A good air purifier can really improve your quality of life and wellbeing.

But to be considered the best air purifier on the market, it has to be powerful enough to clean the air of allergens, viruses, mold, dust, smoke and other fine particles. We’ve done the research to find the best ones and have rounded them up for you here.

Disclosure: Home Air Guides is reader-supported. As an Amazon associate and affiliate for independent brands, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on our site. Learn more.

The Best Air Purifiers: Overview

ImageAir Purifier DetailsPrice
VEVA Pro HEPA 9000 Air Purifier
  • Best overall air purifier
  • Filters: Filters: Washable Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon
  • Coverage: 600 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: please contact seller for more information.
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Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air PurifierRabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier
  • Best air purifier for a large room
  • Filters: Pre-filter, Medium, BioGS, Activated Carbon, Customized, Ionizer
  • Coverage: 700 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 5 years
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Levoit LV-H132 Air PurifierLevoit LV-H132 Air Purifier
  • Best budget air purifier
  • Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon
  • Coverage: 86 sq. ft
  • Warranty: 2 years
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Molekule Air PurifierMolekule Air Purifier
  • Top advanced air purifier filter
  • Filters: Pre-filter, PECO nanotechnology
  • Coverage: 600 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 2 years
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Honeywell HPA-250B Air PurifierHoneywell HPA300 Air Purifier
  • Best HEPA air purifier for allergies
  • Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon
  • Coverage: 465 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 5 years
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Medify MA-40 Air PurifierMedify MA-40 Air Purifier
  • Top rated HEPA air purifier for large rooms
  • Filters: Pre-filter, H13 True HEPA, Activated Carbon, Ionizer
  • Coverage: 800 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: Lifetime
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Coway Mighty Air PurifierCoway Mighty Air Purifier AP-1512HH
  • Best energy-saver air purifier
  • Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon, Ionizer
  • Coverage: 361 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 3 years
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Hathaspace Air PurifierHathaspace HSP001 Air Purifier
  • Best new air purifier brand
  • Filters: True HEPA, Activated Carbon, Nano Cold Catalyst, Antibacterial, Ionizer
  • Coverage: 350 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 2 years
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Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air PurifierBlueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier
  • Top colorful air purifier filter
  • Filters: Pre-filter, HEPASilent, Activated Carbon
  • Coverage: 161 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 1 year
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AIRMEGA 400S Air PurifierCoway AIRMEGA 400S Smart Air Purifier
  • Top smart air purifier brand
  • Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon
  • Coverage: 1,560 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 5 years
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Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air PurifierAlen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier
  • Best HEPA air purifier filter options
  • Filters: Pre-filter, Various HEPA Versions, Ionizer
  • Coverage: 1,300 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: Lifetime
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Dyson Pure Cool Link Air PurifierDyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier
  • Top rated hybrid air purifier with a fan
  • Filters: True HEPA, Activated Carbon
  • Coverage: 300 sq. ft.
  • Warranty: 2 years
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Table of Contents

While there are many top rated air purifier brands like Veva, Levoit, RabbitAir, Dyson, Coway, Winix, and Blueair, it can be hard to know which model to choose. So we made the most detailed top ten list of the best home air purifiers that have a high-quality HEPA filter for removing 99.97% of airborne particulates.

No matter which air cleaner you choose on this page, you’ll end up with an effective air purifier that’s been tested to efficiently remove pollutants from your indoor air.

The Best Air Purifiers: Ranked and Reviewed

1. Best Value for Large Spaces Air Purifier: VEVA Pro HEPA 9000 Air Purifier

Recommended for spaces up to 600 square feet, the VEVA ProHEPA 9000 Air Purifier is an incredibly affordable option for larger rooms, especially considering the level of quality air purification you get for the price. 

It’s equipped with three filters to capture unseen air invaders and larger ones alike. The washable pre-filter uses micro mesh technology to grab larger particles, like hair, pet dander, and lint. Next, the air meets a micro-particle and activated carbon filter which helps to extend the HEPA filter’s life and remove odors, smoke, and other vaporized pollutants. Lastly, the medical-grade H13 premium HEPA filter effectively traps pollen, dust, mold, and other nasties to bring you the best air possible in your home. 

Unlike other air purifiers on the market, this VEVA air purifier doesn’t use UV lights or ions, which are known to create trace amounts of ozone that can pollute the very air you’re trying to clean. For families with babies, cats, or dogs, you can breathe easy knowing this little machine is a lot safer than some of the other products out there.

 

 

Plus, the installation is so simple! You just slide the filters into their designated slots and it’s ready to go. 

Customize how you purify your home with the three airspeeds ranging from extra quiet to ultra turbo. For instance, the extra quiet speed ensures your air is clean while you sleep without the noisy whir of the motor. 

Its small, sleek, and modern design is also a huge perk — the VEVA air purifier seamlessly integrates into any home décor for a sensible solution to air quality that doesn’t disrupt your personal style. 

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 600 sq. ft. | Filters: 1 Premium HEPA Filter, 1 Washable Pre-filter, & 1 Activated Carbon Filter | Warranty: please contact the seller to learn more.

The Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier in Standard White

2. Best Overall Air Purifier: Rabbit Air MinusA2

If we had to pick the best air purifier out of all of the others on this ranking list, this would be the clear winner.

We consider it the best rated air purifier available due to its wide range of features and air cleaning power.

The MinusA2 offers an unmatched 6-Stage Air Filtration System that creates the cleanest, freshest air possible and also tops our list for the best HEPA air purifier for allergies.

