From cooking smoke and pet dander to pollen and airborne dust, there is a wide variety of particles and fumes that contaminate indoor air. Research studies show that the quality of air inside a house can be five times worse than the air outside . Since most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, they are exposed to poor air quality and are at risk for a number of ailments including respiratory diseases, allergies and asthma. As such, investing in a quality air purifier is very vital.

If you landed on this page, you are undoubtedly trying to find the best air purifier for your home.

Well, you are in luck.

You have at your disposal one of the best resources on air purifiers – and what’s more, it’s all free.

That’s right. All the information on this page is meant to help you find the perfect purifier for your home. Let’s start with a (hopefully) useful comparison table with the best air purifiers on the market.

Best Air Purifier – Our Top Picks

  • Product   
  • Technology   
  • Weight   
  • Size   
  • CADR   
  • Coverage   
  • Remote Control   
  • Our Review   
  • Our Rating   

  • Philips
    AC3256/30

  • HEPA + AC filter
  • 10kg
  • 79.8 x 47.4 x 34 cm
  • 367 m3/h
  • Up to 76m2
  • No
  • 4.7

  • Honeywell
    HPA710WE

  • HEPA + carbon + pre-filter
  • 7.5kg
  • 59.8 x 39.4 x 24 cm
  • 187 m3/hour
  • Not provided
  • No
  • 4.6

  • Vax
    ACAMV101

  • HEPA filter
  • 8.25kg
  • 76 x 32 x 32 cm
  • 378 (dust), 392 (pollen), 428 (smoke)
  • Up to 120m2
  • Yes
  • 4.6

  • Fellowes
    AeraMax DX95

  • HEPA + carbon filter
  • 6kg
  • 40 x 64 x 20.7 cm
  • 196 (smoke), 191 (dust), 188 (pollen)
  • Up to 28m2
  • No
  • 4.6

  • HoMedics
    AR-NC02

  • HEPA + Nano coil
  • 3.5kg
  • 15 x 30 x 45 cm
  • 120
  • Up to 18m2
  • Yes
  • 4.5

You may find yourself in a fix when it comes to choosing an air purifier. The industry is jam-packed with every kind of product, all advertised as being the best.

To help you make up your mind, we assessed a number of customer reviews to see what they had to say about their choices. Consumers are usually candid pointers since they give honest opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of each product.

Air Purifier Reviews

Of course, we know there are some people you can never make happy, and their primary objective is to criticise. But isn’t criticism a good thing? Here is what the majority had to say about these top 8 air purifiers. You will notice that we included a list of specifications for a more accurate feel of the air purifier reviews.

1. Editor’s Choice: Philips AC3256/30 Anti-allergen Air Purifier

philips air purifier review

Philips AC3256/30

It is the ideal remedy for people suffering from asthma, hay fever and breathing problems.

It is specially designed with Vitashield intelligent purification system for the efficient removal of up to 99.97% of airborne allergens.

Additionally, it has an extra thick NanoProtect filter for superior efficiency against harmful particles.

What makes this air purifier one of the best on the market is not only the fact that it delivers high quality performance, but because it has an unbeatable clean air delivery rate of 367m3 in just an hour.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 79.8 x 47.4 x 34 cm and weighs 10kgs
  • Covers a room of up to 76m2
  • Consumes 60 watts of power

2. Best Compact: Honeywell HPA710WE Premium Air Purifier

Honeywell HPA710WE review

Honeywell HPA710WE

The Honeywell HPA710WE is a great choice if you are looking for a premium quality air purifier that can efficiently purify air in large indoor spaces.

A 4-stage filtration process leaves your air clean and pure. It’s one of the best home air purifiers for people with allergies and respiratory problems. Because it has a carbon filter, it’s also great for getting rid of odours in the house.

It has an easy plug-and-play setup. No installation or extra accessories needed. The design is smart and relatively compact. I like the Smart LED air quality sensor.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 59.8 x 39.4 x 24 cm and weighs 7.5kgs
  • Ideal for large rooms
  • Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 187 m3/hour

3. Best for Large Rooms: Vax ACAMV101 Pure Air 300 Air Purifier

Vax ACAMV101 review

Vax ACAMV101

The Vax Pure Air 300 Air Purifier is perfect for large rooms (up to 120 sq. metres) and people with allergies or respiratory problems. The combined power of a HEPA air filter and an ioniser eliminates 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns from your indoor air.

