Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S review

The Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S is a device that came to me when I needed it most. It was a sweltering day in the UK — a nation with little in the way of air conditioning, but lots of humidity. But as I sat there at my desk sweating profusely, my editor handed Dreo’s new misting fan to me, and I have to say, it’s been a lifesaver.

But what exactly is the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S? Well, it’s a device designed to deliver “mess-free cooling,” and is best-suited for desks and tables. I’ve spent the last three weeks with Dreo’s fan, and have used it at my desk, at the kitchen table, and even in a controlled testing space at Future Labs. And for the most part, it’s proved to be quite an impressive performer — though it’s not totally without its flaws. So, here’s how I’d rate my experience overall.

First of all, let’s talk about who this fan is for. In my view, this is best suited for someone who’s sat at their desk and wants a personal fan, but one they can also set on a bedside table on hotter evenings too. I’d not necessarily recommend it to keep the whole family cool on the sofa, though — it’s still pretty compact, and the fan head is relatively small, meaning you don’t get the huge amount of coverage that some of the best fans can provide.

So, how does the 516S fare when used at a desk? In my case, it was great. I found the mist setting to work exceptionally well, and it added a nice degree of coolness without making any mess or feeling too intense. There were 12 speeds to select, and it was easy to switch between the three mist levels depending on how hot I felt. What’s more, it can oscillate 150 degrees horizontally, up to 20 degrees up, and 10 degrees down, making it easy to tailor coverage to your specific space. Dreo states that the 516S can cool a room by 3C / 5.4F at a max speed of 8m/s.

Setting up misting is pretty straightforward too. Simply fill up the detachable 1.3L water tank, slot it into the fan, and you’re good to go. You have to flip the tank upside down before inserting it, and this can lead to a bit of minor leakage, but I never found this to be a big issue. The tank is also large enough to keep misting for hours on end — 12 hours, according to Dreo — and I never felt that I had to refill it too regularly. And if you’re not in a misty mood, then fear not — it’s easy to switch over to a fan only mode, which works nicely too.

Even when using the mist mode, I found the fan to run pretty quietly, which was especially useful when trying it out at night. I didn’t find it difficult to drift off to sleep with the fan at a middling speed, and it certainly couldn’t cut past my Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones when trying it during the workday. One caveat, however, is that the Turbo mode — for those who want maximum power — can get fairly noisy. This could frustrate some when trying to watch TV or listen to music, but the mode did still work well when I needed a thorough blast of cold.

There are a number of other ways to customize your experience, though, such as a timer, a humidity preference setting, and a child lock system. Such options can be accessed through a number of control methods: touch controls, a remote, voice commands, or a companion app. This level of versatility is always welcome, and the inclusion of Alexa and Google voice assistants is pretty neat, especially given the 516S’s modest price — more on that later.

I will say, however, that the physical touch controls are… a little temperamental. Sometimes I found myself pressing a button over and over again trying to get it to function properly. That’s pretty frustrating, and often pushed me to reach for the remote instead. It’s no dealbreaker, especially with the various alternative control methods, but it’s worth noting all the same.

Before we sum up, let’s talk about design. This fan is decent-looking, with an easy-to-clean plastic exterior, attractive lighting on the control panel, and a transparent water tank, so you always know when it’s time for a refill. There’s also a practical carry handle, and you can easily dismantle the fan if you need to make a fix. The power cable is integrated, and you won’t be able to use this fan wirelessly, but for the cost, that’s understandable.

Speaking of cost, the 516S will typically set you back $99.99 / £99.99 (about AU$140), which in my view, is a very fair price. Sure, there are cheaper options available in this size-class, but you get mess-free and effective misting, a wide range of speeds, and a wide number of control methods, all without having to break the bank. So if you’re looking for a fan to use at your desk, or a personal cooling solution while watching TV for instance, I think the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S is well-worth considering.

Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S review: price & release date

• List price of $99.99 / £99.99 (about AU$140)
• Released in April 2026

The Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S has a fairly modest price tag for all of the tech it crams in. It’s typically available for $99.99 / £99.99 (about AU$140), although I have seen it discounted with some online retailers. The fan released in April 2026 as part of Dreo’s 2026 summer lineup.

Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S review: specs

Should I buy the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S?

Buy it if…

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Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S review: also consider

How I tested the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S

• Tested across a three-week period
• Made use of all settings and features
• Used at home and in a controlled testing space at Future Labs

I spent three weeks testing the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S, using it at home on my desk and the kitchen table, and even trying it in a controlled environment at Future Labs.

During this time, I tested out all of the various features, sifted through the multiple connectivity and control options, and made sure to try the fan both with and without misting activated. During the majority of the testing period, I was using the fan on high temperature days with high humidity, making for a natural and authentic testing process.

More generally, I’ve tested tons of gadgets here at TechRadar across the course of multiple years. I’ve covered home and lifestyle products, audio gear, video games, and more as part of our dedicated reviews team.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: June 2026

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool review

The Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool PC3 is the latest tower fan from the British brand, and it offers up not only excellent cooling with owl-like oscillation, but also air purification.

That makes the Find+Follow Purifier Cool particularly helpful for those with asthma or allergies when they don't want dust, pollen and other particulars floating round their home.

But the party trick here is in the ‘Find+Follow’ name, and it’s what sets it apart from its predecessor, the Purifier Cool PC1, while also kicking the Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 to the curb.

This particular cooling and air purifying fan features a small camera that can identify people in its field of view, and then follow them round a room, ensuring the breeze is always directed where it’s needed.

It’s a good looking fan, but all this comes at a steep cost — $849.99 / £549.99 to be exact. With many of the best fans coming in at a lower price point, Dyson has its work cut out to justify the premium cost of its latest offering.

Things get off to a positive start with the fan arriving in suitably protective packaging that’s almost all cardboard — the main piece of plastic is a large bag over the fan itself. It’s easy to unpack, and setup via the free My Dyson app is straightforward.

You’ll need both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled on your phone, allowing you to get the fan connected to your device, as well as your home network. I liked the ‘Getting started’ video in the How To section of the app: it’s just under two minutes long and walks you through the core functions of the fan.

Controls in the app are nicely laid out, with easy access to on/off, fan speed, and oscillation. There’s also auto and night modes, a timer setting to turn off the fan after a set duration, and the ability to switch from fan to diffuser mode, if you want to purify the air in your home without the main fan being active.

Shifting focus back to the fan itself, it stands tall with its large, oval bladeless design sitting atop a gold pedestal that hides the air purifying tech and HEPA H13-grade and K-Carbon filters. Dyson claims the filter “captures 99.95% of particles such as viruses and bacteria, as well as pollen, pet dander and mould spores”.

It not only cleans the air, but the K-carbon filter can remove smells and gases, handy if you’ve been over-enthusiastic in the kitchen and want to get rid of that burning smell. I found it did a pretty good job of getting rid of the burnt toast smell in the morning quicker than leaving it to dissipate on its own.

There’s a power button just above the circular display on the base of the fan, but Dyson doesn’t provide any further controls on the device itself. Instead you need to use the remote, which magnetically clings to the top of the fan for simple storage, or the app to adjust settings.

You can also link the PC3 to your smart home, allowing you to use Google’s Gemini or Amazon’s Alexa voice assistants to control the fan. Linking it to my smart home setup also allowed me to control the Find+Follow Purifier Cool from the Google Home app as well as the My Dyson app.

The display on the fan is subtle, and from a distance it can be difficult to read due to its small size, but you can get all the info displayed here in the My Dyson app.

You can adjust the information the display shows by clicking the ‘i’ button on the remote, allowing you to cycle through visuals for various data including; indoor air quality, indoor humidity, indoor temperature, and remaining filter life. It’s useful stuff, but it’s better viewed in the app.

I was particularly impressed with the range of oscillation on offer, with the ability to rotate 45, 90, 180, and 350 degrees. Pop the Find+Follow Purifier Cool in the middle of a room and it’ll reach almost every area.

This was particularly useful when it came to placing the fan in a bigger room, as the huge angle of coverage provides far more flexibility. In my large, open-plan living space I could position it towards the center and have it reach most areas — although there was one small shortcoming: the length of the power cord.

At 1.8m it’s similar to many other rival fans, but as there are 350 degrees of movement, this is a fan you might be more inclined to position further away from a wall outlet to get maximum benefit. I was able to plug it into my kitchen island, allowing it to stand well away from a wall, without the cord or an extension cable draped across the floor — but your home’s setup will be different, so it’s worth considering where you’ll be plugging it in.

Once on, Dyson’s clever bladeless design delivers smooth air flow that feels like a natural breeze moving through your home, rather than the harsh buffeting you get from some other propeller and tower fans.

Coupled with its quiet operation — especially at lower fan speeds — you might find yourself forgetting it’s even on. My partner questioned whether I’d left the back door open as she felt a breeze, but it was simply the Dyson’s caress of the air is so gentle that it didn't feel artificially generated.

In our open-plan living space, I needed a fan speed between eight and 10 to really feel the effect during the warm weather, when sitting around four to five meters from the fan. In my small office (16m²), a fan speed of three was enough to keep me feeling cooler, with the Find+Follow Purifier Cool positioned a couple of meters away.

At its highest speed setting of 10, the Find+Follow Purifier Cool was still relatively quiet at 40-60dB, allowing you to comfortably have a conversation without the need to shout over the noise. Halving the speed sees the sound generated dropped to 20dB (similar to a mosquito), while at its lowest speed I got a reading of around 15dB, just slightly louder than normal breathing (10dB). If you’re looking for a quiet fan, the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool is a strong contender, but the Duux Whisper Flex 2 has it beat, just.

The quiet operation meant I was able to keep the fan on overnight in our bedroom, with the low level hum not loud enough to disturb my sleep. My partner is a lighter sleeper, and after an initial adjustment, they were able to sleep with it on as well.

And then there’s the Dyson's Find+Follow party-trick. Enable this mode by pressing the button on the remote or in the app, and the fan will scan the room looking for people. Once it’s detected a person, it’ll direct air flow towards them. Get up and move around the room, and the purifying fan will oscillate to maintain air flow in your direction. It doesn’t rotate particularly quickly, but it’ll keep moving until it picks you up again.

If you leave the room briefly, the Find+Follow Purifier Cool will wait patiently in a ‘dormant’ state for your return. The fan will continue, but movement will only resume when you re-enter the room and it picks you back up.

When there’s clear sightlines in an uncluttered room, the Find+Follow AI does a reasonably good job of tracking movement, delicately rotating as you move about. However, I found if I passed too closely and too quickly, it wouldn’t always continue tracking me, even though I was still within its range of movement. This feature works best in large, open-plan spaces where you don’t need to pass too closely to the fan itself. In smaller rooms, the AI tracking can struggle a little more.

In cases where you leave the room for more than an hour, the system will switch to Auto mode, where the fan’s sensors will adjust the settings to reach the target air quality for the room.

For those concerned about the privacy implications of this technology, Dyson says the: “AI vision system never identifies anyone and only detects presence. Images are processed instantly within the machine, deleted and never leave the device.” And you can turn off the follow mode at any point using the remote, app, or smart home voice assistant.

When it comes to maintenance, Dyson’s bladeless design makes things super simple, with the wipe of a damp, lint-free cloth all that’s required. You do need to keep an eye on the air intake holes on the base though, as I found pet hair from my two cats would build up over the course of a few days. Dyson suggests using a soft brush to remove this debris.

The Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool is a highly accomplished purifying fan with useful modes, impressive features, and a fun — if slightly creepy — follow mode that a subset of users will find beneficial. Though I wouldn’t say the addition of this tracking camera does enough to fully justify Dyson’s asking price.

I’ve no problem saying that if you have the money, and are looking for a true flagship purifying fan, the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool absolutely delivers. It’s supremely easy to set up and use, while the performance matches other high-end multi-purpose rivals. But if you’re bulking at the list price, there are plenty of reasonably priced fans — and Dyson purifying fans without Find+Follow — that provide similar levels of performance for less.

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool review: Price & release date

• Premium price tag of $849.99 / £549.99
• Costs considerably more than its closest rivals
• Available in the UK and US from June 2026; not on sale in Australia

The Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool has been on sale since May 2026 in the UK, and went on sale in early June 2026 in the US but it's unfortunately not currently available in Australia. You can buy it via Dyson directly and a number of major third-party retailers.

The Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool costs $849.99 / £549.99, making it one of the more expensive fan and purifier combos on the market. It’s not Dyson’s most premium purifier (that’s the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde), but it is the firm’s most expensive fan, nudging out the $499.99 / £399.99 Hot + Cool HF1.

While the Find+Follow comes with its eponymous following camera tech, that has added $300 / £100 to the retail price of the Purifier Cool PC1 it replaces. The PC1 is still available though and is generally discounted too, if you want similar cooling and purifying results without the person-tracking tech.

If you’re not fussed about the heating or air purifying features, Dyson’s cheapest comparable fan is the Cool AM07 tower at $399.99 / £349.99, although this older model is sometimes discounted.

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool review: Specs

Should I buy the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool review: Also consider

How I tested the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool

• Used the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool for a week
• Used it in the bedroom, office and main living space
• Tested various modes, including Find+Follow and Sleep

I used the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool at home in the UK during a week of very warm May weather (28-31C / 82-88F). I set it up in my open-plan living space, master bedroom, and small home office, to experience how effective it was in different locations.

I tested the range of modes the fan has to offer, including auto, sleep, and Find+Follow. I operated it with the remote, via the My Dyson and Google Home apps, and I even asked Gemini via the smart speakers in my home to adjust fan speed and turn the unit on and off.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: June 2026

Coway Airmega 100: one-minute review

The Coway Airmega 100 is a small, cylindrical air purifier. It's designed for rooms up to around 63 square meters, packing an impressive Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 244 cubic meters per hour and a three-stage filtration system (pre-filter, True HEPA and deodorization filter).

Design-wise, it's a compact white cylinder that's light enough to carry one-handed and small enough to sit on a desk or tuck into a corner. The touch controls on top are simple and intuitive, with an air-quality indicator ring that shifts color based on what it detects.

Performance is where this purifier really shines, though. It's remarkably quiet even for one of the best air purifiers, especially in sleep mode where it drops to just 20 dB, and the auto mode does a good job of ramping up when it detects something in the air. There was also a noticeable reduction in surface dust after a few days of running it, and cooking smells triggered the sensor quickly. While it won’t eradicate stronger smells completely as a purifier with pellet-based carbon filters would, it still performs brilliantly when it comes to everyday dust, pollen and pet dander.

As you’d expect, there are some downsides, though, such as a lack of any Wi-Fi connectivity or app control. A quick look at the Amazon reviews will highlight a number of reports of replacement filters being hard to source in the UK, and while build quality is perfectly fine, it does feel a bit budget in places. Nevertheless, at around £110 / $84 on sale, it represents exceptional bang for your buck.

Coway Airmega 100 review: Specs

Coway Airmega 100 review: Price and release date

• Available now
• List price: £109.99 / $83.99 / AU$199

The Coway Airmega 100 is available to buy now in the UK, US and Australia. It sits at the affordable end of the air purifier market, and even at its full UK RRP of £149.99 / $129.99 / AU$199, it undercuts most comparable models from Philips, Blueair and Levoit, and it's a fraction of what you'd pay for anything from Dyson. At the time of writing, the unit can be picked up direct from Coway for a sale price of $83.99 / £109.99.

Replacement filters cost a very reasonable £27.99 / $39.99 / AU$59, especially compared to the £69.99 you'll pay for the larger Airmega 350's filters. Coway says they should last around 12 months, though in dustier environments you may need to swap them more often.

One thing to flag: a few buyers have reported difficulty finding genuine replacement filters on Coway's UK site, with stock appearing to come and go. Filters are available on Amazon, but some buyers have reported sketchy availability from Coway’s official web store, so it's worth keeping an eye on this if you're planning to keep this long-term.

Running costs are minimal too. With a 25W motor, you're looking at pennies per day even if you leave it running around the clock.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Coway Airmega 100 review: Design

• Compact and minimal, fits anywhere
• Touch controls are simple and intuitive
• Feels a little cheap, and there are no carry handles

The Airmega 100 is essentially a small, white cylinder measuring just 8.66 inches / 220mm across and about 15.75 inches / 400mm tall. This compact size means it can easily sit on a bedside table, a desk, or the floor in a corner and, at 6.61 pounds / 3kg, it's light enough to pick up and move around to put wherever you need it with ease. The minimal white finish might leave a bit to be desired, but it’s nice enough and will blend in with pretty much any room without drawing attention to itself.

As for the touch panel on top, this is a straightforward design that makes it super easy to navigate, sporting haptic buttons for fan speed, sleep mode, timer, light on/off and a control panel lock. Wrapping around the 360-degree fan grille is an air quality indicator ring that changes color from blue (clean) through green and yellow to red (polluted), giving you a quick visual check on air quality status without needing to press anything. I found the whole thing easy to get to grips with, no manual needed.

If I had to pull out a negative, I’d say build quality is where the Airmega 100 lets itself down a bit. It looks nice enough from a distance, but up close the plastic feels a bit on the cheap side. It's not flimsy or poorly made; it just doesn't have that reassuring heft you get from pricier models. There are also no carry handles, which is a minor gripe given how light it is, but still feels like something Coway could have added without much effort.

Air is drawn in through inlets at the bottom and expelled upwards through the top grilles, so, like its bigger sibling the Airmega 350, don't expect it to double up as a fan. This device is for cleaning air, not cooling you down.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Coway Airmega 100 review: Features and performance

• Impressively quiet, especially in sleep mode
• Auto mode reacts quickly to changes in air quality
• Carbon filter won't tackle strong cooking smells

For such a compact air purifier at such a low price, the Airmega 100 performs surprisingly well. The three-stage filter (pre-filter, True HEPA and deodorization) does a top job of capturing dust, pollen and pet dander, and I noticed a genuine drop in surface dust after just a few days of running it in my open-plan living and dining room.

The auto mode is the standout feature here, though. With a built-in PM2.5 sensor, it’s able to monitor air quality in real time and adjust fan speed accordingly. Start cooking, spray some deodorant or disturb some dust, and the ring will shift color before the fan kicks in. Then, once the air clears, it’ll settle back down. It's properly hands-off, and works really well.

Noise levels are also excellent. In sleep mode, the Airmega 100 drops to a claimed 20 dB, and I can confirm it's near-silent. I ran it overnight in the same room and totally forgot it was there. Even on its highest speed, it's not what I'd call loud, topping out at around 52 dB — that's roughly dishwasher territory, so for a bedroom or home office it's ideal.

The one area where the filtration falls a bit short is when it comes to strong odors. The deodorization filter uses a carbon-coated fiber rather than the pellet-based activated carbon you'll find in pricier models. While it handles light smells and general stuffiness fine, don't expect it to neutralize strong cooking smells or smoke from a burnt pan. For everyday dust, allergens and general air quality improvement, though, it's perfectly capable.

As with its older brother, the Coway Airmega 350, there's no Wi-Fi connectivity, app nor smart-home integration on the Airmega 100. This means you can't check air quality stats remotely or control it from your phone. That's not ideal, although — unlike on the pricier models — it doesn’t feel as much of a missing feature here. Still, it still feels like something Coway should be thinking about, as a basic app showing air quality trends and filter life isn’t exactly a cutting edge feature these days.

Nevertheless, the purifier’s timer options (you can choose between one, two, four or eight hours) and the control panel lock are both pretty useful additions. And there's a mood-light feature that provides a soft glow for bedroom use, which is a nice touch.

• Features & performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Coway Airmega 100?

Don't buy it if…

Coway Airmega 100 review: Also consider

How I tested the Coway Airmega 100

I used the Coway Airmega 100 for several weeks across different spaces in my home, from my home office to open plan living room and dining area. I tested all fan speeds and modes, monitored the sensor's reaction to cooking, dust and general household air, and assessed the build quality, noise levels, filter access and overall usability throughout.

• First reviewed: May 2026
• Read more about how we test

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier: two-minute review

The Blueair Mini Restful Sunrise Clock Air Purifier is a three-in-one device — technically a four-in-one if you include the built-in USB charger — that combines an air purifier, a sunrise alarm clock and a wake-up light in a single unit. It launched as part of Blueair's Sleep collection with a clear USP: rather than cluttering your nightstand with separate devices, one appliance handles the air quality, the light and the alarm. If you've been browsing the best compact air purifiers for a bedroom, the Mini Restful sits in a category of its own.

The purification uses Blueair's HEPASilent technology, which captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns — finer than a standard HEPA filter — and my hayfever symptoms were noticeably more manageable on mornings after I'd had the Mini Restful running.

It runs across three fan speeds plus a Night mode, covers rooms up to 33m² / 355 sq ft, and is QuietMark certified. The brand claims noise levels of 21dB on its lowest setting whereas my own tests averaged 32dB, much of which was ambient.

In reality, it's whisper quiet and I could easily run it through the night without disturbing my sleep. I even forgot to switch it off a lot of the time because it's so quiet, I didn't realize it was still running.

What makes it stand out most from other purifiers I've tested is the wake-up light: a circular ring below the touchscreen display that brightens gradually over 15–30 minutes before your alarm time. This is designed to mimic natural sunrise, and you can also choose from multiple alarm sounds via the app, including birdsong, soft tones, and rainfall.

This wake-up light is impressively bright for its size and the whole appliance's design is attractive enough for you to actually want on your bedside table. I tested the Blueair Mini Restful in summer so while it helped rouse me gently, it's hard to judge exactly how effective it would be in the depths of winter, say, when a more gentle wake-up is most needed.

At 11.8in / 30cm tall and just 2.36lbs / 1.07kg, it sits comfortably on a standard nightstand, and the USB-C port at the back means it can charge your phone too, saving you even more space by eliminating the need for a separate charger.

My biggest complaint about the Mini Restful is the Blueair app, which doesn't quite live up to the rest of the device's performance. When it works, it's great — intuitive and clean. Yet there's no way to track air quality levels, and during my review period there was often a lag between adjusting settings and the device responding. This became frustrating quickly. The connectivity dropped completely three times during the four weeks of tests and I had to fully reconnect to my Wi-Fi and phone.

For anyone who suffers from allergies and has been meaning to try a sunrise alarm, the Mini Restful makes a compelling case that one device can do all of it well. But even if you already own one of the best air purifiers on the market and a separate sunrise alarm, the Mini Restful makes a strong argument for consolidating. It will definitely feel like an upgrade.

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier review: price and availability

• List price: $199.99 / £169
• Available in the US and UK

The Blueair Mini Restful is available directly from Blueair US and Blueair UK, as well as from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Walmart and John Lewis. It has a list price of $199.99 / £169, which converts to about AU$280, but at the time of writing it's not available in Australia.

On purification alone, it's easy to find cheaper options. Blueair's own £79 Blue Pure Mini Max, the £59.99 GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite and the £149.99 Levoit Core 300S are all strong compact options that cost less and if all you want is cleaner air in a bedroom, any of those will do the job well. However, none of them has a sunrise alarm or wake-up light. Nor do they charge your phone.

In fact, there is no direct equivalent on the market — no other purifier currently combines HEPASilent filtration with a built-in sunrise alarm and wake-up light in a single bedside device. This means the real question isn't how it compares to other purifiers, but whether it's cheaper and better than buying two separate devices.

On that measure, it mostly wins. The Hatch Restore 3 ($169.99 / £220) is widely considered the best standalone sunrise alarm clock you can buy, while a compact bedroom purifier like the Levoit Core 300S adds another $99 / £90 on top. That's $260 / £240 for two devices that take up more space, require two separate apps and two separate power outlets. The Mini Restful does both jobs for $199.99 / £169 in a single unit that sits comfortably on a bedside table.

The trade-off is that neither function quite matches what a dedicated device delivers. The sunrise graduation isn't as smooth as the Hatch Restore 3, and the purification coverage is limited to spaces up to 33m² / 355 sq ft. If you need serious room coverage or a flawless sunrise simulation, you'd be better served buying separately. But for a standard bedroom and anyone who wants to simplify their nightstand, the value case is very strong.

Replacement filters cost $29.99 / £24 and need changing every nine months — a running cost worth budgeting for, even though it's in line with most other comparable purifiers.

• Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier specs

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier review: design

• Compact and attractive enough to earn its place on a nightstand
• Soft woven fabric exterior
• Touchscreen display doubles as clock face
• Controls can feel awkward at table height

The Mini Restful is one of the better-looking air purifiers I've had in my bedroom, which matters more than it might sound.

Most purifiers are designed for corners and shelves where nobody has to look at them. They're functional, but they largely earn their keep by blending in. The Mini Restful is instead designed to stand out, and Blueair has clearly put effort into the aesthetic. The woven fabric exterior, which is available in Coastal Beige or Midnight and can be removed and cleaned, feels closer to an Alexa speaker than a home appliance. For comparison, the Levoit Core 300S — a purifier I rate highly for performance — is a plain white cylinder that would look out of place on my nightstand.

At 11.8 inches / 30cm tall and 6.7 inches / 17cm across, it has a similar footprint to a bedside lamp, albeit slightly more imposing. It's taller than I had expected for something described as a bedside device and it's not as compact as I'd like (the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max, for instance, is shorter and lighter) but it does fit comfortably. I could fit the purifier and my phone charger on my nightstand without it feeling cluttered.

At 2.36lbs / 1.07kg, it's also light enough to pick up and move without any effort. The cord runs neatly through the base and plugs into a standard outlet, and at the back there's a USB-C port for charging your phone overnight. This is easy to reach without having to move the unit, and it's one of those small additions that makes a real difference to how the product fits into a bedside routine.

All of the controls sit on the top of the device, arranged around a circular touchscreen display. The display shows the time, current fan speed and filter status at a glance, and is the main interface for adjusting settings manually. It's responsive and readable in low light and the icons are intuitive — power, fan speed, display lock and purification mode are all clearly differentiated. I found I could adjust settings without turning the main light on after the first few days of use. The display can also be locked via the app if you want to prevent accidental changes overnight.

Just below the display is the light ring — a circular band that serves as both the wake-up light and a soft night light. It's a smaller lit area than you'd find on a dedicated sunrise alarm like the Hatch Restore 3, which uses its entire face as a light source, and I was skeptical that such a narrow ring could produce enough light to actually wake me. It did, and it looked elegant doing so.

Setup is straightforward. The Mini Restful arrives in a simple box with the device, a cord and a plug — thread the cord through the base, attach the plug, remove the plastic cover from the filter inside and you're done, in under two minutes.

From there you download the free Blueair app, create an account, and connect the device to your home Wi-Fi. The whole process took me around five minutes, and the app walks you through each step clearly. It's here that you'll set your alarm times, choose your wake sounds, adjust the sunrise duration, and create purification schedules.

The one ergonomic issue I found is that having everything on top means you need to lean over to adjust anything manually when the unit is at table height. It's a minor inconvenience rather than a dealbreaker, and in practice I used the app for most adjustments after the first week, but it's not ideal. Overall, this is a product that has been designed with the bedroom specifically in mind, and it shows in almost every decision Blueair has made.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier review: performance

• Powerful purification even on lowest settings
• Near-silent on Night mode and speed 1
• Wake-up light impressively bright for its size
• Sunrise graduation can be abrupt

The Mini Restful has two jobs to do — clean the air and wake you up gently — and it approaches both with more conviction than I expected from a device of this size.

I tested it over four weeks as my primary bedroom purifier and alarm clock, running it every night and monitoring air quality via the Blueair app each morning. I also measured noise levels at each fan speed using a decibel meter, and ran the sunrise alarm as my sole alarm throughout the review period rather than keeping a backup.

Starting with the purification. The HEPASilent filtration captures 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, which is finer than a standard HEPA filter, and covers dust, pollen, pet dander and most common allergens with ease. I suffer from hayfever and the review period coincided with peak pollen season, which gave me a useful real-world test. On mornings after running the Mini Restful through the night on speed 1 or 2, I noticed a genuine difference: less of the throat tightness and eye irritation I'd normally get.

To test the purification speed specifically, I sprayed deodorant directly at the unit for five seconds on both the lowest and highest settings, then timed how long it took for the air quality reading in the app to return to normal. On the lowest setting it took around 45 minutes to fully clear. On the highest setting it took just 12 minutes — a significant difference. The app's air quality history chart, which shows readings over the past 24 hours and 30 days, is useful for tracking these changes and gave me a clear picture of how conditions shifted.

On noise, the Mini Restful is super quiet. Blueair claims 21dB on the lowest speed; my measurements put it at around 32dB. This sounds like a huge difference but the purifier is almost inaudible, even in a quiet room. Speed 2 registers around 35dB, which produces a gentle white noise that actually helped me sleep rather than disturbing me. Speed 3 is noticeably louder at around 48dB — not unpleasant, but enough that I wouldn't choose to run it while trying to fall asleep. The Night mode handles the transition well though, stepping the fan down to its quietest setting automatically, and I left it on this mode for the majority of the review period.

Blueair says the Mini Restful works best in rooms between 14–33m² / 151–355 sq ft, which will cover most standard bedrooms. I tested it in a medium-sized room and found it kept up well, with the air quality sensor registering improvements within 20–30 minutes of switching on after a day with the windows open. It won't cope with large open-plan spaces — for that you'd need something with considerably more power, like the Dyson HushJet Compact — but for a bedroom it's more than adequate.

The wake-up light is the more interesting part of the performance story. The light ring is small relative to a dedicated sunrise alarm but on its highest brightness setting it lit the room enough to wake me without the alarm sound triggering at all on several mornings. The three manual brightness levels via the touchscreen are useful, and the app's slider control allows finer adjustment if you want to dial it in precisely.

The issue is with the graduation. The light is supposed to brighten gradually over 15–30 minutes before your alarm time, mimicking a natural sunrise. For the most part it does, and on the mornings it worked as intended the experience was gentler than waking to a conventional alarm. But on several occasions — I counted at least six across the four-week review period — the light jumped to full brightness abruptly rather than easing up to it, which is jarring. It doesn't ruin the experience entirely but it stops the Mini Restful from matching the consistently smooth graduation of a dedicated wake-up light. If the sunrise simulation is the primary reason you're considering this, that inconsistency is worth noting.

Elsewhere, the alarm sounds themselves are pleasant and varied — birdsong, soft tones, rainfall — and the volume is adjustable via the app.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier review: app

• Required for full setup and alarm customization
• Doesn't show air quality levels
• Clean, well-organized interface
• Lag between app and device is frustrating
• No HomeKit, Alexa or Google Home support

Despite a small number of flaws, I can barely fault the hardware of the Blueair Mini Restful. The same can't be said for the app though, sadly.

