Breathe in. Breathe out. How confident are you in the quality of the air in your home? Everyone can benefit from an air purifier. You might not be aware of the contents of your air, which is why an air purifier is so essential. It removes bacteria, mold, and allergens, and produces clean, filtered air. While larger sized air purifiers do exist, there is also a wide range of smaller products. If you’re looking for the best small air purifier, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled a list of five best small air purifiers currently available on the market. We’ve also researched the critical features of each product. These include the coverage area, so you know what size of room is best for each air purifier. The type of filters included will also tell you what is removed from the air. Dimensions are important, so you can find the right space for your machine. And finally, the CADR level is crucial to understand. This stands for the Clean Air Delivery Rate, and refers to the amount of air that has been cleaned via the air purifier within a certain time period.
After careful, in-depth research, that focused on manufacturer information, online reviews, and our personal observations, we have come up with this product guide. There is a table overview of the top five air purifiers, followed by more detailed descriptions. Finally, there is a buying guide with some specific information about air purifiers. When you make it till the end, we hope that your journey to purchasing a new small air purifier is as easy as possible.
More features: can be used vertically and horizontally
The Hamilton Beach 04384 has it all, which is why it is our Editor’s Choice for small air purifiers. The HEPA filtration system is able to get rid of 99% of unwanted particles in your air. This makes it perfect for anyone that suffers from asthma or allergies.
As for the construction, it features two permanent filters, which means you don’t have to spend money every year replacing them. This can result in quite a lot of money saved. The filters use carbon zeolite which also helps to eliminate pet odors. For anyone that has a furry friend, but wants cleaner air, the Hamilton Beach 04384 is the perfect investment.
The Hamilton Beach 04384 works well in small living rooms or bedrooms, up to 140 square feet in size. Its dimensions are unique in that while it is a bit longer than other similar products, you can actually place the air purifier on its side or standing up. For those short on space options, the versatility of the Hamilton Beach 04384 makes it a stand-out product.
If you don’t like the constant drone of noise that some appliances produce, have no fear as the Hamilton Beach 04384 is whisper quiet. You have it on in the living room, and it won’t disturb a conversation or a movie. You can also leave it on at night and not have your precious dreams disturbed.
More features: optional UV-C light; Energy Star certified
We all wash our hands to kill germs, but what about the air that we breathe? If you’re worried about what you breathe into your body, then the GermGuardian AC4100 is the right choice for you. As its name suggests, this is one of the best air purifiers for germs in small rooms. While it should be used year-round, it is especially helpful during cough and cold season. And if you have little children that like to bring new germs into the house, this is an especially good product to have around.
The HEPA filter of the GermGuardian AC4100 traps 99.97% of all dust and allergens. This includes pet dander, mold spores, and plant pollens. For those with weakened immune systems or severe allergies, then you will want to put this air purifier in your room. The GermGuardian AC4100 also works to eliminate odors. Whether from a fluffy animal or a cigarette smoker, this small air purifier can work wonders in removing odors from the air.
If you’re looking for even more protection against germs, then there is the option of using light technology with the GermGuardian AC4100. This technology uses titanium dioxide and will kill airborne bacteria, germs, and even viruses. If someone in your home is sick and contagious, the light technology of the GermGuardian AC4100 can actually help to prevent the illness from being spread.
And also don’t forget, that this model is very budget-friendly, it’s not for no reason that it has been voted as Budget Pick among best 20 air purifiers.
More features: optional pre-filter colors; low energy consumption
Sometimes it’s nice when the electronic device you buy blends in with your décor. With the Blue Pure 411 you not only get an incredibly efficient small air purifier, but also a very stylish unit. While other products are bulky and boxy, the Blue Pure 411 has a cylindrical shape to it and can easily fit onto an end table, dresser, or bookshelf. It can blend in, working quietly to maintain the air quality levels in your home.
The filtration system of the Blue Pure 411 has three parts to it and together will capture 99% of airborne pollutants. If you’re worried about mold, smoke, dust, or pet dander, you won’t have to worry anymore. As for odors, the Blue Pure 411 also works against these. Indeed, many users have commented on how this air purifier was able to get rid of pet odors quickly. If you live in an area that frequently has forest fires, keeping the smoke and ash out of your air can be tough. Thankfully, the high power of the Blue Pure 411 can help in even the worst climates.
