The Best Editor-Tested Air Purifiers That You Can Buy Now

updated Feb 28, 2024
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Air Purifier In Living Room For Fresh Air, Healthy Life And Removing Dust
Credit: onurdongel / Getty Images

If you’ve ever questioned whether you need or should invest in an air purifier, you’re not alone. Many households are searching for ways to keep their spaces protected against unhealthy air conditions. According to the EPA, one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air is to get rid of pollutants and ventilate with a clean air source. Enter air purifiers. These devices have the ability to filter out dirty particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and smoke (more on that later). Plus, they come in relatively attractive and compact models nowadays, so you won’t have to sacrifice space or style when you add one into your life.

Shopping for an air purifier can be tricky if you’re not already familiar with the somewhat complicated terms and statistics involved. That’s why we did the research, tested for the best, and picked our favorite air purifiers on the market by performance, size, and (because we are who we are) appearance. Here’s to clean air!


The Best Air Purifiers

What to Consider When Buying an Air Purifier

The scientific terminology involved in shopping for air purifiers can make the process confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. Start by asking yourself a few questions: Do you live in a polluted area? Do you have any allergies or asthma? Do you have pets or kids, even if no known allergies? Do you travel and change up your air quality often? How much does appearance matter to you? Once you pin down your needs, use our guide below and the acronym, term, certification, and filter descriptions we provide to help you narrow your search. Or, simply scroll a bit further and take your pick from our short list of tried-and-true winners.

Acronym Key

MM: Micrometer or micron; a single micron is equal to 1,000 nanometers.

NM: Nanometers; equal to one-billionth of a meter, an “nm” is a unit of measure used to determine the diameter of the smallest particles.

MPPS: The Most Penetrating Particle Size is the smallest-sized particle that can penetrate a filter, specifically in regards to HEPA filters, and is considered to be around 300 nm in size.

HEPA: A High Efficiency Particulate Air filter is able to remove 99.7% of airborne particles like pollen, dust, mold, and bacteria that are as small as 0.3 microns.

VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds are chemical emissions that come from the use of paint, gasoline, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, cooking, fireplaces, and more. VOC exposure can cause short-term or chronic health issues.

AHAM: The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is behind a number of air purification quality assurance and energy efficiency guidelines, including its own AHAM Verifide certification (more on this below).

CADR: The Clean Air Delivery Rate is a score developed by the AHAM to represent the performance of full-sized air purifiers.

AHAM Verifide: A certification given by the AHAM using the association’s standard for measuring air purification efficacy, CADR, which declares products effectively air purifying and safe to use.

CADR and AHAM Certifications

Put simply, the higher the CADR score, the better the air purifier. Here’s why: An air purifier’s CADR score gives the most reliable reflection of how well the machine is going to perform. It represents the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute) that the machine is capable of cleaning in a certain amount of time. The highest score a purifier can have is 450 for smoke filtration (as smoke has one of the smallest particle sizes), but many purifiers live within the 200-400 range. It’s possible for a single purifier to have multiple CADR scores, each differing based on the particle size. In other words, a purifier’s CADR score for smoke filtration can differ from its pollen and/or dust filtration scores. Lastly, not all brands market their CADR scores, but it’s a helpful indicator when you’re shopping for an air purifier and one we recommend paying attention to.

The AHAM is recognized by the EPA as an Administrative Body approved to administer verification testing. If you see a purifier labeled AHAM Verifide, then it passes the organization’s rigorous inspection. Companies must actively submit their products to AHAM for testing and to be granted certification.

Additional Certifications

  • ENERGY STAR: Products that are ENERGY STAR certified have met “strict standards for energy efficiency” that are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ENERGY STAR label indicates that the product will save energy and money in the long run.
  • ETL certified: This certification indicates that the product complies with North American safety standards.
  • CARB certified: This certification from the California Air Resources Board is required for all portable air-cleaning devices sold in California. It indicates they have been tested for electrical safety.
  • Quiet Mark certified: This certification identifies the quietest products in multiple categories, including home appliances and technology.
  • Zero Ozone certified: This indicates that the device’s ozone emission is below the federal requirements in the United States.

