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We know that well-rated air purifiers might all blur together when you're researching them online, but our tests prove that there are big differences in each one's effectiveness at scrubbing harmful particles from the air.
Below, we put 13 top air purifiers head-to-head to find out how they really perform in real-world circumstances. Our tests reveal notable performance differences between even high-end models, such as speed of small particulate matter removal, as well as the percentage of respiratory irritants removed during a timed window. These performance differences matter greatly in situations where wildfire smoke, pollen, smog, pet dander, or pollutants may be continually introduced to your home and need to be eliminated from the air you breathe.
After months of dedicated, hands-on testing, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max took home our top prize. It earned our Editors' Choice award due to its quick and efficient air cleaning performance and quiet, easy-to-use operation. You could run it 24/7, continuously scrubbing your indoor air, and it will function quietly enough that you could easily sleep with it running in your bedroom or while watching a film.
If you're seeking something even more affordable or have a small space to filter, the Levoit Core Mini-P is wallet-friendly while still offering decent performance.
Editor's Note: Our air purifier review was updated on September 30, 2025, after fully retesting every product with real-life and in-lab tests.
The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max is a true beast of an air purifier, all in a chic, lightweight design that seamlessly blends into most homes. Its large, circular filter was able to scrape 81.5% of small particles (size .5 to 2.5 microns) in a mere 10 minutes, and, perhaps even more impressively, it only took this device 27.2 minutes to remove 99% of all small and large particles from our mediu,-sized testing room. Our lead tester noted, “I was impressed to see how fast this humidifier cut through the smoke.” It is also one of the easiest to use, with a well-designed app that monitors indoor air quality.
One might imagine that such a powerful fan and air filter would create a loud or annoying noise that's distracting from ordinary activities, but our team found the 311i Max to be among the quietest medium to large room air purifiers. On its highest setting, we clocked it at a scant 47.9 decibels, which is quieter than most home refrigerators. It also pulls a surprisingly low amount of power, even with the fan cranked up to high speed, meaning that this machine's annual operating cost is low, even if you run it 365 days a year. On auto mode, the Pure 311i Max will kick on and off depending on the air quality, which can cut back on energy use.
Even though this Blue Pure boasts a low overall operating cost, it does have a sticker price that's more than many other purifiers we tested. If you're on a tight budget but still want solid air cleaning performance, check out the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier. Looking to purify a room larger than 200-300 feet? The Winix 5510 is a little more expensive upfront, but it delivers great air cleaning power.
The Levoit Core 300-P is an awesome runner-up that's surprisingly budget-friendly. Even though it boasts a low sticker price, this air purifier scored among the best in the pack for sheer air cleaning performance, clearing out our smoky air in just 46 minutes. Our lead tester noted, “Though not the fastest, I was still impressed with the sub-1 hour clean considering how small this unit is.” That fan and filter power came at a slight cost in other areas, though, as our team uncovered that this is not the most quiet or energy-efficient in our lineup. The unit has a simple interface that allows you to toggle through settings. Additionally, the interface can be locked, preventing your curious toddler from changing the settings.
Neither the noise nor the energy consumption should be a deal breaker for most users, though. Compared to our overall winner, the Levoit Core 300 was only 6.3 decibels louder, when measured from six feet away. Its manufacturer also recommends changing the filter every 8 months, unlike many we tested, which only require a new filter every year. This slight difference added to the unit's estimated annual operating cost, making it higher than some similarly-sized air purifiers. If you love the Levoit brand and want an even more powerful purifier that's suitable for large rooms, take a gander at the Levoit Core 400S.
In terms of bang-for-your-buck, the Levoit Core Mini-P is an ultra-affordable option that still boasts decent air cleaning performance, especially for smaller spaces. With a low upfront cost and high energy efficiency, this unit remains affordable year after year, even if you choose to run it 24/7. For a small room, this is more than capable of clearing unwanted smoke and dirty air. If you have a larger space, you can place multiple of these units in the area and have effective cleaning performance, still at an affordable price. One of our testers explains, “This purifier actually performs quite well in both energy use and energy efficiency. I like that it has a filter that lasts 12 months and is inexpensive to replace.”
