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One of the main reasons why people invest in an air purifier is to help reduce allergy symptoms in the home. Allergies can be triggered by dust, dander, pet hair, pollen, and even mold. For an air purifier to effectively reduce allergy symptoms, it needs to possess a few crucial features.
In this article, you will find the best air purifiers for allergies. The top three are excellent choices we highly recommend. The fourth and fifth choices are good but not great, with a few too many cons to make them ideal for allergen removal. The sixth pick is a product that does have allergy-relieving capabilities but is not a good choice for various reasons.
You will also find buying tips, FAQs, and tips for keeping an allergy-friendly home until your air purifier arrives.
We assessed each product against these criteria:
| What Allergies? | Filter Type | CADR Rating | Coverage Area | Annual Costs |
| What allergies does the air purifier handle? Dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold? | What kind of filters are used? True-HEPA? Carbon? Ionizer? UV-C light? | How fast does the air purifier clear the air according to certain allergens? | What size room does the air purifier cater to in square feet? Small, medium, or large? | What are the annual filter replacement and overall maintenance costs? |
- 🏆 AirHonest Winner: RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA 780A Air Purifier
- The Runner-Up: Honeywell HPA300 Allergen Remover
- Coway AP-1512HH
- Alen Breathesmart Flex Air Purifier
- Blueair Classic 205
- Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02
- How to Choose an Air Purifier For Allergies?
- How Do Air Purifiers Help With Allergies?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 5 Allergy Sufferers Tips & Home Remedies To Naturally Purify Your Air Until Your Purifier Arrives
AirHonest Awards – 6 Best Air Purifiers For Allergies
🏆 AirHonest Winner: RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA 780A Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Allergies
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Customizable filter for pet allergies
- Air quality indicator
- Carbon filter
- Pre-filter and medium filter
Why RabbitAir MinusA2 Best Air Purifier for Allergies?
Our top pick is the RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA780A thanks to the comprehensive filter system, five fan speeds, and auto mode. The pre-filter and medium filter catch larger allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, and dander, (the main allergy-triggering culprits). This air purifier caters to rooms up to a very large 815 square feet (2 air changes per hour), however, it is recommended that allergy sufferers use it in a medium room of 350 square feet for more rapid air clearing (4 air changes per hour).
The all-important true-HEPA filter catches smaller allergens such as smaller pet dander particles, and even bacteria and viruses. The true winning factor is the customizable filter, of which there are four options, including the Pet Allergy filter. This is fantastic for pet owners who find that cat and dog hair and dander triggers allergies and asthma symptoms.
The five fan speeds and the auto mode means that you can ramp up the air circulation for fast allergen clearing. The auto mode switches the fan speed when allergens are detected.
This is the best air purifier for allergies if you need a quiet and thorough machine with auto mode, sleep mode, and an air quality indicator. There is an ionizer which is not recommended for asthmatics, however, it can be turned off for a zero-ozone operation. Four of the filters need to be replaced each year (at least), but the pre-filter is washable. The annual cost for filter replacements is pretty reasonable considering the effective protection you are getting.
The RabbitAir MinusA2 Is Best For:
- People who require thorough protection from all allergens
- People who want the option of changing the type of filter to cater to certain allergens
- People who need a sleep-friendly air purifier
The Runner-Up: Honeywell HPA300 Allergen Remover
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Asthma and Allergies
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Activated carbon filter
- High CADR ratings
- Energy-efficient for continuous use
- Allergen fan speed
Why The Honeywell HPA300 is a Great Air Purifier for Allergies and Asthma?
The runner-up goes to the Honeywell HPA300 Allergen Remover. We’ve chosen this product because it provides all of the aspects required for allergen removal, without unnecessary extras. It has a true-HEPA filter for capturing all allergens such as mold, dander, pollen, dust, dust mite matter and pet hair. The activated carbon filter absorbs smoke and gas which can be triggers for asthma sufferers.
The CADR ratings for pollen and dust (allergy triggers) are impressively high, meaning this model can clear the air quickly and effectively. Combined with a true-HEPA filter, its asthma and allergy-relieving capabilities are fantastic. There are many rave reviews from customers confirming that the HPA300 has made a huge difference to their asthma and allergy symptoms in the home.
The pre-filter needs to be changed every 3 months, and the true-HEPA filter must be changed yearly. Replacement filters are a breeze to find and are pretty fairly priced.
