Do you know that there are more impurities in your indoor air than the outdoor air? This is because indoor ventilation circulates the same air over and over re-introducing the same impurities into the air. If you have a potted plant in the house, that can be beneficial for the purification of the air. But the best smart air purifiers not only cleans the air in your house but also removes harmful particles like allergens.
Air purifiers suck the air into the unit which has a series of fans. The fans push the air through filters that clean out the air as it passes through them. The cleaned air is released back into the room and the unit repeats the same process after a few hours maintaining clean air throughout. The best thing about modern air purifiers is that they are quiet enough and dark so that you can use them in your bedroom as you sleep and they are also efficient enough to clean volumes of air consistently.
The Best Air Purifier of 2020
Editor’s choice
1) LEVOIT Smart WiFi Air Purifier LV-PUR131S
Quiet, high-effective and environmentally safe
Best features
- Smart WiFi feature
- Comes with a remote control
- Has compatibility with smart home systems
- Smart filter
According to the manufacturer, LEVOIT, each one of their air purifiers comes with a unique set of features. This model is a smart option that uses a smart scientific algorithm filter to help it get those small and harmful impurities in the air. It is a HEPA air purifier meaning it meets the high-efficiency particulate air efficacy standard of air filters. As such, you can be assured that it will effectively capture problematic elements like pollen, dust mites, pet hairs, and dander as well as tobacco smoke.
This unit is also Energy Star rated according to the program run by the Environmental Protection Agency in the US. That means that it is excellent at energy efficiency so you will not be racking up huge bills just by using this unit. By conserving energy the unit ensures that you keep the environment safe even as you keep the air clean. It can be controlled using an app on your iOS and Android smartphones as well as using voice control on Google Assistant, IFTTT and Alexa among other systems. it utilizes a bottom to top airflow system for utmost efficiency.
It comes with a carbon filter and a HEPA/preliminary filter for excellent air purification. On the top of the unit, there is a control panel with buttons for switching it on and off, fan speed, display, timer, auto, and sleep. The LED display lets you know information like your power status, filter status, air quality status and WiFi connectivity. You will also receive a manual to help you set up the unit quickly and accurately on the few remaining parts of inserting the filters. In fact, only the filters are left out of the unit for ease of packaging and transporting.
Pros
- Has a low noise level of fewer than 52 decibels
- Provides crucial information on the air quality
- It comes already partially assembled
- Works well with home smart devices
Cons
- Some users prefer a full assembly including the filters
What customers are saying
Customers were happy that the unit began working immediately it was set up. They also love the fact that even when the fan is on high it is still very quiet. Those who have been using the unit for a while noticed a change in the air quality for the better within just a few days of consistent use.
Best value for money
2) Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 Air Purifier
Small, Highly-rated and high performance
Best features
- True HEPA filter
- Ultra-violet C light bulb
Pure enrichment Pure Zone True Purifier is an offering from a reputed purifier brand that is geared towards a consumer base concerned with budget. The unit itself uses True HEPA filters that keep the air cleaner for longer without needing replacement. It also comes with ultra-violet light to kill off the germs and keep the air sanitized
This is a three-speed fan unit with an automatic off timer and very quiet operation. The unit is constructed from plastic with a chunky and plain finish. But don’t let the plain unit fool you. It has dual side airflow intakes as well as an outlet at the top for the air release. Like the LEVOIT above it uses a bottom to top airflow system. With dimensions of 12 inches in height and 11 inches in width, it is an adequate size for portability.
The control panel is located at the top and it is very simple to use. This unit comes with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter as well. It cleans the air in four stages: the pre-filter captures the initial impurities like dust and other larger particles, the activated carbon filter absorbs noxious gases, smoke and odors and the HEPA filter more dangerous contaminants like spores and mold as well as dust and smoke that escaped the initial filtration processes. Finally, the UV-C light bulb kills germs, viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause diseases.
Pros
- Uses UV-C light for effective air purification
- It is easy to use
- Has a whisper-quiet operation even on high fan speed
Con
- The design is basic
What are customers saying?
Customers reported using this unit in places with really bad air quality like areas that have been badly hit by forest fires. The subsequent smoke and debris in the air were consistently cleared by this air purifier to the extent that the users didn’t need to wear masks indoors. Some buyers found the unit to be small but its high performance more than makes up for the size.
