beam technology gives more precise air quality readings.
The display method used by the air purifier to show the quality of the air is also an important factor in determining the accuracy of the sensors. Most of them use a color scale to show the quality of the airโgreen for good, up to red for badโwhich may look appealing, but it doesnโt tell you much. A display that shows the air quality index as a number, or a series of numbers, is more accurate.
PM2.5 is the measurement given to fine particulate matter (PM) with a thickness of fewer than 2.5 micrometers. To put that number in perspective, a grain of sand has a diameter of 90 micrometers, and a human hair measures 50-70 micrometers.
A PM2.5 sensor works by counting these fine particles suspended in the air. As air is sucked into an air quality monitoring device, particles in the air stream pass through a laser beam, which causes the light to diffract. The diffracted light will land on the sensor, placed at a right angle to the laser beam. The changes in the light intensity that the sensor picks up mean that individual particles can be counted.
VOC is an acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds and is an extremely broad classification of carbon-based chemicals. Consumer-related devices with integrated VOC sensors have become more and more available in the past few years, but they are relatively low-cost sensors that can only give a general reading as to the total amount of VOCs in the air and cannot pinpoint with any accuracy exactly what VOC it is detecting. They cannot differentiate between VOCs that are harmful and those that are not. There are some sensors on the market specifically designed to detect particular VOCs. For example, you can get a sensor that will detect formaldehyde, one for Carbon Monoxide, another for Radon, and some high-end devices have multiple sensors built-in to cover all major VOC detections with some degree of accuracy. Still, they tend to be a bit pricey.
Depending on your smartphoneโs operating system, two of the best air quality apps are:
For Android users, the IQAir AirVisual app gives you historical, real-time, and forecast air quality data for your area. It provides live information on the six โcriteriaโ for air pollutants, with health recommendations.
For Apple users, then the Air Quality Reader is an excellent choice. With this app, you can switch between the air quality data from the EPA and the air quality index readings provided by PurpleAir on their website.
So… Is it worth getting an air quality monitor?
The short answer is ‘yes’.
Whether you are getting a single-pollutant monitor (such as carbon monoxide or radon) or a sensor that can detect multiple pollutants (like particle matter or tVOCs), getting a sense of the quality of the air in your home will help you take the right precautions when needed โ from simply opening a window to setting your air purifier to full speed.
If you have decided to buy your first air quality monitor, I recommend choosing a device that can detect several types of pollutants with an easy-to-understand display screen, such as the Qingping Pro or the Airthings View Plus.
Now, if you are a more technical person and/or care about getting the most accurate results possible, then you should look into the PurpleAir Zen sensor and the open-source AirGradient ONE sensor.
Tip
Once you have introduced an air quality monitor to your space, make sure to calibrate it regularly to get the most accurate results possible.
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 usingย the same methodologyย 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.
The Luggable XL Ultra uses seven Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans that pull air through two 20×25 MERV 13 filters. This combination results in a dust CADR of 315 cfm with a max sound level of 47.2 dBA! Excellent for those with dust or pollen allergies.
The Luggable XL Ultra is the quietest high-CADR air purifier I’ve tested so far, yet it’s powerful enough to provide six air changes per hour in rooms up to 393.7 square feet.
The long-term costs are generally low because it’s energy-efficient AND you can choose any 20×25 MERV 13 filters, but we recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900. To make the body sturdier, you might want to consider adding CleanAirKit’s filter guards.
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.
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.
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 topโmaking 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 โ 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.
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.
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 doesnโt 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 wonโt be hard to find a spot for it, even in small rooms.
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.
Itโs not small either, weighing 50 lbs or 22.67 kg.
It doesnโt have app support, which we would expect at this price point.
PROS
It is officially the fastest HEPA air purifier we tested โ 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.
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 donโt 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.
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 doesnโt 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.
IQAirโs 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 doesnโt have any screens โ 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 doesnโt come cheap at one cent under $1400.
It doesnโt 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 IQAirโs 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 125cfm at speed 2 (40.8 dBA), which is good for 6 ACH in spaces no larger than 156 sq. ft.
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 youโll get with the AirFanta 3Pro (353 cfm at 56.3 dBA).
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.
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.
Pet odors, hair and dander can linger, even with regular grooming and cleaning. Thatโs when an air purifier can become a valuable investment.
But that is only the case if you buy the right one.
I have bought and tested nearly 150 different air purifiers to find the best models for pet owners. You can read more about our testing methodology here.
To build this list, I focused on units with a removable pre-filter (ideally washable), activated carbon filtration (for odors), a high quality particle filter (for allergens), good performance at quiet fan speeds (to protect your pet’s hearing), and enough power to clean the air five times per hour in most rooms.
I also made a point of sticking to air purifiers without an ionizer or with bipolar ionization technologies that could be disabled without negatively impacting air cleaning performance.
1. Best under $200: Levoit Core 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)
A smart and quiet air purifier with a filter packed with 450 grams of pelleted activated carbon to help with pet smells.
Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.
There are many other much smaller devices than the 400S, but if you want to keep your air clean of pet hair, dander and odors, then you shouldn’t go smaller than this. The cylindrical design will make it easier to find a spot for it even in the smallest of rooms.
The filter itself is a cylindrical filter, so vacuuming the pre-filter won’t be as easy as with rectangular models like the Vital 200S.
Size-wise, the Core 400S is similar to the Winix T810 but it offers better air cleaning performance at quiet fan speeds that won’t disturb your pet.
Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (35 mยฒ).
CONS
The particle filter was initially sold as H13 HEPA but it isn’t HEPA. This won’t affect performance but you need to know.
The filter is bonded, so you will need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is used up, even if the particle filter still works.
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.
PROS
The cylindrical design takes up less floor space while still offering solid air cleaning performance.
It comes with an onboard sensor, an LED air quality indicator and auto-mode.
You get smartphone connectivity through the VeSync app.
The 400S with the Smoke Remover filter comes with the largest amount of carbon (450 g) in the entire Levoit range of air purifiers.
The Core 400S doesn’t have an ionizer but stay away from the PlasmaPro 400S, which looks the same but does have an ionizer.
A large air purifier with an H13 HEPA filter and 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted pet smells from the air.
The 75i is Alenโs largest and most powerful air purifier. With an estimated PM1 CADR of 333 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 448 sq. ft.
Similarly to the EverestAir (above), the 75i comes with a removable pre-filter, which is easy to access and keep clean regularly.
It also has a laser particle sensor (which you won’t need to clean regularly) and you get an air quality indicator on screen.
There are multiple filter options available. For pets, I recommend the Fresh filter, which comes with a HEPA H13 and a carbon filter.
Alen’s Fresh filter is packed with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon, which is a lot more than what you get with most other devices.
CONS
The cheapest filter option (Pure) doesnโt have activated carbon so make sure to choose the Fresh or Odor filters.
Itโs a large and heavy unit that won’t fit in small spaces.
It comes with an ionizer function, but you can switch it off and this won’t impact the performance of your 75i.
PROS
It is the tenth fastest air purifier at completing our particle removal test – reached PM1 Zero in 18 minutes at top speed (57.5 dBA).
Excellent quiet performance with 164 cfm when running at speed 2 – this is more powerful than the Coway Airmega 150 running at top speed.
The control panel has a color-coded air quality indicator that provides real-time readings.
The pre-filter can be easily removed and washed.
It comes with a lifetime warranty from Alen, as long as you buy filter replacements directly from them.
A smart and quiet air purifier with a slidable, washable pre-filter that will minimize pet hair and fluff floating around.
There are many other much smaller devices than the Coway Mighty2, but if you want to keep your air clean of pet hair, dander and odors, then you shouldn’t go smaller than this. Even though it packs a lot of power, this model will fit even in the smallest of rooms.
This is the first air purifier I tested with a slidable pre-filter you can remove for vacuuming or washing without having to open the front cover, minimizing mess.
The filter is bonded: one side filters out particles like pet dander while the other has activated carbon pellets that remove unwanted smells.
In terms of size, the Mighty2 is much smaller than medium-sized air purifiers from popular brands like Winix and Levoit that offer similar levels of air cleaning power.
Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 260 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 390 sq. ft. (36 mยฒ).
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 doesnโt 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 wonโt be hard to find a spot for it, even in small rooms.
The EverestAir boosts power and smart features in a sleek white and silver design that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.
For $499.99, you get a good looking air purifier with enough air cleaning power (PM1 CADR of 375 cfm) to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 562 sq. ft. when running at top speed (57.8 dBA).
The pre-filter is easy to remove so you can vacuum pet hairs and extend the life of the main particle filter that sits behind it.
The bonded filter has a high quality particle filter on one side (to remove the smallest of particles from the air) and a gas filter on the other with 400g of pelleted activated carbon (to adsorb odors and gases).
The air quality sensor displays particle readings on screen and it unlocks a smart mode where it adjusts fan speeds automatically.
The color-coded LED lights on the display show the percentage of clean air in the room.
And the VeSync app unlocks features like scheduling and display lock to ensure curious pets don’t change settings.
CONS
Levoit originally advertised it as having H13 HEPA filter but they removed all mentions of HEPA from their marketing.
There is no child lock button on the device and you will need to use the app to lock the display.
The air vents can move, but you can set the angle so they are not fully open if you expect your cat to lie on top.
PROS
At speed 2, it cleaned the air in our test room in 29 minutes while generating just 43.2 decibels – we estimate a CADR of 205 cfm.
It is the fastest Levoit air purifier we have tested, reaching PM1 zero in 16 minutes at top speed.
Its large filter comes with 400 g of pelleted activated carbon to deal with pet odors.
The VeSync app is easy to use and it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
It doesn’t have an ionizer so it doesn’t generate ozone as part of the air cleaning process.
An air purifier made in the USA with a filter packed with 15 lbs. of carbon that can remove the most stubborn, pungent pet odors from the air.
If you have multiple pets at home, you’re likely to need a lot more carbon than what you usually get with most air purifiers you’ll find in stores. For those cases, I recommend the Austin Air HealthMate and its filter packed with 15 lbs. of activated carbon and zeolite.
Its metal body is heavy but durable, with a flat top that many cats will enjoy sleeping on.
Even though it’s heavy, it comes on wheels so you can easily move it around your house as needed. It’s one of the only devices I’ve tested with wheels that roll well on carpets.
The filter of the HealthMate is bigger than most small air purifiers you’ll find online.
Instead of a touchscreen display or colorful buttons, the HealthMate comes with a dial to switch between three fan speeds โ no risk of your pet accidentally switching the device off.
CONS
It is great at removing odors and VOCs from the air but its particle filtration is as good as much smaller devices like the Xiaomi 4 Compact or the Levoit Core 300.
It is power hungry, pulling 147.6 watts at top speed. It would add $164.39 to your energy bill each year to run it 24/7.
The filter replacement is expensive ($315) but you only need to replace it every five years.
It doesnโt have any smart features or smartphone app controls.
PROS
It comes with the largest carbon filter in the household purifier market.
The filter is packed with a carbon and zeolite mix that increases odor adsorbency.
It is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty.
It doesn’t have an ionizer so it doesn’t generate ozone as part of the air cleaning process.
To remove serious odors from your air, you need to look beyond traditional air purifiers. My advice is to build yourself your own odor-busting device using parts from AC Infinity.
This unit won’t filter out particles BUT it’s $250 cheaper than the Austin Air HealthMate so you will save enough to buy a dedicated air purifier to remove pet hair and dander from the air. If you’re on a tight budget, check out the best cheap models I’ve tested.
The 8-inch carbon filter comes with 16 lbs (or 7.2 kg) of activated carbon, and the filter is refillable! Once the carbon is used up, you can dispose of it and refill the cylinder with more carbon – this will save you a lot of money in the long term.
Special mentions
These are the air purifier models that nearly made the cut
I have tested over 140 different air purifiers and have found many excellent options for pet owners. Not all of them made my shortlist, but perhaps they will be a good choice for you.
With a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm at top speed, the Eleva 300X cleans the air five times per hour in 247 sq. ft. rooms. You get different filters but for pet owners, I recommend the Premium filter (H13 HEPA + 260g of carbon pellets to neutralize odors).
Even though its performance is top-notch, I recommend sizing up to the the Core 400S, which is my top pick for small spaces.
It has a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm at top speed, so it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft. It has an H13 HEPA filter for pet allergies and a wraparound filter with 900g of carbon for pet odors.
The BP06 is the best Dyson air purifier I’ve tested, but I haven’t included it because it’s expensive ($800+) and keeps going out of stock.
This PC fan-powered air purifier offers incredible value for money, costing $164.99 and offering an impressive PM1 CADR of 353 cfm. At top speed, it can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 529 sq. ft.
It didn’t make the cut because the fans on top are too exposed and the design might not survive being pushed around by curious pets.
This is a beautiful device from Coway that doesn’t have an ionizer and comes with an onboard sensor and smart features.
We estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. I didn’t include it because it offers similar performance to the EverestAir and the Alen 75i but it’s louder than both, reaching 61.8 decibels at top speed.
The SA600 has two H13 HEPA filters, two activated carbon filters, and two removable pre-filters. With a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm at top speed, it can change the air five times per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.
It didn’t make this list because it’s too large for small spaces and too expensive ($279.95) for the under $200 category.
Do you already have a specific model in mind and would like to know how it compares to other options? You can use our comparison tool to see how different air purifiers performed in our tests including air cleaning, sound generation, energy consumption and long term running costs.
You can also explore our leaderboard with the scores and test data for every air purifier I’ve tested so far โ just use the search bar to look for specific brands and models, or filter the results based on your budget:
What to look for when buying an air purifier for pets
To find out if the unit you are considering is the right one for the job, these are a few questions that will guide you in your search:
1. Does the air purifier have the right filters?
When it comes to pets, a three-stage filtration system is the most comprehensive option, as it includes a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a particle filter.
Stage 1: Pre-filter. These are designed to pick up larger particles (such as pet hair) before they reach the main filter. Their key function is to prevent fur from clogging the main filters, thus extending their lifespan. Removable pre-filters are more straightforward to clean; some are washable to rinse the shed fur effortlessly.
Stage 2: Activated carbonfilter. This is the layer that clears the air from unwanted pet odors โ the carbon works by absorbing odors (and VOCs) that pass through the filter, removing them from the air.
Stage 3: Main particle filter. Particle filters are made of pleated sheets that create a maze of randomly assorted fibers capable of capturing the smallest of airborne particles, including pet dander, dust, and pollen.
2. Is the air purifier capable of dealing with your room size?
This is a key issue when choosing the right air purifier for you. A unit suited for smaller rooms wonโt be able to make the air changes per hour (ACH) needed to clean the air in large spaces. Therefore, it wonโt be efficient at removing the odors and lacks the power to remove all airborne pollutants.
This is where the unitโs CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) comes in, indicating its cleaning performance in CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute). Weโve included each unit’s CADR and room size recommendation in our spec tables.
But you can use our calculator to find the exact CADR you need based on the size of the space where you want to use the air purifier:
3. Does the unit produce any chemical by-products?
Ionization features are often found in air purifiers to enhance their performance. Air purifiers with ionizer functions release ions into the air that attach to airborne particles, forcing them to drop onto surfaces so you can vacuum and wipe them.
The problem is that, in the process, these devices can generate small amounts of ozone, which can be detrimental to the health of those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
If you worry about the health of your pet, then you should stick to air purifiers without ionizers or with ionizer functions that can be disabled, like the ones on my list of recommendations.
To wrap it up
Taking good care of your pets (with frequent grooming, healthy food and periodic visits to the vet) is a solid step forward in reducing their odor and the amount of hair floating around in the air. Regular home cleaning makes for another important element in the equation, but thatโs not always enough.
Introducing the right air purifier to your home can make a BIG difference. Just make sure you are buying a device powerful enough for the space where you will place it with a high quality particle filter, a pre-filter that is easy to clean, and a good amount of pelleted activated carbon to deal with odors. Pay attention to sound levels too, as pets are sensitive to noise, and stay away from ionizer functions that cannot be disabled.
If you have any questions about your specific situation, just drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
October 22nd, 2026
Reduced the size of the photos to make the page load a little faster.
Added the Levoit Eleva 300X to the ‘Special mentions’ section as an option for small spaces.
August 26th, 2026
Added the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 fan with refillable carbon filter as an option for homes with multiple smelly pets.
Replaced the Levoit Vital 200S with the Coway Airmega Mighty2, which offers better air cleaning power at quieter operation and with a slidable, washable pre-filter that minimizes floating pet hair and messes when time comes with clean it.
Replaced the Coway Airmega 250S with the Airmega 350 in the ‘Special mentions’ section.
Added our air purifier comparison tool and our full ranking.
March 28th, 2026
Added the Coway Airmega 150 and the Alen BreatheSmart 35i to the ‘Special mentions’ section as potential contenders for small rooms.
Added links to the YouTube video reviews for the Austin Air HealthMate and the units under ‘Special mentions’.
October 4th, 2025
Added the Coway Airmega 250S to the ‘Special mentions’ section as a potential pick for medium-sized spaces.
August 12th, 2025
Added the Dyson BP06 to the ‘Special mentions’ section as a potential pick for rooms with smelly pets.
April 28th, 2025
Added links to the YouTube videos of all the units shortlisted.
Created a section with a list of solid devices that didn’t make the cut (Special mentions).
August 190th, 2024
Updated the criteria for the shortlist, including specific features needed for the filters, the design and the number of air changes required to help with pet-related allergies and odor issues.
Removed the Mila air purifier because it didn’t meet the criteria for the minimum CADR required for 4-5 air changes per hour.
Replaced the Levoit Core 300S with the Levoit Core 400S as the best for small spaces, due to the higher CADR that provides more air changes per hour.
Added the Smart Air SA600 as the best option for those who don’t care about smart features.
February 14th, 2024
Updated the sections for all Levoit air purifiers to include information about VeSync removing all mentions of HEPA from their marketing materials after being challenged by Dyson in front of the BBB.
January 13th, 2024
Updated the formatting across all sections of the article.
Sounds above 85 decibels are considered harmful to human hearing, so we should avoid prolonged exposure to them. This can become a problem when you consider that the fans inside air purifiers can get really freaking loud โ especially if you have more than one device inside a room.
All this is to say that sound matters when it comes to air purifiers, and unfortunately, sound levels in product listings and marketing materials cannot be trusted.
In fact, if you click on a random air purifier on Amazon, you will likely see very low sound levels (around 20 dB) mentioned. But you should know that these incredibly low decibel figures are generally what you can expect when running the air purifier on sleep mode…
Sadly, it’s now common for air purifier manufacturers to only share the sound level at the lowest fan speed. The problem is that at this low fan speed, any small air purifier will not be able to provide multiple air changes per hour in even the smallest of rooms.
That is why we not only test the air cleaning performance of air purifiers at top speed but also at fan speeds below 45 dBA, which is the limit set by Clean Air Stars for noisy classrooms and offices.
My recommendations today are based on benchmark testing of over 130 different air purifiers running at fan speeds that generate less than 45 decibels of sound.
TL;DR: These are the best quiet air purifiers
If reading is not your thing, you can just watch the video version of this article.
I’ve also put together a table with information about each of the air purifiers I recommend for those looking for solid performance with quiet operation:
Read on to learn more about my top picks for the best-performing quiet air purifiers you will find today. If none of them is right for you, scroll down to my list of excellent devices that nearly made the list or drop us a message on Reddit.
The Luggable XL Ultra cleaned our 728 cubic ft. test room of all PM1 pollutants in 19 minutes while generating only 47.2 dB of sound. Just to put this into perspective, that is around the same time it took the larger Winix 9800 and the Coway Airmega 350 โ incredible air cleaning performance below 50dB!
It’s super quiet because it’s powered by seven Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans, which combined with two Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 filters lead to excellent performance at whisper-quiet operation.
With the Luggable Ultra you’ll get 315cfm under 50 dB, which will be powerful enough for five air changes in spaces of up to 472.5sq. ft.
CONS
If you go with the DIY kit, know that building it can be tricky – I made a video to show how it works.
The lightweight wood looks great, but the body is more delicate than plastic or metal you’ll find in other air purifiers. If durability is a concern, check out the Nukit Tempest Pro at the end of this list.
It doesn’t come with carbon, so it won’t help with odors and chemical gases.
It’s a large device that won’t fit in smaller spaces. But if you like the look of the Luggable, then you can choose the 5-fan version.
It doesn’t come with any smart functions or app support.
PROS
It offers excellent air cleaning power even under the 45 dBA limit we set for quiet performance tests (284 cfm).
You can use any brand of 20ร25 MERV 13 filters, which leads to lower running costs.
It’s lightweight and comes with a handle for easy movement from room to room.
The body is made of lightweight wood, making it more sustainable than traditional plastic air cleaners.
You can buy the DIY kit, which is cheaper and includes everything you need to build it at home (except the filters).
If anything breaks, you will be able to fix it yourself.
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.
More than just quiet: this is the only air purifier with a CADR above 350 cfm that you can fit inside a carry-on bag.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
This is another PC fan-powered air purifier like the Luggable XL Ultra (above) but this one is much easier to build and cheaper to buy. Based on our tests, we estimate a CADR of 353 cfm (56.3 dB), which will provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft for just $164.99.
The 3Pro arrives in parts, so you’ll need to build it yourself but it’s super easy: you get plastic square-shaped base, four H11 HEPA filters (carbon is optional) and four PC fans on top.
It has a speed controller, so you can set it to 6.54V and it will offer 213 cfm while generating just 43.3 dB of noise – excellent quiet performance at an affordable price!
CONS
The design is not for everyone, with a subscriber describing it to me as “a sci-fi toaster”.
It has no smart features, no air quality sensor, and no app support.
It’s in high demand, so it is often out of stock on Amazon. If you can’t find it on Amazon, check the official AirFanta shop.
You will have to build it yourself, but it takes just a couple of minutes to do so.
PROS
It offers the best performance for $ spent across the 130+ air purifiers we tested.
It is the only high-CADR air purifier you can fit in a backpack.
The use of PC fans makes it quieter and more energy-efficient than most traditional retail air purifiers.
It comes with an AC-to-DC power adapter that includes a dial to adjust the voltage and sound levels.
A quiet option for those who want a more traditional air purifier with an onboard sensor, smart features and app connectivity.
The Blue Signature is a cylindrical air purifier that doubles as a table with powerful air cleaning performance, a laser PM2.5 sensor, smart modes and app connectivity. At top speed, it will give you 400 cfm while generating 59.6 dB of noise. This will be enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 600 sq. ft.
When set to speed 2, the Signature will reach 40 dB while still being able to provide a CADR of 229 cfm – pretty impressive quiet performance!
It comes with wraparound filter that combines particle filtration with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and Blueair’s HEPASilent ionizer technology.
CONS
It is more expensive to buy and run than other table air purifiers from IKEA and SwitchBot.
There is no option to disable the electrostatic ionization function, unlike what we see from other manufacturers like Winix, Coway and Xiaomi.
