Best air purifiers for pets, allergies, smoke, and odors in 2026

Between living with pets, a partner who deals with seasonal allergies, and an area that's prone to summer wildfire smoke almost every year, I've seen firsthand how much the right air purifier can matter. A good one can help capture airborne irritants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles, making your home feel cleaner and more comfortable, especially during allergy season or on days with poor outdoor air quality.

Who should buy an air purifier depends on the home, but they're especially useful for allergy sufferers, pet owners, people who live near wildfire-prone areas, or anyone dealing with lingering cooking smells, smoke, dust, or musty air. The best air purifier for your needs also depends on the size of the room you plan to use it in. A compact model that works well in a bedroom won't be as effective in a large living room or open floor plan.

To find the best air purifiers, we've tested over 50 models and prioritized robust filtration, easy maintenance, intuitive controls, and real-world performance over lab claims alone. Our top pick, the Coway Airmega AP-1521HH Mighty, has remained a trusted air purifier for years thanks to its reliable performance, straightforward design, and manageable upkeep. We also found models that are especially quiet, better suited for large rooms, helpful for homes with pets, effective against odors, and low-maintenance enough for anyone who doesn't want to replace a filter every few months.

Our picks of the best air purifiers

Best overall: Coway Airmega AP-1521HH Mighty - See at Amazon

Best budget air purifier: GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 - See at Amazon

Best air purifier for bedrooms: Levoit Core300S-P - See at Amazon

Quietist air purifier: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max - See at Amazon

Best air purifier for large rooms: Blueair Blue Signature (Large) - See at Amazon

Best air purifier for pets: Levoit Vital Pet Pro - See at Amazon

Best low-maintenance air purifier: Shark BreatheClear Max - See at Amazon

Best air purifier for odors: Oransi TrueCarbon 200C Air Purifier - See at Amazon

Best overall

A strong balance of performance to price. Above all else, an air purifier should have powerful air-cleaning capabilities, and the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty was among the fastest at removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The compact size and portability also make this model ideal for moving around the house if you don't want to invest in several units. While it's not the sleekest model we tested, its performance, mixed with a reasonable price, makes it our top pick.

Helpful for seasonal allergies, pet dander, smoke, and dust. In our incense testing, the Coway Airmega Mighty reduced PM2.5 levels by half in just 15 minutes. It has a multi-layered filtration system comprising a washable pre-filter, a HEPA filter that reduces dust and other airborne irritants like pollen, and an activated carbon filter for cooking, pet, and smoke odors. It's a well-rounded choice if you suffer from allergies. This model also features an ionizer, but the experts we spoke with don't recommend using this feature (see why in the FAQ). However, it's easy to disable this function manually. Filter replacements cost about $50 annually and include a HEPA filter that should last a year, and two carbon filters, replaced every six months. You can also opt for special filters to target specific needs, such as smoke, allergens, or pets.

Friendly for those new to air purifiers or those who want a proven model with simple controls. The Coway Airmega doesn't have WiFi or an app, but some might find that a welcome change from our app-overloaded lives. Instead, the Coway relies on simple controls on the air purifier to set a timer, adjust the fan speed (or leave it on Auto), or check the color-coded air quality metrics. If you do like the idea of an app, you're not forgotten about, with a Wi-Fi-enabled option.

Best budget: GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2

A low-cost pick that feels premium. I found the budget-friendly GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 to perform right up there with spendy air purifiers. It did an impressive job scrubbing the air of VOCs and PM2.5 when I burned incense, halving VOC levels in just 15 minutes and removing about 75% of the PM2.5 in that same timeframe. It's a strong budget option for smaller rooms, home offices, and dorms, though it performed best in spaces closer to 200 square feet if you want around four air changes per hour.

The app is more detailed than I expected from a budget air purifier. It shows overall air quality and PM2.5 levels in daily, weekly, and monthly charts, and lets you adjust the schedule, fan speed, energy-saving mode, and quiet mode. Since Govee is known for smart lighting, the purifier also has a night light and ambient lighting options, including a display that changes color based on air quality. These features are not essential, but they help the purifier feel more polished than most budget models.

