I tested the best air purifiers against dust, cooking smells and smoke – these are the models I’d choose for a healthier home this summer
After 1,000s of hours of testing, these air purifiers came out on top for improving indoor air quality
Amy Lockwood
Why you can trust Ideal Home
- Over 100 years of shopping expertise
- More than 30 air purifiers fully tested
- Over 2,000 hours of air purifier testing
- Hundreds of home appliances reviewed in total
While spring and summer's sunny days and blooming flowers are a welcome reprieve from winter, these warmer months can open up a whole can of worms for those who struggle with hay fever, dust, and other airborne allergies. Thankfully, the best air purifiers can combat these pollutants and create a happy, healthy home environment for you and your family.
But with so many air purifiers and purification features on the market, choosing the right model can be hard. That's where I come in. As Ideal Home's resident air quality expert, I've used our dedicated air purifier testing process to review models from Blueair, Dyson, Levoit, and more, with the help of my qualified testing team.
We've assessed everything from reaction times and recommended room size to filter performance, ease of use, noise levels, and overall running costs to find which models will suit which households (and whether the best dehumidifiers might suit you better). I've then translated all of that jargon into choosing my top 6 models and compiled an easy-to-follow guide on the best air purifiers below!
The quick list
Short on time? This quick list is an overview of the very best air purifiers. You'll find more information on each air purifier just a scroll away.
Best overall
As long as you don't have a space over 48m² to filter, we think this is the best air purifier you can buy. Our top recommendation combines first-class performance that filters out 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns in size (most air purifiers only promise to filter down to 0.3 microns), a relatively affordable price tag, and stylish user-friendly design.
Best budget
This air purifier may be cheaper than other models on the market, but it's still suitable for rooms up to 22m² and uses HEPASilent dual filtration technology to help you breathe easier. It also comes with a Night mode and is never louder than 48dB. Plus, it has smart app connectivity, so it can be controlled via your phone. And while we didn't rate it as highly as the 3250i, it's ideal if you're on a budget.
Easiest to use
If you want an easy-to-use air purifier that gets the job done with minimal fuss, the Levoit Core 300S Air Purifier is our top contender. This smart air purifier is suitable for spaces up to 50m2, and everything is controlled via the very simple VeSync App, which gives you full control and real-time data you might need to assess your home's air quality.
Best for larger spaces
For the most part, air purifiers for larger spaces are large in their own right. But Dyson's new 'desktop' model breaks the mould while also offering impressive air purifying technology. It's suitable for spaces up to 100 m² and has a star-shaped nozzle designed to purify up to 70 litres of air every second. It's an investment, but one that delivered healthy results during testing.
Best air purifier and dehumidifier
Combining air purifying power with one of the best dehumidifiers, this 2-in-1 appliance is the ultimate space-saver. While it's primarily a dehumidifier, the built-in HEPA filter means that it'll ensure a moisture-free, healthy home. It also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, a timer, and an auto mode for convenience.
Best air purifier fan + heater
This 3-in-1 appliance will serve as your air purifier, fan and heater. It offers room coverage up to 81m³, and even comes with an oscillation feature to ensure purified air is reaching every corner of your space. The 360 Combi Glass HEPA + Activated Carbon filter, coupled with the handy Auto mode, makes it ideal for everyday use, but it is on the pricier side.
Best air purifiers 2025
Best air purifier overall
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier offers a great combination of responsive performance combined with stylish design and a relatively affordable price point, making it our top recommendation for the best air purifier overall.
It's designed to filter the air in spaces up to 48m² and offers a decent CADR (clean air delivery rate) of 239 m³/h. The 3-Stage HEPASilent Filter also can remove 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns in size, whereas many air purifiers at this price point only promise the removal of particulates down to 0.3 microns in size.
In practice, our tests found that the filter made a difference to how the Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier performed, with this air purifier being one of the fastest to detect dips in air quality and the quickest to improve air quality levels in a small to medium-sized space. It also performed the best at odour removal, clearing the test kitchen of bacon fumes quicker than any other air purifier we tested.
All importantly, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier also offers a built-in air quality sensor that makes managing indoor air quality super simple. Simply turn on the Auto mode and the purifier does all the hard work for you, switching into standby mode when the air quality is good, and automatically kicking into gear should air quality drop.
