The best air purifiers we tested for improved home air quality

The best air purifiers are one of those household items that no one thinks about until they need one.

With wildfires and other environmental hazards, we thought there was no better time to give an updated roundup of the top air purifiers on the market, including the ones we’ve tested and own.

Air purifiers can be just as important as emergency preparedness kits, especially if living in a place where air quality is poor. Along with making it easier to breathe, the best ones will remove dangerous fumes and toxins from the air — you know, the things that wreak havoc on your throat and lungs.

Even if you dwell in a place where pollution is low, there are other irritants, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold to consider. No matter how many times you break out the vacuum cleaner, mop the floors or scrub your home with all-purpose cleaner, it’s not always enough to rid your space of tiny dust and particles you don’t want to inhale. The right air purifier (probably one with a HEPA filter, UVC light or a combo of both) can make your space cleaner in more ways than one.

An air purifier will save your nose from dripping and your eyes from itching due to seasonal allergies, as well as remove smoke from your home. Plus, for those pet owners out there, they can make a huge difference when cleaning up pet hair and dander — especially if you find yourself going through a lot of carpet cleaner.

See below for a full roundup of some of the top-rated air purifiers on the Internet to fit every home, budget, and need. Plus, many on this list qualify for two-day shipping or less if you’re an Amazon Prime Member.

Best Air Purifiers

Product Spotlight

The Sans Air Purifier Mini offers a powerful yet compact solution for cleaner, healthier indoor air, featuring medical-grade filtration that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and an activated carbon filter for absorbing chemicals, odors, and gases. What sets Sans apart are its three laser sensors providing precise air quality insights: the PM2.5 sensor detects the most dangerous tiny particles from sources like exhaust and cleaning products, the PM10 sensor measures larger particles like dust and pollen, and the VOC sensor identifies harmful compounds from various household items.

With ultra-quiet operation at just 30dB and a complete lights-out night mode, Sans ensures undisturbed peace day and night while efficiently covering more square footage than comparable products. For a limited time, take advantage of Sans’s special offers: get one Mini for $159, a 2 Mini Bundle for $299, or a 3 Mini Bundle for just $399, making it easier than ever to improve air quality throughout your home.

Purify on the go with this small and portable air purifier from Levoit. The mini version of the high-powered purifier comes in white and black and is great for smaller spaces, desks, bedside tables, and more. Barret Wertz, our Commerce Editorial Director, owns one and has been blown away by its efficiency.

New York Post Review: “After buying a house with a small bathroom directly off the kitchen, I knew I needed a small air purifier that didn’t take up much space, didn’t make much noise, and did remove anything questionable from the air from said bathroom. I found it with this mini LEVOIT. It packs a powerful punch with three settings and has a minuscule footprint. Standing at only 6.5 by 6.5 by 10.4 inches, the Core Mini-P weighs less than 2.5 pounds but has a purifying range of 250 square feet (more than enough for my small bathroom). This means you can use it on your desk, next to your bed, or even on the kitchen counter and breathe in the benefits. The corresponding air filters are cheap and easy to replace and last for months and months. Don’t forget to add aroma pads for as low as $7 for a 12-pack to increase your scent-sational experience.”

Replacement filters are $24 and should be replaced every four to six months.

Don’t be fooled by its compact look; this air purifier packs a punch when it comes to cleaning your air. The Coway Air Purifier is a top-rated machine by Wirecutter and more, as it uses four filtration layers to make sure all the dust and debris get trapped inside. It comes in both black and white to match your home and is even a favorite of our VP of Commerce, Jacqueline Goldstein.

