8 Best Air Purifiers for Your Whole Home — Big or Small!

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: September 07, 2023
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One of the most effective ways of keeping an eye on your general wellbeing is by regularly purifying the air that you breathe in. That is, you need to clean the air around you from cigarette smoke, wildfire smoke, dust, and allergens at all times. But how do you go about this effectively, you might be wondering – you can easily improve the indoor air quality of your home by buying the best whole house air purifier. These devices are ideal if you wish to clean the air in your whole house, not only in one room.

Whole house air purifiers are usually used to improve the quality of the air in a building by eliminating invisible particles from the atmosphere. These devices are particularly ideal for people who suffer from asthma, allergies, and other breathing issues. However, recognizing the need for a whole house air purifier is one thing, choosing the right model is another one. So, to help buyers choose the right model, we’ve collected some of the best air purifiers while considering essential factors such as the number and type of filters, maximum noise level, coverage area, and dimensions.

In the compilation of this guide, we have carried out a very deep research, in which we actually invested tens of hours. Right after this paragraph, you’ll find a table which should give you an idea of things to come in the article. Afterward, there’s a product review section where all our picks are comprehensively reviewed, before finally landing in the buying guide which contains a lot of handy tips designed to help buyers choose the right purifier for their needs.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: AIRMEGA 400
    "Despite being compact and portable this pick is highly efficient as it covers a wide area of up to 1560 square feet and features a colored LED ring that automatically indicates how dirty your air is"
  • Best with Touch Screen: Medify Air MA-112
    "This unit will inform you about your current air quality condition and improve it in no time with its H13 HEPA and activated carbon filters"
  • Best Smart Air Purifier: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
    "A model that analyses the level of contamination in your air and displays it in real time; boasts of a 2-stage HEPA filter"
  • Best Value: Winix 5500-2
    "An inexpensive air purifier that features 3 filters to remove dust, pollen, odors and more"
  • Best with HEPA: Honeywell HPA300
    "A model with true HEPA filter, a Turbo mode, and a handy filters check reminder"
  • Best Furnace Mounted: Aprilaire 2410
    "A perfect option for large homes: this purifier from Aprilaire is connected to your HVAC system thus providing your whole house with clean and healthy air"
  • Best Ozone Free Air Purifier: Oransi Max OVHM80 Air Purifier
    "This portable unit from Oransi comes with pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter and can cover up to 600 square feet of area – ideal for small and medium-sized homes!"
  • Budget Pick: Alexapure 3049
    "Regardless of this unit being the most affordable among all, its noise level is the lowest while the unit itself features a highly-effective four-stage filtration system"

Top 8 Whole House Air Purifiers Review 2024

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Editor’s Choice

AIRMEGA 400

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 1560 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 3
  • Filters type: Max2 Filter – combined activated carbon and a True HEPA filter; pre-filter
  • Maximum noise level: 52 dBA
  • Dimensions: 14.8 x 14.8 x 22.8 inches
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: colored LED ring indicates how dirty the air is; eco mode; timer

Probably one of the most efficient HEPA air purifiers in our guide, the Arimega 400S Air Purifier utilizes two industrial-grade HEPA filters for the removal of air contaminants, and because of its quite distinct design, the device is capable of operating fairly quietly at 52dB even when it is working on a high setting.  When it comes to aesthetics, this machine is exceptional. It has a visually appealing design, which includes a multi-colored light ring which indicates the quality of the air.

Furthermore, the Airmega 400S comes with Wi-Fi and the mobile app which offers a superior interface to control the device as well as monitor air quality. Besides, the purifier is equipped with a Smart Mode which regulates the performance of the machine depending on air quality, and also a pressure sensor which monitors filter performance and notifies you when you need replacement filters.

This machine is also capable of covering around 1560 square feet area, making it a perfect purifier for the whole house. It also comes with two embedded magnets at the base and side panels around the handles. Lifting outward and up at the bottom of the panels allows simple access to the assembly of each filter. Apart from its rather complicated app and problematic schedule mode, this unit is overall a great air purifier.

