The best air purifiers for pet owners can help reduce odors that our furry friends kindly share with us. They can also help to reduce the amount of pet fur and dander circulating in the air, helping to improve air quality and in turn, reduce allergic reactions.

As pets don't bathe daily like we do, they can carry unwanted smells and dry skin flakes, known as dander, on their fur. Pets can also carry dust and pollen on their fur which can cause allergic reactions. Odors can also arise from their food, bedding, or litter boxes. To combat these unwanted smells, air purifiers with HEPA filters, which you will find in all of the models in this guide, trap unwanted particles, while activated charcoal filters help eliminate bad smells.

We've already compiled a guide to the best air purifiers on the market, but this one is tailored for air-quality-conscious pet owners or businesses like dog parlours or veterinary surgeries that have animals at their core. You can read more about the best air purifiers for pets in the FAQs section below, and if you are still unsure what to look for, the How to choose section may be of help.

Here you will find a hand-picked selection of our favorite pet-particle-busting air purifiers. All appliances have been tested by us, using the same procedure, with air quality tests conducted with an industry-grade air particle monitor and noise tests done with decibel-counting apps. Take a look at the How we test section to read more about our testing protocol.

The quick list

See the quick list below for a brief summary of our favorite air purifiers for pet owners, or scroll further down for more detailed reviews of each appliance.

The best air purifiers for pet owners 2026: Rigorously tested by our experts

The best air purifier for pets

This is the best air purifier for your animal-loving home thanks to several carefully thought-out, pet-friendly functions. The Levoit Vital 200S's U-shaped air inlet is designed to capture pet fur and dander effectively. It has a pre-filter to catch fur and dander before it reaches the unit's main filter, and a dedicated pet mode that cycles between high-speed and medium settings for maximum efficiency.

The pet-friendly features aren't just clever marketing; they are highly effective. In our hands-on Vital 200S review we were astonished at how quickly the unit improved our air quality, removing almost all harmful air particles in ambient air and in our incense- and match-burning tests.

As with other Levoit air purifiers, this model utilizes the Vesync app, where you can add schedules, timers and adjust fan speeds. You can also get a real-time snapshot of current air quality and a visual of how your air quality changes throughout the day. By monitoring patterns in air quality, you can identify what is causing the unwanted pollutants and take action to improve it.

In our review, we also remarked on how quiet the air purifier was during operation. For the most part, auto mode worked at a whisper-quiet decibel rating of 24 dB.

Although the unit is on the larger side, two handles on the body make it easy to move around the home, and although it is large, it's still quite an attractive bit of kit.

• Read more: Levoit Vital 200S review

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Best air purifier for cats

Every cat owner knows how difficult it is to keep these fluffy creatures from jumping on counters and furniture. Cats are naturally curious animals and, given the chance, will always try to inspect every appliance in your household. This playful nature can spell disaster for most air purifiers available on the market, and even the aforementioned Levoit Vital 200S risks falling prey to their curious paws. So, how can you ensure your appliance is safe for your cats? By playing to their instincts. The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is a perfect example here — its wide, waterproof tabletop serves as a perfect vantage point for your furry friends. Plus, it features a bite-resistant cord and paw-proof grilles, so you do not have to constantly worry about their safety (or, for that matter, the structural integrity of your air purifier.)

The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table not only cleans the air and doubles as a bedside table, it also features a wireless phone charging station, an essential oil diffuser and a stylish ambient light in multiple colors. On top of that, it is very user-friendly. During our SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review, we were particularly impressed by how quiet it was. When we measured its noise levels at the lowest fan speed, we recorded just 21 dB — equivalent to a whisper or leaves rustling in the wind. We also liked its smart features and light, compact design. It is a fabulous option for gadget geeks.

However, this air purifier also has some shortcomings. For example, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is not particularly budget-friendly or powerful enough to suit large spaces. What's more, we found it relatively difficult to assemble. That said, it is still a great air purifier if you can look past these minor flaws.

• Read more: SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review

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Best air purifier for large spaces

The Levoit Core 600S costs around $300 and is a smart air purifier designed for large spaces. It would suit a large home with multiple pets, or a business such as a grooming parlor or cattery.

Its three-stage filtration system captures airborne particles and the activated carbon filter targets household odors like smoke, wet fur and cooking fumes. In our hands-on Levoit Core 600S review, we were impressed by how efficiently the unit improved the air quality across all of our tests.

In operation, the unit is very quiet, even more so when it's in night mode (just 26 dB), so the noise is unlikely to cause any disturbance to noise-sensitive pets.

We love that the Core 600S is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and is controllable by the dedicated VeSync app, although we found it also worked wonders in 'auto' mode. It has an intelligent sensor that automatically adjusts fan speed based on air quality readings, and a handy PM2.5 display that shows particulate levels for anyone curious to monitor it.

The only real downside to the unit is that it is so big. It would take up too much space and be overkill if you only have a small apartment, but in a larger house or commercial area, it's worth its larger footprint.

• Read more: Levoit Core 600S review

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Best air purifier for tight spaces

Despite the GermGuardian AC4825E being a compact, no-frills air purifier, in our hands-on review, we were impressed by the reduction of particles in our match and incense tests. It removed 41% of 0.3-micron particles from ambient air, 63% after match smoke exposure, and 75% following incense burning.

The unit, like most in this guide, has a HEPA filter and charcoal filter to tackle odors and help maintain a fresh living space. It is quiet in operation at low speeds, but noisier at the top fan speed setting. One standout feature for an air purifier in this price range is its built-in UV-C sanitizer, designed to reduce harmful germs.

Due to its compact size, this purifier is best suited for single rooms rather than large areas. Although the unit's design won't be to everyone's taste, the small footprint (21.5 inches tall and 6.75 inches wide) means it's pretty unintrusive. It's functional and gets the job done rather than trying to impress anyone with aesthetics.

A filter change indicator alerts users when it's time to replace the filter to maintain optimum performance, but that's the “'smartest”' feature of this model. There is no app or smart functionality, but these are “nice to haves”rather than being crucial to air purification.

• Read more: GermGuardian AC4825E review

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Best air purifier for bad smells

The Blueair Blue Signature is a powerful and stylish air purifier suitable for rooms up to 705 square feet. It features an advanced seven-stage filtration system that includes a certified HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and patent-pending OdorFence Technology for superior smell removal, apparently up to 10 times more smells than traditional carbon-based filters.

In our hands-on Blue Signature review, performance tests showed impressive results: the unit reduced particle pollution by over 99% in 30 minutes. The purifier is also quiet, with noise levels ranging from 20 to 55 decibels depending on the setting.

Its design is a major pro; it's elegant, can double as a small table, and features a washable fabric pre-filter (available in two colors) and a motion-activated display. The dedicated app provides detailed air quality tracking for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 particles.

The downsides? The unit is expensive, with additional costs for accessories like pre-filters and leg bases. Replacement filters are also pricey at $99 each and need to be changed every three to nine months. The fabric pre-filter, while effective, requires frequent washing and drying, and you need to be careful not to rip it. Despite the cost and maintenance, we still love its performance and design.

• Read more: Blue Air Blue Signature Air Purifier Review

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Most stylish air purifier for pet owners

It's not often a household appliance gets called 'a thing of beauty', but this is what our reviewer called the IQAir Atem Earth. Made from sustainably sourced beech wood, this air purifier has a unique and pleasing design — a sort of retro, vintage, striped wood effect. It certainly isn't your typical, clunky white household appliance. For those with stylish homes, the IQAir Atem Earth would fit right in and can even be inconspicuous (as no-one would assume it's an air purifier). Not only this, but even though it weighs 7.8 kg, we found it highly portable thanks to its large handle, meaning you can easily place it in different medium to large rooms to purify them.

Luckily, the IQAir Atem Earth isn't just all about its looks — it features a HyperHEPA filter that can remove 99.5% of particles measuring as little as 0.003 microns, which is highly impressive when most air purifiers can capture particles of 0.3 microns. Its activated carbon filter can also help to reduce bad smells in the home — a bonus for cat or dog owners. These premium filters do come at a higher price for replacements, though.

While we love how this air purifier looks, we were disappointed by the lack of smart features, such as a 'welcome home' mode. However, this may not put you off, and it does have six manually adjusted fan speeds and an auto mode that kicks the purifier on using its real-time air quality monitoring. This worked well when we were cooking or using cleaning products, but these are quite basic functions for such a large price tag of $999.

Usage is easy with the unit being controlled by the touchscreen buttons on the top of the purifier, or via the IQAir AirVisual app. Another thing to be mindful of is that it only measures two metrics of air quality: the indoor/outdoor Air Quality Index and PM2.5 (airborne particles that measure 2.5 microns in diameter). This might not be an issue, but those looking for more will want to look elsewhere.

However, we were impressed with this air purifier's performance — it was quiet on the lowest setting and not super loud on the highest (around a conversation level of noise). For those wanting something a little snazzier than a white household appliance, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the IQAir Atem Earth, but be prepared to pay a lot for the privilege.

• Read more: IQAir Atem Earth full review

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Best low-maintenance air purifier for pets

If you own cats or dogs, you know firsthand how hard it is to keep your household appliances fur-free. Even the most pet-friendly air purifiers will inevitably clog up and require you to frequently wash and vacuum the pre-filters. However, we may finally have a perfect solution to such never-ending maintenance. The Dreame FP10 is the first-ever air purifier that is capable of cleaning itself. That is because it uses a built-in 360-degree roller that keeps its pre-filter free of fur, dust and other large pollutants lingering in the indoor air. All the debris is then collected in a detachable chamber from where it can be quickly disposed of.

The Dreame FP10 is not only easy to maintain, but it also features bite-resistant cords and a detachable tabletop that your playful cats can climb without you having to worry about their safety. Most importantly, it is quiet, unobtrusive and does an excellent job of removing bad odors and airborne particles.

During our hands-on Dreame FP10 review, the unit demonstrated impressive air-cleaning capabilities. It removed 71% of 0.3-micron particles and 75% of 2.5-micron pollutants within 30 minutes in ambient air tests. This is a significant drop, given that both the air purifier and the air particle monitor indicated very low air pollution levels at the time of testing. During the more challenging smoke tests, the Dreame FP10 achieved near-complete particle removal in an equally short time frame.

Overall, this is an excellent choice for pet owners who need a cat-friendly, high-performance air purifier and don't want to spend hours washing the pre-filters.

• Read more: Dreame FP10 review

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Best pet-friendly air purifier for nurseries

Are you a pet owner and a parent of small children? Then the Levoit Sprout may be exactly what you are looking for. This 3-in-1 appliance combines an air purifier, white noise machine and night light, making it an excellent choice for small- to medium-sized nurseries and toddler rooms. Plus, it comes with a dedicated VeSync app and child lock.

During our full Levoit Sprout review, we were thoroughly impressed with its air-cleaning performance and in-depth air quality monitoring. Most air purifiers on the market track just one or two airborne pollutants. The Levoit Sprout, on the other hand, measures several types of solid airborne pollutants, as well as TVOCs, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels. That said, it only measures air pollution in real time, so you will not be able to access any historical readings.

We also liked how quiet and unobtrusive it was. This air purifier is light, compact and designed in a very kid-friendly manner (no sharp edges or protruding elements), and when we measured its noise levels with a decibel-counting app, we did not register more than 47 dB. It is unlikely that this air purifier will disturb your baby's peaceful slumber or keep your pets awake at night.

On the downside, the Levoit Sprout is relatively expensive. It costs around $279, which is more than most air purifiers mentioned in this guide. Moreover, it is not powerful enough to suit large nurseries or households with multiple shedding pets.

• Read our full Levoit Sprout review

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Best no-frills pet-friendly air purifier

The Honeywell Designer Series HPA830 is an effective, budget-friendly air purifier that prioritizes performance over smart features or aesthetics. For around $199, it offers a certified HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of airborne pollutants like pollen and pet dander, down to 0.3 microns. It also includes an activated carbon pre-filter to reduce odors and VOCs (gaseous chemicals emitted by paint, varnish and the like).

This Energy Star-certified unit is best suited for small- to medium-sized rooms up to 190 square feet. It includes three fan speeds, an auto mode, and an air quality indicator light. Performance testing showed it is quiet, operating between 22-58 dB, and effective at removing pollutants. In one of our tests, it removed 89% of small particles from smoke pollution in 30 minutes.

The main pros are its affordable price, reasonably priced replacement filters ($38), quiet operation, and straightforward use.

What is lacking is smart features and an aesthetically pleasing design (though it isn't awful!). We found the air-quality light indicator a little too bright (and there is no way to dim it), but we're splitting hairs. The unit's top surface includes an essential oil diffuser, but as we found out in our hands-on HPA830 review, it's quite fragile.

Overall, it is a solid choice for users who want a simple, no-frills air purifier that gets the job done efficiently.

• Read our full Honeywell Designer Series HPA830 review

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Best budget option

It might not be the most stylish of air purifiers, but the Oneisall Pet Air Purifier does a good job at removing dust, hair and bad odors from rooms. If you don’t mind how your air purifier looks then your pet certainly won’t, and if you’re looking for a budget option that performs, this is it.

While it looks like a white rectangular box, pet owners, and especially cat owners, may enjoy the cat cut out at the bottom. It adds a little detail to the appliance, but it also has a helpful advantage, allowing the user to see how much hair and dust have been collected on the air filters. Although it isn’t the most interesting thing to look at, it is a durable piece of equipment that could withstand a knock from a curious cat or puppy.

As this is a budget-friendly option, don’t expect to see any dedicated apps or smart features here. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform well and with ease. For example, the Auto Mode means it automatically adjusts its fan speed to match the level of pollution in the air. You can turn it on and leave it to do its thing. However, you can also manually control the fan speeds, with four settings. Plus, there’s a timer, and the display is dimmable for those who need to have the air purifier in the bedroom overnight.

We were amazed by this budget air purifier’s ability to freshen the air in our home during our review of the Oneisall Pet Air Purifier. Plus, it did this while being quiet — we had to double check we’d turned it on as it was so silent on the lowest fan speed! During our performance tests, it also performed well, hoovering up 82.8% of 0.3-micron particles, 90% of particles measuring 2.5 microns and all pollutants larger than 10 microns when left in an enclosed, medium-sized space on auto for 30 minutes. However, we also found the air quality sensors to be hit and miss in their accuracy, and a little slow to react.

• Read our full Oneisall Pet Air Purifier review

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Best air purifiers for pet owners: Comparison

Our expert consultants

Best air purifiers for pet owners: Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose an air purifier for pets

How do you choose an air purifier that is suitable for households with animals? There is no single answer to this question. In this case, the ideal air purifier would reflect the needs and preferences of both pets and their owners, and its specs would largely depend on how and where it is used.

"First and foremost, make sure that the capacity of the purifier matches the size of the room you want to place it in," Anthony Abate, an indoor air quality expert and vice-president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions, a sustainable indoor air purification and monitoring technology company in Fairfield, Connecticut, told Live Science by email.

Look for the unit’s CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating — this will tell you exactly how many cubic feet of air the device can clean per minute. Generally, pet owners should look for air purifiers with CADR ratings of 300 or more, because they are best suited for removing pet dander and other pet allergens, Abate said.

Secondly, make sure your air purifier is equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter as well as a pre-filter and activated carbon filter. "HEPA filter is essential for capturing pet dander and other allergens, activated carbon filter is important for neutralizing pet odors and pre-filters trap larger particles like pet hair, reducing the amount that settles on furniture and floors," DiGiacomo said.

Pre-filters can also help extend the lifespan of HEPA filters by collecting large amounts of hair and pet dander before it can reach them, Abate said.

As we mentioned before, noise is another factor to consider when choosing an air purifier. "Some air purifiers can be noisy, especially on higher settings, and this can be disruptive to both pets and humans," DiGiacomo said. This is particularly important if your four-legged friends are sensitive to high-pitched sounds. "Some pets may be wary of the noise it makes at first," Cahn said.

Lastly, make sure your air purifier is certified ozone-free. "Some older or less reputable air purifiers produce ozone, which can be harmful to pets and humans," DiGiacomo said. As we mentioned before, this applies particularly to appliances with built-in ionizers.

You may also consider an air purifier equipped with a UV-C light. "This feature can help kill airborne bacteria and viruses, which can be beneficial for pets with compromised immune systems," DiGiacomo said.

However, it is important to remember that UV-C light may not be as effective in air purifiers as it is in other household appliances. "UV-based technologies can be very effective at sanitizing a surface where the light can shine continually on it, but in a moving airstream, they are less effective. The light needs a contact time of 6 to 10 seconds to effectively remove harmful microbes," Abate said.

How we tested these pet-friendly air purifiers

How we test the best air purifiers for pet owners

Our expert reviewers know air purifiers inside out, having spent years trying and testing different appliances. They are big animal lovers, too — many of our testers are (or used to be) pet owners who are deeply familiar with the day-to-day woes like pet hair, dander and smells. They can personally vouch for the reliability and performance of each air purifier in this guide, simply because they use them themselves.

However, we do not just say that something works — we base our judgment on an objective testing protocol. Each appliance in this guide was reviewed using the same procedures and measurement tools:

Design. First and foremost, we assess whether the air purifier in question is pet-friendly. This means that it is equipped with a HEPA-style filter capable of trapping minuscule pet allergens, and, ideally, a pre-filter for catching hair and an activated carbon filter for removing odors. Then, we assess the size, portability and looks of the air purifier, and check whether it comes with any additional pet-friendly measures, such as paw-proof grille and bite-resistant cords. We also note the energy consumption of the unit, the cost of replacement filters and the length and conditions of the warranty.

Features. We assess whether the appliance is functional for pet owners. How many fan speeds and pet-friendly modes does it have? Can it be operated remotely? Does it come with an ionizer, and if so, is it certified ozone-free? Can it measure your air quality, and if so, how detailed are the readings? Also, is it compatible with any smart home assistants?

Performance. The most detailed part of our testing process. We check how noticeable the purifier will be in an average home by measuring the noise levels it generates on different settings. Then, we perform multiple air quality tests using a professional-grade Perfect Prime AQ9600 air particle monitor, a device capable of detecting airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns (which is the size of many pet allergens.) We check exactly how much particulate matter the air purifier can remove in different circumstances.

We start with an ambient air quality test. We put the appliance in an enclosed, medium-sized room, take baseline air quality measurements, and then run it for half an hour on auto mode. We take air quality readings after 15 and 30 minutes, then calculate the percentage of particulate matter removed by the air purifier.

Next, we perform smoke tests. We burn a handful of matches and incense sticks to create heavy pollution, then run the air purifier for half an hour on the highest fan settings (and auto mode, if applicable). We measure changes to air quality readings after 15 and 30 minutes, then calculate the percentage of particulate matter removed by the appliance.

What the users say. Finally, we read through online user reviews to see what others think about the air purifier, and (if applicable) we test for any problems or defects that users seem to mention a lot.

Latest updates

May 19, 2026: We added the Dreame FP10 as the best low-maintenance option.

February 20, 2026: We added the Oneisall Pet Air Purifier as the best budget option.

November 21, 2025: We added the Blueair Blue Signature and Honeywell Designer Series HPA830.

October 2, 2025: We added the Alen BreatheSmart 35i as the second-best option.

September 2, 2025: We added the Levoit Sprout as the best option for nurseries.

June 3, 2025: We added the Blueair Classic Pro CP7i as the second-best option for large spaces.

The Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale is a perfect time to invest in one of the best air purifiers. With the temperatures dropping and days getting shorter, we tend to spend far more time in the cosy solace of our homes with windows and doors firmly shut — this is where good air quality can make all the difference. Good air purifiers will keep the air in your indoor home free of bad smells and common winter pollutants, such as dust mite allergens, pet dander and mold spores. Not to mention, they typically hit their lowest-ever prices. It is a no-brainer.

But exactly which air purifier should you buy? That's where we step in. We have been testing and reviewing air purifiers for years, so we know which are best suited for people with allergies and which do the best job around pets. We track prices daily, so if the price changes, we know by how much and whether it has been better before. Rest assured, if there is an air purifier deal to be had, you can find it here.

Editor's note, December 1: Hurry, the deals end at midnight!

Today's best Cyber Monday air purifier deals under $100

Today's best Cyber Monday air purifier deals under $200

Today's best Cyber Monday air purifier deals under $300

Today's best Black Friday air purifier deals under $600

Today's best Cyber Monday deals on multi-purpose air purifiers

• Read our Cyber Monday science deals page for big discounts on the best health and fitness kit and science gear this Black Friday sale.

Check out our other guides to the best air purifiers, air purifiers for allergies, the best telescopes, microscopes for students, binoculars, rowing machines, electric toothbrushes and more.

