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If you’re looking for the best air purifier for 2020, you’ve come to the right place. We at AirHonest have found ten of the very best air purifiers on the market, according to specific requirements. Here you’ll find air purifiers for asthma, smoke, pet allergens, mold, and dust, as well as air purifiers for specific spaces such as small rooms, large rooms, bedrooms, and the whole house.
- 🏆 AirHonest Winner: RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra-Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
- Levoit LV-PUR131
- hOmeLabs Air Purifier for Home, Bedroom, Office
- Alen BreatheSmart Classic
- Fellowes AeraMax 100
- Alen BreatheSmart Fit50
- Partu Air Purifier
- Levoit Core 300
- Medify Air MA-112 Super CADR
- Coway AP1512-HH Mighty
- The Verdict: Are Air Purifiers Worth Buying?
- How To Choose The Best Air Purifier For Home
- Frequently Asked Questions
🏆 AirHonest Winner: RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra-Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best-Rated Air Purifier For Allergies And Asthma
Highlights:
- 6-stage filtration system
- Remote control
- Auto and Pollen mode
- Air quality indicator
Our first product gets two key awards, the best-rated air purifier overall, and the best air purifier for allergies and asthma. If someone asked us, “What is the best air purifier?” regardless of cost, we would say the RabbitAir MinusA2. It would also be our answer to the common question “what is the best air purifier for allergies and asthma”.
The key reason for such a high rating is the very thorough filtration system which includes a washable pre-filter, medium filter, BioGS true-HEPA filter, charcoal filter, ionizer, and your choice of customizable filter (there are 4 options). Yes, the ionizer can be switched off to avoid any ozone-related issues.
The customizable filter allows you to deal with various allergens such as pet hair and dander, toxins, odors, and germs. The BioGS true-HEPA filter gives extra protection against mold and bacteria which can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, by killing any living organisms before they can thrive.
The RabbitAir MinusA2 can be wall-mounted to save space and has the tech features you’d expect from an air purifier in this price range. It has an air quality indicator, Auto mode, Pollen mode, Sleep mode, and remote control.
What’s more, you can pay a little extra and get a WiFi-enabled version that allows you to control it from afar. This is an ideal air purifier for large rooms up to 815 square feet, and people who need serious allergy and asthma support, as well as odor removal and various operational options. The initial cost is reasonably high, but so is the payoff.
Pros 👍
✔ Low-profile and versatile placement
✔ Thorough filtration system
✔ Plenty of options (auto, sleep)
✔ Quiet
Cons 👎
✘ Not ideal for indoor smokers
✘ Produces ozone when ionizer is on
✘ High initial cost
Levoit LV-PUR131
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Smoke
Highlights:
- True-HEPA and charcoal filter
- Auto mode
- Ozone-free
- Energy Star Rated
Our pick for the best air purifier for smoke is the Levoit LV-PUR131. This is an Energy Star Rated, ozone-free unit designed for rooms up to 360 square feet, enough for a large living room or small apartment. It’s great for smoke removal because it has a true-HEPA filter which removes visible smoke particles, and a charcoal filter to remove odor and harmful VOCs from cigarette smoke.
What’s more, it has an Auto mode that works with an air quality sensor so it can ramp up the fan speed when smoke is detected. This is ideal for cooking smoke, cigarette smoke, and woodfire smoke.
If you’re wondering if this is the best air purifier for weed smoke, it possesses the required features. Weed smoke odor will be absorbed and reduced by the charcoal filter, and visible smoke will be caught by the true-HEPA filter. However, no air purifier will deal with smoke odors and residue that settles on carpets and furniture.
This is a relatively affordable air purifier for smoke, with a fresh-look design. Note that heavy smokers will be facing regular filter replacements which will hike up the annual cost.
Pros 👍
✔ 4.5 air changes per hour
✔ Affordable filter replacements
✔ Effectively removes smoke and smoke odor
✔ Detects increased smoke levels
Cons 👎
✘ Reports of poor longevity
✘ Filter reset button poorly designed
✘ Large footprint for small homes
hOmeLabs Air Purifier for Home, Bedroom, Office
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For Pet Odors, Dander, and Pet Hair
Highlights:
- H13 true-HEPA filter
- Activated carbon filter
- Nightlight and child lock (both optional)
- Compact body
Our pick for the best air purifier for pet odors, dander and pet hair is the hOmeLabs Air Purifier. Despite being an excellent appliance, the price is pleasantly low. This is the best air purifier for pets (odors, hair, and dander) because it has a true-HEPA filter which catches particles as small as 0.1 microns.