    What makes it special?
  • Versatile Alexa-enabled app
  • Almost silent on low
  • Wide coverage
    What cons did we find?
  • Turns off after the completion of schedule in schedule mode
  • The app is difficult to set up


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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7577 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
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9.2
Features & Benefits
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9.5
9.7
2
Best with Touch Screen

Medify Air MA-112

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 2,400 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 3
  • Filters type: pre-filter; H13 HEPA; carbon
  • Maximum noise level: not specified
  • Dimensions: 28.3 x 15.7 x 15.4 inches
  • Warranty: lifetime

More features: child lock; touch screen panel; CARB, ETL & Energy Star certified

When it comes to whole-house purifiers, you first need to think about how large of an area you want to cover. If you are only looking to work with a smaller space, then you can get a smaller and less powerful model. If, on the other hand, you want to purify your whole house, then you will need a larger model, like this one. It has an absolutely enormous coverage area of 2,400 square feet, which should be more than enough for most homes.

It can accomplish this amazing feat thanks to its triple filtration system. While many other units only have one or two different filter stages, this unit comes with three. These include a pre-filter for larger particles, a HEPA filter for fine particles, and an activated carbon filter for bacteria. These three layers of filtration all work together efficiently to effectively clean the air within the coverage area. It should come as no surprise that this unit is CARB, ETL, and Energy Star certified.

This is also one of the easiest air purifiers to set up as well. Thanks to its easy to read and very simple to use touch screen, you will be able to get this model up and running very quickly without too much trouble.

The only thing that you need to keep in mind with this purifier is that, even though the filters work very well together, the cost of replacing them will add up very quickly. This makes this one of the more expensive purifiers to operate, but it is well worth it to clean such a large amount of air effectively.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Effective purification
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Easy to use touch-screen panel
  • CARB, ETL, and Energy Star certified
  • Child lock
  • Large coverage area
    What could be better?
  • Expensive filters that need to be replaced regularly
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Consumer Engagement
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9.6
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9.6
3
Best Smart Air Purifier

Alen BreatheSmart 75i

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 1,300 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 1
  • Filters type: true HEPA, 2-stage filtration
  • Maximum noise level: 49 dB
  • Dimensions: 15 x 23 x 30.75 inches
  • Warranty: lifetime

More features: filter life indicator; 5 fan speeds; ionizer

If you are in the market for an air purifier that is truly capable of cleaning up the air in a large chunk of your house, then this is the model for you. This unit is able to purify up to 1,300 square feet, which should be more than enough for one floor of your home, if not the entire space. While this purifier is on the smaller side, it is still quite powerful. It comes equipped with 5 different fan speeds, which allow you to find the right speed to fit your needs. Obviously, the higher the speed, the more air it will clean at a time.

Something else that helps to set this unit apart from its competitors is the fact that it can clean so much, while only using one filter. The reason that this model is still so effective is that the filter has two different filtrations stages. This true HEPA filter helps to catch and trap more dust and allergens than a standard filter. Since it only has one filter to worry about replacing, this is one of the cheapest purifiers to operate.

This appliance also comes with a filter life indicator. This indicator will let you know when it is time to replace the filter. This helps to keep the device running as smoothly as possible since you won’t ever overuse a filter as long as you are paying attention to this easy to see indicator.

The only real issue with this otherwise wonderful machine is that it can get somewhat noisy, at least when compared to other purifiers. While its maximum dB level of 49 is not terribly loud on its own, it is more than double the amount of many other models.

    Why did it make our list?
  • HEPA certified filter
  • Compact
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 5 fan speeds
  • Filter life indicator
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Somewhat noisy
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4
Best Value

Winix 5500-2

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 360 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 3
  • Filters type: pre-filter; carbon; True HEPA
  • Maximum noise level: 27.8 dB
  • Dimensions: 14.9 x 7.8 x 23.6 inches
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: air quality indicator; light sensor; Auto and Sleep mode

You might think that it is impossible to find a good purifier that isn’t going to cost you too much. While there are many quality models out there that are quite expensive, this purifier is not. Even though it is quite compact, it is still able to cover up to 360 square feet, which is more than enough for most rooms, which is a big plus.

Perhaps the best thing about this particular unit, aside from its price, is the fact that it is extremely quiet. Even if you decide to have it operate on its highest fan level, it will not get any louder than 28 decibels, which is about the same level as the wind blowing through a pile of leaves. Plain and simple, if you choose to get this unit, you will barely even notice that it is on.