The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde is the latest purifier from the British technology giant. It removes harmful airborne particles, warms or cools a room as needed, and even destroys formaldehyde — a harmful, flammable gas often found in tobacco smoke, traffic emissions and fumes from wood fires. Equipped with a HEPA H13 filter and an activated carbon filter, the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde promises to remove 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns.

Having already tested the Dyson Purifier Cool, we were excited to see the new features and functionality of the company's latest air purifier. The design certainly doesn't disappoint — this elegant, sophisticated air purifier is worthy of any stylish home. It also features a tilting mechanism and 350-degree oscillation, and can be controlled via the Dyson app or remotely.

The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde claims to provide a healthier, cleaner atmosphere in your home by removing pollen, dust, pet dander, mold and harmful odors from household chemicals. But did it manage to impress us during our review? Find out how we got on.

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: How we tested

We tested how well the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde could improve air quality in a 140-square-foot (13 square meter) bedroom. Using an air particle meter that detects tiny particles measuring 0.3 to 10 microns, we did a series of tests to measure changes in air quality.

First, we checked the baseline air quality in the room before turning on the purifier. We then ran the purifier on auto mode for 30 minutes and tested the particle levels again to see if there was an improvement. We did the same test using the purifier's highest fan setting to compare auto versus max speed performance.  

To challenge the purifier, we burned matches and incense cones to release more particles into the air. We measured particle counts before and after running the unit on auto mode to see how well it handled the pollution.

We also measured noise levels (decibels) on every fan setting, including sleep mode, and we looked at how easy it was to set up, use and maintain the Dyson air purifier.

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: Features

The Dyson purifier offers multiple features and functions compared to other air purifiers, even in this premium price range:

• Purifies the whole room: It uses patented Air MultiplierTM technology to generate circulation power that can draw even distant pollutants into the machine, projecting purified air throughout the room.
• Heats and cools as needed: It features an intelligent thermostat that turns the heat off when the desired temperature is reached, preventing wasted energy. 
• Fully sealed to HEPA H13 standard: The filter meets the HEPA H13 standard, and the whole machine is fully sealed to the same standard, so no pollutants can bypass it.
• Senses and reports air quality automatically: Integrated sensors constantly analyse air quality, while a unique algorithm cross-checks data every second, to diagnose pollutants and display live results on the LCD screen.
• Captures gases and ultrafine particles: The HEPA H13 filter captures 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. An activated carbon layer also removes odours and gases, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
• Destroys formaldehyde continuously: The Dyson catalytic filter continuously traps and breaks down formaldehyde molecules into water and carbon dioxide without needing replacement.
• Oscillating 350-degree movement: The top of the unit moves through 350 degrees and can be tilted, optimising airflow around the room.
• Remote control: A magnetised remote control can be attached to the top of the unit, so you don't have to go looking for it.
• Dyson app: The app keeps track of air quality, air temperature and filter lifespan, while its scheduling functions allow to control the purifier from anywhere in the world.
• Compatible with voice devices: Use compatible voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to control your purifier with voice commands.

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: Design

There’s simply no denying it — this purifier is gorgeously designed. The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde is sleek and expensive-looking but compact enough to be a subtle and stylish addition to any room. 

Standing 30 inches (76 centimeters) tall with a base diameter of around 8 inches (20 cm), it’s much smaller in height and footprint than the Dyson Purifier Cool. You can tuck it away in a corner or have it on full display, plus it’s portable enough to move from room to room. 

This purifier features Dyson's signature bladeless fan design. It has an attractive white, bronze and gold color scheme that stands out from the usual "basic white appliance" look of most air purifiers. The smooth 350-degree oscillation plus tilt adjustment provides full room air circulation. 

Just above the perforated matte gold base is the power switch and LCD display. The displays shares live air quality data and fan speed. While you can't control the purifier (apart from switching it on and off) via the unit, a curved matte gold remote control is also provided, which magnetically attaches to the top of the fan when not in use — although this does tend to fall off occasionally.

The base houses the impressive filter system, with an easy-push latch to release the cover and allow access to the filters inside. The whole thing feels seamless, intuitive and impressively designed, even by Dyson's high standards.

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: Performance

We tested the Dyson purifier in a bedroom with the windows and doors shut. We began by checking how well it could improve ambient air quality. Using an air particle meter, we measured the particle levels before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the automatic fan setting. 

We were surprisingly disappointed with the results on the first test. At fan level 4, the Dyson purifier only achieved a 75.9% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and a 70% reduction in 2.5-micron particles. Ideally, we expect to see at least a 95% reduction in these small particles, and in fact Dyson claims its air purifier can remove 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. 

We ran the same test using the highest fan setting (fan level 10) and got only slightly better results — a 76.7% reduction in in 0.3-micron particles and an 85.7% reduction in 2.5-micron particles.

However, things looked up when we moved on to our incense test. We burned incense cones for 10 minutes in a room with the windows and doors closed. Burning incense releases larger particles into the air that can pose a risk to human health. The Dyson purifier achieved a very impressive 93.8% and 95.8% reduction in 2.5-micron and 10-micron particles at 30 minutes. 

For the match test, we burned 10 matches in a row in the room, releasing thousands of particles into the air. Again, the Dyson performed exceptionally well under these circumstances, eliminating 99.5% of 0.3-micron particles, 98.4% of 2.5-micron particles, and 100% of 10-micron particles in just half an hour.

It’s not uncommon to see air purifiers that struggle with improving ambient air do a great job removing particles released in the incense and match tests. However, we’ve tested quite a few air purifiers which seemed to sail through our testing with much better results, many of them far below the premium price of the Dyson. So overall, a mixed bag when it came to our testing.

During all our testing, however, we were impressed at how quiet the Dyson was during operation. Even at its most powerful fan setting it didn't clock in over 48 decibels, which is quieter than a normal conversation. At its quietest, it was barely discernible at just 24 dB, around the same as a whisper.

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: The good

We really like the Dyson purifier's stylish, compact shape that tucks nicely into corners without demanding a lot of real estate. The modern colour scheme of white, bronze and gold is classy and elegant, with a simple bladeless silhouette and gently sweeping oscillation.

Operation is also refreshingly intuitive between the easy-to-reach power button, the magnetized remote that attaches on top when not navigating settings, and connecting through a smartphone.

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: The bad

It’s hard to find much to criticize about the Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde. However, its high price tag — $849.99 at the time of writing — has to be mentioned. This is premium territory for air purifiers, and not many households will have deep enough pockets to fork out for such an expensive appliance. That said, the multifunctional fan for heating and cooling, plus the formaldehyde filter does mean you get an awful lot of bang for your buck.

As many buyers have commented on the Dyson site, the fan's cooling power leaves something to be desired. While it's not advertised as an air conditioning unit, the Hot + Cool element of the product name does suggest some control around the cooling temperature, which isn't present and could be misleading. So, if cooling your surroundings is an essential aspect for you, it might be better to swerve this purifier and buy an air conditioner instead. 

If we wanted to be super-fussy, the remote control could stay atop the unit more reliably with a better magnet, and 360-degree oscillation might be nice, but really these are very minor gripes. 

Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde: User reviews

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde gets rave reviews on the Dyson website, with an overall rating of 4.2 stars out of 5. Users praise its excellent purification technology and fast, even heating of rooms. They also love its sleek design, convenient app and voice controls. 

Quite a few users say it helps with asthma and allergies, especially at night, with one user remarking: "Bought [sic] to cope with allergies and blocked sinuses (post covid) that were making sleep a challenge. Finally get 6 to 8 hours sleep without waking up gasping for breath every hour."

Some users note that the purifier can be loud at high fan speeds and costly to operate, while quite a few say the fan lacks the cooling power they expected. One disgruntled owner complains it "doesn't cool. Seriously misleading." Another states, "It works fine as a heater, but it doesn't cool at all, it just blows unheated air around, which is really NOT the same as cooling."

Overall, most buyers are satisfied with the quality, design and features of the purifier, but beware if you’re buying this as a cooling fan, as users don't appear to agree with Dyson's claims on this issue. 

Should you buy the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde?

If you have deep pockets and prioritise beautiful design, then the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde could be perfect for your home. It's incredibly elegant, a talking point even, and it combines the functionality of a heater and a cooling fan with an air purifier, so could save you money in the long run.

However, we expected better results from our at-home testing to justify the higher spending. While the Dyson performed well in our incense and match tests, it was less than adequate in improving ambient air. 

If you live in a particularly smoggy area or one that's affected by smoke from wildfires, it could be a helpful appliance. But if you just want to improve the overall quality of air in your home, you may get a better result from a cheaper air purifier.

If this product isn't for you:

If you prioritize no-fuss functionality over stylish design, the Coway AP-1512HH is a stellar choice. It focuses purification power solely on fan speeds and a HEPA filter, and to save energy, its Eco mode automatically adjusts settings based on detected pollution. Ultimately, this unfussy workhorse delivers where it matters most — air quality.

If you're in the market for a stylish yet subtle air purifier, consider the Sensibo Pure. This budget-friendly air purifier features a modern, neutral design that seamlessly blends with home decor. Our at-home testing revealed impressive performance as well.

Or, if you prefer an air purifier that offers excellent value for money, the Levoit 400S air purifier is an affordable appliance that's easy to use and quietly efficient. From the intuitive app with its wide range of functionality to its stylish, sleek design, the Levoit 400S packs a lot for a mid-range purifier.

The Morento Air Purifier (the HY4866 model) has hundreds of glowing reviews, and its affordable price makes it a tempting air purifier to start with. With two true HEPA filters, a PM2.5 sensor and a quiet operating volume, it offers plenty to improve indoor air quality without breaking the bank.

Morento says its air purifier has a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of up to 300 m^3/h and can refresh the air every hour in a space of up to 1,076 square feet (100 square meters). It utilizes a dual-side air intake, front and back, with two separate filters.

While it lacks smart features, this Morento air purifier does offer four fan speeds, automatic and sleep modes, a timer function and a child lock. Not bad for an appliance in this price range. But can it impress us when it comes to removing air particles as small as 0.3 microns? 

Read on to find out how we got on during our at-home testing process.

Morento Air Purifier: How we tested

We tested the Morento Air Purifier in a 140-square-foot (13-square-meter) bedroom to see how well it could improve the air quality. Using an air particle meter to detect tiny particles from 0.3 to 10 microns, we conducted numerous tests to measure changes in air quality.

First, we checked the baseline air quality before turning on the purifier. We then ran it on auto mode for 30 minutes and retested the particle levels. We repeated the process using the highest setting to compare performance.

We burned matches and incense cones to check how the purifier handles larger airborne particles. To gauge its ability to detect and remove these pollutants, we measured particle counts before and after running the unit on auto mode.

We also measured the decibel ratings of every fan setting, including sleep mode, and assessed how easy the air purifier was to set up, operate and maintain. 

Morento Air Purifier: Functionality

 The Morento Air Purifier offers the following features and functions:

• Dual side air intake: Designed with dual air intakes and two true HEPA filters at the front and back of the unit to improve purification speed, the Morento has a CADR of up to 300 m^3/h. For a 1,076 sq ft (100 sq m) room, it claims to refresh the air every hour.
  
• Multi-layer filtration, which Morento says will remove 99.97% of particles measuring up to 0.3 microns, such as dust, smoke, pollen and hair.
  
• PM2.5 air quality sensor and display to monitor and show air quality in real time. In automatic mode, the display flashes green, yellow or red, and the fan will slow or speed up in response to particles detected.
  
• Four fan speeds and three modes, including sleep mode and automatic mode, all of which can be adjusted on the touch-control panel on the top of the unit. 
• A timer setting that can cycle between two, five and eight hours.
  
• You can check filter life via the LED screen; the filter is designed to last for 2,000 hours.
  
• The Morento has an energy efficiency feature, which resets the highest-speed fan to auto mode if no pollution is detected for two hours.  

Morento Air Purifier: Design

The Morento Air Purifier comes in white, gray and black, giving you a choice of colors to match your room decor. It's pretty basic in design and follows the example of hundreds of other air purifiers. That is, it's a white rectangular box with a simple control panel. That's no bad thing; not everyone wants an air purifier as a talking point. The basic design is probably what keeps this air purifier at its affordable and accessible price.

At the top of the unit is the LCD screen and control panel. Here, you can see icons for the filter, timer setting, child lock, power, fan speed, sleep mode and automatic setting. It's straightforward to understand and operate, without having to rely on the user manual. 

At the center-front of the unit is the LCD screen which displays the PM2.5 index (the amount of 2.5-micron particles in the air) and a helpful filter life indicator, depicted by a gradually disappearing line. 

Turning the air purifier around, we have a built-in handle for moving the purifier from room to room and the PM2.5 sensor. Morento warns against blocking this, so allow for a couple of inches of clearance when positioning it.

At the front and back of the unit are two perforated panels that click out easily to house each of the two true HEPA filters. This is the first air purifier we've tested that features two filters like this, and we're not sure exactly why Morento has designed the air purifier this way, rather than having a wraparound circular filter, for example.

Overall, though, this air purifier is light and generally inoffensive in design. It feels like an appliance that can slip into the background of most rooms and get on with the job of cleaning the air without any fanfare.

Morento Air Purifier: Performance

We tested the Morento Air Purifier at home, starting with monitoring how well it could purify ambient air quality. Using an air particle meter (that we've used in our other air purifier reviews), we measured air particles before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the automatic fan setting. 

The results were underwhelming, with an 88.4% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and an 88.8% reduction in 2.5-micron particles after half an hour. We'd generally expect to see at least a 95% reduction in these small pollutants. Of course, the purifier captures more particles the longer it runs, but we measure all our purifiers in exactly the same way, so this fell a little short of our expectations. However, the results improved greatly with the other tests we carried out. 

We burned incense cones for 10 minutes in a room with the windows and doors closed. Burning incense releases larger particles that can pose a risk to human health when suspended in the air. The Morento air purifier achieved an 82.2% and 95.8% reduction in 2.5-micron and 10-micron particles, respectively, at 15 minutes, which was encouraging. By 30 minutes, those figures rose to 96.6% and a very impressive 99.9%.

For the match test, which releases thousands of tiny particles into the air, the automatic setting eliminated 99% of 0.3-micron, 98.4% of 2.5-micron, and 100% of 10-micron particles, which was a brilliant set of results in just 30 minutes.

Overall, it's a pretty good performance for such an affordable air purifier. While the Morento Air Purifier was able to remove the majority of harmful particles released by matches and incense, it seemed to struggle a little more with capturing particles in ambient air. 

Morento Air Purifier: The good

We were impressed with how well the Morento Air Purifier coped with the incense-burning and match-burning tests. We also liked how aesthetically and audibly unobtrusive the purifier was. While it won't win any prizes for style, it's small and neutral enough to fit into any decor, and its lightweight design and handle make it easy to move from room to room.

Compared to other air purifiers we've tested, it's quiet during operation too. We measured a whisper-quiet 32dB on the lowest fan speed and a fairly quiet 44dB on the highest. That's no louder than a library's ambient sound, if you're wondering. The sleep mode was barely discernible at just 27dB. With some air purifiers exceeding 60dB or more at their highest fan setting, these results are exceptionally quiet.

The replaceable filters are affordable, too. Owners can pick up a pack of two replacement filters from Amazon for under $30, which is very reasonable, making this a low-cost air purifier to run and maintain. 

Morento Air Purifier: The bad

As with many air purifiers we've tested, we'd like the packaging to be more recyclable, relying less on plastic and polystyrene and more on sustainable materials.

It would also be great to pack some smart features — perhaps the ability to control the purifier using an app remotely, though we understand, for this price, that would be hard to come by. Since we purchased our review model, Morento has introduced a smart version of this air purifier — the HY4866-WF Air Purifier. For around $100 more (or $50 at the time of writing due to a discount price of $159.99) you can use App-Enabled Wi-Fi control, though we haven't tested this model or the app functionality.

Morento Air Purifier: User reviews

The Morento Air Purifier has achieved a very impressive 4.6 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon, and has over 1,500 ratings. Over three-quarters (77%) of customers have given it a perfect 5-star rating. One happy customer calls it a "breath of fresh air that exceeds expectations," while others highlight the HEPA filtration performance, real-time air quality monitoring and quiet operation.

While many reviewers praise the Morento air purifier, several 3-star ratings highlight downsides, with one stating that "the plug gets extraordinarily hot" on higher settings. Others complain the purifier is too noisy, that it doesn't cope well with removing odors and that the unit is smaller than expected. One frustrated customer complained about tech support, although their issue was eventually resolved with a replacement unit. However, even critical reviews concede that it "does run well in lower modes.'

Overall, customers appear to be extremely happy with their Morento Air Purifier and can't recommend it highly enough. 

Should you buy the Morento Air Purifier?

Based on our testing, the Morento Air Purifier is a decent budget option for improving indoor air quality. Overall, the purifier performed well during the incense-burning and match tests, eliminating up to 100% of pollutants. However, it didn't fare as well with general ambient particles. So it may be best for dealing with specific pollution events rather than 24/7 use. Given the low price and good reviews, we'd suggest you give it a try.

If the Morento Air Purifier isn't for you:

If you're looking for a compact and stylish air purifier, the Sensibo Pure balances a sleek design with strong performance. Its neutral look discreetly fits any decor while still reducing particles during testing.

Another option is the Levoit H132, which packs intuitive controls, powerful performance, and plenty of handy features into a 12-inch frame. It also includes an H13 True HEPA filtration system and dimmable night light.

If you prioritize no-fuss functionality over smart features, the Coway AP-1512HH is a stellar choice. It relies solely on fan speeds and a HEPA filter to clear the air of allergens, and its eco mode automatically adjusts settings based on detected pollution to save energy. Ultimately, this unfussy workhorse delivers where it matters most — air quality.

When wildfire smoke turns the air brown and hazy, you might think about heading indoors with the windows closed, running an air purifier or even wearing a mask. These are all good strategies to reduce exposure to the particles in wildfire smoke, but smoky air is also filled with potentially harmful gases. Those gases can get into buildings and remain in the walls and floors for weeks.

Getting rid of these gases isn't as simple as turning on an air purifier or opening a window on a clear day.

In a new study published in the journal Science Advances, colleagues and I tracked the life of these gases in a home exposed to wildfire smoke. We also found that the best way to get rid of the risk is among the simplest: start cleaning.

Related: How to get rid of smoke smells in your home

The challenge of smoke particles and gases

In December 2021, several of my friends and colleagues were affected by the Marshall Fire that burned about 1,000 homes in Boulder County, Colorado. The "lucky" ones, whose homes were still standing, asked me what they should do to clean their houses. I am an atmospheric and indoor chemist, so I started looking into the published research, but I found very few studies on what happens after a building is exposed to smoke.

What scientists did know was that smoke particles end up on indoor surfaces — floors, walls, ceilings. We knew that air filters could remove particles from the air. And colleagues and I were just beginning to understand that volatile organic compounds, which are traditionally thought to stay in the air, could actually stick to surfaces inside a home and build up reservoirs — invisible pools of organic molecules that can contribute to the air chemistry inside the house.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are compounds that easily become gases at room temperature. They include everything from limonene in lemons to benzene in gasoline. VOCs aren't always hazardous to human health, but many VOCs in smoke are. I started to wonder whether the VOCs in wildfire smoke could also stick to the surfaces of a house.

Tracking lingering risks in a test house

I worked with researchers from across the U.S. and Canada to explore this problem during the Chemical Assessment of Surfaces and Air, or CASA, study in 2022. We built on HOMEChem, a previous study in which we looked at how cooking, cleaning and occupancy could change indoor air.

In CASA, we studied what happens when pollutants and chemicals get inside our homes — pesticides, smog and even wood smoke.

Using a cocktail smoker and wood chips, we created a surprisingly chemically accurate proxy for wildfire smoke and released small doses into a test house built by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST's house allowed us to conduct controlled chemistry experiments in a real-world setting.

We even aged the smoke in a large bag with ozone to simulate what happens when smoke travels long distances, like the smoke from Canadian wildfires that moved into the U.S. in the summer of 2023. Smoke chemistry changes as it travels: Particles become more oxidized and brown, while VOCs break down and the smoke loses its distinctive smell.

Related: Canadian wildfire smoke detected thousands of miles away in Norway

How VOCs behave in your home

What we found in CASA was intriguing. While smoke particles quickly settled on indoor surfaces, VOCs were more insidious.

At first, the house took up these smoke VOCs — on floors, walls and building surfaces. But once the initial smoke cleared, the house would slowly release those VOCs back out over the next hours, days or even months, depending on the type of VOC.

This release is what we call a partitioning process: During the smoke event, individual VOC molecules in the air attach to indoor surfaces with weak chemical bonds. The process is called adsorption. As smoke clears and the air cleans out, the bonds can break, and molecules "desorb" back out into the air.