Filter Types

Pre-filter: As an air purifier’s first line of defense, pre-filters capture larger particles like pet hair and dander, allowing the following filters to focus on the small stuff without getting clogged up easily.

HEPA filter: One of the most well-known filters to look out for when shopping for an air purifier, the HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles that measure 0.3 microns. Microns, which are as tiny as their name suggests, have the MPPS (or most penetrating particle size) and are the most likely to go through a non-HEPA air filter.

Ionic filter: The ionic filter electrically charges particles that pass through it. When the charged particles are filtered back into the room’s air, they are then able to attach to other uncharged particles, neutralizing pollutants and essentially allowing your air to purify itself.

Activated carbon filter: These filters are often an added filter layer for activated carbon’s ability to purify harmful emissions from chemicals like toluene, which is emitted over time from certain common home repair tools like paint, plaster, and glue.

Pro Tip: Not all air purifiers use a true HEPA filter, so you’ll see many that are marketed as “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-grade,” which aren’t the same as having a true HEPA filter. Keep this in mind if you’re looking for the real deal, which usually includes the words “True HEPA.”

Room Size

When purchasing an air purifier, think about the size of the room it will be placed in. Brands often market purifiers for different room sizes and will recommend a square footage based on the number of air changes the machine can process per hour. But keep in mind that not all brands use the same number of air changes when recommending a room size, and some don’t even specify the number of room changes. For example, a purifier may be able to make two air changes per hour in a 1,000-square-foot space but make four air changes in a 500-square-foot space. With this information, you can make a better judgment on the purifier size you need.

Pro Tip: As a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air purifier should equal at least two-thirds of a room’s area square footage.

What We Look for in an Air Purifier

We tested a range of air purifiers, from small portable devices to large smart machines, judging them on the following criteria:

  • Filtration: What kind of filter does the air purifier use? What is the filtration process? Is there more than one filter?
  • Presence: How big is the air purifier? What type of space is it best for? Is it easy to move around? Is it an eyesore? Is it designed with appearance in mind?
  • Certification: How high is the product’s CADR? Are there specific CADR listed for differing particle sizes, from smoke to pollen and/or dust?

The Best Air Purifiers

No, this is not a supersized iPod shuffle. Owned by no less than three AT staffers, the editor-favorite Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier and its unique design is a fantastic choice for sleek homes that could benefit from the device but can’t give up a ton of space. The compact air purifier is just above a foot in height and width, and only about 10 inches deep. It’s relatively quiet and comes with a pollution sensor that shows indoor air quality in real-time. No wonder it has been the Best Overall air purifier for two years in a row.

“This air purifier is a true powerhouse when it comes to cleaning the air in my apartment,” says AT’s commerce and branded content social media manager, Brian. “It captures and filters out dust, pet dander, city odors, and other airborne particles, leaving the air noticeably cleaner.” Don’t wanna spend too much time thinking about how to use the gadget? No worries. Its auto mode controls the fan speed and turns the gizmo off when air is detected to be clean. 

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 1,748 sq. ft.
  • 18.3″ x 16.8″ x 9.6″; 12.5 lbs.
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, deodorization filter, and Vital Ionizer
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 77 watts; noise level: 24.4-53.8 dB
  • Features air quality indicator, filter change indicator, eco mode, and timer 
  • Compatible with Alexa 
  • Energy Star, ETL, CARB certified
  • 3-year limited warranty on motor and electronic parts; 1-year limited warranty on internal/functional parts

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a discreet yet powerful air purifier; those who want a sleek and stylish air purifier; those who want an air purifier that reacts quickly.

Good to Know: The air quality light is large and bright but can be turned off by holding down the ionizer button for a few seconds.

Simple and straightforward, BISSELL’s MYair Personal Air Purifier is ideal for spaces like bedrooms, dorm rooms, or offices as its coverage areas reach up to approximately 100 square feet. Its easy-to-read interface can be operated by pretty much everyone. Plus, it’s super quiet and costs less than $100. What more could you want? The three-in-one filter captures smoke, allergens, and 99.7% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Further cementing its status as an efficient personal air purifier, the device has two fan speeds (high and low), sleep mode, and a timer that can be programmed to one, four, or eight hours at a time.