Firstly, the Blueair app isn't optional. You can use the touchscreen to turn the device on and off and cycle through fan speeds, but doing anything of note, such as setting alarms, choosing wake sounds, adjusting the sunrise duration, creating purification schedules and checking air quality history, all require the app.

This is great when it works. The interface is clean and logically laid out, with the device status and filter life all visible without having to dig through menus. Setting a sunrise alarm takes seconds: you pick a time, choose a sound, set the brightness duration between and you're done.

The filter replacement reminder is useful; the display lock feature is a sensible addition for overnight use; and the scheduling tools are flexible enough to set different purification levels for different times of day.

However, knowing how to view live air quality readings isn't obvious, and I ended up having to Google for help. Even then, you can only see the current outdoor air reading (via the Outdoor air section on the homepage) and not a live, room-by-room chart.

Then there's the problem with lag. There was a consistent, frustrating delay between adjusting a setting in the app and the device responding throughout almost the entire review period. This could be anything from a few seconds to almost 30 seconds on occasion. Switching fan speeds via the app often took longer than just tapping the top of the unit, which defeats part of the point of having remote control in the first place.

What's more, during my four-week review period the connection dropped completely three times, requiring a full reconnection through the app each time. I'd find myself checking the app before bed to make sure the alarm was still set and the connection was still live, which is exactly the kind of friction a product like this should be eliminating.

The absence of any smart home integration is also a real gap. There's no HomeKit support, Alexa skill or Google Home compatibility, which means the Mini Restful exists entirely within its own ecosystem. For anyone who controls their bedroom environment through a smart home setup — lights, heating, other devices — the Mini Restful sits outside all of that. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a limitation that feels out of step with both the price and what other, similar connected bedroom devices offer.

Blueair has clearly invested in the app's design and the range of features it offers, and the bones are good but the execution needs a lot of work.

• App score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Blueair Mini Restful air purifier?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Blueair Mini Restful air purifier: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Blueair Mini Restful is the right air purifier for you, here are two other options to consider:

How I tested the Blueair Mini Restful air purifier

• Tested over four weeks as purifier and alarm clock
• Used the sunrise alarm as my sole morning alarm
• Measured noise levels at each fan speed with a decibel meter
• Tested purification speed by spraying deodorant at the unit and timing air clearance
• Monitored air quality data via the Blueair app

I used the Blueair Mini Restful as my main bedroom purifier and alarm clock for four weeks, running it every night and monitoring the air quality readings in the app each morning.

To test purification speed, I sprayed deodorant directly at the unit for five seconds on both the lowest and highest fan settings, then timed how long it took for the air quality reading in the app to return to normal.

I measured noise levels at each fan speed using a mobile phone decibel meter and ran the sunrise alarm as my sole morning alarm throughout the review. I also tested the app's scheduling tools, the USB-C charging port and the manual touchscreen controls.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed May 2026

Dyson HushJet Mini Cool: review

Dyson’s engineers are experts in airflow — whether in vacuum cleaners, fans, or hair dryers — and the HushJet Mini Cool puts that power right in your hand. It’s a portable cooling fan that you can hold, wear around your neck, attach to clothing or a bag strap (if you buy one of the optional clip accessories) or stand upright on your desk — and it really works.

Shortly before testing the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool, I got my hands on the Shark ChillPill — a rival handheld fan that was released at approximately the same time. I was impressed by the ChillPill’s cooling ability, which is supplemented by a misting attachment and a metal cooling plate — but in terms of sheer power, the Dyson absolutely blows it away.

Watch the video version of this review below...

This mainly comes down to two factors: the fan’s powerful motor, which can reach up to 65,000rpm (compared to just 25,000rpm for the ChillPill), and the shape of the HushJet nozzle, which concentrates the airflow so it’s all directed right at you. Even on the lowest setting, you can really feel it; dial it up to maximum and it’s as powerful as some hairdryers I’ve used.

The sound is not unlike a miniature vacuum cleaner, but the HushJet shape works to eliminate the annoying higher frequencies that might irritate colleagues if you use it in the office, or fellow passengers on a busy commuter train. There’s even a hint of Dyson’s signature ‘bounce’ sound when you turn it off.

Accessories like a clamp (so you can attach it to gym equipment) are available to buy separately, but you get a neck strap included with the fan as standard. Slide this onto the fan (it has notches that allow it to slip past the control buttons), adjust the cord to a suitable length, rotate the fan’s head so it’s pointing towards you, and you’ll enjoy a cooling jet of air on your chest, neck and face, hands-free. Extremely handy if you’re taking stuffy public transport.

Dyson claims that the HushJet Mini Cool can run for up to six hours on its lowest power setting, but during my tests it significantly outperformed that figure, lasting almost exactly six and a half hours on a full charge.

It’s hard to fault the HushJet Mini, but a couple of things stood out during testing. Firstly, it’s easy to accidentally cover part of the air intake grille with your hand when holding the fan, which I’m sure affects its performance.

Secondly — and this is only my personal opinion — the Stone/Blush colorway makes the fan look like an exfoliating facial brush at first glance (not unlike the Braun Facespa Pro) which is a strange thing to wear around your neck and might raise a few eyebrows.

Dyson HushJet Mini Cool: specifications

Dyson HushJet Mini Cool: price and availability

• Launched May 2026
• Available globally
• List price $99 / £99.99 / AU$169

Dyson announced the HushJet Mini Cool on April 9, 2026, and it was available to buy globally a few weeks later. It has a list price of $99 / £99.99 / AU$169, which is very reasonable for a powerful personal fan. For comparison, the Shark ChillPill, which went on sale just a few weeks earlier for $149.99 in the US, or £129.99 in the UK (which converts to about AU$210, though at the time of writing the ChillPill isn’t yet available in Australia).

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool has been in high demand since its launch, and at the time of writing (June 2026) it’s often sold out in Dyson’s official online stores. The Stone/Blush colorway is sometimes the only one available.

If you’re not planning to use your fan on the move, and want one specifically for your desk, take a look at the Dyson Cool CF1 Desk Fan, which is just as quiet but can move a larger volume of air, oscillates and has a remote control, making it a better choice if you’re sitting still (possibly working from home). It has a list price of £249.99 (about $340 / AU$470).

Dyson HushJet Mini Cool: Design

• Unique shape for a portable fan
• Nozzle focuses airflow and reduces noise
• Neck strap and charging base included

Dyson devices often look slightly unusual, taking the most practical shape for their function regardless of how vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, or, in this case, fans have traditionally looked. The HushJet Mini Cool is no exception — with its slim, tubular body and angled nozzle (which is the same shape as that of the Dyson HushJet Compact Purifier), it looks nothing like other personal cooling devices, but it’s a shape that works. The body of the fan is comfortable to hold, and the nozzle can be turned to direct the airflow exactly where it’s needed.

The HushJet Mini Cool is bladeless (like Dyson’s larger fans), ensuring the airflow is smooth rather than choppy, and its honeycomb-like mesh keeps dirt and debris out of the mechanism — though it's also supplied with a soft velvet carry case to protect it on the move.

The HushJet Mini Cool comes in three colorways: Ink/Cobalt (dark blue), Stone/Blush (soft pink, as shown here), and Carnelian/Sky (red and pale blue). Personally I prefer the latter option, which is the most striking, and it seems I’m not alone — at the time of writing all colors are selling out rapidly, but Carnelian/Sky seems to be the one disappearing from the virtual shelves quickest, followed by Ink/Cobalt.

The tubular shape, with a flat end, means that you can easily stand the HushJet Mini Cool on your desk while you work. If you’re planning to use it all day, it comes with a charging base, which provides extra stability regardless of whether the USB cable is plugged in or not.

Whichever color you choose, the fan’s case has a satin finish that feels pleasantly smooth and cool in the hand and is resistant to fingerprints, with contrasting colors for the nozzle and buttons. Dyson’s car never took off, but the company’s designers took the knowledge they gained about finishes and materials, and applied it to beauty products — which explains why they look so smart.

A row of five small white LEDs show the current power setting, and represent the battery level when the fan is charging..

Should you buy the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if

Don't buy it if

Dyson HushJet Mini Cool: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is the right fan to keep you cool, here are two other alternatives to consider.

How we tested the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool

• Tested for a week
• Used on trains, in the office, and at the gym
• Tested battery on lowest power mode
• Measured volume with decibel meter app

I spent a week testing the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool in various locations, including trains to work, at the office, and in the gym. I compared its performance directly against that of the Shark ChillPill.

I measured its noise level with a decibel meter app on my phone, and tested its battery life by fully charging it, then allowing it to run on the lowest power setting until it switched off. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed June 2026.

Coway Airmega 350: one-minute review

The Airmega 350 is a large-room air purifier from the South Korean brand Coway that's been quietly building a reputation outside the UK for over 30 years. It's designed to cover spaces up to a whopping 245 square meters, packing a CADR of 713 cubic meters per hour and a three-stage HEPA and activated carbon filter.

In terms of design, it's a clean, white cylinder that blends into most rooms without any fuss, topped with an intuitive touch panel and a color-changing ring that gives you a quick read on air quality. It looks good, though the plastic chassis does feel a bit cheap in places, especially the removable filter panel at the back.

Performance is where the Airmega 350 really stands out, though. It's remarkably quiet during everyday use, even compared to the best air purifiers, the sensor reacts fast to cooking smells and dust, and it cleared my living room noticeably within minutes of detecting something. Auto mode means it can run in the background completely hands-off, and Sleep mode means it can do its job while you're sleeping in the same room, since it's near-silent. I also noticed a real drop in surface dust after just a few days of running it.

The biggest downside in the Airmega 350 is the lack of any Wi-Fi or app control, which is a bit disappointing — especially at this price. You can't check stats, adjust settings remotely, or turn it off from your phone. It's also a big unit with no wheels and only one handle, so moving it between rooms isn't ideal. But if you value air-cleaning performance over smart features, the Airmega 350 is a powerful purifier that won't disappoint.

Coway Airmega 350 review: Price and release date

• Costs $249.99 / £254.99 / AU$699

The Airmega 350 is available to buy now in the US and UK. It sits in the premium end of the air purifier market, but it's not unreasonable for what you're getting. Even at its RRP of £299.99 / $339 / AU$699, it undercuts a lot of Dyson's range, sitting alongside comparable models from Philips and Blueair. What’s more, at the time of writing, the unit is on sale direct from Coway’s official web store in the UK and US for £254.99 and $249.99 respectively, making it an even better deal.

Replacement filters don’t come cheap, however, costing around £69.99 / $89 / AU$135. Coway says they should last over a year with normal use. At the time of writing, filters in the UK were available on Amazon UK but were sold out on Coway's UK site, which is a bit frustrating if you prefer buying from the brand directly. Coway says these will be back in stock soon, but it's worth keeping in mind.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Coway Airmega 350 review: Design

• Clean, cylindrical design that blends in with most rooms
• Touch controls are intuitive but feel a bit plasticky
• No wheels and only one handle for a unit this size

The Coway Airmega 350 is a tall, white cylinder that stands about 59cm high and 30cm across. It's not small, but the cylindrical shape means it takes up less visual space than a boxy purifier would, and the clean white, minimal finish means it doesn't demand too much attention, blending in well with most home decor.

The translucent touch panel on top is nicely laid out and intuitive to use. There’s buttons for mode, fan speed, timer (one, four or eight hours), a lights on/off toggle, and a filter replacement reminder. The color-changing ring around the panel shifts from blue (clean air) through green and yellow to red (high pollution), giving you quick visuals on what's going on without you needing to check a screen. Even without reading any instruction manuals, it didn't take me long at all to figure out what everything did, which is exactly how it should be.

I'll be honest, though: the unit’s build quality doesn't quite match its looks. The touch panel works well and is responsive enough, but the plastics feel a bit on the cheap side. The removable back panel that gives access to the filter clips off easily enough (perhaps a little too easily, actually) and has a slightly flimsy feel to it. It's not going to fall apart, but it does knock the premium impression down a notch when in the hand.

One thing worth knowing is that the purified air blows upwards out of the top, not outwards like a fan. So if you're thinking this might double up as a cooling device, it won't. It's a purifier, not a fan, and Coway hasn't tried to pretend otherwise here.

And finally, for those who might be looking to move this device around often depending on where they feel air purification is needed, it’s worth knowing there are no wheels on the base, and there's only a single carry handle on the back. For something this size, that's probably a bit of an oversight. On the other hand, it’s relatively light (just under 8kg) and so not too difficult to carry between short distances.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

Coway Airmega 350 review: Features and performance

• Remarkably quiet, even on the most powerful mode
• Sensor is very responsive to cooking smells and smoke
• No Wi-Fi or app is a missed opportunity

Performance is where the Coway Airmega 350 really shines. Turn it on and the first thing you notice is just how quiet it is. On its lowest settings, it's genuinely hard to tell it's running. Even in Auto mode, where the fan ramps up and down based on what the sensor detects, the noise stays in the background. Sleep mode is practically silent, and I had no trouble running it overnight, even in the same room.

What’s more, when the sensor detects something specific it needs to react to, it does so fast. During use, I found that cooking smells from the kitchen would trigger the fan to kick up within seconds, with the ring shifting from blue to yellow or red, and within a few minutes the air would be noticeably fresher and the ring would settle back to blue. The same went for general dust and pet-related particles. It just gets on with its job quietly — you hardly notice it’s there.

The real star of the show, however, is the Airmega 350’s three-stage filter (pre-filter, HEPA and activated carbon). In my tests, I found this did a great job across the board. Coway claims it captures 99.99% of airborne pollutants, and while I can't verify that number, I can say that the amount of dust settling on surfaces in my living room was noticeably less during use. And when it comes to changing it, the filter itself is easy to access through the unit’s side panel, popping out without any tools needed.

I found that the Airmega 350’s four modes (Auto, Sleep, Eco and Turbo) cover most scenarios well. Auto is the one I used most, and it's genuinely impressive at regulating itself. Sleep dims the lights and drops the fan to near-silence, while Eco runs on low power until it detects something, then kicks in. Meanwhile, Turbo is for emergencies, like when you've burnt the toast, the smoke alarm is going off and you need to clean the air ASAP. It's louder, obviously, but I found it can clear the air super fast.

There’s only one major niggle in the Airmega 350, and that’s its lack of Wi-Fi and app support. In fact, there’s no smart home integration whatsoever. For a purifier at this price, that feels like a missed opportunity and it’s kind of expected for a device of this calibre these days, so it’s something I think buyers will miss. This lack of app support means you can't check air quality stats from your phone, you can't adjust settings remotely, and you can't turn it off if you've left it running and you're already out the door. It's not the end of the world, but it is an odd omission when Coway's own pricier Airmega 450 does have app connectivity. It feels like the 350 is being held back on purpose to protect the model above it, which is a bit annoying.

• Features and performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Coway Airmega 350?

Don't buy it if…

Coway Airmega 350 review: Also consider

How I tested the Coway Airmega 350

I used the Coway Airmega 350 as my main air purifier for several weeks in an open-plan living room. I tested all four modes during my time with it, which included monitoring the sensor's reaction to cooking, dust and general household air, and assessing the build quality, noise levels, filter access and day-to-day usability throughout.

• First reviewed: May 2026
• Read more about how we test

• The purifier has intelligent sensors to track where you are in the room
• There are no privacy worries — everything is processed on the device
• It's priced at $850 / £550 (about AU$1,190)

Dyson has launched what may be its smartest air purifier yet, the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool. As the name suggests, it's a purifier that knows where you are and follows your movement, directing air to where you are and optionally turning itself off when you leave the room.

It doesn't just work for solo users. It can detect multiple people in the same room, automatically adjusting its oscillation to share the cooling "efficiently and evenly". By directing the air at people rather than just into the room, the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool should be more energy efficient than less intelligent devices.

Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool: key details and pricing

It's worth noting that like similar Dysons, this is a fan rather than an air conditioner so it doesn't refrigerate the air; it just moves it around very well. If you're looking for a portable air conditioner we've rounded up the best in-stock options right here.

In addition to the people detection the Dyson Find+Follow Purifier Cool has a typically high specification. Its K-Carbon + HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of ultra-fine particles as small as 0.3 microns and promises to capture 50% more NO₂ than rival purifiers. It's fully sealed to HEPA H13 standard and has automatic sensing of PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, NO₂, and formaldehyde.

As ever with Dyson, the device is very impressive but the price is pretty high, especially in the US – although it's a little more affordable than first announced. The press release listed the price as $894.99, but it's currently available from Dyson.com for a slightly less frightening $849.99 / £549.99. That works out at about AU$1,190, but it's not currently listed on Dyson's Australian website.

If you have an electric fan, it's tempting to just point it in your general direction and hope for the best, but if you're just moving the warm air around inside your home, you're really missing out.

High-end fans can move a large volume of air very quickly for maximum cooling effect, but even a cheap, low-powered fan can make a noticeable difference to the temperature indoors if you position it strategically — particularly at night when you're struggling to sleep in a stuffy bedroom.

Read on for three top tips for using your fan properly, and if you don't already own one, check out our guide to the best fans for our top picks, rated and recommended by our expert reviewers.

1. Know your fans

First of all, determine whether you have a fan or an air circulator. They look very similar, but they serve different purposes when it comes to keeping you cool.

Simply put, a fan blows a concentrated jet of air in your direction, which helps sweat evaporate and lowers your skin temperature. An air circulator, on the other hand, moves air around a large area in your home, and works best combined with some sort of cooling source, such as an air conditioning unit.

Meaco is one of the biggest names in air circulators, and its new Sefte Pro models are particularly good for keeping you comfortable at night. Our writer Becca Caddy recently reviewed the Meaco Sefte Pro 10in Table Air Circulator, and was very impressed by its whisper-quiet operation, and ability to run all night on a single charge. It even comes with a glow-in-the-dark remote so you can control it from bed. The pedestal version has its wireless receiver in the top so you don't have to sit up to aim the remote, and its mobile app lets you start running it while you're out, so you return to a cooler house.

If you want a fan (to use while working at your desk, for example), the Shark FlexBreeze gets our seal of approval. Again, it's extremely quiet, and it has a misting attachment that sprays a very fine cloud of water to enhance the cooling effect as it evaporates from your skin. You can also detach the head from its tall pedestal and use it as a desktop fan.

2. Position it properly

If you've chosen a fan rather than an air circulator (which is usually the less expensive option), you can boost its effectiveness at night by using negative pressure ventilation, which is a technique employed by firefighters to help clear smoke out of a room.

It might sound counterintuitive, but if you position your fan so it's facing an open window, rather than pointing into the room, it will draw in cool air from outside while pushing warm air out.

This method only really works to cool one room at a time, but it can be very effective. If you want to cool your bedroom, for example, close all windows and doors in your home except for the bedroom window, the bedroom door, and a window at the other end of the house from your bedroom.

Place your fan about 3-6 inches from the window, facing out of the room, turn it to its maximum setting, and switch it on. The fan will create negative pressure inside your house, and cause cold air to rush in through the opposite open window.

3. Keep it clean

Whether you're using a fan or an air circulator, it's important to keep it clean to keep it running efficiently and avoid spreading dirt around your home. It's easy to forget if your fan has been sitting on a shelf for months, but as the aircare experts at Dreo point out, it can make a big difference.

Fans and air circulators often come with removable grills to make cleaning easy. Switch off and unplug the fan, then look for the small screw or clips holding the grill together and undo them. Wipe the blades and grill with a damp cloth, allow them to dry, and then reassemble. You can also wipe the fan's housing with a dampened microfiber cloth, but don't get water anywhere near the motor. If you can see dust in air intakes, use a small brush to gently dislodge it.

If you're in any doubt about how to keep your fan clean, check the instruction manual and the manufacturer's website.

Dyson HushJet Compact Air Purifier: two-minute review

The Dyson HushJet Compact Air Purifier is Dyson's first dedicated small-format air purifier, and it's a notable departure from what's come before. Unlike the imposing, bulky tower fan-purifiers of old, the HushJet has been engineered to better fit into your home — or at least, that's the idea.

Yes, it's smaller than Dyson's current range, but it's far from tiny. It fits on a desk and kitchen countertop, but not comfortably or subtly, and its design makes it stand out rather than blend in. The black and blue colorway I tested looks out of place wherever you put it, while the star-shaped HushJet nozzle, which is inspired by jet engine aerodynamics, looks as industrial as its name suggests.

There are few controls on the device itself and Dyson is relying on people using the MyDyson app to monitor air quality and adjust settings. Thankfully this isn't a chore because the app is super intuitive and simple. Plus you also have the option to control everything with you voice, via Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, if you'd rather not pick up your phone.

Also, in day-to-day use, the Auto mode does most of the heavy lifting anyway. Intelligent sensors monitor air quality in real time and ramp the fan speed up or down as needed, which in practice means the HushJet spends most of its time running almost silently in the background, only surging when something pollutes the air.

Inside the purifier, the electrostatic filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. The activated carbon filter then takes care of gases and odors, including cooking smells and NO2 from gas hobs. Both filters come pre-installed, which makes setup refreshingly painless, and they have long shelf lives. The electrostatic filter lasts up to five years, while the carbon filter should only need to be replaced once a year, keeping the running costs down.

The jet engine design isn't just an aesthetic choice, it means that the HushJet can channel purified air into a "focused, high-velocity stream" that covers rooms up to 100m2 / 1,076 sq ft. Most homes won't need this, but it's reassuring to know that you can place this purifier anywhere in your home and it's got you covered. These numbers would be impressive for any air purifier, let alone one this size.

At $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549 the HushJet is a significant investment, especially when you consider that it's a purifier only, with no fan or heating function to justify the spend. However, if clean air is a priority and you want the best compact air purifier on the market right now, it's hard to argue with what Dyson has built here. It sits at the top of its category, and in my tests it earned its place, but if that's beyond your budget check out our guide to the best air purifiers.

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: price and availability

• List price: $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549
• Available in the US and UK

Dyson's HushJet is available in the US, UK and Australia direct from Dyson, as well as Best Buy and Walmart in the US, AO and Very in the UK, and JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys in Australia.

At $349.99 / £349.99 / AU$549, this is an expensive purifier by any measure. To put that into context, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i – our pick for best air purifier overall – is less than half the price, at $169 / £169. Even the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1, a larger purifier-fan combo from Dyson's own range, is only $100 / £100 more, and it adds fan functionality on top.

What you're paying for with the HushJet is essentially the miniaturisation of Dyson's purification technology, combined with the new HushJet nozzle and its impressively quiet operation. I believe its performance justifies a large part of this premium but there are very capable, significantly cheaper rivals that tick just as many boxes.

• Value for money score: 3 out of 5

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier specs

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: design

• Smaller than previous Dyson purifiers, but not truly compact
• Minimal on-device controls
• Industrial aesthetic

Dyson has become famous for its distinctive, often divisive, design choices, and the HushJet is no exception. Like most Dyson products, it's sleek, cylindrical and well-built, but also striking and bold — especially its star-shaped HushJet nozzle top, which is inspired by the aerodynamic principles of jet engines, and doesn't look like anything I've ever tested.

Whether that's a good thing will depend on your taste. In my house, it divided opinion: my partner loved the look of the black and teal colors, but I didn't. I found it too much for an appliance that's supposed to sit quietly in the background.

That tension between form and function runs through the whole design. Dyson calls this purifier 'compact', and relative to the brand's own range – which includes the towering TP09 or the enormous Big+Quiet – it is. But in absolute terms, at 18.5in / 47cm tall with a 9in / 23cm diameter, it's larger than the name implies. I tried it on my desk, on a bedside table and on my kitchen counter, and it felt imposing on all three. It ended up on the floor in most rooms, which undermines the compact pitch somewhat. For context, the Levoit Core 300S is half the height and is more subtle.

I typically like to move my purifier into different rooms, depending on my needs (for example, I put it in the kitchen when I'm cooking steak, or I put it in my son's room at night when the pollen count is high) and while the HushJet is technically portable, its missing carry handle makes moving it a little awkward.

On-device controls are minimal by design. There's a small LCD screen that shows air quality data — using a color-coded line graph — and current settings above a row of three physical buttons. These buttons cover most of the day-to-day changes you'll need:

• The fan button on the left lets you cycle between Night mode, the three on-board fan speeds, and Auto mode.
• The power button in the center turns the purifier on and off.
• The information button on the right cycles through the current PM2.5 levels, current PM10 levels, the state of the on-board filters, and the Wi-Fi details.

If you want to set schedules, change Auto mode's target particulate level, access the seven other fans speed, or access any other more detailed settings, you'll need to download the MyDyson app. You can also control the purifier using your voice and the HushJet works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri.

This is also where you can learn what each of the air quality colors mean:

• Good (green): very low level of microscopic particles
• Fair (yellow): moderate level of microscopic particles
• Poor (orange): high level of microscopic particles
• Very poor (red): very high level of microscopic particles
• Extremely poor (pink): extremely high level of microscopic particles
• Severe (purple): severe level of microscopic particles

Setup across the board with the HushJet is painless. Both filters come pre-installed, and connecting to the MyDyson app took me less than 30 seconds. It's one of the easier Dyson products I've set up, and it starts purifying the air immediately.

• Design score: 3 out of 5

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: performance

• Auto mode reaction times are unmatched
• Whisper-quiet on lower settings
• Limited app granularity
• Less impressive on smoke than VOCs

Given its price, and the fact it only covers purifying, the HushJet's performance needed to blow me away (excuse the pun) and thankfully it did.

I have a large open-plan kitchen-diner, as well as a substantial loft room, and even when the HushJet was placed on the opposite side of the room to where I was cooking, or spraying deodorant, its fans captured and cleared the particulates with ease.

During my aerosol tests, in which I sprayed deodorant at the purifier for five seconds while it was in different purification modes, the fan consistently took the air quality from as high as Severe to Good in less than a minute and a half. The low fan setting, unsurprisingly, took the longest at 1 minute 23 seconds (on average); the medium fan setting handled the particulates in 1 minute 2 seconds; and the high fan cleared the air in just 50 seconds. These speeds are unheard of in all my years of testing.

I also lit a match and let it burn out directly in front of the unit. Within three seconds, the HushJet had detected the drop in air quality and increased its fan speed. The app showed levels spike to purple before the purifier cleared the air entirely in four minutes. For comparison, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, our top-rated overall pick, took 20 seconds to register the same drop, although it cleared the air slightly faster at two and a half minutes. Both are fast; the HushJet's sensing is simply quicker.

The one test where the HushJet was less convincing was dust. Emptying a vacuum cleaner's dust canister next to the unit hardly moved the dial at all. Granted, the vacuum in question was the Dyson Cyclone V10, which has its own filtration system, which may have captured most of the harmful particles before they reached the HushJet's sensors. But it was a less emphatic result than the smoke and VOC tests.

In terms of noise, Dyson advertises the HushJet at ranging between 24dB and 42dB. During my own tests using the DecibelX app, the lowest I recorded was 29dB on Night mode, with 55dB at the top end, on high. This is still whisper-quiet at the lower end, while the higher end is roughly the volume of a light conversation. What's more, the sound is soft rather than sharp ,which makes the HushJet sound even quieter in real-world use. So much so, I could have the HushJet on in the bedroom at night, with Night mode enabled or without.

Other good news is that the Auto mode's quick reaction times mean the unit rarely stays at full power for more than a few minutes.

When it comes to air purification, the HushJet uses a two-filter system: a 360-degree Electrostatic filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, and an Activated Carbon filter for gases and odors including cooking smells, pet odors and NO2 from gas appliances.

I suffer from hayfever and during my review period I noticed a difference in my symptoms on days when I had the HushJet running. I can't say it got rid of them entirely, but on days when the pollen count was high and the HushJet had been running in my bedroom overnight, I woke up feeling better than I'd expected.

I didn't run the HushJet constantly during my review period. My typical pattern was to run it overnight in the bedroom on Auto mode, and then move it to the living room during the day when the pollen count was high or when I was doing anything likely to kick up dust. Over the course of testing, the electrostatic filter didn't register any degradation. Even after four weeks, it's still showing 100%.

The activated carbon filter, which promises a one-year lifespan, dropped to 96% so this will need replacing much sooner. A replacement electrostatic filter costs $64.99 / £50 while the carbon filter costs $44.99 / £35. This is worth factoring in but you won't need to spend extra for a while after purchase.

Overall, the HushJet does exactly what it promises. Its Auto mode is smart, its filtration is fast and its the quietest purifier I've ever tested. It's not perfect but in terms of performance, it comes incredibly close.

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: voice control

• Easy to set up
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri

Once the purifier is connected to your home Wi-Fi, it can connect to any Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple Siri device on the same network at the press of a button through the MyDyson app. This app doesn't give you voice command prompts to get you started – like the Dreo app does – instead you'll need to go to the dedicated assistant app to learn how to speak to the HushJet.

That said, as soon as I got the hang of it, voice control quickly became my preferred way to control the HushJet day-to-day. I have an Amazon Echo in my bedroom and being able to ask Alexa to turn the purifier on or off, adjust the fan speed or check the air quality without reaching for my phone made a difference to how often I interacted with it.

On mornings when the purifier was downstairs, I could ask Alexa to kick the purifier up a level to remove the smell of my son cooking toast even while I was in the loft. Elsewhere, you can ask Google, Alexa or Siri to turn the purifier on and off, ask for a specific speed, set the purifier to a certain mode and check levels.

Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier review: app

• Offers a range of control options
• Color-coded design is intuitive and simple to use
• Near-live air quality data

The MyDyson app is one of my favorite things about the HushJet, and is one of the better companion apps I've used for home appliances. It's clean, well-labelled and easy to navigate from the first time you open it.

The home screen shows an image of your HushJet above the main menu, which includes Controls, Data and Insights, How To, and Product Settings.

Below the image are the quick-access controls for Auto mode and fan speed, plus an on/off toggle, a Night mode that dims the LCD screen on the device and quietens the fan, and a Timer option.

Your current air quality reading displayed in Dyson's color-coded system sit below this panel, followed by the Schedule option. This scheduling function lets you set the HushJet to run at specific times. I set it to run on Auto every morning before I got up, so the bedroom air was already clean by the time I woke up.

In the Data and Insights section you can see the air quality graphs broken down by PM2.5 and PM10 readings, all presented in the same color-coded scale. The current reading updates every 30 seconds, but the graph only shows average readings in 15-minute intervals. You can swipe back to see historical data but it doesn't reveal very much and lacks the granularity I'd like.