The wooden legs and the chrome base to turn it into a table are not included, so youโd need to pay up to $100 more to elevate your Blue Signature.
The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.
PROS
It doubles as a side table that will fit most living rooms and bedrooms โ you can even buy legs to give it more height.
It matches the air cleaning performance of high-end units that cost twice its price and are twice its size.
It comes with a laser sensor on board that is highly accurate and doesnโt need to be cleaned regularly.
The Blueair app has a clean UX and is easy to use.
You can customize the design with multiple pre-filter fabric colors and two leg design options.
As much as I would like every person to buy the largest, most powerful air purifier they can live with, I know that not everyone has the space for a full-sized device. If this is you and you find yourself looking for a small and quiet air purifier with good air-cleaning performance, you should definitely consider the Triple Exhalaron from CleanAirKits.
At its highest fan speed, it hit 40.5 dB while having a CADR of 128 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in small areas no larger than 192 sq. ft.
In terms of design, the Exhalaron consists of three cylindrical filters covered by a washable pre-filter mesh with a wooden base and three CoolerMaster Mobius PC fans at the top.
CONS
This quiet sound level doesnโt come cheap, as the Triple Exhalaron will set you back $359.
If you donโt need portability or tabletop usage, you get much better CADR to $ with the Luggable Ultra from CleanAirKits or the AirFanta 3Pro.
It has no smart features, no air quality sensor, and no app support – just a dial to adjust fan speeds.
PROS
It is designed to be powered by a battery pack (with a male USBC pigtail), so you can use it on the go or inside your car. You get up to 10 hours of use with a 20,000 mAh battery.
It is a lot more durable than other PC fan-powered kits thanks to its sturdy wooden parts and the use of cylindrical filters over exposed HVAC filters.
It looks cool โ I know itโs a personal preference, but I like the steampunk feel of the Exhalaron.
The filters comes with activated carbon for odors and gasses
The ProX offers an impressive CADR of 586 cfm (dust) for large rooms without generating excessive noise.
The ProX is the largest air purifier in the Coway Airmega line and can provide five air changes per hour in rooms of up to 693 sq. ft. (CADR of 462 cfm) when running at top speed (53.6 dB). It lacks app support but comes with an onboard air quality sensor that unlocks smart modes.
It’s the only traditional air purifier that comes close to the quiet performance of PC fan models like those from CleanAirKits, Nukit and AirFanta.
It uses two filters, each combining a Green HEPA filter with a pelleted carbon filter to help with both particles and VOCs.
CONS
It is not cheap, with a list price just over $800.
Occasionally, you may accidentally open the side covers when using the side handles to lift the ProX, if you need to move it around the house in areas where the wheels may get stuck.
It doesn’t come with app connectivity, which some people might expect to get when paying upwards of $800.
PROS
It’s the fastest residential air purifier we tested, ranking 2nd after the commercial beast that is the Smart Air Blast โ we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.
It comes with an onboard air quality sensor and shows real-time particle readings on screen paired with a color-coded LED light at the top of the device.
It features four smart modes, giving you more flexibility based on how much power, noise, or energy consumption you want.
It is made of high-quality materials and looks great.
The Tempest Pro is the latest PC fan powered air purifier from Nukit and it’s entirely made out of metal.
The design of the Tempest Pro is similar to other Nukit models, with panels made out of black steel that will last a lifetime. But unlike the Euro and the original Tempest, the Pro uses six fans placed in two rows of three and 25×20 MERV 13 filters, so its body is larger โ the same size as the Luggable XL Ultra from CleanAirKits.
With its OEM fans, it reached 38.1 dB at top speed with a CADR of 188 cfm – powerful enough for five air changes per hour in rooms up to 282 sq. ft.
it isn’t cheap but I honestly think it’s an investment for the long term, for those looking for an air purifier that will last a lifetime and are happy to pay extra for it.
CONS
It is more expensive than other PC fan kits on the market.
There is no option to buy it pre-built, so you will have to build it yourself.
Daisy-chaining the PC fans is a little trickier than with the other kits Iโve built.
PROS
A steel chassis means long-term durability โ even when using it in busy areas.
It has low running costs thanks to low energy usage and the use of commonly found HVAC filters.
It comes with all the extra parts, including a PWM controller, a mesh guard and a wall-mount.
It uses any kind of 25X20 MERV 13 filters, so you get a good choice of brands to pick from. I recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR 1900 filters.
It comes with a set of fans but you can upgrade them for increased performance.
These air purifiers also offer solid performance at quiet fan speeds, even though the didn’t make my final list. Perhaps one of them could be a better choice for you, depending on what you’re looking for:
A medium-sized air purifier with touchscreen controls, a H13 HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon, and an ionizer function that you can turn on and off.
With a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm, it used to be my top recommendation but its 51 dB is too loud compared to what we see today from the new generation of PC fan-powered air purifiers.
Unlike most air purifiers, the Blast Mini is made from metal instead of plastic, which makes it super durable. It’s large and powerful,, with a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm and 56.3 dB at top speed.
When running at its lowest speed, it hit 44.9 dB and 272 cfm. This is a great option for large spaces, but it didn’t make the cut because the ProX hit 299 cfm at 44.4 dB.
If you want to ensure the air in your home is clean, you should run your air purifier 24/7/365. That means that if your air purifier is noisy, it will affect the quality of life of those who live in your home… or even worse, you will likely turn it off sooner or later.
That is why you could say that the Holy Grail of air purifiers is a high CADR unit powered by a quiet fan, but these units are not easy to find, so I rounded up some tips to help you navigate the world of sound when looking for a quiet air purifier:
1. Don’t get duped by reported noise levels
Most air purifier guides on the Internet are nothing more than a repetition of manufacturers’ claims and data, and the thing with manufacturers is that it is in their interest to show you the best numbers, even if they had to jump through hoops to achieve them in a controlled test environment that wonโt be reflective of day-to-day use.
That is why you will often see articles about quiet air purifiers quoting very low decibel figures, as manufacturers tend to promote noise levels of their units running at its lowest fan speeds.
When buying an air purifier for your home, be sure to check how much noise it produces at both low AND high fan speeds. Ideally, look for third-party data like the one we publish here at HouseFresh.
Tip
Check out this tool from Clean Air Stars, where you can enter the desired noise levels to find devices that will fit that criteria.
2. Pay attention to the CADR rating
By checking the air purifierโs clean air delivery rate (CADR) rating, you can determine how effectively the device filters pollutants within a given room size.
For example, a device with a 250 CADR rating for dust will be more effective than one with a 200 CADR rating for the same room size. The 250 rating means the air purifier can produce 250 cubic feet of fresh air per minute to remove dust from the room. Therefore, the higher the CADR rating, the faster the air purifier will clean a roomโs air.
You can use our handy calculator to find out what CADR rating you should be looking for depending on the size of the room where you will be using the air purifier:
3. Check whether the air purifier has a Sleep Mode
If you are looking for an air purifier for your bedroom, donโt just focus on noise levels; choose one with a sleep mode option.
The sleep mode option not only sets the device to run at the lowest fan speed possible but also turns off the lights on the display, minimizing the chances of the air purifier disturbing the darkness of your room.
4. Beware of small air purifiers that promise whisper-quiet operation
Most lists you will find ranking on Google for โquiet air purifiersโ will recommend tons of tiny air purifiers because they operate super quietly at low fan speeds. The problem is that these small devices won’t be able to clean enough air even when running at their top fan speeds (which are usually a lot noisier), so they will offer even worse performance at low fan speeds.
Take the popular Levoit Core Mini, for example. In our test, its top fan speed hit just 44.5 dB, which is below the 45 dB limit we set for this list of recommendations. The reason why this air purifier didn’t make the list is that when running at its highest speed, it took 1 hour and 53 minutes for the Core Mini to clean our fairly small test room of PM1 pollutants. Compare this to the 17 minutes it took the AirFanta 3Pro to complete the exact same test, and you’ll understand why I’m not recommending devices like the Levoit Core Mini.
If you choose the traditional air purifier route over PC fan-powered devices, the best option is to buy a big unit that is powerful enough to clean your air even when running at its lowest fan speeds.
Wrapping up
Our motto at HouseFresh is that our tests reveal what manufacturers wonโt tell you. To fulfill that promise, we buy all our devices with our own money to avoid any bias and we spend months testing them thoroughly.
If you buy one of the air purifiers I recommended today by clicking the buttons throughout this page, you will be supporting our work so we can keep testing and reviewing air quality products. In simple terms, when you buy a device through our website, we will get a 3% commission on the sale at no extra cost to you.
These funds will help us continue testing and reviewing air purifiers, so we can identify more devices that offer exceptional air cleaning performance without generating too much noise.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the air purifiers I mentioned in this article, then let me know in the comments.
March 17th, 2026
Replaced the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 with the CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra now that the XL-7 has been discontinued in the U.S.
Replaced the Levoit EverestAir with the Blueair Blue Signature, which offers more powerful quiet performance.
Added two new categories: best for large rooms and best buy-it-for-life.
Trimmed the text in the Special Mentions section to make it easier to digest.
April 28th, 2025
Updated the list of devices under ‘Special mentions’.
Updated the buttons with new designs that include real-time pricing data.
December 12th, 2024
Updated the entire article, from the intro to the conclusion.
Replaced the Alen 45i as the best overall pick with the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7.
Replaced the Levoit Vital 200S as the best budget pick with the AirFanta 3Pro.
Replaced the Levoit Core 300S as the best small for the CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron.
Added the Levoit EverestAir as the best smart option.
June 26th, 2024
Updated the Okaysou section to update readers: the brand entered Chapter 4 bankruptcy procedures.
April 29th, 2024
Updated my picks with embedded Flourish graphs showing test data.
A screenshot of the guidelines on the website of the CDC
Dr. Richard Corsi (Dean of Maseeh College of Engineering) recommends that all classrooms install HEPA air purifiers with a CADR of at least 250-300 CFM. Most of us donโt live in classrooms, but it’s wise to err on the side of caution and get a similarly spec’d model for home use.
Many portable HEPA air cleaners can signif' lower risks of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in classrooms < 1,000 ft2. Put on stable small table to lower re-suspension from floor. Go CADR > 300 (scfm) for ETS. Avoid devices w/ gimmicky add-ons. Just purchased 12 for my bldg @Portland_State.
— Richard Corsi, PhD, PE (Texas) (@CorsIAQ) July 15, 2020
Buying an air purifier won’t replace Coronavirus prevention methods such as social distancing, mask usage, and keeping indoor areas well ventilated – these have all been shown to significantly reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID.
I have bought and tested all the air purifiers I’m recommending today, and I use them at home every day. If you have any questions about any of them, please drop them in the comments section. And if you want to read more about our testing process, check out this page.
If you donโt want to read our full article, check out my recommendations in the table below:
With a low price of $159.99 and a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm at top speed, there is no other cheap air purifier that can beat the power of the AirFanta 3Pro.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
This PC fan-powered air purifier can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft. (49 mยฒ) when running at top speed. This is the minimum number of air changes you want to achieve to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses.
Inspired by the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box, the 3Pro is a small box with a base at the bottom, a filter at each side, and four PC fans on top.
It can be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes, and once you’ve taken it apart, it fits inside a large carry bag.
You don’t get any buttons or control panel, but it comes with a speed controller to adjust the fan speed and noise levels.
If you set it to 6.54 V, it will generate less than 45 dBA but will still be able to provide an estimated CADR PM1 of 213 cfm (362 mยณ/h).
CONS
You don’t get any fancy features, a touchscreen or smart functions — this is just four fans and four filters.
Some people don’t like the look of it, but that’s just subjective. I personally quite like it.
PROS
Its air cleaning performance is incredible, considering its price and its size.
It is A LOT easier to put it together than a standard DIY PC fan air purifier kit.
It’s the only high-CADR air purifier that you can bring with you when you travel.
For COVID-19, you can just go with E11 particle filters only. If you also want to help with odors, get the filters with activated carbon.
It’s the smallest air purifier on the list and will fit most rooms, and it even sits comfortably on top of a side table.
A mid-sized air purifier from Smart Air that will give you five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.
For small rooms up to 373 sq. ft. (or 34 mยฒ), I’d suggest you don’t go smaller than the SA600 from Smart Air. It doesn’t have any smart features, but all lights automatically shut off after a few seconds and it works with a smart plug.
The SA600 uses two sets of filters: two H13 HEPA filters, two pelleted carbon filters, and two pre-filters.
To tackle viruses and bacteria from the air, you can run it without the activated carbon filters for maximum particle removal performance.
The controls are pretty straightforward. I’ve got the 5-speed SA600 and keep it running in the background at speed 3.
At speed 3, it generates just 41.5 dBA of noise, so it’s quiet enough to blend into the background but still provides 128 cfm (217 mยณ/h).
PROS
Running costs are higher than those of other similarly powered air purifiers, but you can save money if you run it without the carbon.
The 3-speed version is not as quiet as the 5-speed version, so look for the SA600 with five fan speeds.
CONS
The control panel is intuitive and the lights switch off automatically, without the need to press any button or activate any special mode.
It restarts automatically after a power cut or when unplugged, which many other models donโt 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.
A PC fan-powered air purifier that uses any type of MERV 13 HVAC filters and seven PC fans that offer exceptional air cleaning performance at whisper-quiet operation.
The Luggable XL Ultra uses seven PC fans that pull the air through two 20×25 MERV 13 filters. I recommend the 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filters — based on my tests, these are the best performing HVAC filters.
The Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans made it one of the quietest high-CADR air purifiers I’ve tested, and it’s also highly energy efficient.
You can save money by buying the DIY kit, which includes everything you need to build it yourself. Otherwise, you can buy it pre-built.
CONS
Its body is not as sturdy as a traditional air purifier made from plastic or metal.
It doesn’t come with any fancy features. No app support, no touchscreen, no sensor.
PROS
It is the most energy-efficient high-CADR air purifier I’ve ever tested.
The DIY kit comes with everything you need to build it, except for the filters. You can buy it pre-built if DIY is not your thing.
It is lightweight and comes with a handle to move it from room to room.
It’s powerful and incredibly quiet thanks to the use of PC fans.
You can use any 25×20 MERV 13 filters you can get hold of.
Northbox Systems is a Canadian manufacturer that produces PC fan-powered air purifier kits that use HVAC filters. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding.
The Tempest Pro is a PC fan-powered air purifier that also uses 20×25 MERV 13 filters but comes with a metal body, so it’s more durable than the Luggable XL Ultra.
If you are looking for a powerful air purifier to remove airborne viruses like COVID-19 from the air in a large space, then the Coway Airmega ProX is the one I recommend.
With an estimated PM1 CADR of 462 cfm (785 mยณ/h) at top speed, the Airmega ProX can provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 693 sq. ft. (or 64 mยฒ).
You get a filter on each side of the device. They are bonded GreenHEPA particle filters with a section of pelleted activated carbon.
It has an onboard air quality sensor, so it can automatically react to changes in air quality when set to one of its smart modes.
CONS
Retailing at just over $900, the ProX isn’t cheap.
It is a large air purifier, weighing 22.67 kg (around 50 lbs).
It doesnโt have app support, which you might expect at this price point.
Sometimes, when carrying the device by its handles, you may end up removing the filter covers due to where the handles are positioned.
PROS
At top speed, the ProX completed our particle removal test in 13 minutes. The only model that was faster is the Blast (see next).
Even though it is heavy, it comes with deep handles at each side and wheels at the bottom.
You can adjust the sensibility of the air quality sensor.
You can also adjust the power of the auto mode, rotating between eco, silent and turbo.
It looks great, and the build quality is excellent.
A large air purifier made out of metal that can be fixed to the wall and is powerful enough to clean the air in large, high traffic spaces like offices and classrooms.
The Blast MKII from Smart Air is a powerful commercial air purifier with an estimated PM1 CADR of 547 cfm (929 mยณ/h) at top speed, which can clean the air five times per hour in big spaces no larger than 820.5 sq. ft. (or 76 mยฒ).
The H13 HEPA filter inside is massive and has a long lifespan of up to 19 months. You can also buy an activated carbon filter to go with it.
The body is fully made out of metal with wheels to move it around. You can also fix it to the wall, when using it in high traffic areas.
CONS
It costs over $1000, so it’s a big investment.
It is very, very big, so it might be overkill for most homes.
You don’t get any smart features or app support.
PROS
It’s currently the fastest air purifier at completing our particle removal test (11 minutes).
It’s big and heavy but comes with high quality wheels that make it easy to move around.
You can set it at speed 1 and it will generate just 41.9BA, while still providing a CADR of 375 cfm (637 mยณ/h). Impressive!
These seven air purifiers were very close to making this list. Depending on your budget and availability in your location, it could be worth checking them out.
It has a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm at top speed (56.3 dBA) and 272 cfm at speed 1 (44.9 dBA). It comes with optional carbon, so for tackling Coronavirus, you can stick to HEPA H13 only. It didn’t make the list because the ProX offers better performance at a quieter level (299 cfm at 44.4 dBA) and has a sensor.
At top speed (62.3 dBA), we estimate a PM1 CADR of 429 cfm and at speed 4 (44.5 DBA) we estimate 229 cfm, which would be good enough for rooms up to 286 sq. ft. I didn’t shortlist the Atem X due to its high price tag ($1,399.99), which makes it hard to recommend over the cheaper Airmega ProX and Smart Air Blast.
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 youโll get with the AirFanta 3Pro (353 cfm at 56.3 dBA).
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.
Since 2020, I have tested and reviewed over 130 air purifiers. Explore the interactive table low to see which models come on top for performance, value for money, and overall features:
What to look for when buying an air purifier for COVID-19
The EPA states that air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a building or small space.
The way that the virus spreads makes it especially hard to tackle, as it is emitted from infected persons through tiny droplets, which attach to particulate matter and remain in the air for several hours, depending on factors like ambient humidity, ventilation, wind rates, and the amount of particulate matter pollution in the air.
When choosing an air purifier, it’s essential to keep the main goal of your purchase in mind. Dr. Corsi keeps it simple:
โNo need to purchase gimmicky add-ons that sometimes do little and sometimes emit ozone. HEPA is fine.โ
Most new technologies like ionizers, PECO, UV, PCO, etc. are sold as doing something new, but in most cases, perform very poorly. They also have the potential to make the air worse as they can lead to harmful byproducts created when they interact with other chemicals in the air.
With the sheer amount of COVID-19 research published, we asked consultant scientist Bharti Sharma who has published several academic COVID-19 papers published, to help us understand the latest research when it comes to COVID-19 and air quality:
Using a fan within an enclosed space during COVID-19 infection can increase the transmission of the infection, particularly if there is no ventilation. Portable and ceiling fans just circulate the air inside a room, but they do not exchange, purify, or replace the air.
A limited number of research studies have shown that HEPA filters can remove viruses in droplet form in the air as the size of the airborne droplets is big and permits the HEPA filters to remove them.
Yes, they have shown high efficiency in capturing the COVID-19 virus and research studies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or air purifiers are universally used in medical institution wards for filtering the air.
The CDC recommends ventilation through portable or built-in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems for filtering air in higher-risk areas like medical institutions or areas used by individuals suffering from COVID-19 infection or other viral infections.
Using ventilation within public buildings, like hospitals, malls, office complexes, schools, libraries, eateries, cruise ships and elevators, can minimize airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors together with isolation, social distancing and masking.
The sampling of air samples from hospital rooms in several research studies has proven that, yes, it is possible to detect SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive particles of sizes >4 ฮผm and 1โ4 ฮผm from air samples.
Wrapping up
Whatever air purifier you decide to buy, remember that ventilation, social distancing and masking are also all essential in the fight against Coronavirus.
If you have any questions about the models I recommended in this article, please drop them below and I’ll reply personally as soon as I can. Or if you prefer to ask me something in private, you can always email me at danny@housefresh.com.
In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28th, but I found that Amazon and other manufacturers are offering deals from November 20th onwards.
Whilst most “Black Friday” listicles are just lists of the most popular and profitable products, all the air purifiers on our list are those we have put through our in-depth testing process and regularly recommend at full price.
If you don’t want to read our full notes on each of the air purifiers we handpicked for this Black Friday deals article, you can browse the tables below, where we rounded up the juiciest discounts from Amazon and manufacturers.
Most people want an air purifier that does everything well and doesn’t cost too much to buy or run, and after testing over 110 air purifiers, I’m comfortable saying that the Levoit Vital 200S is the one. With a top speedCADR of 260 cfm, it cleans the air five times per hour in rooms up to 390 sq. ft.
It comes with a bonded particle and carbon filter, so it can help remove allergens, dust, mold spores and odors from the air.
It also has a pre-filter that catches pet hair and lint, and is easy to remove and wash — much better than all-in-one cylindrical filters!
It delivers better, quieter air cleaning performance than air purifier models that are more expensive to buy and to run.
If you have been on the fence about the Vital 200S, this sale price should help make it a little easier.
The Winix 5510 is a smaller, smarter successor to the popular 5500-2. But smaller doesn’t mean less powerful: it has a top speed CADR of 249 cfm, so it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft.
Unlike the Levoit Vital 200S, the 5510 comes with separate filters. You get a removable pre-filter, a HEPA H13 filter, and a washable carbon filter that can help remove the smallest of particles and unwanted odors from the air.
It comes with an LED light at the front that changes color based on real-time readings from its air quality sensor. It also features app support via the Winix app, which lets you schedule routines and control the device remotely.
Released in February 2025, the Coway Airmega 350 brings midsize power in a cylindrical design, with the same retro-inspired aesthetic as the Airmega 250S and Airmega Pro X. Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed CADR of 352 cfm that is powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 528 sq. ft.
It comes with a large, all-in-one cylindrical filter with a layer of Green HEPA particle filtration and pelleted activated carbon to remove odors.
Be aware that cleaning the pre-filter is more cumbersome than with the removable rectangular pre-filter in the Vital 200S and 5510.
You get an onboard optical sensor with adjustable sensitivity and an LED ring at the top of the device that changes color depending on the quality of your air.
It doesn’t come with app support, but it is compatible with any smart plug.
I appreciate the handle at the back that makes it easy to move the air purifier around the house. You’d be surprised at how many manufacturers forget to add handles to cylindrical models!
I also like the overall look and retro vibes of the design.
For those who want a good-sized cylindrical air purifier with excellent top-speed performance in turbo mode, the Coway 350 is well worth a look, especially at this low price.
This year, Levoit has released A LOT of Black Friday Deals for its Core and Vital lines, but the biggest discount you will get will be on its most premium air purifier model: the Levoit EverestAir.
This is a powerful air purifier with a top speed CADR of 375 cfm, so it can provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 562 sq. ft.
It has a bonded filter that combines particle filtration with 400g of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted smells and gases.
The EverestAir also has an on-board air quality sensor that enables auto-mode, where the air purifier adjusts fan speeds automatically based on the quality of your air.
You also get air quality readings on screen and in the mobile app.