It's compact and affordable to maintain, but best for smaller spaces. The Govee Smart Air Purifier 2 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry from room to room. Govee rates this air purifier as capable of filtering rooms of about 1,000 square feet, but it performs best in rooms closer to 200 square feet, if you want the optimal four air changes per hour. Replacement filters cost $25 and need to be replaced every three to six months.

Best for bedrooms

A compact, quiet model for overnight use. If you plan to use an air purifier in your bedroom at night, the Levoit Core 300S-P was one of the quietest models we tested and small enough to fit on a nightstand. The quiet operation, combined with solid performance in removing PM2.5 and VOCs from the room when burning incense, makes it a top pick for use in a bedroom. If you're sensitive to noise, especially while sleeping, the Levoit's sleep mode sets the fan to the quietest setting and turns off the display entirely.

Smart features are straightforward and easy to use. The associated Levoit app, VeSync, provides simple controls for the air purifier and a simplified view of air-quality metrics. From the app, you can check PM2.5 levels, monitor filter life, set a schedule or timer, and adjust the fan speed. You can also activate sleep mode in the app, so you won't have to get out of bed to adjust settings directly on the unit. If you have the location access turned on in the app, it'll give outdoor air quality and pollen metrics for your area, including the AQI.

A great size for small rooms like bedrooms, nurseries, or guest rooms. The Levoit Core 300S is one of the most portable models we tested, and it's easy to carry. It weighs about seven pounds, and I had no issues carrying it from room to room. The size is easy to set on a bedside table, tuck next to a bed, or place on a desk. The anti-slip pads on the bottom of the unit are grippy and help prevent it from sliding around if it gets knocked. Just keep in mind this model is designed to use in smaller rooms and isn't the best model for open floor plans.

Quietist

Near silent, blend in with the background design. The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max offered the best combination of low noise without compromising performance. Blueair says the 311i Max operates at as low as 23 decibels, but in our testing, it was even quieter, reaching just 21 decibels on its lowest setting. At that speed, I had to double-check that the air purifier was still powered on. On higher settings, like fan level two, it produced a pleasant, soothing white noise, and even at its maximum fan speed, it reached only 39 decibels. While its lowest sound output was similar to that of the Levoit Core 300S-P, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max can cover a larger area than the Levoit and gives a stronger air purification without becoming disruptive. At higher speeds, the 311i Max was quieter than the Levoit.

Ideal coverage for larger rooms or strong purification in smaller rooms. In testing air purification performance, the Blueair Pure 311i Max reduced VOC levels by nearly half in half an hour while burning incense in a 200-square-foot room. Its efficiency at reducing PM2.5 was even more powerful. Blueair states that the Blue Pure 311i Max is designed to refresh the air in a 493-square-foot room in 12.5 minutes or a 1,054-square-foot room in 30 minutes. Given its powerful performance and quiet operation, it's ideal for living rooms, offices, or bedrooms that prioritize quiet.

The elevated design that sets it apart from the competition. The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max has a modern and simplified design. There's an outer fabric prefilter available in four colorways, all subtle options for a refined look. If you want to change the color, a new prefilter is only $10.99. However, if your pets tend to rub on furniture, you might find the fabric prefilter becomes another item covered in pet hair. The fabric prefilter is washing machine-safe, but it still adds another item to clean. Blueair claims the main HEPA filter should last about 9 months, with replacements costing around $40. The app uses an algorithm to calculate when a new filter is needed based on fan speed, usage time, and pollution levels, and alerts you accordingly.

Best for large rooms

Big purification capabilities, that’s great for large spaces. According to Blueair’s stats, the large version of the Blue Signature can clean the air of dust, dander, pollen, and other irritants in spaces up to 3,385 square feet (based on a single air change) or spaces up to 700 square feet, based on the recommended four air changes per hour. In my testing, the Blue Signature responded to incense smoke, rapidly cleaning the air. In just 15 minutes, it reduced PM2.5 from 98 to 9. If you have a smaller space, consider the small or medium-size options for the Blue Signature, which are better suited to a bedroom or small office.

