17 Best Air Purifiers (Review) In 2022
- The Best Air Purifier
- 1. Winix 5500-2 True HEPA Air Purifier
- 2. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
- 3. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Cleaner
- 4. LEVOIT LV-PUR131 H13 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
- 5. Molekule Mini + Air Purifier
- 6. RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A
- 7. Germ Guardian Desk Air Purifier
- 8. Coway Airmega 400 Air Purifier
- 9. IQAir HealthPro Plus Medical Grade Air Purifier
- 10. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
- 11. BISSELL air360 Smart Air Purifier
- 12. Germ Guardian UVC Sanitizer Air Purifier
- 13. Medify MA-25 Medical Grade H13 Air Purifier
- 14. Vremi True HEPA Air Purifier
- 15. Germ Guardian AC4825 Tower UVC Air Purifier
- 16. LEVOIT Vital 100 Air Purifier
- 17. LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier
Air purifiers are used in the home, hospitals, and locations requiring removal of particles that can cause issues with allergies. There is a huge variation between the best purifier and the worst which is why we reviewed 17 to make sure that there are purifiers suitable for your needs. As a machine that is designed to remove contaminants and pollutants from the air, it is created to improve indoor air quality. They are made to collect impurities and improve the air that you breathe and are especially good for sanitizing the air you breathe, be it the home or office. If you are looking to clear airborne particles, clean the air in your work or home space, and improve the air quality in your space, we reviewed purifiers that may suit your environment. And, you will want it to run quietly so we tested that too.
The Best Air Purifier
1. Winix 5500-2 True HEPA Air Purifier



Key Features
Noise level 27.8db
360sqft rated
0.3 micron collection
4 fan speeds
LED environment indicator
Weighs 15.4lbs
CADR rating
The Winix 5500-2 True HEPA Air Purifier is our best choice for being the cleanest and most hygienic at its price. It works great as a large air purifier with a washable filter that can be used repeatedly to achieve the breakdown of allergens, pollens, dust mites, and chemical vapors that can otherwise harm the environment. The clean air delivery rating (CADR) ensures that the Winix 550-2 is suitable for up to 360 square feet of space.
Pros
Great value
Filter replacement indication
Judges the air and works to clear impurities
Cons
Carbon filters can’t be washed
Not for heavy-duty use
2. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier



Key Features
Clears rooms up to 361sq ft
77 watts power
Between 24.4 to 53.8 dB
Weighs 12.4lbs
True HEPA filter
True HEPA is known for offering safe air to both homes and businesses and the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier on our list is the Unclutterer choice for the best value in its range. It kills inactive bacteria and germs in busy places and is especially good for purifying air and getting rid of allergens and odors. You may like that its lights show how clean or polluted the air is, and that it has various fan speeds with auto shut-off when the air quality is deemed clean.
Pros
No batteries required
Replacement filter not needed regularly
Removes odors
Shuts off automatically after up to 8 hours
Cons
Can circulate cold on the highest setting
May develop noise upon constant use
3. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Cleaner


Key Features
100% ozone free
True HEPA filter
Quiet to 25dbs
Weighs 6.6lbs
14.5 inches at largest point
86sq ft purifying space
Our budget pick is the LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Cleaner that contains true HEPA filters for purifying and cleaning pollutants and odors. We like that, at the current price, it is small and neat but powerful enough to clean allergens, pollens, smokey air and even pet dust from the air in the room you wish to treat.
Pros
Night light option
Small to medium-sized rooms or offices
Replacement filters available
Small compact size
Cons
Built for small spaces
Filters need to be regularly replaced
4. LEVOIT LV-PUR131 H13 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier

Key Features
Genuine replacement filters
True HEPA filters
Weighs 11.2lbs
Electric purifiers
Cleans max. 900sq ft
Up to 27dbs
120 volts
The second of our LEVOIT is our ozone free pick. You might like that LV-PUR131 H13 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier has a sleep mode that you can control through Alexa too. We found it was great for the lounge and bedroom, and larger spaces like the kitchen where you can remove and control allergens and smoke from cooking. While it doesn’t read the CO level as a carbon monoxide detector, it still filters it from the ar. The true HEPA filter means that it traps fine particles and spores as well as removing fumes.
Pros
Cleans large surface areas
Has a carbon filter
Quiet
Cons
Filters need to be replaced regularly
5. Molekule Mini + Air Purifier


