Investing in one of the best air purifiers is a simple and effective way to improve air quality in your house or workplace, whether it is a small and portable Sensibo Pure or a mammoth high-tech unit like the Molekule Air Pro. These clever appliances trap smoke, dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander and many other pollutants that lurk in the indoor air. For those with respiratory conditions or people living in areas of poor air quality, they can be a lifesaver.
“Air purifiers are typically most helpful for those with sensitive airways - including those with allergies, asthma and COPD,” Dr. Kara Wada, an allergy specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Live Science. Unsure if you need an air purifier, or how they work? Scroll down to our air purifier FAQ section.
With so many Black Friday deals around, now is the perfect time to invest in a shiny new appliance. For example, our all-time favorite Levoit Core 600 S-P is now $50 off at Amazon. Looking for something different? There are plenty of Black Friday air purifier deals to choose from.
Mind you, air purifiers do not affect humidity levels. If you want to banish dry air from your home, consider investing in one of the best humidifiers. And if you want to eliminate excess moisture, the best dehumidifiers may be your best shot.
The quick list
See the quick list below for a brief overview of our favorite air purifiers, or scroll further down for more in-depth reviews of each machine as well as other options we recommend.
Best overall
The Levoit Core 600S takes the well-deserved top spot thanks to its excellent air-cleaning performance, user-friendly design and reasonable price — but ensure you have enough space to house it.
Best for pets
With a dedicated Pet Mode and washable pre-filter, this smart-enabled air purifier does a great job at keeping your home free from fur, pet dander and bad odors. However, it is not suitable for small spaces.
Best budget option
Quiet, compact and easy-to-use, this simple air purifier impressed us with its smart features and air-cleaning performance — great value for just $169.99.
Best for large rooms
This medically graded and immensely powerful air purifier covers spaces up to 1000 square feet, and its smart features are hard to match. However, it is relatively expensive.
Best for saving energy
An excellent choice if you are after a mid-range air purifier that offers robust and effective performance in a home with large rooms, and the eco mode is great for the energy-conscious.
Best for cooling
A stylish and sleek purifier-tower fan combo, perfect for people who love their smart, connected devices — although it has a big price tag.
The best air purifiers we recommend in 2024: Fully tested by us with hands-on, real-world experience
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best air purifier overall
✅ You want good connectivity: It connects to a dedicated app for customization and control, plus you can control it via Alexa and Google devices.
✅ You want a quiet machine: When in sleep mode, it runs at around 26 dB.
❌ You want something small: This is quite a bulky unit, so if you're short on space you might want to consider other options.
❌ You're on a budget: Although we think it's worth the money, it's not the cheapest option out there.
🔎 Levoit Core 600S: This sleek air purifier won our seal of approval with its excellent performance, user-friendly design and smart features. It is, however, quite bulky. ★★★★½
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, discreet and blends well with a range of home decors. Although not the cheapest option, the Levoit Core 600S delivers fantastic value.
During our Levoit Core 600S review, we tested its performance 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.
True, it is not the cheapest option in this guide, but we can wholeheartedly attest that the Levoit 600S delivers excellent value for money.
- Read our full Levoit Core 600S review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Bulky design |
| Performance | Quiet night-time operation for sleep. |
| Functionality | App connectivity & Alexa/Google voice control |
Best air purifier for pet owners
✅ You want to get rid of odors and pet dander: Bit of an obvious one, but this purifier is designed specifically for pet-friendly homes.
✅ You want smart features: There's a dedicated app to see real-time air quality data, set timers and change modes.
❌ You have a small space: Although it's not huge, there are better options for small spaces.
❌ You want to save money: There are cheaper Levoit models available.
🔎 Levoit Vital 200S: Powerful, unobtrusive and packed with useful features, this chunky air purifier does a brilliant job at getting rid of fur, pet dander and bad odors. ★★★★½
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 during our full Levoit Vital 200S review. 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 the 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.
- Read our full Levoit Vital 200S review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Could be a bit big for small spaces. |
| Performance | Impressive air cleaning performance. |
| Functionality | Easy to use via app or voice control. |
Best budget air purifier
✅ You want excellent performance: This air purifier impresses with its powerful air-cleaning capabilities, energy-saving credentials and useful smart features.
