The best air purifier 2025: 8 excellent purifiers, tried and tested by experts

Adding one of the best air purifiers to your home is a great way to ensure cleaner, purer air, free from the kinds of allergens and general nasties that surround us daily. They can help lessen the symptoms of hayfever and asthma by tackling airborne allergens, and during the winter can help ensure fresher air when you might be keeping your windows closed.

Some of our picks here are also designed to remove odors, and others can double as a fan to keep you cool in the summer (so you don't need to invest in one of the best fans, separately). Most brands will take noise levels into account, but many options here have a dedicated quiet / night mode, so those easily bothered by noise can have their purifier running overnight if they wish.

To put together this ranking, we've tested a wide range of options from market leaders like Dyson, Blueair and Meaco. We assess setup and ease of use, plus performance efficiency to see what they pick up and how quickly they can clear it. If you want more info on what to expect, check our guides to how air purifiers work and what air purifiers can help with. Alternatively, read on for our pick of the best air purifiers on the market.

The best air purifier for most people

Based on our testing, the best air purifier for most people is the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max (called the Blueair Blue Max 3250i in the UK). It delivers solid, speedy performance for an affordable price, and looks good while doing it.

The design is compact and lightweight, with the working parts in the white plastic section at the top, and a particle and carbon filter in the base. This filter is wrapped in a machine-washable, fabric cover, which acts as a pre-filter, capturing some particles before they reach the true, replaceable filter within. The outer layer is available in a range of colors, to suit your decor.

Operation is simple: a button to power on and off, and another to cycle through the various operation modes (auto, night mode, and fan speeds one to three). We found it quiet in operation – our tester could comfortably sleep or watch TV with it on in the same room without it being disruptive.

A quick side-note on the main filter. This is referred to as a 'HEPASilent' filter, which – as far as we can tell – isn't a true HEPA filter, but rather Blueair's own patented creation. Blueair asserts that it's actually more effective than a HEPA filter, but it won't have been through the stringent, standardized tests required for a filter to carry the HEPA standard.

Nevertheless, on test we found the performance impressive. It detected and cleared contamination from spraying dry shampoo in 10 minutes, and was sensitive enough to detect a drop in air quality when our reviewer used hair products in the next room.

There are some limitations, though. On Auto mode, this purifier can't automatically detect any particles smaller than PM2.5. However, it is capable of capturing smaller particles and things like VOCs – it's just that you might need to manually select a higher operation mode. If you leave it on Auto, it'll likely just stay on the lowest fan setting. For more advanced automations and contaminant monitoring, you'll need to shell out a little more for something like the Molekule Air Pro (#6).

For the price, though, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is an excellent buy. It's not the smartest air purifier on the market, but it's effective, does exactly what most people will need it to do, and delivers excellent value for money.

Read our full Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review

The best budget air purifier

The Levoit VeSync Core 300S is the best air purifier you can buy if you're on a budget. Although its very affordable, it's far from basic. Our reviewer was impressed by its wide range of smart features, including an intuitive and insightful app and Alexa and Google Home compatibility.

To test the purifying power of the Levoit 300S, we sprayed dry shampoo and deodorant and also placed the purifier in the kitchen while cooking a variety of meals, including roast chicken and steak, and had it in the office with a scented candle lit. When set on Auto, it responded almost immediately to the change in air quality, and within 30 minutes on each test it had improved the air quality from 'Bad' to 'Very Good'.

There main concession you will need to make for that low price is that on test, we noted some delays in fan and app response time. We noted that performance wasn't as good in larger rooms – in which case you'll want to there's also a Levoit Core 600S, which comes with a CADR of 697m³/h.

Specs-wise, it's quite similar to the Blueair purifier at #1, so it's worth checking what deals are available when you need to make a purchase – there's a chance there won't be a massive price gap between the two models. Alternatively, if you just need to purify a small room and are happy to sacrifice some advanced features, check out the Govee model at #3 and the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max at #7, both of which are much cheaper.

Read our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review

The best air purifier for small rooms

The best air purifier for small rooms is the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite. This space-saving gadget is lightweight and compact, effective in small rooms, and very affordable. You can control it via the touchscreen buttons on top or use the companion app, and there's also support for voice assistants if you prefer.

Filtration is in three waves: the pre-filter takes care of hair, lint and fibers, followed by a true HEPA filter for finer particles and an activated carbon filter to take care of odors, smoke and VOCs. Replacement filters are affordable, but it's a shame to see the pre-filter isn't washable.

On test, the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite was efficient at freshening the air in our reviewer's living room, and operated nice and quietly too. It's not powerful enough for large rooms, but it's perfect for smaller spaces. There's no Auto mode or air quality data, which will be a drawback for some, but isn't surprising for the low price. You'll have to manually choose between Low, High or Sleep modes.