Elsewhere, the app doubles as a support hub, with how-to videos, filter life tracking, and the option to buy replacement filters directly. It's a small touch but a useful one, and you're unlikely to forget to replace the filters when the app is actively telling you when it's due. In Product Settings, you can connect the purifier to Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, set the time, data and location data and manage the Wi-Fi connection. There's also the option to enable/disable continuous monitoring which is what's needed for the Auto mode to work effectively.

If there's one criticism, it's that the app is essentially non-optional. Anyone who prefers physical controls may find the HushJet frustrating to live with but for those comfortable with app-based control — and I'd argue that's most people buying a £350 / $350 / AU$549 smart purifier — it's an excellent companion.

• App score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier

• I used the Dyson HushJet Compact air purifier and its partner app for four weeks
• I stress-tested it using different substances
• I experimented with different speeds, modes, and settings

I tested the Dyson HushJet Compact in my home over four weeks, during peak hayfever season. I used it primarily in my bedroom overnight on Auto mode, and moved it to the living room and kitchen during the day to test its response to different real-world air quality changes.

To test purification, I carried out a range of specific tests: lighting a match to create smoke, spraying deodorant to introduce VOCs, cooking on a gas hob to generate cooking fumes and PM10 particles, and emptying a vacuum cleaner dust canister to test dust response. For each, I monitored the HushJet's reaction time – how quickly it detected the change in air quality – and its clearance time – how long it took to return readings to normal. I tracked all air quality data via the MyDyson app.

Noise levels were measured using the DecibelX app across all fan settings. I also tested the voice controls by connecting the HushJet to an Amazon Echo while using with the MyDyson app daily.

Read more about how we test.

First reviewed May 2026

As someone with asthma, I’ve always been sensitive to seasonal allergies and hay fever. Even living in a historic home comes with its own challenges of dust and pollen that may trigger my allergies. About six years ago, I got my first air purifier in the hope that it would aid me in battling allergies and breathe a lot easier. The results have been significant.

Air purifiers are designed to capture everything from dust to pollen, pet dander, and even bacteria and toxic chemicals. Since using an air purifier with high quality filtration, I’ve experienced less allergen triggers and swollen sinuses at night.

Most air purifiers will bring some relief to allergy sufferers, but some are better than others. I’ve put together a list of the top three air purifiers that will reduce the effects of allergy season through various modes, smart features, and high-quality filters. Read on to learn more.

GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite

The GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite has a three-in-one HEPA Filter which includes a pre-filter that removes hair, lint, and fibers and a Personal HEPA filter that traps PM 2.5 and any other 0.1-0.3 micron particles such as dust, bacteria, dander, smoke, smog, ash, and pollen. Finally, an active carbon filter clears odors quickly.

For $50, you get quite a bit of features including app and voice control and four modes – sleep, low, high, and custom modes. With the custom mode, you can set the air purifier on high, low, or sleep mode for a certain amount of time. Unfortunately, the app doesn’t share air quality data, so you aren’t able to see how well the filter clears the air of things that could trigger your allergies. If you’re especially sensitive, you might want to set the purifier on high during allergy season and in the late afternoons (with the custom mode) when pollen levels rise. Thanks to its compact size, you’ll have no issue moving the air purifier to whichever room you’re in.

While the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite has an aromatherapy feature, our tester found the results underwhelming. This might not be a bad thing since some essential oils exacerbate allergies. That said, you might want to give the aromatherapy feature a try since peppermint and eucalyptus oils are known to alleviate inflammation caused by allergies.

Read our full GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite review

Levoit EverestAir

Despite its high price tag, the Levoit EverestAir is a favorite air purifier among TechRadar testers. This slim purifier has the capability of purifying larger spaces thanks to three-stage filtration system, which includes a washable pre-filter that captures dust, pet fur, lint, and hair, an H13 True HEPA filter that traps dust, pollen, dander, and fine dust, and an activated charcoal filter combo that keeps your home odor-free. The vents are adjustable, so you have some control over the direction of the airflow.

Users can choose Sleep, Turbo, or Auto mode with the onboard buttons or an app. In Auto mode, the Levoit EverestAir can sense airborne articles and increase or decrease the fan speed to best clear the air. We love that it can detect PM 1.0, PM 2.5, and PM 10 which includes everything from fine dust to pet dander, dust, pollen, ash, and airborne allergens. In our tests, the Levoit EverestAir cleaned the air about 5 times per hour on the highest setting in a single room with the door closed. We suggest leaving it in a central space and opening your doors as it has the capability of purifying 354 cubic feet per minute.

Read our full Levoit EverestAir review

Dreame AirPursue PM20

I’ve been using the Dreame AirPursue PM20 for nearly nine months, and though it may be bulky, it has alleviated my allergies. The Dreame AirPursue PM20 detects and purifies the air of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, HCHO, and TVOC, which you can monitor in real time in the app. Dreame notes that the air purifier can clean 1,833 square feet in 15 minutes. I put this to the test and discovered that the air purifier cleaned the air of toxic contaminants from hair spray in about 11 minutes.

The Dreame AirPursue PM 20 is outfitted with a HEPA 13 grade filter which removes indoor pollen, dust mites, bacteria, haze, viruses, and other materials efficiently. A carbon filter maximizes the filter quality by removing kitchen fumes, pet odor, TVOC, formaldehyde, and other harmful gases. If all that wasn’t enough, the Dreame AirPursue PM20 has smart features like AI Purify that automatically switches on the purifier when it recognizes any pollutants increasing. Plus, with AI follow, the purifier tracks your movements around the room and adjusts the air flow to clean the air around you. For an allergy sufferer, this can make a tremendous difference. The $639.99 / £499 price tag is high, but considering all the smart features, its cooling and heating capabilities, and pet and comfort modes, it’s a worthy allergen-reducing tool to invest in.

Read our full Dreame AirPursue PM20 review

• Dyson has launched a new personal fan to use at home or on the move
• The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan has a bladeless design with five speeds
• It will be available direct from Dyson later this month for $99 / £99.99 (AU pricing TBC)

Dyson has just launched a new personal fan that you can place on your desk while you work, carry on public transport, or even wear around your neck. The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan has a compact bladeless design and five airflow modes — plus a boost button when you need relief from the heat fast.

It can run for up to six hours on a single charge, and weighs 7oz/212g. It comes supplied with a Neck Dock for moments when you want to stay cool hands-free, as well as a charging stand, travel pouch, and USB-C charging cable. Other accessories available to buy separately include a Universal Mount for securing the fan to objects like pushchairs or gym equipment, and a Clip Grip for fastening it on bag straps or jackets (particularly helpful for commuting).

The HushJet Mini Cool Fan comes in three colorways: Ink/Cobalt, Carnelian/Sky, and Stone/Blush, so you can pick one that will suit your wardrobe.

The new fan looks striking, but it should sound discreet thanks to the HushJet nozzle, which lowers frequencies so you're not distracted by annoying high-pitched whirring and whining.

This looks set to be a particularly cool summer, because the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan has arrived just a few weeks after the Shark ChillPill — another compact fan with a rechargable battery that's designed to be used indoors or on the move, but which also features a misting attachment that sprays you with quick-drying water vapor, plus a cooling plate that you can apply to pulse points for fast relief on hot days.

The HushJet Mini Cool Fan lacks these two extra features, but it's both lighter and more affordable. The Shark ChillPill is $149.99 / £129.99, whereas the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan is $99 / £99.99.

The HushJet Mini Cool Fan will be available to buy later this month, direct from Dyson's website and from Dyson demo stores in the UK and US. Aussies will have to wait a little to find out local pricing and availability, although it's confirmed to be coming Down Under — you can head to the Dyson Australia website to be notified as soon as it drops.

I'll be putting it to the test soon to see how it compares to the ChillPill in terms of cooling power, noise, and convenience, and I'll bring you a full review once I've put it through its paces.

Today marks the turn of the Lunar New Year for 2026, and the start of the Year of the Horse – or more specifically, the Fire Horse, which is said to symbolise action, speed and momentum.

As is almost always the case over LNY, plenty of big stores in Singapore are slashing prices to celebrate, and Dyson Singapore has certainly wasted no time in launching attractive deals across a wide range of products, with over SG$800 in savings up for grabs.

The biggest discounts apply to product bundles – Dyson SG is offering a pair of its Big+Quiet air purifiers together in one package with replacement carbon filters for SG$1,688 (down from SG$2,514) – and you can save a further SG$188 using the code CNY188 when you spend SG$1,588 or more. Dyson SG is also offering SG$88 off any purchase of SG$888 or more with the code CNY88.

Elsewhere there are discounts on recently launched products, including the Spot+Scrub robot vacuum cleaner, a range of Supersonic hair dryer models and even the Solarcycle Morph desk lamp.

I’ve picked out some of my favourite Dyson SG deals below, but be sure to head to the Dyson SG website to shop all the available discounts.

On day four of CES, I was flagging. I was still waking up at 4am every day (thank you, jet lag) and the combination of dry Vegas air and dry air-con air in the convention hall meant I was starting to feel unpleasantly crispy. Then a tour of the Dreo booth managed the impossible: it perked me right up.

It was all thanks to a new series of fans called the TurboCool, six examples of which blasted me with a powerful wave of air, all while enveloping me in a dreamily cooling haze of fine mist. I could have stood there all morning.

Misting fans are having a bit of a moment right now, thanks perhaps to the popularity of the Shark FlexBreeze (which sits at the top of my best fan guide). But in many ways, Dreo's version is better – especially if misting is your priority.

There are three models in the range. My favorite is the 516S – a cheaper, more compact version designed for indoor use. However, if you want more intense indoor cooling, there's a tower version (the 765S). And you can even take the party outside with the 765S – a misting tower fan for outdoors.

All three have integrated water tanks and misting built-in as standard – although it can of course be switched off. One big USP here is how the misting is handled on the indoor options.

The outdoor version can emit large mist particles for maximum cooling impact. But indoors, there are soft furnishings to worry about.

To remove the possibility of damp sofas and carpets, Dreo has meticulously fine-tuned the mechanics here. The indoor TurboFans emit an 'ultrasonic' mist that's so fine it'll evaporate almost the instant it leaves the fan.

I can attest to its effectiveness: I stood for several minutes with my face right up to the fan display, with all models on full blast. My hair wasn't the slightest bit damp when the Dreo rep gently suggested it was time to move on.

Although the particles disappear quickly, the cooling effect is still significant – the tower version can cool a room by up to 10F (~15.5C) while the mini version can drop temperatures by up to 5F (~2.5C).

(For clarity: a regular fan doesn't actually lower the temperature in a room, but a misting fan can, so this is the type to go for if you want some genuine chilling power.)

I was also pleased to see there's plenty of control here. On the indoor tower fan you can choose from 12 speed options and 4 mist levels, and on the compact version there are 6 fan speeds and three mist levels. There's also smart control via Dreo's companion app.

The Dreo TurboCool is due to launch in the US and UK in April 2026. It'll cost $99 for the smaller indoor fan (516S), $179.99 for the outdoor tower fan (711AS), and $199.99 for the indoor tower fan (765S) – UK pricing is expected to be roughly equivalent, so around £75 for the 516S, £135 for the 711AS and £150 for the 765S.

Head over to TechRadar's CES 2026 news page for all the biggest stories and our hands-on verdicts from the event, covering everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for our highlights from the CES show floor.

Dyson was the brand that first introduced bladeless fans to the world. As one of TechRadar's Homes editors, I regularly find myself writing about the best fans on the market, but I'll be honest – I've never quite understood how these machines actually work. Where is that blast of air coming from?

On a recent visit to Dyson's campus in Malmesbury in the west of England, I got the chance to pick the brains of Sophie Harold, an acoustics and vibration engineer at Dyson. Here's what I learned…

The terms that Dyson employees use to refer to the brand's bladeless fans are 'Loops', 'Amps' (short for 'Air amplifiers'), or, occasionally, 'Race tracks'. This is the traditional Dyson aircare product format.

"They've got a gap in the middle [and] slots on the side, and they've got fast air out of the plastic outer loop," says Sophie. This, she explains, causes something called 'entrainment', where the loop pulls in air from elsewhere in the room, to create an effect the brand calls 'air multiplication'.

"It means that… say you put the new CF1 on the desk, the air that you feel at your face is even more air than the motor or the compressor itself is generating, because it's dragging in air from the room as well," Sophie continues.

Compact cones

The Loop is just one of the formats Dyson uses to wrangle air. It also makes many of the best air purifiers on the market. In fact, a number of its models act as fan-purifier combos, because the processes required are so similar.

Some of Dyson's more recent purifiers use a 'Cone' rather than a Loop. This looks a bit like a bowl, and appears on the likes of the Dyson Big+Quiet. Because there's no need for an empty space in the middle, these kinds of products can be a bit more compact in shape, and shorter. Or, they can cram an awful lot of power without being absolutely massive – as is the case with the Big+Quiet.

"They use Coanda, so that's causing [air]flow to adhere to a surface. That's the same tech that the Airwrap barrels use to cause the hair to swirl around and get that nice curl shape," says Sophie.

"What it does here is it uses the surface to direct the air so where you would have to oscillate a Loop fan, with a Cone, you can just vary the strength of the jet at the top and the bottom, and it moves the flow up and down. That's the primary thing that that shape can do."

Starry eyed

The newest air purifier in the Dyson lineup – the HushJet Purifier Compact – doesn't use a Loop or a Cone, it uses a 'Star' nozzle.

The new Star nozzle is interesting because it causes entrainment without having to have the big gap in the center (as Loops do), so it can have a more compact shape than an amp fan. The HushJet is Dyson's first compact air purifier.

"It drags air from the rest of the room with it, making a really powerful jet, and it does that by having that star shape," says Sophie. "By having the kind of bending edges, it's still encouraging air from the surrounding region to join in with the fast jet."

"It also means the air is quite fast," she continues. "Similar to the Air amps, which have very narrow slots, this has a contraction into the star shape, smaller than the motor is, which means the air can go really quickly, mix well and purify the room." I've heard it likened to a jet engine, or perhaps more relatably, the Concentrator nozzle on a hair dryer.

Fans and filters

As I said earlier, many of Dyson's fans can also function as air purifiers. However, not all models are pulling double duty. I asked Sophie how the designers' approach differs depending on what the appliance needs to do.

"[For a] purifier, you might focus on mixing the air in the room, rather than directing the air flow at your face. It's much more important to get good filters on the product," she explains.

"Whereas things like the CF1 [fan], they don't have filters on, and that's because it means you can run the motor more efficiently, get lower running costs, and just get the cool flow on your face, rather than focusing on really getting all the air through and purified."

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• It uses a new, star-shaped nozzle inspired by jet engines
• Electrostatic HEPA filter lasts up to 5 years

Dyson is known for making some of the best air purifiers on the market, but they're not especially compact. In fact, some of them are downright massive (looking at you, Dyson Big+Quiet). So when I heard the brand was launching its first-ever desktop machine, I was intrigued.

For the HushJet Purifier Compact, Dyson had to rethink its air purifier design. The models in the current lineup either use loops/amps (as seen on the Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09) or cones (like on the aforementioned Big+Quiet), which are effective but take up a lot of space. In contrast, the new addition has a space-saving, star-shaped nozzle that operates in a completely different way.

The design is inspired by a jet engine – or a hair dryer's concentrator nozzle, if you're looking for a more commonplace analogy. The motor is bigger than the star nozzle, so air is compressed as it pushes through. So while it uses the same principle of entrainment (i.e., dragging air in from the rest of the room, making a more powerful jet) as other Dyson purifiers, it does so in a more compact format.

"The new star nozzle is exciting because it still does entrainment without having that gap in the middle," Dyson engineer Sophie Harold told me when I visited the Dyson campus to take a look at the brand's new launches. "By having the bending edges, it's still encouraging air from the surrounding region to join in with the fast jet. It also means you can have a compact shape when you want something like a desk purifier, without having an amp that might get in the way of your monitor."

All of that sounds very impressive, but in reality, when the HushJet was unveiled, I was a little disappointed. While it's smaller overall than Dyson's other air purifiers, it's not what I'd call compact, and it's certainly too big to sit naturally on a desk. If you're putting it on the floor, really, it's the footprint that's relevant, and at 9.1in / 23cm in diameter, it's not wildly different from other Dyson purifiers. So long as you're not expecting something ultra-compact, however, there are more plus points to this new machine.

Controlling the chaos

The new star-shaped nozzle has benefits in terms of acoustics – meaning that despite being inspired by planes, it's actually extremely quiet in operation. I listened to it on its lowest setting in a Dyson labs anechoic chamber (i.e., one designed to stop any echoes – it was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat), and I could barely hear it.

"We often look at something called turbulence of flow, and that's to do with how disordered or chaotic the [air]flow is," explained Sophie. "Imagine people waiting to get on a train and trying to design a shape of a door, which means that they can all get out calmly and peacefully, rather than all banging into each other and causing chaos. So what the star does is, it reduces that chaos. It minimizes the amount of turbulence coming out of the jet, which means, in turn, that the flow itself is quieter, and it's what's enabled us to have that really quiet speed setting."

The final big upgrade on the HushJet is that it uses an electrostatic HEPA filter, which is more energy efficient than a regular HEPA filter and lasts much longer. In fact, Dyson says this filter can last up to five years before needing replacing – significantly lessening the ongoing costs of running this purifier. The system is fully sealed, so anything that's sucked up stays inside.

For those of you who are sold on the new design, I have a bit of bad news: you have a little while to wait. The Dyson HushJet Purifier Compact air purifier isn't scheduled to go on sale until early 2026 (that's the date for the UK – I'm awaiting confirmation of when it's expected to launch in the US and Australia). Pricing information is also TBC.

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As the summer months start rolling in, my mind turns to keeping cool in the warmer weather. When it comes to personal cooling, Dyson is the first brand that springs to mind for many, and understandably so, as it makes some fantastic products. But its fans don’t come cheap.

Dyson makes some of the best air purifiers and vacuum cleaners on the market, thanks to their efficiency – and the iconic aesthetic makes them incredibly desirable. But having tested Dyson’s best, as well as a load of alternatives, I’ve found that when it comes to fans I can be cooled down just as well using a far cheaper option.

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to invest in a Dyson fan, I’ve listed a number of points below that are worth considering before you commit to the cost. Because if all you want is to stay cool, you can do it for less.

1. There are quieter fans out there

I’m not saying that Dyson fans aren’t quiet – quite the opposite, in fact. I found this out when I reviewed the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan, whose quiet operation of just 52dB at top speed had me thinking that a more traditional bladed design wouldn’t be able to compete when it came to volume levels.

It turns out I was mistaken, however, as I learned when I tested the MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator. It gave me noise readings as quiet as 27dB on the lowest fan speed, and a very impressive reading of just 36dB on speed 10, which is quieter than the sound of your average refrigerator.

2. They don’t always hit the spot

While Dyson’s iconic bladeless loop amplifiers are undoubtedly an impressive piece of engineering, I’ve found the gappy design tends to leave a bit of a blind spot in the air flow. This means I often need to use a higher fan setting, and perfect the angle or keep the fan oscillating to feel sufficiently cooled.

My air circulator, on the other hand, makes me feel cooler right off the bat, as the design delivers a more concentrated flow of air, making it feel stronger even at lower speeds. This will depend on the design of the air circulator, obviously – but it’ll usually be true of any decent one.

3. They’re not as cutting edge as you might think

While Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology is patented, the bladeless fan concept is not. In fact, Toshiba developed the first bladeless fan over forty years ago. My point here is that there are other options on the market if you’re determined not to purchase a bladed fan, which are, more often than not, more affordable too.

One such example, and one we consider to be one of the best fans on the market, is the satisfyingly adaptable Shark TurboBlade, which can blast air in multiple directions at once and is considerably cheaper than a Dyson.

4. They have a premium price tag

It’s safe to say that the Dyson name is associated with a hefty price tag. Whether or not Dyson fans are worth the expense really comes down to personal preference.

It’s not that Dyson fans don’t do a good job; they certainly do. But as I’ve learned, it’s possible to get just as efficient, and in some cases, even better cooling from cheaper alternatives. If brand names and a sleek and modern aesthetic are at the top of your wishlist then, without a doubt, a Dyson is the way to go.

However, if you prioritize function over form and want to get the most value for money, I’d recommend checking out fans from brands like Shark, Dreo, and Govee.

5. They’re not 'remotely' attractive

Don’t worry, I’m not slamming the Dyson aesthetic. Quite the contrary, in fact, as I love the smooth curves, quality materials, and modern design that we all associate with their products. This is why it’s particularly unfortunate that the clear end panels on the Dyson remotes make them look unfinished.

I wouldn’t mind as much if they were designed to be holstered out of the way. But the fact that they’re magnetized to sit on top of the loop amplifiers, therefore placing them front and center, makes it all the more disappointing.

In contrast, the remote for the MeacoFan Sefte 8in looks well finished, and near enough disappears when magnetically clipped to the front of the circulator.

6. I can use my air circulator all year round

Okay, this point isn’t actually Dyson-specific, but it’s a useful bit of info that’s worth sharing. One of the key differences in air circulators and fans is that, as the name suggests, air circulators are much more efficient at distributing air flow around the room. This makes them a perfect pairing not only with air conditioning units in the summer, but with heaters during colder spells too, as an air circulator can help evenly distribute the warmer air.

This means you could be spending less than a Dyson on an air circulator that proves its worth all year round, rather than investing in a premium fan whose best work is limited to the summer months.

• Dyson Cool FC1 is an upgrade of the original Dyson Cool tabletop fan
• It has the same powerful, blade-less design and Air Multiplier technology
• It adds a Night mode, more setting options, and a useful LCD screen

The original Dyson Cool was the world's first blade-less fan, and the catalyst for many of the brand's air-care innovations that followed. Since its launch 16 years ago the brand has released many more cooling, heating and air-purifying products with increasingly advanced features, but the Dyson Cool hasn't seen an upgrade – until now.

The next-gen model, called the Dyson Cool CF1, has the same powerful airflow and sleek, blade-less design, but adds some helpful features and usability tweaks to bring it in line with the rest of the best fans on the market. It's not as big or splashy as some of the brand's other launches, but it delivers exactly what I want from a tabletop fan.

So what's new? Firstly, you have more customization options to play with. The oscillation settings have been extended – you can now choose between 15, 40 and 70 degrees of oscillation (or no oscillation at all) – and you've now got 10 fan speeds to play with.

Dyson has added a Night mode, which automatically dims the displays and adjusts fan speed for cooling that'll help you drop off, rather than being distracting. This is combined with a new sleep timer that shuts off the fan when you're (hopefully) happily away in the land of nod. There's also an LCD screen, which shows at a glance what mode you're in and which airflow setting you're using.

Elsewhere, there's still an energy-efficient brushless DC motor, and it uses Dyson's patented 'Air Multiplier' technology, which can apparently amplify the air around it by up to 13 times. As with all Dyson's fans, there are no blades, which means smooth and even airflow, and a design that's safer and far easier to keep clean.

There are no air purification (or heating, or humidifying) functions, as appear on other Dyson fans in the wider range. The Dyson Cool FC1 is focused entirely on efficient personal cooling.

"The original bladeless fan revolutionized the way we think about airflow, combining cutting-edge engineering with sleek, safe, and efficient design," says Logan Thomson, Dyson Design Engineer. "This latest iteration builds on those core benefits by introducing modern upgrades like intelligent features, including sleep mode, to meet the demands of today’s customers.”

The Dyson Cool CF1 goes on sale in the UK on May 28 priced at £249.99, at Dyson Demo stores or online at Dyson.co.uk. We're waiting for Dyson to confirm pricing and launch date information for the US and Australia.

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Seasonal allergies such as hay fever can be seriously debilitating. A good air purifier can help by capturing airborne allergens and removing them from the air. If you choose the right model – taking into account specs such as circulation rate and filter type – it can significantly reduce the number of allergen particles floating around your home.

This article aims to help you understand what to look for, and how to use an air purifier to fight seasonal allergies. Once you're clear on what you need, our roundup of the best air purifiers offers plenty of tried-and-tested recommendations. We've enlisted the help of Warburg Lee, a clean air technology expert and founder and CEO of Alen, to provide his expertise.

Before we start, be aware that on its own an air purifier isn't a miracle cure for hay fever. Allergens can still make their way into your home, through windows, doors or via clothing. And, of course, a purifier will only capture particles from the air that pass through it; it won't remove them from surfaces. However, a good air purifier can make a difference when used alongside other precautionary measures.

1. A true HEPA filter

The first thing to look for is a true HEPA filter. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air [filter], and is an efficiency standard for air filters.

To carry the HEPA name, a filter must be able to capture at least 99.95% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns. That means it will catch the vast majority of allergen particles that pass through it. While very tiny fragments of pollen might still make their way through, this type of filter is still very effective.

Beware that "HEPA-style" or "HEPA-like" filters will not have been through the testing process.

2. A high CADR rate

An air purifier can only remove allergens from the air that passes through it. So in order to have an impact on your hay fever, it needs to be processing the air efficiently, and fast enough to clear allergens in the size of room in which it's placed.

"The CADR indicates how quickly the purifier can clean the air. A higher CADR means faster, more frequent filtration," explains Lee. "For example, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i has a CADR of 347 for pollen, delivering 347 cubic feet of clean air per minute, making it well suited for larger rooms during allergy season."

3. Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification (US)

In the US, you could also look for an Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification. This is awarded by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Ltd (ASL), and confirms that the purifier has been independently tested and proven to reduce indoor allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, without introducing harmful byproducts.

A number of Alen air purifiers have recently been awarded this certification – you can read about one of them in our 4.5* Alen BreatheSmart 45i review.

4. Quiet Mark certification

Beyond the essential specs that ensure the purifier is efficiently cleaning the air, there are some additional functions that make it more suitable for use for allergies such as hay fever.

"Consider the Quiet Mark certification for low-noise performance, especially if using the purifier in bedrooms," suggests Lee. This is an independent global certification program that identifies the quietest products in a variety of household appliance categories.

Some purifiers will even have a dedicated "night" mode designed for minimal disruption when used while sleeping.

5. Smart air sensors

"Smart sensors that adjust to real-time air quality are also helpful," says Lee. "Units with auto mode and real-time sensors can help maintain consistent air quality without requiring manual adjustments."

Opting for an air purifier with smart sensors means it will automatically ramp up when air quality is low, and drop to a lower mode when there are fewer particles and allergens in the air. It means it can operate efficiently and effectively, without you having to worry about it. They're more well-suited for continuous use over long periods, which is likely what you want if you're using it to deal with hay fever.

If you're shopping for a new air purifier or vacuum cleaner, you'll likely come across the term 'HEPA filter'. HEPA stands for 'high efficiency particulate air' [filter], and it's a standard for filter effectiveness.

To be called a HEPA filter, a filter must meet stringent standards in terms of what it can capture from the air that passes through it. This type of pleated, mechanical filter can be effective against a wide variety of airborne pollutants, including dust and dirt, pollen, and even viruses.

In this guide we'll look at exactly what a HEPA filter is, what it can and can't do, and the function it performs in household appliances like vacuum cleaners and portable air purifiers.

What does a HEPA filter do in an air purifier?

Most of today's best air purifiers will include a HEPA filter. A purifier's main function is to remove harmful particles and improve air quality, and a HEPA filter will play a key role in that. Sometimes it'll be combined with other types of filter to enable it to tackle a wider range of pollutants – for example, there might also be a carbon filter to absorb gases and odors. Here's more on how air purifiers work and what air purifiers can capture.

We're talking about portable air purifiers here. It's rare for a HEPA filter to be used as part of a general HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. That's because it will restrict the airflow to a significant degree, meaning you'd need far more powerful fans to keep the air moving through the system.

What does a HEPA filter do in a vacuum cleaner?

Some of today's best vacuum cleaners have a HEPA filter. It tends to be the final element the airflow passes through before making its way out through the vents. Most dust and debris will go straight into the dust cup, or get caught by a pre-filter that sits in front of the motor to stop that from getting clogged. The HEPA filter would follow, to capture the tiniest particles that have made it through, and prevent them being released back into the air.

In order to be effective, however, the system needs to be sealed. If it's not airtight, the particles will leak out of any gaps that exist before the airflow reaches the exhaust port. Consider too that even if a vacuum is sealed when new, gaps can appear over time (as this Wirecutter writer found when he tested his with a smoke machine).

It's also worth being aware that it's not just the exhaust air being emitted from your vacuum that you need to consider. This 2008 study found that the action of pushing a vacuum cleaner (with or without a HEPA filter) across a carpet is enough to kick a significant volume of particles up into the air – that's true even if it's switched off, but especially if it's switched on. So if you suffer from allergies, it's best to stay out of the way while vacuuming is happening, where possible.

Just because a vacuum has a HEPA filter that doesn't necessarily mean it's a good vacuum, either. A less efficient filter will be plenty effective enough for many people, especially when used in an air-sealed system.

An air purifier works by sucking in air, passing it though a filter that captures pollutants, and pushing the cleaner air back out into the room. Today's best air purifiers can remove everything from dust particles and pet dander to gases from the air in your home (here's more on what air purifiers can and can't help with).

Different models are suited to different needs and spaces, so it's worth taking a few minutes to figure out exactly what you need before you invest. Here are six questions to ask before buying an air purifier...

What filters are included?

Different filters tackle different particles. The most common option for particle filtering is the HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter). According to EU standards, to be called a HEPA filter, it must capture at least 99.95% of particles that are 3 microns or less in size. This type of filter will help with dust, pollen, viruses and bacteria.

Some air purifiers have a carbon filter (sometimes called an activated carbon filter or charcoal filter). This is designed to absorb unpleasant odors and gases.

Those are the two most common types of filter, but more advanced models might add on filters to tackle specific pollutants. For example, Dyson's most advanced air purifiers come with a selective catalytic oxidation filter that enables them to capture and destroy formaldehyde. This is a relatively rare addition, and this type of air purifier tends to be very expensive.

How efficient is it at cleaning air?

Different air purifiers are designed for use in different-sized spaces. The information to pay attention to is how quickly air is drawn through the filter (in cubic feet per minute) and the clean air delivery rate (CADR). A rule of thumb is that, for general use, you should look for a CADR that's at least two-thirds of the room's total area.

