Investing in one of the best air purifiers is a simple and effective way to improve air quality in your house or workplace. These hi-tech appliances trap smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander and many other pollutants that lurk in the indoor air. For those with allergies or respiratory conditions, or people living in areas of poor air quality, the best air purifiers can be a lifesaver.
However, buying an air purifier can be an overwhelming task, even for the most tech-savvy consumers. From small and portable desktop appliances to mammoth units designed for large bedrooms, there is plenty of models available on the market. But don't worry — we've done the heavy lifting for you. The Live Science team has tried and tested some of the best air purifiers out there to help you pick an appliance that ticks all your boxes.
Best air purifiers: Quick List
1. The best air purifier overall
2. Best budget
3. Best for cooling
4. Best for large rooms
5. Best for saving energy
6. Best for small spaces
7. Best all-rounder
8. Best for pets
9. Best aesthetic design
10. Best for commercial spaces
11. Our experts
12. How we test
13. FAQs
We've thoroughly tested the units to bring you an honest and unbiased recommendation for each appliance in this guide. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly air purifier, or a hi-tech beast packed with smart features, we have an option for you.
If you don’t know if you need an air purifier, or how they work, scroll down to our FAQ section to see what the experts say. And if you're looking to get ahead of the hay fever spring season, don’t miss our guide specifically on air purifiers for allergies.
This is the best air purifier we've tested
Our expert review:
Dimensions: H 23.6 in, W 12.3 in, D 12.3 in
Warranty: 2-year limited
Weight: 13.7 lbs
+Easy to use and control via app
+Four fan speeds plus two extra modes
-Relatively expensive
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.
We tested the performance of the Core 600S model 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.
What the users say
The Levoit 600S scores a whopping 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 83% of users giving it the full 5 stars. Positive reviews tend to praise this air purifier for its high performance, sleek design and smart features. Many users point that the unit could be moved around with ease, with one buyer commenting, "Although a large unit, it's not too big, particularly given the amount of air it can process. It's well constructed, using high quality materials and very quiet in normal use." Negative reviews are rare, but the ones that do report issues, often cite faults with the VeSync app and poor connectivity.
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 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.
Read our full Levoit 600S review
Best budget air purifier
Our expert review:
Height: 12.6 (in)
Diameter: 20 (in)
Weight: 6.5 lbs
+Quiet fan, even at fastest speed
+Easy to set up and use
-Didn’t perform as well as expected in tests
Small enough for any desktop or shelf, the Levoit H132’s compact size and low price makes it the ideal air purifier for someone looking to try their first air purifier at home. If you have a small apartment, or you simply want to use an air purifier in one room only, then this might be the product for you.
What the users say
The Levoit H132 scores an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 77% of users giving it the full 5 stars. Positive reviews tend to praise this air purifier for its high performance, looks, portability, low noise levels and excellent value. As one user said, "There are some super pricey purifiers on the market but this was an excellent find and now that I’ve used it a while, I think the price point is excellent for the output." Negative reviews are few and far between, and often focus on filters and other purifier parts not working properly, as well as issues with filtering smoke.
The Levoit H132 might lack the wow–factor of more stylish purifiers. However, what it lacks in style, it certainly delivers in sheer affordability. Available for under $100, this is definitely one of the best air purifiers for those on a budget.
While this particular air purifier might lack the HEPA filter that gives premium air purifiers their mark of quality, it does come with an in-built dimmable nightlight, making it an ideal air purifier for a nursery or child’s bedroom. While it’s not possible to pre-program the unit, a memory function means that previous fan settings are logged before it powers down.
Unfortunately, the Levoit H132 didn’t quite live up to expectations when it came to testing how well it absorbed particles, consistently falling some way below the 99.97% expected from a device with an H13 HEPA filter. However, running this air purifier for longer periods may produce better results.
The Levoit H132 may not have all the bells and whistles of a smart air purifier, but its affordability and compact size makes it the ideal entry-level indoor air purifier that performs well in small to medium-sized rooms.
Read our full Levoit H132 review
A stylish air purifier with excellent smart features and cooling capabilities
Our expert review:
Height: 41 (in)
Diameter: 8.6 (in)
Weight: 11lbs
+Great air purifying performance
+Superb connectivity
-Can get noisy at certain settings
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.
