Best air purifiers 2024: I'm a home tech editor with asthma and allergies, and these ones tested best for cleaner, healthier air at home

By capturing gases, allergens and pollutants from our indoor spaces, air purifiers create a healthier environment at home. As H&G's home tech editor and an asthma and allergy sufferer, breathing cleaner air vital to my health – and I wouldn't live without an air purifier now.

Aside from easier breathing and fewer allergy symptoms, you can really feel the difference when an air purifier's present. The air feels fresh and crisp, and you wake up feeling more replenished than usual. It's the most effective way to improve your indoor air quality.

We've tested 16 of the best air purifiers available and narrowed them down to the only six you need to consider, assessing each on coverage, efficiency, speed, volume, filtration and price.

Our best-on-test is the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX thanks to its strong performance and huge coverage, but the others are worth your time too, for different reasons.

The quick list

We'll get into the specifics in a minute. For now, these are the best air purifiers at a glance.

The best air purifiers 2024

The best air purifier

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Outside of its excellent performance on tests, the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX boasts something new in the world of air purifiers. It has pre-filters, that Shark refers to as Debris Defence filters, that are wipeable and washable, protecting the HEPA filter within. Because of this, the NeverChange MAX's filter doesn't need to be replaced for up to five years, avoiding those recurring replacement costs that most air purifiers demand. It also makes things easier when it comes to cleaning your air purifier.

Not only is the NeverChange MAX the best air purifier overall, it's also the best for large spaces. At 1,400 square feet, it has the biggest coverage of any air purifier we've tested and I found that it covers large spaces exceptionally well. After a long cooking session, the air purifier had cleaned an entire upstairs' air quality from 33% to 100% in under 30 minutes.

The air purifier's front display shows your room's air quality as a percentage. This is thanks to Shark's Clean Sense IQ detection tech, which also detects the number of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10-sized particles in the air. This data might not be as detailed as the Molekule Air Pro's, but it's enough to see how at-home activities like vacuuming, cooking, or opening the windows can affect your air quality, particularly in a city.

For any product to be the best, it has to be accessible as well as offering helpful features. The NeverChange MAX currently retails for just over $300, which is hundreds of dollars cheaper than some of the other premium air purifiers in this list (like the Dyson Purifier and the Molekule Air Pro). Its plastic aesthetic might not be attractive for everybody, but this is the kind of air purifier that'll genuinely make a big difference at home while being affordable in both initial and recurring costs.

Read our full verdict in our Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX review.

Best air purifier for the purest air quality

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Two feet tall and one foot wide, this little machine can impressively purify large areas. The Molekule Air Pro can cover and clean spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. That's twice the size of a standard studio apartment, and makes it easier to find the best place to place your air purifier.

Most air purifiers incorporate HEPA filtration technology to capture all sorts of small particles and pathogens. The Air Pro has a HEPA filter, and a PECO filter, too, which actually destroys pollutants at a molecular level. This machine breaks down dust mites and mold spores, bacteria, and viruses and turns them into harmless gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor. For this reason, it's one of the only consumer air purifiers in the world that's FDA-approved as a Class II medical device.

These filters won't last forever, and you'll need to replace them every six months. This machine is only compatible with Molekule-certified filters, which come at a premium price.

The Air Pro keeps track of each impurity it encounters and logs them all in the Molekule app, under 'Air History'. Here, you can view the changes to particle levels in the last five minutes or over the past four weeks.

The Air Pro works hard and keeps noise to a minimum, with a noise range of around 30-65 dB depending on the speed setting. That's somewhere between a whisper and a normal conversation. At its lowest speed setting, the Air Pro should be suitable for sleep. That is, if you aren't sensitive to light. On top of this machine is a pulsing blue UV light. It's just a little dot, but it can be irritating if you need pitch blackness to sleep well.

The Air Pro isn't perfect. It's a little high-maintenance and it's less suitable for bedroom use. But if you're looking for a purifier to clean large spaces, you won't find a more powerful machine.

It's also incredibly expensive – more expensive than what most people can afford. I use the Molekule Air Mini+, the smaller version of the Air Pro with the same tech but only covers a 250 square feet area, and it costs a third of the price.

Read more in our full Molekule Air Pro review.

