5 Best Air Purifiers for Dorm Room – Don’t Let the Smell of Your Neighbors Takeover Your Home!

By
Carolina Evans
Carolina Evans
Research Writer
Holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is keen on her own home’s climate. Sometimes we think that Carolina owns every single product she writes about – that’s ho read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Richard Powell
Richard Powell
Expert Consultant
For 8 years, Richard had been working as an HVAC specialist and AC unit installer since his student years. Now, he’s our main consultant on every technical aspect that may read more
Last updated: August 19, 2023
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It’s no secret that college dorm rooms aren’t the tidiest places. But just because your dorm room might not be as clean as you’d like, doesn’t mean it has to smell bad too.

When shopping for the best air purifiers for dorm room, make sure you consider the size. The last thing you want is an air purifier that’s too big and bulky and takes up too much space in your already cramped dorm room. You should also focus on the filtration system and opt for a model that at least has a true HEPA filter, preferably in combination with an activated carbon filter that will help to remove any unpleasant smells. In the end, we compiled a list of top 5 picks, where the LEVOIT Core 300 deserved to be our Editor’s Choice.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: LEVOIT Core 300
    "The patented VortexAir Technology circulates fresh air throughout your room, while the 3-stage filtration system eliminates 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger"
  • Best for Large Rooms: Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
    "With a vast area coverage of 874 square feet, this purifier will please you with its variable speed settings, a convenient timer, and an advanced 4-stage filtration"
  • Best for Odors: BISSELL MyAir
    "The included sleep mode ensures that this purifier won’t disrupt your night while still being able to clean up to 427 square feet, and its activated carbon filter deals with unpleasant odors just perfect"
  • Best for Germs: GermGuardian RAC4825
    "This unit’s UV-C light is ideal for killing germs in the vast coverage area of 743 square feet, which is more than enough even for the big dorm rooms"
  • Affordable Choice: Allouncer Air Purifier
    "Offering unique features like an option to add essential oils and child safety lock, this affordable device incorporates an advanced 3-step air filtration system"

Top 5 Air Purifiers for Dorm Room Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7561 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
9.9
1
Editor's Choice

LEVOIT Core 300

Features
  • Coverage area: 547 sq. ft
  • Filtration system: 3-step (pre-filter + H13 True HEPA filter + activated carbon filter)
  • CADR: smoke – 141, dust – 140, pollen – 145
  • Dimensions: 14.2 x 8.7 x 8.7 inches
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs

Other features: VortexAir technology spreads fresh air to every corner of your room; QuietKEAP technology reduces noise levels to as low as 24dB; 3 different purpose filters available for purchase

The Levoit Core 300 is our Editor’s Choice for the best air purifiers for dorm rooms as it combines top-notch features with an attractive price tag. It features a 3-step filtration system to remove impurities from the air: the first step is a pre-filter, which removes large particles from the air; the second step is the H13 True HEPA filter, capturing 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size; and the last line of defense is the activated carbon filter that does a job of absorbing odors and chemicals from the air. The VortexAir technology creates an air vortex that not only increases the purifier’s power, but distributes cleaner air more evenly throughout the room. Additionally, the QuietKEAP technology reduces noise levels to as low as 24dB, making it one of the quietest models on the market. You can also purchase one of the three filters that are used to remove specific pollutants from the air, like smoke, toxins, and pet hair. However, the lights seem to be to too bright in the sleep mode, which can be fixed by moving it out of you line of sight.

The LEVOIT Core 300 features the same design as the Allouncer Air Purifier listed below. Despite that, one of these purifiers is significantly cheaper than the other. This difference in cost can be attributed to differences in size, with the Core 300 being almost twice as big and heavy as its counterpart. Also, with the bigger components, it’s more suited to a bigger dorm room and even has the capacity to match it compared to the Allouncer model.

    What makes it special?
  • Advanced technologies that improve the air distribution and reduce the noise level;
  • 3 layers of defense that remove even the smallest impurities and smells from the air;
  • The included filter can be replaced with one of 3 different purpose filters.
    What cons did we find?
  • The light might disturb your sleep even in the sleep mode.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4184 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
2
Features
  • Coverage area: 874 sq. ft
  • Filtration system: 4-step (pre-filter + deodorization filter + True HEPA filter + vital ionizer)
  • CADR: smoke – 233, dust – 246, pollen – 240
  • Dimensions: 18.3 x 9.6 x 16.8 inches
  • Weight: 12.3 lbs

Other features: filter replacement indicator; real-time air condition status updates; 3 fan speeds; timer for 1/4/8 hours

The Coway AP-1512HH is a top-of-the-line air purifier that does an excellent job of cleaning the air in your dorm room, even if it’s a big one. It has a 4-step filtration system that includes a pre-filter, deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, and vital ionizer, which is very effective at removing 99.97% of harmful allergens, dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns from the air. Moreover, its real-time air quality display ensures that you always know the condition of your indoor air. The unit also features an automatic filter replacement indicator to let you know when it’s time to replace the filters, which should be every 6 months. The unit also boasts 5 different modes (auto, eco, and 3 speeds) and a convenient timer, which can be set for 1, 4, or 8 hours. However, many users tend to notice that despite having the eco mode, the unit is still loud and may be the reason of you bad sleep.