“It’s just the right size for a single room, filtering the air five times per hour in spaces up to 88 square feet,” says Best List editor Britt. “I used the MYair Purifier in my home office and loved the energy it brought into the room.” She adds that if you’re thinking about gifting someone with an air purifier this year, the MYair is the one to go with due to its size, effectiveness, and affordability.

Read our full review of the BISSELL MYair Personal Air Purifier.

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 88 sq. ft.
  • 8.3″ x 8.3″ x 12.2″; 4.63 lbs.
  • Pre-filter, high-efficiency filter, and activated carbon filter
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 26 watts
  • Features LED display, sleep mode, night light, and 360-degree air intake
  • Energy Star certified
  • 1-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who are looking for a single-room air purifier; those who live in apartments or dorms; those with pets.

Good to Know: If this air purifier is unavailable, a newer comparable model is the BISSELL MYair + Air Purifier.

If you’re looking for the Tesla of air purifiers, look no further. The Rabbit Air A3 is ideal for homeowners who like high-tech, highbrow home additions. Shoppers even have the ability to customize the purifier filter to their needs with options that include germ defense, pet allergy, and odor remover. “I was blown away by the Rabbit Air A3,” says Britt. “I’ve been having a problem sleeping in my bedroom since I moved in and thought it was purely dry air. The first night of sleep after setting up this air purifier was a complete 180! I stopped coughing in the middle of the night, I didn’t wake up with a dry throat, and I slept more comfortably than ever since moving in three years ago!” 

The Rabbit Air 3 covers up to 1,070 square feet with three manual fan speeds and auto mode. It has a washable pre-filter and the filter kit can go for two years without a replacement (based on 12 hours of usage each day). It uses a whopping six stages of filtration to capture dust, odors, smoke, mold, mildew, pollen, dander, and more. The light sensor on the machine not only lets you know the quality of the air, but also allows you to use the air purifier as a mood light with a variety of colors to choose from.

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 1,070 sq. ft.
  • 19.7” x 18.9” x 8.4”; 20.3 lbs
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Pre-filter, medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, activated carbon charcoal filter, and customizable filter (odor remover, germ defense, or pet allergy)
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 60 watts; Noise Level: 20.3-51.0 dBA
  • Features air quality monitor, eco mode, auto mode, timer, and mood light
  • Includes wall-mounting kit
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
  • Energy Star, ETL, and Zero Ozone certified
  • 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want to tailor their air purifier cleaning to their needs; those in large spaces; those with children and pets.

Good to Know: This air purifier can be mounted on the wall right-side up or upside down.

An air purifier is great, but an air purifier that has the ability to warm and cool a room is even better. Enter the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 MAX. It’s a multipurpose powerhouse that can cleanse, warm, and cool rooms up to 1,000 square feet. While it’s not a super small device, its capabilities help to rule out the need for a space heater and fan since it has both already built in. Whether running hot or cold, the Shark 3-in-1 MAX continues to purify the air in your space.

AT shopping writer Nikol uses the device a few times a week for temperature regulation, in addition to air cleansing. “I love these features,” she says. “If my room is too hot or cold, I adjust the temperature of the air it lets out, and it makes my surroundings feel more comfortable almost instantly.” In addition to cleaning your air, this multifunctional air purifier also acts as an air quality monitor. it’s equipped with Shark’s Clean Sense IQ, which tracks and adjusts power based on air quality down to all those teeny-tiny particles.

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 1,000 sq. ft. 
  • 12.60” x 12.60” x 29.53”; 17.64 lbs.
  • Nanoseal True HEPA filter
  • 4 fan speeds
  • 1,500 watts
  • Features purified space heating, air-purifying fan, air quality monitor, smart mode, odor protection, and dimmable lights
  • Includes detachable remote
  • 2-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who need an air purifier that can perform multiple functions to cut down on the number of devices at home; those who live in small spaces; those who want a clear reading of the indoor air quality.

Good to Know: This air purifier does not have a pre-filter, and the remote is not backlit so it may be a challenge to read in the dark.