✅ You are looking for something quiet: It is almost silent at its lowest setting.
❌ You have a large room: Due to its relatively small size, it would not be suitable for use in large rooms.
❌ You want a low-maintenance air purifier: Its fabric pre-filter requires regular washing.
🔎 BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max: It is whisper-quiet, compact and easy to use, but more importantly, it boasts impressive air-cleaning capabilities — but only in small to medium spaces. ★★★★½
There are plenty of affordable air purifiers on the market. The problem is, they are often of dubious quality or too small to perform in a medium-sized room. The BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max is a rare exception — it boasts impressive air-cleaning capabilities and it can be used in spaces up to 526 square feet (49 square meters). It is also whisper-quiet, compact and easy to use, and it comes with a range of useful smart features. For $169.99, this simple air purifier gives a great run for the money.
The BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max is equipped with a fabric pre-filter that traps larger particles like dust and hair as well as a HEPA filter, and its electrostatic forces help to attract airborne pollutants without relying on noisy fans. We found this design to be very effective. During our BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max review, this air purifier removed up to 100% of airborne particles when exposed to smoke, and did a great job at improving ambient air quality — it reduced airborne particles by up to 75% after 30 minutes on Auto mode.
This air purifier features easy to use controls, and it can also be operated remotely via an app and voice assistant. The BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max also offers real-time and historical air quality readings, so you can closely monitor air quality in your home. They are, however, limited to air particles measuring at least 2.5 microns.
We also liked that this air purifier is Energy Star certified.
- Read our full BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact and lightweight. |
| Performance | Excellent air-cleaning performance. |
| Functionality | Multiple smart features available in the app. |
Best air purifier for large rooms
✅ You have large rooms: This powerful air purifier can cover up to 1000 square feet (93 square meters).
✅ You want detailed air quality readings: It displays the exact composition of particulate matter in the air, including VOCs, carbon dioxide and relative humidity.
✅ You want to combat airborne allergies: It is the only air purifier with the allergen-destroying PECO technology.
❌ You are on a budget: It is one of the most expensive air purifiers on the market, and its filter replacements are costly, too.
❌ You need something quiet: It can get noisy at high speed settings.
🔎 Molekule Air Pro: This sleek-looking air purifier harbors a real beast of performance and some of the best air quality readings on the market. It is, however, relatively expensive. ★★★★
The Molekule Air Pro is designed to cover areas of up to 1000 square feet, making it an excellent choice for homes with larger rooms or office spaces. It is also the only air purifier equipped with a patented pollutant-destroying PECO technology, meaning it can turn bacteria, pollen and other organic airborne particulates into water vapor and harmless gases — which is why it is cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device under the 510(k) program.
During our Molekule Air Pro review, we found it to be one of the most powerful air purifiers we tested. This sleek-looking appliance did an excellent job at removing smoke, trapping a whopping 99.6% of particles measuring 0.3-micron and 99.9% of 2.5-micron particles after just 15 minutes on Auto mode. We obtained even better results when we tested the Molekule Air Pro at its highest fan settings. The only caveat? It was very noisy when put through its paces. On the plus side, this air purifier does offer a Quiet Mode.
We were also impressed by its features. The Molekule Air Pro is easy to use and assemble, and thanks to its stylish faux leather handle, also very portable. This air purifier can be operated remotely via an app or voice assistant, and it offers some of the most detailed air quality readings we have seen. Not to mention, it is a real looker that will easily suit most home decors.
However, the Molekule Air Pro is an expensive piece of kit — its RRP hovers just below the $1000 mark, and even with frequent sales it can cost nearly $700. Its filter replacements are also costly, and they need changing every six months or so.
- Read our full Molekule Air Pro review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Stylish and user-friendly. |
| Performance | Good for use in large spaces. |
| Functionality | Connected app, voice assistant, detailed air quality readings. |
Best air purifier for saving energy
✅ You want a quiet purifier: At its lowest settings it runs at 23 dB, ideal for quiet rooms or for sleeping — although we did find it noisy at its loudest setting.