We could watch this partitioning happen in the air by measuring smoke VOC concentrations. On surfaces, we could measure the weight of smoke VOCs that deposited on very sensitive balances and then were slowly released.

Overall, we concluded that this surface reservoir allows smoke VOCs to linger indoors, meaning that people are exposed to them not just during the major smoke event but also long after.

Why worry about VOCs?

Smoke VOCs include well-known carcinogens, and high levels of exposure can induce respiratory and health problems.

While smoke VOC concentrations in our test house decreased with time, they remained persistently elevated above normal levels.

Given that VOC concentrations from other sources, such as cooking and cleaning, can already be high enough in homes to harm health, this additional long-term exposure source from smoke could be important. Further toxicology studies will be needed to determine the significance of its health effects.

Related: How is air quality measured at home?

How to clean up when smoke gets in

So, what can you do to remove these lingering smoke gases?

We found that air purifiers can remove only some of the VOCs that are in the air — they can't clean the VOCs on your floors or in your walls. They also work only when they’re running, and even then, air purifiers don't work particularly well to reduce VOCs.

Opening windows to ventilate will clean the air, if it isn't smoggy or smoky outside. But as soon as we closed windows and doors, smoke VOCs started to bleed off the surface reservoirs and into the air again, resulting in an elevated, near-constant concentration.

We realized that to permanently remove those smoke VOCs, we had to physically remove them from surfaces.

The good news is that cleaning surfaces by vacuuming, dusting and mopping with a commercial, nonbleach solution did the trick. While some remediation companies may do this surface cleaning for you after extreme exposures, surface cleaning after any smoke event — like Canadian wildfire smoke drifting into homes in 2023 — should effectively and permanently reduced smoke VOC levels indoors.

Of course, we could reach only a certain number of surfaces – it’s hard to vacuum the ceiling! That meant that surface cleaning improved but didn’t eliminate smoke VOC levels in the house. But our study at least provides a path forward for cleaning indoor spaces affected by air pollutants, whether from wildfires, chemical spills or other events.

With wildfires becoming more frequent, surface cleaning can be an easy, cheap and effective way to improve indoor air quality.

This edited article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The purOxygen P500 is touted for its impressive performance, claiming to eliminate 99.98% of indoor airborne contaminants through its advanced four-stage filtration system. This system comprises a pre-filter, HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and cold catalyst filter. The air purifier also offers convenient features such as WiFi control via an app, an air quality indicator, sleep mode, and a filter replacement indicator. It comes with a 1-year warranty upon product registration. It can also link to Smart Home Kits.

While it’s not the most stylish air purifier available, the purOxygen P500 does have plenty going for it, so we were excited to try it out at home. 

We tested the purOxygen P500 in our home using a series of air quality tests over a week. Find out how we got on and how we rated this air purifier on performance, features, functionality and design. Plus, we look at how other users rate their purOxygen P500.

We were disappointed with the overall performance of this air purifier, so it didn't pass muster for our best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies guides. 

purOxygen P500: How we tested

We tested the purOxygen P500 Air Purifier in a 140-square-foot bedroom to see how well it could improve the air quality. Armed with an air particle meter that detects tiny particles from 0.3 to 10 microns, we embarked on our at-home evaluation. 

First, we checked the initial air quality in the room before firing up the purOxygen P500. We ran it on the lowest setting for 30 minutes and then rechecked the air quality. For comparison, we repeated the process on the highest setting.

Unfortunately, when we turned the air purifier to its highest setting, we found an unpleasant plastic smell started to emanate from the purifier, and then the purOxygen P500 shut down! We tried turning it on several times, but it continued to shut down after a few seconds of operation. So we couldn’t complete our testing involving burning matches and incense cones and checking how well the purifier absorbed the harmful particles released during these activities.

purOxygen P500: Functionality

The purOxygen P500 air purifier offers a variety of features and functions that aim to enhance the air quality in your home.

• High performance: Its manufacturers say this air purifier can remove 99.98% of indoor airborne contaminants, such as pet dander, dust, mold and pollutants.
• Four-stage filtration system: It features a pre-filter to identify and filter out dust, hair, and dander, a HEPA filter to capture particles above and even below  0.3 microns,  an activated carbon filter to remove airborne pollutants and odors from the air, and a cold catalyst filter to control and neutralize pollutants under normal living conditions.
• WiFi control via the app: You can change modes, set timers and schedules, link the purifier to your Smart home kit and set up a child lock, all via the app. 
• Air quality indicator: Offers real-time data about the concentration of particulate matter in your indoor air via a digital display and four light indicators.
• Sleep mode: Turns off LED lights and operates at low speed with low noise.
• Filter replacement indicator: Lets you know when it’s time to check and replace your filter.
• Warranty: Comes with a 1-year warranty if you register the product.

purOxygen P500: Design

Upon unboxing the purOxygen P500, the first thing that caught our attention was its size. Measuring 20 x 13 x 7 inches, it's not exactly compact. You'll need to consider where you want to place it in your home. Thankfully, it has two handles at the top, making lifting and moving around easier. Surprisingly, despite its dimensions, it weighs only 9.5 pounds, so you can move it from room to room if you want to.

The filter that comes with the air purifier is reassuringly thick, with a pre-filter, HEPA filter, activated carbon filter and a cold catalyst filter sandwiched together into one high-performing filtration system. This is impressive and probably one of the thickest filters we’ve seen while testing dozens of air purifiers.

In terms of design, though, the purOxygen P500 could be more visually appealing. It’s a basic white rectangular box with a silver trim, a black grille, and an LED display. While everything appears to be constructed with good quality, durable plastic, this air purifier doesn't boast any remarkable aesthetics, so let's focus on its performance instead.

purOxygen P500: Performance

We wanted to evaluate the purOxygen P500 air purifier by subjecting it to a series of tests at home. Our first task was to assess its ability to enhance ambient indoor air quality. We used an air particle meter to measure the number of airborne particles before and after operating the purifier for 30 minutes on the lower fan setting. Then, we conducted the same test using the highest fan setting.

Unfortunately, when we cranked up the air purifier to its highest setting, we were hit with a nasty plastic smell coming from the device and, to make matters worse, the purOxygen P500 abruptly shut down. We tried turning it on several times, but it stubbornly continued to shut down. As a result, we couldn't finish our testing.

purOxygen P500: The good

We were impressed with the four-stage filter system that the purOxygen P500 air purifier offers. It comprises four layers of filtration:

• The pre-filter is responsible for trapping particles that are one micron in size or larger, effectively capturing dust, hair, and dander. This prefilter works in conjunction with the HEPA filter layer.
• The HEPA filter is designed to capture particles above 0.3 microns, achieving a remarkable efficiency of 95% to 99% in capturing particles below 0.3 microns.
• An activated carbon layer, which, when combined with the HEPA filter, effectively eliminates almost all airborne pollutants, including pet odors, household odors, and smoke smells.
• A cold catalyst layer that serves to control pollution in typical living conditions. According to purOxygen, this layer helps decompose harmful gases such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, smoke odors, and fumes from decorations.

We also enjoyed how easy it was to operate the purOxygen P500, while it worked!

Whether we used the LED display or the handy app, everything was easy to understand and control.

Added extras, such as the child lock, timer function and air quality indicator, are features we’ve come to expect from a good air purifier, so we were pleased to see them included here. 

purOxygen P500: The bad

Needless to say, overheating and shutting down during our testing was a negative point for us. While this may be down to a fault with the individual appliance, this was a first for us, having tested dozens of air purifiers for Live Science and other websites. We attempted to contact the manufacturer to gain comment on the fault, and test another unit, but received no response. 

Prior to the unit shutting down, we were were able to evaluate how well it improved air quality  on its lowest setting. We found that within 30 minutes the purOxygen P500 removed 75.9% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns and 75% of particles measuring 2.5 microns.  Although this is fairly decent, the purifier was pretty noisy, even on the lowest setting, clocking in at around 44 decibels (dB). Unless you enjoy white noise at night, this may be too loud to using in a bedroom. 

purOxygen P500: User reviews

The purOxygen P500 has received an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and a whopping three-quarters of satisfied customers have given it a perfect 5-star rating. Users absolutely love this air purifier, considering it great value for money and praising its powerful performance. The digital display, which counts down the pollutants as it cleans the air, has also garnered a lot of positive feedback.

One particular feature that users are raving about is the P500's ability to eliminate pet odors. One customer shared their experience, saying, "I purchased this to tackle the smell from our pet rats, and boy, does it work! Within an hour and a half, it transformed the air quality from 500ppm (bad air quality) to 15ppm (excellent air quality)."

However, there are a few minor gripes. Some users criticize the dust purifier function, suggesting that the dust sensor may not be well-placed. One user mentions that they would appreciate the ability to adjust the fan speed in night mode. Others experience patchy performance when controlling the air purifier via the app.

Overall, the purOxygen P500 has garnered a strong following of satisfied customers with its impressive performance and value for money.

Should you buy the purOxygen P500

It isn't possible for us to recommend the purOxygen P500 to purchase, given our testing problems. However, this air purifier has other positive reviews, so you may still consider buying one. 

If the purOxygen P500 isn’t for you

If you're searching for an air purifier that’s more stylish and compact, the Sensibo Pure is an affordable air purifier with a sleek, neutral design that fits into any home decor. Plus, it impressed us with its performance in our at-home testing. 

Another option is the Levoit H132, which boasts a compact and simple design. Standing just over 12 inches tall, it features an H13 True HEPA filtration system, three timer settings, and a dimmable night light, providing comprehensive air purification.

If you're looking for a straightforward air purifier without fancy extras or the need for smart app connectivity, the Coway AP-1512HH could be the perfect fit. It offers effective air purification without any bells and whistles. One standout feature is the Eco mode, which automatically adjusts the purifier's power based on the level of air pollution, saving you energy and money. 

The Blueair Blue Pure 511 is an air purifier for up to 180 ft² that uses HEPASilent™ technology to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns in size. It is the latest addition to Blueair’s fleet of air purifiers and the smallest device they’ve created. Yet Blueair says the Blue Pure 511 can purify spaces of 180 square feet within a remarkably short 12.5-minute timeframe. For larger areas, it can effectively clean up to 432 square feet in just 30 minutes, ensuring that you can enjoy clean and fresh air throughout your living space quickly and effectively.

This purifier boasts a modern and stylish design and comes with a choice of three washable pre-filter to pair with your home décor. These filters also prolong the life of the primary filter by capturing larger airborne particles such as pet hair, dust, lint and pollen. 

Blueair 511 is energy-efficient. Being Energy Star-certified, it’s cheaper to run and better for the environment. It’s also Quiet Mark-certified and operates at low noise levels. This is down to a unique HEPASilent™ filter that requires less air pressure and consumes less energy during operation.

Compact yet powerful, manufacturers say the Blue Pure 511 is an ideal choice for dorms, nurseries, and small home offices. With that in mind, we tested it out in our office room at home, which measures around 150 square feet. Find out how we got on during our testing process.

We were please with the overall performance of this air purifier, but a 3.5 stars, it wasn't quite good enough to make it into our best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies guides. 

Blue Pure 511: How we tested

The Blue Pure 511 claims to absorb 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. We tested the Blue Pure 511 in a 150-square-foot home office in our at-home trials. We measured ambient air quality before and after using the purifier for 30 minutes. Then we did the same measurements before and after burning matches and lighting incense cones. 

We used an air particle meter to detect tiny particles from 0.3 to 10 microns to measure air quality before and after running the air purifier on the Everyday and Boost settings. This helped us evaluate how well Blue Pure 511 handled these larger particles at times when air particles were at their highest.

Blue Pure 511: Functionality

The Blue Pure 511 offers some good features for a small, starter air purifier, especially one at this price, including: 

• Customizable design: Three Scandinavian-inspired washable pre-filters are available in classic muted gray, navy and blue tones. They also extend the life of the primary filter, catching large airborne particles such as dust, lint, pollen, and pet hair.
• Suitable for most spaces: The Blue Pure 511 purifies rooms measuring up to 432 square feet in just 30 minutes. 
• One button control: Easy to set up and start using immediately; press once for Night mode, twice for Everyday mode and three times for Boost mode.
• Quiet during operation: The HEPASilent™ filter means that the Blue Pure 511 operates at a whisper-quiet 24dB at night and just 49dB on Boost mode, quieter than a normal conversation.
• Warranty: A 1-year limited warranty can be extended to three years if you register your appliance. 
• Zero Ozone Verified: The Blue Pure 511 has been rigorously tested and confirmed to emit extremely low levels of ozone gas during its operation. Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms and, in higher concentrations, can adversely affect respiratory health and the environment.

Blue Pure 511purOxygen P500: Design

Small and stylish, the Blue Pure 511 can fit into almost any home décor, though it can still be a talking point. The top of the unit is white matte plastic and features an attractive stencil-cut flower design. At the center is the power button and a mode indicator light. The top of the unit clicks neatly onto the larger base, which is covered by a washable fabric pre-filter, secured by a Velcro strip. 

We like that you can customize the fabric filter to your taste, choosing from three colors to suit most decors. And of course, you can leave the fabric sleeve off entirely if you wish.

We also like that it’s small enough to feature on a coffee table, side table or even a desktop yet sturdy enough to sit on a floor. 

Blue Pure 511: Performance

We tested the Blue Pure 511 at home, first assessing its impact on ambient air quality. Using an air particle meter, we measured air particles before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the Everyday fan mode. We then repeated the procedure using the highest Boost mode.

The initial results for the Everyday mode were pretty good, with an 85.37% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and just a 50% reduction in 2.5-micron particles after half an hour. These results would continue to improve if the air purifier was left to run for longer. 

However, rerunning the same ambient air test using Boost mode saw considerable improvements, with a 96.8% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and a 100% reduction in 2.5-micron particles within 30 minutes. We decided to use the Boost mode for the incense and match tests, as we knew these tests would create a lot of extra particles, which the Everyday mode might struggle with. 

We measured air particles after burning three incense cones for over 10 minutes in our home office with closed doors and windows. We ran the Blue Pure 511 in Boost mode for 30 minutes and measured the particles again. It achieved a 97.8% reduction in 0.3 microns, a 94.7% reduction in 2.5-micron particles and a 100% reduction in 10-micron particles, which was impressive. 

Moving on to the match test, we lit and burned down 10 matches to check the purifier's efficiency in capturing the particles emitted. Again, using Boost mode, it managed to remove 95.8% of 0.3-micron particles and 95.3% of 2.5-micron particles in just 30 minutes. It also removed 100% of the larger harmful 10-micron particles.

Based on our testing, we thought the Blue Pure 511 coped admirably well, given its small size and affordability. However, we’d suggest it may be better for users to use their Blue Pure 511 in Boost mode for a short while before turning it down to Everyday mode to get the best results.

Blue Pure 511: The good

We really enjoyed how easy it was to set up and operate the Blue Pure 511. After testing dozens of air purifiers requiring WiFi access, app downloads, and multiple settings and fan speeds, it was a relief to use something simple and user-friendly. There’s no worrying about setting schedules or voice-activated control. Simply push the power button once for Night mode, twice for Everyday mode and three times for Boost mode. 

We also liked how compact and lightweight it was, so it’s easy to move from room to room as needed. The Night setting is also whisper-quiet, so it won’t disturb your sleep if you use it in your bedroom. 

Blue Pure 511: The bad

Some users will inevitably be frustrated by the lack of extra features. Unlike other, more expensive air purifiers, the Blue Pure 511 doesn't have an air quality indicator, sensors that change setting depending on air quality, and any ability to set schedules. However, it’s fair to say that the simplicity is reflected in the very affordable price.

Like some users, we also found that the Blue Pure 511 wasn’t as user-friendly as it first appeared. It can be challenging to determine what mode you are in when the purifier starts, without listening to the fan intently. Then you need to tap the power button to change the setting. Unfortunately, while a section of the central dial does light up, it’s not clear what mode you are in from here either - you have to guess by repeatedly pressing the power button and listening to the fan's power. It would be much better if each of the lights representing the modes were better labeled somehow.

Blue Pure 511: User reviews

The Blue Pure 511 has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and almost three-quarters of satisfied customers have given it a perfect 5-star rating. Just a handful of customers have rated it with fewer than three stars. They enjoy how easy it is to set up and start using immediately and how simple it is to operate. They also mention how quiet it is during operation, with one user remarking, “I do like the quietness of the Blue Pure 511 especially when running at lower speeds.” Pet owners, in particular, say using it appears to have reduced dust and pet hair in their homes.

However, negative reviews point out that the power switch can be hard to find as it “blends into its surroundings,” while the lack of an air quality indicator has frustrated some users who say they can’t tell if it’s working.

Should you buy the Blue Pure 511

The Blue Pure 511 is an affordable, user-friendly choice for anyone looking for a small and compact air purifier for their home. Just don’t expect to be blown away by the functionality. 

If the Blue Pure 511 isn’t for you

If you like what Blueair does but want a larger air purifier with more functionality, the Blue Pure 211+ may be the perfect choice for you. With impressive performance and eco-credentials, it covers up to 600 square feet, making it an excellent choice for homes with larger rooms or office spaces.

Small enough for any desktop or shelf, the Levoit H132’s compact size and low price make it the ideal air purifier for someone looking to try their first air purifier at home. If you have a small apartment or simply want to use an air purifier in one room only, this might be the product for you. 

Another affordable air purifier with a sleek, neutral design that fits into any home décor is the Sensibo Pure. It’s user-friendly and convenient to use and can be controlled remotely through the Sensibo app, allowing you to adjust settings, monitor air quality in real time, and receive notifications and insights about the air quality in your home.  

For a day or two during wildfire season, cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Sacramento and Seattle earn the dubious title of worst air quality in the world, according to real-time data from air sensor company IQAir.

But most of these cities don't typically have such polluted air. So which cities regularly have the worst air quality, and why?

Air pollution is often measured in terms of the concentration of particulate matter (PM), or a mix of solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air. Hundreds of cities have air year-round that the U.S. EPA considers unhealthy for just one day, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) most recent data on PM2.5 small particle pollution, or those inhalable particles smaller than 2.5 micrograms.

An IQAir report found that Lahore, Pakistan had the worst air quality in 2022. Hotan in China ranked number two, followed by a suburb of Delhi, India. In 2021 the top three most polluted cities were in India; among the world’s capital cities, Delhi ranked first, then Dhaka, Bangladesh and N'Djamena, Chad. These cities all averaged more than 90 micrograms per meter cubed of PM2.5 over the course of the year, or nearly 20 times the recommended level.

Related: Even brief exposure to diesel exhaust alters activity in key brain network, study finds

Despite these rankings revealing some air pollution hotspots, it's impossible to determine which cities really have the worst air. The sensors used vary in quality, while many countries in Africa don't appear on the list because they don't report any data at all. The WHO uses only high-quality sensors, but it does not even try to rank cities: A spokesperson told Live Science that collection procedures vary too widely.

Even the metric being measured, PM2.5, has limitations. Inhaling small particles can cause health problems, and very few cities meet the WHO's most stringent PM2.5 guideline. But the chemical composition of these particles may also impact health. A WHO spokesperson said that research is not conclusive, but it is possible that cities with the same PM2.5 levels overall might have different health outcomes depending on the source of pollution.

There are several reasons why some cities have more PM2.5 than others. One is geography. Hotan is near the Taklamakan desert and experiences frequent dust storms. N'Djamena, likewise, is near the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. Mountains can impact air quality by making it harder for pollutants to disperse: Delhi, Lahore, Dhaka, and many other cities with unhealthy air lie just south of the Himalayas.

In Delhi, for instance, "just touch anything and you will have the dust, even if you clean every day," said Umesh Kulshrestha, the former dean of the School of Environmental Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Infrequent rain outside of the monsoon season helps dust accumulate — not only from far-off deserts, but also from unpaved roads and construction work in Delhi itself.

In addition, Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution also comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels harm air quality in cities worldwide. Indirectly, they increase global temperatures, which means more wildfires burn and more green spaces become deserts. Both those processes add PM2.5 to the air. Emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources also directly pollute cities locally. In a review in the journal Aerosol and Air Quality Research, Kulshrestha found that during the pandemic lockdowns in early 2020, Delhi's air quality improved, with its index score going down by 41%, thanks to reduced vehicle and industrial emissions.

Kulshrestha told Live Science that in South Asia, other common PM2.5 sources include brick kilns, crop burning, and the biofuels that many households still rely on for cooking and heating. He said that India is working to increase renewable energy sources and to replace biofuels with liquid natural gas — while this contributes to global warming, it can lower household PM2.5.

The U.S. remains the world's second-largest consumer of fossil fuels after China, contributing to poor air quality worldwide. Decades ago, though, persistent smog trapped in California's Los Angeles Basin prompted the Clean Air Act, which has since improved air pollution across the U.S.

