Holds a Masterโs degree in Engineering and is keen on her own homeโs climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about โ thatโs how profound and insightful her reviews always are.
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, heโs our main consultant on every technical aspect that may arise during our tests and research.
Last updated: August 26, 2022
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While you might think that any air purifier will be able to do the job of cleaning your air, that isnโt going to be the case if you live in a high traffic area. In that case, you need to have the best air purifier for traffic pollution in your home. Otherwise, you wonโt be able to get all of the pollutants out of the air to keep you and your family healthy and happy.
The first thing you need to figure out to find the best air purifier for traffic pollution and mold is where you intend to use it. Some of the models on our list are smaller and portable, which makes them excellent options for the inside of your car. On the other hand, we have also found excellent larger models that will work to purify your entire home. No matter where you are going to use your purifier, you need to find a model with a durable filter that will save you tons of money over time. We also found some models that come with Wi-Fi capabilities so that you can use your smartphone to operate them. No matter which model you end up choosing, you can rest assured that they will effectively eliminate car gases and odors so that you can breathe easy.
This model is excellent for any size space. It can cover up to 1,600 square feet, which is large enough for most homes. It has a multi-layer filtration system and can be set to 4 different speeds. It also comes with a lifetime limited warranty and can be set to a timer. This model also offers a super quiet night mode.
Why are we impressed? If you are in the market for the best overall air purifier for traffic pollution, then this should be your first choice. It is relatively compact, but donโt let its small size fool you. This model is built to take in tons of pollution and release nothing but the freshest air possible. In fact, this purifier is so powerful that it can easily be used to purify your entire home or at least one complete floor. Its 1,600 square foot coverage area is the best on our list, making this an excellent option for larger spaces.
This modelโs filtration system is another high point. It has multiple filter layers, which allow it to capture many different types of pollutants, including those from traffic. It also comes equipped with a timer, multiple fan settings, and an economical night mode, making it an awesome option all around.
What could be better: While this is an excellent device, its biggest problem comes when you try and set it to higher speeds. This purifier is, unfortunately, quite loud on the higher two levels. In fact, the highest level is almost so loud that it would make normal conversation next to impossible in a smaller room. Thankfully, this device works well on lower fan settings as well, making it easy to avoid these noisier levels.
More features: Wi-Fi enabled; 360-degree intake; Energy Star certified
This model has a very large coverage area, making it a great option for use within a home. It has a multi-layer filtration system and a long warranty. It can be set to 6 different speeds and is Wi-Fi enabled. Other features include a 360-degree intake and Energy Star certification.
Why is it special? If you are in the market for a great air purifier with tons of different features, then you will definitely want to check into this model. For starters, it has a pretty large coverage area of 515 square feet, which should be more than enough for larger sized rooms. It also has a multi-layered filtration system that works extremely well at catching just about everything that could be floating around in the air.
This Energy Star certified device can be used on 6 different fan settings. Regardless of the speed, it has a 360-degree air intake system that is extremely efficient at taking pollutants out of the air. It is also Wi-Fi enabled. This allows you to use your favorite smart device to change the settings whenever you need to, which makes getting the right level of airflow quick and easy.
What could be better: This model comes with a lot of premium features. The carbon layer of its filter, however, is not one of them. Unlike other carbon filters that feature a ton of carbon for effective filtration, this modelโs carbon layer is very sparse. While this wonโt affect the overall quality of the filtration, it does make it less effective at removing odors from the air, which is, obviously, less than ideal.
More features: can be controlled via a smartphone; ultra-quiet
This car style air purifier is perfect for smaller, enclosed spaces. It has a HEPA filter. This model can be set to three different speeds and is extremely quiet. It can be controlled manually or by a smartphone app.
What do we love it for? One place that a lot of people overlook the damages of traffic pollution is on their daily commute, though it obviously should be a big priority. After all, where are you more susceptible to pollution from cars than when you are surrounded by them? This filter is a perfect way to help keep you breathing easy, even when you are on the go. It is small enough to fit right into your car, making it a perfect traveling companion.
This model comes equipped with a long warranty and is very easy to utilize. It can be adjusted manually, but you will probably want to download the app so that you can more easily turn it on and off when you are on the go. Despite its smaller than average size, this purifier can be run at three different speeds, with each of them being exceptionally quiet.
