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Our selections are based on in-depth independent and non-sponsored evaluations, focusing on essential factors like carbon filtration and HEPA filters, airflow settings, and noise levels. We also consider customer satisfaction scores to ensure you choose an air purifier that offers high value for your investment. Our recommendations are updated regularly to reflect the latest evaluation results and industry insights so you can easily find the ideal and best-rated air purifier for your home.
- Effective in large spaces
- Advanced sensors for various pollutants
- Auto mode adjusts fan speed
- App integration for data monitoring
- Quiet yet powerful air projection
- Adjustable airflow angles
- Real-time air quality updates on LCD
- Lacks the nitrogen dioxide filter of BP04
- Considerable size for small rooms
- Exceptional HyperHEPA filtration
- Large coverage area up to 1125 sq ft
- Heavy-duty carbon filtration
- Programmable with daily/weekly schedules
- Quiet, despite powerful airflow
- Durable build with mobility wheels
- Bulky and heavy
- Lacks app integration
- No smart features
- Genuine charcoal carbon filter
- Built-in particle sensor
- Auto mode adjusts fan speed
- Includes sleep mode and remote control
- Effective in large spaces
- Quiet operation
- Larger and taller, uses more space
- Lacks app integration
- Four-fan system enhances efficiency
- True HEPA filter captures 0.3 micron particles
- Integrated activated carbon layer
- Dual display with air quality indicators
- Built-in particle sensor
- Auto mode adjusts fan speed
- Remote control included
- Exceptionally quiet operation
- Lacks app integration
- Limited airflow compared to single-fan models
- Excellent for small spaces
- Effective particle filtration
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Simple, user-friendly design
- Not effective for smoke, odors
- Lacks app integration
- No smart features
- Limited features
Air Purifier Basics
Almost all air purifiers have a HEPA filter connected to a fan, which processes the dirty air through the HEPA filter. This catches most of the small particles people want to filter out.
But, HEPA filters cannot filter smoke or gases. For that, you need some kind of carbon filter, which often takes the form of a filter with small charcoal pieces that absorb smoke and gases.
Adding a good carbon filter can be pricey, so you typically only find really good smoke and odor reduction with more expensive air purifiers.
How we Test Air Purifiers
We do a number of independent tests and scoring methodologies to evaluate air purifiers. Here’s some of what goes into selecting our picks for 2023’s best air purifiers.
Airflow and Noise
We start by measuring their airflow to see how fast they can process air on each of their power settings, as well as their noise level to see how loud they are (quieter is always better).
RELATED: See our comparison of the Levoit Core 300 and a best-selling GermGuardian model.
Filtration and VOC Tests
We then conduct a fog test, releasing a set amount of fog into a ventless room and observing how quickly the air purifier can reduce the particles in the room on max power, as measured by a particle counter.
Additionally, we do a VOC smoke test by releasing exact amounts of incense smoke into a sealed refrigerator and measuring the reduction of smoke and other volatile organic compounds in a 5-minute test on max power. This effectively tests the efficiency of their carbon filters.
Did you know Formaldehyde can be found in homes? To learn more, check out this article from the EPA.
Features and Cost of Ownership
Furthermore, we have an extensive checklist that accounts for their special features, assigning weighted scores for each. For instance, some models have built-in particle sensors to adjust the fan speed based on the air’s dirtiness, while others have lights that change color according to air quality.
Some even have real-time graphs on their displays showing alerts and levels. We factor in the cost of replacing filters, cord length, warranty length, and compile all this information into a spreadsheet, which then helps us determine the best options according to our algorithm.
So when choosing an air purifier, consider these essential factors:
- Airflow and Power Settings: Check how fast the purifier can process air on various settings.
- Noise Level: Quieter models are generally more comfortable for continuous use, especially in living or sleeping areas.
- Efficiency Tests: Look for models that have been tested for their ability to reduce particles in the room quickly. Particle counters and VOC smoke tests can be particularly revealing.
- Special Features: Some purifiers come with built-in particle sensors, air quality lights, heaters, or even fans. These additional features can enhance usability and effectiveness.
- Maintenance Costs: Consider the cost of replacing filters and other maintenance requirements.
- Warranty and Build Quality: A longer warranty can indicate better build quality and manufacturer confidence in their product.
Making the Right Choice
Your selection will depend on your specific needs:
- For smaller spaces or budget constraints, a basic model with good particle filtration might be sufficient.
