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Introduction
How many times have you been thinking of buying a new computer, a car or a piece of clothing? But how many times have you thought of buying a best rated air purifier? You can survive without the latest iPhone (some may disagree on that), but you cannot live for more than 5 minutes without air.
With the advancement of the technology, we are able to mitigate a bad influence of CO2 and other harmful gas emissions that come from the outside with a house air purifier. These air purifiers will make sure that every breath you take is not a strain on your body and that there are no negative effects from the air on your health.
While air purifiers are not the most interesting or intense topic to talk about, it is nonetheless a topic that should get at least some of your attention. You should put in a considerable effort into research since the air purifier that you pick will have a great impact on your life. The long-term effects of having a device like an air purifier working in your house or in your office cannot be understated and you should choose carefully. Not every model is the same and you should pick one that focuses on your needs and solves your problems. In this article, we tried to explain what each model does, what it focuses on and what are their main pros and cons in the best air purifiers. We will also focus on some interesting facts when it comes to the quality of air and try to answer the most commonly asked questions that will help you to pick the best home air purifier. We will showcase the ones we think to warrant your attention.
The Best Air Purifiers
Alen BreatheSmart Customizable Air Purifier with HEPA-Pure Filter
If a member of your household has allergies, you might consider checking out this model. It is able to capture dust particles, pollen, mold, and dander with its filter and it makes the air as pure as it can be.
The price of the units shows that this device is meant for more serious buyers. Life Time Warranty, 15 diverse panel options, perfect for rooms up to 1100 sq. ft., 4 filter types for changing air purification needs, low noise (on lower settings) and automatic detection of the pollution level so that the device will adjust its output and conserve energy are its most notable characteristics. The device comes with 1 filter for allergies and dust, front panel, start guide and owner’s manual. You are also able to order a custom panel color so it goes well with your decor.

It’s only drawbacks are the noise it produces on its higher settings and the fact that it is not fully designed to be operated outside North America because of the difference in the voltage so you need an adapter for its regular operation. It’s only drawbacks are the noise it produces and the fact that it is not fully designed to be operated outside North America.
- One of the most powerful units out there.
- SoundSeal technology muffles most of the noise produced while active
- 7-year warranty that covers everything
- Custom panels
- A bit more on the pricier side
- The dimensions of the unit require more room than regular units
- Power cord not included
Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier (SPA-625A Tone Leaf)

This unit has good detection capabilities and when it is set on automatic, it is able to determine whether the air needs purification. The price level of this house air purifier is in the medium pricing range and it is great for the rooms up to 625 sq. ft. When it is turned on its lowest setting, it is almost fully silent, which is one of the most notable features of this device. The high quality of production, 4 stages of purification and deodorization, HEPA filters that can last up to 3 years, 5-year warranty and low energy consumption, this purifier can be one of the top choices for your home.
It’s shiny blue light is not very good for a bedroom, so you will probably need to find a way to block it during the night. If you want the device to be silent, it will take a long time to purify the air on the low operating mode. Also, some customers reported an issue with filters only 6 months after the initial purchase.
- Very quiet on lower settings
- The unit is very energy efficient
- Very good detection capabilities
- 5-year warranty and 24/7 tech support
- Not very quiet on higher settings
- There might be some problems with filters
- Has some problems when clearing tobacco smoke
Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier, HEPA Air Cleaner, AP51030K
This is a user-friendly model with soft touch control so it is easy to use and the filers are very easy to change. We can call it “function before design”. It does not try to be pretty or exciting, it is here to do the job it was made to do and it does it well. It is suitable for a large room up to 490 sq. ft., with 4 fan speeds and a special turbo mode for the quick clearing of the air, and a sleep mode for low sound and energy saving. It also has a pre-filter and HEPA filter for the air purification process. The downside of this product is that after some time it can become noisy and irritating.

