Spring is a time to celebrate. As the weather improves, days begin to last longer, and kids start the countdown to summer vacation, but spring doesn’t bring joy to everyone. When trees and flowers begin to blossom, they release particles into the air that can turn eyes and noses into runny faucets. Ragweed, pollen, grasses, and weeds return with warmer temperatures, and with them comes the need for antihistamines and decongestants. In fact, millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and these problems can be magnified without the proper HVAC filter. You may even experience these problems if you do not know how often to change the HVAC filter.
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Not all HVAC filters are designed the same way. Many basic models are only designed to protect the air conditioner equipment, not protect your family from allergens. The job of most filters is to keep dust and dirt out of the machinery, so your AC can run in an energy-efficient manner. Keeping microscopic particles out of your lungs isn’t their goal, despite what conventional wisdom may say.
Making your HVAC filter an allergy-fighting tool requires a little extra work. Filters of this kind are known as high energy particulate air filters, or more commonly HEPA filters. Unlike paper filters, HEPA filters use condensed glass fibers in layers to trap microscopic particles like pollen, bacteria, and even smoke. But getting a HEPA filter still isn’t enough to rid your home of all allergens. Several rating systems have been designed to measure filtration, including ones from Home Depot and the 3M company. But the most detailed system is the minimum efficiency rating value (MERV) designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.
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It may have a funny name, but the MERV system is an effective way to filter allergens from your home without breaking the bank for an expensive professional-style HEPA filter. The MERV system has values ranging from 1 to 20, with the higher number meaning more extensive filtration. Filters above a MERV rating of 16 usually aren’t necessary for allergy prevention.
MERV ratings of 1-4 mean the filter will only catch particles at least 10 microns in diameter, which might grab some larger pollen particles but not most. This will filter captures visible things like carpet particles and hair.
MERV ratings of 5-8 mean 85-90% of particles will be caught in the filter. This is the most common type of filter recommended by HVAC technicians, but it won’t capture all allergens. Still, these filters can be up to eight times more effective than fiberglass filters.
MERV ratings of 9-11 mean at least 90% particulate resistance. If you suffer from extreme allergies, you’ll want to look for a filter with at least a MERV rating of nine. These filters capture particles as small as one micron.
MERV ratings of 12-16 are reserved for rooms that need absolute cleanliness. These are computer server rooms, dust-free hospital rooms, and other tight environments.
If you’d like to learn more about indoor air quality, be sure to contact one of our in-home comfort consultants. Be sure you know how often you should change your filters and remember we are here 24/7 for all your heating and cooling needs.
As pollen flies, we're testing air purifiers for allergies in our lab and in our homes. To make our test as accurate as possible, we're interviewing allergy specialists to find out what makes for a good air purifier, and testing the latest options on the market from reputable brands like Honeywell and Blueair .
Air purifiers come in a range of coverage areas, noise levels, and price points, so you’ll want to choose one with the features that work best for you. After researching dozens of models from trusted brands, we tested the top air purifiers for six months, both in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our own homes , and evaluated them based on ease of setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and value. We also had an emergency medicine physician from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for accuracy surrounding how airborne irritants affect the body and how these devices reduce those particles indoors.
Air purifiers remove harmful and unwanted particles like allergens, viruses, bacteria, smoke, and other irritants from the air, says Purvi Parikh, MD, a New York City-based allergist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University. When equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, air purifiers can also help remove pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. According to expert advice, firsthand testing, and research, a HEPA filter is a must for maximum efficiency.
Thick layers of smog are a dead giveaway that outdoor air pollution is looming over busy cities, but indoor air pollution isn’t as easy to see. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, which is concerning since people spend approximately 90% of their time inside. Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it: invest in an air purifier.
