The Best Commercial Air Purifier, Including Best Reliable Air Purifier

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best commercial air purifiers 2024. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As a business owner, the health and safety of employees in the workplace are of utmost importance, and ensuring the air quality is kept at a premium in the office, warehouse, or wherever employees are working is one way to eliminate the chance of potential health issues. This is where a good-quality commercial air purifier can come into play. With air pollutants a worry for most, and the current global COVID-19 crisis, it has never been a more important time to improve air quality.

Commercial air purifiers are more powerful than stand-alone air purifiers for home use and are commonly used in offices, hospitals, retail spaces, gyms, hotels, and restaurants. These industrial-style air purifiers are generally used in place of domestic ones as home-use models can't provide a powerful enough level of air purification required for larger spaces that get more foot traffic.

It's easier for infections to spread in places like offices, for example, when employees are in close proximity for long periods of time. However, airborne infections can spread through both indirect and direct contact, which is why using a suitable air filter medium can protect employees by up to 99.99%.

There are several different types of air purifiers and each comes with its own set of features. Our buying guide below aims to help aid you in the selection process.

Here is a list of the best commercial air purifiers, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best commercial air purifier.

Thomas' Top Picks for the Best Commercial Air Purifiers 2024

Browse our list of the best air purifiers for industrial use that protect against airborne contaminants.

Best HEPA Filters Air Purifier: Winix WAC5500-2 | Buy Now

Best Tower Air Purifier: Oransi V-HEPA Finn Air Purifier | Buy Now

Best Reliable Air Purifier: Aprilaire 5000 | Buy Now

Best Most Absorbent Carbon Filter Air Purifier: Austin Air HealthMate Plus | Buy Now

Best Commercial-Grade Air Cleaner: AeraMax Pro AM3S PC Air Purifier | Buy Now

Best Medical-Grade HEPA Filters Air Purifier: Enviroklenz UV-C | Buy Now

Best Smart Technology Air Purifier: Coway Airmega 300S | Buy Now

Best Quiet Air Purifier for Office: Azeus True HEPA Filter | Buy Now

Best Air Purifier with Great Value: Blueair Blue Pure 211 | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best commercial air purifiers according to many happy buyers.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on amazon.com (USA), sylvane.com and other retailers' websites as of December 2023

1. Best HEPA Filter Air Purifier—Winix WAC5500-2

Air cleaners that use HEPA filters are commonly used to improve indoor air quality. The Winix WAC5500-2, an update to the WAC5500, includes a carbon filter and HEPA filter to improve air flow and remove allergens that occur from things like pet hair, pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and more. 

With robust digital controls, it features a precise fan speed that is split up into four speeds. It also has an auto mode, and sleep mode, and comes with a remote control to make it more user-friendly. It is an ideal air purifier for both small office spaces and homes alike. 

After giving it five stars, one happy customer wrote, "Does a great job; love the impurity sensor, and made a noticeable difference in allergies." 

Specifications

Product weight: 18 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 23.60 x 7.80 x 14.90 inches

Filter: Washable AOC carbon filter, true HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$174.99 (Was US$249.99), Sylvane.com

Also Available at: Walmart, The Home Depot and Allergy Buyers Club

2. Best Tower Air Purifier—Germ Guardian Air Purifier

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Specifications

Product weight: 11.3 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 11 x 6.75 x 28 inches

Filter: pre-filter and HEPA 13 Pet Filter

BUY NOW: US$119.87 (Was US$264.99), Amazon

Also Available at: Walmart, Best Buy 

3. Best Reliable Air Purifier—Aprilaire 5000

The Aprilaire 5000 purifier works by operating in synergy with an HVAC system to improve air quality. Using a combination of electrostatic technology and traditional air filters, it removes 98% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. 

With enough power to cover a room of 3,750 square feet, it changes the air in the room more than four times per hour and removes smoke particles, pollen, dust, mold spores, and airborne bacteria. Like most air purifiers, the Aprilaire doesn't use HEPA filtration to improve airflow as it latches on, and improves the efficiency of the HVAC systems already in place. 

One happy reviewer wrote, "I would buy this product again unless something better comes along." They noted, "It replaces another Apriliaire 5000 that was 12 years old. The replaceable filter is great at catching most debris, so I didn't need to replace the unit sooner."

Specifications

Product weight: 30.4 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 12 x 31 x 16 inches

BUY NOW: US$729.99, Sylvane.com

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon, and Filters Fast 

4. Best Most Absorbent Carbon Filter Air Purifier—Austin Air HealthMate Plus 

Austin-Air's HealthMate Plus has a four-stage filtration system to achieve clean air—a PERMAFILT pre-filter is used during stage one, then a medium particle filter and carbon blend filter, followed by a medical-grade HEPA filter. 

