The Top Air Purifiers We've Evaluated

Best Overall

This air purifier proved to be one of the top performers we tested for eliminating particulate matter (PM), such as smoke and pet dander, along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly those from mothballs. It also helped eliminate a lingering musty odor from an entryway, earning it a spot as one of our Very Best Products of 2024. The Levoit Core 400S achieves these impressive results with the aid of three filters: an activated carbon filter for absorbing VOCs and odors, a HEPA filter for allergens and other pollutants, and a pre-filter for larger debris like dust, lint, pet hair, and more.

The unit arrives fully assembled and is designed to cover up to 400 square feet, utilizing its 360-degree air intake. It's light enough to move from room to room, with handles on both sides for easy portability. We were particularly impressed by how quietly it operates—there was no noticeable increase in the room's decibel level on sleep or quiet modes, and it didn’t disturb us while we rested.

Along with its impressive performance, this air purifier offers a range of advanced features, including Wi-Fi connectivity for control via an app or smart home devices like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa—all of which were user-friendly. The digital display is easy to read, showing real-time air quality readings, and automatically adjusts the fan speed accordingly. Available in white and black, this model boasts a sleek, cylindrical design that can be placed on the floor or a table.

Our only gripe is the cost of the associated HEPA replacement filters—the manufacturer recommends replacing them every six to twelve months. However, considering the Levoit Core's performance during our testing, the investment could be worthwhile for maintaining cleaner indoor air.

Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches | Weight: 14.1 pounds | Room Size: 403 square feet | CADR: 260 CFM | Certifications: Energy Star, ETL Listed

Best Value

Our test results showed that the affordable Clorox True HEPA Air Purifier performed just as well as, if not better than, some of the more expensive models we tested. Running it for 30 minutes on its lowest setting, the purifier reduced PM2.5 by 72% and VOCs by 62%; on its highest setting, it decreased PM2.5 by 79% and VOCs by 70%.

The purifier features a tall, cylindrical tower design and a three-stage HEPA filter, making it ideal for large rooms up to 1,500 square feet, effectively removing allergens, particles, and bacteria. For smaller spaces, you can also opt for versions designed for medium (up to 1,000 square feet) and small rooms (up to 200 square feet).

In our tests, the purifier performed best on its highest setting. Not only did it eliminate airborne contaminants, but it also helped remove odors, leaving the space smelling fresher. While the noise level on the highest setting is manageable and easy to talk over, it might be distracting for watching TV. For nighttime use, the whisper mode operates at a quiet 30dB, allowing you to sleep undisturbed while it cleans the air.

Although the manufacturer claims the filter traps pet hair, our tests showed no pet hair collected in the filter. If you don't have pets, this purifier is a great option, though keep in mind that the filter needs to be replaced every six to twelve months.

Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 19 inches | Weight: 12.72 pounds | Room Size: 1,500 square feet | CADR: 206 CFM for smoke, 219 CFM for dust, 232 CFM for pollen | Certifications: Energy Star

Ideal for Allergy Relief

The Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier is a fantastic choice for combating allergy symptoms. Equipped with a powerful five-layer filter, including an activated carbon filter and a BioGS HEPA filter, it effectively eliminates dust, dander, pollen, odors, and VOCs. You can personalize your filter selection to address your primary concern—whether it's Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Toxin Absorber, or Odor Remover. Ideal for spaces up to 1,070 square feet, it’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.

Packed with useful features, this purifier offers an auto-mode that adjusts fan speed based on the air quality. You can even control it remotely via Wi-Fi from your phone. It also has a mood light function, which automatically adjusts the lighting based on the room’s ambient light.

To test its efficiency, we sprayed incense and room deodorizer throughout the room to evaluate how well the purifier would perform. In both instances, we observed that the air purifier quickly cleared the air, and the difference in air quality was noticeable in no time. On its lowest setting, it removed 88% of PM2.5 and 81% of VOCs. However, it wasn't as effective at capturing larger particles like pet hair.

We also tried various noise settings and found the manufacturer’s claims about its quiet operation to be true. This was most evident during the first three levels, where the fan was barely noticeable. Although this model scores high for features, the premium price of both the purifier and the replacement filters (which need to be replaced annually) may deter some buyers.

