12 Best Air Purifiers for Clean Breathing, Tested and Reviewed (2024)

If you’re prone to coughing and sneezing indoors, your air quality could be to blame—and that's where the best air purifiers come in. These powerful appliances will rid your home of airborne dust mites, pesky dander, and other airborne pollutants.

We put leading air purifiers to the test to find out which ones truly deserve the title of best. During our testing process, we considered the different types of air purifiers and what to keep in mind when shopping for one, from area coverage to filter replacements. Plus, many are available on Amazon if you need one shipped quickly (and free with a Prime membership) and have contemporary designs that can even make great housewarming gifts. Ahead, discover the purifiers that came out on top, complete with thorough reviews based on our editors' in-home tests.

Shop Our Top Picks For The Best Air Purifier:

• Best Overall: Coway Airmega True HEPA Purifier, $230 from Amazon
• Runner-Up: Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier, $318 from Amazon
• Most Versatile: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde, $980 from Amazon
• Best Budget Pick: Clorox Smart Medium Room Air Purifier, $120 from Amazon
• Most Customizable : Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier, $750 from Amazon
• Most Environmentally Friendly: Briiv Air Filter, $373 from Briiv

Shop By Category:

• Our Favorites
• Air purifiers for small spaces
• Air purifiers for larger spaces
• Multifunctional air purifiers

Best Overall: Coway Airmega True HEPA Purifier

Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor

My space: Overall, my space has pretty standard air quality—I typically like opening my windows for some circulation, but it’s less ideal during the changing seasons when dust and allergens get inside from the trees in the area. With wildfire smoke recently circulating the New York City air, any added protection with an air purifier is a major plus.

Area coverage: This air purifier is designed to clean spaces up to 874 square feet, and I can confidently say that it does its job well. I usually place it right in the middle of my home to circulate through the space, but since some areas of my home are more tucked away, I also like to move it to specific spots that could use some extra love.

Filter replacements: Replacement filters cost $70. The manufacturer suggests replacing the HEPA carbon filters every 12 months to remove odors and gases from the air.

My experience: I’ve been using this air purifier for the last few months, and its quality is second to none. First off, the setup was simple. Coway’s included printed instructions were easy to follow, and after placing the HEPA filter inside, the hard cover snapped in place seamlessly. The HEPA filter itself has a four-stage filtration design: Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, Vital Ion. I’ve appreciated this thorough filtration process since it’s made to capture up to 99.97% of even the smallest of particles, like pollen and allergens that can come in my space during spring blooms.

Like the Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier Mafi tested below, this air purifier turns on quietly. So much so that I can hardly tell it’s on most of the time. While it comes with three speeds to help thoroughly clean the air, I always keep the air purifier on auto mode. This is a favorite feature of mine, as it automatically detects the air quality through three LED light modes: blue (good), purple (moderate), and red (unhealthy). Whenever there’s a change in the air quality, like if I’m cooking, the LED light adjusts to either purple or red and the air purifier picks up its speed to quickly regulate it. Usually in just a matter of minutes, the LED light changes back to blue and the air purifier goes back to a whisper-quiet sound. When the purifier doesn’t detect any air pollution at all for half an hour, it’ll automatically switch into eco mode, which is an amazing tech feature for energy savings.

Lastly, the overall design of this air purifier is a big standout for modern spaces. Since this is a slightly bigger home appliance (larger than a standard space heater but much smaller than an HVAC), I didn’t want it to be an eyesore in my space. I have it in the white colorway, but you can shop it in the black too.

The bottom line: Coming in at less than $250, I highly recommend this air purifier to anyone who is looking for powerful air cleaning qualities, great smart technology, and a more affordable option to shop. It was bigger than I expected, but thankfully it comes with a hidden carry handle that makes it easy to move around my space. Like most air purifiers, this one has a corded design, so just make sure you have an outlet handy wherever you place it in your home.

Tester: Nick Mafi, senior features editor

My space: Luckily, the air quality in my home is pretty good and I don’t smoke nor do I live with any animals. I will say that I live in Brooklyn and my windows face a street. So, naturally, some dust from the street does find its way into my apartment.