However – unusually for this price – there is the option to create your own custom routines. So you could ask it to run on High for an hour and then switch to Sleep for two more hours, for instance. Less useful is the other bonus feature, an Aromatherapy mode whereby a fragrance pad is placed below the air vents. Our reviewer found the results underwhelming in practice.

Another good air purifier for small rooms is the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max (#7). That one has a machine-washable pre-filter but lacks a HEPA filter, and doesn't offer the option to create a custom routine.

Read our full GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite review

The best air purifier for large spaces

If you need to tackle a large space, the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde is the best air purifier for you. Don't skip over that 'Big' in the name; this is one chunky purifier. Despite being a bit of a behemoth, it's also (again, in the name) very quiet to run, even on the maximum setting. The angle of propelled air can be adjusted to three different angles, which means it can double as a fan, too.

Inside, you'll find a fully sealed, advanced filtration system including a HEPA H13 filter (a more advanced version of standard HEPA) plus activated carbon for odors and a SCO (Selective Catalytic Oxidization) filter. Unusually, this purifier can also destroy formaldehyde – one reason for the premium price. There are two versions: the standard BP03 and the BP04, which comes with an additional CO2 sensor and is the one we reviewed.

Dyson is very good at moving air around, so it's no surprise to find the Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde is ultra-efficient. It can apparently project air over 32 feet, which our reviewer commented was "easy to believe if you happen to be in the path of the propelled air".

All that functionality comes at a very high price. For many people it won't be necessary – and indeed there are a number of Dyson purifiers and fans that offer excellent performance at a lower cost and in a smaller package. But if you have a large space that needs efficient, effective purification, you'll struggle to find something better.

Read our full Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde review

The best air purifier for customization

The Alen BreatheSmart 45i is a great all-rounder, as well as offering a number of customization options. There are four different filter options, so you can pick based on your specific needs. 'Pure' is the default, and the version we tested, and is a HEPA filter designed to capture allergens, dust and mold. Upgrade to 'Fresh' to add in activated carbon to take on household smells, chemicals and VOCs. There's also a specific 'Odor' filter, which can tackle even more pungent smells, and a 'VOC / Smoke' filter comes with extra carbon specifically to absorb noxious gases and secondhand smoke.

The styling is understated, and the swappable front panel means you can change it up to suit your decor. The panel on the top of the unit allows you to control pretty much everything you'd want to, which is great if you – like our tester – initially miss the fact that there is also a companion app.

App confusion aside, setup is straightforward and it's easy to use, too. After our month-long test, our reviewer noted how quickly this purifier could identify drops in air quality (indicated at a glance by color-changing LEDs). It also proved fairly efficient at cleaning the air, although you will need to pick your filter based on your needs, and not expect the basic Pure option to tackle odors, for example.

While it's far from the priciest air purifier here, be aware that different customization options will all incur an extra fee. Our tester felt the high build quality, and efficiency of purification justified the mid-range price. Note that while you can get your hands on one of these at Amazon UK, it's far more expensive than it is in the US, so not a particularly good recommendation for Brits.

The 45i is designed for small or medium-sized rooms – if you're dealing with a larger space then consider the Alen BreatheSmart 75i sister model, which has a higher CADR.

Read our full Alen BreatheSmart 45i review

The best looking air purifier

If you're looking for something stylish and effective, it might be worth shelling out for the Molekule Air Pro. When we tested it, it was certified as a Class II medical device, thanks to a 'PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filter' which uses patented technology to destroy viruses, bacteria, mold, allergens, VOCs (including formaldehyde), and more, by exposing them to UV radiation. This is teamed with a HEPA filter for capturing particles, complete with a layer of carbon to help take care of odors and gases.

This is one of the most stylish – albeit large – options we've tested. The top face you'll find a circular touch display where you can swipe between different screens. The first is a color-coded guide to current indoor air quality, the second shows levels of VOCs, particle matter, carbon dioxide, and relative humidity. The following screens offer options and information like Auto Protect mode, fan speeds and filter condition.

The companion app is simple and aesthetically pleasing, offering real-time and weekly indoor air quality readings, plotted onto a graph using colored lines. However, it doesn't offer as much granular control as other, cheaper purifiers we've tested, which is surprising at this price. Notifications are limited to letting you know when the filter needs replacing, for instance; you can't ask it to notify you about changes in air quality. However, if you're looking for an effective purifier that won't stick out like a sore thumb in your living room, this Molekule model is worth considering.

Read our full Molekule Air Pro review

Another excellent small air purifier for compact spaces

The Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is another great option for small spaces. This is a pint-sized sibling of the Blue Pure at #1, and although it has fewer features, it still does enough to make it useful, and it'll fit neatly on your nightstand or desk.