New York Post Review: “I’ve had this air purifier for many, many years after being influenced to try it from a Wirecutter review (this was well before the NY Post created content about products like this). I’m actually one of those people who loves a “white noise” sound and I find the noise this machine makes very peaceful. It does a great job cleaning the air in my living room and I barely need to change the filter. I like to use it on an automatic setting, so it can turn up or down as needed. With a fluffy cat (and the fur and smells that come along with her) and occasional smoke wafting in the apartment, this air purifier gets the job done without issue. Although on the large side, because it is short and thin, I’m able to tuck it behind furniture as needed.” — Jacqueline Goldstein, VP of Commerce

Make sure your replace the HEPA filter every 12 months — replacement filters start at $60 a filter.

An affordable, space-saving purifier for our home? Don’t mind if we do. Besides capturing 99.97% of allergens, the Clorax Air Purifier offers 360 degrees of filtration! For smaller spaces (about 225 square feet), it will clean up to five times in an hour — impressive. Need help with a larger space? In an hour, the purifier can cleanse a room of 1,000 square feet. More than 2,000 Amazon customers have loved it enough to give it a rating, and our Senior SEO Commerce Manager, Meaghan Roche gives it her seal of approval too. She says it’s “quiet,” and its lights are “dimmable” for bedtime.

New York Post Review: “I got this air purifier when the Canadian wildfires were impacting air quality in NYC in 2023. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use, and I do think it makes a difference in ventilating my space. It’s compact enough that I don’t worry about it taking up room in my NYC apartment, and it’s quiet enough to sleep with it on. It’s a great value for the price and trusted brand name of Clorox, plus the filter is relatively long-lasting if you don’t have it running 24/7.”

For anyone not looking to break the bank but still want an effective air purifier, AROEVE is a must-have. It’s a $50 option that comes with a 360-degree air outlet that can cover rooms as big as 215 square feet. Noise isn’t an issue either as it has a sleep setting to, allowing it to run quieter while you catch some Zzz’s. This model requires a new filter every three to six months, starting at $17 a filter.

Dyson is the name of the game when it comes to cleaning, and now cooling, too. Perfect for the warmer months or in the winter when the heater is overpowering, this two-in-one device purifies the air in your home and projects over 77 gallons of cool air a second to cool you down. The filter should be replaced every 12 months to maintain optimal results. Starting costs for replacement filters are as low as $23.Commerce Writer Miska Salemann has been a proud owner for over a year and relies on it to not only curtail dust but also help her baby sleep better.

New York Post Review: “I have been using the Dyson Purifier Cool Purifying fan for over a year now, without any qualms. I run it pretty frequently in the summer, mostly for the cooling effect, as my apartment can get scorchingly hot. The fan noise is not too loud at all, and I even think it helps my daughter sleep at night. We also have a very hairy, shedding dog, and the purifying feature helps tremendously with dust and keeps the air fresh. I love that it is lightweight and remote-controlled, too. Makes my life much easier.”

Featuring six stages of purification and deodorization, this air purifier knows how to clean up air. If that wasn’t enough, it can cover up to 1,070 square feet, which basically means any dander, pet hair, dust, or small particles won’t be able to stay airborne. When it comes to function, this machine exceeds expectations, too. The connected app allows you to control from anywhere and prominently displays an air quality reading, which helps you determine how to optimize your settings, including five levels of fan speed and negative ion removal. Additionally, you can control the night light, timer, and schedule right from the app. The app has a clear indicator as to the life of your filter, which eliminates any confusion or surprise expiration. 

New York Post Review: “Of all the air purifiers I have tried over my many years of testing various products across my home, this one may just be my favorite,” shared Wertz. “It’s not from a sexy name like Dyson, but it offers everything I want as a multi-dog owning neat-freak. I use this in my bedroom and run it all night. The slim, flat shape is perfect to nestle out of the way in order to blend into my decor. However, the body design features the ability to mount it to the wall, even upside down — allowing for easy access to the discrete control panel. For example, even though the Pet Allergy filter is specially engineered to trap and eliminate dander and odors from pets, I opted for the Odor Remover filter that traps and eliminates odors from pets, but also smoke, cooking, and mildew. Other filters included are the Germ Defense filter, which is designed to trap and reduce airborne bacteria, mold spores, and particles that carry viruses, and the Toxin Absorber filter which traps and eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals.”

