The main things to consider when purchasing an air purifier are the purifier’s range, its noise level, and ozone concerns. Some air purifiers produce ozone (either in low or higher amounts depending on its intended function) as a deodorizing method.
While effective, ozone can irritate the respiratory tract and causes breathing difficulties in some people. People with breathing disorders such as asthma or COPD should avoid purifiers that produce ozone and instead choose purifiers that use carbon filters to trap odors. Air purifiers and filters are perfect for indoor allergy sufferers.
Best Air Purifiers in 2021
Common household allergies include dust and mold, which most air purifiers are designed to handle. These purifiers also handle pet dander (and the resulting unpleasant odors), and cigarette smoke. Some also come with germ-killing features, such as UV light, for an overall healthier home.
Last update on 2021-01-17 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Breathe Fresh Air HEPA Filter Ionic Ionizer Air Purifier
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 116 reviews
- Kills germs
- Sleek hardwood body
- Removes allergens and other impurities from the air
- Deodorizes with ozone plates
- Covers up to 3,500 sq ft
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $141.10 with Prime on Amazon. It comes with a UV sterilizer that kills pathogens while removing other irritating particles like dust and pollen from the air. The attractive hardwood exterior conceals its high-tech inner functions, including ozone deodorizing.
Ozone deodorizing is very effective but requires that the space being deodorized be uninhabited for one to three hours. The purifier’s range makes it ideal for business or home use. It even shows effectiveness with cigarette smoke odors, which are notoriously resistant. Some customers have even used it to deodorize cars.
- UV sterilizer
- Ionizer and Ozone deodorizing
- Attractive design
- Ozone function requires area to be unoccupied
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Washable HEPA filter (should be replaced every 12 months)
- Two Ozone Plates (replaceable) – produces 360mg/hour
- Grounded power cord
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
9. AeraMax 300 Air Purifier
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 181 reviews
- Removes germs, viruses, and allergens
- Deodorizes with a carbon filter
- Plasma technology with ionization
- Covers 300-600 sq ft
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $193.99 with Prime on Amazon. It has a washable True HEPA air filter, a carbon filter, and filter change indicator lights. The filter has also received an antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold and mildew.
A special high-performance mode is available for allergy, cold, and flu seasons. Comes with an ionizer function for freshening the air that can be turned off depending on your preferences. It uses sensors to adjust automatically to air quality changes. Quiet and unobtrusive.
- True HEPA filter and a carbon filter
- Adjust automatically to air quality changes
- Ionizer function
- N/A
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 8.1 x 16 x 25.1 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Carbon filter (should be replaced every three months)
- True HEPA filter (should be replaced every 12 months/after six washing)
- Three-year limited warranty
8. Winix WAC5500 True HEPA Air Cleaner
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 892 reviews
- Removes germs, viruses, and allergens
- Deodorizes with a carbon pre-filter
- PlasmaWave Technology attacks pollutants without ozone
- Covers 350 sq ft
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $189.99 with Prime on Amazon. It uses a carbon pre-filter to deodorize, Plasma ionizing technology to break down allergens and pollutants with minimal ozone release, and True HEPA filters.
You can choose between an auto mode that uses sensors to adjust the filter’s performance or choose from four fan speeds yourself. Comes with a remote and quiet fan. The plasma option can only be controlled with the remote. The filter also comes with an automatic dimming feature.
- True HEPA filter and a carbon pre-filter
- Has a remote
- Ionizer function (low ozone)
- Heavier than other similar filters
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 16.3 x 8.5 x 21.7 inches
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Energy Star Qualified
- Remote requires 2 AA batteries (included)
- Carbon pre-filter (should be replaced every 3-6 months)
- True HEPA filter (should be replaced every 12 months/after 6 washings)
7. Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 729 reviews
- Cleans and filters the air of germs, allergens, and other impurities
- Deodorizes with an activated carbon pre-filter
- Covers 465 sq ft
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $208.95 with Prime on Amazon. Comes with fan and timer control options as well as a Turbo Clean setting. The mechanical process of the filter does not release ozone, making it ideal for those with allergies, breathing disorders, or ozone sensitivities. The LED lights are dimmable.