Key Features
24 hr safety running
PECO filter warning
360-degree air intake
250sq ft
Supports 240 volts
Weighs <12lbs
As our small form factor air purifier, we included the Molekule Mini+ which promises to remove air particles and pollens whilst keeping the atmosphere pollen-free. While it isn’t our cheapest option it will clear the air in as much as a 250 square foot space. It promises to destroy particles where others just ‘vacuum’ them up.
6. RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A


Key Features
5 year warranty
Standalone or wall mounted
Up to 700sq ft
HEPA filters
Washable filters
Weighs 24.2lbs
As our wall mountable choice the RabbitAir MinusA2 came in first. It promises to have filters to clear germs, odors, pet dander, toxins, and other chemicals. This model comes with a number of filters which are designed to clear and purify air while having night and day lights which activate remote and more productive levels when space is darker or lighter.
Pros
Remote controlled
5 filters
Can be wall mounted
Cons
Needs batteries
May not remove smoke particles
Might produce ozone
7. Germ Guardian Desk Air Purifier

Key Features
Active charcoal filter
11 inches tall
3-speed settings
UvC light option
Up to 78sq ft
The Unclutterers’ choice for our best desk pick was the Germ Guardian Air Purifier designed to sit on your desk. Whether you have a home office or need something extra on your desk at work, this purifier will clear germs and allergens and help to clean the air in your immediate surroundings.
Pros
Clears nose itches and helps with watery eyes
May clear slightly larger areas than advertised
Nice looking design
Cons
Can be slightly loud
8. Coway Airmega 400 Air Purifier




Key Features
1,560sq ft air purifying
43.2db maximum
3 setting airspeed
64watts power usage
5-year warranty
Smart mode technology
Weighs 24.7lbs
Our premium pick comes from the Coway Airmega 400 which is an air purifier that you will notice doesn’t take up a great deal of room. It’s a graphite color and stands alone where you need it too, whether that’s on a side surface or in a neat corner. You may like the smart feature which allows the unit to adjust to its surroundings with a promise that it doesn’t compromise on air filtration. It also contains filters that are fitted with an external indicator to let you know when they need to be replaced. As always with air purifiers cleaning and replacement can be frequent depending on the amount of usage the air purifier ensures.
Pros
Motor and electronics covered for 5 years under warranty
4 setting timer at 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours
Automatic fan speed detection
Cons
Warranty limited to internal faults for 1 year
Air efficiency lost if used to full capacity
9. IQAir HealthPro Plus Medical Grade Air Purifier



Key Features
1,125sq ft purifying
Clears 0.003 micron particles
HyperHEPA filter
Virus filtration
Ultrafine particle clearance
27 to 215 watts output
Weighs 35lbs
Looking for the best for medical environment for air purifying? The IQAir HealthPro took our notice as a medical-grade proven appliance that uses powerful air filtration and promises to purify air in up to a space of 1,125 square footage. It prevents ultrafine particles that cause bacteria and viruses with a HyperHEPA filter that is third-party tested to ensure its efficiency in the most hygienic environment.
We like the fact that this clears and filters particles down to 0.003 microns where a standard HEPA filter is suitable for less susceptible living areas, giving filtration down to 0.3 microns. It has a patented triple-seal technology too which means the frame is airtight and does not omit any air leakages.
Pros
Filter monitoring for pre-empting replacements
Programmable
No batteries required
Full signature requested upon delivery
Professional and medically tested
Removes tiny particles
Cons
Recommended to buy through IQAir, not resellers
The 3 filters are not washable
Filter replacements can be expensive
Professionally priced at $899 (at time of writing)
10. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier


