Best Air Purifiers for 2023, Tested by CNET - CNET (2023)

$203 at Amazon

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Honeywell Home Allergen Plus 300 XL

Best air purifier for most people

$340 at Amazon

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Blueair Blue Pure 211 Plus Auto

Best air purifier for large rooms

$651 at Amazon

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Coway Airmega 400S

Best air purifier to treat an entire home

The best air purifier for 2023

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If you're looking for relief from spring allergies, to protect yourself against airborne toxinsor to improve the air quality of your home for any reason, you may consider adding an air purifier to the mix. We tested several and landed on the $203Honeywell Home Allergen Plusas the best air purifier for the money, and the best overall air purifier for most people.

Air purifiers help you filter out allergens and other pollutants from the air, and they can help make life easier for those with allergies or other respiratory conditions, especially if you put your air purifier in the right place. Even if you don't have any issues breathing easy, having an air purifier for your home can offer peace of mind that you're breathing the cleanest air possible within your specific living conditions.

Read more:The Best Spot to Put an Air Purifier

Air purifiers for home use are small appliances that use one or more of a variety of technologies to filter particulate matter out of the air, including dust, allergens and viruses, recirculating cleaner air back into your living space. Air purifiers employing HEPA filters -- defined by the US Department of Energy as high-efficiency particulate air filters that are capable of removing at least 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns -- are the most numerous and most highly rated type available. Most air purifiers are equipped to handle one or two rooms, with a few models that claim to purify the air in an entire home.

(Video) Best Air Purifiers 2022 - 72 Purifiers Objectively Reviewed

After considering the space you need to cover, choosing a HEPA air purifier from among many popular models is largely a matter of budget and space you're looking to purify. With that said, Honeywell's Home Allergen Plus 300 XLtops our list as the best air purifier for most people. But there are air purifiers better suited for particularly large and small spaces, and given that an air purifier will likely live in your living room or bedroom, aesthetics may be just as important as bottom-line value. With these matters in mind, we've rounded up the best air purifiers for home use in 2023.

All the best air purifiers we tested

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Size 22.3 x 20 x 10.8 inRoom capacity 465 square feetFilter type HEPA, activated carbonMSRP $269.99Additional features Timer settingReplacement filter cost $34.99 HEPA filter, $29.99 pre-filter

As we mentioned, this formidable model tops our list as the best overall air purifier.Honeywell'sworkhorse air purifier has the largest number of favorable reviews at the lowest price -- nearly 30,000 positive ratings on Amazon -- for the amount of space it covers. An easy reference guide makes it simple to put to work right out of the box, and the model includes regressed handles for easy placement around the house, which is extremely useful if you're frequently moving your air purifier into whatever room you're in.

In our testing, we also found it to be the quietest air purifier of the bunch. Even at its top setting of Turbo mode, it was quieter than your average fan and noticeably quieter than the rest of the air purifier field. The simple user interface also offers timed settings, with auto-off after two, four or eight hours.

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Size 20.5 x 13 x 13 inRoom capacity 550 square feetFilter type HEPA, activated carbonMSRP $339Additional features None Replacement filter cost: $69.99Replacement filter cost $69.99

Blueair's line ofBlue Pureair purifiers are small, sleek, powerful, and easy to use -- essentially a "plug and play" operation for those who want to get set up without diving into the instruction manual. We found this to be the most user-friendly of the models we tested. The Blueair Blue Pure 211 Plus Auto is an updated version from the already popular 211 Plus model, with the addition of auto mode, which uses an integrated particle sensor to adjust the speed based on actual air quality, and offers an LED air quality indicator.

Otherwise, the extremely simple interface has settings for low, medium and high, and that's it. It's one of the smallest models available for large room air purification, with a cylindrical design that allows for 360-degree air collection; a low bells-and-whistles option with high efficiency, low-to-moderate noise, and a customizable prefilter sleeve that's available in five different colors to match your vibe. A dual-part HEPA and activated carbon filter can also help with odors from pets, cooking and smoking.

