Achoo!
Bless you, and bless having one of the best air purifiers to deal with allergy season, wild fires and other inconveniences.
Regardless of the season, there always seems to be something circulating in the air that one would like to avoid. Pollen, dust, pet dander — mold, we could go on. No matter how many times you break out the vacuum cleaner, mop the floors or scrub your home with all-purpose cleaner, it’s not always enough to rid your space of tiny dust and particles you don’t want to inhale. The right air purifier (probably one with a HEPA filter, UVC light or a combo of both) can make your space cleaner in more ways than one.
The best air purifiers will save your nose from dripping and your eyes from itching due to seasonal allergies. To help alleviate those symptoms, home air purifiers suck the pollen and allergens from the air, which saves us from having to take allergy medications day in and day out.
Plus, for those pet owners out there, an air purifier can make a huge difference when cleaning up pet hair and dander — especially if you find yourself going through a lot of carpet cleaner.
There are a ton of other options out there whether you need a larger device for a bigger home or keeping pet hair at bay. There are even compact tabletop air purifiers ideal small spaces or to keep near you when allergies get worse.
RELATED: Best home products on Amazon
See below for a full roundup of some of the top-rated air purifiers on the Internet to fit every home, budget and need for allergy season and beyond. Plus, many on this list qualify for two-day shipping or less if you’re an Amazon Prime Member.
Best Air Purifiers
Pros:
- 360-degree VortexAir technology 3.0 removes smells and allergens from entire room
- Small size makes portability a breeze
- Max setting is quiet enough to run while you’re sleeping
Cons:
- The filter is not washable
Purify on the go with this small and portable air purifier from Levoit. The mini version of the high-powered purifier comes in white and black and is great for smaller spaces, desks, bedside tables and more. Barret Wertz, our Commerce Editorial Director, owns one and has been blown away by its efficiency.
“After buying a house with a small bathroom directly off the kitchen, I knew I needed a small air purifier that didn’t take up much space, didn’t make much noise and did remove anything questionable from the air from said bathroom. I found it with this mini LEVOIT. It packs a powerful punch with three settings and has a minuscule footprint. Standing at only 6.5 by 6.5 by 10.4 inches, the Core Mini-P weighs less than 2.5 pounds but has a purifying range of 250 square feet (more than enough for my small bathroom). This means you can use it on your desk, next to your bed, or even on the kitchen counter and breathe in the benefits. The corresponding air filters are cheap and easy to replace and last for months and months. Don’t forget to add aroma pads for as low as $7 for a 12-pack to increase your scent-sational experience.”
Replacement filters are $24 and should be replaced every four to six months.
Pros:
- More than 30,000 ratings on Amazon
- Built-in diffuser that works with essential oils
- Ideal for small rooms (under 300 square feet)
Cons:
- Manual could be more clear on how to set up
For anyone not looking to break the bank but still want an effective air purifier, AROEVE is a must-have. It’s a $50 option that comes with a 360-degree air outlet that can cover rooms as big as 215 square feet. Noise isn’t an issue either as it has a sleep setting to, allowing it to run quieter while you catch some Zzz’s.
This model requires a new filter every three to six months, starting at $17 a filter.
Pros:
- Doubles as a room fan
- Removes odors and gases
- Purification coverage of up to 2,860 square feet
Cons:
- Not compatible with Dyson link app
Dyson is the name of the game when it comes to clean, and now cooling, too. Perfect for the warmer months or in the winter when the heater is overpowering, this two-in-one device both purifies the air in your home and projects over 77 gallons of cool air a second to cool you down. Our VP of Commerce Jacqueline Goldstein has been a proud owner for years, and relies on it to not only curtail dust but help her sleep better.
“I have been using the Dyson Purifier Cool Purifying fan for a few years now in my bedroom. [I keep it on all the time] and love the cooling effect for when I sleep. I find the light fan noise soothing as well, so it’s like a sleep aid, as well as being a fan and air purifier. The Dyson can’t be beat on design, and it’s incredibly light to lift and easy to move around. The remote is sleek and works well. My apartment has had issues with dust and I also have a long-haired (and beautiful) cat. This purifier has been helpful to mitigate all that.”
The filter should be replaced every 12 months to maintain optimal results. Starting costs for replacement filters are as low as $23.
Pros:
- Simple setup and ease of use
- Good for up to 1,000 square feet
- Long-lasting filters
- Helps with odors, dust, and allergens
Cons:
- Does not come with a remote
An affordable, space-saving purifier for our home? Don’t mind if we do. Besides capturing 99.97% of allergens, the Clorax Air Purifier offers 360 degrees of filtration! For smaller spaces (about 225 square feet), it will clean up to five times in an hour — impressive. Need help with a larger space? In an hour, the purifier can cleanse a room of 1,000 square feet. More than 2,000 Amazon customers have loved it enough to give it a rating, and our Senior SEO Commerce Manager, Meaghan Roche gives it her seal of approval too. She says it’s “quiet,” and its lights are “dimmable” for bedtime.