The Alen 45i is a good option for those looking for an air purifier for medium-sized areas. Based on the results of our air cleaning test, we estimate a top speed CADR of 198 cfm, which means that the 45i can clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft.
It is a mid-sized air purifier from Alen’s BreatheSmart line, so it’s not as large as the 75i, but it’s definitely bigger than the 35i.
It weighs 15lbs (6.8kg), but it comes with a generous handle at the back that makes it easy to move from room to room, as needed.
As with other Alen devices, it comes with a high-quality laser particle sensor from Plantower. This makes its air quality readings incredibly accurate.
This sensor doesn’t need regular cleaning, unlike the sensors inside units from Winix, Coway, and Levoit.
The controls are clearly labelled and you also get an LED ring that changes color depending on the quality of your air.
As with other Alen devices, the 45i comes with a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter that can be upgraded with various carbon filtration options.
Alen is also offering savings on the larger Alen 75i, starting at $559.30, which is nearly $240 off! The 75i provides even more power, making it better suited to larger spaces, and still comes with the many filter options you get with the 45i.
The Airmega 100 is usually more expensive than other small air purifiers from different brands, but this Black Friday price makes a big difference. Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed CADR of
It comes with an onboard particle sensor that triggers automatic fan speed changes when air quality drops. There’s an indicator light at the top of the unit that changes color depending on air quality.
The light can also be turned off, or you can switch it to the nightlight, which is a faint shade of orange.
It has the lowest running costs of any other smaller air purifier we’ve tested, which is something we always see in air purifiers manufactured by Coway.
That is assuming the carbon-impregnated gas filter doesnโt run out before 12 months.
I first reviewed the Core 600S in 2002 and, after re-testing everything about it in 2025, I can confidently say it can hold its own against newer models — especially given its price! This Black Friday, the price drops to $219.99, one of the lowest we have seen for this large air purifier.
The 600S comes with an all-in-one filter with a particle layer and a pelleted activated carbon layer surrounded by a pre-filter mesh you’ll need to vacuum every few weeks.
The filter is bonded, so you will need to replace the whole thing once the carbon is full, which might happen sooner than the particle filter needs replacing.
It comes with an onboard sensor, app connectivity and an air quality display.
It is loud at top speed, reaching 62 decibels, but its air-cleaning performance is excellent. Based on our tests, we estimate a top speed CADR of 375 cfm, which will be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces as large as 562 sq. ft.
I calculated how much you can expect to pay in year 1 of owning a Core 600S, and it goes to show how good a deal you get, given its raw air-cleaning power.
The only air purifier with this level of power that is cheaper to buy and run for the first year is the incredible AirFanta 3 Pro. The Winix 9800 is slightly less powerful (333 cfm).
The most powerful air purifier you can fit inside a suitcase to bring with you when you travel is now available for $144 (HEPA only) and for $158 (HEPA and carbon).
Even without the Black Friday discount, the PC-powered 3Pro is one of the most affordable high-CADR air purifiers you can buy. This year, AirFanta is offering 10% off any order, including the HEPA-only version and the HEPA + carbon version.
With a design inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box, the AirFanta 3Pro offers air filtration on all four sides of the cube, powered by E11 filters (activated carbon optional), a base at the bottom, and four powerful PC fans on top.
It blew me away with its particle-removal speed in our smoke test — especially considering its price! Based on its results, we estimate a top speed CADR of 353 cfm, which is powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft.
If you want to remove unwanted odors and chemical gases from the air, as well as allergens, dust, and other particles, you can choose to go with the particle + gas filters (600g of pelleted activated carbon). If you don’t need to tackle gases, then you can choose to just get the E11 filters.
The 3200 is a mid-sized cylindrical air purifier from Philips with excellent performance at top and bottom fan speeds. Running on Turbo mode, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft.
The Philips 3200 comes with two cylindrical filters with three layers of filtration: a pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and a layer of activated carbon.
The filters should last up to 12 months, but may last less if you have serious issues with odors and VOCs.
It comes with an air quality sensor on the back, enabling auto-mode and PM2.5 readings, which are displayed at the top of the device.
The LED ring light at the top can be set to change color based on air quality, or you can switch to lamp mode for a warm white glow that looks great.
It has app connectivity via the Philips Air+ App. Through the app, you can set schedules for different modes, switch the light to lamp mode, and get alerts when itโs time to clean the pre-filter.
You can also enable the Allergy Sleep mode, which I highly recommend.
Be mindful that many deals have limited quantities, so they can sell out quickly.
Most deals are not much better than the usual price drops you are likely to find throughout the year, but sometimes, Black Friday deals are worth it. That is why we only included air purifiers we consider to be selling at an especially low price, based on the prices we tracked over the last 12 months.
In 2025, Amazon will run Black Friday deals for a week, from the 20th of November to the 28th of November. There are also deals on Cyber Monday (1st December), but they are usually focused on consumer electronics.
Usually, better prices are available on Prime Day as itโs only open to Prime members, but there are still deals to be had on Black Friday, as this post proves, and you donโt need a Prime membership to access these deals.
It depends on the retailer, but Amazon often has a limited amount of stock, so when they are sold, the deal is removed. If a deal doesnโt sell out, it will usually end by the end of November.
Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the shopping season after Thanksgiving and in the lead-up to Christmas. It has grown to become a day when manufacturers and stores offer dehumidifiers at discounted prices, so it can be a good time to buy.
In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28th, but this year, Amazon will host Black Friday Week with deals available from November 20th to November 28th.
We will update this article throughout the week with the best deals we find on dehumidifiers that are actually worth your money. Something to keep in mind is that lots of crappy devices will go on the deal, too, so you want to avoid being duped by a big discount.
The models on this list are the same we recommend at full list price, so it’s even better if you can grab them at a lower price at this time of year.
Tip
Unlike Prime Day, you donโt need to be an Amazon Prime member to access Black Friday Deals.
I have been running the 50-pint Midea Cube in our basement for over two years without any issues and it currently ranks as our top recommendations for those looking for dehumidifiers.
You can connect it to the Midea Cube Air app to control it remotely. It also comes with an onboard sensor that measures humidity, with readings displayed on screen at the top.
It runs quieter than the traditional dehumidifiers we’ve tested, and the much larger-capacity bucket can get heavy when full, but you can set a full level you’re comfortable lifting.
We currently run this 24/7 in our YouTube studio and use the gravity hose to move water outside, eliminating the need to keep emptying the bucket.
This Black Friday, the Midea Cube 35-Pint is available at 16% off at $209.99.
Now, just to be transparent: I haven’t tested the 35-pint version of the Midea Cube.
However, after running the larger 50-pint version in our basement nonstop for over two years now without any issues, I feel comfortable recommending other sizes of this model.
In this case as well, I tested the larger version of this model, which could remove 50-pints of water per day. This 25-pint device is designed for much smaller spaces.
It can remove 25 pints of moisture at 65ยฐF and 38 pints at 80ยฐF, so be sure to account for the temperature at which you plan to use it.
hOmeLabs states that it can remove up to 64 pints in warmer climates. In those cases, the in-built gravity hose will come in handy.
It comes with app connectivity for those who want to control their dehumidifier remotely from their phone.
If 24 pints is too little for your very humid space, you’ll be happy to hear that the new 50-pint model from HomeLabs is also on deal, now available at a super-low historical price of $212.49.
It can remove up to 120 pints at 95ยฐF and 50 pints at 65ยฐF, and it also offers high-efficiency water removal, based on third-party testing from EnergyStar.
We have tested it with good results. Based on our data, it isn’t as hardy and convenient as the 50-Pint Midea Cube, but it’s a solid device.
The Moiswell 145-Pint is a high-capacity dehumidifier that can remove 70 pints of water per day, based on data from EnergyStar. Its narrow rectangular body makes it an excellent choice for crawlspaces and low-ceiling basements.
This dehumidifier comes with an in-built pump that allows you to move water up to 16.5ft vertically to reach a drain.
I’m not a huge fan of pumps because they are one of the first things to break, but they are handy while they work.
The control panel has four buttons: one for switching on/off, two for adjusting the humidity target, and a timer function.
I use a Philips Hue Smart Plug to set automated routines as I do with other appliances in the house.
It is heavy, weighing 70 lbs (โ31.75 kg), so I was glad to see Moiswell added handles at the top to make it easier to move it around.
It is still heavy, but the handlebars make picking it up and dragging it around A LOT less challenging.
Water it can remove in a day:
145 pints (
Recommended room size:
6,000 sq. ft. (557 mแถ)
Water tank capacity:
No tank.
Dimensions:
19.2 x 12.2 x 13.3 in (48.7 x 30.9 x 33.7 cm)
Weight:
70 lbs (โ31.75 kg)
Noise level at top speed:
56.8 dBA
Other features:
Gravity drain hose, internal pump and external pump option.
This Black Friday, you can buy the dehumidifier I’ve been using 24/7 in our dining room with no issues for just ยฃ295.20. That is a great deal if you ask me.
I use the onboard smart mode to keep humidity down without continuously adding to my energy bill. The clothes drying mode is also great.
The best thing is the water bucket, which resembles a watering can. This makes it much easier to empty it when full.
This dehumidifier has been designed specially for the UK climate and is also made in the UK in their factory in Northumberland.
Be aware that many of the deals are for sub-par products that use the sale to push a dehumidifier that isn’t powerful enough for most use cases. Avoid these mini devices as they will disappoint. Be aware that most dehumidifiers are made at the same factory, as we discuss on our dehumidifier page.
Most deals are not much better than the usual price drops you will likely find throughout the year, but sometimes, Black Friday deals are only worth it if you would have already liked the model at its standard list price, and the sale price is just a cherry on top. Don’t just choose a model based on price alone.
In 2025, Amazon will run Black Friday deals for a week from November 20th to November 28th.
Usually, better prices are available on Prime Day as itโs only open to Prime members, but there are still deals to be had on Black Friday, as this post proves, and you donโt need a Prime membership to access these deals.
It depends on the retailer, but Amazon often has limited stock, so once it’s sold, the deal is removed. If a deal doesnโt sell out, it will usually end by the end of November.
The dos and don’ts of buying a dehumidifier
Before you go ahead and buy a dehumidifier, please take the time to read my tips below:
DO
Choose dehumidifiers that have been Energy Star certified. Before buying a model, look for it on the Energy Star website to ensure it has been third-party tested.
Be aware of strange brand names on Amazon that are offered at lower prices. Many dehumidifier sellers care more about making money than building a long-lasting brand. While it might be a little pricier to go with a trusted brand like Midea or Ebac, you will find that buying a unit from an unknown company offers less value in the long term – – especially when you canโt find anyone to contact if you need help with warranties and repairs.
Be wary of recommendations from big publications. In most cases, they do not even test the dehumidifiers before telling you to buy them.
DON’T
Stay away from small, Peltier dehumidifiers. Most people choose this type of dehumidifier because they are small and cost around $50-80, but after testing several Peltier-effect dehumidifiers, they were all too weak to reduce humidity in our tests.
Don’t use a dehumidifier in your bathroom. Bringing an electric device into your bathroom poses a risk that is not worth taking. If you are struggling with humidity in your bathroom, the first step is to improve ventilation by keeping the door and window open to let air in, or by installing exhaust fans if thatโs possible.
Donโt buy a dehumidifier with a pump if you can help it. Models with internal pumps generally cost the most, and the pumps are one of the first things to break.
Philips is a Dutch multinational company founded in 1891. In 2021, they sold the domestic appliance portion of the business to a private equity firm (Hillhouse Investments). This appliance arm of Philips is now led by Versuni, so that is the company behind their air purifier range.
The 3200 is a stylish mid-sized device that promises performance on par with the larger, now-discontinued Philips 3000i Series. But is this all too good to be true?
The overall score for the Philips PureProtect 3200 Series (AC3220/10) incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.
Search for the 3200 (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:
The pros and cons of the Philips 3200
A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.
โAfter spending a few months with the Philips 3200 at home, I am convinced that itโs a significant upgrade to the now-discontinued 3000i.
You get the same level of air cleaning performance at a lower initial price with half the energy usage and cheaper long term costs.โ
The Philips 3200 comes with two 3-in-1 cylindrical filters that capture particles and reduce mild odors.
Upon removing the front cover, you will find two small 3-in-1 filters: an outer pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and a carbon filter on the inside.
The filters are bonded, so you will need to replace the whole filter when the carbon runs out, which is usually earlier than the particle filter.
When I reached out to Philips, they told me that each cylindrical filter is packed with 50g of coconut carbon, which brings the total to 100 grams:
Philips stated that โcoconut carbon is more effective than standard carbon, is renewable, and uses less energy to produce.โ
In terms of particle filtration, the 3200 uses the same HEPA NanoProtect filter used in other Philips air purifiers, which most people will assume is a certified HEPA filter.
However, Philips confirmed with us that it was not the case when I reached out for comment while working on my review of the Philips 3000i.
Marketing terms like โHEPA NanoProtectโ can be confusing to consumers, and mentions of how the filter “captures 99.97% at 0.003 microns” can be misleading because this level of particle removal can be achieved with a wide range of filter grades.
Design, controls and app features
A medium-sized cylindrical air purifier with smart functions, with a silver and black design that helps it stand out from the standard white we see from other brands.
The Philips 3200 (center) is a mid-size air purifier, similar in size to the Levoit Core 400S (right) and the Winix T810 (left).
It weighs 6.2kg (13.6 lbs), so itโs not too heavy to move around – although I wish it had a handle somewhere so I wouldn’t have to carry it like a baby.
It comes with an optical sensor on the back, enabling auto-mode and PM2.5 readings, which are displayed at the top of the device.
Optical sensors require regular cleaning to prevent dust buildup, which can affect their accuracy. Philips recommends cleaning it every two months with a dry cotton swab.
The LED ring at the top changes color based on the air quality in your room. Going from blue (good) to purple (fair) to red (poor).
If you prefer, you can also set the ring to be a lamp. When set to lamp mode, the top of the 3200 emits a nice, warm white glow.
Through the Philips Air+ App, you can set schedules for different modes, switch the light to lamp mode, and receive alerts when it’s time to clean the pre-filter.
You can also enable the Allergy Sleep mode, which supercharges the normal sleep mode by allowing the air purifier to reach a more powerful yet quiet fan speed when it detects PM2.5 in the air.
This is much better than the performance of the standard sleep mode, which is capped at the lowest fan speed, regardless of the level of particles in the air.
Unlike most cylindrical air purifiers, the 3200 has two filters and two fans. Whilst I have seen two fans used in larger devices, this is the first time I have seen this dual-fan approach in a mid-sized device like this.
Read on to find out whether this two-fans-two-filters gamble paid off for Philips – and whether doubling the number of fans led to double electricity consumption…
Air cleaning performance
I tested the Philips 3200 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.
When running at Turbo speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 3200 needed 24 minutes to reach PM1 zero.
I was surprised to see that the 3200 matched the performance of the larger and more expensive Philips 3000i Series, which goes to show that the choice of using two fans and two filters paid off:
Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249cfm. This makes it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 373 sq. ft.
I repeated the particle removal test with the 3200 running at each available fan speed, allowing me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:
Sound levels
I measured how much sound the 3200 generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away – noise ranges from 35.4 dBA to 52.9 dBA at full speed.
The 3200 hit 52.9 dBA at Turbo speed, so it’s much quieter than the older 3000i (59.2 dBA).
The 3200 is the second quietest mid-sized air purifier on our table, outmatched only by the PC fan-powered Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits (38.8 dBA).
It generates 42.6 dBA at Medium speed, and it took 35 minutes to reach PM1 zero in our test room.
Itโs fair to say that the Philips 3200 offers excellent performance at quiet fan speeds – even though it was once again outperformed by the incredible power of the Luggable XL-7 with its seven Cooler Master Sickleflow 120 fans.
Long-term running costs
Running a Philips 3200 Series will cost you ยฃ131.82 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.
We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the Philips 3200 pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby:
At Turbo speed, the 3200 Series pullsย 31.1 watts,ย so if you were to leave it running 24/7 at this speed for one year, it would add ยฃ71.83 to your energy bill, based on the November 2025 average UK electricity price cap of ยฃ0.26 per kWh.
Here, the Philips 3200 also does well against other similarly priced mid-sized models, although it still uses more energy than the Blueair 3350i and the European version of the Levoit Core 400S.
According to Philips, you can expect to change filters every 12 months, and you can buy a new filter set that includes two filters for ยฃ59.99. We can add this to energy costs to work out the total yearly cost and compare it with other mid-size devices we have tested:
When accounting for both energy and filter replacements, the Philips 3200 is one of the more affordable mid-size air purifiers to run.
Bottom line: Should you get a Philips 3200 Series?
Our data shows that the 3200 Series is a significant upgrade to the now-discontinued 3000i Series – does that make it the best air purifier in the UK?
On paper, the 3200 certainly looked good, but it took me a while to pull the trigger and buy it because I was super disappointed to learn that Philips had discontinued the 3000i after just a few years on the market.ย But I reached out to Philips, and they said that the 3200 is here to stay. They also confirmed that they have no plans to discontinue the filter replacements for the 3000i, so that is some good news for UK owners of the 3000i ๐
After spending a few months with the Philips 3200 at home, I am convinced that itโs a significant upgrade to the now-discontinued 3000i.
You get the same level of air cleaning performance at a lower initial price with half the energy usage and cheaper long term costs.
However, aside from finances, the best feature of the 3200 is how well it performs at quiet fan speeds below 45 dBA.
The use of two fans allows this device to outperform most mid-size models available in the UK and Europe.
It is clear as well that Philips has been upgrading its app by rolling out better smart features, and Iโm a big fan of their Allergy Sleep mode, which dials up the CADR of the default Sleep mode.ย
And even though I thought the lamp function would be gimmicky at first, I was surprised by the quality of the light and I soon found myself scheduling the light through the app as I do with my Philips Hue lights.
However, if you donโt care about smart functions, apps and lights, then you should definitely check out the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits, which has recently been introduced to the UK and Europe.
Or if youโre looking for a traditional air purifier that offers better bang for your buck, then you should check out the Winix Zero S, which costs ยฃ179 and offers similar performance to the 3200 without the fancy app.
But for those of you who want it all (looks, smart features, app connectivity, quiet performance and a nightlight), then you canโt go wrong with the Philips 3200.
If you think the 3200 is the right air purifier for you, please use our affiliate link to buy one to help support the work we do here at HouseFresh at no extra cost to you. And if you have any questions about this or any other air purifier, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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…
Most people who reach out asking for a mold recommendation mention their basement. My top pick is this $300 air purifier from Levoit.
๐กexclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10
If youโre 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 itโs 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 shouldnโt be an issue in most basements โ unless youโre spending a lot of time down there.
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 purifiersโsee 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.
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.
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 youโre building a CR box for a very damp basement, I recommend adding some legs so the cardboard base doesnโt end up sitting on a wet floor.
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 youโre in the U.S. or the UK, you have the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.
If youโre in Canada, thereโs the team at Northbox Systems with their 6XL.
And if you live in Australia or around Asia, thereโs 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 doesnโt require any cable management.
Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.
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.
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.
Two good-performing air purifiers that didnโt make the cut, but that could be a good choice for you.
The models above are my top picks BUT itโs 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.
A medium-sized device with a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter and a removable pre-filter. With a PM1CADR 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).
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.
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, Iโm 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.
Air purifiers are scientifically proven to make our homes healthier. They use highly engineered filters to capture harmful microscopic particles from your rooms and replace them with clean, pollutant-free air.
But an air purifier can take up much-needed room if youโre limited on floor space. Luckily, there are air purifiers on the market that have been designed to be mounted onto your wall.
In this article, I will share my top picks based on our own tests. We bought every air purifier on this list with our own money to remain unbiased and to experience the customer journey the same way you would.
How we test air purifiers
Read our full testing methodology.
Ok, letโs get into our full list of the best wall-mounted air purifiers on the market today.
The A3 is a high-end air purifier from RabbitAir that offers excellent air cleaning performance, with an estimated PM1 CADR of 249 cfm when running at top speed, where it generates 57.9 dBA of noise. This makes the A3 powerful enough to provide five (5) air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.
Unlike other devices that can be mounted but share zero instructions on how to do it, Rabbit Air made sure you get everything you need to wall-mount your A3 from day one. Inside the box you will find a wall-mount bracket and a clear step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Tip
The MinusA3 can be mounted right side up or upside down. If you are planning on mounting the device higher than 6 ft., you should consider doing it upside down so you can access the control panel, which otherwise will sit at the top of the device and could be hard to reach.
CONS
Selling at $749.99, the A3 has a much higher initial price compared to models from Winix, Levoit and Coway BUT neither of those brands offers devices that could be wall-mounted.
The LED light is cool but it doesnโt connect to the air quality sensor, so it can be confusing if youโre used to the usual color-coded LED lights you get with other units.
It comes with 280 grams of carbon, which is good but isnโt much considering its high price.
PROS
It is a great looking design and you get the option to have beautiful works of art in the cover, if that is something youโd like.
It can be mounted to the wall straight out of the box, and it comes with clear instructions on how to it and everything you need to mount it.
Running at fan speed 3, it provided a good amount of air cleaning at a sub-45 dBA level of sound.
It comes with an app that allows you to schedule routines and also gives you access to all the other functions that you get on the main control panel.
Usage without the ionizer didnโt have a significant effect on performance, so you can confidently turn the ionizer off and youโll get solid ozone-free air cleaning.
Now, if you decide to having the A3 on the floor, know that this thing is HEAVY. I havenโt mounted it on the wall at home because Iโm constantly running tests and need to move my air purifiers up and down the basement, so I really feel the heavy weight and the lack of deep handles.
The SA600 from Smart Air is a no-nonsense air purifier that will give you an estimated PM1 CADR of 249 cfm when running at top speed, while generating just 56.7 dBA of noise. This is powerful enough to provide 5 air changes per hour in spaces up to 373 sq. ft. just like the RabbitAir A3 above BUT it does so without charging an arm and a leg for it.
While not sold as a wall-mounted design, it includes spaces on its chassis for mounting brackets on any wall or surface. We wish more air purifier brands would offer this choice as wall-mounted can be especially useful in classrooms or any room many people use.
CONS
No auto-mode or smart features.
You need additional brackets to wall mount it and there are no instructions in the box on how to do it.
PROS
Great performance at cleaning our test room both at full speed and at quiet fan speeds, especially considering itโs price.
Only 52dB at its highest fan speed, which is much less than the average, especially for larger devices.
It comes with two H13 HEPA filters and two gas filters with pelleted activated carbon + two removable pre-filters for easy cleaning.
The Atem X sits at the top of the IQAir line of air purifiers, with a unique design that is guaranteed to get the attention of anyone who comes into contact with it. But this is not just a pretty device: with a dust CADR of 435 cfm certified by AHAM, the Atem X is officially the highest CADR device we have ever tested.
The only downside of this air purifier is its high price ($1,399.99) and the fact that it doesnโt come with activated carbon as standard. And if you want to mount it, you will need to buy a separate wall mount kit. However, if money is not an option, then this is the best air purifier you can mount on your wall.
