Best Overall
Levoit Core 300S Air Purifier
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Design5/5
- Noise Level4.8/5
- Features5/5
- Effectiveness4.9/5
- It has an accompanying app that you can use to control the device and set schedules, and you can connect the device to a smart speaker.
It has an accompanying app that you can use to control the device and set schedules, and you can connect the device to a smart speaker.
- The noise level can get up to 48 decibels on high.
The noise level can get up to 48 decibels on high.
The Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier earned the spot of the best small air purifier after extensive testing. This smart device can trap both VOCs and PM, and it has a CADR of 141 CFM. On the highest setting, it does have a noise level of 48 decibels though, which is relatively high.
Using this small air purifier was easy and straightforward, and all of the settings could be controlled using the buttons on top of the device. There is also an accompanying app that can be used in conjunction with the air purifier to conveniently create schedules, set timers, and more.
We loved that we could even pair the air purifier to a smart speaker for added convenience. During testing, we also appreciated the lock button that prevents other users, such as children, from changing the settings.
After just 30 minutes of testing this device on the low setting, we could tell a noticeable difference in the air quality in the room we were testing it in. The air smelled cleaner, and the closer we got to the air purifier the better the air smelled.
Similarly, after testing this air purifier on high, we noticed a considerable difference in the air quality of the room. The smell from lit incense was barely noticeable, and only faint traces of the air freshener were detected. Because it impressed us with both settings, this device earned a score of 4.9 out of 5 for its effectiveness.
How It Performed After Six Months
This is a "set it and forget it" machine—we ran it constantly in a bedroom/office with an attached bathroom and the fan setting automatically adjusted based on the air quality changes in the room. It helped cut down on odors and dander from our cats.
The simple controls and app, which shows air quality trends as well as filter life, make it an especially user-friendly option. Changing the filter went smoothly; we unscrewed the bottom of the device, took out the old filter and slotted in a new one, and updated the "reset filter" setting on the app to indicate it had been changed.
Product Details: Room Size: 219 square feet | Dimensions: 8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 5.95 pounds | Noise Level: 24 to 48 decibels | CADR: 141 CFM
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Budget
Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Design4/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Features3/5
- Effectiveness3.5/5
- This compact air purifier worked effectively in a small space, even on low—and it was so quiet we could barely hear it.
This compact air purifier worked effectively in a small space, even on low—and it was so quiet we could barely hear it.
- It doesn’t have any additional features, such as a timer or a light.
It doesn’t have any additional features, such as a timer or a light.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier may be the right pick for you. Not only is it affordably priced, its compact size makes it perfect for placing on a nightstand in a small bedroom or setting on top of a desk in your office.
Assembling this device was simple and straightforward—we simply needed to connect the power cord to the air purifier. Upon first inspection, we noticed that this small air purifier didn’t have a screen display like other models, but the settings were still easy enough to use without one.
There were three different speed options to choose from, but we were mostly impressed with the lowest setting. When we first turned it on low, it was so quiet we had to double check to make sure the device was on.
In addition to its quietness, the low setting was also highly effective at reducing smoke particles in the room where we tested the device.
However, it doesn’t have any additional features, such a light or a timer. But because it was comparable in performance to more expensive models, this is the best small air purifier for those looking for an affordable option.
Product Details: Room Size: 178 square feet | Dimensions: 6.5 x 10.4 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Noise Level: 25 to 44 decibels | CADR: 46 CFM
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Splurge
Shark Air Purifier
TARGET
- Setup5/5
- Design4.8/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Features5/5
- Effectiveness4/5
- This small air purifier displays a rating of one to 100 to inform you of the air quality in your room—and it automatically adjusts its settings accordingly.
This small air purifier displays a rating of one to 100 to inform you of the air quality in your room—and it automatically adjusts its settings accordingly.
- Although it can be used in a room up to 500 square feet, it only has a CADR of 100, so it may not work as well in a larger space.
