The Best Air Purifiers

by admin

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I’ve tested dozen of air purifiers — in fact, next to coffee makers and vacuums, they’re my favorite item to test. In part, that’s due to the fact that I’m terribly allergic to tobacco smoke, and unfortunately, my state has the 13th highest smoking rate in the nation. And when 14% of adults smoke, it’s impossible to dodge second-hand smoke from your neighbors.

But tobacco smoke isn’t the only thing that can negatively affect indoor air quality. Dust, pollen and animal dander can also make the air inside of your home more polluted than the air outdoors. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can cause irritated eyes, throat, and nose, along with headaches. Long-term effects include respiratory diseases along with heart disease and cancer.

While even the best air purifiers cannot completely combat the effects of indoor air pollution, they can help to remove some of those toxins from the air, making it easier to breathe. And in addition to removing tobacco smoke, dust, pollen and pet dander, air purifiers also help to remove other air pollutants, including other types of smoke (such as from cooking and wildfires), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde. Smart purifiers can even be controlled from your smartphone and send you notifications on the quality of your air.

In addition to a quality air purifier, I also recommend using a good humidifier to add moisture back into the air. Regularly cleaning with a good vacuum cleaner can also help remove some of the dust and debris that leads to airborne pollutants.

Below, you’ll find my top 18 picks for the best air purifier, and they’re items that I have tested extensively. Most of these appliances have been in my home for over a year, and I can say, unequivocally, that they really do work to remove pollutants and allergens. 

  
Best Air Purifiers

A selection of the air purifiers tested for this review.

How We Chose the Best Air Purifiers: Testing Criteria

When trying to decide between air purifiers, there are several important factors to consider. Some will determine the overall effectiveness of the unit, while others take your personal preferences into account. If you don’t want to pay more for smart features, then you can save some money. In addition to comparing the specifications, price and features, I also tested each of these air purifiers within my own home. Here are the criteria I considered for this review:

Filters: One crucial consideration is the type of filter(s) used in an air purifier. True HEPA filters are excellent at capturing cigarette fumes, dust particles and fine dust, and some manufacturers say they can even capture mold. In theory, HEPA filters should even be able to filter the coronavirus from the air (by trapping the droplets that carry it). Like the best N95 masks, true HEPA filters can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. Activated carbon filters are good at removing odors from VOCs, pets, food and cigarettes. Some air purifiers combine HEPA filters and activated carbon filters, delivering the best of both worlds.

Filters can also be expensive — and some are more expensive than others — so filter replacement is something that you should take into account when determining the total cost of ownership. Some of the best air purifiers even have washable filters and pre-filters to capture hair, fur and dust, which can save you money, but washable filters can also degrade over time.

Room size: You’ll also need to take room size into consideration. Larger air purifiers tend to cost more, so smaller, more cost-friendly models may look more appealing to your wallet. However, you should purchase an air purifier based on the size of the room. If you place a unit designed for a smaller room into a larger, open-concept space, it’s not going to work effectively.

Fan speeds: The number of fan speeds on an air purifier is a personal preference. However, you can’t go wrong with multiple settings. I adjust the fan speeds depending on the level of smoke that I detect in the air — although, usually, the air purifiers are on an auto setting to self-adjust. I would highly recommend an auto setting so you don’t have to worry about decreasing or increasing the speed.

Noise: Regardless of what air purifier manufacturers tell you, whether the fan is quiet or not depends on the setting. Some are louder than others, but they’re all pretty loud on a high setting. But usually, you would only need to leave it on high for around 30 minutes for an intense cleaning, and then you can put it back on a lower setting.

Other features: Convenience features may or may not be important to you. For example, some air purifiers have remote controls so you can operate them from across the room. Some will provide filter notifications to let you know when the filter needs to be changed. There are also air purifiers on the list that provide real-time information, so you can just look at the display panel to see if the air is in the good, average or poor range. Smart air purifiers can also be controlled via an app so you can change settings and view real-time data on your smartphone.

Effectiveness: It’s relatively easy to know if the air smells cleaner — incidents of sneezing and coughing declines, and the level of dust decreases. However, I’m not a scientist, so I cannot vouch for the veracity of claims that air purifiers can remove specific concentrations of gasses in the building, or that the UV lights can effectively remove mold and bacteria from the air. At least one of my favorites on this list makes that claim; however, the UV feature is optional, and I never select it.

