Are air purifiers good for babies?

Children are among the most vulnerable to potential indoor air pollution health effects. Even if you clean your baby’s room regularly, it can still contain indoor air pollution from central heating and cooling, excess moisture, and even furniture—all of which can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Research shows that placing an air purifier with a HEPA filter in a baby or child’s room is not only safe, but can also help reduce bronchial symptoms like asthma or a stuffy nose.

When should I use an air purifier?

It’s never too soon to begin using an air purifier, and you can do so every day of the year. Using an air purifier during cold and flu season may help prevent or decrease the severity of illness. “More respiratory infections occur in the winter when the air is colder and dryer,” Dr. Goldberg says. “[During the winter months], the cold, dry air affects your defense mechanisms in your nose and sinuses, allowing more viral particles to attack, leading to more upper respiratory tract infections such as the cold and flu. Although an air filtration system cannot completely prevent infection, [it can] reduce the amount of virus particles someone is exposed to, which can reduce their chance of becoming ill.”

Do babies need a humidifier or an air purifier?

Deciding whether to place an air purifier or a humidifier in your baby’s room depends on the health concern you want to address. While an air purifier can help remove odors, dust, allergens, and bacteria from the air in your baby’s room, a humidifier can come in handy if your baby has a cold or suffers from dry skin. As long as they’re operated correctly and cleaned regularly, both an air purifier and a humidifier can be used for your baby.

How much does the average air purifier cost?

An effective air purifier can range anywhere from $50 to $600 and sometimes more. However, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a great air purifier. Our top pick, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) Mighty , costs $230, while the Levoit H13 Air Purifier goes for $90. Our best budget pick, the Levoit Core Mini , costs just $50 and is powerful enough to clean a 178-square-foot room.

The 18 Best Air Purifiers for Baby of 2023

best air purifiers tout — Verywell Family / Reese Herrington

Whether your child is going through the latest sick season or you’re looking for additional ways to protect your family against COVID-19, an air purifier is a beneficial item to have in your home. Essentially, air purifiers help sanitize the air around you and distribute clean air back into your space. If you’re pregnant, an air purifier is especially helpful, as breathing purified air may have a direct impact on your baby’s cognitive performance, such as attention span, memory, and problem-solving.

“If you have children in your household, you may want to consider an air purifier with a true HEPA filter,” says John McKeon, MD, CEO and founder of Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). “These are highly effective at removing small particles, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in some individuals. You may also want to look for an air purifier with a low noise level [dB], as children may be more sensitive to loud noises.”

As Dr. McKeon describes, look for an air purifier that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters can remove at least 99.9 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.1-0.3 microns (µm). Some air purifiers have a HEPA and charcoal or carbon filter, which can be especially helpful in removing gas and odor from the air. You should also consider how often you’ll need to change the filter, its capacity (how many square feet of space it can clean), and its clean air delivery rate (CADR).

These are the best air purifiers to help you clean the air you and your family breathe.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier at Amazon

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Best Budget:

LEVOIT Core Mini Air Purifier at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Babies:

Medify MA-15 Air Purifier H13 True HEPA Filter at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Quiet:

Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier at Amazon

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Best for Nursery:

Crane Adorable True HEPA Air Purifier at Home Depot

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Best for Bedrooms:

Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto Air Purifier at Amazon

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Best for Large Rooms:

Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover at Amazon

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Best for Small Rooms:

Germ Guardian Pluggable Small Air Purifier at Amazon

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Best for Allergies:

Dyson Purifier Humidify Cool at Walmart

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Best for Asthma:

LG Air Purifier at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Energy efficient
Captures particles down to 0.01 microns in size
Real-time air quality indicator

Cons

Replacement filters may emit temporary odor

The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is our top pick for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly efficient at cleaning the air, providing 4.8 air changes per hour (ACH) in a 361-square-foot room. It’s also Energy Star rated, meaning it meets federally mandated guidelines for energy efficiency. Best of all, the Coway Airmega can capture up to 99.99 percent of airborne particles down to 0.01 microns, including pollen, allergens, bacteria, and other pollutants.

Weighing just 12.5 pounds, this purifier has a convenient handle that makes moving it from room to room a breeze. When it’s time for bed or to watch television, you can turn off the display lights without affecting its productivity. Its lights will also notify you when it’s time to change one of its various filters, which typically happens biannually (deodorization filter) and annually (HEPA filter).

