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The 8 Best Air Purifiers for Allergy Sufferers
These filtering systems are designed to remove harmful allergens from the air, allowing you to breathe and sleep easier.
Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or year-round sniffles from mold, pet dander, and dust inside your home, this can have a serious effect on your physical and emotional health. If you’re tired of the constant runny nose and poor sleep, you may want to consider purchasing an air purifier for allergens, dander, dust, and any other pollutants in the air in your home.
These handy household machines can make a big difference in the air quality in your environment, whether that’s a bedroom, bathroom, or living room. However, they’re not cheap—in most cases, that’s because the quiet technology and high quality filters can be expensive—but if you can breathe and live better, then it’s probably worth the investment.
Here are the best air purifiers for allergies, along with our advice to consider while you shop.
Best Air Purifiers for Allergies
What to Consider
How Many Air Changes Per Hour Do I Need?
The most important factor to keep in mind when choosing an air purifier is whether or not it effectively processes the air in your space. Larger spaces need more powerful machines, while smaller rooms, like bedrooms or nurseries, can get away with more compact options.
Since brands use different cycle times and room sizes to advertise their maximum coverage, it can be challenging to compare one against the other. Use ACH, or air changes per hour, to compare models—this represents the amount of times per hour all of the air a room of a specific size is filtered through the purifier.
The recommended ACH can vary, but we recommend between two and five air changes per hour—that’s a full air change every 12–30 minutes, roughly. For instance, our best overall pick, Levoit’s Core 200S, filters all of the air in a 183-square-foot room five times per hour. That means the air purifier has ACH 5 in a medium-sized room, ACH 5+ in a smaller room, and ACH 4 or less in a larger room.
Some product listings state the air purifier’s ACH for various room sizes to help you decide. In this article, we list the ACH for the intended room size so you can easily compare recommendations.
Do I Need a HEPA Filter?
Yes, you should pay attention to the type of filter your air purifier uses. The CDC, as well as numerous other health organizations, recommends HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate absorbing filters, for the triple-layer design that captures up to 99.97 percent of particles in the air.
HEPA filters can capture allergens as small as 0.3 microns in size, which makes them even more important for those looking to ease seasonal or pet allergies. There are some air purifiers on the market that don’t use HEPA filters, which we only recommend if the filter is three layers thick and manufactured by a reputable company we trust.
What Else Can My Air Purifier Do?
In addition to filtering pollutants and unwanted contaminants from the air, some air purifiers come fit with special features to make your home even more comfortable.
If you’re hoping to kill bacteria and viruses—rather than just filtering them out of the air—opt for an air purifier with UV technology, like this TruSens model we recommend. Some have special features like added filters for scents or pet dander, automatic control settings, remote controls, and smart air quality detection.
How We Selected
Since we curated this list specifically for allergy sufferers, we paid close attention to the type and effectiveness of the filters included in these models, noting any that had scientific evidence backing up their stated efficacy. To evaluate our options even further, we also combed through customer reviews to get an idea of how they actually performed in real-world settings. It was also important to us to provide a wide range of coverage options, so regardless of the room you plan on using it on, you can find a purifier that lets you breathe easier.
LEVOIT Core 200S Air Purifier for Allergies
Pros
- Smartphone app compatible
- Timer function
- Carbon filter helps reduce odors
Cons
This Levoit model combines smart functionality with impressive filtering power, thanks to its smartphone connectivity and a true HEPA filter capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
The color-coded indicator rings on the top of the unit allow you to easily monitor the current air quality level, and if you’re not in the room, you can use the VeSync app on your phone to do so. It’s also compatible with Alexa, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer to use voice controls.
Its 24-decibel noise level in “sleep mode” makes it a relatively quiet unit, and a good option for your bedroom.
Key Specs
| ACH | 5 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 183 sq. ft. |
Pure Enrichment PureZone Air Purifier for Allergens and Dust
Pure Enrichment PureZone Air Purifier for Allergens and Dust
Pros
- Includes UV light inside filter
- Light white noise
Cons
- Only for relatively small rooms
Air purifiers can be expensive, but there are some options out there like this one from Pure Enrichment that provide top-notch quality at a reasonable price. This lightweight air purifier comes with a washable pre-filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, and a UV-C light.
The light adds another layer of cleanliness by killing bacteria and viruses to help fight airborne illnesses. And if you’re not sure how long to keep it on, choose between two, four, and eight-hour increments or run it continuously.
Key Specs
| ACH | 1 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 300 sq. ft |
Bissell Smart Air Purifier Air220 for Allergies
Bissell Smart Air Purifier Air220 for Allergies
Pros
- Stylish design blends in with surroundings
- Straightforward controls
- Power cord storage isn’t bothersome
Cons
The black casing and sleek design of this Bissell purifier give it a high-end, professional look, and the three-stage filter can handle allergens, pet hair, smoke, and odors with ease.
