Clear the Air

The best air purifiers for your individual needs

Best home air purifiers in 2021 Best home air purifiers in 2021

Modern homes present something of a double-edged sword: They tend to be sealed up, keeping out drafts and making the space more energy efficient. But the downside is that a well-sealed home also traps in pet dander, smoke from cooking or fires, dust mites and mold. All of those nasties floating around can trigger respiratory issues like coughs, sneezing or stuffy noses. And just before allergy season really kicks off, you might consider outfitting your living space with an air purifier. They've come a long way in the last few years—nearly all now boast high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters that are certified to capture the smallest particles that can cause trouble. Herewith, some of the best options to buy right now, based on your individual needs.

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Best Home
Air Purifiers
in 2022

Best All-Around

This low-profile machine uses dual HEPA and charcoal filters to capture particles, pollen and fumes. A pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time. And it syncs up with an app that includes indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring, scheduling, smart controls and Alexa pairing—all the while tracking filter performance and notifying you when it's time to swap them out.

Airmega air purifier,
$236 by Conway

Best for Pet Owners

If you've got pets, then you've got pet dander and dirt tracked in by your four-legged friend. And while all of these purifiers will help, this particular model has been recommended by several pet owners for its ability to efficiently neutralize a room's air (completely circulating four times per hour). It runs reliably and you'll visibly notice results in 24 hours.

LV-H132 air purifier,
$89.99 by Levoit

The Fan Hybrid

Dyson's popular Cool Link fan is wrapped with a 360°, vacuum-sealed glass HEPA filter. It provides smooth, long-range air flow to keep a room cool and well circulated. It's particularly great in a bedroom, as the night-time auto mode monitors, reacts and purifies while being super quiet. And if you can get a certified refurbished model, it's even pretty affordable.

Pure Cool air purifier fan,
$399.99 by Dyson

The Aesthete’s Choice

If you've got an Apple HomePod or Sonos Soundbar, this is probably the purifier you'd prefer to have in your home. It's easy to control via Apple HomeKit and the sleek styling and leather handle add a luxe touch. Plus, the proprietary PECO technology not only removes particles from the air but it also oxidizes gaseous pollutants and breaks them down into harmless molecules.

Air Mini purifier,
$499 by Molekule

Best for Big Rooms

This model from Bissell has a retro vibe, and could almost double as a small side table. It includes both a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. The powerful fan makes it ideal for larger rooms and the CirQulate system automatically increases fan speed when the sensors detect a decrease in air quality.

Air320 smart air purifier,
$329.99 / $249.99 by Bissell

How an air filter works illustration

How do they work?

In the simplest terms, these purifiers use fans to pull air in and filters to trap airborne particles—a lot like a supercharged face mask. As it circulates, it consistently clears the air of irritants, so you’re not breathing them in. Which means replacing your filters regularly is key.

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