Dimensions: 18.9 x 8.4 x 19.7 inches | Weight: 20.3 pounds | Room Size: 1,070 square feet | CADR: 315 CFM for pollen, 262 CFM for dust, 257 CFM for smoke | Certifications: Energy Star

Best for Pet Hair

Unlike many air purifiers we tested, the Winix 5500-2 excelled at capturing pet hair during our tests. After scattering hair in the testing area and running the purifier, we found the fine mesh pre-filter covered in hair, showing its effectiveness. Additionally, the purifier reduced PM2.5 levels by 80-82% and VOCs by 86-88% within just 30 minutes at its highest setting.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a four-stage filtration process: First, the washable fine mesh pre-filter captures larger particles. Then, the washable carbon filter targets VOCs and odors. The true HEPA filter follows, trapping particles as tiny as 0.003 microns. Finally, Plasmawave technology releases ions that bind with airborne pollutants, breaking them down.

The 5500-2 is Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Verifide for 360 square feet, but the manufacturer states that it can purify spaces as large as 1,740 square feet in just one hour, making it an excellent choice for homes with open layouts.

This model is equipped with several high-tech features, including a remote control, a real-time air quality indicator, and an auto mode that adjusts fan speed based on air quality. It’s particularly suitable for light sleepers, offering quiet operation that allows easy conversation, plus a sleep mode that activates when the room darkens. The purifier runs at a quiet, energy-efficient setting until the lights turn back on, at which point it switches to auto mode.

It also includes a filter indicator light, though the manufacturer suggests replacing the carbon and HEPA filters annually. Our only downside is the somewhat bulky design, which makes it challenging to blend into a room's decor.

Dimensions: 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches | Weight: 14.8 pounds | Room Size: 360 square feet | CADR: 246 CFM for pollen, 243 CFM for dust, 232 CFM for smoke | Certifications: Energy Star, AHAM Verifide, UL listed

Best for Smoke

Dyson is known for creating sleek, compact devices, and this air purifier is no exception. Standing just under 4 feet tall, it’s surprisingly small for its height and can be discreetly placed (though be cautious of blocking the air intake by placing it too closely to objects). We were impressed by how quickly this purifier cleared the air of smoke using its HEPA and activated carbon filters. After testing, the air in our testing area was even cleaner than that of the surrounding office space.

This innovative air purifier offers a unique two-in-one functionality, combining both air purification and cooling fan capabilities. You can select fan mode for direct cooling and purification or opt for the reverse airflow mode to purify without cooling. With Wi-Fi connectivity, the unit can be controlled remotely, and the accompanying app displays room temperature, humidity, and air quality data over time. Additionally, it lets you create a schedule to automate the device's operation. A remote control is also provided. During testing, the air quality sensor was so responsive to VOCs that it increased the fan speed when we were painting our nails.

The Dyson Purifier Cool features 10 airflow speeds, including an auto mode that detects air quality and adjusts accordingly. We noticed that the noise level was nearly imperceptible on setting 1 and comparable to a low-speed fan on setting 10. The night mode, perfect for light sleepers, dims the display and activates the quietest settings for a peaceful environment. Notably, this model is the only one in our list with both Energy Star and Asthma & Allergy Friendly certifications. Keep in mind, however, that the HEPA/carbon filter needs replacing annually.

Dimensions: 4.7 x 8 x 41 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Room Size: 800 square feet | CADR: Not listed | Certifications: Energy Star, Asthma & Allergy Friendly

Best for Dust

Dust removal is one of the primary functions of an air purifier, and the Aroeve MK04 excels in this regard. Featuring a 360-degree air outlet that enhances air circulation, it's compact and perfect for smaller spaces like bedrooms. The air purifier monitors PM levels in real-time, and we found that its readings were consistent with those from our air quality monitor. For allergy sufferers, the true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, effectively removing allergens such as pollen and pet dander.

The MK04 comes with a programmable timer offering 8-, 12-, and 24-hour options, and a sleep mode that dims the display and operates at a quieter, lower speed. In addition to clearing allergens, it also effectively removes odors, leaving the home smelling fresh after cooking or a weekend away. Its standout feature is its dust-collecting power—after three months of consistent use, the filter had accumulated a significant amount of dust. However, it lacks a filter change indicator, though the manufacturer recommends replacing the HEPA filter every three to six months.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 1 x 17.3 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Room Size: 1,095 square feet | CADR: 300+ CFM | Certifications: N/A

Best for Odors

This air purifier is perfect for removing odors, particularly after it revived a damp, musty basement, leaving it smelling fresh for the first time in ages. When left in auto mode, the particle and odor sensors detect pollutants in the air and adjust the fan speed accordingly. The RabbitAir BioGS 2.0 features four layers of filtration: a pre-filter that captures large particles, an activated carbon filter that effectively combats smoke, odors, and VOCs, a BioGS HEPA filter that traps fine particles and prevents their growth, and a negative ion generator that attaches to airborne particles, either capturing them in the filters or allowing them to settle on the floor for easy cleaning.

