Which Air Purifier is Best For You?

The IQAir Health Pro uses a carbon pre-filter, a gas media absorber, and a HEPA filter. Its efficient design prevents already-cleaned air from immediately reentering the intake duct. It filters air up to 50% faster than most other purifiers, and at almost a 100% filtering rate. Being the best, it is also the most expensive, often costing up to $1,600.

Another hospital-grade air purifier brand is Clarifier. Their three models can all be had for under a grand. They include high carbon content for superior odor reduction, strong HEPA efficiency, and an ultraviolet light for killing off mold trapped in the HEPA filter.

If you want a quiet machine without sacrificing too much efficacy, buy a Blueair or Electrolux model for $350 to $600.

The Blueair 601 controls pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and general indoor pollution in a range of up to 679 square feet. The Electrolux 510A is a very quiet and economical unit that includes a filter change indicator light.

If you are only looking to spend under $200, you have plenty of options. Hamilton Beach, for example, often includes ultraviolet light in their machines to filter out viruses and bacteria, and the HB Ultra Digital Air Purifier includes a sensor that monitors and shows the air quality on the control panel.

You can also buy good air filters for cars and very small spaces. Roomaid uses a true HEPA filter and only costs $130, while Hamilton Beach offers one with a 3M filter for just $70.