Useful smart features feel premium. Almost all of the air purifiers in our guide have an app and smart features, but the Blueair Blue Signature has unique features that make it feel more premium than the rest. In addition to useful AQI tracking, the “Welcome Home” setting uses location data to switch to standby mode when you’re not home and kick on again when you’re 15 minutes away. Not only does this save on energy bills, but it also adds thoughtful convenience to the model.

There’s also a single toggle switch that turns the purifier's lights off between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., or you can do this manually by activating night mode. Another smart feature I like is Blueair’s AirSense, which works alongside the auto or eco setting to automatically kick on a higher fan speed to refresh the room’s air twice per day for 10 to 25 minutes.

For those who prefer not to use the app, a simple hand wave over the air purifier will trigger a display sequence that shows the current PM2.5 level, fan speed, and a rolling text update on air quality.

A refined design that can double as a side table. Most air purifiers serve a single function: to clean indoor air. But the Blueair Blue Signature looks like a piece of furniture and doubles as a side table, capable of holding up to 11 pounds. The air purifier itself comes in two colorways, and six outer fabric prefilter colorways are available. Blueair also sells a wooden leg base or a chrome ring base, which helps make the air purifier look more like furniture than an appliance.

Best for pets

Built for the messier side of living with pets. Pet owners know how quickly fur, dander, odors, dust, and tracked-in debris can build up at home. The Levoit Vital Pet Pro is designed specifically for that mess, with a washable prefilter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter that work together to capture airborne pet allergens and help reduce odors. After testing, I found it especially well-suited for homes with shedding pets, litter boxes, and pet beds.

Its standout feature is the self-cleaning pre-filter. Pet hair and debris can quickly clog an air purifier, but the Vital Pet Pro scrapes buildup off the pre-filter and deposits it into a lower tray, which you empty periodically when prompted by the app. It is not completely hands-off, though. You'll still need to replace the main HEPA filter every six months and vacuum and rinse the pre-filter every two to four weeks, according to Levoit. Since this model was released in Q2 2026, replacement filters are not widely available yet, but they can be purchased directly through the app.

The Vesync app adds helpful controls and air quality insights, though some pet-specific features may be overkill. The Vesync app adds standard controls, schedules, and air-quality alerts, plus a few pet-specific settings for times when odors may spike, like meals or walks. I found some of these features unnecessary in my own home, but they could be helpful if your pet's food, litter box, or routine noticeably affects your air quality. The purifier also has three manual speeds and three auto modes — quiet, balanced, and performance — that adjust the air-quality monitor's sensitivity. The app can notify you when air quality or odors change and stabilize, though frequent alerts may be worth turning off.

Best low-maintenance

A filter that can last for up to 6 years. Most air purifier care instructions recommend replacing the HEPA filter every 6 to 12 months. Far exceeding that timeline, the Shark BreatheClear Max uses Shark's NeverChange HEPA filter, which can last up to 6 years. Not only does that mean it's a low-maintenance option, but you'll also save on replacement filter costs. The Shark still requires cleaning the two prefilters on occasion, which is an easy wipe-down or vacuum that takes me about two minutes. The air purifier also indicates when the prefilters are due for a cleaning.

An LED screen displays air-quality metrics at a glance. Shark doesn't have an associated app for its air purifiers; instead, it uses an LED display with in-depth air-quality metrics accessible by scrolling through the screen options. There, you can see a weekly breakdown of air-quality stats, set a sleep schedule, or take a quick glance at current air quality. The Shark BreatheClear Max uses a combination of color-coding and a percentage to display air quality. An all-blue display showing 100% indicates clean air, while a red display or anything below 20% indicates poor air quality.