Also, some “features” are quite controversial. For example, air purifiers with an ion generator (ionizer) claim to remove allergens from the air. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, ionizers and any type of ozone generators can be detrimental to your health. If an air purifier has this setting, I would recommend leaving it off. If that’s the only way it cleans, avoid that model altogether.

A collection of air purifiers tested by SPY.com

A collection of air purifiers tested by the author.

  

The Top Air Purifiers of 2022

All of the air purifiers below were tested based on the criteria outlined above, along with an evaluation of their design, performance and overall value for the money. Fortunately, we were able to include some affordable air purifiers as well, and a few are even under $200. If you want to buy one of the best air purifiers for sale in 2022, then you should plan on spending between $170-$750.

This post will be updated as new air purifiers become available, and we’re always searching for new appliances to review. For now, keep reading to find the top air purifiers for your home.

1. Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS

BEST OVERALL

If this Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS air purifier below looks rather weathered, that’s because it is! I’ve had this one since May 2020, and I’m still enjoying every moment of using it. The design is stylish, and the air purifier is easy to move when I need to dust or vacuum around it. More importantly, it has a pre-filter, carbon filter and True HEPA filter, and together, they work to clean the air quietly and effectively.

The smart air purifier also connects via app and even has voice control. However, I love being able to just look at the top right side to easily determine the indoor air quality. If it’s blue, the air quality is good; a pinkish color indicates that the air is moderately good; and red means the air quality is unhealthy. There’s also a light that glows when each filter needs to be cleaned/changed. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS has a timer I can set for it to run 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours, and it has an auto setting and eco mode to save energy. Of course, I can also do and see everything on the app as well. The $300 price tag isn’t cheap, but I believe this is the best air purifier for most people.

Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS in home Buy: Conway Airmega AP-1512HHS $268.69 Buy: Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS $269.00 (orig. $299.00) 10% OFF

Pros

  • Multiple-filter system
  • Auto setting
  • App/voice control
  • Easy to transport

Cons

  • None that I can find

Quick Specs:  

  • Recommended room size: 325 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 9.6” x 16.8” x 18.3”
  • Weight: 12.34 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 3
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

2. TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier

RUNNER UP

The TruSens is another purifier that I’ve had since May 2020, and I recommend it for several reasons. The five fan speeds (including whisper and turbo) provide more choices, and the touch controls are really simple to use. The air purifier also includes a Sensor Pod that is placed on the other side of the room and detects changes in the air even several feet away (and adjusts the fan’s speed accordingly). There’s a washable pre-filter, carbon filter and True HEPA filter. The air purifier has a UV purification setting, but I don’t use it. Although the TruSens is designed for rooms up to 1,425 sq ft, I’ve found that it works best in smaller rooms (up to 1,000 ft).

In addition to red, yellow and blue lights to let me know the air quality reading, there are also actual numbers based on the air purifier’s algorithm. For example, yellow indicates moderate air quality, but the range is between 50-100, so a numerical reading of 90 lets me know the room is close to entering a poor-quality range. Other indicator lights are for replacing the filters and UV bulb. The lights on the control panel can also be turned off when I’m sleeping. The timer can be set to turn the purifier off after 2, 4, 8 or 12 hours. TruSens isn’t as well known as some of my other picks for the best air purifiers such as Dyson or Coway, but it’s a dependable model and a great choice for medium-sized rooms and homes.

TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier in home Buy: TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier $389.00

Buy: TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier at TruSens.com $389.00 PROS

  • Sleek design
  • Handle makes it easy to carry
  • Multiple-filter system
  • SensorPod

CONS

  • Must turn air purifier on side to change filters

Quick Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 1425 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 10” x 10” x 28”
  • Weight: 13.23 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 5
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

 

3. Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09

BEST ALL-IN-ONE

I’ve had the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde since November 2021, and honestly, I’ve never had an appliance that multitasks to this degree. I will admit that it’s insanely expensive. However, when you consider how much you would spend on a good air purifier, a good fan and a good humidifier, maybe it’s not so expensive after all. (Plus, this appliance is powered by Dyson’s famously reliable engineering.) It’s quite convenient to have one appliance that can perform three different functions, and this is easily one of the best air purifiers I’ve ever tested.

