I Test the Best Air Purifiers for a Living, and These Are 18 That Really Work
Table of Contents
I’ve tested dozens of air purifiers — in fact, next to coffee makers and vacuums, they’re my favorite item to test. In part, that’s due to the fact that I’m terribly allergic to tobacco smoke, and unfortunately, my state has the 13th highest smoking rate in the nation. And when 14% of adults smoke, it’s impossible to dodge second-hand smoke from your neighbors.
But tobacco smoke isn’t the only reason you need one of the best air purifiers. Dust, pollen and animal dander can also make the air inside of your home more polluted than the air outdoors. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can cause irritated eyes, throat, and nose, along with headaches. Long-term effects include respiratory diseases along with heart disease and cancer.
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While even the best air purifiers cannot completely combat the effects of indoor air pollution, they can help to remove some of those toxins from the air, making it easier to breathe. And in addition to removing tobacco smoke, dust, pollen and pet dander, air purifiers also help to remove other air pollutants, including other types of smoke (such as from cooking and wildfires), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde. Smart purifiers can even be controlled from your smartphone and send you notifications on the quality of your air.
In addition to a quality air purifier, I also recommend using a good humidifier to add moisture back into the air. Regularly cleaning with a good vacuum cleaner can also help remove some of the dust and debris that leads to airborne pollutants.
Below, you’ll find the 18 best home air purifiers we’ve found, and they’re items that I have tested extensively. Most of these appliances have been in my home for over a year, and I can say, unequivocally, that they really do work to remove pollutants and allergens.
The Best Air Purifiers At a Glance
1. Best Overall: Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS — $260 on Amazon
2. Runner Up: TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier — $324 on Amazon
3. Best Dyson Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09 — $690 at Dyson
4. Best Room Air Purifier (Small): LG PuriCare 360 — $699 at Best Buy
5. Best Newcomer: LG AeroTower Air Purifier — $597 at Best Buy
6. Best Room Air Purifier (Medium): Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto Air Purifier — $250 at Best Buy
7. Best Room Air Purifier (Large): Alen BreathSmart 75i — $742 on Amazon
8. Best Wall Mounted: Aura Smart Air Purifier — $500 on Amazon
9. Most User Friendly: Oransi Mod — $599 on Amazon
10. Best Home Air Purifier: Coway Airmega 400S — $649 on Amazon
11. Best Smelling Air: BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ — $340 at Best Buy
12. Best for Tight Spaces: Bissell Air320 Air Purifier — $340 on Amazon
13. Best Multipurpose: Coway Airmega Icon S — $699 at Coway
14. Best Budget Pick: Wyze Air Purifier — $170 at Wyze
15. Best Custom Filters: Levoit Core 600S — $300 at Bed, Bath & Beyond
16. Best Low Maintenance: AirSoap Home Air Purifier — $394 on Amazon
17. Best Air Purifier for Tabletops: Smartmi P1 Air Purifier — $180 on Amazon
18. Best Air Purifier Fan: Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier — $185 on Amazon
The Best Air Purifiers of 2022
Each air purifier has been tested based on the criteria outlined at the end of this story, along with an evaluation of its design, performance and overall value for the price. Fortunately, we were able to include some affordable air purifiers as well, and a few are even under $200. If you want to buy one of the best air purifiers for sale in 2022, then you should plan on spending between $170-$750.
This post will be updated as new air purifiers become available, and we’re always searching for new appliances to review. For now, keep reading to find the best air purifiers for your home.
1. Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS
BEST OVERALL
Specs:
Recommended room size: 325 sq ft
Dimensions: 9.6” x 16.8” x 18.3”
Weight: 12.34 pounds
Fan Speeds: 3
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Conway Airmega AP-1512HHS
Price: $208.64 (orig. $255.61) 18% OFF
Buy Now
If this Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS air purifier below looks rather weathered, that’s because it is! This is the best air purifier I’ve found to date, having used it since May 2020. The design is stylish, and the air purifier is easy to move when I need to dust or vacuum around it. More importantly, it has a pre-filter, carbon filter and True HEPA filter, and together, they work to clean the air quietly and effectively.
This smart air purifier also connects to an app and even has voice control. However, I like being able to just look at the top right side of the unit to easily determine the air quality. If it’s blue, the air quality is good; a pinkish color indicates the air is moderately good and red means the air quality is unhealthy. There’s also a light that glows when each filter needs to be cleaned or changed. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS has a timer that can be set in increments of one, two, four or eight hours and it has an auto setting and eco mode to save energy. All of this is doable on the app as well. It’s not cheap, but I believe this is the best air purifier for most people.