Most air purifiers come with a recommended square footage for coverage, but be wary of taking this spec at face value – you also need to know how long the purifier will take to clean the air in a room of that size. To be truly effective, a purifier needs to cycle through all the air in a room three to five times per hour.

What modes does it have?

Some air purifiers come with an auto mode that adjusts based on pollution levels. They can switch on when the quality drops below a certain standard, or boost fan speeds in response to higher pollution levels, to clear the particles quickly. There might be information to show you the room's air quality at a glance, and you might also be able to view air quality over time, perhaps via a companion app.

Basic air purifiers won't have these kinds of features. You'll simply switch them on or off and adjust the fan speed manually. An auto mode prompted by an air quality sensor can help reassure you that your purifier is indeed doing something. It also means the appliance can respond to air quality changes that might otherwise be missed.

Aside from an auto mode, some air purifiers have other special modes. A common one is a sleep mode or night mode, which will typically be quieter than standard modes (and may also turn off the appliance's lights), so you can run it while you're asleep without it disturbing you.

How do you control it?

Pricier, more advanced air purifiers will sometimes come with a companion app. This can provide information that's difficult to show on-screen on the purifier itself, such as air quality over time. It might also enable you to turn the purifier on or off remotely. Some smart air purifiers have voice assistant support, too.

Basic purifiers are operated by buttons on the machine itself, or may come with a remote control so you don't need to get up and go over to the purifier to switch it on.

The ability to set a timer or schedule when your air purifier comes on is useful if you don't want to just be running it constantly.

How do I keep an eye on the filters?

In order for your air purifier to keep doing its job efficiently, the filter(s) will need washing or replacing periodically. Premium purifiers can have a filter health section in the companion app, while more basic options just have a warning light that tells you when your filter's time is up.

Before buying, consider how often the filters will need replacing, whether they can be washed, and how expensive replacements are.

Can it do anything else?

Some air purifiers can also be fans, heaters, dehumidifiers, or humidifiers. Or, perhaps more accurately, air purification is occasionally a bonus function added to other kinds of devices. For appliances that work by sucking in air and blowing it out again, you can just add a filter and – hey presto! – you've got an air purifier. In these cases, the air purification is often not the priority, so don't expect advanced features like air quality sensors or stats.

However, it can be a great way to save money and space by combining what could be multiple appliances into one. For example, some of the best fans on the market – including a number of Dyson fans – also operate as air purifiers. These can be a great option for people who suffer from seasonal allergies.

In this article we're going to explore the difference between a fan and an air circulator, and help you figure out which is the best choice for your needs. Both types appear in our best fan roundup, and both have their pros and cons, depending on what you want to achieve.

As you can see from the image above, the two types of fan can look extremely similar at a glance, but they operate in different ways.

Regular fans use a directed flow of air to enhance the evaporation of sweat, helping you feel cooler. They're great for personal cooling, but they will only have an effect if the air is pointed right at you.

In contrast, an air circulator is designed to circulate air around larger spaces. This type of fan really shines when combined with a cold air source, because it'll ensure the cooler air is distributed quickly and efficiently around the whole space. However, some circulators can also be used like traditional fans, by switching off the oscillation features and just directing the airflow at its target.

Want to know more? Read on for a closer look at air circulators vs fans.

Air circulator vs fan: what is an air circulator?

Air circulator vs fan: what is a fan?

Buy an air circulator if...

1. You have an air con unit

Air circulators can be hugely effective at amplifying a source of cool air – for example from an air con unit – and ensuring it reaches the whole room. As a side note, this can help save energy and potentially lower your utility bills by helping your AC work more efficiently.

For example, in our Dreo TurboPoly 508S review, our tester found this air circulator fan was incredibly efficient at lowering temperatures in her home when paired with her usually ineffective AC unit.

2. You need to cool a large area

Traditional fans will only cool one or two people at once, whereas an air circulator is designed to create a flow of air around a whole room. That has the added benefit of meaning you could pop your air circulator out of the way, in the corner of a room, and it'll still do its job – whereas a fan would need to be positioned so you're directly in its airflow range. Don't expect powerful individual cooling from an air circulator unless you're adding a source of cool air, though.

3. You want something for year-round use

While a fan is only really helpful in the hot weather, air circulators can also be used alongside a heater in the colder months. While hot air will naturally rise, adding an air circulator will help evenly warm a room. They can also help with room ventilation if you have areas that tend to feel stuffy.

Buy a fan if...

1. You want something for personal cooling

Non-air circulator fans direct a flow of air at an individual, helping them feel cooler by enhancing the evaporation of sweat from their skin. You don't need a source of cold air for this type of fan to help cool you down.

2. You want something to use outside

The effects of an air circulator are going to get lost outside, whereas a fan can help generate a cooling breeze. Misting fans like the Shark FlexBreeze or FlexBreeze HydroGo can be especially effective for outdoor use.

3. You don't have air con

Air circulators are designed to amplify an existing source of cool air – usually from an air con unit. While an air circulator can still be useful without AC, traditional fans tend to be more efficient at cooling when used on their own. That said, many circulators can also double-up as traditional fans, if you turn off any oscillation features.

• The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is a portable fan with misting function
• It's a shrunk-down version of the FlexBreeze, available in six colors
• It's currently only available in the US, and costs $129.99

Shark has added a new model to its fan range: the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is a portable version of the ultra-popular FlexBreeze, and comes with the same misting functionality, so not only does it blast you with cool air, it also sprays you with a fine mist of water to help bring some chill to hot days.

In our Shark FlexBreeze review, we were blown away (pun intended) by the full-size version, rating it one of the best fans you can buy. The shrunk-down version has many of the same benefits – it can be used corded or cordless, indoors or out. Shark has gone a step further by making this one available in a variety of colors: a couple of shades of grey alongside four more summery candy tones.

It has a carry handle to make it easier to tote around, so you need never be without your own personal wind machine. That's particularly useful because I'd say that this portable fan isn't especially small – think desktop rather than handheld. That's probably good news for the power though (Shark claims it has a blowing radius of up to 70 feet, although we'll get back to you on that once we've tested it.)

The misting – once you've got used to the idea of a fan that spits on you – is actually a very smart addition. Fans don't actually lower the temperature, they just make you feel cooler by moving the air around and speeding up the evaporation of sweat from your skin. A mister can lower the temperature of a room, as well as intensifying that cooling feeling created by the fan.

Shark has form when it comes to innovative fans – we've just reviewed the Shark TurboBlade, which can blast out concentrated blades of air in any direction from its pivotable arms.

Currently, the FlexBreeze HydroGo is only available in the US, and costs $129.99 when purchased directly from Shark. The brand also has a big presence in the UK and Australia, so we're hoping it might make its way to other territories soon.

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Shark TurboBlade: two-minute review

My 105-year-old house lacks insulation and has a sub-par air-conditioning system, so often I suffer from a stuffy hot home – which is why I was excited to test the Shark TurboBlade. Launched in January 2025, the Shark TurboBlade improves on the tower fan design thanks to two multi-directional blades with vents that can be adjusted in height, direction and angle to push air in all directions for complete cooling coverage.

Shark has form when it comes to innovative fans – its popular FlexBreeze has a mister function that sprays you with cold water as it blows air – and I was excited to see how this new addition to the lineup matched up. I wasn't disappointed. On test, I found the TurboBlade could cool a room in no time at at all, with the blades of air shooting up to around 28ft from the fan (a little short of Shark's 30ft claims, but very respectable nonetheless). There are 10 speeds, a timer, and the option to oscillate airflow, but I was most enamored by the speciality modes.

Sleep Mode kept me at the perfect temperature overnight, with the quieter operation mimicking soothing white noise. Natural Breeze Mode was my favorite though – the gently fluctuating airflow felt like a cool breeze, outside in the fresh air, rather than the blast of a fan.

While I was surprised – given the premium price – that the Shark TurboBlade doesn't come with app control. It does, at least, come with a remote, even if you're slightly limited by what you can adjust remotely.

The Shark TurboBlade is without a doubt a pricey fan but it's stylish, somewhat compact, and does an exceptional job at cooling thanks to its versatile and innovative design. It's well worth the price in that regard. Keep reading to see exactly how the Shark TurboBlade performed during testing and whether or not it might be the best fan for you.

Shark TurboBlade review: price & availability

• List price: $299.99 / £249.99 / AU$399.99
• Launch date: January 2025 in select countries
• Availability: Most major markets

The Shark TurboBlade launched in January 2025 in the US with a price tag of $299.99. The UK launch followed in April, with a listing price of £249.99. It arrived much later to Australia with a price tag of AU$399.99.

There's not really another fan on the market similar to this one. However, the best comparison are tower fans which can cost as little as $40 / AU$50 and as much as $370 / AU$999.

While $299.99 / AU$399.99 is a high price for a fan, its ingenious design, which allows customers to adjust the angle of the fan and push air up to 80 feet at 360-degrees, is well worth the premium price. You get far more coverage with this fan and a lot more customization in terms of the speed, air bursts, and air flow angle. Shark is also no stranger to sales, so if you buy at the right time you could avoid paying full price.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Shark TurboBlade specs

Shark TurboBlade fan review: design

• Multidirectional blades pivot and twist for 360-degree coverage
• Tower oscillates 180 degrees on adjustable telescopic pole
• Remote control can only adjust speeds and modes

Upon removing it from its packaging, I found the Shark TurboBlade was a bit larger than I expected (it's worth scrolling through the press photos to ones with people in to get a feel for the size of this fan – it's easy to assume it's more compact than it really is). That said, its adjustable and versatile design can make it feel more compact in your home. Specifically, you can turn it into one tall tower, which can sit in a corner, with a relatively small footprint.

It took me about five minutes to set it up. I really didn't need to use the instructions to assemble it, though I was thankful that everything was clearly labeled, and an instruction pamphlet was provided in case of confusion.

The Shark TurboBlade is similar to tower fans in that it has a base and a vertical design (here's more on tower fans vs pedestal fans, if you're not sure). This is in fact a bladeless fan – there's no visible, spinning section, but the 'Blade' in the name refers to the blades of air emitted by the two pivoting arms.

These arms sit atop the main pole, which is telescopic, so it can be raised or lowered. You can move the blades to the right or left, until they lie horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Both vents can be directed in the same direction, or you can move one of the vents in the opposite direction.

That means you can direct blasts of air in specific directions, and they can be focused on two different areas at once. It's an especially clever design when you consider that fans don't actually lower the temperature in a room; it's the feel of the moving air that makes you feel cooler.

You'll have to plug the Shark TurboBlade into a power outlet for the fan to work. The base is designed to oscillate 180 degrees. This can be done with the remote control. Shark provides two batteries so you can use the remote immediately.

The remote control is compact and can be stored on the top of the fan, with a magnet to hold it in place. Instructions are printed there as well, so that you don't need to have the manual to hand at all times.

With the remote, you can adjust the fan speeds, oscillation, set a timer, change the horizontal angle of the base, and choose one of the three specialty modes – Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost, and Natural Breeze Mode. On the front of the base, there are five blinking lights that indicate the fan speed. One of the biggest drawbacks to the design is that you can't adjust the vents or the blades with the remote.

At 15lbs, it's easy enough to move the Shark TurboBlade between rooms. As of now, there are no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity options, though I hope to see Shark offer that option in the future. I'd much prefer to control the fan with my phone than a remote.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Shark TurboBlade fan review: performance

• Airflow detectable from around 28ft, but best at <20ft away
• Fast and efficient at cooling a room, thanks for adjustable vents
• Natural Breeze mode is a revelation – brings the outdoors in

After running a variety of tests, I can say that the Shark TurboBlade is very easy to use and will keep you cool on hot days. Most of the time, I used the remote control to adjust the settings of the fan. However, for the sake of testing, there is a button on the front of the base. I could use it to turn the fan on or off and adjust the fan speeds by holding down the button. The fan speed is indicated by a chime and five flashing lights above the power button. (I preferred disabling the chime.)

Unfortunately, there were a few things I could not adjust with the remote control. If I wanted the blades to be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, I had to move them by hand. I also could not adjust the direction of the vents with the remote.

I was able to turn the fan on and off and adjust the settings with the remote from about 30 feet away. Shark advertises that the fan can push air up to 80 feet, however, when I set the TurboBlade on the highest fan speed of 10 (the speed can be adjusted between 1-10), I could barely feel the airflow at 30 feet. The airflow was more noticeable at 28 feet. If you want to feel the breeze of the fan on your skin, it's better to be 0-20 feet from the Shark TurboBlade.

Though my house was a bit warm during testing, I didn't usually need to adjust the fan speed any higher than five. Most of the time, I set it at 3 as I found this level quite sufficient in circulating the air and blowing a cool breeze on me. The lowest fan level has a 39 dB sound rating, while the highest fan level comes in at 65 dB.

The fan can oscillate at 45, 90, or 180 degrees. It's also possible to use the remote to adjust the direction of the blades by small degrees. So if I moved from one side of the room to the other side, I could use the remote to 'move' the fan to face my new position in the room. Be mindful that when the blades are placed in the horizontal position, they can hit the wall or furniture. There aren't sensors in this product that will stop the blades from hitting an object.

Most of the time, I had the vents facing the same way so I could maximize the airflow toward me when I was sitting in a room. However, my kitchen can warm up quickly when I'm using the oven and the stove, so when I placed the Shark TurboBlade in there, I adjusted the blades vertically or diagonally and then moved the vents so they were facing opposite directions. From there I would oscillate the fan 180 degrees, which allowed the air to flow in all directions at the same time. The kitchen stayed exceptionally cool when I did this. No more sweating over the stove for me!

I should mention that if the blades are horizontal, you can adjust one of the vents toward the ceiling and keep the other facing forward. I'm not sure in what situations such angles would be beneficial, but at least you have the option. It would be nice to be able to place the vents in opposite directions (forward and backwards) in the horizontal position, but unfortunately, you can't.

With the timer, I was able to set the fan to run for 1, 2, 4, 8, and/or 12 hours. Sometimes I would set the timer so that it would cool the room down and then turn off around the time I planned to go to the gym so I could save some energy when I was out of the house.

Special modes

There are three specialty modes – Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost, and Natural Breeze Mode. BreezeBoost is the highest fan setting you can choose and has a dB rating of 66 dB. The amount of cool air that blows through on this setting is significant. I don't think I'll need BreezeBoost except during triple-digit (Fahrenheit) temperatures in summers.

My favorite setting is the Natural Breeze Mode. The fan randomizes the airflow to simulate natural winds. As someone who loves to sit outside and enjoy a breeze, it was really amazing to have this wind simulation indoors. I don't particularly love air blowing directly on me but appreciate the natural ability of a breeze to cool me down, which is why Natural Breeze Mode is my favorite mode.

Sleep Mode is, as the name implies, best used at night while you're sleeping. In Sleep Mode, the chime is muted, the lights on the front of the machine are dimmed, and the fan speed is lowered. The lower speed was perfect for me: I don't like to be cold at night, but I also appreciate some air circulation. While I could hear the fan, it's not very loud in Sleep Mode (about 49 dB), and almost sounds like comforting white noise. It's no louder than my ceiling fan.

The Shark TurboBlade can be tucked away into a corner when the blades are positioned vertically. The charcoal color is fine, though the white color option that is expected to drop next would definitely look better with my house's color palette. There really isn't much maintenance required except occasionally dusting the dust defense panel that covers the motor.

My only real complaint with the design is that I found the cord a little short. It's six-foot long, and I wish it was closer to 10 feet. My outlets in my historic home are in odd places, like halfway up a wall, so a six-foot cord isn't as long as I need it to be to move the fan into the best position.

Overall, the Shark TurboBlade is a really fantastic fan, one that will keep you cool thanks to all the ways in which you can adjust the direction and speed of the airflow. I hope in the future Shark might release a new version that can be controlled via an app, but as a first iteration, the TurboBlade is excellent.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark TurboBlade fan?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Shark TurboBlade

I tested the Shark TurboBlade for one week in my 105-year-old home in Texas. Testing occurred in March, that in-between time when my heater and air-conditioning weren't being used. On particularly warm days, my historic home became pretty warm (about 75 degrees F / 24 degrees C). I tested the Shark TurboBlade mostly in my living room, kitchen, and bedroom. This included using the Sleep Mode overnight, to get a sense of how well the fan circulated air and kept me cool as I slept.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed March 2025

• Logitech Spot monitors an office environment for better flow
• Poor air quality could be costing your workers' productivity
• The sensors are also built into the $7,000 Rally Board 65

Logitech has unveiled a brand-new office monitoring tool it hopes will help businesses manage their collaborative workspace better.

The new Logitech Spot tracks occupancy and environmental changes through CO2 levels, air quality, and temperature to provide real-time data for office admins.

Spot is a battery-powered device that uses a peel-and-stick base to stick to walls. It pairs via Bluetooth to CollabOS devices, like Tap Scheduler, or via Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) gateways.

Office-tracking sensor

It’s all designed with the hope of making the office a more comfortable space for workers to spend their time and better employee experience – actionable suggestions allow admins to improve the workplace while making reductions to their energy costs.

The company says the real reason workers are getting weary in the office might not be because they’re tired, but rather than inefficient use of the space available is causing air quality issues.

“In bustling workplaces, employees move in and out of scheduled or ad-hoc meetings in spaces that continuously use energy and recirculate air,” Logitech says, citing Harvard and Berkeley studies showing high CO2 levels and pollutants like dust, perfume, and aerosols can reduce cognitive function.

“Logitech Spot solves the mystery of the number of people using spaces, the quality of the air they’re breathing, and environmental factors that can impact energy consumption–arming businesses with the information they need to address these unseen barriers," noted Logitech for Business COO and GM Prakash Arunkundrum.

In the name of interoperability, Spot is also integrated with Microsoft Places and Teams, as well as other platforms like Samsung Smart Things Pro and Zoom Workplace.

Logitech has also lifted the wraps off its Rally Board 65, a new 65-inch portable all-in-one video conferencing solution that integrates Spot’s sensors within its system.

Spot will be available from the second half of 2025, and its APIs can be unlocked via the $199/year Essential or $399/year Select service plans (priced per room). The Rally Board 65 will be available from May 2025, priced at $6,999.

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• EcoAir AVS inactivates virus particles using heat
• Traditional purifiers capture, rather than inactivating, harmful microbes
• EcoAir's claims have been independently verified by a scientific research company

We're all familiar with air purifiers, but air care appliance brand EcoAir has apparently gone one better, launching what it claims is the world's first air sterilizer. The EcoAir Anti-Covid AVS can apparently eliminate viruses and bacteria – including colds, flu, and (you guessed it) Covid – from the air.

Today's best air purifiers can only capture virus particles, not inactivate them – is this new approach your new best defense agains seasonal bugs? I got in touch with EcoAir co-founder and CEO Noel Fok to learn exactly how it works.

“A virus is not a living organism, so it can’t be killed. However, it can be inactivated or destroyed by exposure to heat," Fok explains. "The EcoAir AVS air sterilizer eliminates 99.9% of viruses by removing them from the air, passing them through Thermo-Clean tech, which reaches a core temperature of over 200C [392F], inactivating the harmful microbes."

He adds: "AVS will kill Bacteria because it is a living organism, through the same exposure to Thermo-Clean technology. In both cases the harmful microbes are disintegrated by the heat and not released back into the air.”

Those claims have been independently tested and verified by MRIGlobal – a research organization focused on health and safety innovations.

Also notable is how quickly this 'air sterilizer' works. It can eliminate airborne viruses and bacteria in a single pass, and does so pretty much instantly, in just 0.01 seconds. Lab tests from MRIGlobal found the EcoAir AVS could inactivate 99.9% of viruses in a 30m³ room in 90 minutes.

The future of air purifiers?

I also asked Fok to explain more about the benefits of the EcoAir AVS in comparison to a regular air purifier. "Traditional air purifiers capture microbes and store them through the use of HEPA filters, which need to be changed, incurring additional expenses," he told me. "Inactivating the virus destroys it, meaning it cannot infect a living organism and become active, causing illness."

The EcoAir AVS does have a filter, but it's reusable and doesn't need to be changed that regularly. The nano silver filter should be washed every two weeks, and EcoAir suggests it's replaced every year.

There are also other, existing methods of destroying viruses and bacteria, although they're significantly slower than EcoAir AVS's 0.01-second process. ION systems take around 30 seconds and UV-C takes nine seconds, for instance.

While the practical results of this appliance are similar to that of a good air purifier, Fok's claims that the AVS represents "a huge breakthrough, not only for EcoAir but for the industry as a whole" could prove accurate. The new process certainly seems more thorough and efficient, and it's not significantly more expensive than a good air purifier either – the EcoAir Anti-Covid AVS is currently available to buy from the EcoAir website, priced at £349.98 (it's not currently available in the US or Australia, but that's equivalent to around $430 / AU$700). Could this be the new technology that changes the way we purify air?

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With temperatures dropping, many households are struggling to contend with rising energy prices, and how to stay warm without spending a fortune on heating. Research from comparison site Uswitch suggests over 1.7 million UK households won't turn on their heating this winter (as reported in the Guardian).

But avoiding putting the heating on when it's cold isn't great for you, nor is it good for your home in the longer term. According to Chris Michael, Managing Director at Meaco – a leading UK aircare appliance brand, and maker of some of our best fan picks – your secret weapon in these chilly times is an energy-efficient dehumidifier.

"When heating is reduced or turned off, homes become more vulnerable to damp, condensation, and mold – issues that can harm health and lead to costly repairs," he explains. "An energy-efficient dehumidifier can help prevent these problems while making homes easier and cheaper to heat."

Let's take a closer look at how that works, and if it's worth a try this winter…

If you're struggling with damp in the home, it might also be worth investing in one of the best air purifiers, as these can help remove mold spores or damp odors.

Why is damp such a problem in winter?

Many common household activities add moisture into the air in your home. Drying clothes indoors, cooking and showering are big culprits, but even just breathing indoors can have an impact. And that's a tricky one to avoid.

"Heated clothes rails, while effective at speeding up the drying process, also contribute to moisture buildup by evaporating water from the clothes into the air," explains Michael. "This moisture doesn’t disappear – it settles elsewhere in the home as condensation, particularly on cold surfaces like windows and walls. Over time, this can create the ideal conditions for damp, mould, and a persistent chill in the air."

If you're not putting your heating on regularly, that can exacerbate the issue, making it more difficult for your heating system to warm your home effectively when you do switch it on.

How can humid air lead to higher bills?

Damp air doesn't make for a pleasant living environment, but it's also bad news for your energy bills. "Humid air contains water vapor, which has a higher heat capacity than dry air, meaning it takes more energy to heat," says Michael. "This makes homes with high humidity feel colder, forcing heating systems to work harder to reach and maintain a comfortable temperature."

Using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air down the optimal level of 50 per cent creates a more thermally efficient environment. That means your heating system shouldn't have to work so hard to warm the space, and you should be able to get your home to a more comfortable temperature without having to bump up the thermostat, argues Michael.

That's good news for your bills – the Energy Saving Trust estimates that lowering your thermostat by 2C could result in a 15 per cent saving on your heating costs.

How to choose a cost-effective dehumidifier

As with most household appliances, it pays to pick the right dehumidifier – some will do a far better job than others. If you're looking to lower your bills, you'll need a model that's cost-effective to run. That means finding the right balance of performance to cost.

Here are Michael's tips for what to look for when seeking an energy-efficient dehumidifier:

1. Low energy consumption

Check the wattage and look for an estimated cost per hour– energy-efficient models typically cost between 4p and 10p per hour to operate (depending on size and capacity)

2. High extraction efficiency

Extraction efficiency is generally measured in litres per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh). The higher the number, the more efficient the dehumidifier.

3. A dedicated laundry mode

Some dehumidifiers come with a dedicated laundry mode to target one of the biggest culprits when it comes to excess moisture in the home. These provide targeted drying a set amount of time before turning off automatically, so you can run them while drying clothes indoors.

4. Intelligent humidistats

If you're able to spend a bit more, it's worth considering a dehumidifier with an intelligent humidistat. These are sensors that monitor indoor humidity levels, and mean the dehumidifier will only switch on when required, thus avoiding wasted energy.

The best air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular, as society becomes more aware of the connection between indoor air quality issues and health issues. Having said, you shouldn't assume that an air purifier can help with everything single air problem.

As we explain in our article How do air purifiers work?, these devices are designed to remove various contaminants from the air, but they won't remove every single particle from your home environment. And there are some types of air purifier that are more effective than others.

So what are air purifiers good for, exactly? In this article, we'll address common indoor air quality concerns including dust, mold, allergies, pet hair, smoke and odors, and explain whether air purifiers can help.

Do air purifiers help with mold?

When mold grows in damp areas of your home, it doesn't just look and smell gross. It also produces tiny spores that reproduce, float in the air and can trigger allergies and cause respiratory problems when breathed in.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove some of these spores, which typically range from one to 30 microns in size, from your environment. Some air purifiers also include UV-C light technology, which can kill or inactivate mold spores. And thirdly, air purifiers that come with activated carbon filters can help reduce mold-related odors.

However, none of these things will actually address the root cause of mold growth, or remove mold that has already grown in your home. So in other words, an air purifier can help reduce the impact of a mold problem, but it can't stop it from happening, or continuing.

Do air purifiers help with allergies?

Air purifiers can be beneficial for allergy sufferers by removing common airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites from the air around you. This research on house dust mite allergies, for example, found evidence that air purifiers can help reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms in both adults and children.

However, while air purifiers can help reduce airborne allergens, they need to be used in conjunction with other allergy management strategies, such as regular cleaning and avoiding known triggers.

If you or your family have a problem with allergies, seek out air purifiers with True HEPA filtration, a high CADR for pollen and dust, and certifications from allergy organizations, such as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Do air purifiers help with dust?

Air purifiers can be effective in reducing dust in your home. Dust particles vary in size, but many are large enough to be captured by standard air purifier filters. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are particularly effective at capturing dust particles. This type of filter is designed to remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter.

Many air purifiers also include pre-filters that capture larger dust particles before they reach the main filter, extending the life of the HEPA filter. To maximize dust removal, look for air purifiers with what's called 'True HEPA' filtration, a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for dust, and washable pre-filters for easy maintenance.

Note, though, that just using an air purifier won't keep your home dust-free. You'll still need to sweep, mop and vacuum, wash bedding, clean rugs, carpets, and furniture, and dust surfaces regularly. But as long as you keep doing all that, a good air purifier should reduce the amount of dust you breathe in.

Do air purifiers help with smoke?

Air purifiers can be effective in reducing smoke particles and odors, whether from wildfires, tobacco or cooking. However, the effectiveness depends on the type of filtration system.

HEPA filters can capture the fine particles found in smoke, which can be as small as 0.1 microns. It's good if these are complemented by activated carbon filters, which can absorb smoke odours and some of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in smoke.

Some newer, advanced air purifiers use photo electrochemical oxidation (PECO) filters, which this study by Florida University found to be effective against smoke particles and VOCs.

Do air purifiers help with dog hair?

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help with the smaller particles associated with pets, such as dander and some of the finer fur, but they're not primarily designed to deal with larger pet hair. This is why some models come with pre-filters, which can capture larger pet hair before it reaches the main filter.

If you have pets, look for air purifiers with washable pre-filters for easy removal of pet hair and, ideally, activated carbon filters to deal with pet odors.

While air purifiers can help with managing pet hair in your home, they're not a solution by themselves. Grooming your pets and using the best vacuums for pet hair are also essential as part of your overall strategy.

Do air purifiers help with viruses?

While a good air purifier can help reduce the airborne virus particles indoors, you shouldn't rely entirely on an air purifier for this purpose.

According to the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), while air purifiers "can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space" they should be used alongside other precautionary methods. These include things like handwashing, cleaning areas that get touched regularly, and avoiding contact with infected people. You'll need to bear in mind the size of the room and how quickly the air is being filtered, and the fact that viruses on surfaces won't be captured by an air purifier.

The EPA recommends that for an air purifier to be effective against viruses, it should be able to remove particles in the size range of 0.1-1 micron. For context, HEPA filters (the kind used in many air purifiers) are designed to capture at least 99.5% of airborne particles that are 3 microns or less in size.

A research review from 2021 found that while there have been studies that provide 'proof of principle' that air filters can capture airborne bacteria indoors, so far no one has properly investigated the effects of air purifiers / HEPA filters on the incidence of respiratory infections.

Do air purifiers help with smells?

Air purifiers can be effective in reducing many types of odors, but their success depends largely on the type of filtration system used. Activated carbon filters, which work by absorbing odor-causing molecules, are the most effective. Other filters that can help include those based on zeolite, a mineral that can trap odor molecules, and photocatalytic oxidation filters.

Finally, it's worth pointing out the obvious: the air purifiers will work best when combined with efforts to eliminate the original source of the smell.

By now, we all know the effect secondary cigarette smoke can have on our lungs, which has led to a big clampdown against public smoking around the world. Similarly, society is getting increasing concerned about the effect of traffic pollution on our health, especially in inner cities. But ultimately, we spend far more time in our homes than in public spaces. So it makes sense to focus on having clean air quality there, too.

After all, our front doors are not magical barriers that keep pollutants and allergens out of our living space. Even if they were, we also generate pollutants within our homes ourselves, from things like cooking, cleaning, building materials, products and furniture.

Indoor air pollutants come in the form of tiny particles, such as PM2.5 and PM10, formaldehyde, mold and pollen. They may also appear as gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). So reducing them in the air we breathe makes sense. Which is why the best air purifiers are increasingly popular.

But how do air purifiers work, and are they truly effective? Read on as we answer these questions, and explain how to find the right product for you.

Even in the best case scenario, though, air purifiers are not a cure-all for indoor air quality issues. Firstly, they cannot remove all pollutants, particularly those that have settled on surfaces. And secondly, they're most effective when used in conjunction with other air quality improvement measures, such as regular cleaning and proper ventilation.

The University of Massachusetts puts it plainly in this report: "Using a portable air cleaner is the least effective way to clean the air, but it can be a good supplement to ventilation." In other words, if you use an air purifier, but rarely open your windows or clean your home, don't be surprised if you still get sick.

How to choose an air purifier 

When shopping for an air purifier, there are several key factors to consider:

The first is CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). This is a measure of how quickly the purifier can clean the air in a given room size. Look for a CADR that's at least two-thirds of the room's area in square feet. For example, for a 300 square foot room, you'd want a CADR of at least 200.