Likewise, today's most polluted cities are also taking action to protect their skies. In Dhaka, bans on inefficient, highly-polluting two-stroke engines in three-wheeled vehicles helped keep PM2.5 levels from vehicle emissions steady as the city grew. Even though many Chinese cities are among the most polluted, there has been a dramatic decrease in pollution over the past decade since the country implemented clean air policies. In Delhi, Kulshrestha is pushing to create artificial lakes. More water should mean more evaporation, more rain and — Kulshrestha's research predicts — at least a little less dust.

Editor's Note: This story was updated on Sept. 8, 2023 to note that Umesh Kulshrestha is former, not current dean of the School of Environmental Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

The Sciaire+ HEPA air purifier is a powerful tool to help you maintain clean and germ-free living spaces. Equipped with 16 ion generators producing plasma ions, this purifier actively seeks and bonds with airborne particles, which its manufacturers say achieves a remarkable 99.99% elimination of bacteria and viruses. The 3-in-1 filter, consisting of a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter, effectively removes 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including pet dander, pollen, dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are harmful chemicals emitted by household products.

Along with these impressive features, the Sciaire+ HEPA features a dual air deodorization process that breaks down odors, while the activated carbon filter neutralizes unpleasant smells, such as ammonia and formaldehyde. It can purify up to 452 ft² of air at 4.8 times per hour or 1094 ft² twice every hour, covering most large spaces effectively. Its makers say it’s ideal for homes with large rooms near busy roads or polluted areas. 

Don’t expect a small and compact appliance, though - this air purifier is a beast! Measuring 35.4 inches high and 13.6 inches in diameter, you’ll need to make room for the Sciaire+ HEPA. Given its size, we tested it out in our largest room at home, which measures around 210 square feet. Find out how we got on during our testing process.

We were really impressed with the overall performance of this air purifier, and it features in both our best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies guides. 

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: How we tested

We tested the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier in a 210-square-foot living and dining room. We used an air particle meter that detects tiny particles from 0.3 to 10 microns to measure air quality through a series of tests. 

Before turning on the Sciaire + HEPA, we checked the ambient air quality in the room, then turned the air purifier on using its lowest setting, measuring the air quality after 30 minutes. To compare thoroughly, we repeated the same process with the highest setting.

To challenge the Sciaire + HEPA, we introduced larger particles into the air by lighting matches and burning incense cones. Before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on both the lowest and highest settings, we measured the particle levels. This helped us determine how well the Sciaire + HEPA handled these larger particles.

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: Functionality

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier offers an impressive array of features, including:

• Significant coverage: Purifies spaces up to 426 sq. ft., ideal for spacious rooms.
• Easy-to-use app: You can control the purifier from your Smartphone, selecting fan speed, setting timers and countdowns and turning the plasma function on and off.
• Eliminates bacteria and viruses: Actively wipes out 99.99% of bacteria and viruses using a Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI) solution, a natural antioxidant.
• Removes airborne pollutants: Removes 99.97% of contaminants, including dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander.
• Enhanced odor control: Acts as a natural deodorizer, reducing odors caused by ammonia, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by household products.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: The purifier can be voice-controlled by Google and Alexa devices.
• Warranty: Comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: Design

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier isn’t the right air purifier for you if you want a discreet or subtle appliance. This is a big old air purifier, measuring over 35 inches in height and with a base diameter of around 14 inches, plus a weight of 31 lbs. While it’s not heavy to lift and move around, it does tower over other furniture, such as armchairs and coffee tables, so you’ll need to be committed to having an air purifier of this size in your home. 

Apart from that, we quite liked the design. It has a futuristic, monolithic feel, rather like a Dalek from Doctor Who! Encased in matte, white plastic, the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier features a perforated base that extends to around half the height. Within this is the hefty three-stage filtration system. It’s easy to remove the back of the air purifier and pull out the filter to take a look at the layers, which include a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter to remove 99.95% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns.

The purifier gently graduates to a smaller diameter of around 9 inches. The PlasmaShield technology, which eliminates bacteria and viruses, sits above the filter, though it’s not visible to the user. At the top of the purifier is a molded black plastic air vent through which purified air is pushed out. Just above this is an LED ring. This is probably the most impressive part of the design. As well as lighting up during operation to allow you to choose fan settings, auto mode, night mode and set timers, it also features a handy real-time air quality indicator. Depending on your indoor air quality, this will be blue for good, orange for moderate and red for poor. Blue and red are easy to discern, but we found orange hard to distinguish.

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: Performance

We tested the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier at home, beginning with assessing its impact on ambient air quality. Using an air particle meter, we measured air particles before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the lowest fan setting. We repeated the procedure using the highest setting.

The initial results for the lower setting were disappointing, with a 70.5% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and just 40% reduction in 2.5-micron particles after half an hour. However, the outcomes significantly improved using the highest fan setting, revealing a much better 94.6% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and a 100% reduction in 2.5-micron particles within the same time frame.

We decided to use the automatic setting for the incense test to see if it could cope with the particles emitted by burning incense cones. We measured air particles after burning three cones in a sealed room for over 10 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, it achieved an 83.5% reduction in 2.5-micron particles and a 79.7% reduction in 10-micron particles. These numbers further increased to 94.9% and 97.9%, respectively, at the 30-minute mark.

Moving on to the match test, we lit matches to check the purifier's efficiency in capturing particles from burning. On the lower setting, it successfully eliminated 78% of 0.3-micron particles and 79% of 2.5-micron particles in just 30 minutes. It did much better in auto mode, removing 99.2% of 0.3-micron particles and 99.7% of 2.5-micron particles. It also removed 100% of the larger harmful 10-micron particles.

Overall, we were pretty impressed by the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier’s performance during these tests. However, we’d recommend that purchasers use the automatic fan setting, or the medium and high fan level settings, rather than relying on the lowest fan setting. 

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: The good

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier is the first air purifier we’ve tested that uses Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI technology) to clean air. Much like the natural defense mechanism of your immune system that targets germs, this solution dismantles microorganisms upon contact. While it’s impossible to test this at home, we found plenty of good-quality evidence that it is an effective disinfectant, such as this 2020 review into the use of Hypochlorous Acid.

We also enjoyed how easy it was to operate the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier, with simple controls, and an easy at-a-glance air quality indicator. The app is also super-easy to use, and we liked the ability to connect it to our Alexa. 

Overall, the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier performed well in our at-home testing, especially when we left it to its own devices on auto mode. 

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: The bad

While this is undoubtedly down to personal taste, the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier is simply too large for our home. It might be better in a large airy space, such as a loft apartment, large kitchen-diner or even an office space. 

We also thought the orange air quality indicator could be more noticeable, as that’s a good warning sign to increase your fan settings if you don't have the purifier on auto mode. 

DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA: User reviews

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and more than two-thirds of satisfied customers have given it a perfect 5-star rating. In fact, not a single purchaser has rated it with fewer than three stars. Despite its size and relatively expensive cost, users rate this air purifier. They enjoy how easy it is to set up and start using immediately. Many love the large design and glossy screen at the top, with one user commenting, “First impressions were that this purifier looks superb - a sleek silvery tapered tower design that’s the polar opposite from an industrial box.” They also enjoy how quiet the purifier is during operation. 

While there are few negative reviews, some grumbles from customers mention that it’s probably better suited to commercial premises rather than a domestic setting because of its size, and others point out that the cost of replacing filters can be very expensive. 

Should you buy the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA

The DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA Air Purifier could work well for people with large, airy homes or commercial premises. If you have a small house, it may be too big. However, it performs well and is super easy to set up. 

If the DH Lifelabs Sciaire + HEPA isn’t for you

If you're in the market for an air purifier that combines style with subtlety, consider the Sensibo Pure. This budget-friendly air purifier features a modern, neutral design that seamlessly blends with home decor. Our at-home testing revealed impressive performance as well.

The Dyson Purifier Cool could be perfect if you don’t mind a large air purifier but want something sleeker. Its stylish design makes it a talking point in any room, and the neutral white and silver color scheme means it can blend in with most interiors. We also like that it can double up as a fan when the weather gets warmer.

Or, if you prefer an air purifier that offers excellent value for money, the Levoit 400S air purifier is an affordable appliance that’s easy to use and quietly efficient. From the intuitive app with its wide range of functionality to its stylish, sleek design, the Levoit 400S packs a lot for a mid-range purifier.

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifier is the Swedish retail giant’s bestselling air purifier. It’s incredibly cheap compared to other air purifiers and beautifully designed, which may explain why it’s flying off the shelves. IKEA emphasizes the affordability and accessibility of the FÖRNUFTIG and says it’s ideally suited to small to medium-sized rooms. 

They highlight its multi-layered filtration system, which includes a fabric pre-filter and a HEPA filter to remove airborne particles and pollutants. Unfortunately, the FÖRNUFTIG does not have a VOC (volatile organic compounds) filter to absorb harmful gases and odors emitted by household cleaners and other chemicals. Still, you can purchase this separately on the IKEA website. For transparency, we were sent an IKEA FÖRNUFTIG with an additional VOC filter.

Curious about the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier, we decided to put it to the test in our own home. Over a week, we conducted various air quality tests to evaluate its performance, features, functionality, and design. We also considered the latest user reviews to see how previous purchasers have received this sleek and compact air purifier. 

While we were happy with the overall performance of the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, it didn't quite make it into our guide to the best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies, as it was lacking in several areas. 

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: How we tested

While testing the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifier, we wanted to see how it would improve the air quality in a 140-square-foot bedroom. We used an air particle meter that detects tiny particles ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns to measure its effectiveness. Before switching on the FÖRNUFTIG, we measured the room's ambient air quality. Then, we ran the purifier at its lowest setting and measured the air quality after 30 minutes. We repeated the same process with the highest setting to compare the results.

We challenged the purifier by lighting matches and burning incense cones, introducing larger particles into the air to further evaluate its performance. We measured the particle levels before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the lowest and highest settings. This allowed us to assess how well the FÖRNUFTIG handled these larger particles.

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: Functionality

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier has a range of features and functions to help improve your home’s air quality. 

• Affordable and accessible: IKEA is keen to point out how cheap and easy this air purifier is to run - and they’re not wrong. It’s also incredibly light and easy to move about your home, with a soft handle and a lightweight design. 
• Simple manual control: The FÖRNUFTIG features super simple and intuitive controls. A manual control knob on the front allows you to adjust the fan speed according to your preference… and that’s it! There are no Smart or connected features, which can be a negative for some, but an advantage for others who don’t need or want a Smart device to monitor their air quality and react accordingly.
• Filtration system: The air purifier utilizes a multi-layered filtration system to capture and remove airborne particles, pollutants, and allergens. It consists of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an optional activated carbon filter for odor reduction.
• Three fan settings: Offers a choice of low, medium and high fan settings.
• Quiet operation: The air purifier is designed to operate quietly, making it suitable for use in bedrooms, offices, and other areas where noise may be a concern. The exact noise level may vary, but IKEA claims it to be around 32-52 decibels, which is quiet compared to other air purifiers. We couldn’t record a reading above 25 dB on the lowest setting, which is super-quiet compared to other air purifiers.
• Energy efficiency: IKEA emphasizes energy efficiency with the FÖRNUFTIG. It is designed to consume low amounts of power, making it an economical choice if you want to keep your air purifier on all the time. 
• Filter replacement indicator: The purifier notifies you when to check and possibly replace the filter. 
• Room coverage: The FÖRNUFTIG is designed for small to medium-sized rooms. IKEA recommends using it in spaces up to approximately 100 square feet (10 square meters).

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: Design

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifier has a compact design, making it versatile for placement on a floor, table, desk, or even hanging on the wall. It has a sleek white exterior with a neutral gray fabric screen, which blends well with any décor. If you prefer to keep it out of sight, its compact size allows for easy storage or hiding behind other furniture.

Measuring only four inches thick and 18 inches tall, with an additional stand, it resembles a slim brick with a fabric handle for portability. It weighs under six pounds and is much lighter than many other air purifiers we’ve tested at home. It offers three fan settings and a single particle filter layer, keeping things simple.

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG doesn't feel cheap either. It has feet that can be mounted underneath, allowing it to sit on a floor, shelf or table. If you prefer to mount it on a wall, it already has pre-fitted mounting holes on the back too, and you can remove the fabric handle for a more streamlined look.

Overall, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Air Purifier is attractive and functional. Its compact, lightweight construction and simple controls make it easy to use and move around your home. Whether on display or tucked away, it adds a touch of modern aesthetics to any living space.

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: Performance

We put the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier through its paces with a series of tests. First up, we checked how well it improved ambient air quality. We used an air particle meter to compare air particles before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the lower fan setting. We then repeated the test using the highest setting.

The performance of the lower setting was not particularly impressive, as it only achieved a reduction of 38.2% in tiny particles measuring 0.3 microns and 39.1% in particles measuring 2.5 microns after 30 minutes. However, there was an improvement when we switched to the highest setting, resulting in an 84.4% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and an 85.7% reduction in 2.5-micron particles within the same timeframe.

Next, we did the incense test. We checked the air particles after burning three cones in a closed room for at least 10 minutes. Then we ran the FÖRNUFTIG  for 30 minutes on the lower and higher settings. On the lower setting, it reduced 2.5-micron particles by just 46.6% but it did manage to remove an impressive 94% of larger 10-micron particles. On the higher setting, it did much better, reducing particles measuring 2.5 microns by 98.3% and particles measuring 10 microns by 99.9%.

Lastly, we lit up a series of matches to see how well the purifier could suck up the nasty particles they emit on burning. On the lower setting, it didn’t manage to absorb any of the particles in the atmosphere - in fact, we found all particles had increased after 30 minutes! Switching to the higher setting and running the air purifier for another 30 minutes yielded much better results. The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG reduced 0.3-micron particles by 97.3%, 2.5-micron particles by 97.3% and 10-micron particles by 100%.

Our tests show that on its highest setting, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG can perform really well, but it’s doubtful anyone would want to run it on its highest setting all the time, as it’s noisy and will use more energy, costing you more on your household bills. 

Overall, we were frustrated by how the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG performed during these tests. Despite its affordability, stylish design, and good performance at a higher setting, it needs more power at its lower levels and a better filter to compete against its rivals in the air purifier market. 

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: The good

We were instantly impressed by the design of the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG when we unboxed it. Compared to other bulky and heavy air purifiers made of plain white plastic, it felt refreshing and lightweight. It's like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. The slim profile of the FÖRNUFTIG saves space, and the fabric cover resembling tweed adds a stylish touch.

We appreciated how easy it is to move around the house. It's so light you can carry it from room to room without hassle or effort. Plus, its simplicity means you don't need to consult the manual to figure out how to turn it on or adjust the fan settings. For those who prefer a straightforward user experience, the absence of complex smart or connected features is positive.

Overall, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG combines an attractive and modern design with practical features, making it a standout option for aesthetics and user-friendliness.

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: The bad

It comes down to performance. The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG doesn’t operate as an effective air purifier on its lower settings. Our at-home testing revealed it could only be effective at improving air quality at the highest fan speed, which is likely to be much too noisy for most households. 

Although we appreciate the ease of use, it's important to note that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has a limited number of settings compared to other air purifiers on the market. It offers just three fan speeds without any auto setting, night mode, or air particle sensor. The simplicity may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward experience, but we think an auto-mode would be a great addition.

In terms of filtration, the FÖRNUFTIG uses a single HEPA filter for the air purification process. If you want to enhance its performance further, you’ll have to purchase an additional VOC or gas filter from IKEA.

IKEA FÖRNUFTIG: User reviews

The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has received an impressive rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 on the IKEA website. Users have expressed their satisfaction with various aspects of the air purifier. One of the key highlights is its ease of assembly or wall installation, allowing for a hassle-free setup. Additionally, users appreciate its affordability and attractive design, making it an appealing choice.

Quite a few customers say their air quality has improved after purchasing the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, with one happy reviewer saying, "This unit is amazingly quiet and very efficient. We noticed a significant improvement in the air quality of our bedroom within just a few hours." 

However, there have been some negative reviews as well. Some users have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the FÖRNUFTIG in removing dust, dander, and other particles from the air. Additionally, a few users have found the highest fan speed to be too noisy for everyday use.

Overall, while the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has garnered positive reviews for its ease of installation, affordability, and quiet operation, there are mixed opinions regarding its effectiveness in removing certain particles from the air and the noise level at the highest fan speed.

Should you buy the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG

If you’re looking for a basic air purifier with manual controls and a cheap price point, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG could be ideal - but don’t expect your air quality to improve dramatically without having it on its noisiest setting.

If the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG isn’t for you

If you're in search of an air purifier that combines affordability and potentially higher performance than the FÖRNUFTIG, the KOIOS EPI810 is worth considering. With a coverage area of up to 269 square feet, it is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms, effectively purifying indoor air.

Another option is the Levoit H132, which boasts a compact and simple design. Standing just over 12 inches tall, it features an H13 True HEPA filtration system, three timer settings, and a dimmable night light, providing comprehensive air purification.

If you're looking for a straightforward air purifier without fancy extras or the need for smart app connectivity, the Coway AP-1512HH could be the perfect fit. It offers effective air purification without any bells and whistles. One standout feature is the Eco mode, which automatically adjusts the purifier's power based on the level of air pollution, saving you energy and money. 

In a fiery and ongoing eruption, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano began spewing lava on June 7, sending molten rock to the surrounding crater and reaching temperatures as high as 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit (1,150 degrees Celsius), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Kilauea, located on Hawaii's Big Island, is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. The USGS briefly deemed the eruption a code red, the highest risk alert level, but downgraded it to orange the next day "because the initial high effusion rates have declined, and no infrastructure is threatened," the USGS said in a June 8 statement, adding that the lava from the eruption is confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu pit crater within Kilauea's summit.

However, officials warned Wednesday (June 14) that high levels of volcanic smog, known as vog, from the eruption could travel downwind and potentially affect air quality. They added that the eruption may sprout off thin, sharp glass fibers called Pele's hair, named after Pele (PEH-leh), the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. Resembling golden straws of hay, the strands are formed when gas bubbles in the lava pop at the surface and then cool into gossamer glass needles. If Pele's hair is blown downwind, it could irritate people's eyes and skin or contaminate drinking water. 

Related: The 12 biggest volcanic eruptions in recorded history

"The skin of the bursting bubbles flies out, and some of the skin becomes stretched into these very long threads, sometime[s] as long as a couple of feet [0.6 meter] or so," Don Swanson, a former research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told Live Science in 2018. "Imagine inhaling tiny slivers of glass. That's what the Pele's hair is. It can inflame and irritate anything that comes in contact with it."

On the first day of the eruption, extreme heat from the lava created wind vortices that sucked up ash and whipped chunks of lava across the Halemaʻumaʻu crater — an event that the The Weather Channel dubbed a "volcano-nado," but the USGS called a whirlwind or wind vortex. Kilauea's last eruption began in early January and lasted about three months.

"These volcanoes have to be busy to make these islands out in the middle of the Pacific and they certainly stay that way," Ken Hon, the scientist-in-charge at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told KHON2, a local news station in Hawaii. "Just like people have behavioral phases, our volcanoes have behavioral phases that they go in and out of." 

One of Kilauea's most catastrophic eruptions occurred in 2018, when lava flowed like a river across residential areas of the Big Island and destroyed more than 700 homes over a fourth-month period, according to the National Park Service. Deemed a code red, the 2018 eruption occurred several hours after powerful earthquakes rattled the Big Island. 

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are continuing to provide daily updates on the current eruption at Kilauea. 

The Sensibo Pure Air Purifier promises to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment, using advanced technology and features to filter and purify the air. 

One of the key features of the Sensibo Pure is its advanced filtration system. Equipped with a True HEPA filter, it captures and eliminates up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household items and cleaning products.

This air purifier is user-friendly and convenient to use. It can be controlled remotely through the Sensibo app, allowing you to adjust settings, monitor air quality in real-time, and receive notifications and insights about the air quality in your home. The app also recommends how to improve air quality, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living space.

With its whisper-quiet operation on the low setting, the Sensibo Pure is suitable for use in bedrooms, nurseries, and other noise-sensitive areas. You can dim the lights and lower the fan remotely via the app whenever necessary.

We tested the Sensibo Pure Air Purifier in our home using a series of air quality tests over a week. Find out how we rated this air purifier on performance, features, functionality and design. Plus, we check the latest user reviews to see how well previous purchasers rank this compact and stylish air purifier.

We were very happy with the features of the Sensibo Pure, and it made it into both our best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies guides. 

