The 10 Best Smart Air Purifiers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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These appliances pair clean air with convenience
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Fact checked by Emily EstepReviewed by Brandon Pleshek
A smart air purifier offers the same cleaning benefits as non-connected models, but with the added conveniences of an app, voice control, and wider smart home integration. These features allow you to change and monitor settings, set schedules, and know when the filter needs replacing—all from a distance. In addition to these helpful features, a smart model delivers the level of performance and coverage you need for your home.
"It gives you data,” notes Vinny Lobdell, the founder and former president of the Healthway family of brands and Intellipure, Inc. “That data allows you to basically look at what’s happening in your space and, ultimately, it should allow you to change [your] behavior," he adds. This could mean closing your windows during allergy season, or simply upping your air purifier's level so that it cleans quickly and more powerfully. "Regular purifiers don’t give you that intelligence and they also don’t give you the ability to control the system away from it.”
To make our recommendations, we tested and researched top models on the market, evaluating our insights from The Lab, where we've tested a total of 66 air purifiers over the past year. In our latest round of testing, we only tested 10 models to collect in-depth insights on the particulate levels in each room, measure each purifier's decibel reading, and also measure each purifier's energy consumption. Throughout all our testing of air purifiers, we've also used a handful of top options in our own homes to observe how they'd hold up to real-life usage over time. Our favorite smart air purifiers provide the whole package: easy-to-use, intuitive features, effectiveness, and design.
What to Know About Filters
All air purifiers include one or more filters. There are three main kinds of filters. HEPA filters target smaller particles, including pollen, dust mites, and pet allergens, and True HEPA filters can capture 99.97 percent of particles with diameters of 0.3 microns or even less. Activated carbon filters work against gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Pre-filters tackle larger pollutants like pet hair and lint. Your air purifier will be most effective if it has the filter (or filters) that targets the exact pollutants in your air.
Best Overall : Coway Airmega IconS
This air purifier may be expensive but its loaded with smart features and even has an on-board phone charging dock.
What We Like
Compatible smartphone app
Includes wireless phone charging dock
Automatically adjusts filtration based on air quality
What We Don't Like
Initial connection issues
Expensive
We had the unique opportunity to test the Coway Airmega IconS in one of our homes for five months, and its performance did not disappoint. While our testing for this model was not as controlled as it would have been in our lab, our team member said she not only experienced diminished allergy and asthma symptoms, but smells also dissipated much faster with this air purifier in her home. Plus, the IconS is loaded with smart features that set it apart from other models we've tested over the years.
This air purifier has an integrated touchscreen display that allows you to easily adjust the fan levels, check the connectivity status, and change the light display. Plus, this air purifier has a wireless phone charging dock, so consider it a multipurpose appliance as well. We even noted that we were surprised by how often we used this feature over the testing period. You can also connect your Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant to control this air purifier via voice commands and adjust its settings. The IoCare app also offers a convenient way to remotely monitor your home's air quality levels. You can also check your air's status at a glance, thanks to a color-coded light display on the top of the air purifier. We will note that we had some initial frustrations trying to connect this air purifier to our home Wi-Fi. However, we were able to resolve the issue and haven't had any connection issues since.
When operating on its smart mode, this model will automatically adjust fan settings based on the room's air quality, which optimizes energy efficiency without compromising the purifying power. We also love the sleep mode feature, which will automatically dim the lights on the unit and reduce its noise production when it detects that the lights in a room have been off for three minutes. All of these features do come at a high price of just under $700. While we recognize this model may be too expensive for smaller households, it's not only an effective option to have in your home, but it's also aesthetically pleasing and will easily blend into any space.
Price at time of publish: $699
Dimensions: 22.3 x 8.8 x 21.4 inches | Coverage Area: 649 square feet | Filter Type: Green True HEPA | CADR Rating: 173 (smoke), 194.1 (dust), and 235.3 (pollen) | Works With: Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Coway Airmega 400S Smart Air Purifier
What We Like
Straightforward setup process
Quiet operation on sleep mode
App is very easy to use
Sleek design
What We Don’t Like
High mode is on the noisier side
Larger footprint than some other models
The Coway Airmega 400S Smart Air Purifier earns our second-best overall spot based on its well-rounded feature set. Formerly our Best Overall pick, this model was just slightly beat out by the newer Coway Airmega IconS. However, this model still comes in a sleeker design than other purifiers, covers larger rooms with a 1,560-square-foot coverage area, and includes a three-stage True HEPA system. Additionally, it offers a convenient app—along with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice connectivity for remote control and monitoring.
