After years and hundreds of hours of testing & reviewing, we have strong opinions about what makes the best choice: level of purification, efficiency and maintenance, noise level.
What We’re Currently Loving
The IQAir Health Pro Plus (On special until end July 2018) has all those features and beats it’s competition hands down. We like that the IQAir Health Pro is quiet and cleans out pretty much every allergen in the air. The HealthProPlus is different from the Honeywell because it offers 32% less noise. It gives up to 25% more clean air and has 38% longer filter life.It is currently the quietest high-performance product. Don’t you just love that? It has the exclusive IQAirHyperHEPA filtration technology that traps particles of all sizes from viruses to pet dander to dust mites and other allergens including cigarette smoke. It is certified to filter 99.5% of all particles down to 0.03microns. These are the smallest particles that exist. IQAir is an educational partner with the American Lung Association.
You can also view Top Choices for Allergies, Air Purifiers For Dust or 5 Best HEPA Air Purifiers.
Current Top Rated Air Purifiers
Well-rounded, great value
✔ 6 Stage Purification and Deodorization
✔ Ultra-Quiet
Our top pick
Well priced
✔ Patented Filter
✔ Long-lasting Filter Life
* On special until end July 2018
Reliable, effective, easy-to-use
✔ 3 Stage Air Purification
✔ 4 Fan Speed
Ever Wondered What The Product Is For Your Home? Dust, Allergies or Smoke; Our List Will Guide You in Choosing the Best for You
Why Are They So Useful?
They are steadily becoming a household necessity. Gone are the days when it seemed like it was only used by the chronically ill and “germ-phobic.”We admit that it could be very confusing to choose among the many types of air purification systems as there are HEPA products, air purification systems for dust, smoke, allergies, pets, carbon pre-filters, ozone generators and the list goes on. We have put together the best options for 2018 to help you narrow down your choices; making the decision a bit easier.
Comparison Table
Rating: 9.5/10 Price: Medium |
#2. Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Rating: 8.9/10 Price: High |
#3. Winix with True HEPA, PlasmaWave, and Odor Reducing AOC Filter Rating: 7/10 Price: Medium |
#4. Honeywell 50250-s True HEPA Round Rating: 8.5/10 Price: Low |
Rating: 5/10 Price: High |
What Are They?
It helps to purge the air of particulate contaminants from your home especially if you own a pet or two. It removes odor from the air by collecting and breaking down odors, although it may not remove all of it. Air purifiers and air cleaners may appear to be different, but in fact, they are essentially the same and serve the same purpose. They both help to keep your indoor air clean.
How Do They Work?
They use filters, ozone or electrical attraction to filter allergens and pollutants from the air. Air filters utilize fine sieves to filter particles like dust, smoke, allergens and other pollutants. The finer the sieve you use, the smaller the particles it traps.
The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which are guaranteed to trap 99.9% of airborne particles larger than 0.3microns set the benchmark for air filters. HEPA filters remove smaller allergens like dust, chemicals, asbestos, smoke, pollen and pet dander. The more times air passes through the HEPA filter, the cleaner the air becomes.
Why You Should Trust Us
What Features Did We Look At?
People are now turning to natural solutions for health issues such as allergies and asthma, and the easiest way to remove these airborne contaminants is by using an air purification system. However, we admit that picking the right one for your house can seem like a daunting task especially when you do not know where to start.
We picked our top 5 based on the following features:
Level of Purification
One of the first things to look out for when choosing an air cleaner is the standard of cleaning for each type. This means the clean air delivery rate (CADR) for the particular room. The standard developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers measures some cubic feet of fresh air that the product can deliver in a minute. The appropriate amount should be at least two-thirds of the square footage of the room.
Price
Price should be an important deciding factor and expected to be within your range. However, more efficient and productive models will be more expensive.
The cost of replacement parts and filters for proper maintenance should be factored in as well.
Warranties for specific products should also be considered carefully.
Quality
You can determine the quality of the device by how long it will last, how well it is designed and problems that can arise due to frequent maintenance. Air filters with a record of long-term use should be considered over products that spoil quickly or become less active over time, and the best way to know this for sure is to read consumer reviews.
Efficiency and Maintenance
How regularly the product will need maintenance should not be underestimated and its effectiveness as well. Some devices require less maintenance than others. Many also have the Energy Star rating that is vital to avoid unnecessary electric bills.
