The Airmega Mighty2 is the latest version of our previous Best Overall pick, the Coway AP-1512HH. The newest model combines power, quality filters, and robust controls to help you breathe easier.

The Mighty2 uses a three-stage filtration system to capture 99.7 percent of airborne particles, and cleans spaces up to 1,800 square-feet in 60 minutes. It has three standard fan speeds, but there’s a turbo mode that will kick on if there’s a big uptick of matter in the air.

The original version just used an indicator light system that let you know basic air quality levels, but this updated model has a built-in air quality index sensor that measures and displays particulate matter counts in real time.

Our tester tried the air purifier in his New York apartment, putting it up against pet odors, litterbox dust, and other household allergens. “Results after about a day were already noticeable. The air in the room seemed clearer and there was less dust on the ground in the area immediately around the litterbox. Not enough that I’m going to have to sweep up any less, mind you, but there was a material difference that I wasn’t getting from using a smaller purifier.”

Read Full Coway Airmega Mighty2 Air Purifier Review

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This air purifier from Clorox uses a three-stage filtration system to trap allergens, pollutants, and VOCs, and it successfully cleared strong scents and odors from the apartment we tested in.

It was quiet enough that you hardly hear it activate, especially if it kicks on automatically while you’re cooking to clear the kitchen of smoke. But on higher settings, you do tend to notice its noise a bit more. The 360-degree, cylindrical shape of the filter offers purification from all directions and the unit covers 1,000 square feet so you don't have to be as strategic about placement.

We also liked that it has a color-coded indicator light on the front that tells you how hazardous the air is in the room where it's located (though it will add insult to injury when it turns purple while you’re trying your best to sear a steak.)

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If you’re a pet owner, specifically with cats, then you know that the litter box smell lingers long after your little fur ball has left the lavatory. The Vital 200S-P from Levoit is a great way to combat the odors that candles and air fresheners just can’t cover up. I set the air purifier up in my living room and noticed a clear improvement in scent after running for the day.

This unit has a traditional air inlet, along with a unique U-shaped inlet that is ideal for trapping pet hair without clogging up the filters. If you pair your air purifier with the app and select Pet Mode, it automatically alternates between fan speeds, too. The pre-filter is easy to remove and wash, so you don't have to purchase replacements as often.

Since we tested the Vital 200S-P in a smaller apartment, it was a bit obstructive. But the air purifier covers up to 1,875 square feet, so if you live in a townhouse or single-family home, this unit will accommodate.

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The Airmega 100 is the first cylindrical unit in the Coway line, which is a nice switch-up from the rectangular model that we tested in the past. It tucked nicely into the corner of the living room, and you can change the light between blue, orange, and off, which is ideal if you’re using the purifier in a bedroom.

I tried the fan on various settings, and the lowest mode could barely be heard over the TV playing at an average volume, which aligns with its claimed 20-decibel noise level. You can manually adjust everything on the control panel, or let the purifier do its thing and adapt accordingly as it monitors the air quality of the room.

Setup of the unit was simple; you essentially just need to click the filter into place. This model uses a 3-in-1 filtration system, with a HEPA filter sandwiched between a vacuum-able pre-filter and deodorizing filter. The deodorizer layer is especially useful if you have pets, love to cook, or live in an apartment or complex with odors.

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For smaller rooms or office spaces, the smart Blueair 511i Max offers much of the same performance and features as larger, more capable models. It only purifies areas of up to 465 square feet, but does so within just 30 mins on the highest setting. The three-layer filtration system captures up to 99.7 percent of airborne particles, too.

We appreciate that the air quality level is clearly displayed on the front in a five-color scale, and that the display has auto-brightness controls if you're running it overnight while you're sleeping. Advanced features are available through the app, including scheduling and air quality reports.

This unit has a four-stage filtration system, along with Blueair's proprietary HEPASilent filter that uses a combination of electrostatic charge and mechanical filtration to capture 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants and contaminants. This type of filtration technology is less dense than other filter options, so it's designed to run quieter and use less energy.

The value offered by such a small air purifier is unmatched, considering it targets both allergens and odors—all with relatively quiet operation.

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If you have a large space or even an entire apartment that needs air purification, the Coway Airmega 400 is the smart model you need. It's designed to cover up to 1,560 square feet in 30 minutes, and has a variety of smart features and sleep settings, all packed into a compact yet capable unit. While this is the most expensive option we recommend, it's relatively affordable considering its capacity, and you shouldn’t have to supplement with an additional air purifier.

It’s surprisingly quiet given its size, reaching only 22 decibels on its lowest setting. We like that it uses multi-stage purification methods, combining a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter to capture the tiniest of particles. The pre-filter is washable, but the air filter indicator light will let you know when it actually needs to be replaced.

The Airmega 400 has a three-setting smart mode that adapts to its environment, with a fan speed that automatically adjusts based on air quality or lighting conditions. We also appreciate the option to use eco mode, which turns the fan on and off when the room has remained purified for 30 minutes, and there’s also a timer and pollution sensor.

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The GermGuardian isn’t a flashy design with robust features, but it aids in keeping the air in my apartment free of pet odors, dust, and smoke.

I have a self-cleaning litter box, which significantly cuts down on smells and dust associated with cat waste, but it doesn’t solve every problem. I let the purifier run during one of the Litter Robot’s cleaning cycles, and thanks to the GermGuardian’s built-in air quality index (AQI) sensor and display screen, I was able to see the particulate matter count in the air reach triple digits in seconds. The automatic fan speed varied as needed, and it wasn’t long before air quality was back to a healthy level.

I put the GermGuardian up against incense smoke, too, and it went to work quickly. The fan had to run at high speed for longer, but by the end, my living room was clear of any lingering haze and odor.

In addition to a HEPA filter and activated carbon, this model also has a UVC light, which is claimed to disinfect bacteria, viruses, and mold. While I did give this feature a try, I didn’t keep it on for long because it’s hard to prove whether these lights are actually useful in an air purifier.

Read Full GermGuardian AC4880B Air Purifier Review

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The Sans HEPA 13 air purifier offers quiet operation, whole-home purification, and smart features. This unit runs at only 25 decibels on the lowest fan setting, and I could hardly tell that it was on, even when standing next to the unit.

The air purifier is best used for whole-home use, as it purifies spaces up to 1,854 square feet. The internal sensors monitor and show you the air quality index in real time, and the reading is visible on the touch display. I’m able to view PM2.5, which is particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller, such as dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander, as well as PM10, which are slightly larger particles up to 10 microns, like coarser dust and mold spores.

This unit pairs a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter with a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and UV-C light to capture 99.9 percent of particles. This might be overkill for general household use, but I’ve appreciated the multi-stage approach. The only downside I’ve come across is that overall cost will likely be higher, considering the Sans recommends replacing the filter every three months.

Full Sans Air Purifier Review

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