8 Best Air Purifiers in 2025, Tested and Reviewed by AD | Architectural Digest

Mar 31, 2025

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The best air purifiers solve a few common problems: They rid your space of dust mites, pesky dander, and other airborne pollutants that can cause allergy flare-ups. Unlike home appliances such as humidifiers, which are helpful for regulating humidity, these powerful cleaners can help ensure the air you breathe is clear of anything harmful like smoke and allergens. Health aside, an air purifier can also make your space smell better by eliminating cooking smells and freshening the air, all while subtly boosting your design scheme.

We’ve selected several that speak to interior styles from farmhouse to minimalist design. Aside from being easy on the eyes, these air purifiers can also make great housewarming gifts. We put these leading air purifiers to the test to find out which ones truly deserve the title of best. During our testing process, we considered the different types of air purifiers and what to keep in mind when shopping for one, from area coverage to filter replacements. Ahead, discover the AD editor–approved air purifiers that came out on top, complete with thorough reviews based on our experiences.

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Amazon

Upsides

Modern design, easy to move with its built-in handle

Downsides

Slightly bulky

Specs

Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor

My space: Overall, my space has pretty standard air quality. I typically like opening my windows for some circulation, but it’s less ideal during the changing seasons when dust and allergens get inside from the trees in the area. With wildfire smoke recently circulating the New York City air, any added protection with an air purifier is a major plus.

Area coverage: This air purifier is designed to clean spaces up to 874 square feet, and I can confidently say that it does its job well. I usually place it right in the middle of my home to circulate through the space, but since some areas of my home are more tucked away, I also like to move it to specific spots that could use some extra love.

Filter replacements: Replacement filters cost $70. The manufacturer suggests replacing the HEPA carbon filters every 12 months to remove odors and gases from the air.

My experience: I’ve been using this air purifier for the last few months, and its quality is second to none. First off, the setup was simple. Coway’s included printed instructions were easy to follow, and after placing the HEPA filter inside, the hard cover snapped in place seamlessly. The HEPA filter itself has a four-stage filtration design: Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, Vital Ion. I’ve appreciated this thorough filtration process since it’s made to capture up to 99.97% of even the smallest of particles, like pollen and allergens that can come in my space during spring blooms.

Like the Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier Mafi tested below, this air purifier turns on quietly. So much so that I can hardly tell it’s on most of the time. While it comes with three speeds to help thoroughly clean the air, I always keep the air purifier on auto mode. This is a favorite feature of mine, as it automatically detects the air quality through three LED light modes: blue (good), purple (moderate), and red (unhealthy). Whenever there’s a change in the air quality, like if I’m cooking, the LED light adjusts to either purple or red and the air purifier picks up its speed to quickly regulate it. Usually in just a matter of minutes, the LED light changes back to blue and the air purifier goes back to a whisper-quiet sound. When the purifier doesn’t detect any air pollution at all for half an hour, it’ll automatically switch into eco mode, which is an amazing tech feature for energy savings.

Lastly, the overall design of this air purifier is a big standout for modern spaces. Since this is a slightly bigger home appliance (larger than a standard space heater but much smaller than an HVAC), I didn’t want it to be an eyesore in my space. I have it in the white colorway, but you can shop it in the black too.

The bottom line: Coming in at less than $250, I highly recommend this air purifier to anyone who is looking for powerful air cleaning qualities, great smart technology, and a more affordable option to shop. It was bigger than I expected, but thankfully it comes with a hidden carry handle that makes it easy to move around my space. Like most air purifiers, this one has a corded design, so just make sure you have an outlet handy wherever you place it in your home.

Amazon

Coway

Upsides

Retro style, cleans larger rooms up to 1,860 square feet

Downsides

Limited colorways

Specs

Tester: Nick Mafi, senior features editor

My space: Luckily, the air quality in my home is pretty good and I don’t smoke nor do I live with any animals. I will say that I live in Brooklyn and my windows face a street. So, naturally, some dust from the street does find its way into my apartment.

Area coverage: My apartment is 814 square feet and I have the air purifier unit located in the center of the apartment, next to a wall. At this size, the purifier can and does cycle and clean the air that spans the entirety of the space. (It can clean air in large spaces up to 930 square feet.)

Filter replacements: New filters cost about $79 and replacing the pre-filter (the first of four filters) is very simple. You simply pull the washable pre-filter out of the device, clean it, allow it to properly dry, then slide it back into place.

My experience: My experience with the air purifier to date has been a very good one. When turned on, it is very quiet. This is important because I typically turn the unit on while having friends over for dinner. I do this to create an extra level of protection in my apartment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the noise level of the product is important, so as not to drone out people speaking at the table. Fortunately, it’s not an issue with this machine. The design of the product is great too. It almost looks like a fancy, sort of futuristic speaker. In fact, it’s turned into a bit of a dinner table conversation, as people often don’t immediately guess that it’s a purifier.