Best Overall
Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier
Amazon
View On Amazon
$190
View On Walmart
$290
View On Best Buy
$290
Pros
Night mode is extra quiet
Easy to set up and use
Lots of features
Cons
Highest setting is loud
If you want an air purifier that will clean the air in your home, look good in any room, and have tons of handy features, Levoit’s Core 400s is our top choice. It’s equipped with the gold standard of filters: a HEPA filter that can remove up to 99.7% of all particles 0.3 microns or smaller in the air, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. It also has a pre-filter and activated carbon filter. While all of our choices improved the cleanliness of the air, this one was most effective at removing particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The air purifier was so effective that we could tell the difference when it was off, and after six months, it’s still going strong. What’s more, this model has an aesthetic design and relatively small footprint. It’s equipped with features like digital display, quiet and night settings, timed shutoff, voice control, and smartphone app. The only downside we noted was that the highest setting is pretty noisy, so if you’re a light sleeper it might be best to opt for a lower setting at nighttime.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 990 sq ft | Size: 10.79 x 10.79 x 20.47 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 442 m³/h | Noise Level: 24 dB
Health / Henry Wortock
Best for Odor Control
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max Air Purifier
Blueair
View On Amazon
$169
View On Blueair.com
$125
View On Target
$170
Pros
Setup is easy and convenient
Night mode makes it easy to sleep
Low maintenance costs
Cons
Difficult to dim the lights
Loud on turbo mode
A good air purifier helps the air quality in ways that might even be too subtle to detect—you might just find yourself sneezing less, for instance, as it removes tiny particles from the air. However, there is one way in which an air purifier can make a very noticeable difference: the scent of a given room. The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max was a standout in this way. During our test, we filled the space with incense and room deodorizing spray, and after the purifier operated for 30 minutes of operation, the room was noticeably less smelly. Our at-home test found that this purifier worked similarly well on smells like bacon.
This purifier is suitable for a medium-sized space, as it works in rooms up to 526 square feet in 30 minutes. The design is sleek, so it's nice to look at. We liked that the purifier can connect to an app that will tell you how clean your air is, and will also let you know when to replace the filter—but if you want a lower-tech solution, there is also a filter replacement light right on the machine. The running costs for this air purifier are also comparatively low, as the filters only need to be replaced once every six to nine months, and they cost $24.
The machine didn’t do as great a job as some of the others we tested on pet hair, and we found that switching between the different light settings a bit tricky. It was very quiet on night setting, but the turbo mode was quite loud, to the level where it might be hard to watch TV with it in the same room. However, we like how it has four different settings, which makes it easy to toggle to the one you need.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 526 sq ft | Size: 18.9 x 10.6 x 10.6 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 141 m³/h | Noise Level: 24 dB
Easiest to Use
Bionaire True HEPA 360 UV Air Purifier
Target
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$180
View On Walmart
$264
View On Target
$180
Pros
Includes a night light
Intuitive to operate
Filter lasts a long time
Cons
Doesn't have an app or many bonus features
The higher settings can be a little loud
Many air purifiers have lots of extras, but the Bionaire True HEPA 360° UV Air Purifier has the one you really need: a true HEPA filter, which is particularly effective at eliminating particles from the air. The filter is located on the bottom, and it’s very easy to remove and replace. The filter only needs to be replaced every 8 to 12 months, which means you won’t have to deal with this very frequently—but the clear and concise user manual will help you when you do. This air purifier also has a UV light feature, which helps kill bacteria and viruses.
This machine would be great for a bedroom, as it works well in a medium-size room (up to 175 square feet in just over 12 minutes or 848 square feet in an hour). While the noise level is about the level of an ambient room on lower levels, it provides a white noise at higher levels that may get a little noisy during the day at 59 dB. It's frill-free without many special features, but it does have a night light.
So far as odor removal goes, we found this one to be effective at removing the smoke and smell from incense, but less effective against the room deodorizer spray, so we’d feel comfortable recommending this for smoky environments and scents. It did a good job of picking up pet hair, good for those with pet allergies.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 848 sq ft | Size: 10.98 x 10.43 x 17.01 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 113 m³/h | Noise Level: 59 dB
Best for Large Spaces
Aroeve Air Purifier
Amazon
View On Amazon
$90
View On Aroeve.com
Pros
Light can be dimmed at night
Helps absorb odors
Compact size
Cons
Doesn’t filter for VOCs
No filter change indicator
Most professionals recommend placing multiple air purifiers throughout your home since a single air purifier can only cover a certain amount of space. Mathew Varghese, MD, FACAAI, a board-certified allergist in North Bergen, New Jersey, says it’s best to keep one air purifier in each room, especially rooms where you spend the most time. For large rooms, you’ll need an air purifier that can handle the job.
While most air purifiers are suitable for rooms in the 400 to 600 square foot range, the Aroeve Air Purifier has an impressive coverage area of up to 1,095 square feet. This is thanks to the 360-degree air out that circulates air quickly and efficiently.
It’s easy to set up and use with a simple user interface. The touch display lets you toggle sleep mode, dim the UV light at night, and set a timer. We found these features convenient, as well as the real-time air quality indicator lights, which specify whether the current air quality is good, moderate, or poor.