This means you are covered when it comes to tiny fragments of pet dander floating in your environment. It also means it’s ideal for cat allergies as it captures those saliva-coated fur strands and dander fragments that trigger allergies.
What’s more, it has an activated carbon filter that neutralizes pet-related odors in the home. You won’t find any special features such as an Auto mode or air quality sensor, as this model provides only the basics (and excellently so). The initial cost is low enough that you could put one in the living room and one in the bedroom, or where your pets spend the most time.
Pros 👍
✔ Captures particles as small as 0.1 microns
✔ Won’t take up space in small rooms
✔ Reduces pet odors
✔ Affordable initial cost
Cons 👎
✘ Not great for large rooms
✘ No air quality sensor
✘ Regular filter replacement requirements
View hOmeLabs Air Purifier Price on Amazon
Alen BreatheSmart Classic
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For Mold and Mildew
Highlights:
- Customizable front panel (various colors)
- HEPA-Silver filter with antimicrobial treatment
- Auto mode and air quality sensor
- Activated carbon filter
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is our pick for the best air purifier for mold and mildew for many reasons. Firstly, it has the option of a “mold and bacteria” specialized filter, (HEPA-Silver) that includes an antimicrobial treatment that kills mold spores.
The true-HEPA filtration system not only captures mold spores but neutralizes the associated odors with the help of a carbon layer. The Auto mode detects when mold and mildew spores increase and change the fan speed accordingly. There is an ionizer, which may be useful for removing mold spores from the air (by causing them to fall to the floor), but it can be switched off to remove the risk of ozone emissions.
This air purifier is stated as being recommended for 1100 square feet. However, people have found that it’s better for slightly smaller rooms, especially if the mold and mildew issue is serious. In saying that, it’s more than enough to cover a large living room or large, open-plan apartment. It’s not a cheap air purifier, but it’s worth it for the sake of protecting yourself from mold and mildew spores which can trigger asthma and allergies.
Pros 👍
✔ Captures and kills mold spores
✔ Customizable filter
✔ Senses when mold presence increases
Cons 👎
✘ Large footprint
✘ Ionizer may produce ozone
✘ Reports of questionable longevity
View Alen BreatheSmart Classic Price on Amazon
Fellowes AeraMax 100
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For Dust & Dust Mites
Highlights:
- True-HEPA (with an antimicrobial treatment) and pre-filter
- Certified by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- Aera+ mode (turbo speed)
- Auto mode
The best air purifier for dust and dust mites is the Fellowes AeraMax100, a tower-style unit designed for small rooms from 100-200 square feet. However, there are options for medium rooms and large rooms if you need them.
Dust and dust mites are easily caught in the true-HEPA filter, while the pre-filter catches larger particles. There is also an ionizer, but don’t worry, it can be switched off if you are concerned about ozone production. The true-HEPA filter needs to be replaced annually, and the carbon filters need to be replaced every 3 months. There have been reports that the filters can require changing more frequently, which will increase the cost, but at least it means they’re working.
Another factor that makes this a great air purifier for dust is the auto mode which increases the fan speed when dust is detected. Also, the Aera+ mode is designed to rapidly increase the cleaning power to quickly reduce an influx of dust.
The AeraMax 100 air purifier deserves this spot, as it effectively reduces dust-related allergy symptoms in the home. Dust and dust mites can be major asthma and allergy triggers, and this model has been certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Pros 👍
✔ Small footprint
✔ Effectively reduces visible dust
✔ Effectively reduces allergy symptoms
Cons 👎
✘ Too noisy for noise-sensitive people
✘ Filters need regular changing
✘ Button beeping sounds are too loud
Alen BreatheSmart Fit50
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For Large Rooms
Highlights:
- Customizable true-HEPA filter
- Auto mode and air quality sensor
- Customizable front panel designs
- Pink Noise Frequency for improved sleep
Our best air purifier for large rooms is the Alen BreatheSmart Fit50, a sleek and modern unit for rooms up to 900 square feet. This could easily cover an entire apartment or a very large open living space. A great feature for style lovers is the customizable front panel with 8 attractive color options to fit with your decor.
