If all your heart desires is a fresh apartment that is completely smoke, dust, and allergen-free, a good air purifier can help. But why settle for “good” when there’s “great”?
The best air purifiers can get the job done without taking up much space. They’re ideal for small rooms and limited working areas. Contrary to what most people think, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for size.
There are tons of air purifiers that are specifically made for small rooms. They filter all kinds of harmful material like bacteria, dust, pollen grains, pet hairs, smoke, and pathogens. Of course, only the best purifiers can do all this.
And there’s the problem. How do you know which air purifier is the best one for your room? There are tons of models, sizes, brands, designs, and price ranges to choose from.
Well, this buyer’s guide contains everything you need to know before buying a purifier in order to make a well-informed decision. It covers all features and more importantly, all budgets.
Who needs an air purifier for a small room?
Virtually anyone can benefit from a good air purifier. But there are those who need one more than others. Here are a few examples of people who can benefit the most:
⦁ People who suffer from allergies
If you’re someone who suffers from allergies, then a small-room air purifier can definitely change your life. Asthma attacks can be triggered by all kinds of substances like dust, pollen grains, pet dander, spores, and dust mites.
Having a good air purifier can help prevent your asthma attacks. It’ll basically keep your allergies at bay.
⦁ Pet owners
If you’re a pet owner, whether it’s a cat or a dog, then you definitely need an air purifier. Think of it this way: cats and dogs never stay put, right? Well, guess what? Everywhere they go, they leave some of their hairs behind.
This can have serious consequences on your health, whether you have allergies or not. Actually, these hairs can make you develop allergies! Small-room air purifiers can get rid of these hairs for you.
Let’s not forget that pets tend to leave a few odors lying around the house, as well, especially next to the litter box. You definitely don’t want to inhale those odors. Leave them to your air purifier.
⦁ Smokers
We’ve agreed that pets can some effect on your health, but what about the other way around? If you’re someone who smokes consistently at home, then you could be harming your pets, friends, and loved ones without realizing it.
Smoke doesn’t completely disappear once you’ve put out the cigarette. It lingers. That odor that never seems to go away is your proof. To get rid of it, you need a good air purifier.
Top 5 Air Purifiers for Small Rooms
| Wynd Smart Portable Air Purifier | Levoit LV-H132 Small Air Purifier | GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1 Air Purifier | InvisiClean Aura Air Purifier | PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration System | Medical-grade filter | HEPA, Carbon, and Pre-filter | UV-C, HEPA, Activated carbon charcoal with pre-filter | UV-C, HEPA, activated charcoal pre-filter, and ionizer | UV-C, HEPA, activated carbon pre-filter |
| Weight | 0.96 pounds | 6.6 pounds | 7 pounds | 8.9 pounds | 8.54 pounds |
| Style | Air Purifier | Air purifier and odor remover | Air purifier and allergen & odor remover | Air purifier and odor remover | Air purifier and odor remover |
| Rating | 5 stars | 4.5 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Price | Latest Price | Latest Price | Latest Price | Latest Price | Latest Price |
How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms – Things to Consider
Nothing beats the smell of fresh air in the comfort of your home. For that, you need a good air purifier. But in order to make sure you get one that suits your needs and budget, there are a few factors and criteria to consider. Here’s the gist:
1. Performance
This one might seem pretty obvious. Of course, you want anything you buy to have the highest levels of performance. The thing is: how do you measure performance? What are you supposed to look for in your small-room air purifier? Here’s the deal:
⦁ CADR (delivery rate)
The first thing you want to look at is the purifier’s CADR, or clean air delivery rate. It represents how much clean air comes out of your purifier or how quickly it gets the job done. Basically, the higher the CADR of your device, the better its ability to filter and purify air is which means better performance. Generally speaking, you want to look for a small-room air purifier with a high CADR.
⦁ Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)
This one’s a bit different from the CADR. ACH represents how fast and how often your purifier can filter your room within an hour. If your room is subjected to a lot of pollution, especially from the surrounding environment, then you need a higher ACH.
