Best air purifiers 2025: Remove pet hair, smoke, dust and more

An air purifier standing in the middle of a living room, with a family sitting on a sofa behind it
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Investing in one of the best air purifiers is a simple and effective way to improve air quality in your house or workplace. Whether it is a small and portable Sensibo Pure or a high-tech unit like the Molekule Air Pro, these clever appliances trap smoke, dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander and many other pollutants that lurk in the indoor air. For those with respiratory conditions or people living in areas of poor air quality, they can be a lifesaver.

“Air purifiers are typically most helpful for those with sensitive airways - including those with allergies, asthma and COPD,” Dr. Kara Wada, an allergy specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Live Science. Unsure if you need an air purifier, or how they work? Scroll down to our air purifier FAQ section.

We know that picking an air purifier is not easy, especially with such a wide range of appliances available on the market. It is difficult to trust bold claims when so many airborne pollutants are invisible to the naked eye. This is where we step in. Our expert reviewers tested each air purifier in this guide using an industry-grade Perfect Prime air particle monitor to give you an objective assessment of their air-cleaning performance. You can read more about our testing protocol in the How we test section down below.

Mind you, air purifiers do not affect humidity levels. If you want to banish dry air from your home, consider investing in one of the best humidifiers. And if you want to eliminate excess moisture, the best dehumidifiers may be your best shot.

The quick list

See the quick list below for a brief overview of our favorite air purifiers, or scroll further down for more in-depth reviews of each machine as well as other options we recommend.

The best air purifiers we recommend in 2025: Fully tested by us with hands-on, real-world experience

Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best air purifier overall

Best overall: Excellent performance and user-friendly design at a reasonable price.

Specifications

Energy star certified: Yes
Effective range: Up to 635 ft² / 59m²
Noise level: 26-55 dB
CADR: 410 CFM
Dimensions: 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6-inches / 31.3 x 31.1 x 60cm
Weight: 13.7 lbs / 6.21kg
Warranty: 2-year limited

Reasons to buy

+
Great performance
+
Easy to control via app
+
Inconspicuous design
+
Good value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky
Buy it if:

✅ You like your smart devices: It connects to a dedicated app for customization and control, plus you can control it via Alexa and Google devices.

✅ You want something quiet: When in sleep mode, it runs at around 26 dB.


✅ You want good value for money: While not the cheapest model in this guide, it is well worth the money.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something small: This is quite a bulky unit, so if you are short on space you might want to consider other options (Levoit Core 400S, for example.)

The bottom line

🔎 Levoit Core 600S: This smart air purifier won our seal of approval with its excellent air-cleaning performance and user-friendly design. It is, however, relatively expensive and quite bulky. ★★★★½

The Levoit Core 600S is our favorite air purifier overall, dethroning its coveted sibling, the Levoit Core 400S. In all fairness, both of these air purifiers deserve the top spot, but it is the 600S model that narrowly wins the competition. It is bigger, more powerful and offers better value for money.

The Levoit Core 600S thoroughly impressed us with its performance. This air purifier features a three-stage True HEPA filtration system that effectively captures particles such as mold, bacteria and viruses, as well as an activated carbon filter that traps odor-bearing VOCs. During our full Levoit Core 600S review, we tested its performance using an air particle meter, before and after burning incense sticks and matches. We were impressed by the results, with the Core 600S removing up to 99.9% of particles — some measuring as small as 0.3 microns.

We also liked its user-friendly design. The Levoit Core 600S can integrate into your connected home through the Vesync app and voice control compatibility. It is also quiet (just 26 dB in sleep mode) and blends well with a range of home decors. The Core 600S is traditionally rectangular but maintains a sleek, low-profile design. Its touch-control panel provides a multitude of settings, including power, timer, auto mode and speed. The Vesync app is straightforward to download and useful for monitoring air quality and adjusting the device's output.

Its auto mode optimizes performance, while sleep mode enables quiet night-time operation. Some user reviews report annoying motor noise at certain speeds, but overall, the Core 600S earns positive reviews for its effectiveness, smart features and ease of use.

True, it is not the cheapest option in this guide (it costs around $299), but the Levoit Core 600S delivers fantastic value and you would be hard-pressed to find something better in this price range.

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Levoit Core 600S
AttributesNotes
DesignBulky design
PerformanceQuiet night-time operation for sleep.
FunctionalityApp connectivity & Alexa/Google voice control

Best air purifier for pet owners

Best for pet owners: This user-friendly air purifier is designed with pet owners in mind.