Like many other air purifiers, this one has an ionizer option. Ionizers emit ozone (the main component of smog) when in use, which can be harmful to your health. However, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is certified by the California Air Resources Board and does not produce more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm). If the ionizer option concerns you, we simply recommend that you not turn it on.

Price at time of publication: $230

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 874 square feet (recommended room size 361 square feet) | Size: 16.8 x 9.6 x 18.3 inches | Filter: True HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 24.4 dB | Features: Four-stage filtration, air quality indicator, timer, eco mode, display shut-off, filter replacement indicator, washable pre-filter}

Amazon

Pros

Cleans up to 178 square feet
Doubles as a diffuser
Weighs just 2.33 pounds

Cons

Filters only last four to six months

If you’re looking to elevate the air quality in your bedroom or office, the Levoit Core Mini is a great choice. It cleans up to 178 square feet, which is about the size of a 13 x 13-foot bedroom. Its HEPA filter captures at least 97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns and works in tandem with a carbon filter to neutralize odors, smoke, and fumes.

In addition to cleaning the air, this purifier can make it smell good. To enjoy a pleasant scent in your space, just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the aromatherapy pad. And since this purifier stands just 10.4 inches high and weighs slightly more than 2 pounds, it’s the perfect addition to a nightstand, dresser, or desk.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 178 square feet | Size: 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches | Filter: HEPA, carbon | Noise Level: 25 dB | Features: Three-stage filtration, aromatherapy pad, auto-off display}

Amazon

Pros

Handy child lock function
H13 HEPA filter captures smaller airborne particles
Cleans 330 square feet in 30 minutes

Cons

Filters only last three to four months

If there is a baby in your home, the Medify MA-15 Air Purifier is a great choice. It has a child lock that prevents curious little hands from touching buttons and can clean an average-sized living room in just 30 minutes.

In the case of this purifier, performance comes at a slight cost. Its filters are $38 each and you’ll need to replace them three or four times per year. However, it’s equipped with an H13 HEPA filter, which allows it to capture 99.9 percent of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. It’s also certified by Energy Star, the California Air Resources Board, and has an ETL Mark for its compliance with North American Safety standards.

Price at time of publication: $129

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 330 square feet | Size: 9.7 x 9.7 x 15.5 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA | Noise Level: 35 dB | Features: Child lock, timer, three-speed fan, dimmable lights, sleep mode, filter replacement indicator}

Amazon

Pros

Quieter than a whisper
Captures 99.9 percent of airborne particles
Can clean an entire studio apartment

Cons

Large footprint and high price tag

If you can imagine a sound that is somewhere between rustling leaves and a whisper, that is the level of noise the Coway Airmega 250 Smart Air Purifier makes. On its lowest setting, the fan noise is 22 dB, which is considered a faint sound. Despite its gentle hum, this purifier has plenty of power and can capture up to 99.99 percent of nano-sized particles down to 0.1 microns.

Although the Coway Airmega 250’s noise level is discreet, its profile is not. This purifier weighs 20.5 pounds and stands nearly 20 inches high. However, it can cover up to 930 square feet—which is larger than the average studio apartment—and features a real-time air quality indicator. It also has a Smart Mode that automatically adapts its efforts based on the surrounding air quality.

Price at time of publication: $300

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 930 square feet | Size: 8.3 x 18.5 x 19.7 inches | Filter: True HEPA, active carbon | Noise Level: 22 dB | Features: Four modes, air quality sensor, child lock}

Home Depot

Pros

UV light kills viruses, bacteria, and mold
Auto-off sensor if tipped over
Cute design

Cons

Lights don’t turn off

Although it may look like a toy, this cute penguin is actually an air purifier. Its HEPA filter captures up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, can cover up to 150 square feet of air space, and is accompanied by an ultraviolet (UV) light that kills viruses, bacteria, and mold.

Another feature that makes this purifier perfect for a nursery is that it will automatically turn off if tipped over. It stands 16 inches tall—about the size of a bowling pin—and can easily fit next to a changing table or your baby’s crib. Just be sure to face this purifier away from your baby’s line of vision while sleeping as they may be distracted by the display lights.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 150 square feet | Size: 9 x 9 x 16 inches | Filter: True HEPA, active carbon, photocatalyst | Noise Level: 23 dB | Features: Kid-friendly design, auto off, three fan speeds, UV light}

4.6

Amazon

Pros

Quieter than a whisper
Cleans 45 percent faster
Air quality indicator

Cons

Filter may emit an odor initially

In less time than it takes to watch your favorite television episode, the BlueAir purifier can clean the air throughout your entire bedroom. Specifically, it can clean a 388-square-foot bedroom in just 12.5 minutes with 4.8 ACH, and has the capacity to clean a 1,862-square-foot space in one hour when run on its highest setting. This is due to its HEPASilent filter, which cleans 45 percent faster than a traditional HEPA filter alone.