New filters start as low as $126 a kit. Make sure to replace every 12 months for best results.

This high-efficiency air purifier can be controlled via your smartphone, for easy use from wherever you are in your home. The Levoit H13 model is super quiet, making it perfect for your bedroom, and can be combined with an Amazon Alexa for hands-free control. At under $100, it’s a smart choice for smaller spaces.

The filter should be replaced every six to eight months with new filters costing about $30.

As the old saying goes, You get what you pay for, and you can trust to get a lot when Dyson is concerned. The Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10, for example, also warms a space, so you don’t have to worry about buying a space heater, too. This model is not app-compatible, but candidly, we haven’t missed that feature. However, an app-compatible model is available for an additional cost. Wertz, who’s tested this Dyson model, currently has two in his home. He was very impressed with the overall design of the purifier, noting how simple it was to change the filter.

New York Post Review: “This is what an air purifier should be — a multifunctional, near 360-degree-range air purifying fan and heater all in one,” he said. “I have two of these; one for my home office and one for our guest bedroom. Thanks to the multipurpose design, I give my visitors peace of mind knowing they are sleeping in the fresh air — that doesn’t smell like a dog — and they don’t have to wander around in the middle of the night looking for another blanket if they get cold. The filters are super quick and easy to change (a common trait among all Dyson products I have used), and the design allows the curved and magnetized remote to sit atop the unit, eliminating the fear of loss. At 9.84 by 9.84 by 30.2 inches, additional features of the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP10 include auto-shutoff controls for pre-set intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours, as well as a night mode that monitors and purifies, using the quietest settings, with a dimmed display. It has a range of 500 square feet and projects 76 gallons of HEPA H13-purified air per second.” — Wertz

For high-quality purification in smaller spaces, Molekule has got you covered. We’ve personally tried the Air Mini+, and it’s not only a sleek design that can seamlessly blend into your home decor but noticeably cleans the air around you, which you can track through the accompanying app. Commerce Writer and Content Strategist Victoria Giardina has one and loves it!

New York Post Review: “Molekule has one of the most chic looks to it while rendering effective in any space you wish to purify. It’s about the size of a countertop fire pit and has a simple plug-in maneuver that allows you to simply enjoy the fresh air. As someone who struggles with seasonal allergies (so much so that my family always jokes that I should avoid taking any type of photos in the springtime), it’s helped me breathe better and enjoy a more comfortable space. What’s more, the Air Mini+ is especially apt for smaller spaces, isn’t an eyesore, and is even Alexa-compatible. Talk about a modern, of-age air purifier!”

For the best results with the Molekule Mini+, make sure you change the filter ($100) every six months.

Cleanse the air of germs and allergens with this tall air purifier that uses UV-C light to purify. The device is perfect for those with a smaller space as it’s a total weight of under 10 pounds. Along with its bacteria-killing light, the purifier has a HEPA filter. Both of these features are important to look for when purchasing a system to irradicate mold from their home. HEPA filters can catch microscopic specs, including spores, while UV-C light can prevent them from reproducing.

The filter for this model can last up to six months before needing a replacement filter, which can cost as low as $25.

Get smart about your air quality and invest in this device from Hathaspace. According to the product description, it can filter out 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns while also getting rid of odor and smoke. It comes with a handy remote control for easy use and can be tucked away against the wall — even while turned on.

You should make sure you’re replacing the filter at least every four months with new filters costing as low as $38.

How We Tested

Our air purifier review was no walk in the park; we’ve spent thousands of hours observing, testing, and simply living with different air purifiers, to find out how they operate and how effective they are at removing particles. Before getting started, we read hundreds of air purifier reviews and researched how air purifiers work to find the best-rated air purifiers to test. While testing, we considered the type of filter, noise level, room size covered, and unique features offered by each air purifier.