Noise Levels
Many air purification models use a fan to force the movement of air to work properly. These fans vary from one product to the other thereby resulting in different levels of noise. Some purifiers have adjustable fan settings to help you control the noise levels. Some other products do not have fans making them noiseless. However, the downside to this is that the machine may be less efficient. Therefore, choosing a noise level that is acceptable to family members should be an important deciding factor.
You can also view Air Purifier for Mold article.
BONUS DOWNLOAD: Air Purifier Checklist
CLICK HERE to get extra insights and know what's important when buying an air purifier.
The Top 5 Choices Reviewed
#01. IQAir Health Pro Plus
The HealthProPlus is different from the Honeywell because it offers 32% less noise. It gives up to 25% more clean air and has 38% longer filter life.It is currently the quietest high-performance product. Don’t you just love that? It has the exclusive IQAirHyperHEPA filtration technology that traps particles of all sizes from viruses to pet dander to dust mites and other allergens including cigarette smoke. It is certified to filter 99.5% of all particles down to 0.03microns. These are the smallest particles that exist. IQAir is an educational partner with the American Lung Association.
Product Specs
- The world’s best performing air purifier. Filters Ultrafine particles to .003 microns
- Number one choice of Asthma and Allergy sufferers
- Patented HyperHEPA® filtration up to 100X more effective than standard HEPA
- Energy efficient. Uses no more power than a conventional light bulb
- Long filter life with LED display to indicate 4 stages of the filter life-cycle
| Summary | The ultimate air purification system. | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Rating | 9.0/10 | IQAir is a high-performance product with almost no noise and excellent filtration technology. |
| Intended Use | 8.0/10 | This air cleaner traps 99.5% of all kinds of allergens in the air. |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | Good value for money with excellent result. |
| Price | 9.4/10 | It is a high-priced air cleaning system. |
We Like
We like that the IQAir Health Pro is quiet and cleans out pretty much every allergen in the air.
We Don’t Like
This air purification system is quite expensive but worth every cent.
Results You Will Get from the IQAir Health Pro Plus
The IQAir Health Pro helps a lot with allergies by trapping 99.5% of almost all kinds of allergens from dust to pollen to smoke to odor in the air.
Who Is This For?
It is ideal for people with asthma and allergies and anyone who cherishes his/her health and likes clean air.
Key Features of the IQAir Health Pro Plus
Patented Filter
The IQAir Health Pro Plus has patented HyperHEPA® filtration up to 100X more efficient than standard HEPA making it the world’s best-performer. It filters ultrafine particles to 0.03microns.
Long-lasting Filter Life
The IQAir Health Pro Plus has a long-lasting filter life which has a LED display to indicate four stages of the filter lifecycle.
Energy Efficient
The IQAir Health Pro Plus uses no more than a conventional light bulb.
Cons
The IQAir Health Pro Plus is an expensive air cleaner, but with its features, it is worth its price.
Conclusion
It has been rated the world’s best-performer and number one choice for Asthma and Allergy sufferers.
View IQAir Health Pro Plus FULL Review Here.
BONUS DOWNLOAD: Air Purifier Checklist
CLICK HERE to get extra insights and know what's important when buying an air purifier.
#02. Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA
Rabbit Air’s MinusA2 is designed to adapt to and complement any space. They can serve aesthetic purposes and adapt to any space by hanging them on the wall. You can also choose a customized filter option to meet your needs by tailoring your filtration power. Create the perfect personalized product for your home.
Product Specs
- Amazon A-to-Z Purchase Protection & Rabbit Air No-Hassle Return Policy with Super Fast Shipping
- BioGS® HEPA filtration with six stages of purification and deodorization
- Customized filter option of your choice and includes FREE wall-mount kit.
- Room coverage up to 815 sq. ft.
- 5 Year Warranty with Free Shipping and 24/7 Customer Support
| Summary | The Rabbit is a beautiful air cleaner that can be customized. | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Rating | 9.8/10 | Rabbit is an excellent air purification system that is capable, adaptable and customizable. |
| Intended Use | 8.0/10 | This product meets your air purification needs. |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | It is good value for money because of its many features that you may not get elsewhere. |
| Price | 9.4/10 | It is a high-priced air cleaning system. |
We Like
We love the fact that you can customize this air cleaner to meet your specific needs. We also like the fact that it can adapt to your space either by placing it on the floor or hanging it on the wall.
We Don’t Like
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 might be expensive in the long term as replacement parts are expensive as well.
Results You Will Get from the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 is customizable to meet your needs regardless of what they may be.
