Best Air Purifiers

IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus removes the smallest particles

Because portable air cleaners can remove only airborne pollutants, they are not very effective against dust mites and their droppings (they're too heavy to be airborne for long), which are a significant allergen for many people. Most air cleaners also don't remove most viruses or gases like carbon monoxide and radon. That's because even HEPA filters are most effective on particles larger than 0.3 microns, such as molds, pollen, dust, plant spores, pet dander and the larger particles in cigarette smoke.

However, the top-rated IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus (Est. $900) recently made improvements to its filtration and can now remove particles down to 0.003 microns in size -- about 10 times smaller than a virus and 100 times smaller than standard air-filtration technology. The IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus uses a combination of four filtration technologies, including a PreMax large-capacity prefilter (Est. $70), IQAir's HyperHEPA filter (Est. $200) and a V5-Cell filter (Est. $100) that includes two types of media for gas and odor elimination.

According to editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com, the IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus air purifiers are "32% quieter, deliver 25% more clean air and have 38% longer filter life" than the previous version. The longer filter life means less replacement costs over time, and the filters work on different replacement schedules -- so it's not necessary to purchase all three filters at the same time. PreMax filters are designed to last up to 18 months, while the HyperHEPA filter lasts up to four years. The V5-Cell filter should be replaced approximately every two years.

The IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus offers six speed settings and features a remote control for ease of use. Editors at AllergyBuyersClub.com say they are "impressed with the ability to set the machine to go on and off at certain predesignated times and fan speeds." This air purifier is one of the most expensive on the market, but owners say it's worth the cost, especially for those with severe allergies or asthma. It can handle larger rooms up to 900 square feet and has a maximum air exchange rate of 300 cubic feet per minute.

If you don't want to shell out nearly $1,000 for an air cleaner, there are more affordable options that offer good performance. IQAir also makes a step-down model, the IQAir New Edition HealthPro -- essentially the same unit without the added V5-Cell filter, which aids in chemical and odor removal. If you purchase the standard model and decide to upgrade later, the V5-Cell filter can be added to the unit for about $75.

The Blueair 650E (Est. $900) also earns solid feedback for performance. It has a higher air exchange rate than the IQAir at 490 cubic feet per minute and gets few complaints about noise. It's one of the quietest air purifiers available, especially on its lowest setting. Both air purifiers are fairly easy to use. Like the HealthPro Plus, the 650E comes with a remote, but it also has sensors that automatically detect pollution in the air, which give you an idea of how dirty the air is and can adjust the purifier's speed accordingly.

One downside to the Blueair 650E's use of ionization is that it emits ozone, though it meets FDA standards for ozone emissions. It's capable of cleaning rooms up to 698 square feet. Filters for both the IQAir models and the Blueair 650E are expensive, but the Blueair 650E requires filter replacements every six months, adding to the overall cost.

Blueair also makes the Blueair 503 (Est. $660) , which can accommodate rooms up to 580 square feet. Both models have electronic controls, and like the 650E, the 503 meets the FDA standards for ozone emissions (less than 50 ppb). Like many air purifiers, the 503 is quiet on low speeds and louder on high speeds. One Amazon.com reviewer says "I am amazed at how quiet it is. It is only loud on the highest setting, and even that is bearable."

Both the 650E and 503 require filter replacements every six months. Filters for the Blueair 500 and 600 series models cost about $80 for a set of three. The HealthPro Plus has the lightest weight of the three, but the BlueAir purifiers have caster wheels that make them easy to move around.

While the Blueair filters cost less than the IQAir filters, they must be replaced more frequently. Still, the overall cost of ownership for both the Blueair 503 and Blueair 650E is less than the ongoing filter costs for the IQAir models. In an average year, IQAir owners spend approximately $135 on filter replacements, while replacing a Blueair filter every six months costs about $60. Because IQAir filters are replaced on different schedules, it's helpful to compare the costs over a four-year period -- which works out to about $540 versus $240 for the Blueair air purifiers.

Overall, the IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus is our Best Reviewed pick because it is a great pick for those who suffer from allergies year round. Users and experts agree that the HealthPro Plus is a top-of-the-line air purifier that successfully removes chemicals, odors and allergens.