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Air purifiers remove dust particles from the air, making them good options for people with asthma and allergy symptoms. Although more expensive, the best options will have several filters and work quietly.
- Best for low energy usage: BlueAir Pure 211+ Air Purifier | Skip to review
- Best for reducing allergens: Honeywell True HEPA300 Allergen Plus Series | Skip to review
- Best with washable filters: Coway AP-1512HH Might Air Purifier | Skip to review
- Best for a compact air purifier: LEVOIT Air Purifier LV-H132 | Skip to review
- Best smart fan speed: Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with PlasmaWave | Skip to review
- Best for app connectivity: DREO Macro Max S Purifier | Skip to review
- Best for larger rooms: ALEN BreatheSmart Classic | Skip to review
- Best for filtering formaldehyde: Dyson Purifier Cool FormaldehydeTM TP09 | Skip to review
People can improve their indoor air quality by reducing sources of contamination, such as smoking.
While people can improve their indoor air quality, removing all harmful particles from the air is impossible. Just walking around the home and sitting on furniture can lead to
Using air purifiers to remove dust can reduce concentrations of small particles by 30–80%. This leads to the following health benefits:
- fewer nighttime symptoms, especially in people with asthma
- reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
- improving sleep quality
- removing hazardous asbestos particles
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for low energy usage: BlueAir Pure 211+ Air Purifier
- Price: around $320
- Filter type: polypropylene filter, activated carbon
- Dust CADR: 350 cfm
- Decibel range: 31–56 decibels (dB)
- Suggested room size: 540 square feet (sq ft)
BlueAir says this product can filter 99.97% of airborne particles such as dust, smoke, and pet dander.
This air purifier has a simple one-button control that allows people to adjust the fan speed according to air quality.
It also has a quiet mode of around 31 dB, which should not interrupt sleep. This air purifier may also be a good option for those looking to cut down on their energy bills, as it reportedly only uses 30 Watts (W) – less than an incandescent lightbulb on low.
People will need to change the filter every six months.
Pros
- quieter than some other options, with a range of 31–56 dB
- uses less energy than some competitors, reducing running costs
- can filter a wide range of allergens
Cons
- does not use a HEPA filter
- some reviews claim it emits a strong smell
Best for reducing allergens: Honeywell True HEPA Air Purifier with Allergen Remover
- Price: around $270
- Filter type: pre-filter, HEPA filter
- Dust CADR: 320 cfm
- Decibel range: no information
- Suggested room size: 465 sq ft
This air purifier has an activated carbon pre-filter, HEPA filter, and three air cleaning levels.
Honeywell says the different cleaning levels help capture microscopic particles that trigger allergies, such as dust, pollen, and smoke.
It has an Energy Star rating for energy efficiency, which can help reduce running costs. Another cost-saving feature is an automatic shut-off timer.
Pros
- only need to change filters once a year
- Energy Star rating for energy efficiency and auto shut-off timer may reduce running costs
- some reviewers state it is effective at reducing allergy symptoms
Cons
- while the company states it has a quiet operation, some reviewers find it louder than comparable products
- as people have to purchase two filters, it may be more expensive in the long-term
Best with washable filters: Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
- Price: $229.99
- Filter type: pre-filter, deodorization filter, HEPA filter, vital ionizer
- Dust CADR: 246 cfm
- Decibel range: 24–53 dB
- Suggested room size: 361 sq ft
This compact air purifier uses a four-stage filtration system to reduce dust levels, pet dander, odors, and other contaminants in rooms up to 361 sq ft.
This product features several filters, including a HEPA filter. The pre-filter is washable, which may save on costs during the long term as a person will not have to replace it when it becomes dirty.
Its onboard air quality indicator also monitors particle levels and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. This can save time as a person does not have to monitor fan speed.
Pros
- reportedly easy to use
- has a low noise, which may be preferable for light sleepers
- people can wash the filters
Cons
- noisy at high settings, according to reviews
- higher settings could blast cool air
Best for a compact air purifier: LEVOIT Air Purifier LV-H132
- Price: around $90
- Filter type: pre-filter, true HEPA, activated carbon
- Dust CADR: 40 cfm
- Decibel range: around 50 dB
- Suggested room size: 516 sq ft
This purifier is very compact, measuring in at 7.9 x 7.9 x 12.6 inches. It is portable, allowing people to easily move it from room to room, and a three-stage filtration system.