Pros
Multiple-filter system
Auto setting
App/voice control
Easy to transport
Cons
Still looking
2. TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier
RUNNER UP
Specs:
Recommended room size: 1425 sq ft
Dimensions: 10” x 10” x 28”
Weight: 13.23 pounds
Fan Speeds: 5
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
TruSens Smart Large Air Purifier
The TruSens is another purifier that I’ve had since May 2020, and I recommend it for several reasons. Five fan speeds provide more choices, and the touch controls are simple to use. This air purifier also includes a Sensor Pod that is placed on the other side of the room and detects changes in the air even several feet away (and adjusts the fan’s speed accordingly). This air purifier has a washable pre-filter, carbon filter and True HEPA filter. The air purifier has a UV purification setting, but I don’t use it. Although the TruSens is designed for rooms up to 1,425 sq ft, I’ve found that this is the best air purifier for small to medium spaces up to 1,000 square feet.
In addition to red, yellow and blue lights that indicate air quality, there are also actual numbers based on the air purifier’s algorithm. For example, yellow indicates moderate air quality, but the range is between 50-100, so a numerical reading of 90 means the room is close to entering a poor-quality range. Other indicator lights are for replacing the filters and UV bulbs. The lights on the control panel can also be turned off when I’m sleeping. The timer can be set to turn the purifier off after two, four, eight or 12 hours. TruSens isn’t as well known as some other picks for the best air purifiers, such as Dyson or Coway, but it’s a dependable model and a great choice for medium-sized rooms and homes.
PROS
Sleek design
Handle makes it easy to carry
Multiple-filter system
SensorPod
CONS
Must turn air purifier on side to change filters
3. Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09
BEST DYSON AIR PURIFIER
Specs:
Recommended room size: 2860 sq ft
Dimensions: 12.22” x 11.02” x 36.33”
Weight: 18 pounds
Fan Speeds: 10
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09
I’ve had the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde since November 2021, and honestly, I’ve never had an appliance that multitasks to this degree. I will admit that it’s insanely expensive. However, when you consider how much you would spend on a good air purifier, a good fan and a good humidifier, it might be worth the price, and Dyson tech is highly regarded. It’s quite convenient to have one appliance that can perform three different functions, and this is easily one of the best air purifiers I’ve ever tested.
These functions make this an all-season air purifier, but most of the time, I use the air purification function. Dyson’s smart air purifier uses a HEPA H13 filter and an activated carbon filter, which is sealed to keep pollutants inside. Additionally, the catalytic filter (which doesn’t need to be replaced) traps formaldehyde molecules. I tend to use the auto mode, but with the remote control, all functions and speeds can be controlled. You can also use the Dyson Link app or Alexa (or your voice assistant of choice) to control it.
Full Review: The Dyson Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde TP09
PROS
Magnetic remote control
Includes fan
Kills formaldehyde
Includes humidifier
Dyson engineering
CONS
Expensive
No transport handle
4. LG PuriCare 360
BEST ROOM AIR PURIFIER (SMALL)
Specs:
Recommended room size: 310 sq ft
Dimensions: 13.5” x 13.5” x 23.1”
Weight: 25.4 pounds
Fan Speeds: 5
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
LG PuriCare 360
Price: $549.99 (orig. $699.99) 21% OFF
Buy Now
I’ve only tested the LG PuriCare 360-Degree Air Purifier since March 2022, but it has already become one of my favorites. When it turns on, the Clean Booster head (which lays flat when off) slowly rotates 70 degrees, and I can also select “swing” to turn it left or right. Booster mode helps clean and circulate the air quickly. However, I can also choose to use Smart mode, (during which the top is flat) to automatically make adjustments based on the air quality in my home.
In Boost mode, it’s a lot easier to see the features on the very impressive control panel (mode, speed, booster speed, swing, indicator and sleep timer) from a distance. That’s important because there’s a lot of information on the status display panel.
For example, in addition to showing the overall air quality in colors, it also uses colors (red, orange, yellow and green) to show particulate matter and concentration of odor, while the concentration of particles is shown in numbers. The smart air purifier uses a True HEPA filter, a carbon filter and an ultra-fine filter. It comes with a remote and can also be used with the LG ThinQ app. (One caution: I would be concerned about kids or pets being around the top as it’s moving.)
