Top Air Purifiers for Your Home in 2024 | Best 10 Air Purifiers for Having Clean and Healthy Air {How They Work, Features, Pros/Cons and Overall Best}

Investing in one of the top air purifiers for your home in 2024 is a simple and effective way to improve air quality in your house or workplace. These hi-tech appliances trap smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander and many other pollutants that lurk in the indoor air. For those with allergies or respiratory conditions, or people living in areas of poor air quality, the best air purifiers can be a lifesaver.

However, buying an air purifier can be an overwhelming task, even for the most tech-savvy consumers. From small and portable desktop appliances to mammoth units designed for large bedrooms, there is plenty of models available on the market.

But don’t worry — we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We have tried and tested some of the top air purifiers out there to help you pick an appliance that ticks all your boxes.

We’ve thoroughly tested the units to bring you an honest and unbiased recommendation for each appliance in this guide. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly air purifier or a hi-tech beast packed with smart features, we have an option for you. 

If you don’t know if you need an air purifier, or how they work, make sure to read through the post to see what the experts say. And if you’re looking to get ahead of the hay fever spring season, don’t miss our guide specifically on air purifiers for allergies.

Moving on.

How We Tested to Know the Best Air Purifiers

Every air purifier in this guide has been tested to the same standards, using the same processes. We created a series of tests to measure particles of different sizes, to see how each air purifier performs with certain types of impurities.

We use a particle counter for all our testing, and our equipment is capable of measuring the smallest pollutants (0.3 microns) that can be removed from the air by a purifier.

We start by running an ambient air quality test, where we run the air purifier in multiple rooms in a home to see how it performs at the regular setting, and the highest possible setting (below 50 decibels).

We make note of readings after 15 and 30 minutes to see the speed at which the machine removes particles from the air. We also measure the noise levels generated by the fan, to comment on how noticeable the purifier will be in an average home.

We then test different particle sizes using matches and incense to generate different types of smoke, taking measurements at regular intervals and on different speed settings. Our testing also takes into account the size of the unit, the cost, ease of use, availability of additional parts, and the energy use on the lowest and highest settings.

Finally, we check online user reviews to see what people think, and we test for any persistent problems or defects that we read about. As per our testing policy, we fully disclose all our findings in our reviews.

What are the Benefits of Using an Air Purifier?

For many of us, clean air can make our living space more comfortable. But for those who struggle with respiratory problems, such as allergies, asthma or COPD, the presence of harmful airborne particles can make their symptoms unbearable and directly endanger their health.

Similarly, immunocompromised individuals may feel much safer knowing that their air purifier will trap microbes that can make them very sick. As Perry, Medical Director at Cosmedics Skin Clinics, points out, we may still need more large-scale studies to assess the exact effect of air purifiers on our health, but it’s hard to deny the fact that, for some, these devices may be indispensable.

“It makes sense that the cleaner the air, the easier it is for anyone with breathing problems and susceptible to allergies,” he says. “If you’re an asthma sufferer and want to purchase an at-home air purifier, then it’s a good idea to keep a diary to see if it does make a difference in symptoms. Remember though that an air purifier will not get rid of all impurities so asthma needs to be managed as prescribed by your doctor.”

“The same goes for people who suffer from allergies, the cleaner the air and being able to manage pollen and dust is going to help and will be dependent, of course, on the time of year when pollen count is higher.”

Top Air Purifiers for Your Home

1. Top Air Purifier for Low Budget – Levoit H132

Small enough for any desktop or shelf, the Levoit H132’s compact size and low price makes it the ideal air purifier for someone looking to try their first air purifier at home. If you have a small apartment, or you simply want to use an air purifier in one room only, then this might be the product for you.

The Levoit H132 might lack the wow–factor of more stylish purifiers. However, what it lacks in style, it certainly delivers in sheer affordability. Available for under $100, this is definitely one of the best air purifiers for those on a budget.

While this particular air purifier might lack the HEPA filter that gives premium air purifiers their mark of quality, it does come with an inbuilt dimmable night light, making it an ideal air purifier for a nursery or child’s bedroom.

While it’s not possible to preprogram the unit, a memory function means that previous fan settings are logged before it powers down.

