9/10

The Winix PlasmaWave air purifier is our favorite pick for a living room or bedroom, because it cleans using its patented whisper-quiet PlasmaWave technology instead of ionizing technology. Ionizers attract allergens, but this process can create harmful ozone. This ozone-free air purifier kills toxic contaminants, bacteria and viruses.

Improve indoor air quality and keep your family healthy and safe without waking them throughout the night, thanks to a noise level of just 27.8 dB. A sleep mode for silent nighttime operation means zero loud humming—even when it’s working on overdrive. Its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) says it covers up to 360 square feet, so not the largest, but will definitely come in handy as a bedroom pick.

Pros

• Near-silent 27.8 dB operation
• PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter
• Darkness triggers sleep mode for silent operation
• Covers up to 360 square feet
• Includes a remote control
• Auto mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed

Cons

• Light-emitting diode (LED) lights only turn off in sleep mode

10/10

You want your bathroom to be as sanitary as possible, and that includes the air. The Germ Guardian pluggable air purifier is the best air purifier you can have in your bathroom, because it uses a UV-C light that helps kill airborne viruses, such as influenza, staph and rhinovirus. While not powerful enough for large rooms, the small plug-in is ideal for a bathroom. It’ll also take care of unwanted smells for when you open a carton of spoiled milk or accidentally burn the fish.

Pros

• Only 7 inches long and plugs into an outlet
• UV-C light reduces airborne bacteria, viruses and mold spores
• Works with titanium dioxide to reduce VOCs
• Filters last about 10 to 12 months
• Doesn’t block the second outlet

Cons

• Can be a bit loud

What to Look for When Buying Air Purifiers

Even if you already have a trusted air purifier, it may be worth upgrading—just be sure to opt for a HEPA purifier rather than an ionizer for heavily trafficked rooms. “Older air purifiers used ozone to clean the air,” says Tetro. “These ones should be avoided as they essentially create a chemical that is itself deemed harmful to human health. Always look for ones that passively reduce the particulate and odor concentrations in the air with HEPA and activated carbon.”

On a technical level, the filters need to be able to trap incredibly small particles, as well as reduce the level of odors in the air. “HEPA filters are the best overall and are included in the majority of the brands listed,” says Tetro. “Many will also incorporate activated carbon (or charcoal) that will reduce the levels of odors. If you find one that can be washed, it will allow for reuse although the efficiency will reduce over time.”

Regardless of the type of air purifier you choose, it’s important to find one that works with your budget and existing air quality. Consider investing in an air quality monitor to see exactly where your current air quality stands.

Types of Air Purifiers

Air purifiers all work in a similar fashion, but there are a few different considerations when choosing a type. “The purifier uses fans to move air through one or more filters that trap the particles,” explains Tetro. “The filters can be made from several different materials, such as stainless steel for large particles, activated carbon for chemicals and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which are tightly bound meshes of fabric. ”

He says that the classic air purifier has one or more filters to reduce the level of particulates in the air. A hybrid with activated carbon will reduce the level of odor in the area. Some purifiers will also add a filter for ozone, which is a gas commonly associated with smog and indoor air pollution.

Why You Should Trust Us

As an associate shopping editor, my job is to thoroughly research products and recommend the best designs to consumers. But to make sure I had expert insight for this story, I consulted Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro, a microbiologist.

Tetro has been involved in health-related microbiology and immunology for the last 35 years. He has written two books, The Germ Code, which was shortlisted as Science Book of The Year in 2014, and The Germ Files, which spent several weeks on the national bestseller list. Tetro has also co-edited, The Human Microbiome Handbook, which provides an academic perspective on the impact of microbes in human health. He is currently the host of the Super Awesome Science Show, which explores how science fits into our everyday lives.

How We Found the Best Air Purifiers

Choosing an air purifier isn’t just a matter of eliminating odors. For those suffering from allergies, an air purifier is an essential appliance that brings serious relief. When seeking out the best air purifiers, we aren’t distracted by bells and whistles. We combed through reviews, stacked features against each other and considered a variety of budgets in our search for the best air purifier. We care about one thing first and foremost: Does the air purifier do what it says it does?

After narrowing down our list to the top 10, we consulted a germ expert to ensure that our picks stood up to his rigid criteria. The result? We’re confident that these are hands-down the best air purifiers on the market.

FAQ

Do air purifiers reduce dust?

According to Tetro, dust is made up of particulates and, as such, will be removed by almost every air purifier. However, most dust will settle on surfaces and require a separate dusting step to remove it completely from the environment.

Is it OK to sleep in a room with an air purifier?

“If it is HEPA and/or activated carbon, absolutely,” says Tetro. “They simply remove the particulates and odors from the air and do not add any other chemicals.”

What is the difference between an air purifier and an ionizer/ozonator?

Unlike air purifiers and sanitizers that use fans and filters (HEPA or carbon) to trap harmful contaminants within the device, an ionizer “zaps” impurities as they float around the room, attacking the molecules and neutralizing them.

While most modern air purifiers differ from ionizers/ozonators, at one time, air purifier devices created ozone as a byproduct. “When HEPA filters and activated carbon filters were still too expensive for consumer use, [ionizers/ozonators] were one of the more popular ways to reduce air pollution. However, the release of ions and ozone into the air has been frowned upon as of late. If you have one of these machines, it might be time to think about a replacement,” warns Tetro.

Ozonators and ionizers don’t have to be fully avoided—they’re great for garages or other places where people don’t frequent. Just take care when using them. While they still make air purifiers that create ozone, they’re usually labeled as such. Check the product description to ensure your air purifier is safe for use in the home, especially for bedrooms and nurseries. “Always look for ones that passively reduce the particulate and odor concentrations in the air with HEPA and activated carbon,” says Tetro.

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