CONS
Rolls Royce-tier design doesnโt come cheap at 1 cent under $1400.
OEM filters are not cheap and there are no generic filters available that could help lower the yearly costs.
It runs louder at top speed than other highly-powered HEPA retail air purifiers.
It doesnโt come with a carbon filter for dealing with gases and odors, so you only get particle filtration.
PROS
The design looks incredible and even though it is a big device, it has a footprint smaller than two sheets of A4 paper.
Performance at top speed is one minute faster than the beast that is the Smart Air Blast Mini MKII and nearly 10 minutes faster than the highly popular Winix 5500-2.
At quiet fan speeds, it offers similar performance to the PC fan powered air purifiers from AirFanta and CleanAirKits, which isn’t normal for a traditional HEPA device.
The app has a good UX, useful functions and you even get a web dashboard with a ton of air quality data to explore.
It comes with IQAirโs 10-year warranty, which certainly inspires confidence.
In our particle removal test, the Atem X outperformed every other HEPA retail air purifier we have tested to date. The only device that cleared our test room of PM1 particles faster was our 30ร20 DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Box, but you canโt mount that on the wall, unfortunately.
The MinusA2 is the first air purifier we reviewed from Rabbit Air. It is as sleek as the A3 but with a top speed dust CADR of 193 cfm, it is not as powerful as the A3 (262 cfm for dust) when it comes to air cleaning performance.
It can be a good option for those who need to clean spaces no larger than 289 sq. ft., based on the MinusA2 providing at least 5 air changes per hour.
An affordable air purifier from IKEA that can be mounted on the wall and will cost you just $79.99 for the HEPA only version. If you have a limited budget, then this could be a good option. However, you will need to spend an additional $23 if you want to get the gas filter to tackle odors.
In terms of air cleaning, the FรRNUFTIG is not the most powerful device with a PM1 CADR of 80 cfm, which will only be good enough for small spaces up to 120 sq. ft.
What to look for when buying an air purifier to mount on your wall
First, letโs address the question many of you are probably asking yourselves: Can all air purifiers be wall mounted?
The simple answer is no.
For air purifiers to be able to be wall-mounted, they need the right holes to attach brackets that then attach to your wall. We would strongly advise against making your own incisions as this could compromise the effectiveness of your air purifier.
The most important features you need to consider BEFORE choosing a wall-mounted air purifier are:
1. Is it really wall mountable?
Remember you should never attach a unit to your wall if this unit doesnโt already come with the right holes in the right places and with brackets for you to use when pinning it to the wall.
Each unit featured in this list can be both wall-mounted or floor-standing, and instructions on how to mount are easily accessible, like this instructional video for the Rabbit Air A3.
2. What is the size of the room?
Measuring your room and purchasing an air purifier suited to that space is essential. For example, thereโs no point using the IKEA FรRNUFTIG in a 500 sq. ft. room as it wonโt clean the air effectively.
That is why we tried to be inclusive in our shortlist by recommending products suitable for different-sized rooms.
You can use our handy calculator to find out what CADR score you should be looking for in order to guarantee that the air purifier you buy is powerful enough for the room:
3. Is the unit built with high-quality materials?And does it come with a warranty?
When mounting an air purifier on the wall, you want to be sure that it will not crash to the floor or, even worse, fall on somebodyโs head. Look for units build with reinforced materials or those that come with a manufacturerโs warranty that covers accidental damage.
Every air purifier we included in this list has been built to high standards and has a warranty.
4. What filtration technology do you need?
The filters are arguably the most important part of any air purifier. However, your filter requirements will depend on whether you want to remove particles and/or gases from the air.
If you don’t have an issue with odors or VOCs, then an air purifier with a particle filter alone will do the trick. The HyperHEPA filter in the Atem X, for example, will do an excellent job at removing dust, pollen and smoke particles.
Now, if you are looking for an air purifier to help remove unwanted smells or chemical gases from the air, then you need to look for units with activated carbon – ideally, pelleted. Both the RabbitAir A3 and the Smart Air SA600 offer this, in addition to particle filtration.
What you need to know when mounting an air purifier on the wall
Placing your air purifier in the right place can make a big difference to the air quality in your home.
An air purifier works best when it isnโt pressed up against a surface; thatโs why itโs recommended that you keep your unit at least six inches awayfrom the wall. In the case of wall-mounted purifiers, they are (usually) designed so that the air intake is far enough away from your wall to maximize efficiency.
Make sure you read the installation instructions properly and follow them so that your air purifier doesnโt work harder than it should due to how it’s been mounted.
Here are a few doโs and donโts when it comes to positioning your unit:
Do
DO place your air purifier close to the source of pollution
DO check the inlets and outlet are not blocked or confined
DO keep it away from traffic (donโt place it where it could get knocked or damaged)
DO try to keep it away from doors and windows
Don’t
DON’T position your unit in the corner of the room
DON’T install your unit so high you canโt reach it
Lastly, here’s a common question we’ve received from a few readers:
We strongly advise against installing your air purifier next to your TV.
Air purifiers can create an electrical disturbance known as Radio Frequency Interference (or RFIs), which can affect the picture on your television. If this happens, you may notice the picture jumping or looking wavy.
I hope you found my guide helpful. If you have any questions I didn’t cover or want to know more about any of the mountable air purifiers I recommended above, please drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 doesnโt 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.
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.
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 โ 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 โ 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.
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 โ if you are not bothered, then definitely look into the SA600.
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.
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.
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.
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 120ยฐF 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.
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
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:
Over the last few years, I have tested nine different air purifier models from Winix, and by the end of this article, you will know which one is the best choice for you.
Since 2020, I have tested and reviewed 110+ air purifiers from different brands, and devices manufactured by Winix tend to stand out.
In fact, at this point, Iโm confident enough to say that Winix is a brand that generally makes good-value, high-performing air purifiers, so choosing the best ones hasnโt been easy.
All my recommendations are based on our first-hand experiments, including a particle removal test at top fan speed and sub 45 dbA speed, sound tests from 3 feet away, electricity consumption, and yearly running costs. We also live with the air purifiers in our home to assess the overall user experience in the long term and test out features like app support and auto mode in different day-to-day situations. Read more about how we test.
Letโs kick things off with the best Winix air purifier for most people.
A brand new model from Winix that came to replace the now discontinued Winix 5500-2
The two reasons why the Winix 5510 is my number one pick are its performance and its price โ now that the 5500-2 has been discontinued, Winix has dropped the price of the 5510 to $179.99.
At top speed, the 5510 completed our particle removal test in a speedy 24 minutes, which is faster than much more expensive devices like the Coway Aimega 250S or the Dyson Big+Quiet BP06.
Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 248 cfm (which PlasmaWave enabled), which makes the 5510 a solid choice for those wanting to get five air changes per hour in spaces up to 372 sq. ft.
What we really like
It has a better-looking design compared to every other rectangular Winix device Iโve tested.
When running at top speed, its air cleaning performance is on par with the older 5500-2, the popular Smart Air SA600, and the much more expensive Rabbit Air A3.
The Winix app is intuitive and has no annoying ads like the ones we see in other apps.
The filters are not bonded together, making the pre-filter easier to clean and the gas filter easy to replace when the carbon runs out without needing to throw away the HEPA filter as well.
Its body is compact and has a smaller footprint compared to the older Winix 5500-2 and Winix Zero Pro.
What we think could be better
The 5510 is louder at top speed than similarly-sized air purifiers from Winix and other brands.
Its air cleaning performance drops when running at sub-45 dBA fan speeds.
The app is still quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit and Xiaomi, but this is expected as itโs very new for Winix.
When running at speed 2, the 5510 generates 40.8 dBA of noise so I repeated our particle removal test at this fan speed and it managed to clear all PM1 pollutants from the air 60 minutes. This is much slower than the 43 minutes I recorded when testing the older 5500-2 at speed 2, but it is a larger device with a bigger fan and filters so it makes sense.
If you care about quiet performance, then I recommend running the 5510 at speed 3 which generates 51.6 dBA of noise but is powerful enough to clear the air much faster โ completing our particle removal test in 38 minutes.
The best choice for those looking for a Winix air purifier for a room smaller than 200 sq. ft.
I always recommend that most people push for a mid-sized air purifier as they have similar long-term running costs as small devices and you can run them at lower fan speeds but still get excellent air cleaning performance without the noise. However, I know not everyone has space for a large device so for those of you looking for a small Winix air purifier, my top pick is the Winix A231 in white and grey or A230 in black.
In our testing, it cleaned our test room of PM1 particles from incense smoke in 40 minutes (with PlasmaWave enabled), which is faster than what we recorded when testing more expensive and similarly sized air purifiers like Levoit Core 300S or the Xiaomi 4 Compact.
Based on the particle removal results, we estimate a CADR of 148 CFM, which makes the Winix A231 a good choice for those looking for a device that could offer five (5) air changes per hour in spaces up to 222 sq. ft.
What we really like
Even though its list price is $99.99, you will often find it on Amazon for just 75 bucks.
It comes with an on-board sensor, auto-mode and a color-coded ring that shows air quality data at a glance.
The official filter replacements from Winix are affordable and there are also many generic filters are available, so you don’t need to worry about not finding filter replacements online.
You get two options in terms of design: white (A231) and black (A230).
Running the A231 25/7 at top speed will cost $50.65 in energy per year, which is comparable to mid-sized units like the Winix ZERO-S and the Winix 5510.
What we think could be better
The bonded cylindrical filter uses impregnated carbon instead of the pelleted carbon you get with the Winix 5510, which won’t be good enough to tackle serious issues with odors and could lead to filters needing to be replaced more often.
Reaching 57.9 dBA at top speed, it is as loud as bigger air purifiers like the Levoit EverestAir or the Rabbit Air A3.
The A231 generates 57.9 dBA of noise at top speed and this will be loud for many people. We repeated our particle removal test with the A231 running at speed 1 (35.2) and it needed 86 minutes to clear our test room of PM1, so we estimate a CADR of 66 CFM (good for 5 air changes per hour in spaces up to 100 sq. ft.)
Based on their latest releases, it is clear that Winix has been focusing heavily on the smart functions and design aesthetic. In fact, the T810 (or T830 in blue) is, in my opinion, the best-looking Winix device on the market. But looks are not the reason why I have included the T810 on this list.
The performance of the T810 in our testing was good at both full speed (26 minutes with PlasmaWave enabled) and also at its highest sub-45 dBA speed (46 minutes) โ this is the sweet spot I’m looking for when testing air cleaning speed as most devices are loud at top speed.
What we really like
This is the first Winix device to sport a screen that can provide real-time air quality information with exact PM2.5 data.
At speed 2 (44.8 dBA), the T810 needed 46 minutes to clear our test room of all PM1, which is just 3 minutes slower than the 5510 but with a smaller footprint.
You get app support through the Winix app, which is intuitive to use and has no annoying ads.
It comes in two colors, and they both look great: silver (T810) or blue (T830).
What we think could be better
Like the A231 (above), the filters in the T810 use impregnated carbon instead of pellets, which we see with other Winix models. This might lead to a shorter filter lifespan if you have a serious issue with odors and gases.
Due to the use of an all-in-one filter, I find that it is more cumbersome to clean the pre-filter in the T810 regularly as you need to remove the whole filter and it can get messy.
If you want a medium-sized Winix air purifier with app support and the benefit of an onboard screen to see the real-time data from the air quality sensors inside the device, then the T810 in grey (or the T830 in blue) are my top picks.
Winix has recently discontinued the 5500-2 in the U.S. but this excellent air purifier is still widely available across Europe.
As of May 2025, Winix was confirmed that the 5500-2 and the 5300-2 will be discontinued in the U.S. and Canada BUT this is an excellent device and it is still available in the UK and Europe, so I have to include it on this list.
I have reached out to Winix to ask about their long-term plans, and they confirmed that they will keep producing filter replacements for the 5500-2 until 2032, so if you find this air purifier on sale where you live, then it is definitely worth considering as it offers EXCELLENT air cleaning performance both at top speed and sub-45 dBA speed.
A big advantage of the Winix 5500-2 is that there are various filter replacement options both OEM and generic, which can lead to big savings in terms of long-term running costs and also guarantee filter replacements long after Winix stops manufacturing their genuine filters:
What we really like
With PlasmaWave enabled, the 5500-2 cleaned our test room in 23 minutes โ without the ionizer, it still managed to clean the air in 24 minutes
It comes with separate filters so the pre-filter is easy to clean without taking all the filters out AND you can just replace the carbon when it runs out without needing to replace the HEPA filter.
Affordable filter replacements, with genuine filters available for $50 and generic filters for $15 per year
It is an oldie but goodie โ the 5500-2 has been released nearly a decade ago, so you know you’re buying a device that will keep working without issues in the long run.
What we think could be better
This is an old Winix device, so the design is more dated than some people would like. Itโs bigger and bulkier than both the T810 and 5510, and lacks the smart features and app connectivity that these newer models have.
It has been discontinued in the U.S. and Canada, so it might get harder and harder to find in stock online.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
We first tested the 5300-2 in 2021 and it offered excellent value back then. These days, however, there are other solid options from Winix like the 5500-2 and the 5510 that will give you more powerful air cleaning for a similar price.
Plus, as of May 2025, Winix America has confirmed that they are discontinuing the 5300-2 in the U.S. and Canada in favor of the newer Winix 5520.
The C545 first showed up in 2019 and these days you can only find it refurbished on the Winix website BUT it was brought back by Costco and became pretty popular in 2023.
It offers great performance on par with the Winix T810, but I didn’t include it on my main list as you will only be able to buy it if you’re a Costco member.
The Winix Zero-SE is a Costco version of the Winix Zero-S, which is widely available in Europe and the UK. This is an good-performing air purifier and it has lower long-term costs than newer models like the 5510 and the T810.
I didn’t include it because its design means that the front cover comes off easily when moving it around, and moving it around is in itself more awkward than it needs to be due to its shallow handle at the back. BUT if you find it at a good price and know you won’t need to move it around the house, then the Zero-S/Zero-SE is a solid device.
Only a few days after publishing my video review for the Winix Zero Pro or HR900 in the U.S., Winix announced that it would be discontinued so that is why I didn’t include it on this list.
This was a real shame, as I really liked this device. It offers good air cleaning performance, looks good, and has a dual gas and particle sensor for improved auto-mode performance.
Wrapping up
I hope this article will help you choose the right Winix air purifier for your unique situation.
If you decide to buy one of these devices, please use the affiliate link we included in the buttons throughout the article to support the work we do at HouseFresh. We will get a small 3% cut at no extra cost to you and this will allow us to continue buying and testing air purifiers in the future.
As always, feel free to ask away any questions you may have in the comments below.
The ‘great tariff war’ of 2025 led many people to look for U.S.-made alternatives to products they would usually source from Asia and Europe. And, like many consumer products, most air purifiers are built in China and Korea, with a good number of them being manufactured in Thailand, Malaysia, Sweden and Germany.
Whether you’re looking for a device made in the USA to avoid overpaying in fees or you’re buying American-made products to support manufacturing jobs in the United States, this list is for you.
I am the lead tester here at HouseFresh, so my job is to review and test air purifiers. I only recommend units I have tested and that I have had enough time to use at home, sharing data I’ve gathered myself and insights from my first-hand experience. If you want to learn more about how I test air purifiers, I’ve broken down the full process on this methodology page.
Intro out of the way, let me share the best air purifiers I have tested that are built in the United States.
CleanAirKits is a family business founded in 2022 with the goal of finding a quiet, cheap and efficient air purifier to keep the air in classrooms across America clean and safe after COVID-19 mask mandates were dropped. Every DIY kit sold by CleanAirKits is assembled by hand in Missouri, and that is why they earned a spot on this list.
The Luggable XL-7 is not your traditional air purifier. Inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box, the Luggable XL is part of the next generation of air purifiers powered by PC fans.
In terms of the filters, you can choose any 20ร25 HVAC filters. CleanAirKits recommends 3M MERV 13 Filtrete MPR1900+ filters and I agree as they are excellent.
Based on my tests, I estimate a PM1 CADR of 323 cfm. This level of air cleaning power allows the Luggable XL-7 can clean the air five (5) times per hour in rooms of up to 390 sq. ft.
The biggest benefit of the Luggable XL-7 is that it uses PC fans, which are not only whisper quiet but also energy efficient and incredibly powerful. This makes the Luggable a high-CADR device you won’t even hear working in the background, even when at top speed.
What we really like
It is best-performing air purifier we have ever tested that generates less than 40dB of sound when running at top speed.
It completed our particle removal test in 23 minutes, which is the exact time we recorded when testing the Winix 5500-2 and the Levoit Vital 200S.
You can buy it as a DIY kit to build it yourself at home, or pre-built so you can just plug it in and use it right out of the box.
It is nearly silent on its only fan speed: 38 decibels.
What we think could be better
It is not cheap, but you can shave off some dollars by choosing the DIY kit.
It doesn’t come with any activated carbon, so not a good option if you want to deal with odors and gases.
If you opt for the DIY kit to assemble your Luggable XL at home, you will receive a box with everything you need other than the filters. You will get Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 PC fans, four hardboard panels (one with an integrated handle), a power supply, internal pre-tensioner cords, foam tape strips and seven fan guard grills. Check out this video where I show you the steps to build it yourself.
All Austin Air devices are built at Austin Air System’s manufacturing facility in Buffalo, New York.
The Austin Air HealthMate has an estimated CADR of 150 CFM, making it suitable for rooms of up to 234 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour). It comes with a medical-grade HEPA filter to remove particles from the air and it’s packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite to remove VOCs and odors.
The filter of the HealthMate is bigger than most small air purifiers. However, it’s important to mention that the 15 lbs of carbon restrict airflow and impact this device’s ability to remove particles quickly.
That is why I recommend the Luggable XL-7 if you need an air purifier to remove allergens, as it will be faster at that than the HealthMate.
In terms of the control panel of this device, Austin Air decided to include just a single dial for fuss-free operation. This is perfect for those looking for a functional unit without smart functions or app connectivity.
The dial matches the body of the HealthMate, which is completely made out of metal and feels quite industrial.
What we really like
It is made out of metal, making it not only durable but also sustainable.
It boasts the longest-lasting filter
Good air cleaning performance โ cleaned our test room from all smoke pollutants in 38 minutes.
It comes in a variety of color options.
What we think could be better
It gets very loud at its top speed, reaching 61.5 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound made by an air conditioner.
It is very power-hungry. When running at its highest fan speed, the HealthMate pulled 147.6 watts, so if you were to run this device 24/7 all year, it would add $163.95 to your electricity bill.
As all Austin Models are made in the USA, you could also look at the following other air purifier models, such as the Austin Air HealthMate Plus, the Austin Air Bedroom Machine and the Austin Air Allergy Machine.
The Triple Exhalaron is another device from the team at CleanAirKits, hand-assembled and shipped from their headquarters in MIissouri.
This small air purifier has a CADR of 120 cfm and it is powerful enough to give you five (5) air changes per hour in rooms of up to 192 sq. ft. When we tested its air cleaning performance when running at its highest fan speed, it cleaned our test room in 46 minutes, which is faster than the popular Levoit Core 300, the PuroAir 240 and the Aroeve MK04.
The Triple Exhalaron comes with three CoolerMaster Mobius argb (2400 rpm) PC fans and a purple variable-speed knob you can use to adjust fan speeds.
When running at full power, it generates just 40.5 dBA of noise, which will barely audible in most homes.
It uses three cylindrical HEPA H11 filters, which don’t restrict airflow as much as a higher HEPA grade like H13 would โ this means the air will pass through the filter more times and can lead to higher CADR.
It also comes with two handles at the top, which make it easy to move around the house or take with you in the car.
What we really like
You can use it with a battery pack (with a male USBC pigtail) inside your car or take it with you wherever you go. You will get up to 10 hours of use with a 20,000 mAh battery.
It is the most interesting-looking air purifier I have tested. Sure, this is personal preference, but I know many will agree.
The filters comes with activated carbon for odors and VOCs.
At its highest fan speed, it hit just 40.5 dB of noise.
What we think could be better
If you donโt need portability or tabletop usage, you get much better CADR to $ with the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.
Consider these key factors to make sure you’re choosing the right unit for your needs
1. Look for high quality particle filters
We have seen excellent performance from MERV 13 filters and HEPA filters. However, it’s important to mention that lower grade HEPA (H10, H11) can offer higher CADR than higher grade HEPA (H13) as it doesn’t restrict airflow as much.
2. Decide if you also need to tackle gases and odors
Whether you live near a busy road affected by traffic fumes or share the house with a smoker, then you should look into an air purifier that can tackle gases as well as particles.
In order to remove gases and VOCs, you will need to find a device that comes with filters packed with activated carbon, ideally pelleted. The higher the amount of carbon, the better the air purifier will be at removing gases and smells from the air.
3. Determine the size of the space your air purifier will need to clean
You need to find an air purifier that will be able to circulate the air multiple times per hour in the room where you want to use it. The Association of Home Appliance manufacturers recommends a minimum of 4.8 air changes per hour and the EPA recommends a minimum of 5.
Once you’ve measured the room where you will place the air purifier, you can use our calculator to find out what CADR you should be looking for to ensure the device you buy will be able to clean the air multiple times per hour:
4. Consider how opting for a made-in-USA device will impact its price
Like many goods, air purifiers made in the United States often have a premium price tag. You must opt for a unit that meets the minimum requirement for your space without compromising on room coverage or filtration.
If you find that no suitable options are made in the USA within your budget, look for options that may be designed here yet are manufactured overseas, as this will usually reduce the cost considerably.
5. Beware of how much energy the air purifier consumes
As the cost of living rises and energy prices continue to fluctuate, itโs important to understand what you will expect to pay when using an air purifier before taking the plunge. Using our energy cost calculator, you can enter the unit’s wattage and receive an approximate cost to avoid any nasty surprises when your energy bills arrive.
Common questions about American-made air purifiers
Regarding manufacturing, China has very high-quality factories and lower production costs, making it hard for US companies to build their goods on US soil. This has been happening across various industries for some time, but if you want to read more about it, check out this Proquest study.
Youโll also find that eastern technology hubs such as Beijing and Seoul are somewhat ahead of the game regarding air quality, having needed a solution to polluted air due to their increasing industrialization and booming populations over the years.
Most air purifiers are made in China due to lower costs associated with production. Levoit, Blueair, Medify and Honeywell are headquartered in the United States, but their factories are based in China.
Air pollution is increasingly on the radar for many people in the USA. And for good reason, too. Whether affected by high traffic or industrial areas that emit harmful fumes, the toxic smoke created when wildfires strike or simply the desire for a healthier environment in your home, free from dust, allergens or odor. There are plenty of factors that negatively impact air quality in American homes.
Using an air purifier in your home will protect yourself and your loved ones from breathing in these harmful pollutants daily. Many of which can contribute to health concerns in the long run.