To ensure the air you are breathing is always clean and healthy the Vax Pure Air has a built-in air quality sensor that automatically varies fan speed depending on how dirty the air is.

It has a sleep mode, an auto mode and 3 fan speed settings. You can change these settings on the easy-to-use touch-sensitive buttons on the purifier or use the included remote control.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 79 x 39 x 36.4 cm and weighs 8.25kgs
  • Suitable for rooms up to 120m2
  • CADR: 378/392/428 (Dust/Pollen/Smoke)

4. Fellowes AeraMax DX95 Air Purifier

fellowes air purifier review

AeraMax DX95

This device is proven to eliminate more than 99.7% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a winning choice for people suffering from allergies.

It achieves this level of purification through a multi-layered filtration process consisting of four main sanitization stages – True HEPA filtration, carbon filtration, TRUE plasma technology and Aerasafe Antimicrobial treatment.

What is even more interesting is the fact that the purifier communicates air quality levels through red, amber and blue lights for adequate performance.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 40 by 64 by 20 cm and weighs 6 kgs
  • Ideal for medium rooms
  • Power consumption is quite low

5. Homedics Air Purifier With Nano-Coil Technology

homedics air purifier review

HoMedics AR-NC02

This device is the epitome of affordable pricing, impressive performance and convenience.

It has a powerful three-stage filtration process offering an advanced purification process that eliminates airborne allergens and microscopic bacteria including cold and flu viruses. This is made possible by a precise nano coil filter, a carbon filter and a pre-filter.

Its first rate air purification makes your indoor air safe and breathable for a healthy and sanitary environment. In addition to its small price tag, the purifier is definitely a steal for tight budget consumers looking for an excellent device.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 15 by 30 by 45 cm and weighs a mere 3.5 kg
  • Ideal for rooms up to 191 sq ft
  • Consumes only 25 watts of power

6. Vonhaus True HEPA Purifier

vonhaus air purifier review

VonHaus Air Purifier

It is an innovative air purifier with a manifold filtration system for the removal of a wide range of air contaminants.

It has a robust four-stage filtration process that excels at eliminating particles as large as 0.3 microns as well as harmful gases and unpleasant odours.

All this is made possible by the incorporation of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter and a cold catalyst filter.

I personally love its slim and glossy design.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 45cm high, 35 cm wide and 10cm
  • Ideal for rooms up to 30m2
  • Power consumption of 40 watts

7. Bionaire Compact Air Purifier With Dual Positioning

bionaire air purifier review

Bionaire Compact

This is yet another product that makes it on our top list.

With a five stage filtration process and an advanced cleaning system, the Bionaire makes up in performance for what it lacks in size.

It is specifically marketed towards people suffering from allergies and has a pre-filter and an HEPA-type filter for this function.

In addition, it has a built-in ioniser to help in the further purification of air for a 99% efficiency rate.

The only snag with this device has to be the fact that a True HEPA filter is not included in the initial package and therefore has to be bought separately.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 23 by 33 by 16 cm and weighs a mere 2.6 kgs
  • Cleans a room of up to 26m2 in size
  • Has a dual positioning feature

8. Breathe Fresh Air 3-in-1 Purifier

breathe fresh air purifier review

Breathe Fresh Air

This air purifier is also one of the best products on the market.

Coming in at only 17 by 25 by 55cm, the purifier is the slimmest yet the most efficient unit you will ever come across.

Its purification system is an account of three stages comprising a True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter and a UV-C light.

All three filters work judiciously to eliminate a large percentage of harmful particles including dust mites, pet dander, tobacco smoke, bacteria and germs to optimise the quality of air while giving you peace of mind.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 17.8 x 25.9 x 54.6 cm and weighs 4.7 kgs
  • Suitable for medium sized rooms
  • Comes with a 230V UK plug for energy efficiency

9. Futura 40W Air Purifier With Ioniser

futura air purifier review

Futura 40W Air Purifier

This device is the definition of extraordinary performance and convenience.

Fitted with a HEPA type filter, the device provides up to 99.9% efficiency in the elimination of airborne particles including pollen, pet dander and tobacco smoke.

The purifier also comes with a built-in ioniser which provides yet another line of defence against harmful particles for a sanitary environment.

Considering the upbeat performance of this device, most consumers really appreciated the small price tag.

Other Specifications:

  • It is exceptionally slim yet cleans a room of up to 320 sq ft
  • It is quite loud at the highest speed

10. Puremate PM 500 True HEPA

puremate air purifier review

PureMate PM 500

This air purifier is just the device your home is longing for. This purifier from PureMate is perfect for anyone looking for a budget device with an impressive performance.

