Experience relief from chronic asthma by improving air quality in your home with these top air purifiers.
Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. Cleanroom Systems International
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Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments and can cause serious health problems, including respiratory diseases, fatigue, and headaches. Air purifiers may help remove common allergens like mold from the air, providing relief for people with allergies or chronic asthma. They can also aid in removing harmful particles in the air caused by smoke, which can occur in times of wildfires.
While air purifiers can eliminate up to 99.97% of air particles (which can drastically improve the air quality of your home), it's important to note that even the best air purifiers can't completely remove all mold spores or particles from the air. Stanley Fineman, MD, a board-certified allergist and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology spokesperson, says mold results from humidity or moisture issues. Air filtration is generally not considered effective against removing mold. Humidity and moisture remediation is best at handling this type of problem. However, if smoke, allergens, and mold are a serious concern, having the added support of an air purifier is a good idea. We tested over 40 air purifiers from the top brands in our lab. Every purifier that made our list has a true HEPA filter, which is necessary for helping remove particles and mold spores from the air. We specifically tested how well each purifier on this list removed pet hair and smoke from the air, making them great for people allergic to animals or living in areas that experience wildfire smoke. In addition to their ability to improve air quality, we evaluated each model based on how easy it was to set up, how user-friendly (and aesthetically pleasing) the design was, noise level, additional features, and value. We also had a board-certified allergist/immunologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
In our test, the Levoit 400S ranked best overall after impressing us with its ability to quickly and effectively purify the air in a large room. The three-stage HEPA filtration system removed 99% of impurities in our test. In addition, the filter is designed to last up to six months before needing to be replaced. However, you should still clean the pre-filter every 2 to 4 weeks.
The Levoit also features a five-speed fan, which can be set to run quietly during sleep. You can manually set the fan speed or let the purifier do it automatically based on the room's air quality. When set to Auto Mode, the fan speeds up when it recognizes allergens or other pollutants in the air and then returns to a lower setting once the air is clean. There's also a Sleep Mode that lowers the fan speed and noise level to whisper-quiet operation—something we really appreciated.
We also loved the smart features of the Levoit, including the app and Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility. As we tested, we noted that the app is very user-friendly and easy to set up. There, you can see the current air quality in the room, set a schedule for the purifier to run, and get filter replacement notifications.
Overall, we were very impressed with the Levoit's smart capabilities, aesthetic design, and performance. It was also noted as very well-built yet lightweight and easy to move from room to room. We think the price tag is worth it if you plan to use the purifier in a large space and want the ability to control it hands-free or while you're away from home.
The pre-filter requires regular maintenance and cleaning every 2 to 4 weeks.
If you're looking for an air purifier with a built-in humidifier, we think the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde is a great option. This all-in-one unit removed 99% of airborne pollutants in 10 minutes when set to the highest mode in our test.
The Dyson purifier features a unique catalytic HEPA filter that captures pollutants and bacteria—and also has an activated carbon layer to remove gases and odors. It comes with a remote control to adjust the fan speed, fan direction, oscillating feature, and mode (auto and night) from anywhere in the room. The unit also features a display detailing indoor air quality and filter life. And the Dyson app allows you to monitor air quality, humidity, temperature, and pollutants in your home.
We found this purifier to be very effective at removing air pollutants and appreciated the humidifier feature. The unit is quiet on lower settings and gets louder as you turn up the fan speed—similar to a small fan on high. We also noted some difficulty during set-up and filter replacement but found the included set-up video helpful.
As the most expensive option on our list, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde isn't for everyone. It costs more than $900 at the time of publication, so it's a significant investment. However, its ability to remove pollutants while adding moisture to the air makes it an ideal all-in-one solution—especially if you live in a small space or don't have room for extra appliances.
While the humidifier is a bonus, it comes with a hefty price tag, and the increased moisture can provide an environment for dust mites (another common allergen).