When run on its lowest setting, this purifier’s noise level is just 23 dB, making it ideal for bedrooms. It has four settings, including an auto mode, and removes 99.99 percent of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, including SARS-COV-2 and H1N1.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 1,862 square feet (recommended room size 388 square feet) | Size: 10.2 x 20.5 x 10.2 inches | Filter: HEPASilent, carbon | Noise Level: 23 dB | Features: Four settings, auto mode, air and filter quality indicator, washable pre-filter, award-winning Swedish design, Zero Ozone Verified}

3.5

Walmart

Pros

Easy to operate and clean
Energy Star qualified
Optional Turbo Clean setting

Cons

Louder than most purifiers

This purifier can clean 465 square feet of space with 4.8 ACH (recommended setting) and up to 2,250 square feet in 60 minutes with 1 ACH, making it the ideal addition to your living room, workshop, or two-car garage. It’s part of Honeywell’s Allergen Plus Series and can capture up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Its HEPA filter only needs to be changed once a year, however, its pre-filter should be changed every six months.

This purifier comes in black or white and features a convenient carrying handle to help you transport it when needed. It’s important to note that it’s louder than most of the purifiers we chose, with a noise level of 60 dB. This is about as loud as a dishwasher, which is still considered moderate in comparison to other purifiers.

Price at time of publication: $270

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 2,250 square feet (465 square feet recommended room size) | Size: 20 x 22.8 x 10.8 inches | Filter: True HEPA, pre-filter | Noise Level: 60 dB | Features: Turbo Clean setting, filter quality indicator, timer, control panel dimmer, carrying handle}

Amazon

Pros

No filter to replace
UV-C light disinfects air
Easy to move around

Cons

Noisier than expected

If you’re looking for a convenient way to eliminate dust mites, mold, and odors from your mudroom, laundry room, or bathroom, the GermGuardian Pluggable Air Purifier is a great choice. Similar to a night light, it plugs right into your wall and doesn’t take up any floor space, making it a great addition for small rooms up to 50 square feet. You may find it noisier than expected given its size, so be sure to place it away from bedrooms while sleeping.

Rather than filtering out airborne particles and odors, this purifier uses a UV-C light to disinfect the surrounding air. This means you won’t ever have to replace a filter, although you will need to replace its lightbulb every six to eight months (depending on use).

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 50 square feet | Size: 2.75 x 3.5 x 7.09 inches | Filter: N/A | Noise Level: 50-55 dB | Features: Compact size, UV-C light, contains titanium dioxide to reduce volatile organic compounds}

Dyson

Pros

Purifies, humidifies, and cools
Internal deep clean cycle
Provides live air quality results

Cons

Regular cleaning required

If you or your child has allergies, this Dyson air purifier may help alleviate symptoms. In addition to being certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, this Dyson model captures 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. It also humidifies the air, which may ease breathing during a cold or respiratory infection. Best of all, you can enjoy up to three days of humidified air without ever having to refill the water tank.

To prevent bacteria from building up within the humidifier, you’ll need to clean the water tank regularly (Dyson recommends its Cleaning Kit). Through a unique algorithm, this purifier can also blow air that feels like it’s cool, which can be turned off in Backward Airflow Mode. There’s also a Deep Clean Cycle, a Night Mode, and an Auto Mode, which constantly monitors your air quality and adjusts its efforts accordingly.

Price at time of publication: $800

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 400 square feet | Size: 12.28 x 11.02 x 36.33 inches | Filter: True HEPA, carbon | Noise Level: 62 dB | Features: Humidifier, backward airflow mode, sleep mode, auto mode, 10 speeds, internal deep clean cycle, mimics cooling breeze}

Amazon

Pros

Certified asthma and allergy friendly
Provides 360 degrees of clean air delivery
Voice control and other smart capabilities

Cons

Tilted frame makes it look bulky

This LG purifier is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Its unique design allows it to rotate up to 70 degrees and tilt up to 55 degrees to provide 360 degrees of clean air delivery, including areas low to the ground. With its Clean Booster mode, it can even push purified air up to 24 feet in the air.