Unfortunately, the Levoit H132 didn’t quite live up to expectations when it came to testing how well it absorbed particles, consistently falling some way below the 99.97% expected from a device with an H13 HEPA filter. However, running this air purifier for longer periods may produce better results.

The Levoit H132 may not have all the bells and whistles of a smart air purifier, but its affordability and compact size makes it the ideal entry-level indoor air purifier that performs well in small to medium-sized rooms.

Features

| Energy star certified: No | Height: 12.6 (in) | Diameter: 20 (in) | Weight: 6.5 lbs |

Pros

• Affordable
• Quiet fan, even at the fastest speed
• Easy to set up and use

Cons

• Can’t program the unit
• Didn’t perform as well as expected in tests

What Users Say About this Air Purifier

The Levoit H132 scores an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 77% of users giving it the full 5 stars. Positive reviews tend to praise this air purifier for its high performance, looks, portability, low noise levels, and excellent value.

As one user said, “There are some super pricey purifiers on the market but this was an excellent find and now that I’ve used it a while, I think the price point is excellent for the output.” Negative reviews are few and far between and often focus on filters and other purifier parts not working properly, as well as issues with filtering smoke.

2. Best Air Purifier For Cooling – Dyson Purifier Cool

A stylish air purifier with excellent smart features and cooling capabilities.

The Dyson Purifier Cool is one of the most stylish air purifiers on the market. Its unusual design marks it out as a talking point in any room, while simple but genius extras, such as a magnetic remote control, take it a step up from your average air purifier.

The purifier also doubles up as a fan in hotter weather, although this isn’t as powerful as some users would like. Users can activate, schedule, and monitor their purifier via the Dyson app, allowing them to set fan speed, and timers and check air quality whether they’re home or away.

A clever LCD flicks between icons that show air quality data in real-time, while an auto-mode senses air particles and adjusts fan settings to suit.

We burned some matches and incense sticks to check how effective the purifier is at trapping harmful airborne particles. When tested at a level 6 setting, the Dyson Purifier Cool removed 98% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 72% of particles measuring less than 2.5 microns, and nearly three-quarters of particles measuring up to 10 microns.

The air purifier performed even better at a level 10 setting  — it captured 95% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 96% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns, and almost all large particles up to 10 microns.

Based on these limited tests, our results weren’t consistent enough to support Dyson’s claim that it can remove 99.95% of particles. Nevertheless, its Purifier Cool still performed exceptionally well, often removing more than 95% of airborne particles when we ran it for at least half an hour on its highest setting.

The Dyson Purifier Cool’s high price tag may be too expensive to suit everyone’s budget, but its stylish, sleek design and smart, connected functionality are impressive.

Features

| Energy star certified: Yes | Height: 41 (in) | Diameter: 8.6 (in) | Weight: 11lbs |

Pros

• Unique, futuristic design
• Great air purifying performance
• Superb connectivity

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Can get noisy in certain settings

What Users Say about this Purifier

The Dyson Purifier Cool scores a relatively good 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 69% of users awarding it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for high performance, ease of assembly and ability to improve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Users particularly like its seamless connectivity with other smart devices, auto mode, and the purifier’s futuristic design, with one user commenting, “It looks like a piece of art.” Negative reviews tend to focus on issues with the sensors’ readings, poor fan quality, and noisiness when in use.

3. Best Air Purifier for Large Rooms – Blue Pure 211

One of the most powerful air purifiers we tested  perfect for larger spaces

Features

| Energy star certified: Yes | Height: 21 (in) | Diameter: 22 (in) | Weight: 15.5lbs |

The Blue Pure 221 is designed to cover areas of up to 600 square feet, making it an excellent choice for homes with larger rooms or office spaces. With three power settings operated with a one-touch button, simplicity is the key for this purifier.

Our at-home tests found the Blue Pure 221 to be consistently better than all the other air purifiers we tested. Despite its lack of Smart technology, it outperformed purifiers at almost double the price.

To test its air purifying capabilities, we burnt some matches and incense, and then checked how well this air purifier clears the smoke. At a level 2 setting, the Blue Pure 221 trapped an impressive 99.7% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 99.5% of particles measuring 2.5 microns, and nearly all of particles up to 10 microns.