This air purifier features an intuitive user interface that provides real-time air quality updates and alerts you when it's time to clean or replace the filters. You can also adjust the fan speed, set auto mode, program the sleep timer (up to 12 hours), and activate the negative ion generator. We were particularly impressed by its ultra-quiet operation—it's so quiet that it’s easy to forget it's even running. Keep in mind, this is not a smart air purifier, and it doesn’t come with a remote control, so you’ll need to adjust the settings directly on the unit.

Dimensions: 16.6 x 9.8 x 22.2 inches | Weight: 16.8 pounds | Room Size: 550 square feet | CADR: 162 CFM for pollen, 149 CFM for dust, 136 CFM for smoke | Certifications: Energy Star

Best for Bedrooms

After running this air purifier for just 30 minutes, we went from battling sneezes in the test room to experiencing no allergy symptoms at all. It effectively reduced odors from deodorizing sprays and incense smoke, while also decreasing PM2.5 levels by 94-96% and VOCs by 80-81% at its highest setting.

This air purifier features a touch-sensitive display with an on/off button, four fan speeds (night mode and 1-3 levels), auto mode, a filter indicator light, a child lock, and three brightness settings. It operates quietly, and its dimmable display makes it a perfect choice for light sleepers. You can connect to the Blueair app to monitor filter usage, check air quality, and adjust settings remotely.

Although it includes a filter indicator light, Blueair recommends replacing the Particle + Carbon filter every six months (a filter subscription is available). It also comes with a washable fabric pre-filter to capture larger debris, available in multiple colors, but we didn’t find it particularly effective at trapping pet hair.

Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.6 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Room Size: 219–526 square feet | CADR: 141 CFM | Certifications: Energy Star, AHAM

Ideal for Large Rooms

For larger rooms such as kitchens, bedrooms, and dens up to 930 square feet, the Coway Airmega 250 is an ideal air purifier. It not only clears pollutants from the air but also comes with a sensor that automatically adjusts the purification levels throughout the day, ensuring energy is used efficiently without overworking the system.

In our tests, the built-in sensor was quite effective at tracking air quality, especially when we had windows open during exercise or while painting. The air purifier includes several filters, such as a pre-filter and activated carbon filter, which eliminate dust, particles, sulfur dioxide, pet odors, and food smells. Additionally, the Green True HEPA filter captures contaminants as small as 0.01 microns with 99.99% efficiency.

After using the Coway Airmega 250 for six months, we noticed a significant improvement in air quality. Our allergy symptoms reduced dramatically, and persistent odors no longer lingered. The child safety lock feature also gave us peace of mind, making it safe to place the purifier in rooms like children's bedrooms or nurseries. It is recommended that you change the filter every six to twelve months.

This air purifier is reasonably priced for its size, and its design doesn’t stand out too much. It features a retro aesthetic, which may not be ultra-modern, but still blends in more effectively than other models. Its appearance is reminiscent of a large speaker. We believe it's a solid investment for those with larger living spaces.

Dimensions: 18.5 x 8.3 x 19.7 inches | Weight: 20.5 pounds | Room Size: 930 square feet | CADR: 249 CFM for smoke, 261 CFM for dust, 230 CFM for pollen | Certifications: Energy Star

Top Choice for Air Purification and Humidification

Dry air, like air pollutants, can exacerbate asthma and allergies. That's why humidifiers are commonly used by individuals suffering from these conditions. An air purifier-humidifier combo, such as the Dyson Purifier Humidifier+Cool Formaldehyde, addresses allergies from multiple angles. This device draws in air, passes it through several filters, and returns cool, humidified air to the room. It proved particularly helpful for those with chronic allergies, including pet-related ones.