With all this power, you would think that the Blue Pure 411 would be noisy, but the opposite is true. In fact, it has just a 17 dB level at its lowest setting. This is perfect if you want to leave the air purifier on at night as it won’t disrupt your sleep.
More features: nightlight function; touch control
If you’re looking for the best small air purifier for smoke, then be sure to check out the LEVOIT LV-H132. With its three-stage filtration system, you can rest easy knowing that the air you’re breathing in is incredibly clean. 99.97% of all dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander is removed thanks to the HEPA filter. The filter also uses activated carbon, which is a terrific natural way to eliminate pet odors. If you’re worried about the environment, take heart as the LEVOIT LV-H132 doesn’t use UV or ions. While these help eliminate airborne particles, they can actually produce trace amounts of ozone, which can be harmful.
One nice bonus feature of the LEVOIT LV-H132 is that it has a night light built in. There are two brightness settings to choose from. If you have kids that find it hard to sleep in the dark, this is a perfect product for them. Not only will it let them breathe easier at night, but it will also keep them feeling safe and secure.
There are three fan settings, which is perfect if you don’t like a lot of noise while you sleep. You can turn it to a quiet, low setting, which won’t disturb your dreams. During the day, you can change the fan to the high power, to make sure your air circulates well.
More features: filter change indicator; a 360-degree air inlet
The TRUSTECH 3-in-1 Air Purifier might look small, but it still packs quite the punch when it comes to air purification. It is the most compact machine on our list, and its small size does result in a much smaller coverage area than the other purifiers. 50 square feet is equivalent to a tiny bedroom, so if you want an air purifier for a larger living room, you will need to look elsewhere. However, for those that just need to cover a small size, say around your desk in the office, then the hOmeLabs 3-in-1 Compact Air Purifier is the perfect option and the best small room air purifier.
It has a HEPA air purifier that removes 99% of indoor pollutants. This includes pollen, dust, smoke, mold, and even pet dander. If you find it a bit hard to breathe in your home, or you just can’t get rid of some pesky odors, then now is the right time to purchase a new air purifier.
The filtering system of the TRUSTECH 3-in-1 Air Purifier goes in four stages. There is a pre-filter to capture larger air particles, and then the filter system which traps even the smallest of irritants. Just because you can’t see what’s in your air, doesn’t mean the filters won’t catch it.
What’s really nice about the TRUSTECH 3-in-1 Air Purifier is its size. Because it is rather small, it can fit on top of a desk or bookcase. It can hide amongst your décor and still do its job. You can even take this small air purifier with you when you travel. Just because you’re in a hotel room, doesn’t mean you can’t take the benefits of clean air with you.
Before you commit to your next purchase of a small air purifier, it’s essential to have as much information as possible. In addition to the product reviews, we’ve also included details about the types of features to look for. We’ve also given you some information to keep your air purifier lasting as long and productive as possible.
If you find yourself coughing a lot, have irritated sinuses, or even find it hard to catch your breath, then your air quality might be suffering. Air purifiers help to remove unwanted particles from the air, allowing us to breathe easier. In fact, you might not even be aware of how bad your air quality is, until you try an air purifier in your home.
Many users of air purifiers were shocked to discover how much fresher the air in their home was, after they started using the product. Sometimes you just don’t realize what can improve in your home, until you make a change.
To help you purchase your next small air purifier, here is a list of important features to consider.
There are many types of filters for air purifiers and the important thing to remember is that you need to buy specific replacements for each different model. Typically speaking, filters need to be changed at least once a month. If you live in a smokier environment or have a few pets in the home, then you might want to change the filter every six months.
Most filters use HEPA technology which traps air pollutants such as pollen, mold, dust, and pet hair. Some filters, like with the Hamilton Beach 04384, are permanent and don’t need to be replaced. You can clean the filter and then reinsert it back into the machine. This can save quite a lot of money each year.
Air purifiers rely on a fan to distribute the clean, filtered air into your room. The larger the fan speed, the quicker the air is circulated. Almost of the products on our list, including the GermGuardian AC4100 and the Blue Pure 411 have three fan speeds. Having different fan speeds allows you more control over your air purifier.
Fan speed also impacts noise levels. For those that want a quieter air purifier, you will want to keep your machine on the lowest fan setting.
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. It is measured in cubic feet per minute and refers to how much air has been filtered over one minute of time. The higher the CADR level, the more powerful the air purifier is.
