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Which air purifiers are best?
First up let us discuss which features to look for in an air purifier.
There are two major factors to consider when shopping for an air purifier:
- Filter technology
- Coverage area
Filtration
There are essentially two major filter types:
- HEPA
- Non-HEPA
HEPA stands for a high-efficiency particulate filter. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particulates as small as 0.3 microns. The primary indicator that meets HEPA standards is a 99.97% removal rating and this is what to look for when shopping for an air purifier.
Non-HEPA filters include anything that is not HEPA meaning it could be PECO, ionizer, paper filter, etc. If the price point is the same, those filters normally perform worse compared to HEPA but not always. Some manufacturers use other types of filters that are also safe for allergy and asthma sufferers.
There is also sometimes a carbon filter additionally added to the main filter. The carbon filter removes odors.
The coverage area
Most purifiers specify the coverage area they are best recommended for. The greater airflow generated by the internal fan, the better coverage is going to be. That does not mean the purifiers recommended for the smaller areas would not work in large rooms. It only means those would take longer to cover a larger area and would not be as efficient.
Other features
Lastly, some purifiers offer convenience features like:
- Smart home integration
- App connectivity
- Auto mode
The Wi-Fi-enabled purifiers can be connected to a smartphone app. Most of those also are integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Those things allow controlling the purifier which is more convenient for someone than pressing a controlling button or using a built-in screen.
The auto mode means the purifier senses particulates and pollens in the air and automatically increases airflow to remove them. When the air is clear, it returns to the previous airflow settings.
First up let's focus on the best air purifiers for extra-large coverage areas.
Best for 1,000+ sq ft
These are ideal for open concept areas or entire homes.
The top recommendation is Oransi Mod and Molekule Air Pro
| Specs / Models | Oransi Mod | Molekule Air Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Test result (PM2.5) | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Coverage (sq. ft.) | 1,250 | 1,000 |
| Filters | HEPA + Carbon | PECO |
| Auto mode | no | yes |
| App | no | yes |
Oransi Mod
Oransi Mod
Great performance. Able to remove particulates as small as 0.02 microns
Uses a medical-grade Merv17 HEPA filter.
$473.21 on AmazonThe Mod performed extraordinarily well in tests reducing PM2.5 to 0.1. Its powerful airflow allows it to purify spaces up to 1,250 square feet.
The Mod uses a medical-grade Merv17 HEPA filter capable of removing particulates as small as 0.02 microns. In addition, it incorporates an activated carbon filter.
The Mod utilized variable fan speed a Japanese electronically commutated motor glass display and a virtually unheard-of 10-year warranty.
There's no smartphone connectivity or auto mode, but these features are hardly missed when you look at the raw power and build quality of this machine.
Molekule Air Pro
Molekule Air Pro
One of the best on the market
Great build quality + amazing performance.
$923.74 on AmazonThis purifiers does not use HEPA, instead it is equipped with PECO filter. PECO stands for photoelectrochemical oxidation that instead of trapping particulates breaks them down.
In the test, the Air Pro reduced PM2.5 to 0.3. Its robust size allows it to purify spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The Air Pro also has an auto-mode and adjusts airflow automatically to clean the air.
The Air Pro does look stylish with its aluminum body and a handle.
The Air Pro is a good option if you want a modern high-end aesthetic while also looking for something other than typical HEPA filtration.
Best for 500 to 1,000 sq ft
These air purifiers are capable of purifying spaces 500 to 1,000 square feet. They're ideal for large rooms, small homes, and apartments.
| Specs / Models | Dyson TP04 | Dyson DP04 | Rabbit Air Minus A2 | Levoit LV-H133 | RabbitAir BioGS 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test result (PM2.5) | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Coverage (sq. ft.) | 800 | 800 | 815 | 538 | 625 |
| Filters | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon |
| Auto mode | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| App | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Dyson Pure Cool TP04
The tower-looking TP04 is a tall purifier made for bigger rooms. It also works as a fan and is Wi-Fi-enabled. It has a display that shows additional information as well as can be connected to the app where you can track performance.
The one made for a desk is the Dyson Pure Cool DP04. It is smaller and is made mostly for personal use but can be used for a family too.
The TP04 and DP04 purifiers both use a HEPA and carbon filter. They both can connect to your smartphone integrate with Alexa and include a remote control.
Dyson Pure Cool DP04
In the purification test, the TP04 achieved a PM2.5 level of 0.2 and the DP04 achieved a PM2.5 level of 0.3. Airflow is similar on both units and both capable of purifying spaces up to 800 square feet.
If you want the ability to Cool purify and heat your space, Dyson also offers their Pure Hot+Cool HP04. The HP04 is similar in performance to the DP04 and TP04. But also doubles as a space heater.
Rabbit Air Minus A2
The Minus A2 achieved a PM2.5 of 0.1 in the purification test. And is capable of purifying spaces up to 815 square feet.
In addition to its fantastic performance, it offers smart home integration, app connectivity, and six layers of filtration including HEPA and Carbon.