PROS
Interesting design and great display
Clean Boost head
Multiple-filter system
Numerous air quality indicators
CONS
Heavy, with no transport handle
5. LG AeroTower Air Purifier
BEST NEWCOMER
Specs:
Recommended room size: 818 square feet
Dimensions: 10.4 x 44.1 inches
Weight: 27.6 lbs.
Fan Speeds: 10
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
LG AeroTower Air Purifier
I’ve been testing the LG AeroTower Air Purifier since July 2022 and it certainly ranks among the best air purifiers, as well as the most unusual-looking, that I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly tall (44 inches in height), but doesn’t take up extra floor space, and the design is actually pretty cool. In addition to having a futuristic look, the air purifier has an oscillating fan with 10 speeds including auto and turbo. There are also three different airflow modes — direct, diffusion and wide. The filter system consists of a True HEPA filter, deodorizing care filter and an ultra-fine filter.
The display panel, which is a little lower than midway toward the bottom of the air purifier, shows the operation status, air quality (green/good, yellow/moderate, orange/unhealthy and red/poor), particulate matter dust concentration and also the room’s temperature and humidity level and WiFi connection. Connecting to the LG ThinQ app is useful for the smart diagnosis feature, which allows users to diagnose a problem with the air purifier via smartphone, although I haven’t encountered any problems.
Fortunately, the device can be controlled using the remote control because the actual controls are on the top of the air purifier, which makes it awkward to view the display panel. So, for example, if I’m selecting a fan speed or mode on the top, I have to take a few steps back to look down at the display panel to see what I’m selecting. Otherwise, I love using this air purifier and it does a great job of quietly cleaning the air.
Pros:
10 fan speeds, oscillating fan
3 airflow options
Remote control
Carrying handle
Multi-filter system
Cons:
Difficult to see the display when controlling it manually
6. Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto Air Purifier
FOR MID-SIZE ROOMS
Specs:
Recommended room size: 388 square feet
Dimensions: 20.5 x 10.2 x 10.2 inches
Weight: 6.8 lbs.
Fan Speeds: Four
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto Air Purifier
I love Blueair purifiers because they work really well and have a modern design that won’t detract from your home decor. The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier is already on the list. However, I’ve been testing the Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto model since August 2022, and I’m impressed enough to add it to the list of best air purifiers as well as the best choice for mid-sized spaces (up to 388 sq ft). The 311 Auto has many of the same features as the 211+, however, it’s much lighter and easier to transport. The 311 Auto is so named because it has an auto mode in addition to the everyday, boost and night modes. This model also has air quality indicators that are displayed in colors; red for polluted, orange for moderate and blue for good.
This air purifier has a washable fabric pre-filter, main particle filter and a layer of activated carbon. Blueair just started making a smoke block filter as well. The 311 Auto includes a gray (Arctic Trail) pre-filter, but there’s an option to purchase other colors for $11 including blue (Night Waves), green (Aurora Light), and pinkish/tan (Archipelago Sand).
Pros:
Leaves air smelling good
Various pre-filter colors
Space-saving design
Easy to transport
Multi-filter system
Cons:
Velcro strip on the back looks tacky
7. Alen BreathSmart 75i
BEST LARGE ROOM AIR PURIFIER
Specs:
Recommended room size: 1300 sq ft
Dimensions: 12” x 19” x 27”
Weight: 27 pounds
Fan Speeds: 5
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Alen 75i Air Purifier
I’ve been running this Alen Air Purifier in my bedroom non-stop 24/7/365 (unless I’m out of town) since September 2020, so I can confidently call this the best air purifier for large rooms. The air purifier is recommended for areas up to 1,300 square feet, and my bedroom isn’t even close to being that large. However, when I’m asleep, it’s the perfect height for me to just roll over and adjust with just one eye open. Even though there are five speeds, I typically run it on speed 2 — and if my neighbors are outside smoking while I’m trying to sleep, I’ll bump it up to 3 — which is still quiet enough not to disrupt my sleep cycles. Honestly, I never need to go to speeds 4 and 5.
There’s a color-coded system to let me know how clean (or dirty) the air is, and I can choose the type of H13 True HEPA filter to use. I use the B7-Fresh with activated carbon for allergens and smoke, but there are also two other filter choices for this model — and all of the features come with their own pre-filter that can be vacuumed for added cleanliness. Another feature I love is the ability to choose the panel color. I chose a red cover, but then purchased a gray (stainless steel) cover so I can swap them out occasionally (can you tell that I really like my air purifiers?). Other panel colors choices include white, espresso, weathered gray, oak and graphite. Be warned: this air purifier is heavy, but there’s a handle that makes it easy to move when I need to vacuum or clean my bedroom.
