During the first half of 2019 we are testing 31 different air purifiers of all types, prices, and brands. As you can see, our tests have already started!
We’re testing the best air purifiers for 2019! Which is best for your home?
We believe in testing products in the same way that regular people use them. To help us determine the best air purifiers for 2019 we use an electronic air quality detector, objective data, expert analysis, and real-world testing.
These testing procedures help give our opinions real merit, since we have hard data to back up our reviews.
Air Purifier Reviews
So whether you need the best air purifier for asthma, pets, dust, smoke, or something else, we’ve got the reviews you need to help make an informed decision.
During the coming weeks and months, this page will be frequently updated as we add new air purifier reviews, tests, FAQs, and establish what we think are the best air purifiers in a variety of categories.
So with that said, let’s dive into our complete list of air purifier reviews!
1. Rabbit Air Minus A2
The Rabbit Air Minus A2 is a feature packed air purifier designed to seamlessly integrate into your home and life.
The Minus A2 uses 6 different filters to clean the air, including:
- Pre Filter
- Medium Filter
- HEPA Filter
- Customized Filter (see below)
- Charcoal Filter
- Negative IONs
Rabbit offers 4 different customized filter options (this goes in slot #4 above).
These filters help to tailor the system to perform better in your home. You can choose between a germ defense filter, pet allergy filter, toxin absorber filter (for VOCs and chemicals), and the odor remover filter.
We can’t fully cover the Rabbit Air Minus A2 in this little summary (there are just so many features), but here are some of the other feature / spec highlights:
- Cleans up to 815 sq. ft.
- Filters last 1-2 years (running 12 hours a day)
- Filter replacement cost is $85
- Ultra low ozone created (0.002 parts-per-million)
- WiFi enabled, so you can control with your smartphone
- Customized panels featuring images and artwork available
- Intelligently knows when to turn on to clean the air based on air quality, time of day, and other factors
- 5 year warranty
Read our Rabbit Air Minus A2 Review
2. Airocide APS-200
The Airocide APS-200 and APS-200 PM 2.5 are two of the most unique types of air purifiers we’ve seen to date. Both use a filterless air cleaning technology, originally developed by NASA for the International Space Station.
Unlike most traditional purifiers, which use filters or ionization, the Airocide draws air into a matrix of hollow glass tubes. When particles contact this surface they break down at the molecular level. This process is called Oxidation (aka Redox) and it notably does not produce ozone.
Below are the other notable features and specs on the Airocide APS-200 / APS-200 PM 2.5.
- Destroys allergens (ex. pollen, pet dander, dust, etc.)
- Destroys germs (ex. bacteria, virus, etc.)
- Destroys VOCs (ex. toxic off-gassing, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, etc.)
- Filterless design, instead uses the Airocide Reaction Chamber
- Airocide Reaction Chamber replacement cost is $129 (lasts 1 year)
- Zero ozone produced
- Auto mode uses light sensors to shift into a quieter setting at night and higher power settings during the day
- 5 year warranty
3. Molekule
Molekule is arguably the most advanced air purifier on the market. The Molekule uses Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) to clean air. PECO works at the molecular level to destroy pollutants in the air.
Unlike traditional HEPA filters, the Molekule is able to capture and destroy a wider range of ultra-small particles, including:
- Chemicals floating in the air aka volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Bacteria & Viruses
- Mold
- Allergens (ex. dust, pollen, and pet dander)
Below is the full list of features included with the Molekule:
- Cleans up to 600 sq. ft.
- Take about 1 hour to fully clean the air within the room
- Zero ozone created
- Filter replacement cost (annually) is $129
- Annual filter subscription include 2 PECO filters and 4 Pre-Filters
- Wifi enabled, so you can control via your smartphone
- 1 year warranty
4. Dyson HP02
The Dyson HP02 air purifier, also known as the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link, is a combination air purifier and heater.
This compact air purifier uses a 360° glass HEPA filter to clean air that is passed over it. Like most HEPA filters, it draws air into the unit, passes it over the filter, and pushes it (now cleaned) back into the room.