- Easy to set up and operate
- The product is durable
- Lower cost when compared to the top models
- Some users report vibrating noise several days after purchase
- Easy to repair but it requires tools from the hardware store
- Warranty only covers complete failure of the motor
Honeywell 50255B True HEPA Allergen Remover Air Purifier, Black

If you’re on a budget, you might consider purchasing Honeywell house air purifier. It has only 3 air cleaning levels with a 360⁰ degree air intake and discharge, and it also has an electronic filter indicator which will remind you when to replace the filters. The loudness of this device doesn’t make it a good choice for the bedroom, but it will be a perfect fit for your living room. Since it has such a simple design, it will probably last longer than other models.
- Easy to install and operate
- Durable since it is of a simple design
- Lower cost when compared to the top products
- Really loud on high settings
- Has a bright light that cannot be turned off
LEVOIT LV-PUR131 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter
If you have a fireplace in your home or you live in an area that sees a lot of smoke and ash in the air, this model would be perfect for you. It is ideal for wildfire smoke and ash and it is 100% ozone free, so it does not pollute the environment. There are sensors that detect the air quality and when set on automatic, they do an adequate job of setting the fan speed. The recommended room size is 322 sq.ft (30 m²) and it is able to refresh your air in about 10 minutes. Being ozone free is not the only environmental benefit of this device. It also does not use much electricity so it is a net gain for your pocket as well. There are some sound issues with the device, for example if a nut becomes loose inside the machine. The warranty is for 2 years and there is also lifetime support for the product. Filters need to be replaced depending on the frequency of use.

- Eco-friendly and does not produce ozone
- Gets rid of smoke and ash very fast
- Low energy consumption
- Some sound issues on high settings
- Relatively short warranty when compared with other products
- Reset button sometimes does not work after changing the filter
Fellowes 9286001 AeraMax 90 Allergy Air Purifier with True HEPA filter and Odor Reduction

This device is very good at removing odor from the air and it gets rid of cigarette smoke quite well. It is ideal for people suffering from asthma and it is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The recommended room size for this model is 100-200 square feet. It is nearly silent even on high settings and it does not seem to bother pets. The only problem with the sound seems to be that it beeps once it changes speed so if it bothers you or you have a small child, you might have a problem with it. Users have reported their pets being near the device since they like air quality improvement. The automatic cycle works well and the device can set the fan speed on its own. The design is not intrusive so it is able to fit in well with most home or office settings. The price is also on the lower end of the spectrum. Some users have complained about the off fan pattern. It has a 3-year warranty.
- Ideal for people with asthma
- Silent, even when on higher settings
- Low price when compared to other models
- Makes noise while changing fan speeds
- The fan patterns are unusual and it might be problematic
VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier
This model would be great for the office or home environment because of its sleek design. The HEPA filters on this device will clear out 99.97% of the allergens, dust, mold, pollen and pet dander. The model does not harm the environment since it is ozone free. It has a safety feature that shuts down the device if the panel is taken off so it is safe for small children and pets. It also features the longest lasting filters that need to be changed only once every 6-12 months and it is the most economical choice around. There is a noticeable improvement in air quality in about 30 minutes.

- Very low price
- Good for people with allergies
- Safe for the environment
- Has safety features for small children and pets
- Long lasting filters
- Only 2-year warranty
- It takes a while for it to purify the room
Air Purifier Buying Guide: How To Choose Air Purifier?
Is air quality a real thing?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an Air Quality Index that is used to report air quality. As EPA reported between 1970 and 2017, the combined emissions of the six common pollutants (PM2.5 and PM10, SO2, NOx, VOCs, CO, and Pb) dropped by 73 percent. These numbers are encouraging because they mean that the outside air quality is improving. While we are breathing less polluted air outside, we should not neglect the fact that some indoor pollution can be a major health hazard.
