We Reviewed the Top 5 Air Purifiers — Here’s How They Compare

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Spring is here, which means allergy season is in full swing. If you suffer from allergies and want to breathe easier, there’s no solution to improving the air quality in your home that is more effective than an air purifier. However, the market is saturated with options that range in technology, prices, and key features. With the influx of pollen and dust this time of the year, I was on the hunt for a purifier that featured effective HEPA filtration, but also had additional features that accounted for persisting allergy issues. I did the hard work for you and tested the best-rated air purifiers on the market for allergies — but which one comes out on top?

When it comes to air purifiers, HEPA filtration is nothing new. HEPA filtration traps air pollutants to remove allergens like dust, pollen and dander from a space. But by itself, HEPA filtration fails to actively destroy pollutants, especially ones that can persist over time like mold spores. Core combines HEPA filtration with its innovative PCO technology to proactively clean air and surfaces.

Core utilizes a 5-stage process to target pollutants that can affect your day-to-day life. First, the pre-filter traps large particles, such as pet hair and dander. Then, the HEPA filtration traps smaller particles in the air that can trigger allergies like mold spores and pollen. Stage three features activated carbon to destroy VOCs and lingering odors. Then a UVC Light kills pathogens trapped in the filter.

Finally, Core’s patented PCO technology uses a light-powered chemical process to generate a high concentration of ions that proactively deactivate pathogens like mold spores, viruses, and bacteria in the air and on surfaces. This goes beyond typical air purifiers because Core does more than simply trap pollutants in a filter; it works automatically – 24/7 – to clean mid-air, on surfaces, and in fabrics.

Core is an ideal product to cover a wide range of allergens that typical air purifiers cannot. However, that extra coverage – both HEPA filtration and PCO purification – comes with a higher cost. At a price point of $599.99, it is slightly higher than other air purifiers on the market.

Core is perfect for families who love to gather. It has coverage up to 1,575 sq ft — perfect for family rooms and other medium-to-large spaces. With its innovative technology, Core is a great option for those looking to improve indoor air quality year-round and cover a wide range of allergens and odors.

Accommodation for large spaces and unique technology were at the top of my list for an effective air purifier: the Molekule Air Pro checked these boxes.

The Molekule Air Pro features effective HEPA filtration that traps airborne pollutants, but they take it one step further with their patented PECO technology. The PECO-HEPA tri-power filter used in this model uses free radicals to break down pollutants at a molecular level. This is effective in breaking down organic pollutants, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and mold. The filter is finished off with a layer of carbon to mitigate odors.

The Mokelule Air Pro uses an app to monitor the clean air in your home. The app looks at air history, tracks indoor air quality, and remote control over fan speed and filter status. This app can be paired with Amazon Alexa.

The Molekule Air Pro is good for large, open-room spaces because it reaches 1,000 sq. ft. in coverage. Despite their extended technology and large space coverage, their price is not justified. The Molekule Air Pro is at a whopping price of $1,014.99, which doesn’t include the pre-filter. If the pre-filter is added, the price is raised to $1,189.98. The Core features a five-stage process, and more room coverage at a cheaper price than the Molekule Air Pro. The Molekule Air Pro is good for someone with a high budget who is looking for a remote experience of indoor air quality.

Similar to the TruSens, BLUEAIR air purifier is a smart purifier that features an app. The app reads you the air quality, estimated time of clean air, and filter tracking. It also pairs with Amazon Alexa.

As for its technology when it comes to allergens, it’s better suited for smaller spaces with low levels of pollutants. It features dual-filter HEPA technology to trap airborne pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. It does not feature a UV-C light to break down these pollutants once trapped.

It’s a smaller device compared to the others. Therefore, it can only reach up to 635 sq ft in about 12.5 minutes on high. This is good for smaller spaces, such as nurseries or bedrooms. However, if you’re looking for an air purifier to proactively clean your home, Core might be a better option for you due to its cleaning capacity.

Where BLUEAIR piqued my interest was the price point. It’s listed at a price of $279.99 and comes with a replacement filter. This is a great price point if you’re looking for a small device to ensure pet hair and pollen aren’t floating around.

When rooms have both a purifier and fan going, it can get distracting or loud. The Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde™ TP09 Air Purifier and Fan combines both HEPA filtration and fans to remove pollutants and cool you down.

The fan mode offers 0-350 degree oscillation for cooling. You can also choose the airflow speed. If you don’t want the cooling option, you can select backward airflow mode so the device isn’t cooling.

As for the purifying technology, it only features HEPA filtration. The device comes with a companion app that will let you know when it’s time to change the filter and continuously monitor your indoor air quality. The device also features a night mode and sleep timer.

Though these features are beneficial, the Dyson purifier lost points with me because of its price point. For $632, there should be further technology beyond HEPA filtration to account for pollutants other than airborne particles. Additionally, it only covers 999 sq ft. despite being over three feet tall. At that size and price, it should be accounting for more room space. I will say, the cooling feature is a bonus, so the Dyson is good for you if you’re looking to maximize space with an air purifier and fan all in one.

The Core has been the most appealing to me for its 5-stage process and PCO technology, so when I found the Air Health Skye 5-stage air purifier, I was intrigued.

Similar to Core, the Air Health Skyestarts by trapping large particles with the pre-filter. The HEPA filter will capture the micro irritants and the carbon filter will work to remove odors. Their PCO technology differs in strength, however. Core has a higher ion concentration that can actively break down worrisome pollutants, such as mold spores. However, Air Health’s ions do well to remove chemicals, but that is the extent of it. Both feature UV-C light to allow for further air purification.

The Air Health Skye also comes with an app to set schedules and lower the intensity depending on your needs. It can reach up to 1,600 sq. ft in 30 minutes. However, it’s at a higher price point of $474.99. At that price point, the Skye is good for someone looking to go beyond typical HEPA filtration but doesn’t have concerns about persisting mold issues or pollutants on surfaces of your home.

Sometimes simplicity is key, and that is the Mila Air Purifier. The Mila Air Purifier features HEPA filtration to rid the air of unwanted particles, such as pet hair and dander. Mila has the ability to handle large rooms up to 920 sq. ft. with fresh air fully circulated every 30 minutes.

It’s a little over one foot tall, so it’s good for small corners or areas where you want to have a discreet purifier. Mila comes with an accompanying app where you can set your target indoor air quality.

Though the Mila is good for simple problems, like allergens in the air, at a price of $319.99, it should be able to go beyond HEPA filtration to actively destroy allergens and pathogens that can cause health problems. Saying that, Mila is good if you’re looking for a simple air purifier for minor allergens.

Finding the right air purifier depends on your needs. Ultimately, you want to find one that will proactively clean and improve your indoor air quality.

Molekule Air Pro and Air Health both go beyond HEPA filtration to start to remove allergens instead of trapping them, but at their prices, they should deactivate allergens in air and on surfaces to ensure they are fully being removed.

The Dyson air purifier combines air purifying technology with a fan to create a unique cooling experience, but at its price and size, it lacks the ability to cover large spaces and effectively improve indoor air quality.

Both BLUEAIR and Mila are simple and small air purifiers. They are perfect for rooms that need basic air purifying needs, such as trapping pet hair and dust. But, that is the extent of their capabilities.

Bottom line: Core is the ideal air purifier for addressing a wide variety of allergen needs. Its five-stage process and PCO technology go beyond HEPA filtration to proactively clean surfaces and air. It improves indoor air quality overall and creates a long-lasting solution.