Air purifiers are appliances that are meant to clean the air in your home by filtering impurities such as dust, odors, and pet dander. Doing so helps neutralize the threat posed by air pollutants suspended within the area, and allows us to breathe in fresher, cleaner air. Most current portable air filters are designed to filter suspended particles as well as gasses from the air; however, they may vary based on several factors.

Factors that help differentiate between air purifiers

Type and number of filters used
Square footage covered
The amount of air they draw in
How well they collect pollutants (Percentage efficiency rate)
The amount of clean air they deliver (Clean air delivery rate)
Portability
The contaminants they target
The strength of the pollutant source

Based on these features, here are five of the best air purifiers you can find on the market right now:

Levoit Core 300S
The Levoit 300S is one of the best purifiers for dust. It is certified by Energy Star and uses a three-stage filtration system that can cover a small room, up to 547 square feet in size. Priced at $150, it is one of the most affordable air purifying systems you can find for regular air cleaning. It is also equipped with a sleep mode that dims the lights and quiets the motor. Filters for this device cost $30 each and need to be switched every 6 to 8 months.

BlueAir Blue Pure 211+
The BlueAir Blue Pure 211+ can help those battling dust and mold spores. While purifiers cannot remove mold, this one does a great job of removing mold spores and allergens like dust to freshen the air. It is Energy Star-certified and costs $320. It is lined with a washable fabric filter and a HEPA filter that traps mold spores, dust, and pollen. The filter needs to be replaced every 6 months for optimum functioning. It also has a layer of activated carbon that helps combat odors. This purifier is perfect for smaller rooms that are up to 540 square feet in size.

Honeywell Allergen Plus HPA200
If you live in a smoggy environment, the Honeywell Allergen Plus HPA200 can help you deal with the pollutants better. It has a coverage area of up to 310 square feet and costs $219. It is well-equipped with features like a timer, four fan speeds, and lights that can be dimmed or turned off, among others. It is lined with a pre-filter that gathers large particles, a carbon filter to reduce odors, and a HEPA filter for finer pollutants. The pre-filter needs to be replaced every three months, while the HEPA filter should be switched out once in 12 months.

Winix 5500-2
The Winix 5500-2 is an effective purifier that costs $250 and is equipped with three layers of filters – a washable fabric filter, a carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. It has a timer and four fan-speed settings. The device is suitable for areas up to 360 square feet in space. What makes this purifier stand out is its smart light-sensing technology, which automatically activates “Sleep Mode” when the room is darkened for quieter functioning and changes back to “Auto Mode” when it senses light. The carbon and HEPA filters need to be replaced every 12 months.

NuWave OxyPure Smart Air Purifier
This smart air purifier can be controlled from your phone, and it is great for bigger areas between 515-1200 square feet. It displays the air quality status in the room as well, so you can choose the perfect setting for you. This $600 purifier has six fan speeds and many timer options. It also has five-stage filtration, including a HEPA filter, ozone removal filter, and a stainless steel pre-filter, for effectively cleaning pollutants from the air. These filters need to be replaced after 12 months. Although it is larger, it is equipped with wheels at the base, so you can easily move it around the house.

If you are considering buying yourself an air purifier, here are some pros and cons to think about:

Advantages:

They help create an odorless home.
Most purifiers can clear Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
They are energy efficient.

Disadvantages:

Air Purifiers can add to maintenance costs (the machine, as well as the replacement of filters).
The dust and dirt gathered in the filters may lead to the multiplication of mold and bacteria.
Many purifiers emit ozone gas as a byproduct, which may be toxic to your family and your pets.

Air purifiers can be particularly effective for those with severe dust and dirt allergies. To find the best fit for your needs, check the specifications and customer reviews before purchasing one. If you would like more affordable deals on some of the top three or top five air purifiers, you can wait for a holiday weekend for bigger sales and discounts.