This makes it an all-season air purifier, since I can use the fan in warm months and use the humidifier in cold months. But most of the time, I’m only using the air purification function. Dyson’s smart air purifier uses a HEPA H13 filter and an activated carbon filter. The filter is sealed to keep pollutants inside. In addition, the catalytic filter (which doesn’t need to be replaced) traps formaldehyde molecules. I tend to use the auto mode, but the remote control is magnetic and fits on top of the air purifier, so I don’t have to worry about losing it. The remote can control all of the functions and speeds, but you can also use the Dyson Link app as well as Alexa (or your voice assistant of choice) to control it as well.

Full Review: The Dyson Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09 in home Buy: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09 $689.99

PROS

  • Magnetic remote control
  • Includes fan
  • Kills formaldehyde
  • Includes humidifier
  • Dyson engineering

CONS

  • Expensive
  • No transport handle

Quick Specs: 

  • Recommended room size: 2860 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 12.22” x 11.02” x 36.33”
  • Weight: 18 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 10
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

4. LG PuriCare 360

BEST DISPLAY

I’ve only had the LG PuriCare 360-Degree Air Purifier since March 2022, but it has already become one of my favorites. When I turn it on, the Clean Booster head (which lays flat when the appliance is off) slowly rotates 70 degrees, and I can also select “swing” to turn it left or right. Booster mode helps clean and circulate the air quickly. However, I can also choose to use Smart mode, (in which the top is flat) to automatically make adjustments based on the air quality in my home (there’s also a Normal mode).

In Boost mode, it’s a lot easier to see the features on the very impressive control panel (mode, speed, booster speed, swing, indicator, and sleep timer) from a distance. That’s important because there’s a lot of information on the status display panel. For example, in addition to showing the overall air quality in colors, it also uses colors (red, orange, yellow and green) to show particulate matter and concentration of odor, while the concentration of particles is shown in numbers. The smart air purifier uses a True HEPA filter, a carbon filter and an ultra-fine filter. It comes with a remote and can also be used with the LG ThinQ app. (One caution: I would be concerned about kids or pets being around the top as it’s moving.)

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PROS

  • Interesting design and great display
  • Clean Boost head
  • Multiple-filter system
  • Numerous air quality indicators

CONS

  • Heavy, with no transport handle

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 310 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 13.5” x 13.5” x 23.1”
  • Weight: 25.4 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 5
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

5. LG AeroTower Air Purifier

BEST NEWCOMER

I’ve been testing the LG AeroTower Air Purifier since July 2022 and it certainly ranks among the best air purifiers, as well as the most unusual-looking, that I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly tall (44 inches in height), but doesn’t take up extra floor space, and the design is actually pretty cool. In addition to having a futuristic look, the air purifier has an oscillating fan with 10 speeds including auto and turbo. There are also three different airflow modes — direct, diffusion and wide. The filter system consists of a True HEPA filter, deodorizing care filter and an ultra-fine filter.

The display panel, which is a little lower than midway toward the bottom of the air purifier, shows the operation status, air quality (green/good, yellow/moderate, orange/unhealthy and red/poor), particulate matter dust concentration and also the room’s temperature and humidity level and WiFi connection. Connecting to the LG ThinQ app is useful for the smart diagnosis feature, which allows users to diagnose a problem with the air purifier via smartphone, although I haven’t encountered any problems.

Fortunately, the device can be controlled using the remote control because the actual controls are on the top of the air purifier, which makes it awkward to view the display panel. So, for example, if I’m selecting a fan speed or mode on the top, I have to take a few steps back to look down at the display panel to see what I’m selecting. Otherwise, I love using this air purifier and it does a great job of quietly cleaning the air.

Best Air Purifiers Buy: LG AeroTower Air Purifier $596.00 Buy: $597 at Best Buy

Pros:

  • 10 fan speeds, oscillating fan
  • 3 airflow options
  • Remote control
  • Carrying handle
  • Multi-filter system

Cons:

  • Difficult to see the display when controlling it manually

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 818 square feet
  • Dimensions: 10.4 x 44.1 inches
  • Weight: 27.6 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: 10
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

6. Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto Air Purifier

FOR MID-SIZE ROOMS

I love Blueair purifiers because they work really well and have a modern design that won’t detract from your home decor. The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier is already on the list. However, I’ve been testing the Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto model since August 2022, and I’m impressed enough to add it to the list as well as the best choice for mid-sized spaces (up to 388 sq ft). The 311 Auto has many of the same features as the 211+, however, it’s much lighter and easier to transport. The 311 Auto is so named because it has an auto mode in addition to the everyday, boost and night modes. This model also has air quality indicators that are displayed in colors; red for polluted, orange for moderate and blue for good.

