Right now, small particles like chemicals, smoke, and bacteria are floating all around you, which is probably why you’re Googling the best air purifiers in the first place. The sudden rise in wildfires has pushed the issue of clean air to the forefront, highlighting its importance – not just outdoors, but inside your home as well. And with The Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air can be five times more polluted than outdoor airThe air purifier has gone from a cute, must-have device to an essential home upgrade.
It’s no surprise, then, that the air purifier market is booming. It is expected to reach $5 billion In the United States within a few years. With options at every price point, it’s easier than ever to find a product that suits your needs, but it’s harder than ever to decide which one to buy. That’s where we come in: Whether you suffer from pet dander, seasonal allergies, or just want something that won’t ruin the aesthetic of your living room, we’ve narrowed the field to the best air purifiers for every purpose and space.
The best air purifiers at a glance
- Best air purifier for home: Kawai Ermega 150$152
- Best air purifier for pets: Mila,
$358$300 - Best Dyson air purifier: Dyson Large+ Quiet Purifier1000 dollars
- Best air purifier for allergies: Rabbit Air A3 SPA-1000N Air Purifier$750
- Best air purifier for mold: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max$350
- Best HEPA Air Purifier: IQ Air Atem$1399
- Best air purifier for large rooms: Molecule Air Pro$650
- Best air purifier for small rooms: Samsung custom cube air purifier$495
- Best affordable air purifier: Levwit Core 300100 dollars
- Best air purifier: Oval Air Purifier 1000C$177
Are you looking for something specific?
For starters, air purifiers work by pulling air through a series of filters—usually a HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns (e.g., pollen, dust, and pet hair). Some models go even further by using carbon filters to neutralize odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or UV lights and ionizers to eliminate bacteria and viruses. When choosing one, consider the room size it is designed for, noise levels, and ongoing filter replacement costs. Effective models for small spaces start at around $100, while high-performance options for larger areas can go up to $1,000.
Here’s your cheat sheet for breathing easier — literally.
Best air purifier for home: Coway Airmega 150
This stylish and compact air purifier fits perfectly into cozy spaces like bedrooms or small living rooms. A three-layer filtration system, including a Green True HEPA filter, effectively captures allergens and pollutants. (HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is the gold standard in air filtration, designed to trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, such as pollen, dust, and smoke.) Customers love how easy it is. To set up and use, one reviewer cited its performance in improving air quality in less than 10 minutes. Many users also appreciate its quiet operation and straightforward filter maintenance. I personally liked how easy it was to start using right out of the box – simply remove the plastic around the filter layers and plug it in. I also appreciated that its automatic feature allowed me to set it and forget it. The purifier increases or decreases the filtration intensity based on the air quality in my apartment, so when I’m cooking, for example, it runs at full speed without me needing to make any adjustments. I’m a big fan of how easily it blends into the background, I can barely hear it even at full power.
Best air purifier for pets and toddlers: Miele
The Mila air purifier is incredibly easy to use, and best of all, it’s highly customizable. The brand sells a HEPA air purifier, capable of handling both large and small rooms. However, my favorite thing about purchasing a Mila is that it comes with filters meant for people with allergies, young children, or those who just want to focus on breathing in some fresh, not bad air. The PET filter has an H13 HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and a Miele sock that goes around the filter. This allows it to trap larger particles such as dust and fur. Every time I replace the filters, I notice that they do a really good job of trapping pet hair; But despite being on target, I used it one night when my child’s room was filled with the smell of vomit thanks to a daycare glitch. This thing took that smell from “a sting in the back of your throat” to “barely there” in about 45 minutes. For me, having something that keeps my surfaces clean and my room fresh is a real win.
Best Dyson air purifier: Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet
I have a subtle smoke alarm that likes to clap at me every time I decide to cook at home. This means: My smoke alarm goes off a lot. Since I got Dyson’s Purifier Big + Quiet, a Star Wars-themed robotic air purifier, I’ve had fewer instances where I had to stand on a step stool and wave my flat pizza boy at the alarm to prevent the fire department from showing up at my door with this thing just like… Advertised: It’s big and quiet. I also have a different Dyson air purifier, but I mainly use it for its fan because it can get quite loud – an issue I don’t have with this R2-D2-looking thing. It was very good at getting rid of cooking odors as well.