Generally speaking, a good small-room air purifier should have an ACH of around 4. That means it completely purifies your room 4 times per hour, or in other words, every 15 minutes.
One thing you should be aware of is that companies often fail to mention their purifier’s ACH. They only advertise its CADR. What good is a device that covers a large area capacity but doesn’t clean it very often?
Don’t be fooled by these companies. Look for a high CADR and a high ACH. That’ll give you the best performance possible.
2. Technology
There are generally two types of technology that you might come across when choosing your air purifier: Active and Passive. The difference between them is quite simple.
Active filtration technology works by releasing certain substances into the air. These substances are responsible for ionizing pollutants but are also liable to ozone generation.
Passive filtration technology, on the other hand, uses filters that capture and absorb pollutants without releasing anything at all. This means Passive technology is usually a better choice.
3. Filter
Here’s a question: what are air purifiers supposed to do? Filter air, right? In other words, the type and quality of the filter inside your air purifier is the most important thing to consider!
A good filter should be able to remove all kinds of contaminants and pollutants including pollen, dust mites, smoke, odors, and dust. It should also have a pre-filter which is responsible for removing large particles prior to the main filtration process.
When it comes to choosing a filter, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most effective. Through testing and certification, they’re considered the best filters to get the job done.
You should also take note of the number of filters in your air purifier. You want something that has a sufficient number to last a long time. After all, replacing a filter is both time and money-consuming.
To that end, you should look for an air purifier with a decent “filter replacement” indicator. This lets you know the state of your filter and when it’ll need to be replaced.
Remember: don’t neglect to change your filter regularly.
4. Portability
Since we’re talking about air purifiers for small rooms, there’s no reason to go for a large purifier. Size and weight don’t correspond to efficiency. A small purifier can clean your room more efficiently than a larger one.
Always go for an air purifier that is small, portable, and lightweight. Besides, it’ll probably cost less than a larger one. Better efficiency, less cost, more convenience.
5. Noise and energy
If your air purifier is going to be used in a small room, you definitely don’t want it to be noisy. Smaller spaces tend to amplify even the lightest of whispers. You don’t want to have to turn off your purifier just to get a good night’s sleep.
Choose a purifier that isn’t noisy. As for energy consumption, the less your purifier consumes the better. The last thing you need is to save money on a small purifier that costs even more money to operate.
Our Selection Criteria for the Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms
Quality is definitely a priority. We also look for the best CADR, ACH, filtration technologies, and filter types. Excelling in these criteria is what sets these purifiers apart from others on the market.
Top 5 Best Air Purifiers for Small Rooms- Reviews
1. Wynd Smart Portable Air Purifier- The Smart, Lightweight Purifier
This high-quality air purifier is one of a kind. It has the ability to improve air quality and remove all kinds of pollutants from your home. Not only that, but it also gives you real-time feedback on your air quality. All you have to do is connect to the Wynd through an app on your smartphone and a detachable tracker. You’ll be able to keep track of your air quality anywhere you go.
Features
One of the best things about the Wynd is that it comes with its own independent personal tracker. Put simply, this detachable air quality tracker locates your position in the room and then focuses its output towards you. In other words, you won’t have to wait for the whole room to be purified. You’ll have purified air funneled your way thanks to the Wynd’s unique feature. This tracker also picks up pollutant levels within the room. This lets you know when certain areas have a higher level of contaminants or pollutants than others. It also has the ability to target and direct its main focus on these highly polluted areas. This detachable tracker can fit anywhere. You can even attach it to your clothes. Wherever you go, the Wynd will be able to read your surroundings and determine pollution levels. Pretty nifty!
The Wynd is great in terms of size and portability. It comes with a microfiber carrier case that allows you to take it with you wherever you go. Some people even use it inside their cars! In fact, the company boasts that within 10 minutes, the Wynd can remove about 50% of small particles and 70% of large particles from your car! The filters inside the Wynd are made from a special electrostatic cloth which can filter very minute particles. It also has an antimicrobial layer that eliminates microorganisms. This makes it a medical-grade filter. The filter will last for at least 3 months before it needs to be replaced, and that’s only if your environment is heavily polluted. The Wynd will let you know when it’s time for a replacement filter. It also offers invoice and shipment options, right to your doorstep.