Customers note that the unit is loud when operating on its higher settings, but works well. The unit can fully circulate the air in a 21′ x 22′ room up to five times an hour. Another neat feature is a quick reference guide that can be pulled out of the top of the filter. Honeywell is a #1 Allergist recommended the brand and this filter received a good rating on Consumer Reports.
- No ozone
- True HEPA and carbon filter
- Dimmable LEDs
- Can be noisy on higher settings
- Heavier than other similar filters
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 13 x 24 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Activated carbon pre-filter (should be replaced every 3-6 months)
- True HEPA filter (should be replaced every 12 months/after 6 washings)
- Five-year limited warranty
6. GermGuardian AC5350B Elite 4-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier System
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 165 reviews
- Cleans and deodorizes the air
- Kills germs, viruses, bacteria, and mold
- Works best in medium to large rooms
- Energy Star Qualified
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $164.93 with Prime on Amazon. It comes with a True HEPA filter and charcoal filter, plus UV-C light technology to kill germs, viruses, and other pathogens. Its petite design comes with a digital display panel with a filter change indicator.
You can control the fan speed (including an ultra-quiet sleep mode), select a timer, and toggle the UV-C technology. For households looking actually to destroy pathogens, this small, quiet filter is ideal.
- True HEPA and carbon filter
- UV light kills pathogens
- Small and quiet
- N/A
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.7 x 27.6 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
- True HEPA filters (replaced every 6-8 months)
- Carbon prefilter (vacuum monthly)
- Use only Germ Guardian Replacement filters and parts to avoid voiding the warranty
- Five-year limited warranty
5. Honeywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean Tower Air Purifier
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 1,082 reviews
- Purifies the air of allergens and dust
- Built-in ionizer
- Energy Star Qualified
- Permanent filters
- Oscillates
- Covers 170 sq ft
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $136.99 with Prime on Amazon. Probably its most significant feature is that the filters do not need to be replaced. The permanent pre-filter and HEPAClean filter just need to be washed and dried periodically.
A light will alert users if a filter is clogged or needs cleaning. You can toggle oscillation and fan speed/cleaning level. The filter purifies the air of a medium-sized room up to five times an hour. The oscillation function gives it the benefits of a traditional fan while better distributing clean air through the area.
- Permanent filters
- Oscillation
- Ionizer function
- White plastic design
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 28.7 x 11.2 x 10 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Permanent pre-filter (should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks)
- Permanent HEPAClean filter (should be cleaned as indicated by LED lights, approximately once a month)
- Five-year limited warranty
4. Honeywell 50250-S True HEPA Air Purifier
Features
- Four stars on Amazon out of 2,587 reviews
- Long-life filter scrubs the air of tiny particles
- Activated carbon pre-filter
- Covers 390 sq ft
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $149.99 with Prime on Amazon. It comes with a long-life True HEPA air filter that lasts 3-5 years. It can change the air of a medium-sized room up to twelve times an hour. Honeywell pushes the product’s quietness and efficiency–it intakes and discharges air 360 degrees.
An indicator light will let you know when the filter needs to be cleaned (usually by vacuuming) or changed. Reviews state that the purifier is powerful and efficient, but on the noisy side. You can control the fan speed, but you can’t set a timer.
- Long-life True HEPA filter
- 360-degree design
- Somewhat noisy
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 19.6 in
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Long-life True HEPA air filter (clean monthly, replace approximately every 3-5 years)
- Activated carbon pre-filter (should be replaced approximately every three months)
- Five-year limited warranty
3. GermGuardian AC5250PT 3-in-1
Features
- 4.5 stars on Amazon out of 515 reviews
- Air purifier with an antimicrobial treatment specifically for household pets helps filter out dander and other allergens
- UV light technology kills pathogens
- Charcoal filter deodorizes the air
- Covers 193 sq ft/ideal for medium to large rooms
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $137.99 with Prime on Amazon. It uses UV-C light to kill viruses, germs, and bacteria for a cleaner home.