Best air purifier for allergies: Ultra-Quiet Rabbit Air A3
For allergy sufferers, the Rabbit Air A3 is a game changer. With a six-layer filtration system and quiet operation, it handles airborne irritants in spaces up to 1,070 square feet. Reviewers were particularly impressed by its sensitivity-focused features, such as the ability to customize filters to meet specific needs. One user with severe allergies said the purifier significantly reduced their symptoms, making it easier to breathe indoors. A potential downside is that the wall-mount feature may require careful installation, but users say it’s worth the effort if you don’t want to give up valuable floor space in your home. Allergens aside, I feel that one of the best features of this purifier is its powerful odor control capabilities. I decided to test my unit in my bathroom where I also keep my litter box, and you wouldn’t even know I had a cat. I also find that rabbits are very sensitive to changes in air quality and will automatically move to a higher level quickly, sometimes after a particularly steamy shower.
Best air purifier for mold: BlueAir 311 Auto
For mold problems, BlueAir 311 Auto is a reliable solution. Mold spores in the air can aggravate allergies or asthma, especially in damp areas such as bathrooms, basements or kitchens. This purifier uses HEPASilent technology to effectively trap mold spores and other allergens. Although it will not remove existing mold growing on surfaces, it will help reduce airborne particles that can spread mold or irritate the respiratory tract. Its ability to automatically adjust based on air quality levels is a favorite feature among users, who also praise the low noise levels – a good option for medium-sized rooms prone to humidity.
Best HEPA Air Purifier: IQAir Atem
For top-notch air purification, the IQAir Atem Users love its performance in high-pollution areas, with one reviewer stating that it handled persistent smoke particles “better than any other purifier” they’ve tried. It is designed to be fast-acting and capable of cleaning an area of 1,650 square feet in 30 minutes.
Its smart features have been praised for being intuitive once set up, but some have pointed out that the setup process could be simpler. If you don’t want to deal with another app on your phone and don’t care about receiving data, you can use this unit without the smart app functionality, which is what I chose to do. I’ve been on autopilot for the past couple of months and prefer it this way. I was initially surprised by its size and weight (about 30 pounds) when I opened it, but installation took seconds and once placed on its wheeled base, it was easy to maneuver around my space. The recent wildfires in Brooklyn where I live put this purifier to the test. The air in my apartment remained clean and crisp even though the building smelled like fire when I stepped out into the hallway.
Best air purifier for small rooms: Samsung Custom Cube Air Purifier
Samsung’s Detailing Cube features a customizable, modular design that fits into small spaces. Unlike most purifiers, which only filter from one side, this cube offers 360-degree purification capabilities and five-way suction, making it discrete and ideal for installation in a central part of your living space rather than mounted on a wall. Users praise its near-silent operation and how it integrates seamlessly with modern decor. One reviewer shared that it greatly improved air quality in the nursery without distractions or noise while sleeping. However, it should be noted that users find it more effective in personal spaces than in larger rooms.
Best affordable air purifier: Levoit Core 300-P
Compact and efficient, the Levoit Core 300-P performs in small spaces. Users care about how quickly it removes allergens related to pets and everyday dust. One user shared that the purifier significantly reduced sneezing and congestion within days of use. Some noted that the low and medium fan settings are impressively quiet for all-night use. I’ve been testing this unit in my bedroom all fall and I can’t even hear it – I’ve gone up several times to look at the top to make sure it’s still on. Even though it doesn’t make a sound, it improves my sleep quality. I have noticed that I feel harder and wake up feeling more rested since I started using it.
Best Air Purifier: Oval Air Purifier 1000C
The Oval Air 1000C is very stylish and can be used as a decoration. You can choose from multiple covering treatments including wood finishes to customize it to suit any interior design. The powerful HEPA and carbon filters are a big hit with users who want both style and substance. Reviewers highlight how it blends easily into minimalist interiors while effectively reducing odors and dust. One user appreciated that it added to their living space aesthetically while subtly but consistently improving air quality.
What to look for in an air purifier
When shopping for an air purifier, your decision will likely be based on size, shape, and additional features. Want to be able to schedule when to turn on your device, all through the app? How about filtering alerts, so you never forget to replace dirty alerts? Some of these models are on the larger side, so find a place for your device that will ensure maximum use. After all, it wouldn’t be nice to sit unplugged in your closet.