At a level 3 setting, we found that the purifier removed a whipping 99.9% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 99.6% of particles measuring 2.5 microns, and 100% of particles measuring 10 microns.

Some users may be put off by the unit’s weight and bulk. But it’s still a stylish machine that’s thoughtfully designed. Plus, its customizable fabric pre-filters make it easy to pair the unit with any home’s color scheme.

Our verdict? A dependable workhorse of an air purifier that puts performance above presentation. Plus, we like the fact that it’s Energy Star-certified and cheap to run.

Pros

• Low energy consumption
• 360-degree air intake
• Ideal for larger rooms or offices

Cons

• No smart features
• Bulky, heavy unit

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The Blue Pure 221 scores a hefty 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 79% of users giving it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its high performance, often saying it helps them sleep better and breathe easier in their home. Many users love the unit’s design, ease of use, and are happy with how quiet it is while in use on lower settings. Negative reviews tend to mention the high cost of replacing filters and problems with reducing odors, and some complain that the higher settings can be too noisy.

4. Best Air Purifier for Saving Energy – Coway AP1512HH Air Purifier

Features

| Energy star certified: Yes | Height: 18 (in) | Diameter: 10 (in) | Weight: 12.5lbs |

The Coway AP 1512 is known as a standout air purifier due to its excellent value and high-quality performance. It may not be as stylish as other air purifiers in our roundup, but our testing found it to do a remarkable job of removing particles in just 30 minutes.

For an initial cost of under $300, this air purifier can offer you a four-stage filtration system, a HEPA filter, and coverage of up to 361 square feet. The air purifier itself is packaged in a neat, sleek design and available in two different colors: Black and white.

This air purifier excels when it comes to dust and eradicating odors, with a prefilter and odorization filter for reducing contaminants in the air. It’s also inconspicuous when it comes to noise, making it a suitable addition to any bedroom when paired when its smaller size.

The CowayAP1512HH air Purifier also benefits from a built-in particle sensor. That means that you can get an idea of the air quality in your home from the color coding system on the top of the device. It’ll show a blue light when the air is clean, purple to flag pollution, and red for high pollution. Another clever feature of the Coway AP 1512HH is the sensors that can adjust the fan speed to keep the air clean so that you don’t have to mess with the settings.

We particularly liked the Eco mode on the Coway AP512HH which worked well to power down the air purifier when air pollution was low, saving energy and money. Our tester also found the auto mode worked well to toggle between fan settings depending on indoor air quality.

The Coway AP1512HH is an air purifier suited to rooms up to 361 square feet, making it suitable for smaller spaces and bedrooms. If you need something for a larger room, then you might want to look elsewhere.

Pros

• Space-saving design for bedrooms
• Energy-saving eco mode
• Four-stage filtration system

Cons

• Small design unsuitable for an entire home
• Replacement filters aren’t cheap
• Noisy at the highest setting

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The Coway AP 1512 HH Air Purifier scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 82% of users awarding it with the highest rating. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its economical performance, quiet running, ease of setup, and low cost of replacement filters. Users particularly liked how lightweight and easy to maneuver it was, and appreciated that the design of 1512HH made it easily blend with most home decors. As one user commented, “I am a Coway air purifier believer.” Negative reviews often point out that the instructions manual did not include enough guidelines about the correct use and maintenance of the unit.

5. Top Air Purifier for Small Spaces – KOIOS EPI810 Air Purifier

This portable air purifier is a convenient option for travel

Features

| Energy star certified: No | Height: 7.5 (in) | Diameter: 6.9 (in) | Weight: 2.5 lbs |

Light and compact, the KOIOS EPI810 is the smallest air purifier we’ve reviewed. It will sit comfortably on any office desk or shelf and its 2.5lb weight makes it light enough to take traveling.

The purifier can operate from a mains socket or via USB, while a simple one-click button control makes it one of the easiest air purifiers to operate straight out of the box. A builtin night light makes it a good choice for a nursery or kids’ room.

Our athome incense smoke test evaluated how well the KOIOS EPI810 performed after burning five incense cones simultaneously and found mixed results. While the air purifier removed an impressive 99% of particles measuring 10 microns, it only got rid of 52% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns.

