The Airdog X5 is like the first air purifier I’ve ever tested that has a washable filter. It’s not like those HEPA filters, but it’s cool because it’s California Air Resources Board Certified. CARB says it’s got electronic filtration instead of HEPA, which is mechanical stuff. If an air purifier isn’t CARB-certified, don’t bother getting it. I tried the Airdog in a big room and even got this limited-edition pet plate. It’s literally a plate for your cat to chill on top of the Airdog. Sadly, my cats weren’t feeling it.
The Airdog has this sensor that’s pretty on point with my other air quality monitors. Its electronic air filters use this TPA technology to charge particles and then trap them. It’s kind of like an old-school mosquito zapper but for PM 2.5 instead. When the filter gets all dirty, it starts making zap sounds. The manual says that’s your cue to wash the filter. The prefilter snagged a bunch of cat hair and other gross stuff. Plus, you don’t have to buy pricey replacement filters, which is a win. Hopefully, Airdog’s next model comes with a built-in cat tree or something.
Oh, and it’s got a smart app, a remote, and handles rooms up to 400 sq. ft. with 4 air exchanges per hour. It weighs 23.6 lbs and makes 63 dB of noise on high. The filter is washable, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
Now onto the Rabbit Air A3 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier. This is my second Rabbit air purifier, and I gotta say, the fan is super quiet. Even on Turbo mode, it’s quieter than other purifiers I’ve tried. It’s not an eyesore either. You can even customize the front panel with magnets to make it look cool. Hang it on the wall, and it becomes a piece of art. I tested it with the upcoming Hello Kitty panel, but there are other options like Peanuts, The Great Wave, and Starry Night.
The A3 has a user-friendly control panel and RabbitAir app, air quality indicator, filter light, ion generator, and adjustable auto mode. It’s got 24/7 support and a fat 5-year warranty. But it’s a bit pricey at almost 800 bucks. The mood light feature threw me off at first, but now I kinda dig it. The customizable filters are a neat touch. Mine came with a green tea filter, but there are other options for toxins, germs, odors, and pet allergies. The A3 can handle a 515 sq. ft. room with 4 air exchanges, so aim for a 250 sq. ft. room to keep it on the down-low. It’s like the Atem X from IQAir but more modern. The Snoopy panel would be perfect for a kid’s room.
The Mila Air 3 Critter Cuddler at 297 bucks is a solid choice. It’s got 7 custom filters for moms-to-be, allergies, pet owners, etc. The built-in sensor and app are straightforward, and the design is sleek. But it’s not as quiet as I hoped. At full blast, it’s loud. With a 447 CADR m3/hr, it’s good for a 200 sq. ft. bedroom. For a 400 sq. ft. room, it’ll be noisy. I tested it in my sons’ room, and it adjusted to the air quality on its own. It’s got a few quirks, but overall, it’s a winner.
The Briiv 2 Pro Air Filter at £399 is small but mighty. It claims to be as good as 3,043 houseplants and uses AI-powered sensors. It’s not CARB-certified, though. The Briiv can clean a tiny space, but the room calculator recommended 2 for my dining room. It’s in my kitchen now, and the indicator light goes red when I cook. It took some fiddling with the app, but now it adjusts on its own. Plus, it looks cool.
The Puroair 240 HEPA Air Purifier at $159 is adorable. It’s tiny but loud and better for a 100-150 sq. ft. room. It’s got a CARB certification, but the filter is too small for a big room. The indicator light is a bit hard to see, and the black plastic is a fingerprint magnet.
Alright, so the Coway Airmega 250 for $313 is a solid choice for a 930 sq. ft. room. It’s got a Smart mode that kicks into gear when it detects nasty stuff in the air. The fan isn’t too loud, and it’s got a Sleep mode too. The true HEPA filter needs changing every 6-12 months, and it’s easy to clean. The Coway AirMega IconS at $469 is sleek and doubles as a wireless charging pad. It cleans spaces up to 649 sq. ft. and is Wi-Fi enabled. It’s a good pick for style and function.
When shopping for an air purifier, aim for 5 air exchanges per hour. Look for CARB certification and the right filter type for your needs. HEPA filters are great for allergies, while activated carbon filters tackle odors and chemicals. Washable filters are cost-effective, and UV-C sanitizers kill germs. To check your air quality, use monitors like the Temtop M10. Large cities report outdoor air quality, and apps like AirCare can help. Keep an eye on your indoor air quality with monitors that measure pollutants and particulate matter. IKEA’s Starkvind and Dyson’s Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde might not be the best choices due to filter issues and technical hiccups.
Overall, finding the best air purifier means considering room size, filter type, and certification. Choose one that fits your needs and budget, and enjoy cleaner, fresher air at home.