The HP02 removes 99.97% of all pollutants (including particles as small as 0.3 microns). Usability is incredibly convenient with smartphone integration, remote control, voice control, auto mode, Alexa, and more.
Below is a full list of major features included on the Dyson HP02:
- Uses a HEPA glass filter
- Pump out cool or hot air
- Oscillates and tilts
- Certified Asthma and Allergy friendly
- Can be controlled via smartphone, voice, remote, Alexa, or set to auto
- Cleans 4.3 gallons of air / second (on max)
- Wifi enabled via the Dyson Link app (on your smartphone / tablet)
- Auto mode automatically monitors air quality and adjusts the settings, as needed
- 2 year warranty
5. Dyson TP04
The Dyson TP04 air purifier, also known as the Dyson Pure Cool tower fan, is a large and powerful unit capable of cleaning large rooms.
The TP04 uses a 360° sealed HEPA filter with activated carbon to the clean. The filter is able to remove gasses, allergens, and pollutants (99.7% of particulates as small as 0.3 microns).
Like Dyson’s HP02, the TP04 is incredibly easy to use, including a remote control, smartphone integration, voice control, and automated operation. Additionally, the Dyson TP04 senses pollutants in real time, including PM 2.5, PM 10, VOCs, and NO2.
Below is a list of the features included on the Dyson TP04 air purifier:
- Air quality sensor (PM2.5, PM10, VOC, NO2)
- HEPA filtration with activated carbon (to remove gasses)
- Circulates 77 gallons of purified air per second
- Can be used as a purifier + cooling fan or just a purifier
- Certified Asthma and Allergy friendly
- Can be controlled via smartphone, voice, remote, or Alexa
- Wifi enabled, can be controlled via the Dyson Link app
- 2 year warranty
6. Levoit LV-H132
The Levoit LV-H132 is a more compact air purifier, but still has the capacity to clean small or larger rooms. You can place this model on the floor or upright on a table or other raised surface.
The Levoit LV-H132 air purifier uses a three-stage filtration system to help remove irritants and pollutants from the air. This includes the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
This helps to reduce a variety of airborne irritants and bacteria while using the carbon filter to help tackle offensive smells. It also has an integrated built-in nightlight and boasts its quiet operation.
Below is a list of the features included on the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier:
- Removes 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores, and pet dander
- Filters particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger and filters air pollution of PM 2.5
- 3-stage filtration (pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter)
- 3-speed settings (low, medium, and high)
- Touch-activated controls
- Quiet operation
- Included nightlight with two brightness settings
- 1-year warranty (optional to buy an additional year warranty)
Read our Levoit LV-H132 review.
7. Levoit LV-PUR131
The Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifier is a larger model than the LV-H132. Unlike the LV-H132, which has a round body style, the LV-PURE131 has a rectangular body style with rounded corners.
Its larger footprint can purify up to 322 square feet and has a few other bells-and-whistles over the LV-H132. Some advanced features include the LED display, auto mode, sleep mode, and an integrated timer.
There are also more touch-activated buttons and more settings to control from the top of the unit. Using a three-stage filtration system, the LV-PUR131 is designed to treat airborne bacteria, fungi, mold, pollen, dust, and pet odors.
Below is a list of the features included on the Levoit LV-PUV131 air purifier:
- Removes 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores, and pet dander
- CADR Rated 135+, refreshes up to 322 square feet of air in 10 minutes
- Filters particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger and filters air pollution of PM 2.5
- 3-stage filtration (pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter)
- 3-speed settings (low, medium, and high)
- Touch-activated controls
- Offers auto-mode which gives suggestions on fan speed based on air quality
- Sleep mode sets the purifier to its lowest setting to produce fresh air at the lowest noise output while you sleep.
- Optional LED display
- Energy Star-certified, CARB, FCC & CE-approved
- 1-year warranty (optional to buy an additional year warranty)
Read our Levoit LV-PUR131 review
8. AirMega 300
The AirMega 300 air purifier has a larger body style but is also equipped to cover up to 1,256 square feet of space. It is designed with an auto mode that detects indoor air quality and turns on or off as needed, based on the condition of the air.