Although it can be used in a room up to 500 square feet, it only has a CADR of 100, so it may not work as well in a larger space.
The Shark Air Purifier with True HEPA HP102 was one of our favorite devices we tested, and it’s the best choice to add to a bedroom or small kitchen if you have some wiggle room in your budget.
The feature that stood out to us the most was the screen at the front of the device. The screen displays a number at all times, which indicates how clean or contaminated the air is. When the air is clean, it will display a blue ring of light and the number 100.
However, if the air is contaminated, the number will decrease and the ring of light will change to either orange or red. We loved that this feature let us know in real time what the quality of our air was. The air purifier also automatically adjusted its setting based on the air quality.
After using this device for just 30 minutes, we could tell a difference in the air quality—we didn’t notice the smell of smoke or the air freshener, and we felt that the air was less dusty. This air purifier is able to measure three different sizes of PM (1, 2.5, and 10) to help reduce common allergens in your home.
It can purify air in a room up to 500 square feet, but it does have a CADR of only 100 CFM—this means it may not be quite as effective in a large room.
How It Performed After Six Months
We placed the Shark air purifier in a combined kitchen/living room area of about 400 square feet. The small but mighty purifier kept the air quality in the apartment hovering around 100% unless there was a recent change in the air such as smoke from cooking or a recently lit candle.
Despite constant use, we didn't notice any change in the air purifier's performance during this time. While we didn't need to change the filter (most filters last six to twelve months depending on use) we appreciated the inclusion of the filter replacement indicator, which takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
Product Details: Room Size: 500 square feet | Dimensions: 8.6 x 14.5 x 8.6 inches | Weight: 5.85 pounds | Noise Level: 46 to 55 decibels | CADR: 100 CFM
Best for Smoke
LEVOIT Compact True HEPA Air Purifier
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Design3/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Features1/5
- Effectiveness5/5
- This small air purifier not only rid our room of smoke, but it made the air cleaner.
This small air purifier not only rid our room of smoke, but it made the air cleaner.
- It doesn’t have a timer.
It doesn’t have a timer.
If there is smoke outside, it can easily enter your home through small cracks and holes, so it’s important to monitor and clean your air during adverse conditions. During our smoke tests to determine the top air purifiers for smoke, we found that the Levoit Compact True HEPA Air Purifier performed quite well.
After setting up this air purifier, we tested the air quality of our room using an air quality monitor, which measured the PM and gave the room a rating of 11. After lighting incense and allowing the room to fill with smoke, the air quality gave the room a rating of 999.99.
We then ran the air purifier on low for just 10 minutes. The air quality monitor gave the room a rating of 7.6—which was better than the air quality was to begin with. Because of this, the air purifier earned a 5 out of 5 rating for its effectiveness.
In addition to removing smoke particles from the air, this small air purifier can also rid the air of dust, dander, and odors. On its lowest setting, its noise level is 25 decibels, making it barely audible. It also has an LED light that can be turned on and off, so it can be used to provide a soft glow in dark rooms.
This air purifier also has quite a few certifications—it is ETL, CARB, and EPA certified. Although it is effective, keep in mind that it only has basic features and doesn’t have additional settings such as a timer. However, because it exceeded our expectations for its performance, it's the best option for smoke.
Product Details: Room Size: 129 square feet | Dimensions: 7.9 x 12.6 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Noise Level: 25 to 50 decibels | CADR: 40 CFM
Best Quiet
Kenmore 850e Air Purifier
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Design4/5
- Noise Level5/5
- Features5/5
- Effectiveness4.4/5
- We barely noticed the device was on when it was on the lowest setting, and it’s easy to use and change the filter.
We barely noticed the device was on when it was on the lowest setting, and it’s easy to use and change the filter.
- Its CADR wasn’t listed.
Its CADR wasn’t listed.
