Top 7 Best Room Air Purifiers [& Air Purifier for Covid]

Often way too small to be seen by the human eye, the varied contaminants that commonly pollute indoor air are too often unfortunately experienced as inhalable irritants that can be harmful to our health. Because most people spend about 90-percent of their life indoors, mainly in their own homes, the majority of airborne pollutant exposure happens at home. They take the form of gases, particles, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as mold, dust, formaldehyde, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and fine particulates.

Reducing and eliminating the concentration of airborne contaminants in indoor air with the use of an effective air purifier has been proven to improve health and well-being, with some machines even providing the capability to filter harmful bacteria and viruses from the air. Especially wonderful for anyone with respiratory disorders, immune system issues, allergies, asthma, COPD, and other health issues, investing in an air purifier is a smart and healthy choice for any family.

To help you choose the best to meet your particular needs and room size, we’ve already done the research for you! Determining our selections based on filter type, how much square footage it serves, functionality, ease of use, performance, durability, and cost, we also looked at the customer input from the real-life users of these air purifiers in order to share the 7 best air purifiers for large rooms with you, so you can make the best choice for you and your loved ones.

Best Overall Choice:

1) Revive Home Air Purifier and Humidifier by Brondell View Product

The Top 7:

	7) SoClean Air Purifier View Product
	6) Austin Air HealthMate Standard Air Purifiers View Product
	5) O2+ Horizon True HEPA Air Purifier by Brondell View Product
	4) AirFree Lotus Silent Filterless Air Purifier View Product
	3) AirFree P-Series Silent Filterless Air Purifier View Product
	2) EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Timilon Air Purifier - ED327-0255-00EK View Product
	1) Revive Home Air Purifier and Humidifier by Brondell View Product

Important Features to Consider

Capacity

One of the first things you need to consider is: “How big of an area can this air purifier cover?”. While you may stumble across one that you really like, if the air purifier is not sized correctly for the space, it will not be as effective as you would hope for it to be. Capacity limits ensure that all the air can fully be cleaned and filtered from household allergens such as mold, dust mites, and pet dander. 

Fitting your air purifier for the correct space also means saving money in the long run. An efficient cleaner means less money spent on operating costs. Make sure to match the square footage between the air purifier and the room you intent to place it in for maximum cleanliness. 

Ideal for larger areas such as clinics and large living rooms, the Austin Air HealthMate Standard Air Purifier can cover up to 1500 square feet! For bedrooms or smaller common areas, the AirFree P-Series and AirFree Lotus are great, completely silent alternatives.

Noise Level

Standard air purifiers built with interal fans can get pretty noisy, especially larger, more robust ones. However, an air purifier that makes noise can be a preference from some because it lets them know that it’s working! Noise indicates that it’s on and any changes can let you know that it may need maintenance. 

For reference, the loudest air purifier on our list, at it’s highest setting, produces 71 decibels (dBA) of sound. This is equivalent to a washing machine or dishwasher.

But did you know that there are purifiers that are 100% silent while operating? The AirFree P-Series and AirFree Lotus operate with a heated ceramic core rather than a fan or filter for completely silent air purification. This makes them ideal for nurseries, meditation spaces, or anyone who prefers the quiet!

Weight

If you travel a lot or would like to move your air purifier from room to room, weight is definitely a factor to take into consideration. Larger air purifiers can weigh upwards of 50 pounds and can be a hassle to re-locate. 

Despite the Austin Air HealthMate Standard Air Purifier weighing a total of 45 pounds, it conveniently has wheels to easily roll from room to room. With incredible coverage at 1500 square feet, it can help eliminate odors while you’re cooking or while the pets are running around. 

Easily as portable, the SoClean Air Purifier weighs only four pounds and features optional mini stands to place around your home. All you have to do is take the main unit with you and place it on any mini stand for easy operation

Consumption

While air purifiers generally don’t consume a lot of energy, there are a few differences in cost depending on wattage.

In order for air purifiers to truly be effective and serve their purpose, it is recommended to run them 24 hours a day. Most air purifiers run between 40 and 200 watts but can be lowered based on their settings. If we compare the average air purifier wattage (56 watts) to other household appliances, than it would be equivalent to either charging your phone or running a small fan. 

Electricity costs will definitely vary from area to area but with it running all day long, an air purifier can add anywhere between 5 cents and a dollar per day on your bill. With relatively low costs, air purifiers are definitely worth the investment. 