Something else that is quite surprising for this budget-friendly model is its filtration system. While most smaller models only have one filter, this unit comes equipped with three. It has a pre-filter for larger pieces of dust, an activated carbon filter to remove bacteria, and a HEPA filter for very fine particulates. This makes it an extremely effective purifier, despite its compact size.

Of course, this unit is only effective when it is on its highest fan settings. The sleep mode barely moves any air at all, which limits its effectiveness, so you will have to keep it working on full power to keep your air clean. Thankfully, the unit is still quiet, which will make it much easier for you to keep it running on high.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Extremely quiet
  • Programmable
  • Air quality indicator
  • Triple-layered filtration
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Only works well on higher fan settings
Also Product Ranking:
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9.5
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9.1
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9.2
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9.1
9.5
5
Best with HEPA

Honeywell HPA300

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 465 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 2
  • Filters type: pre-filter; true HEPA
  • Maximum noise level: 27.8 dB
  • Dimensions: 14.9 x 7.8 x 23.6 inches
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: filters check reminder; Turbo mode; dimmer

Honeywell has long been a company that is known for making high-quality heaters, humidifiers, and air purifiers. This model is no different. In fact, even though it is extremely compact, it still packs quite a punch. It has a coverage area of 465 square feet, which is large enough to cover multiple rooms in most houses. It is also very quiet. Even when it is turned up as high as possible, it still only puts about 28 dB, which is extremely quiet.

This unit comes with two different filters that work together to catch all of the dust particles in the air. It has a pre-filter to collect larger pieces, and a true HEPA filter to trap the finer particles. This results in a very efficient purifying process that is sure to help make your home more hospitable for anyone that suffers from allergies.

One of the reasons that this device can handle such a large coverage area while still remaining quite compact is because of its fan speeds. It has multiple speeds to choose from, with its top speed being referred to as Turbo mode. This turbo mode circulates the air very quickly, which helps to clean a lot more air in a shorter amount of time. This is perfect if you are going to be having guests over soon and want to quickly purify the air before they arrive.

One of the only issues with this device is that the filters are relatively expensive when compared to others on the market. Thankfully, they also last a lot longer than standard filters, and the filter check reminder will make sure you only replace them when necessary.

    What are its best features?
  • Very compact
  • Turbo Mode
  • Filter check reminder
  • Very quiet
  • HEPA filter
  • Easy to use
    What could be improved?
  • Replacement filters are expensive
Also Product Ranking:
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9.5
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9.5
6
Best Furnace Mounted

Aprilaire 2410

Features
  • Coverage area: all over the home HVAC system
  • Number of filters: 1
  • Filters type: genuine Aprilaire Air Filter
  • Maximum noise level: not specified
  • Dimensions: 28.2 x 17.8 x 6.8 inches
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: produces no ozone; filter requires replacement once a year

The Aprilaire 2410 is an ideal representation of what the best furnace mounted whole house air purifier should look like. Apart from providing a high quality of performance and mind blowing-utility, this unit also sports a pleasant design, making it a perfect fit for the interior of your house. At the same time, no specific maintenance is required except the periodic filters replacement. This should be carried out yearly or once in two years, so the costs are relatively minimal.

This model performs unbelievably. It can perfectly trap up to 98 percent of airborne particles like dust, dirt, and other larger particles. Besides, the device will always be capturing more than 97 percent of airborne particles, which is particularly convenient if you have individuals who have asthma and some other respiratory disorders. It also helps people with allergic reactions.

This device, unlike the standard one-inch furnace filters, can provide over thirty times more filtering media. You will witness firsthand how this device will provide a much cleaner breathing environment for you and your family, despite coming at a reasonably affordable cost. The incorporated patented filtering media is capable of providing you with a very clean atmosphere all through your home. This unit packs a lot of positives that the only complaint we have about it is its relatively short warranty.

