Air Purifiers 2024 - Forbes Vetted - Forbes
Generally speaking, the best air purifiers are designed to improve the air quality inside your home. First-rate units trap irritants and dander, as well as effectively reduce airborne allergens such as pollen, dust and mold spores. Ideally, the air purifier you choose includes a HEPA (short for "high-efficiency particulate air") filter, which removes at least 99.97% of air pollutants down to 0.3 microns. Our top pick for 2024 is Levoit's LV-H132 Air Purifier, a compact, affordable model that our senior home editor says is ultra-quiet, inconspicuous and effective at capturing pet dander. But, we've gathered plenty more on this list for homes (and room sizes) of all kinds.
The best air purifier for your home will suit your lifestyle, space and budget. Models also come in a wide range of sizes, so a good way to start your search is to first determine the space it will be placed in; the more square footage you're hoping to purify, the bigger the unit will need to be. Ahead, we've rounded up the 12 best air purifiers of 2024, based on expert input and firsthand commentary from our experienced team of home editors. For more guidance on specialized air purifiers, we've also analyzed the best air purifiers for smoke, air purifiers for pets and air purifiers for allergies.
Senior home editor Amanda Arnold appreciates her Levoit LV-H132's quiet operation. It also has an ... [+]
Updates writer Fran Sales likes the Clorox 11030 LED display's real-time feedback on air quality.
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH features four-stage filtration: It includes a pre-filter, a ... [+]
Forbes deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala likes this model so much, she purchased a second one.
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i has an easy-to-read control panel with an air quality indicator light, ... [+]
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted home team editors have written dozens of articles on household appliances from humidifiers to dehumidifiers to, of course, air purifiers. Our stories, which are backed by research, expert interviews and (in many cases) testing, include the best humidifiers for babies, the best dehumidifiers for basements, the difference between cool mist and warm mist humidifiers and more.
- In addition to researching efficacy and key features, we also tapped three medical experts for advice: Catherine Monteleone, M.D., a professor of medicine, allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey; Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network; and David B. Corry, M.D., vice chair for immunology in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
- We made sure to include air purifiers that our experienced home editors and writers—which include senior home editor Amanda Arnold, deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala and home product tester Erica Puisis—have personally tested and highly recommend.
- We review this story frequently for freshness. It was last updated in February 2024 by home and kitchen updates writer Fran Sales.
How We Chose The Best Air Purifiers
- We researched top-selling and well-reviewed devices from the most trusted air purifier manufacturers on the market. These include Levoit, Honeywell, Coway, Alen and more.
- We combed through reader reviews, ensuring each air purifier had mostly positive feedback and an average rating of at least four stars.
- We included air purifiers our staff have used firsthand and recommend. These include Levoit LV-H132, Clorox Medium Room True HEPA Air Purifier, Levoit Core 300 and LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan.
- We evaluated each of our top selections based on efficiency, capacity, appearance and value.
- There's a pick on this list for every type of space and lifestyle, and since everyone has a different budget, we included swankier models and economical picks alike.
What To Consider When Buying An Air Purifier
Size
Make sure to check how large of a space an air purifier can handle. Many models specify "Air Changes per Hour" for a given size room, and you'll want to make sure the one you're eyeing will actually work efficiently in the space where you plan to use it.
Filter
HEPA filters are considered the gold standard with air purifiers. "The filter captures both large and small particles that move through it," explains Catherine Monteleone, M.D., a professor of medicine, allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. "This type is usually best for allergens and best for use in a single room."
Aesthetic
An air purifier isn't exactly something you can hide in a cupboard—it has to be out in the open in order for it to work effectively. You'll want to choose one that matches your decor or at least isn't an eyesore when it's sitting on a shelf, table or the floor.
Other Features
Some purifiers have smart options like apps that let you control all the action from your phone. Others double as heating or cooling systems or both. But not everyone needs those extra bells and whistles. Figuring out what you will and won't require from your purifier in advance is important—you don't want to spend extra for features you'll never even use.
Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?
As it relates to most models, the answer is a resounding "yes." At baseline, these units are designed to remove unwanted particles and irritants from the surrounding air, and they tend to work. "An air purifier can filter particles down to a specific size," says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. "This is helpful for allergens like mold and animal dander as well as certain viral, bacterial, fungal and other irritants and pollutants."
Air purifiers typically feature a fan that moves air through a filter, weeding out impurities in the process, says David B. Corry, M.D., vice chair for immunology in the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to HEPA filters, which usually have a "woven material of differing weaves that can remove things as small as 0.3 microns," some air filters are electrostatic, meaning air is passed over an electrically charged series of plates and causes particles to stick to other things.
If your unit has a HEPA filter, you'll want to change the filter on a regular basis. This, Corry explains, "leads to permanent removal of the particles and volatiles from your local environment."
Can You Sleep With An Air Purifier On?
It's safe to sleep with an air purifier on, and especially if you have allergies or asthma, it can be quite beneficial. The air purifier makes for a more comfortable sleeping environment and can improve your sleep. Just be sure to set your device in a clear, clutter-free space if it's going to be running while you're sleeping.
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Purifier Filters?
That completely depends on the air purifier you own and the area you live in. But, as a general rule of thumb, it's recommended that you replace your filters every six to 12 months. For instance, if you experience a lot indoor air pollution, you may need to change your filter more often to ensure your machine is working at its very best. If you indoor air quality and environmental factors aren't compromised you could get more use out of your filters.
Which Cheap Air Purifier Is The Best?
If you're looking to spend less than $100 on an air purifier, the editor-backed Levoit LV-H132, our best overall pick, is an excellent option: It's compact and equipped to tackle 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores and pet dander. But keep in mind that it's best suited for smaller spaces up to 129 square feet only. At $100, Clorox's Medium Room True HEPA Air Purifier is equally affordable and can clear rooms up to 1,000 square feet once an hour (or 225 square feet five times per hour). If you're looking for wider coverage without breaking the bank, Levoit's Core 400S Smart Air Purifier is worth considering; for less than $200, and with smart capabilities to boot, the Core 400S can tackle rooms up to 403 square feet about five times per hour.
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