#7 SoClean Air Purifier

Although it serves smaller rooms up to about 250 square feet, we still placed the SoClean Air Purifier on our list! Coming in at #7, this purifier is admired for its efficacy in capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus! Utilizing Celios G200 Advanced Technology and next-generation 3-stage filtration, this revolutionary air purifier from SoClean cleans the air up to 3,000 times more efficiently than True HEPA, for 99.99-percent efficacy! Producing cleanroom-quality air, this amazing machine traps particle matter down to 10 nanometers in size, effectively removing ultrafine viruses, bacteria, allergens, dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Its oversized filter also absorbs VOCs, gases, and odors for the cleanest indoor air possible.

Often used in medical examination and waiting rooms, SoClean now brings this technology for individual consumers to use at home, at the office, in the car, and wherever you travel. Its small, lightweight, and compact size make it easy to take along to conveniently purify the air in every indoor atmosphere. Running on both outlet and battery power, its internal lithium-ion batteries provide up to 24 hours of untethered use, making it ideal for purifying the air in your car for daily commutes. This air purifier comes with both the main stand and a mini-stand for easier positioning on a variety of surfaces, while it can also be used without a stand. The main stand helps dampen the sound, while it also has an advantageous slot for holding the wireless remote control.

Along with trapping smaller, ultrafine particles like viruses and bacteria better than its counterparts, this air purifier’s advanced 3-stage filtration system also captures larger particles, while its activated carbon component provides effective removal of gases, volatile organic compounds emitted from common household products, and odors. Four fan speeds enable customized air cleaning to meet your specifications, moving the air super fast to provide clean air more quickly. Quieter on the lower speeds, the decibel level of this air purifier ranges from 34 to 64 dB.

Designed for both short-term and 24/7 usage, the SoClean air purifier is ideal for cleaning the air in bathrooms, bedrooms, college dorm rooms, the kitchen, the car, and anywhere else you want to breathe clean indoor air. It helps to remove impurities and Covid-19 better than any other air purifier in our review, which leads to a wide range of health benefits for everyone in the environment.

Key Features

• Eliminates up to 99.99% of particles down to 10 nanometers in size
• 3,000 times more efficient at purifying the air than True HEPA standards
• Effective at trapping the SARS-CoV-2 virus
• Compact and lightweight to carry from room to room or for travel
• Both outlet and battery power for convenient use

Pros

• Works even better than expected, so much more effective than other models used
• Fast and effective at removing odors from dorm rooms, burnt toast, and a variety of other situations, such as smoke from wildfires
• The 24-hour battery life is very helpful to take along in the car to purify the air, along with taking it to relatives’ and friends’ houses for a safer visit during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Works exceptionally well at removing ultrafine dust
• Small, lightweight size along with the stands make it easy to set up wherever you need it
• Absolute best value for the price

Cons

• None noted!

#6 Austin Air HealthMate Standard Air Purifiers

With their CSA-certified, medical-grade, four-stage HEPA filtration and 360-degree intake, the Austin Air HealthMate Standard Air Purifiers are some of the most well-loved air purifiers on the market. Known for their superior level of quality, the esteemed Austin Air company has been making some of the best air purifiers for both residential and commercial applications for over 30 years. This standard air purifier offers extraordinary air cleaning at a competitive price, providing multiple benefits and a feature-rich design at a great value.

Its four-stage HEPA filtration system stands out above many of its competitors and is often used for cleaning highly contaminated indoor conditions. It includes a large-particle pre-filter to remove visible pollutants like dust, pet dander, and hair, along with a medium-particle pre-filter to remove invisible particles like spores, pollens, and molds. Its large Activated Carbon filter removes VOCs, gases, and odors, while its medical-grade True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. What’s really impressive and makes it one of the most efficient filters on the market is that the HealthMate also filters out 95-percent of contaminants measuring 0.1 microns or larger!

Cleaning the air in areas up to 1,500 square feet, this air purifier is ideal for much larger rooms and homes, while it also offers exceptionally quick air purification for smaller areas. Its 360-degree intake and three-speed centrifugal fan optimize airflow, allowing users to set the rate of air purification with a simplistic dial. Its perforated steel frame is powder-coated in two different color options to ensure durability and provide a modern aesthetic. Although it's the heaviest air purifier in our review at 45 pounds, the HealthMate does come with casters for smooth, easy-rolling portability. It ranges between less than 50 to 66 decibels depending on the fan speed.