“I got this air purifier when the Canadian wildfires were impacting air quality in NYC in 2023. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use, and I do think it makes a difference in ventilating my space. It’s compact enough that I don’t worry about it taking up room in my NYC apartment, and it’s quiet enough to sleep with it on. It’s a great value for the price and trusted brand name of Clorox, plus the filter is relatively long-lasting if you don’t have it running 24/7.”
Pros:
- Has carbon filter and pre-filter that captures hair
- Purifies a space of 1,000 square feet in 1 hour
- Noise level can be adjusted to as low as 24dB
Cons:
- This Levoit model uses a carbon filter, which is good. However, we’d love it more with a HEPA filter inside
This high-efficiency air purifier can be controlled via your smartphone. The Levoit H13 model is super quiet, making it perfect for your bedroom and can be combined with an Amazon Alexa for hands-free control.
The filter should be replaced every six to eight months with new filters costing about $30.
Pros:
- App offers an impressive range of control
- Six stages of filtration
- Clears up to 1,070 square feet in 30 minutes
- 2021 Reddot winner for innovation
- Most settings are silent
- Versatile design
Cons:
- Unit and filters are expensive
- Top two settings do make noise, but still very low
Featuring six stages of purification and deodorization, this air purifier knows how to clean up air. If that wasn’t enough, it can cover up to 1,070 square feet, which basically means any dander, pet hair, dust, or small particles won’t be able to stay airborne. Wertz, who is a proud pet owner, gives it the thumbs up.
“Of all the air purifiers I have tried over my many years of testing various products across my home, this one may just be my favorite. It’s not from a sexy name like Dyson, but it offers everything I want as a multi-dog owning neat-freak. I use this in my bedroom and run it all night. The slim, flat shape is perfect to nestle out of the way in order to blend into my decor. However, the body design features the ability to mount it to the wall, even upside down — allowing for easy access to the discrete control panel.
When it comes to function, this machine exceeds expectations, too. The connected app allows you to control from anywhere and prominently displays an air quality reading, which helps you determine how to optimize your settings, including five levels of fan speed and negative ion removal. Additionally, you can control the night light, timer and schedule right from the app. Lastly, the app has a clear indicator as to the life of your filter, which eliminates any confusion or surprise expiration.
For example, even though the Pet Allergy filter is specially engineered to trap and eliminate dander and odors from pets, I opted for the Odor Remover filter that traps and eliminates odors from pets, but also smoke, cooking, and mildew. Other filters included are the Germ Defense filter, which is designed to trap and reduce airborne bacteria, mold spores and particles that carry viruses, and the Toxin Absorber filter that traps and eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene and other chemicals.”
New filters start as low as $126 a kit. Make sure to replace every 12 months for best results.
Pros:
- Simple, intuitive interface
- 360-degree clearing ability
- Bi-directional airflow
Cons:
- Noise is detectible but nothing too intrusive
On the flip side, smaller spaces need clean air, too. The smaller TruSens device is perfect for this, saving space on your floor or countertop while purifying your space with the same strength and quality as larger models.
This model requires a filter replacement every 12 to 15 months, with a new filter costing as low as $25.
Pros:
- Third party tested for efficiency
- Easy filter replacement
- Captures 99.99% of air particles as small as 0.1 microns
Cons:
- According to some reviews, air quality sensor could be better
We like air purifiers with HEPA filters for pulling dust, dander and other sneezy things from the air. Same? Grab an air purifier with HEPA 14 filter when you can. They’re a tad better at filtering than HEPA 13 filters and don’t necessarily cost more. Case in point, this air purifier from PuraAir is less than $250, not much larger than a boombox (remember those?), and offers multiple modes of cleaning. Capable of clearing a space of 1,150 square feet space in a little more than an hour, it’s awesome for open-concept kitchens, large basements, and apartments.
Pros:
- Doubles as a room fan and space heater
- Removes odors and gases
- Purification coverage of up to 500 square feet
Cons:
- Unit is expensive
- Not compatible with Dyson link app
As the old saying goes, You get what you pay for, and you can trust to get a lot when Dyson is concerned. The Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10, for example, also warms a space, so you don’t have to worry about buying a space heater, too. Wertz, who’s tested this Dyson model, currently has two in his home.