This includes:

  • Pre-filter: To capture the largest particles and prolongs the life of the other filters.
  • Medium Filter: Traps large allergens and dust particles.
  • BioGS HEPA Filter: Extra-long life version of a True HEPA Filter that captures the tiniest of all allergens, dust, pollen, and mold particles (99.97% down to 0.3 microns). Lasts up to 3 years.
  • Activated Carbon Filter: Eliminates odors and chemical vapors.
  • Customized Filter: Let’s you customize the product to suit your specific needs. Choose between enhanced germ defense, toxin absorption, pet allergies, or odor elimination.
  • Ion Generator: Creates an ionic field to neutralize airborne contaminants without producing ozone.

Another reason this is the overall best room air purifier is the fact that you can customize the front panel in both color and design. Many different artistic design choices are available to suit your taste and style.

And, since it’s wall-mountable, this air cleaner can be camouflaged as a piece of art inside a room.

Room size coverage is also excellent at 700 square feet, which covers most areas in the home.

There are also two other versions available if you want a slight boost in air cleaning coverage and/or smart Wi-Fi controls to control it from your mobile device:

The only downside is that this is one of the more expensive options out there. If you can afford it; however, we highly suggest that you invest in this air purifying machine because it has everything you need to protect your health.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 700 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, Medium, BioGS, Activated Carbon, Customized, Ionizer | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 171 cfm/173 cfm/166 cfm | Noise Level: 20.8 to 45.6 dBA | Warranty: 5 years


The Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier in White

3. Best Budget Air Purifier: Levoit LV-H132

This Levoit compact air purifying device is a great buy for anyone who is looking for convenience.

Its small size makes it the best tabletop air purifier for personal air purification use at home, at work, and while traveling.

The major advantage of this top rated air purifier is that it uses a 3-Stage Air Filtration System that includes a True HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and Pre-filter.

This room air purifier also includes a nightlight with two brightness settings, which makes it a nice air purifier for bedroom.

Since it’s geared for personal use, this compact home air cleaner can only purify a space up to 86 square feet. However, that also makes it a great deal.

This air purifier also comes two additional sizes if you need more coverage for an average to large size room:

Just choose the best home air purifier model that’s right for you.

Each one offers the same powerful level of air filtration for getting clean air where you need it most.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 86 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 110 cfm/110 cfm/110 cfm | Noise Level: 36 to 50 dBA | Warranty: 2 years


The Molekule Air Purifier in Silver

4. Top Advanced Air Purifier Filter: Molekule Air

Molekule makes one of the top air purifiers you can buy today that actually destroys (not traps) pollutants.

Unlike most other air purifiers that use HEPA filters to collect particulates from the air, the Molekule air purifier actually removes indoor contaminants and then destroys them at the molecular level.

This unit does this by using a Dual-Filtration System:

  • The Pre-filter catches larger pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander.The PECO filter uses nanotechnology to eliminate all other types of airborne pollutants that are 1,000 times smaller than the average air purifier can capture in a HEPA filter.

You can’t get much better than that for an air cleaner for home use.

This unit also tops our list for air purifiers for bacteria and viruses.

A few other features that make this air purifier a good deal include:

  • 360-Degree air intake pulls in pollutants from all sides.
  • Leather handle lets you easily move it from room to room.
  • Touch screen display allows you to make quick adjustments to the fan speeds and automatic modes.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity gives you added control with your iPhone or Android device.
  • Aluminum case adds modern style and elegance to any room.

As for room size coverage, this home air purifier can cover large rooms up to 600 square feet, which is exceptional.

If you want a smaller version of this device, you do have another option:

If we were to give one criticism against this room air purifier, it would be that you’re locked into using Molekule’s proprietary PECO filters. You can’t buy a third-party filter that will work in this unit like you can with other air purifiers that use HEPA filters.

But even with that brand attachment, many people find this to be the best air purifier for their needs because it has such powerful air cleaning technology.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 600 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filters, PECO | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): Not Available | Noise Level: 41 to 65 dBA | Warranty: 2 years


The Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier in Black

5. Best HEPA Air Purifier for Allergies: Honeywell HPA300

If you weren’t already aware of this fact, Honeywell is the #1 brand recommended by allergists. In fact, earns a top spot on our list of the best air purifiers for asthma and allergies.

Like many of the other best air purifiers on this page, this product uses a powerful True HEPA Filter and Activated Carbon Filter to clean the air of dust, allergens, smoke, and odors.

It can handle a very large space up to 465 square feet.

Our favorite features; however, are the automatic shut off timer with 2, 4, and 8-hour intervals; easy tap control buttons; and turbo fan mode.

It’s also one of the quietest air purifiers ever tested at its highest speed.

Our only complaint used to be that the filter replacements were too costly, but now they’ve become quite affordable. The estimated cost is around $40 for a 3 pack.

If you want the best HEPA air purifier for allergies at a good price, then this is a top option to choose.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 465 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 300 cfm/320 cfm/300 cfm | Noise Level: 43 to 61 dBA | Warranty: 5 years


The Medify MA-40 Air Purifier in White

6. Top Rated HEPA Air Purifier for Large Rooms: Medify MA-40

What makes this product so attractive is the fact that it uses a 4-Stage Air Cleaning System with the highest grade HEPA filter available.

This powerful air purifier tackles pollutants of all types—making the room it’s placed in a much healthier environment.