Key Features

• A four-stage filtration system and 360-degree intake optimizes air purification
• Medical-grade True HEPA removes 99.97-percent of particles 0.3 microns or larger
• Removes 95-percent of particles 0.1 microns or larger to optimize user health
• Choose the speed of filtration with the 3-speed centrifugal fan
• Conveniently portable with its four easy-roll casters

Pros

• One of the most common comments from real-life users of the HealthMate is that it’s the best air purifier on the market
• Simple to operate, even for users who aren’t tech-savvy
• Highly efficient at removing VOCs and gases along with the usual tiny particulates
• Many users talked about how great it is in removing odors from a variety of sources, including new carpet, new paint, new furniture, and also from dogs and smokers
• It’s worth the higher price tag, very low maintenance and it’s still working like new many years after purchase
• Helps with multiple health conditions, including asthma, allergies, COPD, and insomnia

Cons

• Some customers said it was rather loud on the highest fan setting, but most others said the low and medium settings are quiet
• The vast majority of any negative reviews warned potential buyers about buying this from a non-reputable third seller or buying it used as there were certain condition issues that were not initiated by Austin Air
• A couple of customers said the look of the unit is a bit retro, but they still loved how it worked for cleaning the air

#5 O2+ Horizon True HEPA Air Purifier by Brondell

Coming in at #5 in our review with its innovative 4-in-1 composite filter that offers 5-stage filtration and True HEPA, the O2+ Horizon True HEPA Air Purifier by Brondell is the most economically-priced option on our list. Yet it sacrifices nothing for this lower price point, providing exceptional, dependable air purification for large rooms up to 1,884 cubic feet. It’s a great all-around choice for efficacious air cleaning and is easy to operate and maintain.

Removing 99.97-percent of airborne pollutants that are 0.3 microns or larger in size, the Horizon air purifier meets True HEPA filtration standards, but that’s not all! Its unique composite filter combines four layers that include the True HEPA Core, Pre-Filter, Granulated Carbon Filter, and Integrated Cold Catalyst, ensuring optimal filtration of particles, gases, and VOCs. It’s super easy to change the filters on this air purifier as well.

And, in case that’s not enough, this air purifier from Brondell adds proprietary Intelligent Ion Technology to emit negatively-charged ions, attracting and trapping positively-charged ions such as pollen, dust, and bacteria, all without adding ozone. Eco-friendly and covering an area of 280 square feet with two air exchanges per hour and an area of 560 square feet with one air exchange per hour, the Horizon weighs just 11 pounds, making it easy to move and transport. Its noise output ranges from 37.7 to 55.43 dB, depending on the fan speed selected.

Key Features

• 4 stages of filtration including True HEPA
• Intelligent Ion Technology traps positively-charged pollutants
• Exceptional filtration of particulates, gases, and VOCs
• Purifies air in large rooms up to 1,884 cubic feet
• Easy filter replacement, easy to operate

Pros

• Used for wildfire smoke, worked great at removing smoke and other cooking odors, and didn’t even need to use ion feature
• Super quiet operation, especially at lower fan setting
• Simple operation and settings, works well
• Incredible bargain, really great value for the low price point

Cons

• A few users lamented about this air purifier not containing automatic/Smart features
• Some customers said the higher speed fan made it too loud for them to sleep
• The sleep timer can only be set for four hours instead of eight

#4 AirFree Lotus Silent Filterless Air Purifier

Through the power of air convection and a heated ceramic core, the AirFree Lotus Silent Filterless Air Purifier is able to destroy microorganisms for clean, purified air. Its silent and easy to use nature puts the AirFree Lotus at #4 on our list. 

Stylish and effective, the Airfree Lotus is an absolute dream of a purifier. Taking after the Lotus flower, the device opens its petals for efficient purification and changes colors to match every room and every mood. The air inlets at the bottom draw contaminated air in by convection to then be processed through the sterilizing ceramic core. In here is where the ceramic core heats up to about 400 degrees, killing off a variety of bacteria, viruses, pet allergens, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. For the cherry on top, this purifier is capable of doing all this without a filter and with absolutely no noise. 

Weighing only 5.2 pounds, the Lotus has a low energy consumption at 52 W and can cover a room up to 650 ft sq!  With no need for filter replacements, this air purifier proves to be pretty affordable compared to other, louder air purifiers on the market. It is tested for quality and safety across ISO laboratories worldwide, making sure you and your family are protected around the clock. 