Key Features
30 to 60 watts consumption
540sq ft purifier
3-speed fan
Washable pre-filter
Weighs 13lbs
20.4 inches tall
We were looking to review an air purifier with a low-cost energy consumption because filtering air only at certain times of the day such as when we come in from work and then turning it back off again later, or indeed switching it on for twenty-four hours, isn’t always the best way to use electricity. That said, many of us really do need air filtration around the home, studio, or office all through the night and day, and using an air purifier that is economically effective as well as actually doing what it promises is vital for health and wellbeing. You may like the design on Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier and that it sits well at just over twenty inches and is of a slim build so it doesn’t encroach into your space.
Pros
Independently tested
Impressive design
Economical
Lower fan speeds/less noise
One button control
Cons
May give off chemical smell when new
Carbon filter might not be strong enough to clear the most powerful odors
11. BISSELL air360 Smart Air Purifier


Key Features
1000sq ft filtration
Pet friendly
Fan speed adjustment
0.3 micron airborne particle filter
25 inches tall
Lots of us are conscious about the air around us, and many of us don’t choose to buy items that although they work to do the job they are intended for but also that we purchase products that fit into home decor without sticking out too much. The Unclutterers’ choice as best style pick is the BISSELL air360 which uses a unique cirQualte process to clean air from things like pet dander, odors, and allergens but it looks good too.
Pros
Supports BISSELLs’ pet foundation and homeless pets
Great for living areas, offices, studios, bedrooms and more
Speed, reset, and power functions
Lifts odors from pets, cooking, smoking
12. Germ Guardian UVC Sanitizer Air Purifier


Key Features
120 volts
Single charcoal filter
Ultra-quiet sleep mode
Weighs 11lbs
164sq ft
28 inches tall
If you are looking for an air purifier that doesn’t take up much floor space yet promises to remove harmful dust, pollens, and general household smells then we looked at the best tower air purifier we could find that fits with the majority’s budget. We like the fact that there is just one filter to replace when needed and, depending on the amount of usage, this should only be up to every 6 months. Germ Guardian UVC Sanitizer Air Purifier looks as neat as a winter heater might yet it has features to help clear your immediate air and filtrate pollen and allergens around the room it is placed in.
Pros
4-in-1 air purifying
Lightweight
Portable
UVC sanitizing
Quiet operation at lower speeds
Cons
Fan can be loud at top 2 speeds
Light display can be bright in dark rooms
13. Medify MA-25 Medical Grade H13 Air Purifier


Key Features
Dual filters inc. TrueHEPA
Up to 500sq ft purifying
13.5 inches tall
Lightweight at 8.3lbs
4-setting timer
The TrueHEPA filter can remove particles down to just 0.3 microns in size and although the Medify MA-25 is pretty small it promises to cover medium to large spaces of up to 500 square footage, so it’s great for the lounge, office, studio or bedroom. The carbon filters will remove odors from the kitchen, smoke scents, and prevent circulation of dust and allergens around your space. It is designed to be compact and portable from room to room, and it runs at a low noise level (3 settings). It has a child safety lock too which is a great feature if you intend to use it around young kids. Good performance for such a compact model.
Pros
Easy cleaning
Compact
Quick access to filters
Doesn’t need batteries
Cons
Filters must be replaced with same-brand equivalent
Must remember to sign and return for warranty cover
So lightweight it feels a little cheap
14. Vremi True HEPA Air Purifier


Key Features
Up to 300sqft purifying
TrueHEPA filter
3-stage filtration
Built-in timer
15.5 inches tall
Weighs 6.9lbs
Vremi True HEPA Air Purifier is a stylish looking model which is fairly light and versatile as it weighs enough to move around rooms if you need to. The automated air sensor lights show you when the air is in need of filtration – after dusting an area you will see that the lights change to red and the appliance adjusts itself to suit. It seems to work to reduce damp type smells in a room, as well as pet scents, residual smokey smells and it clears dust and pollution through use of a large particle filter, a TrueHEPA filter, and a carbon filter for finer molecules.
Pros
Air quality sensor
Night light with brightness levels
Compact
Sleep mode noise maximum 28dbs
Cons
Some might prefer night mode to have low-level light
MUST remember to remove plastic from filter before use
15. Germ Guardian AC4825 Tower UVC Air Purifier