Specifications

Energy Star Certified: Yes
Effective range: 380 ft² / 35m²
Noise level: 24-54 dB
CADR: 245 CFM
Dimensions: 15.6 x 8.5 x 19.8-inches / 39.6 x 21.7 x 50.2 cm
Weight: 13.2 lbs / 6kg
Warranty: 2 year limited

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive air-cleaning performance
+
Easy to use and control via app or voice
+
Washable pre-filter and dedicated Pet mode
+
Good value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
Too large for small spaces
-
Chunky design
Buy it if:

✅ You want to get rid of odors and pet dander: Bit of an obvious one, but this purifier is designed specifically for pet-friendly homes.

✅ You want smart features: There is a dedicated app to see real-time air quality data, set timers and change modes.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a small space: Although it is not huge, there are better options for small spaces.

❌ You want to save money: There are cheaper Levoit models available.

The bottom line

🔎 Levoit Vital 200S: Powerful, unobtrusive and packed with useful features, this chunky air purifier does a brilliant job at getting rid of fur, pet dander and bad odors. ★★★★½

The Levoit Vital 200S is a powerful air purifier designed specifically for households with pets. It may not be the most stylish or compact appliance on the market, but it will keep your home free from fur, pet dander and bad odors — and we can vouch for that. Price-wise, it is also a winner for us. This air purifier costs around $189, and while it is not the cheapest model in this guide, we still think it offers excellent value for money.

The Levoit Vital 200S performed really well during our full Levoit Vital 200S review. Equipped with four fan speeds, three modes (including a pet mode) and three different filters (a washable pre-filter, an H13 True HEPA filter and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter), this air purifier left no stone unturned. The Vital 200S effectively removed hair, dust, cooking odors, and many other airborne pollutants. When we measured its performance with an industry-grade air particle monitor, we noted that it consistently hoovered up to 99.99% particles as small as 0.3 microns in just 30 minutes.

We liked its smart features, too. The Levoit Vital 200S can be controlled remotely using the Vesync app, and it is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control devices. The Vesync app is especially useful for monitoring the air quality, both in real-time and in the past.

While the rather chunky design of this air purifier may not appeal to all users, the unobtrusive aesthetic makes the Levoir Vital 200S easy to blend in with most home decors. But if you prefer something more sleek, consider the HoMedics Total Clean. This tower air purifier has similar pet-friendly features to the 200S model, but its narrow shape makes it more suitable for tight spaces.

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Levoit Vital 200S
AttributesNotes
DesignCould be a bit big for small spaces.
PerformanceImpressive air cleaning performance.
FunctionalityEasy to use via app or voice control.

Best budget air purifier

Best budget: This smart air purifier packs impressive value into its affordable price point.

Specifications

Energy star certified: Yes
Effective range: Up to 526 square feet
Noise level: ≤ 46 dB
Dimensions: 18.9 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches / 48 x 27 x 27 cm
Weight: 7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg
Warranty: 3-year limited

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent air-cleaning performance
+
Compact and lightweight
+
Easy to use
+
Whisper-quiet
+
Budget-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for large spaces
-
Air quality readings are limited to 2.5-micron particles
-
Pre-filter needs regular cleaning
Buy it if:

✅ You want excellent performance: This air purifier impresses with its powerful air-cleaning capabilities, energy-saving credentials and useful smart features.


✅ You are looking for something quiet: It is almost silent at its lowest setting.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a large room: Due to its relatively small size, it would not be suitable for use in large rooms.


❌ You want a low-maintenance air purifier: Its fabric pre-filter requires regular washing.

The bottom line

🔎 BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max: It is whisper-quiet, compact and easy to use, but more importantly, it boasts impressive air-cleaning capabilities in small to medium spaces — and it does not cost the earth. ★★★★½

There are plenty of affordable air purifiers on the market. The problem is, they are often of dubious quality or too small to perform well in a typical medium-sized room. The BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max is a rare exception here — it boasts impressive air-cleaning capabilities in spaces up to 526 square feet (49 square meters). It is also whisper-quiet, compact and easy to use, and it comes with a range of useful smart features. The best part? It costs just $169.99 and is often heavily discounted.

The BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max is equipped with a fabric pre-filter that traps larger particles like dust and hair as well as a HEPA filter, and its electrostatic forces help to attract airborne pollutants without relying on noisy fans. We found this design to be very effective. During our BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max review, this air purifier removed up to 100% of airborne particles when we exposed it to smoke. It also did a great job in our ambient air quality tests — the 411i Max reduced airborne particles by up to 75% after 30 minutes on Auto mode. However, it was almost near-silent doing so (just 45 dB at the highest fan speed.)

We were also impressed with its smart features given its affordable price tag. This air purifier features easy-to-use controls, and it can also be operated remotely via an app and voice assistant. The BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max also offers real-time and historical air quality readings, so you can closely monitor air quality in your home. They are, however, limited to air particles bigger than 2.5 microns.

The washable pre-filter is another downside. It needs to be washed regularly, and the fabric cover may easily attract your pet's paws. If you have a curious cat or want something less maintenance-heavy, check out the Sensibo Pure instead.