This air purifier passes air through a HEPA filter to capture fine particles like pollen, dust, and dander, as well as an additional filter that absorbs odors and gases like VOCs. The catalytic filter works to break down formaldehyde emitted by common household items such as wood floors and fabrics. It offers two airflow modes: a breeze mode that replicates a cool, natural breeze, and a backward airflow mode that purifies and humidifies without cooling you.

We found the noise produced by this air purifier to be unobtrusive, even while watching TV. It features 90-degree oscillation, which helps cool rooms more quickly and efficiently. Note that this air purifier works best in a sealed environment rather than open spaces. Additional features include a nighttime mode, a remote control, a filter change reminder, an air quality indicator, and an auto mode that adjusts to achieve the ideal humidity level and responds to air pollutants.

Although humidifiers are known to be difficult to clean, Dyson simplifies maintenance with a hassle-free deep clean cycle that’s recommended monthly. You can control and monitor the device through the MyDyson app or voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. While this is the priciest air purifier on our list, it combines three appliances in one (air purifier, humidifier, and fan), making it a worthwhile investment.

Dimensions: 12.3 x 11 x 36.3 inches | Weight: 18 pounds | Room Size: 400 square feet | CADR: Not listed | Certifications: National Psoriasis Foundation

Most Fashionable

Air purifiers are generally not designed to make a bold style statement, but it's always a bonus when they look good. The Airmega 160 features a sleek, modern geometric design and comes in two colors, so you can enjoy clean air without compromising the aesthetic of your space. More importantly, it noticeably improved our allergy symptoms, reducing PM2.5 levels by 87-89% in just 30 minutes. It was a bit less effective at filtering VOCs, with a reduction of 67-78% during our tests.

This unit includes a washable pre-filter, which successfully captured pet hair, along with a carbon deodorization filter and a true HEPA filter. The filter replacement kit provides enough for the entire year, including two carbon filters and one HEPA filter.

Maintaining its sleek look, the air purifier features a minimalist control panel with a touch display, allowing you to adjust fan speed, power, light on/off, and reset the filter. It shows real-time air quality and filter quality alerts, and includes an auto mode that adjusts fan speed based on air quality. The noise level is barely noticeable on the two lower speeds, and even at the highest speed, it's not disruptive.

Dimensions: 13.4 x 6.5 x 18.5 inches | Weight: 12.1 pounds | Room Size: 214 square feet | CADR: 219 CFM for pollen, 161 CFM for dust, 138 CFM for smoke | Certifications: Energy Star

Most User-Friendly

The Honeywell HPA5300’s sleek and boxy design, along with its user-friendly light display, makes it a favorite. Not only is it simple to control, but changing the filters is a breeze. The control panel features colorful lights that indicate cleaning levels and remind you when it’s time to replace the filter, ensuring a smooth experience. Plus, the filters come in convenient packs of four.

This unit is large and best suited for medium-sized rooms of about 500 square feet. Its four-level filtration system effectively eliminates allergens, dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and dust mites from the air. Specialty filters are available for specific needs like kitchen odors, pet smells, smoke, or renovation VOCs. However, the standard filter alone removed 93% of PM2.5 and 79% of VOCs during testing.

For ease of use, the Honeywell HPA5300 features an auto mode that evaluates the room’s air quality and adjusts settings accordingly. If you prefer manual control, you can also adjust the settings yourself. Additionally, this air purifier operates at a low noise level, mostly producing white noise that is unlikely to disturb you, even if left on all day.

Dimensions: 10.8 x 19.1 x 22.3 inches | Weight: 20.5 pounds | Room Size: 500 square feet | CADR: 323 CFM for smoke, 335 CFM for dust, 335 CFM for pollen | Certifications: Energy Star, AHAM

Top for Silence

When you're looking for an air purifier to operate for long periods, noise level is a key factor. The Kenmore 1500e Air Purifier ensures you stay undisturbed whether you're relaxing, dining, watching TV, or even sleeping. With five fan speeds, the lowest setting operates at just 24dB, about the sound of a whisper. Even on the highest setting, this model doesn't produce enough noise to interfere with conversations or TV watching.

Beyond its quiet operation, this purifier features a three-stage filtration system (including a HEPA filter) and a digital interface that gives real-time updates on temperature and humidity. It also offers a customizable timer, allowing you to set it to run for 1 to 12 hours before automatically shutting off. Although designed for spaces up to 1,500 square feet, there are versions available for smaller or larger rooms, such as 800, 1,200, or even 2,300 square feet.