An ideal model for busy households and those who run an air purifier 24/7. Shark added a motion sensor to this model that detects movement and automatically adjusts the fan speed when someone enters the room. Because of this detection and the long-lasting filter, this model is a great choice for homes that want to unbox an air purifier, turn it on, and forget about adjusting settings or replacing the filter. Our testing indicated solid performance of removing both VOCs and PM 2.5 from the air when burning incense. If you're looking to purify a smaller room, consider the medium-sized BreatheClear for spaces up to 750 square feet or the smallest BreatheClear Compact Pro for spaces up to 300 square feet.

Best for odors

Our top choice for removing odors from cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and diaper pails. The Oransi TrueCarbon 200C Air Purifier iscompact, light, and easy to move; it can reside on the floor or tabletop. It's ready to go out of the box and includes a remote for manual fan speed adjustment.

The Oransi is straightforward to use. It's no-frills with no air quality sensor, app, or WiFi connection feature to navigate. In addition to doing a nice job of clearing out VOCs and particle matter in our incense tests, this air purifier, which uses a 3.2-pound carbon filter — which the company claims is thicker and more efficient than competitors— eliminated every hint of odor from the small patio where my cats' litter boxes are stationed. While this model did a good job of removing VOCs during our tests, carbon filtration is not designed to remove pollen, dust, or other particulate matter like a HEPA filter can.

One drawback is the noise level. Even at the lowest setting, the Oransi is loud. Our sound meter registered 46 dB, which is 21 dB louder than the quietest model we tested. Another con is that this model doesn't have an auto mode. That means you have to use your judgment to choose the setting (from one to 10) based on the severity of the odor. Filter replacements, which need to be replaced one to two times a year, are also pricier than competitors'. — Heidi Borst

Our top picks compared

What else we tested

Over the last few years, our product testing experts have examined nearly 50 air purifiers, and there are several that we almost included in our guide that are still worth considering:

Other air purifiers we recommend

Under $250

Lasko LP300 ($80): Our previous budget-friendly pick, the Lasko LP300 has simple controls and strong HEPA filtration. However, we preferred the similarly priced GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 thanks to its smart features and app integration.

Levoit Vital 200S Smart Air Purifier ($190): This budget-friendly air purifier is low maintenance, and filter replacements are more affordable than other models we tested. With auto mode and a smart app, you can control the settings and monitor your air quality from anywhere. It's a solid option and covers a larger area than the Levoit Core, our pick for small spaces.

PuroAir 240 Air Purifier ($200): This value-priced air purifier is compact and tabletop-sized, featuring a built-in air quality indicator. It did an average job of removing particles but struggled to reduce VOCs. It uses more energy than others, and the annual filter replacement cost can stretch to over $150.

Brondell Horizon O2+ ($180): For the price, this Brondell air purifier did an outstanding job, and I'd recommend it if our top budget pick isn't available. It was one of the top removers of particulate matter in our tests and was easy to maintain and clean. The biggest negative is that it doesn't have an auto mode that adjusts the fan speed based on air quality. This would have been nice since it consumes a lot of power.

Honeywell HPA 5200 ($232): This model performed well and did a decent job of clearing smoke and other particulate matter. However, it's heavier, bulkier, less energy-efficient, and louder than other models that performed just as well.

Winix T810 Air Purifier ($175): This smart air purifier is whisper-quiet on its lowest setting and can purify rooms up to 400 square feet nearly five times in an hour, but it struggles to lower VOCs. It also features Plasmawave technology, which is technically an ionizer, but you can turn that feature off and operate it without it.

Under $450

Coway Airmega Mighty 2($270) The latest release from Coway offers better on-unit controls than the original, works in larger rooms, and has a longer-lasting filter. However, we found the original model’s feature combination and lower price point to be the ideal sweet spot.

Coway Airmega 250 ($399): Another great option we tested from Coway. The 250 was one of the best particulate-matter removers. It also used minimal electricity, thanks to the fan that adjusts to air quality. However, it didn't perform well at removing VOCs from the air.

Dreo Air Purifier Tower Fan ($330): This air purifier and fan combo is a fraction of the cost of the dual-function Dyson fan combos and does a good job of purifying the air, too. Its breezy and powerful fan modes can work in tandem or separately across 12 speeds. Unfortunately, replacement filters seem to be in limited supply.