Area coverage: My apartment is 814 square feet and I have the air purifier unit located in the center of the apartment, next to a wall. At this size, the purifier can and does cycle and clean the air that spans the entirety of the space. (It can clean air in large spaces up to 930 square feet.)

Filter replacements: New filters cost about $79 and replacing the pre-filter (the first of four filters) is very simple. You simply pull the washable pre-filter out of the device, clean it, allow it to properly dry, then slide it back into place.

My experience: My experience with the air purifier to date has been a very good one. When turned on, it is very quiet. This is important because I typically turn the unit on while having friends over for dinner. I do this to create an extra level of protection in my apartment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the noise level of the product is important, so as not to drone out people speaking at the table. Fortunately, it’s not an issue with this machine. The design of the product is great too. It almost looks like a fancy, sort of futuristic speaker. In fact, it’s turned into a bit of a dinner table conversation, as people often don’t immediately guess that it’s a purifier.

In terms of the technology, Coway’s unit has a four filtration system, which in and of itself is kind of incredible. I mean, how often do we get four layers of protection for anything? The first layer is for the larger dust particles or pet hairs. Then, the second layer involves capturing the small particles that made it through. The third layer is carbon activated, which means it can extract carbon dioxide and other harmful chemicals from the air. The fourth and final layer involves the capturing and containment of viruses and bacteria.

In terms of smart features, I was impressed with how I could control everything from the tap of a button on my smartphone. The app also allows me to set a timer for the duration that I’d like the purifier to stay on, while also providing a detailed report on the air quality in real-time.

The bottom line: I would recommend this air cleaner to anyone who is in the market. At this time, when clean air in your home is so important, this air purifier is a must for those who can afford it. I think the fact that this filter involves four layers of protection, and that the fourth actually contains and extracts 99.999% of viruses and bacteria is phenomenal. All the more so that it can do it in the midst of a global pandemic. And as we are starting to learn how to “live” with the pandemic as part of our daily lives, having a state of the art air purifying system is all the more important. By paying $350, you are providing you and your family the safety and security to invite friends and family to your house, with much needed peace of mind too.

Tester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director

My space: I have pretty intense dust and fragrance allergies and I work from home a lot these days with a large dog in an old building. It’s not an exceptionally dusty space, but we live on a block with a decent amount of car traffic and I’m pretty much always obsessing about the air quality. If I start sneezing or waking up with a sore throat, I want answers!

Area coverage: The Humidify+Cool is meant to work in a single room at a time (it was previously tested by Dyson in an 81 cubic feet chamber), and I placed it in my bedroom, which is the smallest room in my home.

Filter replacements: Filter replacements cost $79.99 and it’s recommended that they be replaced once every year. Installing them initially was quite quick–they snapped into place fairly easily.

My experience: It’s rare to find a machine that can purify your air, humidify it, and cool down a space all in one–so I was impressed right off the bat. An update to earlier Dyson models, this machine does all that and aside from getting rid of the usual particles, it also removes formaldehyde (which can cause even more irritation to your eyes and throat) from the air.

The Humidify+Cool has a HEPA filtration system and a separate carbon filter detects formaldehyde. I guess it could be due in part to my obsession with clean air, but, so far, the Dyson has reported good air quality every time I’ve checked in–the only exceptions being after I’ve lit candles or cooked something on the stovetop. But when the air quality has dipped below ideal levels, it doesn’t seem to take much time for the purifier to do the job once I turn up the fan speed (it should be noted that this model also has an auto purify setting that will kick into high gear if the quality dips, but it is a little loud for my taste so I tend to keep it on a lower setting).

While I hate having an app for literally every device in my home, installing the Dyson Link app really did make installation a snap. And I love being able to check in on the air stats (temperature, particle level, humidity level, etc) whenever I want. You can also control the fan speed, oscillation range, and set timers from the app.

As for specific features I appreciate, filling the water tank from the top is a huge plus and it’s large enough that it doesn’t have to be refilled every day. I also appreciate the night mode setting, which makes everything a little quieter and less bright.

What I would change: This may be a misconception about the purpose of a humidifier, but I am used to really intense humidifiers that emit visible plumes of moist steam all night long. This is not that. The humidity that the Dyson model generates in the house is definitely a healthy and reasonable level (most sources recommend 30–50% humidity, and the Dyson, at its max humidity setting, hovers around 60%), but if you are like me and want more targeted humidity in the super dry winter months, this is not the machine for you and you might want to stick to separate devices for purifying, humidifying, and cooling.