After both lab and long-term home testing, we gave it a perfect rating for setup, noting that the pictures in the instruction manual were easy to follow and that downloading the companion app was straightforward. The app allows you to view air quality, choose one of four fan settings, manage scheduling, and turn the machine’s light on or off. You can also keep an eye on the filter’s lifespan from the mobile app. This air purifier has a sleep mode, too, which reduces the noise level and distractions at bedtime. An eco mode activates to conserve energy after the air purifier senses smart mode has done an effective job of cleaning the air, as well.
When put to the test in the lab, the Coway Airmega 400S’s multi-stage filtration system delivered impressive results overall. This model uses a pre-filter to capture pet hair and dust, an activated carbon filter to trap odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and a True Green HEPA H13 filter (an environmentally-friendly version of a True HEPA filter) to keep bacteria and viruses at bay. It performed superbly at its lowest speed to filter pet hair and smoke, and even better on high mode. However, when testing the air purifier’s VOC-filtering abilities in the lab, the low mode proved much less effective than the high mode.
The high mode was also noticeably louder, as many air purifiers are when working harder. Though this model has a larger build than some alternatives, its coverage area, performance, and connectivity make it a useful and compelling choice as a daily air purifying tool at home.
How It Performed Long-Term
After six months of use, our real-world testing revealed the app is convenient for controlling and monitoring this device, over the touch controls on the machine. We also appreciated—and primarily used—this model’s smart mode, which changes the fan’s speed automatically based on the air quality.
Price at time of publish: $630
Dimensions: 14.8 x 14.8 x 22.8 inches | Coverage Area: 1,560 square feet | Filter Type: True HEPA H13 | CADR Rating: 328 (smoke), 328 (dust), 400 (pollen) | Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Best Value: Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier
What We Like
Quiet operation on sleep mode
Three-stage filtration system
Lightweight, compact design
Effective at removing odors
What We Don’t Like
High mode is on the noisier side
If you’re interested in a more wallet-friendly model that’s still packed with top-notch features and has a solid coverage area, the Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier offers a perfect combination of value, slim design, and advanced functionality. It’s small enough to move around your home whenever it's needed—and features two convenient handles for that purpose. During both our lab and at-home tests, we loved the light, portable build, and ease of movement.
Like the Coway Airmega 400S, this Levoit option also employs a three-stage filtration system with a pre-filter for capturing lint and pet hair, a True HEPA filter for taming dust, dander, and bacteria, and an activated carbon filter to trap VOCs, smoke, and smells. In the lab, these layers of defense proved highly effective at cleaning the air on low and high modes. We also noted that this pick performed extremely quietly on its sleep mode and low fan settings. Unfortunately, the high mode proved noticeably more audible, but you might not need to run this setting often.
Beyond the impressive performance, the Levoit Core 400S is also convenient to operate. In addition to onboard indicators that alert you to air quality levels, the companion VeSync mobile app gives you information on indoor air quality, and lets you schedule a custom cleaning routine. The app is also the place to pair Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for help monitoring and controlling settings without picking up your smartphone or physically interacting with the machine.
In our most recent round of testing, we were also able to evaluate the Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier, which is the smaller version of the 400S. While this model has a smaller coverage area, it was just as effective at eliminating VOC smells and purifying the air in our testing room. It's compatible with the VeSync app, so you can monitor live readings of your home's air quality and schedule purification times. If you live in a smaller home or in an apartment, the Levoit Core 300S may be a great alternative to the 400S, plus it's slightly less expensive as well.
How It Performed Long-Term
In at-home testing with the Levoit Core 400S, we marveled at how whisper-quiet its sleep mode is—you can barely hear it when it's running. We also noted that this machine seemed to eliminate a damp smell, and can make a noticeable difference in air quality compared to rooms where it’s not present.