If you’re worried about energy consumption, don’t be. The Wynd has a handy power saving mode that conserves energy.
Pros
⦁ It purifies air wherever you go
⦁ Portable
⦁ Very lightweight
⦁ It has a detachable air quality tracker
⦁ Compact design
⦁ Medical-grade filter
⦁ Real-time air quality data
⦁ You can take it with you anywhere, even in your car
⦁ Comes with a microfiber carrier case
⦁ Small size
⦁ Output: 9 liters of clean air per second
⦁ Versatile (can be attached to baby strollers, wheelchairs, etc)
⦁ Energy saving mode
⦁ Notifies you when filters need replacement
Cons
⦁ The tracker light stays on even when there’s decent lighting
⦁ Doesn’t contain advanced filtration technologies
Our Verdict
Although the Wynd doesn’t contain a HEPA filter or more advanced filtration systems, it does contain a medical-grade filter, which can be more than enough. If you’re looking for an air purifier that is smart, portable, and easy to use, this is a great choice.
2. Levoit LV-H132 Small Air Purifier – The Stylish Design
Features
This unique air purifier by Levoit comes with an impressive 3-stage filtration system. First of all, there’s a pre-filter responsible for removing large particles from the air. What’s the point? Well, although HEPA filters can get rid of large particles, doing so greatly reduces the filter’s lifespan. A pre-filter saves you money by getting rid of spores, hairs, and pet dander before they reach the HEPA filter.
The second part of the filtration system is the HEPA filter. This gets rid of substances that fall within the 0.3-micron range. Things like allergens and pollen are stopped in their tracks.
The third and final piece of the puzzle is the activated carbon filter. This is responsible for getting rid of odors and bad smells.
Pros
⦁ 3-stage filtration system
⦁ Free of ozone
⦁ 3 speed settings
⦁ Lifetime support
⦁ 2-year warranty
⦁ Unique and elegant design
⦁ Minimal noise (noise level is around 43 decibels)
⦁ Portable
⦁ Lightweight
⦁ Very effective air purifier
Cons
⦁ Only works in small areas and rooms
Our Verdict
This Levoit LV-H132 air purifier is perfect for those who want something that blends in. It’ll fit right into your home décor with its elegant, stylish design.
3. GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1 Air Purifier – The Extra-Thorough Purifier
Features
The GermGuardian is one of the most popular air purifiers for small rooms on the market. This 3-in-1 purifier uses a unique filtration system that incorporates a true HEPA filter as one of its main components. It has the ability to trap about 99.9% of allergens and dust particles that fall within the 0.3-micron range. Don’t forget that even substances that are measured in microns can trigger your allergies. This makes the GermGuardian absolutely vital for those who suffer from allergies.
Besides the HEPA filter, there are two other special components in the GermGuardian. The first is a pre-filter fitted with an activated carbon charcoal stage. This traps large particles and prevents them from clogging your purifier.
The second component is a UV-C sanitizer stage. This part has two roles. First of all, it kills off any bacteria that might have escaped through the HEPA filter before it gets to the room.
Second of all, it contains a titanium dioxide phase which helps remove odors that might have slipped through the carbon filter. In other words, the GermGuardian is an extra-thorough air purifier. It has backup measures to ensure that nothing unwanted gets through.
Pros
⦁ True HEPA filter
⦁ UV-C technology
⦁ 100+ rated CADR
⦁ Three in one filtration system
⦁ Recommended by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
⦁ Zero noise is produced during the filtration process thanks to its white noise purifier
⦁ Easy to use and operate
⦁ Very energy-efficient (meets the energy specifications of the AHAM (Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers).
