In an age where the quality of the air we breathe is frequently under threat, the value of clean air has grown exponentially. We are navigating through times marked by global health crises, unceasing wildfires, and persistent urban pollution, all culprits in compromising our air quality. Amid these challenges, air purifiers have evolved from being just another household gadget to an essential guardian, fortifying our indoor spaces against airborne adversaries and safeguarding our health.

Indeed, our surroundings are teeming with invisible invaders – particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and potentially harmful fumes stealthily emitted by seemingly benign household items like plastics, paint, furniture, and flooring. To make this topic even more compelling, emerging research now points to the efficacy of air filters in eliminating airborne virus particles, further reinforcing their importance in our lives.

Air Pollution Is A Leading Environmental Health Hazard

Air pollution, now the leading environmental health risk globally, was connected to an alarming 7 million deaths in 2012, according to a groundbreaking report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This research has reinforced the link between exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and ischemic heart disease, and also revealed a strong correlation with cancer. [1]

The impact of air pollution on the development of respiratory conditions, including acute respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, has been long established. However, the recent statistics concerning indoor air pollution's effect on our health are particularly startling. The WHO's fact sheet on Household Air Pollutants (HAP) attributes 3.8 million premature deaths annually to exposure to these indoor pollutants, with causes ranging from stroke and ischemic heart disease to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. [2]

Given these sobering figures, strategies to improve indoor air quality are vital. Air purifiers and filters represent the most effective solutions to this pervasive problem. [3]

The health effects of air pollution can have short and long-term consequences.
Sensitive groups are particularly affected. [4]

Our homes have evolved beyond traditional roles, seamlessly morphing into multi-functional sanctuaries serving as offices, playgrounds, meditation retreats, personal restaurants, neighborhood pubs, refuges, or even home cinemas. With so much of our lives centered around the home, we spend more time breathing the air within our walls than ever. This makes it more critical than ever to ensure this air is as clean, healthy, and invigorating as possible.

We set out on a mission to explore the world of air purification. We ventured into diverse categories while meticulously comparing features, home compatibility, and environmental footprint. Soon, it became clear: air purifiers utilizing HEPA filters emerged as the standout choice.

Favored by consumers for their superior efficiency, HEPA air purifiers excel at filtering out a vast majority of airborne irritants and pollutants. With advanced filtration technology capable of eliminating 99.7% of all particles exceeding 0.2 microns in size, these devices can effectively clear out allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust from your indoor environment.

While the cost of HEPA air purifiers can vary, it's important to remember that the investment often aligns with the quality of the product, making it a worthwhile consideration for those prioritizing cleaner, healthier air.

The air purifiers we tended to be drawn to delivered tangible benefits that were too significant to ignore. Here are the models we found to stand out above the rest. Not only do they have top-tier filtration and functionality, but they also look nice in the home.

So, sit back, take a deep, clean breath, and journey with us as we unveil our top picks for air purifiers. Your lungs, and overall well-being, will thank you.

Image credit: Blueair Inc.

The Best Overall Air Purifier

Securing our top endorsement is the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max, lauded for its advanced multi-tiered defense against a wide array of contaminants. This system efficiently tackles everything from pet dander and odors, mold spores, and cooking fumes to dust mites, pollen, smoke, and harmful chemicals, extending even to viruses and bacteria.

Blueair is a Scandinavian company focused on creating the highest quality air cleaners while being aesthetically pleasing. Their HEPAPure Dual-Filtration comes with a removable and washable pre-filter that adds to the design component of this device, which is available in 5 different colorways to match your aesthetic.

THE BEST OVERALL

Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max

THE BEST FOR LARGER SPACES

Blueair Blue Pure 311i+ Max

The 311i Max's washable fabric pre-filter encases the device (available in five colors) and snags fur, dust, and other large particles. Once the air is drawn into the device, it passes through a true HEPA filter designed to capture smaller particles down to .1 microns. That's enough to clear up to 99.97% of contaminants within a 465 square feet space in under 13 minutes.

Its intuitive display, 5-color AQI, and simple two-button design make it easy to control fan speeds 1, 2, 3, or night mode, auto mode, or adjust light levels and child lock.

The smartphone app allows you to monitor your home's air quality remotely with the ability to program the device to move into standby mode when you leave the house and activate air cleansing when you're close to returning home.

The ultimate in design and function for air purification.

Filters last 6-9 months, depending on use and the extent of pollution in your area. Filter auto-ship activates a 15% savings...yay!