While it doesn’t have the wow factor when it comes to design, or the sophistication of a smart, connected air purifier, the KOIOS EPI810 may work well if you want something easy to operate. However, a noisy higher setting and a lackluster performance in our at-home tests may put some users off.

Pros

• Works straight out of the box
• Small enough to travel with
• Builtin night light

Cons

• Noisy on the highest setting
• Not the best performance
• Expensive replacement filters

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The Koios EPI810 has a notable 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 67% of users giving it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its high performance, portability, and ease of use. Users particularly liked its ability to neutralize cooking odors and pet smells.  

Many reviewers have bought several units to use in multiple places around the house. Negative reviews mention that the EPI810 can be quite loud at its highest setting, or that they have been unable to switch the night light setting off. Others criticized the ‘cheap’ feel of the base unit and said the replacement filters were too expensive.

6. Best All-rounder Air Purifier – HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5in1 Air Purifier

Features

| Energy Star Certified: No | Height: 25.24 (in) | Diameter: 10.12 (in) | Weight: 13.27 lbs |

Despite its basic settings, the HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5in1 is a good value air purifier that’s efficient, easy to set up, and intuitive to use — all while taking up little space within your home or office.

The tower-shaped HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 air purifier comes with UVC technology and a 360-degree true HEPA filter. According to the manufacturer’s claims, this piece of equipment can remove up to 99.9% of harmful microbes, mold, fungi and airborne allergens. 

And thanks to its pre-filter and additional carbon filter, it can also be effective at getting rid of lingering odors, pet hair and volatile organic compounds — all for less than $250 per unit.

The TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 was designed to perform even in the most challenging of circumstances — and it shows. This air purifier is equipped with UVC technology and an ionizer, which, according to the HoMedics claim, can effectively kill harmful microbes like bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi. It also contains several different filters to ensure no unwanted pollutants are left hanging in the air.

In our tests, the HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 demonstrated really good performance in several different circumstances, particularly about small and medium-sized particles. Our match smoke test, removed 88.5% of 0.3 nano-particles on the highest setting after just 30 minutes.

Pros

• Relatively affordable
• Great for tight spaces
• Easy to set up and use

Cons

• Limited setting
• No 24-hour timer
• No smart features

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 scores a really good rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 78% of users awarding it the full 5 stars. Positive reviews tend to praise this air purifier for its high performance, energy efficiency, portability, and relatively low noise levels.

Many users also appreciate its long warranty and that the lights on the HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 are not too distracting after dark. Negative reviews focus mainly on the issues with bulbs, and some pointed out that it can be loud on some of the higher settings.

7. Top Air Purifier for Pet Owners – Levoit Vital 200s

Features

| Energy Star Certified: Yes | Height: 19.8 in | Width: 15.6 in | Weight: 13.2 lbs |

The Levoit Vital 200s is a powerful air purifier designed specifically for pet owners. It may not be the most stylish or affordable appliance on the market, but it will keep your home free from fur, pet dander, and bad odors — and we can vouch for that.  

We were impressed by the excellent performance of the Levoit Vital 200s in our at-home testing. Equipped with four fan speeds, three modes, including a pet mode, and three different filters (a washable pre-filter, an H13 True HEPA filter, and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter), this air purifier left no stone unturned.

The Vital 200s effectively removed hair, dust, cooking odors, and many other airborne pollutants, including particles as small as 0.3 microns. We liked its smart features, too. The Levoit Vital 200s can be controlled remotely using the Vesync app, and it is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control devices.

The Vesync app is especially useful for monitoring air quality, both in real time and in the past. While the rather chunky design of this air purifier may not appeal to all users, the unobtrusive aesthetic makes the Levoir Vital 200s easy to blend in with most home decors. It is, however, more expensive than some of the other air purifiers in the Levoit line.

Pros

• Excellent performance
• Easy to control remotely
• Designated pet mode

Cons

• Chunky design
• Relatively expensive

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

Levoit Vital 200S scores an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 85% of users awarding it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its high performance, ease of use and low noise levels.

As one user commented, “[The Levoit Vital 200S] has become an essential part of my home as I now have three of them running all the time. I highly recommend it to fellow pet owners and anyone seeking a peaceful and dust-free living environment.” Negative reviews are sparse, and mostly mention issues with the app.