Beyond being one of our favorite machines to operate, it has a soft, modern aesthetic that integrates into a space better than some other air purifiers in the bunch.

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Size 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6 inRoom capacity 361 square feetFilter type HEPA, activated carbon, bipolar ionizerMSRP $229.99Additional features Timer setting, ionizer, wi-fi enabled, voice controlReplacement filter cost $57.49 filter, $25 pre-filter

Coway's AP-1512HHis among the only air purifiers on the market that utilize both a HEPA filter and ionic technology to remove different kinds of particles in different ways. (See below under Buying advice for the details behind the different kinds of functionality.)

When testing the Coway Airmega, our favorite feature of the compact model is its energy-efficient eco mode. When the air quality in the room remains purified for more than 30 minutes in eco mode, the fan turns off to conserve energy, turning back on when particles are again detected. (The auto mode of most other models adjusts the fan setting according to actual air quality, but never off.)

(Video) Best Air Purifiers 2023 - What No One is Telling You

Coway's Airmega AP1512HH model is one of the most striking designs available in air purification, with a retro, almost chrome look, available in both black and white models. Depending on your aesthetic, you could potentially disguise this as a speaker in your home entertainment setup. The newerAP-1512HHSmodel only comes in one color and loses the ionizer function, but for $70 more you can also get a wi-fi-enabled model with voice control.

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Size 16.7 x 7.9 x 7.9 inRoom capacity 190 square feetFilter type HEPA, activated carbonMSRP $139.99Additional features NoneReplacement filter cost $23.99

Small but mighty, if you're looking to test out the efficacy of an air purifier in a small space in your home, Blueair's petite,Blue Pure 411 Autois one of the highest-performing models you can buy for the lowest cost. (For even less money, the 411 model without auto mode is also highly rated.)

It has similar functionality to the Blueair 211+ Auto model above -- auto mode, customizable color, 360-degree filtration, and activated carbon for odor assistance -- just in a smaller package designed for smaller spaces, such as a kid's bedroom or home office. Blueair also makes a medium-range311 seriesfor spaces up to 340 square feet.

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If you're committed to whole-home air purification, theCoway Airmega 400Sis the device for the job. Capable of managing a space of up to 1560 square feet, this model can take on a small home unto itself or a full apartment or a single floor of a larger home. It's not cheap compared to other home air purifier models, but if you're seriously managing allergies, wildfires, or aggressively smoking neighbors in your living situation, it should earn its keep.

While it is a large and boxy device that you'll have to make space for, its power capability seems worth it, plus even as a large and sturdy device it manages to look almost mid-century in design. For your money you're also getting all the bells and whistles: Wi-Fi capability allowing for voice or app control; smart, sleep, and eco settings; plus real-time air quality monitoring.

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Size 18.9 x 8.5 x 23.2 inRoom capacity 558 square feetFilter type HEPAMSRP $499Additional features Wi-fi, adjustable vent, laser dust sensorReplacement filter cost N/A

WhileLevoit's EverestAir Smart Truemodel hasn't been on the market long enough to factor in user ratings, it is worth considering, as Levoit's range of products consistently take a place on a variety of best air purifier lists, and the EverestAir model brings several new features to the table that may be interesting for those who are comparison shopping. Most notably, because of Levoit's new proprietary filtration technology, this model has the highest CADR (clean air delivery rate) score among the purifiers on this list. (See more about CADR under "How we tested'' below.)

It comes with a higher price tag, but can also tackle more space than other, similarly-sized air purifiers on this list. In terms of additional functionality, the EverestAir Smart True slides side to side on caster wheels, and includes an adjustable vent fan, allowing it to be tucked under certain spaces such as kitchen counters without disrupting its efficacy. The clean air monitor display also gives a satisfying percentage reading of the air quality.

How we test air purifiers

We tested each of these models over the course of several weeks, evaluating their available features, ease of use, and noise level at various settings while looking out for any glaring operational problems. In the end, available power versus price was the biggest factor in picking the best air purifiers for 2023 but secondary considerations such as size, volume, sturdiness and aesthetics also played a part.