- If you need effective smoke and odor reduction, consider models with high-quality carbon filters.
- For the best overall performance, look for a model that balances top-notch filtration with useful features, reasonable maintenance costs, and a solid warranty.
Conclusion
Selecting the right air purifier involves balancing your needs with the features and capabilities of various models. Whether you’re looking for a basic unit for a small room or a more advanced model for comprehensive air cleaning, understanding these key factors will guide you to the right choice for your home or office.
We think that the Dyson Big and Quiet Formaldehyde BP03 is a remarkable air purifier designed for substantial efficacy in both large and residential spaces. It excels with a combination of sophisticated technology and user-friendly features, setting a high standard in air purification. The BP03 model offers a comprehensive suite of sensors that monitor a range of pollutants including formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, ensuring optimal air quality. Its integration with the Dyson app allows for monitoring and managing air quality data conveniently from your smartphone, enhancing user interaction and control.
- Effective in large spaces
- Advanced sensors for various pollutants
- Auto mode adjusts fan speed
- App integration for data monitoring
- Quiet yet powerful air projection
- Adjustable airflow angles
- Real-time air quality updates on LCD
- Lacks the nitrogen dioxide filter of BP04
- Considerable size for small rooms
We think that the IQAir Health Pro Plus is a standout option among home air purifiers, offering exceptional performance in our comprehensive tests. This model, known for its extensive carbon filtration, effectively handles a variety of air quality challenges. It excels in both large residential and commercial spaces, providing up to 1125 square feet of coverage. With its triple-layer filtration system, including a pre-filter, V5 cell, and HyperHEPA filter, the Health Pro Plus captures ultrafine particles far smaller than standard HEPA filters can manage. Its robust design and multiple fan speeds, coupled with a programmable scheduler, ensure that it meets the needs of the most demanding environments while maintaining quiet operation. See our full review.
- Exceptional HyperHEPA filtration
- Large coverage area up to 1125 sq ft
- Heavy-duty carbon filtration
- Programmable with daily/weekly schedules
- Quiet, despite powerful airflow
- Durable build with mobility wheels
- Bulky and heavy
- Lacks app integration
- No smart features
We think that the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is a highly effective choice for those needing robust air purification capabilities, particularly in homes or offices. It excels with a genuine charcoal carbon filter, providing superior odor, gas, and VOC absorption compared to many competitors. This model is equipped with a particle sensor, enabling auto-adjustments of fan speed based on air quality, enhancing efficiency and ease of use. Additionally, the inclusion of a sleep mode and remote control adds convenience for users, optimizing the purifier for night-time operation with minimal noise disruption. With its tall design and substantial airflow, the Winix 5500-2 stands out for its ability to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
- Genuine charcoal carbon filter
- Built-in particle sensor
- Auto mode adjusts fan speed
- Includes sleep mode and remote control
- Effective in large spaces
- Quiet operation
- Larger and taller, uses more space
- No app integration
We think that the Shark Air Purifier represents a significant leap in air purification technology, particularly due to its unique four-fan design which is a rarity in the industry. This model combines multiple fans to distribute airflow more evenly across the filter, enhancing the air delivery rate and reducing noise levels effectively. With features such as a true HEPA filter, an integrated activated carbon layer for VOCs, and user-friendly controls displayed on dual screens, this air purifier stands out in its category. Moreover, it proved highly efficient in various tests, quickly clearing airborne particles and maintaining low noise, making it suitable for both home and office environments.
- Four-fan system enhances efficiency
- True HEPA filter captures 0.3 micron particles
- Integrated activated carbon layer
- Dual display with air quality indicators
- Built-in particle sensor
- Remote control included
- Exceptionally quiet operation
- Lacks app integration
- Limited airflow compared to single-fan models
We think that the Kenmore PM1005 is an impressive contender in the budget air purifier category, especially considering its cost-effectiveness and specialized performance in particle filtration. Although it's a basic model with fewer features compared to higher-end air purifiers, it excels in its primary function—purifying air in smaller spaces. This Kenmore model lacks advanced smoke and odor reduction capabilities, which is typical for air purifiers in this price range. However, it makes up for this with strong particle filtration efficiency, making it an excellent choice for those needing a straightforward, no-frills air purifier for less extensive use.
- Excellent for small spaces
- Effective particle filtration
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Simple, user-friendly design
- Not effective for smoke, odors
- Lacks app integration
- No smart features
- Limited features