Best multi-function air purifier

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The Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 combines three separate appliances: an air purifier, a fan, and a heater. Moreover, rather than just blowing warm or cold air, it produces purified heat and purified cooling, taking it a step further than traditional fans and heaters.

Considering this is three appliances in one, a retail price of $399.99 is more than reasonable. Our tester Aleenah found that, aside from being able to cool you, the fan mode was excellent at airing out rooms, particularly the kitchen after a long cooking session.

The heater works quickly; it was able to raise the temperature of an 80 square foot room by 4 degrees in 9 minutes. The temperature change was more noticeable than typical space heaters she's used in the past.

The purifier itself is powerful and 'virtually silent,' and was not at all distracting when on calls, cooking or reading. After the air quality had once lowered down to 60%, it was able to reach 100% in 30 minutes.

The Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 oscillates across all three of its modes (fan, heat and air). Air purification happens in all modes, but in eco mode it'll automatically adjust based on the room's air quality, and return to the lowest setting once it's reached 100%.

This is everything you'd need from an air purifier, and more. It is however limited to room sizes of 500 square feet, and lacks handles for easier carrying room to room.

You can find more detail in our Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 review.

Best value air purifier

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The Coway Airmega Aim has powerful filtration for the price. Utilizing pre filters, a True HEPA filter and a deodorization filter - the air purifier is equipped to deal with everything you'd expect from one, without the $100s+ price tag.

It looks a little different to many common air purifiers. It doubles up as a fan, allowing you to 'aim' purified air where you need it. It can oscillate up to 80 degrees and tilt vertically up to 90 degrees, and our tester Gabriella found that 'when the unit is aimed downwards, it pulls pet hair and micro particles up and purifies them.'

She also noted a significant reduction in unwanted smells, particularly from her cat's food bowls and bedding. And, 'the unit operates extremely quietly, especially in auto and eco mode,' although for the purifier to cool you effectively, it'll need to be set to airflow speed 3, which becomes a bit noisy.

But the bottom line is that the Coway Airmega Aim does a great job of improving indoor air quality, removing dust particles from the air, and overall contributing to a cleaner living environment – all for just over $100. Plus, it looks a lot less bulky than most other air purifiers.

You can find more detail in our Coway Airmega Aim review.

Best budget air purifier

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The Levoit Core 300 costs less than $100, almost unheard of for an air purifier. It may not have the power or the smart features of more expensive machines, but it's a highly effective cleaner for small apartments and single rooms.

This machine is a foot tall, a foot wide, and weighs less than eight pounds. It's light enough to sit on your tabletop, which makes it easy to lift and move from room to room for whole-house cleaning.

This purifier features a high-efficiency activated carbon filter, which neutralizes smoke, fumes, and household odors, as well as trapping all the usual particles and pathogens.

Although there's no Core 300 app or smart interface, this machine has many of the same features as the best air purifiers. There's a sleep mode, for example, than runs at just 24 dB. You can even enjoy (mostly) hands-free operation when you set a two-to-eight-hour timer.

This is an old-school air purifier. You don't need to touch a screen or speak to your smart assistant to make it work. All you need to do is press a button. The Levoit Core 300 may not be as powerful as some of the best purifiers, but it performs exceptionally at its price point.

Best air purifier for humidity

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An air purifier is what I like to call a home comfort appliance. It might not be necessary, but it's nice to have. Cooling fans and humidifiers fall under the same category.

Purchasing each of your home comforts individually can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. With the Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool Formaldehyde fan, you get three functions in one machine, for $1,000. You could likely purchase a fan, humidifier and air purifier at that budget, but you wouldn't get them all in one appliance, and not with Dyson's advanced air quality tech, either.

Since this fan is remotely operated, you can use it from anywhere in the house. Once you've downloaded the app and filled the humidity reservoir, you won't need to touch it again.

You don't need to understand environmental science to use this fan. The in-app air quality reports are written in plain English and translated into simple graphs for more visual learners.

The Dyson impressed on test, particularly as a humidifier. This machine cleans itself, using UV light to kill any bacteria in the reservoir. The only real downside is the size. Three feet tall and one foot wide, the Dyson is on the larger side. You can't hide it, and you might struggle to store it in smaller spaces.

You can find more detail in our Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool Formaldehyde review.