If you’re looking for a space-saving purifier that is whisper quiet, the Kenmore 850e Air Purifier is the best air purifier for you. This air purifier earned a 5 out of 5 rating for its noise level during our testing.
On this air purifier’s lowest setting, we barely detected any noise at all—we could hardly tell that it was even on. At just 25 decibels, it’s perfect for small bedrooms or dorm rooms since it isn’t loud enough to disrupt sleep.
This air purifier has several features, including a timer, a light, and three different fan speeds. Though there isn’t an accompanying app, it’s easy to change the settings with the touch screen on the top of the device.
It was also simple to change and remove the filter—we simply had to twist to unlock the canister and pull to remove the filter. We appreciated that this small air purifier has a HEPA filter that helped trap dust, dander, odors, and more.
After allowing this air purifier to run for 30 minutes after lighting incense, we were able to tell a noticeable difference in the air quality in the room. With other air purifiers we tested, we noticed the air quality seemed to improve the closer we got to the device.
But with this air purifier, we noticed that the air quality seemed consistent throughout the room—the proximity to the actual device didn’t matter as much with this one. We found this impressive given its small size and noise level.
The CADR wasn’t listed for this device, but it can be used in rooms up to 850 square feet.
How it Performed After Six Months
After running the device for about eight hours a day, we noticed a clear difference in seasonal allergies and pet allergies when the air purifier was in use vs. when it was not (no more waking up with puffy eyes and a runny nose). We felt it outperformed a different air purifier that we already owned before the test.
Maintenance is simple and affordable considering the filter is washable. About 4 months in, we removed the filter and cleaned it off with a damp paper towel, letting it dry for an hour or so before replacing it. However, we worried about the ability to clean it completely and would consider buying a brand-new filter next time.
Product Details: Room Size: 850 square feet | Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 8 inches | Weight: 5.81 pounds | Noise Level: 25 decibels on low | CADR: Not listed
Best for Nurseries
Vornadobaby Nursery Air Purifier
AMAZON
- Setup5/5
- Design4.5/5
- Noise Level4/5
- Features4.5/5
- Effectiveness4/5
- It performed exceptionally well and is thoughtfully designed with no sharp corners and a lock feature.
It performed exceptionally well and is thoughtfully designed with no sharp corners and a lock feature.
- It’s a bit louder than other small air purifiers we tested.
It’s a bit louder than other small air purifiers we tested.
The nursery is one of the most important rooms you want to ensure has excellent air quality. When we tested the Vornadobaby Purio Nursery Air Purifier AC1-0040-43, we were surprised at how effective this small air purifier was at removing smoke and other particles from the air.
Before testing this air purifier, we measured the quality of the air in the room using an air quality monitor. When we lit the incense, the quality of the air significantly worsened. However, after running this small air purifier for 30 minutes on low, the air quality was then back to its original reading.
There are three different speed settings to choose from, and the average noise level is about 57 decibels (depending on which setting you use), which adds the perfect white noise ambience to a nursery. The noise level on the lowest setting was very soft.
We also loved that there is a lock feature, so wandering fingers can’t easily change the settings. At the base of the device, the cord can easily be stored when not in use to avoid any unwanted tampering.
The rounded design of this small air purifier means there are no sharp edges for anyone to accidentally bump into. This device also doubles as a night light to provide a gentle glow in a dark room. Because of its thoughtful design and effectiveness, this is the best choice to add to a nursery or kids room.
How it Performed After Six Months
This model helped to clear out cooking smells and smoke from candles when we used it at home. We were a bit disappointed in the lack of smart features compared with other models, though we liked how user-friendly it was. The biggest downside continued to be the noise—it's quiet on low but louder than an AC on high.
Product Details: Room Size: 125 square feet | Dimensions: 9.4 x 15.2 x 12.75 | Weight: 8.05 pounds | Noise Level: 57 decibels | CADR: Dust: 89 CFM, Pollen: 95 CFM, Smoke: 75 CFM