You should also take note of the fact that different countries have different air quality indices that correspond to their standards (for example – Air Quality Health Index (Canada), the Air Pollution Index (Malaysia), and the Pollutant Standards Index (Singapore)). Measuring air pollution is done by monitoring the concentration of pollutants over a period of time and then calculating the average. When the amount of pollutants in the air reaches dangerous levels, warnings can be issued telling people how to protect themselves from harm. These warnings can include:
- Advising sensitive groups, such as those with heart and lung problems, children and the elderly to stay indoors and avoid outdoor air
- Declaring a “day of action” where people and businesses are told to reduce harmful emissions – for example walking to work and using public transport
- Issuing warnings telling people to use gas masks to avoid harmful particles
- In some extreme cases, polluting industries (coal-burning ones, or those using harmful chemicals) can be shut down for a period of time to reduce pollution
Air Quality Index (AQI) Values | Levels of Health Concern | Colors |
0 to 50 | Good | Green |
51 to 100 | Moderate | Yellow |
101 to 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Orange |
151 to 200 | Unhealthy | Red |
201 to 300 | Very Unhealthy | Purple |
301 to 500 | Hazardous | Maroon |
While we are breathing less polluted air outside, we should not neglect the fact that some indoor pollution can be a major health hazard since the EPA has found that the air inside the house can be 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. The major cause of that is the way our houses are constructed and the objects that are inside the house that release contaminants. In order to combat those contaminants, you first need to know how they are formed. Here are some of the most common indoor pollutants:
- Second-hand smoke – it produces both gasses and particles that can decrease the air quality significantly
- Radon – Radon is an invisible atomic radioactive gas that can be found in rock formations under buildings and also in some of the building materials. It is rarely found in building materials and since it has a very short half-life of 3.8 days, once you remove the source, the hazard goes away.
- Mold and other allergens – They can form from the moisture-induced mold colonies and from pet dander and plant pollen. Mold is always connected to moisture and reducing it is easy if you can keep humidity under 50%. Sometimes, it can be as simple as drying your clothes outside. Allergens are a bit more difficult to remove, especially during allergy seasons.
- Carbon monoxide–Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is formed by tobacco smoke and devices that use fossil fuels
- Bacteria – There are many bacteria floating in the air, both indoor and outdoor and they can become a health hazard
- Asbestos fibers –Asbestos can be found in older building materials and it can do great harm to one’s health. While it is inert, it poses no risk, but once it is disturbed (punctured, cut and exposed to outside air) it can cause serious illnesses. Even removing it from the walls and ceilings is problematic and must be done under special conditions to limit its spread.
- Carbon dioxide -Carbon dioxide is formed by regular human metabolic activity and it is easy to measure it. It should be kept under 1000 ppm. This can be achieved with good ventilation
- Ozone – Ozone is produced by ultraviolet light from the Sun, lightning, by some high voltage devices (such as air ionizers), and as a byproduct of other types of pollution
What to look for in an air purifier?
The most important features of air purifiers
What are the main things to look into when buying the best home air purifiers?
What are air purifiers?
Air purifiers (sometimes called air cleaners) are cleaner devices that remove pollutants from the air in the room by trapping them inside. They are beneficial to people that suffer from allergies and asthma and they reduce the amount of second-hand smoke. Models can range from small that are designed for household use and big that can be used in industrial settings to remove impurities such as and CO2 from the air for processing. They can be also used in hospitals to remove harmful particles such as bacteria in sterile settings.
You may want to also check: how air purifier works?
Why do I need an air purifier?
If you are a person with -for example- allergies, and other lung issues like asthma, the air purifier is something that can help you (or your pet) get through the tough times.
There are many pollutants in each house and they can have a wide range of effects on the inhabitants of a household. You might not even notice some allergens, but others will make you gasp for air. Here are some of the reasons why people get air purifiers:
- Mold – mold is a type of fungus that only needs water to grow and it can form in areas that have a lot of moisture, such as kitchens, basements,and Mold produces tiny spores that cannot be seen by the naked eye and those spores can cause health problems
- Allergies – all sorts of airborne particles can cause allergies. The symptoms of allergies are a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, irritated eyes, rashes on the skin and many more. Pollen, dirt,and dust need to be removed as much as it is possible to make the allergies go away.