PROS
Easy to operate
Multi-filter system
Choice of colors
Choice of filter types
Transport handle
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
8. Aura Smart Air Purifier
BEST WALL MOUNTED
Specs:
Recommended room size: 600 sq ft
Dimensions: 5.91” x 14.76” x 14.76”
Weight: 12.1 pounds
Fan Speeds: 4
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Aura Smart Air Purifier
I’ve had the Aura Air since August 2021, and have found it to be quite effective. This is the best air purifier for wall mounting, and it’s a great choice if you’re out of floor space, or if you have small kids or pets. Initially, I was rather apprehensive about hanging this on my wall (primarily because I was concerned it wouldn’t fit my décor). However, most of it is encased in grey cloth and actually looks like wall art (except for the unsightly cord).
The air purifier uses a pre-filter, HEPA filter, carbon filter, UV light and a sterionizer. The light at the bottom changes colors to let me know if the air is clean or not, and also if the WiFi connection has been lost. A WiFi connection doesn’t affect the device’s ability to function, but since it can only be controlled via the app or voice assistants, if I happen to lose my connection, I can’t make adjustments or view air quality indicators. It’s also rather loud, even on lower settings, so I tend to run it for about 30 minutes when I’m not in the bedroom.
PROS
Saves floor space
Works well
Detailed air quality data
CONS
No manual controls
No remote
Rather loud
9. Oransi Mod
MOST USER FRIENDLY
Specs:
Recommended room size: 1,250 sq ft
Dimensions: 14” x 14” x 25”
Weight: 18 pounds
Fan Speeds: Variable
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: n/a
ORANSI Air Purifiers
I’ve had the Oransi since October 2020, and it’s incredibly easy to use. Simple touch controls turn it on/off and reset the change filter notification. And there’s a reason why I don’t know the number of fan speeds: I merely slide my finger around the touchscreen to increase and decrease the speed like a dimmer switch. The Oransi Mod uses a three-filter system that includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter and an activated carbon layer.
It’s heavy to move around, but the colorful orange handle helps. Some air purifiers — especially those marketed for use in large rooms — struggle to actually be effective in large spaces. However, this one lives up to the hype, and in my testing, I found that it is one of the best air purifiers for allergies, as it efficiently cleans smoke, dust and other airborne pollutants.
PROS
Easy to use
Unique design
Effectively cleans large rooms
Touchscreen controls
CONS
Must turn upside down to change filter
10. Coway Airmega 400S
BEST HOME AIR PURIFIER
Specs:
Recommended room size: 1,560 sq ft
Dimensions: 15” x 15” x 23”
Weight: 24.7 pounds
Fan Speeds: 5
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Coway Airmega 400S
The Coway Airmega 400S isn’t as popular as the more affordable Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS that we named our “Best Air Purifier Overall,” but the 400S can purify a much larger home. I’ve been testing this air purifier since February 2022, and although its relatively new, this model has already more than earned its spot among the very best air purifiers. Even in a short period of time, it’s proven to be easy to use and effective in cleaning the air in large rooms. The smart purifier uses a multi-filter system that includes a True HEPA filter, active carbon and a washable pre-filter.
The rings on the front turn different colors to let me easily view air quality in real-time, and the indicators on the top alert me when it’s time to wash or replace filters. The air purifier has five fan speeds, including a smart and a sleep mode. I can set the timer for 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. In addition to the manual controls, the Coway IoCare Mobile app lets me control and monitor air quality remotely, and I can also use Alexa for voice control.
PROS
Handles on the side
Can slide on floor
Multi-filter system
Uses Coway IoCare App
Attractive design
Great price for the capacity
CONS
Bulky
11. BlueAir Blue Pure 211+
BEST SMELLING AIR
Specs:
Recommended room size: 540 sq ft
Dimensions: 13” x 13” x 20.4 inches
Weight: 13 pounds
Fan Speeds: 3
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
BlueAir Blue Pure 211+
I’ve had the Blue Air 411+ since June 2020, and it produces the best smelling air of all of the purifiers I’ve tested. To clarify, they all remove bad and stale odors and create a fresh clean smell. However, the BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ produces a particularly nice smelling home — although it’s not perfumed in any way. The air purifier uses a HEPA Silent filtration system that includes a carbon filter, particle filter, and washable fabric pre-filter.
