9 Best Air Purifiers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
GQ RecommendsNine design-minded options that clear the air without killing the vibe.By J. Travis Smith, Timothy Beck Werth, and Jordan GallowayDecember 19, 2024Image: GettySave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.Right now, tiny particles like chemicals, smoke, and bacteria are floating all around you—hell, it's probably why you're Googling the best air purifiers in the first place. The uptick in wildfires has pushed the issue of clean air to the forefront, highlighting its importance—not just outdoors, but inside your home, too. And with the EPA reporting that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than what’s outside, an air purifier has gone from a nice-to-have to an essential home upgrade.No surprise, then, that the air purifier market is booming, projected to hit $5 billion in the US in just a few years. With options at every price point, it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your needs—but harder than ever to decide which to buy. That’s where we come in: Whether you’re battling pet dander, seasonal allergies, or just want something that won’t ruin your living room aesthetic, we’ve narrowed the field to the best air purifiers for every purpose and space.The Best Air Purifiers at a GlanceBest Air Purifier for the Home: Coway Airmega 150, $152Best Air Purifier for Pets: Mila, $358 $300Best Dyson Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet, $1,000Best Air Purifier for Allergies: Rabbit Air A3 SPA-1000N Air Purifier, $750Best Air Purifier for Mold: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max, $350Best HEPA Air Purifier: IQ Air Atem X Smart Air Purifier, $1,399Best Air Purifier for Large Rooms: Molekule Air Pro, $650Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms: Samsung Bespoke Cube Air Purifier, $495Best Affordable Air Purifier: Levoit Core 300, $100Best-Looking Air Purifier: Oval Air 1000C Purifier, $177Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWhat to Look for in an Air PurifierWhere Should I Place My Air Purifier?Do Air Purifiers Protect You From Getting Sick?How We Chose These Air PurifiersFor the uninitiated, air purifiers work by pulling air through a series of filters—typically a HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns (think: pollen, dust, and pet hair). Some models go further with carbon filters to neutralize odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or UV lights and ionizers to zap bacteria and viruses. When choosing one, consider the room size it’s designed for, noise levels, and ongoing filter replacement costs. Effective models for small spaces start around $100, while high-performance options for larger areas can climb north of $1,000.Here’s your cheat sheet to breathing easier—literally.Best Air Purifier for the Home: Coway Airmega 150ChevronChevronCowayAirmega 150$152 AmazonThe stylish and compact air purifier fits perfectly into cozy spaces like bedrooms or small living rooms. Its triple-layer filtration system, including a Green True HEPA filter, effectively captures allergens and pollutants. (HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is a gold standard in air filtration, designed to trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, such as pollen, dust, and smoke.) Customers love how easy it is to set up and use, with one reviewer noting its performance in improving air quality in under 10 minutes. Many users also appreciate its quiet operation and straightforward filter maintenance process. I personally loved how easy it was to start using straight out of the box—just remove the plastic around the filter layers and plug it in. I also appreciate that its auto feature allowed me to set it and forget it. The purifier increases or decreases its filtration intensity based on the air quality in my apartment, so when I’m cooking, for example, it kicks into high gear without me needing to make any adjustments. Big fan of how easily it blends into the background, and I barely hear it even at full blast.Best Air Purifier for Pets and Small Children: MilaMilaSmart Home Air Purifier with Basic Breather H12 HEPA Replacement Filter, Removes Dust, Particulates, Pollution, Ideal for Large Room$358 $300 AmazonThe Mila Air Purifier is incredibly easy to use—and what’s better is that it’s hyper-customizable. The brand sells its HEPA air purifier, which is able to handle rooms large and small. My favorite bit of purchasing the Mila, however, is that it comes with customized filters for folks with allergies, small kids, or those who just want to focus on inhaling some fresh, no-nasties air. The pet filter has an H13 HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and a Mila sock that goes around the filter. This allows it to trap bigger particles like dust and fur. Every time I replace the filters, I notice that it does a really good job of trapping pet hair; but despite being targeted for that, in a pinch I used it one night when my kid’s room was fill
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Right now, tiny particles like chemicals, smoke, and bacteria are floating all around you—hell, it's probably why you're Googling the best air purifiers in the first place. The uptick in wildfires has pushed the issue of clean air to the forefront, highlighting its importance—not just outdoors, but inside your home, too. And with the EPA reporting that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than what’s outside, an air purifier has gone from a nice-to-have to an essential home upgrade.