The 4-Stage Air Cleaning System includes:

  • Pre-filter: For trapping the largest particles and extending the life of the other air filters.
  • Medical Grade H13 HEPA Filter: A higher grade filter than a standard True HEPA filter. It captures 99.95% of microscopic allergens, dust, and mold spores down to 0.1 microns in size. Research shows that this is the optimal filter choice for people who suffer from allergy symptoms or asthma.
  • Activated Carbon Filter: Reduces odors caused by pets, smoke, and cooking, so rooms smell fresh. Also eliminates airborne chemicals and gases like formaldehyde.
  • Ionizer: Produces negative ions to improve the efficiency of the internal air filters and revitalizes the air.

This is an excellent air purifier for large rooms and can purify a space up to 840 square feet. But, you can make it even more efficient by using it in a smaller room that’s around 400 square feet.

If you do that, you can boost the air cleaning power by recycling the full volume of air every 15 minutes.

This air purifier does; however, come in two other sizes to meet your air cleaning needs:

Two other things worth pointing out is that this air purifier also comes with an 8-hour Timer and Child Lock.

The timer lets you set the air purifier to automatically turn off after 0-8 hours when don’t need it running all day. And the child lock disables the control panel buttons so that the settings can’t be changed.

It’s also one of the only air purifiers with a Tempered Glass Panel so you never have to worry about it getting scratched like other plastic models.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 840 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, H13 True HEPA, Activated Carbon, Ionizer | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 370 cfm/370 cfm/370 cfm | Noise Level: 20 to 66 dBA | Warranty: Lifetime


The Coway Might Air Purifier AP-15212HH in Black

7. Best Energy Saver Air Purifier: Coway Mighty Air AP-15212HH

Month after month, this continues to be one of our top picks because it’s the best selling air purifier for personal use.

Why is it so highly rated?

Mainly due to these reasons:

  • 4-Stage Air Purification System: Includes a Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and Ionizer to eliminate the widest range of pollutants and odors.
  • Eco Mode: Unlike other air purifiers that run 24/7 even when the air is fresh, this product cuts off when it senses the air is clean—making it extremely energy efficient.
  • Long Filter Life: The HEPA Filter is outstanding and lasts up to one year. The Activated Carbon Filter is good for about 6 months before a replacement is needed.
  • Two Color Choices: Black or White.

In numerous tests, the Coway Mighty Air Purifier has proven to be excellent at not only removing dust and allergens but also reducing household odors, mold, and bacteria.

Plus, it has enough power to handle a large space up to 361 square feet.

The only real negative aspect of this air purifier reviewed here is that the air quality sensor light on the top of the unit can’t be turned off.

If you find that the light is too bright at night, then you may want to cover it with a piece of black tape or cardboard.

Other than that, it’s the best efficient air purifier you can buy today. You really have to see it to believe it.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 361 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon, Ionizer | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 240 cfm/246 cfm/223 cfm | Noise Level: 24.4 to 53.8 dBA | Warranty: 3 years


The Hathaspace Air Purifier in White

8. Best New Air Purifier Brand: Hathaspace HSP001

This is a newer brand of air purifiers that’s received a lot of attention lately and has thousands of positive reviews.

What makes it such a popular air cleaner is the advanced 5-Stage Air Filtration System that eliminates all sorts of indoor pollutants so you can breathe better and feel healthier.

It’s good for removing dust, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, bacteria, and odor particles with these quality filters:

  • True HEPA Filter: Captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
  • Activated Carbon Filter: Traps smoke odor, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Nano Cold Catalyst Filter: Removes larger airborne particles like dust, hair, and pet dander, and toxic household chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene.
  • Antibacterial Filter: Contains nano-materials that destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi that pass through the system.
  • Ionizer: Releases negative ions into the air to neutralize contaminants so they’re easier to capture by the other internal filters.

As for room size coverage, this unit is can purify rooms up to 350 square feet.

For the money, this air purifier has a ton of air cleaning features that make it go above and beyond a standard air cleaner. And it’s a very efficient air purifier for pets.

The reason it’s less expensive than the other air cleaners on this page is that Hathaspace is not a big brand name yet. But one day it will be and the cost may likely go up with it.

If you want total air purification at an affordable price, then this may be the best home air purifier for your needs. So check it out.

Check Price and Reviews

More Specifications:

Room Size: 350 sq. ft. | Filters: True HEPA, Activated Carbon, Nano Cold Catalyst, Antibacterial, Ionizer | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 160 cfm/160 cfm/160 cfm | Noise Level: 21 to 43 dBA | Warranty: 2 years


The Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier in Dark Grey

9. Top Colorful Air Purifier Filter: Blueair Blue Pure 411

If you’re looking for a simple, user-friendly air cleaner for home use that only requires the touch of a single button to clean your air, then this is a good unit to consider.

The 3-Stage Air Filtration System starts with a colorful and washable pre-filter that captures larger particles like dust, hair, and dirt. It comes with two colors: dark blue and grey, and other colors can be purchased separately.

Next, air passes through a HEPASilent filter that’s electrically charged to cause pollutants like allergens, mold spores, and other irritants to stick to the filter fibers.

Finally, air goes through an Activated Carbon filter to extract airborne odors and smoke particles to make the room smell fresh. This is a top feature in any air purifier for smoke to extract the odor.

Air is filtered from all sides of this air purifier, making it a 360-degree air cleaning unit that has less clogging, higher airflow, and lower noise levels.

It’s one of the best budget air purifiers for small spaces up to 161 square feet and cleans the air at an impressive rate: 5 times per hour.

The compact size also makes it one of the best tabletop air purifier units you can get. It measures 16.7″ x 8″ x “8 inches and doesn’t take up much space.

If you want larger room size coverage, another model is also available:

One other thing to note is that this air purifier has been independently tested and certified from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). That means it’s one of the most efficient air purifiers available.