In the photo shown, you’ll notice that I don’t have a fabric pre-filter on my unit. The pre-filters come in various colors, like gray and black, but I honestly think the fabric pre-filters detract from the beautiful Scandinavian design, so I just commit to vacuuming the exterior and interior more often. Like the best air purifiers I’ve reviewed, the Blue Pure 211+ is also easy to operate. There’s just one button, and I press it to turn the device on and also to change fan speeds.
PROS
Very easy to operate
Great smell
Color assortment for pre-filters
CONS
Heavy
Hard to transport with no handles
12. Bissell Air320 Air Purifier
BEST FOR TIGHT SPACES
Specs:
Recommended room size: 308 sq ft
Dimensions: 14.5” x 8.5” x 25”
Weight: 19.2 pounds
Fan Speeds: 5
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Bissell Air320 Air Purifier
Price: $239.99 (orig. $339.89) 29% OFF
Buy Now
The Bissell Air320 looks like a modern piece of furniture, and it’s been gracing my home since March 2021. It’s a work of art, with a slim profile, grey fabric panel and wooden legs, and is the best air purifier I’ve tested for tight spaces. Plus, the cord can be stored inside of the air purifier to save even more floor space. It uses an H13 HEPA filter, along with a carbon filter and pre-HEPA filter.
The single button/dial is responsible for controlling everything, even resetting the filter alert. The digital display is right below the control dial. It shows the air quality in numbers and colors (for example, blue 002 is good, yellow 139 is moderate, and red 457 is poor). The display also shows the fan speeds, which include an auto-adjust speed setting. This air purifier would be perfect for a small space like a 1-bedroom apartment or studio thanks to its compact shape and super-attractive design.
Pros
Slim design fits right up against the wall
Easy to operate
Works well even on lower settings
Only designed for very small spaces
Cons
Hard to read
13. Coway Airmega Icon S
BEST MULTIPURPOSE
Specs:
Recommended room size: 649 square feet
Dimensions: 22.3 x 21.4 x 8.8 inches
Weight: 19.2 lbs.
Fan Speeds: 3
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Coway Airmega Icon S
I received and tested the Coway Airmega Icon back in May, but in August, I received the Icon S, which is Wifi enabled (and $50 more). This means that it can be remotely controlled via the IoCare App and a smartphone, and also voice-controlled via Alexa and Google Home. Otherwise, the air purifier has the same features as the Airmega Icon — and they’re quite impressive.
For example, there’s a place on the top plate to wirelessly charge any Qi-compatible smartphone. The air purifier, which is covered in beige fabric is quite stylish and looks more like a piece of furniture than an air purifier.
The Airmega Icon S has touch buttons, three fan speeds (low, medium and high) and three modes (eco, auto and sleep). I tend to keep it on medium, which does a remarkably good job of quietly and thoroughly cleaning the air. However, the smart mode can automatically adjust the speed depending on the air quality in the room. It can also monitor the air quality by looking at the color on the top; blue for good, green for moderate, yellow for unhealthy and red for very unhealthy. The air purifier also shows particulate matter on the display screen. I really love this air purifier because it does a great job of removing my neighbors’ cigarette smoke in a relatively short period of time. It uses a washable pre-filter and a Max 2 filter that combines activated carbon with a green true HEPA filter.
Pros:
Sleek, furniture design
Smartphone and voice control
Wireless smartphone charger
Multi-filter system
Cons:
Very expensive
No transport handle
14. Wyze Air Purifier
BUDGET PICK
Specs:
Recommended room size: 550 square feet
Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.4 x 18.5 inches
Weight: 8.75 lbs.
Fan Speeds: Four
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Wyze Air Purifier
I’ve been testing the Wyze Air Purifier since April 2022 and I consider it the best cheap air purifier. While mine came with the standard allergen filter, there’s also an option to get a formaldehyde filter or a wildfire filter. Each one is a true HEPA filter filled with granulated carbon. I was also impressed that, at this price point, the air purifier has smart controls. It gives you the option of controlling fan speed and viewing air quality measurements on the device or downloading the Wyze Air app and viewing this information on a smartphone.
The air purifier also supports Alexa and Google Assistant. While not the most design-forward option, the Wyze Air Purifier doesn’t take up much space, so it can be used practically anywhere. The four fan speeds, min, mid, max and turbo, make it easy to select the desired level of airflow, and there’s also an auto mode.
Pros:
Choice of 3 filter types
Relatively inexpensive
Carrying handle
Cleans the air well
Cons:
No remote control
15. Levoit Core 600S
BEST CUSTOM FILTERS
Specs:
Recommended room size: 635 square feet
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 23.6 inches
Weight: 13.7 lbs.