Price at time of publish: $220
Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches | Coverage Area: 403 square feet | Filter Type: H13 True HEPA | CADR Rating: 260 | Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Best Splurge: Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04
What We Like
Humidifier, fan, and air purifier in one
Sleek design
Quiet operation
What We Don’t Like
Price reflects premium features
No CADR rating provided
The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH04 requires an investment that’s heads and shoulders above our other recommendations, but its extensive list of advanced features helps justify the price point. In addition to offering cooling and humidifying features, this unit also works as an air purifier in a refined, tower-like, metal design. It uses an activated carbon and HEPA H13 combination filter to capture VOCs and odors, and up to 99.7 percent of the smallest particulate matter that might be lingering in your home. It also houses a permanent catalytic filter that eliminates formaldehyde.
When we put the Dyson PH04 through our lab test, it excelled at improving air quality quickly and quietly. At the lowest level, we couldn’t register any difference over the room noise level, and on the highest level, the decibel rating reached only 69, which we noted sounded like a medium-sized fan and wasn’t disruptive. This was especially impressive considering it cleaned the air in our testing area in a mere five minutes.
This model's sensors continuously monitor the air and report findings on everything from the temperature and humidity to particulate matter readings on the built-in display, but you can also view this information and control the device with the included remote or via the Dyson Link app. The app allows you to view filter reminders, historical air quality data, and set cleaning schedules, too. In addition to app control, the PH04 offers wide voice assistant compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. Once set up, you can ask your assistant of choice to change the fan speed, enable certain modes (which include handy auto and night modes), or even turn off the device.
How It Performed Long-Term
With continued daily use at home, we observed a noticeable difference in pet dander after running the machine daily. We agreed that the steep price is difficult to overlook, but that the effectiveness and functionality make this model worth the investment for those who can manage it.
Price at time of publish: $1,000
Dimensions: 12.228 x 11.02 x 36.33 inches | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Filter Type: True HEPA H13 | CADR Rating: Not listed | Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri
Best Quiet: Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
This air purifier truly is ultra quiet and it has a powerful air purification capability to match.
What We Like
Sleek design
Can be mounted to a wall
Quickly reduces air pollutants
Customizable filter
What We Don't Like
Not as effective at removing smells
The Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier is aptly named. It's by far one of the quietest air purifiers we've ever tested, and even quieter than its predecessor the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier, which previously earned our Best Quiet superlative. Just like the MinusA2, you can expect a sleek design and efficient operation from the A3. But it's even quieter, registering under 50 decibels for its first three levels during our lab testing. Even on its highest setting, we found that this air purifier only reached above 60 decibels when standing just two feet away from it, so you can expect that in a larger family room, it won't disrupt your TV shows or conversation.
Despite having five different filters, it's very easy to understand how the filters nest into each other thanks to instructions listed on the inside of the filter cover. You can also choose between a germ defense, pet allergy, toxin absorber, or odor remover filter. While we found the BioGS True HEPA filter was impressive in eliminating PM 2.5 within our testing room, we still noticed unpleasant odors from our room spray and incense dispersal. That said, if odor elimination is at the top of your priorities for air quality, we recommend selecting the corresponding customizable filter to really ensure odors are eliminated quickly.
We especially love how unobtrusive this air purifier is and it can even be mounted to a wall for the ultimate, built-in home maintenance device. You can also choose from Rabbit Air's Artists Design series which features artwork such as Starry Night and Great Wave on the exterior of the air purifier. This air purifier's controls do come labeled on a removable plastic layer, but once removed, the settings are differentiated by lights rather than written labels. All in all, you can expect a thoroughly designed and executed product with a price to match. We were very pleased with this model's air purification abilities, and its very minimal noise production makes it a front-runner for any homeowner who wants a quiet appliance.
Price at time of publish: $750
Dimensions: 18.9 x 8.4 x 19.7 inches | Coverage Area: 1,070 square feet | Filter Type: BioGS True HEPA | CADR Rating: 257 (smoke), 262 (dust), and 315 (pollen) | Works With: Amazon Alexa
Best App: Mila Air Purifier with Basic Breather Filter
What We Like
Detailed air quality data
Several different intuitive modes
Seven filter replacement options
What We Don’t Like
No filter replacement indicator
Loud on higher settings
All the smart air purifiers we chose offer the flexibility of voice assistant or app control, but the Mila Air Purifier offers more customization and interactivity than its competitors. We found that connecting to and setting up the Mila purifier via the Mila Cares app was relatively easy—though not incredibly fast—and critical to the user experience. Once connected, you can set the location of the device based on the placement in your home and your geographical location, to compare air quality trends in your neighborhood and home and monitor allergen levels. The Mila bot tab offers conversational updates and lets you know when conditions outside have reached poor levels, even recommending that you stay inside.