✅ You want something eco-friendly: Not only does it have a dedicated eco mode to switch off after 30 minutes if no pollution is detected, but it can also show real-time air quality monitoring.
❌ You want something stylish: It's not exactly ugly, but there are definitely some better-looking purifiers out there.
❌ You want connectivity: There's no accompanying app or voice control capabilities with this model.
🔎 Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty: This compact, sleek-looking and energy-savvy air purifier does a great job at removing various air pollutants in small to medium rooms. ★★★★
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty 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 round-up, 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 pre-filter 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 Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty air Purifier also benefits from a built-in particle sensor to show real-time air quality monitoring. 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 Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty 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.
During our Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty review, we particularly liked the Eco mode on the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty 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 Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty 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.
- Read our full Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Not the most attractive model. |
| Performance | Quiet mode for sleeping, but noisy highest setting. |
| Functionality | Eco mode and real-time air-quality monitoring. |
Best air purifier for cooling
✅ You want versatility: The Dyson Purifier Cool doubles as a fan.
✅ You want something customizable: You can activate, schedule and monitor the unit from the app, even when you're away, and you can also use it via voice control.
❌ You want to save money: This is the most expensive option on this list.
❌ You want something quiet: One of our only gripes is that it can get loud compared to other models.
🔎 Dyson Purifier Cool: It is stylish, powerful and packed with smart features, and it doubles as a fan, too — but it is relatively expensive. ★★★★
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, timers and check air quality whether they’re home or away.
A clever LCD display flicks between icons that show air quality data in real-time, while an auto-mode senses air particles and adjusts fan settings to suit.
During our Dyson Purifier Cool review, we burned some matches and incense sticks to check how effective the purifier was 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.
- Read our full Dyson Purifier Cool review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Very sleek and stylish design that blends in with interiors. |
| Performance | Can get noisy. |
| Functionality | Excellent connectivity and customization options. |
Runner-up
Best for cooling: Runner-up
The Dreo MC710S air purifier tower fan is a great alternative to the Dyson Purifier Cool: it boasts a powerful airflow, good air-cleaning performance and plenty of smart features, and it is cheaper by around $300. However, it lacks some style and durability.
For
- Customizable airflow
- Quiet at high fan speeds
- Cleans air well
Against
- Fragile build
- Uninspiring design
- Not particularly portable
Best all-rounder air purifier
✅ You're short on space: Its tower design is ideal for tight spaces, plus there are four different sizes to choose from.
✅ You want a quiet unit: The specs state the highest decibel level is 58, but the highest we measured was 45 dB.
❌ You want smart features: It's a fairly simple unit with no smart features or connectivity.
❌ You want a timer: There aren't any timer functions and you can't schedule it for more than 12 hours at a time.
🔎 HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1: This compact tower air purifier packs plenty of features into its affordable price point — but some of its settings are quite limited. ★★★★
Despite its basic settings, the HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 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 UV-C 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 UV-C 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 HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 Review, it demonstrated really good performance in several different circumstances, particularly with small and medium-sized particles. In fact, in our match smoke test, it removed 88.5% of 0.3 nanoparticles on the highest setting after just 30 minutes.
- Read our full HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 Review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tower design is ideal for small spaces. |
| Performance | Quiet even on highest setting. |
| Functionality | No smart features. |
Best aesthetic design
✅ You are looking for unique design: It comes in 10 beautiful designs (plus the special editions).
✅ You want a quiet yet powerful air purifier: The A3 offers excellent air-cleaning performance without making much noise.
❌ You are on a budget: It is relatively expensive and requires pricey filter replacements.
❌ You need something portable: This air purifier is tricky to move around — it is quite wide and it features no handles.
🔎 RabbitAir A3: This smart air purifier impresses with its performance, stunning design and smart features — but it is relatively expensive. ★★★★
The RabbitAir A3 is the quietest and most powerful air purifier in the RabbitAir's line-up — and we dare to say, also the best looking. It comes in 10 beautiful designs, ranging from classic white to famous paintings and floral patterns, and it features a neat mood light in the color of your choice. Unlike many other models on the market, it can be mounted on the wall.