The field of air purifiers was narrowed based on some of our previous picks from the last round of testing, other models that were vetted by review sites, the newest models available by trusted brands and those that achieved extremely high user ratings (4.7 out of 5 and above) across a variety of retailer sites where air purifiers for home are sold such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Lowe's and Bed Bath & Beyond.

(Video) Is an $800 purifier best to clean your home's air? We lab tested 5 top brands

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Outside of a lab environment with controlled conditions and variables, air purifiers are difficult to test accurately in terms of how well they perform at cleaning the air. However, third-party certifications that do test these models in controlled lab environments are becoming standard practice, and you can expect that air purifiers with HEPA filters will filter what they claim to filter when used appropriately. Additionally, all of these brands show an AHAM Verifide Clean Air Delivery Rate, which indicates how much air can be processed in a given time frame, as well as the particle size various models are capable of filtering out of the air. (The smaller the particle, the more effective the air purifier.)

Best air purifiers compared

ModelBlueair Blue Pure 211 Plus Auto Honeywell Home Allergen Plus 300 XLCoway Airmega AP-1512HHBlueair Blue Pure 411 AutoCoway Airmega 400SCoway Airmega 240Levoit EverestAir Smart True
Size 20.5 x 13 x 13 in22.3 x 20 x 10.8 in16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6 in6.7 x 7.9 x 7.9 in14.8 x 22.8 x 14.8 in16.7 x 22.8 x 8.3 in18.9 x 8.5 x 23.2 in
Room capacity 550 square feet465 square feet361 square feet190 square feet1,560 square feet403 square feet558 square feet
Settings Low, medium, high, autoLow, medium, high, turboLow, medium, high, auto, eco, ionizerLow, medium, high, autoLow, medium, high, auto, eco, sleepLow, medium, high, auto, eco, sleepLow, medium, high, auto, turbo, sleep
Special features NoneTimerWi-Fi, voice control, timerNoneWi-Fi, voice control, timerTimerWi-Fi, adjustable vent
Replacement filter cost $70$35 HEPA filter, $30 prefilter$57.49 filter, $25 prefilter$24$129 for 2 HEPA filters, $25 prefilter$84$100
Energy draw 38WNot available77W10W66W60W70W
MSRP $300$175$165$140$651$299$500

Air purifier buying guide: How to pick the perfect air purifier

The primary consideration in purchasing an air purifier for home use is how much square footage you're trying to cover. Trying to save money by purchasing a smaller air purifier than what you actually need will just give you disappointing results. The air purifiers on this list all have extremely high proficiency, so any one of them will effectively clean the air in your home, provided they are the correct size and placed appropriately, and with the filters and pre-filters maintained accordingly.

After room capacity, the amount of space the device itself takes up may be important based on the geography of your room and where you're hoping to put it. When considering your budget for an air purifier, you might also want to consider the cost of replacing the filter roughly every six months.

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Types of air purifiers

While this list consists only of HEPA air purifiers, which are the most available and highest functioning models on the market, several of them utilize more than one type of filtration technology. In order to better understand those aspects of your air purifier, or if you want to consider another type of air purifier, here is a breakdown of all of the different methods of air purification technology:

HEPA air purifiers: Standing for "high efficiency particulate air," air purifiers with HEPA technology use a fiberglass filter that traps particles of a certain size out of the air.

Activated carbon air purifiers: Where HEPA filters manage solid particles in the air, most of the air purifiers on this list also include activated carbon technology (which is the same thing as activated charcoal), whose porous nature helps filter gases or volatile organic compounds out of the air. Gases in your home air typically present themselves as odors from pets, cigarettes or cooking.

Negative ion air purifiers: Ionic or negative ion air purifiers work by using high voltage to give an electrical charge to particles or molecules in the air, which causes them to clump together, and then seek out positively charged molecules with which to bond. Certain models that utilize this type of technology also include a positively charged collector plate that the ionized particles will stick to, taking them out of the air. (Without a collector plate, these particles are no longer circulating in the air, but may hang on surfaces in order to be cleaned or vacuumed out of your home.) Most models employing this technology don't use fans, which requires more time to filter the air in a room, but also make for extremely quiet conditions. Molekule and Dyson make popular models that utilize variants of this type of technology.