In terms of the technology, Coway’s unit has a four filtration system, which in and of itself is kind of incredible. I mean, how often do we get four layers of protection for anything? The first layer is for the larger dust particles or pet hairs. Then, the second layer involves capturing the small particles that made it through. The third layer is carbon activated, which means it can extract carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals from the air. The fourth and final layer involves the capturing and containment of viruses and bacteria.

In terms of smart features, I was impressed with how I could control everything from the tap of a button on my smartphone. The app also allows me to set a timer for the duration that I’d like the purifier to stay on, while also providing a detailed report on the air quality in real-time.

The bottom line: I would recommend this air cleaner to anyone who is in the market. At this time, when clean air in your home is so important, this air purifier is a must for those who can afford it. I think the fact that this filter involves four layers of protection, and that the fourth actually contains and extracts 99.999% of viruses and bacteria is phenomenal. All the more so that it can do it in the midst of a global pandemic. And as we are starting to learn how to “live” with the pandemic as part of our daily lives, having a state of the art air purifying system is all the more important. By paying $350, you are providing you and your family the safety and security to invite friends and family to your house, with much needed peace of mind too.

Amazon

Upsides

Boasts humidifying and cooling power, cutting-edge, futuristic design

Downsides

Pricey

Specs

Tester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director

My space: I have pretty intense dust and fragrance allergies and I work from home a lot these days with a large dog in an old building. It’s not an exceptionally dusty space, but we live on a block with a decent amount of car traffic and I’m pretty much always obsessing about the air quality. If I start sneezing or waking up with a sore throat, I want answers!

Area coverage: The Humidify+Cool is meant to work in a single room at a time (it was previously tested by Dyson in an 81 cubic feet chamber), and I placed it in my bedroom, which is the smallest room in my home.

Filter replacements: Filter replacements cost $79.99 and it’s recommended that they be replaced once every year. Installing them initially was quite quick–they snapped into place fairly easily.

My experience: It’s rare to find a machine that can purify your air, humidify it, and cool down a space all in one–so I was impressed right off the bat. An update to earlier Dyson models, this machine does all that and aside from getting rid of the usual particles, it also removes formaldehyde (which can cause even more irritation to your eyes and throat) from the air.

The Humidify+Cool has a HEPA filtration system and a separate carbon filter detects formaldehyde. I guess it could be due in part to my obsession with clean air, but, so far, the Dyson has reported good air quality every time I’ve checked in–the only exceptions being after I’ve lit candles or cooked something on the stovetop. But when the air quality has dipped below ideal levels, it doesn’t seem to take much time for the purifier to do the job once I turn up the fan speed (it should be noted that this model also has an auto purify setting that will kick into high gear if the quality dips, but it is a little loud for my taste so I tend to keep it on a lower setting).

While I hate having an app for literally every device in my home, installing the Dyson Link app really did make installation a snap. And I love being able to check in on the air stats (temperature, particle level, humidity level, etc) whenever I want. You can also control the fan speed, oscillation range, and set timers from the app.

As for specific features I appreciate, filling the water tank from the top is a huge plus and it’s large enough that it doesn’t have to be refilled every day. I also appreciate the night mode setting, which makes everything a little quieter and less bright.

What I would change: This may be a misconception about the purpose of a humidifier, but I am used to really intense humidifiers that emit visible plumes of moist steam all night long. This is not that. The humidity that the Dyson model generates in the house is definitely a healthy and reasonable level (most sources recommend 30–50% humidity, and the Dyson, at its max humidity setting, hovers around 60%), but if you are like me and want more targeted humidity in the super dry winter months, this is not the machine for you and you might want to stick to separate devices for purifying, humidifying, and cooling.

The bottom line: Aside from the note above, this is a really expensive device, coming in at more than $800. That said, it might actually save you money in the long run if you don’t want to buy a purifier, a fan, and a humidifier individually and you want a powerful device for each activity. I’d recommend it if you have deep pockets and not a ton of challenging air pollution situations to combat on the regular.

Amazon

Wayfair

Windmill

Upsides

Rustic-inspired design, white noise setting available

Downsides

Heavy, doesn’t have a carry handle on the appliance

Specs

Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor

My space: As previously noted, my space has pretty typical air quality. But with NYC weather being unpredictable from season to season, I appreciate having two air purifiers on hand to help regulate the air quality in my home. This is especially important to me in the springtime when flowers are in full bloom and pollen (which causes allergy flare-ups for me) starts to fill the air.

