The Best Editor-Tested Air Purifiers You Can Buy

If you’ve ever questioned whether you need or shouldinvest in an air purifier, you’re not alone. It’s safe to say that the Canadian wildfire aftereffects in the U.S. have led to many households searching for ways to keep their spaces protected against unhealthy air conditions. According tothe EPA, one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air is to get rid of pollutants and ventilate with a clean air source. Enterair purifiers．这些设备有能力过滤我们的dirty particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and smoke (more on that later). Plus, they come in relatively attractive andcompact modelsnowadays, so you won’t have to give up your space or style when you add one into your life.

Shopping foran air purifiercan be tricky if you’re not already familiar with the somewhat complicated terms and statistics involved. That’s why we did the research,tested for the best, and picked our favorite air purifiers on the market by performance, size, and (because we are who we are) appearance. Here’s to clean air!

• Best Overall:Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
• Best Value:BISSELL MyAir Personal Air Purifier
• Best Splurge:Rabbit Air A3 Ultra-Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
• Best Multipurpose:Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 MAX with True HEPA
• Best Compact:Febreze HEPA-Type Air Purifier Tower
• Best Large:Coway Airmega 250 Art
• Best for Kids:Pure Enrichment PureBaby Bear True HEPA Air Purifier

The scientific terminology involved in shopping for air purifiers can make the process confusing, but it doesn’t needto be. Start by asking yourself a few questions: Do you live in a polluted area? Do you have any allergies or asthma? Do youhave pets or kids, even if no known allergies? Do you travel and change up your air quality often? How much does appearance matter to you? Once you pin down your needs, use our guide below and the acronym, term, certification, and filter descriptions we provide to help you narrow your search. Or, simply scroll a bit further and take your pick from our short list of tried-and-true winners below.

MM: Micrometer or micron; a single micron is equal to 1,000 nanometers.

NM: Nanometers; equal to one-billionth of a meter, an “nm” is a unit of measure used to determine the diameter of the smallest particles.

MPPS: TheMost Penetrating Particle Sizeis the smallest-sized particle that can penetrate a filter, specifically in regards to HEPA filters, and is considered to be around 300 nm in size.

HEPA: AHigh Efficiency Particulate Airfilter is able to remove 99.7 percent of airborne particles like pollen, dust, mold, and bacteria that are as small as 0.3 microns.

VOC:Volatile Organic Compoundsare chemical emissions that come from the use of paint, gasoline, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, cooking, fireplaces, and more. VOC exposure can cause short-term or chronic health issues.

AHAM: TheAssociation of Home Appliance Manufacturersis behind a number of air purification quality assurance and energy efficiency guidelines, including its ownAHAM Verifidecertification (more on this below).

CADR: TheClean Air Delivery Rateis a score developed by the AHAM to represent the performance of full-sized air purifiers.

AHAM Verifide:A certification given by the AHAM using the association’s standard for measuring air purification efficacy, CADR, which declares products effectively air purifying and safe to use.

Put simply, the higher the CADR score, the better theair purifier．Here’s why: An air purifier’s CADR score gives the most reliable reflection of how well the machine is going to perform. It represents the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute) that the machine is capable of cleaning in a certain amount of time. The highest score a purifier can have is 450 for smoke filtration (as smoke has one of the smallest particle sizes), but many purifiers live within the 200-400 range. It’s possible for a single purifier to have multiple CADR scores, each differing based on the particle size. In other words, a purifier’s CADR score for smoke filtration can differ from its pollen and/or dust filtration scores. Lastly, not all brands market their CADR scores, but it’s a helpful indicator when you’re shopping for an air purifier and one we recommend paying attention to.

The AHAM is recognized by the EPA as an Administrative Body approved to administer verification testing. If you see a purifier labeledAHAMVerifide, then it passes the organization’s rigorous inspection. Companies must actively submit their products to AHAM for testing and to be granted certification.