UVGI air purifiers: "Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation" air purifiers are similar in mechanical function to HEPA air purifiers, in that they use fans to recirculate the air in order to purify it quickly. Inside the device, UVGI air purifiers rely on shielded ultraviolet light to neutralize dust and allergens. This type of technology is not available in air purifiers for home use, however, and is typically employed in larger systems available for public settings such as office buildings.

There's a good amount of research and expert guidance that goes into choosing the best air purifier for you and your family. First consider how much you can comfortably invest in air purification. Will you need an ionic air purifier or a full home filtration system? Do you want a purifier with an activated carbon filter? We're here to answer those questions and help you sort through your options.

Are home air purifiers even necessary?

For some people, having an air purifier in the house may be more of a necessity than a luxury. If you live in an area where allergy season tends to wreak havoc or where wildfires and smoky skies are common, an air purifier can seriously help improve the breathability of the air in your house. However, with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best air purifier for your home and your needs.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, plus an increase in wildfire activity, we are all becoming more aware of air quality. (Arguably severe allergy sufferers have always been aware of air quality.) While having an air purifier isn't a failsafe against COVID-19 -- you are more likely to get the virus from repeated close contact with someone in your home than from particles lingering in the air long enough to get filtered out -- they can be especially effective for those with asthma or allergies.

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Depending on your living conditions, if there are numerous pollutants affecting the air in your home, the cleaner air and increased airflow that air purifiers provide can potentially make a big difference for the quality of life (and air) of those in your household. If you're thinking of getting an air purifier and want additional reassurance, it may be worth speaking to your doctor or allergist.

Read more: Do Air Purifiers Protect Against COVID-19? What About Wildfire Smoke?

Air purifier FAQs

How do air purifiers and HEPA filters work?

HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air" and is a type of filter standardized by the US Department of Energy for filtering particulate matter of a specific size out of the air by utilizing a maze of interwoven glass fibers to trap those particles. HEPA air purifier models use fans to suck air into the device in order to trap microscopic particles in the air, which can include dust, bacteria, viruses, pollen, smoke and mold, and recirculates the clean air back into the room via a vent. HEPA standards are different in the US and Europe, with the US standard requiring HEPA filters to filter 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size out of the air.Cowayincludes an excellent breakdown of this type of filtration on its website.

Do air purifiers increase or decrease oxygen in the room?

Air purifiers do not affect the level of oxygen in the room in any way. Your air purifier is recirculating the air already in the room and cleaning it by passing it through a filter where microscopic, solid particles are removed. It is neither removing nor adding additional oxygen into the space. Air purifiers are also not the same as freestanding air conditioners, though the increased airflow from an air purifier may make the air in your home appreciably cooler.

(Video) Best Air Purifiers in 2023 - What are the Best Air Purifiers?

Where is the best place to put an air purifier?

Firstly, you want to make sure to put your air purifier in a room that is equipped to handle, size-wise. As for placement within the room, a central location will make for the most efficient air purification. In order to avoid tripping over it, however, it's fine to put your air purifier in a more discreet location, just be sure to understand where its input and output vents are located and make sure those pathways aren't blocked. Near doorways and vents that are also creating airflow may help with your air purifier's efficiency.

How often should I change the filter on an air purifier?

How often you need to change the filter on your air purifier depends on several factors, not the least of which is how polluted your air is to begin with, and how often and at what speed you are running your air purifier. Most air purifiers have a multistep filtration system, including a prefilter in addition to the HEPA filter, which in some cases may be washable, and is used to capture large particles such as pet hair. Taking good care of the prefilter will help extend the life of the HEPA filter. Most of the brands on this list recommend changing the filter every six months. A few suggest every year, largely depending on the size of the HEPA filter and the prefiltration system. New filters and prefilters can often be purchased from the same retailers that sell the air purifiers, or they can be purchased through the brands' websites, some of whom offer subscription programs for replacement filters at a discount.