Air pollution is usually invisible to the naked eye, so it can be easy to turn our attention elsewhere. However, the particulate matter from burning fossil fuels, agriculture, construction and wildfires contribute to 100,000 deaths in the USA annually. Other common pollutants found in the home, such as bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens, directly affect millions more, all of which can kill any vulnerable person.
Wrapping up
Opting for a purifier made in the USA is a great way to guarantee youโll be purchasing a purifier made and designed to tackle the challenges we experience in the United States, while being made to the highest standard by American workers.
If the options on these page are outside of your budget or if you couldn’t find a device that matches what you were looking for, just drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you with more recommendations as soon as I can.
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.
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.
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_Wongโs AirFanta 3Pro, including new air cleaning performance data using HEPA + Carbon filters ๐ค pic.twitter.com/vYrDG3eGAm
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.
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 โ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 โ from headaches to nausea and, in severe cases, pneumonia.
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 โ 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 wonโt 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 โ 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:
Anyone who has spent time on a construction site will know just how dusty they can be. From small jobs such as DIY home improvements to large renovation projects, dust can quickly accumulate once work gets underway.
Dust is a big issue for many people, contributing to allergies and respiratory conditions if inhaled. Dust particles are usually microscopic, making them especially tricky to control โ this is particularly challenging on a building site where airborne particles are constantly created and circulated.
While many tradespeople or clients will chalk this up to an occupational hazard or a necessary evil to get the job done, no one should compromise their health to fit that new kitchen or replaster old walls.
Combatting construction dust is much easier than you might imagine. Equipped with the right tool for the job โ a powerful air purifier fitted with quality filters โ you can eradicate dust quickly. Creating a clean, healthy environment for all on-site.
To find the best air purifiers for construction dust, we use data that weโve collected through our performance tests to compare the units we own side-by-side. By doing this, we can find which units stand up to the challenge of effectively and efficiently clearing dust from rooms.
How we test air purifiers
Read our full testing methodology.
Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers for construction dust
For those looking to clean up your construction site quickly, hereโs a sneak peek at our top three air purifiers.
Learn more about each of these air purifiers below. I explained. why I picked each one and covered what you need to know before you decide which one is best for you.
For any construction worker concerned about the air they breathe while at work, the ALORAIR should be your first port of call. This powerful, robust and straightforward option makes it easy to transform air quality on-site.
Equipped with a MERV 10 filter (traditionally found in commercial units), alongside a HEPA and Activated Carbon filter, this air scrubber will leave no dust particles behind. Itโs capable of cleaning 550 cubic feet of dirty air per minute.
What we really like
Most powerful unit on this list with a CADR score of 550 CFM
Well designed for use in a construction zone
It can be used with special ducts to target dust at the source
Large HEPA filters which can store plenty of particulate matter and are easily available on Amazon
What we think could be better
It will be overkill for everyday use at home
It makes a lot of noise
This is the toughest air purifier on this list too. It comes with rotomolded polyethylene (LLDPE) housing, making it able to withstand the demands of any construction site. While the anti-slip feet and stackable design add versatility, allowing you to use multiple units in conjunction for even greater cleaning capability.
Clean air delivery rateย (CADR):
โ Top speed PM1 CADR: XX cfm โ Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: XX cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: XX cfm (dust)
Filter technology:
Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Costing just over $200, the Honeywell HPA300 is punching well above its weight. For this price, youโll get an air purifier with colossal power and long-lasting HEPA filters that will make light work of construction dust.
Despite being an older model, the HPA300 still competes with the latest and greatest air purifiers on the market. Primarily because it’s an out-and-out workhorse. With fans powerful enough to clean 300 cubic meters a minute within a medium to large-sized space, this purifier is an excellent addition to your toolbox.
What we really like
Itโs super simple to use with a fool-proof control panel
It packs a punch thanks to its 300 CFM CADR score
Sturdy design and generous warranty will be helpful in construction areas
HEPA filters last longer than many rival alternatives
What we think could be better
It would be great to see a separate activated carbon filter to tackle VOCs
It runs a little loud on higher speed settings
As well as cutting costs when you initially purchase this purifier, you can also expect to save money on filter replacements. The readily available replacements come in three sets, setting you back just $23 per filter. This saving will come in handy on a building site, where high quantities of construction dust may see you needing to replace your HEPA filters more often than in a domestic setting.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โโ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
20 minutes
Air purifier technology:
Activated Carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
465 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 320 CFM Smoke: 300 CFM Pollen: 300 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
20.8L x 10.83W x 22.38H inches (52.8L x 27.5W x 56.8H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Filter life:
HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 43.6 dB Speed 2: 48.8 dB Speed 3: 53.9 dB Speed 4: 59.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
With a massive CADR, smart functions and app connectivity โ Levoit reminds us you canโt judge a book by its cover.
๐กexclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10
The longer construction dust is left to linger in the air, the higher the likelihood of it being inhaled. Thatโs why itโs vital to act fast and remove particles as quickly as possible. This is where the Levoit Core 600S comes into play; being the fastest air purifier weโve ever tested, clearing all traces of air pollutants in just 15 minutes.
Levoit has stacked this purifier full of air-cleaning capabilities. From their trademarked VortexAir fans that whip up a storm to the highly efficient H13, medical-grade HEPA filters can capture the tiniest dust particles in a single pass.
What we really like
It is a powerful air purifier, with a CADR of 410 CFM
It works wonders in larger-sized or open-plan spaces
It comes with lots of smart features that may come in handy when concentrating on other jobs
Highly energy efficient for such a powerful unit
What we think could be better
I wish the filters had a longer lifespan
Clean and modern design may not last for long on a construction site
The 600S is simple to use and relatively easy to maneuver too. Youโll find an Auto mode that monitors air quality and changes the fan speed accordingly, a Smartphone app that enables remote operation and a lightweight design that simply requires you to pop in a filter and hit the on switch to transform your air quality.
What to look for in an air purifier for construction dust
When youโre working on construction indoors, all that dust thatโs launched into the air when you drill, hammer and saw can really affect your breathing. The CCOHS states that breathing in dust can lead to inflammation of your nose and throat, affect your breathing and even lead to diseases like pneumoconiosis.
An air purifier can eliminate those harmful contaminants from your air, but it has have certain specifications to do the job effectively.
When looking to buy an air purifier for construction dust, you have to ask yourself some questions so that you choose the right air purifier for your needs.
1. Does your chosen air purifier utilize HEPA filters?
When it comes to construction dust, particles range in size between 0.5 and 10.0 microns, so to remove them from the air you breathe, youโll need filters that can capture minuscule particles efficiently.
Yale University recommends HEPA filters for eradicating dust. These filters are certified to capture at least 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly effective control measures. Some units may not use the word HEPA, like the Levoit Core 600S, but they still contain high-grade, quality filters capable of removing these tiny particles.
2. How large is the construction space youโll be using the purifier on?
Air purifiers are designed to work at their optimum in a specific-sized space. Some units cater to larger, open-plan spaces and others aimed toward smaller rooms.
Itโs paramount that you measure your space before you buy an air purifier so that you know what specifications to need from a unit. Thatโs why we built our CFM Calculator that will show you what clean air delivery rate (CADR) you will need to look for in an air purifier.
3. Do you move to various spaces throughout the day?
Those of you who move around while on the site to complete different parts of a project will require an air purifier that is easy to move and simple to set up.
While larger air purifiers may be helpful if working in an open-plan space, they are awkward to carry. This is where smaller units, such as the Honeywell HPA300 or Levoit Core 300, are more efficient, providing targeted protection in specific rooms or tighter spaces.
Be sure to check out the dimensions and weight of any purifier, as listed in our purifier specification table, to understand better how easy it is to transport.
4. Do you require protection for other airborne pollutants other than construction dust?
Construction sites are known to be dust magnets but are also a hotbed for other airborne pollutants that arise on the job. Solvents, adhesives, paints and cleaning supplies emit harmful gasses known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can result in serious health complications if exposed regularly.
To combat VOCs and construction dust, you must look for a purifier that utilizes Activated Carbon filters alongside your trusted HEPA.
Common questions about construction dust
Air purifiers are an incredibly effective way of eliminating construction dust from your space. Using a fan, air purifiers pull in air (including its contaminants) through filters that trap dust particles, removing them and leaving you with fresh clean air to breathe.
The best filter for removing any airborne pollutants like pollen, mold, bacteria and dust is a HEPA filter. These high efficiency filters use tightly woven fibers to form a maze that trap contaminants as they pass through.
The EPA backs us up stating that a HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97% of dust from your air.
Drywall dust is larger and denser than normal household dust, so when youโre using an air purifier I would recommend a unit with a thick, removable pre-filter. Depending on how much drywall dust becomes airborne, itโs good practice to clean the pre-filter regularly with a damp cloth and/or vacuum to make sure it doesnโt become blocked.
There are a few methods to get rid of construction dust when youโre done.
Remove any airborne dust by running your air purifier at its highest fan speed
Get as much ventilation as possible by opening windows and doors
Use a vacuum cleaner that contains a HEPA filter
Wash any fabrics that were not covered
Wrapping up
Construction dust is one of the most prevalent sources affecting air quality around the world. Fine particles that accumulate from an array of construction processes become suspended in the air and can enter your respiratory system, contributing to health problems if left unchecked.
Cleaning the air and eradicating dust particles is simpler than you may think. A well-powered air purifier that uses quality HEPA filters will capture the vast quantities of particulate matter and help create a healthier environment for you to live or work in.
At HouseFresh, we have been reviewing air quality products since 2010. In all these years, we learned not to rely on manufacturers’ claims and the ever-so-glowing marketing materials. That is why we buy products with our own money, so we can write unbiased reviews after we’ve had enough time to evaluate air quality products in our home lab. Every unit we recommend has been thoroughly tested to assess its performance, energy consumption, and noise levels emitted in real-life environments. If you have any questions about our testing process for different types of air quality products, just drop us an email at danny@housefresh.com.
When researching air purifiers for your home, you canโt help but come across Blueair. This well-known brand produces high-performance air purifiers designed and engineered by their Swedish team.
Pioneering the latest purification technology since 1996, Blueair offers units that not only clear the air of harmful pollutants using their unique HEPASilentโข filters, but they are designed and styled to fit into any modern home.
HEPASilentโข dual filtration technology allows BlueAir air purifiers to provide maximum cleaning performance on a lower power setting, which, in turn, means they use up to 29% less energy and emit up to 67% less noise (hence โHEPASilentโ).
In this guide, Iโm going to focus on air purifiers from Bluairโs Blue range.
This range offers a selection of units to suit a variety of room sizes and costs. For example, if you have a larger space to clean, the Blue Pure 211+ is the unit for you. if you’re on a tighter budget Blueair has you covered with the Blue Pure411+, but be aware this can only be used in small spaces.
How we test air purifiers
Read our full testing methodology.
By collecting all this data on each air purifier, we can find the best recommendations for your various needs and wants. For this guide, I compared all of the Blueair units weโve tested side-by-side to pick four of the best.
Here are the considerations I made when choosing these recommendations:
HEPASilentโข Technology – Blueair states that this is the best filter theyโve ever produced, so we wanted all our recommendations to contain their leading tech.
Washable Pre-filters – Pre-filters trap larger particles that pass through an air purifier. Removing and washing a pre-filter is proven to prolong the life of a unitโs HEPA filter.
Energy Efficiency – The costs donโt end with the initial price of an air purifier. We wanted units that wouldnโt have you asking for a loan to run.
Staff picks: Top 3 Blueair air purifiers
Here are my top three recommendations out of Blueair’s vast range of air purifiers.
Last update on 2026-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now youโre familiar with Blueair as a brand, the performance tests we conduct, what weโre looking for in a Blueair purifier and my top three recommendations, check out the rest of the guide, where I go into more detail about each unit Iโve selected.
My favorite Blueair air purifier that weโve tested is the Blue Pure 311 Auto. When we tested this unit, we were pleasantly surprised with its cleaning performance clearing our 728 cubic feet home lab in 21 minutes. Itโs not a large unit, but it sure acts like one. It is also quiet, easy to use and it definitely looks cool.
It doesnโt look like the conventional white boxes weโre used to reviewing (see the Levoit 600S) with its fabric pre-filter that you can customize to suit your home. Ours came in the Arctic Trail, but you can choose from four other colors: Night Waves, Archipelago Sand, Winter Reed or Aurora Light.
What we really like
A substantial step up in CADR from the 411+ โ we’re talking 250 CFM from 120 CFM
It only uses 34.5 watts of power when running at full fan speed
The pre-filters are more muted colors with 4 options to choose from
It is extremely simple to operate โ one button does everything
What we think could be better
Putting on the pre-filter takes patience and sometimes the filter can fall out when moving
I would like to see an integrated air quality sensor like we see in units from brands such as Levoit and Alen
Blueair doesnโt like to overcomplicate their products, so theyโve fitted the 311 Auto with one button that sits centrally on top of the unit to turn it on/off, control fan speed and engage auto mode.
When you twist off the top, it reveals the circular HEPASilentโข filter inside. Not only will the tightly woven maze of fibers trap harmful pollutants trying to pass through, but the 311 Auto also gives particles an electrical charge that makes them adhere to the fibers.
The 311 Auto cleared all the contaminants from our performance testing home lab in just 21 minutes. Thatโs pretty impressive when you compare it to much larger units like Alenโs BreatheSmart 75i (24 minutes) and the Healthpro Plus from IQAir (25 minutes), which is why itโs at the top of our list.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
21 minutes
Air purifier technology:
True HEPASilent filter with activated charcoal
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
388 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 250 CFM Smoke: 250 CFM Pollen: 244 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
20.5H x 10.2W x 10.2D inches (52.1H x 25.9W x 25.9D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
6.8 lbs (3.08 kg)
Filter life:
6 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 35.8 dB Speed 2: 40.2 dB Speed 3: 59.4 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
The 411+ is a serious upgrade on its predecessor, cleaning the air in our home lab 25 minutes faster than the 411. It’s also quiet, energy efficient and good looking.
Your budget is a crucial consideration to have when looking to buy an air purifier. Not only do you have to think about the initial cost, but also the cost of running the unit over time. Luckily, Blueair has the ideal solution with their Blue Pure 411+.
The 411+ is a substantial upgrade on the 411 (Blueairโs former release) with its vastly improved cleaning performance that cleared our room in 43 minutes, a whole 25 minutes faster than its predecessor.
What we really like
Excellent air cleaning performance for $ spent
Low noise โ even when running at its top fan speed, the 411+ is one of the quietest air purifiers we have tested
A significant improvement on the previous generation model, the Blueair Blue Pure 411
The filter doesnโt contain activated carbon pellets, it is just impregnated carbon fabric โ not as good as it could be against smells and VOCs
The size of the 411+ means you can place it on the floor or a tabletop, making it ideal for use in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or home office. As with other units in the Blue range, the 411+ has a washable pre-filter available in various colors, so you can choose which looks best with your decor. Another feature of the Blue range is its one-button operation that adjusts the fan speed.
Blueair has included their HEPASmartโข filter (for more info, see FAQs) in the 411+, allowing it to achieve its full CADR of 120 CFM on a mere 10 watts of electricity. This means the fan doesnโt have to work as hard, which is why this air purifier is so quiet.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
43 minutes
Air purifier technology:
3-stage True HEPASilent filter with activated charcoal
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
184 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Smoke: 119 CFM Dust: 121 CFM Pollen: 131 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
17H x 7.8W x 7.8D inches (43.18H x 19.812W x 19.812D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
3.4 lbs (1.54 kg)
Filter life:
6 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 35.8 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 52.3 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
This chic, rectangular air purifier is optimal at eliminating airborne contaminants in rooms around 540 sq. ft., making it the best choice for large rooms or open plan spaces.
Letโs start with its cleaning power. When we put the 211+ in our performance testing room, it made light work of clearing the pollutants from the air in 18 minutes with its high CADR of 350 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), which is only 1 minute longer than the huge Blast Mini air purifier from Smart Air.
Included is Blueairโs extremely effective HEPASmartโข filter that combines the traditional HEPA technology with an electrostatic charge and a sheet of bonded activated carbon to remove VOCs and tackle odors like cooking smells or that lovely aroma of wet dog.
What we really like
High CADR and performance in our home test lab
Customizable pre-filter selection
One-button operation makes it easy to use
It takes in air from 360 degrees, so it doesn’t matter if you have it against a wall
What we think could be better
After you’ve moved the 211 around your house, you might find that the top falls off when lifted โ that’s because the movement detaches it
Lack of activated carbon pellets as it also uses impregnated carbon fabric like the 411+
We bought our 211+ in the bold Diva Blue pre-filter, but you can choose which color suits your home: Lunar Rock, Crystal Pink, Dark Shadow or Buff Yellow (my favorite, but I was outvoted).
Another positive feature in Blueair devices is that the filters are super easy to replace; the 211+ is no different. As you can see from my video, it takes less than 25 seconds to remove the old filter and put a new one in.
The running costs are higher with this unit compared to the 311 Auto above, but the 211+ is a larger air purifier that requires more energy to run, so factor this into your budget.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
20 minutes
Air purifier technology:
HEPASilentโข Technology and Activated Charcoal Filter + Ionizer technology
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
540 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 350 CFM Smoke: 350 CFM Pollen: 350 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
20H x 13W x 13D inches (51H x 33W x 33D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
12.98 lbs (5.89 kg)
Filter life:
6 โ 8 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 37.2 dB Speed 2: 45.8 dB Speed 3: 55.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
The best air purifier and fan combo in our tests, the Pure Fan Auto cleared the air in our home lab 45 minutes faster than the fastest Dyson combo unit we’ve tested.
So, you need an air purifier to clean your air and a fan to keep you cool, but donโt want to pay for two separate devices? Well, the Pure Fan Auto is Blueairโs introduction into the combo market and they havenโt skimped out on cleaning prowess.
The Pure Fan Auto may be a short, boxy unit, but it towers over the rest of the competition in the fan/purifier combo market, including the two units we own from Dyson, the PH03 and the HP04, both of which cost significantly more to buy.
What we really like
It offers a powerful air cleaning performance, considering itโs also a fan
The design is super cool and portable โ it will fit any room in your house and not look out of place
It comes with the always handy auto-mode
It is a lot smaller than other combo units with similar cleaning power
What we think could be better
It doesnโt contain any activated carbon so wonโt be able to deal with any odors or gasses
The fan is not as effective as the Dyson combo units
In our performance testing room, the Pure Fan Auto cleared all the airborne pollutants we created in 26 minutes, while the PH03 took 70 minutes and the HP04 had a staggering time of 84 minutes.
This performance is attributed to a combination of the powerful motor inside the Pure Fan Auto and its thick HEPASilentโข filter. This filter is hugely efficient at trapping and removing microscopic particles that can harm your and your family’s health.
Blueair has included some cool extra features on this unit with a sleep mode that brings the fan down to its quietest fan speed and turns off all of the display lights and an auto mode that reacts to your air quality using a sensor and adjusts the fan accordingly.
If youโre looking for a highly efficient air purifier/fan combo with excellent performance and a stylish design, you should seriously consider the Pure Fan Auto.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
26 minutes
Air purifier technology:
HEPASilentโข filtration technology
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
326 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 220 CFM Smoke: 210 CFM Pollen: 250 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
15.5 x 12.9 x 11.2 inches (39 x 33 x 29cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
11.6lbs (5.26kg)
Filter life:
6 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 37.8 dB Speed 2: 47.9 dB Speed 3: 59.6 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):
$89.84 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):
$1.21
Manufacturerโs warranty:
2-year warranty when you register your air purifier
Country of manufacture:
Designed and engineered in Sweden, assembled in China
What to look for when buying a Blueair air purifier
According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, an estimated 3.2 million deaths were attributed to household air pollution. Itโs not just your mortality compromised by indoor contaminants, as exposure can lead to strokes, heart disease and respiratory diseases.
Air purifiers are the ideal solution for removing pollutants from the air in your home. Whether you want to avoid what Iโve mentioned above, suffer from allergies, have issues with traffic pollution or wildfire smoke, or even just want to keep litterbox odors at bay, thereโs an air purifier that is right for the job.
Unfortunately, not all air purifiers are created equal, so itโs important you look for the right unit that matches your space and suits your needs. Here are a few things to consider when buying a Blueair air purifier.
1. The size of your room
Different Blueair air purifiers are engineered to work in different-sized spaces, so measuring your room beforehand is particularly important. If you buy an air purifier thatโs too small, it wonโt be effective, yet buying one thatโs too big will be a waste of money and energy.
You can use our CADR calculator to find out how much CADR you need to thoroughly clean the air in your room:
2. The desired functionalities
Modern air purifiers can come with a multitude of extra features, from simple timers to wireless phone chargers. Some of Blueairโs units come with an auto mode where air purifier sensors measure the air quality and adjust the fan accordingly without you needing to touch anything.
If this is something you need/want, look for a Blueair unit that has โautoโ in the title.
The latest models of the Blue Pure range are called Max. Some have an โiโ at the end, which indicates they have an onboard air quality sensor and app support. But be aware that all these extra features (such as auto and smart modes) come at an extra cost.
3. The long term running costs
When calculating your budget, itโs not just the unit’s initial cost you need to consider. Air purifiers need electricity to run, which costs money. Different Blueair units need different amounts of energy to run; thatโs why we calculate the average annual cost per unit and put it on our โSpecs & Featuresโ table.
Another additional cost to consider is replacing the filter in your air purifier. HEPA filters are the most effective way of removing particles from the air, but they have a shelf life. Once they become full of pollutants, they will no longer be effective.
Check out the โSpecs & Featuresโ table to see how long the filter in each unit lasts so that you can factor this into your budget.
Common questions about Blueair
Blueair has pioneered this โgeniusโ technology in order to get maximum effectiveness from a HEPA filter with less sound coming from the air purifierโs fan (the noise comes from the fan working at top speed).
This is done by combining an electrostatic charge with the traditional HEPA filter. The electrostatic charge makes particles stick to the maze of fibers in the HEPA-like magnets, so they have more chance of becoming trapped, removing them from the air.
Both Blueair and Levoit are known worldwide for their high-performance air purifiers. After our indepth performance tests and reviews, the team at HouseFresh regulary reccomend the Levoit range over the Blueair models. The main reason is that HEPASilentโข uses an ionizer that you canโt disable and potentially could bring chemical byproducts into your airspace. Blueair units are CARB certified but none of their Blue Pure range apart from the Pure Fan Auto have 0 levels of ozone.
As we test all of the air purifiers we review, we can compare them side-by-side. We pit the Levoit Core 600S VS Blueair Blue Pure 211+ in a battle royal to see which of these two cleaning giants comes out on top. Click the link to see which comes out on top.
HEPA filters work by trapping particles from the air when it passes through. As the particles donโt go anywhere, over time, the filter becomes full, restricts airflow and eventually becomes ineffective. At this point, itโs time to replace your filter with a new one so that you can continue to trap harmful contaminants from the air in your home.
