Even though you can't see them, there can be plenty of particles floating through the air in your family's home at any given moment. Whether you're dealing with dust and allergens, concerned about viruses or want to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, an air purifier can help filter your indoor air and make breathing a bit easier.
It's important to note, however, that air purifiers aren't an end-all-be-all solution. Especially in the case of wildfire smoke episodes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that indoor air purification should be a secondary step in your family's overall approach to breathing cleaner air.
"The primary strategy is to stay indoors and minimize how much outdoor air comes indoors by closing windows and outside air intakes of your HVAC system," the U.S. EPA tells us in an email. "We’re telling our patients to stay inside with the windows closed and to limit outdoor activity," echoes Dr. Klaus Meinhof, an attending physician in Pulmonary Critical Care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst.
Best Air Purifiers
This compact 2.2lbs air purifier from Levoit (a name you'll see a few times on our list) is now 20% off. For just under $40, you'll get coverage for up to 255 square feet, three fan speeds, three-stage filtration and an extra pre-filter. Plus, it comes complete with an aroma pad, filters smoke, allergens, pet dander, bad smells and dust.
This humidifier helps add moisture back into dry indoor air while offering a little extra versatility for your space. Designed for quiet operation, it can also be used with essential oils via its dedicated aroma feature, making it easy to create a more comfortable, spa-like atmosphere.
Commerce editor Vivien Moon says, “I love for my home to have a gorgeous scent and this one does two for one: It can act as a humidifier and can somewhat double as a diffuser with essential oils. It is really quiet and has dishwasher-safe parts.”
Designed for smaller spaces, the Molekule Air Mini+ packs powerful air purification into a compact footprint that fits easily on a bedside table, desk or shelf. Using PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filtration, it helps capture pollutants, allergens and odours while offering Wi-Fi connectivity and app controls for convenient monitoring. A filter subscription option also makes maintenance simple.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says it’s been a staple in her home for years, particularly during periods of wildfire smoke in New York City. “While it lacks in size, it makes up for its ability to keep robust scents in check and out of my way. It’s strong enough to suck up the aromas from burning candles in my bathroom to meaty bacon grease in my kitchen,” she says, adding that the app is easy to use and the automatic six-month filter replacement subscription makes upkeep effortless.
The Blueair Blue Signature SP3i combines powerful air purification with thoughtful smart features in a sleek, modern design. Designed for medium-sized rooms, it uses a Particle & Carbon filter to capture airborne particles while helping reduce household odours. The purifier automatically monitors air quality, adjusts its performance as needed and connects to the Blueair app, where you can track real-time and historical air quality data, receive filter reminders and control the unit remotely.
Commerce editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson says, “I’ve been using this air purifier for the past few months and am impressed so far! I love that it’s actively monitoring the air throughout the day and runs two cleaning cycles a day just to refresh the air, even if nothing is wrong. I’m also a big fan of the app that shows all of the particle levels in the air, both in the air and historically so I can keep an eye on how well the air is being cleaned. The top of the machine will also give an estimated time for how long it will take to complete the air cleaning cycle once it starts. I really can’t stand when food smells linger in the air and I think this has really helped them not linger as much.”
For something even more lightweight (at just over 3 pounds) but covers a lot more ground at over 1,000 square feet, go for this pick. It not only has three-stage filtration, but also a child lock, smart settings and filter change reminder.
We've crowned BlueAir's 411 Max air purifier our best overall pick (see why below). We're glad to see that its more compact cousin, the 5-pound Pure 511, is now under $90, the lowest price we've seen this year. The three-stage filtering gadget can cover up to 432 square feet — perfect for small rooms and nurseries.
Pet parents, here's an option for you (and one that's available at its lowest price in the past year). Levoit's P350 is equipped with a high-efficiency activated carbon filter that can deodorize up to 92% of pet odors and cooking smells (based on tests). Plus, it's quiet, many users say, and it looks chic, too.
For large spaces like living rooms and main bedrooms, Bissell's Air180 can work on areas up to 1,372 square feet using three-stage filtration. You'll also get a dimmable display, built-in two- and eight-hour timer and a filter change indicator. It's quite quiet, too, reviewers happily report.
This cute and portable air purifier also happens to be smart — link it to Alexa, Homekit or Google Assistant and you can control it with your voice. It can purify areas of up to 320 square feet and uses a real-time display to inform you if particles like pollen in the air exceed a certain concentration.
Like the Smartmi, this offering from household name Clorox is also smart assistant-compatible. This one also happens to be able to work on rooms up to 1000 square feet and has a 360-degree air flow. Several reviewers with allergies and asthma say this quiet gadget was worth the investment.
Another powerful option for pet parents, Shark's Air Purifier with True HEPA, which works on areas up to 500 square feet, is now $50 off the sticker price. It uses its CleanSense IQ to monitor the air in real time. Plus, the so-called NANOSEAL anti-allergen filter can capture more micropollutants than what HEPA standards call for, the brand says.