• ENERGY STAR: Products that are ENERGY STAR certified have met “strict standards for energy efficiency” that are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ENERGY STAR label indicates that the product will save energy and money in the long run.
• ETL certified: This certification indicates that the product complies with North American safety standards.
• CARB certified:This certification from theCalifornia Air Resources Boardis required for all portable air-cleaning devices sold in California. It indicates they have been tested for electrical safety.
• Zero Ozone certified:This indicates that the device’s ozone emission is below the federal requirements in the United States.

Pre-filter:As an air purifier’s first line of defense,pre-filters capture larger particleslike pet hair and dander, allowing the following filters to focus on the small stuff without getting clogged up easily.

HEPA filter:One of the most well-known filters to look out for when shopping for an air purifier, the HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of particles that measure 0.3 microns. Microns, which are as tiny as their name suggests, have the MPPS (or most penetrating particle size) and are the most likely to go through a non-HEPA air filter.

Ionic filter:The ionic filter electrically charges particles that pass through it. When the charged particles are filtered back into the room’s air, they are then able to attach to other uncharged particles, neutralizing pollutants and essentially allowing your air to purify itself.

Activated carbon filter:These filters are often an added filter layer foractivated carbon’s ability to purify harmful emissions from chemicals like toluene, which is emitted over time from certain common home repair tools like paint, plaster, and glue.

Pro Tip: Not all air purifiers use a true HEPA filter, so you’ll see many that are marketed as “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-grade,” which aren’t the same as having a true HEPA filter. Keep this in mind if you’re looking for the real deal, which usually includes the words “True HEPA.”

When purchasing an air purifier, think about thesize of the room it will be placed in．Brands often market purifiers for different room sizes and will recommend a square footage based on the number of air changes the machine can process per hour. But keep in mind that not all brands use the same number of air changes when recommending a room size, and some don’t even specify the number of room changes. For example, a purifier may be able to make two air changes per hour in a 1,000-square-foot space but make four air changes in a 500-square-foot space. With this information, you can make a better judgment on the purifier size you need.

Pro Tip: As a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air purifier should equal at least two-thirds of a room’s area square footage.

We tested a range of air purifiers, from small portable devices to large smart machines, judging them on the following criteria:

• Filtration:What kind of filter does the air purifier use? What is the filtration process? Is there more than one filter?
• Presence:How big is the air purifier? What type of space is it best for? Is it easy to move around? Is it an eyesore? Is it designed with appearance in mind?
• Certification:How high is the product’s CADR? Are there specific CADR listed for differing particle sizes, from smoke to pollen and/or dust?

No, this is not a supersized iPod shuffle. TheAirmega AP-1512HH air purifierand its unique design is perfect for sleek homes that could benefit from the device but can’t give up a ton of space. The compact air purifier is just above a foot in height and width, and only about 10 inches deep. It’s relatively quiet and comes with a pollution sensor that shows indoor air quality in real time. “This air purifier is a true powerhouse when it comes to cleaning the air in my apartment,” says AT’s commerce and branded content social media manager, Brian. “It captures and filters out dust, pet dander, city odors, and other airborne particles, leaving the air noticeably cleaner.” Don’t wanna spend too much time thinking about how to use the gadget? No worries. Its auto mode controls the fan speed and turns the gizmo off when air is detected to be clean.

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 361 sq. ft.
• 18.3″ x 16.8″ x 9.6″; 12.5 lbs.
• 77 watts; noise level: 24.4-53.8 dB
• 3 manual fan speeds
• Pre-filter, deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, and Vital Ionizer
• Features air quality indicator, filter change indicator, eco mode, and timer
• Compatible with Alexa
• Available in 2 colors
• ETL Certified, CARB Certified
• 3-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those who want a discreet yet powerful air purifier; those who want a sleek and stylish air purifier; those who want an air purifier that reacts quickly.

Good to Know:The air quality light is large and bright, but can be turned off by holding down the ionizer button for a few seconds.

If you couldn’t already tell by the purple color, this isn’t your ordinary air purifier. BISSELL’sMYair Personal Air Purifieris ideal for spaces like bedrooms, dorm rooms, or offices. “It’s just the right size for a single room, filtering the air five times per hour in spaces up to 88 square feet,” says Best List editor Britt. “I used the MYair Purifier in my home office and loved the energy it brought into the room with its fun shade of lavender.” In addition to purple, the air purifier is also available inwhite．The simple interface is easy for pretty much everyone to use and understand. Plus, it’s super quiet. What more could you want?