This model also has a sleep mode that allows it to continue purifying the air at the lowest speed (and quietest sound) while you sleep. The AirMega 300 is available with or without wifi. The wifi-enabled model can be controlled directly from your smartphone (AirMega 300s).
Below is a list of the features included on the AirMega 300 air purifier:
- Designed to accommodate room sizes up to 1,256 square feet and it cleans the air two times in 1,256 square feet in one hour.
- 3-stage filtration system; including pre-filter, activated carbon and True HEPA filter
- Captures and reduces up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air and, reduces more than 99% of VOCs, and reduces fumes such as NH3 and CH3CHO
- Pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time with brightly colored LED rings
- Has 5 fan modes: Smart, Sleep, Low, Medium and High
- Has a timer for 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours
- Energy Star-certified and consumes 64 OR 56 watts.
- 1-year limited warranty and 5-year warranty on electronic parts
9. Coway AP 1512HH
The Coway AP 1512HH air purifier is a compact purifier that can tackle up to 361 square feet of space. This purifier uses a 4-stage filtration system and also doubles as an air ionizer, a feature that can be turned on or off with the touch of a button.
The Coway AP reads air quality in real-time and reports back to you using a LED light on the face of the machine. You can control the fan speed manually or let it auto decide which speed is recommended in order to treat the overall air quality.
Below is a list of the features included on the Coway AP 1512HH air purifier:
- Designed to accommodate room sizes up to 361 sq.ft (CADR: Dust 246 / Pollen 240 / Smoke 233 cb. ft.).
- 4 Stage Filtration System: Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, Vital Ion
- Washable, permanent pre-filter to capture larger debris
- Senses and communicates indoor air quality in real-time using a LED light
- Manual or auto fan speeds based on the level of indoor air quality
- Timer feature allows the machine to run 1/4/8 hours before automatically powering off.
- Filter replacement indicator checks both Pre-filter and HEPA filter so you know when its time to replace
10. Germguardian AC4825
The Germguardian AC4825 is an upright tower style air purifier. It is designed to accommodate up to 167 square feet of closed area. It uses a 3-stage filter with a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated charcoal filter for absorbing odors.
A unique technology integrated into the Germguardian system is the use of UV-C light technology. This optional technology works with Titanium Dioxide to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, germs, and mold spores.
It has 3 fan manual fan speeds, but lacks an auto mode or real-time air quality sensor.
Below is a list of the features included on the Germguardian AC4825 air purifier:
- HEPA Filter captures 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as .3 microns such as household dust, pet dander, mold spores, and plant pollens
- Charcoal filter reduces common odors from pets, smoking, cooking and wildfire smoke
- Optional UV-C light technology; Carb Compliant
- Designed for rooms up to 167 sq. feet. Filters and circulates room air over 4x per hour. CADR Dust (118), Pollen (125) and Smoke (108)
- Filter replacement indicator LED light
- Energy Star Certified
- 3-year limited manufacturer warranty.
11. Winix 5500-2
The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is a larger machine, with a number of features accessible from buttons on the top of the unit. These buttons include: on/off, sleep mode, auto mode, adjust fan speed, Plasmawave technology, and a timer.
There are four options for fan speeds which are intuitive and easy to adjust from the illustrations on the top of the machine. The timer allows you to set a runtime limit for 1 hour, 4 hours, or up to 8 hours.
Lastly, there is a filter replacement indicator which helps to know when it’s time to replace.
Below is a list of the features included on the Winix 5500-2 air purifier:
- True-HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
- Washable AOC Carbon Filter, made from activated carbon granules helps to absorb household odors
- PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odors, allergens, chemical vapors, and other pollutants
- Zero ozone created
- Smart Sensors gauge the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed
- Includes a sleep mode which allows the machine to operate at a lower decibel level while you sleep
- CADR rated for 360 sq. ft. room size; suitable for medium and large rooms
12. Holmes Small Room
The Holmes Small Room air purifier is an extremely compact air purifier, about the size of a small stereo. It is designed to purify a room up to 100 square feet. This may work well for small to medium-sized rooms.
This filter comes with a couple different HEPA-style filters and you can easily swap out filters for one that suits your needs better.
The options are:
- Odor Eliminator filter: with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, carbon and zeolite for odor control; ideal for eliminating odors from pets, tobacco smoke, cooking fumes, household odors, garbage, and stale indoor air
- Total Clean filter: with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda; ideal for dust reduction
- Allergen Remover filter: 99.97% true HEPA technology. Removes up to 99.97% of particles passing through the filter such as pollen, dust, mold, and dander as small as .3 microns; ideal for allergy sufferers
- Performance Plus filter: 9.97% true HEPA technology. Removes up to 99.97% of particles passing through the filter such as pollen, dust, mold, and dander as small as .3 microns; ideal for allergy sufferers
- Carbon filter: Carbon filter with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to absorb and eliminate odors; ideal for odor elimination (to be combined with a HEPA filter listed above, does not replace the original filter)
Below is a list of the features included on the Holmes Small Room air purifier:
- Filters help to remove up to 99% of dust, smoke, pollen, odors, mold spores, and pet dander, filtering particles as small as 2 microns
- HEPA filtration with optional upgraded filters
- 3 cleaning speeds for various purifying intensity
- Compact design that can be used vertically or horizontally
- Designed for rooms up to 100 square feet
- Optional ionizer utilizes the natural science of ions to help clean the air
- Filter replacement indicator light
- 3-year limited warranty
13. BlueAir 211+
The BlueAir 211+ air purifier is a modern aesthetic statement that brings a new look to classic air purifiers. It features air intake from all four sides and offers changeable color filters which allow you to quickly and easily swap out the color of the machine.
After the pre-filter, the air is passed through a particle and carbon filter which cleans air down to a particulate level, eliminating allergens, dust, pollen, pet dander, and airborne bacteria.
The BlueAir 211+ boasts its quiet performance and aesthetic one-button simplicity.
Below is a list of the features included on the BlueAir 211+ air purifier:
- 3-stage filtration system captures 99% of common airborne PM 2.5 pollutants such as allergens, odors, smoke, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander
- Includes an activated carbon filter to help absorb odors caused by smoke, pets, cooking, other household gasses (otherwise known as VOCs)
- Washable pre-filter captures large particles such as dust and pet hair and can be changed for a variety of colorful aesthetics (purchased separately)
- Quieter operation (decibel levels range from 31-56 dB, based on speed setting)
- Designed for medium to large rooms between 400 and 600 sq. ft. (AHAM rated at 540 sq. ft.)
- Clean air delivery rate of 350 cubic feet/minute meaning it will clean the air in a 540 sq. ft. room 5 times an hour.
- Energy Star Rated for best in class energy performance
- 1-year limited warranty
14. Honeywell AirGenius 5
The Honeywell AirGenius 5 air purifier is an upright tower air purifier that is designed to clean medium to large-sized rooms.
It has a number of various controls on top of the machine, which include:
- Auto timer (from 2-12 hours)
- Purification level (ranging from 1-sleep, 2-germs; 3-general; 4-allergen; 5-max)
- Oscillation (on/off)
- Accent light (high/low)
- Filter status
With the filters in place, this air purifier can remove up to 99.9% of microscopic allergens and harmful gases from your room. While it cannot detect air quality in real-time, the 5 different cleaning levels help to address poor quality at a higher level, when needed.
Below is a list of the features included on the Honeywell AirGenius 5 air purifier:
- Designed to remove up to 99.9% of microscopic allergens and harmful gases.
- Smart touch screen controls
- 5 clean settings: sleep, germ, allergen, general and max
- Designed to clean up to 250 square feet; ideal for medium to large-sized rooms
- Energy Star Rated uses the same amount of energy as a light bulb
- 2 pre-filter options: a washable foam pre-filter and an odor-reducing pre-filter.