The bottom line: Aside from the note above, this is a really expensive device, coming in at more than $800. That said, it might actually save you money in the long run if you don’t want to buy a purifier, a fan, and a humidifier individually and you want a powerful device for each activity. I’d recommend it if you have deep pockets and not a ton of challenging air pollution situations to combat on the regular.

Tester: Andrea Lewis, Assistant to the Global Editorial Director

My space: I have allergies and live in an old building that generates dust easily, so I am very sensitive to air quality. This makes me particularly focused on reducing allergens and dust in my living space; especially in my bedroom, which is smaller and where the air is noticeably less fresh.

Area coverage: The Clorox Smart Medium Room Air Purifier is designed for medium-sized rooms. It works best in spaces up to 1,000 square feet, but it can clean the air up to five times per hour in a room as small as 225 square feet, which is ideal for my needs.

Filter replacements: In terms of replacement filters, the Clorox 12030 Medium Room Replacement Filter is what’s recommended and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. It’s straightforward to swap out, ensuring the air purifier runs at optimal efficiency.

My experience: The purifier runs quietly, which is a bonus for using it in a bedroom like I do. It has a three-stage filtration system with a 360° design, including a True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of allergens and particulates, along with viruses and bacteria. I especially appreciate the smart features, such as Alexa voice integration, which allows me to control the device with my voice or the app. The real-time air quality feedback with a color-coded display is also incredibly useful. Overall, the Clorox air purifier has performed exceptionally well in reducing dust in my space—I’ve even noticed that I don’t need to vacuum as often.

The bottom line: I recommend this air purifier, especially to those with allergies or concerns about dust and air quality in their homes. It’s effective, smart, and well worth the price for peace of mind and fresher air.

Tester: Steven John, contributor

The space: I got our home’s first air purifier back in 2018, hoping it would help scrub the air of some pollen and pet dander (first a Molekule Air Pro, then adding an ALEN Breathesmart to the mix). Then 2020 hit. By the summer of 2020, we had six or seven air purifiers running in the house at all times. Today, most of our air purifiers have been donated, and I’m back to being primarily concerned with pollen, pets, dust, and smoke (a problem that is only going to get worse in the foreseeable future) when it comes to indoor air quality.

Area coverage: The A3 Ultra Quiet is rated to fully refresh the air in a space measuring 1,030 square feet, twice per hour. Though do note that, as with all air purifiers, its effective coverage size is considered to be smaller for allergy sufferers.

Filter replacements: You can buy filter replacements here for just under $100. While many air purifier filters need to be swapped out every six months, this one can last up to two years.

My experience: My first thought on powering on the A3 is that Rabbit Air isn’t kidding then they say this air purifier is quiet. In fact, when set to a “silent” operating speed, it’s literally quieter than a whisper. And at night, thanks to a built-in light sensor, it reduces its lights (which can change color to represent air quality in real time) fading away into a dim, barely-audible device one could easily forget was even there.

In terms of actually using the device, it’s an easy setup and familiarization process. You can pretty much start using it right out of the box—all you need to do is discard the packing materials and then pop the front panel off the air purifier, exposing the filters inside that need to have protective film removed. On the control panel, you will find air quality indicators, filter status info, and your Wi-Fi connectivity status.

Because this is a fully smart air purifier that you can control remotely in real time via a phone or tablet app, you can also get all the info you’d ever want about your indoor air quality via the Rabbit Air app, available for download at both the Google Play and Apple app stores.

The bottom line: When the Rabbit Air A3 is running, the air in your home will be cleaner—you can count on that based on the intense testing and product comparisons the company runs, not to mention the five-year warranty offered. You can also tell the air is cleaner because it will smell that way, and I don’t just mean a reduction in unwanted odors (though that’s a welcome fact here)—I mean you will literally experience the odor of fresher air, much like going outdoors on a clear, breezy day. (Read Steven’s full review of the Rabbit AIR A3 here)

Tester: Michelle Mastro, contributor

The space: I tested my kitchen’s air quality using an air quality monitor. In this case, the lower the CO₂ score, the better. According to the monitor, a score of less than 500 parts per million (ppm) CO₂ is good for indoor air. Anything between 500–599 ppm is considered okay, and anything higher than 599 ppm is poor. I periodically tested the kitchen, my guest bathroom full of houseplants, and my office where I have no houseplants.