Secondly, think about your room size. Manufacturers typically list the maximum room size for which an air purifier is effective, so make sure you check this before buying

Thirdly, pay attention to filter type. As we mentioned earlier, HEPA filters are the gold standard for particle removal. Look for 'True HEPA' filters, which meet the US Department of Energy's standards. Some models also include additional filters, such as activated carbon filters (for removing odors and some gases) or UV-C light filters, which can kill some bacteria and viruses, although they won't remove particles.

Fourthly, consider how much you value peace and quiet, as air purifiers can produce noise, especially at higher fan speeds. If this is a concern, check the decibel rating before you buy.

Finally, consider whether you need added features. Some air purifiers come with cool extras such as air quality sensors, automatic mode, and smartphone connectivity, although these will usually be reflected in a higher overall price.

When the weather's hot, one of the best fans can be a lifesaver, especially if you don't have air conditioning. They're especially good at helping you sleep at night, as they basically double as a white noise machine.Unfortunately, once you've had one for a couple of weeks, you'll notice it's quickly built up an icky layer of dust, dirt, and grime. So although it's a bit of a pain, you will need to clean it. 

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how to do that, whether you're trying to clean a pedestal or desktop fan, a tower fan or a ceiling fan. You'll need a few simple cleaning implements, like cloths and dish soap, and for some steps it's useful to bring in your vacuum cleaner's smaller attachments.

First, let's answer some key questions...  

How to clean a desktop or pedestal fan

A pedestal fan is the kind that has a circular head that oscillates side to side, and can be tilted. They stand on the floor and are typically height-adjustable. A tabletop fan is essentially the same thing, but with a shorter stand, designed to sit on a surface. (An example is the MeacoFan 260c pictured below.) The cleaning process for the two is essentially the same – here's how to do it. 

1. Unplug the fan and ensure it's turned off.
2. Remove the front grill if possible. Most desktop fans have a clip or screw system for easy disassembly.
3. Use a soft, dry brush or microfibre cloth to gently remove dust from the blades. Be careful not to bend the blades.
4. For stubborn dirt, dampen a cloth with a mild soap solution and wipe the blades carefully. Avoid getting water near the motor or electrical components.
5. Clean the grill (both front and back if removable) with soapy water and a soft brush. This helps remove dust trapped in the grill's openings.
6. Wipe down the base and other exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
7. Use compressed air or a small vacuum attachment to clean hard-to-reach areas, especially around the motor housing
8. For the stand or neck of adjustable desktop fans, use a damp cloth to wipe away any accumulated dust or grime.
9. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling. Once dry, reattach the grill securely.
10. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the buttons or switches on the fan's control panel.

For deeper cleaning, you can disassemble the fan further and soak removable parts in soapy water, but be careful not to get the motor wet, and make sure you don't disassemble anything you're not going to be able to reassemble once you're done. The manual should include disassembly instructions so you can do this safely and effectively.

For fans with USB connectivity, be extra cautious around the USB port. Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the port, ensuring no moisture enters.

How to clean a tower fan

A tower fan is a tall, slim fan that sits on a base. Our favorite one is the DREO Pilot Max (below). Dyson's fans are all tower models too, so if you're trying to figure out how to clean a Dyson fan, you want to follow the instructions below, although do consult your specific model's manual in case there are more specific instructions. 

Here's how to clean a tower fan.

1. Unplug the fan and turn it off.
2. Vacuum the exterior grills and vents using your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment.
3. Wipe down the exterior with a damp microfibre cloth.
4. Use compressed air to blow dust out of the vents and interior.
5. Wipe down the base and controls.
6. For a deep clean, check if your model allows for opening the housing. If so, carefully open it following the manual's instructions.
7. Clean the interior components with a damp cloth or compressed air. Be careful to avoid getting water near the electrical parts.
8. Reassemble carefully, ensuring all parts are dry.

Note that some tower fans have removable filters that should be cleaned or replaced regularly according to manufacturer instructions.

How to clean a ceiling fan

A ceiling fan is not a plug-in fan. It's a permanent fixture, attached to your ceiling. Here's how to clean one...

1. Turn off the fan and allow blades to stop completely. 
2. Place a drop cloth or old sheet on the floor underneath to catch falling dust and debris.
3. Use a sturdy ladder to safely reach the fan, and move furniture out of the way. (It can be tempting to instead stand on furniture that's in easy reach. But please don't. It's not worth the hospital visit should something go wrong. Get a ladder.)
4. Wipe the blades with a microfibre duster or cloth to remove loose dust.
5. To remove deeper dirt, use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Dampen a cloth in the solution and wipe down each blade. Be careful not to get water in the motor housing.
6. For stubborn grime, use an all-purpose cleaner. But try to avoid harsh chemicals in case it damages the appearance of the blades.
7. Make sure you clean both the top and bottom of each blade. Just because you can't see the dirt doesn't mean it's not there!
8. Wipe down the motor housing and any light fixtures, taking care not to damage them.
9. Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean cloth.
10. Let everything air dry completely before turning the fan back on.

If you have particularly high ceilings, you may need to use an extendable duster or cleaning pole to reach the blades safely from the ground. You could also try the pillowcase method: slip an old pillowcase over each blade and pull it off to capture dust.

How to clean other types of fan

Box fans: Remove the front grill and clean the blades with soapy water. Soak the grill in soapy water to remove built-up grime before cleaning, drying and re-assembling.

Window fans: Remove the fan from the window for thorough cleaning. Wipe the blades and grills, and vacuum out the housing before reassembling.

Bladeless fans: Use the brush attachment on a vacuum to clean the air intake. Wipe the loop amplifier with a damp microfibre cloth.

Car fans: Use a small brush to dust the vents, then wipe everyhere in reach with a damp cloth. Be careful to avoid getting water into the electrical components.

Fan cleaning tips

Whatever the type of fan you need to clean, bear these tips in mind. 

1. First and foremost, always ensure that fans are unplugged before beginning any cleaning process. 
2. When cleaning the blades, use a gentle touch to prevent bending them out of alignment, which could affect the fan's performance. 
3. If you have allergies or respiratory sensitivities, wearing a dust mask during the cleaning process can help protect you. 
4. When dealing with antique or particularly delicate fans, it's best to consult a professional for cleaning advice to avoid accidental damage.
5. Thoroughly clean your fans before storing them away for the season.
6. To keep your fans cleaner between cleanings, dust the blades weekly with a microfibre cloth; run air purifiers in rooms with fans to reduce airborne dust; keep windows closed on high pollen days if fans are running; and vacuum and dust your home regularly to minimize overall dust.

Levoit 600S: two-minute review

Air purifiers are designed to remove dust, dander and dodgy odours, leaving you with a fresher smelling and healthier home. In the height of summer, or faced with an overly-heated home you soon start to notice the whiff of other people and pets.

They differ from fans, which waft the air around at speed, creating a cooling effect, instead extracting impurities and particulates that cause smells and cause germs. An electrostatic or fabric filter captures these as they are blown towards them by the air purifier’s gentle fan mechanism and, as with the Levoit 600S model, are collected in a disposable bag at the bottom of the device. Once cleansed, the air is sent back out into the room, leading to a fresher atmosphere.

The Levoit 600S promises to filter as much as 99.97% of PM2.5 particles (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometre diameter). This covers the fine dust, pollen and pet hair as well as road traffic pollution and pollen. These can all irritate and, in the longer term, damage the lungs and impact respiratory function. Levels of less than 12μg/m3 should pose no health issues, and we were pleased to find that the existing levels in the first of the two properties in which we tested out the air purifier were already below this figure.

When things get whiffy or lingering sprays have been applied, the Levoit 600S is capable of changing the air in a 147m sq room twice an hour. This is a lower rate of air change than the best air purifiers TechRadar reviewed recently but is plenty for all but larger rooms or the most persistent smells and pollutants.

Although the 600S can be operated directly using the on/off button on the top, the VeSync app provides far more control, showing current PMS levels and the air quality steadily improving as its four-speed fan whips everything through its HEPA and carbon filters to remove airborne nasties. Both the LED on top of the unit and the app give real-time PMS readings and offer one-touch fan adjustments. The app adds scheduling and light-sensing options, making it ideal for use in a bedroom where the fan will automatically reduce in power so you can drop off to sleep.

Levoit 600S: price and availability

• List price: $299.99 / £299.99
• Available: US / UK

The Levoit 600S is available to buy from Amazon in the US and UK, with a list price of $299 / £299. That puts it in the mid-range bracket for air purifiers, and it offers good value for money at that price. You will need to stump up for replacement filters as required – these cost in the region of $69 / £69.99.

• Value: 4 / 5

Levoit 600S specs

Levoit 600S: Design

• Large but lightweight unit
• Useful status indicator lights
• Whisper-quiet fan

The imposing but elegant Levoit 600S seems to take up more room than its stated 60cm height suggests. While its 300S stablemate sits happily and fairly unobtrusively on a kitchen countertop, the 600S model is a real presence. Placed alongside our microwave, it dwarfed it. If space is at a premium, you will probably want to store it out of sight and bring it out for specific use rather than keeping it on standby. We found this particularly true when we were in the more cramped environment of our terraced home.

However, the curved design and off-white finish are stylish, and the materials sturdy. And, while it weighs 6.2kg, it feels far lighter. The well-positioned recessed handles on either side of the upper section also make it easy to move around.

Looks-wise, the Levoit 600S is smart with a sleek curved body and large fan blades covering the top. In the centre of the fan are the Levoit 600S’ controls and options to change the fan speed, set a timer, check on the filter and current air quality, and determine whether it is connected to Wi-Fi or using Bluetooth for the associated VeSync app. The lower half of the purifier features a fretwork effect, and contains the filter and the bag into which particles sucked in by the fan are deposited.

Setup involves twisting apart the top and bottom halves of the air purifier’s body, extracting the filter that it comes with from inside, and removing its packaging before popping it back in place. There is a bright yellow sticker on the top of the unit that prompts you to do this before use. The two halves of the unit then click to lock together. It doesn’t matter which way round the top half faces, but the corners need to align with the corresponding corners on the bottom half, a simple enough process.

Although the Levoit 600S is a freestanding unit with no external moving parts, it needs space to operate so it doesn’t overheat. It should, therefore, be placed around 40cm away from the nearest walls. The power cable is more than a metre long, which is ample to accommodate this requirement.

Once switched on, the Levoit 600S can be used either manually using the controls on top, or via the VeSync app. Each of the on-device controls lights up when you touch them, with multiple presses used to increase or reduce the fan speed.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Levoit 600S: Performance

• Effective dust and dander removal
• Quickly gets rid of aerosol particulates
• Less effective on kitchen odours

I tested the Levoit 600S in both an open plan 1960s detached house and a 1930s terraced house, the latter home to two asthmatics and a cat who is less than impressed at the ongoing renovations. The contrasting challenges were larger rooms with carpets, lots of upholstered furniture, and the odours associated with the older generation versus the renovation dust and the pet dander of our London home, which has wooden floors and tiles throughout.

Both have open plan kitchens where food is often oven-baked or prepared on a hob. I tested the changing air quality while sauteing a variety of vegetables as well as frying fish and meat, and noted whether having the window adjacent to the cooker made much difference to the rate at which the air purifier cleaned the air.

To set up the Levoit 600S air purifier, I first installed the VeSync app (iOS and Android versions are available). Next, I switched on the device and pressed the on/off switch on top until the Wi-Fi icon flashed blue. It was then recognised by the app and the two paired over Bluetooth. Next, the app searched for my home Wi-Fi network and prompted me for a login and password.

Although it accepted my previously registered email address, it doesn’t actually want you to provide the password for your VeSync app at this stage and is really after your Wi-Fi password. This tiny misunderstanding took moments to correct. Once connected, you will need to keep the VeSync app open as the firmware is updated. However, the 600S will start operating as soon as it’s connected to Wi-Fi, with its internal fan working at its level 4 maximum rotation speed.

Once the app has updated the firmware, you will be able to adjust the duration and schedules. You will also be shown the current air quality status based on the level of PM2.5 particulates it detects. What is not quite as apparent is that this screen also gives you the option to change the fan speed.

Sitting across the room, I found the Levoit 600S giving off a gentle rhythmic hum that was noticeable but unlikely to upset all but the most sound-sensitive family member. It hums along gently, with an unobtrusive decibel rating of less than 40 on the slowest speed setting and no more than 64dB when it kicks into its top speed rating and then settles at around 52dB. The ambient background noise in the room prior to switching on the air purifier was 38dB, so it barely disturbs the tranquillity.

Even my sound-sensitive mum was untroubled by its operation at the lower fan settings, but pleased with the improved room freshness after 30 minutes of use. Blasting Febreze at the fan itself for a sustained 10 seconds filled the room with choking levels of air freshener, but the purifier removed the lot in 12 minutes at setting 3 (of 4), while our comparison on opening the patio doors and other windows wide had no discernible effect after the same period.

I also found the Levoit 600S effective in removing dust from the air after a weekend of DIY, taking less than 20 minutes to clear the hallway and landing of visible particles. Sharing a home with a cat, I also appreciated it filtering stray hairs and slight odours.

However, it impressed me less when it came to removing cooking smells and signs of domesticity: the kitchen levels were modest before I began frying and sautéing, and the purifier was not much better than the overhead fan and an open window for this use. Given the 600S’ larger dimensions, we would no doubt choose its smaller sibling for this room in any case.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Levoit 600S: App

• Provides full control over the 600S
• Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls
• Strong scheduling and light sensing features

The VeSync app is well-designed with attractive graphics in calming shades of blue and turquoise. It provides a visual guide when setting up the Levoit device and has a user manual that you can access from its side menu.

You can control every aspect of the air purifier once installed, with options to adjust the fan speed, schedule days and times for it to operate, change air quality levels that will trigger it automatically switching on and off, and activate a light sensing feature that seems aimed at use in a bedroom. The rationale here is that the gentle hum of the fan helps promote sleep, especially once the air is duly freshened, so you can nod off without the interruptions from an asthmatic or cat-allergy wheeze.

The VeSync app is free to install and also works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant. This gives access to voice control options should you want to prompt your air purifier to go about its business without having to reach for your smartphone. I tried each of these without issue, finding the option to turn the fan off using a voice command useful when the phone rang while the 600S was clearing the air in the kitchen after cooking and I wanted to settle in for a chat.

Should I buy the Levoit 600S?

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How I tested the Levoit 600S

• I used the Levoit Core 600S air purifier and the VueSync app for 10 days
• Trialed it in two homes: one open plan; one a terraced house
• Substances purified included pet odour, cooking smells and air freshener

I used the Levoit 600S air purifier in a number of different rooms, finding it particularly efficient at clearing the odours from a downstairs room that doubles as an elderly person’s bedroom. Being able to effectively cleanse this room of telltale odours associated with ageing, as well as Febreze and other masking sprays that disguise them was a good test since we had lots of visitors during the week in which the 600S was installed there. I react badly to perfumes and sprays due to asthma, so quickly clearing these smells was critical to me too. I continuously sprayed the aerosol contents at the purifier fan until the PM levels rose above 150 before switching on the unit to begin clearing the particulates.

With one family member being particularly sound-sensitive, being able to instantly dial down the fan setting such that she was undisturbed by the fan was vital. I also tested the unit while frying food and after making toast, as well as setting the Levoit 600S to automatically purify the landing of my own home during and after stripping paint from the stairs and sanding them down. I used a decibel meter app on my phone to measure how loud the fan was at various settings.

I compared the effects of simply allowing the air to clear naturally by opening windows either side of the room with the performance of the 600S, timing both to see how long it took for the PM level to drop below 12.

To test the air purification monitoring and speed, I sprayed heavy particulate aerosols (dry shampoo and deodorant) while the purifier was in Auto mode. This mode detects changes in the room and sets the fan speed accordingly.

I lit a scented candle next to the purifier and also positioned it in the kitchen while frying and grilling different meat and vegetables. I measured the volume with a mobile phone decibel meter.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2023

One-minute review

Ikea is a brand most often associated with flat-pack furniture, meatballs, and the occasional viral plush, it’s not the first name you think of when it comes to innovation. However, its smart home line is certainly home to some whacky, creative ideas, including the Ikea Starkvind table, an air-purifying table that’ll freshen up any living space.

Available for $199.99 / £199 / AU$249 directly from Ikea, the Starkvind table joins other novel creations like the Symfonisk lamp speaker and Symfonisk picture frame speaker.

While it’s no show-stopper, the Starkvind table is fairly stylish in a modest, minimal sense, and the 55cm / 21.7-inch tall table has a fair amount of surface area to play with thanks to its 54cm / 21.3-inch diameter.

It’s not the most impressive and capable air purifier I’ve ever used, and it lacks a true HEPA filter. However, if you’re looking for a space-saving device, it’s a great option - albeit a slightly pricey one, for what it is. 

Ikea Starkvind table review: Price

The Ikea Starkvind table is available for $199.99 / £199 / AU$249 directly from Ikea. It’s a little overpriced for what it is, considering that some of our all-time favorite air purifiers, like the Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto, sit at the $150 / £100 / AU$150 mark, and offer superior performance and specs compared to Ikea’s Starkvind table.

Added to that is the fact you’ll have to buy the Ikea Dirigera smart device hub for $69.99 / £60 / $AU99 if you want to use the app, which provides smart features like air analysis, timers, and scenes. The app also enables you to bring the device into wider smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. There’s also an activated carbon filter for gaseous pollutants like formaldehyde which can be bought separately for $26 / £15 / AU$20. Both this filter and the included particle filter, which costs $20 / £7 / AU$25, need to be replaced every six months or so, depending on your level of usage, meaning that all-in-all, the table’s ongoing costs do add up.

In saying that, it’s robust, well-designed, offers decent performance, and is also a table, so it’s far from terribly priced. 

Price: 4/5

Ikea Starkvind table review: Setup and design

As is to be expected from the Swedish furnishing behemoth, the Ikea Starkvind table is a piece of flatpack furniture that comes in a surprisingly compact box.

It’s incredibly easy to assemble. Simply turn the main console upside down, screw in the legs, remove the filter’s packaging, connect the power supply, click the tabletop into place, and voila; one air purifying table ready to go. If you have the Dirigera smart home hub, pairing is just as easy - simply press the pairing button under the tabletop and follow the in-app instructions. Once in the app, you can check out the air analysis, timers and cutscenes. You can also easily integrate the Starkvind table into your Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant ecosystem here.

The tabletop is pretty simple, but still stylish, offering decent real estate with its 54cm / 21.3-inch diameter and 55cm / 21.7-inch height. Under the hood lies a standard Ikea Starkvind air purifier, its plastic casing designed to seamlessly blend in with the rest of the table’s design. At the front of the table is a dial to switch between the automatic detection mode and five power settings. If you hold this dial down, it triggers the lock function. There are also two indicator lights; one for the lock toggle and the other for when it’s time to replace the filter inside.

There’s some great attention to detail in the table, despite its simplicity. For example, one of the legs has an indent, in which the cable can be fed to keep the underside looking neat and tidy. The underside of the tabletop also features a set of anti-drip grooves, which prevent spilled liquids from reaching the purifier underneath. 

Setup and design: 4.5/5

Ikea Starkvind table review: Performance

The Starkvind table’s filter can remove roughly 99.5% of smaller airborne particles, including PM2.5 particles, dust and pollen. On its least powerful setting, the Starkvind table is impressively quiet, registering just 25dB on test. However, the volume amps up pretty quickly once you get to its third, medium-strength setting. 

By the time you get to the most powerful setting, it’s fairly noisy at 55dB, which is just a little quieter than a normal conversation. I had to raise my voice above the sound to be heard. While it’s unlikely you’d need to use this highest setting too often, I’d definitely have appreciated a slightly quieter performance. 

I kept the Starkvind table with air purifier running on its auto mode for much of my testing, and put it through its paces by lighting candles and spraying aerosols in the nearby vicinity. It has a two or three-stage filtration system depending on whether you purchase the gas filter. Air travels through a prefilter to remove larger debris and particles before heading through the main filter and the optional gas filter. The main filter is capable of removing 99.5% of PM2.5, meaning dust, pollen, industrial emissions and smoke are all covered. It’s worth bearing in mind that more sophisticated purifiers can handle a wider range of particulate matter to give your airways the utmost protection, however, PM2.5 tends to carry the greatest risk.

The air sensor in the purifier was very responsive to pollutants, quickly amping up the power to clear out the harassing particles. While it’s hard to assess how good it is at actually filtering out the particles, I did notice the air quality swiftly climbing to a healthy level on my air quality monitor when I did my aerosol and candle tests.

Maintenance is pretty simple with the Starkvind table - simply lift the tabletop off to check the filters and vacuum off any grub regularly, and replace the filters every 6 months or when the LED indicator on the front of the table notifies you to do so. 

While the table works as promised, the inability to take advantage of its smart features without Ikea’s smart home hub plus its fairly basic purification technology means it doesn’t land as well as other air purifiers I’ve researched and reviewed, like the Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde.

Performance: 3.5/5

Ikea Starkvind table specs

Should I buy it?

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How I tested the Ikea Starkvind table with air purifier

• I used the Ikea Starkvind table with air purifier for one month
• I tested its auto mode using candles and aerosols
• I measured its success with an air quality monitor

I built the Ikea Starkvind and tested it in my living room for one month, mostly keeping it on its automatic detection mode to test its reactiveness and efficiency. 

I kept my air quality monitor nearby to compare results, lighting candles and spraying aerosols in the vicinity of the table to see how quickly and effectively it cleared the particles from the air. 

Lastly, I compared the results to my go-to purifier, the Dyson Hot + Cool Formaldehyde HP09 as a benchmark. 

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde: Two-minute review

It was not love at first sight with the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde, but after just one day of using it in my own home, I don’t want to ever be parted from it – strong words for a rather big and bulky purifier fan, but I stand by it. It’s completely different from any of Dyson’s previous home purifiers – in terms of both design and functionality – although it shouldn’t be confused with the HEPA Big+Quiet that’s specifically for commercial spaces.

Like its name suggests, it is big and it is quiet. It’s been made to circulate clean air in large rooms while standing in a corner instead of in the center of a space to be at its most effective. Dyson says it can service spaces that are up to about 100sqm / 1,000sqft in size, projecting filtered air up to 10m. Moreover, the angle of the propelled air can be adjusted (there are three to choose from), so it doubles up as a powerful fan as well which, at full bore, isn’t louder than 56dB.

Dyson has adopted cone aerodynamics to more than double the Coanda effect the brand uses in its other purifiers. According to the British brand, this allows the Big+Quiet to process as much as 87 liters of air per second. This is a hard metric to measure, so I’m taking Dyson’s word on this, but it’s easy to believe if you happen to be in the path of the propelled air.

At this point, I think it’s important to point out that there are two Big+Quiet Formaldehyde models identified by their color schemes. For this review I was sent what is the Dyson-exclusive model and is more expensive because it has an additional CO2 sensor and a second filter inside (see the price section below for more details). I found the CO2 sensor very useful as you can never tell if your home needs ventilating or not. I was a little horrified at how quickly CO2 can build up in a space – if I leave my windows closed for about an hour for any reason, the CO2 levels can go from under around 400ppm (which is good) to about 1,500ppm (which isn’t that good). If left in Auto mode, the Big+Quiet will dynamically change its fan speed to circulate the stale air but that’s also an indication that you need to open some doors or windows as high CO2 levels can cause fatigue, headaches and loss of focus.

What the two models share are a whole bunch of other sensors that detect several common pollutants, including dust, pet dander, pollen and formaldehyde (emitted from several household products including new furniture and mattresses), as well NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) from car fumes and volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) from aerosol sprays like deodorants. These are then filtered by a HEPA filter that complies with the H-13 standard, the highest rating for a purification system. This means that the Big+Quiet has a fully-sealed filtration system that can capture up to 99.95% of air particles as small as 0.1 microns, and Dyson promises that the filter used in the Big+Quiet Formaldehyde will last you up to five years.

A tiny onboard display can cycle through the metrics of the different pollutants it’s filtering and shows you what the levels are in your home. These metrics can also be viewed on the MyDyson app if you wish to connect your device to your phone – which is advisable as that will also push out automatic firmware updates to the machine.

That’s a lot of features that will cost you a lot of money – it is Dyson’s most expensive domestic-use purifier to date. If you have the budget for it – and, more importantly, the space for it in a corner somewhere – it could well be worth your while if you’re concerned about your health, especially during wildfire season that’s becoming more common with each passing year.

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde review: price and availability

• Announced May 2023
• Two models available in US, Australia and Singapore; only one in the UK
• Price starts at $999 / £879.99 / AU$1,499

While Dyson announced the Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde range in May 2023 globally, it was released for Australian shoppers first. 

There are two colorways – Bright Nickel / Satin Dark Blue and Satin Dark Blue / Gold, with the latter being a Dyson exclusive only and will not be available to purchase from a third-party retailer. It’s also the model that will get you all the bells and whistles the Big+Quiet can offer, including the CO2 sensor and an additional K-Carbon filter that can capture three times more NO2 than Dyson’s other purifiers. This model will set you back $1,099 / AU$1,599 (around £830).

The cheaper model – which misses out on the above two features – can be purchased from Dyson and authorized retailers for $999 / £879.99 / AU$1,499.

Dyson says that the HEPA filter in the Big+Quiet will not require replacing for about five years – five times longer than the ones used in its other air purifiers – which could make it a little more cost effective than spending on, say, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde that costs $849 / £599 / AU$1,149, although this is also a heater and, thus, more versatile than the Big+Quiet.

Dyson has promised that the Purifier Big+Quiet will be available in other markets subsequently, but no timeline has been revealed and neither have the prices.

There’s no denying that the Big+Quiet range is expensive, especially when you consider alternatives like the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 – which is only available in the US at the time of writing – is $400. But if you have a large, open home whose air you’re keen on keeping clean – or at least monitoring – then this could be worth investing in.

Value score: 3.5 / 5

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde specifications

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde review: Design

• Looks like a large bowl atop a cylinder
• Needs remote control to operate
• Designed to be left in the corner of a large room

When I first laid eyes on the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde at its Sydney unveiling, I really wasn’t impressed by its looks. ‘Big’ and ‘bulky’ were the words that occurred to me. Then the Dyson engineer moved the machine… gently, with one finger. Yes, it’s big – but only compared to Dyson’s other home purifiers and bladeless fans – and looks a little clunky, but it’s not as heavy as it appears. Even then, it's a good thing there are hidden wheels that move very smoothly over hard floors (wood and tile). They don’t move as well over carpet, though, and that’s when the Big+Quiet really feels bulky.

It looks unlike any other Dyson purifier that has preceded it – it’s basically a large bowl that sits atop a perforated metal cylinder, each of which is packed separately in the box for shipping. You simply adjust the bowl over the cylinder till it clicks into place. It looks heavy, but it’s not and can easily be lifted.

The rim of the bowl is large, enclosing a smaller dome inside, in the middle of which is a square display that shows the metrics of the different pollutants it’s filtering. You can cycle through them by using the information button (denoted by a lowercase i) on the remote control. Below the display is a small power button – it’s black on black and barely visible. Between the rim and the inner dome are perforations from where the jet of clean air is propelled into a room.

The perforated cylinder houses the filters – two in the case of the more expensive blue-and-gold model (SCO and K-Carbon filter) and the one SCO filter in the cheaper option. When you need to replace or check a filter, you can quickly unclip the bowl using the toggle switch at the back, then lift off the cylinder by pressing on the two red buttons located across from each other on the inside. A small unperforated strip on the cylinder is where the machine’s tiny remote attaches magnetically.

As I’ve mentioned, there are wheels on the base of the Big+Quiet, but they have been designed to be invisible unless you turn the whole machine upside down. They’re extremely smooth on hard floors, needing just the slightest push to roll, but require some elbow grease to move on a low- or medium-pile carpet. I’m guessing it’s going to be nigh on impossible to move over a high-pile carpet or rug. 

While you’ll either love or hate the overall design aesthetic of the Big+Quiet, you have to keep in mind that it's been built so it can do its thing while standing unintrusively in a corner somewhere. Other purifiers will need to be placed in the center of a room and the fan kept at its most powerful for them to be at their most effective in a small space. But how many of us really plop our purifiers in the middle of a room?

Design score: 4 / 5

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde review: Features

• Three-phase whole machine filtration
• Breeze mode
• Modified filter and the CO2 sensor is handy to have

The top of the Big+Quiet has been designed to harness the power of cone aerodynamics that, Dyson says, more than doubles the airflow passing through the machine in comparison to its other purifiers. Dyson promises that this machine can process up to 87 liters of air per second which, while being a hard metric to measure, is easily believable when you consider the size of the machine and feel the jet of air being projected at full force.

This propelled air is supposed to be mimic the movement of a spring breeze – a Dyson engineer has apparently cracked the code on how to make this happened. I, however, am not quite sure I'd call it a 'breeze', but I found the air circulation very pleasant. 

This air movement is what Dyson is calling the Big+Quiet’s Breeze Mode and there are 10 fan levels to choose from. The air can be projected in three different angles – 0º or parallel to the floor, 25º and 50º. I found that having it set at 0º was ideal for using in the bedroom at night, while the other two suit larger spaces like living rooms. During my testing period, it hit 37ºC / 98ºF on a few days in springtime in Sydney, and I didn’t need to switch on my air conditioning as the Breeze mode was more than enough to keep me comfortable in both a smaller bedroom at night, as well as in a larger living room space with the fan going at the highest setting.

The Big+Quiet’s main function, however, is air purification. Filtration here is the same three-step system we’ve seen from Dyson’s best air purifiers, but with significant improvements. It adheres to the HEPA H-13 standard, which means 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns will be captured, and it’s fully sealed so none of them can escape back into the air.

The HEPA filter, according to Dyson, is made up of 21 meters of borosilicate microfibers pleated 459 times to make it fit within the cylindrical base, while also giving it plenty of surface area to capture pollutants and last a few years. It uses selective catalytic oxidization (SCO) to break down the certain pollutants, particularly formaldehyde, and promises to capture them at a molecular level – again, something that’s not possible to test chemically outside of a lab, but I’m willing to take Dyson’s word for it.

According to Dyson, the Big+Quiet’s formaldehyde sensor is powerful enough to detect molecules that are “500 times smaller than 0.1 micron”. The filter then breaks it down into CO2 and water, which then gets let out into the room as part of the stream of cleaned air. It’s important to note that the CO2 from formaldehyde breakdown is so negligible that it won’t be an issue at all.

