The 8 Best Air Purifiers Worth Buying

Clear the air—literally

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things about how we live our daily lives. For starters, we’re wearing face masks, shopping for groceries online, and, for many of us, working from home. We’ve also become more hygiene-conscious and very aware of the different methods of germ transmission, including via respiratory droplets. While the CDC is currently examining how long these droplets can survive in the air, it’s clear that airborne transmission (especially in enclosed, crowded spaces with little ventilation) plays a big role with COVID-19. To reduce the potential spread, you might be wondering if you should invest in one of the best air purifiers on the market—and you’re not alone. Air purifier sales have risen over the past year and are showing no signs of slowing down; in fact, they are projected to grow by more than $8 billion over the next three years.

While air purifiers may able to capture bacterial and viral particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, that’s not the only reason to buy one. You might simply want to deal with the dusty, dank air in your home. “The air inside your home can actually be more polluted than outdoor air,” says Melanie Carver, chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “We spend more than 90 percent of our time indoors, and that percentage is likely even higher given the additional amount of time most of us are spending inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Air purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution by removing tiny particles, such as dust mites, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, pollen, and air pollution from outside. All of this can particularly help people who suffer from allergies. But before you buy, there are a few things you need to know.

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What to look for in an air purifier

You want an air purifier you’ll actually use, so it’s best to choose one that’s easy to maintain. It’s also important to size it right for your room. But how else can you narrow down the thousands of models to find the best air purifier for you? Look for the evidence-based, scientific certification standard that air purifiers can earn, advises John McKeon, MD, founder and CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd. (ASL), which operates the certification program with the AAFA.

“To be certified, an air cleaner is tested on its ability to remove allergens and particulates from the air, and also to capture them. Many air-moving devices, such as fans, often just redistribute allergens onto walls and other surfaces,” Dr. McKeon says. “Some appliances can also produce relatively high levels of ozone and other harmful by-products, which have been shown to irritate those with sensitive airways. The Code of Federal Regulations sets a limit, and only air purifiers that meet this criteria are certified.”

For an air cleaner to be certified asthma & allergy friendly®, it must meet the following standards, says Carver:

• It must reduce allergen levels in the air.

• It must not introduce allergens back into the air. The air purifier needs to capture allergens on the filter and not redistribute them.

In the market for a humidifier, as well? Check out our list of the best humidifiers you can buy right now.

via amazon.com

Air purifier maintenance tips

Each of these top air purifiers on Amazon has different care specifications, so be sure to read corresponding manuals, Carver says. As a general rule, though, “it’s important to replace or clean filters when needed—most recommend every three months. This keeps the product effective and also saves money.”

Another important note: Don’t put essential oils in your air purifier (or a humidifier or diffuser, for that matter) if you have asthma or allergies, as they release VOCs and can worsen symptoms, Carver adds. Adding these oils into an air purifier may also harm the machine itself if it’s not designed to diffuse essential oils—and few are.

Now that you’re up to speed, let’s get to the recommendations!

Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.