- Pets – Our furry and scaly companions are great to have around, but they make sure that their presence is felt, not only by sight but also by smell. Not all allergies come from pet hair. They can be caused by their saliva, urine and skin glands
- Asthma-like allergies – Dust particles can trigger asthma attacks. Getting rid of the particles can greatly improve your quality of life if you have this affliction
- Cigarette smoke – Getting rid of the smell of cigarettes is a challenging task. Not even constant washing can take care of it once it sets in. It is important to get rid of it as it forms to prevent it from becoming a part of your background smell.
What kind of air purifier do you need?
Before making a choice on which air purifier you want to get, you need to understand what sort of a problem you have and which type would take care of it best. We are going to review 5 types of technologies that air purifiers to get rid of various types of pollutants:
- HEPA filters – This is the most commonly used type of filter for air purifiers and these filters are able to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. The human eye can only see down to 10 microns – 1 micron is 1 millionth of a meter. That means that they will be able to trap most of the particles in the air and take care of your allergy and asthma problems. They are not able to get rid of smells, contrary to popular belief. For that, you are going to need a carbon filter. These filters have a limited lifespan and they will need to be replaced after a certain period of time. The manufacturer needs to state how long each type is supposed to last. These filters can cost a lot and they can add to the purchasing price significantly.
- Activated carbon filters – These filters are very good when it comes to getting rid of smells that come from pets, chemicals, smoke,and other sources and these sorts of filters are recommended for people that are sensitive to smells. They are also great for the kitchen if you do a lot of cooking since they will mitigate the smell. They have a large surface area in order to capture the nasty smells and they need to be cleaned periodically. That task is not very pleasant since you are basically interacting with all the captured smells, so you will need gloves and a mask when you are washing or changing the filter. Like HEPA filters, carbon filters will also need replacement. The worse the air quality, the less time it will take for it to become ineffective.
- UV technology – The ultraviolet light is usually used alongside HEPA and carbon filters to kill off viruses and bacteria. The UV bulb is inside the filter and the light itself is killing off the pathogens. UV exposure is harmful and dangerous, but since the bulb is contained within the device, there is no risk of exposure. The light does need to be replaced since it has a limited lifespan, just like the filters.
- Ionizers – They produce an electrostatic charge that is designed to trap particles. Ionizers are not meant to remove all the particles from the air, they are designed to work alongside regular filters to give them an added boost
- Ozone generators – They produce ozone that has a distinct smell that breaks down the particles it comes into contact with. The effects of ozone on health are not good and these types of air purifiers are not recommended. They have even been banned in some countries and regions.
How do you choose the right size of an air purifier?
Space itself can play a large role in your decision which model to buy. Always check the specifications when it comes to size. The most important factor to consider is the devices clean air delivery rate or CADR for short. As you look into the recommended room size for each model, be sure to pay attention to its CADR. Since manufacturers are free to place their own designations on the product, there is a danger that they will overstate the strength of the model since there are no legal repercussions. If you want to be sure that you are getting an adequate model, you should always buy the one that is intended for a slightly larger room then the one you have.
- For small rooms up to 155 sq. ft. the CADR should be up to 97. A desktop or mini-tower sized air purifier is enough
- Medium sized rooms between 156 and 300 sq. ft. should have a CADR rating of 98-130. You should use a tower or a mini tower air purifier
- Large rooms that are up to 500+ sq. ft. should have a CADR larger than 130. You need a tower or console model for them.
Do I need some special features?