The Mila purifier uses a dual HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and eight onboard sensors to keep an eye on everything from carbon monoxide and PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels (particles that are 2.5 and 10 microns, or less) to the temperature and humidity. You can view much of this information from the onboard touchscreen, which reports the indoor air quality level (AQI), outdoor air quality level, mode, and what it calls the "protection factor," which is the difference between conditions inside and outside. During our testing, this air purifier was effective at lowering PM 2.5 levels on both its lowest and highest setting, but the high setting was significantly more effective at reducing the levels within a 10-minute window.
Conveniently, this air purifier's display stays dark until you walk into the room, offering a catchy automatic update, such as “everything is awesome,” or letting you know how many particle-free hours have passed when you’re nearby. You can also monitor this same information in the Mila Cares app, which is home to the control center. Unlike other models, you can activate up to eight different settings for a customized cleaning routine. You can also choose Mila’s automatic Automagic mode to automatically activate one of your chosen settings, based on air quality changes and scheduling. In the lab, we registered a decibel rating of 86 on high mode, which is much louder than a typical dishwasher. However, the higher fan settings also mean more intense cleaning in a shorter period of time, and you can choose to activate these modes when you’re not in the room.
While the Mila app outpaces competitors in terms of the level of data and control it offers, this air purifier lacks an air filter replacement alert—though, the manufacturer reports this feature is in the works. On the plus side, the company offers seven different HEPA filter replacement options (including several that offer more targeted VOC filtering) beyond the standard Basic Breather, which could mean even more command and peace of mind over your home’s air quality.
How It Performed Long-Term
During our six-month, long-term testing, we ran this model in its Automagic Mode nonstop. We also relied on the Bubble Boy Mode, which lets the device be as loud as necessary to remove any particles. We will point out that this mode is quite loud, as any of the high fan settings on this device tend to be. The filter only made it to the five-month mark before needing to be replaced, so you may have to purchase filters more frequently if you choose to operate this unit at all times.
Price at time of publish: $408
Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 15.5 inches | Coverage Area: 1,000 square feet | Filter Type: True HEPA H12 | CADR Rating: 447 | Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
The Spruce / Dena Burreson
Best Compatibility: SmartMi Air Purifier P1
What We Like
Works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
Attractive and portable design
Relatively quiet operation
Good value
What We Don’t Like
Smaller coverage area
No VOC monitoring
While many of the smart air purifiers on the market function well with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, the SmartMi Air Purifier P1 is one of the few to offer Apple HomeKit and Siri integration, in addition to these popular voice assistants. If you’d prefer to add a model that plays well with your Apple smart home hub, this air purifier could offer a level of convenience over the more high-performing models we recommend.
We haven’t conducted hands-on testing of the P1, but this sleek and compact model offers several appealing features that make it worth considering for smaller spaces. It uses a three-layered True HEPA filtration system and an onboard PM 2.5 sensor to monitor air quality levels. The machine displays the air quality and pollen level on the onboard LED panel, but you can also view these readings and monitor filter life, and control the mode and timers in the SmartMi app. And when you add this device to Apple HomeKit, which is as easy as scanning the QR code on the bottom of the machine, you can ask Siri to turn it off and on, change the mode, or integrate it with another scene or routine you’ve set up with other connected devices.
Though this super-compatible air purifier lacks more advanced cleaning features, such as VOC filtering, and covers a much smaller area than competitors at just 207 square feet, it runs quietly (the manufacturer estimates 19 to 49 decibels max, which is potentially quieter than the average dishwasher) and includes sleep and auto modes for convenient operation. This roughly 7-pound machine also has a handle for easy transporting throughout your home, if you decide to move it.