Do air purifiers prevent the spread of diseases such as COVID-19?

The short answer is yes. HEPA air purifiers capture virus particles, removing them from the air. But don't count on air purifiers to protect you from virus particles if you're cohabitating with a contagious person. When CNET spoke with Richard Shaughnessy, director of indoor air research at the University of Tulsa, in 2022, he said transmission of COVID usually happens due to close contact with an infected person. If you're sitting on a couch and chatting with someone who is infected, an air purifier across the room isn't going to remove all the harmful particles exhaled before they have a chance to reach you.

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Other air purifiers we've tested

In addition to our picks above, other HEPA cleaners such as the $100Levoit Core 300, the $70Bissell and the $100GermGuardian all offer only so-so power for their prices. The IQAir HealthPro Plus wasn't among the devices we tested, in part because we were looking at more affordable options. But IQAir's $799 air cleaner is one of the few devices on the market to contain multiple kilograms of activated carbon, which will filter out odors and gaseous pollutants much more effectively than most consumer air cleaners under $1,000.

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Two devices feature an ionic filter: theCoway AP-1512HH mentioned above and the $175Sharp FPK50UW. The Sharp's CADR rating is only 259 square feet, which is significantly lower than Coway's and not great for the price.

Are Molekule and Dyson air purifiers worth the money?

You may have heard of another air purifier called Molekule, whichgrabbedheadlinesfor its attractive design and proprietary filtration technology back in 2017. But the Molekule presents a complicated problem: Its maker claims its proprietary PECO air filter destroys airborne particles much smaller than 0.03 micrometer, but it filters air at such a slow rate that, even if the company's claims are accurate, it cleans the air very inefficiently compared with HEPA air purification models (as Consumer Reports rightly pointed out inits highly critical 2019 review).

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We have tested but don't currently recommend the $500Molekule Air Mini Plusas a result of these problems, as well as a 2020 decision by the National Advertising Review Board toforce a retractionof many of Molekule's misleading advertising claims. That said, the air purifierdoesappear to address a problem that most HEPA filtration cleaners simply don't: the presence of gaseous pollutants in the home. Such pollutants have plenty of sources, whether from paint, furniture, cleaning solutions or even some composite boards. For that reason alone, Molekule's eye-catching brand is worth keeping tabs on -- especially since the company merged with AeroClean, a pathogen elimination technology company, in October 2022.

Dyson's devices offer a similar but slightly different problem. Some of its air purifiers, such as theDyson Pure Cool TP04, which we also tested, use a HEPA filter, but provides no CADR. A Dyson spokesperson told us, "CADR as measured by some current methods is not an accurate representation of a real home," and thus the company has developed its own testing procedures "to replicate a more realistic setting." That includes a testing room that has over double the footprint of AHAM's testing rooms, along with nine sensors placed around the space (versus AHAM's single sensor). The Dyson TP04, perhaps unsurprisingly, performs well according to Dyson's own metrics.

In addition, the Dyson TP04 air purifier features a handful of extra goodies, including an oscillating fan to help circulate clean air around larger rooms, an app with home air quality data and a small but nifty display. Our tower fan reviewerreally liked these features of the TP04. But is all that worth the price bump from, say, Coway's purifier?

For most people, the answer is likely no -- especially considering that Dyson's devices haven't stacked up especially well against the competition in third-party testing, such asWirecutter's, where the TP04's performance was in line with the far more affordable Blueair 411.

Still have more questions about air purifiers and whether you're ready to buy one? Check out ourfull air purifier FAQfor more info.

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More recommendations for your home

FAQs

Best Air Purifiers for 2023, Tested by CNET - CNET? ›

Use portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems to enhance air cleaning (especially in higher risk areas such as a nurse's office or areas frequently inhabited by people with a higher likelihood of having COVID-19 and/or an increased risk of getting COVID-19).

What does the CDC recommend for air purifiers? ›

Use portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fan/filtration systems to enhance air cleaning (especially in higher risk areas such as a nurse's office or areas frequently inhabited by people with a higher likelihood of having COVID-19 and/or an increased risk of getting COVID-19).