Also, the HEPASilent filtering technology captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns in size and helps to kill germs. This creates a more sterile and healthy room environment.

This is a solid investment for anyone who wants clean air and will continue to rank high on our top air purifiers list.

If we had to give one complaint though, it would be that we wished you could choose the color of the pre-filter during the initial purchase. Blueair doesn’t offer that option, so you have to buy an extra pre-filter to get the color you like best.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 161 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, HEPASilent, Activated Carbon | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 120cfm/120cfm/105cfm | Noise Level: 17 to 46 dbA | Warranty: 1 year


The AIRMEGA 400S Smart Air Purifier in White

10. Top Smart Air Purifier Brand: Coway AIRMEGA 400S

This product ranks high on the list of best rated air purifiers because it offers a combination that not many other devices provide: Smart Wi-Fi features and large room size coverage.

It also tops the charts on our reviews of smart air purifiers.

What makes the Coway AIREMGA 400S so popular is the fact that you can control every aspect of it from your iOS or Android device.

It also has a real-time air quality monitoring system so you know exactly how fresh or polluted the air is around you indoors.

A colored ring of light on the unit changes from blue (good air quality) to red (poor air quality) and various shades in between. You can also see this information on the mobile app.

This unit uses an advanced set of air filters—True HEPA and Activated Carbon—that are capable of capturing 99% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 99.97% of all other pollutants. That rating is one of the best in the industry.

Another upside to this room air purifier is that the maximum air purifying coverage is 1,560 square feet, which is good for every home or office application. No room is too large for this air purifier.

If you want something a bit smaller, another version is also available:

Additionally, this unit comes in two color choices: white and graphite.

The only downside is that all of these benefits add up.

This air purifier costs more than others listed on this page, but you may find that it’s worth every penny because of its advanced air cleaning capabilities, large room size coverage, and smart Wi-Fi controls.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 1,560 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 260 cfm/260 cfm/260 cfm | Noise Level: 22 to 52 dBA | Warranty: 5 years


Alternatives to the Best Air Purifiers

The Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier in White

Best HEPA Air Purifier Filter Options: Alen BreatheSmart 75i

If you’re looking for a fully customizable air purifier that can also handle a very large space, then this is a great choice.

Similar to our #1 best room air purifier above, this Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier offers some good options:

  • 4 True HEPA Filter Types: To meet your specific air quality needs. Choose between Pure (allergies), Silver (asthma), FreshPlus (smoke and heavy chemicals), and OdorCell (pet and baby odors).
  • Multiple Front Panel Colors and Designs: To match your personal style and fit in with your existing home décor or office space. Includes white, blue, graphite, oak, rosewood, espresso, and more.

Another top feature is the Smart Sensor with a colored Air Quality Light Indicator.

It measures the pollutants in the air and automatically adjusts the air cleaning power to save on energy and extend filter life. The color changes between five different colors to indicate the current indoor air quality.

This air purifier is also one of the most powerful on this list too.

It can clean the air within a room up to 1,300 square feet, making it the perfect device for a large room, a basement, or even an office.

The Alen BreatheSmart line is also an excellent air purifier for bedrooms.

While the price is a little higher than other products in our air purifier reviews list, it does make a great investment if you want a truly personalized air purifying device without any complicated features.

For that reason, it’s tough to beat.

Check Price and Reviews

More Specifications:

Room Size: 1,300 sq. ft. | Filters: Pre-filter, Various HEPA Versions, Ionizer | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): 347 cfm/347 cfm/347 cfm | Noise Level: 25 to 49 dBA | Warranty: Lifetime


The Dyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier in White

Top Rated Hybrid Air Purifier with a Fan: Dyson Pure Cool Link

If you’re looking for an air purifier that can serve two purposes: cleaning the air and cooling you down, then this unit may be exactly what you need.

The Dyson Pure Cool Link is the only room air cleaner that operates as a cooling device in addition to an air purifier.

Here are the top features you’ll enjoy:

  • True HEPA Filter: Captures 99.97% of microscopic particles down to 0.3 microns in size. This includes allergens, dust, mold spores, bacteria, and particulate matter (PM2.5).
  • Activated Carbon Filter: Removes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and household odors from cooking, pets, and smoke.
  • Cooling Fan: Blows cold air with a bladeless design.
  • Automatic Mode: It monitors the air quality and adjusts itself automatically to filter out contaminants.
  • Wi-Fi and Voice Control: Lets you control the air purifier from any iOS or Android device to view air quality reports in real-time and set up air cleaning schedules. It can also be synced up with a smart home device like Amazon Alexa.
  • Oscillation: This feature rotates the fan from side to side so that purified and cooled air can be more evenly distributed through the room.
  • 300 Square Feet: Good for medium size rooms.

There’s also a model that includes a heating function if you want something to keep you warm during the winter:

As you can see, this top Dyson air purifier is one-of-a-kind and can meet all of your air cooling and air purification needs throughout the year.

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More Specifications:

Room Size: 300 sq. ft. | Filters: True HEPA, Activated Carbon | CADR (Pollen/Dust/Smoke): Not Available | Noise Level: 40 to 56 dBA | Warranty: 2 years


How We Picked These Top Air Purifiers

Typically, we only recommend air purifiers with a HEPA filter and prefer the True HEPA certification. We have a detailed article on what is a HEPA filter, but here are the basics you need to know: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and when the word “True” is attached to this label it indicates that an air filter has been tested to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.

