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Oct 15, 2024

The 8 Best Air Purifiers for Allergies of 2024

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Our top pick comes ready to use and has three filters to purify air. Verywell

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Our top pick comes ready to use and has three filters to purify air.

Verywell Health / Amelia Manley

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, which is concerning since people spend approximately 90% of their time inside. Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it: invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers remove harmful and unwanted particles like allergens, viruses, bacteria, smoke, and other irritants from the air, says Purvi Parikh, MD, a New York City-based allergist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University. When equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, air purifiers can also help remove pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. According to expert advice, firsthand testing, and research, a HEPA filter is a must for maximum efficiency.

After researching dozens of models from trusted brands, we tested the top air purifiers for six months, both in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our own homes. We evaluated them based on ease of setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and value. We also had an emergency medicine physician from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for accuracy surrounding how airborne irritants affect the body and how these devices reduce those particles indoors.

All of the allergists we spoke to unanimously recommend HEPA filters for air purifiers. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air filters, and they're the gold standard for effectively improving indoor air quality. According to an August 2020 study in Yonsei Medical Journal, air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters significantly reduce the concentration of indoor particulate matter and can reduce the medication requirements for people with indoor allergies. This high level of effectiveness can be explained by the filter’s ability to trap small particles, which may be too small for other types of filters. Mathew Varghese, MD, FACAAI, a board-certified allergist in North Bergen, New Jersey, says that HEPA filters trap different types of particles, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold spores, as small as 0.3 microns in size. The filter catches these particles and reduces the number of allergens in the air.

After some time, HEPA filters can become clogged with particles, making them less effective. Parikh recommends changing the filter every six months, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer and frequency of use.

Some air purifiers are electrically charged or ionized, with UV technology to further clean and sanitize the air. This feature benefits some people, but others—like those with asthma—should avoid these types of purifiers as they can create ozone, which can trigger or exacerbate symptoms, says Kathleen Dass, MD, a Michigan-based allergist and immunologist. If your symptoms are worsening, an air purifier isn't helping, or you have any concerns, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional.

Amazon

Suitable for severe allergies

Large space friendly

Reduces allergy symptoms

Large footprint

Coverage Area: 4,450 sq ft | Size: 16 x 28 x 15 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: 950 m³/h | Noise Level: 56.5 dB

Whether you have mild, seasonal, or severe allergies, the Medify Air Purifier is built to help. This user-friendly device is powerful. It covers up to 4,450 square feet and has a dual HEPA filtration system designed to capture small particles down to 0.1 microns in size. It also has nine different features, including a timer function, different speeds, an ionizer, a dust sensor, a sleep mode and a pollen mode. All of these attributes seemed promising, and we're thrilled that when put to the test, they made a significant difference in our air quality and allergy symptoms.

Our tester has severe allergy symptoms ranging from dry, red eyes to sneezing and sore throats. Before using this device, they used numerous allergy medications to stay afloat. After trying it, their symptoms improved, and their worst ones reduced enough that they could use fewer medications all around. We liked that the air felt and smelled purer. It was quiet enough that we could sleep peacefully at night while it was running, too.

This device is a bit pricier with a larger footprint. While we feel it’s more than worth the price, we understand it isn’t the most budget-friendly option. If you want a highly effective air purifier that won’t break the bank, we also love Levoit’s Core 400. It has a HEPA filter, pre-filter, and activated carbon filter. We could smell the difference in the air when we used it, but on the flip side, it was a little too noisy for our liking.

Health / Henry Wortock

Amazon

Easy to use

Sleek

Ideal for small spaces

Can be loud

Allergen control not as effective

Coverage Area: 432 sq ft | Size: 7.9 x 7.9 x 13.9 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: 216 m³/h | Noise Level: 24 dB

A good air purifier helps the air quality in ways that might even be too subtle to detect—you might find yourself sneezing less, for instance, as it removes tiny particles from the air. However, one way an air purifier can make a very noticeable difference is the scent of a given room. The Blueair Blue Pure 511 proved to be a wonderful device for managing odor. During testing, it eradicated pungent, stubborn, burnt food smells from dinners gone wrong overnight. The mornings after, we couldn’t smell any residual odor. On the highest setting, it got rid of various scents in numerous rooms in our small apartment. Our sneezing and congestion were also reduced, thanks to the overall improvement in air quality.

We enjoyed the device's user-friendly experience. The setup was quick and simple, and using it was even easier. We love the intuitive design. The power button also serves as the mode button, and unlike other models by the same brand, it has subtle automatic shut-off lights on the display that indicate its current setting. Its sleek body makes it perfect for smaller apartments, and it is around 5 pounds, making it easy to move around.

While this device significantly improved the air's smell, it didn't do much for allergen control. We noticed slight improvement in our sinuses, but this may not be the best option for you if you're looking for something to help manage allergies. We also didn't like that on its highest setting, it was louder than other options we tried.