Blueair purifiers have certifications for health, comfort, and sustainability that is expected for a device of this nature. Here's a list:

Quiet Mark Certified – an organization that combats indoor sound pollution by evaluating and grading consumer products for the volume they produce during use.

Rated by Energy Star as an energy-efficient air purifier, which contributes to sustainability. [5]

Zero Ozone Verified (<5 ppb) by Intertek Sustainability Program. Intertek's Zero Ozone Verification Program reaches beyond enforced limits to ensure that an air cleaner's ozone emission is below the federal requirements in the United States, including those from the FDA, NIOSH, CARB, EPA, and OSHA. [6]

AHAM Verifide® for performance and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. [7] 

Additionally, 311i Max's removes a minimum of 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteriophage MS2, Escherichia coli, H1N1 (influenza A virus), and Aspergillus niger (black mold) according to tests performed by CAS Test Technical Services.

The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max specializes in medium spaces, and the Blueair Blue Pure 311i+ Max accommodates larger spaces. Both devices are very similar in features and aesthetics. Your living area's size is the only differentiating factor that matters here.

The 311i+ Max gets the job done faster, but the 311i Max will still get the job done. The cost savings on both the device and the filter replacement of the 311i Max make it the best option.

Regardless, the pricepoint of either model won't break the bank, and you're getting a top-quality air cleaner that features best-in-class design elements.

Image credit: Dyson

The Best Combo: Air Purifier & Fan

The Dyson Purifier Cool™ TP07 Smart Air Purifier & Fan and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ HP07 Air Purifier, Heater, & Fan bring the power of automated and intelligent air purification into your home. Equipped with advanced sensors, these smart appliances capture and trap pollutants automatically, ensuring the air you breathe is clean and fresh. The fully sealed structure, compliant with HEPA H13 standards, promises that what goes inside stays inside, resulting in pure, pollutant-free air.

Leveraging Dyson's Air Multiplier technology, these purifiers boast impressive circulation power. They can draw in pollutants from afar, purifying and projecting clean air throughout the entire room. But the innovation doesn't stop at air purification. These devices also double as a fan, cooling you directly with up to 350° oscillation and the ability to project over 77 gallons of air per second when needed. The backward airflow mode allows for purification without cooling, providing flexibility based on your needs.

THE BEST COMBO

Dyson Purifier Cool™ TP07 Smart Air Purifier & Fan

THE BEST COMBO plus HEAT

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ HP07 Air Purifier, Heater, & Fan

While the name of this Dyson Purifier Cool™ TP07 suggests that it is cooling, it's important to clarify that it does not function as an air conditioner. It serves solely as a fan and air purifier.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ HP07 enriches its feature set by incorporating a warm or heated fan option. If you are seeking a solution that cools your surroundings in the summer and provides supplemental warmth in the winter, this all-in-one device could be your ideal match.

Beyond these capabilities, their intuitive design truly sets the Dyson Purifier Cool™ TP07 and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ HP07 apart. They can sense and react to changes in air quality in real time, providing updates through an LCD screen or the MyDyson app. The filter maintenance is a breeze, thanks to quick and easy filter changes and automatic filter-life notifications. You can also program the machine to turn off after pre-set intervals ranging from under 30 minutes to almost 8 hours.

Carefully engineered for noise reduction, the purifiers are 20% quieter than their predecessors, providing peace and tranquility in your living space. They even have a dedicated Night mode for lighter sleepers, monitoring and purifying with the quietest settings, and a dimmed display for undisturbed sleep.

These machines not only adapt to your air quality but also to your lifestyle. They support hands-free control through compatible voice services, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Home. Whether near or far, the MyDyson app offers intelligent control, letting you monitor and manage your air quality from anywhere.

Ultimately, these multi-functional devices are hard to beat, even considering their higher-end price tag. The whisper-quiet operation, paired with user-friendly features, justifies the indulgence.

The Dyson Purifier Cool™ TP07 and the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ HP07 are more than just air purifiers; they're a step towards smart living and a healthier, cleaner home.

Final thoughts

Navigating through the contemporary landscape fraught with environmental and health challenges, it's become increasingly clear that clean, breathable air is more than just a luxury—it's a necessity.

The global health crises, relentless urban pollution, and the escalation of wildfires are all factors that have elevated air purifiers from a nice-to-have gadget to a critical tool in our health and wellness toolkit.

It's time we took control of the air we breathe, especially in our homes. Air purifiers are no longer a luxury; they're a necessity—one that fortifies our indoor spaces and protects our health, allowing us to breathe a little easier.

*Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.

THE GOODS

FEATURED PRODUCTS