This long-lasting combination eliminates 99.97% of airborne particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger, 95% of particles that measure 0.1 microns or smaller, and more than 3,000 types of toxic gasses and odors. 

One elated customer wrote, "Austin Air over-delivers! The system is expected to run 24/7 and the filter should last five years. I used this after a 'smoke shack' event and the air was almost purer than outside." 

Specifications

Product weight: 47 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 14.5 x 14.5 x 23 inches

Filter: pre-filter and real V-HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$854.99, Sylvane.com

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon, and Allergy Buyers Club

5. Best Commercial-Grade Air Cleaner—AeraMax Pro AM3S PC Air Purifier 

With commercial-grade HEPA filtration, the AeraMax Pro AM3S PC air purifier is rated at 99.97% HEPA efficiency. It also uses an activated carbon filter to absorb odors, smoke, smaller particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Made for office and other commercial spaces in need of improving poor air quality, the AeraMax also monitors and reports the status of air via its PureView sensors and monitors, including PM 2.5 and PM 10 particle counters, high-grade laser sensors, and VOC monitoring. 

One happy customer wrote, "This is one of the simplest air purifiers to use and maintain. The unit monitors air quality and room capacity and adjusts the fan speed accordingly making it worry-free. I am amazed at the sensor's abilities to pick up odors and pollutants." Another customer added, "We bought 12 of these units for our portable classroom settings. They are extremely easy to set up and operate. [The] filter indicator light is a huge bonus for our maintenance team."

Specifications

Product weight: 25 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 10.63 x 21 x 22.69 inches

Filter: true HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$1,549.99, Sylvane.com

Also Available at: Office Depot, Webrestaurant Store, Quill

6. Best Medical-Grade HEPA Filter Air Purifier—Enviroklenz UV-C

This air purifier by Enviroklenz features a medical-grade HEPA filter, earth mineral pre-filter, and UV-C light. Treating areas of up to 1,000 square feet, the UV-C air purifier is tough on airborne particles and gas removal. 

Using the highest quality materials, the Enviroklenz is suitable for allergy sufferers and people with sensitivities to chemicals and other harsh substances and odors. The first part of the filters installed is the air cartridge, which works to attack VOCs and odors and break down chemicals. 

The UV-C light continuously shines on the HEPA filter to kill living organisms, and the HEPA filter itself is medical-grade collecting the sub-micron particles of up to 0.3 microns for 99.99% efficiency. One happy customer wrote, "This filter is military-grade and lasts two years. The unit, with its UV bulbs, removed all odors and noticeably reduced allergens."

Specifications

Product weight: 38 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 22 x 15.5 x15 inches

Filter: Earth Mineral pre-filter, true HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$874, Sylvane.com

Also Available at: Walmart, Amazon

7. Best Smart Technology Air Purifier—Coway Airmega 300S 

Covering 1,256 square feet, the Coway Airmega 300S is an app-enabled air purifier combining smart technology ideal for home and office space. It cleans the air by capturing and reducing pollutant particles to 0.3 microns, with 99.97% efficiency. 

In comparison to some of the others in our list, the Airmega 300S has a five-fan speed, and a timer of one, two, four, and eight-hour settings. The Coway Airmega is run with the IoCare mobile application, which includes filter notification, scheduling, speed, and smart mode control. 

One happy reviewer replaced an IQ Air Health Pro for the Coway Airmega 300S and was pleasantly surprised. "I had the IQ for several years and it was a workhorse," they wrote. "However, the filters were very difficult to change, so I bought the Airmega 300S. It's very well made, quiet, and… the super-smart mode works well too."

Specifications

Product weight: 21.4 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 13.6 x 13.6 x 21.2 inches

Filter: pre-filter, deodorization filter, true HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$500, Amazon

Also Available at: Walmart, Coway

7. Best Quiet Air Purifier—Azeus True HEPA Air Purifier

Another option for commercial spaces is the Azeus True HEPA filter air purifier as it has a coverage of up to 1,080 square feet and a five-in-one filtration system that filters 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander. 

The Azeus is known for being ultra-quiet and energy-efficient and includes an impressive smart air quality sensor that indicates the air quality in real-time using a color system. 

"Works great and is very quiet," wrote one happy customer. "I bought three of these for our office, especially to make sure our staff had high air quality during the COVID-19 period. It wonderfully circulates 2.5 air changes per hour in our 540 square foot office space. You can feel the difference in air quality, very refreshing, and quiet."

Specifications

Product weight: 9.5 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 7.1 x 13.8 x 18.3 inches

Filter: True HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$158.52 (Was US$179.99), Amazon

9. Best Air Purifier with Great Value—Blueair Blue Pure 211

Using Swedish filter technology, the BlueAir Blue Pure 211 captures 99% of airborne pollutants. It eliminates odors and reduces gasses with an activated carbon filter installed, including washable fabric pre-filters that offer the first layer of protection on this system. 

