“Uncontrolled allergies can lead to developing asthma,” says Kathleen Dass, MD, a Michigan-based allergist and immunologist. “While most studies are usually small, the evidence does show improvement in allergic rhinitis with [air purifiers containing] HEPA filters.”
With an extensive air purifier market, it can be difficult to choose one. To make shopping easier, we conducted our own research and chose the best air purifiers based on the following attributes: cost, filtration levels, how quiet the device runs, and additional features like lights or remote operation. We also read countless reviews and consulted with allergists, including Dr. Dass.Based on our research, here are the best air purifiers for allergies on the market.
We also like that it includes a timer function so you can set it to run between one and 12 hours and has a Change Filter indicator built in. The Air Quality indicator light is color-coded so you can see at a glance what your current air quality level is. It’s also received a decent EnergyStar rating, requiring only about $12 to $15 to run every year.
Price at time of publish: $180
With five stages of filtration, including a HEPA filter, a whisper-quiet sleep mode, and the ability to circulate air around a 240-square-foot room three times per hour, you really can’t argue with this model’s budget appeal. It also comes with three fan speeds, two light options (night light and rainbow gradient), a timer/auto shutoff option, and a child lock feature so kids can’t accidentally change the settings or turn it off.
Price at time of publish: $90
It’s an investment for sure, but Molekule also offers a 30-day trial period, full refunds, and a monthly payment plan. If it makes your life easier, you can also sign up for automatic deliveries of replacement filters (for an additional cost), making this a product you can purchase, plug-in, and forget about.
Price at time of publish: $699
This device is incredibly simple to set up as well. After removing it from its box, you can put it together in less than a minute, and once its plugged in, the device is up and running. It’s great for large spaces, too; it covers up to 750 square feet, so it’s a great pick for both apartments and homes. While this air purifier is a bit more expensive than some of the others on this list, it’s worth the investment for anyone who suffers from allergies and wants a sleek, silent air purifier to keep their home clean.
Price at time of publish: $849
Just because it’s petite doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch: this purifier cleans just as well as Levoit’s larger units, removing more than 99% of household allergens like dust, mold, dander, and smoke. It has a HEPA filter and is ozone-free, making it safe for use with asthma sufferers.
Because smaller units like this are often used in bedrooms, we like that Levoit has outfitted this purifier with a night light option and an ultra-quiet motor so it will help—not hinder—your beauty sleep.
Price at time of publish: $90
On the technical side, the BONECO unit has both daytime and nighttime operating modes for maximum efficiency, dishwasher-safe parts for regular cleaning, and even a diffuser port for adding your favorite essential oils to really freshen your space. And we like that there are no filters to change or replace.
Price at time of publish: $253
The Hathaspace purifier features a five-step filtration system (including an ionizer and a HEPA filter) powerful enough to remove up to 99.97 percent of allergens, trap dust, pet hair, and dander, and eliminate annoying odors. It can cover up to 700 square feet so it’s powerful enough for large spaces and we like that the display lights turn off so it won’t disrupt your sleep when running at night.
Price at time of publish: $230
What’s more, we like that the unit has been tested for energy efficiency and against the clean air delivery rate (CADR) system, receiving high marks in both metrics. Not only does it clean the air well, but it also does it quickly, reducing the amount of time you’ll need to keep it running for relief.
Price at time of publish: $96
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These air purifiers for allergies are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great air purifiers for allergies, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These air purifiers for allergies are just average.
3.4 and below: We don’t recommend air purifiers for allergies with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.
We chose air purifiers based on the type of filtration they offer and what particles they filter, the square footage they cover, and special features such as automatic mode settings, remote control operation, and automatic air quality detection.
What to Look for in Air Purifiers for Allergies
HEPA Filtration
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and Dr. Dass says that purifiers with HEPA filters have been the most extensively studied—and the only kind proven to filter particles out as small as 0.3 micrograms. That makes them one of the best tools in combating the effects of indoor allergens.
Size
When we’re talking about size for air purifiers, we mean the square footage the device can cover and clean the air around you. If your device only covers a small space within a large room, it’s not doing the job you need it to in order to remove allergens. Air purifiers have a clean air delivery rating (CADR), which indicates how efficient the device is at cleaning the air. “The AHAM (Association of Home Appliance) says ‘that as a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air cleaner should be equal to at least two-thirds of the room’s area,’” says John McKeon, MD, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited speaking on behalf of the asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program for the AAFA.
UV Ionization
Some air purifiers are electrically-charged, or ionized, with UV technology to further clean and sanitize the air. This is a feature that some people benefit from, but others—like those with asthma—should avoid these types of purifiers, says Dr. Dass: “They have been shown to create an ozone [which] can actually trigger or exacerbate your asthma symptoms.”
Why Trust Verywell Health?
Additional reporting to this story by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