Area coverage: This air purifier is excellent for single rooms, especially high-traffic rooms like the kitchen or living room.

Filter replacements: You can buy replacement filters on Briiv’s site.

My experience: Every day for two weeks, I turned the Briiv on level four at 8 a.m., and over the first 30 minutes the air quality rating became an average of 387 ppm (well within good indoor CO₂ levels). After keeping the device on level four until 10 a.m., the air quality score reached 350 ppm and leveled out (I also took the extra precaution of making sure all the windows and doors were closed throughout the test).

I even tested the air quality in the evenings after making dinner, when I would turn the device on again at the lower setting of one dot. The CO₂ levels then became an average of 472 ppm. As a comparison, an MIT report suggests that atmospheric CO₂ levels of between 280 and 350 ppm is a good score outside. My bathroom with houseplants scored 407 ppm, and the room without houseplants at all scored 520 ppm.

Given its hefty price tag, it was vital to me that the Briiv lived up to the hype. So I put the device through the ringer, spending weeks with it and going so far as to buy an air quality monitor to check in on how my Briiv was doing at purifying my home’s air. What I found was that the device seemed to bring down the CO₂ levels in my kitchen and did away with funky smells. It’s important to note that the Briiv doesn’t include any air quality indicators, so there’s nothing on the device itself to convey that anything was happening, which is why understanding the science behind the key—and its beautifully biophilic—ingredient of moss can help.

In navigating the Briiv air filter, I could manage the touch-activated control zone on the front of the device or utilize the app (available for Apple or Android). The control zone is very simple, so I stuck with that. It has a range of one to four dots indicating the level of fan speed available. One dot of speed is barely audible, two dots is a bit louder and offers a buzzing sound, while the latter strengths of three and four dots are even more pronounced—mimicking the sound of the average tabletop fan. Next to this scale is a touch button for a one-hour boost, a cleanse mode that will clear up a room’s air in just an hour.

The bottom line: The Briiv worked better than I imagined. Not to mention, there’s an advantage to owning a Briiv that other air filters can’t offer: It’s a wonderful feeling having moss in the home. It almost feels like it is answering a subconscious need to commune with nature, even indoors. And based on looks alone, the device certainly adds to any countertop. It is on the pricier side, so interested buyers will have to determine if the gentle air purifier that also works to help the planet is worth the buy.

Although definitely not scientific, my findings show the Briiv can circulate and clean the air in a high-traffic area, my kitchen, where I also routinely cook and thus emit fumes indoors. But it does take the device some time to cycle the air in the room entirely, and the higher levels do seem to perform better in terms of thoroughly cleaning the air. I also noticed the air felt more refreshing when using the device, and I didn’t feel that middle of the afternoon stuffy head feeling from allergies in spring. (Read Michelle’s full review of the Briiv Air Filter here)

Tester: Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editor

My space: My living situation is absolutely rife with dust: I live in a century-old apartment building right next to an elevated subway track with two wonderful cats, and their not-so-wonderful litter boxes. Our gas stove is hood-less and sits right next to our gas-powered washer-dryer. Beyond all of that, my partner and I have a penchant for buying dusty antiques nearly every time we leave the city.

Area coverage: The Blue Pure 411i Max is optimized for “small spaces,” touting a suggested range of 219–526 square feet. I tested it in my 13x13 living/dining room (which clocks in well below the maximum square footage).

Filter replacements: Blueair offers 2 options for filter replacements: A single filter for $39.99, or a two-pack with a replacement subscription for $50.98. Each filter lasts 6-9 months, and the Blueair app alerts you when it is time to switch over to a new one.

My experience: I hate downloading apps onto my phone. And I especially hate appliances that are rendered useless without their accompanying app. Thankfully, the Blue Pure Max 411i works its magic with or without it (the app is an optional addition for some extra functionality).