Sensibo Pure: How we tested

During our testing of the Sensibo Pure Air Purifier, we wanted to see how well it improved the air quality in a 140-square-foot bedroom. We used an air particle meter that measures tiny particles in the air, ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns. Before turning on the Sensibo Pure, we checked the ambient air quality. Running it at the lower setting, we measured the air quality after 15 and 30 minutes of running, then repeated the same exercise using the Pure Boost setting, which Sensibo recommends.

We also decided to put the purifier to the test by lighting matches and burning incense cones. We measured the air particles before and after running the purifier for 15 and 30 minutes on the lower setting and Pure Boost mode to see how well it tackled those larger particles. 

Sensibo Pure: Functionality

The Sensibo Pure air purifier has a range of features and functions to help improve your home’s air quality.  

• Filtration system: The Sensibo Pure utilizes a True HEPA filter to capture and eliminate up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs. 
• Excellent coverage: Designed for rooms up to 1,000 square feet, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
• Air quality monitoring: Equipped with real-time air quality monitoring sensors, providing insights and notifications through the Sensibo mobile app.
• Intelligent control via the app: You can remotely control the purifier using the Sensibo app, adjusting settings, monitoring air quality, setting schedules, and receiving filter replacement notifications.
• Energy efficiency: It consumes only 5 to 55 watts of power, with an energy-saving mode and customizable on/off schedules.
• Filter replacement indicator: It notifies you when to replace the filter, ensuring optimal performance and air purification effectiveness.
• Warranty: The 2-year limited warranty offers peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
• Sleep settings: Operates with dimmed lights and reduced noise levels, ideal for bedrooms and noise-sensitive areas.
• Pure Boost feature: It automatically adjusts fan level based on air pollutants, with the option to boost sensitivity and fan speed in low outdoor air quality or when you’re away from home.

Sensibo Pure: Design

The Sensibo Pure air purifier has a sleek and modern design. It’s pretty compact, too, so you can pop it on a tabletop, shelf, or any convenient surface without taking up much space.

The outer casing of the Sensibo Pure is sturdy white plastic with a subtle gleam, without being too shiny. 

At the top of the purifier is a gray plastic vent, beneath which sits the fan that releases the purified air, so you can be sure tiny fingers won’t be harmed if smaller members of your family get curious. Around two-thirds of the unit is perforated in an attractive design - this is where the purifier sucks in harmful airborne pollutants to be filtered.

The Sensibo Pure has a user-friendly interface, including touch-sensitive controls on the top panel for easy operation. The buttons are neatly integrated into the design, adding to the streamlined look.

It also features an LED strip that provides real-time feedback on the air quality levels in your home. The display shows different colors to indicate the air quality, ranging from blue for ‘good’ air quality to red for ‘unhealthy’ air quality. This visual feedback allows you to easily monitor and assess the air quality in your space at a glance.

Overall the Sensibo Pure has a clean and minimalist look and feel that seamlessly blends into any home or office environment. It’s designed similarly to other, larger air purifiers, such as the Levoit Core 400s.

Sensibo Pure: Performance

We put the Sensibo Pure air purifier through its paces with a series of tests. First up, we checked how well it improved ambient air quality. We used an air particle meter to compare air particles before and after running the purifier for 30 minutes on the lower fan setting. We then repeated the test using the Smart Pure Boost setting, which automatically adjusts the fan level based on air pollutants.

The results were underwhelming for the lower setting. It only reduced tiny particles measuring 0.3 microns by 53.8% and particles measuring 2.5 microns by 61.5% after 30 minutes. But things got a lot better when we cranked it up to Pure Boost, with a 92.3% reduction in 0.3-micron particles and a 96% reduction in 2.5-micron particles in the same timeframe.

Next, we tried out the match test. We lit up a series of matches to see how well the purifier could suck up the nasty particles they emitted. On the lower setting, it managed to get rid of 58% of 0.3 micron particles and 54% of 2.5 micron particles in just 30 minutes. But on Pure Boost, it was a whole different story. It managed to remove 96.9% of 0.3-micron particles and 96.2% of 2.5-micron particles. It even wiped out 100% of those much larger 10-micron particles considered harmful.

Lastly, we did the incense test. We knew the lower setting wouldn't cut it to remove particles from burning incense cones, so we went straight to Pure Boost. We checked the air particles after burning three cones in a closed room for at least 10 minutes. Of course, there were a bunch of larger particles measuring 2.5 and 10 microns. But with the purifier on Pure Boost mode, we saw some impressive results. At the 15-minute mark, it slashed the 2.5-micron particles by 80.3% and the 10-micron particles by 93.9%. And by the 30-minute mark, those numbers jumped to 92.8% and 99.2%, respectively.

Overall, we were impressed by how well the Sensibo Pure performed during these tests especially considering its affordable price and compact size. Download the app and use the Pure Boost function if you want one. That is where the magic happens.

Sensibo Pure: The good

Connecting your new air purifier to the Sensibo app is simple. Download and open the app, turn on your purifier, and follow the instructions. It will guide you through scanning the QR code and entering your Wi-Fi details. You'll need to create an account, which takes a few moments.

Once connected, you can take advantage of the Pure Boost feature recommended by Sensibo. Pure Boost automatically adjusts the fan level based on detected pollutants in the air. It's a great way to ensure optimal purification without lifting a finger (although you can also use auto mode if you don't want to download the app). You can boost sensitivity and fan speed when outdoor air quality is low or when you're away from home, ensuring a fresh and clean environment when you return.

The Sensibo app offers even more functionality. You can set timers, create 7-day schedules, and configure advanced triggers to suit your preferences. This level of control allows you to customize your air purification experience. You can also manage your purifier remotely, accessing it from anywhere through the app. The app also provides valuable insights into your indoor air quality over time, helping you monitor and improve the atmosphere in your home.

For enhanced features, you can subscribe to Sensibo Plus. This subscription offers streamlined weather and pollution updates, optimized AC usage notifications, and alerts for unhealthy pollution levels. 

Sensibo Pure: The bad

To use the auto mode on the purifier, you have to disconnect it from the Sensibo servers, which the manual advises against. Instead, they want you to use the app to activate Pure Boost, which does the same as auto mode. It's odd to have a mode on the device that isn't officially recommended, and the manual doesn’t explain why. We assume the auto mode button is for folks who prefer not to download the app.

Another minor gripe: the vent above the fan isn't removable, making it a pain to clean. Dust can quickly accumulate in that area, and the narrow vent makes reaching and cleaning it difficult. It would be great if they could make that part removable for easier maintenance.

Sensibo Pure: User reviews

The Sensibo Pure seems to have garnered a decent reputation among Amazon users, earning a solid rating of 4.1 stars out of 5 on the popular e-commerce site. Many users appreciate its hassle-free setup and immediate usability. They particularly praise its ability to provide accurate information about air quality. One satisfied customer raved: “Amazing air purifier. The app is fantastic and works flawlessly. It lets you know when your air is terrible and automatically boosts the power to make the air good. Highly recommend.” 

However, it's worth noting that there are some negative reviews as well. Some users find the high fan speed too noisy for everyday use, which can be a downside for those seeking a quieter environment. A few customers have also reported difficulties connecting their purifiers to the Sensibo app, leading to frustration.

Should you buy the Sensibo Pure

With a range of features such as a HEPA filter, extensive coverage, air quality monitoring, and intelligent control via the Sensibo app, the Sensibo Pure offers good value for money and a sleek and stylish design.  

If the Sensibo Pure isn’t for you

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to the Sensibo Pure with a smaller coverage area, the KOIOS EPI810 is worth considering. It can effectively purify areas up to 269 square feet, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.

The Levoit H132 could be ideal for those needing an even more compact air purifier. Measuring just over 12 inches in height, it also features an H13 True HEPA filtration system, three timer settings, and a dimmable night light.

On the other hand, if you prefer a no-frills air purifier without smart app connectivity, the Coway AP-1512HH might be the right choice. It offers efficient air purification without the need for additional features. The Eco mode is particularly useful as it automatically adjusts the purifier's power based on the level of air pollution, saving energy and costs. 

The smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada has reached all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to Norway, more than 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) away. 

Earlier this week, the haze crossed the Canadian border into the U.S., enveloping East Coast cities in smoke; New York City had the worst air quality of any major city in the world Wednesday (June 7). Throughout the week, wind has also carried this smoke across Greenland and Iceland into Norway, where it was first detected on Wednesday. However, the concentrations of smoke in Norway are "very weak," scientists from the Climate and Environmental Research Institute in Norway (NILU) told French news agency AFP. 

"When the smoke reaches Europe, the number of particles is much lower," Nikolaos Evangeliou, a senior scientist at the NILU, said in a statement. "This means that we can possibly see the smoke as a faint haze, and perhaps notice the smell of smoke. But the number of particles is so low that it should not cause any health hazards."

Low concentrations of smoke will likely drift across the Scandinavian country and into Southern Europe, according to NILU forecasting models, which pull data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Global Forecast System in the U.S.

Related: How do wildfires start?

More than 9.4 million acres (3.8 million hectares) — roughly a quarter the size of New York state — have burned in Canada so far this year, Bill Blair, Canada's federal minister of emergency preparedness, said in a recent CTV news briefing, according to WXXI News, a public radio station based in Rochester, New York. That puts the country on target for its worst fire season ever, government officials say. 

"The distribution of fires from coast to coast this year is unusual," Michael Norton, an official from Canada's Natural Resources ministry, told Reuters. "At this time of the year, fires usually occur only on one side of the country at a time, most often that being in the west." 

Though pollution from these wildfires likely won't pose a health risk for people in Europe, high levels of smoke particulate matter in cities throughout the U.S. East Coast could cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and shortness of breath. As a result, health officials in New York City and Washington, D.C., are advising people in affected cities to limit outdoor activity until the smoke has dissipated to safe levels. 

Save big on clean air this weekend with  reductions on some of the best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies. Retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart have slashed prices on some of the top rated air purifiers like Blueair, Levoit, Shark and Dyson. 

You'll be spoiled for choice and can get some of the great benefits of an air purifier for less with these great reductions. If you're concerned about air pollution or wondering how to test your air quality at home or how the air quality index works, we've investigated so you don't have to.

On Wednesday (June 7), the air quality in New York City was the worst of any major city in the world, due to smoke billowing over the northern U.S. border from wildfires in eastern Canada. With wildfires predicted to become more commonplace with climate change, the alarming pollution could be a sign of what's to come.

The National Weather Service first issued an air quality alert for New York City on Tuesday (June 6); this alert will remain in effect until the end of Thursday (June 8), but could be extended if necessary. By Wednesday afternoon, an intense yellow-orange haze hung over the city. Pollution from wildfire smoke consists of tiny particles, called particulate matter (PM), that can cause damage to the respiratory system when inhaled.

"We recommend all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement Tuesday. "Those with pre-existing respiratory problems, like heart or breathing problems, as well as children and older adults, may be especially sensitive and should stay indoors at this time."

The current air pollution cloaking the city comes from more than 200 forest fires burning in eastern Canada.

Related: Wildfire smoke spreads across US in striking images from space 

Winds from a weather system off the coast of New England set off a flow of smoke southeast from Canada, directly toward New York, Cheila Avalon Cullen and Neal Phillip, environmental scientists at the City University of New York (CUNY), told Live Science in an email. 

Heat from wildfires can push smoke high into the atmosphere, where it is less impacted by weather, Daniel Westervelt, an associate research professor at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, told Curbed. Other types of particles in the atmosphere would fall to Earth with rain fairly quickly, he said. But this process has allowed smoke to persist across the more than 300 miles (480 kilometers) from southern Quebec to New York City.

"Looking at the … upper air flow map that guides weather systems at the ground, it can clearly be seen that the flow lines are coming straight down from Canada and then curves towards the east coast and NYC," Cullen and Phillip said.

Wildfire smoke contains a type of particulate matter called PM2.5, so called for its minuscule size, which is less than 2.5 microns wide. (A micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter.) In the short term, exposure to high amounts of PM2.5, also called "fine" particulate matter, can cause coughing, nose and throat irritation, and shortness of breath, and it can worsen asthma and heart disease, according to the New York Department of Health. Long-term exposure, defined as months to years, is associated with increased chronic bronchitis, hospital admissions and deaths from conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease.

Besides wildfires, other sources of PM2.5 include traffic pollution and cigarette smoke. Phillip and Cullen said that daylong exposure to an air quality index (AQI) of 300, which New York City far exceeded on Wednesday, would be similar to smoking 15 cigarettes, according to a model developed by researchers at Stanford University. AQI is an air quality measurement that incorporates several types of air pollution, including levels of PM2.5, ozone, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. The scale runs from 0 to 500, with 0 to 50 being "good" air quality and 301 and higher being "hazardous." 

The air quality in the city on Wednesday was unprecedented, breaking the record for the worst air quality since the city started keeping records in 1999. The AQI in New York City is typically between 15 and 40, which is considered "good," Cullen and Phillip said.

While many people in the Northeast may not have experienced smoke pollution from wildfires, it's common in much of the western U.S. during warmer months. For instance, wildfires in Alberta in late May impacted air quality in several northwestern states, such as Montana, Colorado, Idaho and Utah, and wildfires are becoming increasingly common in western states, especially California. 

But although wildfire smoke has been historically uncommon on the East Coast, climate change is predicted to increase the severity and frequency of wildfires all over the country and the world, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

While New York's air has cleared somewhat since the smoky haze descended on the city, the AQI on Thursday was still at unhealthy levels, between 130 and 200, and it's predicted to get worse Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. 

While it's difficult to predict exactly when the air quality will improve, the smoke should start to clear in the next few days. An AQI monitoring website run by the World Air Quality project forecasts that the air will start to clear by Friday, while the Weather Channel forecast predicts it will begin to clear over the weekend.

"Although the Canadian forest fires will most likely continue burning, we [in New York] will get some relief once the air pattern aloft goes to a more west to east flow pattern," Cullen and Phillip said. "Currently it has a north to south pattern which is funneling all the smoke down from Canada."

The Levoit Vital 200s is the latest air purifier from the Vesync-owned company. Well-known for its series of smart home devices, including air purifiers, dehumidifiers, vacuums and fans, Levoit aims to improve air quality in the home with intelligent devices that can be controlled via apps and voice control as part of a smart, connected home. 

Designed for homes with pets, the Levoit Vital 200s features a large U-shaped air inlet and washable pre-filter to capture airborne pet fur and dander before it can clog up the H13 True HEPA filter. Levoit says their filter captures 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles such as dust, smoke, pollen and pet dander, while a high-efficiency activated carbon filter captures and neutralizes pet odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fumes and other chemicals released by everyday household chemicals and cooking.

The Vesync app that comes with the Levoit Vital 200s allows you to connect to and control multiple Levoit air purifiers and other Vesync devices around the home. It’s also compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can set schedules, see air quality, turn the device on and off and change up the fan speed whenever you like, from wherever you want. 

We tested the Levoit Vital 200s in our (dog and cat-friendly) home using a series of air quality tests over a week. Find out how we got on and how we rated this air purifier on performance, features, functionality and design. Plus, we look at how other users rate their Levoit Vital 200s. 

We were really impressed with the overall performance of this air purifier, and it features in both our best air purifiers and best air purifiers for allergies guides. 

Levoit Vital 200s: How we tested

During our at-home testing of the Levoit Vital 200s, we tested the ambient air quality of a bedroom measuring 140 square feet using an air particle meter. The air particle meter records air particles measuring 0.3, 2.5 and 10 microns. We checked the air quality before and after using the Levoit Vital 200s for 15 to 30 minutes on its auto setting, which automatically controls the fan settings according to air quality. 

We also carried out two further tests, lighting matches and burning incense cones, and measuring the air particles before and after using the air purifier at 15 minutes and 30 minutes, to see how well it coped with larger air particles. 

Levoit Vital 200s: Functionality

The Levoit Vital 200S air purifier has a range of features to improve your home’s air quality.  

• H13 True HEPA Filter and 3-stage filtration system: The True Hepa Filter is capable of capturing and filtering out 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, such as dust, mold spores, pollen and pet dander. The washable pre-filter traps larger particles, such as pet hair, while the activated carbon filter helps to reduce odors and absorb gases released during cooking and cleaning. You’ll need to replace the HEPA and activated carbon filters roughly yearly, while Levoit recommends cleaning the pre-filter every 2 to 4 weeks.
• Infrared sensor: This air quality sensor continuously scans air quality, allowing auto mode to adjust the fan speed as necessary to combat any rise of particles or save energy when air quality is good.
• Smart control via app and voice control: Connecting the air purifier to your Wi-Fi allows you to control it remotely, set schedules and timers (1-24 hours), see real-time air quality and check filter life. You can also utilize the light detection feature that automatically adjusts the purifier’s fan speed to low and turns off the display on the unit, allowing a more peaceful night’s sleep if you have the purifier in your bedroom.
• Sleep mode: Similar to the light detection mode, sleep mode uses a quieter fan speed and turns off the display.
• Four fan speeds and quiet running: With low, medium, high and turbo fan speeds, you can adjust your purifier whenever needed. Or you can let auto mode do the work for you in adjusting fan speed so you don't have to lift a finger. Fan speed sounds range from 24dB to 54dB, so even at its highest setting, the Levoit Vital 200s doesn't get any louder than a normal conversation.
• Pet mode: Designed specifically for homes with pets, Levoit says the Vital 200s’s pet mode is efficient at filtering out allergens from the air while conserving energy by running at high speed for 15 minutes, then 60 minutes at medium speed, cycling between the two settings.
• Ease of use: Two handles at either side of the purifier allow easy lifting and moving around. At the side of the unit is the dust sensor feature. The unit measures 15.6 inches in width, 19.8 inches in height, and 8.5 inches in depth, so it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in whichever room you place it in. It weighs just 13.2 pounds, so it’s light and easy to move around.

Levoit Vital 200s: Design

At first glance, the Levoit Vital 200s looks like a dehumidifier or small air conditioning unit. Encased in white plastic and with a functional look and feel, it won’t win any design awards. Compared to the Levoit H132 or the Levoit Core 400s, it’s pretty boxy and utilitarian in design. 

However, it’s still relatively sleek, with a durable white plastic casing. A glossy black control panel with touch-sensitive controls sits at the top of the unit alongside the air output vent, through which purified air is released. 

At the front of the Levoit Vital 200s is the U-shaped air intake grill, through which the purifier sucks in air and cleans it using an H13 True HEPA filter. The filter is sandwiched inside the unit between a washable pre-filter panel and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter. The front cover simply pops off, so you can remove and clean or replace these filters when necessary.

Overall the Levoit Vital 200s offers a simple, no-frills design and aesthetic which will suit most homes. 

Levoit Vital 200s: Performance

We put the Levoit Vital 200s air purifier through its paces with a series of tests. First up, we checked how well it improved ambient air quality. Using an air particle meter, we measured air particles before and after using the purifier for 15 minutes on auto mode, relying on the purifier’s intelligent sensors to adapt fan speeds as required. 

We found the Levoit Vital 200s reduced particles measuring 0.3 microns by 80% after 15 minutes and 99.9% after 30 minutes. It also reduced particles measuring 2.5 microns by 75% after 15 minutes and 99% after 30 minutes. So far, so good.

Next up was the incense test. We burned three incense cones in a closed room for at least 10 minutes, then recorded the air particles. Incidentally, before we went back in to take the reading, the Vesync app highlighted that the air quality in the room was ‘bad’, even without the air purifier being powered on. So it’s clear the Levoit Vital 200s is monitoring air quality constantly. 

Our reading after burning the incense revealed a considerable amount of larger (2.5 and 10 microns) air particles. Setting the purifier to auto mode once again, we took readings at 15 minutes and 30 minutes to see how well it tackled these larger particles. At 15 minutes, it had reduced particles measuring 2.5 microns by 97.9% and 10 microns by 99.9%, and we had already received an alert telling us air quality had returned to ‘good’ levels from the Vesync app. By 30 minutes, this had increased to 99.27% and 99.99%, respectively. 

Finally, the match test. We burned a series of matches to assess how well the purifier absorbed harmful particles. At 15 minutes, we found 0.3-microns had reduced by 89.4%, rising to a reduction of 96.9% at 30 minutes. 2.5-micron particles had decreased by 86.6% at the 15-minute mark and then by 95.9% at 30 minutes, and particles measuring 10 microns had reduced by 98.7% at 15 minutes and 99.9% at 30 minutes.

We were seriously impressed by how well the Levoit Vital 200s performed during these tests - in just 30 minutes on auto mode almost all harmful particles were absorbed or neutralized and the air was fresh and clean. Re-running these tests on the air purifier’s Turbo setting, we found that removing particles took even less time. Although a little noisier - 54 dB - that’s still quieter than a household refrigerator, according to this decibel level comparison chart produced by Yale University.

