Top Air Purifier Picks
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Whether you worry about everyday dust and pollen or more serious pollutants like smog, mold, wildfire smoke, viruses, or bacteria, an air purifier is a worthwhile investment. That range of concerns might sound broad, but many of these pollutants have something in common: they travel through the air as particles. Larger irritants like dust, pollen, and mold spores, as well as much smaller particles from smoke, smog, and respiratory aerosols, can all be captured by a purifier as it cycles air through an effective filter.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing one:
- Recommended Room Size: Use our air purifier room-size calculator to match a purifier to your space. If you plan to run it while sleeping or working, pay attention to its coverage at quieter fan speeds too, not just at full power.
- Particle Filtration: Look for a higher clean air delivery rate (CADR), which lets a purifier clean a room faster and keep up better when air quality suddenly changes.
- Noise: If you're leaving it running for long stretches, choose a model that still cleans effectively at lower, quieter fan speeds rather than one that only performs well on high.
- Features and Maintenance: Auto modes, app controls, washable pre-filters, and an easy-to-place design all make day-to-day use more convenient.
We've tested over 45 models to find the best air purifiers, and below are our recommendations. We take into account a wide range of budgets, room sizes, and priorities. If you want to explore other options, check out our recommendations for the best air purifiers for dust, the best budget and cheap air purifiers, and the best air purifiers for bedrooms. Alternatively, if you're looking for a way to keep your floors clean, see our recommendations for the best HEPA vacuums.