Who Is This For?
This product is perfect who wants it all including style.
Key Features of the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
6 Stage Purification and Deodorization
Stage 1 – Pre-filter (washable and permanent)
The Pre-Filter effectively traps and reduces large sized allergens, dust, and particles.
Stage 2 – Medium Filter
The Medium Filter traps and reduces airborne particles larger than 1 micron in size, such as pollen, mold, and pet dander.
Stage 3 – BioGS HEPA Filter
The BioGS HEPA filter traps airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size, 99.97% of the time, and reduces common allergens to support optimum filter efficiency and prolong filter life.
Stage 4 – Customized Filter
Tailor the MinusA2 to fit your personal needs. Choose from a variety of customized filters including Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Odor Remover, or Toxin Absorber. Each filter is specially engineered to trap and reduce different types of germs, chemicals, odors, and allergens.
Stage 5 – Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon Filter
This filter is made of high-grade granular activated carbon; our AC filter is much more efficient than typical AC filters, which are coated with a thin layer of activated carbon. Chemicals and common household odors can be effectively reduced.
Stage 6 – Negative Ion Generator
Produces beneficial negative ions to fortify the air you breathe and freshen your indoor environment.
Ultra-Quiet
The cutting-edge LCD Motor operates at five different speeds. It is virtually silent at the lowest speed.
Energy Efficient
ENERGY STAR certified units will not run up your energy bill.
Adaptable and Responsible
The MinusA2 is designed to either stand alone or to be mounted on the wall.
There is a childproof feature that pauses operation when the front panel is removed.
Smart and Thorough
A light sensor will automatically transition the unit to sleep mode when the MinusA2 is in a dark room and resumes a more active mode when light levels increase.The MinusA2 SPA-780A will filter all of the air in a room up to 815 sq. ft. (or 700 sq. ft. for the SPA-700A) twice in an hour on the highest setting.
Cons
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 might be expensive in the long term as replacement parts are expensive as well.
Conclusion
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 is elegant, customizable and efficient. It is ideal for people who want more.
View Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier FULL Review Here.
#03. Winix Plasma Wave 5500-2
The WINIX 5500-2 replaces the wildly popular 5500 model. It is designed for any home environment and captures allergens from dust to pollen to smoke to volatile organic compounds to pet dander to mold spores and household odors. It is best used in medium to large living spaces, bedrooms or kitchens. This product has a CADR rating from AHAM and utilizes a 3-stage Air Cleaning System which features an odor-reducing filter, 99.97% True HEPA filter and WINIX PlasmaWave® Technology.
Product Specs
- True-HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
- Washable AOC™ Carbon Filter, made from activated carbon granulars for removal of household odors.
- PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants – with no harmful ozone.
- Smart Sensors gauge the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed; with a sleep mode for silent night-time operation.
- CADR rated for 360 sq. ft. room size. Suitable for medium and large rooms; kids bedrooms, family rooms and kitchens.
| Summary | A quality air purifying system that is suitable for large living spaces | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Rating | 8.6/10 | Winix is ideal for any home environment. |
| Intended Use | 8.0/10 | This air cleaner uses a 3-stage air cleaning system including an odor-reducing filter. |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | It is an investment-worthy air cleaning system |
| Price | 9.4/10 | It is a mid-priced air cleaning system. |
We Like
The 5500-2 can be used in large living spaces. It uses a 3-stage air cleaning system which features an odor-reducing filter.
We Don’t Like
The carbon pre-filter may not absorb odor as much as you desire.
Results You Will Get from the Winix Plasma Wave 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing AOC Carbon Filter
The 5500-2 works beautifully well in a medium to large living space and uses a 3-stage Air Cleaning System which features an odor-reducing filter, 99.97% True HEPA filter and WINIX PlasmaWave® Technology.
Who Is This For?
This air purifying system is ideal for people who have an ample living space.
Key Features of the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave, and Odor Reducing AOC Carbon Filter
3 Stage Air Purification (Coated Deodorization) Carbon Filter
This air cleaning system has a (coated deodorization) carbon filter that reduces Volatile Organic Compounds and household odors from cooking, pets, and smoke. It is designed to catch airborne particles found which help indoors to prolong the lifespan of the True HEPA filter.
True HEPA Filter.
It captures dust, pet dander, microbes, smoke and as small as 0.3 microns in size .
PlasmaWave Technology particles
The PlasmaWave technology works at a molecular level to safely break down odors, allergens, chemical vapors and other indoor pollutants without emitting harmful ozone.