This air purifier is a real looker, but it delivers on performance, too. During our RabbitAir A3 air purifier review, we were impressed by its powerful air-cleaning abilities and ease of use. We also liked that it was quiet even at the highest fan speed.
The RabbitAir A3 features five filters: a pre-filter to trap dust and other large particles, a medium filter to get rid of smaller pollutants, an activated carbon charcoal filter that removes cooking odors and fumes, a BioGS HEPA filter that can trap more than 99% particles less than 0.1 microns in size, and finally, a filter of your choice. For example, you can customize your air purifier with a Toxin Absorber filter, or opt for a Pet Allergy filter if you are sensitive to pet dander. Moreover, the RabbitAir A3 features a negative ions generator, and can be controlled remotely using a handy app.
There are, however, several downsides. The RabbitAir A3 comes with a relatively high price tag, and it requires pricey filter replacements. This air purifier is also tricky to move around. It has quite a wide build, and it does not feature any handles or ridges.
- Read our full RabbitAir A3 air purifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact design with multiple color options. |
| Performance | Quiet and powerful. |
| Functionality | Good app connectivity and functionality. |
Best air purifier for small spaces
✅ You want something that blends in: Its sleek, compact design won't look out of place in your home.
✅ You want app connectivity: With the app, you can create timers, set schedules and manage the purifier remotely.
❌ You want something easy to clean: The vent above the fan isn't removable, making it a pain to clean.
❌ You want something quiet: Even though they state it's 'whisper quiet', we found it got quite noisy on the highest setting.
🔎 Sensibo Pure: It is exceptionally compact, sleek-looking and easy to use, but it can be quite noisy and difficult to clean, too. ★★★★
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. During our Sensibo Pure review, we found it incredibly easy to use and were impressed by its functionality.
In terms of features, the Sensibo Pure offers a True HEPA filter for capturing airborne particles, suitable for spaces up to 294 square feet (with PureBoost). 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 1-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.
- Read our full Sensibo Pure review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Sleek and compact design. |
| Performance | Easy to use, but can get noisy. |
| Functionality | Good functionality and app connectivity. |
Best basic air purifier
✅ You want something portable: This air purifier is light and small enough to fit on a tabletop.
✅ You do not have a smartphone or Internet connection: No smart features, dedicated apps or other high-tech frills.
❌ You want an auto mode: It has no air particle sensor.
❌ You need something stylish: Its simple design may not be up to everyone's taste.
🔎 Oransi AirMend AMD-150H: This humble-looking air purifier does an excellent job at trapping airborne pollutants, but it lacks some of the high-tech features typical of more premium appliances. ★★★★
Most air purifiers these days are packed to the brim with smart features and high-tech frills, and while there is nothing wrong with this approach, it leaves little choice for those who prefer a more old-fashioned design. However, the US-made Oransi AirMend AMD-150H went off the beaten path. This basic appliance offers excellent air-cleaning performance, but it does not require an Internet connection or apps to function properly, and it comes with easy-to-use controls and long-lasting filters. It does not cost the earth, either.
During our Oransi AirMend AMD-150H air purifier review, this humble-looking appliance thoroughly impressed us with its air-cleaning performance. For example, we placed it in a closed medium-sized room and ran it for 30 minutes at the lowest fan speed. The Oransi air purifier managed to remove 90% particles measuring 0.3 microns and 88% pollutants measuring 2.5 microns. Mind you, this air purifier boasts a whopping 10 fan speeds. When we repeated the test at the highest setting, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H cleared nearly all airborne pollutants after just 15 minutes. We obtained similarly impressive results in our smoke tests, too.
On the other hand, this air purifier lacks an air particle sensor or auto mode, so it will not adjust its fan speed to match the pollution levels. It also does not have any controls on the unit — it can only be handled with a small remote control. Lastly, the Oransi AirMend AMD-150H can be quite loud when kicked into high gear.
- Read our full Oransi AirMend AMD-150H air purifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Bland and simple. |
| Performance | Excellent air-cleaning capabilities, but it can be noisy. |
| Functionality | No smart features or auto mode. |
Best for commercial spaces
✅ You need to move it around a lot: It is exceptionally light and portable for its size.