Best Purifier for pets
3) Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier 04386A
Low maintenance and affordable pricing
Best features
- True HEPA
- Zeolite filters
The Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier comes from a long line of efficient and stylish air purifiers. With this unit, you can expect a true HEPA filter that needs no replacement (but it is advisable to replace it after some time) and the ability to eliminate microns as small as 0.0 microns from your air.
You can position either vertically or horizontally when in use allowing it to fit in any space. The dimensions of 13.5 inches in height by 6 inches in width also make it easily portable so you can travel with it. This air purifier is considered a great fit for a pet household because of the 2 zeolite activated carbon filters that are specifically aimed and clearing pet odor. It utilizes three cleaning stages: the pre-filter stage where the larger particles are trapped, the activated carbon filtration process which sees odors, fumes, smokes, and gaseous emissions eliminated and the HEPA filter process for removing minute microns and airborne pathogens.
The airflow is from front to back which is a deviation from the bottom to top airflow system. Its front plate is removable allowing you to access the inside and clean the air filters inside. The top of the unit features a knob that controls the three fans’ speed and also switches it on and off.
Pros
- Very easy to use the unit
- The permanent HEPA filter needs replacement less often (and not at all in instances of minimal use)
- Affordable pricing for the unit
- Effectively targets pet odors
- Removes 99.97% harmful impurities in the air
Con
- The construction is basic
What are customers saying?
Customers reported effectiveness when this unit was eliminating pet odor. They also praise the brand’s customer service which has stood the test of time and continues to be among the best in the industry. People who bought this air purifier appreciate the one year warranty that comes with the unit.
Best for techies
4) Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
Advanced technology and attractive build
Best features
- PlasmaWave technology
- HEPA filter
- LED smart sensor
Winix is an offering from a Korean based company with decades of being a reputable manufacturer of air purifiers. The use of advanced technology makes this a great fit for customers who want technology infused in their air purifiers. Unlike the above Hamilton Beach TrueAir 04386A which features a single knob on the top for operation this unit comes with five buttons for different functions, an LED smart sensor and Winix PlasmaWave technology.
The LED smart sensor offers three light versions that signal the current air quality of your space: blue for good air, amber for mildly impure air and red for poor air quality. One the unit detects impurities it automatically adjusts to a fan speed that allows it to efficiently clean the air. Winix PlasmaWave technology works as an ionizer reducing the number of pollutants and contaminants in the air. It can be switched on and off so you can use it as you see fit. The air purification process for this unit has three stages: the pre-filter stage which removes the larger particles, the True HEPA filter process that captures pathogens, virus particles, pollen and the like and the Winix PlasmaWave that kill off any remaining contaminants.
The dimensions of this unit are 23.6 inches (H) by 8.2 inches (W). This size is portable so you can move it around the house as needed. It has four fan speeds and a filter change indicator to alert you of any changes you need to make.
Pros
- Uses smart sensors and automatic mode to keep the air clean at all times
- The unit self adjusts the indicator lights to dim in a dark room
- Offers excellent overall performance
- Removes 99.97% of the airborne pollutants
- Comes with handles for ease of portability
Con
- The unit doesn’t work with smart home devices
What are customers saying?
The look of this unit is clean and quite discreet. Customers also love the fact that it is quiet so it can work without being a distraction if you are using the space. The customers were also happy with the coverage of the unit which purifies air in a space of more than 360 square feet.
Best design
5) KOIOS Air Purifier, Indoor Air Cleaner with 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter
Small, attractive and stylish
Best features
- HEPA filter
- Night light
Air purifiers have a reputation as boring pieces that dull the space and add no decorative value. Well not with the KOIOS air purifier. This unit comes with a night light giving it an interesting futuristic look in the night time and the design is compact and stylish. It looks great in any room in the house all while using its HEPA filter to keep the air clean and fresh.
The night light can be used on the corridor during the night while the unit is operational. It uses a three-stage filtration process: the pre-filter captures the larger particles as well as dust particles, the activated carbon filter cleans the odors, gases, and fumes and the HEPA filter eliminates viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause diseases. You can control its’ two fan speeds by the button on the unit.
Pros
- Easy to operate the unit
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Very energy efficient using only 8 watts to operate
- Gets rid of 99.97% of the airborne pathogens
Con
- The LED night light can’t be switched off
What are customers saying?
Not only does this unit look great for most users it is also very easy to work with no matter what the size of the room. Plus, many customers love the fact that it can double up as a night light eliminating the use of regular power.