This purifier also has a variety of smart capabilities. In addition to a real-time air quality indicator, you can also enable voice control and manage your airflow using the LG ThinQ app, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa. Best of all, it operates at levels as low as 25 dB, which is quieter than a whisper.

Price at time of publication: $700

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 310 square feet | Size: 13.5 x 13.5 x 23.1 inches | Filter: True HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 25 dB | Features: Rotating and tilting frame, air booster, voice control, syncs with LG ThinQ app, compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa}

4.7

Courtesy of Amazon.com.

Pros

UV-C light reduces bacteria and mold
Filters a 153-square-foot room in 12.5 minutes
Less expensive than other large-room purifiers

Cons

LED display can’t be turned off

In addition to filtering out 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, this GermGuardian purifier contains a UV-C light that helps sanitize the air by reducing airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold. The UV-C light is part of a three-stage filtration system, including an activated charcoal pre-filter and a HEPA filter.

While some UV-C purifiers emit ozone, this one is Zero Ozone Verified by Intertek. This requires that air purifiers meet strict emission concentration limits of 0.005 ppm or lower, which is more rigorous than California’s Air Cleaner Regulation. While this GermGuardian purifier’s noise level is that of a quiet library, its bright LED light can be bothersome while trying to sleep at night.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 743 square feet | Size: 6.75 x 10.25 x 22 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA, activated charcoal | Noise Level: 40 dB | Features: UV-C light, three speed settings, attractive price tag}

Amazon

Pros

Activated carbon traps odors
Mid-century modern design
Washable pre-filter

Cons

High setting is noisy

The secret to this Bissell purifier is its three-stage filtration system. The pre-filter catches debris like dust and hair from the air, while the H13 HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Lastly, the activated carbon filter traps odors from pets, cooking, smoking, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) throughout your home. Some common examples of VOCs include paint, air fresheners, permanent markers, and even printers. This advanced system allows this purifier to filtrate air in spaces of up to 1,582 square feet with 1 ACH, although the recommended room size is 327 square feet and 4.8 ACH.

Another great feature of this purifier is the industrial-grade fan. This high-velocity fan pulls air through its various filters to effectively capture and eliminate odors. This purifier also has an Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Verifide mark, which indicates it’s met strict standards for air cleaning efficiency.

Price at time of publication: $340

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 1,582 square feet (327 square feet recommended room size) | Size: 8.3 x 14.75 x 25 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 34 dB | Features: Five fan speeds, auto mode, Energy Star rated, color-coded air quality readings, mid-century modern design, cord storage, dial and button controls}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Cleans 1,100 square feet in 30 minutes
Nine different colors to choose from
Color-coded real-time air quality indicator

Cons

Takes up a lot of space

If you’re one of the 10 percent to 20 percent of people who are allergic to cats or dogs, investing in an Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier may bring you relief. Specifically, you’ll want to choose the Pet Dander/Odor model, which contains a HEPA filter that can capture up to 99.9 percent of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, including pet fur, dander, dust, and allergens. It also has an activated carbon filter, which helps reduce pet odors, litter box smells, and other household scents.

In just 30 minutes, this purifier can clean up to 1,100 square feet. And with its real-time air quality indicator, you’ll always know the status of the air inside your home. You can also download the Alen Air app, which provides an overview of your air quality and other related statistics.

Price at time of publication: $507

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 1,100 square feet | Size: 10 x 17.75 x 21 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 42 dB | Features: Four models available, color-coded real-time air quality indicator, customizable exterior, connects to Alen Air app}

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Filters mold, bacteria, and odors
Provides detailed air quality reports in Vesync app
Compatible with other smart home devices

Cons

Bottom enclosure feels flimsy

This Levoit air purifier contains three filters, including a pre-filter, H13 HEPA, and activated carbon. These filters work together to remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. This includes mold, bacteria, allergens, dust, and pet dander, to name a few. It also traps and eliminates common household odors, like those from cooking, pets, and smoking.