✅ You want to remove ultra-tiny particles: This air purifier features an UltraHEPA filter.
✅ You have a large or commercial space: It can cover up to 1,260 square feet (117 square meters).
❌ You are on a budget: It is one of the more expensive options on this list.
❌ You want something stylish: This air purifier looks somewhat bland and basic.
🔎 AirDoctor AD3500: This humble-looking powerhouse of an air purifier rids the air of pollutants without making much noise or putting a strain on the electricity bill. However, it is quite pricey. ★★★★½
The AirDoctor AD3500 is an excellent choice for extra-large rooms and commercial premises. True, this air purifier may not deliver in the looks department, nor it is particularly budget-friendly, but it fully redeems itself with its powerful air-cleaning performance, exceptional portability and low energy use. This air purifier can cover up to a whopping 1,260 square feet (117 square meters) and weighs only 18 pounds (8.16 kilograms). It also comes with optional smart features, giving you a choice as to whether you want all the gimmicky frills or not. Now, that is a rare find.
The AirDoctor AD3500 features an UltraHEPA filter capable of trapping 99.99% of particles as small as 0.003 microns. For comparison, a standard HEPA filter can "only" remove 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns. On top of that, this air purifier features a pre-filter that catches large particles like dust and hair, and a dual-action carbon/VOC filter that reduces odors and other gaseous compounds. This air purifier is designed to excel — and it shows.
During our AirDoctor AD3500 air purifier review, we were thoroughly impressed at its air-cleaning performance. This humble-looking appliance hoovered up nearly all airborne particles in our ambient tests. It did an even more impressive job in our smoke tests. It only took 15 minutes for the AirDoctor AD3500 to kick into action and remove a staggering 98.9% of 0.3-micron particles and 99.95% of particles larger than 2.5 microns. The cherry on top? At its highest fan speed, this air purifier did not generate more than 57 dB (equivalent to the sound levels generated by a refrigerator).
However, there are a few downsides to the AirDoctor AD3500. As mentioned before, it is not particularly cheap or good-looking. Moreover, a one-year supply of filter replacements costs a hefty $152.99.
- Read our full AirDoctor AD3500 air purifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Surprisingly light and portable. |
| Performance | Easy to set up and use. |
| Functionality | Optional smart features. |
Best air purifiers: Comparison
| Product | Rating | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit Core 600S | ★★★★½ | Excellent performance, quiet, smart features, easy to use. | Bulky design. |
| Levoit Vital 200S | ★★★★½ | Excellent performance, quiet, smart features, pet mode. | Chunky design. |
| BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max | ★★★★½ | Excellent performance, whisper-quiet, portable, easy to use. | Pre-filter needs regular washing. |
| Molekule Air Pro | ★★★★ | Powerful performance, smart features, sanitizer, detailed air quality readings. | Noisy and expensive. |
| Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty | ★★★★ | Great performance, energy-savvy, compact. | Noisy at highest setting. |
| Dyson Purifier Cool | ★★★★ | Great performance, stylish, smart features, built-in fan. | Relatively noisy and expensive. |
| HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 | ★★★★ | Great performance, compact, sanitizer, affordable. | No smart features, limited settings. |
| RabbitAir A3 | ★★★★ | Excellent performance, stylish, quiet, smart features. | Relatively expensive and difficult to move around. |
| Sensibo Pure | ★★★★ | Great performance, compact, stylish, easy to use. | Noisy in highest setting, not suitable for large spaces. |
| AirDoctor AD3500 | ★★★★½ | Powerful performance, optional smart features, easy to use, portable. | Relatively expensive, uninspiring design. |
| Oransi AirMend | ★★★★ | Excellent performance, compact, portable | No auto mode, no smart features, no controls on the unit |
Our expert consultants
We spoke with members of the Environmental Protection Agency to confirm the latest research and findings on air purifiers.
Dr Ross Perry qualified at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 1994. He is now the medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics. For this piece, he offers advice on potential pollutants in the home and the efficacy of air purifiers.
Dr. Kara Wada is an allergist-immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and a clinical assistant professor of allergy and immunology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Ian Palmer-Smith is a Supplier and Heating Service Director at Domestic & General and a domestic appliance service and repair expert with over 35 years of professional experience. He told Live Science about the maintenance and filtration power of air purifiers.