“This is what an air purifier should be — a multifunctional, near 360-degree-range air purifying fan and heater all in one,” he said. “I have two of these; one for my home office and one for our guest bedroom. Thanks to the multipurpose design, I give my visitors peace of mind knowing they are sleeping in fresh air — that doesn’t smell like dog — and they don’t have to wander around in the middle of the night looking for another blanket if they get cold.”
Wertz was also impressed with the overall design of the purifier, noting how simple it was to change the filter.
“The filters are super quick and easy to change (a common trait among all Dyson products I have used), and the design allows the curved and magnetized remote to sit atop the unit, eliminating the fear of loss. This model is not app-compatible, but candidly, I haven’t missed that feature. However, an app-compatible model is available for an additional cost. At 9.84 by 9.84 by 30.2 inches, additional features of the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP10 include auto-shutoff controls for pre-set intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours, as well as a night mode that monitors and purifies, using the quietest settings, with a dimmed display. It has a range of 500 square feet and projects 76 gallons of HEPA H13-purified air per second.”
Pros:
- Has HEPA filter and UV-C light to kill germs
- Clears 740 square feet in 1 hour
- Carbon pre-filter
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a remote or app, so settings must be switched manually
Cleanse the air of germs and allergens with this tall air purifier that uses UV-C light to purify. The device is perfect for those with a smaller space as it’s a total weight of under 10 pounds. Along with its bacteria-killing light, the purifier has a HEPA filter. Both of features one needs to look for when purchasing a system to irradicate mold from their home. HEPA filters can catch microscopic specs, including spores, while UV-C light can prevent them from reproducing.
The filter for this model can last up to six months before needing a replacement filter, which can cost as low as $25.
Pros:
- Three different fan speeds and four-stage filtration system
- HEPA filter
- Clears a 1,748 square feet room in an hour
Cons:
- Fan is on the louder side, according to several customer reviews
Don’t be fooled by its compact look; this air purifier packs a punch when it comes to cleaning your air. The Coway Air Purifier is a top-rated machine by Wirecutter and more, as it uses four filtration layers to make sure all the dust and debris get trapped inside. It comes in both black and white to match your home and is even a favorite of our VP of Commerce, Jacqueline Goldstein.
“This purifier may not be the most sexy (especially compared to the Dyson air purifier, which I keep in my bedroom), but it does its job well and the price point is very solid for what it brings to the table. I keep it hidden behind my couch in the living room. I love how it has an auto setting to increase its strength if it senses that the room needs a little more action!”
Make sure your replace the HEPA filter every 12 months — replacement filters start at $60 a filter.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Good for large and small spaces
- Uses HEPA filter
For larger homes, this air purifier is the best bet to clean the air throughout the house. This one from Blueair uses three-layer filtration to capture 99% of pollutants. It only weighs about 12 pounds, making it easy to move about your home. In a single hour the purifier can clear a space of more than 2,000 square feet, which is fairly quick. For smaller spaces (think 500 square feet or less), it only needs 13 minutes.
Replace the filter every six months to maintain proper functioning. New filters for this model start at $70.
Pros:
- Has H11 HEPA filter
- Includes remote
- Activated-carbon filter and ionizer technology to remove smells
Cons:
- While the majority of customer reviews are positive, several report issues connecting with customer service
Get smart about your air quality and invest in this device from Hathaspace. According to the product description, it can filter out 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns while also getting rid of odor and smoke. It comes with a handy remote control for easy use and can be tucked away against the wall — even while turned on.
You should make sure you’re replacing the filter at least every four months with new filters costing as low as $38.
Pros:
- PECO-HEPA filter that captures and kills germs and other pollutants
- Portable with a vegan leather strap
- Idea for small bedrooms, offices and studio apartments
Cons:
- Several reviewers on Amazon reported having issues connecting with the app
For high-quality purification in smaller spaces, Molekule has got you covered. We’ve personally tried the Air Mini+, and it’s not only a sleek design that can seamlessly blend into your home decor but noticeably cleans the air around you, which you can track through the accompanying app. Commerce Writer and Content Strategist Victoria Giardina has one and loves it!
“Molekule has one of the most chic looks to it while rendering effective in any space you wish to purify. It’s about the size of a countertop fire pit and has a simple plug-in maneuver that allows you to simply enjoy the fresh air. As someone who struggles with seasonal allergies (so much so that my family always jokes that I should avoid taking any type of photos in the springtime), it’s helped me breathe better and enjoy a more comfortable space. What’s more, the Air Mini+ is especially apt for smaller spaces, isn’t an eyesore and is even Alexa-compatible. Talk about a modern, of-age air purifier!”
For the best results with the Molekule Mini+, make sure you change the filter ($100) every six months.