Note that to thoroughly clean the filter, you’ll need to wipe it down and also vacuum it. However, we weren’t entirely convinced this method is ideal, as it could potentially reintroduce contaminants back into the air. Additionally, this model didn’t do well with pet hair removal. Nonetheless, it proved effective in reducing air pollutants: on its highest setting, it removed 58% of PM2.5 particles and 85% of VOCs.

Dimensions: 11 x 21 x 11 inches | Weight: 17.16 pounds | Room Size: 1,500 square feet | CADR: Not listed | Certifications: Energy Star

Longest-Lasting Filter

The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier boasts the longest-lasting filter in its category, requiring replacement just once every five years, which helps you save on costs over time. Setting it up is a breeze thanks to clear instructions on the unit, showing exactly where to place the filters and the odor-neutralizing cartridge. This purifier is ideal for spaces up to 1,400 square feet, making it perfect for open kitchen and dining areas while effectively eliminating unpleasant odors.

During our testing, the purifier successfully removed dog urine odors from the carpet and left behind a subtle floral fragrance that made the room smell fresh. With four power levels, it automatically adjusts based on the air quality, but you can also manually select the settings through the touchscreen panel. The display shows the current air quality, helping you choose the optimal setting.

While the purifier was somewhat noisy at higher speeds, it didn’t bother us or our dog, who would comfortably sleep nearby while it ran. It's surprising that this high-end model doesn’t come with a remote, but you can purchase one separately if you'd prefer to control it from a distance.

Dimensions: 13.2 x 13.2 x 22.5 inches | Weight: 12.27 pounds | Room Size: 1,400 square feet | CADR: Not listed | Certifications: Energy Star

Perfect for Oversized Rooms

The LG air purifier’s tall and elegant design effortlessly fits into our home decor, resembling a tower fan in size and shape, which allows it to save space. It offers 10 speed settings and an additional turbo boost. We expected it to be noisy, but to our surprise, none of the settings, including the turbo, were louder than a low fan setting. We also found that it kept the room smelling fresh and eliminated various odors, including cooking smells and musty pet scents in our bedroom.

The LG air purifier can be controlled via the LG ThinQ app, where you can check air quality and operate the unit from your smartphone. Alternatively, you can monitor it through a display at the bottom of the unit. The screen’s brightness can be adjusted or turned off completely, making it perfect for nighttime use, with the added convenience of a sleep timer. While it offers exceptional value, it is among the pricier models on our list.

Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.4 x 44.1 inches | Weight: 27.6 pounds | Room Size: 818 square feet | CADR: 90 cubic feet per minute | Certifications: AAFA certified

Best Tower

For cleaning large areas, the Orsani Mod+ Hepa Filter is a powerhouse, able to purify up to 2,722 square feet within an hour. We found it easy to use, with straightforward instructions and an intuitive touchscreen interface. However, the touchscreen was a bit sluggish, requiring some patience when pressing the buttons.

The air purifier offers 12 fan speed settings, from low to high. At its maximum speed, it’s not overly disruptive, though it could be bothersome to those sensitive to white noise. Our cat found it unsettling at first, avoiding it until he adjusted to the sound. It effectively eliminated unwanted odors from the litter box and outside pollution in our city apartment.

The HEPA filter in this air purifier is designed for long-term use, lasting about a year before requiring replacement. While it provides excellent value, it lacks advanced features such as smart capabilities or a remote control. However, it does include a hidden handle for easy portability around the room.

Dimensions: 14 x 25 x 14 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Room Size: 2,722 square feet | CADR: 363 for smoke, 375 for dust, 373 for pollen, 369 for PM2.5 | Certifications: Energy Star, AHAM, CARB

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the Levoit Core 400S Air Purifier, praised for its remarkable ability to filter pollutants like smoke and VOCs, particularly those released by common household products. Its Wi-Fi capabilities also let you control it remotely via your smartphone or smart home devices, offering impressive functionality at an affordable price.

Our Testing Process

We gathered 67 top-rated air purifiers and subjected them to a range of rigorous tests in our lab. The first step was to measure the assembly time for each unit, paying close attention to how easy the provided instructions were to follow.

We then assessed the design of each air purifier, considering factors such as build quality, aesthetics, design features, and overall footprint. Using a decibel meter, we recorded the noise levels of each purifier at both high and low settings, while also taking note of subjective noise perception. For models with added features, like air quality indicators or Wi-Fi compatibility, we tested these functions to evaluate their usefulness and ease of navigation on the first attempt.