No surprise, then, that the air purifier market is booming, projected to hit $5 billion in the US in just a few years. With options at every price point, it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your needs—but harder than ever to decide which to buy. That’s where we come in: Whether you’re battling pet dander, seasonal allergies, or just want something that won’t ruin your living room aesthetic, we’ve narrowed the field to the best air purifiers for every purpose and space.
The Best Air Purifiers at a Glance
- Best Air Purifier for the Home: Coway Airmega 150, $152
- Best Air Purifier for Pets: Mila,
$358$300 - Best Dyson Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet, $1,000
- Best Air Purifier for Allergies: Rabbit Air A3 SPA-1000N Air Purifier, $750
- Best Air Purifier for Mold: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max, $350
- Best HEPA Air Purifier: IQ Air Atem X Smart Air Purifier, $1,399
- Best Air Purifier for Large Rooms: Molekule Air Pro, $650
- Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms: Samsung Bespoke Cube Air Purifier, $495
- Best Affordable Air Purifier: Levoit Core 300, $100
- Best-Looking Air Purifier: Oval Air 1000C Purifier, $177
For the uninitiated, air purifiers work by pulling air through a series of filters—typically a HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns (think: pollen, dust, and pet hair). Some models go further with carbon filters to neutralize odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or UV lights and ionizers to zap bacteria and viruses. When choosing one, consider the room size it’s designed for, noise levels, and ongoing filter replacement costs. Effective models for small spaces start around $100, while high-performance options for larger areas can climb north of $1,000.
Here’s your cheat sheet to breathing easier—literally.
Best Air Purifier for the Home: Coway Airmega 150
The stylish and compact air purifier fits perfectly into cozy spaces like bedrooms or small living rooms. Its triple-layer filtration system, including a Green True HEPA filter, effectively captures allergens and pollutants. (HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is a gold standard in air filtration, designed to trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, such as pollen, dust, and smoke.) Customers love how easy it is to set up and use, with one reviewer noting its performance in improving air quality in under 10 minutes. Many users also appreciate its quiet operation and straightforward filter maintenance process. I personally loved how easy it was to start using straight out of the box—just remove the plastic around the filter layers and plug it in. I also appreciate that its auto feature allowed me to set it and forget it. The purifier increases or decreases its filtration intensity based on the air quality in my apartment, so when I’m cooking, for example, it kicks into high gear without me needing to make any adjustments. Big fan of how easily it blends into the background, and I barely hear it even at full blast.
Best Air Purifier for Pets and Small Children: Mila
The Mila Air Purifier is incredibly easy to use—and what’s better is that it’s hyper-customizable. The brand sells its HEPA air purifier, which is able to handle rooms large and small. My favorite bit of purchasing the Mila, however, is that it comes with customized filters for folks with allergies, small kids, or those who just want to focus on inhaling some fresh, no-nasties air. The pet filter has an H13 HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and a Mila sock that goes around the filter. This allows it to trap bigger particles like dust and fur. Every time I replace the filters, I notice that it does a really good job of trapping pet hair; but despite being targeted for that, in a pinch I used it one night when my kid’s room was filled with the smell of vomit thanks to a daycare bug. This thing took that smell from “stinging the back of your throat” to “barely there” in roughly 45 minutes. To me, having something that keeps my surfaces clean and my rooms fresh is a real win.
Best Dyson Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet
I have a delicate smoke alarm that likes to applaud me every time I decide to cook at home. That’s to say: My smoke alarm goes off a lot. Ever since I got Dyson’s Purifier Big + Quiet, a Star Wars-like droid of an air purifier, I’ve had fewer instances of having to stand on a step-stool and wave a flattened pizza boy at the alarm to prevent the fire department from showing up at my door. This thing is as exactly as advertised: It’s big, and it’s quiet. I also have a different Dyson air purifier, but I use that mainly for its fan because it can get quite loud—a problem I don’t have with this R2-D2-looking thing. It’s been pretty good at getting rid of cooking smells, too.
Best Air Purifier for Allergies: Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet
For allergy sufferers, the Rabbit Air A3 is a game-changer. With its six-layer filtration system and whisper-quiet operation, it tackles airborne irritants in spaces as large as 1,070 square feet. Reviewers are particularly impressed with its allergy-focused features, like the ability to customize the filters for specific needs. One user with severe allergies shared that the purifier significantly reduced their symptoms, making it easier to breathe indoors. A potential downside is that the wall-mount feature may require careful installation, but users say it’s worth the effort if you don’t want to give up precious floor space in your place. Allergens aside, I feel like one of the best features of this purifier is its powerful odor control capabilities. I decided to test my unit in my bathroom where I also keep my litter box, and you wouldn’t even know I had a cat. I also find the Rabbit is super sensitive to shifts in air quality and will automatically kick into a higher gear fast, sometimes after particularly steamy showers.
Best Air Purifier for Mold: BlueAir 311 Auto
For mold concerns, the BlueAir 311 Auto is a reliable solution. Mold spores in the air can aggravate allergies or asthma, especially in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens. This purifier uses HEPASilent technology to effectively trap mold spores and other allergens. While it won’t remove existing mold growing on surfaces, it helps reduce airborne particles that can spread mold or irritate respiratory systems. Its ability to automatically adjust based on air quality levels is a favorite feature among users, who also praise its low noise levels—a good choice for mid-sized rooms prone to humidity.
Best HEPA Air Purifier: IQAir Atem X Smart Air Purifier
For top-notch air purification, the IQAir Atem X delivers with its HyperHEPA filters, capable of catching ultra-fine particles. Users love its performance in high-pollution areas, with one reviewer stating that it handled persistent smoke particles “better than any other purifier” they had tried. It’s designed to be fast-acting and capable of cleaning a 1,650-square-foot space in 30 minutes.
Its smart features are praised for being intuitive once set up, but some noted the setup process could be more streamlined. If you don’t want to deal with another app on your phone and don’t care about receiving data, you can use this unit without the smart app functions, which is what I chose to do. I’ve had mine on autopilot for the past two months and prefer it that way. I was initially surprised by its size and weight (almost 30 pounds) when I unboxed it, but installation took seconds and once I placed it on its wheeled base, it was easy to maneuver around my space. The recent wildfires in Brooklyn where I live really put this purifier to the test. The air in my apartment remained clean and clear even though my building smelled like a bonfire when I stepped out into the hallway.
Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms: Samsung Bespoke Cube Air Purifier
Samsung’s Bespoke Cube stands out with its customizable, modular design that fits into smaller spaces. Unlike most purifiers, which only filter from one side, this cube offers 360-purification and five-way suction capabilities, making it discrete and ideal to install in a central part of your living space as opposed to against a wall. Users praise its near-silent operation and how it seamlessly integrates with modern decor. One reviewer shared that it dramatically improved air quality in a nursery without being distracting or noisy during sleep. However, it’s worth noting that users find it to be more effective in personal spaces than in larger rooms.
Best Affordable Air Purifier: Levoit Core 300-P
Compact and efficient, the Levoit Core 300-P is a standout for its performance in smaller spaces. Users rave about how quickly it clears up pet-related allergens and everyday dust. One user shared that the purifier noticeably reduced sneezing and congestion within days of use. Some noted that its low and medium fan settings are impressively quiet for overnight use. I’ve been testing this unit in my bedroom all fall and can’t even hear it—several times I’ve gotten up to look at the top to make sure it’s still turned on. While it doesn’t make a peep, it does improve the quality of my sleep. I’ve noticed I konk out harder and wake up feeling more rested since I started using it.
Best-Looking Air Purifier: Oval Air 1000C Purifier
The Oval Air 1000C is so sleek it could double as decor. You can choose from multiple cover treatments including wood finishes to customize it to any interior design. Its powerful HEPA and carbon filters are a hit with users who want both style and substance. Reviewers highlight how it blends effortlessly into minimalist interiors while effectively reducing odors and dust. One user appreciated that it added to their living space aesthetically while improving air quality subtly but consistently.
What to Look For in an Air Purifier
When shopping for an air purifier, your decision will likely come down to size, style, and extra features. Do you want to be able to schedule when the device will run, all from an app? How about filter alerts, so you never forget to replace a dirty one? Some of these models are on the larger side, so find a spot for your device that’ll ensure maximum usage. It won’t do much good sitting unplugged in your closet, after all.
Air purifier brands also love to make bold claims about their machines, but marketing speak aside, here's what you should actually consider when looking for an air purifier.
Clean air delivery rate (or CADR)
This refers to a combination of how much air these devices circulate, plus how effectively they can clean the air. It might seem like a lot, but you want the air in a room to circulate at least three times per hour. “If you're having a conversation in a room and that air is only being cleaned once or twice every hour, then the HEPA system is not going to be very effective,” says Dr. Sai Nimmagadda, a Chicago-based allergy and immunology specialist. He says to consider airplanes, which completely clean the cabin air every three minutes, or 20 times per hour.
HEPA filters
There's only one filter you want in an air purifier: a HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, filter that will capture upwards of 99.9% of fine air particles, including viruses, bacteria and pollen. Anything marketed with a “HEPA-like” filter isn't going to do the job as well. These filters aren’t cheap to replace, but they are very easy to find, and most reputable air purifier brands will use one in the first place. Depending on how often you're running your device, they may only last six months before needing a replacement, so make sure you factor that in when pricing out your options.
Pre-filters
A screen housed within an air purifier that traps larger air pollutants—like dust or pet dander—can be another helpful add-on to your device. Called a pre-filter, it's an added layer of protection that catches all the big stuff so your HEPA filter can carry on doing its best work without getting clogged. It's also usually made of a material that's easily washable, so you don't have to constantly replace it.
Carbon filters
Carbon filters are a third type of screen that's apt at trapping odors from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, along with the strong scent of your weed or the wet dog who just traipsed in from outside. They work through a process called adsorption that uses activated carbon to attracts contaminants to attach to the outside of the filter.
Coverage
Air purifiers are broken down by “coverage” or the largest room they can effectively clean, typically circulating the air two to five times per hour. This ranges from small kitchens to large family rooms, so break out the tape measure. In general, it’s better to have several small air purifiers in multiple rooms, rather than one large one for the entire house, as Nimmagadda notes that even with a device equipped to cover a larger area, it's going to take a lot longer to purify the air in a bigger space.
Where Should I Place My Air Purifier?
“You can't put a small HEPA filter in the corner of the room expected to protect you when you're on the other side of the room,” says Nimmagadda. For best results, place it in the room you spend the most time in, like your bedroom, and make sure it can circulate air effectively throughout the room, and that it's not obstructed by pieces of furniture or hidden away in a corner.
Do Air Purifiers Protect You From Getting Sick?
According to recent studies, air filtration simulation experiments quantitatively showed that an air cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter can continuously remove SARS-CoV-2 from the air. While many companies are hesitant to make sweeping claims about COVID prevention, some have their air purifiers independently tested, like Coway's, which have demonstrated a 99.98% removal of COVID-19 in under two minutes. This effectiveness is especially good news in winter, when people tend to migrate indoors and spread sickness more readily. Then again, viruses typically spread through person-to-person contact, so if you're sitting two inches away from someone who's infected, that air purifier won't help much.
If you want to specifically keep one room clean from, say, allergy-inducing pet dander, make sure to keep it relatively sealed tight with an air purifier running before you enter. Nimmagadda recommends focusing on your specific allergies. For instance, if you’re allergic to tree pollen, keep windows closed in the springtime.
But unless there’s serious air pollution outside, you don’t want to keep your windows permanently closed as fresh air is important for the quality of your air. “One of the theories of why asthma and other [respiratory] illnesses are on the rise is because these new homes that we build are so airtight that they don't really have fresh air exchanges for getting rid of dust mites or indoor smoke,” says Nimmagadda.
How We Chose These Air Purifiers
This guide only includes products that feature a true HEPA filter, which traps 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size or larger from the air, including numerous airborne allergens, viruses, and other pollutants. Besides filtration and design, we noted each purifier's ease of use, smart features, portability, and its recommended square footage for purification. Above all, we selected options you'd actually want to display in your home, since many people keep these things running every day of the year. All of our favorite air purifiers also came with useful features such as air quality indicator lights, voice control, or accompanying apps that make it easy to monitor indoor air quality.
Compared to past versions of this guide, we've delisted some Levoit models that didn't use a true HEPA filter and also older versions of Blueair and Coway air purifiers (the Blue Pure 311 Auto and the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH) for sleeker, smarter options in the same price range.
