Pet Hair, Mold, and Other Allergens Have Nothing on These Air Purifiers

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While some home remedies for allergies may offer short-term relief from sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, the best air purifiers for allergies help rid the air of common irritants and other impurities to help you find a more permanent solution.

As someone with seasonal allergies, and a fiancé with terrible allergies, air purifiers are staples in every room in our apartment. These devices use filtration systems to clean the air circulated in a given space. Experts agree that HEPA (which stands for high-efficiency particulate air) filtration is the gold standard. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). Robert Sporter, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I.E.N.T., an allergy specialist at ENT & Allergy Associates, says, “The best type of air purifier is one with a HEPA air filter.” But, there is a caveat, Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, warns that HEPA filters “only work for particles over 2 microns; so mold and animal dander mainly.” She warns that pollen and dust mites may be too small for some devices.

Meet the experts: Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network; Robert Sporter, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I.E.N.T., ENT & Allergy Associates

“HEPA air purifiers have the most data with bacteria, virus, and fungi down to 2 microns in size,” Dr. Parikh says. Ahead, find the best air purifiers for allergies, tested by editors.

Air Purifier With UV-C Light + True HEPA Filtration, Large

This product won the best air purifier in our 2023 Health at Home awards for a reason. It contains a 360-degree HEPA filter to capture airborne viruses, allergens, and certain VOCs. It also has a UV light for reducing germs and bacteria in the filter. The straightforward buttons and an easy-to-read monitor that displays air quality levels, make it ideal for techies and the tech-adverse alike. This device features a remote air quality sensor that transmits findings to the purifier, adjusting levels as needed.

“As someone who’s been struggling with allergies a lot this year, there’s one product that’s truly been a lifesaver,” says Hannah Jeon, Prevention associate commerce editor. “I’ve been keeping this TruSens air purifier running in my bedroom whenever I’m home, and it’s made such a difference in reducing my symptoms—I definitely have less sniffles and congestion since getting one! I love that it offers five different fan speeds, including a super-quiet ‘whisper’ mode that’s great for when I’m sleeping. It also comes with a Sensor Pod remote (which you place across the room) that actively monitors the air quality of the room and automatically adjusts the fan speed, which is super useful.”

Air Purifier for Large Room

If you’re looking for a complete breakdown of the air quality in your space, then this air purifier is for you. Not only does it fit in nicely with my apartment’s décor, it also is one of the most informative air purifiers we tested. It offers a variety of automatic modes, based on your needs—toggle between eight modes and get real-time measurements of particulate counts, smoke, VOCs, temperature and humidity, and more, plus a life-saving carbon monoxide sensor.

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier

I keep this air purifier in my bedroom due to its whisper-quiet noise level (no sleep disruption due to pesky air particles!). Another boon for sensitive sleepers, I love that it features a color-coded light that indicates air quality, which can be disabled for those who need to sleep in a completely dark space).

It packs four filtration systems into a sleek profile. Featuring a pre-filter, deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, and vital ion, this small but mighty device filters up to 99. 97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants, and other allergens. It also reduces volatile organic compounds and reduces odor.

Air Purifiers for Home

If you’re looking for an air purifier for allergies for a small or medium-sized room, this under-$100 option works hard, and is the most affordable option on our list. Prevention Assistant Editor, Shannen Zitz, uses this one daily. “Not only am I someone with allergies to pet hair/dander and sensitive to smoke, but I also own a dog and live in a house with a cigar smoker. I’m always trying to find ways to make the air in my home more breathable, and I can confidently say that this air purifier from Clorox has made a huge difference in air quality. Not only that, but set up was super easy and so is the maintenance.”

Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan

“An air purifier is a smart idea for breathing easier indoors, especially if you have allergies or asthma that’s triggered by dust and other teensy particles—but it’s a bonafide necessity when you live in a small space where allergens seem to congregate beyond your control,” says Alyssa Jung, senior editor, fitness and nutrition, Hearst Lifestyle Group. “I rely on my Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 to keep the air in my apartment clear, and I like knowing that it’s doing its job when I see the air quality toggle up and down depending on the weather or what I’m doing inside (like, say, if I’ve just used cleaning products or lit a scented candle). The machine uses a HEPA and activated carbon filtration system to remove 99.97% of particles, and Air Multiplier technology to purify and circulate air throughout the entire room. The sleek design is optimal for blending into a room, lightweight enough to move around, and it runs quiet even on the highest setting—and bonus, it doubles as a fan!”

Core 300 Air Purifier

According to the brand, this air purifier tackles particles as small as 0.1-0.3μm, including pollen, dust, and animal dander allergens. While we have not tested this particular purifier, shoppers on Amazon say it’s worth the money. “Bought one to use in the smoking room of my place. Works great, removes most smoke odor and most airborne particulate in the room. Noticeably observed in direct sunlight. It runs 24/7 and still runs quiet,” wrote one shopper. “I will occasionally burn an incense next to it, to effectively ‘season’ the filter. It continues to scent the air while removing all the smoke. I bought one a few years back and just bought another one for my music studio. Keeps the dust down and the equipment clean.”

Shark Clean Sense Air Purifier

Catching particles down to 0.1-0.2 microns, per the brand, this filter is small but mighty. It uses three filters (pre-filter, carbon, and HEPA) to remove unwanted matter from the air. The device measures three particles and adjusts accordingly, so you can be confident that it’s catching pollutants as they arise. Weighing just 6 lbs, the air purifier can sit atop a counter or nightstand, making it one of the most compact options on our list. “Love how quiet it is even running at high speed. It has an auto feature so it’s not always running and the digital % air quality is nice. Currently have this in my bedroom and thinking of getting a second one,” wrote one satisfied shopper.

Air Purifiers for Home Large Room

Though this LEVOIT air purifier does not use language indicating it features a HEPA filter, it does say it uses a HEPA-grade filter. Zitz also uses this filter from Levoit, which claims to address particulates as small as 0.1-0.3μm, including pollen, dust, and animal dander allergens. “This air purifier does an amazing job at keeping the air in my home clean and pet-odor free, and I love the VeSync app that it connects to on my phone that allows me to adjust fan speed and view the air quality wherever I am,” she says. “I also appreciate the washable pre-filter that helps prolong the life of the main filter, saving me time and money.”

How to choose the best air purifier for allergies

Dr. Parikh says to take the following into account when looking for an air purifier for allergies:

• Look for HEPA technology

• What square footage it purifies

• How easy it is to clean

• How often it requires filter changes

Where is the best place to put an air purifier?

Dr. Parikh says to put the device in the bedroom, as it’s the place where we spend the most time all at once. And, we’re “exposed to allergens all night as we sleep.” But, she says it’s ideal to have one at work or other areas we spend hours at a time.

How we chose

We spoke with Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network; Robert Sporter, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., F.A.C.A.A.I.E.N.T., ENT & Allergy Associates, tested the Mila, Clorox, Levoit, Dyson, TruSens, and Coway air purifiers.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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