Partially due to its smaller fan size, the Levoit Core Mini is able to whir away almost silently while you work or sleep, pulling a scant 6.6 watts on its highest setting. You won't find any fancy extra features here, though, this air purifier comes with a single control panel, where users can switch the device between low, medium, high, and off. If you want a machine with extra functionality and an “auto” setting, consider the Coway Airmega 1512HH.
An ultra-low annual operating cost was front and center when we assessed the scores for the Shark NeverChange, which has a unique feature that no other purifier we tested provides—its filter only needs to be changed every five years. This is not only convenient for those of us who often forget to buy and replace air filters, but it also makes for a low annual cost when it comes to maintaining your machine, even if you run it all the time. This model was also the only one we tested that effectively masked odors, making it great for those sensitive to smells. Our tester, Liber, says, “I was pleased to find an air purifier that actually rid the fire smell.”
This unit scored in the middle of the pack when it came to actual air cleaning performance, taking a whopping 76 minutes to clear 99% of all small and large particulate matter from our controlled test room. Still, we think the Shark NeverChange is worth a look, because of the affordability and convenience that come with only having to swap filters every five years. In addition, it provided awesome air monitor readouts for a variety of particulate matter sizes, right on the unit's interface. If low operating costs are a priority for you, and you're only trying to clean a small bedroom or office, also check out the Levoit Core Mini-P Air Purifier.
Sure, it's noisy and it'll take some time to build, but that's half the fun of the rough and tumble Corsi–Rosenthal Box. This do-it-yourself contraption is, essentially, four square HEPA filters duct-taped to an ordinary box fan. But, once assembled, this unit is the king of air cleaning performance, scrubbing a staggering 88.2% of tiny particles (size .5 to 2.5 microns) from our test room in just 10 minutes. Our lead tester notes, “I had a lot of fun with this air purifier. It is surprisingly easy to do. However, it is large and awkward to move.”
A great choice for those who want to do a fun science project with their kiddos, or who are scrambling for an air cleaning solution when local stores are sold out of manufactured units, the Corsi-Rosenthal Box is affordable and can be built in roughly 20-30 minutes. That being said, it produces quite a loud fan noise, and our testers felt it's not great for in-home use, unless running on its lowest speed. As such, this would be an awesome DIY-pick for a warehouse or garage workshop. Want something significantly quieter and easy to set up? Our overall award winner, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max, is whisper-soft and decently affordable year after year.
Yes, it's massive and noisy, but we loved the Corsi–Rosenthal Box's awesome air cleaning power.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max
Shark NeverChange
Levoit Core 400S
Levoit Core 300-P
Coway Airmega 1512HH
Alen BreatheSmart 45i
Levoit Core Mini-P
Winix 5510
Afloia Kilo
PuroAir 240 HEPA
GermGuardian AC4825E
FULMINARE PU-P05
Corsi–Rosenthal Box
Awards
Best Overall Air Purifier
Most Convenient Air Purifier
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Value Air Purifier for Small Spaces
True HEPA
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Measured Weight
7.3 lbs
7.1 lbs
10.2 lbs
7.6 lbs
12.6 lbs
15.8 lbs
2.2 lbs
13 lbs
3.9 lbs
7.1 lbs
8.4 lbs
1.7 lbs
10.4 lbs
Estimated Annual Cost
$64.31
$29.37
$85.49
$96.33
$90.58
$83.60
$30.36
$108.79
$82.43
$202.36
$95.33
$47.79
$134.18
App Control
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Average Measured Decibels
40.1
40.1
44.0
43.1
41.7
39.3
36.5
43.4
40.8
41.2
45.7
34.7
55.8
Measured Cord Length
5 ft 8 in
6 ft 0 in
6 ft 5 in
6 ft 1 in
5 ft 6 in
7 ft 8 in
6 ft 1 in
6 ft 2 in
5 ft 8 in
5 ft 3 in
6 ft 2 in
5 ft 9 in
5 ft 9 in
Energy Star Certified
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Air Quality Sensor
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Measured Dimensions
19" x 12.5" x 12.5"
14.75" x 10.5"
20.74" x 10.5" x 10.5"
14.25" x 9" x 9"
18.5" x 17" x 10.5"
25" x 15" x 8"
10.5" x 6.25" x 6.25"
22.25" x 13.25" x 8.25"
15.25" x 7.75" x 7.75"
14.25" x 8.75" x 8.75"
22" x 10" x 7.75"
10" x 5.75" x 5.75"
24.5" x 21.5" x 21.5"
Measured Decibels (High, Medium, Low)
47.9 dB, 40 dB, 32.4 dB
49 dB, 39.2 dB, 32.2 dB