If you opt for the more expensive Big+Quiet model, you’ll get an additional K-Karbon filter inside that uses a layer of carbon to capture odors, some organic compounds as well as up to three times more NO2 from car fumes (handy if you live on or near a main thoroughfare) than the standard SCO filter.

While you get full control of the Big+Quiet via its little remote control, you can also control it via the MyDyson app. A virtual remote control is displayed on the app and everything you can do with the physical remote, you can do on the app. You can also get graphical representations of what the machine is filtering. However, you can only get a per-day look. I wish Dyson would create a way to see a weekly or monthly report to get a broader overview of its performance.

Features score: 4.5 / 5

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde review: Performance

• 10 fan settings
• Auto mode is excellent
• Quieter than Dyson’s other purifiers

You need some specialized spaces and equipment to properly test a purifier, but I used it in my own home for a couple of months before coming to the conclusion that the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde does everything it promises.

While you can choose a fan setting between 1 and 10, there’s an Auto mode here that can be your default setting when it’s not too hot. In Auto, the Big+Quiet carries on filtering if it needs to, but will power down to Breeze mode level 1 if ventilation isn’t needed. The moment it detects too much CO2 build up or more household pollutants while you’re cooking, the power of the fan automatically increases. If there’s nothing for it to do, it will idle but not switch off. However, the automatic increase of Breeze mode setting occurred only once during my testing period and I have since not been able to replicate this scenario… which is probably for the best as the CO2 was in the red that time.

Where other purifiers don’t necessarily pick up particles in the air unless they’re really close by, the Big+Quiet is capable of detecting pollutants from a couple of meters away. For example, it was able to pick up that there were more VOCs in the air when I was sitting two meters away using some nail polish remover. I usually have the screen displaying CO2 (which is also its default), but the display changed to the VOC screen automatically to indicate the rise and that it was actively filtering certain particles. I even found that the smell of the remover didn’t linger as long as it usually does when no purifier or fan is on.

With the Big+Quiet, I found a lot of food odors tend to stay indoors for a long while unless there's good cross-ventilation – these also disappeared quicker than before I started using the Dyson.

What I really like is how quiet it is. Considering I have to shout to be heard over the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool when it’s at full power, I fully expected to do the same again. On the contrary, the hum of the Big+Quiet, even at full bore, disappears into the background as white noise. 

I don’t have a sound meter to make accurate measurements, but by using a smartphone app to measure the decibels, I got 60dB at level 10. This is with the phone’s mic held just below the main jet of air and standing less than a foot away from the machine. In comparison, the Pure Hot+Cool, which is half the height and a fraction of the diameter of the Big+Quiet, clocked up 62.9dB. The smaller machine’s sound is also higher pitched in comparison to the big one, making it harsher.

Dyson says it’s been able to lower the noise levels in the Big+Quiet by redesigning the motor for its purifiers. Sharp edges have been reduced and rough surfaces smoothened out to reduce air turbulence inside the machine, thus lowering noise levels.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Perhaps the best alternative to the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde would be another Dyson – the Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde. Not only is it cheaper, it’s also a fan and heater, making it a little more versatile for a little less money. However, it won’t do as well in a large space as the Big+Quiet. You can read our in-depth Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde (HP09) review to know more.

If you’re in the US, you could consider the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 as an alternative that costs a fraction of the price of the Big+Quiet. This is also a multifunctional purifier that can cool and heat as well, and it’s quiet too. Our tester was quite impressed with this purifier – read our full Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review to know more. This purifier, however, isn’t available in all markets. 

If you’re in Australia, perhaps the Breville The AirRounder Plus Connect could be a good alternative. It’s got a strange, fully rounded design, but it is quite effective in purifying, heating and cooling a space up to 40sqm. While we haven’t reviewed it on TechRadar, I tested the Breville AirRounder Plus Connect for our sister publication T3 a while back.

How I tested the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde

• Used every day for about two months
• Left it running continuously for 3 days on Auto mode
• Exposed it to various products, like deodorants and nail polish

I used the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde for about 8 weeks almost every single day. During that period, I tested it in different rooms, including a bedroom, the living room, open-plan dining and kitchen, plus a home office nook.

I tested all three Breeze modes and also left it in Auto mode to see how it would perform. During this time, I monitored how well it detected aerosols like deodorants, as well as how it handled strong odors from perfumes and food. I also had it running while I was cooking to see if the metrics changed.

I closed doors and windows to see how the CO2 sensor would perform and to see if the fan would automatically power up to ventilate the room.

I used an iOS app to measure the noise levels emitted when it was at full power (level 10) and used the same app to see how loud the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool can get when running at full bore as a comparison. I also compared the sound level to the Breville The AirRounder Plus Connect.

Read more about how we test

[First reviewed October 2023]

As we write this, wildfires are raging across parts of Canada, with the smoke from them spreading down the US East Coast and blanketing New York – among many other places – in a thick smoky haze.

As such, if you’re in or near one of the affected areas you might very well be wondering just how bad the air quality is. But even in other places and at other times, it’s useful to keep an eye on the quality of the air that you’re breathing – particularly in major cities, as these often have significant air pollution.

Fortunately, Google Maps makes this easy to do, and we’ll run you through the process below.

Note though that there are other ways to check air quality too, that don’t require the use of Google Maps. These include the likes of PurpleAir and the World Air Quality Index. We’re not going to explain those here, but they’re fairly straightforward and provide similar data to Google Maps.

Quick steps for checking air quality on Google Maps

• Open Google Maps
• Search for the location you want to check air quality in
• Press the layers button
• Select the ‘Air quality’ option

Step by step guide for checking air quality on Google Maps

Final thoughts

While Google’s air quality checker is an extremely handy tool – and potentially even life-saving in some cases – it’s not available everywhere.

All Google Maps users have access to it, but actual air quality data is only shown in select countries (including the US). So you might find that there’s no data available in some parts of the world.

That’s unfortunate, but alternatives we mentioned like PurpleAir and the World Air Quality Index show data for a lot more places, so there are still options.

If you’re checking somewhere that has data though, Google Maps makes for a slick, convenient option that most people will already be familiar and comfortable with using.

And if you're looking for more Google Maps tips, check out our guide to ten things you didn't know Google Maps could do.

One-minute review

If you were ever confused as to why you should buy something like the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA, you’re not alone. Air purifiers seem to be that kind of basic appliance that you go to the nearest big box store and buy whatever you find on the shelves. And, they’ll usually peak at a couple hundred dollars or quid at most. But, just like everything else, you get what you pay for.

Though the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA’s $399.99 / £349.99 price tag is nothing to sneeze at, going for 4 to 5 times many of the air purifiers you’ll on, say, Amazon, you might want to consider this model over those cheaper options for a few reasons. There’s a few reasons that we’ve included it on our list of best air purifiers.

To start, there are some additional features that could replace other devices such as space heaters and stand-alone fans that make that price a little more justifiable. And, no matter its function, it not only does it well but does it silently.

It’s not a perfect air purifier. There’s no app like you might find with smart air purifiers, for instance. And, if you have central air and don't need any of the other features, you can obviously find plenty of options for much cheaper.

That said, I found the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA to be a pleasure to use. Maybe there’s no app. But, the control panel doubles as a removable remote control. No matter how hard I push it, it’s much quieter than the single-purpose space heater sitting next to it. It purifies, heats, and fans to your whims.

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review: price and availability

• List price: $399.99
• Available in the US
• Not available in the UK or Australia

At $399.99, the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA is certainly an investment. But, if you consider that you could spend $300 getting a good air purifier, a good stand-alone heater and a very good fan, the price tag of this 3-in-1 unit makes a bit more sense. So, while it’s not cheap, it provides a lot more value than you might assume at face value.

Consider that the aforementioned Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 goes for $769.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,149.00, you can definitely spend a lot more keeping the air in your home clean. Of course, that Dyson does come with some smart features and extra filtration that you won’t find on this Shark Air Purifier. But, considering how good a job this air purifier does, it’s a matter of preference, in my opinion, of whether you want to spend a little more for all the features and the absolute best air filtration or half the price and still get excellent performance and features.

Also consider this. The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact, which has just two of the Shark’s three functions is much more expensive, coming in at $549.99 / £499.99. Of course, it does look a little cooler with its Sci-Fi Q-tip look, not to mention its 350 degree oscillation is much wider than what the Shark offers.

You can find the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 available to buy on resellers such as Amazon or when you shop direct with the brand on the Shark website. Be sure to also check the latest Shark coupon codes for more ways to save before you buy.

Value: 4 / 5

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review: Specs

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review: Design

• Somewhat nondescript cylindrical design
• Color-coded LED to show air quality in real time
• Control panel can be used as a remote

Compared to units like the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact, the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA is not going to turn any heads. That’s not to say that it looks bad. It doesn’t. It has a simple, cylindrical design in a dark gray and silver colorway that will disappear into the background the way any nondescript appliance would.

In essence, the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA puts function over form. The bottom half of the unit is filled with tiny holes while the top contains air vents on the front and back for pushing out cool or hot air. The only real color comes by way of the LED screen in the center of the air purifier. It shows readings of the Air Purity level, temperature if you’re using heat, fan level, and a few other indicators. All of this is surrounded by a changing LED ring that will turn to red when the air quality is bad, orange when it’s just ok, and blue when the air is clean.

As far as controls go, for some reason, there’s a dial on the side to switch to engage the heating functionality. Considering that the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA purifies no matter which setting you’re on and the fact that you can still use the fan when the heater functionality is engaged, it’s a strange and seemingly redundant feature.

More interestingly, all the vital controls are in a circular control panel on top. Why is this so interesting? It’s held in place by magnets so that you can pull it out and use it as a remote. You can control the heat and fan functionality with the remote as well as set it to Auto or dim the LED display if you’re going to sleep.

Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention the HEPA filter. Getting to it is pretty easy as you just remove the lower back for access. As it’s meant for a 500 square foot space, it should last about six to twelve months before needing to be replaced.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA review: Performance

• Does a good job purifying
• Heating and fan functionality are quick and quiet
• Remote could be better

The Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA’s core functionality is the ability to purify and it does its job well. When running in a small to medium room, up to 500 square feet, the air is noticeably fresher as this purifier removes all sorts of impurities from the air. In particular, it looks for three sizes of particles to remove: PM1, PM2.5, and PM10.

I was able to experience its purifying in real world testing in a few ways beyond just having it run while I go about my day. The first example is a little gross so skip the next paragraph if you’re squeamish.

The litter box in my living room was in dire need of being entirely replaced and you could smell it whenever in the vicinity. I set up the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA right next to it where it registered the air quality at around 71% clean. It managed to over a few hours get the air quality up to 88% without the litter box being changed out, meaning the source of the lower air quality was constant. Yet, not only was the air purifier able to offset it but the odor from the litter box was completely mitigated as long as you didn’t get within a foot of it.

For a more palatable example, I burned some strong Japanese Sandalwood incense right next to the air purifier. I placed it on the ground about a foot away and within 10 minutes, the Shark purifier’s LED changed to a bright red with a reading of 27% for the air quality. While the odor of the incense did linger for a while, it is very strong. The air quality hit 40% after an hour and got up to 80% after three hours.

When it comes to the heating and fan functionality, I consider them good enough to replace other stand-alone units. Not only was I able to keep my bedroom heated at a consistent temperature but it starts blowing out hot air fairly quickly.

The fan is equally powerful as it has six different settings and will start blasting cool air immediately, though it’s important to remember that this is not going to replace a swamp cooler or air conditioner. Also be aware that you’re not getting the 350 degree oscillation of some other models. While Shark doesn’t specify, it looks to about 180 degrees.

Regardless of how I used the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA, it operated surprisingly quietly, especially in comparison to the noisy space heater sitting next to it. For instance, with the fan setting on, I registered just 49dB, about the level of a quiet conversation.

Lastly, we should discuss actually interfacing with the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA. Being able to remove the control panel from its cradle atop the air purifier to use as a remote is pretty terrific. However, it’s not the most responsive remote. I have to make sure I’m pointing it at the LED screen and sometimes I have to press buttons harder or more than once for that press to register.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If you would prefer to circulate air rather than purifier it, then one of the best fans would be an alternative to consider...

How I tested the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA

• Tested for a few weeks
• Exposed it to strong odors to see what it would do
• Went through all the various modes and functions

To test the Shark Air Purifier 3-in-1 with True HEPA, I not only used it for a couple weeks to see how it would fare in my bedroom as well as the living room. But, I also intentionally put it in close vicinity of some strong odors to see how it would function. Additionally, I regularly used the heating and fan function. All dials and buttons were pressed to see what they would do as well.

Read more about how we test.

[First reviewed May 2023]

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. 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 Levoit. 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 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 #4, which is 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.

Not quite right for you? Another good air purifier for small rooms is the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. That one has a machine-washable pre-filter, and doesn't offer the option to create a custom routine.

Read our full GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite review

The best Dyson air purifier

Dyson is known for its slick 'loop amplifier' air purifier-fan combos, and our favorite of the bunch is the Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09. It can detect a wide range of particles and contaminants, including PM2.5 and PM10, VOCs, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide, and there's a useful Auto mode where the TP09 will kick into action when it detects contaminants. In our tests, it noticed and cleared particles efficiently, and while it didn't work as well when it came to removing odors from the air, we've yet to find an air purifier that can do this well.

We also found the HP09 responsive and easy to use. The companion app reports changes in air quality promptly, provides additional control options, and fills in background info about the air quality in your home.

Dyson markets this as a fan-purifier combo, and while the airflow is decent, and the oscillation impressive at up to 350-degrees, it's not as powerful nor as consistent as the best fans on the market. A useful addition with this model is the ability to switch the fan 'off' (or more specifically, redirect the airflow out the back of the machine) when you don't want to be bothered by a breeze in the room.

As you might expect, it's not cheap, but there are occasional deals to take the price down. Plus, given the range of contaminants the TP09 can take care of, the responsive controls, and useful data provided in the companion app, you're getting plenty of bang for your buck.

Like the general vibe but not sure the TP09 is exactly the right model for you? There are a number of Dyson purifiers and fans that offer slightly different things at different price points. They include the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde, which we've included at #8 as our top pick for big spaces.

Read our full Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 review

The most stylish air purifier

If you don't want your purifier to stick out like a sore thumb in your lounge or bedroom, check out the Blueair Blue Signature. This purifier has a design that's inspired by furniture – and in fact, it can double up as a side table, so you're making maximum use of that floor space. As with the Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i (#1), the washable, fabric pre-filter is available in a range of colors, and here you can also add a base to help it blend into you room decor even more seamlessly.

It's not all about looks, and the good news is the Blue Signature delivers excellent performance, too. In our tests, it was efficient in detecting and clearing a spraying of dry shampoo from a couple of feet away, and it proved very capable of tackling odors, too. It also operates pleasingly quietly.

The touchscreen controls – which light up when they sense motion nearby – are intuitive to use. For remote control you can use the Blueair app, which contains plenty of useful features including automations and color-coded graphs showing up to a month of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 readings.

On top of the four fan speed options, there are three special modes: Auto (where the purifier will operate at speed 1 and increase if it detects contamination), Eco mode (purifier is idle until contaminants are detected), and Night mode (speed 1 with most – although not all – lights switched off). Our tester was a fan of the 'AirSense' automation, where the Blue Signature performs a quick freshen up twice a day when in Auto or Eco mode.

Not quite right for you? Another option is the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table, which similarly doubles up as furniture so you're not wasting floor space unnecessarily.

Read our full Blueair Blue Signature review

The best air purifier for removing odors

It might not look especially exciting, but the Levoit EverestAir comes with an especially glowing recommendation: it's one of our regular testers' go-to purifier, out of the 50-plus different models she's reviewed. She's especially impressed with how well it removes odors, even on lower settings.

This purifier is designed to be used in larger spaces, but despite being ultra-powerful, it's relatively compact in size. You might appreciate the straight-sided design, which can sit flush to a wall or slot into a gap between furniture, rather than something rounded like the Dyson Big+Quiet Formaldehyde (#8). Once in place, you can adjust the vents to control where the clean air is directed, and when the air purifier is off, the vents will close to keep dust out.

A touchscreen control panel runs across the top of the machine, and although it includes a lot of different elements, they're clearly presented and relatively easy to navigate and understand. The machine is able to detect and provide readings for PM 1.0 (fine dust and microtoxins), PM 2.5 (dust, smoke, and pet dander) and PM 10 (pollen, ash, and airborne allergens). For remote control, you can use the companion app, which includes options to turn the device on or off, switch modes, create a schedule and more.

Inside the EverestAir you'll find a 3-stage filtration system that includes a washable pre-filter, a H13-HEPA filter and an activated charcoal filter. This combination has proven more than up to purifying the air in our reviewer's open plan home, clearing everything from cooking smells to the second-hand smoke from a chain-smoking neighbor effectively and efficiently. It has the long-term stamp of approval too – our tester has been using hers on and off for a couple of years, with no issues or complaints.

Read our full Levoit EverestAir 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 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 for at-home use, it's overkill. But if you have a large space that needs efficient, effective purification, you'll struggle to find anything better.

Read our full Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde review

The best premium air purifier

If budget isn’t a concern and you want one of the most capable air purifiers you can buy, the IQAir Atem X is worth your consideration. Our tester has had it running in an open-plan home for over 12 months now, and it’s consistently been one of the quickest and most reliable air purifiers they've used. Its high CADR ratings (417 for dust, 422 for smoke, and 454 for pollen) translate into real-world speed, clearing strong cooking odours and second-hand smoke in under 10 minutes in many cases.

What really shone through in testing is how much control you get with the IQAir Atem X. With eight fan speeds and multiple smart modes, it’s easy to dial things in depending on the situation, whether you want near-silent background purification or a more powerful clean-up. Even at mid-range speeds, it stays fairly quiet while still pushing a strong amount of air.

It also uses HyperHEPA filtration, which targets extremely fine particles down to 0.003 microns, and it still performed impressively in testing even without a carbon filter — something you don’t often see at this level. Design is another big win: it’s slim enough to sit flush against a wall and feels more like a modern interior piece than a typical appliance. We don't get to say that about air purifiers very often.

As always, there are a few compromises. The obvious being that it’s very expensive and the replacement filters aren’t cheap. There’s also no voice assistant support, which feels like a slight miss at this price. But if you’ve got a large space and care more about performance and design than price, it’s one to consider.

Read our full IQAir Atem X review

Specs comparison table

Also tested

Not every air purifier we test earns a place in our main line-up. The models below didn't quite fit a specific category, but they're still strong performers that may be a better match for certain homes, budgets, or air quality needs.

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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One-minute review

The changing seasons can make it difficult to precisely predict the indoor temperature and air quality, yet with the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 you can prepare for any eventuality.

The Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is a convenient all-in-one air treatment device that acts as a fan, a heater and sophisticated air purifier all in one. It's also packed with smart functionality and useful design features. It'll come as no surprise that all that tech – and from a brand like Dyson – it also comes with a fairly hefty price tag.

However, for that high price it delivers decent bang for your buck. You're essentially getting three appliances in one – it's one of the best fans and one of the best air purifiers we've tested, and the heating is an excellent bonus when the cold weather sets in, too.

Not only can this air purifier destroy the carcinogenic formaldehyde, but it can do so without the need for a replacement filter; its catalytic filter is self-sustaining, trapping formaldehyde molecules into water and CO2. The rest of the filtering is handled by two pairs of replaceable filters: HEPA H13 particulate filters and carbon filters that Dyson claims work with its catalytic filter to remove 99.95% of particles from the air down to 0.1 microns.

Standing at 30 inches / 76.4cm tall, the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is smaller than some of Dyson’s other air treatment appliances, and its 8.6in / 220mm diameter base is pretty space-friendly, meaning it can sit happily on a table or the floor. The fan can be tilted, too, and offers 350 degrees of oscillation, making it easy to optimize airflow regardless of where you position the device. It's also aesthetically beautiful, with a futuristic – yet not obtuse – design.

The Hot+Cool Formaldehyde comes with a remote that attaches to the top of the unit magnetically, but there’s also a sophisticated, easy-to-use app that allows remote control. The latter offers generous insight into the air quality in your home, tracking not only the temperature and humidity, but also the levels of pollutants and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10, VOC, NO2, HCHO). You can also check on the status of the Hot+Cool’s filters via the app, ensuring they’re replaced in good time.

Aside from the hefty price, our only real criticism of the Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is that it lacks the ability to automatically switch on when it detects changes in the air unless it in Auto mode. Otherwise, it’s an absolute dream to have and use around the home, comprehensively caring for your lungs in ways you might not even know you need. If the price is too much for you (understandable), the brand makes a number of alternatives with slightly different features, many of which come in at a slightly more affordable price. Our Dyson fan guide runs through your options.

That's the short version; read on for my full Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 review.

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 review: price & availability

• List price: $769.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,149
• Worldwide, including US, UK and Australia

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 will set you back $769.99 / £699.99 / AU$1,149, and is available to buy directly from Dyson, as well as via various third party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, John Lewis and Currys. It comes with a remote and a set of HEPA + carbon filters ready for installation. Replacements cost $79.99 / £65 / AU$99, which Dyson recommends you do once every 12 months to ensure optimal performance.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5  

Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde air purifier review: Specs

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 review: Design

• Compact and easily moved
• LCD screen
• Bladeless fan

As is to be expected from Dyson’s high-tech and futuristic devices, the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is a stylish and svelte unit, taking the form of many of the rest of Dyson’s bladeless air treatment products.

Measuring 30 inches x 8.6 inches / 764mm x 220mm (H x D), the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is pretty compact, especially considering the number of features it houses. It’s light enough at 12.6lb / 5.5kg to be moved around your home fairly easily, and the 5.9ft / 1.8m cable is a decent length to ensure it can be positioned where you need it.

The base of the unit is encased in matte gold, with holes through which air is drawn in to be filtered, moving to the top-mounted bladeless ovular fan. It’s here that you’ll find the HEPA and carbon filters; the catalytic filter sits deeper within the machine, filtering out pollutants and particulate matter from the air.

The fan offers 350 degrees of oscillation, and can be tilted up or down. Note, too, that the airflow can be set to move both forward and backward, for those occasions you don’t want the air directly projected at your face. Just beneath the fan is a small LCD that displays live data.

The Hot+Cool Formaldehyde arrives with a matching gold remote, which, rather handily, attaches to the top of the fan magnetically. It’s pretty easy to knock off, though, especially when the fan is tilted.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 review: Performance

• Quiet night mode setting
• Rapid purification

On test, I was super-impressed by the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09, which performed brilliantly for heating, cooling and purifying.

The fan offers 10 power settings, allowing you to customize the speed of airflow, which spans from a soft waft to a powerful blast of cold or hot air. It’s surprisingly quiet in operation, too; in night mode, the fan auto-adjusts to the soft, quiet level 4, and its lowest setting is whisper-quiet, registering just 40db on our decibel meter – which is the equivalent volume of a quiet library. Even on its highest setting, the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde registered 60dB, which is about as loud as a spoken conversation.

With the app and the controller, you can adjust the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde’s oscillation, rotation, and direction – all of which are incredibly useful if, like me, you find yourself needing to tweak your environment throughout the day.

My apartment is often victim to sudden changes in temperature, and so I was a big fan of its auto mode as a way to keep my workspace at a consistent, comfortable temperature. The device can heat up to 98°F / 37°C (pretty quickly, too), taking my flat from 21°C to 23°C in 15 minutes on its max setting (8.5ft / 2.6m per second airflow) and oscillating by 45°, cooling it quickly and effectively back down to a less uncomfortable temperature.

On the purifying side, I tested the capabilities of my Hot+Cool Formaldehyde by spraying my dry shampoo aerosol near the unit. The device quickly detected the change in air quality, indicating that the level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) had risen on both the LCD panel and in the app.

Next, I tried lighting incense and a candle to see how the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde handled the particulate matter. Just a meter away from the purifier, the candle and incense stick spiked the air quality from “Good” to “Very Poor” according to the Dyson app – slightly alarming – but it managed to restore healthy levels within 10 minutes of the purifier being turned on. When I repeated the test without turning on the purifier, it took an hour just to clear the “Very Poor” range.

Dyson doesn’t achieve a full home-run with the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde in my books, largely due to the absence of automatic features unless you're in Auto mode. While the device can be toggled within the app to continuously manage the air quality, frustratingly it can’t be programmed to switch on when it detects low air quality. I’m sure there are clever ways to retrofit this feature using home hubs, but not having this as a native feature feels like such a missed opportunity – and it’s a concern that users have raised with previous Dyson air treatment devices.

However, overall I was really impressed by how responsive and rapid the Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde was on test. Since my home has some issues with mould and damp, and is situated right next to a major road, having greater visibility and control over my home’s air quality is a huge boon.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 review: app

• Device maintenance options
• Remote air purifier control
• Near-live air quality data

The remote control is great, but it’s the app that swayed me on the overall effectiveness and usefulness of the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09.

Connected to the Dyson app, as per other Hot+Cool and air treatment products from the manufacturer, you can keep track of the air quality and temperature within your home, the lifespan of the filters, and also make use of several fantastic smart features.

These include the timer and schedule, which will be handy for those looking for a low-maintenance device. In addition, you can also turn on continuous monitoring exclusively through the app, if you want round-the-clock insights into the air quality in your home. Control of the Dyson Hot+Cool Formaldehyde using Siri and Alexa is also possible, making this a fantastic addition to your smart home setup. It’s a little annoying that you have to set this all up in the Dyson app; I much prefer using my Apple Home application and seeing all of my devices in one place.

It’s a wonderfully easy-to-use and slick app, complete with a virtual controller for those occasions you don’t want to grab the physical one, delivering lots of value-adding information, right down to the levels of specific pollutants in your home. This was best seen via the dry shampoo and flame tests, during which the app presented an overview of the overall air quality, PM2.5, PM10, and VOC levels to help determine how I should treat my air.

I particularly enjoyed the app’s fan direction control, which allowed more granular control than the physical remote. It’s impressively low latency, too.

When testing the responsiveness of the Hot+Cool Formaldehyde to pollutants, it was a little daunting watching the live data numbers slowly tick up as the volume of particulate matter in my home increased.

• App score: 5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

If you would prefer a fan to keep to cool instead, here are a couple of options to consider...

How I tested the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09

• I used the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 and its partner app for 2 weeks
• Stress testing with various substances and measurements

I had the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 in my home for two weeks, and every day I used the device to manage the temperature and air quality within my home. I tried all of the various settings available through the app, as well as checking out the device maintenance options.

To test the air purification monitoring and speed, I sprayed heavy particulate aerosol (dry shampoo), lit a scented paraffin candle and also lit a scented incense stick. I also measured the volume with a mobile phone decibel meter and tracked the changes in room temperature through both the Dyson app and my in-home thermostat.

Read more about how we test.

[First reviewed April 2023]

IKEA has beefed up its smart home range with a new sensor that can detect indoor air pollutants to help make your home significantly healthier.

The new Vindstryka air quality sensor measures a type of 'particulate matter' known as PM2.5, which is invisible to the naked eye and can pass through your lungs and into your bloodstream. In the home, these inhalable particles are usually produced by cooking, candles, some types of heating, and tobacco smoke.

Alongside PM2.5, the Vindstryka also measures humidity, temperature, and TVOC (total volatile organic compound), which measures the pollution levels of various gases. On the downside, IKEA's sensor doesn't measure CO2 or carbon monoxide, which means it isn't quite a comprehensive standalone solution. 

Still, the Vindstryka does have a handy screen to show you live readings of everything it's tracking, and its main benefit is that it connects to IKEA's new Matter-ready Dirigera smart home hub. This means it can be used to automatically trigger other smart home devices, like fans or air purifiers, based on air quality readings, making it a possible contender for our guide to the best smart home devices.

Naturally, IKEA makes its own versions of those accessories, including the Starkvind air purifier. Connect this to the Vindstryka air quality monitor, and its fan speeds will adjust automatically based on the amount of PM2.5 in the air. 

But the promise of Matter, which is a new smart home software standard, is that products made by different manufacturers will all be interoperable. So connecting the Vindstryka to a Matter-ready hub like the Dirigera means it'll theoretically be capable of talking to all kinds of other smart home products when they're available.

The Vindstryka will be available to buy from April, though IKEA hasn't yet shared official pricing. Some rumors suggest it'll cost in the region of €39 (around $42 / £35 / AU$61), but we'll update this story with official pricing when we get it from the home furniture giant.

Analysis: Air quality monitors are a smart idea 

Do you really need a smart air quality sensor at home, or are they overkill? An actual air purifier like the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact will clearly do more on a practical level to capture particles and they can offer some insights from their sensors. But the benefit of a monitor like the Vindstryka is that it can slot into a wider smart home setup.

There is also evidence that our indoor air does often contain some hidden dangers, like the PM2.5 particles that IKEA's monitor detects. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered that levels of some troublesome gases are on average between two to five times higher in our homes than outdoors. Separate studies from Dyson found that this was exacerbated during global pandemic lockdowns.

With a study from the World Health Organization also finding that 3.2 million deaths per year are caused by household air pollution, there is clearly some benefit in tracking and tackling the pollutants in your home – particularly if you spend a long time inside while working from home.

IKEA admits that its Vindstryka monitor isn't a panacea, stating that "we know that there is no single solution to solve indoor air pollution" and that it partly exists to increase awareness. Some rival models, like the screen-less Netatmo Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor and Airthings View Plus, do also go further by detecting things like CO2 levels.

But it's good to see affordable new air quality monitors arrive that promise to play nicely with Matter-compatible accessories, so we can finally realize the dream of an automated smart home system that does more than gimmicky tricks.

One minute review

The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A Purifying Fan is one of a range of air treatment appliances that the brand offers; this model is designed to purify and cool the air in a room. Dyson purifiers combine intelligent sensing with an advanced filtration system. The aim is to capture gases and 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns in order to clean the air in the space in which it's placed. It's a fantastic solution for those who suffer allergies, or those who endure seasonal perils. The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact cools, too, oscillating 350° to circulate air.

Arriving with 10 speed settings, it includes a night mode and integrated sensors that analyse the air while it's in use. You can use the included controller to toggle through live results of air analysis on the LCD screen, as well as view the target temperature and filter status, so you know when the latter needs replacing.

We reviewed the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact during a spell of hot weather, late in summer 2022, where we'd say it proved it worth. Priced at $549.99 / £499.99, it's one of the most expensive coolers currently on sale – although the fact that it purifies the air too justifies the cost to a degree. However, it lacks the insight technology that we've now come to expect from this innovative brand, plus there's no app control available either. Nevertheless, the neat little controller does provide access to all the features and functions; it perches on the top of the appliance when not in use.

