Best Air Purifiers 2024: Top Picks for Every Room Size

Introduction

Air purifiers have become an essential part of many homes, especially for those concerned about indoor air quality. With so many options on the market, finding the right one for your space can feel overwhelming. We have tested 95 different air purifiers using a battery of data-driven tests that assess purification performance, ozone generation, filter quality, noise, and more. Our goal is to help you find the best air purifier for your specific needs and room size.

We measure purification performance with an electronic air quality meter that tracks PM2.5, PM10, and AQI. We also measure ozone levels with an industrial ozone detection device and noise with a standalone sound meter. Combining this data with price, build quality, and availability, we have organized our best air purifiers for 2024 by coverage level so you can easily find the right fit for your home.

How We Tested

All air purifiers on our list went through our incense test, where we burn incense to massively increase airborne particulates within the room. We use an air quality meter to measure the number of particulates, including PM2.5, PM10, and AQI. In all these metrics, the lower the number, the better. All units on our list achieved a PM2.5 and PM10 of 0.3 or better.

In addition, we use an ozone meter to detect any ozone that exceeds 0.1 parts per million. Any air purifier that had 0.1 parts per million or higher was automatically excluded from our list. We consider both the air quality and ozone levels alongside the air purifier cost, filter replacement cost, build quality, filter quality, features, value, and availability to determine the units that made our list.

Best for Large Rooms: Air Doctor 5500

As a successor to the Air Doctor 5000, the 5500 is a high-quality device built to handle the largest spaces. Purification performance for the Air Doctor 5500 was fantastic, bringing PM2.5 and PM10 down to 0.1. This is nearly perfect performance and notably better than the average air purifier we test. With the ionizer turned on, we measured no ozone in our test.

Along with the high-quality HEPA filter, the 5500 uses activated carbon and an optional ionizer. While the filters are extremely high quality, they are also on the more expensive side. It has two air intakes which cover 2,200 square feet with a CADR of 534 CFM. Notably, there are two different versions: the 5500 and the 5500i. The i version and the 5500 are exactly the same, with the only difference being that the i version has app connectivity.

The Air Doctor 5500 can be fairly loud at 65.1 dB on the highest fan settings, though it is not the loudest on our list. The 5500 is 3.3 dB louder than the testing average of 61.8 dB. Air Doctor also manufactures a number of other air purifiers with different coverage areas and the same feature set, including the 3500, 2000, and 1000 models. We have tested all of these units and found their performance to be equally as good as the 5500.

Best for Large Rooms: Medify MA-112

The Medify MA-112 covers an incredibly large area with fantastic performance. During our purification test, PM2.5 and PM10 were reduced to 0.1 on average. Based on all the air purifiers we have tested to date, air purifiers reduced PM2.5 to 0.5 and PM10 to 0.76. The MA-112 reduced PM2.5 and PM10 more effectively by 0.40 and 0.66 respectively. In addition, no ozone was measured during our test with the ionizer turned on.

It includes a five-part filtration system that utilizes an optional ionizer and optional UVC filter. The MA-112 has a massive coverage area of 2,900 square feet with a CADR of 559 CFM. Noise levels for the Medify range from 41.5 to 64.4 dB, being neither the quietest nor the loudest air purifier on this list. However, it is louder than the average air purifier we have tested, which generates 61.8 dB on the highest fan speed.

Medify offers a multitude of additional air purifiers covering specific coverage areas. We have tested a few of them, including the MA-15 and MA-50. Both the MA-112, MA-15, and MA-50 had equally good performance compared to the MA-112.

Best for Large Rooms: Rabbit Air A3

When it comes to purification performance, the Rabbit Air A3 stands with the other air purifiers on this list, reducing PM2.5 and PM10 down to 0.1 after just one hour. While the PM10 increased slightly to 0.2 after two hours, this level of purification is exactly what we look for in a high-performance air purifier. Furthermore, no ozone was measured during our tests.

The manufacturer chose to equip the Rabbit Air A3 with six different filters to help clean the surrounding air. These include an optional ionizer, a medium filter for larger particulates, and a customized filter that you can choose to best benefit your home. These specialized filters increase the annual filter replacement cost and put the device on the more expensive side of the price spectrum.