Impressively, you can choose between four customizable filters according to your needs. The options are allergen/dust, mold/bacteria, pet dander/odor, and smoke/chemical. All of these filters have a pre-filter, a true-HEPA layer and either antimicrobial treatment, charcoal, or odor-reducing powder. There is also an optional ionizer that can be disabled so there’s no need to worry about ozone emissions.
WhisperMax Technology ensures quiet operation, so it won’t be a problem in large bedrooms or quiet living rooms. If you’re interested in keeping an eye on the air quality in your large room, you can do so by checking the color of the air quality indicator (blue, amber, or red). What’s more, the Auto mode will switch the fan speed when increased allergen levels are detected.
Filter replacements are reasonably easy and require a change anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the frequency of use and contamination level of the room. The cost of filters is quite expensive if you find yourself changing them more than once a year.
(Note that the Alen Breathesmart Classic at number 4 is also a great model for large rooms).
Pros 👍
✔ Quiet
✔ Various color choices
✔ Effectively reduces allergy symptoms
✔ Great warranty (limited lifetime)
Cons 👎
✘ Reports of poor longevity
✘ Reports of Auto mode failure
✘ Expensive upfront cost and filter replacements
View Alen BreatheSmart Fit50 on Amazon
Partu Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For Small Rooms
Highlights:
- Pre-filter, true-HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter
- Fragrance sponge
- Three fan speeds
- Compact body
The spot for the best air purifier for small rooms goes to the Partu Air Purifier. While you may not be as familiar with this brand as the others on this list, it is just as excellent. This small, round unit is ideal for rooms up to 107 square feet in size. The dimensions are small enough to warrant placing the unit on your desk or side table to preserve floor space.
The filtration system features a pre-filter, true-HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. This is a great trio for such a low initial cost. The filters need to be replaced every 3-6 months depending on how contaminated the air is. This may mean the annual upkeep costs could end up being quite high, but with a great payoff in the form of allergen-free air.
A small yet handy detail is the lock button which is great for keeping your settings in place, so babies and toddlers can’t inadvertently change them. There’s also a fragrance sponge which allows you to use aromatherapy in your small room, perhaps as a relaxing sleep aid or invigorating study aid.
Pros 👍
✔ Can be placed on tables or shelves
✔ Ozone-free
✔ Great for sleeping (quiet, low light)
✔ Settings can be locked
Cons 👎
✘ No auto mode
✘ Questionable longevity
✘ Mostly plastic construction
View Partu Air Purifier Price on Amazon
Levoit Core 300
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For Bedroom
Review Highlights:
- Customizable filter for various allergens
- Sleep mode
- Timer (2, 4, 6, 8 hours)
- Filter change indicator light
The best air purifier for bedrooms is the Levoit Core 300, a cute-looking unit with a round construction and fresh, white aesthetic. It is also AHAM certified and Energy Star Rated, a sign of its trustworthiness and great design. It is small enough to sit in your bedroom without obstructing walking paths or being a tripping hazard.
A bedroom air purifier needs to be discreet in terms of noise and light, and the Levoit Core 300 has been designed accordingly. Hitting the Sleep Mode button will set the unit to the quietest fan speed, and the control panel lights will dim. This is ideal for light sleepers and students who need pure quiet as they study.
The filtration system comprises of a pre-filter, true-HEPA filter, and charcoal filter, so you’re covered from allergens to odors. What’s more, there’s a choice of four customizable filter replacements (original, pet allergy, toxin absorber, mold/bacteria). This is great for moving with the seasons and keeping up with common allergens (i.e. pets shedding in Summer, mold developing in Winter).
Filters should be replaced every 6 months, but they’re pleasantly affordable and come in one simple piece.