What could be better: Though this purifier is designed with cars in mind, it is a bit large for smaller vehicles. It is almost 12 inches in diameter, which could be too large to place on the dash of smaller cars. This larger size makes it difficult to place out of the way, which might make it harder to use effectively. Of course, if you have a larger car, this shouldnโt be a problem at all.
Filters: electrostatic filter with an antimicrobial layer
Speeds: multiple
Dimensions: 9.3 x 9 x 4.3 inches
Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: air quality sensor; can be controlled via an app
This smaller than average air purifier can be utilized in multiple spaces but is ideally suited for a car. It features a dual-layer filtration system and can be set to multiple speeds. It has a built-in air quality sensor and can be controlled with an app or its remote.
What we like: This model is an excellent option if you are looking for a small, portable air purifier that you can take pretty much anywhere with you. In fact, you could easily use this model in the car, at home, at the office, or even on vacation if you wanted to. It is small enough and has just a large enough coverage area to keep you and anyone near you breathing easy.
Surprisingly, even though this unit is quite compact, it is still equipped with several different fan speeds. It also has an air quality sensor and can be controlled and monitored with an app. This app can provide you with tons of feedback as to what type of air quality you are dealing with, which is extremely helpful information.
What could be better: When it comes to cleaning up air pollution in the form of carbon monoxide from cars, you want to make sure that your filtration system is up to the task. While the filter in this system is effective, they are limited. Unlike other models, which come with multi-layer systems, this purifier only has a standard electrostatic filter with an antimicrobial layer. This limited filtration will make it, so you need to clean the filter more often, so bear that in mind before you decide to purchase this model.
This model is designed to be used in a home. It has a relatively large coverage area of 236 square feet and features a multi-layer filtration system. It can also be set to four different speeds and comes equipped with an easy to use remote.
Why is it special? If you are in the market for a compact and easy to use an air purifier with a relatively large coverage area, then this is a great option. It doesnโt hurt that it is priced very fairly, either. This unit can be controlled with a fully-featured remote, which makes setting the correct speed and filtration level very simple.
The filtration on this model is a pleasant surprise considering its price point. It comes with a multi-layered filtration approach, which works very well at cleaning up the air within its coverage area.
What could be better: Though this purification system is equipped with four different speeds, they are all a bit on the slow side. This makes it, so you need to give the machine a bit more time to clean the air before you begin to notice a difference in the air quality in your room or home. While this certainly is not the biggest deal, you will need to keep it in mind if you choose to buy this purifier since it will dictate how long before you are going to be in the space so that you can enjoy cleaner air.
Things to Consider
Buying a new air purifier can be a bit tricky, especially since there are so many different models on the market that are not cut out for cleaning out traffic pollution. In this section, we will guide you through all of the features to keep in mind when looking for a new purifier so that you can get the perfect one for your needs. We have also taken the time to answer several frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those as well.
Why is traffic pollution dangerous?
When a car drives, it burns fuel. The result of this combustion is carbon monoxide. This gas is hazardous to humans, especially in large quantities and confined spaces. While dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are rare if you live in small towns or far from roadways, it can really build up in urban settings. Traffic congestion can increase vehicle emissions in an area, which only serves to destroy air quality. Instead of nice clean air, motorists or folks in their homes have to breathe in these toxic fumes. This can lead to the development of asthma, breathing issues, pneumonia, cancer, or even, eventually, death. This is precisely why an air purifier is such an important purchase.
Features to consider when choosing an air purifier for traffic pollution
In this section, we will take you through all of the key details you need to remember to find the perfect air purifier for cleaning up any traffic pollution that finds its way into your home or car.
Coverage area
The very first thing that you will want to figure out is where you intend to use your new purifier and how big of a coverage area you need. If you are going to be using it in your car, then a smaller model will do the trick. If that is your wish, then the IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier is an excellent option. It is built with the interior of a vehicle in mind, making it an unobtrusive yet effective choice. On the other hand, if you want to purify your entire home, then the Medify Air MA-40-W is your best bet. It has a coverage area of up to 1600 feet, which makes it a good choice for a larger space.
Filtration system
Another important consideration is the type of filtration system that you want to employ in your new purifier. The general rule for filters is pretty straightforward: The more layers your filtration system has, the better off you will be. No filter makes this argument better than the Bluemyst Air Purifier. Its multiple layers work very well to clean everything from the air. Of course, these types of filters are more expensive to replace, which makes models like the Wynd Plus a good choice as well.