Read our full reviewof the BISSELL MYair Personal Air Purifier.

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 88 sq. ft.
• 8.3″ x 8.3″ x 12.2″; 4.63 lbs.
• 26 watts
• 3 fan speeds
• Pre-filter, high-efficiency filter, and activated carbon filter
• Features LED display, sleep mode, night light, and 360-degree air intake
• Available in 2 colors
• Energy Star certified
• 1-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those who are looking for a single-room air purifier; those who live in apartments or dorms; those with pets.

Good to Know:There is no medium fan speed for this air purifier.

If you’re looking for the Tesla of air purifiers, look no further. TheRabbit Air A3is ideal for homeowners who like high-tech, highbrow home additions. Shoppers even have the ability to customize the purifier filter to their needs with options that include germ defense, pet allergy, and odor remover. “I was blown away by the Rabbit Air A3,” says Britt. “I’ve been having a problem sleeping in my bedroom since I moved in and thought it was purely dry air. The first night of sleep after setting up this air purifier was a complete 180! I stopped coughing in the middle of the night, I didn’t wake up with a dry throat, and I slept more comfortably than ever since moving in three years ago!”

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 1,070 sq. ft.
• 19.7” x 18.9” x 8.4”; 20.3 lbs
• 5-60 watts; noise level: 20.3-51.0 dBA
• Pre-filter, medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, activated carbon charcoal filter, and customizable filter (odor remover, germ defense, or pet allergy)
• Features air quality monitor, eco mode, auto mode, timer, and mood light
• Includes wall-mounting kit
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
• Available in 2 colors
• Energy Star certified, ETL certified, Zero Ozone Certified
• 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those who want to tailor their air purifier cleaning to their needs; those in large spaces; those with children and pets.

Good to Know:This air purifier can be mounted on the wall right-side up or upside down.

*Honorable Mention:At the size of a typical smart speaker, you’d think thePuraclenz P1500 Air Purifieronly covers a small amount of space. But lo and behold, it has the ability to cleanse up to 1,500 square feet! Unlike HEPA filters, the Puraclenz uses ions to erase viruses, odors, bacteria, and allergens. “The air purifier is very easy to use, but if you prefer to know the air quality of your room, it might not be right for you,” says AT tester Hernetta. “However, one big plus is that the replacement filters are incredibly affordable in comparison to the cost of the air purifier itself!”

An air purifier is great, but an air purifier that has the ability to warm and cool a room is even better. Enter theShark Air Purifier 3-in-1 MAX．It’s a multipurpose powerhouse that can cleanse, warm, and cool rooms up to 1,000 square feet. AT shopping writer Nikol uses the device a few times a week for temperature regulation, in addition to air cleansing. “I love these features,” she says. “If my room is too hot or cold, I adjust the temperature of the air it lets out, and it makes my surroundings feel more comfortable almost instantly.”

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 1,000 sq. ft.
• 12.60” x 12.60” x 29.53”; 17.64 lbs.
• Nanoseal True HEPA filter
• 1,500 watts; 120 volts
• 4 fan speeds
• Features purified space heating, air-purifying fan, air quality monitor, smart mode, odor protection, and dimmable lights
• Includes detachable remote
• 2-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those who need an air purifier that can perform multiple functions to cut down on the number of devices at home; those who live in small spaces; those who want a clear reading of the indoor air quality.

Good to Know:This air purifier does not have a pre-filter, and the remote is not backlit so it may be a challenge to read in the dark.

Sometimes, simplicity is best. TheFebreze HEPA-Type Air Purifier Towerproves just that. The design has no special bells and whistles, and it relies on knobs to change speed and scent modes. Its HEPA-type filter“捕获99%的空气污染物and allergens like pet hair and dander,” per the brand. Ideal for pet owners or homes that might experience a bit of odor, the aroma-producing purifier not only covers up bad smells but also gets rid of the stuff that causes it in the first place. “The air felt noticeably fresher within 30 minutes,” says AT executive lifestyle director Charli. “We were very impressed with the ease of use, the range, and the strength and longevity of the scent boost when we turned it on.”