Best air purifiers FAQs
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.
Do air purifiers 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.
Where is the best place to put an air purifier?
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.
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.
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.
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 basically means they are really 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 is able to 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.”
Air purifier benefits
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 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.
What is the air quality like where I live?
It's worth familiarising yourself with some Air Quality Index AQI basics (or Daily Air Quality Index, DAQI in the UK) regarding air quality in your area for accurate accounts.
More info
Do air purifiers work?
If you have health concerns, or a recurring allergy, keeping pollutants out of your home with an air purifier is definitely worthwhile. Americans now spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It's here that potentially harmful air is able to 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.
“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 indicates 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."
Where to put air purifiers for maximum effect
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. 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.
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.
Do air purifiers get rid of dust?
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 larger 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 entirely 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 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.
In the meantime, discover other ways to remove dust mites from your home with our expert advice.
Bad smells and air purifiers
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. But 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.
Benefits of using an air purifier
“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.” Perry says.
“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 the pollen count is higher.”
How we tested these air purifiers
How we test the best air purifiers
Our reviewers. We know a thing or two about the best air purifiers — we use them all the time at Live Science. Most of our expert reviewers know what it is like to struggle daily with traffic pollution, pollen, pet dander, dust, smoke and many other airborne pollutants. We have spent years trying and testing different appliances, forever on the lookout for that holy grail of an air purifier that can do it all. You can put trust in our verdicts, because we know if something works or not. We credit these appliances with keeping our homes free of unwanted airborne particles and helping us breathe easier when circumstances are not always ideal.
However, we know that simply saying that something works may not be enough. Not to mention, everyone has their own needs and preferences — what works for some may not necessarily work for others. So to help you make the best choice possible, we tested each air purifier in this guide to the exact same standards. We stay objective thanks to a rigorous review process which we outline in detail below.
Design. When evaluating the design of an air purifier, we take note of multiple different factors. First and foremost, we check whether it is equipped with air filters of proven efficiency. Most of the best air purifiers have at least one HEPA-style filter capable of trapping airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, as well as pre-filters and other pollutant-busting solutions. Then, we look into the size, portability, appearance and ease of use of the appliance in question. We also check its energy usage and the cost of replacement filters.
Features. We carefully assess all of the features of an air purifier so we can get a full picture of its functionality. For example, does it come with any potentially useful add-ons like an ionizer or a UV-C sanitizer? How many fan speeds does it have, and can it automatically switch between them based on the air quality in the room? Can it be operated remotely or via a connected app? Does it come with a reliable air quality monitor? Also, does it come with any smart features? Or any other high-tech frills, for that matter? We want to know exactly what the air purifier is capable of.
Performance. This is the most detailed and comprehensive part of our testing process. We conduct at least half a dozen of performance tests using the Perfect Prime AQ9600 air particle monitor, an industry-grade device capable of detecting airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. We want to assess exactly how much particulate matter the air purifier gets rid of, and whether there are any conditions that can impede or improve this purification process.
We start with an ambient air quality test. We place the air purifier in an enclosed, medium-sized room in a residential home, take the initial air quality measurements, and then run it for half an hour on different fan speed settings (including an auto mode when applicable). We measure the air quality again after 15 and 30 minutes, making note of any changes in particulate matter. We also use decibel-counting apps (such as the Sound Meter app) to measure the noise levels generated by the appliance so we can comment on how noticeable it will be in an average home.
Next, we conduct smoke tests to see how the air purifier handles heavy pollution. We burn a handful of matches and several incense sticks, then run the appliance for half an hour on the highest fan setting (and an auto mode, if applicable). We make note of changes to air quality readings after 15 and 30 minutes and calculate the percentage of particulate matter removed by the air purifier. Lastly, we repeat the tests in smaller and/or larger rooms to fully assess the appliance's capabilities.
What the users say. Finally, we browse through online user reviews to see what people think about their appliance, and we test for any persistent problems or defects that users mention the most.
As per our testing policy, we fully disclose all our findings in our reviews.