Its True HEPA filter and ioniser are an ideal combination for the removal of harmful air particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Furthermore, it is efficient in the elimination of odours and volatile organic compounds from the air. And unlike other products, this purifier is extremely portable and therefore can be used in any immediate environment as and when needed.

Other Specifications:

  • Measures 51.6 x 40.4 x 20.2 cm and weighs 4.8 kgs
  • Cleans a room of up to 430 square feet
  • Consumes a large amount of power – 40 watts

Best Air Purifier – Editor’s Choice

philips air purifier review

Philips AC3256/30

Eventually, after all the searching, we were able to identify eight exceptional choices that made most customers happy.

As anticipated, the five are excellent, but we have to choose a favourite.

Our air purifier review identified the Philips AC3256/30 anti-allergen air purifier as the best choice.

Every consumer loved it.

The most striking feature has to be its attention to detail in the purification of a wide range of air allergens as well as its real-time air quality feedback using AeraSense infrared sensor and three stage coloured light indicator.

You can never go wrong with it; the product is fantastic, the reviews are superb and the price is fair.


A Comprehensive Guide To Buying An Air Purifier

With respect to purchasing air purifiers, many consumers think they know what to look for. In point of fact, some brands on the market release ozone, a harmful irritant that can especially be dangerous to people with asthma. Get familiar with air purifiers and identify a safe, operational unit with this our air purifier buying guide.

Things To Consider

The main things to consider when looking for an air purifier include desired result, desired coverage and technology used.

1. Desired Results

Different air purifiers eliminate different air pollutants, so it is very crucial to identify what you want to get rid of before buying one. Some air purifiers are excellent at removing particles; others are good at reducing odour, and some are best at removing chemicals. For instance, airborne particles including pet allergen, dust specks and tobacco smoke are one of the most common type of indoor air pollutants. If your symptoms are triggered from these pollutants, you might want to consider a purifier with specialized cleaning technology for allergen particle removal.

2. Desired Coverage

To choose the perfect air purifier for your home, consider the size of the room you want to purify in terms of square footage . To calculate this square footage, measure the length and width of the room in feet then multiply the numbers together. The largest area that can be covered by a purifier is 1200 square feet. If the calculated figure is bigger than this, you might want to consider buying 2 or more air purifiers for your home. Another option is to look for a portable purifier that can be used in an immediate area when needed.

3. Technology Used

The kind of pollutant a purifier targets depends solely on the kind of filtration technology employed. For instance, HEPA air purifiers work to get rid of household allergens including dust and other particles. However, they are not great at removing foul odours or ultra-fine units like viruses. Since each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, modern purifiers are made to integrate two or more technologies to achieve the best results.

Other Factors To Consider

You might also want to be familiar with ACH (Air Changes per Hour), CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), filter life, noise output and price.

1. Air Changes Per Hour

This refers to the frequency of air change per hour in a room. If a purifier has an ACH of 5 for a 10’*10’ room, it means it can exchange air in the room five times every hour.

2. Clean Air Delivery Rate

The CADR of a purifier indicates the amount of air being purified as well as how well it is purified. The higher the CADR rating, the more efficient it is against air pollutants

3. Filter Life

If changing filters frequently appears to be a burden to you, consider a purifier with a longer filter life.

4. Noise Output

Some air purifiers are very quiet while others are quite loud. For example, if you are looking for a purifier for a bedroom, find one with silent operation output for tranquillity when sleeping.

5. Price

Air purifiers generally range from affordable £50-100 units to sophisticated £200-500 options for large rooms.

Main Types Of Air Purifiers

Purifiers come in an assortment of shapes, sizes and colours. Of particular note is the fact that they are all meant to clean the air around you, but do not necessarily function in the same way. For this reason, we have pieced together a comprehensive report of how each filter works to help you identify the right purifier for your specific needs. Here is a breakdown of the five most common types.

1. HEPA Purifiers

High Efficiency Particulate Air purifiers remove more than 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns. They are essentially the most popular types and are used to trap particles that cannot be seen by the human eye. Basically, a HEPA air filter is made up of densely spaced fibre-like material that is folded back and forth to create a large surface for air to filter through. The more the times the air infiltrates, the cleaner it will become. As the particles are trapped, the filter becomes full and becomes hard for air to pass through. At this point, a new filter will be needed; however, a typical filter can last up to four years. With HEPA filters, size is an important consideration- the more the size, the more particles it will remove.