Levoit Vital 200s: The good

We were astonished by how quickly the Levoit Vital 200s improved air quality during our tests. It worked efficiently to remove almost all harmful air particles in ambient air and those caused by incense and match burning. 

We also enjoyed how quiet the air purifier was during operation. For the most part, auto mode worked at a whisper-quiet decibel rating of 24dB. 

The Vesync app was super-easy to use in terms of adding schedules and timers, changing modes and fan speeds, but what we really liked was seeing real-time and historical air quality data. So you can look back at how your air quality changes throughout the day, allowing you to identify peaks in poor air quality and take action to improve it if needed. But of course, the auto mode can also help you tackle those peaks without lifting a finger. 

Levoit Vital 200s: The bad

At $189.99, the Levoit Vital 200s isn’t the most affordable air purifier on the market or the most stylish. While we couldn’t fault its performance, it’s pretty big and boxy. Levoit also produces some sleeker air purifiers that are great performers, such as the Core 400s, so it seemed strange that they didn’t choose a similar style that looks great and performs well.

Some users may also prefer their air purifier to include an ionizer, which releases charged particles into the air to help neutralize pollutants. However, some ionizers can also produce small amounts of ozone, which can harm people with respiratory conditions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, ionizers are also less effective at removing particles of dust, tobacco smoke, pollen or fungal spores. 

Levoit Vital 200s: User reviews

Users appear to be raving about their Levoit Vital 200s air purifiers. BestBuy users award it a five-star rating, with one BestBuy customer remarking, “We have seen a great difference in our home. With four cats, dust and a teenager, it really took care of odors, cat hair and dust. Runs quiet, quieter than I ever thought it would.” Another says, “Ok, I am a believer now in air purifiers. We originally purchased this as we have new puppies and wanted to help eliminate the slight ‘puppy smell.’ It not only did that but also got rid of the cooked bacon smell after breakfast that previously would tend to linger.”

Despite negative reviews being few and far between, some appliances may have individual faults. For example, a couple of Amazon reviews for the Vital 200s mention loud clicking noises coming from the motors during operation, while one other customer reports their air purifier’s air quality warning light is permanently set to red. 

Should you buy the Levoit Vital 200s

Based on our at-home testing and comparing this appliance to other air purifiers, we can confidently say your home’s air quality will significantly improve if you purchase the Levoit Vital 200s. 

If the Levoit Vital 200s product isn’t for you

If you’re impressed by what a Levoit air purifier can do, but don’t have the space or budget for a larger appliance, take a look at the Levoit H132, a compact and affordable air purifier that’s suitable for homes with small-to-medium-sized rooms. 

If you don’t have a pet, the Levoit Core 400s packs just as powerful a punch in terms of performance but doesn’t have a specific pet mode. We loved the sleek, circular design of this particular air purifier too. 

If apps aren’t your thing, and you just want an air purifier that can clean air efficiently without all those smart, connected bells and whistles, then the Coway AP-1512HH could be the perfect air purifier for you. We liked the Eco mode, which worked well to power down the air purifier when air pollution was low, saving energy and money. 

While dampness in our homes may not be an issue during the summer months, dehumidifiers can be very useful in the wintertime. Now is a particularly good time to invest in those clever appliances, as many models will be discounted in the New Year's sales. Dehumidifiers reduce the moisture levels in our homes, and this in turn can help those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. As Wei-Ning Wang, an associate professor of indoor air quality and aerosol technology at Virginia Commonwealth University, told Live Science: “Dehumidifiers are essential tools to lower the relative humidity, which in turn could reduce mold growth and hence increase air quality."

Dehumidifiers come in many shapes and sizes, with some being portable like the discreet ProBreeze Mini. Others, like the Honeywell TP50WK, can remove up to 50 pints of moisture a day. Our guide will help you choose the best dehumidifier for your needs. We have tried and tested plenty of dehumidifiers using exactly the same testing process so you can be rest assured these selected ones really are the best. During our dehumidifier testing process, our expert reviewers take into account price, size, design, effectiveness, usability, maintenance, energy use and availability of extra parts.

Unsure whether you even need one of these appliances? Scroll down to our Dehumidifiers FAQs section. Dry air IS the problem? Consider investing in one of the best humidifiers.

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The best dehumidifiers we recommend in 2026: Thoroughly tested by our experts with a humidity meter

The best dehumidifier overall

Our best overall best dehumidifier crown goes to the The Honeywell TP50WK. It combines excellent performance and ease of use with a sleek design. And it also comes with a very generous 5-year warranty, which is always reassuring. All this combined to merit the strong 4-star rating we gave it in our in-depth Honeywell TP50WKN dehumidifier review.

This Honeywell model, which is Energy Star-rated, is suitable for spaces of up to 3,000 feet. That makes it a great choice for homes with medium to large rooms. But while it is powerful, it doesn't take up lots of space. In fact the Honeywell TP50WK is a lot smaller and lighter than the LG Puricare 50-pint dehumidifier, despite having the same tank size.

One of the smart features this model offers is a digital control system which actively monitors your space, and changes mode according to the levels of moisture it detects. That means that if you use the continuous drainage mode you can leave it running. However if you prefer to use the water tank, there is also an auto-shutdown feature which stops the machine continuing to run after your water tank is full.

However, one thing to be aware of is that this continuous drain mode is not pump-operated. It relies purely on gravity, meaning you must ensure that the drainage hose isn’t too straight or too long, or water could collect in it or even return back to the unit itself. The tank itself does have splash guards to avoid leaks and splits.

The Honeywell TP50WKA also has a washable dust filter to remove dust and filter your air for other impurities. Another smart feature is the auto-restart mode. If your home experiences a power outage, for example, it will simply start up again without needing to be manually rebooted.

We tested the dehumidifier in a medium-sized living room on a very hot way. When the machine was turned on, the LED display immediately read a humidity level of 89%, which certainly felt accurate. But after just one hour of running the machine, the reading had dropped to 42% humidity, and there was an appreciable difference in the room.

Emptying the dehumidifier’s water bucket was simple while thanks to the model’s built-in wheels and robust handle, moving it around was very easy too.

The controls were very easy to operate, with the digital display very clear. With its clean white finish, the Honeywell TP50WK is an attractive piece of kit that fits discreetly into any space.

The icing on the cake? The Honeywell TP50WK's retail price is just under $300, and it often gets discounted at Amazon and Walmart.

• Read our full Honeywell TP50WK dehumidifier review

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Best dehumidifier for large rooms

With its sleek black shell and unobtrusive good looks, this is one of the most stylish dehumidifiers on the market. We were also impressed by its automatic features, thermal resistant parts and intuitive controls. Thanks to its 50-pint capacity, this dehumidifier is a great option for large rooms and offices.

The LG UD501KOG5 also comes with a host of helpful features, from a continuous drain feature, meaning you don’t have to keep emptying the water tank, to a humidity auto control which allows you to set and maintain your preferred levels.

The device also has an alarm to inform you when the water tank is nearly full, at which point it also goes into automatic shut-off to prevent leaks. A safety standby mode once every 23 hours also ensures that overheating is never a problem.

During our LG Puricare 50-pint dehumidifier review, our tester found the appliance extremely simple to set up and turn on, with virtually no real assembly required. However, one significant drawback is that this dehumidifier only has two fan speeds, and there's no continuous mode. You also can't set the LG Puricare for a 24 hour cycle – the maximum is 12, which is unusual for a unit this size.

We tested the device in a bedroom that initallly measured at 45% humidity, setting the device to its highest setting to drop it to 30%. After an hour, it had dropped to 35%, and after ninety minutes had hit the required 30%. After two hours the bucket contained nearly three full cups of water, which was easy to remove to the removable lid. In fact, the bucket on the LG Puricare is one of the best we've seen. Removing and emptying it is incredibly easy thanks to a removable splash guard/lid which gives you optimal surface area for emptying out the tank.

The side pocket handles and castor wheels make it easy to move the dehumidifier from room to room, to wherever you need it most.

At 26.2 inches high, it’s certainly the tallest dehumidifier in our buying guide, so to take this into account when comparing models and deciding what is right for your own space.

• Read our full LG Puricare 50-pint dehumidifer review

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Best mini dehumidifier

The ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier is our top choice for small spaces. It certainly doesn't have the most power or the most features on the market, but what it lacks in features it makes up for in affordability and size. It's also one of the quietest dehumidifiers we tested.

The ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier may not offer high-octane performance, but then again, you can fit it on the top of a table. But despite its small size it is still very efficient, removing up to 18 ounces of water a day, and covering an area of 250 square feet. That's certainly not as high an extraction rate as other models in this guide, so we would not recommend it for large spaces, nor for very humid ones.

However, it does mean that the ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier is relatively eco-friendly. It doesn't require a huge amount of power to run as it is not a compressor dehumidifier; instead, it uses Peltier technology. This is a method of extracting water that uses less electricity and makes less noise. Indeed, we did not notice any marked spikes in energy use during our ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier review, and we liked how quiet it was, too. When we measured its noise levels with a decibel-counting app, it never exceeded 44 dB, which is equivalent to library sounds.

The refreshingly simple design is ready to use straight out of the box, and its controls could not be any more intuitive: there is simply one button to switch it on and off, and one LED light to indicate when the water tank is full. The tank can then be emptied through the opening in its lid. However, that is pretty much everything it offers. The ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier offers no humidity meters, auto modes, smart features or other frills.

So if you want a dehumidifier brimming with high-tech features, then it is not the best option for you. But if you do want simplicity, ease of use and portability, then the ProBreeze Mini Dehumidifier is a great value pick.

• Full review coming soon

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Best dehumidifier for basements

The GE Dehumidifier APER50LZ is portable and easy to use. It comes with a built-in active water pump and a capacity of 50 pints, which makes it a great option for small to medium-sized basements. The 16 ft-long hose helps with continuous water drainage, and you can therefore leave the unit running without worrying about it overflowing. It’s also really nicely designed, and comes in a sleek ‘stratus gray’ that makes it look more like a piece of tech than a household appliance, and makes it stand out from some of the ugly and bulky devices on the market.

When we tested the GE APER50LZ dehumidifier review, we were impressed by its good performance. On starting up the device, the humidity in the room was 55%, but it decreased to 40% after just an hour of running on the highest setting.

In fact the GE Dehumidifier APER50LZ actively monitors the humidity levels in your space and adjusts its settings accordingly between three fan speeds. It also features a ‘clean filter’ alert, so there’s no need to worry about forgetting when it’s time to clean away any dust and residue build-up.

The GE Dehumidifier APER50LZ also features an auto-shutoff and auto-restart. So if the water tank is full, it will automatically turn itself off to prevent leaks. Meanwhile if you have a power outrage, it will turn itself back on when the power returns.

In our testing, when we ran the device consistently, we found it needed to be emptied approximately once a day though of course this would depend on how humid the area you are using it in is.

While the device does offer continuous drainage via the hose, we did find that the water tank is easy to slide out and empty, so you don’t need to use the pump feature if you don’t want to. There is also a 10 second alarm for when the bucket is either full of water, or missing.

Castor wheels and in-built pocket handles make the GE Dehumidifier APER50LZ easy to move around the home, though it is certainly on the heavy side. An automatic defrost feature also ensures your machine keeps running, even when frost builds up on the coils inside.

• Read our full GE APER50LZ dehumidifier review

Best dehumidifiers: Comparison

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Our expert consultants

Best dehumidifiers: Frequently Asked Questions

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How to choose the best dehumidifier for you

How we tested these dehumidifers

How we test the best dehumidifiers

Our reviewers: Through extensive testing we have accumulated expert knowledge of dehumidifiers. Most of our expert reviewers live in areas of high humidity (for example, the often-rainy United Kingdom), and use these appliances on a daily basis. Over the years they have all tried and tested multiple dehumidifiers, so you can trust their verdicts.

To be as objective as possible, each dehumidifier in this guide has been tested to the exact same standards, using the same processes.

Design. When assessing the design of a dehumidifier, we take into account the size and looks of the unit, the cost of use and maintenance, the length and conditions of the warranty, the availability of additional parts, and overall ease of use. We check how easy it is to empty and clean the water tank, operate the controls or move the dehumidifier around. We also judge the aesthetics of the unit as well as its functionality.

Features. We look into the features of a dehumidifier to get a good understanding of what the unit has to offer. How many modes and settings does it have? Can it be operated remotely? Does it come with any smart features? Also, does it drain on its own, and if not, can it shut off automatically? We assess all these before giving our verdict.

Performance. We conduct several performance tests using industry-grade air particle monitors (such as the Perfect Prime AQ9600) to measure how much moisture the dehumidifier removes from the air, and to check whether anything impedes or speeds up this process. We start by noting the humidity level in an enclosed, middle-sized room. Then, we run the appliance on the highest setting for at least an hour. While the dehumidifier is running, we measure its noise level using a decibel-counting app (such as the Sound Meter app). After an hour, we measure the humidity level in the room and make note of any changes to the air quality. This process is repeated for each mode the unit has, such as lower mode and night mode. We also assess how quickly the water tank fills up and how often we need to empty it.

What the users say. Finally, we check online user reviews to see what users are saying about the product, and we test for any persistent problems or defects that we read about. We also make note of any comments regarding the customer service from the company.

As per our testing policy, we fully disclose all of our findings in our reviews.

Latest updates

February 3, 2025: We expanded the 'Comparison' table and updated the introduction.

Cold winter weather can make the indoor air dry and unpleasant to breathe. This is where the best humidifiers can make a big difference, and with the January sales in full swing, now is the perfect time to keep an eye on prices to get yourself a bargain.

The best humidifiers can do wonders for the air quality in our homes. Live Science spoke to Tim Carroll, a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency, who explained that humidifiers work by releasing moisture into the air, often in the form of water vapour, which in turn helps increase the relative humidity in your space. Extra humidity can come as a relief for those with dry or cracked skin. It can also help those with nasal congestion or irritation. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, increases in humidity can ease sinus problems caused by dry air.

Our expert reviewers have tried and tested all of the humidifiers below. Alongside assessing each model's design, features and value for money, we've also assessed them using an industry-grade humidity meter. You can find out more about our testing protocol in the How we test section. Unsure whether you need a humidifier or how they work? Our Humidifiers FAQs will answer all your burning questions.

But if you're experiencing excess moisture in your home, consider one of the best dehumidifiers instead. If you're looking to purify the air, removing airborne pollutants like pollen, one of the best air purifiers can help.

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The best humidifiers we recommend in 2026: Fully tested by our expert team

The best humidifier overall

During our Dreo 713S Smart Humidifier review, we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. It strikes the perfect balance between affordable price and premium function, and we think it is one of the best ultrasonic dehumidifier models on the market.

One of the most impressive features is that it is near-silent when in use. When our reviewers measured its operational noise levels, we could not get a reading higher than 14 decibels, which is equivalent to a whisper. When it comes to functionality, it also does a brilliant job in increasing relative air humidity. When run on the highest setting of cold mist for two hours, the moisture levels in the room increased from 59% to 89%. The warm mist setting gave similar results.

As well as the powerful warm and cold mist output, the Dreo 713S features a digital humidistat, auto mode and an array of smart features. It has a great water tank with a massive 1.58-gallon (6 liters) capacity, which means it rarely needs refills, so it is also super low maintenance to run.

Nevertheless, if you do want to move it around a lot, that too is easy, as we did not find it prone to spilling when moved. The semi-transparent design also made it easy to monitor water levels at just a glance. With exceptionally sleek and modern looks, and a price tag coming in under $90, if you are looking for great value, then the Dreo 713S is the model for you.

We also found the Dreo 713S exceptionally user-friendly. It can be controlled manually or via an app on your smartphone, and it features all the settings you would expect from a modern appliance, from timers and humidity controls to reminders to clean the tank.

However, there are just a few downsides to the Dreo 713S. The shape is unusually narrow, which can make it tricky to grab hold of. We found this means you may need more space than you think around it, in order to accommodate this. It does also not feel very robust. This humidifier is made largely of plastic, so it may not be as durable as some of the more premium models. Lastly, its internal components do take quite some time and effort to clean.

• Read our full Dreo 713S Smart Humidifier review

Best premium humidifier

This sleek appliance is certainly one of the best humidifiers we have tested. During our Dyson AM10 Humidifier review, were were impressed not just by its design but also ease of use and impressive performance. True, it is one of the most expensive humidifiers on the market, but the Dyson AM10 can give you a good run for the money — and it doubles as a fan so it can be put to good use all year round.

As is often the case with Dyson, this humidifier comes with a premium price tag, but even despite this, we think it’s a superb buy. One of our favourite features is that not only does it of course humidiy the air, but before doing so, it actually purifies the water it uses, getting rid of bacteria with its ultraviolet light. This is particularly valuable if you worry about air quality in your home or live in a partiuclarly polluted area.

The humidifier features 10 levels, is easy to refill and in our tests we found it can be run continuously for 12 hours before requiring a refill. This model, however, is definitely suitable for smaller rooms, functioning best in spaces of up to 172 square feet.

It also has sleep function, and an auto mode where you can chose you preferred humidity level and it will maintain that automatically. Unlike other models we tested, the Dyson AM10 Humidifier doesn’t have multiple mist settings, just this auto mode where you can set humidity levels between 30 and 70 per cent. Our tester also noted that the noise on any level of use was never louder than her air conditioner.

It does, however, have a relatively small water tank at just 3.75 quarts. The Dyson AM10 certainly excels with its stylish modern design, and will look good in any office or living area. The price tag may be premium but this is an investment buy.

• Read our full Dyson AM10 humidifier review

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Best budget humidifier

The PureGuardian H950AR Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier may cost less than $50, but it punches above its weight, offering a better performance than other appliances in the same price range.Most importantly, it does a great job at increasing relative humidity without causing spills or making much noise. In fact, it is near-silent, and during our PureGuardian H950AR Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier review, we measured its noise levels with a decibel counting app and did not note any more than 15dB — equivalent to a whisper or to leaves rustling in the wind.

The simple design is also pleasing, and easy to use. The compact build and easy to remove lid makes it easy to refill, while its solid white tank means it can blend easily with the surroundings. It does feature only two mist speeds, but we found it delivered great results at both of these settings and we really liked its simplicity.

However, this also means that this PureGuardian humidifier is stripped of the key features typical of more premium models. For example, it does not have a built-in humidistat, so it is not be able to measure relative humidity in the room and adjust accordingly in an auto mode. The H950AR also can't be connected to an app or operated remotely. What it does have, however, is an essential oil tray. With just a few drops, this humidifier can add a pleasant and not overbearing scent to your home.

• Read our full PureGuardian H950AR Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier review

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Best humidifier for bedrooms

Easy to use, extremely quiet, and packed with features, the Levoit LV600HH is an excellent option for large bedrooms or studies. This sleek-looking humidifier includes three mist settings, an essential oil diffuser for aromatherapy, and a dual nozzle that twists 360 degrees.

Despite its size, the Levoit humidifier is capable of holding a lot of water, so it can be run for up to 36 hours continuously. It is also ultra-quiet.

The built-in water tank is see-through, which is useful as it means you can tell how much water is left at a glance. It is a little tricky to fill up, but also highly portable, able to sit on your worktop or just be tucked under a table. It's also ready to use straight out of the box, requiring no set up except to be filled with water.

With a small LCD display on the front, it has various buttons enabling you to control the mist level, humidity and how long it will run for. The mist function has three settings, from low to high, while the humidity button enables you to change your desired percentage of humidity in the air.

During our Levoit LV600HH humidifier review, we found that even on the highest mist level, the humidifier didn’t need a refill until the next day, running for more than 17 hours. Meanwhile, the nifty remote control means that you can control the humidifier from up to 16 feet away. This humidifier is great for larger rooms that measure between 430 to 753 square feet.

• Read our full Levoit LV600HH humidifier review

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Best humidifier for easy cleaning

The Levoit Classic 300S is a great option for those who want a hands-off device that they don't need to be monitoring constantly or spend hours cleaning. It is compact, easy to use and has multiple smart features. It connects to the VeSync app, which enables you to control mist levels and which also notifies you when it needs cleaning.

During our Levoit Classic 300S humidifier review, we found that this humidifier is easy to maintain. The clear water tank that sits on the top on the device means you can instantly see how much water is left. The humidifier does need some assembly out of the box, but it is not complicated.

It features a large LED display which clearly indicates the current humidity level, with buttons for mist levels, night mode and desired humidity levels sit around this. Connecting to the app is easy, connecting via WiFi. Once you’ve downloaded it, you can use the app to switch quick;y between manual, auto or sleep modes, and you can also set timers or change humidity levels on the app.