There are many special features to consider when you are getting a new air purifier. Not all may be useful for you so you should consider if you really need them carefully before you open up your wallet. We are going to list some of the more important ones:
- Filter change indicator – Most of the models need to have their filters changed every few months. The time between each change is not set in stone and it depends on a variety of factors – how dirty is the air in the room, does the air purifier operate continuously, is there a malfunction and so on. An indicator helps greatly in these cases since it lights up when a change is needed
- Air quality sensors, automatic operating mode– It is usually difficult to tell what the exact quality of air in the room is. That is important to know when you are choosing the operating speed of an air purifier. You do not want to strain the device or you might not want to hear it producing loud sounds if it can be helped. A sensor then comes in handy to tell you what you are dealing with and if it is automatic, then you do not need to worry about the fan speed at all. Cheaper models usually do not have them.
- Remote control, smartphone app – There are buttons and knobs on the devices that can be used to turn them on and off and to set their operating speed. A useful feature to have is a remote control for obvious reasons. An added bonus is a feature that lets you control the device online so you can get the device to work before you come into the house.
- Portability – Some air purifiers are too large to be moved, while others have handles or wheels for easy transport. You cannot have it all – a portable device will not be able to compete when it comes to CADR with a stationary one.
- Off timer – This can be a useful feature to have if you don’t want the device to work all night.
- Display lights off – Some models have lights that cannot be turned off. It is not a problem during the day, but it can be really annoying during the night when that device is next to your bed.
- Air purifier colors – most manufacturers usually offer just one color for their product. But there are some that make several different choices available to their consumers.
- Return policy and warranty – This can be an important factor, especially if you are on a tight budget or if you are buying a really expensive product. There are many different offers on the market and you need to make sure that you read the fine print so you do not get an unpleasant surprise down the road when something malfunctions
Maintenance of the device
The price and the quality have always been tied closely together. If you have a small apartment without the children, you may not need the state of the air purifier. If you need high levels of quality, you should be prepared to put in some extra money in the maintenance and keeping your device working 24/7 It is imperative to check what is the lifespan of spare parts. Availability and cost of replacing them should factor into your decision. You should also check the energy consumption of the device, which is around 30-250 watts depending on the model.
Filters are usually the biggest headache when it comes to maintenance. Not only do they need to be replaced every few months, but they also cost a lot of money (some can be up to $50-$100) and they can easily end up costing more than the device itself. Some of the more expensive models offer filters that do not need replacement, but they do need to be washed regularly. When you are washing or replacing the filters, or just opening up the device to clean it, be prepared (gas mask, gloves) to deal with some nasty smells and hazardous materials. The device cannot make the pollutants disappear, it can only trap them.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where should I place my air purifier?
A: Most air purifiers are designed to purify one room. You should place them in a room where you spend most of your time. If you have a portable device, then you can move it from around the house with you.
Q: What happens if the filters are not switched when the indicator flashes?
A: If the filters are not replaced, the air purifier will not work at its maximum capacity and if it gets clogged up fully, then you will have an expensive appliance that does nothing and just uses up electricity.
Q: How long should I run my air purifier?
A: It is recommended that you keep your air purifier on at all times. If the noise bothers you greatly, keep it on the maximum (loudest) setting while you are away from home at work and then lower it once you get home.
Q: Is the level of sound an issue?
A: Air purifiers do produce varying amounts of sound and only you know what amount is going to be distracting or annoying. What is unbearable to some, might be ok for you and vice versa. If you are going to place your air purifier in the bedroom, you need to be sure that it is not going to keep you up at night, since these devices need to work all the time to be effective. People usually write about the level of sound they produce in the review section and that is a useful source of information.
The End Game
While air purifiers are not the most exciting topic to talk about, it is nonetheless a very important conversation to have since they can have a great impact on some aspects of your life. Keep in mind that some of the effects cannot be measured – like the positive effect of clean air will have on your mood. Your body (especially your lungs) might be under a huge amount of stress without you even realizing it.
For reason stated above, you should choose the best home air purifier for you carefully and find a good deal for it in your local or online store. It is tricky to find the best-rated air purifier, but if you make the right choice, you will not need to make that purchase again in a few years and waste money, time and energy.