Price at time of publish: $160
Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 x 14.3 inches | Coverage Area: 320 square feet | Filter Type: True HEPA | CADR Rating: 250 | Works With: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartMi Link
Best Design: LG PuriCare 360-Degree Single Air Purifier with Clean Booster
What We Like
Includes an oscillating fan
Plenty of settings
Smart mode and sleep mode
Easy-to-use and stylish touchscreen
What We Don't Like
Smaller coverage area
Not good at eliminating VOCs and odors
Expensive
Anyone who is new to air purifiers or wants an appliance that doesn't come with a lot of "figuring out" should look closely at the LG PuriCare 360-Degree Single Air Purifier with Clean Booster. This smart air purifier is not only easy to set up, but also to operate thanks to helpful indicator lights and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and LG's very own ThinQ app. Adding the True HEPA filter to this purifier was a breeze, since the door panels easily came off. (You could easily swap out the filter down the road, too, thanks to fabric pulls that pop the filter out of its place.) Once turned on, everything you need to operate the air purifier lives on the touchscreen on the top of it, including the different fan speeds, sleep mode, and air quality indicator. The fan located at the top can also oscillate, and be used to circulate air in your room and keep things cool. However, don't expect this purifier to be the best at tackling VOCs and odors.
After 30 minutes of letting the purifier run, we were still picking up on pretty strong smells in our test space. The purifier ultimately seemed the most effective on its highest setting, which did produce great results in a matter of minutes. But, given the very significant price tag, we would appreciate if this purifier was better at tackling VOCs with its six-stage filtration system. That being said, the combo machine is very aesthetic, and would blend into many different types of rooms. It has a remote that makes it even easier to access and use, and the light around the touchscreen illuminates a cool blue or light green. The purifier's smart mode is also able to make adjustments on its own, making this device pretty hands-free and, once again, a great pick for beginners or those who don't want to sit and read a manual.
We'd probably want to wait for this product to go on sale, but were very impressed by its overall intuitiveness and usability. It wasn't disruptive, cleaned a small space well, and offers plenty of features and settings in a stylish build.
Price at time of publish: $550
Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 x 23.1 inches | Coverage Area: 310 square feet | Filter Type: True HEPA | CADR Rating: 200 to 220 | Works With: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, LG ThinQ
Best for Bedrooms: Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max Air Purifier
This air purifier has a night mode that makes it ultra quiet for less disrupted sleep.
What We Like
Very effective at removing smells
Night mode
Multiple color options available
What We Don't Like
Must cycle through all settings with one button
Since we spend so much time in our bedrooms each night, it makes sense to find an air purifier that's up to the task of keeping our bedroom's air clean. The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max impressed us during testing with its quiet operation and compact design. Plus, it has a night mode, which turns off all of the onboard lights and quiets the fan even more. Setting up this air purifier was a breeze, and it's easy to twist off the bottom of the unit to swap out the filter.
Even on its highest setting, this air purifier didn't reach a noise level above that of an average room, and could easily serve as white noise in a small bedroom. We were also very impressed with how well it could lower the PM 2.5 and VOC levels in our testing room after just 30 minutes. While the model is pretty straightforward, it is a pain to cycle through all of the settings with one button on the actual unit, so we recommend downloading the corresponding smartphone app.
The app also allows you to monitor air quality and remotely control all of this air purifier's features. You can even lock the settings to prevent curious kids from accidentally changing them. We love how you can choose from multiple color options, and that this model is not so technical-appearing that it would be obtrusive in a well-designed bedroom.
Price at time of publish: $170
Dimensions: 18.9 x 10.6 x 10.6 inches | Coverage Area: 219-526 square feet | Filter Type: HEPA | CADR Rating: 141 | Works With: Amazon Alexa
Best for Large Rooms: Winix 9800 4-Stage True HEPA Air Purifier with WiFi & PlasmaWave Technology
What We Like
Covers rooms up to 2,420 square feet
Multi-stage filtration
Effective on low and high modes
What We Don’t Like
Boxy design
Limited smart feature instructions
The Winix 9800 is a great model for larger spaces. It uses a multi-stage filter system, which includes a pre-filter to capture larger particles, an activated carbon filter to reduce VOCs, and a True HEPA filter to control allergens and very fine particles. While it has a verified coverage area of 500 square feet, Winix indicates that it can also effectively clean rooms up to 2,420 square feet, which surpasses the coverage offered by our other picks.
We found this air purifier to be reliable and effective under all of our main testing attributes. It rapidly cleaned the air on low and high modes during PM 2.5 level testing and immediately registered poor conditions during the VOC testing phase. However, we noted that even after removing the air purifier from the testing pod, it continued to register a “poor” air quality level reading for some time.