The 0.3 micrometer number is not random, as it is considered to be one of the hardest particle sizes to capture through HEPA filtration. As a reference, a human hair is approximately 50 to 90 microns thick (or 20,000% larger than the toughest particles to capture.)

As for common particle sizes that True HEPA air purifiers are designed to trap, these include dust 0.5 to 100 microns, bacteria 0.3 to 60 microns, mold spores 10 to 30 microns, particular matter 2.5 to 10 microns, pet dander 0.5 to 100 microns, pollen 10 to 1,000 microns, viruses 0.005 to 0.3 microns, and tobacco smoke 0.01 to 4 microns.

We also consult the certified room air purifier list by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). This is an independent group that performs rigorous testing in order to measure the effectiveness of air purifiers against three specific particulates: pollen, dust, and tobacco smoke. Those pollutants coincide with particle sizes of 0.5 to 1,000 microns.

If an air purifier has the AHAM seal, then it will list three Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) numbers for pollen, dust, and tobacco smoke. These objective CADR numbers reflect the volume of air in CFM (cubic feet per minute) that is cleaned of particles of certain sizes. When comparing air purifiers, a 350 CADR rating for dust is better than a 300 CADR rating, for example.

One thing to note here is that not all air purifiers have been tested by the AHAM. Some manufacturers prefer to do their own internal independent testing without soliciting the AHAM. Therefore, it is not a good practice to only base our ratings and reviews on CADR criteria alone.

In addition to those measures, we also consider the Air Changes Per Hour (ACH rating) for each air cleaner model. The ACH number indicates how many times an air purifier unit can filter the air in a particular room size each hour.

A 2 ACH rating is good (the air is cleaned two times per hour) while a 4 ACH rating is even better (the air is cleaned four times per hour).

All of the air purifiers listed on this page are certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is the primary state agency that takes action to protect human health from the harmful effects of air pollution.

To be certified by the CARB, an air purifier must meet a strict standard for ozone emission concentration, 0.050 parts per million or less, and prove to be electrically safe.

No matter which air purifier you choose on this list, you’re getting a high-quality device that’s thoroughly examined for your safety.

And finally, we also make our top air purifier recommendations by weighing the total value that each unit offers. In addition to the price, we look at available features, brand reliability, customer service options, current ratings from owners, and the long-term cost of ownership.

Based on all of those findings, we are able to narrow down and list the top 10 air purifiers we believe are best suited for the needs of the general public.

If you need additional guidance than the information on this page, check out our guide on how to choose an air purifier.

What is the Best Air Purifier on the Market?

Best Air Purifier on the Market Rabbit Air MinusA2

The best air purifier on the market right now is the Rabbit Air MinusA2. It has a 6-stage air filtration system that removes the widest range of contaminants from the air you breathe. In addition to cleaning the air extremely well, this unit also offers the most customization and user-friendly options.

The MinusA2 is one of the only air purifiers that comes with a wall-mounting kit so it can be installed up and off the floor. This makes it a good choice for any room of the home, including a useful air purifier for basement.

It also includes multiple colors and artistic designs for the front panel. Therefore, this unit can blend in and match any existing room décor as well as your personal style and taste.

Plus, you can upgrade to a Wi-Fi model in order to get a modern smart air purifier that can be controlled by your iOS or Android device.

All-in-all, this is the top air purifier available right now for cleaning the air efficiently while also looking good in any room.

What is the Best Air Purifier on Amazon?

Top Air Purifier Amazon

Right now, the best air purifier on Amazon is the VEVA ProHEPA 9000.

It’s both a popular air purifier for office and home use.

If you want to learn more about any air purifier brands or models on this page, you can find additional information in our air purifier product reviews section: compare air purifiers.

Every air purifier on this top ten list has been thoroughly rated, reviewed, and compared to its closest competitor on our site and a complete list of brands and models can be found in that section.

Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification for Air Purifiers

With all of the claims that air purifier brands make, people often wonder are air purifiers effective for allergies or asthma, or is it all just hype?

To help ease those concerns, the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) and the ASL (Allergy Standards Limited) put together a voluntary Asthma & Allergy Friendly® program that tests and certifies consumer products to improve the air quality and health of homes.

This certification mark is independently awarded and created by medical experts.

More than 40 companies across a variety of industries have had their products certified through the program (e.g. bedding, flooring, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, etc.).

The purpose of the program is to offer consumer confidence and trust that products have been rigorously tested by a certified lab to meet a strict set of guidelines for people with respiratory conditions and allergic reactions to airborne contaminants.

The Rabbit Air MinusA2 and Dyson Pure Cool Link are the top home air purifiers that have been certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly by the AAFA and ASL.

Home Air Purifiers vs Home Air Filters

Air purifiers can often be confused with home air filters, but they differ in their design and use.

  • Air filters are commonly found in heating and ventilation systems. Their intended purpose is to trap and collect dirt and debris in a filter so those particles do not harm the mechanical parts. Home air filters can also reduce the number of airborne pollutants, allergens, and dust inside your house but they are not a cureall solution for better indoor air quality.
  • Air purifiers remove more particulates from the air than the average home air filter. But how does an air purifier work to do this? The most efficient air purifiers consist of a fan to draw air into the machine and a high-quality HEPA filter to remove particles from that air. Some of the best rated air purifiers also include other air filtration technologies to destroy airborne toxins like bacteria and viruses as well as harmful gases like VOCs (volatile organic compounds). See our best VOC air purifier guide to compare these types of air cleaners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do air purifiers really work?

Air purifiers do work and we have an entire article on how effective are air purifiers. What you need to know here is that there have been numerous research and tests completed to verify the claims of air purifiers removing particles that lead to allergic respiratory diseases.