53.8 dB, 45 dB, 33.1 dB
54.2 dB, 40.2 dB, 34.8 dB
54.8 dB, 37.8 dB, 32.5 dB
46.1 dB, 38.4 dB, 33.4 dB
42.3 dB, 35.2 dB, 32.1 dB
53.7 dB, 42.5 dB, 34.1 dB
53.2 dB, 36.6 dB, 32.5 dB
50 dB, 39.1 dB, 34.5 dB
51 dB, 46.1 dB, 40 dB
37.3 dB, 34.2 dB, 32.6 dB
60.8 dB, 57 dB, 49.6 dB
Listed Coverage
439 sqft
650 sqft
1718 sqft
1066 sqft
1748 sqft
1600 sqft
254 sqft
1882 sqft
1076 sqft
1000 sqft
743 sqft
215 sqft
NA
Listed CADR
Pollen 365 cfm, Dust 314 cfm, Smoke 283 cfm
97 cfm
231 cfm
143 cfm
Pollen 232 cfm, Dust 248 cfm, Smoke 234 cfm
350 cfm
34 cfm
Pollen 247 cfm, Dust 252 cfm, Smoke 253 cfm
240 cfm
Pollen 204 cfm, Dust 181 cfm, Smoke 183 cfm
Pollen 125 cfm, Dust 118 cfm, Smoke 99 cfm
135 cfm
NA
Estimated Lifetime Cost (10 years)
$863
$544
$1,075
$1,063
$1,146
$1,266
$354
$1,338
$954
$2,184
$1,133
$510
$1,452
A Note On Ionizers
These days, a lot of air purifiers utilize ionizers that release charged particles into the air that latch onto airborne particulates, making them easier to filter. However, some ionizers can create ozone as a byproduct, a known lung irritant. While some ionizers are likely safe, we like to err on the side of caution.
Using a mix of in-home and lab facility tests, our dedicated team uncovered the best air purifiers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
After researching dozens of units online and in stores, we bought the 13 most promising purifiers at retail; no test models were given to us for free. We then spent over 300 hours testing how quickly each machine cleaned the air and assessing other key metrics, like user-friendliness, noise, and overall operating costs, including filter replacements and electricity. To test our lineup of the best purifiers, we used a professional-grade air quality meter to measure airborne particulate concentrations and tested all of the purifiers in the same ~155-square-foot room to keep conditions as consistent as possible. Check out our in-depth testing process here.
Our testing of air purifiers is divided into four rating metrics:
Air Cleaning Performance (40% of overall score weighting)
Noise (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Operating Cost (10% weighting)
Our team burned large matches until the air in our test room reached 10,000 particles per cubic centimeter.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Liber McKee is our lead tester behind this review. As a Lake Tahoe local, he has spent many summers needing to filter the unfortunate smoky air. Liber utilized his background in biochemical engineering to devise tests that truly test the effectiveness of each of these air purifiers.
Emily Pennington has spent the last several years testing a variety of health and tech products, including air purifiers, humidifiers, and portable air conditioners. As someone who's lived in the smog-ridden metropolis of Los Angeles and the wildfire-prone Rocky Mountains, Pennington takes air purifying seriously and runs her air purifier around the clock, both during fire season and when cooking and baking. She owns the Coway Airmega 1512HH and finds it to be a fantastic, sleek option for people who want to set a unit on auto and forget about it.
Our team spent many hours with these air purifiers to find which were the best.
Analysis and Test Results
When rating each air purifier on our list, we divided our tests into four weighted metrics. The results of our air cleaning performance tests are factored the most heavily into each model's final score. In the following sections, we'll delve into the details of all of these metrics so you can select the best air-cleaning device for your space, budget, and needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
While it's true that paying a boatload for a fancy air purifier might get you a unit that's quiet, fast, and efficient, we also tested many mid-priced units that were able to effectively and quickly filter the air in our test room. For example, the Levoit Core 300 performs well above what its price suggests, offering solid air cleaning for less than many high-end competitors. The trade-off? It's just a smidge noisier. If you're shopping for a great air purifier for a big space, like an open-plan living area or studio apartment, the Winix 5510 might not be the cheapest, but it does offer excellent air cleaning and decently low operating costs. Finally, the Alen BreatheSmart 45i sits on the top end of the price spectrum, offering good air cleaning performance, an ultra-quiet fan, and fabulous aesthetics that can match any home's decor. These units are great examples of a wide variety of purchase prices and features, as revealed by our exhaustive testing.