After downloading the Vesync app, you’ll have access to 24/7 feedback on your home’s air quality and filter status. You can also monitor the particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) level, which indicates the amount of harmful fine particles in your air. This is especially critical for children and elderly people, who tend to be more sensitive to PM_2.5. You can also sync this purifier to coincide with your other smart home devices, program it to run at certain times of the day, and control it with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Price at time of publication: $180

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 990 square feet (403 square feet recommended room size) | Size: 10.79 x 10.79 x 20.47 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 24 dB | Features: Smart home compatible, Vesync app, real-time air quality and PM2.5 indicator, programmable schedule, auto mode}

4.2

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Refreshes rooms in just 15 minutes
Compact, modern design
Optional night light setting

Cons

Designed for small rooms only

Have you ever noticed dust floating in the sunlight throughout your home? The Levoit H13 Air Purifier can help with that by utilizing its three-stage filtration system to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns, including dust, allergens, pollen, mold, and common household odors. It also has a 360-degree air intake to ensure that it’s filtering the air throughout your entire room.

This particular purifier is designed for small rooms up to 129 square feet. Its small footprint means it won’t crowd a countertop, nightstand, or desk, and its sleek, modern design will complement any space.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 129 square feet | Size: 7.9 x 7.9 x 12.6 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 25 dB | Features: Three-stage filtration, three fan speeds, adjustable display light, whisper-quiet setting}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Available in five colors
Compact and lightweight
Carrying handle doubles as a stand

Cons

Only lasts two and a half hours on highest setting

Even while traveling, you can enjoy purified air with the Pure Enrichment Mini Portable Air Purifier. It can easily fit inside a backpack, diaper bag, or luggage and weighs less than 1 pound. While it doesn’t have the capacity to purify an entire hotel room, it can clean up to 54 square feet, which is about the size of two powder rooms. You could also use this purifier while on a road trip—it has the capacity to clean the air within an average-sized minivan—and can capture at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns.

Price at time of publication: $50

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 54 square feet | Size: 8.5 x 3.3 x 2.7 inches | Filter: True HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 30 dB | Features: Carrying handle, three fan speeds, USB charging port}

Courtesy of Levoit

Pros

Award-winning design
Refreshes air five times per hour
Choose filter based on your needs

Cons

No air quality indicator

The Levoit Core 300 is among this brand’s top purifiers. It contains an H13 HEPA filter, which can effectively remove 99.95 percent of airborne particles down to 0.2 microns. Combined with VortexAir Technology and a 360-degree air intake, this purifier can clean 219 square feet in just 12 minutes, and has the capacity to clean up to 1,200 square feet.

You can also choose a filter that caters to your specific needs, including toxin absorption, smoke removal, or pet allergen elimination. However, this purifier doesn’t have an air quality indicator, which can be helpful in determining its effectiveness.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 1,200 square feet (219 square feet recommended room size) | Size: 14.4 x 8.7 x 24 inches | Filter: H13 HEPA, activated carbon | Noise Level: 24 dB | Features: Interchangeable filters, VortexAir Technology, whisper-quiet noise level, modern finish}

Amazon

Pros

Use as stand-alone unit or mount on a wall
Customized panel doubles as artwork
Filters last up to two years

Cons

Negative ion generator emits ozone when in use

This sleek, modern-looking air purifier is loaded with bells and whistles. Its wireless internet capabilities allow you to monitor your air quality and control purification even while you’re away from home. Within the Rabbit Air app, you can set your purifier to run on a timer or daily schedule, order replacement filters, watch tutorials, or contact customer service for troubleshooting. You can even control it with Amazon Alexa or the included remote control.

Perhaps the most unique part about this purifier is that it can be mounted to a wall and mimic a piece of art. From Hello Kitty to a Vincent Van Gogh painting, you can choose from a variety of images to customize your unit.

An important thing to consider is that this purifier does emit ozone through its negative ion generator. According to Rabbit Air, its purifiers comply with the ozone safety measures established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Specifically, the MinusA2 was shown to emit 0.002 ppm at low fan speed, which is 25 times less than the CARB standard.

Price at time of publication: $620

^{Key Specs:
Coverage Area: Up to 815 square feet | Size: 7 x 21.4 x 20.25 inches | Filter: Pre-filter, medium, BioGS HEPA, customized filter, activated carbon | Noise Level: 20.8 dB | Features: Wifi connectivity with app, hands-free operation, wall mount, custom art display, mood light, timer, daily schedule}

How We Selected the Best Air Purifiers

To select the best air purifiers, we consulted with John McKeon, MD, CEO and founder of Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) and with Robert Goldberg, MD, FCCP, a pulmonologist at Mission Heritage Medicine Group. Both experts spoke about the benefits of using an air purifier (especially those with a HEPA filter) and described the features we should consider when purchasing one. We then spent weeks reviewing more than 35 different air purifiers against our specific set of qualifications to determine the best air purifiers.