If you and your family have allergies or any sort of breathing issues, you will want to invest in an air purifier with a higher CADR level, so that you can rest assure the air is cleaned quickly, and your health will not be impacted by what you breathe in.
The coverage area of an air purifier basically means how large of a room the machine will function well in, or in some cases, if you are looking for an air purifier for a car, how large your car is. If the area is too large, then the clean air will continually be mixed with unfiltered air, negating the effects of an air purifier. Coverage area is a significant specification to consider with your purchase.
If you just need an air purifier for a bedroom, all the items on our list will work fine. If, however, you have an apartment or even an open-concept living area, then you will need an air purifier with a large coverage area.
The amount of noise that a small air purifier gives is vital to take into consideration. For those that are more noise sensitive, and like an ultra-quiet home, find an air purifier that is whisper-quiet; otherwise, you could start to become irritated by the loud sound very soon. It’s also a good idea to think about if you will be running your air purifier at night. While some people like a bit of white noise when they fall asleep, others need absolute quiet. Most air purifiers will run between 17 and 50 decibels.
If you are worried about the noise level, look for a small air purifier that has multiple fan settings. The lower the setting, the less noise your air purifier will make. So, you can run the machine on a low speed at night for quiet, and a high setting during the day when noise isn’t so important.
While all of the air purifiers on our list fall into the category of small appliances, each will vary. The TRUSTECH 3-in-1 Air Purifier is the most compact on our list, measuring 6.7 x 6.7 x 7.5 inches, but even being such a small unit it one of the best air purifiers for mold. Conversely, the LEVOIT LV-H132 is the largest and measures at 32 x 19 x 19 inches. Before you purchase an air purifier, think about where in your home you want to place it. Then, measure that space. There’s nothing worse than buying a new air purifier, only to discover that it doesn’t fit in the spot you planned for. But if you want to check other models as well, it is highly advisable to take a look at Therapure air purifiers, which also offer different smaller units.
The standard warranty for an air purifier is between one and two years. This is adequate and you probably don’t need to consider an extended guarantee on any product. If any issues should arise, be sure to contact the manufacturer as soon as possible. Sometimes it can take a while to resolve an issue, and if you’re nearing the end of your warranty, you will want to make sure a new part of the product is shipped to you before the coverage runs out.
Small air purifiers vary in type. Some are basic, budget-friendly options, while others come with more high-end features.
A remote control is a nice option, as it allows you to change settings without having to always get up. A timer allows you to set your air purifier, which is perfect if you are worried about your electricity bill. There are also some models that have light features. The LEVOIT LV-H132, for example, has a night light function. There are two brightness settings and it emits a calming sound that can help create a sense of comfort for any child, or adult.
You want your air purifier to last a long time, and keep working well. To begin with, place your air purifier somewhere that it has a lot of space. You don’t want anything to touch its sides. This impacts that air flow and can also make it heat up faster, pushing the internal motor harder than it should be.
The windows and doors of your home should be closed, so as to prevent unwanted air particles to enter the home. Too much dust and pollen, and no air purifier will be able to combat it. If you are using an air purifier in a bedroom, try to keep that door closed as much as possible, too. If an air purifier can only work in a small setting, then having the door open will create too much air space for it to filter.
Finally, the best way to maintain your air purifier is to change its filters regularly. This can start to be a bit costly, but there’s no point in having an air purifier if its filters are clogged and can’t work properly. You should clean or replace your filter at least once a year. Some air purifiers, like the TRUSTECH 3-in-1 Air Purifier, will have a light indicator to remind you. If not, pick a date that you won’t forget, such as the start of spring, for spring cleaning.
Hopefully, the search for your next air purifier is nearing an end. Our top pick is the Hamilton Beach 04384. It works well against all air pollutants, and as an added bonus, can lay on its side or standing up. Users agree that this is one of the best small air purifiers on the market.
If you suffer from allergies, then a fantastic option is the GermGuardian AC4100. Not only does it work against common airborne pollutants like mold and pet dander, but its light technology can also fight viruses. For those wanting to avoid catching an illness from a family member, or those heavily allergic to plant pollen or smoke, this is worth checking out. And if you like this model you can read even more specific GermGuardian AC4100 review just by clicking the link.
Finally, the best small air purifier that also looks good is the Blue Pure 411. Its stylish design makes it look sophisticated and contemporary. It works well and can blend seamlessly into any décor. So, the next time you take a deep breath, you can smile, knowing the air you breathe in is as pure as possible.