    What makes it special?
  • Filters are long-lasting
  • No energy use
  • Budget-friendly and low filter cost
  • Easy to install
    What cons did we find?
  • Limited protection
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2637 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.0
7
Best Ozone Free Air Purifier

Oransi Max OVHM80 Air Purifier

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 600 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 3
  • Filters type: pre-filter; HEPA filter; carbon filter
  • Maximum noise level: 53 dBA
  • Dimensions: 17 x 22 x 8 inches
  • Warranty: 10-year limited

More features: four fan speeds plus auto mode; dust/gas sensor

Rated one of the best whole-house air purifiers on the market, it would nearly be a crime to omit the Oransi Max OVHM80 Air Purifier from our list. Apart from being energy efficient, this model from Oransi offers you several benefits aimed at making the atmosphere at your home a lot cleaner and purer as it comes with all the features required to clean the air of your home efficiently. The unit comes with the smart air monitors which readily check the air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly to ensure you breathe the safest and cleanest air imaginable.

For asthma, dust removal, mold spores, and allergies, you can depend on this unit to eliminate these issues. Despite looking otherwise, this unit is actually lightweight. Its stylish design will also complement your office, living room, or wherever it is placed. Other special features you will find on this unit include a pre-filter, HEPA filters, air quality check, filter replacement alerts, and activated carbon filter. To give you a peace of mind, the unit is backed by a ten-year warranty.

With three stages of filtration included, it is perfect for trapping allergens and battling light domestic odors. Not only that, but it also comes with an ozone-safe ionizer and easy to replace filters. Its user-friendly electronic controls, LED display, and smart air quality monitor are all remarkable features. Also, it has a quiet operation and a wide coverage area, making it a perfect fit for whole house purification and the best Oransi whole house air purifier. While some customers have a problem with the indicator light that can’t be turned off, this is an excellent unit in general.

    What do we love it for?
  • Designed for long-term use
  • Very lightweight
  • Easy to change filters
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet operation
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Eliminates light odors only
  • The indicator light can’t be turned off
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9789 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.2
8
Budget Pick

Alexapure 3049

Features
  • Coverage area: up to 800 sq. ft.
  • Number of filters: 4
  • Filters type: pre-filter; HEPA filter; carbon filter; purification unit with IonCluster technology
  • Maximum noise level: 23 dBA
  • Dimensions: 7 x 13.5 x 21.5 inches
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: five fan speeds

There is actually no reason why you should have to settle for loudness just because you want your indoor air to be purified. That’s precisely what the Alexapure had in mind in the manufacturing of the Breeze 3049 as it has an incredibly quiet operation, at 23 dB at max. Apart from being an effective pollution remover, it is also energy efficient while keeping noise at the minimal. In a nutshell, this model is more powerful and quieter than any other one in its category.

The four-stage purification process incorporated in the Alexapure Breeze eliminates up to 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants. The three-stage filtration system eliminates particles as little as 0.3 microns. The unit utilizes IonCluster technology as its last purification stage, which removes particles throughout the room. Unlike other ion technologies, however, the byproduct of the unit is water rather than ozone. The device efficiently removes dust, dirt, bacteria, allergens, odors, and viruses.

Furthermore, the air purifier has a broad coverage of 800 square feet of area which is perfect for small and middle-sized homes. What is more, it features a smart auto mode which automatically adjusts to the changing air quality of a room.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Quiet operation
  • Wide coverage
  • Highly efficient IonCluster technology
  • Intelligent air quality sensor
  • Very powerful operation
    What could be better?
  • Not suitable for large houses


Things to Consider

Just as it’s unreasonable for a hunter to go hunting without a weapon, it is equally unreasonable for a buyer to go shopping without having adequate knowledge about what he wants to buy. We don’t want you to be this sort of buyer, so we urge you to read the buying guide below.

How can a purifier improve your life?

Increase your productivity

Improved air quality always brings about increased productivity. This is especially true if you work from home, like cleaning and purifying your air indoor can make a significant difference. When the level of the indoor air pollutants reaches a certain point, you can become lethargic and fatigued which will cause you to be feeling sleepy at all times. Also, low indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause symptoms such as headaches that will significantly slow you down. Install a whole house air purifier to improve your productivity instantly.
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Help you sleep better

A poor IAQ usually makes it hard to sleep peacefully and comfortably. Air pollutants are capable of increasing cases of sleep disorders such as snoring and reduce your sleep’s efficiency. In the long run, inadequate sleep or lack of can raise your risk of severe conditions like cardiovascular diseases. In case you are not getting adequate sleep, an air purifier can get rid of the pollutants that are possibly causing that.