This humidifier is easy to clean and its humidity levels perform well on both the high and middle mist setting, climbing to a 68% level within two hours on the highest setting. Another quiet model, it will last for 19 hours on a high setting, but 60 on a lower setting. However, we did find the built-in humidity sensor to be quite sensitive, and that the model does need to be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria getting into the water.

The aromatherapy option is a nice touch — with six drops of tea tree oil added to the aroma pad, we created a beautifully scented air that lasted in our room for hours. However, we should point out that six drops is more than the recommended 2-3 drops.

• Read our full Levoit Classic 300S humidifier review

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Best looking humidifier

If looks are important to you and you want a humidifier that seamlessly blends into your home decor, then the HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe is a great option. This stylish, sleek appliance can hold 1.47 gallons of water, has a run time of up to 70 hours, and can cover large rooms up to 426 sq ft.

During our Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe Ultrasonic Humidifier review, we found it to be whisper-quiet measuring in at around 13dB — which is equivalent to leaves rustling in the wind or a whisper in your ear. So you’ll certainly be able to sleep well with it running, or focus entirely on your work. In fact, it also has a built-in nightlight and an auto-shutoff mode for when the tank runs out of water.

The HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe also boasts many useful features. For example, its three cool mist settings let you adjust the output to fit your space exactly how you want it. These can be controlled using the intuitive buttons on the front of the humidifier. There is also the option to set an auto-off timer for four, eight or 12 hours.

However, there are some drawbacks: we found that the humidifier feels a little flimsy, which surprised us for the price, and we also found it did leak a little when we tried to transport it into another room witih water still in the tank. However, it is still a very efficient machine that does a good job of improving indoor humidity - and certainly looks fantastic compared to most of the other options on the market.

• Read our full Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe Ultrasonic Humidifier review

Best humidifiers: Comparison

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Our expert consultants

Best humidifiers: Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose a humidifier

We have a more detailed guide on how to choose a humidifier but, in summary, it's important to consider the following:

Room size: Not all humidifiers suit every room size. You need to ensure you select a humidifier that is appropriate for the size of your space. This is because a large humidifier will be too powerful for a small space and increase the humidity way above the ideal levels. Conversely, a small humidifier will not be able to increase the humidity to the ideal levels, meaning it won't be effective in helping you manage dry air.

Noise levels: While this might not be a big deal for some, for others, a constant humming may become a bit unbearable. UItrasonic humidifiers emit the least noise and may be the better choice if, for example, you're planning on having your humidifier in the bedroom and running overnight.

Maintenance: Purchasing a humidifier does, inadvertently, sign you up for a maintenance routine. Maintenance is important for making sure your humidifier performs optimally and lasts longer. A regular cleaning of your humidifier will keep it working well as well as ensuring you change the water daily. Others opt to use soft or distilled water to reduce the chances of blockages caused by mineral buildup from using hard water. It's important to consider the time it takes to keep a humidifier clean in your purchasing decision.

Extra features: This will depend on where you're placing your humidifier and what you want it to do. Of course, the main reason for buying one is to humidify your air but they do come with extra features too. The most important features to look for are automatic shut-off and humidity sensors as these will keep your space at the ideal level of humidity. However, some come with lights and a compartment to add essential oil to your mist. You should consider whether these extra features appeal to you. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America advises against infusing the mist for those with asthma as this can trigger asthma attacks in some people.

Power consumption: This comes down to how often you'll be using the humidifier and the cost of your energy within your home. However, they are generally low-cost to run but consideration does need to be given to any increased costs of energy within the home when you're considering running another device.

More info

How we tested these humidifiers

How we test the best humidifiers

Our in-house reviewers: We know a good deal about humidifiers — we use these appliances daily, whether to ease nasal congestion, prevent dry skin or keep our beloved plants alive and well. We have personally tried and tested dozens of humidifiers over the years to find the ones that are truly worth the money.

However, we are fully aware that what ticks the boxes for us may not necessarily be a good option for others. So to be as objective as possible, we tested each humidifier in this guide to the exact same standards, using the same review protocols.

Design. When evaluating a humidifier, we take into account factors such as the size and looks of the unit, the energy consumption and maintenance costs, the length and conditions of the warranty and the overall ease of use. We check the positioning of the mist nozzle, the portability of the water tank, the length of the cord and the controls on the unit. We also assess how easy it is to assemble and clean the humidifier in question, how intuitive are its controls and whether the unit is easy to move around when filled to the brim with water.

Features. We take a good look at the features of a humidifier. Does it emit cool mist, warm mist or both? How many modes and mist outputs does it have? Can it be operated remotely? Does it come with a humidistat, and if so, can this unit automatically adjust its output to match the humidity in the room? Also, does it have any smart features or other high-tech frills? Once we check the features, we give our verdict on the overall functionality of the unit.

Performance. We conduct several performance tests using professional air particle monitors and humidity meters (such as the Perfect Prime AQ9600) to quantify the humidifier's ability to increase relative humidity and to check whether any circumstances impede or speed up the process. We start by measuring the humidity level in an enclosed, middle-sized room. We fill the humidifier’s tank to the maximum and let it run on the highest setting for at least an hour. While the machine is running, we measure its noise level using a decibel-counting app (the Sound Meter app, for example). After an hour, we measure the humidity in the room and make note of any changes to the air quality. This is repeated at the two-hour mark, or when the tank is empty. This process is repeated for each mode the unit has, such as lower mode and night mode. We also note how long it takes to empty the water tank.

What the users say. Finally, we check online user reviews to see what other people think about their humidifiers, and we strive to test for any persistent problems or defects that we frequently read about. We also make note of the users' experiences with the company's customer service.

Latest updates

February 3, 2025: We updated the 'Comparison' table and tweaked the introduction.

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The best air purifiers for allergies can bring relief to your symptoms if you suffer from adverse reactions to airborne pollutants, such as mold spores, pet dander or dust. With hay fever season in full swing, spring is a particularly good time to invest in one of these clever appliances. But which appliance should you choose? Not every best air purifier can trap tiny airborne allergens.

To combat hay fever or pet allergies, your air purifier should be equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing (HEPA) filter. "These filters can remove up to 99.97% of small airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mold spores," Dr. John McKeon, the CEO of Allergy Standards and a principal at the Indoor Air Innovation & Research Institute, told Live Science. Unsure what to look for? Scroll down to our Air purifiers for allergies FAQs and How to choose sections for more buying advice.

Below you can find our hand-picked selection of air purifiers that we think do the best job shielding you from airborne allergens. Our expert reviewers tested each appliance in this guide for at least two weeks and put them through a series of performance tests using an industry-grade Perfect Prime air particle monitor. You can read more about our testing protocol in the How we test section.

Best air purifiers for allergies we recommend in 2026: Rigorously tried and tested

The best air purifier for allergies, overall

The Levoit 600S is our top choice for an air purifier that effectively captures allergens in your home, and with good reason. Not only did it perform well in all of our tests during our full Levoit Core 600S review, but it is also easy to use and packed with handy smart features.

Thanks to its True HEPA H13 and advanced activated carbon filters, this air purifier aced our tests under a number of conditions, removing as much as 99.9% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns at certain times. It is quiet, too. When we measured its noise levels with a decibel-counting app, we did not note more than 55dB, which is quieter than an average refrigerator.

Not only is the Levoit 600S a powerful air purifier, but it also gains points for its discreet design — the toned-up colors and traditional rectangular shape make it easily blend with most home decors. However, some people may find it too bland.

We found that setting up the air purifier is easy thanks to the intuitive controls, and there is plenty of information accessible on the app connected to your purifier, which gives you statistics on historical and current air quality within your home, which we thought was a great feature.

On the other hand, the Levoit 600S is quite a bulky machine, so it may not be suitable for tight spaces. It is also relatively expensive so might not be ideal if you are on a budget — but that said, it's still more affordable than some of the Dyson and RabbitAir models, for example.

• Read our full Levoit Core 600S review

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The best budget air purifier for allergies

If you are on a budget and need an air purifier to tackle your allergy symptoms, then the GermGuardian AC4825E will be an inexpensive purchase that can go a long way to help you breathe more easily. Put simply, it is a whole package for less than $100, making it the cheapest option in this guide.

Complete with a HEPA filter and a charcoal filter to filter odors, this appliance can make your living space a nicer place to be. It is also ultra-quiet, meaning it can work away in the background without distracting you from whatever you are doing. The GermGuardian AC4825E also features a UV-C sanitizer to help remove harmful germs (and that is something we do not see often in affordable air purifiers).

As you might expect with a smaller unit, the coverage of this air purifier is not quite as extensive as bulkier models. It would be suitable for single rooms, rather than expansive spaces, and stands at just 22 inches tall, meaning it will not be too disruptive to your room’s decor, although it is not quite sleek enough to blend in.

There are some other handy features too, including a light to indicate a filter change is due and three speeds including an ultra-quiet sleep mode so that you can keep your machine running into the night.

Most importantly, we were satisfied by its ability to remove harmful particles in our match and incense tests during our full GermGuardian AC4825E review. When put on the highest setting for 15 minutes, it trapped 41% of 0.3 micron particles in the ambient air, 63% after releasing match smoke, and 75% after the insenses were burned. For this price point, it does a good job.

If you want a no-frills, but a very effective air purifier, we would recommend the GermGuardian. However, if you want something more stylish and powerful, you may need to spend more on models like Molekule Air Pro.

Looking for something more pet-friendly? Scroll down to read about the Oneisall Pet Air Purifier.

• Read our full GermGuardian AC4825E review

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Best looking air purifier for allergies

If you are looking for a powerful air purifier with a truly unique design, and you need it to cover larger rooms in your home, then the RabbitAir A3 is the ideal choice for you.

This thoughtfully designed air purifier comes in over 10 colorful designs, and it features a neat mood light that can be automatically switched off at night. More importantly, it boasts excellent air-cleaning performance. Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the RabbitAir A3 will easily get rid of pollen, pet dander and many other airborne allergens. And because it is Energy Star Certified, it will not put a strain on your energy bill while doing so.

During our RabbitAir A3 air purifier review, we were thoroughly impressed at its functionality. It is relatively large, but light and compact, and it does not make much noise even when kicked into high gear (maximum 43 dB in our tests). Unlike many other air purifiers on the market, the RabbitAir A3 can also be mounted on the wall, making it a great option for households with pets or small children. We also liked its user-friendly display, and that it was easily controlled via a handy app.

Moreover, the RabbitAir A3 features a whopping five filters, one of which can be customized to suit your specific needs. For example, you can choose a Germ Defense filter to trap harmful microbes, or opt for a Pet Allergy filter to clear your air of pet dander.

There are, however, several downsides to the RabbitAir A3. This air purifier is relatively expensive, and its filter replacements come at a steep price tag. It is also tricky to move around, as it does not feature any handles or ridges.

• Read our full RabbitAir A3 air purifier review

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Best tower fan for allergies

As with any Dyson product, a sleek and well-engineered design was to be expected of the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 — we think it is one of the most stylish air purifiers on the market. This appliance definitely does not disappoint on those grounds, and has a practical edge too, doubling as a cooling fan, giving you more bang for your buck. True, it is not particularly affordable (it costs around $449, and since it was released relatively recently, it is rarely on sale), but it is still much cheaper than many other Dyson air purifiers. For example, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde costs almost twice as much.

This sleek air purifier performed exceptionally well in our full Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 (TP11) review, with our tests concluding that it often captured more than 90% of monitored particles when used at its highest setting for at least 30 minutes. It picks up microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns, meaning it is capable of reducing dust, pollen and other airborne allergens.

In addition, the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 does a great job as a bedroom fan with its quiet airflow and stylish design. At the lowest fan speed, it is no louder than whispers or leaves rustling in a gentle breeze (25 dB). This also means that this fan-air purifier is less noisy than some of the older Dyson models we have tested (the Dyson TP07, for example, can be as loud as a dishwasher).

If you want your home to be a relief from allergy symptoms, then another neat trick with the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 is that you can set your machine to start working remotely, all from the comfort of your machine’s app. Smart features on this appliance are top-class. We were particularly impressed by its robust air quality monitoring — an important feature for anyone struggling with asthma and allergy symptoms.

Though this air purifier might not be within everyone’s price range, it has a lot to deliver, and an eye-catching design to sweeten the deal.

• Read our full Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 (TP11) review

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Best air purifier for germs

Large spaces require powerful air purifiers, especially if allergies are your primary concern. The BlueAir Classic Pro CP7i fits the bill — it is best suited for rooms measuring 609 square feet, but it can cover up to a whopping 2,800 square feet, and it boasts one of the highest CADR ratings of all the appliances mentioned in this guide. On the flip side, it is also one of the most expensive. This air purifier costs nearly $700, and its filter replacements will set you back by around $100 at a time. That said, we still stand by our choice. The BlueAir Classic Pro CP7i may not have the awe-inspiring looks of the Rabbit Air A3 or the mind-boggling functionality of the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table, but you would be hard-pressed to find a better unit for large spaces. Here's why.

First and foremost, it is the only air purifier on the market with High-Intensity Narrow Spectrum (HINS) lighting. This technology, often used in healthcare settings like clinics and surgery wards, has been shown to safely and effectively remove viruses, bacteria and other common pathogens. Every 10 minutes, the BlueAir Classic Pro CP7i turns on the HINS lightning to reduce the germs captured on the air filters, thus removing them from circulation.

Speaking of air filters, this air purifier features a pre-filter, a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter — and it shows. During our full BlueAir Classic Pro CP7i review, we were thoroughly impressed by its ability to remove unpleasant smells and various airborne particulates. This air purifier delivered particularly good results in our smoke tests, sucking up to 99.99% of particles after 30 minutes of running on Auto mode. The cherry on top? It was exceptionally quiet doing so.

Lastly, the BlueAir Classic Pro CP7i boasts several independent certifications, including Asthma & Allergy Friendly, Energy Star and CARB. This air purifier delivers on its claims and has the receipts to prove it.

• Read our full Blueair Classic Pro CP7i review

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Best air purifier for large spaces

The Blueair Blue Signature is our favorite pick for large bedrooms and living spaces, and by a long mile. This air purifier won us over with its exceptionally stylish design, whisper-quiet fans and powerful air-cleaning performance. We also liked how functional it was — the Blue Signature comes with an impressive set of smart features and doubles as a table for books, remote controls and other small trinkets. Not to mention, it is Energy Star certified and highly customizable. We gave it a near-perfect 4.5-star rating in our Blueair Blue Signature review, and if not for its high price (the basic version of this air purifier costs $449.99) and relatively fragile build, we would have given it a full five stars.

The Blueair Blue Signature not only does a good job of trapping airborne allergens, but it also excels at removing bad smells. That is because it is equipped with a patent-pending OdorFence technology — unlike other models mentioned in this guide, it does not trap odor molecules in a carbon filter, but it actively breaks them down using enzymes. According to Blueair, this innovative method is 10 times more effective against lingering smells than carbon filtration alone. While this may sound like a bold claim, this air purifier did make a considerable difference to the air freshness in our home, effectively tackling smoke, cooking smells and cleaning chemicals.

That said, the Blueair Blue Signature may not be the best option for households with cats and/or small children. The fabric pre-filters are easy to damage, plus they have to be regularly washed and changed, and the largely plastic tabletop surface is prone to scratches. If you need something more durable, we would recommend the Levoit Core 600S instead.

• Read our full Blueair Blue Signature air purifier review

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Best air purifier for monitoring air quality

The Molekule Air Pro provides some of the most comprehensive air quality readings we have seen in a commercial air purifier. Unlike most appliances on the market, it tells you exactly how much particulate matter is lingering in the air at any given time, breaking it down into 1-micron, 2.5-micron, and 10-micron particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide and relative humidity. All of the data collected by the Molekule Air Pro can then be viewed in the Molekule app, so you can have a detailed overview of air pollution changes over time. If you like your numbers or are concerned about a specific type of airborne allergens, this air purifier will thoroughly impress you.

It is not just the air quality readings that make the Molekule Air Pro stand out among its competitors. This air purifier is one of the handful of models cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device under the 510(k) program. That is because it is equipped with a patented pollutant-destroying PECO technology that can turn pollen, dust mites and other organic airborne allergens into water vapor and harmless gases — and it showed in our tests.

During our Molekule Air Pro review, we were impressed by its powerful air-cleaning performance. This appliance did a particularly good job at removing smoke, trapping 99.6% of particles measuring 0.3 microns and 99.9% of 2.5-micron particles after just 15 minutes on Auto mode. The Molekule Air Pro delivered even better results when we repeated this test at its highest fan setting. The problem is, this air purifier was relatively loud when put through its paces, reaching up to a whopping 66dB — as loud as a regular conversation. It can, however, be put in a Quiet Mode.

High cost is another downside. Priced at roughly $1000, the Molekule Air Pro is one of the most expensive models in this guide, and its filter replacements are pricey, too. If you want to monitor air quality at a smaller cost, consider the Levoit Core 600S-P instead.

• Read our full Molekule Air Pro review

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Best air purifier with humidifier

When it comes to air purifiers, Turonic may be a new kid on the block — but do not let that put you off. The Turonic PH950 2-in-1 model may be a strong contender for the title of best mid-range air purifier.

Weighing in at almost 24 lbs, it is definitely not the lightest piece of equipment on the market. It is also bigger and wider than most competitors, so you may need to sacrifice some floor space. But taking into account what the Turonic PH950 can offer, this is not necessarily a deal breaker.

Indeed, the Turonic PH950 is a powerful 2-in-1 machine combining an air purifier and a humidifier. This complex piece of equipment is equipped with an ionizer, UV-C technology and several different filters designed to neutralize up to 99.98% of unwanted particles as small as 0.1 microns. It also comes with 10 different operating modes, a handy remote control, a designated app, a timer, PM2.5 laser air quality sensor, and a child lock — all for approximately $400 per unit. It may sound like a hefty price tag, but we found the Turonic PH950’s performance to be superb in our tests. And since this piece of equipment is highly energy efficient, it will not rack up your energy bills.

During our Turonic PH950 air purifier review, we found it easy to assemble and use. It is equipped with a stylish circular display and easy-to-understand color-coded indicators. The display is also suitable to use in a bedroom at night, as the icons are bright, but not flashy. More importantly, in most of our tests, it reduced as much as 85% of harmful particles within 30 minutes of being put at the highest fan speed.

The downsides? For a relative beginner, the Turonic PH950 may seem like an overly complicated piece of machinery. Changing a filter in this piece of equipment can also prove quite costly — the price for a single filter pad tends to fall between $45 and $60.

• Read our full Turonic PH950 air purifier review

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Best air purifier for homes with pets

A good air purifier for pet owners should be able to do three things: keep hair at bay, remove pet dander and reduce unpleasant smells. The Levoit Vital 200S not only does all of these things, but it does them well. Plus, it comes with useful smart features.

Putting the Vital 200S through its paces during our Levoit Vital 200s review, we found it impressive and efficient at removing particles measuring as small as 0.3 microns. Pet dander, mold, dust and smoke were absorbed while chemicals and odors from everyday household cleaning and cooking were neutralized by the three-stage filtration system. This includes a washable pre-filter, an H13 True HEPA filter and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter.

The Levoit Vital 200S offers four fan speeds, three separate modes including pet, auto and sleep mode, and a connected app that allows you to control your air purifier remotely, wherever you are. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control devices.

The Vesync app is easy to use and allows users to track their real-time air quality data and historical data, revealing peaks in poor air quality over the day and taking the guesswork out of what is causing bad air quality in your home.

While the boxy design may not be suited to users who want a sleek and stylish air purifier, or those with small rooms, the no-frills aesthetic makes the Levoit Vital 200S a good choice for most users. However, it is not the most affordable option in this guide. If you are a pet owner on a tight budget, consider the GermGuardian AC4825E instead. Or, if you have a curious cat, consider the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table — it is similarly priced, but your furry friend will love it.

• Read our full Levoit Vital 200S review

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Best air purifier for cat owners

Cats are marvellous creatures: beautiful, intelligent and full of personality. Also, exceptionally curious. No household appliance is safe from their paws — and that includes air purifiers. If you are worried that the aforementioned Levoit Vital 200S may spell disaster for your furry friend, consider the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table instead. With its bite-resistant cord, paw-proof grilles and waterproof tabletop, this quirky appliance was designed with pet owners in mind. Not to mention, it can serve as a convenient vantage point and napping station for your cat.

Indeed, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is more of a multi-purpose appliance than a typical air purifier. Unlike the vast majority of air-cleaning appliances on the market, it features a wireless phone charging station, an essential oil diffuser and a skilfully designed ambient light. Its features are nothing short of impressive.