Area coverage: This air purifier is designed to clean up to 1,950 square feet in one hour, and can handle smaller jobs even faster. A New York City apartment like mine that is about 500 square feet can be purified in about 15 minutes, and even smaller spaces up to 162 square feet only need five solid minutes of purification to clear the air of pollutants. I keep it close to my kitchen to quickly rid my home of cooking smells, but it has been great in every nook to keep the air quality streamlined.

Filter replacements: The manufacturer recommends replacing the air purifier’s True HEPA filter and activated carbon filter every six to 12 months to keep it running smoothly. You can find replacement filters on the Windmill site for $60.

My experience: The air purifier came in two boxes upon delivery. Unboxing them revealed a farmhouse-inspired air purifier that far exceeded my expectations design-wise. I opted for the tan bamboo-like design, which was reminiscent of a feature you’d find in a cabin in the woods. I own quite a few home appliances, but I don’t like having bulky items that stick out like a sore thumb in my home. It’s been really nice having this air purifier since it blends in like an extension of rustic decor. While I’m loving this design, there are two others shoppers can add to cart: a moody navy color or a simple white color for the minimalists out there.

Design features aside, this has been a great air purifier straight out the gate. I noticed immediately how quietly it operates, and I can hardly tell that it's on—even if I’m on the phone or in a meeting. It also has a sleep mode setting that sounds more like white noise, so it can essentially act as a two-in-one sound machine and air purifier if you like soft background noise to catch some z’s. It will also provide visual cues on air quality with four light settings that indicate when you’re veering into an unhealthy zone post-cooking or using cleaning products. I keep the air purifier in auto mode and the fan speeds adjust as needed based on the air quality. I notice that cooking smells are quickly a thing of the past when this is on, as it just takes a matter of minutes to clear the air. It also boasts three-in-one technology that’s designed to take 99.97% of even the smallest pollen particles out of the air.

Fair warning: This air purifier is pretty heavy to lift (about 20 pounds) because of the included hardware and there isn’t an actual handle attached to it, so be mindful of where you unbox this appliance so you don’t strain yourself to move it around the house. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a newer to the home appliance scene, this air purifier is easy to operate. You can even use the Windmill app that allows you to turn it on or off, schedule it, track the air quality in your home, and more.

The bottom line: The Windmill Air Purifier is the best of both worlds: a design-friendly appliance as well as a cleaning machine to keep your air as clear as possible. The price is a little steeper than some of our other favorites in this list, but for the quality, I’d say it’s worth it. You can also find it at a discount during sale events, which tend to pop up frequently throughout the year at retailers like Amazon and Wayfair.

Amazon

Upsides

Great at reducing dust in a space, affordable

Downsides

Not very design-friendly

Specs

Tester: Andrea Lewis, assistant to the global editorial director

My space: I have allergies and live in an old building that generates dust easily, so I am very sensitive to air quality. This makes me particularly focused on reducing allergens and dust in my living space; especially in my bedroom, which is smaller and where the air is noticeably less fresh.

Area coverage: The Clorox Smart Medium Room Air Purifier is designed for medium-sized rooms. It works best in spaces up to 1,000 square feet, but it can clean the air up to five times per hour in a room as small as 225 square feet, which is ideal for my needs.

Filter replacements: In terms of replacement filters, the Clorox 12030 Medium Room Replacement Filter is what’s recommended and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. It’s straightforward to swap out, ensuring the air purifier runs at optimal efficiency.

My experience: The purifier runs quietly, which is a bonus for using it in a bedroom like I do. It has a three-stage filtration system with a 360° design, including a True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of allergens and particulates, along with viruses and bacteria. I especially appreciate the smart features, such as Alexa voice integration, which allows me to control the device with my voice or the app. The real-time air quality feedback with a color-coded display is also incredibly useful. Overall, the Clorox air purifier has performed exceptionally well in reducing dust in my space—I’ve even noticed that I don’t need to vacuum as often.

The bottom line: I recommend this air purifier, especially to those with allergies or concerns about dust and air quality in their homes. It’s effective, smart, and well worth the price for peace of mind and fresher air.

Amazon

Rabbit Air

Upsides

Multiple designs to choose from, six-stage filtration system

Downsides

Pricey

Specs

Tester: Steven John, contributor

The space: I got our home’s first air purifier back in 2018, hoping it would help scrub the air of some pollen and pet dander (first a Molekule Air Pro, then adding an ALEN Breathesmart to the mix). Then 2020 hit. By the summer of 2020, we had six or seven air purifiers running in the house at all times. Today, most of our air purifiers have been donated, and I’m back to being primarily concerned with pollen, pets, dust, and smoke (a problem that is only going to get worse in the foreseeable future) when it comes to indoor air quality.

Area coverage: The A3 Ultra Quiet is rated to fully refresh the air in a space measuring 1,030 square feet, twice per hour. Though do note that, as with all air purifiers, its effective coverage size is considered to be smaller for allergy sufferers.

Filter replacements: You can buy filter replacements here for just under $100. While many air purifier filters need to be swapped out every six months, this one can last up to two years.

My experience: My first thought on powering on the A3 is that Rabbit Air isn’t kidding then they say this air purifier is quiet. In fact, when set to a “silent” operating speed, it’s literally quieter than a whisper. And at night, thanks to a built-in light sensor, it reduces its lights (which can change color to represent air quality in real time) fading away into a dim, barely-audible device one could easily forget was even there.

In terms of actually using the device, it’s an easy setup and familiarization process. You can pretty much start using it right out of the box—all you need to do is discard the packing materials and then pop the front panel off the air purifier, exposing the filters inside that need to have protective film removed. On the control panel, you will find air quality indicators, filter status info, and your Wi-Fi connectivity status.

Because this is a fully smart air purifier that you can control remotely in real time via a phone or tablet app, you can also get all the info you’d ever want about your indoor air quality via the Rabbit Air app, available for download at both the Google Play and Apple app stores.

The bottom line: When the Rabbit Air A3 is running, the air in your home will be cleaner—you can count on that based on the intense testing and product comparisons the company runs, not to mention the five-year warranty offered. You can also tell the air is cleaner because it will smell that way, and I don’t just mean a reduction in unwanted odors (though that’s a welcome fact here)—I mean you will literally experience the odor of fresher air, much like going outdoors on a clear, breezy day. (Read Steven’s full review of the Rabbit AIR A3)

Amazon

Upsides

Sleek, minimalist style, quiet operation

Downsides

Doesn’t come with a remote or app

Specs

Tester: Lori Keong, associate commerce director

My space: I was first introduced to the Coway Airmega 150 in a time of actual dire need: The New York City skies were blanketed with wildfire smoke wafting in from Canada in the summer of 2023, and I desperately wanted something to clear the air of ash particulates entering my small one-bedroom home. Throughout that week and beyond, the small but mighty Airmega 150 (the brand’s entry-level option) has been a lifesaver.

Area coverage: This air purifier is designed to clean spaces up to 214 square feet in just over 12 minutes and up to 518 square feet in 30 minutes. I use it in the living room of my 500ish-square-foot apartment and even when it’s dealing with something noxious like bleach, it will usually only take up to 20 minutes to clear chemicals and foul smells. Cooking smells might linger on, FYI, so this isn’t a cure-all for that sort of thing, but I find it most effective with especially potent odors (like candles and cleaning products).

Filter replacements: Two sets of replacement filters cost $40. The manufacturer recommends replacing the odor filter every six months and the HEPA filter once a year (and the device will remind you when you need to make those changes), though I’ve found that vacuuming the pre-filter helps with stretching that window of time between filter changes even further.

My experience: I picked it because of its stylish Dieter Rams–esque design. It looks more like a speaker than a traditional cylindrical air purifier, which I love, and works really well, too, without needing a lot of maintenance.

Over the year or so that I’ve owned it, it has helped immensely with keeping my small apartment free of cooking smells, the cigarette smoke that wafts in from the apartment downstairs (don’t ask), and generally helping clean up some of the dust that seems to accumulate there readily. It’s also fairly quiet unless your air levels have set off one of the more intensive settings programmed—a color-coded system (blue, green, yellow, and red) tells you just how bad your current air quality is. It helpfully includes a HEPA air filter, odor filter, and pre-filter, and though it doesn’t come with a remote or app for switching things up from afar, I kinda love not having to think about a whole ’nother piece of equipment.

Bottom line: I would wholeheartedly recommend this air purifier to anyone looking for a budget air purifier that won’t cramp your style. This one has been a pretty invaluable addition to my home.

Wayfair

Amazon

Blueair

Upsides

Energy-efficient, streamlined two-button design

Downsides

Some shoppers say it’s loud on the third setting

Specs

Tester: Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor

My space: My living situation is absolutely rife with dust: I live in a century-old apartment building right next to an elevated subway track with two wonderful cats, and their not-so-wonderful litter boxes. Our gas stove is hood-less and sits right next to our gas-powered washer-dryer. Beyond all of that, my partner and I have a penchant for buying dusty antiques nearly every time we leave the city.

Area coverage: The Blue Pure 411i Max is optimized for “small spaces,” touting a suggested range of 219–526 square feet. I tested it in my 13x13 living/dining room (which clocks in well below the maximum square footage).

Filter replacements: Blueair offers 2 options for filter replacements: A single filter for $39.99, or a two-pack with a replacement subscription for $50.98. Each filter lasts 6-9 months, and the Blueair app alerts you when it is time to switch over to a new one.

My experience: I hate downloading apps onto my phone. And I especially hate appliances that are rendered useless without their accompanying app. Thankfully, the Blue Pure Max 411i works its magic with or without it (the app is an optional addition for some extra functionality).

