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The best air purifiers from Dyson, Bissell and more — some are up to 54% off for Prime Day

Some of our top picks for smoke, allergens and more are also now on steep discount.
Woman pressing the button on a Blue Air Purifier
Vivian Le / TODAY
/ Source: TODAY

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.

Before we get into the ins and outs of finding the right air purifier for you, we wanted to share top-rated options that are on sale for Prime Day 2023 (Amazon's two-day sale event that falls on July 11 and 12 this year). If you're on the fence about buying one of these gadgets to improve the air quality in your home, these discounts might change your mind:

Best Prime Day Air Purifier Deals

Levoit Personal HEPA Air Purifier (LV-H126)

Now 29.94 (was $59.99, 50% off)

This compact 5-pound air purifier from Levoit (a name you'll see a few times on our list) is now half off. For just under $30, you'll get coverage for up to 160 square feet, three fan speeds, three-stage filtration and an extra pre-filter. Plus, it's indeed quiet, say several reviewers.

Mooka B-D02L Air Purifier

Now $59.97 (was $129.99, 54% off)

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 — all for $60 off.

BlueAir Pure 511 Air Purifier

Now $69.99 (was $99.99, 30% off)

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 $70, the lowest price we've seen this year. The three-stage filtering gadget can cover up to 180 square feet — perfect for small rooms and nurseries.

Levoit Core P350 Pet Care True HEPA Air Purifier

Now $89.99 (was $129.99, 30% off)

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 the brand 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.

Bissell Air180 Home Air Purifier

Now $99.99 (was $179.99, 44% off)

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. For a noteworthy 44% off, 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.

Smartmi Air Purifier P1(Silver)

Now $106.99 (was $159.99, 41% off)

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. And we almost forgot the best part: This deal goes beyond Prime Day, through July 18.

Clorox Alexa Smart Large Room True HEPA Air Purifier

Now $119.99 (was $169.99, 29% off)

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 1,500 square feet and has a 360-degree air flow. Several reviewers with allergies and asthma say this quiet gadget was worth the investment.

Shark Air Purifier Pet with True HEPA

Now $129.99 (was $239.99, 46% off)

Another powerful option for pet parents, Shark's Air Purifier Pet with True HEPA, which works on areas up to 500 square feet, is now almost half off (read: more than $100 off the sticker price). It uses its Clean Sense 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.

Coway Airmega 200M True HEPA and Activated-Carbon Air Purifier

Now $149.99 (was 229.99, 35% off)

TikTok is buzzing about this HEPA filter air purifiers, mirrored by the product's 4.7 average star rating (from 22,000+ shoppers!). Thankfully, you can get in on the fun for $80 off. The Airmega 200M isn't just all (social) talk, however. This small gadget packs quite the punch with its 361 square feet of coverage, three-stage filtration, filter change indicator and air pollution sensor.

Medify Air MA-35 Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter

Now $274.99 (was $399, 31% off)

For a space-saving wall-mounted option, the discount on Medify's MA-35 can't be beat — you'll be saving more than $100. The device can clear 640 square feet of space in 30 minutes, and it boasts a touch panel, child lock and three fan speeds. Oh, and did we mention the lifetime guarantee?

Shark HE402AMZ Air Purifier

Now $199.99 (was $349.99, 43% off)

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 1,000 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.

Dyson Hot+Cool HP07 Air Purifier, Heater and Fan

Now $549.99 (was $749.99, 27% off)

This is a pricey gadget, but it has three functions in addition to now being $200 off. In addition to its smart purification system, there are also modes for cooling and heating. Plus, its 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

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.

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

PRIME DAY DISCOUNT: Now $123.25 (was $249.99, 50% off)

Filter type: Pre, True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 360 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches

The activated carbon filter in this Amazon bestseller (it's garnered a whopping 36,000-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

Levoit Desktop True HEPA Air Purifier

Filter type: Fine pre, H13 True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: Up to 161 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.7 x 10.4 inches

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

Filter type: Pre, True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 200 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 12.20 x 8.26 x 8.26 inches

This affordable and portable option from Medify has a medical-grade H13 filter and can clean up to 200 square feet in half an 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 portable air purifier

Bissell MYair Purifier

Filter type: Pre, HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 88 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 12 x 8 inches

This affordable purifier is nice and compact, so it's perfect for storing in a a kid's room, a home office or any number of spots in your family's home. Plus, all for under $100, it features a three-in-one HEPA filter, a fan with low and sleep modes (that the brand says is "whisper-quiet"), and an optional night light.

Best overall air purifier

Blueair Blue Pure 411a Max Air Purifier

Filter type: Pre, HEPASilent, activated carbon | Coverage area: 219-526 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 18.9 X 10.6 X 10.6 inches

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 411, and the brand says it can efficiently clean 219-square-foot spaces in about 12 minutes, or up to 526 square feet of space in 30 minutes (on the high setting).

Best air purifier for pet owners

Homedics TotalClean PetPlus 5-in-1 Air Purifier

Filter type: True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 266 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 22 inches

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

Pure Enrichment PureBaby Bear Air Purifier

Filter type: Pre, True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 263 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 14.6 inches

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 Vital 100S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Filter type: Pre, True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 300 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches

Levoit's popular air purifier has an impressive 4.7-star average rating on Amazon and works in rooms up to 300 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

AirDoctor AD3000 Classic 4-in-1 Air Purifier

Filter type: True HEPA, activated carbon | Coverage area: 600-1,000 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 23 x 15.75 x 8.5 inches

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

Dyson Pure Hot + CoolHEPA Air Purifier

Filter type: True HEPA | Coverage area: 800-900 sq. ft. | Dimensions: 25 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches

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, but as we detailed above, it's on sale from Prime Day for under $550 (that's about $200 off!).

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Second, filter the air with a portable air purifier and your HVAC filter, "particularly in the rooms where people are spending the most time."

  3. 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.

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.