It's a fantastic machine that looks as good as it performs.
Levoit LV-H133
The H133 achieved a PM2.5 of 0.1 in tests and is able to purify spaces up to 538 square feet. It has one of the largest HEPA filters.
It to date includes an equally large fan to drive air through it. The simple design and basic aesthetic may not be much to look at. But the price point is very low for this level of performance.
RabbitAir BioGS 2.0
RabbitAir BioGS 2.0
For medium-size rooms
Features a five-layer filtration system.
$369.95 on AmazonIn the test, it was able to achieve a PM2.5 of 0.3. In addition, it's rated to clean spaces up to 625 square feet.
In many ways, this is simply a slightly less advanced version of RabbitAir's Minus A2 mentioned earlier. It does not have an app and can't be controlled by a smartphone.
The BioGS 2.0 covers a smaller area and it only has five filter layers rather than six. The performance was excellent and the price point is still quite reasonable for the filter stack.
Best for 250 to 500 sq ft
Medium area coverage purifiers purify spaces up to 250 to 500 square feet. These types of air purifiers would be great in large rooms like a master bedroom living room or kitchen.
| Specs / Models | Coway Mighty AP-1512HH | Levoit Vital 100 | Tosot KJ350G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test result (PM2.5) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Coverage (sq. ft.) | 360 | 500 | 310 |
| Filters | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon |
| Auto mode | yes | no | yes |
| App | no | no | no |
Coway Mighty AP-1512HH
Coway AP-1512HH
Good filtration for the price
Uses a four filter stack including HEPA, pre-filter, carbon filter, and ionizer.
$167.59 on AmazonThe Coway Mighty improved PM2.5 to 0.3 and it is capable of purifying spaces up to 360 square feet.
The Coway uses a four filter stack including HEPA, pre-filter, carbon filter, and ionizer. In addition, it includes an auto mode that can sense air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly.
The Coway Mighty isn't the most advanced, but it combines a large number of noteworthy convenience features alongside proven filter technology all culminating in an excellent performer.
Levoit Vital 100
In the test, it was able to reduce PM2.5 to 0.3. And it can purify spaces up to 500 square feet.
Like most Levoit Air purifiers it's fairly basic in its design. No smart integration, no auto mode, and no fancy filters. It's a white box with a reasonably high power fan, HEPA filter, and carbon filter where it really excels as the value is given the price point to performance ratio.
Tosot KJ350G
TOSOT KJ350G
Good build quality for the price
Features a decent filtration system.
$130.51 on AmazonTosot is a relatively new brand, but impressed with their performance and build quality.
During test, the KJ350G was able to achieve a PM2.5 of 0.2 and is rated to cover 310 square feet.
Tosot includes four filter levels including pre-filter, carbon filter, h-13 HEPA, and UV light. In addition, it includes a particle sensor auto mode and sleep mode.
Tosot is another reasonably priced purifier that offers a fantastic value.
Best for up to 250 sq ft
That covers 250 square feet or less these purifiers are best suited for small areas like a single small to medium bedroom or office.
These purifiers are also the most budget-friendly due to the small coverage area.
| Specs / Models | Levoit Core 300 | Germ Guardian AC4825E | Molekule Air Mini(+) |
| Test result (PM2.5) | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Coverage (sq. ft.) | 219 | 167 | 250 |
| Filters | HEPA + Carbon | HEPA + Carbon | PECO |
| Auto mode | no | no | no(mini) yes(mini+) |
| App | no | no | yes |
Levoit Core 300
In the purifying test, it was able to reduce PM2.5 to 0.4 and it can purify spaces up to 219 square feet.
The Core 300 uses a HEPA and Carbon filter and it includes three fan speeds and a timer.
It lacks in auto mode smart integration and other more advanced features. But it performed well in our test. Especially, when you consider the price.
Germ Guardian AC4825E
Germ Guardian AC4825E
One of the best-selling products
Includes a HEPA and carbon filters.
$159.98 on AmazonThis tower air purifier reduced PM2.5 to 0.5 in the test. And it is able to purify spaces up to 167 square feet. It uses both a HEPA filter and a carbon filter which helps reduce odors.
It lacks auto mode but still includes a quiet mode, three fan speeds, and a UVC bulb.
It's one of the most reviewed and purchased products and is easy to see why the GermGurdian strikes a nice balance of features performance and price.
Molekule Air Mini and Mini+
Molekule Mini Air
One of the best compact purifiers
Features a PECO filter which destroys particulates.
$399.99 on AmazonThese compact air purifiers performed well in tests with the Mini achieving a PM2.5 rating of 0.3. Both the Mini and Mini+ are rated to purify spaces up to 250 square feet.
The Mini air purifiers utilize a PECO filter which is a light-based filtration technology proprietary to Molekule. The Mini+ is more expensive than the Mini, but it adds a particulate sensor enabling auto mode.
Like the Molekule Air Pro, we mentioned earlier the Mini and Mini+ are a good choice if you prefer something other than the HEPA filtration.
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