The digital display has a filter change indicator, toggles the UV-C light function, and controls the five fan speeds. The Pet Pure treatment kills mold, mildew, and fungi. This is a petite but effective filter.
- UV light kills pathogens
- Small size
- Pet Pure antimicrobial treatment
- N/A
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 6 x 9.5 x 27 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- True HEPA air filter (replace every 6-8 months)
- Charcoal filter (replace every 6-8 months)
- Using parts not approved by the manufacturer will void your warranty
- Five-year limited warranty
2. O-Ion B-1000 Permanent Filter Ionic Air Purifier Pro Ionizer
Features
- 4 stars on Amazon out of 1,981 reviews
- Ionizing power using ozone
- Uses electrostatic to collect dust
- Kills pathogens and breaks down odors with UV technology
- Covers 500-700 sq ft but seems ideal for smaller spaces
The Details
This air filter and purifier are available for $39.95 with Prime on Amazon. It has a permanent dust collector rode that can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a washable charcoal filter. This filter uses ions rather than mechanical filters: it releases negative ions into the air that then attach to unwanted particles like germs and allergens and make them too heavy to remain airborne.
These weighted particles fall to the floor, where they can be vacuumed away. This filter may not be ideal for allergy sufferers since it does not trap allergens within the filter itself. It is a better option for people mainly looking for odor reduction and elimination.
- Ionizing technology with ozone
- Low price
- No filters that need to be changed
- Not ideal for allergy sufferers or people with sensitive lungs
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.5 x 17 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Ion and ozone-based air purification
- UV bulbs last 10,000 hours and replacements can be purchased from the manufacturer for as little as $4.50
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- One-year factory warranty
1. Guardian Technologies AC5000E 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier System
Features
- 4 stars on Amazon out of 1,075 reviews
- Air filter removes dust and impurities from the air
- Charcoal filter traps odors
- UV-C light technology kills germs and other pathogens
- Best for medium to large rooms
The Details
This air filter and purifier is available for $127.99 with Prime on Amazon. The filters trap odors and particles, and the UV-C light function kills airborne pathogens and helps break down odors molecules. Comes with a filter change indicator and three fan speeds.
- UV light technology kills pathogens
- Lightweight and unobtrusive
- Air filter and carbon filter
- N/A
Hardware, Dimensions, and Extras
- Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 28 inches
- Weight: 9.6 pounds
- FILTER C 3-in-1 filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months
- Five-year limited warranty
Conclusions
The air purifier that probably jumped out at you was the $40 unit coming in at #2 on this list. It’s an amazing little appliance for its price and would be great for anyone looking mainly for better smells and fewer airborne pathogens. However, for people with allergies, a purifier with a mechanical filter (such as the True HEPA filter used in most of the purifiers listed) is a superior choice.
So, if you want an air purifier with a mechanical filter, which is your best option? Well, note that only #8 on the list comes with a remote. Not all of these units come with dimming options, which is something to consider for a bedroom air purifier. The Honeywell 50250-S is the only purifier to make the list that has a long-life filter, while the Honeywell HFD-120-Q actually has permanent filters.
Before buying an air purifier, check out the price of the replacement filters–for instance, the Winix Plasmawave WAC5500 replacement filter costs $64.99. That’s a filter you’ll be buying about once a year for the life of the product. Meanwhile, the Honeywell HPA300 has a value pack option that costs notably less.
Whether you want a cleaner, fresher home (or business, as the #10 air purifier is ideal for) or a safe haven from allergies, a variety of air purifiers may work for you. The minimalist might not want the germ-fighting power of the UV light technology, but that same technology might come in handy for a family with young children. The air purifiers on this list have been shown to be worth the investment.
Great list! Air purifiers should be a staple in your home. Thanks for sharing your information.