Fan Speeds: Four
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Levoit Core 600S
Buy: $300 at Bed Bath & Beyond
I’ve been testing the Levoit Core 600S since February 2022, and it has performed very well. It’s rather bulky, but not really heavy, and has a carrying handle on each side for easy transport. This is the best air purifier filter system I’ve encountered. It uses a pre-filter, an H13 True HEPA Filter with HEPASmart Technology, and also a custom high-efficiency activated carbon filter with ARC Formula (air recomposition formula) to decompose any harmful molecules in the filter.
After downloading the VeSync app, I am also able to control the air purifier from my smartphone (it works with Alexa and Google Assistant as well) to change one of the four speeds (plus auto and sleep), set timers and schedule times to run it. I can also view air quality over a period of time. The controls on the device include touch controls for the fan speed, timer, check filter indicator and WiFi. The circle on the control panel provides an air-quality indicator that turns blue for very good, green for good, orange for moderate and red for bad.
Pros:
Impressive multi-filter system
Control via app
Voice control
Cons:
Bulky
16. AirSoap Home Air Purifier
BEST LOW-MAINTENANCE
Specs:
Recommended room size: 400 square feet
Dimensions: 21.06 x 10.25 x 10.6 inches
Weight: 12.6 lbs.
Fan Speeds: Four
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
AirSoap Home Air Purifier
I received the AirSoap Home Air Purifier to test back in December 2021 – and I’ve been intrigued by how it operates. There are no replaceable filters; however, the air purifier does use filters that are cleaned in a variety of ways. The charcoal-activated filter can be rejuvenated by leaving it in direct sunlight for two hours. There’s also a large collection plate that traps airborne particles using positive and negative charges that is cleaned with hot, soapy water. The pre-filter is also cleaned with water or it can be wiped with a microfiber cloth. Finally, the ionization coil is cleaned with a microfiber cloth.
It’s definitely cheaper to clean these parts instead of purchasing filters, which makes this one of the best air purifiers for people who appreciate low-maintenance appliances. AirSoap is designed to kill airborne viruses. While SPY can’t molecularly test if air purifiers can kill bacteria, PhoneSoap, the parent company, is known for such products, as we found when testing the best UV phone sanitizers. However, I can say that the air purifier helped to reduce allergens in the air. It has one simple button that controls everything, four fan speeds and air quality indicators colors at the bottom for excellent, moderate, unhealthy and hazardous conditions.
One weird thing I discovered was that sometimes, maybe every 15 or 20 minutes, the air purifier makes a crackling sound, not unlike the zapping noise a bug zapper makes. However, the manual states that this is normal, and it’s the sound of the air purifier breaking up dust and other particles.
Pros:
No filters to replace
Lightweight
Handles on both sides
Easy to operate
Cons:
Occasional crackling sound
17. Smartmi P1 Air Purifier
BEST TABLETOP AIR PURIFIER
Specs:
Recommended room size: 320 square feet
Dimensions: 14 x 8.6 inches
Weight: 6.6 lbs.
Fan Speeds: Two
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Smartmi P1 Air Purifier
I’ve had the Smartmi P1 Air Purifier since April 2022, and I love the stunning design. The leather strap reminds me of the Molekule Air Mini, but the Smartmi is less than half the price. The air purifier is small enough to put on a table and the strap makes it easy to carry. The LCD control panel includes mode selections (normal, custom, sleep, and auto), timer, particulate matter level, and a color-coded pollen alert indicator (green for very good, yellow for good, orange for moderate and red for unhealthy). It also shows the Wi-Fi status indicator.
After connecting to the Smartmi Link App, you’re able to control the air purifier from a phone. It can also be used with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Hey Google. There’s a choice of two different filter types. Mine has the H13 True HEPA filter, preliminary filter, activated carbon filter and inner filter for odors, smog, and smoke — and this filter helps the air purifier work well in small spaces. However, Smartmi also makes another H13 True HEPA filter designed for pollen and dust. Consider this the best air purifier for college students who are cramped into tiny dorm rooms.
Pros:
Reasonably priced
Beautiful design
WiFi connects to Smartmi Link App
Leather carrying strap
Multi-filter system
Cons:
Not a lot of fan speeds
18. Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier
BEST PURIFIER FAN
Specs:
Dimensions: 14.9 x 13 x 11 inches
Weight: 11.6 lbs.