Amazon

Light can be dimmed at night

Helps absorb odors

Compact size

Doesn’t filter for VOCs

No filter change indicator

Coverage Area: 1,095 sq ft | Size: 7.5 x 13.5 x 17.25 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: 619.8 m3/h | Noise Level: 22 dB

Most professionals recommend placing multiple air purifiers throughout your home since one can only cover a certain amount of space. Varghese says keeping one air purifier in each room is best, especially where you spend the most time. You’ll need an air purifier for large rooms that can handle the job. While most air purifiers are suitable for rooms in the 400 to 600-square-foot range, the Aroeve Air Purifier has an impressive coverage area of up to 1,095 square feet. This is thanks to the 360-degree air flow that circulates air quickly and efficiently.

It’s easy to set up and use with a simple user interface. The touch display lets you toggle sleep mode, dim the UV light at night, and set a timer. We found these features convenient, as well as the real-time air quality indicator lights, which specify whether the current air quality is good, moderate, or poor. While we didn’t notice significant changes right away during testing, its effectiveness could be seen by checking the status of the HEPA air filter six months later. The collection of dust, hair, and other pollutants present in the filter demonstrated that it improved air quality.

This device doesn't have a filter change indicator. The manufacturer recommends changing it every three to six months, but you may have to check it manually to see when it's ready. It also doesn't filter out VOCs.

Amazon

Quiet; good for sleeping

Compact

Easy to use

Replacement filters are pricey

Coverage Area: 700 sq ft | Size: 8.9 x 8.9 x 22.2 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: Unknown | Noise Level: 43 dB

One of the main reasons to invest in an air purifier is to rid the air of dust mites. Dust mites can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks if you have allergies or asthma, per the American Lung Association, which recommends HEPA filters for trapping dust. Fortunately, the Hathaspace Smart Air Purifier stood out during testing for its effectiveness in improving air quality and managing dust mite allergies. We noticed a significant reduction in dust, pet dander, and dust throughout our bedroom.

It took us around five minutes to unbox and set up this air purifier. The display screen is well-lit, and the six buttons on the front panel allow you to easily navigate the timer, light, speed, anion, sleep, and power functions. The sleep button also turns the light off, setting the speed to the lowest. We noticed that the sound gets slightly louder with each setting, but even at its highest level, we could sleep peacefully throughout the night. We also like the compact, portable design.

One caveat is that the replacement filters can be a little pricey. If that’s a concern for you, the Coway Airmega 500S performed quite well when tested, has a large coverage area, and its replacement filters are more budget-friendly. It has multiple dust-trapping filters, including a pre-filter for large dust particles, a HEPA filter for smaller dust particles, and a carbon filter to absorb food, pets, and cigarette odors. We love that it works quickly—in 30 minutes, it can clean the air up to 1,560 square feet. The only downside is that it does have a larger footprint.

Dyson

Modern design

Detects formaldehyde

Operate using app or remote

Small coverage area

Coverage Area: 400 sq ft | Size: 36.33 x 11.02 x 12.23 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: Unknown

You may be familiar with Dyson’s vacuum and hair-drying products, but the top-rated brand also makes quality air purifiers. This model triples as a humidifier and fan, though we only tested its air-cleaning potential, which checked out. It was especially effective at combating pet dander.

If you’re looking for an air purifier with all the bells and whistles, the Dyson Purifier is it. It has an attractive modern design and plenty of smart features. You can control it and view reports from the app, though it also has a remote control. It uses a HEPA filter to trap particles and a carbon filter for odor control. We found it easy to set up and use and noted it was just as effective after running 24/7 for six months as on day one.

While having a humidifier is a nice touch, allergy experts say to use it sparingly. Dust mites and mold thrive in moist environments, which can worsen allergy symptoms, according to the AAAAI.

We were a little disappointed seeing how small the coverage area is, especially for the price point. This may not be the best pick for you if you need something that can work for larger areas or multiple rooms.

Verywell Health / Dera Burreson

Verywell Health / Dera Burreson

Verywell / Dera Burreson

Verywell / Dera Burreson

Amazon

Easy to use

Sleek

Small space friendly

Unknown filter life span

Air filter can be confusing

Coverage Area: 1115 sq ft | Size: 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.25 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: 7.83 m³/h | Noise Level: 22 dB

Some air purifiers can be big and bulky, which is fine if you keep them in one spot. But if you plan on using it in multiple locations, it’s best to have something portable like the PuroAir Air Purifier. Don’t let the size fool you; it’s small (8 pounds) but can cover up to 1115 square feet. There aren’t many bells and whistles on this device, which we like. It comes with a pre-installed filter, making the setup intuitive and seamless. The touch screen controls the four different settings, as well as the timer functions. A green light also alerts you to which mode it’s on.