Most commonly, air cleaners capture dust, smoke, mold, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and more. So is an air purifier worth it? Yes. You don’t have to worry about air purifiers being a waste of money because of all the benefits of air purifiers.

Portable air purifiers use a combination of a high-powered fan and a set of filters to draw air into the unit and trap pollutants that pass through the system. As the air in a room continues to get recycled over and over again, the air gets cleaner and fresher to breathe.

If you want clean air to breathe, then one of the top ten air purifiers on this page can be a good investment.

A HEPA air purifier is the best type to buy if it includes a True HEPA filter. This version of a HEPA filter is certified to remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

And according to this Harvard research paper, particle air purifiers have been proven to be effective in improving the air quality in classrooms by removing particulate matter.

A high-quality air purifier for baby room is also a good thing to have for anyone who is expecting a baby or already one or more children at home.

What is an activated carbon filter?

Another filter that’s included in each of the top air purifiers listed above is an activated carbon filter, also known as a charcoal filter. These pick up where HEPA filters leave off by absorbing odors from smoke, pets, cooking, mold, and other common sources inside the home.

The charcoal inside these filters is activated which means that it has been treated with oxygen in order to expand the surface area of the carbon atoms. This process causes the charcoal to become extremely porous and absorbs particles that cause odors.

Similar to how a HEPA filter works, a fan inside the air purifier must draw air through the charcoal filter in order for it to trap odor particles as they pass through.

The toxins become attached to the surface of the charcoal and are unable to return back into the air. This removes odors from the room and neutralizes them inside the air purification machine.

Can air purifiers protect against COVID-19?

As we approach another year of the pandemic, you might be wondering: Do air purifiers kill COVID-19? Air purifiers with high-quality HEPA filters can protect against the coronavirus. These air filters are rated to capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), research shows that the particle size of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is around 0.1 micron. But the virus generally doesn’t travel through the air by itself and is often trapped in respiratory droplets that are released when talking, singing, breathing, and coughing.

Those droplets with COVID-19 viral particles are around 5 microns in size. So essentially, the best HEPA air purifiers can protect you against Coronavirus by capturing human-generated virus particulates that are associated with SARS-CoV-2.

The CDC recommends air purifiers as a layered strategy in ventilation in buildings to reduce exposure to the coronavirus.

Will an air purifier help with wildfire smoke?

We’ve talked a lot about HEPA filters, and you may be wondering does a HEPA filter remove smoke?

The top rated HEPA air purifiers reviewed on this page are very efficient at removing smoke particles from the air. And in the event of a wildfire, a high-quality air purifier is an essential part of smoke-mitigation strategy.

Air purifiers can remove the airborne particles that make up wildfire smoke with a HEPA filter and get rid of the odor molecules with an Activated Carbon filter. See our air purifier for wildfire smoke page for more on the best brand choices.

Should you run your air purifier all day?

You should run an air purifier all day. Air purifiers work best when they operate continuously. The more times an air purifier can filter the air in a room, the cleaner the room air will get.

The same advice is true if you’re wondering, “Should I leave my air purifier on when I’m not home?” or “Is it ok to leave an air purifier on all night?”

The answer for how long to run air purifier is 24 hours a day, 7 days per week if you want the most efficient use out of the unit. This is especially true if you want to get rid of odors using an air purifier.

If household odors are a concern, then running an air purifier can help get rid of the smells too. See our air purifier for odors page for reviews on the top products for this purpose.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research shows that filtration with portable air purifiers can be a good supplement to source control and ventilation in single rooms.

Whole House Air Purifier vs Portable Air Purifier

On this page, we recommended and reviewed portable air purifiers. Portable air purifiers are the most cost-effective solution for most people’s needs as they can be easily set up and used in the most important rooms of the house. You can also move them from room to room if you’d like.

However, whole house air purifiers do exist if you want to get a full air home cleaning system. Whole house air purifiers attach the HVAC system and filter all of the air that passes through it.

A whole home air purifier is much more expensive than a portable air purifier and it requires professional installation. But if you want the entire air inside your house purified, then you may want to consider this option.

You can visit our best whole house air purifier list to find the top options on the market as well as expert information on how these units work.

EPA on Air Quality and Air Purifiers

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air — where we spend more than 90% of our days — is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

The EPA suggests that the most effective way to improve indoor air quality and health is to reduce or remove the source of contaminants. However, that’s not always possible, nor do we always know where the pollutants are coming from.

As an alternative, the EPA suggests using a portable air purifier and/or upgrading the air filters in your HVAC system.

The benefits of using an air purifier is that they can focus on a single room or area of your home to keep airborne pollutants out at a much more affordable price than upgrading an entire HVAC system.

Air Purifier vs Air Quality Monitor

The popularity of air quality monitors is on the rise and many air purifier brands are now offering these units in addition to their air purification devices.

However, it’s important to know the difference between an air purifier vs air quality monitor so that you know make the right choice.

As you already know, air purifiers clean the air by filtering out the particles. Air quality monitors, on the other hand, have no air cleaning capabilities but rather just measure and report the level of contaminants in the air.

As explained on our air quality monitor reviews page, these units can detect pollutants such as allergens, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, ozone, mold spores, PM2.5, radon, VOCs, and more. Plus, they can tell you the exact level of each substance that’s being measure in the air.

Air quality monitors are a good choice for people who want the most data available for the quality of air inside their home. While good air purifiers like the units reviewed on this page will clean the air effectively by removing the pollutants, not many products will actually report the level of contaminants unless they’re smart-enabled.