This air purifier has a washable fabric pre-filter, main particle filter and a layer of activated carbon. Blueair just started making a smoke block filter as well. The 311 Auto includes a gray (Arctic Trail) pre-filter, but there’s an option to purchase other colors for $11 including blue (Night Waves), green (Aurora Light), and pinkish/tan (Archipelago Sand).

Best Air Purifiers

Buy: Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto Air Purifier $249.99 Buy: $250 at Blueair Buy: $250 at Best Buy

Pros:

  • Leaves air smelling good
  • Various pre-filter colors
  • Space-saving design
  • Easy to transport
  • Multi-filter system

Cons:

  • Velcro strip on the back looks tacky

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 388 square feet
  • Dimensions: 20.5 x 10.2 x 10.2 inches
  • Weight: 6.8 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: Four
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

7. Alen BreathSmart 75i

BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS

I’ve been running this Alen Air Purifier in my bedroom non-stop 24/7/365 (unless I’m out of town) since September 2020, so I can definitely vouch for its longevity. The air purifier is recommended for areas up to 1,300 square feet, and my bedroom isn’t even close to being that large. However, when I’m asleep, it’s the perfect height for me to just roll over and adjust with just one eye open. Even though there are five speeds, I typically run it on speed 2 — and if my neighbors are outside smoking while I’m trying to sleep, I’ll bump it up to 3 — which is still quiet enough not to disrupt my sleep cycles. Honestly, I never need to go to speeds 4 and 5.

There’s a color-coded system to let me know how clean (or dirty) the air is, and I can choose the type of H13 True HEPA filter to use. I use the B7-Fresh with activated carbon for allergens and smoke, but there are also two other filter choices for this model — and all of the features come with their own pre-filter that can be vacuumed for added cleanliness. Another feature I love is the ability to choose the panel color. I chose a red cover, but then purchased a gray (stainless steel) cover so I can swap them out occasionally (can you tell that I really like my air purifiers?). Other panel colors choices include white, espresso, weathered gray, oak and graphite. Be warned: this air purifier is heavy, but there’s a handle that makes it easy to move when I need to vacuum or clean my bedroom.

Alen air purifier in home Buy: Alen 75i Air Purifier $741.99 Buy: Alen 75i Air Purifier $749.00

PROS

  • Easy to operate
  • Multi-filter system
  • Choice of colors
  • Choice of filter types
  • Transport handle

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size:1300 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 12” x 19” x 27”
  • Weight: 27 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 5
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

8. Aura Smart Air Purifier

BEST WALL MOUNTED

I’ve had the Aura Air since August 2021, and have found it to be quite effective. It’s a great choice if you’re out of floor space, or if you have small kids or pets. Initially, I was rather apprehensive about hanging this on my wall (primarily because I was concerned it wouldn’t fit my décor). However, most of it is encased in grey cloth and actually looks like wall art (except for the unsightly cord).

The air purifier uses a pre-filter, HEPA filter, carbon filter, UV light and a sterionizer. The light at the bottom changes colors to let me know if the air is clean or not, and also if the WiFi connection has been lost. A WiFi connection doesn’t affect the device’s ability to function, but since it can only be controlled via the app or voice assistants, if I happen to lose my connection, I can’t make adjustments or view air quality indicators. It’s also rather loud, even on lower settings, so I tend to run it for about 30 minutes when I’m not in the bedroom.

Aura smart air purifier hanging on wall Buy: Aura Smart Air Purifier $499.99 Buy: Aura Smart Air Purifier $499.00

PROS

  • Saves floor space
  • Works well
  • Detailed air quality data

CONS

  • No manual controls
  • No remote
  • Rather loud

Key Specs: 

  • Recommended room size: 600 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 5.91” x 14.76” x 14.76”
  • Weight: 12.1 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 4
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

9. Oransi Mod

MOST USER FRIENDLY

I’ve had the Oransi since October 2020, and it’s incredibly easy to use. Simple touch controls turn it on/off and reset the change filter notification. And there’s a reason why I don’t know the number of fan speeds: I merely slide my finger around the touchscreen to increase and decrease the speed like a dimmer switch. The Oransi Mod uses a three-filter system that includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter and an activated carbon layer.