In the app (I downloaded it for testing purposes), you can create a schedule, set the purifier to automatically switch modes at different times of the day, set a “child lock,” and change the brightness of the LED display (a perfect feature for people with purifiers in the bedroom). Beyond changing settings, the app gives an overview of the level of air pollution in your space and alerts the user when it is time to change filters. While I can’t say I’ve noticed a palpable difference in the quality of the air in my apartment, I’m sure the HEPA filter is removing plenty of imperceptible pollutants. That peace of mind is good enough for me!

What I would change: In a perfect world, I would be able to find a purifier that blends in with my collection of midcentury furniture, rather than one that screams “I AM AN AIR PURIFIER”—but alas. When it comes to aesthetics, the Blueair models are totally fine, and better than most–they’re sleek and minimal, and likely blend in more easily with modern decor.

For a purifier specifically aimed at small spaces, the Blue Max 411i is not exactly miniature. At 19 inches tall, with a 10-inch diameter, it’s a tad bulky, especially when placed in an optimal location for purifying.

The bottom line: Overall, I am very happy to have this purifier in my space! In the age of global pandemics and unpredictable environmental factors, we can all stand to benefit from some cleaner air. Though slightly bulky, the Blue Max 411i is extremely easy to use, relatively affordable, and almost completely inaudible. For me, it’s a fantastic set-it-and-forget-it air quality solution!

Coway Airmega 100

Tester: Lila Allen, associate director, AD PRO

My space: As long as I’ve lived in New York City, I’ve struggled with a general feeling of ick around my home. Dust, pollen (especially during open-window season), and pollution from traffic have all been challenges. And with a cat in the mix, there’s also pet dander, fur, and litter box odors to contend with. Diligent cleaning gets me pretty far, but doesn’t resolve all of these issues.

Area coverage: This model covers up to 810 square feet in an hour. I focused it in one area of my home—the bedroom—where pet odors and pollution were the biggest blights.

Filter replacements: A replacement filter runs just shy of $40. Filters last for up to a year, and Coway recommends vacuuming them periodically. I didn’t need to replace mine during my testing window, but it’s very easy to swap out whenever it comes time—you just flip the unit upside down, untwist the top, pull out the old filter, and slide in your new one.

My experience: The Airmega 100 runs right about the size of a breadbox, at 15 1/2" tall and a diameter of 8 3/4". The cylindrical body (which intakes air from all directions) is inoffensive, if slightly conspicuous—it’s solid white, with functions integrated into a touchpad on a black top. An indicator detects particulate matter down to 2.5 microns, telling you about the state of your space in real time and illuminating blue when air quality is good, green when it’s moderate, orange when it’s unhealthy, and pink when it’s very unhealthy (which thankfully I never saw!). Airflow can adjust automatically based on air quality by using the device’s “Smart Mode.” If you’re bothered by glowing lights at night, good news: This model offers an amber-hued “night light” setting, or you can turn off lit features entirely.

I tested this model over the course of about six months and definitely noticed a reduction in pet odors and dust during that time. (Bragging rights: I was told that the dust and dander in my room was “not bad at all” for someone with a cat by my movers this summer! I attribute that at least in part to this device.) The Airmega uses a three-stage system, with a vacuumable pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a deodorization filter combining to clean and de-stinkify your room.

The bottom line: This was a great product, and I think the price (around $130 at full retail) is fair for what you get. I’ve used other air purifiers where I’ve had to change filters all the time, so having one where I could “set it and forget it” was a plus. This unit is a solid option for someone living in an apartment and dealing with similar issues—mold, pollution, pet dander, and so on—or looking to neutralize some less-than-pleasant funk in a small to medium-sized space.

Tester: Rebecca Grambone, social media manager

My space: No matter how much I dust my bedroom in my apartment, the wooden floors always seem to get dusty the next day. I live with two other roommates and my bedroom is attached to a hallway that we all are constantly walking through to get to the bathroom or the laundry area. I’ve realized recently that having a bedroom near a “high traffic” area of the apartment may be the culprit behind my dust issue, especially if people are walking through after having been outside.

Area coverage: The effective range of the air purifier is 403 square feet and can be used in larger areas, however purification will take longer. I used it in my bedroom, which is approximately 12 feet by 13.

