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Ever find yourself sneezing non-stop or dealing with a never-ending runny nose? It could be your indoor air quality playing tricks on you. Whether it’s mold, dust, smoke, or pet dander, allergens can really mess with your day. But fear not! The best air purifiers are like your trusty sidekicks, fighting off those pesky particles and letting you breathe easy.
After chatting with experts and putting over 30 units through their paces, we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop. Our top pick? The Honeywell PowerPlus HEPA Air Purifier. It aced our tests by clearing out the most pollutants and allergens while staying whisper-quiet. For those on a budget, check out the Lasko LP300 HEPA Tower Air Purifier. It’s wallet-friendly with low filter costs, perfect for smaller spaces.
Here’s the lineup of our favorites
- Best overall: Honeywell PowerPlus HEPA Air Purifier
- Best budget: Lasko LP300 HEPA Tower Air Purifier
- Quietest: Blueair HealthProtect 7470i Smart Air Purifier
- Best for small rooms: Levoit 300S Air Purifier
- Longest-lasting filter: Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max
Honeywell PowerPlus HEPA Air Purifier
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The Honeywell PowerPlus HEPA Air Purifier is engineered for large rooms up to 465 square feet, featuring a robust 4-stage filtration system. It includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and an optional ionizer for enhanced particle removal. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of microscopic allergens and particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring cleaner air. The activated carbon filter effectively reduces odors from pets, cooking, and smoke. The optional ionizer assists in particle removal by electrically charging particles in the air. This model operates quietly, with noise levels ranging from 27 dB to 62 dB, suitable for use in bedrooms or living rooms. It boasts a CADR rating of 320+ (Smoke), indicating efficient air purification. Filter replacement indicators ensure timely maintenance, with filters typically lasting 6-12 months depending on usage.
Pros:
- Powerful 4-stage filtration system.
- True HEPA filter for excellent particle removal.
- Optional ionizer for enhanced air cleaning.
- Quiet operation suitable for large rooms.
Cons:
- Higher noise levels on higher settings.
- Replacement filters can be costly.
Lasko LP300 HEPA Tower Air Purifier
James Brains/Business Insider
Review: The Lasko LP300 HEPA Tower Air Purifier is designed for medium-sized rooms up to 200 square feet, featuring a 3-stage filtration system. It includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. The activated carbon filter helps reduce common household odors from cooking, pets, and smoke. This model operates quietly, with noise levels ranging from 28 dB to 55 dB, suitable for bedroom or office use. It boasts a CADR rating of 160+ (Smoke), indicating effective air purification. Filter replacement indicators ensure timely maintenance, with filters typically lasting 6-8 months under normal conditions.
Pros:
- Compact tower design ideal for smaller spaces.
- True HEPA filter for excellent allergen removal.
- Quiet operation suitable for bedrooms.
- Affordable replacement filters.
Cons:
- Limited to smaller rooms.
- Lacks advanced features like air quality sensors.
Blueair HealthProtect 7470i Smart Air Purifier
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Review: The Blueair HealthProtect 7470i Smart Air Purifier is a cutting-edge model suitable for large rooms up to 418 square feet. It features a dualProtection filter with HEPASilent Ultra technology, providing medical-grade filtration of 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns. The filter combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration to capture ultra-fine particles, including viruses and bacteria. The activated carbon filter with SmokeStop technology removes odors, gases, and VOCs. This model operates quietly, with noise levels ranging from 22 dB to 45 dB, making it suitable for bedrooms or living rooms. It includes sensors for real-time air quality monitoring and adjusts fan speed accordingly for optimal purification. The HealthProtect 7470i integrates with the Blueair app for remote control and scheduling. Filter replacement indicators ensure timely maintenance, with filters typically lasting 6-12 months.
Pros:
- Advanced HEPASilent Ultra filtration technology.
- Effective removal of ultra-fine particles and allergens.
- Smart features with app integration for control.
- Quiet operation suitable for large rooms.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost.