While we didn’t notice significant changes right away, its effectiveness could be seen by checking the status of the HEPA air filter six months later. The collection of dust, hair, and other pollutants present in the filter demonstrated that it definitely improved air quality.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 1,095 sq ft | Size: 7.5 x 13.5 x 17.25 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: 22 dB
Best for Dust
Coway Airmega 400S Smart Air Purifier
View On Amazon
$484
View On Walmart
$700
View On Walmart
$700
Pros
Eco mode saves energy
Alerts you when to change filters
Cleans air in 30 minutes
Cons
Large footprint
One of the main reasons to invest in an air purifier is to rid the air of dust mites. If you have allergies or asthma, dust mites can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, per the American Lung Association, which recommends HEPA filters for trapping dust. Fortunately, the Coway Airmega 400S Air Purifier is equipped with multiple dust-trapping filters, including a pre-filter for large dust particles and HEPA filter for smaller dust particles. It also has a carbon filter to absorb odors from food, pets, and cigarettes.
When put to the test, this unit performed quite well at improving air quality on both high and low settings. After six months, we had to change the filter (the app alerts you when it’s time to do so). The air purifier comes with some standard features, including sleep mode, smartphone app, real-time air quality indicators, and filter indicators. A couple of features that set it apart include eco mode, which conserves energy by shutting off when the air is clean and turning back on when it detects pollutants. It also has a large coverage area and works quickly—in 30 minutes it cleans the air in up to 1,560 square feet of space.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 1,560 sq ft | Size: 14.8 x 14.8 x 22.8 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: Unknown
Best for Monitoring Air Quality
Mila Air Purifier with Basic Breather Filter
Amazon
View On Amazon
$400
View On Milacares.com
Pros
Attractive design
Smart features
Carbon monoxide sensor
Cons
One of the louder models we tested
No filter replacement alert
Qicai Product Page
While some smart air purifiers have buggy apps, this one doesn’t. Extra features like deep clean, sleep mode, scheduling, and energy saving mode make it intuitive and effective.
The app also gives you detailed insights into the current air quality of your home. If you love data, you’ll appreciate the real-time reports that are always available on the app. Almost everything is done through the app. It has a basic touch interface on the unit itself, which may be a downside for some who prefer to adjust the settings with the click of a button. If you like smart, tech-savvy devices throughout your home, you’ll like this one. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Though it’s advertised as a quieter option, our tests said otherwise. It reached 86 decibels on the highest setting, one of the highest we found in our testing. On the bright side, the higher settings also meant better cleaning in less time. On the quietest setting (sleep mode), we didn’t notice any noise at all.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 1,000 sq ft | Size: 12 x 12 x 15 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 447 m3/hr | Noise Level: 24 dB
Best Humidifier Combo
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde
Dyson
View On Amazon
$969
View On Walmart
$1,000
View On Best Buy
$1,000
Pros
Modern design
Detects formaldehyde
Operate using app or remote
Cons
Small coverage area
You may be familiar with Dyson’s vacuum and hair drying products, but the top-rated brand also makes quality air purifiers. This model triples as a humidifier and fan, though we only tested its air cleaning potential, which checked out. It was especially effective at combating pet dander.
If you’re looking for an air purifier with all the bells and whistles, the Dyson Purifier is it. It has an attractive modern design and plenty of smart features. You can control it and view reports from the app, though it’s also equipped with a remote control. It uses a HEPA filter to trap particles, but also has a carbon filter for odor control. We found it easy to set up and use and noted it was just as effective after running 24/7 for six months as it was on day one.
While having a humidifier is a nice touch, allergy experts say to use it sparingly. Dust mites and mold thrive in moist environments, which can worsen allergy symptoms, according to the AAAAI.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 400 sq ft | Size: 36.33 x 11.02 x 12.23 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: Unknown
Verywell Health / Dera Burreson
Verywell Health / Dera Burreson
Verywell / Dera Burreson
Verywell / Dera Burreson
Best Quiet
Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Air Purifier
Amazon
View On Amazon
View On Home Depot
$370
View On Sylvane.com
Pros
Equipped with a carbon filter
Energy efficient
Award-winning design
Cons
No smart features
Not as effective as others we tested
A quiet air purifier is hard to come by, but this one by Rabbit Air is up for the job. Even on its highest setting, this model had a noise level of 56.1 decibels, which we found to be minimal. On its lowest setting, it was virtually silent.
For those with pets, it has the added bonus of collecting pet dander and deodorizing smells. After one day, we noticed a significant decrease in the common musty basement smell. This is likely due to the carbon filter, though it’s also equipped with a washable pre-filter and replaceable HEPA filter for trapping allergens.
