An air purifier is an appliance designed to act as air filters for the home, removing pollutants such as dust, smoke and odours.
A purifier can be especially useful if you live in a city or near a road where there may be increased levels of pollution.
Whether you have issues such as allergies or asthma, or just want to freshen up the air inside your home, a room air purifier can catch any unwanted particles in a filter and distribute clean air back into the room.
We should say that it’s hard to say that an air purifier will definitely deliver health benefits, but top air purifiers can help to improve the air quality and users report noticing a definite difference.
To see the best benefits from an air purifier you’ll need to keep it running pretty much constantly, and keep on top of changing filters, so this is an investment you want to get right.
We’ve looked at some of the popular options on the market to help you select the best air purifier for your needs.
Read on for our air purifier reviews and more information about how they work so you’re confident in making the best choice to suit you.
See Our Best Air Purifiers
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| 1
Best For Low Budgets
1Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
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| 3
Best For Higher Budgets
3Philips Series 3000i Connected Air Purifier
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Best Overall
5Levoit Air Purifiers
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1. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
- Up to 360 square foot of coverage
- True HEPA filter catches 99.97% of allergens
- Real-time air quality monitoring
- Auto mode optimises the speed setting depending on the air quality
This air purifier could easily be mistaken for a speaker or other smart gadget, thanks to a compact and sleek design.
All of the intuitive and easy-to-use operating buttons are on the top of the unit making for simple operation.
The purifier can cover up to 360 square feet and has a four stage filtration process – the first stage removes dust, fur and hair, the second filter tackles odours, the third is a HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of allergens such as pollen, and the final fourth filter freshens the air.
Air quality is monitored in real time with an indicator light to show status. The unit can be set to automatically respond to air quality changes and adjust the speed setting as needed.
We also like the timer feature which means you can set the unit to work knowing it will turn itself off at the end of the designated time – a great opinion if you want to turn the unit on at bedtime but don’t want it to be running all night.
Specifications
Pros
- Compact design
- 4-stage filtration process
- Timer feature
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Some users report quality issues
- It is not immediately obvious, but filters must be installed properly before first use
2. HoMedics TotalClean True HEPA Air Purifier
- True HEPA filter to remove allergens
- Easy read LED display
- Three fan speeds
- Remote control operation
People suffering from allergies such as hay fever will be attracted to the true HEPA filter in this purifier, which can remove up to 99.97% of allergens such as pollen and smoke.
There’s also a carbon filter to remove odours including cooking smells and capture larger particles in the air.
This is quite a large unit, so you’ll want to bear the size in mind when thinking about where you’ll place it in the room and where to store it when not needed.
However, it’s extremely easy to use with a clear LED display at the top of the unit and remote control operation.
There are three fan speeds and a night mode which turns off the display lights so they won’t disturb your sleep.
Overall we found this to be a hard-working and effective purifier.
Specifications
Pros
- Up to 72 square metre coverage
- Night mode turns off display light
- Carbon filter removes odours
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Large size (57.3cm tall and 56.3cm wide)
- Can be noisy at higher fan speeds
3. Philips Series 3000i Connected Air Purifier
- Covers rooms up to 95 square metres
- Can be controlled and monitored from anywhere using the Air Matters app
- Automatically tracks air quality and responds as needed
- Multi-stage filtration to remove up to 99.97% of particles
This Philips air purifier can cover up to 95 square metres making this ideal for large rooms. It’s a big unit but the sleek design prevents it from looking too out of place or bulky.
This appliance has a number of smart features, such as voice control via Amazon Alexa.
It can also be connected to an app, called Air Matters, so you can monitor and control the unit wherever you are (though we did find it a little tricky to set this up at first, we got there in the end!).
There’s a carbon filter to remove odours such as cooking smells or smoke, in addition to a true HEPA filter which removes up to 99.97% of particles such as airborne allergens.
There’s even an automatic allergen mode which will react to reduce exposure to any allergen risks such as pet hair or pollen if they are detected.
As well as two other automatic modes (Pollution and Sleep) are five manual modes from low to turbo. The clear dashboard display makes it simple to understand and use the unit.
Specifications
Pros
- Three automatic modes including Pollution, Allergen and Sleep
- Can be controlled via Amazon Alexa
- Five manual modes
- Easy to read visual dashboard
Cons
- Connecting to the Air Matters app can be problematic
- Filter cleaning alert can disturb you if you don’t remember to set the unit to sleep mode every night
4. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
- PlasmaWave technology neutralises viruses and bacteria
- HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants
- Washable carbon filter removes odours
- Smart sensors detect changes in air quality and change light on display
The Winix 5500-2 air purifier has a four stage filtration system to tackle a wide range of airborne pollutants.
The first stage, a pre-filter, traps the largest particles such as dust. Helpfully, this filter is washable so you can clean it on a regular basis to keep the machine running well.
The second stage is an activated carbon filter which removes odours such as smoke or cooking smells. The third stage, a HEPA filter, traps 99.97% of particles such as allergens to purify the air.
An unusual advantage of this unit is the fourth stage, which uses PlasmaWave technology to neutralise viruses and bacteria.
As this technology can release small amounts of ozone it’s recommended that you don’t use this feature continuously.
We were impressed with the sleep mode which is automatically activated when the room is dark, and the sensitive smart sensors that detect changes in air quality.
