Whether you live in an area with poor air quality, have been affected by smoke from the recent wildfires, or just wake up with a scratchy throat and nose, investing in an air purifier could make a big difference in your life. as it can help improve the quality of the air circulating through the house.
As the name suggests, air purifiers remove airborne particles (smoke, dust, bacteria, or pollen) and keep airflow going, reducing symptoms like itchy eyes or dryness. throat.
Keeping the air from going stale can help those struggling with allergies or asthma breathe easier.
Air purifiers have filters that should be replaced regularly, based on the manufacturer's recommendations, to ensure that you are receiving the maximum benefit.
And while they are recommended for everyone, air purifiers are most often used for infants and the elderly, groups that are more susceptible to harmful allergens and other pollutants.
Although they may seem expensive - many options will cost a few hundred dollars - we think the investment is well worth it when considering the potential health benefits.
If you've decided it's time to invest in cleaner, healthier air, we've searched the internet and assembled a list of top-notch options in a variety of sizes and price ranges.
In our research we found that many air purifiers are running low, so act fast before they do too.
Best Air Purifier for Smoke
Medify MA-40W V2.0 Medical Grade Filtration H13 True HEPA Air Purifier ($ 270, originally $ 349;
amazon.com
)
The Medify Air purifier is built with medical grade H13 filters, which are actually rated higher than True HEPA filters.
With three stages of filtration, it promises to remove 99.9% of all particulates, plus this purifier can clean rooms up to 1,600 square feet in one hour, although its recommended use is in rooms 800 square feet or less.
The filter lasts 2,500 hours before you need to change it, and the purifier itself has four fan speeds and a sleep mode that gives you maximum control over your air quality.
Austin Air HealthMate Room Air Purifier with HEPA Filter ($ 594.99;
wayfair.com
)
With 99.98% efficiency at removing particles as small as 0.3 microns and 95% efficiency at removing particles 0.1 microns and smaller, this Austin Air air purifier is a good option.
It can clean the air in rooms up to 1,500 square feet and has a 360-degree air intake system to capture and purify all dirty air.
It's available in two colors right now, black and sandstone, and it's equipped with a three-speed fan control.
Best for allergies
Honeywell PowerPlus True HEPA ($ 269;
homedepot.com
)
This Honeywell air purifier uses certified HEPA filters that capture up to 99.97% of microscopic allergens of 0.3 microns or less and have been shown to help reduce up to 99.9% of certain viruses, bacteria and spores airborne mold (although it has not been tested for pathogenic viruses or their ability to reduce Covid-19).
This purifier has a built-in air quality indicator that continuously monitors and displays the air quality, so you know when it's working.
Plus, it has an automatic cleaning mode that will adjust your cleaning level based on the air quality reading, so you won't have to worry about fiddling with fan speeds.
The best air purifier for large homes
Medify Air MA-112 V2.0 Super CADR 950 H13 True HEPA Air Purifier ($ 495;
amazon.com
)
This monster of an air purifier from Medify Air has a massive 3,700 square foot coverage area.
Built with H13 True HEPA medical grade filtration, 3-stage filtration on both sides, it's a behemoth at cleaning the air in any room, no matter how big.
The purifier also comes with a touch screen panel, four fan speeds, a sleep mode, and an ionizer function that can be turned on or off.
Germ Guardian Air Purifier ($ 178.88, originally $ 299.99;
amazon.com
)
This air purifier can filter all the air in a room up to 338 square feet four times an hour, making it a solid option for medium to large areas of your home.
It has a three-stage filtration process that includes a charcoal pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a UV-C light to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or more from the air.
Best for rooms with babies
Pure Enrichment PureZone Halo Air Purifier ($ 79.99, originally $ 99.99;
amazon.com
)
With two-stage air purification, this smaller purifier can disinfect 99.97% of dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and household odors.
In addition, it has lights that can give a pleasant atmosphere or act as a night light for children.
Best Air Purifier for Pets
Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet True HEPA Air Purifier ($ 224.99;
amazon.com
)
Equipped with smart sensors, this air purifier from Winix is perfect for pet owners.
With a HEPA filter, a washable pre-filter, an advanced carbon filter and Winix PlasmaWave technology, it can capture 99.97% of airborne pollutants, pet dander, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
It also has a display that shows the air quality in real time with LED lights.
The best air purifier for apartments
Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier Filtration with True HEPA Filter ($ 89.99;
homedepot.com
)
With three speed settings and a three-stage filtration system that includes a True HEPA filter, this purifier is perfect for smaller apartments or rooms.
At just 14.5 inches tall, it can even fit on your desk.
Cleans the air in a room up to 129 square feet and does not use any UV light or ions.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Cryptomic ($ 749.99;
dyson.com
)
The brand known for its vacuum cleaners also makes air purifiers.
This small fan combines heating and cooling functions with a glass and activated carbon HEPA filter and Dyson's own Cryptomic technology.
The fan automatically detects airborne particles and gases, oscillates up to 350 degrees for complete room coverage, and even has a night mode that uses its quietest settings with a dimmed screen.
You can also link your purifier with the Dyson Link app so you can monitor your air quality in real time.
Honeywell HEPA Tabletop Air Purifier ($ 56.21;
amazon.com
)
This Honeywell air purifier uses HEPA type filters to capture up to 99% of allergens as small as 2 microns in the air.
It doesn't capture particles as small as many of our other picks but this compact unit can fit on a nightstand.
Best Air Purifier for Budget-minded Homes
GermGuardian Full Room ($ 89.99;
amazon.com
)
For a more affordable option, consider this selection from GermGuardian.
It's great for large rooms, and it captures dust and allergens like pet dander and pollen.
Highly rated by Amazon.
Hamilton Beach TrueAir ($ 57.03;
amazon.com
)
The cheapest option on our list, this purifier is small enough to leave on your desk or on your kitchen counter, but it may not be able to filter your entire home, making it ideal for a smaller space.
Your filter can be easily cleaned, so you don't have to buy replacement filters, and it costs less than $ 60.
The best for offices
2-in-1 Pure Enrichment PureZone Breeze Tabletop Air Purifier ($ 59.99, originally $ 69.99;
amazon.com
)
Equipped with a True HEPA filter and a two-stage filtration process, this purifier from Pure Enrichment disinfects the air from 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke and other household odors.
Its portable size makes it perfect for your work from home setting.
Plus, it's cheaper than many of the other purifiers on this list that have True HEPA filters.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cold Air Purifier, Heater + Fan ($ 649.99;
amazon.com
)
Another option from Dyson, this fan purifies while offering heating and cooling functions, and can be controlled by your voice if you pair it with an Alexa device.
It's incredibly convenient and its sleek and beautiful design will fit perfectly in any home office.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.