Best Compact: Coway Airmega 100

Coway’s latest air purifier is a small space dweller’s dream. The Airmega 100 is one of the brand’s smaller units that packs a big punch. Equipped with 360-degree air intake, this cylindrical device covers areas up to 810 square feet every hour and 405 square feet every 30 minutes. “If you live in a studio apartment or need an air purifier for a small room, this one has my stamp of approval,” says Britt, who’s been using the Airmega 100 since just after its January launch. “It’s compact, highly responsive, and very quiet. I love the color-coded air quality index monitor, and the smart mode is so convenient.”

Along with the air quality monitor and smart mode, this air purifier features three manual fan speeds, a nightlight, a filter replacement indicator, timers, and a child safety lock. “I’ve been using this air purifier in my bedroom, and it was able to detect smoke that wafted from grilling in the kitchen on the other side of the house,” Britt adds. “What I also love is that it’s a high-quality air purifier for under $150 and replacement filters aren’t terribly expensive either. The only trick is catching one to buy before it sells out again!”

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 810 sq. ft. 
  • 8.7″ x 8.7″ x 15.6″; 6.6 lbs. 
  • Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and deodorization filter
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 25 watts; Noise Level: 20-48 dBA
  • Features real-time air quality indicator, particulate matter 2.5 sensor, filter replacement indicator, timer, and smart mode
  • Energy Star, ETL, and CARB certified
  • 3-year limited warranty on motor and electronic parts; 1-year limited warranty on internal/functional parts

Who It’s Best For: Those who live in small spaces, including studio apartments and dorms; those looking for an air purifier for a high-traffic single room.

Good to Know: It’s recommended that you use the Airmega 100 replacement filter from Coway with this device for the best fit and performance — and to not void its warranty. The filter life expectancy is one year.

Why, yes, it is possible to find an aesthetically pleasing air purifier. In fact, this Coway model looks so much like a piece of art, it’s in the name. The chic device does more than look pretty, though. The mighty filter can capture up to 99.9% of ultra-fine particles in the air in just an hour. What’s more, it comes with a 24/7 pollution monitor that adjusts functionality throughout the day. “I love that it’s also like a piece of decor for my living room so it doesn’t obviously stick out like a sore thumb,” says Britt. “I keep it in smart mode and have noticed that it quickly detects changes in my indoor air and works just as quickly to clean it up. It’s easily my favorite air purifier that I’ve had in my living room by far!”

The Airmega 250 Art is available in three designs by award-winning artist Haily Hills that are meant to bring a sense of calming joy to your home. As a functional piece of decor, it cleans the air in spaces up to 1,763 square feet, knocking out smoke, odors, dust, pollen, and more. It also conveniently has a washable pre-filter screen and filter replacement indicators that let you know when any of the filters need to be cleaned or swapped out for a new one. Additionally, if you have pets at home, the Airmega 250 Art is a powerful tool to have in on hand for combatting pet hair and dander. Plus, it’ll look great doing it.

Read our full review of the Airmega 250 Art.

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 1,763 sq. ft.
  • 18.5” x 19.7” x 8”; 20.5 lbs. 
  • Available in 3 designs
  • Pre-filter, Max 2 filter, activated carbon filter, and Green True HEPA filter
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 57 watts; Noise Level: 22-51 dBA
  • Features air quality monitor, filter change indicators, smart mode, rapid mode, sleep mode, timer, and child lock
  • 3-year limited warranty on motor and electronic parts; 1-year limited warranty on internal/functional parts

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a stylish air purifier that doubles as decor; those who want a quiet and powerful air purifier; those who have pets.

Good to Know: If you’re into the specifications of the Airmega 250 Art but could go for less glitz and glam, venture over to the brand’s classic model, the Airmega 250. For AT style shopping editor Blair, it was her first air purifier. She says, “I love how user-friendly it is, especially with the corresponding app and timer features.” It features the same smart capabilities but comes in a cool gray finish. 