In the app (I downloaded it for testing purposes), you can create a schedule, set the purifier to automatically switch modes at different times of the day, set a “child lock,” and change the brightness of the LED display (a perfect feature for people with purifiers in the bedroom). Beyond changing settings, the app gives an overview of the level of air pollution in your space and alerts the user when it is time to change filters. While I can’t say I’ve noticed a palpable difference in the quality of the air in my apartment, I’m sure the HEPA filter is removing plenty of imperceptible pollutants. That peace of mind is good enough for me!

What I would change: In a perfect world, I would be able to find a purifier that blends in with my collection of midcentury furniture, rather than one that screams “I AM AN AIR PURIFIER”—but alas. When it comes to aesthetics, the Blueair models are totally fine, and better than most–they’re sleek and minimal, and likely blend in more easily with modern decor.

For a purifier specifically aimed at small spaces, the Blue Max 411i is not exactly miniature. At 19 inches tall, with a 10-inch diameter, it’s a tad bulky, especially when placed in an optimal location for purifying.

The bottom line: Overall, I am very happy to have this purifier in my space! In the age of global pandemics and unpredictable environmental factors, we can all stand to benefit from some cleaner air. Though slightly bulky, the Blue Max 411i is extremely easy to use, relatively affordable, and almost completely inaudible. For me, it’s a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it air quality solution!

Amazon

Coway

Upsides

Night light setting, effectively reduces pet dander

Downsides

Not very design-forward

Specs

Tester: Lila Allen, AD PRO associate director

My space: As long as I’ve lived in New York City, I’ve struggled with a general feeling of ick around my home. Dust, pollen (especially during open-window season), and pollution from traffic have all been challenges. And with a cat in the mix, there’s also pet dander, fur, and litter box odors to contend with. Diligent cleaning gets me pretty far, but doesn’t resolve all of these issues.

Area coverage: This model covers up to 810 square feet in an hour. I focused it in one area of my home—the bedroom—where pet odors and pollution were the biggest blights.

Filter replacements: A replacement filter runs just shy of $40. Filters last for up to a year, and Coway recommends vacuuming them periodically. I didn’t need to replace mine during my testing window, but it’s very easy to swap out whenever it comes time—you just flip the unit upside down, untwist the top, pull out the old filter, and slide in your new one.

My experience: The Airmega 100 runs right about the size of a breadbox, at 15 1/2" tall and a diameter of 8 3/4". The cylindrical body (which intakes air from all directions) is inoffensive, if slightly conspicuous—it’s solid white, with functions integrated into a touchpad on a black top. An indicator detects particulate matter down to 2.5 microns, telling you about the state of your space in real time and illuminating blue when air quality is good, green when it’s moderate, orange when it’s unhealthy, and pink when it’s very unhealthy (which thankfully I never saw!). Airflow can adjust automatically based on air quality by using the device’s “Smart Mode.” If you’re bothered by glowing lights at night, good news: This model offers an amber-hued “night light” setting, or you can turn off lit features entirely.

I tested this model over the course of about six months and definitely noticed a reduction in pet odors and dust during that time. (Bragging rights: I was told that the dust and dander in my room was “not bad at all” for someone with a cat by my movers this summer! I attribute that at least in part to this device.) The Airmega uses a three-stage system, with a vacuumable pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a deodorization filter combining to clean and de-stinkify your room.

The bottom line: This was a great product, and I think the price (around $130 at full retail) is fair for what you get. I’ve used other air purifiers where I’ve had to change filters all the time, so having one where I could “set it and forget it” was a plus. This unit is a solid option for someone living in an apartment and dealing with similar issues—mold, pollution, pet dander, and so on—or looking to neutralize some less-than-pleasant funk in a small to medium-sized space.

Amazon

Upsides

Affordable, app compatibility

Downsides

Bulky

Specs

Tester: Rebecca Grambone, social media manager

My space: No matter how much I dust my bedroom in my apartment, the wood floors always seem to get dusty the next day. I live with two other roommates and my bedroom is attached to a hallway that we all are constantly walking through to get to the bathroom or the laundry area. I’ve realized recently that having a bedroom near a “high traffic” area of the apartment may be the culprit behind my dust issue, especially if people are walking through after having been outside.

Area coverage: The effective range of the air purifier is 403 square feet and can be used in larger areas, however purification will take longer. I used it in my bedroom, which is approximately 12 feet by 13.

Filter replacements: The filter replacements for this particular model cost around $50. I haven’t had to replace my filter yet since it lasts about 12 months. However, when you first take the air purifier out of its delivery packaging, you have to remove the filter from a plastic covering and place it back in the purifier. I found this process super simple since all you have to do is twist the bottom portion of the purifier off, remove the filter, put the cleaned filter (or a new one) back in, and then twist the bottom portion back on.