Tip
All of the Blueair air purifiers Iโve recommended in this guide come with washable fabric pre-filters. By removing and cleaning your pre-filter, you will prolong the life of the HEPA filter.
Wrapping up
If itโs a Blueair air purifier youโre looking for, youโve come to the right place. These recommendations have been made because of their cleaning power, filtration efficiency, price point and ease of use.
Follow our suggestions on what to look for in a Blueair unit, make certain considerations concerning room size, budget and functionality and read our โSpecs & Featuresโ tables for each product to find the right air purifier for your home.
Alen are known worldwide for their range of air purifiers. This Austin-based company has been engineering and innovating since 1999, so they have a wealth of knowledge behind them. Their mission is to ” improve the quality of peopleโs livesโ with their products; their vision is to โinspire a healthier life and provide peace of mindโ for their customers.
Known for their simple yet elegant designs and heavy-duty filters, Alen air purifiers are extremely popular and trusted throughout the world. Thatโs why we wanted to get our hands on a few of their products to test and review.
First, we bought the BretheSmart 75i, which showed us how powerful Alen units can be. We then chose the BreatheSmart 45i, which was, again, very impressive. So we had to check the BreatheSmart Flex to see if Alen could keep up this streak (spoiler alertโฆit did).
As the 45i and Flex were so similar in size, we wanted to pit them against each other. This guide compares their test results, specifications, design, controls, filters, performance, sound and running costs to see which unit best suits your needs and budget.
How we test air purifiers
Read our full testing methodology.
TL;DR Which unit wins overall?
“The Alen Flex is best for most people and is a one of our favorite air purifiers for a medium sized space and allows for choice of filters and has Alen’s lifetime warranty for the lowest possible price. Yet I still run a Alen 45i in my office as I appreciate the auto-mode but it comes at a price bump that you should be aware of.โ
โ Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer
Donโt want to read the full article? Donโt worry; Iโll condense it.
๐ App connectivity ๐ Ionizer is optional ๐ Very quiet at low fan speeds ๐ Has an auto mode
What we really like
๐ Lower price than the 45i with similar CADR ๐ Energy efficient ๐ Four filters to choose from ๐ Lifetime warranty
What we think could be better
๐ Looks plain ๐ Not as energy efficient as the flex ๐ Cheapest filter option doesnโt have activated carbon
What we think could be better
๐ No auto mode or app support ๐ Higher filter costs than some other brands ๐ Control panel is a little basic
The specifications compared side-by-side
When it comes to specs, the 45i is the winner as itโs lighter, quieter and, due to its higher CADR, tackles pollutants in larger rooms than the Flex.
When we compare two units side-by-side, we first look at their cleaning power. This is called CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to show us how effective an air purifier is at its job.
The 45i boasts a higher CADR at 245 CFM whilst the Flex falls slightly behind at 225 CFM. But, when we put these two units through our performance tests, that extra 20 CFM only translated to one-minute difference to clean the contaminants from our room.
It may win on paper, but the price difference between the 45i and the Flex is around $70 for that extra minute of cleaning performance.
H13 HEPA with an option for activated charcoal pellets
Recommended room size:
Up to 800 sq. ft.
Up to 700 sq ft
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
245 CFM
225 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
25H x 15W x 8.5D inches inches (63.58H x 38.1W x 21.5D cm)
25H x 15W x 8.5D inches (63.5 x 38.1 x 21.59 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
9.1 kg (20.1 lbs)
15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Filter life:
12 months
12 months
Noise level (low โ high):
23dB – 49dB
25 – 50dB
Estimated energy consumption:
$52.56 per year
$25.23 per year
The design elements compared
When it comes to the design aesthetics, itโs a draw as these two both look virtually identical.
The technology inside these two units may differ, but looking at them side-by-side, youโll see they are practically exactly the same. It’s too close to call a winner.
The subtle differences lay in the grill at the top of the unit, where the 45i has bigger square holes than the Flex and the control panel (which weโll go into later) and the 45i sits a little higher on its stand.
The 45i is lighter, so it is easier to move, but they both feature a flat, removable front panel held on with magnets, curved edges and measure up the same size. To the untrained eye, you would never be able to tell the difference.
Ease of use and control panel compared
Regarding the control panel, the winner has to be the 45i thanks to its extra features, including an auto mode, ionizer and display brightness control.
They may be identical from the front, but when you look from above, youโll see the differences on the control panel. Letโs start with our winner, the 45i.
Seven touch-sensitive round buttons are placed along the black glossy top of the 45i to adjust its settings.
Filter indicator with three lights (green, yellow, red) to warn you when the filter needs to be replaced
Light adjusts the brightness of the display between low, high and off
Power button in the center to turn the unit on and off
Speed switches between its four fan speeds (with the highest being Turbo speed)
Auto engages auto mode, where the unit uses data from its air quality sensor to adjust the fan speed according to the amount of pollutants in the air.
Lock allows you to disable the control panel after pressing and holding it for three seconds
Sometimes, youโll find that air purifiers with touch-sensitive controls are lacking on the โsensitiveโ part, making them hard to operate. This isnโt the case with Alen air purifiers. From the units weโve reviewed, we found the controls very easy to press, and little force is needed to activate them.
The display is bright enough to be seen in daytime but not so bright that itโs distracting, and the addition of a brightness control and the option to turn them off completely makes it even better.
Weโre still not sold on ionizer technology, but the fact you can leave it turned off is better than it running constantly.
Both units come with an AQI (Air Quality Indicator) color wheel in the center of the control panel. Using data provided by the air purifier sensors, this light displays the air quality in your room using five colors.
Color
Air Quality
Purple
Very poor
Red
Poor
Orange
Average
Green
Good
Blue
Very good
The biggest difference between the features on the 45i and Flex is that the 45i comes with an auto mode. This uses the same air quality information from its sensor to adjunct the fan to suit the amount of pollutants in the air.
The Flex only has five buttons on its control panel: Filter, Timer, Power, Speed and Lock. The lack of auto mode is a detractor for me (you may not need one), but the addition of a timer is nice.
For all you tech heads out there, Alen has developed their own BreatheSmart smartphone app that connects to your unit through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Once connected, the app allows you to monitor the air quality in your room and control the unit settings from anywhere in the world.
The app is easy to navigate and control, and it looks great. Plus, you can add/monitor/control more than one BreatheSmart air purifier if you have them in multiple rooms. The app is available for iPhone and Android devices.
In terms of filtration technology, we face another draw: both units use the same filter technology.
Through our performance testing, we were impressed with all the filters from the Alen products we reviewed. Alen shows they mean business by only including heavy-duty, thick H13 (medical grade) HEPA filters with activated carbon pellets in their units.
As the 45i and Flex are the same size, Alen decided they could use the same filters for both. So thatโs exactly what they did.
What differentiates these two air purifiers from many other models is that you can choose from five different variations of H13 HEPA filters to customize your unit to your needs and wants.
All of the above + 2.3 lbs of active carbon to absorb chemicals, VOCs and smoke
Each filter available uses H13 HEPA technology that is capable of trapping 99.9% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns (dust, dander, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses).
With the exception of their basic B4-Pure filter, they contain various levels of activated carbon pellets. This is used in filters because of its ability to adsorb odors and other VOCs (Volatile Organic compounds). The more activated carbon a filter contains, the more contaminants it can remove.
If your home isnโt affected by many pollutants, we recommend you go for the B4-Fresh Filter. Suppose youโre buying an air purifier because your home is heavily polluted (e.g. wildfire smoke), we suggest you opt for the stronger FL40-H Heavy Smoke Filter that contains 2.3 lbs of activated carbon.
Segue sentence to introduce the concept of filter replacement. Here is what you can expect from both units when it comes to replacing the filters:
Tip
When you first unbox your Alen air purifier, be sure to remove the plastic packaging from the filter before you start using the unit. If you don’t, the filter wonโt do its job, and the plastic may start to burn over time.
Air cleaning test results compared
When it comes to air cleaning performance, the Flex wins. The 45i may have been faster by one minute, but the Flex has a lower CADR, so it worked much harder to get its result.
If you’ve read a review on HouseFresh before, you’ll know that we test every air quality product we recommend in our own home lab. The Alen BreatheSmart Flex smashed the tests.
At HouseFresh, we donโt rely on manufacturer data for three main reasons:
Some air purifiers are tested in laboratory conditions; some are not
Manufacturers use different methods and equipment from each other
Some manufacturers may lie about their results
We knew that if we wanted to compare units side-by-side, we had to conduct our own performance tests under the same conditions and because youโre gonna be using your air purifier in your home, we want to test them in ours.
Every unit we review goes through the same performance tests where we fill our office (705 cubic ft) with simulated pollutants. We then turn the air purifier on at full fan speed to see how long it takes them to remove all the contaminants from the room.
Using our indoor sensor from Purpleair, which provides continual updates on PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10.0 ug/m3, we monitor and collect data from every step of the process.
For an air purifier of this size and cost, we expected to see these two units give us a time of around 30 minutes, but we didnโt predict the difference to be so minimal.
Both units performed well in our performance testing room, with the 45i clearing all of our simulated contaminants from the air in 33 minutes and the Flex in 34 minutes.
Even though the 45i had a better time, it was by only 1 minute. This shows that the Flex is working harder overall as it has a lower CADR of 225 CFM compared to the 45i, which has 245 CFM.
With their performance times so close, this shows that youโre paying those extra dollars on features, not performance. So take that into serious consideration when choosing which unit suits your needs.
Tip
If your main focus is performance, check out the Levoit EverestAir that cleared our performance room in 13 minutes.
The 45i cleared our test room in 33 minutes
The Flex cleared our test room in 34 minutes
When we look at the data side by side from the Flex and 45i, it becomes clear how close they are in cleaning performance. With only a minute between them, the Flex works harder than the 45i to match its results. You probably wonโt be able to tell the difference in a smaller room.
To see the performance of these two units on a larger scale, we compare the data next to that of other units of similar size/price/CADR that weโve tested. As you can see, they sit quite far down the list, but not a million miles away from the competition.
Noise levels test results compared
When it comes to the sound emitted, the winner is the 45i, as it generates less noise. Although the 45i is only one decibel quieter than the Flex when running at its highest fan speed level.
Even though some manufacturers use buzzwords like โWhisper quietโ and โnear silent,โ air purifiers move air through their filters using a fan that is powered by a motor. This means all air purifiers generate sound. But some make more noise than others.
Both units have four fan speeds, including T for Turbo, so you would expect that they would emit the same amount of noise. But the Flex is ever so slightly louder than the 45i on paper, though we doubt youโd notice the difference with them running side by side.
BreatheSmart 45i
BreatheSmart Flex
Noise level (low โ high):
23dB – 49dB
25 – 50dB
Weโve added this extra decibel to the Flex, working a little harder to match the 45iโs cleaning performance.
When you compare these two to some of the other air purifiers weโve reviewed of similar size, youโll see they are a little louder. But, 50dB (the loudest the Flex is at its highest fan speed) is equivalent to faint background music or a quiet office.
Tip
We donโt all know how loud decibels are and what some people consider loud, others may not. Thatโs why we take videos of all the air purifiers we review, recording each unit at their different fan speeds.
Check out both units here and see if you can tell the difference.
Regarding long-term costs, the clear winner is the Flex. The filters may cost the same, but the Flex triumphs when it comes to energy efficiency.
1. Yearly electricity costs = $25.23 (Flex) versus $52.56 (45i)
As they are electrical devices, air purifiers need energy to run. Itโs recommended that you run your air purifier 24/7, so the more energy-efficient a unit is, the less it will cost you in the long run.
Depending on what unit you buy and the state you live in, the cost of running your unit will vary, and with energy costs rising each year, itโs something you should look into before purchasing an air purifier.
The difference in energy costs between the Flex and 45i is very noticeable. The annual cost of running the 45i can come to double what it costs to run the Flex, meaning itโs a hell of a lot more energy efficient.
2. Yearly filter costs = $89 (Flex) versus $89 (45i)
Another consideration you need to make when buying an air purifier is the cost of replacing the filters. The filters in air purifiers need replacing periodically (the manufacturer will tell you how long they last on average), and itโs not recommended that you wash them.
Both of our units will indicate when itโs time to replace your filter when three lights illuminate over the Filter button. Remember, if you donโt replace your filter when instructed to do so, your air purifier wonโt run at maximum efficiency.
As both units use the same filters, the annual costs are the same. Weโve calculated this using the B4-Fresh filter, which we recommend for most household pollutants.
The filter in the Flex and 45i should be replaced every 12 months:
HEPA filters trap airborne pollutants in their tightly woven maze of fibers (think of a fly in a spider’s web), removing them from the air. Space inside the filter gets smaller as more and more pollutants become trapped, making the filter less effective.
Replacing your filter periodically ensures youโll have plenty of room to trap those harmful contaminants from the air in your home.
These two air purifiers may have many similarities, but their unique characteristics will sway you towards one or the other.
โ If you want an energy-efficient air purifier that works hard with lower annual running costs โ go for the BreatheSmart Flex.
โ If you want to pay a little extra for features like an auto mode and the choice of ionization โ go for the BreatheSmart 45i.
It was a close call between the 45i and the Flex regarding design, filters and the numbers, with only one minute to separate them in our cleaning performance tests. The difference comes with the features included and the annual running costs.
When youโre choosing which unit best suits your needs, youโll need to think about what is more important: features or energy efficiency.
At HouseFresh, we have been reviewing air quality products since 2010. In all these years, we learned not to rely on manufacturers’ claims and the ever-so-glowing marketing materials. That is why we buy products with our own money, so we can write unbiased reviews after we’ve had enough time to evaluate air quality products in our home lab. Every unit we recommend has been thoroughly tested to assess its performance, energy consumption, and noise levels emitted in real-life environments. If you have any questions about our testing process for different types of air quality products, just drop us an email at danny@housefresh.com.
SOURCES
We calculated the monthly energy consumption costs with the help of the Department of Energyโs appliance energy calculator. We calculated yearly costs associated with running both units for 24hs a day for 365 days. We ran this calculation utilizing the U.S. average utility rate of $0.12/kWh as of October 6th, 2023.
Blueair has produced high-performing air purifiers for our homes for over two decades. It all started in 1996 when the company’s President, Bengt Rittri, wanted the same fresh, clean air for his children to breathe indoors as they had outside in the Swedish countryside.
Fast forward to the present day and Blueair is now one of the leading manufacturers of air purifiers worldwide, focusing on using state-of-the-art filter technology, simple operation and designs that reflect their Swedish heritage and innovation.
We wanted to put the Blue Pure 411 and the 411+ together to see if it is worth spending the extra money or if this upgraded unit is simply a marketing ploy to get you to spend more. The only way to find out was to put these two air purifiers side-by-side and see what difference a โ+โ sign really makes.
TL;DR: Which unit wins overall?
โA clear upgrade on the decent Blue Pure 411, the Blueair Blue Pure 411+ is an easy budget air purifier for those looking to clean a small space like a bedroom and who donโt want something that will create a lot of noise.โ
โ Danny Ashton, Founder & Senior Writer
We know your time is valuable, so hereโs our quick-read pros and cons for each unit. If you want to delve further into our findings, read on for an in-depth look into this battle for clean air.
๐ Customizable color pre-filter ๐ Low noise output even at high fan speed ๐ Simple operation ๐ Filters easy to replace
๐ Low running costs ๐ Washable pre-filter ๐ One-button operation ๐ Bright and bold color
What we think could be better
What we think could be better
๐ No activated carbon pellets ๐ No extra features ๐ No carry handle
๐ No shell protecting the filter ๐ No timer ๐ No air quality sensor
The specifications compared side-by-side
Regarding specs, the 411+ is the clear winner with its lighter body weight, larger room coverage and higher cleaning power that cleared our performance testing room of contaminants in only 43 minutes.
Blueairsโ mission is to produce high-performing air purifiers for the modern home, and with these two units, theyโve succeeded.
While the 411+ retails around $30 more than the 411, itโs worth shelling out those extra dollars for its superior performance. The 411+ is also suited to larger rooms, is a couple of pounds lighter, and is more hardwearing.
17H x 7.8W x 7.8D inches (43.18H x 19.812W x 19.812D cm)
16.7H x 8W x 8D inches (42H x 20W x 20D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
3.4 lbs (1.54 kg)
5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
Filter life:
6 months
6 months
Noise level (low โ high):
17dB – 46dB
17dB – 46dB
Estimated energy consumption:
$10.51 per year
$10.51 per year
Design elements compared
When it comes to design aesthetics, the winner is the 411+ due to its protective casing around the filter that the 411 doesnโt have and its magnetic tab that keeps the cable tidy.
The variations may be subtle with these two units, but the little differences make the 411+ the winner.
First off, one of the things we disliked about the 411 was the exposure of the filter. This meant that the filter could get damaged if it got knocked or you picked it up by the body. Blueair must have thought the same, as theyโve added an outer casing to the 411+ that protects its filter and makes it easier to pick up.
Another minor design feature is the magnetic tab on the 411+. This attaches to the unit’s shell to keep the cable tidy and out of the way.
Both units also share many of the same design elements. The top of the circular unit houses the fan and motor and the bottom โ is dedicated to the HEPASilentโข filter. Both units have fabric pre-filters that can be removed and washed (prolonging the life of the HEPA filter).
Blueair has put extra thought into its pre-filter by offering a range of colors to customize your unit to your taste or your home’s decor. The range includes Lunar Rock, Crystal Pink, Dark Shadow, Buff Yellow, Dive Blue and Saffron Red.
Ease of use and control panel design
When it comes to the control panel, the winner has to be 411+. Even though they are very similar, the 411+ looks sleeker, and the button is more sensitive when changing fan speeds.
When Blueair upgraded the 411 with the 411+, they kept the unitโs operation the same. One change they did make was a slight branding facelift to the control button. But, for me, that slight change made the difference.
Blueair likes to keep things simple. So simple that they opted for an easy-to-use one-button operation for their Blue Pure series. This means there are no complicated display screens or fingerprint-covered controls, no remotes to lose or apps to download.
With three fan speeds to choose from, Each press of the button cycles through them and turns the air purifier on/off. The button also acts as a filter replacement indicator. When the lights around the button glow red, the air purifier is ready for a new filter.
Air filtration technology
Both units use the same Blueair trademarked HEPASilentโข filters, so itโs a draw.
Blueair offers two different filters for the Blue Pure 411 series. Their Particle + Carbon Filter is included as standard, or you can opt for the SmokeBlock Filter. Each of these filters utilize Bluairsโ HEPASilentโข technology, capable of removing 99.97% of harmful particles and pollutants from the air in your home.
Theyโve named it HEPASilentโข as itโs specially designed to require less air pressure, which means the motor doesnโt need to work as hard as it needs less energy to pull contaminants in. The less the motor has to work, the quieter the unit is.
The SmokeBlock version is packed with more activated carbon, which is the ingredient that removes smoke, odors and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air. We recommend you go for this option, especially if you do a lot of cooking, use chemicals or paint on a regular basis or if your air is affected by wildfire smoke.
Here is what you can expect from both units when it comes to replacing the filters:
When opening up the box of your new Blueair air purifier, you must twist off the top and remove all of the packaging from the filter before you start using the unit. If you donโt, the filter wonโt work, and you will probably begin to notice a foul smell of the plastic packaging burningโฆ not cool.
Air cleaning performance test results, compared
When it comes to air cleaning performance, the 411+ wins hands down. When we put both units through our performance cleaning tests, the 411+ cleared the contaminants from our room 25 minutes faster than the 411.
The similarities may be clear, but the differences become more apparent when you analyze each unit’s cleaning performance.
When looking for the right air purifier for your home, cleaning performance should be high on your priorities. Manufacturers usually provide performance data for you, but often, these tests are done in sterile lab conditionsโฆnot in a home.
To ensure we get fair, concise results, we test all the air purifiers we review under the same conditions, in a real room, in an actual homeโฆour home.
We conduct all of our performance testing in our 705 cubic foot office that we fill with simulated pollution by lighting an incense stick and letting the smoke fill the room. Once the room is packed with pollutants, we turn the air purifier on at full fan speed and time how long it takes to remove the incense smoke from the air.
We monitor the whole process using our indoor sensor from Purpleair, which gives us updates on PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10.0 ug/m3 in real-time so that we can give you the results.
Another reason we gather this performance data is so that we can compare air purifiers side-by-side. In the case of the 411 and 411+, the data we collect will show us if Blueairsโ upgrade is worth the money.
(Hint: It is)
The 411+ cleared our test room in 43 minutes
The 411 cleared our test room in 68 minutes
As you can see from our air cleaning tests, we have a clear winner here with the upgraded 411+, clearing our performance room 25 minutes faster than the standard 411 model.
Because we test the cleaning performance of every air purifier we review, we can compare them side-by-side to see how they perform against the competition.
Both of these units fall a little short when compared to larger units on the market, but that is because they are engineered to be most effective in smaller spaces. While the 411+ cleared our performance testing room faster than average (across all the air purifiers weโve tested), the 411 proves that itโs a little slow and outdated.
Noise levels test results compared
When it comes to noise levels emitted, the vote is yet again tied as they both emit the same level of sound as each other.
When Blueair released the original 411, they made a quiet unit ideal for bedrooms using their HEPASilentโข technology. Thankfully, theyโve kept this aspect for the 411+.
At their lowest fan speed, both air purifiers emit a whisper-like 17 dB (quieter than a ticking watch), which youโll hardly notice. Even at its highest fan speed of 46dB (average room noise), theyโre quieter than many units on the market.
To show you what we mean, hereโs a chart comparing noise levels to other popular units of similar size.
The chart shows that compared to other units of similar size and cleaning power, the 411 and 411+ are quieter. The Levoit Core 300 is louder, producing 24-48dB, as is the TaoTronics AP005, which emits 25-50dB of noise at its lowest and highest fan speeds.
Cost associated with running each air purifier
Even though they use the same filters and the same amount of energy, you need to run the 411 for longer, at higher speeds, using more energy in the long run.
1. Average yearly electricity costs = $10.51 (411+) versus $10.51 (411).
When buying an air purifier, itโs not only the initial cost of the unit you need to consider. Like many other home devices, air purifiers use electricity and electricity costs money (obviously.)
Thatโs why itโs essential to look at how much energy a unit draws before committing to a purchase as (now more than ever), energy costs rack up over time.
Luckily, Blueair is extremely energy conscious, making each of its units as energy efficient as possible, and these two are no exception. Both the 411 and 411+ need minimal electricity to run thanks to the HEPASilentโข filter and efficient motor.
The 411 loses this section as youโll need to run it at higher speeds for longer periods than the 411+, which, in turn, will use more energy.
2. Yearly filter costs = $47.98 (411+) versus $47.98 (411+)
Another additional cost to consider when buying an air purifier is the price of replacement filters.
HEPA filters are effective at removing harmful pollutants as they are made up of a maze of tiny fibers that capture particles from the air as it passes through them. Because the particles have nowhere to go when trapped, HEPA filters fill up with them and become less effective over time.