This device had a night light and a sleep mode function to reduce noise during the time a person sleeps. However, LEVOIT states that this model has a decibel range or less than, or equal to, 50 dB. This may be too loud for bedrooms.
Pros
- easy to move from room to room
- tackles odors as well as particles
Cons
- does not have a filter replacement indicator
- may be too loud for bedrooms
Best smart fan speed: Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with PlasmaWave
- Price: around $250
- Filter type: pre-filter, washable carbon filter, true HEPA
- Dust CADR: 243 cfm
- Decibel range: from 27 dB
- Suggested room size: 360 sq ft
This air purifier has air quality sensors that adjust the fan speed automatically. It also senses when the lights are out in a room and automatically activates sleep mode with a quieter operation.
Another bonus is its PlasamWave technology, which the company says helps neutralize airborne bacteria.
Pros
- features an air quality indicator
- remote control included
- washable filters
Cons
- while the company displays the quietest decibel volume, it does not say how loud the unit can be
- the unit is large and may not be easily portable
Best for app connectivity: DREO MacroMax S Purifier
- Price: around $220
- Filter type: pre-filter, H13 HEPA, activated carbon
- Dust CADR: 273 cfm
- Decibel range: 24–50 dB
- Suggested room size: 220–423 sq ft
This air purifier may appeal to those who are more technological-minded, as people can operate it using voice control, and it is compatible with Alexa and Google Home.
The integration with apps may make operating the air purifier easier, as people do not need to push buttons to set cycles. However, it may not be a good option for older people or those who prefer more analog-style units.
Pros
- suitable for larger rooms
- people can control it with voice commands
- compatible with Alexa and Google Home
- includes an app to control the unit
- can offer 360º filtration
Cons
- heavy
- users cannot wash filters
- as it is a smart device, it may not be as easy to troubleshoot
Best for larger rooms: ALEN BreatheSmart Classic
- Price: from around $549
- Filter type: True HEPA 13
- Dust CADR: 300 cfm
- Decibel range: 42–56 dB
- Suggested room size: up to 1,100 sq ft
This unit is effective in larger rooms, such as a living room, office, or other shared spaces.
Another advantage of this unit is its customizability. People can choose from the following filters:
- Pure: This is a True HEPA Air Filter that captures dust, allergens, mold, and germs.
- Silver: This is also a True HEPA Air Filter. ALEN describes this as an “all round” solution.
- FreshPlus: This is a True HEPA chemical air filter that removes dust, allergens, smoke, odors from cooking, and VOCs.
- OdorCell: This True HEPA Air Filter neutralizes odors and captures allergens, dust, and odors from pet and diapers.
Pros
- infrared sensor for detecting air pollution
- good for larger spaces
- specific filter options for different needs
- comes in a range of colors
Cons
- expensive
- louder than many other units
Best for filtering formaldehyde: Dyson Purifier Cool FormaldehydeTM TP09
- Price: $749.99
- Filter type: HEPA, carbon filtration
- Dust CADR: no information
- Decibel range: no information
- Suggested room size: 2,860 sq ft
This unit is an air purifier and a fan, making it suitable for people in hotter climates.
As well as capturing 99.97% of particles, Dyson also states that it can filter formaldehyde. The formaldehyde filter does not need replacing.
People can also control this air purifier with voice commands and an app. However, this may make the unit unsuitable for those who prefer not to use smart products.
Pros
- works as a fan and air purifier
- destroys formaldehyde
- 360º filtration
Cons
- expensive
- replacement filters are expensive
- shorter warranty than many brands
- a number of buyers state it makes a high pitched noise
The table below compares each of the air purifiers in this article for price, filter type, and more.