It’s heavy to move around, but the colorful orange handle helps. Some air purifiers — especially those marketed for use in large rooms — struggle to actually be effective in large spaces. However, this one lives up to the hype, and in my testing, I found that it does a great job of cleaning smoke, dust and other pollutants from the air.

Oransi Mod air purifier in home Buy: ORANSI Air Purifiers $559.99 (orig. $599.00) 7% OFF

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Unique design
  • Effectively cleans large rooms
  • Touchscreen controls

CONS

  • Must turn upside down to change filter

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 1,250 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 14” x 14” x 25”
  • Weight: 18 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: Variable
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: n/a
  

10. Coway Airmega 400S

FOR EXTRA-LARGE ROOMS

The Coway Airmega 400S isn’t as popular as the more affordable Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS we named our “Best Overall” selection, but the 400S can purify a much larger home. I’ve been testing this air purifier since February 2022, and although its relatively new, this model has already more than earned its spot among the very best air purifiers. Even in a short period of time, it’s proven to be easy to use and effective in cleaning the air in large rooms. The smart purifier uses a multi-filter system that includes a True HEPA filter, active carbon and a washable pre-filter.

The rings on the front turn different colors to let me easily view air quality in real-time, and the indicators on the top alert me when it’s time to wash or replace filters. The air purifier has five fan speeds, including a smart and a sleep mode. I can set the timer for 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. In addition to the manual controls, the Coway IoCare Mobile app lets me control and monitor air quality remotely, and I can also use Alexa for voice control.

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PROS

  • Handles on the side
  • Can slide on floor
  • Multi-filter system
  • Uses Coway IoCare App
  • Attractive design
  • Great price for the capacity

CONS

  • Bulky

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 1,560 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 15” x 15” x 23”
  • Weight: 24.7 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 5
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

11. BlueAir Blue Pure 211+

BEST SMELLING AIR

I’ve had the Blue Air 411+ since June 2020, and it produces the best smelling air of all of the purifiers I’ve tested. To clarify, they all remove bad and stale odors and create a fresh clean smell. However, the BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ produces a particularly nice smelling home — although it’s not perfumed in any way. The air purifier uses a HEPA Silent filtration system that includes a carbon filter, particle filter, and washable fabric pre-filter.

In the photo above, you’ll notice that I don’t have a fabric pre-filter on my unit. The pre-filters come in various colors, like gray and black, but I honestly think the fabric pre-filters detract from the beautiful Scandinavian design, so I just commit to vacuuming the exterior and interior more often. Like the best air purifiers I’ve reviewed, the Blue Pure 211+ is also easy to operate. There’s just one button, and I press it to turn the device on and also to change fan speeds.

BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ in home Buy: BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ $339.99 Buy: BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ at Target $319.99

PROS

  • Very easy to operate
  • Great smell
  • Color assortment for pre-filters

CONS

  • Heavy
  • Hard to transport with no handles

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 540 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 13” x 13” x 20.4 inches
  • Weight: 13 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 3
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

12. Bissell Air320 Air Purifier

BEST FOR TIGHT SPACES

The Bissell Air320 looks like a modern piece of furniture, and it’s been gracing my home since March 2021. It’s a work of art, with a slim profile, grey fabric panel and wooden legs, and it can even be placed flush up against the wall if needed. Plus, the cord can be stored inside of the air purifier to save even more floor space. It uses an H13 HEPA filter, along with a carbon filter and pre-HEPA filter.

The single button/dial is responsible for controlling everything, even resetting the filter alert. The digital display is right below the control dial. It shows the air quality in numbers and colors (for example, blue 002 is good, yellow 139 is moderate, and red 457 is poor). The display also shows the fan speeds, which include an auto-adjust speed setting. This air purifier would be perfect for a small space like a 1-bedroom apartment or studio thanks to its compact shape and super-attractive design.

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Pros

  • Slim design fits right up against the wall
  • Easy to operate
  • Works well even on lower settings
  • Only designed for very small spaces

Cons

  • Hard to read

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 308 sq ft
  • Dimensions: 14.5” x 8.5” x 25”
  • Weight: 19.2 pounds
  • Fan Speeds: 5
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

13. Coway Airmega Icon S

MULTIPURPOSE

I received and tested the Coway Airmega Icon back in May, but in August, I received the Icon S, which is Wifi enabled (and $50 more). This means that it can be remotely controlled via the IoCare App and a smartphone, and also voice-controlled via Alexa and Google Home. Otherwise, the air purifier has the same features as the Airmega Icon — and they’re quite impressive.