4 Fan Speed
The 5500-2 has four settings that allow you to set the speed to exactly what you want manually. You can choose between low, medium, high and turbo.
Smart Sensors and Auto Mode
The 5500-2 consistently monitors the air around it using smart sensors. The LED indicator displays the quality on a scale of good to poor (1-3). When the unit senses the quality change, it automatically adjusts the speed at which it is running to equalize the pollutants and create clean, pure air.
Filter Replacement Indicator
This air cleaner will let you know when it is time to change your filter. The control panel will display an LED alert until the filter is changed. However, the carbon pre-filter needs to be changed every six months, and the True HEPA Filter should be replaced every year.
LED Auto Dim Feature
This unit has an auto LED Dim feature which senses the amount of ambient light in the room and then adjusts the brightness of the display.
Cons
The carbon pre-filter may not absorb odor as much as you desire.
Conclusion
The Winix 5500-2, PlasmaWave, and Odor Reducing AOC Carbon Filter is designed for any home environment and captures allergens from dust to pollen to smoke to volatile organic compounds to pet dander to mold spores and household odors.
BONUS DOWNLOAD: Air Purifier Checklist
CLICK HERE to get extra insights and know what's important when buying an air purifier.
#04. Honeywell 50250-s True HEPA Round
The Honeywell True HEPA has three powerful cleaning levels that help to reduce the number of odors and air particles in large rooms. Its True HEPA filter traps up to 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns which are two hundred and fifty times smaller than the width of a human hair. The filter is durable in that it only needs to be replaced every three to five years.
Product Specs
- Patented 360? degree air intake and discharge maximizes efficiency
- SurroundSeal® Technology helps minimize air leaks
- 3 air cleaning levels
- Most effective for Large to Extra Large Rooms
- To ensure stated product performance, use only Certified Honeywell Replacement Filters.
This powerful device captures particles such as dust, pet dander, pollen and tobacco smoke from the air that passes through the filter. It also helps trap certain airborne germs such as bacteria and virus. The 50250-S has a 360-degree air intake for maximum efficiency and also has a pre-filter that prolongs the filter life by removing large particles before they can enter the HEPA filter and helps reduce common odors.
| Summary | A versatile air purifier. | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Rating | 9.8/10 | Great air cleaner with a true HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of particles in the air. |
| Intended Use | 9.00/10 | This product traps almost every pollutant in the air. |
| Value for Money | 9.5/10 | Good value for money. It is worth its price. |
| Price | 9.0/10 | It is affordable. |
We Like
The true HEPA filter is durable which means the product itself is high quality and lasts long. Maintenance is also cheap, and it is so easy to change the pre-filter. We also like that it captures up to 99.97% of pollutants in the air making it very efficient.
We Don’t Like
It could be loud, but this can be managed by reducing it to the lowest.
Results You Will Get from the Honeywell 50250-s True HEPA Round Air Purifier
This air cleaner is perfect for large rooms and captures almost every pollutant from dust to tobacco smoke to pet dander to pollen and odors.
Who Is This For?
This Honeywell 50250-s is ideal for homes where there are kids, people with allergy and asthma.
Key Features of the Honeywell 50250-s True HEPA Round Air Purifier
Effective and Efficient
The versatility makes it rank high with its true HEPA filter and pre-filter thereby giving maximum results. It traps virtually every pollutant in the air and is suitable even for large rooms.
Cons
The air cleaner can be a bit too noisy, but the noise level can be brought down.
Conclusion
This air filter is highly rated and recommended by allergists. It purifies the air effectively and efficiently.
#05. Germ Guardian AC5000E 3-in-1
The 3-in-1 Air Purifier captures 99.97% of dust and allergens in the air making it [erfect for allergy sufferers. The doctors of American Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology recommend HEPA air filtration to reduce exposure to indoor asthma triggers. It is ideal to use in both medium to large room and stands at 28 inches tall and lightweight as well. It is CADR Rated 125+ and includes a UV-C control and a filter change indicator. You can choose from 3 speeds including a low speed that runs very quiet. Its UV-C light kills germs, while the charcoal filter captures odor.
Product Specs
- True HEPA Filter captures 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as .3 microns such as household dust, pet dander, mold spores and plant pollens.
- Air Purifiers with Charcoal filters reduce common odors from pets, smoking and cooking
- UV-C light technology works with Titanium Dioxide to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, germs and mold spores.