A simple yet effective option, the Toppin Comfy Air C2 Purifier is a great choice for those on a budget or who aren't interested in the advanced features and smart capabilities of some other options on our list. Despite its low price tag, this air purifier effectively removed 99 percent of airborne particles when set to the highest mode in our test. It features a 3-in-1 filtration system with a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and HEPA filter.
The purifier also features a low-noise operation, making it perfect for use in bedrooms or other areas where a loud purifier would be disturbing. However, we did find the noise level to be rather noticeable for its size when on the highest setting. While it lacks the bells and whistles, such as app control and voice activation, we noted how easy it was to set up and use right out of the box. The touch control panel allows you to switch between three fan settings, adjust display lighting, and set a timer for specific run times. A filter life indicator lets you know when to replace the filter.
While testing, we found this purifier very lightweight and easy to move around the home. Its compact size makes it a good option for small spaces—the purifier covers an area of up to 215 square feet. Overall, the Toppin is a great budget-friendly option that performs well.
There aren't any smart capabilities or advanced features with this purifier—it's a no-frills option.
The Dyson TP07 is a high-end air purifier that doubles as a fan. The purifier features a 360-degree HEPA filter and activated carbon filter that removed 99% of airborne pollutants on the highest mode in our test. The unit also has a built-in 0-to-350-degree oscillation fan that circulates clean, cool air throughout the room.
The Dyson TP07 was quick to set up in testing—taking just under five minutes. We were thrilled with the improved air quality when putting the Dyson TP07 to the test against smoke and pet hair. We noted that the unit cleared the air above our expectations, and we were amazed that it could clear smoke from the air so quickly.
It was also very quiet—even on the highest fan setting. The unit is controlled via the included remote or the Dyson mobile app, which we found quite user-friendly. Other features worth noting include the night mode—which dims the display and runs the unit on a lower fan setting to minimize noise—and the filter replacement indicator, which lets you know when it's time to replace the filter (every 12 months).
Air quality, humidity, and temperature can be monitored on the LCD screen or in the app. Overall, the Dyson TP07 scored well across all metrics, and we recommend it for the simple fact that the air cleanliness readings improved dramatically after just 5 to 10 minutes of operation.
The unit is on the taller side, measuring 41 inches from base to top.
The Bissell air400 is a large room air purifier that features a three-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter, which was one of the most efficient and effective in our entire test. The unit also has a powerful blower that circulates clean air throughout the room. The Bissell air400 was very straightforward to set up and use in testing. We liked that the unit's instructions were clear and concise.
However, the aesthetics of the unit weren't as pleasing. We noted that it would be hard to tuck this away in a corner without it being very noticeable. While on the larger side, its display was very easy to read and we liked having the buttons for additional features—mode, fan speed, time, and filter reset.
The noise level was another attribute we noted, finding it surprisingly quiet when set to quiet mode. On max, however, the noise was noticeable and potentially bothersome during a conversation. But with multiple fan speed settings—max, high, medium, low, auto, and quiet—we quickly found a happy medium.
The Bissell air400 doesn't have an app, but the display shows the room's air quality using a colored indicator to represent a low, medium, or high level of contamination. During testing, the purifier was compared to an air quality testing device. Despite its bulky appearance, it quickly eliminated 99.7% of air contaminants, making it a great option if you, or someone you live with, have allergies.
The bulkier, boxier design might not complement every home's aesthetic.
The Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier is a small but mighty air purifier with a three-stage filtration system covering up to 178 square feet. The unit is equipped with a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter that work together to remove 97% of airborne contaminants—but it takes a little longer to do so than other models we tested. The 360-degree air intake ensures fresh, clean air is circulated throughout the room.
We liked the minimalist look of the unit and found it very lightweight—less than 3.5 pounds. However, it was noted that the power cord was relatively short, which might limit where you can place the unit in your home. Assembly was quick and easy, and the unit's limited functions—a single button that controls the fan speed and an indicator light for filter changes—are straightforward.