• Filter type: There are a few different filter types that we tested. The two most popular options we found were activated carbon filters and HEPA filters. In our testing, we found that HEPA filters were best for capturing allergens, dust, and bacteria (capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns).
• Noise level: Noise level is also an important parameter we measured, as some people are sensitive to the amount of noise produced by a purifier. We looked for products below 30 decibels, which are best for those who prefer quietness. Purifiers with over 50 decibels were quite loud in small spaces.
• Room size coverage: We tested a variety of air purifiers that offered different amounts of coverage — from those that purified small rooms below 200 sq. ft. to others that reached larger spaces over 1000 sq. ft. We also considered the Clean Air Delivery Rate, to see how fast the purifiers work to clear out particles.
• Features: While reviewing air purifiers, we also considered the different features each offered. We looked to whether each purifier offered a sleep mode, auto-sensing mode, or was remote or app-controlled. We made not of air purifiers that were Energy Star Certified and considered their weight and size and how easy they were to move and carry.

What to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier

What are some basic features to look for?

You may not be familiar with all the features of a high-quality air purifier, so we have stitched together a list of what to look for to find the best air purifier for your home. Make sure to consider all of the following, in addition to your budget, and the amount of space you need to purify.

• VOCs and TVOs: VOCs are the unwanted chemicals that seep into the air, stemming from a variety of household products. They may evaporate from paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture. TVO stands for the total concentration of all these VOCs in the air. Air purifiers with activated carbon or HEPA filters can help remove VOCs.
• Energy-Star Certified: Make sure to look for energy-star certified air purifiers if you want a purifier that is more energy-efficient, meaning it requires less electricity use while maintaining an effective performance. Some models can even help reduce your electricity cost, in addition to reducing the environmental impact.
• ETL-Listed: As with any electronic device, safety is paramount. The ETL listing is a safety certification which means the device has met North American safety standards (similar to a UL certification). Any product that has met the ETL standard has been tested and is safe to use.
• MERV Rating: The MERV rating measures how effective an air filter is at capturing unwanted particles in the air. MERV 1 indicates the lowest efficiency and MERV 16, means the device is most efficient for residential or commercial use. Higher MERV drivers could capture finer particles like bacteria, smoke, and viruses.
• HEPA filters: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters differ from ordinary carbon filters as they are even more effective, and typically regarded as having a MERV 17+ score. These filters are ideal for those with allergies or asthma.

What is the most highly recommended air purifier?

Searching for the best air purifier can feel like a daunting task with so many quality models on the market. Look at our list. Clearly, we have more than a few favorites.

The LEVOIT Portable Air Purifier is one of them. It offers 360 degrees of filtration, so every section of a room is cleared. Ideal for smaller spaces, it has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, and more than 17,000 customers recommend it.

Another air purifier with a reputation that precedes it is the Dyson Purifier Cool Purifying Fan. Along with including a fan, it effectively removes 99.97% of allergens and pollutants with a glass HEPA filter. And if you’re worried about germs (aren’t we all?), we recommend going with the Germ Guardian 22” 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier, which has a UV-C light.

Do air purifiers really improve air quality?

You may be wondering — Do air purifiers work? Simple answer, yes.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), portable filtration systems can effectively cleanse the air. While no system will remove 100% of all contaminants, some get darn close.

Air purifiers with carbon-based filters, such as the Levoit Core 200S-P Air Purifier, are ideal for removing gases and smoke. Purifiers with HEPA filters work to clear allergens, such as pollen, dust, dander, as well as bacteria.

Because there are a variety of things that can dirty the air, many air purifiers use multiple forms of filtration. The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier, for example, has four. It has a pre-filter, one to deodorize, a HEPA filter and a vital ion. This not only makes it good for capturing icky smells like last night’s dinner but it’s top-notch at removing VOCs and allergens like pet dander.

Needless to say, regardless of what you’re looking to address, there’s an air purifier for you.

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