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BlueAir Blue Pure 411i Max
AttributesNotes
DesignCompact and lightweight.
PerformanceExcellent air-cleaning performance.
FunctionalityMultiple smart features available in the app.

Best air purifier for large rooms

Best for large rooms: One of the most powerful air purifiers we tested

Specifications

Energy star certified: No
Effective range: Up to 1000 sq ft (92.9 sq m)
Noise level: up to 65 dB
Dimensions (inches): 23.1 (H) x 10.9 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters): 58.6 (H) x 27.8 (W)
Weight: 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek, unobtrusive design
+
Powerful air cleaning performance
+
Detailed air quality readings
+
Easy to use and assemble

Reasons to avoid

-
More expensive than other air purifiers
-
Costly filter replacements
-
Noisy at high fan speeds
Buy it if:

✅ You have large rooms: This powerful air purifier can cover up to 1000 square feet (93 square meters).


✅ You want detailed air quality readings: It displays the exact composition of particulate matter in the air, including VOCs, carbon dioxide and relative humidity.

You want to combat airborne allergies: It is the only air purifier in this guide that is equipped with the allergen-destroying PECO technology.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You are on a budget: It is one of the most expensive air purifiers on the market, and its filter replacements are costly, too.


❌ You need something quiet: It can get up to 66 dB at high-speed settings.

The bottom line

🔎 Molekule Air Pro: This sleek-looking air purifier harbors a real beast of performance and some of the best air quality readings out there. However, it is relatively expensive, and it can get really noisy. ★★★★

The Molekule Air Pro is designed to cover areas of up to 1000 square feet, making it an excellent choice for homes with larger rooms or office spaces. It is also the only air purifier equipped with a patented pollutant-destroying PECO technology, meaning it can turn bacteria, pollen and other organic airborne particulates into water vapor and harmless gases — which is why it is cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device under the 510(k) program. It looks good, too, making it a perfect choice for living rooms.

During our Molekule Air Pro review, we found it to be one of the most powerful air purifiers we tested. This sleek-looking appliance did an excellent job at removing smoke, trapping a whopping 99.6% of particles measuring 0.3-micron and 99.9% of 2.5-micron particles after just 15 minutes on Auto mode. We obtained even better results when we tested the Molekule Air Pro at its highest fan settings. The only caveat? It was very noisy when put through its paces. On the plus side, this air purifier does offer a Quiet Mode to keep the decibels down.

We were also impressed by its features. The Molekule Air Pro is easy to use and assemble, and thanks to its stylish faux leather handle, also very portable. This air purifier can be operated remotely via an app or voice assistant, and it offers some of the most detailed air quality readings we have seen. The cherry on top? It has a low footprint.

On the other hand, the Molekule Air Pro is an expensive piece of kit — its RRP hovers just below the $1000 mark, and even with frequent sales it can cost nearly $700. Its filter replacements are also costly, and they need to be changed every six months or so. If you are looking for something more affordable, check out our top-spot holder, the Levoit Core 600S. It costs less than half of what you would typically pay for the Molekule Air Pro, but it does an excellent job of keeping the air clean.

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Molekule Air Pro
AttributesNotes
DesignStylish and user-friendly.
PerformanceGood for use in large spaces.
FunctionalityConnected app, voice assistant, detailed air quality readings.

Best air purifier for saving energy

Best for saving energy: With real-time air-quality monitoring and a clever eco-mode, this is ideal for the energy-conscious.

Specifications

Energy star certified: Yes
Effective range: 361 ft² in 12.5 mins | 874 ft² in 30 mins | 1,748 ft² in 60 mins
Noise level: 24 - 53 dB
CADR: 248 CFM
Dimensions: 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6-inches / 42.7 x 46.5 x 24.4cm
Weight: 12.3 lbs / 5.58kg
Warranty: 3 year limited

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to use
+
Effective performance
+
Quiet at lower settings
+
Eco-mode

Reasons to avoid

-
Replacement filters are not cheap
-
Noisy at the highest setting
-
Lacks the wow factor
Buy it if:

✅ You want a quiet purifier: At its lowest settings it runs at 23 dB, ideal for quiet rooms or for sleeping — although we did find it noisy at its loudest setting.

✅ You want something eco-friendly: It has a dedicated eco mode that decreases energy use after 30 minutes if no excessive pollution is detected.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something stylish: It is not exactly ugly, but there are definitely some better-looking purifiers out there.

❌ You want connectivity: There is no accompanying app or voice control capabilities with this model.

The bottom line

🔎 Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty: This compact and quirky-looking air purifier does a great job at removing various air pollutants in small to medium rooms, without putting a strain on the energy bill. ★★★★

The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is known as a standout air purifier due to its excellent value and high-quality performance. It may not be as stylish as other air purifiers in our round-up, but our testing found it to do a remarkable job of removing particles in just 30 minutes. For what it offers it is not too pricey, either.

