Since 2020, we’ve purchased and tested more than 130 air purifiers (and counting!), collecting comparative data on initial air cleaning performance, particle removal speeds at different fan speeds, noise levels, energy consumption, and long-term operating costs. If you want to learn more about how we test, read our complete methodology.
There are many ways you can use our data to compare different air purifier models. That’s why, instead of creating a one-size-fits-all air purifier comparison tool, we’ve created a series of different tools to help you find the best air purifier for your specific situation.
Performance, sound & cost comparison
Compare the effective cost, air purifier performance, noise test results and power of different air purifier models.
When you’re on your computer, you’ll be able to compare up to seven different models. But if you visit this page on your phone, we suggest you stick to the four air purifiers to ensure that the charts are displayed properly.
Keep in mind that some units on our list do not have fan speeds below the 45 dBA limit we set for quiet performance testing. There are also units there that are disconnected, so they won’t show a price. All costs are calculated in US dollars, and energy prices are calculated based on the most recent data available from the US Energy Information Administration.
Rank & compare scores
See where the air purifier you’re researching ranks on our leaderboard.
Check the quality, or look for specific air cleaner models or brands in the search box. To see the full scorecard and model details, just click on the image or device name. Use filters to sort units based on their price (and your budget).
Note that the level changes when you switch tabs:
- I general situation shows all the air purifiers we’ve tested ranked as a whole according to our weighted HouseFresh rating system, which includes ratings across six different factors: performance, value for money, ongoing costs, user experience & design, product visibility and reliability, and customer service.
- I performance level measured based on air cleaning performance, with a strong focus on particle removal speed with fan speeds below 45 dBA, which is about the noise of a quiet library or classroom.
- I amount of money the standard focuses on financial data points, such as price and long-term cost effectiveness, in relation to air cleaning performance.
Everything you need to know about air purifiers
Don’t buy air freshener before watching this three-minute video full of practical advice on what to look for, and what to ignore.
Watch this video where our founder, Danny Ashton, shares his crash course on what to look for when buying an air purifier.
The right air purifier will clean your air for years to come, but the wrong one will waste your money, so be sure to read the tips below before buying:
Calculate the required CADR for your room size
The higher the CADR (expressed in CFM, or cubic feet meter), the higher the cleaning power. Use our CADR calculator to find out how much power an air purifier needs based on the size of your space.
Select the appropriate job filters
If you have furry pets, look for a removable front filter. If you want to deal with diseases like dust, pollen and mold, you will need a HEPA or MERV filter. And if you want to remove odors and chemical gases, you’ll need pounds (not just grams) of activated carbon.
Factor in how loud the air purifier will be
For quiet rooms like a home office or bedroom, you’ll want an air purifier that’s powerful enough to clean the air while producing less than 45 dBA. Read our full review to find out if the model you’re considering is a good choice for your quiet space.
Calculate long-term operating costs
Your air purifier will eventually need its filters replaced, so take your time to figure out how much replacement will cost per year. There are models that will be cheap to buy but expensive to run!
Consider whether you need smart features or an app
Special features such as smart functions, app connectivity, indoor air quality sensors or remote controls are useful things that can make life easier. However, you shouldn’t sacrifice CADR or performance over nice-to-have features – if your budget is tight, skip the premium functions.
We are currently working on a few more comparison tools, so if you have some ideas, please leave your comments below. And if you’d like to find out what types of air purifiers we recommend, just check out our top picks.