Compared to the rest of the list, the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is the most expensive model. This cost is justified due to the 874 sq.ft. coverage area, which is the largest of any option listed. Furthermore, it has the features to support covering such a large dorm room, including high CADR ratings and the size to match. Another differentiator is the four-stage filter, while the others have three-stage filters.

    What stands out?
  • Deep 4-stage filtration for the cleanest air;
  • Real-time updates on air quality;
  • Indicates when to change the filter;
  • Convenient timer.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The unit is quite loud.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8987 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.6
3
Best for Odors

BISSELL MyAir

Features
  • Coverage area: 427 sq. ft
  • Filtration system: 3-step (pre-filter + HEPA filter + carbon filter)
  • CADR: smoke – 57, dust – 69, pollen – 67
  • Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.3 x 8.3 inches
  • Weight: 5 lbs

Other features: sleep mode for restful nights; easy-to-maintain filters; intuitive LED controls

The MyAir by BISSELL is an air purifier that is highly effective at removing odors, proving to be an excellent choice for small dorm rooms as it can cleanse an area of up to 427 square feet. The carbon filter is the killer feature of this purifier, as it excels at removing unpleasant smells and fumes by absorbing them with the carbon’s pores. With a three-step filtration system that employs a pre-filter, HEPA filter and carbon filter – all working in cohesion to eliminate 99.97% of airborne particles measuring as minuscule as 0.3 microns from the atmosphere – the MyAir guarantees fresh results within minutes after being switched on thanks to its potent CADR rating of 57 to 69. In addition, this unit has a sleep mode function for more restful nights. With easy LED controls, you can operate the unit with little effort, and the filters hardly ever need changing so you won’t have to spend much time on maintenance. The compact design means moving it from room-to-room is no hassle; however, we recommend keeping it on the lower speed because the high speed setting produces quite a bit of noise.

For the most part, the BISSELL MyAir is quite similar to other models from the brand, e.g. the BISSELL Hub Air. This is evident in the shape, buttons at the top, and even the air outlet at the top. As for differences, examples include the air intake positioning and a built-in stand. That said, what makes the MyAir better suited to dorm rooms is its affordable pricing and the suitability for smaller spaces.

    What stands out?
  • Activated carbon filter that kills the unpleasant smell;
  • Sleep mode;
  • Very compact and easy to move around;
  • Intuitive LED controls.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • High speed preset can be quite loud.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9579 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
4
Best for Germs

GermGuardian RAC4825

Features
  • Coverage area: 743 sq. ft
  • Filtration system: 3-step (activated carbon pre-filter + True HEPA filter + UV-C light)
  • CADR: smoke – 99, dust – 118, pollen – 125
  • Dimensions: 21.5 x 6.75 x 10.25 inches
  • Weight: 8.6 lbs

Other features: UV-C light significantly reduces airborne mold and germs; filter change indicator; 3 speed settings

The GermGuardian RAC4825 is our Best for Germs choice for the best air purifiers for dorm room because its UV-C light does a job of killing germs unexpectedly amazing. With a 3-in-1 filtration system, this unit can purify 743 square feet and has a CADR rating that ranges from 99 to 125. The True HEPA filter eliminates 99.97% of airborne particles while the activated carbon pre-filter gets rid of smells and VOCs (airborne chemicals). In addition, the UV light kills germs and mold – making it perfect for use in polluted dorm rooms. The three speed settings on this device let you control the airflow to your preferences and the condition of air. The filter change indicator is a practical feature that tells you when it’s time for a new filter. The only thing is its power cord, which might seem faulty so you might need to reach out to the company for a replacement if it doesn’t work.

The GermGuardian RAC4825 can be compared easily with the BISSELL MyAir option listed above. They’re two air purifiers in the same price range, and they also both have 3-in-1 filters that remove over 99% of 0.3-micron impurities. However, if some of the people in the room tend to get sick a lot or someone has the flu or a cold, you may want to get the GermGuardian as it also has a UV light to kill germs and viruses.