TikTok is buzzing about this HEPA filter air purifiers, mirrored by the product's 4.7 average star rating (from 22,000+ shoppers!). The Airmega 200M isn't just all (social) talk, however. This small gadget packs quite the punch with its 874 square feet of coverage, three-stage filtration, filter change indicator and air pollution sensor.
This purifier is designed for large spaces, using a multi-stage True HEPA H13 filtration system to capture dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and other airborne particles. With coverage for large rooms, plus features like multiple fan speeds, sleep mode and an easy-to-use touchscreen, it’s a powerful choice for improving indoor air quality throughout your home. Oh, and did we mention the lifetime guarantee?
If you want to make sure you're effectively clearing out even the largest of spaces, this powerful option from Shark works on up to 1,200 square feet — and it's on offer for the lowest price we've seen this year. The device features four micro-fans for even airflow, a Clear Sense IQ air monitor, and a NANOSEAL filter that's equipped with an extra odor guard.
This is a pricey gadget, but it does have three functions in one. In addition to its smart purification system, there are also modes for cooling and heating. Plus, it’s compatible with Alexa, Siri and Google Home. (An older version of this air purifier is featured in our best-of list, below.)
To learn more about how air purifiers work from the experts and to see our editor-vetted top picks, keep scrolling or use the links below.
What is an air purifier? | Tips during poor air quality outside | Best budget | Best for small spaces | Most portable | Best overall | Best for pet owners | Best for nurseries | Best bang for the buck | Most quiet | Best for large rooms | Best splurge | FAQs | How we chose | Meet our experts
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What is an air purifier and how does it work?
Not sure where to start your air purifier search? Our experts break down how they work below.
They typically have a fan and a filter.
"The most basic and effective air purifiers typically consist of a fan and a filter of some kind. The fan moves air from the room through the filter/air cleaner installed in the device," says Brent Stephens, professor and department chair in the department of civil, architectural and environmental engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
They work on a range of air particles.
Most air purifiers filter a wide variety of air particles, including outdoor particles that find their way inside and indoor particles generated by people, pets and appliances.
"Particles may include anything ranging from dust, fungi and fibers to bacteria, viruses and allergens," explains Richard Shaughnessy, director of research and manager of The University of Tulsa's indoor air program.
The most effective ones probably have a HEPA filter.
An air purifier is only as good as its filters, and the experts we consulted all suggested looking for a purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
"HEPA filters are supposed to be able to remove 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns in diameter," says Dr. Angela Wang, a pulmonologist based in California.
What if I have to go outside when the air quality is poor?
There's no question that air purifiers play a key role in times when we have to remain indoors with the windows closed — for instance, when the Air Quality Index reaches record highs due to wildfire smoke. But sometimes we have no choice but to venture outside. What then?
"For those who have to go outside, a properly worn N95 mask or P100 respirator can reduce exposure," advises Meinhof. "We are offering video visits to our patients until conditions improve to reduce their exposure," he adds, so check and see if your healthcare provider offers that option.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The options we recommend below are certified by either the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers or the California Air Resources Board.
Air purifier with the best value for the cost
Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA
The activated carbon filter in this Amazon bestseller (it's garnered a whopping 31,000-plus star ratings) reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), household odors and airborne particles, while the HEPA filter traps airborne allergens and smoke. Winix's air purifier also features PlasmaWave air-cleaning technology that helps filter out airborne bacteria and viruses.
A recurring theme in the reviews is how effective this purifier is for its relatively low cost, even if it's not much to look at and is a bit bulky. Here's one reviewer: "This unit has more than exceeded my expectations and meets all the things I was looking for. ... I can place these at opposite sides of the area and get more than ample coverage. ... The cost is low, the replacement filters don't cost an arm and a leg, it covers a large area, and you get a lot of features."
Best budget air purifier
With so many of us working remotely nowadays, a compact air purifier that fits on a desk isn't a bad idea. Levoit's sleek purifier has a three-stage filtration system that features a pre-filter, a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, and it sucks up particles as small as 0.3 microns. There's also a fragrance pad located at the top of the device (covered by a cap), so you can add essential oils to make your home smell and feel clean.
Best air purifier for small spaces
Medify Medical Grade HEPA Air Purifier
This portable option from Medify has a medical-grade H13 filter and can clean up to 470 square feet in one hour. It also has three fan speeds, a nightlight, a filter indicator and a lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects.
Their size and affordability made it easy for one Medify reviewer to buy two: "We bought two MA-14's recently (one for my home office and another for the bedroom). They made an immediate positive difference in the sinus and upper respiratory issues I had been having," they wrote.
Best overall air purifier
In order to be effective, air purifiers have to run regularly — and that can eat up a lot of energy. Luckily, this one from Blueair is Energy Star rated and also eco-friendly thanks to its recyclable filters. The activated carbon filter traps odors and a washable pre-filter keeps other small particles like dust and pet hair from floating around.
This is an updated model from the 511, and the brand says it can efficiently cleans quickly cleans up to 432 sq ft spaces in 30 minutes or 180 sq ft small rooms in 12.5 minutes with powerful yet whisper-quiet operation at just 24 dB on low speed on the high setting).
Best air purifier for pet owners
Are you a pet parent who constantly struggles with shedding, pet odors and more? PetPlus is designed specifically for you. This portable, five-in-one purifier boasts 360-degree True HEPA filtration, as well as an activated carbon filter to help reduce allergens and pet odors. It also has UV-C technology built in to help tackle bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold.
Best air purifier for nurseries
This adorable air purifier takes the guesswork out of finding an effective option that your tyke will still love. The compact "bear" has seven various soft-glow lights and a helpful child lock. But it packs a punch, too: The True HEPA filter enacts four-stage filtration; it has an option UV-C light! The five-year warranty is a cherry on top.
Quietest air purifier
Levoit's popular air purifier has an impressive 4.7-star average rating on Amazon and works in rooms up to 788 square feet in size. The energy-efficient purifier is lightweight and has a slim, compact shape that makes it ideal if you plan on moving it into different rooms from time to time.
Plus, it's said to be "ultra-quiet" at 23 dB, and reviewers can vouch for that. One reviewer on Levoit's website reports, "The machine is very quiet, even on the highest setting you really can't hear the fan. The size is perfect, it is small enough that it can fit in most spaces."
Best air purifiers for large rooms
The price tag of this four-stage filtration purifier might make many balk, but the distance it covers and its effectiveness make it worth it. Reviewers vouch for it, too; it has an average 4.7 star rating from over 1,000 Amazon buyers. Plus, it features the brand's so-called dual-action carbon gas trap/VOC filter, which is said to tackle odors, ozone, gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
One reviewer says it's great with both odor control and smoke: "I ... loved coming back from a trip and walking into my house and not noticing the cat smell I'm used [to] when I am home all the time. This time, I didn't notice it after my trip. My smoke alarms don't go off anymore when I cook smoky things in the kitchen these days either."
Best splurge air purifier
Ready to splurge on a multitasking air purifier for your family? Dyson's hot/cool model doubles as an air purifier and a heater/fan. The sealed HEPA filter traps airborne particles while a built-in air quality sensor automatically adjusts the fan speed. It's particularly useful for removing common allergens, mold spores and dust.
The newer version of this humidifier is even splurgier.
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Questions about air purifiers, answered
What steps should I take to reduce exposure when there's wildfire smoke outside?
The U.S. EPA advises us in an email to take the following steps:
First and foremost, stay indoors and close your windows to minimize how much outside air comes in and to reduce the outdoor air intake of your HVAC system.
Second, filter the air with a portable air purifier and your HVAC filter, "particularly in the rooms where people are spending the most time."
Check the EPA’s wildfire and indoor air webpage; it lists actions to take to improve indoor air quality, like how to put together your own air cleaner when you can't purchase one.
The agency adds, "To limit the possibility of sleep disruptions, the use of air cleaners in bedrooms may be helpful. Some people are more vulnerable to exposure to smoke than others, and may benefit from instruction on how to create a clean room."
Are air purifiers a good idea for families?
"Children face additional risks from air pollution because their lungs are growing and because they are very active and breathe large amounts of air," Stephens tells us. "Air pollution has been associated with reduced lung growth in children, respiratory symptoms and other effects."
If you want your purifier to work properly, especially if you have kiddos around, make sure to replace the filters regularly and take some time to consider where to place it in your home.
"I recommend HEPA air cleaner devices for children with allergies, particularly to use in a bedroom or rooms that a child spends a lot of time in," says Dr. Marianna Sockrider, chief of pulmonary clinics at Texas Children's Hospital. "You have to match the air cleaner capacity to the size of the room. You also have to keep it running and do proper maintenance to clean filters."
What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA filters are high-efficiency particulate air filters, as officially defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. When maintained properly and replaced consistently, these types of filters are said to remove at least 99.97% of dust, bacteria, mold, pollen and other airborne particles (of at least 0.3 microns in size).
How we chose the best air purifiers
The Shop TODAY team follows strict editorial standards when coming up with our product recommendations. To compile our list of the best air purifiers and factors to consider when shopping, we made sure to do the following:
consult medical and air pollution experts and institutions;
turn to certifying organizations that test air-purifying devices for both effectiveness in improving air quality and electric safety;
sift through verified star ratings and customer reviews from trusted retailers; and
spend hours doing our own research using reputable sites and our previous related coverage.
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Meet our experts
Dr. Klaus Meinhof, MD, is an attending physician in Pulmonary Critical Care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst.
Richard Shaughnessy is director of research and the manager of The University of Tulsa's indoor air program.
Dr. Marianna Sockrider, MD, DrPH, is chief of pulmonary clinics at Texas Children's Hospital.
Brent Stephens is a professor and the department chair in civil, architectural and environmental engineering department at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Dr. Angela Wang, MD, is a pulmonologist based in California.