8. Best Air Purifier with Aesthetic Design – Sensibo Pure

An affordable air purifier with a sleek, neutral design

Features

| Energy Star Certified: No | Height: 15.28 in | Width: 7.68 in | Weight: 4.2 lbs |

The Sensibo Pure air purifier boasts a sleek and modern design with a compact size that fits well on tabletops or shelves.

The user-friendly interface includes touch-sensitive controls on the top panel, seamlessly integrated into the design. An LED strip provides real-time feedback on air quality, with different colors indicating the air quality level, allowing for easy monitoring at a glance.

In terms of features, the Sensibo Pure offers a True HEPA filter for capturing airborne particles, suitable for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. It provides real-time air quality monitoring with insights and notifications through the Sensibo app, enabling remote control and scheduling. The purifier is energy-efficient, has a filter replacement indicator, and has a 2-year warranty.

While the device receives positive reviews, some users mention the noise level at high fan speeds and occasional difficulties with app connectivity as drawbacks.

The Sensibo Pure air purifier combines an appealing design with effective air purification features. However, potential buyers should consider the noise factor and ensure compatibility with their preferred device for app control.

Pros

• Compact and neutral in design
• Easy to use and control via app
• Four fan speeds plus three extra modes

Cons

• Noisy in the highest setting
• Info around Auto Mode confusing

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The Sensibo Pure scores a solid rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Positive reviews tend to mention the hassle-free setup and immediate usability of this air purifier, with many users praising it for its ability to provide accurate air quality readings.

Negative reviews tend to focus on problems with the app and connectivity to third-party devices. As one user commented, “The app felt rather clunky and unintuitive to use, and kept forcing subscription-based features down my throat.”

9. Top Air Purifier for Commercial Spaces – DH Lifelabs Sciaire HEPA Air Purifier

Features

| Height: 35.4 in | Width: 13.6 in | Weight: 31.4 lbs | HEPA filter: Yes | Energy star certified: No |

Thanks to its substantial size and powerful air-cleaning abilities, the DH Lifelabs Sciaire HEPA Air Purifier can cover up to 426 sq feet, making it a great choice for those with large, airy homes or commercial premises.

This beast of an air purifier is equipped with 16 ion generators and three different filters — including a washable pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter — to effectively trap pet dander, dust, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and many other airborne particles.

When we ran the DH Lifelabs Sciaire HEPA Air Purifier for 30 minutes on the highest setting, it managed to remove a whopping 94.6% of 0.3-micron particles and almost all of the 2.5-micron particles.

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire HEPA Air Purifier also features a dual air deodorization process, which helps to neutralize smoke, cooking smells, and pet odors.

Pros

• Lots of smart features
• Great air-cleaning performance
• Easy to assemble and use

Cons

• The big and boxy design
• Relatively expensive
• Pricey replacement filters

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire HEPA Air Purifier scores 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 66% of users giving it the full five stars. Users praise this air purifier for ease of use and excellent performance, and many positive reviews are in favor of its large design and the glossy screen at the top.

However, some criticize the high price tag of the DH Lifelabs Sciaire HEPA Air Purifier, with one user commenting, “it’s very stylish and a real talking point when people come round. If it wasn’t so pricy, I think a few of our friends would have got one for themselves.”

10. Top Best Air Purifier Overall – Levoit 600s Air Purifier

This is the best air purifier we’ve tested

Features

| Energy Star certified: Yes | Dimensions: H 23.6 in, W 12.3 in, D 12.3 in | Warranty: 2-year limited | Weight: 13.7 lbs |

The Levoit Core 600S is our favorite air purifier overall, dethroning its coveted older sibling, the Levoit Core 400S.

The Levoit Core 600S is an intelligent air purifier with a three-stage True HEPA filtration system that effectively captures particles such as mold, bacteria, and viruses, as well as an activated carbon filter that traps odor-bearing VOCs.

It can integrate into your connected home through the Vesync app and voice control compatibility. This air purifier is also quiet, and discreet, and blends well with a range of home decors. Although not the cheapest option, the Levoit Core 600S delivers fantastic value.   