The BlueAir has also been designed with the environment in mind and has an Energy Star rating for low energy consumption. The three-step filtration combines particle and carbon filters to remove 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns in large rooms of up to 540 square feet.

One happy customer described this machine as being "high performance, great value, no-frills," adding, "I like the pre-filter; it stretches on easily and is easy to remove and wash." Another customer wrote, "In the first week of installing, I noticed fresher smelling air."

Specifications

Product weight: 13 pounds

Product dimensions (L x W x H): 13 x 13 x 20.4 inches

Filter: Washable pre-filter, true HEPA filter

BUY NOW: US$250.77 (Was US$319.99), Amazon

Also Available at: Walmart

The Best Commercial Air Purifier—Summary

Commercial grade air purifiers like the Oransi V-HEPA Finn (US$129, Sylvane) cover small office rooms but keep the quality of air to a premium. The Oransi covers rooms of up to 400 square feet and, with advanced filter media, consists of a four-step filtration system; titanium dioxide pre-filter, HEPA filtration, a germicidal UV light, and a built-in ionizer. Customers praised this unit for how reliable and cost-effective it is. 

For an air purifier with a bit of smart technology, customers raved about the high quality of air and low noise of the Azeus True HEPA filtration air purifier (US$158.52, Amazon). This model uses UV-C sanitizers and ionizers to filter out pollutants and has a smart color system for customers to identify the status of the quality of the current air. Customers also praised the unit for "wonderfully circulating 2.5 air changes per hour" in their office space. 

Choosing the Best Commercial Air Purifiers—Buying Guide

While a lot of the commercial air purifiers on the market could be used in a home, these can cost upwards of US$1,000 for a good quality air cleaner, while domestic models are priced around half that. However, with the superior protection these commercial machines provide, many homeowners are opting for more powerful models for home use, too. Below we list some of the main commercial-grade air purifier types.

Office air purifiers

Improving the air quality in an office space is proven to have an impact on employees' productivity, according to a study published in Environmental Research Letters. Not only is it in the interest of the employer to have employees work more efficiently, but it is also in the best interest of everyone's well-being. 

Hospital air purifiers

As mentioned, airborne bacteria can be the transmission for infections and diseases, so for areas such as hospitals where viruses and bacteria are rampant, only the top air purification systems will do to provide the best air quality. So while the buildings may have up-to-date ventilating systems running throughout, adding commercial air filtration systems can help amplify the protection and improve the quality of the air even more. 

Hotel air purifiers

With travel corridors opening up again worldwide, it is important to mention the effect of poor air filtration in this sector. Airborne contaminants can occur from pollution, pollen, tobacco smoke, and pet dander, to name a few, so hotels can vet bad air quality by adding a commercial air purifier to clean rooms and public areas to filter out all bacteria, viruses, and allergens caused by dust, mold spores, mildew, and other impurities.

Do HEPA Filters Improve Air Quality?

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters deliver quality, clean air, and are considered the gold standard in the air purifier market. When reaching True HEPA filter standards, at least 99.97% of fine particles can be removed from air of up to 0.3 microns in size. Bear in mind that there are 10,000 microns in a centimeter. 

True HEPA filtration, which is also found in things like vacuums and aerospace technology, cleans the air keeping indoor air pollution to a minimum. The quality of indoor air can be affected by things like dust mites, cigarette smoke, and pet hair.

This is why HEPA air purifiers are ideal both in domestic settings where countless microscopic airborne particles can be inhaled, and even more so in a commercial environment where it is even more important to maintain fresh air quality since there are more people around and more hustle and bustle, hence more germs lurking in the air.

High-efficiency filters such as True HEPA filters are made up of thousands of fine fibers arranged into a mat to intercept all types of tiny particles. These filters are highly regarded as they have been tested over and over to ensure quality and reliability. 

When out to buy air purifiers, be sure to look for models with HEPA filters that specifically state no-ozone emission as other types of filters can potentially create ozone damage. 

Activated Carbon Air Filters

Differing from the HEPA filter, other air purifiers use an activated carbon filter. This filter uses a bed of activated charcoal to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odor, carbon monoxide, and other gas pollutants. 

Where they differ from a HEPA version is that this air cleaning process is used for odor control and for tobacco smoke removal, for instance, and cannot remove fine particles like dust or pollen from the air. 

Activated carbon filters incorporate carbon that is injected with hot air, carbon dioxide, or steam, to create a lattice of tiny pores and increase its surface area—a process known as adsorption. Some people believe this method is a far better way to enhance the air quality inside.

As part of the adsorption process, pollutants stick to the surface area or through the carbon to stick to the surface of the bed. Once the bed is saturated it is time to change the filter (a strong indicator that it is time to change the filter is when a strange odor is released).

We hope our review of the best commercial air purifiers has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including air purifiers, compressed air purifiers, and air purification systems, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.