We've also reviewed the less-expensive Dyson Purifier Cool TP09, with similar features but without the humidifier.

How to choose the best air purifier

We've written an in-depth guide on what to look for in an air purifier. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, here are a few key points to consider.

Coverage

Even the best air purifiers can't clean all the air in your house. You'd need to invest in a whole-home filtration system for that. Air purifiers are designed to cover a specific room coverage, ranging from around 100 square feet to more than 1,000 square feet. Finding an air purifier that slightly exceeds your desired space will mean it performs at its best.

'Purifiers work best when they’re appropriately sized for the room. For example, if you have a 250-square-foot room, an air purifier rated for up to 300 square feet would provide the best performance,' explains Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician from Air Conditioner Lab.

Filtration

'When it comes to filtration, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are among the most effective. True HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes many allergens like dust, pollen, and even some light smoke particles,' Josh says.

'This level of filtration is particularly beneficial for those with allergies, asthma, or any minor respiratory issues. HEPA filters are ideal because most indoor pollutants fall within this particle range, offering consistent and reliable air cleaning.'

Purifiers can also have other filter types, using activated carbon or UV-C light to deal with other airborne substances. As Josh explains:

• Activated carbon filters: 'These filters are good for absorbing gases and odors. While HEPA filters capture particles, carbon filters absorb chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, cleaning products, and even cooking odors. Combining a HEPA and carbon filter is helpful and my recommendation for spaces where chemical odors or smoke are an issue.'
• UV-C light: 'Some air purifiers include UV-C light to kill bacteria and viruses. While not a replacement for HEPA or carbon, UV-C can add an extra layer of air cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas. Ensure the air purifier is certified as safe since UV-C light can produce ozone if not properly contained.'

Filters don't last forever, so make sure to note replacement costs when making your decision. As they'll need replacing every 6-12 months, this should be factored into the overall spend, so check the purifier's website to find out the costs.

Noise

'Air purifiers vary in noise output, which can be an issue in bedrooms or offices. Most models list a decibel rating, so if sound is a concern, look for purifiers with a “quiet mode.” For example, an air purifier with a noise level of 30-40 decibels is typically as quiet as a whisper, making it ideal for a bedroom or office,' Josh says.

At full power, some air purifiers can go as loud as 90 decibels, which is louder than some vacuum cleaners. Anything over 85dB over a prolonged time and with regular usage can damage hearing. Manufacturers will typically display the complete decibel range.

Performance

An air purifier's performance is the result of its fan speed, filtration type and CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate).

'CADR measures how quickly an air purifier can clean the air of particles like smoke, dust, and pollen. Each type of particle gets its own CADR score, and higher numbers indicate faster air cleaning. For example, a CADR of 200 for smoke means the purifier can clean that volume of smoke particles within a minute,' Josh explains.

'A general rule is to look for a CADR that’s at least two-thirds of your room’s square footage. For example, if your room is 300 square feet, a CADR of around 200 for smoke, dust, and pollen is suitable. CADR shows how quickly the air purifier will clear the air in a given space.'

Certifications

Keep an eye out for ratings from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, which uses the Clean Air Delivery Rate to measure a purifier's energy-efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the machine. Josh outlines the certifications to look out for:

• AHAM Verified: 'The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) verifies air purifiers for Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), helping consumers understand how quickly a unit can remove specific particles like dust, smoke, and pollen. AHAM-certified products undergo independent testing to ensure the CADR rating is reliable.'
• ENERGY STAR: 'ENERGY STAR-rated models are energy-efficient, saving you money if you continuously run the air purifier. Since air purifiers can consume significant power, choosing an ENERGY STAR model helps with long-term costs.'
• CARB Compliance: 'CARB compliance is important if you live in California or are concerned about ozone levels. The California Air Resources Board sets strict ozone emission standards for purifiers. CARB-compliant models are ozone-safe, which is especially important if you have respiratory sensitivities.'

Cost

The best air purifiers can cost anything between $100 and $1,500. Then there's the price of filters, which need to be replaced around every six months to a year (unless they are washable) and cost between $30 and $150. Budget air purifiers won't smart features or app integration, but if you're limited on money, they're great alternatives to cover small rooms like a bedroom or office.

If money isn't an issue, a whole-home filtration system might be a smarter option. This will save you from moving your purifier around the house or investing in multiple to keep in different rooms.

