Top-Performing Air Purifiers: Allergists and Testing reveal these as the Most Efficient Models
If you're constantly dealing with coughing, sneezing, or allergies, finding the best air purifier for your home can be a game-changer. These devices are designed to remove contaminants like dust, mold, smoke, and odors to improve indoor air quality, and research shows they can be highly effective.
For shopping advice and tips on deciding whether you really need one, we spoke with Denna Zebda, MD, and Julie Wendt, MD. Here are their top recommendations:
Our top picks
- Levoit Core 600S Air Purifier
- Molekule Air Pro
- Blueair Blue Pure 211+
- Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover
- Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Air Purifier
- Coway Airmega 300S Smart Air Purifier
- Levoit Core 300 and Core 200 Smart Air Purifier
Do you need an air purifier?
Not necessarily. Dr. Zebda says an air purifier can be particularly helpful for people with dust allergies and asthma. If you own a pet that you're allergic to, an air purifier can also cut down on pet dander, hair, and odor that may be causing your reactions.
Air purifiers can even be effective at removing smoke and pollution. One study found that air purifiers with a HEPA filter can eliminate 50 to 80% of particles in the air, even in highly polluted areas. Another proved that HEPA filters can clear up to 74% of indoor smoke particles caused by outdoor smoky conditions.
Note that air purifiers are designed to pick up contaminants in the air (not on surfaces), so they can't keep your home entirely dust-free. Also, some air purifiers are loud, messy, and can get expensive since their filters will need to be replaced every so often.
What to look for in an air purifier
Mechanical filtration using a HEPA filter:
A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter must meet the US Department of Energy's standard for removing 99.97% or more of all particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter. Most of the purifiers on this list have HEPA filters, as they're widely recommended by experts.
Activated carbon filters:
These are useful for capturing odor-causing molecules or particles that may accumulate from adhesives, paints, and cleaning products. They don't filter out contaminants as well as HEPA filters do, but often, they're found in combination with a HEPA filter. They also need to be changed more frequently, says Dr. Wendt.
Room size:
Some air purifiers are meant for just one room, while others can help you breathe easier throughout an entire apartment or house. To determine the size purifier you need, check the cubic square footage of your room (by multiplying the room's length, width, and height), then make sure the air purifier's coverage matches or is higher than that number.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):
Your purifier's CADR measures how many cubic feet of air it cleans per minute and can help you tell how efficient it is—the higher the number, the faster your purifier is working. A good general guideline: Look for a CADR that's equal to at least two-thirds of your room's (or home's, or apartment's) area. If you're getting a purifier to combat wildfire smoke, the CADR and the square footage should be the same.
Some manufacturers will list multiple CADRs for different contaminants. In these cases, check the rating for smoke specifically—it's a quick way to know if the purifier is up to the job.
Will an air purifier protect against COVID?
Maybe—but more research is needed. Some studies have shown that your risk of a COVID-19 infection goes down in a well-ventilated room. This includes a room with an air purifier in it, although variables like how well your purifier works and what size area it's designed to cover can also affect your risk.
Shop the best air purifiers
We've got plenty of expert-recommended and our website staffer-approved options below.
Levoit Core 600S Air Purifier
Amazon
Pros
- Impressive filtration rate
- Works for large spaces
- Quiet
- Lightweight
Cons
- No "smart" features
- Filters have to be replaced every six months
This device wins points from Dr. Dasgupta for its high CADR of 331 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Because it has a high-capacity HEPA filter, Levoit claims this purifier can capture even smaller pollutants than traditional HEPA filters can. A child lock, timer, sleep mode, adjustable fan speed, filter replacement indicator, and lifetime warranty make it a great all-around pick—and, at around $200, it's not too pricey either.
Product specs
Dimensions: 10.47" L x 8.66" W x 18.9" HCoverage: 547 sq ftNew filter needed: Every six months
Molekule Air Pro
Amazon
Pros
- Kills viruses and bacteria on top of purifying the air
- Sleek design
- Advanced filtration system
- Voice control and WiFi connectivity
Cons
- Expensive
- Ideal for larger rooms only
With its futuristic looks and high performance, the Molekule Air Pro comes with a hefty price tag but offers numerous features that make it worth considering. The PECO filtration technology used by Molekule is unique in that it not only purifies the air but actually breaks down pollutants, including viruses and bacteria, at the molecular level. The WiFi-enabled device can be controlled via smartphone app or Amazon Alexa, making it incredibly convenient to use. Note that it's best suited for larger spaces.
