The Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier is an award-winning product with an impressive filtering system that handles dust, mold spores and smoke with ease. It does a great job of removing impurities at both high and low speeds (many air purifiers work best on high speeds). Also, it has a smartphone compatible system that allows you to control the device from your phone and see the air quality at any time. There are three different filter options: the standard medical-grade HEPA, a HEPA designed for smoke and a HEPA designed to neutralize odor.

Though we believe the price is worth the quality, the cost of the Alen BreatheSmart is steep. One reviewer also mentioned that the unit does not work well in extremely cold temperatures, so it may be best not to place it in a very cold room or by a drafty window. Certain warranties may not apply if you purchase through Amazon instead of directly through the website

Boating a triple layer medical grade HEPA-13 filtration system to remove 99.97% of air particles like allergens, dust, dust mites, pet dander, pet fur, pollen mold spores, bacteria and viruses, the Sterra Moon Air Purifier is a fan-favorite. With over 14,000 five-star reviews, this simple and streamlined product has made waves in the wellness space.

This is an ideal option for everyday use, as it can assist with standard air concerns in small-to-medium-sized spaces. 

Looking for a sleek design that you can tuck against a wall? The IQAir Atem X is our choice. The minimalist design features a quiet fan around the perimeter and a flat back, which means that placing this device in a corner or against a wall won’t affect its performance. Plus, individual testing of each model shows that the product succeeds at filtering out viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Though the set-up is relatively quick and painless, this purifier is difficult to remove from the box and move between rooms. The handle is placed awkwardly on the top back, making the purifier lean forward when you lift it. Replacement filters are not sold through Amazon, and a few reviewers have had poor customer service experiences. This is one of our most expensive recommendations at $1,300.

Not everyone can drop $700 or more on an air purifier, so having a high-quality, budget-friendly option is a must. The Coway Airmega Mighty True Purifier earns many editorial rewards for its efficiency at reducing smoke, pollen, dander, volatile organic compounds and other lung irritators. Though large, the slim square frame isn’t obtrusive, and testing shows that it improves air quality beyond its expected reach of 361 square feet. Two other features we love: The purifier goes into energy saving mode when no pollution is detected for 30 minutes, and it has a dark mode so no light shines while you sleep.

Some customers may dislike that this purifier lacks smart technology that allows you to control it from your phone. Others have noticed an odor coming from the filter during the first few days of running it, though the smell diminishes after a couple days. The fan gets a bit noisy at its highest power.

Honeywell earned a reputation of making high quality, affordable and comfortable N95 masks at the height of the pandemic, and now it’s gaining recognition for its air purifiers. The HFD320 Air Genius 5 is a classic tower design, which makes it easy to fit into a tight space. The pre-filter captures large particles and extends the life of the true HEPA filter, and the purifier’s efficiency at improving air quality has been independently tested.

At lower fan settings, this filter does not work as efficiently. The higher fan speed is also a bit noisy according to buyers, and the unit covers only 250 square feet. Buyers also don’t like that the pre-filter needs replacing every three months, but the purifier’s permanent filter (in addition to the HEPA filter and pre-filter) at least helps extend the life of the machine.

If all you need is a lightweight, small air purifier that still gets the job done, consider the GermGuardian AC3000. This purifier features a true HEPA filter, an air quality indicator and an optional UV-C light that helps kill viruses and other pathogens that enter the filter (thereby extending the life of the filter). In addition, the set-up is very simple — just place the purifier on a flat surface, plug it into an outlet and turn it on so it can get to work.

This product has a chemical smell when you first open it (and before you plug it in). The air it blows out for the first hour also has a chemical odor that may cause a sinus headache. Lastly, this purifier isn’t as efficient on a low setting as it is on high, and it covers only 215 square feet.

The TruSens Smart Air Purifier is a high-tech, quiet machine with a small footprint compared to other purifiers. It comes with a true HEPA filter to help capture pollen, pathogens and smoke, and a UV-C light that reduces germs and bacteria inside the machine. The TruSens app tracks indoor and outdoor air quality in real time and reminds you when to replace your filter and UV-C bulb. Another feature we love: its weight of only six pounds and easy-to-grab handle means you can move it to other rooms without issue.

It’s worth noting that this purifier has a slight chemical odor when removing it from the box, and the fan produces a chemical odor for the first hour or so. While the enhanced sensor pod is a nice feature that ensures the accuracy of air quality readings, some users may find it annoying to plug in and set up a secondary appliance. Some reviewers have had negative experiences with the app and find it hard to connect to Alexa devices.

The Toshiba H13 Purifier does an excellent job of improving air quality on a high fan setting, thanks to its true HEPA filter, washable pre-filter and activated charcoal layer. The purifier has an LED touchscreen display that shows the air quality in real time, and the purifier can be controlled from Alexa devices. Set-up is a breeze — just remove from the packaging and plug the cord into an outlet to get started.

However, some users wish that this purifier had a smartphone app. It also doesn’t work as well on a lower fan setting to filter the air. Note that this purifier is a small unit and works for up to 215 square feet.