What to Look for in Air Purifiers

Coverage Area

Not all air purifiers are created equal, as some are designed for small rooms while others have a larger capacity. For example, the GermGuardian Pluggable Small Air Purifier wouldn’t work in your living room because its coverage area is only 50 square feet. However, it would be perfect for a bathroom or laundry room—especially because its UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses like influenza and RSV.

If you’re looking for a purifier that works for large spaces, the Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier is a great choice as it can clean up to 2,250 square feet in just one hour. Despite its ability to clean a large room, this Honeywell air purifier is Energy Star Qualified and has met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (which is great for your electricity bill).

To determine the square footage of a room, you’ll need a measuring tape and a calculator. First, measure the room’s length and width. Then, multiply the length by width, which will give you the overall square footage.

Filter

There are two kinds of filters to consider when purchasing an air purifier: a HEPA and an activated charcoal or carbon filter. While HEPA filters remove particles (mold, bacteria, viruses, allergens) from the air, charcoal and carbon filters help reduce odors and gaseous chemicals. Most of the purifiers on our list contain both types of filters.

If you’re considering a purifier as a tool to help you and your family stay healthy, selecting one with a HEPA filter is your best bet. “HEPA filters are some of the highest levels of filtration that is commercially available,” Dr. Goldberg says. In general, there are three types of HEPA filters:

True: meets HEPA standard and filters up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles at 0.3 microns
Absolute: meets HEPA standard and filters up to 99.99 percent of particles at 0.3 microns
H13-H14: meets HEPA standard and filters up to 99.95 percent to 99.995 percent of particles at 0.1 microns

True and Absolute HEPA filters are commonly found in household products, while H13 and H14 are considered medical grade. All in all, any one of these HEPA filters can be worthwhile—it’s just a matter of your preference and budget.

Clean Air Delivery Rate

Similar to coverage area, not every air purifier delivers clean air at the same rate. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) sets the national standard, known as the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which indicates how quickly an air purifier can remove pollutants (like smoke, dust, and pollen) from a room. The higher the CADR for each pollutant, the faster the purifier cleans the air.

Specifically, AHAM recommends that consumers follow the “2/3 Rule” which suggests that you should look for a purifier with a CADR rating that is approximately two-thirds of your room’s area. Our top pick, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, is designed to accommodate rooms up to 361 square feet and has a CADR of 246 for dust and 240 for pollen, which are within the range (240, according to the 2/3 Rule) for a room of this size. Its CADR rating is 233 for smoke, which is reasonably close to the desired rate of 240.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are air purifiers good for babies?

Children are among the most vulnerable to potential indoor air pollution health effects. Even if you clean your baby’s room regularly, it can still contain indoor air pollution from central heating and cooling, excess moisture, and even furniture—all of which can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Research shows that placing an air purifier with a HEPA filter in a baby or child’s room is not only safe, but can also help reduce bronchial symptoms like asthma or a stuffy nose.
When should I use an air purifier?

It’s never too soon to begin using an air purifier, and you can do so every day of the year. Using an air purifier during cold and flu season may help prevent or decrease the severity of illness. “More respiratory infections occur in the winter when the air is colder and dryer,” Dr. Goldberg says. “[During the winter months], the cold, dry air affects your defense mechanisms in your nose and sinuses, allowing more viral particles to attack, leading to more upper respiratory tract infections such as the cold and flu. Although an air filtration system cannot completely prevent infection, [it can] reduce the amount of virus particles someone is exposed to, which can reduce their chance of becoming ill.”
Do babies need a humidifier or an air purifier?

Deciding whether to place an air purifier or a humidifier in your baby’s room depends on the health concern you want to address. While an air purifier can help remove odors, dust, allergens, and bacteria from the air in your baby’s room, a humidifier can come in handy if your baby has a cold or suffers from dry skin. As long as they’re operated correctly and cleaned regularly, both an air purifier and a humidifier can be used for your baby.
How much does the average air purifier cost?

An effective air purifier can range anywhere from $50 to $600 and sometimes more. However, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a great air purifier. Our top pick, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) Mighty, costs $230, while the Levoit H13 Air Purifier goes for $90. Our best budget pick, the Levoit Core Mini, costs just $50 and is powerful enough to clean a 178-square-foot room.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Laura Lu, M.S. is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She’s also a mother of two young children, each of whom has a Levoit air purifier in their room.