Best for Large Spaces
6) Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Air Purifier
Highly effective for large air volumes
Best features
- Extra thick HEPA filter
- Silent operation
This unit is an excellent choice for larger spaces because it can cover over 465 feet comfortably and with extreme efficiency. Because the unit can clean up to 5 times per hour you will be using very fresh and clean air at all times. The control panel is touch-sensitive allowing you to easily move between modes.
The unit will neutralize the odors from cooking, pets, dust, and general stale air. It uses a three-stage cleaning process beginning with the pre-filter stage t capture the initial particles, the activated carbon stage which removes the odors and the HEPA filter to reduce the pathogens in the air. With dimensions of 22.25 inches in height and 9.5 inches in width, this unit is a bit bigger making it ideal for larger rooms or spaces where it can be discreetly hidden from view.
Pros
- The extra thick HEPA filter is very effective
- It is extremely silent throughout the operation
- Removes 99.97% airborne pathogens
Con
- The delivery can take some time
What are customers saying?
According to many customers, this is a highly effective and efficient unit. Some found that it cleared their air in a few hours. It has also been used in settings where forest fires have polluted the air with excellent results.
Best filtration system
7) Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier
Attractive, minimalist and efficient
Best features
- HEPA filter
- UV sterilizing light
- Ionizer to destroy pollutants
The Hathaspace Smart True HEPA has a simple white and black construction but it is anything but simplistic. The face of the unit features a rectangular LED screen that works as the display of the device. Right underneath the LED screen are buttons, six in number, which you will use to control the device from powering it on to activating the sterilizer and timer functions of the device. There is also the speed button that controls the four fan speed of this unit.
The air purification process of this air purifier runs through four stages including the nano-cold catalyst filter, the activated carbon filter, the antibacterial filter, and the HEPA filtration process. The UV light can be used to kill off any remaining germs. The unit can detect your air quality and adjust its fan speed accordingly to create the best air.
Pros
- Has six filtration systems
- The unit is aesthetically well designed
- Easy to use
- Removes 99.97% of disease-causing pathogens
Con
- The unit doesn’t come with a remote control
What are customers saying?
Most customers who reviewed this reported its effectiveness in a household where pet dander and smoke were major concerns. Also, customers who had complaints about their units reported that the customer service was exceptional. They received an answer and a resolution within days of reporting the fault with their unit.
Best Old School Version
8) Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier with True HEPA and Eco Mode
Innovative design with traditional functionality
Best features
- HEPA filter
- Has an ionizer
- Overall design
Although there have been updated versions of this model (AP-1512HH), the AP-1512HHS, the original version remains one of the best air purifiers on the market today. The unit is square with a circle in the center of the face. It will come in either white or black colors making it an easy fit for any décor you are working with.
The plastic construction is sturdy and strong so you can expect it to give you a long service life.
The air vents are strategically placed on the top of the unit releasing fresh air into space. it has a compact design and it utilizes a four-stage filtration system: pre-filter, activated carbon filtration, HEPA filtration, and an ionization stage. The ionizer can be switched off as needed.
Pros
- Has a better reputation than newer air purifier models
- It looks great
- Offers users excellent performance
Con
- The top light can’t be turned off
What are customers saying?
Replacing the filters on the Conway AP-1512HH is affordable because the filters are low cost compared to other filters. Customers with rooms of 360 square feet reported that it was a perfect fit for this size because of its efficiency. They also report that they don’t mind the ambient noise of the unit which acts as white noise for many.
Best entry-level air purifier
9) Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier
Futuristic, simple design
Best features
- LED light
- Activated carbon filter
- Simple construction
This is a Swedish brand that offers excellent performance with high-end components. Apart from offering an exceptional cleaning service, it is an easy to use model making it ideal for first-time air purifier owners and users. The construction is simple with only one button at the top of the unit to switch it on and off. The air filter grill is also found on the top of the device.
It comes with an LED light which doubles up as the filter change indicator and also the fan speed indicator. With dimensions of 16.7 inches in height, this unit is a great fit anywhere in the house. It has a three-stage filtration system: the pre-filter, particle filter, and activated carbon filter. This unit will cover a space of 161 square feet.
Pros
- It runs on only 10 watts at maximum
- Comes with the best customer care in the industry
- Very easy to use
Con
- It has no timer
What are customers saying?