For an initial cost of under $250, this air purifier offers a four-stage filtration system, a HEPA filter and coverage of up to 361 square feet. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mightyhis air purifier excels in eradicating dust and odors, with a pre-filter and odorization filter for reducing these pesky contaminants in the air. We also found it to be relatively quiet, making it a suitable addition to any bedroom when paired when its smaller size.

Design-wise, it is a hit-and-miss. This air purifier looks neat, and is available in two different colors: Black and white. However, its quirky design may not be up to everyone's taste.

That said, it is what is inside the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty that matters more here. This air purifier benefits from a built-in particle sensor to show real-time air quality monitoring. It will show a blue light when the air is clean, purple to flag pollution and red for high pollution. Another clever feature of the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is the sensors that can adjust the fan speed to keep the air clean so that you do not have to mess with the settings.

During our Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty review, we particularly liked the Eco mode on the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty which worked well to power down the air purifier when air pollution was low, saving energy and money. Our tester also found the auto mode worked well to toggle between fan settings depending on indoor air quality.

The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is an air purifier suited to rooms up to 361 square feet, making it suitable for smaller spaces and bedrooms. If you need something for a larger room, then you might want to look for something like the RabbitAir A3. Powerful yet easy on the energy bills, and it looks great, too.

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Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
AttributesNotes
DesignNot the most attractive model.
PerformanceQuiet mode for sleeping, but noisy highest setting.
FunctionalityEco mode and real-time air-quality monitoring.

Best air purifier for cooling

Best for cooling: A stylish air purifier with excellent smart features and cooling capabilities

Specifications

Energy star certified: Yes
Effective range: 800 ft² / 74.3m²
Noise level: 46 - 61.5 dB
CADR: 71 CFM
Dimensions: 41 x 8.7 x 7.72-inches / 104 x 22 x 19.6cm
Weight: 11lbs / 5kg
Warranty: 2 years

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek, stylish design
+
Powerful air-purifying capability
+
Connectivity and smart features
+
Cheaper than most Dyson appliances

Reasons to avoid

-
Can get noisy at high levels
-
Relatively expensive
Buy it if:

✅ You want versatility: The Dyson Purifier Cool doubles as a fan.

✅ You want something customizable: You can activate, schedule and monitor the unit from the app, even when you're away, and you can also use it via voice control.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to save money: While it is cheaper than most Dyson appliances, it is still quite expensive.

❌ You want something quiet: One of our only gripes is that it can get loud compared to other models.

The bottom line

🔎 Dyson Purifier Cool: It is stylish, powerful and packed with smart features, and it doubles as a fan, too — but it is relatively expensive. ★★★★

The Dyson Purifier Cool is one of the most stylish air purifiers on the market. Its unusual design marks it out as a talking point in any room, while simple but genius extras, such as a magnetic remote control, take it a step up from your average air purifier. That is not even the best part. This device doubles up as a fan in hotter weather, making it a great option for cooling.

What we liked most about Dyson Purifier Cool was its smart features. Users can activate, schedule and monitor their purifier via the Dyson app, allowing them to set fan speed, timers and check air quality whether they are home or away. A clever LCD display flicks between icons that show air quality data in real time, while an auto-mode senses air particles and adjusts fan settings to suit.

Its performance was good, too. During our Dyson Purifier Cool review, we burned some matches and incense sticks to check how effective the purifier was at trapping harmful airborne particles. When tested at a level 6 setting, the Dyson Purifier Cool removed 98% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 72% of particles measuring less than 2.5 microns, and nearly three-quarters of particles measuring up to 10 microns. The air purifier performed even better at a level 10 setting — it captured 95% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 96% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns, and almost all large particles up to 10 microns.

Based on these limited tests, our results were not consistent enough to support Dyson’s claim that it can remove 99.95% of particles. Nevertheless, its Purifier Cool still performed exceptionally well, often removing more than 95% of airborne particles when we ran it for at least half an hour on its highest setting.

The Dyson Purifier Cool’s high price tag may be too expensive to suit everyone’s budget (it costs anywhere between $300 and $500, depending on the retailer), but its stylish, sleek design and smart, connected functionality make it worth investing in. Plus, it is still far cheaper than some of the newer Dyson models. On a tighter budget? Consider our runner-up, the more affordable Dreo MC710S (scroll down to read more).

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Dyson Purifier Cool
AttributesNotes
DesignVery sleek and stylish design that blends in with interiors.
PerformanceCan get noisy.
FunctionalityExcellent connectivity and customization options.

Runner-up


Best all-rounder air purifier

Best all-rounder: This 5-in-1 air purifier comes in four different sizes and is efficient, stylish and easy to assemble.

Specifications

Energy Star Certified: