An Introduction To Air Purifiers: Their Operation, Safety Measures, And Our Favorite Models

Best Air Purifiers

Table of Contents

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I had terrible allergies as a child, both to pets and the air. The symptoms ranged from a runny nose to swollen, itchy eyes, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Since antihistamines like Claritin were only accessible with a prescription back then, on really bad days, I would just grab a Benadryl and try not to pass out in math class.

I know I’m not the only one who suffered during childhood. The sixth most common cause of chronic illness in the United States is allergies, which affect over 100 million people annually, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Remember to take a look at The Weather Channel’s 15-day allergy prediction, particularly if you want to spend any amount of time outside.

Furthermore, although interior air quality plays an equally significant role in treating your symptoms as outside air quality does in triggering seasonal allergies. We’ll delve deeper into how indoor air pollution affects you and the reasons why people with allergies might benefit from air purifiers in the guide that follows. Additionally, we looked into some of the top air purifiers available right now and whittled down our options based on a number of factors, such as functionality, price, and room size.

What Is Indoor Air Pollution?

There are many different types of indoor air pollution, such as smoke, pet dander, and mold in addition to dust. Certain chemical compounds can be released into the air even by cleaning supplies. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can have a variety of negative impacts, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, migraines, respiratory disorders, and even more serious illnesses.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

In order to lessen (but not totally eradicate) indoor air pollution, air purifiers—also referred to as portable air cleaners or air sanitizers—are made to filter the air in a particular room or space.

It’s important to check the “clean air delivery rate” (CADR) to make sure the unit is big enough for the space it will be used in. A “high-efficiency particulate air” (HEPA) filter will result in a higher CADR for portable air cleaners.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) created CADR to evaluate an air cleaner’s efficacy. The machine filters the air more quickly the higher the CADR.

A room that is 10 by 12 feet in size has an area of 120 square feet, and the AHAM states that the CADR of your air cleaner should be at least two-thirds of that size. For example, an air cleaner with a smoke CADR of at least 80 should be used in a room of that size.

Different Types Of Air Purifiers

Ozone-generating air purifiers, electronic air purifiers, and filtering air purifiers are the three primary categories of air purifiers.

Ozone-generating air cleaners (Not Recommended): These devices purposefully create ozone to clean the air through chemical interactions that will change the compounds of pollutants, but can cause other harmful chemical reactions. Ozone is considered a lung irritant.
Electronic air cleaners (Not Recommended): These can include ionizers and UV light, and are a type of air purification system that uses electrical fields to trap airborne particles, passing contaminated air through a series of charged plates or meshes, according to one source. They are not, however, effective at removing gases and odors, and may also produce ozone and other irritants as well, according to the EPA.
Filtering air cleaners (Recommended): Just as the name suggests, these work by passing air through a filter where pollutants are trapped, usually through carbon filters or HEPA filters.

Although HEPA filters are thought to be the best at filtering particles, they do not remove gasses from the air (such dust or pollen). Heathline states that a HEPA filter should have a minimum rating of MERV 13, and that the efficacy of the filter is dependent on how closely the fibers are bonded. Ratings range from MERV 12 to MERV 17.

The EPA advises choosing a portable air purifier with an activated carbon filter or another type of absorbent filter made to extract gases in order to filter gases.

It’s also crucial to remember that neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorse any specific brands or models of air purifiers.

Can Air Purifiers Help With Allergies?

Indeed, a lot of sites state that air purifiers can assist in removing allergens from the air, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and other pollutants. Since air purifiers are typically only meant to clean one room and only capture microscopic particles, it’s still necessary to take additional precautions to maintain a clean environment. Reducing your symptoms can be greatly aided by keeping your house clean, well-ventilated, and with frequent HVAC filter replacements.

Best Air Purifiers Of 2024

1. Best Overall: LEVOIT Air Purifier Core 300S-P (Wi-Fi Enabled and HEPA)

Price: $149.99 at Amazon; $149.99 at Levoit.com

Best Budget Pick: LEVOIT Air Purifier Core 300-P (Basic Purifier) – $83.95, was $99.98 at Amazon

Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 219 sq. ft. (up to 1,000 sq. ft./1 hour) | CADR: 140 CFM | App: Yes

Other features:

3-in-1 filtration system: Pre-filter, multi-layer filter and activated carbon filter
Multiple filter options: Pet allergy, toxin absorber, or smoke remover filter
Sleep mode turns off display and reduces noise level
App and voice assistant compatible
Company claims Energy Star Certified, FCC Certified, ETL Certified, CARB Certified

With more than 2,000 Levoit items bought in the last month, the Levoit Core 300S is the top seller on Amazon with over 101,000+ ratings and 4.7 stars. There are other packages to choose from, including the Wi-Fi-enabled purifier (which is what we’ve listed), various filters, and the basic purifier alone.

According to the manufacturer, when in Auto mode, the Core 300S will detect variations in particle pollution and modify fan speeds. The air purifier will operate more silently in sleep mode, which is perfect for light sleepers.

Just on Amazon, there are more than 79,000 5-star reviews with excellent feedback. “This unit cleans very well for its size,” a reviewer commented. It is quite simple to set up and silent, with a Bluetooth connection and functionality are very well laid out and easy to manage.”

Another person commented, “The air quality in my apartment has significantly improved thanks to this air purifier. There’s less foul smells from my neighbors who share walls, and there’s no cigarette smoke. I would suggest this product. “[I] haven’t had indoor allergies bother me with it running,” one person said.

Numerous reviews noted that it is quite helpful in getting rid of odors for pet owners. One user wrote, “As a cat owner, I was curious about how an air purifier could help combat the persistent smells. I never seriously considered using one before.” I’m pleased to say that practically all of the smells have been removed by this gadget, leaving my bedroom feeling fresh and clean.

Users’ primary grievances included its potential for loudness, worries about its durability, and the goods, and some reported that it didn’t completely eliminate the odors in the air and that there was a horrible smell associated with their items.

2. Best Air Purifier For Large Rooms: Medify MA-50 Air Purifier With True HEPA H13 Filter

Price: $242.99 at Amazon

Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 2,640 sq. ft./1 hour | CADR: 598 | App: No

Other features:

3-in-1 filtration system: Pre-filter, True HEPA H13 filter, and activated carbon filter
HEPA H13 Filtration: captures finer particles than HEPA H11, and is trusted to remove particles, allergens, odors, smoke, pollen, pet dander, smog and more, according to the company page
Touch screen with up to 12-hour timer, four fan speeds, sleep mode, filter replacement indicator and child lock
Filter lasts 2,500 hours (approximately 3-4 months)
Company claims Energy Star Certified, ETL Certified, CARB Certified in 2023

When using the higher fan settings, you’ll find that the Medify MA-50 Air Purifier can get noisy and vibrate a little. However, the majority of people who use the air purifier in their homes claim they keep it at the lowest level for the quietest results. However, if you’re wanting to get rid of any aromas in the room, using it at a higher fan setting for a shorter amount of time is advised (particularly after cooking, according to one reviewer).

We have a number of Medify air purifiers, both large and tiny for larger spaces, and as one reviewer puts it, “I wish I had this unit just a little earlier.” Another person commented, “You really do get what you pay for with this air purifier.” That is to say, even if the device and the replacement filters are absurdly costly, they function! The difference in my mood when I’m in the same room as this filter just astounds me. The MA-50 unit only lasted two years, according to several complaints, and the noise level is extremely high on the higher levels. The MA-50 variant was one of the reasons we chose it over a smaller model like the {MA-40} is that this particular product version was devoid of the UV light and ionizer option, which may have increased the likelihood of ozone production based on our findings.

3. Best Air Purifier For Medium Rooms: Clorox Air Purifier

Price: $99.99 at Amazon

Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 225 sq. ft. (up to 1,000 sq. ft./1 hour) | CADR: ~142 CFM | App: Yes

Other features:

3-in-1 filtration system: Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter
Comes with air quality sensor with real-time digital display
1, 4 or 8-hour timer, four fan speeds, auto and sleep mode, child lock
Filter lasts approximately 6 months
Company claims Energy Star Certified

Consider the Clorox Air Purifier as a similar option if you’ve determined the Levoit isn’t exactly suitable for you or if you’d like save a few bucks. According to the corporate page, this size is perfect for medium-sized rooms and, depending on the size of your ceilings, it can circulate air up to 225 square feet of space five times an hour.

On Amazon, it has received over 2,400 ratings overall with an average of 4.7 stars, including 1,900 5-star ratings. The majority of the evaluations are likewise extremely direct, with many expressing satisfaction with the model’s overall effectiveness, pricing, and performance.

“I am very happy with this air purifier,” one person said. It functions, the price was affordable, and the reviews were positive. Since buying this, I have definitely noticed a decrease in dust and stale odor. It’s also incredibly silent. Additionally, it fits neatly into a modest yet useful space. Because of my recommendation, my neighbor bought two.

“This purifier operates silently and is ideal for a dusty environment like an office,” another person commented. Almost no setup is necessary. Simply insert the plug and turn it on. In contrast to many other versions, [the] filter can be taken out, blown out with an air hose, and reused. This eliminates the need for costly replacement filters. Suggested

Concerns about the product’s lifetime, specifically that the filters don’t last as long as the manufacturer claims they should and don’t cover as much square footage as one would think, were the main issues raised.