A single dial on the top of the unit allows you to scroll through the five speed options, as well power the unit on and off. Plus, since the filters are accessible from the front of the unit, you can keep it positioned against the wall at all times. The allergen-eliminating performance is frequently praised in online reviews as well.
Key Specs
| ACH | 4.8 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 258 sq. ft. |
LEVOIT Allergen Air Purifier Core Mini
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Aroma pad for essential oils
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not powerful enough for large rooms
This compact purifier doesn’t offer a ton of coverage, but the small size and light weight—just over two pounds—make it a good choice for smaller rooms or for taking with you on vacation. The convenient aroma pad lets you put essential oils into the fan for a calming vibe, and the single control button allows you to easily scroll through the three fans speeds, as well as power the machine on and off.
An especially satisfied customer not only praised its allergy soothing effects, but added that its small size and quiet operation made it perfect for bringing to the office. It’s worth noting that this model does not use a true HEPA filter, although its triple-layered filter will still remove 97 percent of airborne particles up to 0.3 microns in size.
Key Specs
| ACH | 5 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 71 sq. ft. |
Rabbit Air A3 SPA-1000N Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier with Pet Allergy Filter
Rabbit Air A3 SPA-1000N Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier with Pet Allergy Filter
Pros
- Extremely quiet, even when on the highest setting
- Can be wall-mounted or set on the ground
- Added filters for targeting allergies available
- Strong enough for large rooms
Cons
- Control panel is a bit confusing
If you’re short on floorspace or just prefer the look of a wall-mounted air purifier, this RabbitAir model could be a great fit. Our deputy editor of commerce, Zoë Hannah, has used this purifier for the last few months and it’s been a lifesaver during peak allergy season in her house.
While the price tag on this model might seem exorbitant compared to our other recommendations, this is perhaps the quietest large air purifier on the market—and you can customize the filter to target smells, pet dander, or germs in the air. When Hannah asked Rabbit Air what makes its air purifiers so expensive, the brand explained that its six-layer filters made of the highest-quality materials make it a premium product.
Hannah keeps her Rabbit Air A3 in her living room, and the sound of the purifier is never loud enough to even warrant bumping up the volume on the TV. You can choose between standalone or wall-mounted installation, and the five-year warranty should have you covered if any issues arise. The front-mounted control panel makes it easy to read from across the room, and the mood light is a nice perk that we didn’t find on other options.
We especially appreciate that RabbitAir goes into detail when explaining exactly how much space this model can effectively purify the air in, along with calculations for art studios where you may need the device to purify clay, dust, or paint fumes as well as normal pollutants.
Key Specs
| ACH | 4 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 535 sq. ft. |
HATHASPACE Dual Filtration Allergen Air Purifier
HATHASPACE Dual Filtration Allergen Air Purifier
Pros
- Two HEPA filters
- Sensors automatically adjust fan
- 6 speeds to choose from
Cons
- Bulkier than less powerful options
If you have a lot of space to cover and don’t mind the high price tag, this Hathaspace purifier could be just what you’re looking for. It features a pair of washable pre-filters designed to capture larger debris, like pet hair and dust mites, so the two H13 HEPA filters can focus on the small stuff.
Its built-in sensors also monitor the air quality of the room and adjust the fan speed to ensure it’s always working as efficiently as possible. Customer reviews praise both its ability to reduce dust and allergens, as well as its quiet operation.
Key Specs
| ACH | 1 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 2,800 sq. ft. |
Dyson Pure Cool HEPA Air Purifier
Dyson Pure Cool HEPA Air Purifier
Pros
- Stylish design
- Includes remote
- LED indicator panel
Cons
- ACH not provided
Searching for an air purifier that doesn’t look out of place in your modern home? This Dyson model combines a clean, sleek design with the HEPA filters necessary for maximum allergen removal.
The filtration system wraps around the base of the unit, and a powerful fan circulates the purified air around the room. You can choose between zero and 360 degrees of oscillation too, making it a great choice for those in warm climates looking for a cooling breeze.
The remote control attaches to the top of the machine with a magnet, so it’s always easy to find when you need it.
Key Specs
| ACH | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Large rooms (exact size not listed listed) |
TruSens Air Purifier with UV-C Light + HEPA Filtration for Allergens
TruSens Air Purifier with UV-C Light + HEPA Filtration for Allergens
Pros
- Sensor technology for adaptive settings
- Dual airflow gets purified air into the room faster
- Color-coded LED display
Cons
- Corded electric
This corded electric air purifier works to remove allergens with its 360 degree HEPA filtration system while killing germs stuck in the filter with its UV-C light. This air purifier stands apart because of its sensor technology that senses the air quality in the room and adjusts accordingly, which you can see on the LED display panel.
The system also has a dual airflow system that splits the air into two separate parts to disperse it quickly and efficiently throughout a large room.
Key Specs
| ACH | 2 |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 375 sq. ft. |
Casey Clark is a freelance journalist who specializes in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Forbes, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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