As for connectivity, the Winix 9800 uses the Winix Smart App for setup, monitoring, and integrating an Alexa-enabled speaker for hands-free control. In the lab, we found this process extremely straightforward and loved the full level of control—from monitoring filter life, to selecting a fan speed and operating mode, viewing air quality, and signing up for a filter replacement club. If you’re new to smart devices, this model might require some additional time for setup and familiarity. However, if you want a connected model for a large room in your home, the Winix 9800 could be worth the initial learning curve.
How It Performed Long-Term
As for real-life effectiveness, we noticed after a few months of use an improvement in our allergies. Our team member noted, “I’m coughing very little, if at all.” We will point out that we had a different experience setting up this air purifier's app in home testing. The app setup was a challenge and the manual offered little guidance. However, we love how hands-off this purifier can be once it's setup properly.
Price at time of publish: $280
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 23.2 inches | Coverage Area: 500 square feet | Filter Type: True HEPA | CADR Rating: Not listed | Works With: Amazon Alexa
Final Verdict
Based on our testing and research, our Best Overall pick is the Coway Airmega IconS for its numerous control methods—including voice commands—and its effective, multi-stage, True HEPA filtering system that captures VOCs and pet hair. If you’re looking for a model for medium to larger-sized spaces, with more than the typical three to four modes and a feature-rich app that dives deep into various air quality specs, our Best App pick, the Mila Smart Air Purifier, is worth a closer look.
Other Options We Tested
BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier 2768A with HEPA and Carbon Filters: We love the retro stereo-style design of this air purifier, which makes it a great choice aesthetically for family rooms. However, this air purifier didn't perform as well quantitatively as other purifiers in our latest round of testing. While the air did smell cleaner, our PM 2.5 and TVOC readings did not reinforce our initial impression that the air had been thoroughly cleaned. However, there is a chance that this air purifier could perform well in a smaller room.
How We Tested the Air Purifiers
We've now conducted multiple rounds of air purifier testing—and we're still testing the latest models on the market. With a total of 66 air purifiers tested to date, we've learned a lot about how air purifiers operate and what makes a model best for different rooms and scenarios. In our initial test, we tested 38 air purifiers in The Lab over the course of two days. This round included eight models in total with either an app or smart home connectivity. We evaluated each purifier on five main attributes: setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and overall value.
We unboxed each model and used a stopwatch to record how long the assembly and setup process took for each air purifier, and noted how straightforward the instructions were to follow. Following setup, we rated the air purifiers on design merits. We noted how aspects such as size and shape, in addition to features such as displays, buttons, and lighting inform the usability of the device. We also rated the air purifiers based on noteworthy features, including app and voice assistant support, air quality monitoring, and filter change reminders.
To evaluate the effectiveness, we placed air purifiers in zip-up indoor greenhouses and used an air quality monitor to record the baseline PM 2.5 (particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller) and volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, if applicable. We lit incense matches and released pet hair into the chamber, noted the air quality level, and then recorded the difference on low mode after allowing the air purifier to run for 10 minutes. We then noted each model's PM 2.5 findings at five and 10-minute intervals, and repeated this process on high mode. For models with VOC monitoring, we placed a 4-ounce package of mothballs into a bowl and recorded the VOC reading after 15 minutes. Similarly, after allowing the air purifiers to run for 10 minutes, we recorded any changes in levels after five and 10-minute intervals. We also used a decibel meter to record the noise level on high and low modes. Based on these results, we rated each model's overall value, based on our experience and the price.
In addition to this first round of testing in The Lab, we used 15 of the top-performing air purifier models with and without smart features in our own homes for long-term testing. The goal was to learn more about the day-to-day effectiveness and impact of each model. We considered these real-world insights when making updated recommendations for this list and have updated our findings based on each smart air purifier's real-world performance.
Our latest three rounds of testing included just as rigorous monitoring for PM 2.5 and VOC levels. However, we also monitored each air purifier's energy consumption (to assess the cost of maintenance over time) and conducted a longer testing period, with each air purifier running for a total of 30 minutes on its low and then highest setting.
All of these insights are continuously boiled down and taken into consideration so we can provide this list of the best smart air purifiers, and our list of the best air purifiers in general.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
What to Look for in a Smart Air Purifier
Coverage Area and CADR
Air purifiers, whether they're smart or not, come with various coverage specs to support different room sizes. You can usually find square footage recommendations on the manufacturer’s website. Some models, like our Best for Large Rooms pick, the Winix 9800, even list third-party coverage area verification. While larger machines tend to deliver more space, the form factor doesn’t always indicate how much coverage a device offers. Our Best Overall, Runner-Up pick, the Coway Airmega 400S, is a medium-sized device that covers up to 1,560 square feet, while the Winix 9800, which isn’t much larger, reports a verified cleaning power of 500 square feet and the potential to clean rooms up to 2,420 square feet.