And lastly, there’s no ionizer and therefore no risk of ozone emissions which can often trigger asthma flare-ups.
The Honeywell HPA300 Is Best For:
- People who want/need to avoid ionizers and ozone-emitting technology
- People who need excellent protection from dust and pollen
- People who want to remove smoke odor
Coway AP-1512HH
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Pet Allergies
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filtration
- Carbon filter for odors and gas
- Pre-filter for pet hair
- High CADR ratings
- Air quality indicator
Why Is The AP-1512HH a Very Good Air Purifier for Allergies?
The Coway AP-1512HH is a sleek and attractive air purifier with excellent ratings. It has landed a spot on our list because it offers true-HEPA filtration, carbon filtration, and a pre-filter. This means that pet hair can be effectively captured in the filter, and smaller particles such as dander can be caught in the HEPA filter, therefore helping to reduce pet allergy symptoms. If your pets also make your home more susceptible to odors, the carbon filter can solve this issue for a fresher home.
The pre-filter is washable, which means you can make sure it stays clean and effective no matter how much fur your pets release. If you want the air purifier to increase the fan speed when pet dander and fur increases, use the Auto feature.
It does have an ionizer, which is not a great feature for asthmatics or highly allergic people due to ozone production. However, the ionizer can be switched off and forgotten about, so we don’t see it as an issue.
The filter replacement costs are low, and you can buy the filter pack in one easy hit, making maintenance simple and affordable.
The Coway AP-1512HH Is Best For:
- People who require low annual filter replacement costs
- People who have pets at home and require protection from dander and pet hair
- People who require odor removal as well as allergen removal
Alen Breathesmart Flex Air Purifier
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Pollen and Seasonal Allergies
Highlights:
- Choice of 4 customizable filters
- 4 fan speeds
- Sleep mode
- No ionizer
Why Alen Breathesmart Flex is an “Okay” Air Purifier for Allergies?
The reason the Alen Breathesmart flex is lower down the list is that it doesn’t have true-HEPA filtration. However, this stylish-looking model does have a choice of a customizable filter including the HEPA-Fresh filter which has a pre-filter, HEPA-style and activated carbon filter. This is efficient for capturing larger allergens such as pollen, which can be a major trigger during certain seasons. Pollen spores are between 10-100 microns in size, no match for even an HEPA-style filter like this one which catches 99% of particles as low as 0.3 microns.
For the low price tag, it has some good features for helping with allergy symptoms. It has four fan speeds including “turbo” which helps to quickly clear a sudden influx of pollen. However, it doesn’t have an Auto mode, so you must adjust the fan speed manually. Note that it does not have an ionizer, so there’s no need to worry about ozone if you have asthmatics in your home.
The filter replacement costs are reasonably pricey, but it might be worth it for eliminating or reducing irritating seasonal allergies.
The Breathesmart Flex is Good for:
- People who require protection from seasonal pollen allergies
- People who cannot/do not want an ionizer or ozone-emitting technology
- People on a lower budget
Blueair Classic 205
AirHonest Award: Best Air Purifier for Smoke Allergies
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filtration
- Optional DualProtection filter
- 3 fan speeds
- Compatible with Alexa
Why is this an Okay Air Purifier for Allergies?
While this is a great air purifier for certain purposes, it is low on our list because it has an internal ionizer which cannot be turned off. This is bad news for asthmatics as trace amounts of ozone can trigger asthma attacks.
However, it does have an impressive true-HEPA filtration system which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. This means that cigarette smoke particles can be captured, making it ideal for people who suffer from smoke-related allergies. The DualProtection filter option gives more protection against smoke, odors, chemicals, and gas.
Another reason why this model didn’t make a higher spot on the list is that it has a reputation for releasing a harsh chemical smell. This is not ideal for people with asthma or serious allergies.
The filters must be replaced every 6 months and are reasonably expensive once the yearly cost is calculated.
The BlueAir Classic 205 is Good For:
- People who are not sensitive to ozone
- People who require protection from cigarette smoke
- People who have a higher budget for filter replacements
Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02
Highlights:
- True-HEPA filter
- Activated carbon filter
- Low energy usage
Why is this a Sub-Par Air Purifier for Allergies?