The coloured air quality indicator light on the front of the air purifier is a nice user-friendly touch, and, although in testing we thought the on-board controls could be a little slicker, the option to connect to Wi-Fi and operate the air purifier via the Smart App, or to connect it to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to use voice-activated commands, will be a great plus point for many users.
Read our Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier review for more details.
Best budget air purifier
We've now tested multiple Blueair air purifiers and all have scored highly in our review process. The Blue Pure 511i is the brand's updated and more modern version of the Blueair Pure 511, which we also awarded a 4-star review. It's also perfect for those on a budget, thanks to its sub-£130 price tag.
The Blue Pure 511i looks very similar to our top-rated Blueair air purifier, the Blue Max 3250i, but is better suited to smaller spaces up to 22m². It can still remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, however, which makes it still very powerful for such an affordable air purifier.
It's also a significant improvement on the 511, as this updated model now comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in air quality sensor, which allowed our tester to assess and manage her air quality from her phone or the onboard controls. She also found the Auto mode to be both responsive and quiet, reacting to everyday changes in air quality as well as the changes brought on by our controlled air purifier tests.
Our tester did find that the Blueair 511i was slightly slower to respond to dust and cooking odours, and it was a little larger than she would have liked, but she agrees that it's an affordable all-rounder that most would be happy with.
Read our Blueair Blue 511i Max Smart WiFi Air Purifier review for more details.
Best air purifier for ease of use
Levoit has a wide range of air purifiers on the market, but the Levoit Core 300S is the best we've tested for the average UK home. It's easy to use and is suitable for spaces up to 50m2, and during testing it proved itself to be compact and lightweight - so it won't take up too much space in your house.
While it's not the most responsive air purifier out there - the Blueair 3250i and the Dyson HushJet were quicker to respond than this one - it still reacted to smoke particles in just 30 seconds and 20 seconds to register the introduction of VOCs into the air. The ‘AirSight Plus’ smart sensor also works hard to adjust the fan speed depending on the air quality of the space at the time.
Its crowning glory, though, was that the appliance's hands-off nature didn't counteract the information available. Our tester found that the on-board digital display was easy to read, decipher and operate if needed, and that the app offered all of the data she could possibly need to understand the air quality in her home. You can even set up voice commands, so you can control the app through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The only downsides? It won't be powerful enough to use in large spaces, but for smaller spaces like bedrooms and offices it'll be more than enough. Especially as it's incredibly quiet, too.
Read our Levoit Core 300S Air Purifier review for more details.
Best air purifier for larger spaces
If you have a larger home (or an open-plan layout) and want to enjoy the cleanest air possible, the Dyson HushJet Compact is our top choice. It's big in power, cleaning capacity, and high-quality features - but unlike other air purifiers for larger spaces, it isn't big in physical size.
I tested this model in my own home and found the reaction time seriously impressive, and it proved a capable workhorse when restoring air quality back to normal levels after a big dip. During the smoke test, it even detected a drop in air quality more quickly than our top-rated model, the Blueair 320i.
The MyDyson app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing users to create a schedule, turn Auto mode on/off, adjust the 10 fan speeds manually, and assess current air quality levels via numbered values and visual graphs. And while I found it louder than the advertised noise levels, the 31dB noise level at the lowest fan speed was inaudible when I played my music or watched television.
However, it's worth noting that this isn't the only air purifier we've tested for larger spaces - and if you want to purify spaces over 100m², the Levoit Core 600S will suit you better, as it's suitable for rooms up to 294m². Just be warned that it's twice as heavy and almost twice as high.
Read our full Dyson HushJet Compact review for more details.
Best air purifier and dehumidifier
If your home is prone to excess moisture and damp issues like mould and mildew, then, although many air purifiers can help to remove fungal spores from the air, a dehumidifier is going to be the best option for sucking excess moisture from the air in a poorly ventilated indoor space and preventing moisture-related problems from forming in the first place.