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 190 sq. ft.
• 29.06” x 12.44” x 11.02”; 12 lbs.
• Pre-filter, HEPA-type filter
• Features filter replacement indicator and fragrance dispenser
• Includes Linen and Sky scent cartridges
• 能源之星资格
• 3-year warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those who want a boost of home fragrance along with cleaner air; those who want a low-maintenance air purifier; those who live in small spaces.

Good to Know:Due to its low coverage area, this air purifier is not recommended for large rooms.

*Honorable Mention:If you’re somebody who likes results pretty much immediately, theGreenTech Room Air Purifieris for you. It can rid a room of odors in 10 minutes, according to the brand. How’s that for functionality? The gadget can be controlled via app or voice assistant. This way, you don’t have to get up to change its settings or cleanse your space. If only every type of cleaning was that easy. “It’s compact and sleek, and I can tell when it’s doing its job, which is nice because I don’t have to check in on it constantly,” says tester Hernetta. “Because the air purifier has a screen that clearly says ‘GOOD’ or otherwise, I can tell in passing whether there’s anything concerning in the air right away.”

Why, yes, it is possible to find an aesthetically pleasing air purifier. In fact,this Coway modellooks so much like a piece of art, it’s in the name. The chic device does more than look pretty, though. The mighty filter can capture up to 99.9 percent of ultra-fine particles in the air in just an hour. What’s more, it comes with a 24/7 pollution monitor that adjusts functionality throughout the day. “I love that it’s also like a piece of decor for my living room so it doesn’t obviously stick out like a sore thumb,” says Britt. “I keep it in smart mode and have noticed that it quickly detects changes in my indoor air and works just as quickly to clean it up. It’s easily my favorite air purifier that I’ve had in my living room by far!”

Read our full reviewof the Airmega 250 Art.

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 881 sq. ft.
• 18.5” x 19.7” x 8”; 20.5 lbs.
• Pre-filter, Max 2 filter, activated carbon filter, Green True HEPA filter
• 3 manual fan speeds
• 57 watts; Noise Level: 22-51 dBA
• Features air quality monitor, filter change indicators, smart mode, rapid mode, sleep mode, timer, and child lock
• Available in 3 styles
• 1-year warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those who want a stylish air purifier that doubles as decor; those who want a quiet and powerful air purifier.

Good to Know:If you’re into the specifications of the Airmega 250 Art but could go for less glitz and glam, venture over to the brand’s classic model, theAirmega 250．For AT style shopping editor Blair, it was her first air purifier. She says, “I love how user-friendly it is, especially with the corresponding app and timer features.” It features the same smart capabilities but comes in a cool gray finish.

There’s nothing worse than your kiddo waking up feeling yucky. With this adorable air purifier in their room, those icky wakeups will hopefully be a thing of the past. ThePureBaby Bear Air Purifiercan eliminate up to 99.9 percent of airborne viruses and bacteria, thus ensuring the environment your baby is sleeping in is all the more safe. Plus, unlike other big, bulky machines, this compact one remains relatively quiet throughout use. The sleep mode and night lights are an added bonus. AT tester Devery says the device is an “aesthetically pleasing” addition to their nursery, adding that “it has different speed settings, and as a busy parent, I love that I can set a schedule and forget about it.”

Specifications:

• Coverage area up to 263 sq. ft.
• 14.61″ x 11.1″ x 8.7″; 5.5 lbs.
• Activated carbon pre-filter, True HEPA filter, antibacterial filter optional antimicrobial UV-C light
• 28 watts; noise level: 25-50 dB
• 3 manual fan speeds
• Features sleep mode, night light, timer, and child lock
• Available in 2 colors
• Energy Star certified
• 5-year warranty

Who It’s Best For:Those with children; those who want an air purifier for a nursery or playroom; those who want a unique air purifier.

Good to Know:The brightness of the display lights on this air purifier cannot be adjusted.