Speeds
Air purifiers operate through a fan ventilation system. As such, you can usually choose from different speed levels. Of course, higher speeds tend to make a bit more noise, so be careful if you are looking for a model for your bedroom. The NuWave OxyPure Air Purifier is going to be your best option if you are truly worried about finding the right speed level for different situations. This purifier has 6 different fan levels to choose from, making it a great all-situation type of purifier.
Timer
Something else to keep in mind is whether or not you want a purifier that runs on a timer. This would allow you to set the machine to turn on when you are not home so that your air would be nice and pure before you got there. This will help to save on electricity costs, as well as helping to extend the life of your filter.
Noise level
One of the most important factors in choosing a new air purifier is how loud it is when it is running. Obviously, you donโt want anything that is going to sound like an industrial fan, especially if you intend to run it in your bedroom while you are sleeping. Even when you are awake, you donโt want a model that is so loud you canโt hear anyone speaking or watch tv in peace. Even though the Medify Air MA-40-W is one of the more powerful purifiers on our list, it is also one of the quietest. The IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier is also designed to keep the noise level down.
Air quality indicator
You also want to look for a model that has an air quality sensor of some type. That way, you can easily see that it is running and working correctly, which will lead to much better air in your home or car. These sensors are usually very basic unless you decide to get one that can be run by an app over Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi capability
Though it might seem like this is not something that you actually need to look for or think about with your new purifier, it is definitely something to keep in the back of your mind. An app will make it not only easier to control your device, which is a big plus, but it will also keep you up to date on your air quality and when your filtration system needs to be cleaned. If this is something that intrigues you, then the Wynd Plus, IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier, and the NuWave OxyPure Air Purifier are all great choices.
Dimensions and weight
Depending on where you are going to use your purifier, you need to keep the size and weight in mind. If you want to move the device from place to place with you throughout the day, obviously, you will want a smaller model. That way, you wonโt break your back, transporting it around. The same is true if you want to use it in your car. On the other hand, if you are going to put your purifier in one spot and never move it again, the size wonโt matter as much.
It is still a good idea to measure your space carefully so that you can be sure the model of your choice will fit correctly.
Warranty
Anytime you make a new purchase, whether it be for a fridge or an air purifier, it is always a good idea to look for a model with a good warranty. That way, you are covered should anything fail through the normal operation of your device. Of course, you need to make sure that you read through the warranty information as carefully as possible, as many companies will claim to offer a long warranty while only covering a short list of features.
If you are going to be getting a mini air purifier for your vehicle, then you will want to put it as near to you as possible. This could include on the dashboard or even on the front windshield. That way, the air purifier can do its job right next to you, which will help to ensure that the air you are breathing is as pure and clean as possible.
This is really up to your personal preference. It is not a bad idea to keep your new air purifier on at all times, though it might not be necessary and only serve to make your electricity bill go a bit higher. These machines are really efficient and, generally speaking, as long as you give them a four or five-minute head start, they will be able to clean your air pretty thoroughly, which will help to make sure you are much healthier as well. As we stated above, timers are great for this, as they allow you to schedule when the machine turns on so that you can have it running by the time you come home or are ready for bed so that you are only breathing clean air in your space.
Again, this is a matter of personal preference. This decision will also have to do with where you live and how much traffic pollution is present. If you live in a heavily polluted area, it would probably be in your best interest to run your purifier all of the time. That way, you are guaranteed to have non-toxic air the second that you enter your home.
Our Verdict
If you want to make sure that you have the best overall air purifier for traffic pollution, then you need to check out the Medify Air MA-40-W. This model has an extremely large coverage area, an awesome filtration system, and is energy efficient. Plain and simple, we could not recommend this air purifier highly enough!
The NuWave OxyPure Air Purifier is another great option, especially if you like a lot of premium-level features. The filtration system for this model is great, and the Wi-Fi enabled app makes operating it a breeze. It also works efficiently and has a 360-degree air intake, which allows it to filter plenty of air to help you breathe easier.
The IQAir Atem Car Purifier is perfect for those long commutes where you just know you are going to be stuck in traffic breathing in all those nasty fumes. Since this model is so compact, it easily fits in most cars in an unobtrusive fashion. Not only that, but it can be quickly adjusted via an app, and it is extremely quiet, helping to make it a great option for your travels.