We tested the performance of the Core 600S model using an air particle meter, before and after burning incense sticks and matches. We were impressed by the results, with the Core 600S removing up to 99.9% of particles — some measuring as small as 0.3 microns.

The Core 600S is traditionally rectangular but maintains a sleek, low-profile design. Its touch-control panel provides a multitude of settings, including power, timer, auto mode, and speed. The Vesync app is straightforward to download and useful for monitoring air quality and adjusting the device’s output.

While not the most compact or affordable option, the Core 600S delivers a great user experience. Its auto mode optimizes performance, while sleep mode enables quiet night-time operation.

Some user reviews report annoying motor noise at certain speeds, but overall, the Core 600S earns positive reviews for its effectiveness, smart features, and ease of use. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for cleaner, fresher air at home.

Pros

• Excellent performance
• Easy to use and control via the app
• Four fan speeds plus two extra modes

Cons

• Bulky design
• Relatively expensive

What Users are Saying about this Air Purifier

The Levoit 600S scores a whopping 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 83% of users giving it the full 5 stars. Positive reviews tend to praise this air purifier for its high performance, sleek design, and smart features.

Many users point out that the unit could be moved around with ease, with one buyer commenting, “Although a large unit, it’s not too big, particularly given the amount of air it can process.

It’s well constructed, using high-quality materials, and very quiet in normal use.” Negative reviews are rare, but the ones that do report issues, often cite faults with the VeSync app and poor connectivity.

Do Air Purifiers Really Work?

Depending on the type of allergy, and the trigger, air purifiers have also been found to help reduce the presence of particles in the air that cause allergic reactions, which can in turn cause asthma attacks. Dehumidifiers have also been shown to be helpful for asthma sufferers, during times of high humidity.

In cases where your indoor space has little or poor ventilation, air purifiers can also come in useful, especially if you are looking to tackle smoke and the resulting odor. It is still unclear whether air purifiers do anything to prevent the spread of COVID-19 indoors.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that you should open doors and windows to keep a good flow of air moving indoors — weather permitting, of course. HEPA filters, found in some air purifiers, have been found to remove some viruses from the air.

“Portable air cleaners, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, are designed to filter the air in a single room or area, and they have the potential to improve the indoor air quality in that space,” said Ernesta Jones, from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Jones added that HEPA filters can be particularly useful for those suffering from allergies or asthma. “Multiple studies with portable air cleaners that use a HEPA filter have found improvements in one or more allergy and/or asthma symptoms,” she said.

“Several studies suggest that using a portable air cleaner where people are spending time, such as in the bedroom while sleeping, may be more effective than leaving it in a central location, such as in the living room.”

Dr. Deborah Lee, MD and representative for Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy adds that the scientific evidence of research into childhood asthma also indicate that the best air purifiers can significantly help reduce potentially triggering particulate matter within the home.

“In one study, air purifiers were installed in eight houses, with children with childhood asthma. A control group was also studied which did not have an air purifier,” she explains.

“After 12 weeks, the treatment group showed a clinical improvement in asthma, with better night-time peak flows, whereas these had deteriorated in the control group. The concentration of particulate matter found in the treatment group had decreased by 43%, and this was significantly greater than the control group.”  

Do Air Purifiers Help With Dust?

The best air purifiers say they can help with fine particles in the air, claiming to remove up to 99.9% of particles such as dust, pet dander, and other pollutants to improve your indoor air quality.

They do this by trapping the particles in a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter within the air purifier and releasing the cleaned air back into your home. While there’s plenty of evidence that air purifiers can help improve air quality, whether they can catch all the dust particles in your home is another matter.

According to the EPA, air filters are effective at trapping large airborne particles like dust, pollen, allergens from dust mites and cockroaches, some types of mold, and pet dander. Yet, these particles tend to settle swiftly, making it challenging for air filters to eliminate them from indoor spaces.

However, there is good news for people with allergic asthma, often caused by dust mites. Studies show that air purifiers can help people with allergic asthma by reducing dust mites in the home.

For example, a 2021 study published in the Allergol Immunopathol journal has researchers collect dust samples from the bedrooms of children with allergies before and after using a HEPA air purifier. They found that concentrations of dust mites ‘significantly’ decreased in the samples after employing an air purifier.