The coverage area can also be closely linked to a device’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This figure describes how fast an air purifier can filter the air to remove smoke, pollen, and dust. According to the independent testing party, Air Verifide, an air purifier’s CADR should reach at least two-thirds of the room’s square footage. Generally speaking, the higher an air purifier’s CADR, the faster it will work to clean the air. While smart air purifiers don’t necessarily have higher CADR than regular air purifiers, they do have the ability to automatically adjust the speed at which they move air through their filters, which regular purifiers cannot do. “Let’s say there’s a really big pollution event, that CADR [of a regular air purifier] on low speed may never be able to keep up with that pollution event,” says Vinny Lobdell, the founder and former president of the Healthway family of brands and Intellipure, Inc. “However, if you have a smart air purifier and it senses that pollution, it’s going to kick that smart purifier to a higher CADR level, or a higher speed, which is then going to reduce the pollution in that space much quicker than a standard air purifier running on low.”
It’s worth noting that the maximum CADR listed reflects the model’s highest setting, which you may not end up running all that often or for very long.
Noise Level
The highest setting on an air purifier tends to be noisiest. The Mila Air Purifier (our Best App pick), which has a coverage area of 1,000 square feet and CADR of 447, registered at 86 decibels on high mode during our lab testing. By comparison, the Levoit Core 400S Air Purifier (our Best Value pick), which has a 403-square-foot capacity and a CADR of 260 came in at 72 decibels on its highest mode, which is still noticeably louder than its near-silent low mode, but quieter than the Mila and other higher-coverage models.
Lobdell warns that an air purifier that’s completely silent may not be pushing air through fast enough to eliminate any potential pollution events—such as strongly scented cleaning products—and, therefore, does not have the power to effectively and efficiently clean a space’s air. “The benefit with a smart air purifier is if the smart air purifier is giving you the intelligence to state that there’s really no air pollution impacting the environment (there’s no real air pollution problem), then it may not have to operate at a high speed—it may be able to operate on a lower speed,” says Lobdell. In turn, this means the machine can operate more quietly.
Notably, some air purifiers come with a night or sleep mode, which also adjust the noise level and ensures it is not too obtrusive. Our Best for Bedrooms pick, the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max, features a night mode, but it also doesn't operate too loudly on its normal settings. It could easily act as a white noise machine in your bedroom.
Filters and Maintenance Costs
All of the models we recommend come with a high-efficiency particulate air filter, also known as a HEPA filter. True HEPA filters eliminate up to 99.97 percent of airborne substances, including dust and mold that are 0.3 microns or less. Many of our recommendations, including our Best Splurge option, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH04, combine this filter technology with an activated carbon filter to capture VOCs. Others feature several layers for multi-stage purification, starting with a pre-filter that filters out larger particles like hair and pet dander.
Our Best Quiet pick, the Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier, takes multi-stage filtration to the next level with five layers of protection, including a custom filter based on concerns such as allergies. An important factor to consider with filter effectiveness is the sensor system(s) at work in an air purifier. “Make sure you’re buying something that’s high quality and is not just telling you it’s sensing,” says Lobdell. “And really look at the type of sensor that’s in it. People are spending lots of money on these machines, so I caution people—you pay for what you get—and buying something with smart sensing that actually has good quality sensors in it will pay off long term.”
As for filter replacements, manufacturers usually provide a general recommendation about the timeline for maximum effectiveness. The best interval for your home could be different, depending on your preferences and the air quality conditions. All of our picks, except the Mila Air Purifier, provide filter monitoring within the companion app or on the device itself, which can be another handy way to monitor filter efficiency. Many brands also offer filter subscription services within the app or online for convenient maintenance.
While filter replacement comes with an additional cost for all the models we recommend, you may find your dollar stretches more with certain models. The ultra-quiet Rabbit Air Minus A3, for example, comes with four filters to replace. However, the company offers a $95 replacement bundle that includes all necessary filters and covers running the device 24 hours a day for a full year. Conversely, the splurge-worthy Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool PH04’s $80 filter requires replacing every 12 months, assuming you run it only 12 hours a day.