Fan Speeds: Three
Indoor Air Quality Feedback: Yes
Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier
I’ve been testing the Blueair Pure Fan Air Purifier since August 2022, and I’m quite impressed with it. Since it’s an air purifier and a fan, it also provides a nice breeze. The device is much smaller than others, making it the best air purifier for, say, an office or any small space, and it has a leather strap for easy carrying. There are three fan speeds in addition to auto mode and night mode. There’s a single button, which makes it easy to operate the air purifying fan.
The color scale displays the air quality (red for polluted, orange for moderate and blue for good). This air purifier has a fabric pre-filter, but unlike the other Blueair purifiers which have wraparound pre-filters, this one goes on the backside of the filter frame, so it’s only visible when you turn the air purifier around. My test model arrived with a dark gray (Arctic Trail) pre-filter, but there’s an option to purchase other colors, including blue (Night Waves), green (Aurora Light), pinkish/tan (Archipelago Sand) and light grey (Winter Reed).
Pros:
Cool design
Fan
Customizable pre-filter colors
Multi-filter system
Cons:
No remote control
How We Chose the Best Air Purifiers: Testing Criteria
As we test to determine best air purifiers, there are several important factors to consider, including overall effectiveness, capabilities, pricing and even personal preference. There are specific categories we considered when testing at home:
Filters: The type of filter(s) used in an air purifier matters. True HEPA filters are excellent at capturing cigarette fumes, dust particles and fine dust, and some manufacturers claim they can even capture mold. Like the best N95 masks, HEPA filters should also able to filter the coronavirus from the air, trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
Activated carbon filters are good at removing odors from VOCs, pets, food and cigarettes. Some of the best air purifiers combine HEPA filters and activated carbon filters, delivering the best of both worlds.
Filters can also be expensive, so replacing them is something to consider when determining the total cost of ownership. Some of the best air purifiers have washable filters and pre-filters to capture hair, fur and dust, which can save you money, but washable filters may also degrade over time.
Room size: Larger air purifiers tend to cost more, so smaller, more cost-friendly models may look more appealing to your wallet. However, the best air purifier for you should be based on the size of your space. If you place a unit designed for a smaller room into a larger, open-concept space, it’s not going to work effectively.
Fan speeds: The number of fan speeds on an air purifier is a personal preference, but multiple settings are nice. I adjust the fan speeds depending on the level of smoke in the air — although the best air purifiers can self-adjust. I would highly recommend an auto setting so you don’t have to worry about decreasing or increasing the speed.
Noise: Regardless of what air purifier manufacturers tell you, the noise level depends on the setting. Some are louder than others, but they’re all pretty loud when on high. In most cases, 30 minutes on high achieves an intense cleaning, at which point it can be lowered.
Effectiveness: It’s easy to know if the air is cleaner. Incidents of sneezing and coughing decline, and the level of dust decreases. However, I’m not a scientist, so rather than support manufacturer claims, I judge based on the results of in-home testing.
Other features: Some air purifiers have remote controls to operate them from across the room. Some will provide filter notifications to let you know when the filter needs to be changed. There are also air purifiers on the list that provide real-time information, so you can look at the display panel to see if the air is in the good, average or poor range. Smart air purifiers offer app connectivity to control on your smartphone.
Some “features” are quite controversial. For example, air purifiers with an ion generator (ionizer) claim to remove allergens from the air. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, ionizers and any type of ozone generator can be detrimental to your health. If an air purifier has this setting, I would recommend leaving it off.
About the Author
Terri Williams has tested and written about home and tech products for a variety of digital publications, including Popular Science, Architectural Digest, CNN, NBC News, USA Today, Tom’s Guide, Popular Mechanics, The Daily Beast, The Spruce, and several other websites. She has tested dozens of air purifiers and other types of home appliances, and she loves trying out new products. As an allergy sufferer, she depends on high-quality air purifiers to breathe easy.
Updates: These air purifier reviews were last updated on September 26, 2022. After conducting additional testing, we added new air purifiers from LG, Coway-Airmega, Blueair and Home Soap. We also updated our overall rankings and purchase options.
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1. Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS
The design is stylish, and the air purifier is easy to move when I need to dust or vacuum around it. More importantly, it has a pre-filter, carbon filter and True HEPA filter, and together, they work to clean the air quietly and effectively.
The smart air purifier also connects via app and even has voice control. However, I love being able to just look at the top right side to easily determine the indoor air quality. If it’s blue, the air quality is good; a pinkish color indicates that the air is moderately good; red means the air quality is unhealthy. There’s also a light that glows when each filter needs to be cleaned/changed. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS has a timer I can set for it to run 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours, and it has an auto setting and eco mode to save energy. Of course, I can also do and see everything on the app as well. The price tag isn't cheap, but I believe this is the best air purifier for most people.