    What are its best features?
  • UV-C light is effective in killing mold and germs;
  • 743 square feet of coverage;
  • Multiple speed settings for you to choose;
  • Great value for money.
    What could be improved?
  • There might be something wrong with the cable.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5559 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
5
Affordable Choice

Allouncer Air Purifier

Features
  • Coverage area: 107 sq. ft
  • Filtration system: 3-step (pre-filter + True HEPA filter + activated carbon filter)
  • CADR: general – 37
  • Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs

Other features: option to add essential oils; child lock to avoid accidental changes to settings; runs as near-silent 28 dB at low speed

The Allouncer Air Purifier is is an affordable yet powerful air purifier that still offers great filtration. This model has a 3-step filtration system, which includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. It also has a CADR of 37 and can cover an area of 107 square feet. Additionally, this air purifier comes with some unique features, such as the option to add essential oils and a child lock to avoid accidental changes to settings. Plus, it runs as near-silent 28 dB at low speed. The only downside is its coverage area, though you can easily buy at least one more as it’s extremely cheap. The Allouncer Air Purifier is an excellent, affordable option for anyone in the market for a reliable air purifier.

The Allouncer Air Purifier sets itself apart from other air purifiers listed in several ways. One, it’s more affordable, making it accessible to more people. It’s also smaller, so it should work well if you want something portable. However, the most unique perk is the aromatherapy capabilities. While other models mainly focus on removing impurities and odors from the air, the Allouncer also has an aroma pad to which you can add essential oils.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Affordable;
  • Unique features, such as the option to add essential oils and a child lock;
  • Runs as near-silent 28 dB at low speed.
    What could be better?
  • Coverage area is on the weaker side.

Things to Consider

Choosing an air purifier for dorm room could be an arduous task, especially if you are not familiar with all the specs and features. There are many brands and models on the market, which can make it challenging to find a reliable one that will meet your expectations. However, we are here to help you out and make your task easier by composing this buying guide.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

5 Best Air Purifiers for Dorm Room - Don't Let the Smell of Your Neighbors Takeover Your Home!

An air purifier is a device that helps to clean the air by removing airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. There are many different types of air purifiers on the market, but they all work by using a fan to draw in contaminated air and passing it through a filter that removes the contaminants. Some air purifiers also use ultraviolet light or ozone to kill bacteria and viruses. Air purifiers can be used to improve indoor air quality in homes or offices that have poor ventilation or are located in areas with high levels of pollution.

Regular Air Purifier vs. Dorm Room Air Purifier

Though you may believe it, air purifiers designed for smaller spaces like dorm rooms don’t differ much from those made for use in homes. In truth, they both work to remove various pollutants from the air – resulting in cleaner and healthier indoor air quality. The only difference is the coverage area and the overall power output of a unit, as dorm rooms tend to be smaller in size. When considering an air purifier for your dorm room, it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for smaller spaces to ensure optimal results.

A good dorm room air purifier needs to be smaller than a home unit so that it doesn’t take up too much space. If you have a roommate who is reluctant to give up floor space, you might need to compromise and get a desktop model instead.

Signs You Need One

Your dorm room is your home away from home. You spend a lot of time there, so it’s important to make sure it’s a comfortable and healthy environment. One way to do that is by investing in an air purifier. Here are five signs that you need one for your dorm room:

  1. You have allergies – if you suffer from allergies, an air purifier can help remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from the air, making it easier for you to breathe.
  2. You live in a smoke-filled dorm – if you live in a dorm that allows smoking, chances are the air is pretty dirty. An air purifier will help remove the smoke from the air, making it healthier for you to breathe.
  3. You have pets – even if your pet is well-behaved and doesn’t shed much, they can still tracking in dirt and other allergens on their fur. An air purifier can help remove these contaminants from the air, keeping your room cleaner and healthier.
  4. There’s a musty smell in your room – if your room has a musty smell, it could be due to mold or mildew growing somewhere in your dorm. An air purifier can help remove these spores from the air, preventing them from making you sick.
  5. You want to improve your sleep quality – if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, an air purifier can help. The white noise it creates can lull you to sleep, and the clean air will help you breathe easier, leading to a better night’s rest.

Filtration Technologies

5 Best Air Purifiers for Dorm Room - Don't Let the Smell of Your Neighbors Takeover Your Home!
A good air purifier usually incorporates a 3-step filtration, that consists of a pre-filter that eliminates big particles, a True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles, and an activated carbon filter that deals with unpleasant smells and odors.
  • Pre-filter: typically used as a first step of filtration in order to remove larger particles from the air. This can help to prolong the life of the other filters in the system, as well as improve the overall efficiency of the unit.
  • HEPA filter: A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is the best filter to have in an air purifier. If the filter has a “True” in its name, then it’s certified to capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size. These filters are often used in hospitals and other clean environments where it is important to keep the air free of contaminants.
  • Activated carbon filter: uses activated carbon to remove contaminants from the air. It is the only type of filter that can eliminate odors, chemical, and gases. Its tiny pores capture contaminants as the air passes through the filter. If unpleasant smells or fumes are your main concern, you should look for specific purifiers. We have an article about the best air purifiers for weed smoke that have awesome activated carbon filters installed, so check it out before making your final decision.
  • UV-C light: destroys airborne bacteria and viruses. Using the safe UV spectrum of UV-C, this light is hidden behind a panel inside the air purifier. Ultraviolet lights have the ability to sterilize room air so that there are fewer germs present that can make people sick.
  • Ionizer: emits negative ions into the air which attach to positively charged particles, such as dust, pollen, and smoke. This makes the particles heavier so that they fall to the ground to be captured by the HEPA filter. However, people with asthma find that ionizers can trigger their symptoms, so it is important to consult with a doctor before using one.