The true test for each air purifier was its ability to clean the air effectively. We set up stations in the testing space and recorded baseline levels of PM2.5 (tiny particles 2.5 microns or smaller) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). At each station, we released various contaminants, including mothballs, incense smoke, pet hair, scented room sprays, and a dust, dirt, and flour mixture. After running the air purifiers on their lowest settings for 30 minutes, we recorded PM2.5 and VOC levels again, repeating the process with the purifiers on their highest setting.

Lastly, we assessed the price of each air purifier and evaluated its overall value, considering both performance in our tests and its cost, including the price of replacement filters. After completing our lab testing, we took the highest-performing models home for further long-term testing. We checked back at one, three, and six months to gather feedback on their performance over time. We are continuing our long-term testing and will update this review with new findings as they become available.

Mastering the Art of Buying Air Purifiers

Filter Types

Some filters are more effective at removing specific pollutants like dust, smoke, and pet dander. Ensure that the air purifier you choose uses a filter designed to target the pollutants you need to remove. Each air purifier on our list combines at least two filter types to ensure optimal indoor air quality. Here's a concise guide to the most common filter types used in air purifiers:

• HEPA Filters: HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air and is the most commonly used type of filter in air purifiers. These filters are highly efficient at removing particulate matter (PM) such as mold, pollen, and dust, which makes them ideal for individuals suffering from asthma or allergies, as well as pet owners: “An air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is highly recommended for pet owners, as it removes 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns,” explains Mendez. “While a HEPA filter captures pet dander and fur, it is essential to replace the filter regularly to avoid releasing particles back into the air.” In general, HEPA filters should be replaced instead of cleaned, typically every six to twelve months, but it’s always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each specific filter.
• Activated Carbon Filters: Activated carbon (or charcoal) filters are made of carbon that is specially treated to create a porous structure, making them excellent at filtering smoke and odors. They can also absorb contaminants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which HEPA filters can’t capture. “Activated carbon filters remove odors and VOCs from the air, but they aren’t designed to filter particles,” says Carver. According to Carver, common sources of VOCs include building materials like paints and varnishes, as well as “electronic devices, cleaning agents, scented products (air fresheners, candles, essential oils), furniture, and cooking or combustion sources (stoves, grills, fireplaces).” Often, activated carbon filters are combined with HEPA filters to trap both allergens and unwanted odors or pollutants. Typically, activated carbon filters should be replaced every three to six months.
• Pre-filters: Many air purifiers are equipped with pre-filters to capture larger debris and dirt. These filters are often washable, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to other types. To keep them working effectively, pre-filters should be cleaned regularly and allowed to dry completely before being reinserted—moisture left behind can promote mold growth and reduce the quality of your air.

Room Size

It’s essential to consider the size of the room you wish to purify. If an air purifier is too powerful for the space, it will waste electricity, while one that’s too small won’t effectively clean the air. “Don’t be tempted to use an air purifier with open internal doors to try to clean the air throughout the entire house,” warns Dr. McKeon. “If the air purifier isn’t designed for that large space, it simply won’t work. It’s more effective to use the right air purifier for the room where you spend the most time, like the bedroom or main living area.”

Air purifiers typically indicate the maximum square footage they can cover. To determine the square footage of your room, simply multiply the room's length by its width.

Effectiveness

The performance of an air purifier is typically measured by its clean air delivery rate (CADR), which shows the cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air the purifier can clean on its highest setting. CADR evaluates the purifier’s efficiency in dealing with three types of pollutants: pollen, dust, and smoke (although not all manufacturers categorize them this way). "If the CADR rating is too low for your room size, it will not work effectively," notes Mendez. "A higher CADR means that the purifier can filter more particles and cover a larger area."

Noise

Even the most efficient air purifier is not worth using if it produces intolerable noise, especially since it’s meant to run continuously. Using a decibel meter, we measured noise levels on both the low and high settings, discovering that most units have decibel levels ranging from 20 to 60.