Control Methods
The flexibility of remote app control is a primary advantage of smart air purifiers over standard models. While all of our top selections feature touch controls or buttons on the physical machine, they also offer the freedom to avoid a manual operation altogether. Some models, including the Rabbit Air MinusA2 and the Dyson Purifier Humidity+Cool PHO4, come with a remote control, in addition to a mobile app for an added layer of convenience.
While you may be able to use any of our recommended smart air purifiers without setting up the app, you will miss out on the full functionality. For example, models that offer voice assistant support require app integration. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are the most common voice assistants you can work with, though some models, including the SmartMi Air Purifier P1, our Best Compatibility pick, also work with an Apple-connected smart home, which is rarer in smart air purifiers. It’s also important to note that you may not be able to remotely control every aspect of your air purifier with the help of a voice assistant, which will mean dependence on the app for some features. Manufacturers usually list the kinds of commands you can issue, which typically include powering the device, changing fan and mode settings, and checking on the air quality.
Models with advanced control options also need the companion app for more streamlined and detailed monitoring of historical air quality trends, allergen alerts, scheduling, and mode selection. The Mila Air Purifier is a prime example of the necessity and benefit of using the companion mobile app. During our testing, we found the app essential to getting the most out of the device—from controlling fan and mode settings, to getting a broad picture of how the air quality changed over the course of several months. If you prefer a more set-it-and-forget-it approach, air purifiers with automatic or smart modes can provide that level of convenience and peace of mind, by adapting to air quality changes automatically without your input.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smart air purifier?
You might consider a smart air purifier if you use a smart home hub with other devices, or enjoy hands-free or app-controlled daily routines. Models with voice assistant support can allow you to enlist the help of your preferred virtual assistant to quickly change settings on the machine—such as turning on an energy-saving or sleep mode at bedtime, when you’re away, or when you're performing a deep clean in another room.
Even if you don’t use a smart assistant or smart speaker daily, if you appreciate the ability to monitor and control this type of device from a mobile app, a smart air purifier could also be more beneficial over a non-connected model. Most standard models come with a display or onboard controls, but smart air purifiers also offer an easier method for viewing and switching fan and mode settings, customizing schedules, and even obtaining customer support directly from the app. To say the least, they're the more convenient option, as long as you're comfortable with getting to know smart products and features.
Do smart air purifiers use a lot of energy?
While it’s up to you how frequently and long you run a smart air purifier, you may find the most benefit from continuously operating the machine. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical air purifier can use up to 450-kilowatt hours of energy per year, which surpasses the energy demand of some refrigerators. However, some smart air purifiers come with energy-saving modes that put the devices on standby to reduce operating costs when air quality has reached a sustainably good level.
If you plan to run a smart air purifier constantly, you might consider an Energy Star-rated model to maximize your investment and savings. The EPA estimates that going this route could mean a 25 percent increase in energy efficiency and utility bill savings of up to $15 a year.
Is it possible to make an air purifier smart?
You may be able to control a non-smart air purifier with a smart plug if it turns on when you plug it in. In this case, just as with other devices that work with smart plugs, including lamps, speakers, or other appliances, plugging an air purifier into a smart plug offers convenient on-off control from the smart plug’s app. However, be aware that smart plugs won’t give you more remote access to an air purifier’s features beyond basic powering.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Yoona Wagener is a commerce editor specializing in smart home technology and home tech for The Spruce. When making recommendations for this article, she researched top alternatives, weighing their mix of smart home features and integration, effectiveness, and coverage area. She considered insights from The Lab and long-term feedback from home testers who are continuing to monitor the real-world performance of several top models with smart features. Yoona also factored in her own experience with long-term testing the Mila Air Purifier, noting her positive experience with the app and its many customization options.
Emma Phelps is an associate editor for The Spruce who has previously covered updates for stories about technology, cleaning supplies, and air purifiers. To support this roundup, Phelps connected with Vinny Lobdell, the founder and former president of the Healthway family of brands and Intellipure, Inc. He is an air quality expert and global entrepreneur with more than 25 years of IAQ experience. Lobdell provided essential insight into how smart purifiers operate and sense changes in air quality. Phelps also updated this roundup with information on our latest round of testing.
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