Specifications
Pros
- Sleep mode automatically activates when the room is dark
- Quiet operation
- Changes air 5 times per hour in a 360 square foot room
- Washable pre-filter traps large particles
Cons
- PlasmaWave technology produces a small amount of ozone
- Manufacturers recommended replacement filters must be bought as a set (HEPA filter plus carbon filter)
5. Levoit Air Purifiers
- 40 square metres coverage
- Sleep mode is ideal for night-time use
- Four timer settings to choose from
- Three stage filtration (pre-filter, carbon and HEPA filters)
Ideal for medium size rooms, this compact Levoit purifier provides up to 40 square metres of coverage.
It has three stage filtration, with a pre-filter to capture larger particles, a true HEPA filter which removes allergens and a carbon filter to absorb unwanted odours.
The unit is very easy to operate with a simple touch panel. There are three fan speeds which you can choose between, and four timer settings.
We liked the very quiet sleep mode which is ideal for night-time use. Another useful feature is the choice of four different replacement filters depending on your home environment.
You could opt for a pet allergy filter, for example, to tackle pet hair.
The size makes this purifier an unobtrusive choice for use around the home, but remember that you need to allow 30cm clearance around the unit to optimise performance.
Specifications
Pros
- Compact design
- Three fan speeds
- Choice of replacement filters depending on your home environment
- Simple touch operation
Cons
- Bear in mind that you need 30cm clearance all around the unit for best performance
Air Purifier Buying Guide
Technology Behind Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can use different technologies to clean or purify air. The most common option is a purifier which contains a filter, or a series of filters.
These draw air into the unit, using an internal fan, and when air passes through the filter pollutants or allergens such as dust, pet hair or pollen become trapped or absorbed, depending on the type of filter.
Clean air is then distributed back into the room.
Another type of purifier is an ioniser, which emits negatively charged ions which attach to any contaminants such as smoke or mould spores.
As they’re now too heavy to remain airborne, the particles fall onto any surfaces. This means that they are still in the room, but will be removed through regular cleaning.
There is a third type of purifier, which uses ultraviolet light to kill any pathogens such as bacteria as air passes by. If you want a device that helps to purify the air in your home while removing humidity, which the bacterias are prone to, be sure to check our best dehumidifiers!
Hepa Filters
A HEPA filter is a specific type of filter that meets the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) standard to remove at least 99.7% of particles such as dust, pollen or pet dander in the air, down to 0.3 microns in size.
HEPA filters have a mesh of extremely fine fibres which trap these particles to purify the air before it is recirculated and improve the quality.
Changing Filters
The particles which are removed by an air purifier are not destroyed, they’re trapped within the filter or filters.
This means that over time, the filter can become clogged.
Once this happens, the purifier becomes less effective and may not improve the air quality as much as normal.
Changing the filter on a regular basis will keep the purifier running at its optimum performance.
Many air purifiers have a light to alert you when it’s time to change the filter, otherwise you should find the manufacturer’s recommended change frequency in the instruction manual.
Uses
We know that an air purifier helps to improve the air quality in your home, but there are a few different reasons why this may be a benefit to you.
Health & Fresh Air
If you suffer from allergies such as hay fever which are caused by particles in the air, an air purifier can help make daily life more comfortable.
A purifier will clean the air inside your home to reduce the presence of these particles.
It’s not just pollen which is airborne, other common allergens which an air purifier can remove include pet dander and mould spores, both of which can affect breathing in some people.
Smoke
Smoke in your home may come from smoking or from the use of an open fire or wood burning stove.
Tobacco smoke can contain a number of harmful chemicals which an air purifier can help to trap and remove from the air, though bear in mind that some of these particles may be too small for the filter to catch.
Tobacco smoke also has a strong smell, and to deal with this the best air purifier for smoke is one which also contains a carbon filter.
The smoke odour is not a particle so cannot be trapped by a HEPA filter, but a carbon filter absorbs the odour as the air passes through.
Dust Removal
Even in the cleanest of homes, there can be a significant amount of dust circulating in the air.
It’s invisible to the naked eye most of the time, though you may sometimes notice dust mites dancing in a shaft of bright light.
When air is drawn into an air purifier unit this dust becomes trapped in the filter.
This is especially useful for people with allergies, or if you live in an area of high traffic such as a city.
If you need an air purifier for dust removal, look for a unit with a HEPA filter.
Placement
When deciding where to place your air purifier, make sure you’ve chosen a unit which is a sufficient size for the room you need it to work in.
The product details should give you the coverage area in square metres or square feet. Purifiers use a fan to draw air unto the unit so you should place it where the front is not obstructed.
In general, it’s best to allow a good clearance area right the way around the purifier for optimum performance.
Pricing Range
The price of an air purifier can greatly depend on the unit’s size, engineering and the manufacturer.
The more expensive models may have a greater choice of features such as automatic modes, remote control operation and most sophisticated filtration systems.
However, it is possible to find cheaper options. If you’re looking for the best budget air purifier, you may be best to steer clear of big brand names.
Look out for energy efficient models to avoid incurring larger ongoing running costs.
Our Verdict
There are many air purifiers on the market and the best option for you will depend on the size of your home as well as your own sensitivity to airborne pollutants – people with allergies may benefit from a more advanced filtration system.
Our recommendation for the Best Entry Level unit is the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier. It’s sleek, compact, simple to use and contains a HEPA filter.
If you have more to spend, our Best Top of the Range choice, the Philips Series 3000i Connected Air Purifier, offers some great extra features.
It works in large rooms and you can control and monitor air quality wherever you are via an app.
For the Best Value, we suggest the Levoit Air Purifier. It’s a compact option for medium-sized rooms, is easy to operate and has timer settings.
It also allows you to choose a replacement filter that best suits the needs of your home environment, whether you’re in a polluted location or have pets.