Pros 👍
✔ Ozone-free
✔ 360-degree air vents
✔ Quiet
✔ Versatile
Cons 👎
✘ No auto mode or air quality sensor
✘ Emits bad odor
✘ Slightly awkward to move around
Medify Air MA-112 Super CADR
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier For The Whole House
Highlights:
- Medical-grade HEPA filter
- 360-degree clean air release
- Sleep mode
- Auto mode and air quality sensor
For an air purifier to clean your whole house, it needs to be powerful and designed with vast space in mind, that’s why we’ve chosen the Medify Air MA-112. This large, boxy air purifier cleans up to 3700 square feet (a very large home) in one hour, and 1250 square feet in fifteen minutes. The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating is excellent (950), and is marketed as “the highest on the market for the price”.
The filtration system features an H13, medical-grade, HEPA filter which catches 99.97% of microns as small as 0.3 microns. This is excellent for asthmatics and allergy sufferers who are sensitive to mold, dust, and pet dander. What’s more, it can also capture particles as small as 0.1 microns, which is great for people with compromised immune systems who need protection from bacteria and viruses. There’s also a pre-filter, charcoal filter, and optional ionizer.
Two whole sides of the unit feature an air intake vent for more cleaning power. Clean air is released in a 360-degree fashion for fast and effective whole-house refreshment. The air quality indicator will test the quality of your air and change the fan speed accordingly (when on Auto mode). For quiet times or undisturbed sleep, the Sleep mode dims the lights and uses the quietest fan speed (out of four).
The filters need to be switched every four months (for the lifetime warranty to be valid). The replacement filters are quite expensive, so make sure to calculate the costs beforehand so there are no surprises. While the unit is very large and bulky, it’s safe and easy to transport from room to room using the built-in wheels.
Pros 👍
✔ Wheels for easy moving
✔ High CADR
✔ Easy, modern touch-screen
✔ Lifetime warranty
Cons 👎
✘ Quite bulky
✘ Reports of short lifespan
✘ Expensive filter replacements
View Medify Air MA-112 on Amazon
Coway AP1512-HH Mighty
AirHonest Award: Best True HEPA Air Purifier
Highlights:
- 4-stage true-HEPA filtration
- Auto mode
- Timer (1, 4, 8 hours)
- Energy-saving Eco mode
Last but not least, the best true-HEPA air purifier award goes to the Coway AP1512-HH. Most of the products on our list have true-HEPA filtration, but this unit is a great all-rounder with an excellent track record for efficiency and longevity. It effectively reduces allergy symptoms and operates quietly and discreetly.
This is the most modern-looking, fresh model on our list, with a high-shine finish and attractive construction with curved edges and a central circle design. The recommended room size is 361 square feet, enough for a large living space.
4-stage filtration takes care of most allergens in the home. A washable pre-filter catches dust and pet hair, an activated carbon filter removes odors and gases, and a true-HEPA filter catches irritating pollen, dander, mold spores, and smoke. Lastly, there’s an optional ionizer which can be switched off.
The filter replacement requirements are easy. The true-HEPA filter needs to be replaced once a year, and the carbon filter needs to be replaced every 6 months. The pre-filter is washable and reusable. Pleasantly, the replacement filters are very reasonably priced.
Pros 👍
✔ Easy operation
✔ Effectively reduces allergy symptoms
✔ Quiet
Cons 👎
✘ Quite Reports of defective fan
✘ Ionizer may produce ozone
✘ Fan speeds unevenly designed
The Verdict: Are Air Purifiers Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for a fast and effective way to improve your breathing air in 2020, an air purifier is worth buying. A true-HEPA air purifier with a pre-filter, carbon filter, and a decent fan will help to reduce all kinds of allergens and odors, from cigarette smoke to cooking smells.
With a best-rated air purifier, you can expect to see reduced dust, fresher air, fewer allergy symptoms related to mold, mildew, smoke, and pet dander. What’s more, some of the best on the market are affordable to buy and cheap to maintain.
How To Choose The Best Air Purifier For Home
Price
Start by settling on a price range you’re comfortable with, so you can find realistic options without disappointment. Note that many of the models on our list are very affordable, as some of the best air purifiers on the market are surprisingly cost-effective.
Room Size
It’s important to know which room or space you intend to clear with your air purifier, as a too-small unit won’t clear the air sufficiently. Get a rough idea of the square footage of the rooms in your home so you can find a unit to cater to them. For context, the average-sized bedroom in the US is 132 square feet.