Key Features

• Offers completely silent air purification with its patented technology
• With no filter, it is cost effective and lightweight
• Emits different colored lights for a welcoming environment 
• Heated ceramic core is extremely effective at killing off bacteria and viruses
• Integrates very well with any home decor

Pros

• Doesn’t interrupt sleep with its silent nature
• Can choose to have the colorful light on or off
• Covers a large area for its size
• Doesn’t change the temperature of the room

Cons

• Although it’s silence is a pro, many say it can be a con because they don’t know if it’s working
• Have to push very firmly on the center to get the petals to open

#3 AirFree P-Series Silent Filterless Air Purifier

Acting more like an air sterilizer than a purifier, the AirFree P-Series Silent Filterless Air Purifier grabs our #3 position with its unique air cleaning technology and totally silent, filterless operation. Utilizing proprietary Thermodynamic TSS Technology developed by AirFree, the air is pulled into the unit via natural air convection and then heated to temperatures of nearly 400 degrees Fahrenheit to sterilize it. The clean air is cooled and then dissipated back throughout the room. 

Because it requires no filters to clean the air, the P-Series of AirFree purifiers can be quite a cost-saver compared to other models that require filter changes. These purifiers also don’t consume much energy, which adds to the savings over time. Three different models in this series offer air cleaning for areas measuring 450, 550, and 650 square feet, requiring only 43 to 51 watts of power to ensure an economical air filtering solution. They’re all small in size, weighing only 3.5 pounds, making them easy to place wherever you need cleaner air. Shaped like a closed tulip, the inner stress-relieving blue light can be adjusted in brightness as desired.

Destroying all kinds of harmful particle pollutants with heat, including dust mites, mold, viruses, bacteria, pet dander, pollen, tobacco smoke, odors, and other organic allergens, this series of air purifiers are ideal for people living with allergies and asthma, as well as anyone requiring cleaner air to improve their health. Not only does it not emit ozone, but it has also actually been shown to reduce harmful indoor ozone levels, enhancing safety and health. Independently tested in ISO laboratories around the world, the AirFree P-Series air purifiers are a great option for cleaning the air in both small and large spaces.

Key Features

• 100-percent efficiency for destroying organic allergens
• Completely silent operation won’t interrupt sleep, work, or conversation
• Does not use filters, making operation and maintenance easier and more affordable
• No harmful emissions and helps to reduce indoor ozone levels
• Exceptionally small and lightweight for simple portability

Pros

• Money-saver works as well or better than other filtered air purifiers, but you don’t have to buy filters and the unit doesn’t take much energy
• Truly silent, no noise at all, wonderful for sleeping at night
• Effective at removing odors from carpets
• Users have clearer breathing, reduced or eliminated snoring, helps with asthma and allergies
• The small, lightweight size makes it easy to move to different areas of the house

Cons

• Might work better in rooms with good air circulation and movement
• Without a fan, some users weren’t sure if the device was working

#2 EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model Air Purifier

After COVID-19 and the quarantine, we all learned how vital clean air is for us. Now, inside the new normal and living day-by-day surrounded by potential air hazards, breathing the most risk-free air available is essential. To take care of your spaces and ensure you rest confident inside them, the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model Air Purifier is the all-in-one equipment you need to sanitize your favorite rooms.

Let the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model Air Purifier by Timilon begin the renovation of your air at the office, baby's room, living room, and bedroom. This ultra-quiet device comes with four-speed levels that ensure every room's air is completely safe and sanitized. You don't need to worry about disturbing noises, this air purifier engine features advanced technology that emits no sound while running even at maximum capacity.

With only 40 lbs of total weight, the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model Air Purifier is light and requires no tools for installation. This convenient air purifier will match perfectly your spaces thanks to its elegant two different colors. It's time for you to start breathing high-quality air and letting your body be safe and enjoy all the benefits of clean air.

