The best air purifiers

Do you ever find yourself having a sneezing fit at home and wonder what’s set you off? Sometimes it may be nothing at all, but in some cases it could just be lingering particles in the air that your body doesn’t agree with. In which case, rather than suffer in your own home, an air purifier is a great way to get rid of any harsh chemicals or pollutants that may be infiltrating your breathing space. 

Air purifiers are particularly good for those with asthma or allergies such as hay fever. They work by using a fan to filter the air in your home and then redistribute it as clean, fresh air. They’re great for households with pets, smokers, or those living in a big city and can really make a big difference to your health and respiratory system. 

HEPA filters are the most common and most trusted type of filter you can get, but that’s not to say other brands are not as good. When looking for a good air purifier, look out for a number of features that will ultimately make your life easier such as a purifier on wheels. Most air purifiers are quite large devices, so being able to transport it from room to room is essential and you may also want to opt for a filter with a timer so you can set it to come on at specific time during the day, this will save you energy and will help your filter last longer than it would do if it was on constantly. 

Some are louder than others, but if you choose an air purifier with multiple fan speeds, you can at least have some control over the level of noise it produces. Some are more expensive than others, but ultimately the decision should come down to which one is going to work well for you. We’ve picked out the best air purifiers on the market right now to suit all styles and budgets, so have a read and pick your favourite. 

1. Philips AC3256

A large yet quiet purifier for large homes

Specifications

Best for: Big rooms
Room Size: 95m2
Speed Settings: 5
Size: HWD 25x36x70cm

Reasons to buy

+
Smart sensors
+
Quiet

Reasons to avoid

-
Short cable length 

This Philips air purifier is sleek looking and incredibly efficient which makes it the ideal choice for larger homes. You can set this air purifier to automatic, which allows smart sensors to indicate to you the quality of the air via the LED lights on the front. The machine will then work to filter the air whenever necessary. It uses HEPA filters which are designed to last longer and customers particularly like how quiet this device is, especially when set to “bedroom mode”. It’s a little on the large side but compared to other air purifiers, this one looks smart and works smarter; a great investment for anyone who suffers badly with daily allergies.

2. Blueair Classic 605 Air Purifier

Another smart filter that can be controlled from your smartphone

Specifications

Best for: Smart homes
Room Size: 72m2
Speed Settings: 3
Size: HWD 26x20x13

Reasons to buy

+
Control via smartphone app
+
Reduces drafts

Reasons to avoid

-
Very pricey 

This Wi-Fi enabled air purifier is definitely one for any smart homes out there. It works via the Blueair Friend app which allows you to control this device from your smartphone. It also has easy-to-use controls on the device itself and LED icons which keep you notified on the status of the air quality. What users love most about this air purifier is its SurroundAir system which is designed to minimise drafts and its Silent Technology which keeps it running smoothly without it becoming too much of a distraction. Yes, it is a little expensive, but it’s a slimmer and smarter than the rest and will keep your living space fresher for longer. 

3. HoMedics Brethe Air Purifier

Homes with pets will benefit from this 3-speed purifier

Specifications

Best for: Homes with pets
Room Size: 72m2
Speed Settings: 3
Size: HWD 46x41x18cm

Reasons to buy

+
Easy read display
+
Permanent HEPA filter

Reasons to avoid

-
A little noisy 

If you don’t want the hassle of having to change the filter on your air purifier so frequently, then this HoMedics device could be for you. It features a permanent HEPA filter which means it can be taken out, cleaned and then returned to the purifier for longer-lasting results. It is recommended to completely replace it after around 18 months, but that is still a lot longer than the standard filters. Users have said it is very effective at reducing the symptoms of allergies to pets, dust and pollen and works quickly to filter the air. The only downside is it can be a little noisy but most users said they got used to the sound very quickly.

4. Fresh Air, Car Air Purifier

Keep the air in your car fresh with this portable filter

Specifications

Best for: Cars
Room Size: 55m2
Speed Settings: 1
Size: HWD 3.7x12.9x8.7cm

Reasons to buy

+
Plug and play
+
Eliminates smoke odour

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for the size 

This little device is ideal for purifying your car, especially if you are a smoker or have had pets in the car. It simply plugs in and has an attractive blue light to show that it’s on. A lot of users say they are unsure if it works but often forget that this is not an air freshener, so it has no scent. Those who smoke have said they can definitely tell the difference and that they like the look of it in their car. It’s still quite expensive considering it is a portable device, but if you have allergies then this can really help reduce symptoms especially for those who drive every day.

5. HoMedics Professional HEPA Air Purifier

Remove impurities such as dust and pollen with this discreet air purifier

Specifications

Best for: Air flow
Room Size: 55m2
Speed Settings: 3
Size: HWD: 43x22x38cm

Reasons to buy

+
Permanent filter
+
Three cleaning speeds

Reasons to avoid

-
Noise can be distracting 

If you like the sound of HoMedics Breathe Air Purifier but it’s a little out of your price range, then this HEPA air purifier is just as good at a fraction of the cost. It looks pretty much identical but is a slightly smaller, slimmer shape. The permanent HEPA filter means is much lower maintenance than a lot of air purifiers on the market, and it has 3 speed settings so you can control how you filter your air. It is a little noisy, but certainly isn’t as loud as some air purifiers you can buy, and users find the sound isn’t too distracting once you’ve gotten used to it. 

6. Vax AP01 HEPA 1 Air Purifier

An affordable, compact air purifier for smaller homes

Specifications

Best for: Budget buy
Room Size: 61m2
Speed Settings: 3
Size: HWD 31x18x37cm

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable 
+
Quiet

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as effective in big rooms 

If you’ve only got a small living space, then this VAX air purifier is small and compact making it ideal for bedrooms. Again, some find the noise tricky to get used to at first, but users have said it’s only a low hum that isn’t too annoying. It’s got 3 speed settings and comes with a filter included so you can start purifying your air immediately.  Users have said how it is particularly good for those with asthma and can really tell the difference after a short amount of time.