What air purifier does NASA use? ›

Airocide is the NASA air purifier. Our technology removed harmful VOCs from the International Space Station and the Columbia shuttle. It made the air safe for our astronauts, and the food they need. It does not matter how challenging the environment is.

What is the best and most efficient air purifier? ›

The best air purifier you can buy today
  1. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Auto. Best air purifier overall. ...
  2. Honeywell HPA300. Best value for a large room. ...
  3. Blueair Health Protect 7470i. Best smart air purifier. ...
  4. Coway Airmega AP-1512HH. Most energy-efficient air purifier. ...
  5. Winix 5500-2. ...
  6. Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto.
Apr 11, 2023

Is there a downside to air purifiers? ›

What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.

Which is better ionizer or HEPA filter air purifier? ›

HEPA filters are the air purifiers of choice in these types of high-profile cases, due to the fact that Ionic air purifiers or Ionizers are filter less air purifiers, meaning that they do not remove bacteria and harmful particles floating around in the air effectively.

What do doctors say about air purifiers? ›

"We recommend air purifiers with a HEPA filter; HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air," says Dr. Meng. "Stand-alone air purifiers are designed for a single room, so you should use it with the door closed and check that your air filter can accommodate the size of the room.

What all should I look for in an air purifier before buying it? ›

Air purifier buyer's checklist
  • Measure your room size to find the square footage.
  • Your air purifier will, at minimum, need a HEPA filter. ...
  • Determine what types of filters you need. ...
  • Check the type of filter used. ...
  • Look for the Energy Star logo to ensure the air purifier is not an energy hog.
Sep 20, 2022

Do any air purifiers filter out viruses? ›

When used properly, air cleaners and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a building or small space. By itself, air cleaning or filtration is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

What is the best air purifier method? ›

One of the best and most common ways to purify your home's air is with a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air). They can trap 99.97% of all airborne particles in the air, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. This makes it a great choice for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

What is the new technology for air purifier? ›

Photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) is one of the newest technologies in air purification. It addresses air contamination issues by oxidizing and removing organic particles, especially indoor allergens. The technology captures and eliminates microparticles as small as 0.1 nanometers in size.

What is the new technology for air purification? ›

How do Molekule air purifiers work? Developed over 25 years by research scientists, PECO is an innovative technology that uses free radicals—the same radicals used to destroy cancer cells—to break down pollutants at a molecular level, including viruses, bacteria, mold, ozone, allergens, and chemicals.

What is the safest type of air purifier? ›

If you decide to purchase a portable air cleaner, filtering air cleaners with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are recommended because these do not emit ozone but do remove particulate matter from the air.

Are some air purifiers better than others? ›

Different air purifiers work using a range of technologies. A few are helpful. Others are ineffective, or even potentially harmful to your health.

Are expensive air purifiers better? ›

Objective third-party data shows that air purifier effectiveness is not correlated to price. Or put another way, there are plenty of poor-performing expensive machines out there (such as the Swiss Air in this test) and plenty of high-performing cheap machines out there.

What are the two disadvantages of HEPA filters? ›

Won't remove every particle: Unfortunately, HEPA filters will not remove pollutants from the air that are smaller than 0.3 microns, including viruses, some bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are household items like hairspray and ammonia that are too small for a HEPA filter to eliminate.

Where should you not put an air purifier? ›

Avoid placing your air purifier in a corner or against the wall. That can block the air intake and reduce the rate at which the unit can take in and clean the air in the room. You should also make sure your air purifier is clear from upholstery, furniture, electronics or other objects that may impede airflow.

Where is the best place to put an air purifier? ›

The best place to put an air purifier is somewhere in your breathing zone. The closer the unit is to your head, the shorter distance clean air has to travel before it reaches you. In the bedroom, this usually translates to putting the air purifier on a nightstand or small table close to the bed.

What filter is better than HEPA? ›

ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.

What are the side effects of ionizer air purifier? ›

Some critics believe that air ionizers give off dangerous levels of ozone which is not only harmful to the environment, but can be equally as hazardous to your health. When inhaled in high enough doses, ozone can have harmful effects– including damage to your lungs, chest pain, coughing, or shortness of breath.