As a smaller unit, the Levoit Core Mini is one of the quietest air purifiers we tested. On low, we could barely hear it running. On high, the noise was still not distracting or bothersome, making it a good option for a small office or bedroom. You can also add essential oils to the diffuser pad for added benefits or to keep your air smelling nice.
Even though it's on the smaller side, the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier could still effectively clean the air during testing, although it performed best when on high. Overall, we think it's a great option for small spaces. And for the price, it's hard to beat.
The power cord is relatively short, limiting where you can place the unit.
For a quieter option, we recommend the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier. This unit features a six-stage filtration system with a pre-filter, bioGS HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and two proprietary filters. Together, these filters removed 99.9% of airborne contaminants in our test, making it the most effective purifier on this list.
However, weighing in at almost 20 pounds, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 is one of the heaviest units we tested. Despite this, we liked having the option to mount it on the wall to free up floor space. In terms of noise, we found it very quiet in silent mode. On high, it measured quieter than most of our top picks—at around 61 decibels (similar to a normal conversation).
This purifier stands out for its smart features and app control. The unit can be controlled via the included remote or the Rabbit Air app, which allows you to monitor the air quality, change fan speed, set a schedule, adjust pollen mode, and change light settings. It's also equipped with an air quality sensor that adjusts the fan speed based on the current level of contamination in the air.
As one of the heavier air purifiers, it may be difficult to move around and install.
This Winix 5500-2 Air Cleaner with Plasma Wave Technology purifier is great for large spaces like living rooms because it's powerful and can clean rooms up to 1,740 square feet in a single hour. Plus, the remote makes it easy to switch speeds from a distance (like while you're on the couch). We loved that it came fully assembled and was easy to get up and running.
We noted that out of all four noise settings, only the highest setting was significantly audible, and even then, we felt it was pretty quiet. If you are a light sleeper, we feel that your sleep wouldn't be disturbed by the noise of this purifier. However, it's worth noting that the LED indicator is quite bright. So, we recommend using this air purifier in your living room, where the light won't disturb your slumber.
The lights on this purifier are pretty bright, which may be bothersome at night.
This air purifier by Blueair was a clear choice for our best odor control pick because it significantly reduced odor and allergens in the air. Our allergies and sense of smell improved after just 30 minutes of using the Blue Pure 411i Max air purifier.
We loved that it was quiet—even on the highest fan setting. The sound of the purifier was barely detectable on the lowest setting. And while the highest setting did have a noticeable whirr, it never disturbed conversation or the sound of a TV in the background.
We also appreciated the multiple light-dimming modes, which made it easy to fall asleep with this purifier in the room. However, it's worth noting that we found it a little challenging to figure out how to switch the light-dimming mode from its bright light to a dark night mode. It may take a little time to get used to using the dimming feature.
Operating the light-dimming modes can be a bit tricky.
The Pure Enrichment PureBaby Kids Bear Air True HEPA Air Purifier was our top pick for nursery air purification. We love that its design features a bear-shaped, magnetically attached panel for easy filter access. This purifier stands out in its category for its effective air purification, user-friendly features, and delightful bear design, making it a perfect, functional addition to any nursery.
The intuitive touch-button interface includes settings for fan speed, timer, UV light, and child lock. The night light, offering seven colors, is ideal for not disturbing a sleeping baby. The purifier's three fan speeds are quiet, even at the highest setting, creating a soothing background sound. The true HEPA filter is cost-effective, needing replacement only every six months, and the UV lamp adds an extra germ-eliminating feature. It offers excellent value, combining high-quality air filtration, ease of use, and a charming design.
While the UV light is intended to enhance germ elimination, it also brings concerns about the disposal of mercury bulbs, which can be environmentally hazardous. If these bulbs break, their contents are toxic, posing a risk. This aspect requires careful handling and awareness, especially in a nursery environment.