For example, there’s a place on the top plate to wirelessly charge any Qi-compatible smartphone. The air purifier, which is covered in beige fabric is quite stylish and looks more like a piece of furniture than an air purifier.

The Airmega Icon S has touch buttons, three fan speeds (low, medium and high) and three modes (eco, auto and sleep). I tend to keep it on medium, which does a remarkably good job of quietly and thoroughly cleaning the air. However, the smart mode can automatically adjust the speed depending on the air quality in the room. It can also monitor the air quality by looking at the color on the top; blue for good, green for moderate, yellow for unhealthy and red for very unhealthy. The air purifier also shows particulate matter on the display screen. I really love this air purifier because it does a great job of removing my neighbors’ cigarette smoke in a relatively short period of time. It uses a washable pre-filter and a Max 2 filter that combines activated carbon with a green true HEPA filter.

Best Air Purifiers Buy: Coway Airmega Icon S $699

Pros: 

  • Sleek, furniture design
  • Smartphone and voice control
  • Wireless smartphone charger
  • Multi-filter system

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • No transport handle

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 649 square feet
  • Dimensions: 22.3 x 21.4 x 8.8 inches
  • Weight: 19.2 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: 3
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

14. Wyze Air Purifier

BUDGET PICK

I’ve been testing the Wyze Air Purifier since April 2022 and I consider it an excellent air purifier that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. While mine came with the standard allergen filter, there’s also an option to get a formaldehyde filter or a wildfire filter. Each one is a true HEPA filter filled with granulated carbon. I was also impressed that, at this price point, the air purifier has smart controls. It gives you the option of controlling fan speed and viewing air quality measurements on the device or downloading the Wyze Air app and viewing this information on a smartphone.

The air purifier also supports Alexa and Google Assistant. While not the most design-forward option, the Wyze Air Purifier doesn’t take up much space, so it can be used practically anywhere. The four fan speeds, min, mid, max and turbo, make it easy to select the desired level of airflow, and there’s also an auto mode.

Best Air Purifiers Buy: Wyze Air Purifier $170.00

Pros:

  • Choice of 3 filter types
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Carrying handle
  • Cleans the air well

Cons:

  • No remote control

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 550 square feet
  • Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.4 x 18.5 inches
  • Weight: 8.75 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: Four
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

15. Levoit Core 600S

CUSTOM FILTERS

I’ve been testing the Levoit Core 600S since February 2022, and it has performed very well. It’s rather bulky, but not really heavy, and has a carrying handle on each side for easy transport. My favorite feature is the air purifier’s filter process. It uses a pre-filter, an H13 True HEPA Filter with HEPASmart Technology, and also a custom high-efficiency activated carbon filter with ARC Formula (air recomposition formula) to decompose any harmful molecules in the filter.

After downloading the VeSync app, I am also able to control the air purifier from my smartphone (it works with Alexa and Google Assistant as well) to change one of the four speeds (plus auto and sleep), set timers and schedule times to run it. I can also view air quality over a period of time. The controls on the device include touch controls for the fan speed, timer, check filter indicator and WiFi. The circle on the control panel provides an air-quality indicator that turns blue for very good, green for good, orange for moderate and red for bad.

Best Air Purifiers Buy: Levoit Core 600S $299.99 Buy: $300 at Target Buy: $300 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Pros:

  • Impressive multi-filter system
  • Control via app
  • Voice control

Cons:

  • Bulky

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size: 635 square feet
  • Dimensions:  12 x 12 x 23.6 inches
  • Weight: 13.7 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: Four
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

16. AirSoap Home Air Purifier

LOW-MAINTENANCE

I received the AirSoap Home Air Purifier to test back in December 2021 – and I’ve been intrigued by how it operates. There are no replaceable filters; however, the air purifier does use filters that are cleaned in a variety of ways. The charcoal-activated filter can be rejuvenated by leaving it in direct sunlight for two hours. There’s also a large collection plate that traps airborne particles using positive and negative charges that is cleaned with hot, soapy water. The pre-filter is also cleaned with water or it can be wiped with a microfiber cloth. Finally, the ionization coil is cleaned with a microfiber cloth.