My experience: After about a week using the air purifier in my bedroom (along with regular dusting), I noticed that I wasn’t waking up with puffy eyes anymore. This may sound cliché, but the air in my room felt crisper and definitely cleaner. I specifically liked the Auto Mode feature that adjusts the fan settings automatically based on the current air quality in the room. I also appreciated the Sleep Mode feature that keeps the air purifier operating quietly by using an ultra low fan speed, this way I could use it throughout the night without the sound disrupting my sleep. I found it interesting that this air purifier has a 3-Stage Filtration system: The first is a pre-filter that captures larger particles such as dust and pet fur, the second is a H13 True HEPA filter that “captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size,” and the third is a custom high-efficiency activated carbon filter that absorbs smoke, odors, and fumes. Each of these filters also serves the purpose of maximizing the filter’s life which I find makes this purifier a good investment.

I was also impressed with other high-tech features such as the VeSync app, which allows you to control the air purifier from your smartphone by connecting it through Bluetooth. Having access to the app allows you to easily view the air quality in the room you have the air purifier set up in with words like “good” or “very good.” You can also view the air purifier’s filter life, as well as set up features such as “Auto Clean,” which turns the air purifier on automatically when the air quality is bad and “Auto Stop,” which automatically turns the air purifier off when the air quality is good. I also found it helpful that the app lets you view how long you’ve had the air purifier running as well as how much air has been purified. You can visibly see the job getting done!

For someone who really isn’t that tech savvy, I found everything to be easily accessible. Sometimes products add all this extra tech just as a bonus, but I truly felt that each and every tech feature that this air purifier had to offer was functional and beneficial.

What I would change: One downside of this air filter is that it’s definitely on the larger and bulkier side and you definitely need to have the space for it, especially since the manual recommends keeping it 15 inches from anything surrounding it.

The bottom line: Overall, I found this air purifier very effective! I would recommend this specific product to anyone who is looking for more of a high-tech option that will definitely get the job done. However, you definitely have to have the space for it, as it is not a sleek and sexy option compared to other air purifiers on the market that are on the pricier side.

Sans

Amazon

Upsides

Lightweight, auto-cleaning, UV light self-sterilization

Downsides

Some shoppers note that it has trouble controlling dust

Specs

Tester: Sophia Herring, contributor

My space: My boyfriend is a smoker so the air quality isn’t always the best in the apartment. I usually kick him out when he wants a smoke but regardless, the smell lingers. I’m super sensitive to everything: I’m asthmatic and allergic to pollen, plus intensely allergic to dust. Whenever I sleep in an old house, I can feel it the next morning. I wake up very congested.

Area coverage: The purifier has air coverage up to 1,560 square feet every hour, or 780 square feet every half hour. I have mine in the living room which has a square footage of about 800 square feet.

Filter replacements: You will be alerted when it’s time to replace the filter and each provides about three months of continuous use. Replacements cost $40 and slip right in so it’s super easy.

My experience: This purifier is an amazing find. The design is super unobtrusive and fits seamlessly in front of a white wall without much visual obstruction. It’s also very quiet—so much so that I frequently forget it’s there.

I appreciate it most whenever we cook, and the fumes and smoke fill up the living room (since our kitchen is windowless and relatively unventilated). Each time, the Sans blinks and signals an upward motion, telling us where the air impurities were. It has a HEPA 13 medical grade filter, which is said to remove 99.97% of air bacteria. Within no time, it clears the smells and the fumes. It’s particularly amazing in winter, when the last thing you want to do is keep the windows open for the freezing cold air to clear everything out.

The bottom line: For those who are willing to splurge on a durable purifier to stand the test of time, I definitely recommend it (I would love for it to come in different sizes someday!). The filtration system is really high-end, and the quietness is not something you always get with purifiers. It also has a bunch of other great qualities such as auto-cleaning, UV light self-sterilization, and an air quality display to keep you in the know. Although not all of this is needed, having it has been a very welcome added bonus.

Amazon

Molekule

Upsides

Quiet operation, artistic design

Downsides

Expensive replacement filters

Specs

Tester: Steven John, contributor

My space: We have two cats that shed heavily and we often burn candles. We also cook most every meal at home, and while the range is vented, invariably some gas enters the air, as it does from our natural gas-burning fireplace in the winter.

Area coverage: The Molekule Air Pro is rated to cover 1,000 square feet of space in homes with eight-foot ceilings. Our ceilings are nine feet on the main floor, so we used our Molekule in tandem with another air purifier, setting it up in a den right of the kitchen. We placed another air purifier from a different brand in the living room, but the Molekule did the heavy lifting with gas and fumes to contend with.