What the users say
The Dyson Purifier Cool scores a relatively good 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 69% of users awarding it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for high performance, ease of assembly and ability to improve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Users particularly like its seamless connectivity with other smart devices, auto mode and the purifier’s futuristic design, with one user commenting, "It looks like a piece of art." Negative reviews tend to focus on issues with the sensors’ readings, poor fan quality, and noisiness when in use.
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.
We burned some matches and incense sticks to check how effective the purifier is 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 of 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 run 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 is impressive.
Read our full Dyson Purifier Cool review
One of the most powerful air purifiers we tested - perfect for larger spaces
Our expert review:
Height: 21 (in)
Diameter: 22 (in)
Weight: 15.5lbs
+360-degree air intake
+Ideal for larger rooms or offices
-Bulky, heavy unit
The Blue Pure 221 is designed to cover areas of up to 600 square feet, making it an excellent choice for homes with larger rooms or office spaces. With three power settings operated with a one-touch button, simplicity is the key for this purifier.
What the users say
The Blue Pure 221+ scores a hefty 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 79% of users giving it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its high performance, often saying it helps them sleep better and breathe easier in their home. Many users love the unit’s design, ease of use, and are happy with how quiet it is while in use on lower settings. Negative reviews tend to mention the high cost of replacing filters and problems with reducing odors, and some complain that the higher settings can be too noisy.
Our at-home tests found the Blue Pure 221 to be consistently better than all the other air purifiers we tested. Despite its lack of Smart technology, it out-performed purifiers at almost double the price.
To test its air purifying capabilities, we burnt some matches and incense, and then checked how well this air purifier clears the smoke. At a level 2 setting, the Blue Pure 221 trapped an impressive 99.7% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 99.5% of particles measuring 2.5 microns, and nearly all of particles up to 10 microns. At a level 3 setting, we found that the purifier removed a whipping 99.9% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 99.6% of particles measuring 2.5 microns, and 100% of particles measuring 10 microns.
Some users may be put off by the unit’s weight and bulk. But it’s still a stylish machine that’s thoughtfully designed. Plus, its customizable fabric pre–filters make it easy to pair the unit with any home’s color scheme.
Our verdict? A dependable workhorse of an air purifier that puts performance above presentation. Plus, we like the fact that it’s energy star certified and cheap to run.
Read our full Blue Pure 221 review
Our favorite air purifier for saving energy
Our expert review:
Height: 18 (in)
Diameter: 10 (in)
Weight: 12.5lbs
+Energy-saving eco mode
+Four-stage filtration system
-Replacement filters aren't cheap
-Noisy at highest setting
The Coway AP 1512 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.
What the users say
The Coway AP 1512 HH Air Purifier scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 82% users awarding it with the highest rating. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its economical performance, quiet running, ease of setup and low cost of replacement filters. Users particularly liked how lightweight and easy to manoeuvre it was, as appreciated that the design of 1512HH made it easy blend with most home decors. As one user commented, "I am a Coway air purifier believer." Negative reviews often point out that the instructions manual did not include enough guidelines about the correct use and maintenance of the unit.
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-AP-1512HH air Purifier also benefits from a built-in particle sensor. 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 AP- 1512HH 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.
We particularly liked the Eco mode on the Coway AP-512HH 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 AP-1512HH 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 AP-1512HH review
This portable air purifier is a convenient option for travel
Our expert review:
Height: 7.5 (in)
Diameter: 6.9 (in)
Weight: 2.5 lbs
+Small enough to travel with
+Built-in night light
-Not the best performance
-Expensive replacement filters
Light and compact, the KOIOS EPI810 is the smallest air purifier we’ve reviewed. It will sit comfortably on any office desk or shelf and its 2.5lb weight makes it light enough to take travelling.
What the users say
The Koios EPI810 has a notable 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 67% of users giving it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its high performance, portability and ease of use. Users particularly liked its ability to neutralize cooking odors and pet smells. Many reviewers have bought several units to use in multiple places around the house. Negative reviews mention that the EPI810 can be quite loud at its highest setting, or that they have been unable to switch the night light setting off. Other criticized the ‘cheap’ feel of the base unit and said the replacement filters were too expensive.
The purifier can operate from a mains socket or via USB, while a simple one-click button control makes it one of the easiest air purifiers to operate straight out of the box. A built-in night light makes it a good choice for a nursery or kids’ room.
Our at-home incense smoke test evaluated how well the KOIOS EPI810 performed after burning five incense cones simultaneously and found mixed results. While the air purifier removed an impressive 99% of particles measuring 10 microns, it only got rid of 52% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns.