Pros:
- Ideal for large spaces
- Transport wheels
- Easy to change filter
Cons:
- No remote control or voice command
Made in the USA with your whole family in mind, this heavy-duty air purifier is one of the best.
This high-powered industrial air purifier uses HEPA filtration and can remove 99.9% of particulate matter from the air in your home. It stands out from the rest, as it not only traps the particles inside but actually destroys the viruses, bacteria, allergens and more using Earth mineral technology so that nothing can leak back out into your home. The process is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets, too, and comes in either white or black.
This model requires a filter change at least every two years with replacement filters costing as low as $121.
Pros:
- VOC sensors
- H13 HEPA filter
- Cleanses a room of 259 square feet four times in an hour
Cons:
- Does make a low humming sound, which may bother some
The only thing better than fresh air is fresh-smelling air. BISSELL’s air320 Smart Air Purifier is a sleek option with a three-stage filtration process to circulate clean air around your room. Because of its medical-grade HEPA filter, it captures 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns and smaller when on its lowest fan speed; this helps to remove airborne allergens and irritants like dust, pet dander, pollen and smoke.
Filters for this model should be replaced at least every six months, with replacement filters starting at $38.
Pros:
- Clears a 250 square feet room in under 15 minutes
- Air feels noticeably cleaner after use, according to some reviews
- Easy to read interface and works with smartphone
Cons:
- May not be strong enough for areas with persistently strong odors
Control your air quality from anywhere with this smart air purifier. The Levoit device can be connected wirelessly to the free VeSync app on your phone or tablet and then controlled no matter where in the house you put your purifier. The ultra-quiet machine has three-level filtration, helping to rid the air of allergy-causing particles.
This design requires a replacement every six to eight months — or whenever the filter replacement indicator light comes on. Filter replacements can cost as low as $36.
Pros:
- Works with app
- Auto-adjusting fan
- H13 HEPA filter
An extra large room doesn’t need an extra large device. It needs one with extra strong capabilities like this one from Alen. The air purifier can clean 1300 square feet of space every 30 minutes, making sure even your largest rooms have the best quality air, like in the playroom for the kids and the living room where the whole family spends time.
Don’t forget to replace the filter every 12 to 15 months — new filters start at $129.
Pros:
- Sensors that continually monitor air quality
- Three-stage filtration
- H13 HEPA filter
Cons:
- Voice command is available but only with Alexa
Quite the opposite of the above, but big spaces need purification, too. Choose this Dreo model for your larger areas or to clean up the air in your whole apartment. It is also perfect for smart homes, with Amazon Alexa controls via your home’s WiFi connection and the app.
This filter requires replacement every six to 8 months, with each filter costing as low as $50.
Pros:
- More than 30,000 ratings on Amazon
- Built-in diffuser that works with essential oils
- Ideal for small rooms (under 300 square feet)
Cons:
- Manual could be more clear on how to set up
For anyone not looking to break the bank but still want an effective air purifier, AROEVE is a must-have. It’s a $50 option that comes with a 360-degree air outlet that can cover rooms as big as 215 square feet. Noise isn’t an issue either as it has a sleep setting to, allowing it to run quieter while you catch some Zzz’s.
This model requires a new filter every three to six months, starting at $17 a filter.
What is the most highly recommended air purifier?
Searching for the best air purifier can feel like a daunting task with so many quality models on the market. Look at our list. Clearly, we have more than a few favorites.
The LEVOIT Portable Air Purifier is one of them. It offers 360 degrees of filtration, so every section of a room is cleared. Ideal for smaller spaces, it has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, and more than 17,000 customers recommend it.
Another air purifier with a reputation that precedes it is the Dyson Purifier Cool Purifying Fan. Along with including a fan, it effectively removes 99.97% of allergens and pollutants with a glass HEPA filter. And if you’re worried about germs (aren’t we all?), we recommend going with the Germ Guardian 22” 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier, which has a UV-C light.
Do air purifiers really improve air quality?
Simple answer, yes.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), portable filtration systems can effectively cleanse the air. While no system will remove 100% of all contaminants, some get darn close.
Air purifiers with carbon-based filters, such as the Levoit Core 200S-P Air Purifier, are ideal for removing gases and smoke. Purifiers with HEPA filters work to clear allergens, such as pollen, dust, dander, as well as bacteria.
Because there are a variety of things that can dirty the air, many air purifiers use multiple forms of filtration. The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier, for example, has four. It has a pre-filter, one to deodorize, a HEPA filter and a vital ion. This not only makes it good for capturing icky smells like last night’s dinner but it’s top notch at removing VOCs and allergens like pet dander.
Needless to say, regardless of what you’re looking to address, there’s an air purifier for you.
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