Using an air quality monitor, our lead tester took note of each unit's cleaning power.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Air Cleaning Performance
Considering that the caliber of actual air filtration is likely the most important factor in choosing which air purifier you buy, we rated air cleaning performance as the heaviest metric in our review, giving it 40% of each unit's total score. This metric is defined by an analysis of the speed and thoroughness each unit had when removing tiny, harmful particulate matter.
We sealed a medium room in our lab testing facility and filled it with smoke by burning large wooden matches until the room reached a “poor” indoor air quality of 10,000 particles per cubic centimeter. Once we got the room to this desired level of smoke pollution, we measured for two things: what percentage of particles were eliminated in a 10-minute window and how long it took to clear 99% of all small and large particulate matter from the air. We used a high-tech air quality monitor as our point of reference in these delicate readings. Our tests focused on eliminating “large” airborne particles measuring 2.5 microns and above, which includes most airborne allergens affecting humans, such as pet dander, pollen, and mold. We also focused on smaller harmful pollutants, sized .5 to 2.5 microns, like bacteria and smoke, to be sure all aspects of an air purifier's filtering system were properly assessed.
This graph shows the time it took for humidifiers to clear out the dirty, smoky air in our test lab.
It only took our overall winner, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max, 27 minutes to clear the dirty, smoky air in our test space. In fact, within the first 10 minutes, it cleared out 88% of the larger particles. The system utilizes a 4-layer HEPASilent filter and a charcoal filter aimed at eliminating odors, though none did as well at ridding odors as the Shark NeverChange, which has a dedicated odor neutralizer.
Our overall winner, the Blue Pure 311i Max, was incredibly quick to clean harmful particles.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The hilariously DIY prowess of the Corsi–Rosenthal Box should also not be overlooked, as it boasts powerful (and loud) air cleaning, scrubbing 97.2% of large particles from the air in 10 minutes, according to our tests. It only took this machine 21 minutes to clear 99.9% of particles from the air, likely because it is, essentially, four HEPA filters taped to a box fan.
It's large and loud, but the affordable, DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Box cleans air well in a pinch.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Also scoring well in the Air Cleaning Performance metric was the Winix 5510, which nabbed an impressive 8.7 out of a possible 10 points, scrubbing over 76% of small and large pollutants from our dedicated test room in a mere 10 minutes, using both its True HEPA filter and its trademarked Advanced Odor Control filter.
The Winix 5510 is an excellent air purifier for larger rooms.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Other top performers worth mentioning include our previous winner, the Coway Airmega 1512HH, as well as the Levoit Core 400S, which utilizes three-stage filtration to trap fine pollen, household dust, and smoke. Though these three units were solid performers in terms of actual air cleaning, they simply weren't as quiet or energy efficient as our overall winner, but might be worth a look, depending on your needs and desired home aesthetics.
Our testers loved the overall performance and easy-to-use settings of the Coway Airmega 1512HH.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're genuinely worried about your air quality this season, avoid the FULMINARE PU-P05 at all costs. While quiet and somewhat affordable, this smaller unit did little to nothing to actually filter our air pollutants.
It's a smoky job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Noise
It makes sense that most people plan on being inside the room while their air purifier is on and creating a cozy, pollutant-free environment. As such, we weighted our noise metric as 30% of each unit's final score, because any odd noises the device produces could have a significant (and negative) impact on your relationship with it.
The good news is that most of the tested models are not particularly loud — none registered more than 61 decibels on our sound meter, even when blasting on their highest fan speeds. This is roughly the sound of a large, chatty office or restaurant and might not be a deal breaker for many shoppers. Still, even relatively quiet noises can be annoying if they're at the wrong pitch or whirring away when you're trying to sleep. We spent a night with each air purifier in our bedrooms and spent hours working on our computers right next to each model as they hummed. We also used a portable decibel meter and measured the exact sound output of each air purifier from a strict six feet away.