Thankfully you don't have to buy two separate products, with the MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier and Air Purifier offering the best of both worlds. This multifunctional unit gets our vote for the best dehumidifier money can buy thanks to its high moisture extraction rate, generous water tank, quiet operation, easy-to-use design, and energy-efficient performance. Its Smart Laundry Mode also makes quick work of drying wet washing. Plus, this newest iteration in the Arete series also solves some of the biggest issues we had with its previous generation, now offering Wi-Fi connectivity, a timer, and an auto mode for even more convenience.
You can choose from four size options, that extract 10, 12, 20 or 25 litres of moisture from the air per day respectively, and all offer H13 HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality in more ways than one. That said, because the Arete Two is a dehumidifier first and foremost, you won't get the nuanced air purification you can expect from a standalone air purifier. However, if you're looking to solve damp and air quality issues in one fell swoop, the Arete Two offers great versatility and a lot of bang for your buck.
Read our MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier & Air Purifier review for more details.
Best air purifier, fan and heater
If you want to consolidate your many products into one all-in-one appliance, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 offers just that. As well as serving as an impressive and effective air purifier, it can also compete with the best electric heaters during the winter months and the best fans in summer.
It's very effective, too, and while it's not as responsive or as powerful as other brands such as Blueair and Levoit - after all, it only captures 99.95% of pollutants - it offers easy air purification without making a fuss. You can simply pop this appliance in the corner and let it work its magic while also keeping you - and your home - the perfect temperature.
During testing, the Dyson air purifier worked hard to keep pollutants to a minimum and my air quality level, especially on Auto mode. It's also incredibly easy to track and control your air quality reading both on the appliance itself and through the easy-to-use app.
And while the sleek bladeless design is very Dyson and the 3-in-1 functionality is ideal for year-round use, it's worth noting that this is a big appliance. So, if you only need an air purifier, it might not be the option for you.
Read the full Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool HP1 Purifying Fan Heater review for more details.
We've also tested
I've reduced my shortlist of the best air purifiers to my six top options, but there are a few other alternatives that I think are well worth a mention if the above options don't suit your home or air quality needs.
Air purifier comparison at a glance
Air Purifier | Price | Ideal Home Rating | Recommended Room Size | Noise Levels | Filter Type |
£149 | 5 stars | 48m² | 18-46dB | 3-Stage Pre-Filter, HEPASilent Filter | |
£129.99 | 4 stars | 22m² | 19-48dB | Pre-filter, particle filter, activated carbon, HEPASilent | |
£149.99 | 4.5 stars | 50m2 | 22-50dB | 3-Stage Pre-Filter, H13 HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter | |
£349.99 | 4.5 stars | 100m² | 31dB - 60dB | Activated Carbon Gas + Odour Air Purifier Filter, 360 Electrostatic Air Purifier Filter | |
From £199 | 5 stars | 42m² - 90m² | 35dB - 42dB | H13 HEPA Filter | |
£549.99 | 4.5 stars | 81m³ | 60dB-70dB | 360 Combi Glass HEPA + Activated Carbon filter |
How we test air purifiers
You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test page, and we also have a detailed explainer of how we test air purifiers that goes into the specifics of our testing process.
Our team of reviewers tested a host of the best air purifiers on the market to compile this guide, reviewing them for at least two weeks (or longer if possible).
We compared each air purifier's assembly and set-up process, its design, ease of use, CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), HEPA air filter performance, energy consumption, and noise levels to compile our top recommendations.
Each air purifier was put through its paces in a real-life home environment to test how well it filtered out cooking fumes when frying bacon, how quickly it removed smoke and VOCs from the air, and how well it combatted dust.
Meet our testers
Lauren is the Content Editor for House Manual, focusing on floorcare, aircare and cleaning as a whole. She compiled this guide based on her own review process and air quality expertise.
In this guide, Lauren tested the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier, Dyson HP1 Hot + Cool and the Dyson HushJet in her home.
Amy is currently Ideal Home's Certified Expert for Sleep, but was previously our E-Commerce Editor for all manner of small home appliances - including air purifiers.
She tested the top-rated air purifier on this list in her home, analysing everything from its CADR rating to its size and even its WiFi connectivity.
Jullia has tested countless household appliances for Ideal Home, including vacuums, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers.
She has hands-on experience with some of the biggest air purifier brands out there, and followed our strict testing criteria to review these products. For this guide, she tested the Meaco Arete Two.