During our full SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review, we were also impressed with its exceptional portability. It weighs only 10.68 lbs (4.85 kg) and is easy to grab hold of. We also liked how quiet it was. When we measured its noise levels with a Sound Meter decibel counting app, we recorded just 21 dB at the lowest fan speed. That is equivalent to leaves rustling in the wind or a quiet whisper. It is a great choice for bedrooms and studies.

However, the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table is not without its flaws. For example, it is not powerful enough to suit large spaces and its air-cleaning performance differs depending on the mode used. Moreover, it is relatively expensive. That said, we still think this unique air purifier is well worth the investment.

• Read our full SwitchBot Air Purifier Table review

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Best air purifier for commercial spaces

The AirDoctor AD3500 is our top pick for extra-large rooms and commercial premises. This humble-looking air purifier delivers an immensely powerful air-cleaning performance, covering up to an impressive 1,260 square feet (117 square meters). At the same time, it is exceptionally portable and easy on the energy bill. Interestingly, this air purifier comes in two options — with or without smart features — giving you a choice as to whether you want all the high-tech frills or not.

More importantly, the AirDoctor AD3500 has everything you may need to combat airborne allergens: a pre-filter that traps large particles like dust and hair, a dual-action carbon/VOC filter that absorbs odors and harmful gaseous compounds, and an UltraHEPA filter capable of trapping 99.99% of particles as small as 0.003 microns. For comparison, most air purifiers feature just a standard HEPA filter that can "only" remove particles with a size of 0.3 microns. This appliance is a powerhouse — and it shows.

During our AirDoctor AD3500 air purifier review, we were blown away by its air-cleaning capabilities. This air purifier got rid of nearly all airborne particles in our ambient tests. It did an even more impressive job removing heavy smoke pollution. It only took 15 minutes for the AirDoctor AD3500 to hoover up a staggering 98.9% of 0.3-micron particles and 99.95% of particles larger than 2.5 microns. We also liked how quiet it was. When we measured its noise levels with a decibel-counting app, we did not get a reading higher than 57 dB (equivalent to the sound levels generated by a vacuum cleaner).

However, there are a few drawbacks to the AirDoctor AD3500. It is not particularly good-looking (it looks more like a mini-fridge, as our reviewer noted), and it comes with a relatively high price tag. It can also be expensive to maintain. A one-year supply of filter replacements costs $152.99, which is far more than what most other brands charge.

• Read our full AirDoctor AD3500 air purifier review

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Best eco-friendly air purifier

The IQAir Atem Earth is a thing of beauty — unlike other air purifiers, it is made from sustainably sourced beech wood, giving it a funky and stylish design, rather than being your typical white rectangle or circular appliance. Although it weighs 7.8 kg, we found it easy to move around thanks to its large handle and, for eco-conscious individuals who are fatigued by the throw-away culture we live in now, it comes with a 10-year warranty and a 25-year maintenance and repairability guarantee. Not only is it made from sustainably sourced materials, but it is designed to last, meaning less waste in landfill. A win-win for those wanting to help the Earth.

In terms of performance, the IQAir Atem Earth comes with a HyperHEPA filter that can remove 99.5% of particles, measuring as little as 0.003 microns. Not only this, but it also comes with an activated carbon filter that can help reduce unpleasant odors. The only thing with this air purifier is that it’s expensive to buy ($999), and the high-performance filters do mean that you’re paying up to three times as much for replacements.

For an expensive air purifier, the IQAir Atem Earth is lacking in features — there are plenty in terms of performance, but not a mind-blowing amount for the price tag. It has six manually adjusted fan speeds and an auto mode, where the fan adjusts speed based on its real-time air quality monitoring. The auto mode performed well, with the unit kicking in quickly whenever we cooked or used cleaning products. To control the unit, you have the touchscreen buttons on the top of the purifier, or you can adjust settings via the IQAir AirVisual app. But, if you’re looking for an air purifier with lots of smart features, this one won’t suit you. And the same goes if you’re looking for lots of data on air quality — it only measures two metrics: the indoor/outdoor Air Quality Index and PM2.5 (airborne particles that measure 2.5 microns in diameter).

If you’re looking for a quiet, eco-friendly and stylish air purifier, the IQAir Atem Earth is a strong contender.

• Read our full IQAir Atem Earth air purifier review

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Best air purifiers for allergies: Comparison

Our expert consultants

Best air purifiers for allergies: Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about air purifiers for allergies

Do air purifiers help with allergies?

Do air purifiers help with allergies? In short, yes they can. These appliances can be effective at trapping the small particles that trigger allergies, preventing them from circulating in the air and then being inhaled. However, air purifiers are not a complete solution, and there are several reasons why.

Hay fever can be triggered by a wide range of airborne substances, but it’s predominantly caused by pollen, Dr. Sameer Nakedar, a medical doctor and chief medical officer at Welzo, a personalized healthcare provider based in London, England, told Live Science. ”The most common allergens that cause hay fever include tree, grass and weed pollen. Grass pollen is by far the most common, it affects up to 95% of sufferers,” he said. Mold spores and animal dander can also contribute to hay fever symptoms. “However, these allergens are not specific to hay fever, and they can trigger allergic reactions in some people all year round,” Nakedar said. Pollen, animal dander and other common indoor allergens are relatively large particles. According to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA), “some controversy exists about whether air cleaners can reduce the allergic reactions” produced by such sizable allergens. They don’t tend to linger in the air, but rather end up settling on surfaces in the home, such as cushions or carpets. Air purifiers may not be able to remove these allergens unless they are “disturbed and re-suspended in the air,” EPA said.

Complicating the situation, two individuals with the same allergy may have vastly different reactions to the same amount of allergens present in the air. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe or persistent issues, Nakedar said. As a result, it is likely that the same air purifier may have a different impact on hay fever symptoms, depending on one’s sensitivity to allergens.

Moreover, air purifiers are not created equal. They come in many shapes and sizes and with many different technological solutions. Therefore, some air purifier models may be better at easing allergic reactions than others. For example, machines equipped with HEPA filters may be more effective at reducing airborne allergens than air purifiers which use different filters. According to the EPA, High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, commonly known as HEPA, have been shown to reduce at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, and any other airborne allergens with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). At the same time, some HEPA filters are more complex than others, and it is likely that such differences in the design have an impact on their overall effectiveness.

Are air purifiers or humidifiers better for allergies?

Air purifiers vs humidifiers: what is best for airborne allergies? Both appliances can ease some of the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Abbas Kanani, a superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, an online pharmacy, told Live Science: “Dry air can exacerbate respiratory conditions and allergy symptoms, as it can irritate the nasal passages and throat,” he said. “Humidifiers work by adding moisture to the air to combat dryness. By increasing humidity levels, they can help alleviate dryness, soothe irritated airways, and provide relief for nasal congestion and dry coughs. A combination of both a humidifier and an air purifier may be beneficial in some cases, particularly during the winter months when indoor air tends to become dry due to heating,” Kanani said.

However, humidifiers may not be suitable for people with dust mites and mold allergies, according to the AAAAI. Mold spores tend to grow rapidly in places with excessive moisture, such as bathrooms, roofs or windows. Dust mites - microscopic, insect-like pests that feed off dead human skin cells - also thrive in humid environments. According to the EPA, humidity levels above 60 percent may vastly increase the number of these allergens in the environment, while levels between 30 and 50 appear to keep dust mites and mold spores at bay. Unfortunately, many humidifiers do not come with humidity meters and extensive moisture control settings, which makes it more difficult to adjust their output.

In addition, humidifiers themselves may add to the mold problem, AAAAI said. If the filters are not cleaned or changed on a regular basis, it can create a perfect environment for mold spores to grow within the unit. This in turn can lead to humidifiers blowing a vapor containing a high number of allergens. To prevent that from happening, the AAAAI recommends using distilled or demineralized water. Minerals found in tap water may increase the growth of pathogens and spores, as well as create white dust that can irritate the sinuses and contribute to allergy symptoms.

How to choose the best air purifier for you

How to choose an air purifier? There is no single answer to this question. That said, certain features may be more important than others if allergies are your main concern.

While all air purifiers are designed to remove harmful particles from the air, not all models can ease your allergy symptoms. Seemingly similar models may use different filters and offer vastly different technological solutions. This can make some air purifiers way more effective at removing specific airborne allergens than others. When choosing a model, look out for certain features. If your aim is to reduce allergens in your home, your best call is to pick an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter, Nakedar told Live Science.

HEPA filters, short for "High Efficiency Particulate Air [Filter]", are mechanical air filters composed of a mesh of randomly placed fibers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters have been shown to remove at least 99.97% of airborne allergens with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), including pollen and mold spores. It needs to be stressed, however, that most studies into HEPA filters were conducted in highly regulated laboratory conditions, and there are only a handful of studies that investigated the effectiveness of HEPA filters in reducing allergy symptoms in human subjects. Nevertheless, the results are promising. For example, a 2020 clinical trial published in the Yonsei Medical Journal found that patients with dust mite allergy may need fewer allergy medications following six weeks of exposure to air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters.

Moreover, certain air purifier models may actually exacerbate your allergy symptoms, rather than alleviate them, ACAAI said. For example, ionic electrostatic air purifiers work by releasing ions - molecules with an electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons - which then force harmful airborne particles to stick to walls and other household surfaces. Although this helps to clean the air from allergens, it does not remove them permanently. Moreover, ionic air purifiers are known to produce ozone, a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, ACAAI warned. And according to the American Lung Association (ALA), ozone can irritate the airways and nasal passages, increasing the risk of respiratory problems and potentially aggravating hay fever symptoms. In addition, some ionic air purifiers come with additional UV light, which aims to kill bacteria and other harmful pathogens. However, there is no scientific evidence that this feature can be effective for alleviating allergic reactions, ACAAI said.

If you are unsure whether an air purifier is suitable for people with allergies, check whether it has been independently tested. "For example, CERTIFIED Asthma and Allergy Friendly air cleaners have been tested to show they remove more than 90% of airborne allergens like cat dander and dust mite allergens," McKeon said. "This certification mark also ensures the product meets AAFA’s high standards," Przywara noted.

Another feature to look out for is the Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR, according to The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). The CADR value measures how fast a certain number of airborne particles can be trapped by an air purifier. Even the most technologically advanced air purifier may struggle with removing allergens if it’s not big or powerful enough to cover enough space. When picking your model, make sure its CADR matches the size of the room where you intend to use it, ACAAI recommends.

Lastly, choose an air purifier that comes with affordable replacement filters, Kanani told Live Science. Filters need regular changing to maintain the device's efficiency, which is particularly important during heavy pollen season, he said.

How we tested these air purifiers

How we test the best air purifiers for allergies

Our reviewers. We know a great deal about the best air purifiers for allergies — many of our expert reviewers know firsthand what it is like to struggle with adverse reactions to pollen, pet dander, mold spores and other airborne allergens. We have spent years trying and testing different appliances, in the everlasting pursuit of an air purifier that can truly help us keep our allergies at bay. You can put trust in our verdicts, because we use these appliances ourselves and we can personally vouch for their reliability.

However, we know that our word may not be enough. Not to mention, everyone has their own unique set of allergic triggers — what works wonders for one person may not work for someone else. So to be as objective as possible, we tested each air purifier in this guide to the exact same standards, using the same procedures and review protocols.

Design. When assessing the design of an air purifier for allergies, we take into account multiple different factors. First and foremost, we make sure that the unit is equipped with a HEPA-style filter capable of trapping miniscule airborne pollutants. Once this condition is met, we look into the size, looks and ease of use of the air purifier in question. Then, we check whether it comes with any additional allergy-busting measures, such as pre-filters and pollutant-destroying technologies. We also look into the energy consumption of the unit, the cost of replacement filters and the terms of the warranty.

Features. We take a good look at the features of an air purifier to fully understand what this appliance has to offer. Does it come with an ionizer, UV sanitizer and other potentially helpful add-ons? How many modes and fan speeds does it have? Can it be operated remotely? Does it come with an air quality monitor, and if so, how detailed are the readings? Also, does it have any smart features or connected apps? Then, we give our verdict on the functionality of the air purifier in question.

Performance. This is the most in-depth part of our testing process. We conduct multiple performance tests using an industry-grade Perfect Prime AQ9600 air particle monitor, a device capable of detecting airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns — which is the size of many allergens and tobacco smoke particles. We want to know exactly how much of particulate matter the air purifier can remove, and whether there are any circumstances that can impede or speed up the purification process.

We start by running an ambient air quality test. We put the air purifier in an enclosed, medium-sized room in a home, take baseline air quality measurements, and then run it for half an hour on different settings (including an auto mode when applicable). We make note of air quality readings after 15 and 30 minutes, then calculate the percentage of particulate matter removed by the air purifier. We also measure the noise levels generated by the fan, to comment on how noticeable the purifier will be in an average home.

Next, we conduct smoke tests. We burn a bunch of matches and incense sticks to generate heavy pollution, then run the air purifier for half an hour on the highest fan settings (and auto mode, if applicable). We make note of changes to air quality readings after 15 and 30 minutes, then calculate the percentage of particulate matter removed by the machine. Lastly, we repeat the tests in different rooms to fully assess the appliance's capabilities.

What the users say. Finally, we check online user reviews to see what people think about their air purifier, and we test for any persistent problems or defects that we read about.

As per our testing policy, we fully disclose all our findings in our reviews.

Latest updates

February 5, 2026: We added the Oneisall Pet Air Purifier as the second-best budget option.

November 21, 2025: We added the Blueair Blue Signature as the best option for large spaces.

October 2, 2025: We added the Alen BreatheSmart 35i as the second-best option for air quality monitoring.

June 13, 2025: We added the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 as the best tower fan for allergies.

May 14, 2025: We added the BlueAir Classic Pro CP7i as the best option for large rooms.

April 4, 2025: We added the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table as the best option for cat owners.

You can find a number of air purifiers on sale at the moment — but which ones are really going to make a difference to the air in your home? At Live Science we’ve tested a number of the best air purifiers over the years, so we’ve put together our pick of the devices that are really worth buying on sale.

Air purifiers can be a great addition to your home, but they often come with a hefty price tag. That’s why air purifiers on sale offer the perfect opportunity to invest in one of these appliances, with discounts on top models. 

Air purifiers help to filter the air in your home, with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report finding that indoor air can have up to five times higher levels of pollutants like mold, pesticides and particulates than the air outdoors. For those with respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies, these handy devices can make all the difference as they work hard to remove dust, pet dander and pollen, as well as other pollutants. 

With our round-up of these air purifiers on sale, there are several models and designs to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. 

If it’s humidity you’re concerned about, rather than air quality, check out our tried and tested round-up of the best humidifiers instead.  

• Check out the Dyson refurbished store
• See the special offers on air purifiers at Walmart
• Visit the Coway store on Amazon
• Get a great deal on air purifiers at Best Buy

Today's air purifier deals

Which air purifier is right for you?

What air purifier you choose will likely depend on the size of your home and rooms, your budget, and your lifestyle (whether you have any pets, or if you're sensitive and allergic to dust and other particles).

The efficiency (and thus the price) of an air purifier is determined by its "clean air delivery rate", or CADR, which indicates how quickly and how much air it can clean in your room. When selecting a model, make sure the CADR is at least two-thirds the size of your room to ensure efficiency. Another useful measure is the ACH, or the "air changes per hour" - the higher that number is, the quicker will clean air be pumped back into your home.

Apart from these technical specifications, make sure to check how loud an air purifier is, as the noise can be disruptive if you run it in a bedroom. Additionally, some models emit light when they operate, which could disturb some light sleepers. The Honeywell HPA300 lets you dim its lights and automatically shuts off after a set amount of time, which is handy for use during the night.

Last but not least in your considerations, there is the matter of budget. Some high-end air purifiers such as the Dyson Purifier Cool cost just shy of $500, but you can get perfectly good options around the $100 mark like the Levoit H132. No matter what you're after, we've got something to suit your needs in our roundup of air purifier deals. 

Air purifiers on sale

Honeywell HPA300 HEPA deal

If you need a powerful purifier for a big room, the Honeywell HPA300 makes light work of microscopic matter and comes recommended by allergy experts. It uses three HEPA filters to screen smoke, dust and viruses and a carbon-activated pre-filter works to remove odors, gases and trap larger allergens such as pet dander and pollen. 

With four cleaning modes – including turbo to improve air quality faster, it's designed for large areas and is capable of five air changes an hour in a room size of 465 square feet. Although you can't operate it remotely, the unit's tap buttons are easy to navigate. It has an auto-shut-off timer, the controls panel's lights can be dimmed or turned off, and LED indicators tell you when it's time to replace the filters. 

Any drawbacks? It's by no means the quietest purifier on our list and weighing in at 17 lbs, it's also not the most portable. But, for ultra-effective filtration with a competitive price tag, the Honeywell HPA300 is exceptional value for money.   

GermGuardian AC4825E deal

The GermGuardian AC4825E performs better than what you'd expect from a purifier priced under $100. This slimline, 3-speed tower weighs only 7lbs, so it's incredibly easy to move around your home. It freshens rooms up to 153 square feet with four air changes an hour and has good CADR ratings for a low-range model.

Along with an odor-destroying charcoal pre-filter and True HEPA filter that absorbs dust and allergens from pets and plants, this purifier uses a UV-C light bulb that works with TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide). This helps to protect against airborne germs, killing mold spores and viruses as they circulate in the air.

There's little in the way of extra features on the GermGuardian AC4825E apart from a LED filter replacement indicator, but if you're looking for a simple purifier to use in smaller-sized rooms, it's an excellent choice.

Dyson Purifier Cool deal

The Dyson Purifier Cool is a stylish option that cools the air as it cleans. Yes, it's pricey, but there are plenty of smart features that justify the spend. 

Using Dyson's AirMultiplier technology, pollutants are sucked into the machine and a smooth stream of cooling, clean air is circulated into the room – with backwards airflow for when you don't need the fan. It features a glass fibre HEPA 13 filter that catches 99.95% of particles as tiny as 0.1 microns – everything from pollen and dust to bacteria and mold spores, and an activated carbon filter that removes harmful gases and smells. What's more, the entire purifier (not just the filter), is sealed to HEPA standards to prevent pollutants from escaping back into the air.

The tower oscillates at 360° so you can direct airflow with a choice of 10 settings, including auto-mode with a smart sensor that adjusts air quality. Sleep mode activates extra-quiet filtration and a dimmed display. Set up voice control with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri or Google Home for hands-free use or connect and control via the Dyson app – data enthusiasts can also track real-time air quality and view previous stats on particulate matter and VOC levels in the home.

Coway AP 1512 HH deal

The compact Coway AP 1512 HH has an effective 4-stage filtration system that provides noticeably purer air in rooms up to 361 square feet. There's a washable pre-filter to capture dust, pet fur and hair, and a carbon filter that removes harmful gases and odors. Common allergens are dealt with by the HEPA filter and it also has an ionizer (which can be switched on or off) which releases negative ions that Coway claims helps to clean the air.

Choose auto-mode and the fan speed self-adjusts to improve air quality, or you can manually cycle between three fan settings. Switching into eco mode makes the Coway AP 1512 HH one of the most energy-saving models on the market – saving you on energy bills.

Along with impressive CADR ratings and its great design, what we like about this purifier is that it's one of the quietest we've reviewed. On the lowest setting there's only 24 dB of noise, making it an ideal option for sleeping.

Winix 5500-2 deal

With CADR ratings to rival more expensive purifiers, the Winix 5500-2 has excellent air-cleaning performance in larger rooms – it can purify a 580 square foot space in just 20 minutes. Allergens are removed in four stages of filtration using a pre-filter, carbon filter, HEPA filter, and Winix's PlasmaWave Technology that disperses dual polarity ions to break down airborne bacteria, viruses and VOCs. 

The Winix 5500-2 has built-in smart sensors that detect the tiniest of particles and LED light indicators inform you on air quality so you can switch between the four fan speeds. We liked that the auto-function detects a change in light to turn on sleep mode – and there's a timer, too. Although the W5500-2 can't be operated via an app, it does have a remote control so settings can be changed from across the room.

You can expect to replace the HEPA filter around once every 12 months and an indicator reminds you. The bonus is that both the fine-mesh pre-filter and the carbon filter on this unit are washable, making it an economical option in the long-term.

Hayfever season is just around the corner, which can cause many people to suffer with itchy eyes, a runny nose and coughs. However, you can protect yourself against indoor air pollution by investing in one of the best air purifiers. These clever appliances provide a simple and effective way to improve air quality in your house or workplace, whether it is a small and portable Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max or a high-tech unit like the Molekule Air Pro. 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 when so many appliances get heavily discounted in the Spring sales. 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 below. Unsure what to look for? Our handy guide on how to choose an air purifier may be of help here.

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.

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The best air purifiers we recommend in 2026: Fully tested using an air particle monitor

Best air purifier overall