Ease asthma and allergy symptoms

If you are asthma or allergy sufferer, any sort of indoor air pollution can trigger you. Dander, pollen, and dust circulating through the atmosphere may result in a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and other unpleasant symptoms you wouldn’t like. A product like the Aprilaire 2410 can eliminate up to 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants, and the three-stage filtration system incorporated in the device can get rid of particles as little as 0.3 microns.

Features to consider while choosing a whole house air purifier

Below are some key factors you need to consider before buying your whole house air purifier.

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Coverage area

Usually, whole-house air purifiers are capable of covering larger areas as compared to room models, with some models even having the capacity to cover several thousands of square feet. But sometimes all you need is a small purifier for the room where you are training on your exerciser.

As a general guideline, you need to go for a model whose coverage is a bit larger than your home’s real size to make sure you are making the most out of it. If you’re looking for a model with very wide coverage, we recommend you to choose the AIRMEGA 400.

Type of filters

This is perhaps the most crucial thing that you need to consider when looking for the right whole house air purifier. It is imperative to comprehend that the air isn’t cleaned automatically. It is actually run through a particular filter which then captures the unsafe particles, before introducing the air back into the building. While there are different types of filters, you might want to choose a HEPA true model, which guarantees to remove at least 99.97% of airborne pollutants.
However, despite being the most efficient and safest filtration method for airborne particles like dust, mold, dust mites, and pollen, HEPA filters are less effective for things like gas molecules, odors, Formaldehyde and OCs. Therefore, activated charcoal air filters are used in situations that require the removal of airborne chemicals, gaseous pollutants, fumes, and odors. Most manufacturers use the combination of both, plus UV filters and ionizers for maximum effect.

Maximum noise level

Noise level is crucial, particularly if you use a purifier in a room where you work or sleep. For maximum quietness and efficiency, we recommend choosing a bigger unit and operating it on a lower speed, instead of turning up a small model. Consider an ultra-quiet model like the Alexapure Breeze Air Purifier if you’re looking for quietness.

Warranty

Most air purifiers come with a warranty of two years at least. Some companies try selling you additional extended warranty while some try to take your contact details for this. Make sure you check and read the terms of the warranty and what it covers.

Also, check if the warranty will be voided by customer action. For example, most warranties will only apply to the original buyer and won’t transfer to succeeding owners.

Extra features

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Also, check if the unit comes with additional features such as the intelligent air quality sensor which automatically detects the air quality and adjusts accordingly. Also, check if it has multiple speed settings and an auto shut-off feature. However, keep in mind that fancy features usually increase the cost considerably. For instance, look at the Alen BreatheSmart which is equipped with all the fancy features but will cost you quite a lot.

FAQ

My house is approximately 1000 sq. ft. Should I go for a furnace mounted purifier or a portable one will be enough?

If your house is approximately 1000 square feet, that would be like a mountain too big to climb for a portable air purifier since they usually are not designed to cover wider However, there are portable models on our list that are capable of covering 800, 1000 and even 1600 square feet. So if you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly purifier, take a look at Alexpure 3049. It can cover an area of up to 800 square feet and doesn’t require any complicated professional installation.

Is it difficult to maintain?

Most whole house air purifiers are not difficult to maintain. Even though all of them use replaceable filters, those filters usually don’t need to be changed until after a year or two.

Can it help get rid of cigarette smoke and pet odor?

Of course, yes. Depending on the model and brand, a whole house purifier can help get rid of pet odor and cigarette smoke in your house. Look for the purifiers that are equipped with a true HEPA filter and activated carbon filters for optimum results.

Our verdict

By a wide margin, the AIRMEGA 400 Air Purifier is our Editor’s Choice. Apart from having one of the broadest coverage areas on the list, it also comes with many other high-end features to justify its high price tag, such as the colored LED ring for air pollution level indication, eco mode, and timer. Without a doubt, this is the best whole house air purifier as far as we’re concerned.

Our runner-up choice is the Medify Air MA-112. With this sleekly designed unit, your air will become much cleaner in no time thanks to the improved H13 HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter for odor removal.

Our third pick is the Alen BreatheSmart 75i which apart from an effective air purifying system, features an air quality detector which will inform you on the current state of matters in your house.

9,8
Total Score
AIRMEGA 400 - Editor’s Choice
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