Another 2020 randomized controlled trial found that air purifiers could reduce particles sized by 2.5 microns in the homes of children with asthma, reducing the severity of their symptoms and the amount of medication they had to take to control their condition.

To learn more, Live Science spoke to Dr. Kara Wada, an allergy specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Air purifiers are typically most helpful for those with sensitive airways – including those with allergies, asthma and COPD,” said Dr. Wada.

“Given that we spend over 90% of our time indoors, ensuring good indoor air quality is important. Air purifiers are most helpful for those with indoor pets and also may be helpful for those with dust allergies. Indoor pet allergens are lighter and more buoyant and stay airborne longer than dust particles which settle more quickly.”

Dr. Wada also advises ensuring your air purifier continues to work at its best by remembering to clean and change the HEPA and activated carbon filters as the manufacturer recommends. “It is important to consider the frequency that filters need to be cleaned or replaced for people with allergies.”

If you want to eliminate tiny dust particles in your home, the EPA suggests choosing an air purifier with a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for tobacco smoke – since that includes the smallest particles. Ensure the CADR matches the room or space size where you plan to use it.

Do Air Purifiers Help With Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that requires moisture to grow, which is why it thrives in humid areas like bathrooms and basements. As such, investing in a dehumidifier is an effective way to prevent mold growth, because it targets the problem at source.

However, an air purifier may still come in handy. Mold reproduces by releasing spores, which are tiny airborne “seeds” invisible to the naked eye. Like pollen, they travel by air, searching for fertile grounds. “Air purifiers can certainly help in removing the mold spores and therefore prevent them from spreading,” Ian Palmer-Smith said.

However, mold spores vary in size, with some species measuring just 2 microns (approximately 0.00008 inch), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To efficiently capture them, an air purifier should be equipped with a membrane designed to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, known as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

“The better the HEPA filter is, the more effective it will be in removing these particles,” Palmer-Smith said. Some appliances also have a pre-filter that will trap some of the largest mold spores before they reach the HEPA filter.

Still, no matter how advanced the air purifier is, it will not be able to remove the underlying causes of the mold or get rid of the existing infestation.

Do Air Purifiers Help With Smells?

The best air purifiers claim to banish bad smells and enhance indoor air quality, but the final verdict on their effectiveness remains unclear.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air purifiers can help make indoor air cleaner and fresher by reducing pollutants. However, they emphasize that not all odors are guaranteed to disappear.

The EPA’s 2018 Consumer Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home suggests using air purifiers as a little extra help and proper ventilation to keep the air smelling better and improve overall air quality. So while they might not magically make your home smell like roses, they can make a positive difference, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors.

But when it comes to solid evidence, specifically about air purifiers banishing odors, the research isn’t all there. Most studies focus on improving air quality and health rather than tackling smells head-on.

For instance, a 2021 systematic review in the Science of The Total Environment Journal looked at more than 20 studies in different settings and found that air purifiers could cut indoor air pollution by up to 92%.

A 2020 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed some improvement in regular homes, though not enough to be statistically significant.

So how do these air purifiers work? They filter and trap particles that contribute to bad smells. However, the EPA warns that no filter can catch every odor-causing particle. Also, the size of the room matters. To freshen up a large space, you’ll need a bigger air purifier with a higher Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to get the job done.

The ability of air purifiers to tackle specific odors depends on their design. Some models can handle moldy smells, cooking aromas, pet odors, and cigarette smoke. There are even air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters that can take on gas and chemical odors emitted by household cleaners.

However, these filters have their limits and can only handle a specific set of gas pollutants. They can’t touch carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas emitted by wood-burning stoves and gas fires.

It’s also worth pointing out that quality can vary between brands, and to keep your air purifier working at its best, you’ll need to replace the HEPA filter and activated carbon filter as often as the manufacturer recommends.

So, while air purifiers have the potential to improve air quality and reduce indoor pollution, we’re still waiting for solid proof that they’re the ultimate odor busters. They might help but don’t expect them to zap away all bad smells magically. If you’re considering buying an air purifier, it’s a good idea to do your research first and understand how different models work before banking on them to keep your place smelling fresh.