Key Features

• Helps you keep all your favorite spaces filled with clean air
• Eliminates 99.9% of hazardous pathogens, chemicals, and contaminants to ensure a safe environment 
• Comes with four different speed levels to purify air according to your space size and needs
• The ultra-quiet engine creates no noise and is perfect for sensitive rooms and atmospheres

Pros

• The air purifier is perfect for big spaces and rooms of up to 1,000 square feet
• Requires no installation and is ready to start cleaning just by getting it out of the box
• The engine is entirely silent, perfect for resting and sensitive spaces like bedrooms

Cons

• Some users might consider it too big for small living rooms
• It lacks a remote control 

#1 Revive Home Air Purifier and Humidifier by Brondell

Earning the #1 spot in our review with its beneficial humidification and faster air cleaning capability, the Revive Home Air Purifier and Humidifier by Brondell also highlights a three-stage certified True HEPA filtration system to ensure effective purification of the air. With a CADR of 230, this air purifier provides 3 air changes per hour for a 627.5-square foot room, and 5 air changes per hour for a 376.5-square foot room, with a humidifying capacity of up to 350 ml per hour. Keeping the indoor air balanced and refreshed, this air purifier from Brondell uses a fan to draw in air, passes it through a filter that adds moisture, then pushes it back into the room to modulate humidity for a more comfortable atmosphere.

The Revive highlights a remarkably efficient dual-suction system, giving it the ability to take in twice the amount of air in half the time, which also enhances airflow. Its dual True HEPA air filter system eliminates 99.97-percent of airborne contaminants measuring 0.3 microns and larger, removing dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold, VOCs, odors, and other irritants. This air cleaner’s adjustable seasonal allergy setting enables customized, year-round use, while its humidification helps to alleviate dry skin, along with dry throat and nasal passages, making it easier to breathe when you have a cold, allergies, asthma, or the flu. 

Minimizing the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde and benzene that are known carcinogens, the Revive makes monitoring the quality of your indoor air easy with its air quality indicator and humidity level indicator. Its four operating modes offer a variety of adjustable air purification levels that are easy to set with the unit’s user-friendly, easy-to-navigate control panel, while its set-it-and-forget-it function with an automatic timer further simplifies operation. 

Key Features

• Beneficial functionality as both an air purifier and humidifier
• True HEPA filtration ensures removal of 99.97-percent of contaminants 0.3 microns or larger
• Refreshes the air to boost health and wellness, helps those prone to dryness issues
• Faster air purification takes in the air more quickly to purify it for larger rooms
• User-friendly controls are easy to navigate, with automatic timer functionality

Pros

• Most users of the Revive absolutely love it, and comments were plentiful about how much this device has helped their health, especially with reducing allergies and asthma attacks, alleviating sore sinuses, improving sleep and breathing, and just feeling better overall
• The humidification feature is very appreciated by the majority of customers and has helped them so much more than other models they tried without this component
• Worth the little higher price, the air smells so much more clean and fresh
• Reduces dust in the environment so you don’t have to dust as often

Cons

• Some users had a hard time moving this air purifier, as it weighs about 20 pounds and doesn’t have casters, while the handle is located at the bottom, making it awkward for some users to try and carry
• A few users mentioned how the water reservoir is oddly shaped so you can’t set it on a flat surface to fill it, along with being a bit small so you have to fill it every day if you’re using the humidity function often

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an air purifier do?

An air purifier cleans airborne contaminants from indoor air, many of which are way too small for the human eye to see but can be inhaled and cause irritation and lower the immune response. There are a number of different design types, including HEPA, carbon, thermal, and ionizers.

What is the best air purifier?

The best air purifiers use True HEPA or medical-grade HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration that meets or exceeds government standards of removing 99.97-percent of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger. This includes dust, mold spores, pet dander, allergens, and a host of other potentially harmful particles, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

How does an air purifier work?

Air purifiers work to clean the air in a variety of ways, usually with the use of various filter systems to catch or kill the contaminants, such as True HEPA, carbon/HEGA, ionization, and thermodynamics.

Final Thoughts

With indoor concentrations of some pollutants increasing in recent decades because of factors like the lack of adequate air exchange with energy-efficient building construction and the increased use of synthetic building materials, household cleaners, furnishings, and personal care products, it has never been more important to purify your indoor air. Airborne contaminants are often concentrated 2 to 5 times higher in indoor settings than typical outdoor concentrations.

Beneficial for a wide range of people, air purifiers can provide efficient air sanitation, with many models that use True HEPA and a combination of other filtering systems to remove a significant amount of contaminants. We explored the features and benefits of the best air purifiers on the market today, along with feedback from their real-life users, in order to provide you with the research you need to determine the best air purifier for your unique requirements.

Although all of these air purifiers are great choices and any one of them could well be the best option for various users, we determined the Revive Home Air Purifier and Humidifier by Brondell to be the best overall choice for most people. 

Learn more about all of the quality air purifiers for sale, and learn more about how to create a healthy, accessible, and adaptive home with our educational resource, Caregiver University.