It all depends on how polluted your room is, but on average, Blueair suggests you replace the HEPASilentโข filter every 6 months. You can use Blueair genuine filters or replace them with โunofficialโ filters from another brand. The unofficial filters are usually cheaper, but weโve only tested genuine Blueair filters, so I canโt testify to other brands.
As both air purifiers use the same filter replacements, the cost is the same.
This was a pretty easy battle. The data doesnโt lie. The 411 has been left obsolete with the introduction of its upgrade, the 411+. It may share many of the same attributes as its predecessor, but its cleaning performance surpasses the older model.
Most air purifier guides are written by freelance journalists who just repeat manufacturers’ claims and marketing slogans. Here at HouseFresh, we take all our air purifier reviews seriously, we refuse units in exchange for reviews and use our own money to avoid any sort of bias. We put every air purifier through our in-depth testing process in our own home, testing each unit’s cleaning power with an air quality sensor, measuring how much energy each unit uses with an electricity monitor and recording noise levels with a sound level meter.
SOURCES
We calculated the monthly energy consumption costs with the help of the Department of Energyโs appliance energy calculator. We calculated yearly costs associated with running both units for 24 hours a day for 365 days. We ran this calculation utilizing the U.S. average utility rate of $0.12/kWh as of October 6th, 2023.
From odors to pet hair, the most effective way of removing pollutants from the air in your baby’s nursery is by introducing an air purifier.
As a rule of thumb, I recommend you look for a model that filters out particles and gases (to remove allergens AND unwanted smells) and that can clean the air in the room five times per hour without generating a lot of noise.
With that in mind, I have shortlisted three air purifiers that you should consider based on test results from over 150 different models. If you want to learn more about our testing methodology, head over to this page.
A new air purifier from Coway that filters particles and odors without generating a lot of noise.
The Coway Mighty2 will tick off most boxes for most parents because it fits small to medium-sized nursery rooms up to 390 sq. ft. (36 m2), comes with activated carbon to deal with unwanted odors, features a laser sensor that unlocks auto-mode AND it offers excellent air cleaning power.
In our particle removal tests, it outperformed popular models from Levoit, Winix and Blueair while generating less noise.
If you want to set it and forget it, you can leave it on Smart mode and let the sensor control fan speeds as needed depending on the quality of the air. If you’re thinking of doing this, I recommend adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor to Level 1, which is the highest.
It has an all-in-one filter with a particle filter (for pollen and dust) on one side and activated carbon pellets (for odors and gases) on the other.
You also get a pre-filter that you will have to vacuum every couple of weeks, or every week if you have hairy pets at home. I love the design because you can slide it out without opening the front cover โ less mess and dust floating around!
CONS
The buttons are not backlit, so itโs a little challenging to see what youโre pressing at night.
When set to Smart mode, it will automatically go into Sleep mode when the light sensor detects darkness.
It doesnโt come with app support, which isnโt something you need in an air purifier but perhaps you want to have it.
PROS
It offers excellent performance for an air purifier of this size that sells for less than $280.
The filter is much chunkier and larger than the one you get with other mid-sized air purifiers, so you can expect a longer lifespan.
It comes with a laser particle sensor that responds much faster than the optical sensor you get in most other air purifiers at this price point.
It is smaller than other mid-sized air purifiers so it wonโt be hard to find a spot for it, even in small nursery rooms.
It doesn’t use an ionizer so you don’t need to worry about ozone being released into the air.
If youโre looking for an air purifier for a nursery room with app connectivity or if the Mighty2 is unavailable where you live, then Iโve got two other recommendations for you:
The Vital 200S offers similar air cleaning performance to the Airmega Mighty2 at a cheaper price ($189.99) and with app connectivity. The pre-filter is removable and the main filter is bonded, with particle filtration on one side and carbon on the other.
The Philips 3200 is widely available across countries in Europe, Asia and Oceania. It offers a similar level of air cleaning power and it also comes with app support. Plus, you get a lamp function that could work as a night light for the nursery room.
A small air purifier with particle and odor filtration and smart features.
If you’re looking for an air purifier for a small nursery room or to place on top of a drawer, then my recommendation is the Eleva 300X from Levoit. Based on our particle removal tests, we calculate that it can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 247 sq. ft. (or 23 m2).
When we tested its particle removal speed, it cleared our test room faster than most other small air purifiers while generating 55 dBA of noise.
The only model that completed the test faster than the Eleva 300X is the Blue Pure 511i Max with Blueair’s signature HEPASilent ionizer technology, which unfortunately cannot be disabled.
You get two filters: a HEPA filter that removes particles from the air and a gas filter with activated carbon pellets that adsorb odors.
And because the filters are separate, you can replace the carbon when it’s full without having to throw away a perfectly good HEPA filter – which is what happens with all-in-one filters like one in the Mighty2 (above).
CONS
The use of AI in the data reporting seems to add complexity and lag for no obvious benefit.
It’s more power-hungry than other small cylindrical models from brands like Dyson and Blueair.
You must register the filters to pair them to the device. If you donโt do this, you lose the filter lifespan tracking function.
PROS
It offers excellent value for your money! It has the lowest cost per CADR across all other small units Iโve 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 โ no more all-in-one cylindrical filters youโll 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.
You can connect it to Levoit’s VeSync app, which is one of my favorite apps along with the app for Xiaomi and Philips models.
The ProX can clean the air five times per hour in large spaces up to 693 sq. ft. (or 64 m2).
The Coway Airmega ProX is the most powerful residential air purifier we have tested and offers a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm when running at top speed, while generating just 53.6 decibels of noise.
It completed our particle removal test in 13 minutes at a level of quiet performance that we’ve only seen with air purifiers powered with PC fans.
It doesn’t have app support but it has a laser sensor and four smart modes: eco, silent, turbo + auto. Plus, real-time particle readings on screen.
CONS
It is not cheap, with a list price just over $800.
It doesnโt come with app connectivity, which some people might expect to get when paying upwards of $800.
PROS
Itโs the fastest residential air purifier we tested, ranking 2nd after the commercial beast that is the Smart Air Blast โ we estimate a PM1 CADR of 462 cfm.
It comes with an onboard air quality sensor and shows real-time particle readings on screen paired with a color-coded LED light at the top of the device.
It features four smart modes, giving you more flexibility based on how much power, noise, or energy consumption you want.
It is made of high-quality materials and looks great.
How to choose the right air purifier for your baby’s nursery room
According to the CDC, for an air purifier to be truly effective at cleaning the air, it should be able to perform 5 air changes per hour (or ACH) in a room. Unfortunately, some brands will advertise the room size coverage to achieve just one ACH.
So before you blindly trust the room size recommendation specified by the manufacturer, check the technical specifications to find your desired model’s CADR (or clean air delivery rate).
The rule is simple: a higher CADR (stated in CFM, or cubic feet per meter) means greater cleaning power.
Once you have found the CADR of the model you’re considering, you can find out if it’s powerful enough to clean your baby’s nursery room five times per hour. Just use our CADR calculator to find out what CADR you should be looking for to achieve 5 ACH:
And if you’re still unsure, just send me an email to danny@housefresh.com and I’ll try to help!
Wrapping up
Finding the right air purifier for your babyโs nursery doesnโt need to be daunting or expensive. Simply follow our guide and choose a unit that fits your budget, the size of your space and the features you want from an air purifier.
And if you already have a specific model in mind, you should check out our comparison tool to see how your desired air purifier compares to the over 150 different models we have tested here at HouseFresh:
Sadly, most โbest air purifierโ lists you will find ranking on Google or YouTube are nothing more than the latest list of the best-selling devices, regardless of whether they will be suitable for large spaces.
In fact, most air purifiers are designed for small spaces (up to 300 sq. ft.), so the units recommended by big media publishers generally don’t pack the power needed to clean very large rooms. That can lead you to buy an underpowered air purifier that won’t be effective at keeping the air clear of pollutants because it just can’t clean the air fast enough.
For large rooms, you need an air purifier with a high clean air delivery rate (or CADR) to provide the recommended 4.8 air changes per hour needed to help reduce the level of particulate matter in the air. That is why all our picks for large spaces have a high CADR.
Of course, we didn’t stop there.
Before we put together the list you’re about to read, we tested the air cleaning performance of every air purifier by burning an incense stick in our test room and using two PurpleAir laser particle sensors to track how long each unit needed to remove the smallest particles (PM1) from the air. And that was just the first of many tests…
How we test air purifiers
Read our full testing methodology.
But we donโt just test our devices; we live with them. Our home is full of air purifiers, so we can uncover things that testing in isolation wonโt reveal โ from how easy it is to clean the pre-filter to how reliable the auto-mode or the app is.
Based on our first-hand data and experience living with these devices, these are the best large-room air purifiers available to buy right now.
Staff picks: The best air purifiers for large rooms
If you donโt have time to read through my full article, scroll through the table below to see my picks.
Last update on 2026-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now, if video is your thing, you might prefer to watch the video version of this article:
Iโve chosen air purifiers with individual strengths because we all have different needs. Whether it be performance, sound, size or budget, this guide has something for everyone.
1. The best overall: Smart Air Blast Mini
A BIG air purifier with a huge fan and filter that still manages to clean the air quietlyโthe best-performing air purifier for rooms up to 703 sq. ft.
The CADR for this air purifier is 435 CFM (740 m3/h). Smart Air recommends it for spaces of 915 sq. ft. (85 m2), but based on our calculations, you will get 4.8 air changes in rooms up to 703 sq. ft. When we tested it running at top speed, it cleaned our test room in 12 minutes, which was quicker than any other device we had tested:
What is even more impressive is that the Blast Mini still managed to clean our test room in 16 minutes when running at its lowest fan speed which produced less than 45 dB of sound. This air purifier truly blew my mind.
Sure, the PC fan DIY kit air purifiers still provide quieter operation, but for pure air cleaning power at sub-45 dB, the Smart Blast Mini MKII is the device to beat:
AIR PURIFIER MODEL
FAN SPEED
SOUND LEVEL AT LOWEST SPEED (dBA)
TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM AT LOWEST SPEED
Levoit Vital 200S
Speed 2
42.5 dB(A)
46 minutes
AirFanta 3Pro
4.84v
38.1 dB(A)
31 minutes
Smart Air Blast Mini
Speed 1
44.9 dB(A)
16 minutes
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7
Only speed
38.8 dB(A)
20 minutes
Winix 5500-2
Speed 2 (no ionizer)
42.5 dB(A)
43 minutes
Levoit EverestAir
Speed 1
39.1 dB(A)
25 minutes
TaoTronics AP-003
Speed 2
42.8 dB(A)
47 minutes
Molekule Air Mini+
Speed 3
46.2 dBA
113 minutes
What we really like
It is made out of metal, and while itโs heavy, it comes on wheels. Compared to most other air purifiers, this device can take a lot of knocksโperfect for a location like a school.
The lack of smart features. You donโt need to worry about app connectivity or WiFi connection. If there is a power cut, this device will come back on automatically when the power is restored.
The pre-filter is easy to remove for regular cleaning. It is better to have a removable pre-filter like the one that comes with the Blast Mini compared to cylindrical air purifier designs, where you need to remove the entire filter just to clean the pre-filter.
What we think could be better
It is not cheap. This air purifier will set you back around $599 if you’re buying from the U.S. or ยฃ450 if you’re in the UK.
It is far from ‘mini’. This is a heavy air purifier (59 lbs or 26.8 kg), and you canโt hide it away. It is called Mini because it is the small version of Smart Airโs Blast air purifier, which is basically a wall on wheels.
It gets noisy at top speed(56.3 dB). That said, you can run the Blast Mini at its lowest fan speed and it will still provide you with clean air faster than the majority of air purifiers on the market todayโand it is good to have that extra power there in case you need it!
Behind the stylish front cover of the Blast Mini, you will find an incredibly powerful fan and a huge, long-life H13 HEPA filter. It is worth mentioning that the Blast Mini doesnโt have an activated carbon filter as standard, so if you are looking for an air purifier to help tackle unwanted smells or VOCs in a large room, I highly recommend you spend a little extra to add a carbon filter.
There are no special bells and whistles on the Blast Mini like auto mode, air quality monitor or touch-screen control. Founded by people who werenโt happy with the cost of air purifiers, Smart Air set out to produce high-performing, low-cost, no-thrills units that do their job really well. That is why their devices donโt have sensors or any smart features, so I use my Blast Mini connected to our Philips Hue system to run it on a schedule that works for our home.
At $149.99, the AirFanta 3Pro is the most affordable high CADR air purifier on the market today for spaces up to 671 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: a base at the bottom, a custom-made HEPA H11 filter on each side and an array of powerful PC fans on top. At its highest fan speed, it has a CADR of 436 CFM, so it can provide 4.8 air changes per hour in rooms up to 681 sq. ft.
Looking at those figures, you can probably understand why the 3Pro earned a spot on this list. Try finding a traditional HEPA device with a CADR north of 400 cfm for less than 150 bucks!
When running at its top speed, the 3Pro cleaned our 728 cubic ft. test room of all traces of PM1 particles in just 14 minutes with HEPA filters only and 18 minutes with HEPA + carbon filters.
When calculating the total running costs associated with running an AirFanta 3Pro at full speed every day, you can expect to spend $125.23 per yearโthis aligns with the running costs you will see with other popular air purifiers:
AIR PURIFIER MODEL
ESTIMATED ELECTRICITY COST (per year)
FILTER REPLACEMENT COST (per year)
YEARLY MAINTENANCE COST
Levoit Vital 200S
$49.48
$49.99
$98.01
Nukit Tempest Euro
$20.10
$80.00
$100.10
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7
$11.66
$89.99
$101.65
Corsi-Rosenthal box
$50.56
$60.32
$110.88
Winix 5510
$59.91
$79.99
$139.90
AirFanta 3Pro
$48.02
$49.99
$166.02
Coway Airmega 250S
$64.10
$159.98
$224.08
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII
$129.30
$149.99
$279.29
What we really like
The AirFanta 3Pro was designed to be portable. It can be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes, and it fits inside a carry-on luggage or even a medium-sized backpack.
It is small but incredibly powerful. It took just 14 minutes to clean our test room, which is just two minutes slower than the much larger Smart Air Blast Mini.
It comes with a power adapter to control the speed of the fans and the noise output. I tested it at lower voltages and still achieved solid air cleaning performanceโwhen running at 8V, it generated 47.2 dBA of noise and cleaned our test room in 17 minutes!
It is the cheapest PC fan-powered air purifier you can buy today. It is not only cheaper but also A LOT easier to put together than a standard DIY PC fan air purifier kit.
What we think could be better
It is the noisiest PC fan air purifier we tested. When running at top speed, we measured 56.3 dB, which is as loud as standard shop-bought HEPA devices.
It is the most electricity-hungry PC fan air purifier we tested. Energy costs are similar to standard retail HEPA devices when running at full speed.
You will not find any other air purifier with a CADR above 400 that you can bring along with you wherever you go. This makes the AirFanta an excellent choice for events and shows.
Like the Smart Air device, it doesnโt have any smart features, but the power control allows you to find a sound level you’re happy with. For those wanting to clean a large room for the best bang for the buck, the AirFanta 3Pro is our top choice.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
14 minutes
Air purifier technology:
True HEPA H11
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
671 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Estimated: 430 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Filter life:
6 – 12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
3.63 volts: 36.1 dB 4.19 volts: 36.9 dB 5.24 volts: 39.7 dB 6.54 volts: 43.3 dB 7.44 volts: 46.7 dB 8.56 volts: 49.1 dB 12.6 volts: 56.3 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
43.23 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):
$125.23 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):
The Luggable XL is another air purifier powered by PC fans that was also inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal Box. While traditional CR boxes use box fans and work well, they also take up a lot of floor space and run loud. CleanAirKits improved on that design by bringing together a combination of powerful PC fans with HVAC filters, allowing the Luggable XL to clean the air effectively without excessive noise or energy usage.
We went with the 7 Sickleflow versions of the Luggable XL, which costs $227 as a kit without filters and $299 fully assembled. This version has an estimated CADR for dust of 323 CFM and in our testing, it cleared all PM1 pollutants inside our 728 cubic ft. test room in 20 minutes:
20 minutes is very good performance, matching what we saw with popular retail units like the Winix 5500-2 (20 minutes), the Levoit Vital 200S (18 minutes) and Philips 3000i Series (18 minutes). However, the thing that impressed me the most was the level of sound we recorded with our sound level monitor:
AIR PURIFIER MODEL
SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (dBA)
TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM
PRICE
Levoit Vital 200S
57.7 dB(A)
23 minutes
$189.99
AirFanta 3Pro
56.3 dB(A)
17 minutes
$159.99
Smart Air Blast Mini
56.3 dB(A)
15 minutes
$599.00
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7
38.8 dB(A)
23 minutes
$299.00
Winix 5500-2
58.9 dB(A)
23 minutes
$249.99
Levoit EverestAir
57.8 dB(A)
16 minutes
$499.99
Corsi-Rosenthal box
60.7 dB(A)
32 minutes
$85.00
What we really like
It is the best performing quiet air purifier we have tested. As you can see in the table above, most HEPA retail devices running at their top speed are much louder than the 38.8 dB we recorded for the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7.
The fans are standard PC fans and can be swapped out easily. I opted to go with the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 fans offered by CleanAirKits on their website, but I could easily replace these if anything were to happen with the Cooler Master fans.
You can use any 25x20x1 HVAC filters. Although I do recommend choosing the 3M Filtrete 1900 MERV13 as they are some of the best we have come across.
It is incredibly energy-efficient, even with seven PC fans. In our tests, our Luggable XL-7 pulled just 10.55 watts! If you had to leave this device running 24/7, it would only add $11.09 to your yearly energy bill.
What we think could be better
It is not cheap considering you need to build it yourself. If you donโt need a super quiet air purifier, then you can get similar air cleaning performance for less than $150 with devices such as the AirFanta 3Pro. That said, there are many variations of the Luggable that could mean you get yours pre-assembled or even with less fans, which could help reduce the price.
It could be less durable than standard shop-bought HEPA devices or something like the Nukit Tempest. The design of the Luggable XL means that the filters are exposed, so they could be easily damaged if you are not careful.
Even though upfront costs can get a bit high depending on what options you go with, the CleanAirKits Luggable XL will be much cheaper in the long term thanks to the use of HVAC filters and the lower energy usage from the PC fans.
So, for those who want a super quiet air purifier for a large room, then look no further than the Luggable XL as it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 485 sq. ft. while generating 38.8 decibels of noise.
If you want a device that can handle dust from large construction areas or gases inside big workshops, then consider this beast. The CleanShield HEPA 550 is suitable for 800 sq. ft. and has a reported CADR of 550 CFM. You can even daisy chain three of these devices together for a total combined airflow of 1650 CFM.
The AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550 can quickly remove particles and gases in large spaces thanks to its combination of filters: You get one layer of HEPA + activated carbon, and then another layer with a MERV 10 filter for larger particles.
When we tested it in our test room, all PM1 particles were reduced to zero in a speedy 16 minutes. This landed the Alorair Air Scrubber 550 at the top of our leaderboard for air cleaning performance – but it doesnโt come cheap at $497 and it is super loud:
AIR PURIFIER MODEL
SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (dBA)
TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM
PRICE
Corsi-Rosenthal box
60.7 dB(A)
25 minutes
$85.00
AirFanta 3Pro
56.3 dB(A)
14 minutes
$149.99
Levoit Vital 200S
57.7 dB(A)
18 minutes
$189.99
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7
38.8 dB(A)
20 minutes
$227.00
Winix 5500-2
58.9 dB(A)
20 minutes
$249.99
AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550
74.5 dB(A)
16 minutes
$497.00
Levoit EverestAir
57.8 dB(A)
14 minutes
$499.99
Smart Air Blast Mini
56.3 dB(A)
12 minutes
$599.00
What we really like
The rotomolded polyethylene (LLDPE) chassis is super strong and durable. This is the perfect choice for those looking for something less delicate than the usual shop-bought HEPA devices to be used in a construction zone or a large workshop.
Its stackable and can be daisy-chained. You can connect multiple units together to achieve even greater air cleaning capability. However, Alorair recommends not stacking more than two units on top of each other.
It comes with a 10-year warranty. This is something we only see with long-standing manufacturers like IQAir or Alen, which makes their units more of an investment.
What we think could be better
The Alorair Air Scrubber 550 is the loudest air purifier we have ever tested. When we recorded noise levels generated with a sound meter from 3 ft. away, we measured 74.5 dBA at its top speed.
This device uses A LOT of energy, pulling 224 watts at its highest fan speed. This makes the Alorair 550 a very expensive option in the long run: assuming 24/7 operation, it can add over $240 to your energy bill.
To be clear, I wouldnโt use this like a standard air purifier. But for those who want something durable for large spaces to deal with renovation pollution, construction dust or workshop fumes, the the AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550 is one to consider.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
18 minutes
Air purifier technology:
MERV 10, HEPA and Activated Carbon filters
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
900 sq. ft.ย
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
550 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
24.8L x 20.87W x 14.96H inches (63H x 53W x 38D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
39.6 lbs (16.7 kg)
Filter life:
6 – 8 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 73.7 dB Speed 2: 74.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
Speed 1: 213 watts Speed 2: 224 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):
$315.37 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):
$0.90
Manufacturerโs warranty:
10 years on polyethylene body + 1 year on parts & labor
Country of manufacture:
5. The best DIY option: Corsi-Rosenthal Box
A DIY air purifier for those who donโt want to buy another device for their homes that will be effective in rooms up to 680 sq. ft.
If you already have a box fan somewhere at home, you might be able to build an air purifier powerful enough for spaces as large as 680 sq. ft. Iโm talking about a device that went mainstream during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: the Corsi-Rosenthal box.
The brainchild of Dr. Richard Corsi and Jim Rosenthal, this do-it-yourself unit uses the basic principle of what an air purifier is: a fan and a filter. The CR box consists of four (or five) HVAC filters attached to a box fan using tape. There are no fancy functions or features, auto mode or air quality sensors, which can be a con or a pro, depending on your opinion.
This is a great option if you need an air purifier right nowโeven the EPA has produced a study on DIY filters and found the Corsi-Rosenthal box to have the highest level of cleaning power for dealing with wildfire smoke. The very best design uses five filters, a cardboard shroud and has legs. We haven’t tested this version yet but we did test two other configurations.
The CR box with four MERV 13 filters and no shroud cleaned our test room in 32 minutes:
And the CR box with four MERV 13 filters and a cardboard shroud cleared the air in 30 minutes, meaning that the shroud shaved off two full minutes at no extra cost:
What we really like
You can build it with stuff you may have around your house right now. All you need is some HVAC filters, a box fan, cardboard and some duct tape.
You get a CADR estimated at around 274 CFM for around $85. It offers the same (and better!) air cleaning performance as much more expensive shop-bought devices such as the Mila (35 mins), the Austin Air HealthMate HM400 (37 minutes) and the PuroAir 240 (48 minutes).