Do air purifiers clean your lungs? ›

Many of the potential benefits of using an air purifier are related to your lungs, particularly for conditions such as asthma. “By filtering out fine particles, purifiers help clean the air you breathe and lessen the potential negative effects of pollution,” says Dr. Taliercio.

Is an air purifier good for your lungs? ›

The research shows that air purifiers can reduce or remove many of the contaminants known to exacerbate lung problems and respiratory illnesses. By running a high-quality air purifier, you can improve your indoor air quality while reaping significant health benefits.

Should air purifier be on floor? ›

We recommend elevating it no higher than 5 feet off the ground, and this can be done by placing the air purifier on a piece of furniture, such as a dresser. To save space while increasing the floor-to-ceiling cleaning efficiency, look into getting a wall mountable air purifier, like the MinusA2 or the A3.

How much should I spend on an air purifier? ›

Top rated units fall in the $120 to $200 range. We generally do not recommend units that cost less than $100 (If you find this price range unaffordable we recommend that you hold off on your purchase - it's that important). More expensive units are also not recommended.

How many air purifiers should you have in your home? ›

How many air purifiers do you need to protect your indoor air quality? It is generally recommended to place an air purifier in each room. But you can put at least one air purifier in the most used rooms in your home, mainly the bedroom, living room, and kitchen/dining area.

What time of year should you use an air purifier? ›

Many allergy sufferers put away their air purifiers between the fall ragweed and spring pollens. In reality, winter may be the single best season to keep them running! A good air purifier will simulate ventilation while using filters to trap particulates and harmful pollutants.

Do air purifiers help with mold? ›

Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.

Can air purifier remove COVID particles? ›

When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space. However, by itself, a portable air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

Is it better to run a air purifier at day or at night? ›

Air purifiers have a positive impact on our lives, so some may ask if that impact extends to sleep. Air pollution does not stop when we sleep, so the simple answer is yes, if you want the full benefits of your air purifier it should be running in your bedroom when you sleep.

Should you run air purifier all day? ›

Since air pollution is a pervasive and continuous problem, it's best to leave your air purifier on all day. There are no perceived drawbacks to keeping your unit running all the time, and if the filters are changed on time it can help to reduce pollutants in the home.

What is a 5 stage air purifier? ›

The 5-Stage air purification system includes the Ultimate Pet Filter, Washable Pre-Filter, Advanced Odor Control (AOCTM) Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter and Winix Plasma Wave Technology to provide advanced control of Pet and other Household Odors and Allergens.

How often should you get a new air purifier? ›

It's generally recommended to change them along these timelines: True HEPA: 8,760 usable hours or about every 12 months. Activated Carbon: 8,760 usable hours or about every 12 months. Mesh Pre-Filter: Should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks.

What is the most expensive air purifier in the world? ›

Most Expensive Air Purifiers
  • Airgle AG900 Portable Room Air Purifier: Aluminium Body, 408 cu. m/hr Clean Air Delivery, Activated Carbon Filter, HEPA, Portable.
  • Honeywell Air Touch X Air Purifier: 1070 sq. ...
  • Airgle AG600 Portable Room Air Purifier: HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon, Uv Lamp, Auto Control, Aluminium Body.

Who are the biggest air purification companies? ›

Honeywell International, Inc., Camfil, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Sharp Electronics Corporation, LG Corporation, and Blue Star Limited among others, are the major players in the global air purifier market. The global air purifier market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 10% in the forecast period of 2022-2027.

Are air purification systems worth it? ›

A whole-house air purifier is undoubtedly worth the money for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. The system helps reduce symptoms by removing antagonistic air pollutants. This results in less frequent and intense allergy and/or asthma attacks.

What are the three methods used for air purification? ›

Most indoor air purification technologies come from industrial waste gas and related gas treatment technologies. The technology is divided into three main categories: dust removal technology, gas purification and sterilization technology.