Therefore, if you’re specially concerned with what particles are inside the air around your home, then consider getting an air quality monitor in addition to your new air purifier if it doesn’t have these measurement and reporting capabilities.

How to Set Up and Use a Home Air Purifier

Buying a new air purifier is the first step to getting clean air and improving your health.

But to get the most out of your air purifier, you’ll need to set it up properly, operate it the right way, and perform some minor maintenance to keep it working well.

Here’s a list of how to set up, use, and maintain your air purifier:

1. Remove the Filter Wrappers

Most air purifiers come with the filters already installed inside the unit. But, many of these filters are also wrapped and sealed in plastic. If you don’t remove the plastic covering before turning on the air purifier, it won’t work correctly. So be sure to open up the machine’s filter panel and look to see if the filters are wrapped up. If so, unwrap them and reinstall them in the same order that you took them out.

2. Place it in the Right Location

All air purifiers need room to “breathe”. If you install your device too close to the wall or other solid objects, it won’t circulate the air properly. The best place to put your new air purifier is near the center of the room. That will give it enough space to draw the maximum amount of air into the unit. Also, keep the unit at least 24 inches from a wall and any furniture. Otherwise, the airflow may be constricted.

3. Use One Air Purifier Per Room

Air purifiers work best in an enclosed space. And, they can’t work through walls. If you want to clean the air in more than one room, it’s best to get a dedicated air purifier for each of those rooms. The other option is to take a single air purifier around the house with you. Many air purifiers are lightweight and include a handle for easy transport; however, it’s not always practical to cart a unit with you throughout the home. So, consider getting more than one unit to place in the rooms you frequent most, like the living room and bedroom(s).

4. Get the Right Size Unit

Every air purifier has a maximum room size that it can handle. This specification is labeled as the square footage rating. The total room coverage is based on the CADR ratings for pollen, dust, and smoke. Therefore, you always want to get a unit that can meet or exceed the size of the room you want to use it in. It’s better to have an overpowered air purifier than an underpowered device. To find the square footage size of a room, just measure the length and width (in feet) and multiply those two numbers together. For example, a 10′ x 20′ room would be 200 square feet.

5. Keep it Running 24/7

To get the most benefit out of your air purifier, you should always keep it running. The more times an air purifier can recycle the same air inside a room, the cleaner the air gets. The best air purifiers come with an automatic setting that takes all of the guesswork out of how to operate the unit. When set on this mode, the air purifier will monitor the air quality and adjust itself automatically to get rid of the airborne particles. If a few particles are detected, the unit will run on the lowest fan speed setting. If a large number of particles are sensed, then it will kick into a higher fan speed setting to remove those pollutants. And once the air is clean, the unit will drop back down the lowest fast speed. This process ensures that your device uses the least amount of energy while giving you the cleanest air possible to breathe.

6. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

In addition to running your air purifier all the time, you should also keep the windows and doors closed in the room that you’re using the device. If a window or door is left open then the unit will constantly be drawing in unfiltered air. With the windows and doors closed, the air purifier can recycle the same volume of air over and over again until the most number of airborne particles are filtered out. If you ever have to leave the room for any reason, you can open the door for that purpose. Just close it behind you.

7. Clean the Pre-Filter

Most of the top air purifiers include a pre-filter. Some are permanent while others need to be replaced. To get the best performance out of your air purifier and to keep the other filters lasting longer, you’ll want to vacuum or rinse off the pre-filter every 30 days to keep it in good condition. The pre-filter catches the largest particles, like hair and dirt, so the other internal filters, like a HEPA filter, can work unobstructed on the microscopic particles.

8. Keep Up with Filter Replacements

As your air purifier runs, it collects airborne pollutants. And over time, these filters get saturated with particles. So, you’ll need to replace the filters every so often unless you get an air purifier with washable filter that can be cleaned. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the filter replacement timeline, but many of the best air purifiers include a filter replacement indicator on the appliance. This light comes on when it’s time to replace the filter so you don’t have to guess when to do it.

The Best Home Air Purifier Filter Types

Along with each top ten air purifier recommendation, we tried our best to include a brief explanation of the standout features that make each device worth considering.

For some people, those details are all they need to make a wise decision, but for others, they may want to know more about what a particular feature means.

Below is a list of all of the common home air purifier filter types you’ll find when comparing air cleaners.

Pre-filter

An essential feature of air purifiers that use a HEPA style filter. The pre-filter prolongs the life of the main filter by preventing large particles from damaging it and wearing out the filter faster. Most pre-filters are washable and reusable and last a lifetime.

HEPA Filter

This is one of the most important filters in an air purifier. And the True HEPA version is the highest standard air filter you can get for an air cleaner. In order to carry this label, the filter must meet strict regulations set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and capture at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. A True HEPA filter also captures PM2.5, a substance that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers the greatest risk to health among particulate pollution. Particles that are smaller than 2.5 microns can deeply penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

BioGS HEPA Filter:

This filter is a more advanced version of the True HEPA filter. It’s specially designed to reduce the build-up of particles on the filter that degrade it over time. If maintained properly, a BioGS HEPA filter can last anywhere between 18 months to 3 years.

HEPA-type Filter

This filter is a lower quality version of a True HEPA filter and doesn’t meet the standards set in place by the U.S. DOE mentioned above. It could capture particles as small as 1 micron, 2 microns, 5 microns, or larger. To know for sure, you must read the fine print on the product specifications. Many cheap air purifiers include this type of filter to save on costs. But do air purifiers remove dust with this lower-grade type of air filter? Yes, but it’s not as efficient as the True HEPA type that captures finer dust particles.