We measured the noise output of each unit from six feet away.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Understandably, the smallest units were often the most silent, with the Levoit Core Mini and FULMINARE PU-P05 scoring among the absolute lowest in terms of noise. These low whirs reminded us of a soft white noise machine, and weren't intrusive.
The Levoit Core Mini is quiet enough to sit next to a desk without being bothersome.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Blue Pure 311i Max and Alen BreatheSmart 45i also scored well in our noise metric, producing less sound than most household refrigerators, even at maximum speed.
The Blue Pure is quiet enough to keep it placed nearby in a room.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Number of on-unit features, smartphone apps, sleep timers, and setup time were all big factors in our ease of use metric, which was weighted as 20% of every air purifier's final score. Some more affordable models only offered simple adjustment options, like a fan speed dial, while many high-end units boasted additional sensors, location-sensitive post-work timers, auto shutoff features, and the ability to schedule a routine. Regardless of whether or not a unit offered a mobile device, we noted nice-to-have features, like a sleep timer and an auto feature that can turn on if you're, say, baking and the room suddenly gets smoky.
The Shark NeverChange was the easiest to operate of the bunch. Its settings are easy to toggle through and we had no trouble setting it up. It features three different particle size sensors, which means it has one of the most advanced auto functions of the bunch, automatically activating when it detects dirty air. We also appreciated the NeverChange filtration system for both ease of use and operating costs. The system doesn't need to be changed for roughly 5 years, so you can run it year after year without worrying about changing the filters.
The Shark NeverChange is lightweight and easy to move around the house.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The FULMINARE PU-P05 has a straightforward interface with three fan settings, a timer, and a light button. It is also ultra-portable. On the other hand, we appreciated many of the features of the Levoit Core 400S, though it wasn't nearly as portable. The particle counter gives a clear idea of how clean the air is, and the auto function helps keep the air filtered as needed. It lets you know when the filter is ready to be changed, but the app is what really impressed us. It has very little setup and is straightforward to operate. Many of the same functions are available on the Levoit Core 300-P.
The Levoit Core 400S can be controlled through its accompanying app, which we found easy to use.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Blue Pure 311i Max had an incredibly robust app, which provided readouts of the indoor vs. outdoor air quality and allowed us to create an air purifying schedule that matched our workflow.
Mobile apps often made nice extras, like sleep timers and air quality readouts, easy to access.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Nearly all the air purifiers we tested required very little setup (just plug it into the wall and turn it on), and we didn't struggle much with replacing the filters, either. The DIY-style Corsi-Rosenthal Box was one exception, as users will have to re-tape the filters onto their box fan when changing them. Models like the Afloia Kilo and the PuroAir 240 HEPA Air Purifier scored poorly because their integrated mobile app was either impossible to find or would not pair with our testers' phones, no matter how hard we tried.
The only purifier in the group that required extra setup was the Corsi-Rosenthal Box.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Operating Cost
Even if you're hyper-organized, it can be easy to space out on the fact that you'll have to pay for replacement filters and electricity costs throughout the lifetime of using your air purifier, especially if you run it every day. We've measured every purifier's energy consumption and price-checked the replacement filters, accounting for the frequency that they'll need to be replaced, too. This metric was weighted as the final 10% of each purifier's final score.
We assumed an average unit lifespan of 10 years when assessing our lifetime air purifier costs. These cost calculations assume the national average of $0.17 per kilowatt-hour and average air purifier usage of 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on on a mix of the unit's high (40%), medium (30%), and low (30%) settings. We also assumed that people would replace their filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Some filters can last for upwards of five years, while others are only suggested for a measly 4 months. We also include the cost of the device itself.
A low upfront cost might not always mean that you're getting the best long-term value.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Shark NeverChange has a shockingly low average annual cost. Not having to swap filters for five years is a pretty sweet bonus, and it only cost us about $17 in electricity to run daily for a year. In addition, smaller units, like the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier, tended to be incredibly energy efficient and, thus, more affordable to operate 24/7 for many years.
Though you won't need to do so often, changing out the filter on the Shark NeverChange is very easy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The FULMINARE PU-P05 uses up practically no energy, only costing us $2 for the year in electricity. The below-average annual cost is moreso due to the filters that need to be replaced every six months, costing us about $45 for the year.
Due to its epic energy efficiency, our overall award winner, the Energy Star-certified Blue Pure 311i Max, had a great operating cost score, even though it doesn't boast the lowest sticker price. Its filter needs to be exchanged once a year.