While we have pretty mixed feelings about the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact, ultimately, it's an impressive piece of kit, with nothing else like it currently available, unless you're shopping from elsewhere in the Dyson fan range.

Keep scrolling to find out how we got on with it then, head to our best air purifier guide to see where it sits. If you prefer something a little cheaper and smaller to keep you cool, then check out our best fans guide.

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact price and availability

• List price: $549.99 / £499.99
• Available in US and UK

The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A Purifying Fan, also known as the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact in the UK, is available to buy direct from Dyson for a less-than-cool $549.99 / £499.99. It's an expensive air cooler but the ideal investment for the summer months, and homes with allergy sufferers.

It's also available to buy from resellers including Best Buy, Home Depot and Target in the US, and Argos, Currys, John Lewis and Very in the UK. Don't forget to see what Dyson promo codes are currently available to also reduce the price.

Value: 3.5/5

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact design

• Oscillates up to 350°
• Backward airflow mode
• 10 speed settings

The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A Purifying Fan is a rather beautiful-looking appliance. Featuring smooth curves and standing tall, it comes in a white / silver color that will easily fit with most home decor.

Measuring 41 x 7.8 x 8.6in / 105 x 20.4 x 22cm (h x w x l), it makes a statement in the room, and its bladeless design makes it safe to use around young children. The battery-powered controller sits discretely on the top, secured by some sort of magnet that keeps it in place.

Setup was relatively straightforward. Out of the box, it was just the two filters that needed securing – one at the front and one at the back – and the two protective slides clipping on. The unit is mains-powered, so there's no need to pre-charge the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact before first use. However, note that the cable is only 5.9ft/1.8m long, so it can't be positioned too far away from a socket.

In use, the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact can oscillate up to 350° – so, again, you'll need to consider placement in order to best benefit from sufficient air flow. To purify the air, backwards airflow mode diverts air through the rear of the machine, so we advise that the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact isn't positioned too close to the wall.

It arrives with 10 speed settings and a night time mode, allowing you to control the power and noise output. We tested it in our front room where we spend most of our time and in use we barely noticed it was running – aside from the gradual reduction in the temperature of the room.

Design: 5/5

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact performance

• Quiet in use
• Gradual cooling of the room
• Senses and reports the air automatically

As an air purifier, the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A Purifying Fan proved brilliant. We used it mainly during a super-hot couple of weeks in September, the warm weather bringing with it a lot of irritating pollens. Following a couple of hours of use, the air in our front room felt noticeably lighter to breath. The Autoreact was set to oscillate and the low speed setting was more than sufficient. The filter didn't seem appear to take too much of a hit during those two weeks of relatively heavy use either.

In terms of cooling, yes, the temperature of the room did drop eventually. To say we were sweltering would be an understatement; we were in need of instant cooling, but the Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact proved more of a slow burner. Even when on its highest speed setting, the results took some time to be felt.

Using the remote, it was interesting to toggle through the integrated sensors and reports to gain some insight into the air quality of the room in which the Autoreact was sat, as well as the status of the filter. The color LCD panel proved helpful on which to view the information the cooler/purifier provides; however, an accompanying app would likely deliver more room for detailed analysis.

The Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact proved incredibly quiet in use, measuring in at 26db – 60db on our noise level meter, which is a similar pitch to rustling leaves on the lower speed and a normal conversation on the higher speed..

Dyson advise that you'll need to replace the filters every 12 months, and they can be bought direct from Dyson for $69.99/£65.99. Remember, you can keep an eye on filter status via the integrated reports, accessed via the controller.

Performance: 3.5/5

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact score card

Should I buy?

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Don't buy it if..

• First reviewed: October 2022

One minute review

The Dreo Pilot Max is a powerful oscillating tower fan that offers users a variety of speeds, modes and oscillation degrees to adapt to different preferences. This fan has been designed to offer extreme cooling as quietly as possible. It stands tall at 42 inches / 107 cm but takes up barely any floor space, making it a strong choice if you need the best fan with a minimal footprint. 

Australian-based brand Dreo is best known for its tower fans. Released in 2022, the Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan is the brand's latest model, improving upon its predecessor in a number of areas. It follows the Dreo Pilot Pro, which delivered nine speeds versus the Max’s 12 speeds, and 90-degree oscillation versus the Max’s 120 degrees.

The Dreo Pilot Max arrives with the brand’s all-new brushless DC motor, which can operate as quietly as 25db. The fan is also designed to adapt its fan speed to the ambient temperature through its Auto mode, but users can customize to their heart's content via Dreo’s user-friendly app, a remote control or via the controls on the fan itself. A stand-out feature of the Max is the fan’s ability to record the room’s current temperature and adapt its settings to achieve an ideal temperature.

The fan’s multiple speeds and degrees of oscillation will reach different areas of a large room and promise to cool you down, no matter where you’re sitting. When cooking in a kitchen, the fan successfully circulated the air to prevent that space from overheating. 

The Dreo Pilot Max is best suited for individuals and families looking for a powerful fan that will suit a variety of cooling preferences, with its adaptability and remote/app control options making it simple to operate. As someone who grew up with basic table and pedestal fans, I appreciated not having to move the Dreo Pilot Max around the room to cool different areas based on the time of day and activity. 

Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan price and availability

• List price: $129.99 
• Available in a variety of stores

The Dreo Pilot Max costs $129.99 and is widely available from various stores including Amazon, Walmart and the Dreo website in the US. It’s not currently available in the UK or Australia.

While this fan is expensive when compared to other tower fans on the market, the features make it worth the money. Offering 12 speeds, four modes, four oscillation degrees, a silent motor, ambient intelligence and app capabilities, it’s a step ahead of its competitors. 

Price and availability score: 5/5

Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan design

• Stands tall at 42 inches (107 centimeters)
• Easy-to-use LED display, remote control and app
• Elegant and sleek design 

The Dreo Pilot Max 120° Oscillating Tower Fan boasts a simple but elegant design and arrives in just one color: classic silver. The cylindrical-shaped unit stands tall at 42 inches, but takes up a minimal amount of floorspace in a room. The circular base has an area of 113 inches (287cm) and the fan's dimensions are 11.81 x 11.81 x 36.22 inches (30 x 30 x 92cm).

It’s super-easy to set up using the Quick Start Guide, but there is a more detailed user manual available in the box, if you need it. Also in the box you’ll find two base halves, the fan, the remote control and the power adapter. Tools won’t be necessary for setup: simply put together the two base halves using the insertable pegs and slots. Once you slot the fan onto the base, securely screw in place with a nut. 

The Dreo fan features 12-speed settings and four modes. The modes include Normal, Natural, Sleep and Auto. The oscillation angle can be set to 30/60/90/120 degrees, but it can be changed only through the app. Other settings include a timer from 1 to 12 hours that will turn off the fan automatically depending on the time set, and a mute button to turn on/off remote-control sounds. 

Tower fans in general are designed to be less noisy, using their taller composition to distribute the maximum amount of air. Comparatively, pedestal fans may be more powerful but tend to take up more floor space. 

Design score: 4.5/5

Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan performance

• A variety of working modes for different preferences
• Powerful but silent fan
• Easy to move around if needed

The Dreo Pilot Max is extremely easy to use, and you won’t have to take advantage of all its features to notice a significant improvement in air circulation and temperature when it’s on. The Quick Start Guide is helpful for initial setup, but thereafter, the basic features are intuitive. The control panel at the top of the fan has six clearly labeled options with easy-to-understand symbols. As you choose your options, the LED panel lights up and displays the chosen mode and speed of the fan. It also shows if it's connected to the Wi-Fi and if the buttons are muted. At night, the LED display will go into Dark mode to not disturb your sleep. 

To fully take advantage of all the fan has to offer, I recommend reading the manual. The most hands-off mode is Auto, where the fan speed adapts to the ambient temperature. It’s a great option for those users who simply want to turn on the fan and be done with it. In Normal mode, the fan will run at a constant speed. Natural mode will see the Dreo fan run at alternating speeds, mimicking a natural breeze. Finally, Sleep mode is the most intricate, with the fan speed decreasing every 30 minutes until it reaches level three, two or one, where it will remain constant for the rest of the night. 

To test the fan, I placed it in two different rooms with different uses. My studio apartment has one large single room that’s both a bedroom and living space. As such, having a fan that can reach every corner without having to be moved is key to my and my partner’s comfort. Depending on how far away I was from the fan, I’d adjust the speeds and modes to make it as efficient as possible. Since the fan can reach up to 120 degrees of oscillation, my partner and I could enjoy the cooling capabilities of the Dreo Pilot Max, even if we were on opposite sides of the room. For general living purposes, the Natural mode proved best, since the alternating speeds and low noise meant that you could forget that the fan was in the room. The cooling felt natural, as if a breeze was passing through an open window.

In my kitchen, space is limited, and the area tends to heat up significantly when the oven or the stovetop is in use. But the Dreo Pilot Max came to the rescue. As soon as I started cooking, I turned it on in Normal mode, for a steady speed. In terms of oscillation, I set the fan to 60 degrees, which was appropriate for the size of the kitchen. Cooking in these new conditions was infinitely more pleasant; plus, cooling also prevented the warm air in the kitchen from escaping into the main living area – a regular occurrence prior to using the Dreo Pilot Max. At the highest speed level, the fan still operated silently, with noise never topping more than 48dB.

The handle at the top of the Dreo Pilot Max is great for easily moving the fan from one location to another. In addition, its 9lbs (4kg) weight allows it to be moved with almost no effort.

Performance score: 5/5

Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan app

• Easy download and set-up
• Can connect to Alexa and Google Home
• Extra features aren’t included on the physical fan

The Dreo app is easy to navigate, and users can connect to their Dreo Pilot Max as well as other Dreo app-supported appliances. Once downloaded, I simply had to sign up and press the oscillation button on the fan for five seconds to start the network setting and device pairing.

On opening the app, you’ll see an image of the Dreo Pilot Max; you simply swipe up to access the settings. Here, you’ll see the current room temperature, with an option to change the mode, change or stop oscillation, speed level, set a timer, and turn the fan on or off. The remote and control panel allow the same functionality, except the ability to view the current room temperature and change the degree of oscillation. 

App score: 5/5

Dreo Pilot Max Tower Fan score card

Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

• First reviewed: September 2022

One-minute review

Prior to testing the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage, this reviewer was under the impression – much like a lot of consumers, we’re inclined to think – that the bigger the fan, the more effective it is at keeping a space nice and cool. And yes, on some level, that is true. You can’t very much expect one of those cute pocket-sized travel fans or a personal desk fan to keep the heat at bay for your entire living room, can you?

However, we’ve also pretty much given up on our massive obnoxiously loud yet absurdly ineffective floor fan this summer and just had the AC running all-day, all night. Until we tested the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage Air Circulator, that is.

This small adorably-retro-looking fan, which is not even as tall as our old fan’s head’s diameter is wide, might be a little more than what the average consumer would spend on the best fan. In fact, considering its size and its trimmed-down features, its asking price of $179 in the US and £215 in the UK might be a bit much.

However, the fact that the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage is unbelievably effective at keeping our Southern California apartment living room cool, airy, and uncharacteristically non-punishing in sweltering 80 - 90ºF / 26.6 - 32.2 ºC  weather, makes it a fantastic fan deal and probably one of the best appliance purchases you’ll ever make.

Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage: Price and availability

• List price: $179 / £215 / AU$349
• Widely available with resellers

At $179 / £215 / AU$349, the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage is certainly not what you might call budget-friendly. It’s pretty pricey for a small fan, and while there are a couple of other models of the Vornado Vintage, one of which comes with an adjustable stand so you can lift it off the floor a few feet, this one actually doesn’t have any height adjustments. Nor does it have oscillating power.

Still, it doesn’t really need those. We’ve had this fan sitting on the floor and keeping our living room and, at night, our bedroom cool for a week and a half, and it hasn’t failed us yet. So, while it isn’t exactly the cheapest, it’s certainly among the best value fans on the market. 

It’s widely available in the US while many major retailers in the UK and in Australia - such as Amazon - have it on hand, although prices do vary in these two regions. Some retailers are selling them at list price while others seem to do so at a markup. If you’re in the UK or Australia, be sure to shop around first as you’ll likely find a better deal somewhere else.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage: Design and features

• Small footprint, robust metal build
• Beautiful retro design
• No oscillation, 360-degree pivot

Of course, we’re not saying that the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage doesn’t come with its set of great features. On the contrary, it boasts what Vornado calls a “full-action” pivot head, which means that its head may be turned 360-degrees, allowing you to easily turn it to whatever direction you desire.

This feature is also a testament to the build quality of this fan. You can effortlessly pivot the fan head – and silently, we might add – and set it to whatever angle. The fan, in turn, stays in that desired position without wobbling or wavering. It sounds like basic stuff, but you’d be surprised at how many fan heads aren’t able to hold a position that well. 

Even its mechanical switch for changing speeds, located in the back within easy reach, feels robust and is unlikely to fall off. Why do we mention that specifically? Because over the years, we’ve seen fan control dials cracking or falling off and eventually going missing, so we think it’s worth noting.

Of course, its durable metal construction speaks for itself. Don’t let the word “metal” put you off or make you think you’re getting one of those ugly industrial or warehouse electric fans. This one manages to stay stylish and luxurious without sacrificing toughness so you’re getting the best of both worlds. 

And, while it is reminiscent of fans from the 40s and 50s – we looked it up, and it really does look like the Vornado 1950 model – it also has that sleek look to it that allows it to fit well in modern setups. Unlike its granddad, however, this much newer model comes with five deep-pitched blades, instead of three.

It’s got a small footprint, not desk fan-small but small enough to be easily stowed in an average-sized closet when not being used regularly. It isn’t tall, either, at just 17.3 inches / 44.1cm. What it is, however, is front-heavy so grabbing it from the back to move it to another area might not be the safest. We found that pivoting the fan head so that it’s pointing directly at the ceiling and grabbing that with both hands is the easiest way to move it.

We opted for green when asked if we had a color preference for our test unit, and we love this color. However, it’s also available in vintage white if you prefer a neutral tone.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage: Performance

• Powerful enough to cool down a medium-sized room mid-summer
• Impressive air circulation
• Motor stays cool and relatively quiet

Apart from being stylish, robust, and adorable, the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage is also impressive in terms of performance. This small fan isn’t just powerful in blowing air; more importantly, it’s incredibly effective at circulating air in the room – and that’s without oscillation.

That comes from the way its blades and head are designed. In fact, Vornado has opted NOT to have oscillation – apparently because it really isn’t that effective anyway especially with the way that most fans blow out air in a straight and direct pattern. Instead, the brand has designed this fan to blow out air in a constant, twisting spiral pattern that’s powerful enough to bounce air off walls and ceilings to help circulate it around the room for better cooling. Vornado calls it, aptly so, “Vortex Action.”

We know that all that sounds like fiction, but it really does work speaking from experience. This reviewer, for one, absolutely hates direct fan air – unless it is absolutely sweltering, and it’s a choice between that and melting. So, we’ve only really had the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage pointing in our general direction but upwards towards the ceiling. 

And, we can attest to its effectiveness. Living in an apartment with inherently bad air circulation – in the summer, it gets hotter than outside – really the only thing that’s ever really worked for us was turning on the AC. That, or using the swamp cooler if we wanted to lower our energy consumption.

That is, until we tested the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage Air Circulator. It keeps our living room nice and cool, as well as delightfully breezy in certain areas, in 80 - 90ºF / 26.6 - 32.2 ºC weather. That’s at medium and high speeds. At night, as temperatures cool down, we do have to turn it down to low because it does get too cold if we don’t.

Above 90ºF  / 32.2 ºC, it isn’t as good as keeping things cool, but it still keeps the oppressive heat away, which is pretty impressive. And, it does all that without the motor ever overheating. Even after a few hours of this fan running on high, that back of the fan where the motor sits keeps things cool.

Admittedly, it isn’t blissfully quiet. But, it is relatively so, especially compared to the much larger fans that we’ve used in our lifetime. So, while you can still hear it – and the people on the other end of those video calls might as well, depending on how good your webcam mic is at blocking out ambient noise – it’s not too loud that it’s distracting.

We get it; some people like having that oscillating feature, especially those who do enjoy feeling that fan air hitting them directly, the breeze blowing through their hair. But, you certainly won’t miss it with the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage, especially if your primary concern is keeping your space comfortable during the hottest summer days.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage score card

Should I buy the Vornado VFAN Sr. Vintage?

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• First reviewed September 2022

One-minute review

Meaco is a British company that was established more than 30 years ago by a husband and wife team. It’s seen much expansion since, and is now known for its air appliances such as dehumidifiers, fans, air conditioners, heaters and humidifiers.

Its range of fans comprises five models, covering smaller desk-top units to a large floor-standing fan. The MeacoFan 260c Cordless Air Circulator is the smallest and cheapest in the range, but this little fan has plenty to offer. As an air circulator fan, it's designed to be placed next to a cool air source, to distribute the colder air evenly around a room (here's more on fans vs air circulators).

This model can be used cordless, and still works while it’s charging via the supplied USB cable. There are four speeds to choose from, and it can run for up to 14 hours at the lowest speed setting or four hours at the highest. There’s even a night light in the base, which is an unexpected extra feature given its budget-friendly price.

One of the biggest issues with rechargeable products is that when the batteries reach end-of-life, the whole product has to be replaced. Happily, this isn’t the case here: the MeacoFan 260c’s batteries can be replaced to extend the life of the fan.

On test this fan proved a welcome addition to my home during a summer heatwave. Whether in the kitchen, office or garden, you can keep it close by, no matter what you’re doing. At its highest speed setting, it blew out a more powerful breeze than we had expected, producing little noise while it did so. 

If you’re looking for the best fan to cool you from the other side of the room, this isn’t the model for you. However, it’s a great budget-friendly portable fan that will come in handy throughout summer.

Price and availability

• List price: £34.99

The MeacoFan 260c Cordless Air Circulator is only available in the UK. Get it direct from Meaco or through Amazon. It’s the cheapest model currently available in Meaco’s fan lineup. 

• Price and availability score: 4/5
• Check out our fan deals page to make a cool saving

Design

• Compact
• Simple one-button operation
• Easy to dismantle

This neat little fan measures just 26.9 x 16.6 x 14cm / 10.6 x 6.5 x 5.5 (h x w x d) and it’s also lightweight at 490g / 1.08lbs. It charges via a 1.2-meter/ 47-inch USB cable that’s included in the box; but there’s no plug, so you’ll have to use your own or charge it via another device such as a laptop.

The MeacoFan 260c is operated via a single button that can be found on the top of the base. Press it once to turn the fan on, while every subsequent press increases the speed, before finally switching it off. Pressing and holding the button for two seconds will turn on the night light, which illuminates the bottom part of the base.

An LED light surrounds the button, with the portion that’s lit white increases as the fan speed is increased. It also has an orange half that serves as a charge indicator when the fan is plugged in. There are no other fancy settings to get your head around; this fan is very straightforward to use.

The fan head can be tilted up or down to better direct the air. There’s no side-to-side adjustment, but you can achieve that through fan placement. The base has four rubber feet and the battery compartment can be opened using a screwdriver, allowing the batteries to be replaced when they reach the end of life. And for easy cleaning, the front grille twists off and the fan blades can be removed with a firm pull.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Performance

• Straightforward to use
• Works best at a close range
• Great portability

The MeacoFan 260c comes out of the box ready to go; there’s no setup required. Our model even came with enough charge for a couple of hours’ use, so we could put it to work straight away. And using it is very straightforward indeed – after a quick glance at the manual, we had all the information we needed.

There’s very little to dislike about this little fan – as long as you’re happy to have it close by; otherwise, you won’t feel the benefit. That said, on the highest setting we could feel a breeze at a range of 3.5 meters/ 11.5 feet. Still, the closer it is, the better.

Note that this fan won’t cool the air in any given space. Following an hour of being turned on in a room, there was no appreciable difference in the room’s temperature. But like all fans, you’ll benefit from the windchill effect when the fan is blowing towards you, and so will feel more comfortable as a result.

The nightlight on the base emits a gentle glow that would be useful in a children’s bedroom, and while the lights around the main button are useful for indicating the speed, in a bright setting the white light can be difficult to make out.

We used the fan in a number of rooms and scenarios, including while we cooked on a hot day, where it provided welcome relief from the heat of the kitchen. It was also great in a home office – not only does the MeacoFan 260c cool, it doesn’t look out of place perched on a desk, nor does it take up too much space.

The fan was also welcome company while eating in the garden, with its cooling effect much needed on a hot day where simply being in the shade wasn’t enough. It was great while working out on the Peloton, too, making a sweaty ride far more pleasant. And therein lies the beauty of this little fan – you really can place it anywhere, enjoying its benefits wherever you are.

The noise level varies depending on the room and the surface on which the fan is placed, but as you’d expect, it’s quietest on the slowest speed, averaging around 40dB. At the highest speed setting, the noise level goes up to about 60dB, which is still just a gentle hum.

The front grille comes off with an easy twist to provide access to the blades for cleaning – a gentle wipe should suffice. There really isn’t any other maintenance needed, other than changing the batteries when they reach the end of life.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Battery life

• Charges via USB
• Replaceable batteries
• LED light indicates charging progress

Meaco claims a full charge of the 260c fan takes six hours. However, during testing, we found the time varies depending on the method you’re using to charge it. It usually took 4-5 hours, not that we’re complaining. During charging, the circular LED light around the main button flashes orange; it’s divided into four segments, with each one representing 25% of charge. When half of the circle remains steadily lit, you know it has reached 50% charge.

On the highest speed setting the battery lasted 4 hours and 15 minutes, a quarter of an hour longer than Meaco claims. But on its lowest speed setting the fan lasted an impressive 19 hours, which is 5 hours more than the time stated in the manual. When we used it on high speed with the night light on, the fan still lasted 4 hours before the battery ran out of juice – this is the worst-case scenario.

We like that the battery is replaceable, so that the life of the fan can be extended. The manual says you’ll need to replace the battery after 300 charges, which is less than a year of use if the fan is used daily. A pack of two replacement batteries costs around £20 which can be bought direct from the Meaco website.

• Battery life score: 5/5

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Suffering from itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, or a runny nose constantly, even when you’re at home with the windows shut? Indoor air pollution or the dust, dirt, and gases in the air in your home could be to blame. 

Dyson's new air purifier can detect and remove formaldehyde - the most common VOC  - along with other dust and allergens from the air, projecting purified and heated (or cooled) air back into the room to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

How you heat your home, how you cook and the cleaning product you use - and the furniture you have in your home - can all contribute to indoor air pollution, and while you may not notice any effects right now, according to the WHO, 3.8 million people every year die due to exposure to indoor air pollution. 

The Dyson Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde is priced at $749.99 / £599 / AU$999 and is available now in the UK. It will go on sale in the US on May 6, and in Australia on May 27.

Clean Tech that aims to rid our lives of germs and allergens has become more popular over the past few years, and air purifiers are just one of the gadgets that fall into this category. 

While most air purifiers on the market successfully remove dust and dirt from the air, many struggle to successfully remove the gasses emitted by the products we use to clean and decorate homes. Known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) these colorless gasses build up over time. 

• Read our in-depth Dyson Pure Cool Me review
• Everything you need to know about the Dyson V15 Detect vacuum cleaner
• Our picks of the best vacuum cleaners

Quieter and now with added voice control

The Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde is also 20% quieter than previous versions and has an Auto Mode that will maintain the preferred temperature in the room. 

Alternatively, the air purifier can be manually switched on or off using the Dyson Link app for smartphones and tablets. It also offers support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri so you can change the temperature in the room with your voice too. 

In terms of the tech inside the new air purifier, an electro-chemical cell is the base of the formaldehyde sensor rather than a gel-based sensor, as Dyson says gel-based sensors found in competitors models can be prone to drying out over time, which it claims makes them less efficient. 

The sensor also uses an algorithm to ensure it only detects and destroys formaldehyde, ignoring other gases emitted into the air in the room from products or processes that don’t cause allergic reactions. A catalytic filter then breaks down the formaldehyde into tiny amounts of water and CO2. 

The air purifier has also been redesigned so the filters are sealed within the machine, so there’s no way for air to bypass the filters.

The information about the allergens and gasses the air purifier has caught, along with the temperature and humidity, are displayed on the built-in LCD display too, giving you a clear picture of just how clean the air in your room is. 

Evidence of a deep clean

Dyson's latest air purifier is aiming to tackle an issue that we can't see, but certainly looks to be affecting long-term health. The LCD screen that displays the levels of allergens the purifier has removed from the air, will go some way to showing homeowners that the air indoors really is cleaner. Dyson's latest cordless vacuum cleaner, the Dyson V15 Detect, counts and sizes the dust it removes from floors in the home, displaying the data on a similar LCD screen. It's clear the brand is on a mission to show consumers that they really have thoroughly cleaned their homes when using these products. 

• Check out the latest smart home device deals

Two Minute Review

Dyson’s Pure Cool Me fan and air purifier would be cool enough, looking as it does like a Stanley Kubrick 2001: A Space Odyssey prop. But its ability to send blasts of chilled air in directed waves around your person makes it cooler still.

Small enough to sit on a bedside table, but powerful enough to be felt a few feet away, it does a good job of fitting that ‘personal’ fan bill. You may want to look elsewhere if you’re after the best fan to chill a larger room, but it’s certainly a capable option for a bedroom or home office, where its relatively-quiet operation will be most appreciated.

The Dyson Pure Cool Me is also an effective air purification system, with an onboard display letting you know how hard its filter is working. Mileage will vary here, particularly if you’re not prone to noticeable reactions to allergens, but it’s a nice space saving to feature to have as a dual-purpose gadget. Note, however, that filter replacements, available only direct from Dyson, are pricey.

With no connected features, it’s one of the more simple Dyson fans. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, making for straightforward operation and likely driving the price down a fraction. But if you’re looking for a smart home addition, or are prone to losing a remote, this button-less fan may frustrate. However, at its core this is a hard-working fan – and one that you may not feel the immediate urge to hide in a cupboard once the weather turns a bit cooler.

Price and availability

• Good value for a combo from Dyson
• Still carries the Dyson-brand premium

The Dyson Pure Cool Me is available now and costs £299 / $349.99 / AU$499, making it the most affordable of Dyson’s fan-air-purifier combo range. That’s down to their relative power and size, with the top of the range ‘Tower’ model significantly more expensive, and the medium-sized ‘Desk’ version costing more than the Dyson Pure Cool Me, too.

Dyson products come at a premium, and that’s no different with the Dyson Pure Cool Me, so we’d encourage you to consider if you really want both a fan and an air-purifier. If you do, this space saving solution is great – if not, buying a single-purpose Dyson fan or air purifier will be cheaper.

Design

• Easy to use
• Attractive, compact design
• Filter access is straightforward

Dyson has a knack for making devices that don’t look like their conventional rivals, and the Pure Cool Me is no different – even against Dyson’s own range. Yes, it’s a fanless design, but rather than having an open loop like other Dyson fans, the Pure Cool Me features a dome-like top sat on a cylindrical base, measuring 401 x 254 x 247mm. The dome area where air is pumped out is finished with a white gloss plastic, while the base is a perforated silver aluminium.

Rather than the ‘Air Multiplier’ technology seen in other Dyson fans, the Pure Cool Me uses a system called Core Flow, concentrating blasts of air at you by pushing two streams of air together and over a convex surface. That dome can then be adjusted to send the air directly at you, or upwards for a more general cooling of an area. 

Ten speed settings can be flicked through, as well as a 70-degree oscillation mode. A sleep timer can also be accessed as well as power on and off functions, and also an information button that scrolls through some rudimentary stats (fan speed and filter health) on a circular display situated on the fan’s base. All of these controls are accessed by a small remote that magnetically attaches to the front of the Dyson Pure Cool Me – which you’ll want to do well to look after, as with no app control supported here, and only a single power button on the rear, you’ll lose these control options without the remote. 

The dome part can easily be lifted up to access the single part filter (provided solely by Dyson), which Dyson claims is capable of capturing gases and 99.95% of ultrafine particles in its activated carbon and glass HEPA layer. It’s one of the easier filters to replace as a result, even if it is a bit pricey.

It’s worth noting that the power plug for the Dyson Pure Cool Me is on the chunky side though – we had to shuffle a bedside cabinet forward considerably in order to plug the fan in behind it.

Performance

• Quiet operation
• Effective personal cooling
• Air-purifying functions suffer from lack of connected features

As a personal fan, the Dyson Pure Cool Me excels. By pushing its dome up or down, you can easily direct its air flow directly at you, or upwards for a room-cooling effect. It’s quiet in operation, making it a good desk or bedside table buddy, and its oscillation offers just enough movement to get a good breeze going.

It’s not the most powerful fan we’ve used, even at its top speed setting – if you’re sat on the other side of a larger room, it’ll feel a bit lost. But it’s one of the few fans of its size that can take control of a smaller room without its output noise being too much of a distraction. It’s perfect for staying cool overnight as a result, without disturbing sleep.

Thanks to only having on-remote controls, it’s one of the easiest Dyson air purifiers to use. You simply switch it on and let it get to work. However, it also limits its usefulness, too. For starters, there’s no smart home functionality, so the device cannot be accessed remotely nor switched on as part of a room group. But more importantly, the lack of Dyson Link app functionality means there’s no way of gauging how effectively the filtration system is working, nor can it respond to incoming data the app can send regarding in-air pollutants. Other Dyson Link-enabled devices can turn themselves on automatically if a high concentration of pollutants are recognised. It likely keeps the price down, but considering you can’t actually see in-air pollutants, we’d have appreciated the omniscient auto controller here, and the pollutant-quelling evidence the app stats provide.

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• Find the best deals on Dyson products with our Dyson promo codes.

• Best vacuum cleaner: from Dyson to Shark and everything in-between

A fan heater and cooling solution in one, equally comfortable cooling or heating whichever room you put it in? That's what the Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool fan heater sets out to be, and succeeds in being.

Some smart upgrades over early models make the AM09 the best fan in the line series so far (smart, connected variants notwithstanding), but it's going to cost you.

Dyson’s fan line has impressed us – not least because they safely remove the dangerous blades of traditional fans in favor of Dyson’s smart bladeless air multiplier technology. Does the AM09 fit the trend? Let's take a look.