It’s definitely cheaper to clean these parts instead of purchasing filters. AirSoap is designed to kill airborne viruses. While SPY can’t molecularly test if air purifiers can kill bacteria, PhoneSoap, the parent company, is known for such products, as we found when testing the best UV phone sanitizers. However, I can say that the air purifier helped to reduce allergens in the air. It has one simple button that controls everything, four fan speeds and air quality indicators colors at the bottom for excellent, moderate, unhealthy and hazardous conditions.

One weird thing I discovered was that sometimes, maybe every 15 or 20 minutes, the air purifier makes a crackling sound, not unlike the zapping noise a bug zapper makes. However, the manual states that this is normal, and it’s the sound of the air purifier breaking up dust and other particles.

Best Air Purifiers Buy: AirSoap Home Air Purifier $394.00 Buy: $400 at Target Buy: $400 at GameStop

Pros:

  • No filters to replace
  • Lightweight
  • Handles on both sides
  • Easy to operate

Cons:

  • Occasional crackling sound

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size:  400 square feet
  • Dimensions: 21.06 x 10.25 x 10.6 inches
  • Weight: 12.6 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: Four
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback:  Yes
  

17. Smartmi P1 Air Purifier

TABLETOP AIR PURIFIER

I’ve had the Smartmi P1 Air Purifier since April 2022, and I love the stunning design. The leather strap reminds me of the Molekule Air Mini, but the Smartmi is less than half the price. The air purifier is small enough to put on a table and the strap makes it easy to carry. The LCD control panel includes mode selections (normal, custom, sleep, and auto), timer, particulate matter level, and a color-coded pollen alert indicator (green for very good, yellow for good, orange for moderate and red for unhealthy). It also shows the Wi-Fi status indicator.

After connecting to the Smartmi Link App, you’re able to control the air purifier from a phone. It can also be used with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Hey Google. There’s a choice of two different filter types. Mine has the H13 True HEPA filter, preliminary filter, activated carbon filter and inner filter for odors, smog, and smoke — and this filter helps the air purifier work well in small spaces. However, Smartmi also makes another H13 True HEPA filter designed for pollen and dust.

Best Air Purifiers Buy: Smartmi P1 Air Purifier $143.99 (orig. $179.99) 20% OFF

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Beautiful design
  • WiFi connects to Smartmi Link App
  • Leather carrying strap
  • Multi-filter system

Cons:

  • Not a lot of fan speeds

Key Specs:

  • Recommended room size:  320 square feet
  • Dimensions: 14 x 8.6 inches
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: Two
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

18. Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier

BEST PURIFIER FAN

I’ve been testing the Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier since August 2022, and I’m quite impressed with it. Since it’s an air purifier and a fan, it also provides a nice breeze. The device is much smaller than others, making it the best air purifier for, say, a dorm room or any small space, and it has a leather strap for easy carrying. There are three fan speeds in addition to auto mode and night mode. There’s a single button, which makes it easy to operate the air purifying fan.

The color scale displays the air quality (red for polluted, orange for moderate and blue for good). This air purifier has a fabric pre-filter, but unlike the other Blueair purifiers which have wraparound pre-filters, this one goes on the backside of the filter frame, so it’s only visible when you turn the air purifier around. My test model arrived with a dark gray (Arctic Trail) pre-filter, but there’s an option to purchase other colors, including blue (Night Waves), green (Aurora Light), pinkish/tan (Archipelago Sand) and light grey (Winter Reed).

Best Air Purifiers Buy: Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier Buy: $299 at Walmart

Pros:

  • Cool design
  • Fan
  • Customizable pre-filter colors
  • Multi-filter system

Cons:

  • No remote control

Key Specs:

  • Dimensions:  14.9 x 13 x 11 inches
  • Weight:  11.6 lbs.
  • Fan Speeds: Three
  • Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
  

About the Author

Terri Williams has tested and written about home and tech products for a variety of digital publications, including Popular Science, Architectural Digest, CNN, NBC News, USA Today, Tom’s Guide, Popular Mechanics, The Daily Beast, The Spruce, and several other websites. She has tested dozens of air purifiers and other types of home appliances, and she loves trying out new products. As an allergy sufferer, she depends on high-quality air purifiers to breathe easy.

  

Updates: These air purifier reviews were last updated on September 26, 2022. After conducting additional testing, we added new air purifiers from LG, Coway-Airmega, Blueair and Home Soap. We also updated our overall rankings and purchase options.

    

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