Key Features
22 inches tall
4-in-1 filtration
167sq ft purifying
6ft power cord
Weighs 7lbs
120 volts
The Unclutterer team chose this air purifier to review, the second from this brand in our review list. The pre-filter on the GermGuardian AC4825 Air Purifier is something we seem to like as it promises to prolong the life of the TrueHEPA so that it needs replacing much less often than it would without a pre-filter which removes larger particles of dust and pollutants before it has a chance of reaching the HEPA. It also has a carbon filter, a very popular addition which filters out finer allergens, cooking scents, and lingering odors. You might like to run this model at night and the lowest setting offers a quiet operation mode if you don’t mind smooth white noise during an evening’s sleep. As with all electrical appliances, do not leave switched on without supervision.
Pros
Smart design in black or white
Filter change indication
3 speed settings
UV-C sanitizer
Cons
Filter can’t be washed, only replaced
HEPA filter change expensive if used continuously
Only 73% 5*reviews on major
May emit a light, almost metallic smell during operation
Unit can get warm to touch
16. LEVOIT Vital 100 Air Purifier

Key Features
TrueHEPA filter
55 watts
3-stage filtration
Weighs 10.3lbs
Max. 23dbs sound
Energy efficiency is built into LEVOIT Vital 100 Air Purifier and it can purify air in spaces of up to 975ft in just an hour. You might like that it has a carry handle and is easy to move from room to room at its lightweight 10.28 pounds. It runs quietly which is ideal for the bedroom, office, and nurseries and it has a handy filter monitoring light which indicates when this needs to be replaced. It has a pre-filter which collects larger dust particles, pet dander, and small fibers and the TrueHEPA to catch finer molecules like bacteria and pollens. Finally, the carbon filter helps to eliminate odors so ideal for the kitchen and pet living areas.
Pros
Helps with allergies
Clarifies the air
Works rapidly – 3-speed control
Modern sturdy design
Doesn’t product ozone
17. LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier

Key Features
Up to 219sq ft
High performance
120 volts
24dbs sleep mode
3-stage filtration
The Core 300 by LEVOIT is small but powerful. We like the cylindrical design and its three fan speeds that are easy to control but this model is quiet enough for you to not realize it’s in the room so soothing enough for a good night of sleep and no loud noises to interrupt you as you work or to frighten children or pets. You might like that it’s small enough to sit on a table surface or on a floor and doesn’t get in the way, but not so small that you consider it won’t work as promised. It’s a great price and works effectively and you can buy different filters designed to clear air of various particles – pet allergens; strong smells; general purification; MB filter for mold and harmful germs.
Pros
Ozone free
Modern and compact
Energy-efficient to meet strict standards
Filter replacement sensor
LED can be switched off at night for zero pollution
Cons
Branded filters can be expensive to replace
Regular cleaning of pre-filter recommended
Features To Consider With Air Purifiers
When you are considering an air purifier it's important to make sure it contains a filtration system that can do the job of clarifying particles in the air. Most modern purifiers use activated carbon with HEPA air filters that work together to clean indoor air. We have listed a number of facts and features in our product review for a range of air delivery clarifiers, but finding the best air purifier to suit your needs first means that you need to research certain types and have an understanding of how certain air ratings are achieved.
ACH Rating
ACH stands for 'Air Changes per Hour and a purifying device will normally be labeled as, say, 3x or 5x. This basically tells us how many times the air is circulated around a space within an hour. In brief terms this is an important rating - the lower the number, the worse it is at cleaning the air than one rated higher so 6x filters six times an hour, and is better than 5x which cleans five times an hour, etc. The better the rating, the better it is at freshening the air. There is some additional mathematics you can use which can tell you how much extra space in cubic feet, or square feet, can be achieved but we'll leave this to the experts. You could search for it using CFM (cubic feet per minute) which is shown on all models under their specification, then use your favorite search engine to find out more about maximizing your purifying product usage.
CADR
CADR stands for 'Clean Air Delivery Rate' and this outlines how well the product can clean air throughout a specific space. It's a certified measurement that provides manufacturers with a standard rating to supply consumers with, and a good measure that gives you help when comparing purifiers. Although there are certain mathematical techniques used to reach the CADR rating, in basic terms the higher the CADR number gives you an evaluation of how effective the product is at cleaning the air. So a CADR of 400 would be more efficient and clean the air better than air purifiers with a CADR of 300. The CADR 400 is speedier at cleaning airborne particles than one advertised at CADR 300.
Ozone (benefits and downfalls)
Ozone is something that is produced in order to break down and react with any type of thing that it comes into contact with. This has advantages and disadvantages, in fact, the same thing that makes it great can also make it a danger in certain circumstances. Ozone can be effective at breaking down airborne pollutants and dust pollen as well as mold spores and mildew, so a purifier that produces ozone can be beneficial. A HEPA filter and a TrueHEPA filter is usually designed with in-built ozone filtration to remove odor. When these filters are combined with pre-filter (for collecting dust pollen and particles) and an activated carbon filter, a device can trap around 0 3 microns at 99.97% effectiveness.
Ozone (best used by professionals)
If ozone is being produced enough to eliminate smells, it can also trigger reactions in your eyes, nose, skin, and lungs. It is highly recommended that when purchasing an air purifier that it isn't for residential use as the emissions can be harmful. In fact, they are powerful and should only be used in controlled environments - and may be dangerous to small animals as it's a volatile chemical. Ozone producing air purifiers can deliver clean air in, say, environments that have recently flooded, because residents and pets would be removed from such concern before professionals get to work.
Energy Efficiency
Even an energy-efficient purifier will consume on average around the same energy as a modern refrigerator but of course, this is dependent on the model and energy input it requires to run effectively, and the energy output it produces. It is recommended that they are used where you sleep, work, and spend time around your space for around 10-12 hours to keep the air around you clean - this means, for example, one that is rated 5x over twelve hours will run the air around the filtration system 60 times. Some people will set the device on high for a short time before using a room, then turn the intake down to reduce noise. It is not recommended to run any residential air purifier when there is nobody home so always switch it off when you are out. This is for safety as well as ensuring you are not wasting energy.
Room Size
If you are looking to reduce the spread of viruses and searching for a purifier that will help clear airborne particles and bacteria you will need to make sure you buy the right one for your space. Most of the best air purifier models will filter air in just minutes, dealing with particles like mold, those from pet hair, dust, allergens, and more. Depending on which space you intend to use a purifier in, the room size is important; buying a device that covers 220 square feet and putting it into a room double that size will mean that it isn't as effective as it should be. When reviewing air purifiers, take a look at the room size and the square feet that it advertises, and don't forget to do your own sums so you know the calculations before you start. You will only find the best air purifier for your room/s if you don't 'guess' the area size. If you are buying just one device and will move it around the home, get an air purifier for the largest room which has adjustable fan speeds so you can turn down the intake for smaller spaces.
Room Placement
The room which you use the most should ideally provide the best results. If you suffer most from asthma or allergies during the night then the bedroom is the best place. Get the placement within the room too. For example, in the bedroom, air purifiers should ideally be placed up to eight feet from the headboard so you feel the full benefits but not the draft from the device. If you are placing air purifiers in a selection of rooms, make sure that you don't put them behind furniture as they need to pick up on the air quality of the whole room. Generally, the intake is at the front of the machine, some at the top, so to get the best from your machine avoid under shelving units either.