What we think could be better
It takes up a ton of floor space. As you are looking for a device for a large space, this shouldnโt be a massive issue but you need to be aware of it. This unit uses 20x20x1 MERV 13 filters, so when made into a box, it will be pretty big.
It runs quite loud. When running at its top fan speed, our CR box hit 60.7 dB(A), and there is no way to adjust this as it is the only speed available after removing the dial to add the cardboard shroud.
So, for those wanting to build an air purifier suitable for large spaces with stuff they have around the house (or spending less than $100), then the Corsi-Rosenthal box is the best option.
Other units we tested but donโt recommend for large rooms
Austin Air HealthMate– A large, robust, American-made air purifier containing a filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon for dealing with VOCs. However, it didnโt have the cleaning power that we expected from a unit of this size. Our air cleaning performance test results show that it needed 37 minutes to clear all PM1 pollutants from the air in our small 728 cubic ft. test room โ that is nearly the same amount of time it took the Levoit Core 300, which is a small device that you can place on the kitchen counter.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+– This was a strong contender for our guide. Itโs powerful, comes with effective filters, looks really cool and is extremely easy to use. However, it didnโt make my list for one reason: you canโt disable its ionizer. I wrote about ionizer technology in depth here, but studies show that ionization produces harmful by-products, such as ozone and nitric oxide, that are not only harmful with people with respiratory conditions but can also interact with common household chemicals to generate new ultrafine particles.
PuroAir HEPA 14 240– Despitethe manufacturers’ bold claims, the PuroAir 240 simply doesnโt clean the air effectively in large spaces. This air purifier needed 48 minutes to clear all PM1 particles from the air in our small test room, so it would take hours to clean the air of a large space. Plus, considering it’s priced at $159, this is an expensive device for this level of air cleaning power.
Wrapping up
Before we close this article, I want to talk about very large spacesโthose close to 1000 sqft.
When youโre trying to find a solution for spaces this large, you will find that even the Smart Air Blast Mini will not be powerful enough to provide enough air changes per hour. Now, Smart Air does offer a large device called Blast, which is good for spaces of 1,300 sq. ft. and costs $929.
But you also have the option of using multiple devices.
To work out the total power of multiple devices, all you need to do is just add their CADR together.
1 x CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 = 323 CFM
2 x CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 = 646 CFM
A total CADR of 646 CFM is good for five5 air changes in spaces up to 970 sq. ft.
1 x AirFanta 3Pro = 436 CFM
3 x AirFanta 3Pro = 1308 CFM
A total CADR of 1308 CFM is good for five5 air changes in spaces up to 1960 sq. ft.
You can use our CADR calculator to figure out how much CADR you need depending on the size of the room:
I hope you find what you’re looking for among the air purifiers I chose for large spaces. As always, let me know in the comments if you have any questions. Or email me directly if you need help finding a device that works for your specific situation.
Hitting the open road in your RV is guaranteed to be a fun-filled adventure. But as well as collecting memories on your travels, youโll also bring some pretty polluted air on board.
This may sound at odds with the pristine air you often find in nature. However, inside your RV, you will commonly find particulate matter from traffic fumes and road dust, harmful VOCs emitted by gas stoves and may even face nature’s nastier side in wildfire smoke and allergies. Not to mention the stale smells that can occur if you have the whole family along for the ride.
Gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide that irritates the lungs. Studies show that children exposed to VOCs created by such cookers are 42% more likely to develop asthma.
You are most exposed to harmful air pollution when traveling in a vehicle. Although RVโs will have an air filter, these struggle to keep exhaust fumes such as carbon monoxide and PM2.5 such as road dust out of the cabin. While rolling down your window increases your exposure by 80%.
Cooking, cleaning and even breathing contribute to excess moisture inside your RV, meaning mold can quickly become an issue. Inhaling mold particles can cause allergy-like symptoms, including stuffy nose, wheezing and itchy eyes and skin.
Being closer to nature can result in greater exposure to allergens. Pollen particles typically range between 2.5 and 25 microns, which can enter the respiratory system and seriously affect your vacation.
Wildfires are getting worse, affecting further reaches of the country for longer periods of time. This means you can quickly become exposed to harmful particulates when traveling in your RV during the spring and summer.
Remember that all of these harmful pollutants will be exemplified in the confined space of your RV. The EPA has conducted numerous studies that show indoor air pollution is 2-5 times worse than what we find outdoors, as pollutants become trapped and concentrated inside.
Itโs simple to remove these pollutants by using an air purifier to capture the most minuscule particles and allow you to enjoy your vacation without the threat of toxic air.
Youโll also benefit from being able to invest in a more compact (and cheaper) unit, as cleaning the air in an RV is much easier than in a traditional home.
In our home lab of 728 cubic ft, we light an incense stick to generate particle pollution and VOCs.
We set up our trusted Purpleair Indoor Sensor with the latest Bosch gas sensor to track levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10ug/m3 and VOCs in the air.
We switch the air purifier to its highest speed and measure how long it takes to get our room air quality down to PM1 level to 0.
For portable air purifiers, we repeat this test inside our Tesla Model 3 to see how good the unit is at cleaning the air in a small enclosed space.
We use an energy meter to measure precisely how much electricity is used when running the unit at the lowest and highest fan speed settings.
We track sound levels emitted by the air purifier at different fan speeds with the help of a commercial sound meter.
With our test data in hand, I was then able to select seven of the best air purifiers on the market that will help transform the air in your RV.
Staff Picks: The top 3 air purifiers for RVs
If youโre in a hurry to hit the road, here are our three top picks, allowing you to find a speedy solution to your air quality concerns.
Last update on 2026-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether you travel in a Tiny Home campervan or a house-on-wheels RV, your space can quickly turn from sanctuary to cesspit if you ignore your air quality. With all recreational vehicles being different, assessing your options to find the right purifier is essential.
Check out the complete list below to see various options suited to varying-sized spaces, styles and budgets.
The IQAir Atem eclipsed other portable units during our tests, clearing all traces of PM1 particles 10 minutes faster than the next best unit. Powered by a decent fan that achieves an airflow of 39 CFM and IQAirโs outstanding HyperHEPA Plus filter technology.
These filters can remove 99% of the smallest PM and gas particles. This means everything from exhaust fumes to road dust will be removed from your RV. Despite being a portable unit, the filter also comes with a 1-year lifespan โ the longest-lasting filter on this list.
This option looks sleek, and IQAir has clearly thought about how this unit will be used in a vehicle. You can simply sit it atop a surface inside your RV’s living quarters or attach it to the cabin’s headrest for targeted protection while you drive. Even the way you power this unit is geared toward RVs, connecting to the 12V DC adapter in your vehicle while drawing a minimal 3.4 watts at its highest speed.
What we really like
Rapid particulate removal for a portable air purifier
High quality, HEPA-certified filters
DC power makes it ideal for use on the road
The app is a valuable addition, offering enhanced controls even when youโre not near the purifier
What we think could be better
The controls are less responsive, but the app makes up for it
It will be out of many people’s budget
The downside is that you have to pay a lot more for this performance than elsewhere on the market. At $400, this is undoubtedly a premium option that may not appeal to all RV users.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our Tesla Model 3 (with the device running at top speed):
37 minutes
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
1 hour and 55 minutes
Air purifier technology:
HyperHEPA Plus Filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
150 sq. ft. for car mode
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 39 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
17.7H x 9W x 17.7D inches (29H cm x 29W x 10D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
Filter life:
1 year
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 35.5 dB Speed 2: 40.5 dB Speed 3: 58.2 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
At $54.99, this option offers an excellent CADR to $ ratio, achieving 24 CFM in a campervan or trailer. During our in-vehicle tests, we saw impressive results in removing the smallest particles as the QT3 cleared the Tesla in 47 minutes, which is not bad at all considering the price.
Equipped with a HEPA filter, this purifier is tailor-made to tackle dust, dander and road debris, capturing PM2.5 particles in a single pass. The QT3 also gets bonus marks for having an in-built fan, which will help to regulate the RV temperature on hotter days.
What we really like
Decent performance and dual-action fan for a great price
Rechargeable so there is no need for an electricity connection
Itโs lightweight and compact design makes it uber-portable
What we think could be better
No activated carbon filter, so it canโt target VOCs or odor
Less versatile than other units as it took almost 4.5 hours to clear our home test lab
The Smart Air QT3 is ideal for use on the road thanks to its rechargeable battery. From a single charge, the QT3 provides four hours of cool, clean air delivered throughout your RV. Thanks to the USB-C charging port, you can even top up the battery while itโs in use.
Iโm also a huge fan of this unit’s lightweight and ultra-modern design, making it easy to take with you on your travels and slot effortlessly into place inside your RV.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our Tesla Model 3 (with the device running at top speed):
47 minutes
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
4 hours and 27 minutes
Air purifier technology:
HEPA filter made with polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) with an 800-hour lifespan
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
12.9 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 21 CFM Smoke: 21 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
5.9L x 5.7W x 7.1H inches (15cm L x 14.5cm W x 18cm H)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
1.375 lbs (0.624 kg)
Filter life:
6 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 36.3 dB
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):
$39.72 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):
The Core 300S is the most powerful air purifier on this list, boasting a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 141 CFM, making it excellent for large RVs.
๐กexclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10
This unit uses Levoitโs three-stage filter to combat a wide range of pollutants. Its pre and primary filters cover particulate matter such as road
dust, mold spores and allergens that are rife when roadtripping. While the activated carbon filter takes care of VOCs found in traffic fumes, nitrous oxide emitted from gas cookers and unpleasant odors can take hold when living in a confined space.
What we really like
Super speedy performance, this unit cleared our 705 cubic foot test lab in just 39 minutes
High quality filters including a activated carbon filter with ARC technology to capture and kill VOC pollutants
Smart features such as Auto mode and app support are really useful
With a room size suitability of 219 sq. ft this is ample coverage for even the largest RV
What we think could be better
It requires to be plugged into the mains electricity
This is the largest unit on this list so might not be ideal for those in a smaller RV
Being an S model, you can expect to find some pretty handy smart features that will make cleaning the air in your RV even easier. One of the stand-out smart features is the 300Sโ ability to connect wirelessly to Levoitโs VeSync app.
Here, you can check the air quality in your RV, adjust fan speeds, engage auto mode and set the timer function. You can even use its voice-activated controls to change any settings while driving.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โ โ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
45 minutes
Air purifier technology:
3-Stage Filtration (pre-filter, main particle filter, high-efficiency activated carbon filter)
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
219 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 134 CFM Smoke: 126 CFM Pollen: 154 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
5.95 lbs (2.7 kg)
Filter life:
6 – 8 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 38.9 dB Speed 2: 45.7 dB Speed 3: 54.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
The 200S is tailored for spaces as large as 183 sq. ft, being able to perform 4.8 air changes in a space this size.
๐กexclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10
With a higher rate of airflow, you can expect to eradicate harmful particulates and gasses found when traveling in an RV in record speed. Using Levoit’s hallmark 3-stage filtration, you can breathe easy knowing that all the common RV pollutants will be taken care of. From road dust to exhaust fumes and even the stinky odors that accumulate when vacationing with the whole family.
What we really like
It can clean a large area of all pollutants in an hour
More compact than the 300S for those tight on space
On sleep mode, it makes just 24 dB, allowing for round-the-clock protection
Low energy draw is ideal for solar or leisure battery use
What we think could be better
It requires to be plugged into the mains electricity
No on-board air sensor for real-time feedback or Auto mode
When we assess the CADR to $ ratio on offer from the 200S, it is seriously a shrewd investment. Add this to the fact you can also connect the purifier to a smartspeaker or the VeSync app and it really feels like a bargain.
You won’t find an in-built air sensor nor see the same speedy results as the more powerful 300S. However, you will notice a lower power draw, which is preferable when running on limited electricity and enjoy a more compact design that will slot into a medium-sized RV without stealing too much living space.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โโ
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
61 minutes
Air purifier technology:
3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses)
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
152 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Dust: 109 CFM Smoke: 98 CFM Pollen: 104 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
12.6H x 8.07W x 8.07D inches (32H x 20.5W x 20.5D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
6.59 lbs (2.99 kg)
Filter life:
6 – 8 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 39.6 dB Speed 2: 43.7 dB Speed 3: 49.1 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
This increase in performance is evident when comparing test data with the ionizer-free Smart Air QT3. Despite the QT3 being a more powerful unit, they both cleared our Tesla of all pollutants in 47 minutes. An excellent time for both units.
Inside the 1804 is a HEPA filter to remove particulates and their patented NCCO (Nano Confined Catalytic Oxidation) reactor, which (much like activated carbon) removes VOCs and odors from the air in your RV.
Well designed to fit in a multitude of spaces in your RV without eating up much space
It comes with a built-in battery that can go on for up to eight hours
What we think could be better
NCCO filter means this might not be the best option for those with respiratory conditions
Only two fan speeds, which limits your response to changing pollutant levels
Thereโs no denying that the 1804 is an excellently designed air purifier. It comes with a modern aesthetic, a carry handle and a choice of four colors. Plus, its compact size means it will sit comfortably on a tabletop, nightstand, or even beside you in the cockpit as you go on your next adventure.
Another key feature that makes the Westinghouse excellent for use in an RV is its in-built battery. Providing enough juice for up to eight hours of pollutant-free air on a single charge.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โ โโ
Time to clean our Tesla Model 3 (with the device running at top speed):
47 minutes
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
4 hours and 40 minutes
Air purifier technology:
True HEPA and NCCO
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
23 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Estimated: 15 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
6.3L x 6.3W x 3.5H inches ( โ28.39 x 21.41 x 18.28 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
2.12 lbs (0.96 kg)
Filter life:
3-4 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 36.7 dB Speed 2: 39.8 dB
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):
$27.81 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):
For an air purifier that costs less than $40, Iโm not going to tell you this option will change your life. But for car campers, campervans or targeted use in small areas like the driverโs cabin, you will benefit from much cleaner air with this unit by your side.
Thatโs because this unit uses HEPA filters that are guaranteed to remove particles like road dust. Whatโs more, it comes with an activated carbon-impregnated pre-filter that will even take the edge off those unpleasant smells that all too often arise in an RV.
What we really like
Super portable thanks to a lightweight design and carry handle
Rechargeable battery that lasts longer than any other portable option on this list
Makes just 15 dB on its lowest fan speed
An absolute steal at less than $40
What we think could be better
It took a long time to bring pollutant levels down to zero
It is quite underpowered in comparison to the other units on this list
The PureZone mini is also a doddle to use. It has a simple one-button control panel to select from its three fan speed options. It weighs less than 1 lb and will fit right into your luggage. Thereโs a nifty carry handle and its lithium-ion battery can last up to 12 hours before you need to put it back on charge.
Youโll also notice that this is the quietest option on the list, meaning it won’t distract you when sleeping, working or listening to your favorite road trip playlist.
HouseFresh rating:
โ โ โโโ
Time to clean our Tesla Model 3 (with the device running at top speed):
3 hours and 41 minutes
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):
6 hours and 49 minutes
Air purifier technology:
Pre-filter, HEPA filter and Activated Carbon filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):
54 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Estimated: 10 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):
8.5H x 2.7D x 3.3W inches / 21.5H x 6.8D x 8.8W cm
Weight (in pounds / in kg):
0.27 kg / 0.58 lbs
Filter life:
6 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):
Speed 1: 35.7 dB Speed 2: 37.5 dB Speed 3: 43 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):
$29.44 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):
$0.20
Manufacturerโs warranty:
5 years
Country of manufacture:
China
7. An option including essential oils diffuser: Levoit Core Mini
The smallest Levoit air purifier in the Core line, the Mini is perfectly sized to fit into your RV without eating up precious floor space.
๐กexclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10
The Levoit Core Mini proves that good things can come in small packages. Despite being the cheapest air purifier from the brand, it still shares the same technology as their high-end units.
Youโll find VortexAirโข technology, which pulls in air from 360 degrees, leaving no corner of your RV safe for pollutants to lurk in. As well as Levoit’s 3-stage filter that tackles the smallest dust, pollen and smoke particles, along with combatting odor and VOCs.
What we really like
Only air purifier to include an essential oil feature
Super compact, so wonโt take up too much space in your RV
Low energy draw is ideal when you only have limited power supply
It comes with Levoitโs excellent 3-stage filters
What we think could be better
Fairly low CADR for a mains-powered unit
I think it would struggle to clean the air in the advertised 178 sq. ft. space
Levoit decided to forego smart features and stick to a simple one-touch operation with three fan speeds on this unit. This makes operation simple and helps keep costs below $50, which is ideal for a unit used in an RV.
The Core Mini also has a secret weapon up its sleeve that will help with the stale and stinky smells that can overwhelm an RV. An essential oil tray on the side of the unit allows you to add your favorite fragrance and banish bad odor from your home on wheels.
What to look for when buying an air purifier for your RV
RVs are homes on wheels and with that come all the pollutants we find daily in our properties. With everyone sharing the same space, cooking dinner, sleeping and using the bathroom, pollutants can quickly build up. Not to mention the added exposure to traffic fumes, road dust and allergies you experience when traveling in a vehicle.
To find the right air purifier for your RV, consider these five key features that will help protect you when out on the road.
1. Does the air purifier utilize quality filters?
An air purifier is only as good as its filter technology. While varying forms are cropping up in newer appliances, the best (and safest) bet is to opt for mechanical filters that capture particles as they pass through the unit.
HEPA and Activated Carbon filters are peer-reviewed and proven to work. The HEPA stamp of approval indicates that a purifier can capture at least 99.97% of polluting particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it the ideal choice for the range of particles youโll encounter inside your RV.
Itโs worth noting that Levoit recently changed the terminology of their filters from H13 HEPA to simply a primary filter. While this would usually set off alarm bells, we are confident that Levoit air purifiers can still capture the tiniest particles, as weโve experienced it firsthand during our hands-on reviews.
2. Can the purifier clean the air effectively inside your RV?
Each purifier is designed to work in a specific sized room, so youโll need to measure your space and compare it to different unit’s suggested room sizes.
Youโll want to find a unit capable of completing at least four air changes per hour (ACH). This means intaking, cleaning and redistributing the air from your whole RV four times over to ensure it is free from pollutants.
Having recently spent my vacation in a classic VW Campervan, I know that to achieve 4.8 air changes per hour, the minimum power an air purifier needs is 19.55 CFM.
Those of you with larger vehicles will need more powerful units, so be sure to measure up and use our CFM Calculator below.
3. How much energy does the purifier use?
You may be relying on a limited power supply when on the road. So the last thing youโll want to do is drain your solar or leisure battery or only be able to utilize the purifier when connected to an electrical hookup.
By opting for an air purifier that draws minimal energy, you can preserve your power supply while keeping your air fresh for longer.
Alternatively, looking for rechargeable options with internal power sources will pay dividends for those seeking a more off-grid RV experience.
Such units include the Smart Air QT3, Westinghouse 1804 and Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini, while the IQAir Atem utilizes the in-cabin 12V power supply. Bear in mind that the Levoit Core Mini, 200S and 300S require a traditional power supply as these units are more powerful than their portable alternatives.
4. Will the air purifier get in the way?
Space is always in short supply when spending time in an RV.
Assess where the air purifier would work best in your RV. Youโll want to keep it near to where you spend the most time (i.e., the bed or driving cabin) or as close as possible to any known pollutant sources. This will give you a good idea of how much space you have to spare and what size purifier you can purchase.
Opting for a smaller air purifier that can fit neatly on the worktop or shelf is a logical choice, but remember not to purchase an underpowered unit.
Each purifier will also make varying sound levels, so if youโre a light sleeper, will be working while traveling or simply enjoy the sound of silence, itโs best to know what you’re letting yourself in for before you take the plunge. Many manufacturers are now developing quieter and quieter appliances, with technology such as Levoits QuietKEAP keeping volumes as minimal as possible.
Tip
To find a purifier’s decibel range, check out our Specs and Features table for each option or consult the manufacturer.
5. Will you benefit from any additional features?
Air purifiers are increasingly offering new and innovative ways to make cleaning the air simpler. Smart features such as Auto or Eco modes monitor the air and adjust the fan speeds to respond to the current air quality levels, while Smartspearker or App connectivity allows you greater control, even when you’re away from the appliance.
Some units also combine technologies, offering two devices in one, such as fans, heaters and humidity control. This can be particularly beneficial in an RV, with interchangeable weather conditions and often issues surrounding excess moisture.
Common questions about air purifiers for RVs
The best way to improve air quality is to reduce exposure to pollutants. This might mean avoiding driving at peak traffic hours, steering clear of dusty backcountry roads or keeping on top of RV cleaning chores.
While you can throw open your windows and doors when parked up and away from pollutant sources, doing so while driving will increase particle levels substantially.
Using an air purifier in your RV is a failsafe approach to improving air quality, as it captures all particles, from pollen to dust to mold, wherever you are in the world.
Air purifiers work really well inside an RV as they can circulate air more effectively in a compact single-room space (compared to a house or apartment). More air changes mean far fewer pollutants, even when the source is prevalent at the time.
Remember that air purifiers require electricity to operate, so be sure to consider how you will power the unit before making a purchase.
How you power an air purifier depends on the individual unit.
Traditional air purifiers used in a home setting will connect to a power socket like any other appliance. These can still be used in an RV if you have the correct power supply or will stay at RV parks or campgrounds with electrical hookups. Such units include the Lvoit Core 300S and Core 200S, which make great additions to larger RVs that require more powerful fan speeds.
Portable or personal air purifiers usually have an in-built power supply. Units like the Smart Air QT3 can be charged at home and used on the road without electricity. Purifiers such as the IQAir Atem have special power adapters to use in your vehicle – reducing the risk of running out of juice.
The Levoit Core 300S offers the best protection from a wide range of pollutants for those with access to mains electricity. Itโs the most powerful personal air purifier on this list and is ideal for larger RVs with multiple occupants.
For those without the luxury of a full electric hookup, the IQAir Atem is your best choice. This portable air purifier boasts the highest CADR score, allowing for rapid removal of pollutants from your RV.
Wrapping up
Whether you love getting away for the weekend or are a full-time van lifer, paying close attention to the air you breathe on the road is essential. Remember that when residing in a vehicle, youโll face all the same pollutants in the home but with added traffic, dust and allergen concerns.
Opt for a quality purifier with quality filters to combat harmful particles. Combining HEPA and Activated Carbon filters will provide you with the best protection. To see a real difference in your air quality, measure your RV and find a suitably powerful option. Otherwise, youโll lose precious RV space and energy without seeing the benefit.
At HouseFresh, we have been reviewing air quality products since 2010. In all these years, we learned not to rely on manufacturers’ claims and the ever-so-glowing marketing materials. That is why we buy products with our own money, so we can write unbiased reviews after we’ve had enough time to evaluate air quality products in our home lab. Every unit we recommend has been thoroughly tested to assess its performance, energy consumption, and noise levels emitted in real-life environments. If you have any questions about our testing process for different types of air quality products, just drop us an email at danny@housefresh.com.