⦁ Has an Energy Star Award
⦁ Very efficient at purifying the air
⦁ Has backup measures in case anything slips through the first set of filters
Cons
⦁ While operating, it can often produce a plastic-like odor
⦁ Only works for smaller areas and rooms
Our Verdict
If you’re someone who’s very thorough or a perfectionist, then this filter is a great choice. It utilizes more than one ‘failsafe’ to make sure that its air output is as pure as possible.
4. InvisiClean Aura Air Purifier – The 4-in-1 Air Purifier, Our Pick
Features
This air purifier is one of InvisiClean’s latest models. It’s amazing how much technology can fit into a purifier this small.
The InvisiClean incorporates a 4-in-1 filtration system. The first part of this system, as you may have guessed, is the HEPA filter. It gets rid of all the bacteria, pollen, spores, and viruses in the air.
The second part of the filtration system is the activated carbon filter. It gets rid of large particles before they have a chance to reach the HEPA filter. This stage also has another added benefit. It prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, which are often the cause of serious health problems. Not to mention mold looks bad around the house.
The third system is the UV-C feature. This ultraviolet light immediate kills any microorganisms that might have escaped through the HEPA filter. It also helps remove bad odors, leaving your air fresh and completely odorless.
If all these aren’t impressive enough, the InvisiClean utilizes a fourth, kind of failsafe, system called the Ionizer, which traps and reduces airborne dust and particles even further.
Pros
⦁ Compact
⦁ Sleek design
⦁ Gets rid of odors
⦁ Portable
⦁ 4-in-1 technology
⦁ Contains an ionizer
⦁ UV-C technology
⦁ True HEPA filter
⦁ Removes bad odors
Cons
⦁ Doesn’t come with a smart app feature
⦁ Only works in small areas and rooms
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for quantity and quality, then look no further. This air purifier contains 4 different types of filtration technologies, all inside one little box. It doesn’t get any more efficient than that.
5. PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier – The All-Around Great
Features
This air purifier by PureZone is last, but definitely not least. It contains a 3-in-1 filtration system comprised of a pre-filter with activated carbon, a HEPA filter, and UV-C. Pathogens, viruses, microorganisms, and particles don’t stand a chance.
The purified air comes out in a constant airflow pattern. As for its noise level, this air purifier is one of the quietest ones you’ll find on the market. It produces about 30 decibels of noise.
You can even adjust the fan speeds to completely get rid of the noise altogether. You’ll forget the purifier is even in the room.
Pros
⦁ True HEPA filter
⦁ UV-C technology
⦁ Produces minimal noise (noise level is around 30 decibels)
⦁ Energy-efficient
⦁ Removes odors
⦁ Constant airflow
Cons
⦁ Its blue LED light remains on even when the room’s lighting is sufficient
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an all-around great air purifier that gets the job done and doesn’t cost a fortune, this is the purifier for you.
The Best Overall among the 5 Best Air Purifiers for Small Rooms
The best overall would have to be the InvisiClean Aura Air Purifier. It combines both quality and quantity, thanks to its numerous filtration technologies. Practically nothing can escape its filters.
Best Air Purifiers for Small Rooms- Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place my air purifier?
The great thing about air purifiers for small rooms is that they’re usually quite small and portable. You don’t have to leave them in one place, like the bedroom or living room. Take them with you everywhere you go, even to the office.
How often should I change the filters?
Most air purifiers require a filter replacement every 6-8 months. You’ll find that the best models have an indicator or light that lets you know when it’s time for a new filter.
How long should I leave the purifier on?
Ideally, you should leave it on continuously. But you also want to consider noise levels and electricity costs. If your air purifier doesn’t have a power-saving option, then consider setting it to low speed when you’re not at home.
Final Verdict
By now, you probably have an idea which small-room air purifier is right for you. The ones in this guide are definitely some of the best choices on the market. That being said, even if you don’t choose one of these, you’ll still be able to make an informed decision with the criteria in this buyer’s guide.
Think long and hard before choosing your air purifier because as we like to say: “you are what you breathe”.