Filter replacements: The Air Pro’s replacement filter is quite pricey, at $174.99 for a one-time purchase or $139.99 with a subscription, and the company recommends replacement every six months. Changing the PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter is very easy, at least: It involves a quick rotation and lifting up on the top of the unit and then just popping the filter out.

My experience: Perhaps my favorite thing about each air purifier that Molekule has released is the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing. So many air purifiers are large, clunky, and are just general eyesores. This one is sleek, tall and slim, and almost artistic. I also always appreciated how quietly it worked, remaining at something like a steady whisper even at higher power. The PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter caught dust and particles with great efficacy, reducing the amount of dust in our den, kitchen, and adjacent hallways, and I always loved how the air coming out of the Air Pro literally smelled cleaner; it smelled faintly sweet, the way pure oxygen does. Frankly, the only change I wish could be made to the Molekule Air Pro is a reduction of the high cost of the replacement filters. Even with a regular subscription, they’re expensive, and that subscription may not even meet the timing you actually need in your home.

The bottom line: I would strongly recommend the Molekule Air Pro air purifier to anyone who wants cleaner air and is concerned with aesthetics. If someone had a place they could put their air purifier totally out of sight, then I would have to recommend one with lower priced replacement parts, though.

Amazon

Dyson

Upsides

Cooling, heating, and air purification, remote control and app compatibility for ease of use

Downsides

Noisy

Specs

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My space: I’m always looking for ways to protect myself from anything that could flare up my eczema and dust allergies, but once pollen gets thrown into the mix, all bets are off. While I do a pretty good job of catching the visible aggressors with dusting and vacuuming around my house, it’s difficult to monitor microscopic allergens and airborne contaminants, so I’m usually left sniffling or itching during transitional seasons.

Area coverage: Dyson’s Purifier Hot+Cool is great for medium to large rooms and can easily cover an area of up to 315 square ft (2860 cubic feet) if not more, according to tests conducted by Dyson. I kept mine in my bedroom, which is about 170 square feet.

Filter replacements: Filter replacements run about $80 from Dyson, though cheaper alternatives do exist from outlets like Amazon (just know these off-brand versions have been reported to work to varying degrees). The filters easily snap into the chamber-like base of the purifier and Dyson recommends replacing your filters when you’re alerted by the app or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

My experience: In addition to a small remote control, there’s also the Wifi-enabled Dyson Link app, which you can download to your smart device. I usually detest having to download an app to get the most out of my tech and appliances, though the Link app made setup a breeze; plus, if you own more Dyson home products it’s easy to manage them all in one place.

The purifier itself works like a dream, and I noticed within a week of use that I felt noticeably less congested. The intuitive device uses a 360° filtration system that implements a combination of activated carbon to remove potentially harmful gases and odors from the air and a HEPA H13 filter to capture 99.97% of particles. I appreciated that the Hot+Cold has an auto mode, which continuously monitors room temperature and indoor air quality, while also running the fan or heat to the degree of your choosing.

When you first turn on the purifier, it immediately starts assessing the surrounding air quality, and you can monitor any fluctuations in general air quality, particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10), volatile organic compounds usually from air sprays or aerosol (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), as well as temperature and humidity. I was particularly fond of this feature and frequently looked at these charts to see how the levels would rise or decrease over long periods of time.

Visually, the Dyson purifier definitely grabs attention with its sleek, modern design—a big draw to me when incorporating it into my space. Noise was never something that bothered me, though it emits louder sounds when the fan/heater is on a higher level or if it’s working to clean the air in a more polluted space. Besides its impressive air purification skills, the device doubles and triples as an oscillating smart fan and heater with adjustable airflow which I became hugely hooked on during winter (on account of some drafty windows in my room). With the ability to set your desired temperature, the heater can make a closed space feel noticeably warmer in very little time (my room size is average and I would say it took under 10 minutes).

The bottom line: I really love this air purifier because I can feel and see it working (via the app). At $650 a pop, this air purifier is definitely a splurge. Are there other air purifiers out there that work just as well at a lower price point? Probably—but I would say it’s the combination of a high-quality air purifier, fan, and heater that make this one worth its price.

Shark

Amazon

Upsides

Cleans large spaces, oscillating design

Downsides

Some shoppers note that it uses a lot of energy

Specs

Tester: Mel Studach, AD PRO senior editor

My space: While I love the charming architectural details of my prewar rental in New York, I don’t necessarily love the old gas range and dated ventilation that came with it. My biggest air quality concerns generally come to mind when I’m cooking, so I always keep a nearby window open.

Area coverage: Shark’s 3-in-1 unit is great for medium-to-large rooms, as it promises a purifying capacity of up to 500 square feet. I keep the system in my kitchen, which has an open floor plan that connects to the living room.