Whatever filter you choose, the A3 is equipped to cover 1,700 square feet with a CADR of 286 CFM on its highest fan speed. The device houses a particulate sensor and measures the surrounding air quality. It uses this information when auto mode is turned on to automatically adjust the fan speed based on those readings. Regarding noise, it falls in line with the average air purifier, generating 65.0 dB of noise on the highest fan speed. That said, on the lowest fan speed, it is one of the quietest air purifiers on our list, generating just 39.7 dB of noise.

Best for Large Rooms: Shark 3-in-1 Max

While many other air purifiers have incredible size and performance, few come with the feature set available with the Shark 3-in-1 Max. It has great performance, reducing PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.2 after just one hour. While it did not quite reach the 0.1 levels of perfection, air quality remained well below our testing average of 0.49 PM2.5 for that same testing time duration. Additionally, we found that the 3-in-1 generates no measurable ozone while in operation.

While it performs the task of purifying the air in a 1,000 square foot area, that is not the only functionality it offers. It comes with a remote control that conveniently stores on top of the device with a soft magnetic attachment. The real notable feature is the fan and heating option. This allows the 3-in-1 Max to cool or heat the surrounding air while it functions as an air purifier.

The system itself utilizes a 3-in-1 filter that includes both HEPA and activated carbon, handling both small particulates and odors. It runs 1.3 dB quieter than the average air purifier we test, generating 60.7 dB of noise on the highest fan speed. As an added advantage, we have the relatively low annual maintenance cost, with an occurring cost of 15 cents per CFM. Replacing the filters throughout its lifetime is not going to break the bank.

Best for Medium Rooms: Alen BreatheSmart 45i

The Alen BreatheSmart 45i showcased excellent results in our purification test. After one hour, it reduced PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.2. At these levels, it is far better than our testing average of PM2.5 reduction to 0.50 after one hour. In addition, we measured no ozone during the testing with the ionizer turned on.

The 45i is capable of covering up to 800 square feet with a CADR of 245 CFM. Despite this level of coverage, the 45i is able to remain fairly quiet at 53.4 dB on the highest fan speed. This makes it the quietest device on this list, even when running at full power.

While the 45i does not include app connectivity in the standard version, there is an upgraded version that has those capabilities. However, it still comes with useful features that make the device more hands-free. Built inside the 45i are particulate sensors that measure the surrounding air quality. Not only does it display this data via a colored ring, but it uses the data to adjust fan speed accordingly. The filters included with the 45i are HEPA and relatively inexpensive to replace. Overall, the 45i stands as an excellent choice for a medium coverage air purifier.

Best for Medium Rooms: Blueair Pure 211+

While it falls in the lower end of this coverage area range, the Blueair Pure 211+ is still a fantastic unit. In our test, both PM2.5 and PM10 were reduced to 0.2 in one hour. After the second hour, PM2.5 was further reduced to 0.1. Its one-hour performance results are 0.38 better than the average air purifier we test. In addition, Blueair produced no measurable ozone.

The design is simple, housing a one-button design for all functionality. There is no remote control or app connectivity for the Blueair, and no auto mode. However, for a little added flare of customization, you can choose the color of the fabric pre-filter that encases the device. It is a fairly large device considering the coverage area and can be somewhat difficult to move around due to the fabric cover. However, its simplicity is its charm.

Maintenance is easy and replacement filters are inexpensive, especially considering the 350 CFM CADR of the device. While it only covers 540 square feet, it does so effectively and relatively quietly at 59.9 dB on the highest fan speed.

Best for Medium Rooms: Coway 1512HH

The Coway 1512HH air purifier is a simply designed device that includes some nice usability features. It has sensors that detect the surrounding air quality and can use those to automatically adjust fan speed. Additionally, it notifies the user via a light on the control panel of the current air quality. Housing a HEPA filter, carbon filter, and optional ionizer, the Coway had solid performance in our test. No ozone was detected, and PM2.5 and PM10 were reduced to 0.3 after one hour. The following hour showed improved results, with PM2.5 and PM10 dropping to 0.1.

What really sets the Coway apart from the rest is how cost-effective it is, considering its CADR and filter replacement costs. For reference, the average air purifier we test has an efficiency of 35 cents per CFM. The Coway is far more efficient at just 7 cents per CFM, making it 28 cents per CFM better than the testing average. Replacement filters are inexpensive, and you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

This is shown with a surprisingly high CADR of 246 CFM, which equates to a coverage level of 360 square feet with four air changes per hour. Depending on your needs, the Coway can cover a larger area of 874 square feet with two air changes per hour. At the end of the day, the Coway 1512HH may not have the newest features or reach the levels of purification perfection that we see with some other devices, but it is incredibly budget-friendly and still a great performer.