Pros: Multiple-filter system, app/voice control, easy to transport
Cons: Aesthetic design may not be for everyone.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS
2. TruSens Air Purifier
The TruSens is another purifier that I’ve had since May 2020, and I recommend it for several reasons. The five fan speeds (including whisper and turbo) provide more choices, and the touch controls are really simple to use. The air purifier also includes a Sensor Pod that is placed on the other side of the room and detects changes in the air even several feet away (and adjusts the fan’s speed accordingly). There’s a washable pre-filter, carbon filter and True HEPA filter. The air purifier has a UV purification setting, but I don’t use it. Although the TruSens is designed for rooms up to 1,425 sq ft, I’ve found that it works best in smaller rooms (up to 1,000 ft).
In addition to red, yellow and blue lights to let me know the air quality reading, there are also actual numbers based on the air purifier’s algorithm. For example, yellow indicates moderate air quality, but the range is between 50-100, so a numerical reading of 90 lets me know the room is close to entering a poor-quality range. Other indicator lights are for replacing the filters and UV bulb. The lights on the control panel can also be turned off when I’m sleeping. The timer can be set to turn the purifier off after 2, 4, 8 or 12 hours. TruSens isn’t as well known as some of my other picks for the best air purifiers such as Dyson or Coway, but it’s a dependable model and a great choice for medium-sized rooms and homes.
Pros: Sleek design. Handle makes it easy to carry. Multiple-filter system
Cons: Must turn the air purifier on the side to change filters
TruSens Air Purifier
3. Alen 75i Air Purifier
The air purifier is recommended for areas up to 1,300 square feet, and my bedroom isn’t even close to being that large. However, when I’m asleep, it’s the perfect height for me to just roll over and adjust with just one eye open. Even though there are five speeds, I typically run it on speed 2 — and if my neighbors are outside smoking while I’m trying to sleep, I’ll bump it up to 3 — which is still quiet enough not to disrupt my sleep cycles. Honestly, I never need to go to speeds 4 and 5.
There’s a color-coded system to let me know how clean (or dirty) the air is, and I can choose the type of H13 True HEPA filter to use. I use the B7-Fresh with activated carbon for allergens and smoke, but there are also two other filter choices for this model — and all of the features come with their own pre-filter that can be vacuumed for added cleanliness. Another feature I love is the ability to choose the panel color. I chose a red cover, but then purchased a gray (stainless steel) cover so I can swap them out occasionally (can you tell that I really like my air purifiers?). Other panel colors choices include white, espresso, weathered gray, oak and graphite. Be warned: this air purifier is heavy, but there’s a handle that makes it easy to move when I need to vacuum or clean my bedroom.
Pros: Easy to operate. Multi-filter system. Choice of colors. Choice of filter types Transport handle.
Cons: Expensive. Quite heavy.
Alen 75i Air Purifier
4. Coway Airmega 400S
Although there are older models, this model has already more than earned its spot among the very best air purifiers. Even in a short period of time, it’s proven to be easy to use and effective in cleaning the air in large rooms. The smart purifier uses a multi-filter system that includes a True HEPA filter, active carbon and a washable pre-filter.
The rings on the front turn different colors to let me easily view air quality in real-time, and the indicators on the top alert me when it’s time to wash or replace filters. The air purifier has five fan speeds, including a smart and a sleep mode. I can set the timer for 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. In addition to the manual controls, the Coway IoCare Mobile app lets me control and monitor air quality remotely, and I can also use Alexa for voice control.
Pros: Handles on the side, can slide on floor, so you don't need to lift it to move it.
Cons: Bulky
Coway Airmega 400S
5. Blueair Blue Pure 211+
I’ve had the Blue Air 411+ since June 2020, and it produces the best smelling air of all of the purifiers I’ve tested. To clarify, they all remove bad and stale odors and create a fresh clean smell. However, the BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ produces a particularly nice smelling home — although it’s not perfumed in any way. The air purifier uses a HEPA Silent filtration system that includes a carbon filter, particle filter, and washable fabric pre-filter.
Like the best air purifiers I’ve reviewed, the Blue Pure 211+ is also easy to operate. There’s just one button, and I press it to turn the device on and also to change fan speeds.
Pros: Very easy to operate. Color assortment for pre-filters
Cons: Heavy and hard to transport with no handles
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
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