Filter replacements: The air purification system uses a Nanoseal HEPA filter with Microban, which costs $69.99 on Shark’s website to replace. The company recommends changing the filter every six months for the best results, and doing so is super simple—just open the back of the base, snap the new piece in place, then reset the filter life on the remote by holding down the air icon for a few seconds.

My experience: Setting up the system took only a few minutes thanks to the brand’s straightforward directions that are strategically placed on the unit itself. The air purifier comes with a Nanoseal HEPA filter with Microban, which traps 99.98% of large, small, and micro-size particles. Should you be the type of person who gets great pleasure out of cleaning, you might also enjoy the unit’s Clean Sense IQ monitor, which measures particle sizes (of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) in real time.

There are several features I found to be worthwhile with the air purifier. For starters, it’s so quiet you might even forget it’s in your space—a huge benefit for a room that has to serve multiple functions, from at-home office to entertaining hub. I also like that the system comes with a remote control, so I can adjust the settings or swap functions from anywhere in the room.

Overall, the system’s intuitive design has been a breeze to use, and I’m happy with its performance in my home. I also appreciate that I now have a greater understanding of my space: The air purifier’s visual tracking of the air quality in the room allows me to be more aware of my surroundings, alleviating any concerns of airborne allergens.

What I would change: My only critique is a visual one: Because most of the walls in my apartment are white, I wish I would have gotten the white version so it would blend in with my space more. My mistake!

The bottom line: At $400, the unit is on the mid-to-high range pricing, but I found it to be worth it for the added benefits (and convenient consolidation!) of a heater and fan.

Our editors and writers live with their air purifiers and test them for a matter of weeks in order to gauge the full effects of each device. When selecting products, we took into account factors such as size, noise (ranging from whisper-quiet decibels of 6dB up to 60dB), coverage range, design, and price (including long-term costs of replacing filters). We also inquired within our testing pool about their current environments and how they hoped an air purifier would improve their home life. Several of our reviewers live with pets, have asthma or allergies, or were hoping the devices would keep areas like the kitchen and bedroom fume-free.

To come to our final list, we focused on finds that feature HEPA filters. We dive more into these filters below, but to briefly explain, they trap small particles like dust, mold, and pollen through a maze-like design. We also removed air purifiers we featured previously in this story that had middling reviews compared to others on the list, or were just outclassed by newer, better looking options in this guide.

There are three primary ways to check your air quality. If you want to go the free route, you can use your phone’s built-in weather app to check the AQI (Air Quality Index) of your location. It won’t be exact, especially if your windows are closed, but it’s an okay estimate. For a more specific air quality reading, you can purchase an air quality monitor (we found a bunch on Amazon starting from $36). Otherwise, if you have an air purifier already, there’s a good chance it has a screen or connected app that will tell you the CADR rating (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of your space.

According to the US Environmental Protective Agency, a wildfire and the smoke and ash it emits can cause health risks, even if you remain indoors. Aside from smoke gases, the biggest health risk stems from the smoke’s fine particles. These can get in the eyes and respiratory system and cause issues like burning eyes, runny nose, and bronchitis. For those with preexisting conditions, the fine particles might cause chronic heart and lung disease flare-ups.

The most common way wildfire smoke can enter a home is through natural ventilation, typically through open windows and doors. Otherwise, it can make its way inside through mechanical ventilation devices (like HVAC systems) and small openings or cracks that might be around closed windows.

Using an air purifier is one of the most effective ways to protect your air quality from a wildfire. The EPA notes that it’s important for the air purifier to be sized for the room that you will use it in to ensure it can clean the necessary coverage area. Keep it in a spot where people frequent the most and run it on the highest fan speed as often as possible, the EPA adds. However, even if you are using an air purifier, check your community’s air quality index and warnings to confirm it is safe to stay in your area.

An HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter installed is also helpful to remove particles from the air. The EPA team recommends running it on the fastest mode possible by using “On” instead of “Auto” to improve poor air quality. Also, check your HVAC or air purifier filter often and change it when it looks dirty.

Here are other helpful reminders to keep in mind, according to the EPA:

You might not know that there are actually a handful of different kinds of air purifiers. The primary aim of each is the same: to filter out allergens, mold spores, smoke, VOCs, and other particulate matter. You can find UV purifiers, which use ultraviolet rays to sanitize surfaces. There are also activated carbon, ionization, and HEPA air purifiers—the last of which is most common for personal use.

Most of these machines are on the smaller side and only purify one room, while other air purifiers work larger spaces. Some HEPA purifiers come with a carbon filter, and vice versa. In fact, many different types of air purifiers use HEPA technology.

Now that you know some of our favorite air purifiers, it’s your turn to go shopping. Whether you stick with one of our top picks or branch out, these are the things we recommend keeping in mind when choosing an air purifier.