While it doesn’t come with a HEPA filter it has outstanding performance even with the three filters that it uses. Customers are satisfied by how quickly and effectively the air becomes clean and fresh once the unit is switched on. Plus, it is a great way to introduce the use of air purifiers in a space.
Best for fighting germs
10) Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
An air sanitizer with sleek design air
Best features
- UV-C light technology
- HEPA filter
- Energy-star certified
This air purifier can be used on spaces of up to 180 square feet. It circulates the air in the room four times in an hour ensuring that you are constantly breathing clean and fresh air. It will come with an indicator light that blinks any time the filter needs changing. The compact design allows it to be a desktop unit so you can put it anywhere in the house.
It has a three fan speed setting and the UV-C light is optional to be used when you need to kill germs. Speaking of the UV-C light, it is highly effective in keeping the space germ free so you can use this unit in a setting that needs sanitization and sterilization.
Pros
- Uses UV-C light to eliminate germs
- Works efficiently to clear allergens
- Removes 99.97% of airborne pathogens
Con
- The tall design is less discreet
What are customers saying?
This unit can be loud for a desktop air purifier but for many who appreciate its performance this is a small compromise to make for clean and fresh air. Customers also reported that it works fast and efficiently from the time you put it on.
Frequently Asked Questions
a) What impurities can be found in your house?
The chemicals that man-made materials emit in the form of off-gases when one is building or even insulating a home. Some of the toxins released into the household include benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These are responsible diseases like cancers and liver disease among others. Unfortunately, no plant can eliminate tobacco smoke and other fumes. Plus, you need one plant for every 100 square feet of space. A rough estimate shows that you need 18 plants for 1800 square footage.
The good news is that air purifiers help to get rid of tobacco smoke, smoke from cooking, perfumes, hairsprays and pollen among other particles. They also prevent contamination of the air when you open the windows. Space, where you have created a conducive environment for clean air, gives you peace of mind and a definite healthy body.
b) How often should I run my air purifier?
Air purifiers will need to be run constantly and for those who prefer it they can be run continuously. An hourly schedule programming of the unit allows it to run automatically. We recommend a constant and consistent schedule because the impurities in the air get re-introduced back when you switch the unit off. For people with large spaces, you can consider an air-purifying system that can clean the whole house. But for smaller spaces, a portable unit in key rooms will work just fine.
c) Why do I need an air purifier?
The air purifier offers users many benefits including removing harmful particles from the air they breathe like seasonal pathogens, neutralizing smoke which stinks up space and keeping the air fresh at all times. Overall, an air purifier contributes to your good health by providing you with clean, healthy air.
What to Consider When Shopping for an Air Purifier
i) Size
There are two sizes to consider here: the size of your space and the size of the purifier. You will generally find air purifiers to cater for different spaces depending on the square footage of the space. The smallest air purifier you will find is made for a space of up to only 299 square feet.
The next size caters to a space of between 300 and 699 square feet. This is followed by a unit that caters to space between 700 and 1900 square feet. The final size is more of a system than a unit and this cleans the whole space regardless of the size.
ii) Features
The basic features on most air purifiers include the fan speeds, filter change indicators, and programmability. However, you can look for special features to make using the unit more convenient for you. For example, look for features like remote programmability and using a WiFi signal. These features allow you to adjust the purifier remotely.
Other features to consider include real-time updates from the air purifier on the state of the air quality in your space. This ensures that you know exactly how healthy the air you are breathing in is at all times. We recommend buying a unit that is Energy Star rated to keep your energy costs down. A few added bells and whistles like wheels, remote controls and handles for portability are also worth considering.
iii) Maintenance
Look for units that are low maintenance meaning they need fewer replacement parts. But the truth is that with air purifiers there are many replacement parts. Just find a unit with parts that can go for longer before they need replacement. Parts like the filter can be washable giving them a longer service life, or you can consider HEPA filters that last up to five years.
Other options use ultraviolet light or heat to purify the air. This guarantees even better chances of killing off the germs and pathogens in the air.
iv) Ease of use and cost
Look for units that are easy to use. Since this is a daily use device, a complicated model will take time to set up and time to get it up and running daily. When it comes to cost the more expensive the model is no guarantee that it is the best option. Opt for something within your budget range as long as it is effective and provides you with the results you are looking for. Most air purifiers offer decent service and are adequately efficient.
Conclusion
An air purifier is an effective way to get clean fresh air in your space. You can live in a germ-free environment as long as you choose the right air purifier for your needs. Here is to clean, healthy air!
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