2. Activated Carbon Technology

Activated carbon filters excel at capturing pollutants such as gases, odours, smoke and fumes. These filters are made up of millions of molecular pores with high absorbent ability and chemical bonding properties. These pores are so many that a single surface of activated carbon is equal to 100 acres. Once pollutants are captured, they are not discharged back into the air, so the filter has to be switched when it becomes full. These types of purifiers are helpful to people with multiple allergies because they absorb pollutants found in carpet, wood panelling and upholstery to create a more sanitary environment.

3. UV Technology

UV technology is an excellent method for eliminating germs such as bacteria and viruses and is often used along with particulate filters. Air purifiers utilising this technology have a UV lamp, which emits ultraviolet waves when antigens pass through thus altering their DNA to make them sterile. They are ideal for use in hospitals, kitchens and labs. In home , they are used for controlling mold and are particularly helpful to people who need extra protection due to immune system disorders.

4. Negative Ion

This technology utilises chemical injections to clean the air. The ions chain with other impurities in the air, forcing the impurities to drop and attach themselves to the nearest surface. Subsequently, ion generators do not get rid of impurities as they simply force them to cling to other items in the room creating dirty spots on walls or windows. Ultimately, these particles may become unattached and recirculate into the air again. Additionally, they emit ozone, a harmful irritant that is detrimental to the health of individuals.

5. Ozone

Ozone air purifiers produce ozone gas. Many people are made to believe that these devices are safe in controlling air pollution, but this is not the case. They come in different varieties and produce varying amounts of ozone. The good news is that most chemicals found indoors take a long time to react with ozone thus rendering the purifiers ineffective. Also, the fact that most of these purifiers include negative ion technology makes them counterproductive, since as discussed above; they do not actually clean the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How To Use An Air Purifier?

1. For optimum results, a purifier should be used continuously. When turned off, pollution levels return to its original state.

2. The best place to install a purifier is in a room where you spend most time in. For many people, this place is the bedroom.

3. Do not position a purifier in a corner or too close to a wall as this will inhibit air flow thus causing underperformance.

4. Every house needs a certain amount of fresh air exchange each day so opening windows while the purifier is running, is perfectly fine.

Q: How Does An Air Purifier Work?

Air filters work by removing particles in the air you don’t want to breathe, leaving the air cleaner and clearer. The process starts off with fans in the air purifier.

The fans pull in air and push it back out. But before the air leaves the machine, it’s passed through filters that capture all particles and contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander among others.

Most air purifiers make use of mechanical filters to trap particles as the air circulates through the machine.

Typically, there are two types of filters – a prefilter, and a true HEPA filter. Prefilters catch human hair, fur, and other larger particles. HEPA filters trap and clear 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.

Q: How Do You Tell If An Air Purifier Is Working?

Air purifiers are very easy to operate. However, they can sometimes leave you unsure of whether they’re actually working or not. Fortunately, there are several different ways to check if your air purifier is working.

The first set includes physical checks where you look for contaminants and pollutants on the filters.

However, there are types of air purifiers that don’t collect particles. For these, you’ll need to check if the airflow is working.

Another intuitive and subjective approach is trying to observe if the air in the room is better – are the funny smells disappearing?

And lastly, you can use chemical test kits and electronic air tests to determine if the purifier is working.

Q: How Do You Clean An Air Purifier?

As always, the first step should be turning off the machine before you begin cleaning. And when collecting your cleaning materials, don’t use glass cleaner, paint thinner, furniture polish, detergent or household solvents on any part of the air purifier.

Remove the air inlet, front grill, filters and other removable parts. Clean the grill with warm, soapy water. Likewise, clean the outside of your air purifier with a soft, damp cloth.

If the prefilter is clogged up with dust and lint, wash it in warm soapy water. However, never wash Carbon or HEPA filters. Dry all the components and reassemble the air filter.

Q: What Does An Ionizer Do In An Air Purifier?

An air ionizer helps purify the room by electrically charging the air molecules. While most air purifiers manually filter out the contaminants, ionizers use ions to eliminate microbes and odours from the air to make it healthier.

Ionizers rely on chemical properties of ions to create negative charges and discharge them in the air. These negative ions attach to positively charged particles such as pollen, smoke, bacteria and allergens.

These particles then bond together to create dense dirt that can’t float in the air. The dirt then falls to the ground or furniture to be swept later.