- 28 inch 3 speed tower is best used for medium to large rooms and CADR rated 125+
- IMPORTANT: Use GENUINE Guardian Technologies replacement parts to maintain product performance and warranty. Only one single filter needs to be replaced every 6-8 months depending on the use of the product; Replacement filter is filter C – Model FLT5000 (ASIN B003AKIGFS) . To lengthen the life of your filter, a 4 pack of the carbon filters is also available – Model FLT28CB4 (ASIN B017ANUUTA). Voltage: 120V 60Hz
| Summary | A perfect air cleaning system for people who suffer from allergies. | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Rating | 9.0/10 | Air cleaner that captures 99.97% of dust and allergens in the air. |
| Intended Use | 8.0/10 | This air filter has been recommended by doctors as an ideal to reduce exposure to indoor asthma triggers. |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 | Good price for the value it offers. |
| Price | 9.4/10 | It is a low-priced air cleaning system. |
We Like
We like that this air cleaner is slim and does not take up space. It not only removes odors, but its full height UV-C bulb sterilizes the air as well.
We Don’t Like
The air cleaner may not last very long, but this will depend on usage.
Results You Will Get from the Germ Guardian AC5000E 3-in-1 Air Cleaning System
This air purifying system is perfect for allergy sufferers. It captures 99.97% of allergens in the air including dust, smoke, and odors.
Who Is This For?
The Germ Guardian AC5000E 3-in-1 air purifier with True HEPA is perfect for allergy sufferers.
Key Features of the Germ Guardian AC5000E 3-in-1Air Cleaning System
True HEPA Filters
The filters of this air cleaner capture 99.97% of airborne allergens, down to 0.03microns in size such as dust, pet dander, mold spores and plant pollens.
Doctor Recommended
The American Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology doctors recommend HEPA air filtration to reduce exposure to indoor asthma triggers.
UV-C Technology
The UV-C light of this purifier works to kill airborne germs and bacteria.
Activated Carbon Filter
The Germ Guardian AC5000E 3-in-1 Air Purifier has activated carbon filter that removes odors and smoke particles from the air.
Kills Airborne Mold Spores
The Germ Guardian kills airborne mold spores and other allergens.
Cons
The air cleaner is not as durable as many others.
Conclusion
The Germ Guardian AC5000E 3-in-1Air Cleaning System is ideal for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. It is very affordable and lightweight too.
Choose The Perfect Option in 2018
Air Purifier FAQ’s
Q: How Do HEPA Air Purifiers Work?
A: Dirt, debris, and other impurities get into the washable pre-filter that traps the large and visible particles. Air then passes through the HEPA filter. The HEPA filter system comprises of millions of fragile fiberglass fibers that are combined to form a lighter material. During the manufacturing process, the best media gets rolled and pleated while the stuff is warm, to prevent any cracking. As air passes through these HEPA filters, allergens of various sizes, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust get sucked into the small filaments of the screen. Most HEPA purifiers also feature a carbon filter to capture chemicals, odors, and gases. Once the dirt and debris pass through all the filtration stages, the now cleaned air is sent back into the room.
Q: Where Should I Place My Air Purifier?
A: Most designs are for cleaning single rooms; so naturally, it will be a perfect choice placing it in the room you spend the majority of your time. It can be in your bedroom, living area, office or the playroom with your kids. You may also want to consider purchasing one with caster wheels that allows you to quickly move the unit from room to room to gain clean air anywhere that you spend your time.
Q: What Is CADR?
A: The CADR acronym represents a crucial measurement. It stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. It a development of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, and it indicates the volume of filtered air that it delivers. It is in three measurements – one for pollen, another for tobacco smoke, and the other for dust. The higher the CADR number is, the faster the unit filters the air.
In Summary
Having listed a few of our favorites, we admit that there is no size-fits-all. The primary role is to help clean the air of allergens and toxins making it very necessary for people with asthma or other allergies.
Our Top Recommendations in 2018
First Choice
Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier seems to top our list of favorites because of its super quietness that is really rare to find in good air purifiers.
Second Choice
Coming closely behind is the Honeywell 50250-s True HEPA Round Air Purifier because of its versatility and low price. Owning an air purification system is essential to cleanse the indoor air and to relieve you of your allergies.
We hope our five top choices for 2018 will be an excellent purchasing guide. If you need to reduce smoke from cigarettes or fumes in your home, you can check out Our Best Air Purifier for Smoke.