Dyson HushJet ($300): This ultra-quiet, compact model from Dyson had the lowest decibel rating among all models we tested. It did a great job of scrubbing PM2.5 from indoor air, but it struggled to reduce VOCs.

Honeywell PowerPlus HEPA Air Purifier ($289): This powerful unit proves its worth with excellent performance at reducing VOCS and other particles, but it’s louder than many models we tested. At over 20 pounds, it isn't as portable, and it looks clunky compared to more modern designs.

Shark NeverChange Max ($400): This is Shark's first long-lasting filter design, and a great find when you can snag it on sale. The newer BreatheClear version covers more space, has an even longer-lasting filter, a more advanced air quality sensor, and a fancier LED screen.

Mila ($400): Mila is a mid-range smart air purifier with a variety of filter options, depending on the air quality issue you want to address. I tested the heavy-duty Overreactor,a hospital-grade H14 HEPA filter, and the Basic Breather. The Overreactor was in the middle of the pack in our air purifying tests. The Basic Breather was outstanding at removing particulate matter. But both operated loudly, and nothing else made them stand out.

Over $450

Alen Breathesmart 45i ($449): This Alen air purifier relies on a medical-grade H13 true HEPA filter, which did an outstanding job of removing particulate matter from our test room. This model is also easy to set up, transport, and maintain. However, filter replacement will set you back about $140 per year.

Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet ($610): If we had a "most visually appealing" category, this model would win for its customizable design features. Not only can you customize the filter for the air quality concern you're trying to target (germs, pets, smoke, etc) you can choose the front panel's color from a selection of artwork like Monet's Water Lilies or Hokusai's Great Wave off Kanagawa. This model can also be wall-mounted, meaning you don't have to sacrifice floor space, and it creates a refined look. It also offers exceptional filtration, but its price of over $600 might feel steep for most homes.

Levoit Everest Air ($500): Our testing proved the Levoit Everest Air is a powerful model for large spaces, and its design, which draws air through front vents, allows people to push it up against a wall without sacrificing performance. It also has extensive smart features, but compared to Levoit’s other, more affordable models that are just as capable, we had a harder time justifying the $500 price tag.

Coway Airmega 400S ($630): The Coway Airmega 400S is an attractive unit that makes little noise and adjusts the fan speed based on the air pollution level, which results in low energy use. However, its performance was just average in our purifying tests, and its smart features aren't very robust.

Air purifiers we don't recommend

Dyson HP09: As a space heater, The HP09 does an outstanding job of heating and cooling rooms up to 800 square feet in size. The only problem is that it was one of the worst performers in our air purifying tests.

Honeywell Insight HPA5300B: I like the look of this air purifier, and it's easy to maintain and has widely available filters. However, it uses a lot of electricity and is loud at high speeds. Plus, its performance in the air purifying tests was unimpressive.

IQAir Atem: We were hoping this would be a good compact option, but it performed poorly in the air purifying tests and has high upfront and filter costs.

Molekule Air Pro: With its sleek design and hefty price tag, we expected more from this model. However, the Winix T810 models outperformed the Molekule in our tests, and at a fraction of the price. When poor air quality caused the air purifier to kick into the highest setting, it was noticeably louder, too.

PhoneSoap AirSoap: The biggest reason the AirSoap isn't in our guide is because it relies on ionization to clean the air, and there is no way to turn it off. In fact, we don't recommend ionizing air purifiers for most people. The benefits of ionization are questionable, and there's a risk of adverse health effects from the low levels of ozone produced by the AirSoap.

What to look for in the best air purifiers

When shopping for an air purifier, prioritize filtration, CADR, room size, noise, and long-term maintenance costs over flashy smart features. The best models have a particle filter that can capture fine airborne irritants, a CADR that's appropriate for your room, enough activated carbon to help with odors, and replacement filters that are easy to find and afford. Avoid ozone-generating models, and consider sizing up if you have high ceilings, pets, heavy allergy concerns, wildfire smoke, or an open floor plan.