Katie has been reviewing products for Ideal Home for many years now. She has tested countless air purifiers, including the Blueair Blue 511i in this guide.
When she's not testing air purifiers, she's also reviewing vacuums, coffee machines, and carpet cleaners.
How to choose the best air purifier
It would be nice to think that we could all rely on good indoor air quality as a standard. However, as pollution levels rise both inside and out, many of us are turning to air purifiers to help counteract potentially harmful particulates in the air.
But what should you look for when shopping for the best air purifier? We've broken down the essentials to help you invest in the right air purifier for you. You can also read a more detailed explainer in our guide on which type of air purifier you should buy.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
The CADR measures the volume of air the air purifier can filter, or clean, in a given timeframe. That measurement is usually given per hour, in which case it's measured as m3/h.
That means that the higher the CADR rating of an air purifier, the faster it will be able to clean the air, and the larger space it will be able to purify - but these are typically more expensive. An air purifier with a low CADR rating may not be as effective in removing pollutants from the air, but will typically be cheaper.
Recommended room size
Almost all air purifiers come with a manufacturer's recommendation for the maximum room size they are suitable for, usually measured in m2. It's essential to buy an air purifier that matches the size of the space you want to filter; otherwise, it will struggle to purify the air adequately.
If your home is on two levels, and you don't want to carry the air purifier up and down stairs continually, that may mean investing in more than one air purifier. Our guide to 'how many air purifiers do I need' has more advice for choosing the right number of appliances to manage your indoor climate effectively.
Filter type
Knowing which type of air purifier is best for you typically depends on the filter type. These include:
HEPA Filter: A HEPA filter (short for high-efficiency particulate air) is the standard in air purifiers. It will remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm) from the air. This is the filter that can help the most if you suffer from things like pet allergies or hay fever.
Active Carbon Filter: An active carbon filter is generally thought to filter microscopic particles from the air, like traffic fumes, cigarette smoke, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that carry unpleasant smells. They can even remove viruses from the air.
Ionisation: Some air purifiers also use ionisation, which involves pushing negatively charged ions into a room to combat other allergens. This isn't as common and should be bought with caution, as they can release harmful ozone.
Of course, it's also worth noting that you need to regularly clean an air purifier and its filter to maintain its efficiency.
FAQs
Do air purifiers really work?
If you live in an area with poor outdoor air quality, high road traffic pollution, or are sensitive to pollen, air purifiers are definitely worth it.
An air purifier works by using a fan to draw air into the air purifying unit, whereby it passes through a series of filters that remove particulate matter. The cleaned air is then discharged back into the room. As such, a decent air purifier can be a good way to improve indoor air quality and is worth the investment for those with allergies or sensitivity to airborne pollutants.
However, it's important to note that air purifiers vary widely, with some more effective than others. If you want to remove pollutants from the air, it's best to choose a model with a HEPA filter as standard. This means the air purifier will at least capture up to 99.97% of pollen, pet dander, dust, and mould spores. Any filters that offer less than that won't be as effective at capturing these particles.
Do air purifiers remove smells?
Yes, a good air purifier can remove smells and odours from your home. The best air purifiers for removing smells are those with Activated Carbon Filters alongside the usual HEPA filter. The Activated Carbon can help to remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and their accompanying smells – such as the particulates from a scented candle, cleaning products or aerosol deodorants – as well as things like fumes and odours from cooking fumes and pets.
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i Air Purifier is our top recommendation for the best air purifier for removing smells, making short work of removing fried plant-bacon fumes from our test kitchen.
Is there a downside to air purifiers?
If you want to improve the air quality in your home, there are very few downsides to air purifiers. Generally, the positives outweigh the negatives by a mile, but there are some features of an air purifier that may be considered downsides. These include:
- The price: higher-quality air purifiers tend to be more expensive than the lesser-quality options on the market.
- The noise: it's hard to find an air purifier that doesn't make a noise, which can be distracting if you want to run it while you're sleeping.
- The maintenance: air purifiers do need to be regularly cleaned and maintained for them to continue cleaning your air. You may also need to replace filters.
- The running costs: although they won't cost you a fortune, air purifiers will add to your energy bills - like all extra electrical appliances.