If you’re looking for a quiet air purifier or one that neutralizes odors, this is a solid option, but it was slightly less effective than some others during our lab testing. Still, we were pleased with how it performed in a real home setting, especially given how quiet it runs.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 550 sq ft | Size: 9.8 x 16.6 x 22.2 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: 22.8 dB
Best Portable
Koios Air Purifier
Amazon
View On Amazon
View On Walmart
$63
Pros
Budget-friendly
Simple one-button operation
Multiple timer settings
Cons
Low coverage area
Low CADR
Lacks some features
An air purifier doesn’t need a ton of smart features to do what it’s designed to do: clean the air in your home. And this one does just that. It’s small and simple, so it’s easy to use and move around, but it doesn’t slack on its one job. During our lab testing, this unit effectively cleaned the air, bringing it to good levels in 10 minutes. Like some of the pricier models, it has a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter to remove indoor pollutants and smells.
Despite its advantages, it’s not powerful enough for large bedrooms or living spaces. It could work in small offices or nurseries that are 215 square feet or less. For the price, it’s definitely worth it. We also love that it’s not super loud and makes the air feel and smell cleaner in small spaces.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 215 sq ft | Size: 6.3 x 6.3 x 10 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 80 m3/hr | Noise Level: 16 dB
Best for Smoke
Bissell air400 Air Purifier
Amazon
View On Amazon
$198
View On Walmart
$361
View On Office Depot
$423
Pros
Digital display is easy to use
Filter change indicator
Automatic night mode
Cons
Large footprint
Has a light that doesn’t fully shut off
Wildfire and cigarette smoke are a significant source of VOCs, which can negatively impact your health. If you live in an area with frequent wildfires or secondhand smoke, investing in an air purifier that effectively removes VOCs may be a good idea. Not all purifiers remove VOCs, but this one from Bissell does. During our lab test, it effectively lowered both PM and VOC levels.
It has some other features going for it, too. As expected, its highest setting is very loud, but it’s pretty much silent on night mode. It has a three-layer filtration system, easy-to-use interface, and filter change indicator, so it’s on par with some of our pricier picks. In terms of coverage area, it’s recommended for 485-square-foot rooms, though it can handle spaces up to 2,347 square feet.
However, it’s not without some drawbacks. It has a particle sensor that’s meant to be cleaned once every two weeks but can only be removed with a screwdriver, so it’s not a quick task. After six months, we also noticed a slightly more clunky sound coming from the industrial grade fan. Finally, the air quality light on the front of the unit dims during nighttime but never fully shuts off, so if you like to sleep in a pitch-black bedroom, this will give off some light.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 485 sq ft | Size: 9.75 x 16.13 x 24 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 279 | Noise Level: 30 dB
Best for Small Rooms
Toppin Comfy Air C2
Amazon
View On Amazon
$107
View On Toppinlife.com
Pros
Lightweight, compact, and portable
Sleek design
Touch control panel
Cons
Low CADR
One of the louder models we tested
For smaller spaces, a large air purifier isn’t necessary and would likely take up too much space. The Toppin Air Purifier fits on a desk and has a sleek, small footprint. Though it’s small, it still cleans air in spaces up to 645 square feet. During our lab testing, this small but mighty model effectively cleaned the air within minutes, making it on par with some of the larger and more expensive options on our list. It has a HEPA filter to remove allergens and a carbon filter to trap smoke and odors, which is probably why we found it particularly effective at combating cat allergies.
While you certainly don’t need a smartphone to use an air purifier, the lack of data reports left us wanting more. However, the Toppin does have some standard features, such as filter change indicator, quiet mode, and timer.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 645 sq ft | Size: 8 x 8 x 18 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 100 ft³/m | Noise Level: 21 dB
Best for Pet Allergies
Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier
Amazon
View On Amazon
$769
View On Walmart
$779
View On Walmart
$779
Pros
LED lights indicate changes in air quality
Suitable for large spaces
Long-lasting filter
Cons
Expensive filter replacements
Got pets? Allergies to cats and dogs affect up to 20% of the population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, so you’re not alone if they give you the sniffles. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter is an effective way to safeguard against pet dander circulating throughout your home, and this one from Alen is equipped with a HEPA filter specifically designed for homes with pets.
One cool and uncommon feature of this air purifier is that the LED lights indicate real-time changes in air quality. We found the lights to be insanely accurate. They picked up speed immediately when we started to cook or use hair products.
The air purifier also has a smartphone app, but it’s not necessary, since all of the features and functions are easily accessible on the control panel.
Overall, it’s a strong choice that is suitable for large rooms, doesn’t make too much noise, and has a beautiful design. One downside is that the filter replacements are expensive. They start at $99 each and last up to 15 months before it’s time for a new replacement. There’s a filter change indicator that will let you know when it’s time for a replacement.
Key Specs:
Coverage Area: 1,300 sq ft | Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 347 | Noise Level: 25 dB
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