Filtration: High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Choosing a model with a genuine or True HEPA filter provides the best air-cleaning performance. A pre-filter can help trap larger particles like hair and dust, while an activated carbon filter can help with odors and gases. Be wary of vague terms like "HEPA-like" or "HEPA-style" unless the brand provides clear filtration data.

CADR and room size: We recommend using CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), not just the manufacturer's room-size rating, to choose an air purifier. CADR reflects how much clean air the purifier can deliver per minute, which determines how many air changes per hour it can provide in your room. A smoke CADR that's at least two-thirds of the room's square footage is a good baseline for standard 8-foot ceilings and provides roughly 4.8 air changes per hour. If you want faster filtration or need help with smoke, pet dander, or heavy allergens, choose a purifier with a higher CADR or one rated for a larger room. Some brands advertise room coverage based on only one or two air changes per hour, which can make a purifier seem suited for a much larger room than it is in real-world use. For meaningful filtration, we prefer sizing based on CADR and a target of around five air changes per hour.

Activated carbon for odors and gases: A HEPA filter is great for particles, but it won't do much for odors or gases. For cooking smells, smoke odors, VOCs, or pet odors, look for a purifier with a substantial activated carbon filter.

Filter replacement costs and availability: Ongoing maintenance costs can add up, so check how often the filters need to be replaced and how much replacements cost before you buy. Also, make sure the filters are easy to find from the manufacturer or major retailers. A purifier is only useful if you can keep it running with clean, properly fitted filters.

Noise: Air purifiers work best when they run continuously, so noise matters. Look for a model that's quiet enough for bedrooms and living spaces, especially in the settings you'll use most often. A purifier may have an impressive CADR on its highest setting, but if that setting is too loud, you'll probably run it on low, where it cleans less air and works more slowly.

Shape and placement: You'll notice some are cylindrical towers, and others are rectangular. Bill Lin, a compliance engineer at VeSync, explained that any shape can work well, and what matters most is where you place the purifier. "A panel model is designed to sit against a wall, so the wall doesn't interfere with airflow — it pulls from one side by design. A circular air purifier draws in air from all directions and performs best near the center of a room." Consider a circular model if you have room to place it in an open area and a panel model if you intend to place it against a wall.

Avoid ozone-emitting units: Some air purifiers, particularly those that use ionization technology, can produce ozone as a byproduct. Ozone can be harmful to health, particularly for people with respiratory issues, and the EPA advises against ozone-producing air purifiers. Instead, choose an air purifier that's certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or that's been tested to ensure it does not emit ozone.

Energy efficiency: Air purifiers are often left running for hours at a time, so energy use matters. It's important to choose a unit that's sized appropriately for the space, since larger models generally use more energy. Look for ENERGY STAR Certification, which indicates that an air purifier meets EPA energy-efficiency guidelines.

How we test air purifiers

Purifying abilities: We burned incense for 15 minutes in a 200-square-foot room with the windows and doors closed, then ran each purifier for two hours. Using an Airthings View Plus, we measured PM 2.5 and VOC levels every 15 minutes and compared both the percentage removed and the amount left at the end of the test. We used auto mode when available, or the highest setting when it wasn't. For context, recommended room sizes in this guide are calculated assuming an eight-foot ceiling and four air changes per hour.

Ease of use: We timed setup from unboxing to operation, including app connection when applicable, and noted any confusing steps or frustrations during daily use. Most air purifiers took less than five minutes to set up.

Noise: We measured each purifier on its highest and lowest settings from four feet away with a sound meter, noting whether the noise interfered with sleeping, watching TV, or conversation.

Maintenance: We cleaned each air purifier according to the manufacturer's instructions and evaluated how easy it was to access, clean, and replace filters. We also noted whether the unit had filter-cleaning or replacement indicators.

Portability: We moved each purifier around the house and considered weight, handles, and overall ease of carrying. Models over 20 pounds or awkward to move lost points.