Filter replacements: The filter replacements for this particular model cost around $50. I haven’t had to replace my filter yet since it lasts about 12 months. However, when you first take the air purifier out of its delivery packaging, you have to remove the filter from a plastic covering and place it back in the purifier. I found this process super simple since all you have to do is twist the bottom portion of the purifier off, remove the filter, put the cleaned filter (or a new one) back in, and then twist the bottom portion back on.

My experience: After about a week using the air purifier in my bedroom (along with regular dusting), I noticed that I wasn’t waking up with puffy eyes anymore. This may sound cliché, but the air in my room felt crisper and definitely cleaner. I specifically liked the Auto Mode feature that adjusts the fan settings automatically based on the current air quality in the room. I also appreciated the Sleep Mode feature that keeps the air purifier operating quietly by using an ultra low fan speed, this way I could use it throughout the night without the sound disrupting my sleep. I found it interesting that this air purifier has a 3-Stage Filtration system: the first is a pre-filter that captures larger particles such as dust and pet fur, the second is a H13 True HEPA filter that “captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size,” and the third is a custom high-efficiency activated carbon filter that absorbs smoke, odors, and fumes. Each of these filters also serves the purpose of maximizing the filter’s life which I find makes this purifier a good investment.

I was also impressed with other high-tech features such as the VeSync app, which allows you to control the air purifier from your smartphone by connecting it through Bluetooth. Having access to the app allows you to easily view the air quality in the room you have the air purifier set up in with words like “good” or “very good.” You can also view the air purifier’s filter life, as well as set up features such as “Auto Clean,” which turns the air purifier on automatically when the air quality is bad and “Auto Stop,” which automatically turns the air purifier off when the air quality is good. I also found it helpful that the app lets you view how long you’ve had the air purifier running as well as how much air has been purified. You can visibly see the job getting done!

For someone who really isn’t that tech savvy, I found everything to be easily accessible. Sometimes products add all this extra tech just as a bonus, but I truly felt that each and every tech feature that this air purifier had to offer was functional and beneficial.

What I would change: One downside of this air filter is that it’s definitely on the larger and bulkier side and you definitely need to have the space for it, especially since the manual recommends keeping it 15 inches from anything surrounding it.

The bottom line: Overall, I found this air purifier very effective! I would recommend this specific product to anyone who is looking for more of a high-tech option that will definitely get the job done. However, you definitely have to have the space for it, as it is not a sleek and sexy option compared to other air purifiers on the market that are on the pricier side.

Tester: Sydney Gore, senior digital design editor

The space: My allergies have always made me a sensitive person in regards to air quality, but it wasn’t until I got sick from the smoke that spilled into New York from the Canada wildfires that I was pushed to invest in an air purifier. My apartment gets dusty despite all my efforts to keep it clean and that’s a much smaller space compared to an entire house in the suburbs—in addition to me and my parents, we have two cats and their fur gets caught on every surface.

Area coverage: The dimensions of this model are 17.72 x 10.05 x 18.86 in and it was specifically designed for larger spaces to circulate and filter room air in a 310 square foot space. I set this up in the family room on the first level of my parents’ house since it’s an open floor plan and that zone gets the most foot traffic, especially from our cats.

Filter replacements: Replacement filters for the HPA204 series will run you around $25 with the recommendation to replace filters annually (though I haven't gotten around to replacing mine just yet, it seems fairly simple to do so).

My experience: My parents have always had Honeywell air purifiers around the house, which I didn’t notice until recently, so that felt like a strong indicator for me to trust the brand—they’re true to this, not new to this. The setup is pretty simple, but I unboxed everything to make sure that my parents would be good to go on their own when I’m not around. Within the first few days of using the HPA204, I felt like the air quality in that section of the house had improved. (We get a lot of dust and other miscellaneous particles downstairs so you can usually hear a lot of sneezing.) After three months, my dad actually likes this version more than his older Honeywell products so he has since moved it upstairs into his bedroom (a very strong endorsement)—I wouldn’t be surprised if he ordered more of them for the rest of the house. Also, the cats don’t seem to mind when it’s on and they’re the toughest critics out of all of us!

