Air Purifier Finder: Compare models and breathe easier

Learn how to choose an air purifier to keep your home free of smoke, allergens and dust.

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Best Air Purifier

Best Rated Air Purifier Brand: Dyson

Dyson air purifiers topped the list for quietness, design and value for money. Dyson also rated highly for cleaning and maintenance.

Compare air purifiers

Name Product Dimensions RRP Product More info
Samsung AX5500K
437mm x 372mm x 838mm
$799

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Samsung AX40T3030
407mm x 407mm x 715mm
$449

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Samsung AX34T3020
407mm x 407mm x 647mm
$449

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Dyson TP04BN Pure Cool Tower Fan 249230-01
117mm x 206mm x 1,050mm
$799

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Winix Zero 4 Stage Air Purifier AUS-1050AZBU
208mm x 380mm x 600mm
$639

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Quick facts about air purifiers

  • When choosing an air purifier, the most important factor to consider is the type of filter (or filters).
  • Prices range from around $70 for small, basic purifiers to $1,500 or more for models that purify large spaces.
  • You'll also need to factor in the cost of replacement filters as you'll need to replace them regularly to keep your air purifier working effectively.

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What is an air purifier?

Air purifiers use filters to remove common pollutants and allergens from the air. They are commonly used by those with allergies and asthma to help reduce the number of irritants in the air.

What can an air purifier do?

  • Remove allergens, including pollen and dust
  • Help those with asthma breathe more clearly by removing irritants
  • Get rid of odour and contaminants from smoke
  • Decrease allergic reactions to pet dander and fur

Check out our review of the Philips Series 3000 Air Purifier

Types of filters

Air purifiers can come with several types of filters and many models include multiple filter types. Not all filters are created equal.

  • HEPA filters. High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters are considered to be the most effective filters at targeting common allergens. HEPA filters remove at least 99.95% of allergens and pollutants.
  • Activated carbon filters. These filters use activated charcoal to clear smoke, chemicals and odours from the air. However, they don't filter allergens and bacteria and need to be replaced frequently.
  • Ozone filters. This filters can help remove odours, including the smell of smoke, but they don't remove allergens or pollutants.
  • Ionic filters. Ionic filters use an electrical field to remove pollutants from large areas. While they are somewhat effective, they produce ozone, a type of pollutant, and release it into the air.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) filters. UV filters can kill bacteria. However, in order to work, most bacteria need to be exposed for an extended period of time – much longer than most purifiers allow.

How to compare air purifiers

When choosing an air purifier, consider the following factors:

Room size

If the purifier is too large for your room, your energy bill will be unnecessarily high. If it's too small, it will be ineffective. Look for one that matches the footprint of the rooms you want to use it in. If you have a large, open space, you might need to get multiple purifiers and place them on opposite ends of the space.

Automatic monitoring

An air purifier that can automatically check the air quality of the room and adjust settings accordingly will allow you to set it and forget it. Otherwise, you'll have to manually adjust the settings throughout the day.

Noise level

Some air purifiers sound like a loud tower or pedestal fan, while others have a quiet hum similar to a refrigerator. To be the most effective, the air purifier should run all day, so look for a model that's quiet enough not to be a nuisance.

Replacement filters

You'll need to replate the filters regularly. Activated carbon filters need to be replaced more often than other filter types (typically around once every three months). Filter prices can range from around $20 up to $200 or more. Consider buying replacement filters when you buy the purifier to avoid additional shipping costs.

Filter replacement indicator

Some models include an indicator or light that tells you when you need to replace your filter and can help you avoid using your air purifier while it's not working.

Sleep setting

If you plan to keep the air purifier in your bedroom, look for a model with a sleep setting that shuts off any lights and maintains a quiet fan setting while you sleep.

Light indicator

A sensor light can tell you what the air quality is as soon as you enter a room.

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial agents can stop mould from growing within the air purifier and extend the life of the filters.

Fan speeds

Look for a purifier with multiple, adjustable fan speeds to save energy and avoid unnecessary noise.

Three tips for air purifier maintenance

Check out our top tips to get the most out of your air purifier:

    1. Replace the filters regularly. While replacement filters add significantly to the lifetime cost of the air purifier, a purifier without working filters is effectively useless. Make sure to replace the filters at the recommended times, which is between three to twelve months for most filter types.
    2. Consider where to put it. If you work from home or spend most of your time at home, a purifier in your office or living space can make a lot of difference. If you're out of the house a lot, a unit in your bedroom will have a more significant impact. It might be more convenient to move the purifier from room to room, so look for one that's light enough to carry. Alternatively, consider getting multiple units – one for each room.
    3. Keep it running. In order to be the most effective, the purifier should be turned on as much as possible – with all windows and doors closed.

Best rated air purifier brand award breakdown

Total Score Overall rating Value for Money Cleaning & maintenance Design Quietness
Other 8.23 4.45 4.55 4.41 4.41 4.32
Dyson 8.15 4.46 4.36 4.34 4.56 4.38
Breville 7.82 4.31 4.19 4.06 4.1 4.23
Philips 7.81 4.16 4.18 4.28 4.42 4.34
HoMedics 7.75 4.19 3.9 4.38 4.48 4.33
Samsung 7.59 4.08 4.08 4.22 4.06 4.08
Sharp 7.4 3.92 4 4.17 4.08 4.08
Airfree 7.33 4.06 4.04 3.79 4.17 3.77
Kogan 6.88 3.71 3.97 3.74 3.89 3.71
Cli-Mate 6.58 3.52 3.43 3.57 3.61 3.61
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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