Allergens
What kind of allergens are you susceptible to in your home? Do you have pets running around leaving a trail of fur and dander? Do you live in a dry, dusty landscape? Is your home prone to dampness and mold? Are you a smoker or are there smokers in the vicinity? Find an air purifier with a filtration system to cater to your specific needs. A good starting point is a true-HEPA filter, pre-filter, and carbon/charcoal filter. For extra protection, you could look for antimicrobial treatments or a medical-grade HEPA filter.
Noise and Light
If you’re planning on setting up your air purifier in your bedroom, study the noise and light aspects of the unit. A loud and/or bright unit will irritate you and potentially disrupt your sleep. Look out for Sleep modes and super-quiet fan speed options.
Maintenance and Filter Costs
Make sure you read the fine print when it comes to filter replacements and annual costs. Find out how many filters need to be replaced, which filters can be washed (if any), how often they need to be replaced, and how much they cost. Also, read the warranty information because some warranties can only be upheld if the filters are replaced according to a set plan (i.e. every 4 months).
Frequently Asked Questions
The best place for your air purifier is any stable surface where it can have at least a foot of clear space around it for proper airflow. Check where the intake vent is placed, and make sure it’s positioned with maximum clear space around it, so air can easily access it. Similarly, consider the clean air outlet and make sure it is facing out to the room (if it’s on the side, some units have an air outlet on the top).
Don’t obstruct the air purifier with furniture or large objects. Place it near the longest wall in the room, with enough clear space around it without having it get in the way or be a tripping hazard. If your room is very small, try placing the unit on a sturdy table or shelf (if it is a small, compact machine), or wall-mount it if applicable.
The most effective way to use an air purifier is to have it running 24/7 for maximum air cleaning abilities. If your chosen model has an Auto mode, it’s a good idea to utilize it so the machine only uses high fan speeds when necessary, and uses “eco” fan speeds otherwise.
Make sure to regularly check the filters, and change them as needed. Many filter change indicator lights operate by elapsed time only and don’t actually assess the condition of the filter. For example, the light may come on 12 months after the last filter change, but the filter really needed replacing after 8 months (due to heavy contamination from pet hair or dust, for example).
An internal fan draws air into the unit, where it is passed through various filters. Allergens are caught in the filters, and fresh, clean air is released through the outlet. Pre-filters catch large particles such as dust and hair, true-HEPA filters catch pet dander, pollen, and mold, and charcoal filters absorb odors and VOCs.
Yes, HEPA air purifiers are the most effective.
HEPA refers to High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters. These filters are designed to catch tiny particles that can be breathed into the lungs, triggering asthma and allergies. For a HEPA filter to be listed as true-HEPA, it must catch 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. For context, household dust can be between 0.5 and 100 microns, bacteria can be between 0.3 and 60 microns, and tobacco smoke can be between 0.1 and 4 microns. For asthmatics and allergy sufferers, a true-HEPA air purifier is a must-have.
There are many excellent brands, but our chosen ones are RabbitAir, Levoit, Coway, Medify, Alen, Fellowes, hOmeLabs and Partu. You may be wondering “is Dyson the best air purifier?” as Dyson is a front-runner in many household appliance niches. However, Dyson air purifiers, while good, are very expensive and offer similar features you can get for a smaller price tag.
Yes, air purifiers are very safe, and can even make your environment safer by removing allergens and toxins. However, air purifiers that produce ozone (via ionizers, ionic and plasma technology) can be unsafe for certain people.
Ionic air purifiers are the same as an “ionizer”. They produce small amounts of ozone, so they can cause unpleasant side-effects and are considered bad for you by many sources, especially if you have asthma.
Plasma air purifiers produce negative and positive ions like an ionizer or ionic air purifier. This means that they produce ozone, so cannot be considered safe for everyone.
Ozone can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, even in small doses. People can experience side-effects such as watery eyes, breathing issues, and coughing. We recommend turning off the ionizer or UV-C light if your chosen air purifier has one. The benefits of the ionizer don’t outweigh the risks.
Yes, as long as they don’t have an ionizer or UV-C light. Even small amounts of ozone can harm or even kill birds. If you have birds in the home, look for an ozone-free air purifier, or switch the ionizer off at all times.