Product specs
Dimensions: 13.8" L x 9.1" W x 18.3" HCoverage: 602 sq ftNew filter needed: Every 6-12 months, depending on usage
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
Amazon
Pros
- Multiple air quality settings
- Stylish design
- Energy-efficient
- Fawns over your pets (optional pet filter)
Cons
- Relatively high noise level at highest setting
- No voice control or WiFi connectivity
The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ is notable for its elegant design and quiet operation. It can purify rooms up to 540 square feet and offers multiple air quality settings to cater to different needs. You can also purchase optional pet filters to target common pet allergens, making it a fantastic choice for households with furry friends.
Product specs
Dimensions: 16.5" L x 13.75" W x 21.5" HCoverage: 540 sq ftNew filter needed: Every 6-12 months, depending on usage
Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover
Amazon
Pros
- HEPA filter option for pet dander
- Quiet, energy-efficient operation
- Four air cleaning levels
Cons
- No smart features
- No WiFi connectivity
- More expensive than smaller models from Honeywell
Ideal for those with sensitive allergies, the Honeywell HPA300 comes with a specialized HEPA filter designed to capture even the tiniest particles, including pet dander. It offers four air cleaning levels, ensuring that you can find the perfect setting for your home. Although it lacks smart features and WiFi connectivity, its sturdy construction makes it a long-lasting investment.
Product specs
Dimensions: 9.5" L x 20" W x 23" HCoverage: 465 sq ftNew filter needed: Every 6-12 months, depending on usage
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Air Purifier
Amazon
Pros
- Three-in-one product (heater, fan, air purifier)
- Sleek design and bladeless fan
- WiFi-enabled with smartphone app control
- Captures particles down to 0.1 microns
Cons
- Higher price point
- Less effective in larger spaces
If you're looking for a multi-functional device, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Air Purifier offers heating, cooling, and air purifying capabilities in one sleek package. It features WiFi connectivity and can be controlled via smartphone app, allowing you to adjust settings from anywhere. The bladeless fan design is a bonus for avoiding messy maintenance. Keep in mind that it may not be as effective in larger spaces.
Product specs
Dimensions: 11.7" L x 8.9" W x 23.6" HCoverage: 300 sq ft (for air purifier mode)New filter needed: Every 12 months, depending on usage
Coway Airmega 300S Smart Air Purifier
Amazon
Pros
- WiFi-enabled with smartphone app control
- Sensitive air quality sensor
- Three-stage filtration system (pre-filter, HEPA, and activated carbon)
- Can be manually controlled for additional settings
Cons
- No dedicated pet filter option
- More expensive than some other options
The Coway Airmega 300S Smart Air Purifier offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for tech-savvy individuals. The WiFi-enabled device can be controlled via smartphone app, allowing you to monitor air quality and adjust settings remotely. The three-stage filtration system effectively removes pollutants, ensuring cleaner, fresher air in your home. Although it lacks a dedicated pet filter, it provides strong performance and smart features that are hard to beat.
Product specs
Dimensions: 18" L x 20" W x 20" HCoverage: 1,064 sq ftNew filter needed: Every three to six months, depending on usage
Levoit Core 300 and Core 200 Smart Air Purifier
Amazon
Pros
- Multiple air quality settings
- WiFi-enabled with smartphone app control
- Compact and stylish design
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Less effective in larger spaces
- No optional pet filter
Smaller and more budget-friendly than the Core 600S, the Levoit Core 300 and Core 200 offer wireless connectivity and can be controlled via smartphone app, making them convenient choices for tech enthusiasts. The fewer features and smaller size make them better suited for smaller rooms, but their affordable price point and sleek design make them worthy options for frugal fans of smart technology.
Product specs:
Core 300:Dimensions: 14" L x 14" W x 24" HCoverage: 547 sq ftNew filter needed: Every 6-9 months, depending on usage
Core 200:Dimensions: 12.6" L x 12.6" W x 23.2" HCoverage: 322 sq ftNew filter needed: Every 6-9 months, depending on usage
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- News outlets often cover research on air purifiers, highlighting their effectiveness in reducing respiratory-conditions like coughing, sneezing, and allergies, and increasing overall health.
- To maximize the effectiveness of air purifiers, it's important to look for features like mechanical filtration using a HEPA filter and activated carbon filters, as well as choosing the appropriate size for your room.
- Skin-care is essential for maintaining healthy skin, which can be affected by factors like pollution, dust, and allergens that an air purifier can help mitigate, contributing to overall health and well-being.