Dyson AM09: design

It’s not easy to make a device as utilitarian as a fan look exciting, but the Dyson AM09 pulls it off. The fan is available in black and white shades, but we opted for the black model which wouldn’t look out of place in Darth Vader’s office on the Death Star – which is high praise indeed, unless you’re Obi-Wan Kenobi.

The most striking thing about the design of the Dyson Hot + Cool AM09 is its bladeless cavity. Making up close to two-thirds of the footprint of the device, It’s through this loop that the warm or cool air is propelled, using Dyson’s air multiplier technology to draw air in, and throw it back out at a cooling speed, or through its heater. 

• Best vacuum cleaners: from cordless Dyson to robot Roomba

While aesthetically looking super cool, it’s also much safer than the spinning blades of a traditional fan, and even when blasting out higher temperatures never becomes so hot as to be uncomfortable to touch. It’ll also automatically turn itself off if for whatever reason it gets knocked over, making it relatively baby-safe.

The rest of the cylindrical shape is is taken up by the tilting, optionally-automatically-rotating base, which includes the air vents, a single power button and a small LED display which lets you know which mode, speed and temperature the fan is set to.

Standing about 60cm tall, it’s just about compact enough to be considered a viable desk fan, though we felt it was better suited to standing on the floor, slipping nicely into the corner of a room. With its chrome accents and neat industrial design (little touches like the magnetic resting spot along the top for the remote ooze premium quality), the AM09 has that rarefied distinction of being interesting to look at, and yet not an overbearing distraction in a room. It’ll slip right into basically any decor, but it does have a tendency to attract dust and (on the black model at least) smudgy marks. Thankfully, it wipes clean with a damp cloth, so any blemishes are unlikely to be permanent. 

Dyson AM09: performance

You want to get hot, or stay cool? As a two-in one device, the AM09 has you covered whether it’s the deepest darkest nights of winter, or a sweltering summer’s day. As a fan heater, it can pump out either fast blasts of cooling air, or warm cosy waves.

Flipping between the two modes is as simple as a push of a button on the Hot + Cold’s remote, with a foolproof red or blue color coding letting to switch between heat options. The remote also controls the intensity of the air pumped through (in ten distinct levels), oscillation options, a sleep timer (in increments up to 9 hours) and the precise temperature you’re looking to hit, as illustrated by the base unit’s LED display. 

Note though that, with only a power button on the fan itself, you’re going to be unable to access these controls if the remote goes missing – making that magnetic area at the top previously mentioned all the more important. The remote is about three inches long, and is handy for making quick adjustments from the other side of a room (and was particularly useful when tucked up in freshly-warmed bed), but could easily find itself lost in the depths of a sofa.

The Hot + Cool AM09 can be set to pump air out at any temperature from 0 to 37°C. What’s particularly smart is that it’ll intelligently adjust its output based on the ambient temperature of the room – the temperature you set is what it’s aiming to reach and maintain in the environment around it, rather than a measurement of what it’ll be constantly pushing out. So you don’t have to worry about a room getting overly hot or cold if it’s left to its own devices for too long. Cleverly, Dyson has engineered the heating components to never rise above a maximum of 200°C – that’s the burning point of dust, preventing that unpleasant smell from arising when dust starts to collect in the unit.

Two more buttons on the bottom of the remote offer the last pieces of the Hot + Cool puzzle – the width of the air stream. You can choose between a wide dispersal mode, or a new “Jet Focus” option which sends a directed blast in a narrow cone. This is great for the lone user – whether pointed at your chilly toes under a desk in November, or at your sweaty post-run face in June, you can quickly get a comforting blast to fix your mood.

As for how noisy the fan is, that depends on the speed level you’ve got the fan set to. At its top levels, it is indeed notably loud, constantly humming. For better or worse however, it does fade into the background after a little as it’s a constant presence – it’s only when you switch it back off that you notice quite how present it has been. As you’d imagine, the intensity of that feeling is directly proportional to the level of the fan, so if you’re happy to have it running at lower level, it’ll be more palatable. And, in its defence, it’s a much more agreeable sound than you’d get from a bladed fan.

Verdict

The Dyson Hot + Cool AM09 fan heater is a great-looking, hard-working fan that will slip comfortably into many decors, quickly getting a room’s temperature to that ‘just right’ Goldilocks temperature. But those looks and abilities come out a high price – it’s a great fan, but it’s among the more expensive you’ll be able to kit your home out with. As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.

• Find the best deals on Dyson products with our Dyson coupon codes.

• The best smart home devices

Berlin’s massive tech exhibition IFA was dominated by the big brands’ unveiling of phones and giant TVs, but beyond the headlines are hundreds of eye-catching new ideas. Is a digital teasmade insane? Possibly. How about a wearable air purifier, a ‘digestive tracker’ and a Wi-Fi hotspot with a camera? Or maybe you would like your next child to be pointing a camera at you from its crib?

What seems odd today is next week’s normal, and many of the ideas that first get floated at IFA can go on to become, or to inspire, the next generation of must-have gear and gadgets. Here’s our pick of this year’s most intriguingly odd new tech on show at IFA 2019.

1. FoodMarble AIRE Personal Digestive Tracker

Take a deep breath. Now exhale. Yeah, you shouldn’t have eaten that. A pocket-sized breath-tester, FoodMarble’s AIRE figures out what foods you are unable to digest. The first-ever ‘personal digestive tracker’, AIRE caters for the one-in-eight people that eat food not compatible with their digestive system, something that can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

“Users log food, sleep, stress, sleep and symptoms in the app and take regular breath tests throughout the day,” says Aonghus Shortt, CEO of FoodMarble. “Each breath test measures the level of fermentation in your gut, which indicates how well a certain food is being digested. Our users come to us because they are tired of guessing what foods are triggering digestive problems for them.” Yuck.

FoodMarble AIRE is on sale now for £149 (about $180 / AU$270).

2. Samsung AirDresser

Samsung has gone a bit mad. Its tortuously long press conference saw the unveiling of the AirDresser, a ‘personal garment solution’ that, er, releases powerful jets of air to de-dust and sanitize clothes. Now that’s solving a problem that no-one thought they had.

For those who need to ‘refresh and revitalise’ their clothes or are sick of spending so much time at the dry cleaners, the wardrobe-shaped AirDresser emits ‘jet steam’ from a vent on the floor to remove bacteria (?) and a heat pump to dry them out and remove smells. Yup. It comes in the ‘Crystal Mirror’ color, which makes it look a bit like a fridge. It’s presumably designed for smoggy cities in Asia because Samsung also talked-up a ‘wind-free’ air purifier. Samsung solving the big problems?

3. Aalto Explorer FIND-X 3 Underwater Drone

The ocean covers nearly 70% of the Earth, yet 95% of it remains a mystery. So why don’t we discover it… together? Finland-based Aalto has developed the world’s first underwater expedition platform where anyone can sign-up and enjoy – via a virtual reality headset – live streaming video in real-time from the bottom of the world’s oceans.

The vehicle plumbing the depths on various expeditions will be the new Aalto Explorer FIND-X 3, a remote operated vehicle – yup, a drone – fitted with a 360° camera, with a 4G (and, soon, 5G) equipped floating mobile above, tethered via an umbilical cord. The ‘passenger’ sees what FIND-X 3 sees via a web browser or phone. It’s all currently at the prototype stage.

4. Barisieur Tea and Coffee Brewing Alarm Clock

Are you old enough to remember the teasmade? The automatic tea-maker-meets-alarm clock, popular in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, hasn’t been seen for decades, and yet its stylish return at IFA 2019 instantly seems inevitable.

Mind you, the Barisieur is a far higher grade beast than the analog brewers of yesteryear. It makes both coffee and loose leaf tea using a stainless steel reusable filter, with water brewing in 3.5 minutes using induction tech, to reach 94°C. It uses infrared to detect if milk is present, and if it is, it cools it to 3-8°C. The Barisieur also includes drawers for coffee, tea, sugar and spoons.

And if anyone was under the illusion that this is a new kind of teasmade, it’s really only a digital makeover; the Barisieur gives the caffeine addict options to wakeup with a cuppa ready to drink, or it can be delayed by five, 10 or 15 minutes after the alarm. Available in black or white, Barisieur costs £345 (about $420 / AU$620) and is on sale now.

5. Véritable Connect Smart Garden

In the UK and worried about Brexit's impact on fresh food? Probably not, but why risk it when this (ironically) French-made ‘smart garden’ from Véritable can help you grown your own aromatic herbs, edible flowers and baby vegetables all year round?

Promising to create the perfect growing conditions for the organic seeds of sweet basil, curly parsley, chives and cherry tomatoes, it includes in the box (as well as organic soil), Véritable Connect is completely autonomous.

The unit provides plants with automated light, irrigation and nutrients, and an app lets you know when the water tank is empty (that happens every three weeks). All you’ve got to do is harvest and gobble it all up. Véritable Connect costs £245 (about $300 / AU$440).

6. Babeyes Baby’s POV Camera

What does the world – and what do we – look like from a baby’s point of view? It’s something that most of us have never thought of. Or, at least, we’ve never thought we needed to record for posterity. That was until Babeyes came along with the tagline ‘babies' first memories forever’.

Essentially a  first-person camera for babies, a small camera is hidden in a teddy bear-shaped badge that pins to a baby grow. It then records any motion it detects in full HD 1080p quality and once its contents have been transferred to a computer, software looks for faces and shows only those clips. So although it sounds like it’s about the baby, it’s actually about showing the parents footage of themselves. Scary stuff. It costs $139 (about £110 / AU$200).

7. Airvida C1 Wearable Air Purifier

If Babeyes is essentially a gadget for parents rather than children, here’s one that’s all about the kids. The world’s only (obviously) wearable air purifier designed specifically for children aged three to 10 years old, Airvida’s C1 generates 2,000,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter every 0.6 seconds around a baby’s face. That’s 100 times more than 'natural forest ion concentration' according to the makers, which of course makes perfect sense.

It’s supposed to reduce the pollen, airborne allergies and allergens that a baby may breathe in, though isn’t that just going to make for a sickly child? It might seem intrusive, but it only weighs 22g.

8. bONE Tech IceBRKR Ski Goggles

It’s another wacky proposition. Here are some ski goggles that let you listen to music, and even chat with your mates anywhere on the slopes up to a mile away without having anything in your ears.

There are two slabs of tech behind bONE Tech’s IceBrkr ski googles. The first is bone conduction, which does away with the need for in-earphones. Instead, vibrations in your ski helmet send low-frequency sounds into the inner ear directly through jawbones. That’s something AfterShokz has been doing for a few years. The technique’s advantage is that you can also hear what’s going on around you, which is crucial when you’re on the slopes.

The second secret is Bluetooth 5.0 MESH, which lets you create an intercom with up to 17 other people within a mile that also have devices using the same tech. That sounds great for staying in touch, something that’s very tricky in large ski resorts. It’s on Kickstarter now for around $100 / £80 / AU$140.

9. Capsulier REVO Coffee Packaging Machine

Love good coffee, but hate evil coffee capsules? Hugely convenient and massively wasteful, coffee capsules that go into espresso machines go into landfill. You’re also tied to buying one brand of capsules, often at great expense. So why not just make your own?

This capsule packaging gadget makes custom-blend coffee capsules in minutes, pops easily into espresso machines, and creates any kind of blend a coffee-lover can dream of. Capsulier uses stainless steel capsules that can be used ad infinitum. Expect to see a finished version of the REVO in mid-2020.

10. Welt Smart Belt

As tech zones go, wrists are so passé. Sure, we all tried and loved (and then quickly got bored of) a Fitbit around our wrists, but then retreated to using fitness apps on smartphones that just can’t be reliable. So what about this for a convenient half-way house? Made in South Korea, the micro USB-charged Welt is a belt that tracks the size of your waist as it expands and contracts, uses a pedometer to track your activity – just like a Fitbit – and also takes account of how much you’re eating. It then tells you want/what not to do via a phone app.

• IFA 2019 is Europe's biggest tech show, and the TechRadar team is in Berlin to bring you all the breaking news and hands-on first impressions of new TVs, phones, laptops, wearables and other devices as they're announced.

British home technology manufacturer Dyson may be best known for its vacuum cleaners, but it’s fast becoming a big name in the wellbeing and personal care market, thanks to its recent innovations in hairstyling and home air purification products. 

Now Dyson has launched two new products in this field; the LightCycle task light and the Pure Cool Me personal purifying fan are part of Dyson’s pledge to “give you control over many of the factors that impact your wellbeing, including the air you breathe, and the light, dust, and allergens you’re exposed to''.

• Dyson AirWrap review
• Read our Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link review
• Best vacuum cleaners 2019

According to Dyson, the LightCycle is a task light that’s “designed to improve visual acuity and provide the right light for the time of day” by adjusting its color temperature (how warm or cool the light appears in terms of color) and brightness “in relation to your local daylight”.

It does this by using a “unique time, date, and location-driven algorithm”, which was created using data from “a million satellite-based measurements of light conditions in the Earth’s atmosphere at different times of day”.

Small light, lots of data

The LightCycle itself contains a 32-bit microprocessor, which interprets this data, communicating it to the optical driver for “dynamic color tuning”, allowing the LightCycle’s warm and cool LEDS to simulate daylight color temperatures. 

You may be wondering why you would want such a complex light. Well, according to Dyson and institutions like Harvard Medical School, “low light, flicker, and glare can cause eye strain and visual fatigue”, which Dyson seeks to alleviate with the LightCycle’s “glare protection and low optical flicker” features. 

For added personalization, integration with the Dyson Link app means the LightCycle adjusts light output for your age and daily routine.

It’s available in desk and floor variants, for $599.99 - $899 / £449.99 - £649.99. This works out at around AU$820 - AU$1200, but it doesn’t look like it’s available in Australia yet, with no word on when it will be rolled out to this territory. 

Dyson has also announced the launch of the Pure Cool Me personal purifying fan, which features some of the air filtration and air projection technology we’ve seen in previous products like the Pure Hot+Cool purifying fan heater.

With its small stature, the Pure Cool Me is designed to sit on your desk, bedside table, or anywhere else you could do with a steady flow of fresh air. 

Aside from keeping you cool, the Pure Cool Me is made to filter the air you breathe in your home. 

Dyson says that the HEPA filter within the fan can capture 99.95% of “ultrafine particles such as pollen, mould spores and bacteria” while activated carbon “absorbs and traps gases, odours, and household fumes.”

While the company makes no claim that the fan could alleviate health conditions, the removal of many ultrafine particles could be an attractive prospect to those with allergies, or indeed, anyone who’s concerned about indoor pollution.

The Pure Cool Me personal purifying fan is available to buy for $350 / £299.99, which works out at around AU$490 based on current conversion rates – again, Dyson hasn’t issued an Australian release date at this time. 

• Read our Dyson Cyclone V10 review

Keeping your home cool in the summer and hot in the winter usually requires two completely different products or heating and cooling systems. But Dyson has packaged up the tech needed to cool, to warm and, as an added bonus, to purify, into one package: the Pure Hot + Cool Link aims to give you everything in Dyson’s fan-related arsenal. 

Before bringing out this model, Dyson had already impressed us with its popular Hot + Cool fans. But the Pure Hot + Cool Link improves upon Dyson’s original range in almost every way imaginable. 

Not only do we now have a Hot + Cool fan with a purifier built right into it, ensuring that the allergen-filled, stuffy air in your house is recycled into clean, fresh air, but you can now take full control of the device from your iOS or Android device. 

With this control, you can even monitor the air quality, temperature and humidity of your home from anywhere in the world.

Though it’s undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and advanced consumer products that Dyson has ever designed, it’s not cheap, priced at a hefty $619.99 (AU$779.95/£499.99). Ambitious as it is, there are some factors to consider when deciding whether the Pure Hot + Cool Link is the right fan for you.

The first thing it's worth mentioning straight away is that in Dyson has released an updated version of its Pure Hot + Cool Link which, while almost identical to last year's model (the one we're reviewing here), features an even better filter to help keep the air in your home pure. 

So fresh and so clean, clean

Whether you’re aware of it or not, pollens, allergens and bacteria are everywhere in your household, especially during the summer months. While they may not be making you noticeably sick, they’re certainly not helping, either. Some of these harmful particles are microscopic, making it easy for them to be ingested into your body. 

And, if you have pets, you’re doubly vulnerable to allergens, with pet dander (microscopic flecks of skin) likely to be found in every corner and crevice of your home.

To combat these microscopic invaders, the Pure Hot + Cool Link uses a 360° Glass HEPA filter, which Dyson claims will capture 99.97% of the allergens and pollutants floating around your living area.

In a Dyson-led demonstration, the bottom half of a Pure Hot + Cool Link unit was placed in a glass case which was then filled with smoke. Before long, the smoke inside this transparent box started to dissipate, illustrating just how hard the device’s filter was working to remove toxins from the air.

And it's only been improved for the 2017 model – this year, Dyson has upgraded the device's filter with an extra layer of activated carbon for improved gas capture. 

Thanks to the inclusion of Tris-coated activated carbon granules, it's now possible for the Pure Hot + Cool Link to capture even more harmful pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and napthalene. These pollutants are commonly found in pressed wood products, building and insulating materials, paints, adhesives, vehicle emissions, lacquers, tobacco smoke and other harmful substances. 

Unfortunately, this kind of purification filter cannot be cleaned, meaning you’ll need to replace it once it’s reached its pollutant quota. Each filter should provide you with around 4,000 hours of fan time (you can monitor this from the new Dyson app), which will probably last you a year or so, depending on how often you leave the fan running. 

Thankfully, the filter is remarkably easy to access – simply hold down the two buttons on either side of the unit and lift the fan portion off to reveal the Pure Hot + Cool Link’s innards. 

Large and cylindrical in shape, the filter slips out easily, and slotting a new one in its place is as just as straightforward as it sounds. 

Though this year's Pure Hot + Cool Link comes with the new and improved filter with an extra layer of activated carbon, owners of last year's model are able to get the same purification experience by simply purchasing the updated replacement filter from Dyson for AU$99.95 (US and UK price unknown).

Appy days

Sure, you can take Dyson’s word that the Pure Hot + Cool Link is improving the air quality in your home, but you’re better off monitoring it yourself in real time with Dyson’s iOS and Android app.

Setting up the app will take a few minutes, as you’ll have to find your new Dyson device, name it, and then connect it to your Wi-Fi network (2.4Ghz only). To do this, you have to set the fan to Wi-Fi mode, then discover it from your phone or tablet. Near the base of the unit, next to the power button, you’ll find a connection password. Once connected, your unit will be listed under ‘My Dyson machines’ in the Dyson app – simply tap on the device to control it, adjust its settings and monitor your air quality.

The first time we checked the air quality in our room, we got back a yellow ‘Average’ rating, illustrating to us that it was far from the best it could be. However, after a single day of running the Pure Hot + Cool Link, the room achieved top marks with a green ‘Good’ rating. If you really want to stay on top of your air quality monitoring, the Dyson app also offers daily and weekly status reports which you can flick through at your leisure. 

The Dyson app’s scheduling system also makes it possible to maintain a consistent level of air quality year-round. This means that you can set aside specific hours of each day in which the unit will switch itself on and start purifying – you can select the fan speed, temperature, oscillation mode, jet focus control and more in any way you see fit.

App connection issues

For some reason, I was unable to complete the device’s setup from my Samsung Galaxy S7, as it’d always fail during the Wi-Fi connection process. However, once I went through the process on an iPhone 6, the Pure Hot + Cool Link connected immediately. It was only once that initial Wi-Fi connection was established that I managed to access the fan from my Android phone. 

Unfortunately, my Android connection problems didn’t stop there. Though I could initially control the unit from the app on my S7, allowing me to adjust settings like fan speed, heat and oscillation, after a few days the control portion of the app became unresponsive, with none of my setting changes registering on the device. Still working flawlessly on iOS, I ended up having to delete and reinstall the Android app, which also forced me to go through the connection process again. Thankfully, the Pure Hot + Cool Link comes with its own remote that magnetically snaps to the top of the fan, so you’ll always have control if the app is giving you trouble. 

While these issues will likely be fixed by an app update, they did offer some frustration. I was able to get past this roadblock because I had an iOS device on hand, but not everyone is going to have that luxury.

Sleep a little better

As someone who likes to use a fan while sleeping, my biggest issue with previous Dyson models has always been their ridiculously bright displays that could not be dimmed in any way. Capable of brightening up a darkened room, these lights will scorch themselves into your brain if not covered in some fashion. 

In the past, I’ve been told that strategically placing a teddy bear in front of the unit will block the light, though this doesn’t work well when the fan is oscillating. The only solution that ever worked for me involved the buying of a tennis headband that I could stretch out and place over the display area. Sure, this blocks the fan’s retina-searing luminosity, but it also covers its infrared sensor, meaning you’ll have to get up and slide the headband up to use the remote. 

Thankfully, Dyson has finally addressed this make-or-break issue by introducing a ‘Night Mode’ which can be set with either a single button press or on a schedule. When switched on, the mode will automatically dim the display and shut it off after a few seconds. A small light will remain to let you know the fan is powered on, but it’s nowhere near as bright as the ‘alien tractor beam’ level that previous models regrettably achieved.

Verdict

Without a doubt, Dyson’s Pure Hot + Cool Link is one of the most advanced products that the company has ever developed for consumers. 

Its smart functionality changes the fan experience for the better and its purifying capability is extremely impressive. Though it easily eclipses previous Dyson fans in terms of functionality, there are still some things to consider before purchasing the Pure Hot + Cool Link. 

For one, you will need to occasionally replace the Link’s filter, which is quite a pricey endeavour. Secondly, the device has some niggling connectivity issues when it comes to Android devices. If you’re willing to overlook these potential issues, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link is the greatest fan the company has ever released. It certainly has a fan in me.

As smart speakers and other connected appliances become more popular, one growing concern is how well these products actually protect your privacy. 

It’s become increasingly common to fill your home with microphones and sensors that are always actively listening for the sake of convenience, and it’s opened us all up to some serious security risks.

So on Tuesday when Dyson unveiled the Pure Cool, a new connected air purifying fan with a built-in display and a mobile app, the first question to come to mind is how secure this product actually is. After all, even if it doesn’t have a camera or microphone, the Pure Cool is still taking in a ton of data about the activity in your home, and that data could be used against you if it fell into the wrong hands. Right?

We asked Paul Dawson, Dyson’s Vice President of Health and Beauty, what the company does to protect user data. His answer (along with a little digging into Dyson's privacy policy) points to your data being secure. However, it also revealed exactly how much information the Pure Cool has access to, and what the company (or a potential hacker) can do with that data.

Home habits

First, the good news. Dyson is doing everything possible to keep your data safe. That includes encryption, penetration testing, and help from security experts.

“It’s also stored in a way that’s quite difficult to find, and we don’t store those records next to the person’s name it’s associated with," Dawson said.

Dyson’s approach to data collection and analysis is more focused on the big picture. By combining information from its air purifiers all over the world, the company can gain insights into how pollutants enter people’s homes and the best ways to keep our air pure. It’s also revealed some interesting details about how people live more generally.

“One great trend I was spotting recently was that in Canada, the air quality in homes gets bad during the weekend, but then improves by the end of the week,” Dawson said. 

He has an interesting theory as to why: people cook more at home over the weekend, releasing pollutants into the air. During the week, however, they don’t have time to cook and tend to dine out more often, so the air stays pure.

We asked if someone with access to Dyson’s data – like a potential burglar – could similarly figure out when we were least likely to be home before planning a heist. He said there was no way, reaffirming that this data is protected and dissociated with any one specific customer.

Dawson also explained that while the Pure Cool can identify general pollutant types, like smoke, it can’t “tell the chemical composition.” So, it won’t know if you’re smoking marijuana at home, and you don’t have to worry about that information being used against you in court if you live somewhere where that’s against the law.

If you’re still not convinced, Mozilla’s internet privacy website offers a checklist of potential security issues with Dyson’s air purifier based on another recent model. The page notes that these gadgets don’t include cameras or microphones, and the official app for your phone doesn’t ask for access to those, either. The app can track your location, but that’s common for smartphone software and it’s something you can revoke pretty easily on your own device by checking permissions.

Most important of all, Dyson promises not to share your private information. Any details it does gather won’t leave the company’s own digital vault.

“We don’t give this data to anyone,” Dawson said.

• We've spent weeks with the cordless Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum cleaner

Most air purifiers just sit in the corner doing, well, whatever it is air purifiers do. You don’t have to worry about anything besides occasionally replacing the filter, and, for most people, that’s fine. But, if you’ve always wondered exactly what your air purifier is doing, then Dyson’s new Pure Cool purifying fan is for you.

Officially announced at an event in New York City on March 6, the Dyson Pure Cool adds an LCD display that can show you when pollutants are in the air and how your air purifier is working to clear them out, along with a ton of other information. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s dive in.

Price and release date

In the US, the new Dyson Pure Cool fan starts at $449.99 for the shorter tabletop model, while the taller Pure Cool Tower costs $549.99. Dyson is also selling replacement filters that work with both models for $79.99.

In the UK, the Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans start at £399.99. There's no word yet on Australian pricing and release date, though we'll update this page if we learn those details. 

Both Pure Cool air purifiers are available now in the US through Dyson's website, and for pre-order now in the UK at dyson.co.uk. The fans will be available online and in Dyson stores in the UK beginning March 26.

Design and build

The Dyson Pure Cool comes in a single white-and-silver color scheme. Unlike previous models, there’s no metallic blue option, at least not yet. It’s sleek and a little futuristic, but besides the circular display, it’s pretty much identical to last year’s version.

The new Pure Cool is also available in two different sizes. The taller Tower is designed to stand on the floor with a long oval-shaped fan placed on top of the metal base. The smaller version, meant to sit on your desk or a shelf in your house, features a circular fan that’s slightly wider and a lot shorter.

The built-in display is a small circle of LCD right at the top of the base. It’s easy to read and navigate, though it may take a little time to learn what all those different numbers and symbols actually mean.

Performance

The Dyson Pure Cool is a powerful machine. I watched it clear out a small room full of smoke in mere seconds. It also made short work of a handful of other pollutants in a series of controlled demonstrations. It’s even powerful enough to blow soap bubbles.

The display also works great. It can show you exactly how many pollutants are in the air and update the number as it works to clean the environment. If you don’t feel like using the screen there’s also an app for iOS and Android that makes it possible to control your air purifier even when you’re not at home, along with an included physical remote.

Early verdict

Dyson made some nice improvements with the new Pure Cool, but if you already have a recent model there’s probably no real need to upgrade. However, if you’re shopping for an air purifier and you can afford to pay a little extra, this looks to be a great option. 

It’s powerful, well-designed, and packed full of cool new technology. Best of all, Dyson says it will continue to receive over-the-air updates. So you don’t have to worry that your new air purifier will be obsolete a few months after you buy it.

Dyson is an expert at moving air from one place to another. Its bagless vacuum cleaners are designed to suck air, its fans are designed to blow it. And both collect dust more prolifically than a Nintendo Wii circa 2009, some by design, others... not so much.

It's been making its Air Multipliers for a few years now, and if you've not met one before they're bladeless fans designed to keep you cool in a toasty summer living room or a sweaty office.

I tested the original Dyson Air Multiplier four years ago and while I liked it, I felt it was too expensive and too loud to be really worthy of a wholehearted recommendation. After all, you can buy a desk fan to blow your face for £20, right? So spending more than ten times that much on a Dyson is not something you're going to do without good reason.

But you can't deny that the bladeless design is unique and far more practical than the traditional one. And the amount of air the Dysons move has always been impressive.

Since 2010, then, Dyson has expanded its range to include the Dyson Hot fan heaters and the Dyson Hot + Cool all-in-ones. And now arrive some more additions to the original Air Multiplier range, now branded Dyson Cool. (Here's a helpful guide to the current Dyson fan range, if you find yourself confused by your options.)

It comes in various shapes and while the decibel levels are a bit lower... but the price tags are even higher.

How it works

The new Dyson cool range comes in two different forms, the Dyson AM06 12-inch desk fans which start at £220 and the AM07 tower fans for £300.

The original Air Multiplier cost £200 on launch so the prices have gone up which is disappointing. It's a huge amount of cash to spend - we'll come back to that.

They all work in the same way, by drawing air into the base and then blowing it out of the circular or tower-shaped ring on top. By creating a ring of moving air, you also end up dragging the air in the middle along too, effectively multiplying and amount of air blown in relation to the amount sucked.

Smarter features

The original Air Multiplier had an analogue dial to change the level of air flow. But the new ones come with a remote control. You can choose a setting between 1 and 10 while also setting sleep-timers and oscillation on/off.

There's only one button on the device itself which is the power switch, but a long press will change the setting. The only way to toggle oscillation, though, is using the remote, so don't lose it - it's small.

During the recent UK heat wave I took the AM07 away for a weekend and forgot to bring the remote. This was almost a disaster but luckily I was actually able to take control of it using my smartphone instead.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, like many phones, has an IR blaster built-in. I installed the ZappIR Pro app and luckily there was a Dyson profile available which gave me full control of the device. If Dyson is smart, it'll make its own app for this.

Really, though, I'd have liked to have seen a Bluetooth connection and a proper Dyson smart app. It could give you far more control over oscillation and power. And if you pay premium prices, you expect to get premium tech like that. If toothbrushes can have companion apps and Bluetooth functionality, so can fans. It feels like a missed opportunity.

Performance

The new models have been redesigned so that they make a lot less noise. It's been achieved by making the airflow through the base more efficient and while moving air will never, ever be a silent affair, the new Dysons do a pretty good job of it.

The sheer amount of air this thing moves is amazing. It's a real luxury to have around, and I've found myself using the AM07 every night on a low setting. I find the noise levels are low enough not to disturb me, but the sleep timer is good if you want it to join you in dreamland after you've nodded off.

You do need to ensure that you buy the right model for your needs though. If you're sitting at a desk and want to be cooled, the AM06 is certainly for you. Stick the AM07 on a desk, though, and the air flow will be far too high and narrow.

The AM07 is very much designed to be floor-standing and to move the air from there.

Verdict

It's hard to get past those asking prices. They're cheapest on the Dyson site itself, but even the £220 desk model is a lot to ask for a device that just moves air from one place to another. £300 for the AM07 is another step up again, especially when you can buy a decent tower fan online for £50.

But there's a lot to be said for going the whole hog and splashing out on the Dyson. It's quiet. It moves more air. It's remote controlled and it's smaller and lighter than the equivalents. It's a truly luxury item in summer especially and If you can afford it, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Still though, £300?