Which air purifier does not produce ozone? ›

HEPA filters – These filters are designed to remove 99.97 percent of all particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter from the air. While they are not effective against odors, VOCs or other gaseous pollutants, they do not produce any ozone.

What is the difference between an air purifier and air purifier? ›

People sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but there are certain differences. Both devices remove impurities, but while an air cleaner filters the air, an air purifier sanitizes it, removing particles including: Pet dander. Dust and dust mites.

Do air purifiers raise electric bill? ›

Air purifiers generally consume minimal energy, with most using less than 100W (between 20-50W on average). Air purifiers with Energy Star certification guarantee energy efficiency. A typical 50W air purifier running at maximum speed for 24 hours a day will cost around $3-4 per month.

What is the difference between a cheap and expensive air purifier? ›

Expensive Filters Are Made of Better-Quality Materials

Expensive air filters are made of better-quality materials than cheap air filters. They are often made of fiberglass, which is a porous material that can trap more dust and pollen than other materials like cardboard or paper.

Do doctors recommend air purifiers? ›

"We recommend air purifiers with a HEPA filter; HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air," says Dr. Meng. "Stand-alone air purifiers are designed for a single room, so you should use it with the door closed and check that your air filter can accommodate the size of the room.

Do air purifiers help with dog hair? ›

An air purifier can help to remove pet hair and pet dander from the air. Depending on the severity of the person's allergies, an air purifier can sometimes be enough to let them be in the same room with the family pet. It may even be enough for them to be able to stay in the house for a weekend.

Do air purifiers really work? ›

No purifier can capture all of the pollutants and particles that travel through a room, but depending on the type of filter used, they may capture many allergens and other unwanted substances. Many air purifiers feature HEPA filters that capture particles, including dust, pollen, and some mold spores.

Are air purifiers worth getting? ›

Yes, if you choose an effective air purifier, it will likely support your ongoing wellness at home – and in some cases, prevent problems from arising. 'The contaminants in our home are small enough to be inhaled. Some are so tiny that they can bypass the lungs and head straight into the bloodstream.

What company makes the best air purifiers? ›

Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Among its overall efficiency, quiet operation, feature-packed design, and smart home compatibility, the LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Large Room is our top pick among all the air purifiers we tested.

Where should you place air purifier? ›

The best place to put an air purifier is somewhere in your breathing zone. The closer the unit is to your head, the shorter distance clean air has to travel before it reaches you. In the bedroom, this usually translates to putting the air purifier on a nightstand or small table close to the bed.

How many air purifiers do you need in a house? ›

How many air purifiers do you need to protect your indoor air quality? It is generally recommended to place an air purifier in each room. But you can put at least one air purifier in the most used rooms in your home, mainly the bedroom, living room, and kitchen/dining area.

Do air purifiers use a lot of electricity? ›

Air purifiers use electricity, but not as much as you might think. The average electricity usage for an air purifier is around $1 a day. Air purifiers are typically used for 8 hours a day, which means an air purifier will use about $4 of electricity per day.

What are the side effects of HEPA air purifier? ›

Headaches, sore throat, coughing, Asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing are a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by some air purifiers. Yes, that's right. Your air purifier may actually aggravate many of the health issues you hoped it would solve.

How do I get the best results from an air purifier? ›

How to Get the Most Out of Your Air Purifier
  1. Leave your air purifier on all the time. ...
  2. Leave your air purifier in the same room. ...
  3. Keep doors and windows closed when your air purifier is on. ...
  4. Point the flow of clean air toward your breathing zone for maximum results. ...
  5. Avoid ionic air cleaners and ozone generators.

What is most important for an air purifier? ›

Probably the most important variable in an air purifier is the filter. Your best choice to filter particles is a device with a HEPA filter, which is designed to collect at least 99.5% of particles in the air that are 3 microns or less in size.

Do air purifiers help with dust mites? ›

Fortunately, an air purifier is great for dust removal, including dust mite allergens, and can help you breathe easier. An air purifier also prevents sickness by killing harmful airborne germs. Being exposed to dust mites at home on an ongoing basis can have a dramatic impact on your health.

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