'A whole-home filtration system might be the answer for those wanting to purify the air throughout their entire home. These systems, which connect directly to your HVAC, generally range from $1,500 to $5,000, including installation. Upgraded options, such as HEPA or carbon-based filtration add-ons, can increase costs,' Josh explains.

'For instance, a HEPA filter add-on could raise the total price by $500 to $1,000, depending on the type of filter. Maintenance costs should also be considered, as the filters typically need to be replaced annually to maintain effectiveness. For example, a replacement HEPA filter for a whole-home system can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the model.'

How we test air purifiers

We put a lot of thought into how we test air purifiers, and we try to test as many as we can. We use these machines for several weeks, if not months, to monitor their performance over time. We record the whole process, from unboxing to cleaning, to give you a good sense of what it's like to use this purifier.

We rank each product based on coverage, performance, design, and the all-important price. When assessing coverage, we want to know that the air purifier can cover the area it claims to, and we can test for this by spraying deodorant or lighting an incense a certain number of meters away, and seeing whether the purifier picks it up.

Performance is tested by how quickly and efficiently the purifier can purify the air. Usually, there'll be an air quality indicator, so we can track how long it takes for the purifier to, say, change the air quality from 30% to 100%. This reflects the purifier's fan speed, purification efficiency and essentially the Clean Air Delivery Rate.

An air purifier can cost anywhere between $200 and $1,500. More expensive purifiers can cover larger areas, have more detailed air quality insight or have other functions available, like heating or cooling. We assess whether the price reflects the performance and feature set on offer.

FAQs

What is a HEPA filter?

HEPA stands for 'high-efficiency particulate air' filters. Made from fiberglass or polypropylene and woven into pleats, these filters can trap dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and all sorts of airborne particles. As mentioned above, these filters can remove more than 99.97% of polluting particles as small as 0.3 microns – which makes up many of the indoor pollutants we have in our homes.

Do air purifiers really make a difference?

Yes, absolutely. I can attest to this on a personal level. I test home tech products including air purifiers and vacuums for a living so I'm tuned-in to products that are gimmicks – and an air purifier is not one of them. They massively reduce my allergies at home, improve my asthma, and generally create a more pleasant and comfortable environment.

You can monitor the effects after cooking, for example, where fried food and cooking gases will drop the air quality below 50%, then watch as the air purifier removes those contaminants from the air.

Which air purifier brand is best?

It really varies. Many air purifiers brands like Blueair, Levoit and Mila offer similar products with similar features. If you look at the specs, you'll find differences in coverage and fan speed, and perhaps features, but they achieve a similar goal.

So if you're looking for the absolute bests, you need brands that add something extra to theirs. Molekule's air purifiers are some of the only in the world that are FDA-approved as Class II medical devices thanks to their patented PECO tech that actually destroys pollutants at the molecular level, which is something no other purifier brand offers.

But others from Shark and Dyson offer multi-functionality, like purified heat, purified cooling or humidity features, so 'the best' largely depends on what your priority is.

Do I really need an air purifier?

We've written a whole feature on whether air purifiers are worth it. An air purifier isn't a necessity, of course, but it can improve your health and comfort at home. The best air purifiers can circulate fresh air around a room and remove harmful particles or pollutants.

The air in your home is typically infested with irritants such as mold spores, bacteria, dander, and dust. The right air purifier can limit the spread of these pollutants, alleviate allergies, and even reduce odors from cooking, pets, and smoke.

Meet the team

Dan Fauzi

I'm the home tech editor for H&G and have been testing and writing about products for years. As an asthma and allergy-sufferer, I'm conscious of the air quality in my room and understand the importance of an effective air purifier. I've reviewed the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX and the Molekule Air Mini+ in this guide.

Tested by

Tested by

Jaclyn Turner

Jaclyn is our former eCommerce Editor. She has been professionally testing products for years, including the Molekule Air Pro in this guide.

Tested by

Tested by

Laura Honey

Laura is our former eCommerce editor, and has passed our five-step test to become a certified Customer Advisor. She's tested tens of products for H&G, including the Dyson Purifier in this guide.

If these machines just aren't for you, but you're still keen to clean the air in your home, then it's worth learning how to improve air quality indoors − even without an air purifier.