| Price | Filter type | Dust CADR | Decibel range | Suggested room size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueAir | around $320 | polypropylene filter, activated carbon | 250 cfm | 31–56 dB | 540 sq ft |
| Honeywell | around $270 | pre-filter, HEPA filter | 320 cfm | no information | 465 sq ft |
| Coway | around $230 | pre-filter, deodorization filter, HEPA filter, vital ionizer | 246 cfm | 24–53 dB | 361 sq ft |
| LEVOIT | around $90 | pre-filter, true HEPA filter, activated carbon | 40 cfm | around 50 dB | 516 sq ft |
| Winix | around $250 | pre-filter, washable carbon filter, true HEPA filter | 243 cfm | from 27 dB | 360 sq ft |
| DREO | around $220 | pre-filter, H13 HEPA, activated carbon | 273 cfm | 24–50 dB | 220–423 sq ft |
| ALEN | from around $549 | True HEPA 13 | 300 cfm | 42–56 dB | up to 1,100 sq ft |
| Dyson | $749.99 | HEPA, carbon filtration | no information | no information | 2,860 sq ft |
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a range of budgets.
- Size: MNT selects items to suit a range of room sizes.
- Extra features: MNT chooses products that have additional features, such as carbon filters, auto-shut-off timers, and filter replacement alerts.
When using air purifiers for dust removal, people should consider the filters they use.
According to the EPA, devices with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can remove 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. These include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.
Learn more about HEPA air purifiers.
Other features to consider when choosing an air purifier for dust include:
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Refers to the volume of particles the unit can filter in a set time, and it should match the size of the room where a person will use it.
- Target use: Some air purifiers work on removing particles, while others focus on gases. People looking for air purifiers for dust control should look for filters that target dust removal specifically.
- Filters: Some devices feature more than one filter, so a person should check when they should replace them.
- Fan speed: Some devices feature fans that adjust their speeds according to the pollutant levels. Their speed also lowers at night, so the unit does not disturb sleep.
The
However, indoor air quality may be worse than outdoor air quality.
Dust is one of the harmful pollutants people can find indoors. Dead skin cells, stray particulates, and dust mites form dust. According to the American Lung Association, these particles are major triggers for people with allergies and asthma.
Dust can also affect people who do not have allergies or asthma. House dust and its components may also
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that while air purifiers cannot remove all the air pollutants in a person’s home, they can improve air quality. All air purifiers can remove particles from the air, and the more expensive ones can remove particles and gas.
People should choose air purifiers with an activated carbon filter and a longer running time for the best results. It is also important to only purchase air purifiers the right size for the room where they will operate.
People may also find that removing sources of indoor air pollution alongside running an air purifier will improve air quality. Stopping smoking indoors and ventilating the area with fresh air are just two ways a person can improve the air quality in their home.
While air purifiers can improve the air quality in the home, there are some risks.
People should avoid air purifiers that produce ozone, which can irritate the lungs.
Bipolar ionization technology may produce ozone. However, air purifiers that meet UL 2998 standard certification do not produce ozone.
All air purifiers will need cleaning and filter changes on a regular basis to be as effective and safe as possible.
The following are common questions and answers about air purifiers for dust.
What do air purifiers do?
According to the EPA, air purifiers draw in air through one or more filters to capture particles that may come from dust, tobacco smoke, or pet dander.
Do air purifiers work for dust?
The EPA states that many air purifiers for dust can remove particles from the rooms where people place them. The devices need to be compatible with the size of the room for them to be effective.
Do air purifiers help with allergies?
A 2018 guide shows that HEPA air cleaners can be effective in reducing allergy or asthma symptoms.
However, these improvements may not benefit all respiratory symptoms.
Is an air purifier worth the price?
According to Consumer Reports, air purifiers are expensive, with recommended models generally costing $200-900.
A person should also consider filter replacements, which can cost around $90–175 per year. Additionally, the annual energy cost of running an air purifier may range from around $30 to almost $90.
In addition, some units can be noisy and cause sleep disruptions.
Do air purifiers protect against COVID-19?
According to the EPA, some air purifiers can protect against COVID-19. Look for units that:
- clean air quickly enough for the size of the room where they will work
- can clean smoke, pollen, or dust
- remove airborne particles as small as 0.1-1um
- use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters
How do I get rid of dust in the air in my house?
Frequent dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming can help reduce levels of dust in the air. People can also change and wash bedding regularly.
Air purifiers can also help remove dust from the air. The EPA writes that air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne particles.
Air purifiers can be effective in removing dust indoors and improving asthma and allergy symptoms.
They come with different filters, but studies show that HEPA filters can remove most airborne particles, including pollen, mold, and bacteria.
A person should also choose a device compatible with their room size.