- Also includes a permanent washable ifD filter
- 2-12 hour automatic shut off timer
- On/off oscillation
- 5-year limited warranty
Air Purifier Reviews
Below we have listed all of the air purifiers we’ve reviewed to date. This list will be updated and expanded over time.
| Model | Score | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson | TBD | $$$ | Read Review |
| Rabbit Air MinusA2 | 99% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 | 96% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Levoit LV-PUR131 | 95% | $$ | Read Review |
| Airocide | 95% | $$$ | Read Review |
| Levoit LV-H132 | 94% | $ | Read Review |
| Tenergy Renair | 94% | $ | Read Review |
| iTvanila | 94% | $ | Read Review |
How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for You
Wondering how to choose the best air purifier for your needs? To make a well-informed decision, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking for.
Start by asking yourself the 3 questions below.
These questions act as great starting points to making sure that you end up with the air purifier that is right for you and your space.
1. Decide your budget.
The first step is to decide on your budget. There are some impressive air purifiers that make great values priced under $100, while other stretch into the $300-500 range, or some even up to $1,000. Don’t be dismayed if your budget means that you need to stay on the lower side.
Many times, these smaller air purifiers still have impressive filtration systems, but are simply designed for smaller spaces. You can help to remedy this by committing to move the purifier around your space to help maximize its reach and impact.
- For a budget air purifier, check out the Levoit LV-H132.
- For a moderatly-priced purifier, check out the Dyson TP02.
- For a top-of-the-line air purifier, check out the Molekule.
2. Decide the features that are most important.
Different air purifier put their design efforts into a variety of different features. Depending which features are most important to you, may help to drive the decision of which air purifier to select.
Some of the most popular features in air purifiers includes:
Real-time air sensing: With real-time air sensing, the air purifier will be able to constalty access the indoor air quality and determine what level of purifiercation is needed.
An example of an air purifier with real-time air quality sensing is the Coway AP 1512HH.
Remote control: Some air purifiers can be controled remotely with a physical remote control, smartphone control, or even voice control (when paired with a smart device like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant).
An example of an air purfier with remote control is the Dyson HP02.
Filter status indicator light: This little light can be a simple addition, but really makes a difference when you’re trying to determine the status of the filters.
An example of an air purifier with a filter status indicator light is the Honeywell AirGenius 5.
Auto mode: Auto mode can be based off of indoor air quality, pre-programmed schedules, or time of day. Essentially, this mode automatically adjusts the fan speed or intensity if purifiercation based on a specific factor.
An example of an air purifier with an auto mode is the Airocide APS-200.
Sleep mode: Sleep mode is a quiter level of purification that allows you to rest easier without high fan speeds stealing your sweet dreams.
An example of an air purifier with a sleep mode is the AirMega 300.
3. Decide which type of purifier will be best for your home.
There are a couple main types of air purifiers on the market, with varying technologies and forms of purification.
Three of the most popular include:
- HEPA air purifiers: HEPA filtration is the most popular type of air purifier on the market. These filters use an ultra-fine mesh to help filter out ultra-tiny particles, in some cases all the way down to 0.3 microns.
- Activated carbon air purifiers: There are not many air purifiers that rely solely on activated carbon filters, but carbon purification is highly effective at helping to remove odors from your home. If odor-reducing features are your main aim, you’ll want to make sure you select a purifier with an activated carbon (charcoal) filter.
- Ionic air purifiers: Ionic air purifiers (aka ionizer) use the power of negative-charged ions to attract to postively charged airborne particles in your room and sink them to the floor, where they can later be vacuumed up. Getting these partcicles out of the air is the first step in preventing airborne illnesses and the spread of germs.
More Resources
- Do air purifiers remove odors?
- What is a HEPA filter and how do they work?
- Air Ionizer Dangers: Are Ionic Air Purifiers Safe?
- How to smoke in your room without smelling it?
Still not sure what to buy? Please drop us a comment below or send us an email, we’d be happy to help you decide.
Similarly if there is an air purifier that isn’t listed above that you think we should test let us know!
I have heard great reviews on the Air Doctor machines. Have you reviewed those machines yet? I know the Molekule units sound wonderful and get great reviews but they are so expensive! The Air Doctor was suggested as a more affordable yet powerful air purifier.
I would be interested in your comments on this.
Thanks!
Hi Cindy,
We haven’t tested the Air doctor purifier yet, but thank you for the suggestion! We will definitely add that to our “to test” list.
Seems like really great products.