There are no automated settings, just three fan speed options that you manually cycle through at the touch of a button. There's also no app or screen, so you won't have access to any air quality data. On test our reviewer noted that the air felt noticeably fresher, although it couldn't make much of a dent in cooking smells. It's quiet in use, although do note that even though it's not designed to be a cooling fan, it emits a cold breeze through the vents, which might be unwelcome if used in winter.

The Particle and Carbon filter will need to be replaced periodically. Blueair suggests it can last up to six months, even with continuous use, and there are indicators to show when the filter is nearing the end of its life, and when it's time to replace it. Replacements are pleasingly affordable, and we were also pleased to note that the pre-filter is machine-washable – one area where it has the edge over our other small room pick, the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite at #3. Said pre-filter is also available in a range of colors to suit its location in your home. Overall, a solid, simple choice for small spaces.

Read our full Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max review

Another effective, affordable air purifier

The Meaco MeacoClean CA-HEPA 76x5 WiFi Air Purifier is slightly pricier than our budget pick (#2) but it's a great performer for a very affordable lower mid-range price. It's also very quiet air purifier – in fact, our tester noted that if they hadn't checked in the app and found the air quality rated as '0' (Good), they wouldn't even have been aware that it was running.

This purifier is super easy to set up; all that our reviewer needed to do prior to using for the first time was to remove the plastic wrapping from around the filter, plug it in and download the Smart Life app. The air purifier can be controlled via this app or the display screen on the appliance itself. The app provides insights on indoor air quality, plus you can also set schedules – which isn't possible through the display screen.

In our opinion, the app could do with a little refinement, perhaps showing air quality history from earlier on in the week. Note that the location setting isn't particularly accurate, either. Design-wise, the MeacoClean isn't the most attractive, but it doesn't necessarily matter if you just want something that does the job.

Read our full Meaco MeacoClean CA-HEPA 76x5 WiFi Air Purifier review

Specs comparison table

Best air purifiers: alternatives

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA

This three-in-one model not only purifies, but can also act as a heater and fan. It operates quietly and manages all three of its functions well, but lacks advanced features like an app.

Read our full Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review

Levoit Core 600S

This is a big sister of the 300S (#2). It comes with a higher CADR of 697m³/h, making it suitable for larger spaces. There's a companion app and the option of voice control, and plus four speeds and an Auto mode. On test, we found it efficient and quiet to use. The pricing is affordable, too.

Read the full Levoit Core 600S review

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How we test air purifiers

All of the air purifiers featured in this guide have been tested by the editors on TechRadar. They've been reviewed at home in real-life situations, used daily across a minimum of a two-week time frame. We've worked our way through all of the settings available through the app (if it has one) or on the device, while also checking out the device maintenance options.

To test the air purification monitoring and speed, we've sprayed heavy particulate aerosol (dry shampoo), lit a scented paraffin candle, and also lit a scented incense stick. Noise levels have been recorded using a mobile phone decibel meter, and we've tracked other changes such as temperature via the app, and used the device in various rooms throughout the home to see if that changes the results.

In some instances, we will continue to use the air purifier once our reviews are live. This will allows us to evaluate performance over the long term, across several months or years.

Read more about how we test.

How to choose an air purifier

When you're choosing the best air purifier for your home, there are a few key things to consider before you buy.

Setting a budget can help reduce the options to suit what it is you have to spend. Our guide features air purifiers from between $149.99/£149.99 for the Levoit VeSync Core 300S to $769.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,149.00 for the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09. However, a budget price doesn't necessarily mean a lack of features, and vice versa.

For example, the Levoit VeSync Core 300S may well be voted the best budget air purifier but it offers features such as app control with detailed insight into air quality as well as voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact, on the other hand, costs $549.99 / £499.99 and offers neither an app nor voice control abilities.

A budget can also help you to decide on the features you'd like, and whether or not you want a smart air model. All of the air purifiers featured in this guide can be controlled via a display panel or a remote control, but not all have an app.

During testing, we found that an app can deliver greater insights to the air quality inside the home. There's only so much information that the display panel can show, and if you want to monitor the air quality over a time period, then this is only possible through app support.

Some air purifiers can also cool and / or heat the room. Both the Dyson air purifiers and the Shark 3-in-1 Air Purifier, Heater & Fan with NanoSeal HEPA in this guide offer such capabilities.

But, of course, how well the air in a room is purified – or the room temperature adjusted – will depend on the size of the room. For example, the LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifying Fan with True HEPA and UVnano LED can purify a room size of up to 818sq ft, whereas the Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto is suitable for a room size of up to 441sq ft. Opt for an air purifier that isn't suitable for use in your room will mean that it ultimately won't be able to deliver optimum performance.

Finally, check the spec of each air purifier before hitting the "buy" button. Look for the product dimensions and weight (in case you want to move it between rooms). And note the noise levels plus additional modes such as Sleep mode, so that you won't be kept awake if you're using the air purifier at night.

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