What Makes an Air Purifier Stand Out

Unit size

5 Best Air Purifiers for Dorm Room - Don't Let the Smell of Your Neighbors Takeover Your Home!
The unit size choice should only depend on the dorm room size; usually, it’s much smaller than the regular flat purifiers.

Air purifiers come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right unit size is important for getting the most out of your air purifier. The right unit size will depend on the square footage of the room you plan to use it in. You’ll need to get a smaller air purifier for your dorm room so that it doesn’t take up too much space. If your roommate doesn’t want to give up floor space, you may have to get a desktop model instead.

Coverage area

Arguably, the most important thing to consider when choosing an air purifier for your dorm room is the coverage area. Make sure to get a unit that covers at least 100 square feet. This will ensure that it can purify the air in your entire dorm room and not just a small portion of it.

CADR rating

The CADR rating tells you the amount of particulate matter that the device can remove from the air per minute. The higher the CADR rating, the better the air purifier will be at removing pollutants from the air.

When choosing an air purifier for your dorm room, it is important to select one with a high CADR rating in order to ensure that it will be effective at removing airborne contaminants. A higher CADR rating also means that the air purifier will be able to clean the air more quickly, so you can enjoy breathing clean, fresh air sooner. Models on our list range from 30 to 246 CADR, meaning that you’ll find the one best suited for your dorm room size.

Filtration system

The best filtration system for your dorm room purifier usually consists of several stages, like HEPA and activated carbon combined with a pre-filter that removes largest particles. HEPA filter does it job at removing impurities as small as 0.3 micron, while the activated carbon works on getting rid of odors and chemicals. There are also systems with the UV-C light that kills bacteria and viruses, making the air even more purified.

Ease of use and maintenance

Air purifiers for dorm rooms need to be easy to use and maintain in order to be effective. Poorly maintained air purifiers can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other allergens. Dust and dirt can also accumulate on the filters, reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning and replacement of filters is essential for keeping your air purifier working properly.

FAQ

Are air purifiers allowed in dorms?

Yes, air purifiers are allowed in dorms. However, we recommend that you check with your specific dormitory to see if there are any restrictions on the use of air purifiers. Additionally, please be mindful of your fellow residents and do not use your air purifier excessively or at night when people are trying to sleep. Finally, please make sure to clean your air purifier regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How can I improve air quality in my dorm room without an air purifier?

There are a few things you can try to improve the air quality in your dorm room without using an air purifier. First, try to keep your room as clean as possible. This means regular dusting and vacuuming, as well as taking out the trash regularly. You might also want to invest in some air-purifying plants, which can help to filter the air naturally. Finally, try to avoid using strong chemicals or perfumes in your room, as these can contribute to poor air quality. By following these simple tips, you should be able to enjoy fresher, cleaner air in your dorm room.

Do air purifiers help with stuffy dorm rooms?

If you select the precise filtration method, then yes, air purifiers can help eliminate dorm room odors. For example, activated carbon air purifiers not only capture odor-causing particles but also gases and chemicals that make stale smells. Similarly, if mold creates a stuffy smell, a HEPA filter-based air purifier will help.

Our verdict

Based on our conclusion, the best model is the Levoit Core 300. Its VortexAir Technology circulates fresh air throughout your room, while the 3-stage filtration system eliminates 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier takes the second place in our top. With a vast area coverage of 874 square feet, this purifier will please you with its variable speed settings, a convenient timer, and an advanced 4-stage filtration. Those battling the unpleasant smells may consider choosing the BISSELL MyAir. The included sleep mode ensures that this purifier won’t disrupt your night while still being able to clean up to 427 square feet, and its activated carbon filter deals with unpleasant odors just perfect. Every model from our list of the best air purifiers for dorm room is worth looking into, and we ensure that you will be content with your decision.

References

1.
Assessing effectiveness of air purifiers (HEPA) for controlling indoor particulate pollution
The present study deals with an evaluation of the air purifier's effectiveness in reducing the concentration of different sized particulate matter (PM) and ions in the real-world indoor environment.
2.
Air Quality Management Strategies for Dorm Rooms
Reasons of bad air quality in dorm rooms with ways to improve the air condition and prevent the issue in the first place.
9,9
Total Score
LEVOIT Core 300 - Editor's Choice
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