Noise Level
The majority of modern air purifiers are designed to be as quiet as possible while still using a powerful motor. Look at the manufacturers' specification if the noise is going to be an issue for you, your family, and your pets. The quietest air purifiers will run up to 25 decibels (dB) and the loudest can be up to 70 to 75 dB. When operating an air purifier you will find that those with different filters will run at different noise levels. Those with HEPA filters will make noise when the motor is switched on. Some air purifiers have a night mode or can be adjusted to run at a lesser fan speed and therefore built to be quieter on these settings. You can run the device on high before you enter a room for a short while to clean the air quality rapidly, then turn down the intake or switch to night mode while you use the room. An air purifier built with an air ionizer runs quietly in the majority of cases while still clearing indoor air but may not work as effectively as those with HEPA filters.
Filtration System
Let's begin by stating that upgrading air quality is a benefit that you can't see. Unlike, say, an air conditioner where you will feel the cool air and its obvious benefits, clean air is invisible so to reduce the risk of overspending or purchasing the wrong purifier, research the type of filtration system that best fits your needs. Let's start with the well-known term 'HEPA filters':
A High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter is superior to any washable types. It is replaceable and depending on how you use the device and its capacity the new HEPA should be changed every six months up to a year or two. Don't be fooled by this 'buzz word' though, whilst this type of filter works well, it will not do the job of 'medical grade' filters. If you need a medical-grade system, expect to pay plenty more for a professionally certified medical grade purifier.
A HEPA-based device is not the same as one that uses a true HEPA filtration system. True HEPA filters will remove particles as small as .3 microns, look out for that familiar figure a manufacturer or retailer uses - "certified to remove 99.97% of particles."
Speed
Adjustable fan speed is a must whether it is changed on the device switches directly, via a smart app, or a remote. This is both for noise control and electricity usage. Turn the fan speed on low or set it on high for a short while before you enter a room if you want it to run yet not be over-noisy. Highest speeds will ensure that the device is working at full capacity, clearing the space using it's ACH rating.
Warranty
It's essential to know who is selling you the product if there is a warranty available and if it needs to be registered (and who with), what it covers, and of course how long it lasts. Some will offer an optional extended warranty in addition to its standard guarantee (sometimes free upon optional registration, sometimes a small fee is required). Some retailers will offer a 30-day general money-back warranty, with manufacturers promising a full year or more. The filter in an air purifier is a consumable item. Even if a filter can be washed it will still need to be replaced eventually, and a HEPA filter, in general, cannot be washed at all. Warranties are minefields so check all the small print first as you may find it only covers certain faults or is restricted to workmanship defects.
Size
For the best air purification, the size and capacity of the device depend heavily on the room size. Simply measure the square feet of the room or adjoining rooms. For instance, if you are intending to use it in the lounge at 300 square feet, and the office at 200 square feet, you will need to find a purifier with a CADR rating of 500sq ft.
Remember that it isn't the size of the device itself, but its ability to provide clean air in the space you intend to use it. Also, remember that air is a volume and not an area so the square footage takes into consideration the height of the room too.
Smart Features
Smart air purifiers will give just as good air quality as expected but they have extra features that help make its usage more rewarding. Look for things like:
- Filter maintenance sensor
- Air quality monitoring
- Remote and/or voice control
- Real-time history monitor
Don't spend more on a smart purifier if you aren't taken by the features, go for a lower-priced non-smart model.
Air Purifier FAQ
Q: Do air purifiers really work?
In a word, yes. They clear the air using a variety of pre-filters, activated carbon filters, and often HEPA or TrueHEPA filters. They do not, however, replace other ways to clean your home, office, studio or alternative areas - they help clear airborne pollutants like pet hair and dander, dust, mold and smells but do not clean surfaces so bear in mind they are used to compliment your other types of housework.
Q: How long does it take an air purifier to clean air in the room?
You will need to know the fan speed, the size of the area the device will be used in, and of course that the purifier is built to the capacity of the room size. Generally speaking, with most air purifiers you can expect to notice a difference from 30 minutes to 2 hours on high speed and can turn down the intake (or fan speed) after this time to save energy while it is still operating.
Q: Is it ok to leave the air purifier on all night?
It is recommended to leave an air purifier on during the evening while you sleep. In brief terms if you are indoors, leave the purifier running. Always switch the unit off when you leave for work.
Q: Do air purifiers kill viruses?
There is no air purifier that can kill viruses and bacteria 100%. They can, however, collect a large portion of airborne particles and once pollutants have been captured, they can not multiply, so an air purifier or multiple air purifiers around the home or space does have additional support to the body's own immune system.
Q: Do air purifiers make the air dry?
In a word, no. Your device is designed to collect particles from dust, mold spores, pet hair and dander, and pollen. It does not capture moisture from the air. But if you want to control the humidity in the room, you can do it with devices like humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Q: Does every room need an air purifier?
Not really. It makes more sense to put air purifiers in the rooms you use the most. If you suffer most at night then it makes sense to put a device in the bedroom, in the same way, if you use the office most of the day then place one in that space so it operates while you work. If you get a full-house purifier system it's worth making sure that an investment of up to $6000 plus fitting is worth it, this is truly only wise for those requiring full systems for medical purposes. For the majority of us, it makes economic sense to buy single units in the rooms that get most use.