Honeywell’s True HEPA Air Purifier uses an activated carbon pre-filter to help capture large airborne particles and reduce odors and VOCs. The filtration helps capture up to 99.97% of the following microscopic airborne allergens and particles: Dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris, and smoke. It has three cleaning levels (high/medium/low) with a turbo setting that is supposed to be excellent for people with allergies, so essentially our entire household. I especially appreciate the silent operation and dimmer option, this is critical in the evenings.

The bottom line: Honeywell is an OG air purifier and air conditioner brand, I would highly recommend any of their products. Did I forget to mention that they offer a five year warranty? Doesn't get classier than that. Also, this model earned the ENERGY STAR label by meeting strict energy efficient guidelines set by the U.S. EPA so seems pretty legit! The Gore family swears by it, what other approval do you need?

Molekule Air Pro

Tester: Steven John, contributor

My space: We have two cats that shed heavily and we often burn candles. We also cook most every meal at home, and while the range is vented, invariably some gas enters the air, as it does from our natural gas-burning fireplace in the winter.

Area coverage: The Molekule Air Pro is rated to cover 1,000 square feet of space in homes with eight-foot ceilings. Our ceilings are nine feet on the main floor, so we used our Molekule in tandem with another air purifier, setting it up in a den right of the kitchen. We placed another air purifier from a different brand in the living room, but the Molekule did the heavy lifting with gas and fumes to contend with.

Filter replacements: The Air Pro’s replacement filter is quite pricey, at $174.99 for a one-time purchase or $139.99 with a subscription, and the company recommends replacement every six months. Changing the PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter is very easy, at least: It involves a quick rotation and lifting up on the top of the unit and then just popping the filter out.

My experience: Perhaps my favorite thing about each air purifier that Molekule has released is the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing. So many air purifiers are large, clunky, and are just general eyesores. This one is sleek, tall and slim, and almost artistic. I also always appreciated how quietly it worked, remaining at something like a steady whisper even at higher power. The PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter caught dust and particles with great efficacy, reducing the amount of dust in our den, kitchen, and adjacent hallways, and I always loved how the air coming out of the Air Pro literally smelled cleaner; it smelled faintly sweet, the way pure oxygen does. Frankly, the only change I wish could be made to the Molekule Air Pro is a reduction of the high cost of the replacement filters. Even with a regular subscription, they’re expensive, and that subscription may not even meet the timing you actually need in your home.

The bottom line: I would strongly recommend the Molekule Air Pro air purifier to anyone who wants cleaner air and is concerned with aesthetics. If someone had a place they could put their air purifier totally out of sight, then I would have to recommend one with lower priced replacement parts, though.

Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

My space: I’m always looking for ways to protect myself from anything that could flare up my eczema and dust allergies, but once pollen gets thrown into the mix, all bets are off. While I do a pretty good job of catching the visible aggressors with dusting and vacuuming around my house, it’s difficult to monitor microscopic allergens and airborne contaminants, so I’m usually left sniffling or itching during transitional seasons.

Area coverage: Dyson’s Purifier Hot+Cool is great for medium to large rooms and can easily cover an area of up to 315 square ft (2860 cubic feet) if not more, according to tests conducted by Dyson. I kept mine in my bedroom, which is about 170 square feet.

Filter replacements: Filter replacements run about $80 from Dyson, though cheaper alternatives do exist from outlets like Amazon (just know these off-brand versions have been reported to work to varying degrees). The filters easily snap into the chamber-like base of the purifier and Dyson recommends replacing your filters when you’re alerted by the app or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

My experience: In addition to a small remote control, there’s also the Wifi-enabled Dyson Link app, which you can download to your smart device. I usually detest having to download an app to get the most out of my tech and appliances, though the Link app made setup a breeze; plus, if you own more Dyson home products it’s easy to manage them all in one place.

The purifier itself works like a dream, and I noticed within a week of use that I felt noticeably less congested. The intuitive device uses a 360° filtration system that implements a combination of activated carbon to remove potentially harmful gases and odors from the air and a HEPA H13 filter to capture 99.97% of particles. I appreciated that the Hot+Cold has an auto mode, which continuously monitors room temperature and indoor air quality, while also running the fan or heat to the degree of your choosing.

When you first turn on the purifier, it immediately starts assessing the surrounding air quality, and you can monitor any fluctuations in general air quality, particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10), volatile organic compounds usually from air sprays or aerosol (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), as well as temperature and humidity. I was particularly fond of this feature and frequently looked at these charts to see how the levels would rise or decrease over long periods of time.