Long-term costs: We calculated annual filter costs, checked whether replacements were widely available beyond the manufacturer's site, and measured 24-hour power consumption with a smart plug using the same settings as the purifying test.

Air purifier FAQs

Are air purifiers worth it?

An air purifier cleans odors, pollen, pet dander, and more from indoor air. According to the EPA, units with HEPA filters can improve symptoms of COPD and asthma sufferers and effectively remove ash and smoke particles. If you cannot take steps to improve your indoor air quality by other means or the pollutants still seem to stick around, an air purifier is an intelligent choice. Even the worst air purifiers we tested improved indoor air quality.

What do air purifiers remove from the air?

The type of filter a purifier has determines what pollutants it can remove. HEPA filters are popular because they can remove smoke, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, dust, mold, and other particulate matter of 0.3 to 10 microns. Activated carbon filters can remove VOCs and other gases.

What does HEPA mean?

HEPA is an acronym for "high-efficiency particulate air." The EPA defines a true HEPA filter as one that captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter. This includes bacteria, dust, pollen, and mold. Avoid models labeled as HEPA-type or HEPA-like, as there is no standard for their quality.

Do air purifiers help with odors?

Yes, if they have an activated carbon filter. HEPA filters capture particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles, but they don't do much for smells or gases. For cooking smells, pet odors, smoke odors, VOCs, or musty air, choose an air purifier with a substantial carbon filter. Just note that an air purifier can reduce odors in the air, but it won't eliminate the source of the smell.

Can air purifiers help with wildfire smoke?

Yes. Zhang recommended air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality in areas affected by wildfires. Air purifiers will be most effective if you keep windows and doors closed. Also, have purifiers in each room rather than moving one from room to room.

What can you do to get the most out of your air purifier?

Bryan Buckley, the brand manager for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, suggested the following:

• Keep your air purifier running in one spot continuously to maintain good air quality.
• Make sure filters are replaced on a regular schedule, as a dirty filter can make your air purifier less effective.
• Air purifiers are best in high-traffic areas, such as your kitchen, living room, or bedroom.
• Position the unit to blow clean air where people gather, and close your windows during use.

How often should you change the filter?

It varies. Manufacturer guidelines range from every 3 months to six years. We note the replacement schedule for the models in our guide and the anticipated annual filter costs. Follow the schedule in your air purifier's user manual for optimal efficiency and performance.

Are ionizing air purifiers safe?

Ionizers can generate ozone, a lung irritant. Enesta Jones, an EPA spokesperson, said even low amounts of ozone could cause shortness of breath, chest pain, throat irritation, and coughing. Because of this, we don't recommend any air purifiers that don't let you turn off the ionizing function.

Should I buy an air purifier and humidifier combo?

We generally recommend keeping them separate. Air purifiers remove particles and odors from the air, while humidifiers add moisture. Combo units can save space, but they also have different maintenance needs, and too much humidity can encourage mold or mildew. We did not test purifier-humidifier combos for this guide. If you must, the choices are few and far between — and expensive — with the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH2 De-NOx and the BlueAir 2-in-1 Purify + Humidify.

Air purifier terms to know

In this guide, we throw around a lot of terms you may not be familiar with. Here are a few definitions of terms and acronyms that are commonly used when talking about air purifiers:

CADR: Clean air delivery rate. Typically measured in cubic feet per minute or cubic meters per hour, CADR indicates how much air an air purifier can clean. Some companies will have different CADR ratings for smoke, dust, and pollen.

cfm: Cubic feet per minute. This is the most common unit of measurement for expressing how much air an air purifier can clean or process per minute.

HEPA: High-efficiency particulate air. True HEPA or HEPA-type filters are generally considered to be the gold standard in the industry.

VOCs: Volatile organic compounds. These compounds have low water solubility and high vapor pressure. They are commonly produced in the manufacturing of refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, and paints and are often found in paints, craft materials, adhesives, markers, furniture, pesticides, cleaning supplies, and more.

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