It doesn’t take a genius mind to know that the air indoors has to be as clean as possible to guarantee a safe environment. Dust, smoke, organic compounds, allergens, and bacteria are everywhere in our home, and our home office is not immune to that. Good ventilation can surely help, but buying the best air purifiers can greatly improve your daily life.
There are thousands of air purifiers, each working differently. It can be challenging to find a purifier that works the way you want, which fits your home office, which is effective enough to justify the investment.
Being highly allergic to dust and many other particles that are commonly present in the air, I’ve researched air purifiers in-depth. I’ve spent a lot of time looking for the best to improve the quality of my life while working at home.
That’s why I’ve chosen the best of the best air purifiers for clean air that are worth every penny because they’re efficient, strong, durable, and, why not? Aesthetically interesting. I then matched these features with what can be considered one of the key factors, the price, to narrow down the list even more.
The result? A list of the best air purifiers that can be bought online and are worth the money you pay. Navigate the article using the table of content below or skip to the section you like the most.
If you’re looking for suggestions on the best products for your home office, have a look at this section of the website for reviews of the best chairs for working from home, the best desks, the best lamps, and more.
Read Also: 48 Best work From Home Accessories of 2021
Table of Contents
What Do Air Purifiers Do?
Air purifiers do exactly what they promise to do: they sanitize the air. Instead of just filtering the air, these tools clean and sanitize it. Air sanitizers have to be supported by a constant cleansing of surfaces and floors so that their role will be to eliminate every other residue. In fact, an air purifier removes allergens, dust, and molds only while they’re floating in the air; as soon as they settle to the ground, the purifier won’t be able to capture them.
How Does an Air Purifier Work?
An air purifier’s functioning is quite easy to understand because this device almost works as a cooling fan. The dirty air is brought in thanks to a fan and immediately passes through filters. As soon as the air has been filtered and cleaned, a secondary fan releases it back into the room.
How to Choose an Air Purifier
There are thousands of indoor air purifiers to choose from, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It may sound pretentious to say, but many sanitizers are useless and can only be considered a panacea. That’s why it’s necessary to put a series of rules to choose the best air purifier, avoiding paying too much just for marketing.
In choosing an air purifier, pay attention to the following things:
- Measure the space where your machine will be placed to get one that fits perfectly and can work correctly;
- Make sure you choose a device with a HEPA filter. If you want to spend a little less, opt for a device with carbon filters;
- Look at noise levels: if you’re using the air purifiers in your home office, you certainly don’t want to get distracted by the noise when working;
- Calculate the electricity costs and the hidden costs (such as the filters’ replacement) so to budget accordingly;
- Check the CADR (clean-air delivery rate) rating: it measures the cleaning speed of the purifier. Ideally, a purifier should have at least a 300 CADR;
- Ensure you choose a device that targets your specific needs (e.g., if you have a pet, your purifier should remove pet dander, odors, and hair.). If you don’t have any specific needs and you’re buying a purifier to live in the cleanest space, you can go for a generic one: nowadays, generic ones also target specific needs, so you don’t need to spend too much time researching.
9 Top Air Purifiers for Home Office
Without further ado, let’s see what are the best 9 air purifiers in 2021 based on the above features.
1. HOKEKI Air Purifier for Large Room
The HOKEKI Air Purifier for Large Room features a sensor that detects air quality continuously displaying the air quality level using a 4-color system (blue-green-orange-red). It includes a 5 in 1 Air Filter System and a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, to capture dust, smoke, odor, pet dander, and bacteria. You can choose how long you want the purifier to operate at any given time (2/4/8 hours) and save energy in the process. Smart touch controls and an easy carry handle for added mobility.
2. TaoTronics HEPA H13 Air Purifier
The TaoTronics True HEPA H13 Air Purifier removes everyday air pollution quickly with its advanced 3-in-1 air filtration process. It purifies 250ft² room every 12 minutes, 330ft² in every 15 minutes, 500ft² in every 22 minutes. The filter replacement indicator reminds us to replace the air filter at least once each 3 to 6 months. The Built-in carrying handle allows you to pick up the air purifier and move from room to room with ease.
3. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
The Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier captures 99.97% of airborne allergens, including; pollen, mold spores, dust, pet dander, microbes, and smoke (particles as small as 0.3 microns in size). It features a useful air quality indicator and built-in air quality sensors to adjust the fan speed in real-time. When the room is darkened, the unit automatically activates Sleep Mode to ensure continuous, quiet, and energy-efficient operation. It changes back to Auto Mode in the presence of light.
4. Coway AP-1512HH White HEPA Air Purifier
If you’re looking for a minimal yet powerful air purifier, the Coway AP-1512HH is the perfect solution. It covers up to 361 sq.ft, and the timer lets you schedule 1/4/8/12 hours of operation so you can set the unit for as long as you need to use it. The pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time, while the colored LED lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air is every minute of the day.
5. LEVOIT Air Purifier
The LEVOIT Air Purifier is specifically for home and home office use and targets allergens and pets’ hair. The Vortexair Technology offers an increased CADR of 141 CFM / 240 m³/h, handily covering rooms as large as 219 ft2 (20㎡) and refreshing the air 5 times per hour. It features an H13-Grade True HEPA Filter: Reduces up to 99.97% of harmful air pollutants, smoke, pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns from the air. It is possible to set a timer for 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours, then automatically turn off the display light to enjoy a perfect and undisturbed night of sleep.
6. BISSELL MYair Purifier
The BISSELL MYair Purifier features a 3-in-1 filter that catches large and fine airborne particles like hair, dust, pollen, and other allergens. The activated carbon component absorbs common household odors from pets and cooking when they pass through the filter. It’s recommended for spaces around 100 sq. ft., so it’s one of the best air purifiers for home offices. It is possible to choose between high or low fan speed.
7. RENPHO Air Purifier
The RENPHO Air Purifier helps prevent dust accumulation on surfaces and can also trap airborne mold spores, bacteria, and even pet odors. It’s a compact air purifier for rooms up to 103 Sq. Ft and adopts the TRUE HEPA H13 filter to capture and reduce ultra-tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns. 100% ozone free, does not use harmful UV or ions. It’s possible to choose from high, medium, or low fan speed, or select sleep mode to set the device on the quiet setting 37dB(A).
8. Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
The Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier adopts a HEPA air filter that captures small particles while also using Guardian Technologies powerful UV light technology to kill airborne bacteria. The HEPA filter captures 99.97% of allergens, including pet dander, dust mites, and pollen. More than just a filter, the UV-C light kills germs, while the charcoal filter captures odors. Made for medium to large rooms up to 153 sq. feet.
9. Medify Air MA-40-W
The Medify Air MA-40-W Air Purifier features an H13 TRUE HEPA filter tested to remove 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns. This medical-grade filter easily catches pollen, dust mites, and other tiny airborne particles you can’t see. The carbon filter with carbon pellets removes toxic odors, smoke, and formaldehyde. The optional anion generator produces negative ions to charge particles and trap them inside the unit and give your air a fresh feel. It can be turned on/off.
Air Purifiers: Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re unsure on the type of purifier you want to buy, keep reading the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. What Size Air Purifier Do I Need?
To choose the best, you need to measure the square footage of the room you want to purify. Generally speaking, for home and home office use, these are the most common sizes:
- Small: they’re designed for rooms up to 299 square feet;
- Medium: they’re designed for rooms between 300 and 699 square feet;
- Large: they’re designed for rooms between 700 and 1,900 square feet.
The larger the device, the more energy it consumes and the more space it takes.
2. What Is the Best Type of Air Purifier?
Deciding what the best type of air purifier is is not an easy task, but we can summarize the 3 most important types of air purifiers to give you a better understanding of the matter.
1. HEPA Technology
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and it is a technology that has been used for many years to filter particles. To be effective and certified, a HEPA filter must trap at least 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns. Since these are microscopic particles, HEPA filters can create a more sanitary and safe environment without generating ozone, which can be harmful to humans. HEPA air sanitizer doesn’t do not remove odors, chemicals, or gases. That’s why these are usually equipped with activated carbon materials.
2. Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a carbon that has been processed, and it’s so porous that it can trap particles and remove odors. The carbon layer absorbs pollutants and doesn’t release them in the air so that the environment can be considered generally safe. Carbon air filters do not remove allergens and airborne particles well, so it’s always better to choose an air sanitizer that includes the activated carbon filters in conjunction with more powerful filters.
3. UV Technology
UV Technology doesn’t remove airborne particles, but it works by killing germs, bacteria, and viruses. It goes without saying that these air sanitizers can only work well if a filter system is present; otherwise, too many microorganisms can escape the UV light. In the best air purifiers of 2021, UV technology is used as the final stage of purification after the HEPA and the activated carbon filter to clean the air in-depth.
Based on the above, we can say that an air purifier with HEPA filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and UV Technology is the best device one can choose. This, of course, cannot be considered 100% true because it also depends on the efficiency and quality of materials used, but it seems safe to say that a good air purifier makes good use of these three technologies.
3. Why Are Air Purifiers So Expensive?
Air purifiers are expensive because of two big reasons: their features and their components. The newest devices come with many extra features that drive price up: this doesn’t mean they’re automatically better than similar devices without those advanced features, simply that they target users attracted to the unnecessary or stylish details.
Marketing plays a good part in driving prices up: in fact, with the increase of people looking closer to their wellbeing, these devices have found a new life. People are willing to pay to stay in control of their health, and companies have taken advantage of this by increasing the price of these types of tools and pushing unnecessary features.
So said, air purifiers are amazing and useful devices, especially for freelancers and people working from home. Still, in choosing the best air purifiers, it’s good to determine if we’re overpaying for something that it is not worth it, just because the product has been well promoted.
4. Do Air Purifiers Really Work?
Air purifiers are not a cure-all, and buying one doesn’t automatically improve your health. But if you want to live in a healthier environment and reduce the number of harmful particles, an air purifier with a HEPA filter is surely helpful. This is even more true if you suffer from allergy or asthma or if you share your home office with a pet.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an air cleaner is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. However, no matter the model you buy, there’s no single device that can remove all of the pollutants in your home.
5. How long does it take an air purifier to clean a room?
It’s hard to estimate how long does it take for a purifier to clean a room because this depends on various factors such as the fan speed, the room size, and overall the air purifier’s coverage.
A good and efficient air purifier should clean the air in a room about 4 to 5 times per hour. Bear in mind that the air contamination and the particles’ size in the air also play a big part in determining how long it takes for a purifier to sanitize a room.
6. Should You Run the Air Purifier All Day?
Leaving an air purifier running consistently is the only way to maintain the highest possible air quality level in your home office. In fact, as soon as you stop the air sanitizer, the air will start trapping and releasing particles, and in doing so, it will become contaminated again for a very few minutes. If you leave your air purifier on all the time, the air will be filtered continuously, and all the new contaminants will be removed as soon as they start to appear.
If you’re thinking about saving money and, therefore, not running an air purifier all time, the best and the first thing to do is buy an energy-efficient air purifier that will improve the air in your room without adding too much to your power bill.
7. Can Air Purifiers Make You Sick?
Experts agree that only air purifiers that use ozone may be bad for our health. In fact, the devices that produce high amounts of ozone can be harmful: if inhaled, ozone can cause long-term damage to olfactory cells and lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can still cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation.
8. Does Air Purifier Help With Breathing?
An air purifier can help clean the air in your home office so you breathe in fewer particles that could irritate your lungs. Cleaned air can contribute to lowering any inflammation that damages blood vessels. Overall, air sanitizer can contribute to better health if used appropriately.
9. How to Take care of an Air Sanitizer?
Follow these advice to take care and clean your air purifier:
- Make sure to vacuum permanent filter every month;
- Make sure you wash washable filters every few months under cold water;
- Do not use detergents or other household solvents to clean the appliance;
- Clean the outside of the air purifier with a soft, damp cloth;
- Clean the filtered air outlet/top air vent with a soft brush;
- Do not wash HEPA or carbon filters.
- Make sure you wash your permanent filter in warm, soapy water.
If you wash and clean your filters and your device with water, ensure all the components are dry before reinstalling them and/or using the machine.
I hope that this article has provided enough information to help you make an informed decision on the best air purifiers for your home office.
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