We loved how well it worked regarding odor control. It alleviated various smells from cooking to pets, including urine from puppy training pads. The device was also low-key and quiet. In the light and night modes, we could barely tell it was on.

We found two issues with the air filter: Replacing it was confusing, and we couldn't figure out its life span. Luckily, it has a light indicator to tell you when it's time to change it. The only other downside (as nitpicky as this is) is that there's no remote option. It would have made using the purifier that much more convenient.

Amazon

Digital display is easy to use

Filter change indicator

Automatic night mode

Large footprint

Has a light that doesn’t fully shut off

Coverage Area: 485 sq ft | Size: 9.75 x 16.13 x 24 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: 279 m3/h | Noise Level: 30 dB

Wildfire and cigarette smoke are a significant source of VOCs, which can negatively impact your health. If you live in an area with frequent wildfires or secondhand smoke, investing in an air purifier that effectively removes VOCs may be a good idea. Not all cleaners remove VOCs, but this one from Bissell does. During our lab test, it effectively lowered both PM and VOC levels.

It has some other features, too. As expected, its highest setting is very loud, but it’s pretty much silent in night mode. It has a three-layer filtration system, an easy-to-use interface, and a filter change indicator, so it’s on par with some of our pricier picks. Regarding coverage area, it’s recommended for 485-square-foot rooms, though it can handle spaces up to 2,347 square feet.

However, it’s not without some drawbacks. It has a particle sensor that’s meant to be cleaned once every two weeks but can only be removed with a screwdriver, so it’s not a quick task. After six months, we also noticed a slightly more clunky sound coming from the industrial grade fan. Finally, the air quality light on the front of the unit dims during nighttime but never fully shuts off, so if you like to sleep in a pitch-black bedroom, this will give off some light.

Amazon

Great for multiple pets

Shows air quality

Easy set up

Not ideal for large spaces

Coverage Area: 1,220 sq ft | Size: 9.1 x 16.3 x 20.7 in | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR: 276 m³/h | Noise Level: 40 dB

Got pets? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies to cats and dogs affect up to 20% of the population, so you’re not alone if they give you the sniffles. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can be an effective way to safeguard against pet dander circulating throughout your home, and this one from Airdoctor is equipped with a HEPA filter specifically designed for homes with pets. It covers 1,220 square feet and is fairly quiet. It sounded like a smooth fan during testing, which was far less distracting than other air purifiers. We also like that this device shows real-time air quality via the app. It showed us that the fresher, cleaner air we smelled wasn’t just a placebo effect. It was also very easy to use and set up. It sports a dimmable LED screen, and the filter pops in and out easily with little room for error.

We tried this air purifier in an older, dustier home with multiple pets. The moment we started running it, we felt the immediate difference. Congestion and sneezing stopped, and our noses and throats felt less itchy. Suffice it to say, we could breathe, which felt amazing. Our allergies vastly improved as well. Efficient, quiet, and sleek: this air purifier is worth it for people with dust and pet allergies.

While we love the Airdoctor, it may not perform well for larger spaces. If that's a non-negotiable for you, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i may not be the most budget-friendly option, but it's highly effective and covers double the space of the Airdoctor (2,600 square feet). Its HEPA filter is designed for homes with pets, and it is another smart air purifier with an app. If you aren’t keen on a smart device, the Rabbit Air may be better suited for you. It’s quiet, neutralizes odor, and is straightforward with no frills. The only downside is that it wasn’t as effective as other options we tested.

We had a near-perfect experience with the Airdoctor. While nitpicky, the only thing that we would have loved to see is a separate remote for convenience's sake.

To find the best air purifiers, we put them to the test. We chose air purifiers from trusted, top-rated brands and ensured they're equipped with HEPA filters—the gold standard for trapping indoor allergens. Then, we evaluated them in the lab based on the following:

We also asked the following experts for their advice about which features to look for:

Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer. She has both seasonal and indoor allergies, so she’s familiar with the struggle of sneezing all year round. To help soothe her symptoms, she uses over-the-counter allergy relief medication and follows best practices to remove indoor allergens, such as using an air purifier in her bedroom.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. The inside story: A guide to indoor air quality.

Park KH, Sim DW, Lee SC, Moon S, Choe E, Shin H, Kim SR, Lee JH, Park HH, Huh D, Park JW. Effects of air purifiers on patients with allergic rhinitis: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Yonsei Med J. 2020;61(8):689-697.

doi:10.3349/ymj.2020.61.8.689

American Lung Association. Dust mites.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Humidifiers and indoor allergies.

Pet allergy. (n.d.). Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pet-dog-cat-allergies/

By Lacey MuinosLacey is a professional writer living in Southern California. She specializes in fitness, nutrition and various health topics. She not only has a passion for healthy living, but she also practices what she preaches with her longtime vegan diet.