While it doesn’t have the wow factor when it comes to design, or the sophistication of a smart, connected air purifier, the KOIOS EPI810 may work well if you want something easy to operate. However, a noisy higher setting and a lacklustre performance in our at-home tests may put some users off.
Read our full KOIOS EP1810 review
Best all-rounder air purifier
Our expert review:
Height: 25.24 (in)
Diameter: 10.12 (in)
Weight: 13.27 lbs
+Great for tight spaces
+Easy to set up and use
-No 24-hour timer
-No smart features
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.
What the users say
The HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 scores a really good rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 78% of users awarding it the full 5 stars. Positive reviews tend to praise this air purifier for its high performance, energy efficiency, portability and relatively low noise levels. Many users also appreciate its long warranty and that the lights on the HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 are not too distracting after dark. Negative reviews focus mainly on the issues with bulbs, and some pointed out that it can be loud on some of the higher settings.
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 tests, the HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 demonstrated really good performance in several different circumstances, particularly in relation to small and medium-sized particles. In fact, in our match smoke test it removed 88.5% of 0.3 nano particles on the highest setting after just 30 minutes.
Read our full HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe 5-in-1 Review
Best air purifier for pet owners
Our expert review:
Height: 19.8 in
Width: 15.6 in
Weight: 13.2 lbs
+Easy to control remotely
+Designated pet mode
-Relatively expensive
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 in our at-home testing. 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 purifer 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.
What the users say
Levoit Vital 200S scores an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 85% of users awarding it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise this air purifier for its high performance, ease of use and low noise levels. As one user commented, "[The Levoit Vital 200S] has become an essential part of my home as I now have three of them running all the time. I highly recommend it to fellow pet owners and anyone seeking a peaceful and dust-free living environment.” Negative reviews are sparse, and mostly mention issues with the app.
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 that some of the other air purifiers in the Levoit line.
Read our full Levoit Vital 200s review
An affordable air purifier with a sleek, neutral design
Our expert review:
Height: 15.28 in
Width: 7.68 in
Weight: 4.2 lbs
+Easy to use and control via app
+Four fan speeds plus three extra modes
-Info around Auto Mode confusing
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.
What the users say
The Sensibo Pure socres a solid rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Positive reviews tend to mention the hassle-free setup and immediate usability of this air purifier, with many users praising it for its ability to provide accurate air quality readings. Negative reviews tend to focus on problems with the app and connectivity to third-party devices. As one user commented, "The app felt rather clunky and unintuitive to use, and kept forcing subscription-based features down my throat."
In terms of features, the Sensibo Pure offers a True HEPA filter for capturing airborne particles, suitable for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. 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 2-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
Best air purifier for large indoor spaces
Our expert review:
Width: 13.6 in
Weight: 31.4 lbs
HEPA filter: Yes
Energy star certified: no
+Great air-cleaning performance
+Easy to assemble and use
-Relatively expensive
-Pricey replacement filters
Thanks to its substantial size and powerful air-cleaning abilities, the DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier can cover up to 426 sq feet, making it a great choice for those with large, airy homes or commercial premises.
This beast of an air purifier is equipped with 16 ion generators and three different filters — including a washable pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter — to effectively trap pet dander, dust, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and many other airborne particles. In fact, when we run the DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier for 30 minutes on the highest setting, it managed to remove a whopping 94.6% of 0.3-micron particles and almost all of the 2.5-micron particles.
The DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier also features a dual air deodorization process, which helps to neutralize smoke, cooking smells and pet odors.
What the users say
The DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier scores 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 66% of users giving it the full five stars. Users praise this air purifier for ease of use and excellent performance, and many positive reviews are in favor of its large design and the glossy screen at the top. However, some criticize the high price tag of the DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier, with one user commenting, “it’s very stylish and a real talking point when people come round. If it wasn’t so pricy, I think a few of our friends would have got one for themselves.”
The DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier also comes with a wealth of smart features, including an app that allows you to control the appliance remotely, Google and Alexa voice control, and seamless Wifi connectivity to third-party devices.
However, we thought that its air quality indicator could be brighter and more noticeable. Also, the sheer size of the DH Lifelabs Sciaire+ HEPA Air Purifier make it unsuitable for those short on space.
Read our full DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier review
Dr. Ross PerrySocial Links Navigation
Medical Doctor
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.
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