Extra Features

Many air purifiers come equipped with additional features aimed at enhancing the user experience, although these do not directly affect their air purification efficiency. Below are some optional features to watch out for:

• Wi-Fi Compatibility: Several air purifiers offer Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to control them through a mobile app or smart home assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
• Remote Control: This handy accessory lets you operate your air purifier remotely, which is especially useful if it is placed in the bedroom.
• Filter Change Indicator: Some purifiers include a light that turns on to notify you when it’s time to replace the filter.
• Air Quality Indicators: These indicators alert you to any fluctuations in your home’s air quality and show how close the air is to being fully purified.
• Multi-Function Air Purifiers: A few air purifiers also function as humidifiers, fans, or even heaters, allowing you to consolidate multiple devices into a single unit.

Certifications

Air purifiers with the Energy Star certification meet energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, helping you save money over time. You may also want to look for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Verifide label, which shows the product has passed independent tests for its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and room size claims.

Additionally, the Intertek’s Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) Listed mark confirms the product complies with North American safety standards, while the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Listed mark demonstrates adherence to UL’s safety guidelines. It's important to note that ETL does not create its own safety standards.

The Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program, co-managed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), evaluates air purifiers to ensure they meet specific criteria for reducing airborne allergens.

More Air Purifiers to Consider

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH: This air purifier has a modern, user-friendly design and is versatile enough for various room sizes. However, it wasn't as efficient as similarly priced models when it came to reducing airborne particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Shark HP102 Air Purifier with True HEPA: Known for its vacuums, Shark has expanded into air purifiers. While we appreciated the simplicity of this model, it didn't perform as well as other options, particularly when dealing with odors and pet hair.

Questions You Might Ask

Why Do You Need an Air Purifier?

"People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air," says Mendez. "Indoor air consists of tiny particles—like animal dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, and fumes from cooking, burning fuel, or cleaning products—that can trigger asthma and allergies. Air purifiers help improve your home's indoor air quality by reducing pollution and removing airborne allergens."

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers, including the ones we've tested, generally operate by drawing in air through a fan. This air is then passed through a filter that captures particles, with many models also featuring an additional filter to absorb odors and gases. Once cleaned, the air is pumped back into the room.

"Air purifiers are designed to eliminate tiny particles, a type of air pollution, from the air we breathe," explains McKeon. "These particles vary in size and can irritate the lungs or cause allergic reactions when inhaled. Major sources of particulate pollution include cooking, vehicle emissions, dust, fires, and burning materials like coal. Larger particles are caught by your nose hairs, but smaller ones aren't."

Where Is the Best Place To Put an Air Purifier?

Carver suggests, "portable air cleaners are most effective in rooms where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom, or in spaces with the poorest air quality. For instance, kitchens may have the worst air quality due to cleaning products, cooking smoke, and gas appliances."

If a particular area in your home has a strong odor, position the air purifier as close to the source as possible. For a bedroom setup, place the purifier on a nightstand or table near your head so the cleaned air has a shorter distance to travel. Avoid putting your air purifier in confined spaces or against walls, as this can obstruct air intake. Also, make sure the air purifier’s path is clear of furniture and other obstacles to ensure proper airflow.

How Long Should You Run an Air Purifier?

To maintain clean air free of allergens and other pollutants, it is recommended to operate your air purifier for at least 12 hours a day, though running it 24 hours a day is ideal. Air can become contaminated just hours after turning off the purifier.

How Do You Clean an Air Purifier?

If your air purifier has a pre-filter, clean it monthly by either rinsing or wiping it down (always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines). If the pre-filter isn’t washable, you can use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove debris. Be sure to replace disposable filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

What Is the Difference Between a Humidifier and an Air Purifier?

Air purifiers eliminate harmful pollutants such as dust, pet dander, mold spores, and odors, leaving the air cleaner and fresher. In contrast, humidifiers add moisture to the air, which is especially beneficial for those in dry climates or during the winter when the air tends to be dry. They help prevent dry skin, chapped lips, and other skin irritations caused by low humidity. Additionally, they provide moisture for houseplants and flowers.

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Melanie Fincher, an editor at Mytour, with three years of experience in writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 67 air purifiers in our Lab, evaluating them based on setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and overall value. We then brought the top performers home for extended testing, providing feedback on their long-term performance. Melanie participated in the long-term testing and now relies on her air purifier to remove cat hair and allergens in her apartment.

She also received expert advice on purchasing and using air purifiers from Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA); Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards; and Melanie Carver, the AAFA’s chief mission officer. The article was later updated by Nor'Adila Hepburn, a writer at Mytour who specializes in home and lifestyle content.