Some air purifiers on the market release ozone, which is not effective at cleaning air and may inflame the respiratory system. Fortunately, EnviroKlenz meets the strict ozone emissions limit of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). What else makes it a good pick for people with asthma? The EnviroKlenz purifier contains a specialized air cartridge, which aids the HEPA filter in capturing and eliminating airborne contaminants, and UV-C bulbs to help sanitize the inner system. This model also comes with wheels, which makes it much easier to move it from room to room.

While much of the purifier is pre-installed, this setup is hands-on as compared to other products. You have to install the air cartridge and UV-C bulbs yourself. We found the bulbs to be so delicate that one of them broke either during shipping or when the box was moved up a flight of stairs. Fortunately, EnviroKlenz offers to replace bulbs at no charge if they don’t work upon arrival.

If you live in an area prone to wildfire smoke and need an air purifier that really gets the job done, try the Blueair Classic 605. This machine covers large rooms (698 square feet) and works efficiently to improve air quality at both a low and high fan setting. We recommend the DualProtection replacement filter for an extra guard against smoke. In testing, the Classic 605 removes 99.97 percent of airborne particles.

Unfortunately, the fan is quite noisy on a high setting. Some reviewers also dislike that the app requires your precise location, which feels like an invasion of privacy. A few buyers found that the model’s air readings were faulty.

Tired of watching tufts of fur blow across the room from your fan or air conditioner? The Levoit Core P350 Purifier is unique in that it not only captures dander and airborne particles but also airborne fur and pet hairs, thanks to a specialized pre-filter and Vortex air technology. The machine is also designed to reduce pet odors.

However, some reviewers note that the filter in this product needs replacing more frequently depending on the level of fur and hair it captures. It also doesn’t have an air quality sensor, and some buyers think the phone app is poor quality.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise once more, clean air is extremely important. To reduce the amount of the virus and other pathogens in your air, we recommend the IQAir HealthPro Plus. This medical-grade purifier was chosen by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority to clean the air in medical facilities. Why does it work so well? It has a HyperHEPA filtration system that has been independently tested to filter out 99.5 percent of ultra-fine particles. We suggest pairing the HealthPro Plus with the AirVisual Pro Indoor Sensor, which tells you the air pollution inside and outside of your home in real time.

At the same time, independent testing has found similar purifiers to work more efficiently at improving air quality. Plus, the weight of this machine (35 pounds) does not make set-up easy. While the digital menu is helpful and offers a lot of information, it is counterintuitive and you will need to read the manual to learn how to use it.

While no air purifier will remove mold and mildew in your home, a good one can improve the air quality and reduce your chances of reacting and feeling irritated, itchy, and possibly asthmatic. The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Auto is our pick for mold and mildew because independent testing has shown that it successfully and efficiently removes common allergens and airborne particles. It can clean a 550-square-foot room in about 13 minutes and a 2,640 square foot room in an hour at high speed. Plus, it consumes a small amount of energy compared to other purifiers.

During the first hour of use, some buyers noticed a chemical smell coming from the machine. (Consider airing the unit out for an hour or so before bringing it indoors.) The fans are also a bit noisy on higher speeds, and some buyers complain that the app is not user friendly.

Basements often need a heavy-duty purifier that can withstand very poor air quality, which is why a tower purifier like the LG PuriCare Purifier is an excellent pick. This model circulates air at 360 degrees (while some purifiers blow air out of just one or two sides), and its smartphone app allows you to check air quality in real time and control the machine remotely. The state of California has certified that this purifier meets its strict ozone emissions limit.

Keep in mind this unit is quite large, and it needs a decent amount of space because it shouldn’t be up against a wall. Though not required for the unit to work, the carbon filter is sold separately. This purifier is one of our most expensive recommendations at $1,100.

Want to achieve high-quality air everywhere you go? We recommend taking the IQAir Atem Desk Personal Air Purifier with you. The ozone-free device quickly and efficiently improves air quality on medium to high speeds in a 300-square-foot room, thanks to the IQAir HyperHEPA filter. In addition, its flat design and removable metal stand makes it easy to pack inside a suitcase.

While buyers love the look, feel and size of this air purifier, it falls easily if you accidentally bump it. One reviewer also mentioned that you may need to bring an extension cord with you during travel, as the unit’s plug may not reach far enough to the closest outlet in a hotel room. Note that this model does not have a screen to show you air quality in real time.

Sometimes, a small air purifier is all you need. We love the Galanz Personal Air Purifier because of its no-fuss, easy-to-use design. The lightweight machine requires virtually no set-up (just plug it in and let it get to work), and the true HEPA filter quickly captures airborne particles to improve the air surrounding your desk or bed. It’s also smartphone compatible, so you can adjust the fan speed, display brightness and fan schedule.

However, this product has a chemical smell upon unboxing, and it releases a chemical smell into the air for the first 30 minutes or so. It also doesn’t perform as well at low speeds and the highest fan speed is a bit noisy.