To find the best air purifiers for allergies, we tested over 40 models in our lab. Our staffers used a variety of purifiers to assess them for:
We're also continuing to test these air purifiers in our homes to see how well they continue to work after weeks and months of use. We'll update this list with additional observations and findings.
We spoke to experts about what to look for in a great air purifier and who may benefit from purchasing one. Experts we spoke to include:
Most air purifiers on the market use true HEPA filters to remove airborne contaminants. True HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns—including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, smoke, and pet dander.
Kara Wada, MD, allergist, an immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, says HEPA filters have been proven to reduce instances of Aspergillus (a type of mold) infections as they significantly mitigate mold and fungi in the air. According to Dr. Wada, the use of HEPA air purifier fans removes airborne fungi between 1.5 to 6 times faster than without their use.
While true HEPA filters effectively remove these contaminants from the air, they do have some drawbacks. First, they can be costly to replace—depending on the brand, a true HEPA filter can cost anywhere from $15 to $100.
In addition to true HEPA filters, many air purifiers also come with other types of filters. Some common filters include:
This isn't a conclusive list of all the different types of filters available. When choosing an air purifier, it's important to read the product description carefully to see what type of filters it uses and how often they need to be replaced.
The CADR is a measure of an air purifier's ability to remove specific contaminants from the air. It's expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For example, a CADR of 250 for smoke means that the air purifier can clean the air in a 250-square-foot room of smoke in one hour.
The three main contaminants that the CADR measures are:
The higher the CADR rating, the better the air purifier is at removing contaminants from the air.
The size of the room is an important factor to consider when choosing an air purifier. Most manufacturers will list the recommended room size for their air purifiers in the product description. It's crucial to choose an air purifier that's designed for the specific size of your room—otherwise, it won't be as effective.
The model of purifier you'd likely buy for your small home office won't be powerful enough to clean the air in a large living room. Measuring the square footage of your room is a quick and easy way to make sure you're choosing the right size air purifier.
The cost of replacement filters and the frequency with which they need to be replaced varies from one air purifier to the next. Some air purifiers come with permanent filters that never need to be replaced, while others use disposable filters that need to be replaced every few months.
Permanent filters have a higher initial fee, but will eventually pay for themselves because you don't have to continue buying replacement filters. Disposable filters are less expensive upfront—but can add up over time.
When choosing an air purifier, it's important to consider the cost of replacement filters and how often they should be replaced. This will help you choose a purifier that fits your budget and needs.
We also tested the below air purifiers, but they didn't make the cut for our top picks based on our criteria.
According to Robert Weitz, certified microbial investigator and Principal of RTK Environmental, a leading environmental testing firm in the northeast, an air purifier must use a HEPA filter to have any effect on mold spores. Only an air purifier with a HEPA filter will remove more than 99.97% of mold spores in the air.
Mold spores are larger than the particles that HEPA filters are designed to capture. However, an air purifier alone is not enough to prevent mold growth. To prevent mold, you'll also need to address the moisture source causing mold growth in the first place.
Using an air purifier will help reduce health symptoms caused by mold, explains Weitz. The only way to get full relief is to have the area tested for mold by an independent inspector and then hire a contractor to remove the mold.
Air purifiers work by using filters to remove airborne contaminants from the air. The type of filter used will determine what kind of contaminants the purifier can remove. HEPA filters, for example, are designed to capture smaller particles, while activated carbon filters can help to remove odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Filter replacement frequency depends on the type of filter and the amount of use it gets. HEPA filters, for example, typically need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, while activated carbon filters may need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations and filter life estimates.
As a nurse and public health professional, Lindsay Modglin is an experienced journalist who covers the rapidly evolving health and medical field. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Insider, Verywell, and more. She enjoys researching and writing about the latest developments in health, wellness, and medical technology. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.
Dubey S, Rohra H, Taneja A. Assessing effectiveness of air purifiers (Hepa) for controlling indoor particulate pollution. Heliyon. 2021;7(9):e07976.
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