Changing out the filter on the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max requires removing the sleeve, which we didn't find the easiest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Average-performing units, like the GermGuardian AC4825E scored in the middle of the pack on operating costs, and as such, we certainly cannot recommend them for value alone. Though it only costs $160 upfront, the absurd filter replacement specs on the PuroAir 240 HEPA Air Purifier put it very low on the operating cost list, namely because its manufacturer wants users to change its filter every four months. Though the Corsi-Rosenthal doesn't need scheduled filter replacements, it sucks up a lot of energy, costing us over $130 in electricity for the year.
We monitored how much electricity each model used, with the Corsi-Rosenthal being one of the most energy-consuming.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Choose The Best Air Purifier
While we've provided four important considerations to help guide your next air purifier purchase, you'll still need to consider the size, common area pollutants, noise level, and energy efficiency that are appropriate for your space.
Not all air purifiers are created equal.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How Big is Your Desired Area?
These days, air purifiers come in a variety of different sizes and aesthetic styles, ranging from small portable applications to large-scale purifiers capable of covering multiple rooms or huge, open-plan spaces. Some we tested come in a variety of color options or have interchangeable front panels to suit different looks. When shopping for air purifiers, it's important to consider your total desired coverage area and the amount of in-room space you're willing to dedicate to that air purifier.
What Pollutants Are You Targeting?
The filter type in your air purifier plays an essential role in the type of pollutants captured and the effectiveness of each type. True HEPA filters are rated to capture 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. While some filters might be labeled as HEPA-like or HEPA-type, these have not been fully certified up to intensive HEPA standards, but might still provide adequate air purification.
It's also worth considering the cost of replacement True HEPA filters, since they can be quite pricey. Carbon filters are another filter type that are often used in conjunction with HEPA filters to capture pesky odors and harmful chemicals but do not capture tiny pollutant particles as well. When identifying the filter type, it's important to consider the manufacturer's suggested replacement intervals and the costs associated.
Some air purifiers, such as the Coway Airmega 400S, offer multiple filters designed for specific pollutants.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How Important is Noise Level?
Many people love using an air purifier to improve sleep quality or better the quality of their indoor air when pollutants, like smoke and smog, are running rampant outdoors. Since air purifiers are often used in mellow home spaces, such as offices or bedrooms, it is important to think about the amount of noise you're comfortable with.
Identifying the decibel rating on various fan speeds is an easy way to identify the level of actual noise generated by an air purifier. The placement of your purifier can also significantly alter the noise level. If you've purchased a purifier that's suitable for a large room, it doesn't necessarily need to be right next to the sofa while you're watching TV to clean the air effectively in your home. Finally, each air purifier we tested is significantly louder on its highest speed than when set to low. Consider a unit with an “auto” function to have the machine adjust itself to a lower setting once your air quality has improved.
We tested both the noise and wattage draw of every air purifier on this list.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How Often Will You Use It?
For our operating cost metric, we assumed a high-use-case scenario, in which a person is theoretically running their air purifier 24/7 and 364 days a year. However, this might not be your intended operating method. Either way, it's important to consider the energy efficiency and costs associated with running an air purifier during periods of poor air quality.
Attributes like being Energy Star certified by the Environmental Protection Agency are one way to ensure your purifier has met certain efficiency requirement standards. We have also provided a list of lifetime costs associated with each purifier to give readers an idea of the cost of running their machine and replacing its requisite filters regularly over a ten-year lifespan, per the manufacturer's instructions.
We saw a huge variance in energy efficiency across the units we tested.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
No matter whether you live in the wildland urban interface, a sprawling metropolis, or somewhere in between, having a solid air purifier in your quiver can significantly reduce allergens and irritants. The units we tested were easy to set up, relatively inexpensive to operate, and provide immediate respiratory benefits and true peace of mind, especially during time-sensitive needs, like wildfire season or smoggy rush hour traffic. With the bevy of information provided above, we hope that you can breathe a little easier, knowing that you have selected the right air purifier for your home or office needs, aesthetics, and budget.
Outfitting a new space? We put a bevy of the best home appliances to the test in a similarly-controlled test environment. Our in-house team also tests air conditioners and top-rated fans. Worried about allergens and dander? We take detailed particulate matter measurements of vacuum cleaners for people with allergies and cleanliness concerns.
