cleaning awards

I’ve Tested a Dozen Air Purifiers, and This Smart 3-in-1 Device Is the Only One I Use Daily

Britt FranklinSenior Editor, Shopping
Britt FranklinSenior Editor, Shopping
As a blogger turned journalist, I love tapping into curiosity that drives us to curate spaces that truly embody our vision. I test products for a living, which puts me at the forefront of trendy and innovative gadgets and gizmos to make life at home more fun and efficient.
updated Apr 9, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Living room with a gallery wall, TV on white console, yellow chair, gray sofa, and large windows with pink curtains.
Credit: Lauren Kolyn

Ever since I started using air purifiers nearly five years ago, I can’t imagine my home without them. There’s one in my living room, one in my home office, and one in two of my home’s bedrooms. I just love the peace of mind that comes with knowing that there’s a device taking care of the air in my space, helping to eliminate pet odors, smoke from heavy cooking, and the dust that seems to constantly accumulate.

Over the years, I’ve tested a dozen or more air purifiers, from small-space-friendly models to tried-and-true editor favorites. However, one device that really stands out from the rest is the Windmill Air Purifier.

Quick Overview

A Quick Look at the Windmill Air Purifier

  • Measures 21.4”x19.7”x12” and weighs 21 pounds
  • 3-in-1 medical grade HEPA filter (prefilter, activated carbon, and H13 HEPA)
  • Noise Level: 16 dB to 54 dB
  • Features on-device controls, laser-based air-quality sensor, color-coded air-quality status, and child lock
  • Seven modes: Low, Medium, High, Eco, Boost; and Whisper and White Noise sleep modes
  • WiFi enabled via Windmill app
  • Available in White, Navy, and Bamboo
  • Certifications: ETL, Energy Star, AHAM Verifide
  • Lifetime warranty

I’m always on the lookout for innovative cleaning products and appliances that not only improve my home, but also make me think about what the future of home cleaning could look like. Windmill’s air purifier is a perfect example of stepping outside of the norm to transform a process that tends to be pretty industrial in nature. Plus, it’s currently on sale for $70 off all month long during “The April Air Event” on the Windmill website.

Design Features That Stand Out

The Windmill Air Purifier sets itself apart from traditional appliances by seamlessly blending performance and style. Available in three colors, it’s designed with fluted paneling (in White, Navy, or Bamboo) that transforms it into functional decor.

Suitable for rooms up to 1,950 square feet, the smart air purifier is equipped with a 3-in-1 filter that’s made up of a prefilter, activated carbon filter, and a medical-grade HEPA filter. It monitors air in real time with laser precision and removes up to 99.97% of microscopic airborne pollutants, such as smoke, dust, pollen, mold, and more.

Despite its power, the Windmill Air Purifier is surprisingly quiet and reaches 54 decibels maximum (on Boost mode), which is roughly equivalent to a bathroom fan. At its quietest, it’s not above a whisper. In total, it has five speeds and two sleep modes, including white noise. The appliance can be controlled via the Windmill app, which lets you know the detailed AQI (air quality index) and allows you to set air-cleaning schedules, turn on child lock, update noise settings, and turn the lights on or off.

Some of the aforementioned features can also be adjusted directly on the device. The app also lets you know the lifespan of your filter. The Windmill Air Purifier ships free and comes with a lifetime warranty.

How It Performed

As someone with multiple Windmill products at home, I’m always happy with how easy it is to get them up and running. The Windmill Air Purifier is no exception. Once it was unboxed, I checked the filter to remove any plastic wrap (a good practice when setting up any new air purifier) and plugged it in.

The purifier immediately got to work in clearing the dust — and anything else — from the air in our home office. It took less than five minutes to add the device to the Windmill app and connect it to WiFi, and now I can remotely set the fan speed, put it in sleep mode, and get a clear read on whether or not the air quality is good.

I’ve tested a ton of air purifiers in my time here at Apartment Therapy, and Windmill’s is easily one of the most stylish. It’s a brilliant design choice since more and more people are increasing their efforts to keep their indoor air as clean as possible. With air purifiers in more homes, it makes sense to take the decorative aspect into consideration without lowering the quality of functionality.

From my experiences with Windmill, I know it to be a brand that elevates the appearance of home tech so you’ll actually want to show it off. This gem blends right in with my decor and even enhances the feel of my space!

Credit: Britt Franklin

What I Loved

  • Fluted Design: Fluted furniture seems to be everywhere these days, and the Windmill Air Purifier is an addition to the trend. The paneling plays double duty as hidden pockets allow for efficient air flow.
  • Fast Air Cleaning: For spaces smaller than 1,950 square feet, the air purifier cleans in less than an hour. According to Windmill, it takes 30 minutes to clean 975 square feet, 15 minutes to clean 487.5 square feet, and five minutes to clean 162.5 square feet.

Good to Know

Filter replacements are $60 and, for optimal effectiveness, should be replaced every six months. Additionally, if you have other Windmill devices at home, such as the editor-loved Windmill Fan and Best List-winning window A/C, you can conveniently control them all in the same app. 

Should You Buy the Windmill Air Purifier?

I’d recommend the Windmill Air Purifier to anyone looking for a device that:

  • Also functions as decor (it’s especially great for small spaces!)
  • Has simple controls and plainly states air quality status
  • Is equipped with a powerful HEPA filter to combat dust, allergens, and more

Where to Buy the Windmill Air Purifier

  • Windmill, starting at $269 (normally $359)
  • Amazon, starting at $269 (normally $299)
  • Wayfair, starting at $269.99 (normally $349.99)

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