If you’re looking for an air purifier that you can easily take from home to work, school, the airport, and more, Pure Enrichment has you covered with the PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier. It’s less than a foot tall and weighs under a pound, so carrying it with you in a bag or by its removable handle won’t be too much of a burden. “It’s perfect to travel with or take to the office,” says commerce editorial assistant Morgan. This mini air purifier is powerful enough to eliminate 99.97% of dust, odors, smoke, pollen, and other allergens in your immediate vicinity, up to six square feet. It runs on a rechargeable battery, which means there’s no cord for you to fuss with, and lasts up to 12 hours. You can use it to clean the air in your car, too!

The PureZone Mini has three manual fan speeds, an adjustable handle, and two-stage purification with a True HEPA filter. Just don’t forget to turn it off before lighting your favorite candles if you want to fully enjoy the fragrance. “I noticed that my candles — one of them being the strong Capri Blue Volcano candle — didn’t smell as intense while it was running,” Morgan says. As if the effectiveness and five-color availability aren’t enough to convince you, this air purifier costs less than $50.

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 6 sq. ft.
  • 8.5” x 3.3” x 2.7”; 0.58 lbs.
  • Available in 5 colors
  • Activated carbon pre-filter, True HEPA filter
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 8 watts; Noise Level: 0.58 dB
  • Features rechargeable battery, removable handle
  • EPA certified
  • 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a travel-friendly air purifier; those looking for a personal air purifier to use at work, school, or on the go.

Good to Know: This mini air purifier can be used vertically or horizontally with help from the handle.

As one of the quietest air purifiers on the Best List, it’s no wonder that BLUEAIR’s Blue 411i Max Air Purifier is our top pick for the bedroom. Its sleek silhouette is covered with a washable pre-filter in a calming color that won’t disrupt the coziness of the room. It covers up to 526 square feet, which is more than enough for standard bedrooms as well as studio apartments, and can be operated from afar via app or Alexa voice control. The air purifier has three fan speeds, including night mode, that take care of 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and other small particles. It also has a subtle air quality indicated right on the device so you can tell how clean your air is at all times, even without checking your phone.

“I’ve had this air purifier in my bedroom for over a year now, and it’s the best I’ve tried to date,” says tester Hernetta. “I’ve used it when I was stuck in bed with a cold, and was able to rest comfortably even with the fan blowing at its highest speed. Since then, there’s been no other air purifier I’ve wanted to use in my room. It’s perfect for me!” In addition to the 411i Max, BLUEAIR also offers larger models for other areas of the home. The collection includes the 311i+ Max, 311i Max, and the 211i Max.

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 526 sq. ft.
  • 18.9″ x 10.6″ x 10.6″; 7.5 lbs.
  • Pre-filter and F4MAX filter
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 20 watts; Noise Level: 18-46 dB
  • Features air quality indicator, adjustable brightness, filter tracking technology, auto mode, and child lock
  • App-enabled and compatible with Alexa
  • Energy Star, CARB, and Quiet Mark certified
  • 1-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a quiet air purifier for their bedroom; those looking for an air purifier for a nursery or child’s room.

Good to Know: To extend the limited warranty from one year to three years, simply register your air purifier upon arrival.

There’s nothing worse than your kiddo waking up feeling yucky. With this adorable air purifier in their room, those icky wake-ups will hopefully be a thing of the past. The PureBaby Bear Air Purifier can eliminate up to 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria, thus ensuring the environment your baby is sleeping in is all the more safe. Plus, unlike other big, bulky machines, this compact one remains relatively quiet throughout use. The sleep mode and night lights are an added bonus. AT tester Devery says the device is an “aesthetically pleasing” addition to their nursery, adding that “it has different speed settings, and as a busy parent of three, I love that I can set a schedule and forget about it.”

Specifications:

  • Coverage area up to 263 sq. ft. 
  • 14.61″ x 11.1″ x 8.7″; 5.5 lbs. 
  • Available in 2 colors
  • Activated carbon pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and optional antimicrobial UV-C light
  • 3 fan speeds
  • 28 watts; noise level: 25-50 dB
  • Features sleep mode, night light, timer, and child lock
  • Energy Star certified
  • 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those with children; those who want an air purifier for a nursery or playroom; those who want a unique air purifier.

Good to Know: The brightness of the display lights on this air purifier cannot be adjusted.