4. Best Air Purifier For Pets: Shark HP201 & HP202 Clean Sense Air Purifier MAX

Price: $265, was $329.99 at Amazon (HP201); $279.99 at SharkClean.com (HP202)

Filter Type: HEPA & Carbon | Effective Range: 256 sq. ft. (up to 1,000 sq. ft / 1 hour) | CADR: ~165 CFM | App: No

Other features:

True HEPA Multi-Filter with Microban® antimicrobial coating

Clean Sense IQ: Monitors air quality, adjusts power and reports results
Four fan speeds, eco mode, auto and sleep mode with dimmable lights
Filter lasts approximately 6-12 months
Company claims UL Certified, Energy Star Certified, CARB Certified

Over the past few years, I’ve evaluated a lot of Shark products and have always like their assortment of high-performing vacuums, grills, robot vacuums and mops, and other devices. Targeting typical allergens including dust, dander, and smoke, the Shark HP201 Clean Sense Air Purifier Max is best suited for cleaning rooms up to 1,000 square feet in an hour. The firm claims that the patented filter in this air cleaner exceeds typical HEPA criteria, making it perfect for usage in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and even basements.

At now, the HP202 model has 184 reviews and 4.7 stars on SharkClean.com, whilst the HP201 model has over 900 ratings and 4.7 stars on Amazon. One reviewer stated, “We have two cats and my daughter has allergies.” This purified the air in a big space. Setting it up and turning it on was really quick and simple. I really like how calm it is.” Another person commented, “We have two long-haired dogs that weigh more than 100 pounds. We acquired this for the bedroom—they bring in all kinds of dust, grime, and dander. Our bedroom’s dust level has suddenly decreased, I noted. Its white noise feature is very appealing to me.”

Regarding criticisms, a few reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the auto features, stating that they would activate even when the air quality was good, that the air quality sensor was unreliable, and that the replacement filters were costly.

5. Best Air Purifier For Small Rooms: Blueair Pure Mini Max

Price: $69.99 at Amazon, Bundle: $125.99, was $139.99 at Blueair

Filter Type: Carbon | Effective Range: 93 sq. ft. | CADR: 60 CFM | App: No

Other features:

HEPASilent™ filtration system: Fabric pre-filter, main filter and activated carbon filter
Three fan modes
Washable fabric pre-filter

If you’re searching for an air purifier for a tiny space at a reasonable price, our recommendation is the Blue Pure Mini Max. This can be all the air purification power you truly need if your office or bedroom is modest.

One of my coworkers, who owns several Blueair purifiers of various sizes, reported, “I’ve noticed a significant change in the air quality of my home.” Even my pets are sneezing less since the air is purer and contains fewer allergens. There are three levels, so you may adjust the volume to your preferred level of white noise—I personally like it quiet. Another really useful feature is the light sensor that indicates when the filter needs to be cleaned.

Unlike the Levoit, it lacks air sensors, app functionality, and smart assistant options, but if you don’t need any of those extra features, why pay for it? If you don’t mind spending a little bit extra, the other Blueair models, like the 411 Max, also have great reviews and a few extra bells and whistles. However, you should schedule a filter replacement every six months regardless of the model.

Numerous testimonials compliment the quietness of the Blueair products; one even states, “We have been using Blue Air filters for years.The quantity of dust and the quality of the air in our house have both improved. “It is very quiet and I noticed a difference in the quality of the air in record time,” stated another. This gadget has changed my life because I deal with allergies this time of year in my office!

Other reviews, however, bemoaned their air purifier’s plastic-like stench and the delayed customer support. Even though the corporation says the ozone emissions from certain of its products are under safe standards, there have been reports of some of their items having some.

How We Made Our Decision

Safety

Because of the EPA’s recommendations, we made an effort to stay away from ozone and ionizer air purifiers when we conducted our research on these products. Although some dubious paperwork is available, Blueair, one of the companies on our list, maintains that their product satisfies acceptable criteria. Given the overall performance and reviews, we suggested the Blueair Pure Mini Max; however, if money is not an object and room dimensions are not a concern, we could advise going with the Levoit.

First-hand testing

Blueair was one of our top choices due to its widespread use and really excellent reviews. My colleague, who has several sizes throughout the house, strongly suggested the choice. They saw a discernible improvement in the quality of the air after acquiring this product, as stated in the review.

Functionality

We considered a number of performance factors when compiling our list of the finest air purifiers, including multi-option filtration, CADR metrics and square footage, touchscreen or smart home features, and filter lifespan. When necessary, we verified performance claims by visiting EnergyStar.gov and AHAM Verifide.

Price

We all enjoy a good deal, but sometimes the proverb “you get what you pay for” is truer than ever when it comes to your health. Our goal was to select devices that were under $300 without sacrificing useful functionality.

Reviews

When it comes to in-person testing, we let the reviewers speak for themselves. Based on customer reviews and the feature list, we make an effort to emphasize the benefits and drawbacks of each product. We won’t include a product in our lists if it has few (or no) verifiable reviews, or if the complaints outweigh the product’s benefits and cost.

An Introduction To Air Purifiers: Their Operation, Safety Measures, And Our Favorite Models