- Replacement filters are pricey.
Levoit 300S Air Purifier
James Brains/Business Insider
Review: The Levoit 300S Air Purifier is designed for rooms up to 215 square feet, featuring a 3-stage filtration system. It includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, effectively eliminating dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. The activated carbon filter reduces household odors from cooking, pets, and smoke. This model operates quietly, with noise levels as low as 24 dB on its lowest setting, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or offices. It boasts a CADR rating of 135+ (Smoke), ensuring rapid air purification. Filter replacement is straightforward, typically required every 6-8 months depending on usage.
Pros:
- Compact design suitable for smaller spaces.
- True HEPA filter for excellent particle removal.
- Quiet operation ideal for bedrooms.
- Affordable replacement filters.
Cons:
- Limited to smaller rooms.
- Lacks advanced features like air quality sensors.
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max
Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider
Review: The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max is designed for large rooms up to 650 square feet, featuring a unique ‘NeverChange’ filter technology. This filter is washable and never needs replacement, providing long-term cost savings and convenience. The air purifier employs a 3-stage filtration system with a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. The activated carbon filter effectively reduces odors from pets, cooking, and smoke, ensuring fresher indoor air. This model operates quietly, with noise levels ranging from 25 dB to 60 dB, suitable for use in bedrooms or living rooms. It boasts a CADR rating of 300+ (Smoke), indicating rapid and efficient air purification. The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Max features an auto mode that adjusts fan speed based on real-time air quality, ensuring optimal performance.
Pros:
- ‘NeverChange’ washable filter for long-term use without replacements.
- True HEPA filter for excellent particle removal.
- Quiet operation suitable for large rooms.
- Auto mode for automatic air quality adjustment.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost due to reusable filter technology.
- May require more frequent cleaning of washable filter compared to replacing disposable filters.
FAQs About Air Purifiers
Q: How do air purifiers work?
A: Air purifiers use filters to trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some models also have additional features like ionizers or UV-C light to neutralize bacteria and viruses.
Q: Do air purifiers help with allergies?
A: Yes, air purifiers can significantly reduce allergens in your home by capturing pollen, dust mites, and other triggers. Look for models with HEPA filters for optimal allergy relief.
Q: How often should I change the filters?
A: Filter change frequency varies by model and usage. Generally, HEPA filters should be replaced every 6-12 months, while pre-filters or carbon filters may need replacement more frequently.
Q: Are air purifiers noisy?
A: It depends on the model. Some air purifiers are designed to operate quietly, especially on lower settings. High-performance units may produce more noise, but many have a sleep mode for quieter operation at night.
Q: Can air purifiers remove odors?
A: Yes, air purifiers with activated carbon or charcoal filters can effectively remove odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and more. Look for models specifically designed to tackle odors if this is a concern.
Q: Do air purifiers consume a lot of electricity?
A: Most air purifiers are energy-efficient, consuming about as much electricity as a light bulb. Energy Star-rated models are even more efficient, saving you money on electricity bills over time.
Q: Can air purifiers help with asthma symptoms?
A: Yes, air purifiers can help reduce asthma triggers like dust, pollen, and pet dander. HEPA filters are recommended for capturing these small particles effectively.
Q: Are there air purifiers for large rooms?
A: Yes, there are air purifiers specifically designed for large rooms or open floor plans. Look for models with a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) suitable for the square footage of your space.
Q: How do I know which size air purifier is right for my room?
A: Check the CADR rating and room size recommendations provided by the manufacturer. A larger CADR is ideal for quicker air cleaning, while matching the purifier size to your room ensures optimal performance.
Q: Can air purifiers help reduce mold in my home?
A: Air purifiers can help by capturing mold spores from the air, especially those with HEPA filters. However, addressing the source of moisture and mold growth is crucial for long-term prevention.
Q: Do air purifiers produce ozone?
A: Some air purifiers, particularly those with ionizers, may produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct. Look for models certified as ozone-free if you’re concerned about ozone levels in your home.