Visually, the Dyson purifier definitely grabs attention with its sleek, modern design—a big draw to me when incorporating it into my space. Noise was never something that bothered me, though it emits louder sounds when the fan/heater is on a higher level or if it’s working to clean the air in a more polluted space. Besides its impressive air purification skills, the device doubles and triples as an oscillating smart fan and heater with adjustable airflow which I became hugely hooked on during winter (on account of some drafty windows in my room). With the ability to set your desired temperature, the heater can make a closed space feel noticeably warmer in very little time (my room size is average and I would say it took under 10 minutes).

The bottom line: I really love this air purifier because I can feel and see it working (via the app). At $650 a pop, this air purifier is definitely a splurge. Are there other air purifiers out there that work just as well at a lower price point? Probably—but I would say it’s the combination of a high-quality air purifier, fan, and heater that make this one worth its price.

How to check your air quality

There are three primary ways to check your air quality. If you want to go the free route, you can use your phone’s built-in weather app to check the AQI (Air Quality Index) of your location. It won't be exact, especially if your windows are closed, but it's an okay estimate. For a more specific air quality reading, you can purchase an air quality monitor (we found a bunch on Amazon starting from $36). Otherwise, if you have an air purifier already, there’s a good chance it has a screen or connected app that will tell you the CADR rating (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of your space.

You might not know that there are actually a handful of different kinds of air purifiers. The primary aim of each is the same: to filter out allergens, mold spores, smoke, VOCs, and other particulate matter. You can find UV purifiers, which use ultraviolet rays to sanitize surfaces. There are also activated carbon, ionization, and HEPA air purifiers—the last of which is most common for personal use.

Most of these machines are on the smaller side and only purify one room, while other air purifiers work larger spaces. Some HEPA purifiers come with a carbon filter, and vice versa. In fact, many different types of air purifiers use HEPA technology.

Now that you know some of our favorite air purifiers, it’s your turn to go shopping. Whether you stick with one of our top picks or branch out, these are the things we recommend keeping in mind when choosing an air purifier.

• Consider the area coverage. 
  Not all air purifiers are created equally. While some devices like the My Happi are designed to purify small rooms, others (like the Coway’s AirMega series ) are designed to cover up to 930 square feet. Before you buy an air purifier, consider where you're going to be using it. That will help you pick the right air purifier for your space.
• Look for top-tier filtration systems.
  The most important thing about any air purifier is how well it filters the air. The gold standard is the HEPA filter. So, what is a HEPA filter? According to the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency, HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air" and any filter with this designation can trap 99.97% of particles like dust, mold, and pollen that are 0.3 microns. According to Coway, HEPA air filters were originally created to capture radioactive particles during atomic bomb tests in World War II. Today’s HEPA filters—usually made out of maze-like, interlaced glass fibers—are used to trap air contaminants like dust, mold, and pollen.
• Factor in the cost and frequency of air filter replacements.
  Replacing your air filters when it’s time is crucial in ensuring your air purifier is performing at its highest efficiency. We’ve outlined the cost and process of replacing filters for each of these units—from the more cost-effective Blueair to the splurge-y Dyson—but strongly recommend you check out the cost to maintain your air purifier before hitting “add to cart.”
• Choose an air purifier with several speed options.
  As you can imagine, more air in your home will be filtered when you keep your air purifier on a higher fan speed, so keep an eye out for options in the market with multiple speeds. However, the EPA notes that boosting the amount of time your air purifier runs will also help increase air filtration.
• Last but not least, find an air purifier that will blend with its intended surroundings.
  The main factor in any air purifier is, of course, how well it cleans your home air. But ideally, you can find a low-profile, well designed air purifier that will fit your home aesthetic (it will, after all, be on display).

We had our editors and writers live with their air purifiers for at least one month in order to gauge the full effects of each device. When selecting products we took into account factors such as size, coverage range, design, and price (including long-term costs of replacing filters). We also inquired within our testing pool about their current environments and how they hoped an air purifier would improve their home life. Several of our reviewers live with pets, have asthma or allergies, or were hoping the devices would keep areas like the kitchen and bedroom fume-free.