You may be surprised to see popular brand Dyson at the bottom of the list. This isn’t a bad product, but some setbacks make it the least suitable for allergies and asthma. It does have true-HEPA filtration and an activated filter, so the allergen-capturing capabilities are decent but no better than the top products on our list.
People who suffer from asthma and allergies generally require a sturdy air purifier which can work all year round, and blend into the everyday life of the home. The Dyson TP02 is considered to be quite loud, unsteady and easily knocked over, and the fan cannot be turned off so it will always cool down the room. This means that homes with pets, little children, colder climates, and noise-sensitive people will find many issues with this model, even if it does clear allergens.
What’s more, the cost of the unit is too high for the issues it poses. You are better off choosing a more affordable model that can serve you all year round.
The Dyson TP02 is Good For:
- People who don’t have children or pets
- People who live in hot climates who require a cool breeze in the home
- People who don’t mind background or white noise in the home
How to Choose an Air Purifier For Allergies?
Look for true-HEPA and a pre-filter
The primary function of an allergy-soothing air purifier is to capture physical allergens such as pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet hair, and dander. This means that the filters are crucial, and other features are secondary (i.e. WiFi). Look for true-HEPA filters and a pre-filter first and foremost. A pre-filter will catch large particles, leaving the true-HEPA to work on the smaller allergens.
Watch out for ionizers, especially if you have asthma
Ionizers can be good for some people, as they help to make allergens fall out of the air so you don’t breathe them in. However, they can produce trace amounts of ozone, which can be very triggering for asthmatics and serious allergy sufferers. Look for an air purifier without an ionizer, or at least make sure the ionizer can be turned off.
How Do Air Purifiers Help With Allergies?
They capture common allergens.
The most common allergies experienced in the home are due to physical allergens such as pollen, dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet hair, and pet dander. An air purifier sucks air into the system, bringing airborne allergens with it.
The pre-filter catches the largest allergens (i.e. pollen and pet hair), and the finer filters (HEPA and carbon) capture smaller allergens. Clean air is released back into the room. When you move around your home, allergens which are in the carpets and on surfaces are kicked into the air, allowing them to be drawn into the air purifier system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, especially if the filter has true-HEPA technology and a powerful fan that can draw allergens into the unit sufficiently. They are great for treating allergies because they remove the allergens themselves from the atmosphere.
Allergens such as pet hair, dander, pollen, mold, and dust mites don’t need a special ionizer or UV-C filter to be removed, they simply need a decent filter and HEPA filter.
Yes. Pet hair is a common allergen, and it is large and visible to the human eye. This means it can be very easily caught by a pre-filter. Pet dander, the other common pet-related allergen (often a more powerful one) is 2.5-10 microns in size, which a true-HEPA filter can easily capture. Air purifiers simply remove pet-related allergens from the air so you don’t breathe them in or come into contact with them.
Quite simply, it captures allergens from the air so you don’t breathe them in or touch them. It holds allergens in the filter, stopping them from being released back into the air. It circulates fresh, allergen-free air around your home.
Yes. It’s not only cat hair and dander which triggers allergies, but it’s also cat saliva. When cats clean themselves, their hair becomes coated in cat saliva, which triggers allergies when you touch or breath the hair which has shed into your home. An air purifier captures pet hair and dander, and therefore saliva, helping to relieve cat allergies.
Humidifiers can help with easing allergy symptoms such as dry eyes, itchy throat, and runny nose. However, they don’t actually remove or kill allergens in the air, as air purifiers do. Humidifiers help to ease symptoms, air purifiers help to treat the cause of the symptoms.
5 Allergy Sufferers Tips & Home Remedies To Naturally Purify Your Air Until Your Purifier Arrives
- Ensure that your vacuum cleaner has a true-HEPA filter, and is regularly changed or cleaned. Vacuum cleaners can help or hinder allergy symptoms depending on the state of the filter.
- Keep surfaces clean and wipe them often, especially after a lot of movement in the home. Heavier allergens can settle on surfaces and floors and get “kicked up” into the air with movement in the home. Use a damp cloth to remove allergens from surfaces, and clean the floors often.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air which can cause mold to grow. Mold is a common allergen.
- Get rid of any unnecessary clutter or items which sit unused, attracting dust, mold, or even dust mites and their allergy-triggering fecal matter
- Use natural or odor-free cleaning products if chemical fragrances are a trigger for you or your family members.