Best for Medium Rooms: Winix 5500-2

The Winix 5500-2 packs a smaller coverage area of 360 square feet with a CADR of 243 CFM. That said, it is capable of covering a larger area if needed, but with fewer air changes per hour. In addition, the Winix includes many useful usability features that make the device more hands-free. It houses sensors that can measure the surrounding air quality, shows this info to the user via colored indicator lights, and can automatically adjust the fan speed in auto mode.

The Winix also includes an optional ionizer they call PlasmaWave, alongside their main HEPA and carbon filters. The combination works well, reducing both PM2.5 and PM10 down to 0.1 after one hour of power. In addition, we measured no ozone during this testing period. Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is an incredibly effective device and fairly cost-effective to maintain throughout its life. If you want an air purifier that can do a little bit of everything, then this is a solid pick.

Best for Small Rooms: Levoit Core 300S

At this level of coverage, there is only one choice: the Levoit Core 300S. It is filled with useful features, including an auto mode, a sensor to detect current air quality, and a detailed app. The 300S had excellent results in testing, thanks to 360-degree air intake and high-quality filters. It reduced PM2.5 to 0.2 and PM10 to 0.3 after one hour. The second hour showed decreased numbers down to 0.1 for both PM2.5 and PM10. Additionally, no measurable ozone was detected during our testing.

Coverage area for the 300S is great for smaller areas or single rooms. It has a CADR of 141 CFM, which equates to 215 square feet of coverage area. Maintenance costs are also quite inexpensive, being far more cost-effective than the average air purifier we have tested. While there are other air purifiers in this coverage range, nothing stands close to the success or value of the Levoit Core 300S. Its excellent performance, feature-packed design, and relatively inexpensive maintenance cost make it an absolute gem for the small room coverage area.

Best for Large Rooms: IQAir HealthPro Plus

The IQAir HealthPro Plus is the type of air purifier you would not be surprised to find in a hospital or doctor’s office. It has a simple and clean design. The unit purifies the air with great effectiveness, reducing PM2.5 down to 0.1 and PM10 down to 0.2. These results are considerably better than our testing average among all other air purifiers we have tested to date. This, along with the no ozone measured, gives us practically perfect results for purification.

It cleans the air via high-quality filters, including HyperHEPA material and activated carbon. Furthermore, the HealthPro Plus has a large coverage area of 1,240 square feet and a CADR of 300 CFM. The HealthPro Plus is fairly loud at 69.2 dB on its max fan speed. While it is not too much louder than our testing average, it is still the loudest device on this list.

In addition, it also is the most expensive when considering the annual cost per CFM at $1.12 per CFM. It is 65 cents more per CFM compared to the next most expensive device on this list, the Air Doctor 5500. Even so, if a simple yet effective design is what you are looking for, then the IQAir HealthPro Plus may be worth the asking price.

Buying Advice

Choosing which air purifier is best for you is primarily a question of coverage. You want to choose an air purifier that has the coverage that matches or exceeds the size of your space. Most air purifiers’ coverage rating is based on the max fan speed at two air changes per hour, though it can vary from brand to brand. If you prefer more air changes per hour, you want to opt for a larger coverage unit even in a smaller or medium-sized space.

If you have a large home, have multiple levels, or a home that has lots of closed doors, hallways, or other obstructions to the flow of air, you will likely be best served by multiple air purifier units. At the end of the day, all the units featured in this article are exceptionally high-performing. Each can work well provided it is appropriately sized to the space.

Conclusion

All of the air purifiers on our list achieved excellent purification performance, reducing PM2.5 to 0.3 or less after one hour, with many reaching the near-perfect 0.1 mark. None of them produced detectable levels of ozone, even with optional ionizers turned on. The best choice for you ultimately depends on the size of your room and your budget. For large spaces, the Air Doctor 5500 and Medify MA-112 are standout performers. For medium rooms, the Coway 1512HH offers incredible value, while the Alen BreatheSmart 45i is the quietest option. For small rooms, the Levoit Core 300S is an absolute gem. Whichever you choose, you can be confident that these are among the best air purifiers available in 2024.