What are HEPA filters?

You’ll notice most of the air purifiers for rooms that we tested have something called a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. These can remove 99.97 percent of air pollutants from 0.3 microns in size, which means they are effective at getting rid of the majority of indoor air pollutants.

For context, most dust particles are about five microns in size, and pollen is a staggering 10-1,00 microns – all of which a HEPA filter can trap and remove. Perry tells Live Science that while the most effective air cleaners can remove lots of different types of particles, you’ll never get 100 percent pure air.

He says: “The idea of an air purifier is that it’s designed to get rid of the impurities in your home and neutralize any nasties, such as dust, smells, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, and viruses.

“Air purifiers work by having a fan that sucks the dirty air in the home into filters. These then remove any impurities before releasing the cleaned air back into the room. It’s important to note, however, that it’s impossible to get rid of all particles, which can live on walls, carpets, bedding and hard surfaces.”

Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

The best air purifiers are a great way to help improve the air space around you and your family. As well as protecting those with health issues from the multitude of air pollutants that gather indoors, those without specific concerns will have peace of mind that the right air purifier will make their environment cleaner.

The air purifiers that are most likely to give you the most benefit, for example, those including a HEPA filter, tend to be at the higher end of budgets — generally into the hundreds of dollars. The size of the unit will also play a huge part in the cost — with the larger units that cover a larger area being greater in price.

If you have health concerns, or a recurring allergy, keeping pollutants out of your home with an air purifier is worthwhile. Americans now spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

It’s here that potentially harmful air can build up, meaning there are up to five times higher levels of pollutants indoors than outdoors. An air purifier can help reduce these levels significantly, though not entirely eradicate them, helping you and those around you breathe easier.

Where is the Best Place to Put an Air Purifier?

Air purifiers require specific conditions to do their best work. How you position your air purifier can make a big difference to the air quality in your home or workplace. So where is the best place to put one?

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question,” Ian Palmer-Smith, gas safety and appliance care expert at Domestic & General, an appliance repair service in the U.K., told Live Science.

There are several factors to consider, including the size of the room or rooms, the specifications of the air purifier, and the type of air pollution that you intend to reduce. However, there are certain areas in a room that are generally seen as better than others for an air purifier, he said.

Ideally, several air purifiers should be placed strategically around the house or workplace, with at least one appliance in each frequently visited room.

However, if you have just one air purifier, it is better to pick a spot that enables the appliance to catch as many contaminants as possible before they have a chance to spread., “An air purifier should always be in the area which is most polluted,” Palmer-Smith noted. This could be the kitchen, pet living spaces, or areas close to windows and air vents.

Air purifiers work by drawing the air through filters and trapping the airborne pollutants, but this approach comes with drawbacks. The fans used to suck up the air can’t be too powerful, otherwise, they would create excessive noise and a strong air flow able to blow things off the shelves. As such, air purifiers rely on the environment around them.

The appliance should be placed in an area with no obstructions and sufficient flow of air, at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from any furniture or walls, Palmer-Smith said. This usually means areas near the windows and doorways, or in the middle of the room. Corners and areas cluttered with furniture tend to have the worst airflow. No matter where you put your air purifier, nothing should obstruct its air vents.

Palmer-Smith noted that air purifiers often work more effectively when not placed on the floor. “As a general rule of thumb, you should place the air purifier 5 or 6 feet [1.5 to 1.8 meters] above the floor to ensure the correct airflow all around the purifier for optimum performance. Putting it on the floor would restrict the airflow and reduce performance.” Palmer-Smith said.

Finally, beware of excessive heat and humidity. Placing an air purifier close to the stove or fireplace, in a damp bathroom, or near a humidifier can cause damage to the filters and reduce the purifier’s lifespan.

That is because air purifier filters are typically composed of fine fibers (made out of plastic or activated carbon, for example) that are bound closely together to stop any tiny air particles from getting through, and prolonged exposure to heat or moisture can easily damage these intricate structures.

Alright, that is it for the top air purifiers available for now. We hope you have chosen the suitable and best air purifier from our list of top air purifiers for you. Keep checking back periodically as we update the list as new innovative tech is being introduced into the world every day.

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