Activated Carbon Filter

This filter is very porous and has a large surface area, which gives it the capability to absorb odorous particles and gases. No other filter can remove the smells produced by smoke, pets, cooking, chemicals, mold, etc. as well as this one. It’s also the top filter choice for use in an air purifier for wildfire smoke.

Air Ionizer

Also known as an ion generator, this technology emits negative ions into the air as a way to clean it. There are not many known air ionizer dangers unless you have a respiratory disease. In that case, it can irritate your lungs. When an ionizer is running, particles like dust, bacteria, and allergens are positively charged and these negative ions form a bond with them. Once bonded, those contaminants become too heavy to stay in the air. Ionizers don’t require filter replacements, because they don’t use them; however, some products do have electrostatic collection plates that collect these fallen particles. Electrostatic collection plates can be washed and reused. See our reviews on ionic air purifiers and our article on air ionizer vs air purifier for more details.

Electrostatic Collection Plates

See definition for Ion Generator (or Ionizer).

UV Light

The UV in UV-C stands for “Ultraviolet.” Ultraviolet light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that makes up electromagnetic radiation, which includes light, radio waves, and x-rays. UV-C is a sub-band of UV light and is a powerful form of radiation that kills microorganisms, but is completely harmless to humans. In our article on do air purifiers help with mold, we explain how a UV-C light is essential for breaking apart organic matter so it stops reproducing.

PlasmaWave Technology

This technology safely destroys airborne pollutants without causing harmful ozone. As filtered air is leaving the air purifier unit, it passes through a type of electric pulse that creates positive and negative ions. This puts air in a plasma state. Once this plasma combines with water vapor, it forms hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyls attack pollutants like germs, bacteria, viruses and chemical gases, and once destroyed, the hydroxyls reform into harmless water vapor.

Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO)

This is a photon-based air purification process that works in conjunction with an Ultra Violet Light to oxidize chemicals and destroy volatile organic compounds, bacteria, mold, fungi, and allergens. PECO technology is only found in the brand of Molekule air purifiers.

Ozone (O3)

Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that is known for killing bacteria and viruses and removing odors. However, the same chemical properties that allow it to react with organic material outside of the body is the same thing that can cause it to harm human health. High levels of ozone exposure can cause decreased lung function, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and irritation of the throat. Some air cleaners are called “ozone generators” and are used for commercial air sterilization when people are not present inside a building. Other air purifiers that use ionization or UV-C lights can emit trace levels of ozone as a by-product. But if the air purifier is CARB certified, then the ozone emission concentration is 0.050 parts per million or less which is safe for human exposure. Many people wonder can air purifiers make you sick, and the answer is no unless it generates high levels of ozone.

Features on the Top Home Air Purifiers

Clean-Cel Anti-Bacterial Treatment

This treatment prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi on an air filter. This extends the life of the filter and reduces odors caused by these microorganisms.

Smart Sensors

These sensors monitor the air quality within a room and tell the air purifier how to adjust itself in order to eliminate the pollutants. Commons types of smart sensors include ones for dust and odors. When high levels of either of these contaminants are detected, the air purifier will adjust the fan speed automatically to reduce them.

Light Sensor

This sensor monitors the light levels inside a room. When it gets too dark, the light sensor triggers the air purifier to go into sleep mode.

Sleep Mode

This mode puts the air purifier in a quieter and more energy-efficient operation cycle for night time use. It’s a good feature to look for in the best home air purifier for your bedroom if low noise and decibel levels are appreciated.

Smart Wi-Fi Connectivity

This allows the air purifier to be controlled by a mobile device with an iOS or Android operating system through an associated app. The Wi-Fi connectivity is through Bluetooth. Smart air purifiers let you set up schedules and timers and track the degradation of the filters. Some apps also include real-time monitoring of air quality, which lets you see how good or bad the air is inside your home at any given moment.

Filter Replacement Indicators

These are lights that alert you for when it’s time to replace the filters inside the air purifier. Having clean air filters is essential for effective air purification.

Air Purifier Ratings

There are two distinct air purifier ratings that help you judge the efficiency of the unit.

Those ratings of air purifiers include the CADR and ACH measurements, which are discussed below.

CADR Rating

This abbreviation stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate and it was developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). The CADR ratings for an air purifier come from a set of strict lab tests performed by the AHAM. There are CADR ratings for three common airborne particles: dust, pollen, and smoke, and the CADR measurements refer to CFM (short for Cubic Feet per Minute) which is the velocity at which air flows into the unit. Example CADR ratings on an air purifier would be 300 dust, 320 smoke and 300 pollen (or other similar figures). The best room air purifiers have CADR numbers that are equal to at least two-thirds of the room size coverage the unit can handle

ACH Rating

This abbreviation stands for Air Changes Per Hour and this rating tells you how often the air purifier can exchange the full volume of air inside a room. For example, an air purifier with a 4x ACH rating means that the unit can swap the existing room air with clean air four times every hour or every 15 minutes. The most common ACH ratings you’ll find on the top air purifier brands are 2x, 3x, 4x and 5x ACH.

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Our top rated air purifier reviews are updated monthly in order to help you find the best home air purifiers for your needs.

Avatar for Patrick Holmes

About Patrick Holmes

Patrick is a Senior Air Quality & Comfort Specialist. He conducts in-depth research and analysis for our product reviews and buying guides in order to offer expert recommendations for people who are seeking to improve their indoor air quality and comfort. (See Full Bio)

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