In 2018, we tested two large-space contenders from Honeywell, the S and the HPA300. The S failed our noise tests, registering more than 50 decibels even on its lowest setting (50 decibels is our limit for what we consider “quiet”). It’s a popular purifier, with a design that has gone largely unchanged for years, but even many of its adherents acknowledge that noise is an issue. The HPA300 performed well in our tests but was also extremely loud, topping out at 62 decibels on its highest setting and measuring 53 decibels on the higher of its two medium speeds.
You could also use this purifier while on a road trip—it has the capacity to clean the air within an average-sized minivan—and can capture at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Its filters are $38 each and you’ll need to replace them three or four times per year. However, it’s equipped with an H13 HEPA filter, which allows it to capture 99.9 percent of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. It’s also certified by Energy Star, the California Air Resources Board, and has an ETL Mark for its compliance with North American Safety standards.
All I had to do was plug it into the outlet and press the Start button on the top of the machine. The Levoit LV-PUR131 has budget specs but typically costs twice as much as our budget pick. The above findings make the Förnuftig an automatic dismissal under our criteria.
Some purifiers boast a medical-grade Hyper-HEPA filter that will go down to 0.003 microns — enough to pick smoke out of the air. During our ambient air quality test in a 30m3 sealed room, we ran the purifier for 30 minutes at a setting lower than 50 decibels (at the third-highest fan setting). We found that the Levoit 400S absorbed an impressive 99.5% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns and 100% of
particles smaller than 2.5 microns and smaller than 10 microns. When we reran the test with the purifier on its highest setting (turbo level 4), we got the same results. So there didn’t appear to be much difference, if any, between the two highest settings when purifying ambient air quality. It’s a good air purifier to keep noise levels low for a sound night’s sleep, which is enhanced by sleep mode.
However, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is certified by the California Air Resources Board and does not produce more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm). If the ionizer
option concerns you, we simply recommend that you not turn it on. It has a very reasonable MSRP for how much performance you get out of this little machine.
The effectiveness of such features is dubious, and it draws additional electrical power. In addition, it’s lightweight—a shade over 12 pounds—making it easy to move around
via its convenient pocket handle. Finally, it’s compact, standing just 18 inches tall, 10 inches deep, and 17 inches wide, about the size and shape of a large beach tote.
Whether an air purifier has a replaceable HEPA filter, a permanent filter, or a combination of the two, it needs regular upkeep. These reusable filters collect large particles before they reach the primary filter, potentially extending the main filter’s life and saving you money on replacement filters. However, if an automatic mode is essential for you, Levoit also offers a 300S model, which is identical in almost every way, with the addition of WiFi and a few other features. Whether you live in the countryside or a busy city, the air inside your home can be contaminated by impurities like pet dander, fireplace smoke, mold, pollen and more. Polluted air can also exacerbate symptoms for those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. Is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication.