The Best Air Purifier - A Buying Guide (v2)

Current list of top rated air purifiers overall:
1. Winix 5500-2 on Amazon - geni.us/yD1ZE
2. Coway Mighty on Amazon - geni.us/B1q9
3. Austin Air HealthMate on Amazon - geni.us/RJMt4c
The latest updated list of top rated air purifiers overall:
www.consumeranalysis.com/guid...
Full guide on HEPA filters:
www.consumeranalysis.com/guid...
Full guide on carbon filters:
www.consumeranalysis.com/guid...
In this video we first discuss the factors we look at to rank air purifiers. The most important ranking factors are airflow, particle filter type, gas filter type, pre-filter type, and filter order. We then discuss the three best air purifiers we've tested.
0:00 Airflow
1:01 Particle filter type
2:35 Gas filter type
3:32 Pre-filter type
4:39 Filter order
5:30 Top three models
Note: some of the links used in the description will direct you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@SuperAlchemi]

That's why we need KZbin, so we can watch this kind of awesome informative videos

[@taylork24ce]

This is one of the best KZbin channels to get real information on air purifiers. On most KZbin channels, I feel like I am basically getting a sales job. I really appreciate the work that you do thanks.

[@consumer-analysis]

You're welcome! And thank you for the kind words! 😀

[@chihuahuapixieprincess2482]

As someone who suffers allergies/sensitivity to everything from pollen, voc's & smells this is the very best explanation of air purifiers - I already bought 3 Blueair which just aren't good enough and now I know why. Thank you so much ❤

[@Jack-pi7xi]

One of the best reviewers on the web. Fantastic explanations, simple and easy to digest.

[@blakkheim]

glad to see you back king

[@consumer-analysis]

😂 Thanks!

[@VRPhDPMPA]

Based on your thorough analysis, I bought five Winix 5500-2 units four years ago in August 2020. Unfortunately, the units were progressively getting louder after about 1.5 to 2 years of continual use. As of 06/19/2024, I've decided to replace the Winix 5500-2 units with the Coway Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH. Hopefully, the Coway Mighty will not get louder as time progresses. Thank you for your concise informative review.

[@laurikennedy3147]

If you’ve never used an air filter these are great. kzbin.infoUgkx_dppjvjF8BYEmPSDTcgCUdRsgWYLXNHN I ended up with three after starting out with one. The noise level depends on the 1-3 settings with how hard you want the machine to work. You can also upgrade the filters and get one better for pet hair and smells which is a must have in my home. I noticed the air seemed lighter and easier to breathe when running the machine for the first time. Works great every time. Highly recommended!

[@deltawhiskey6417]

Great video. Regarding your top three picks which one has the least expensive filter replacement?

[@semmee]

I watched this review way back and got this winnix. Ive since bought many more for others. Huge thanks to you.

[@consumer-analysis]

You're very welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@versailledoctrina7646]

Excellent quality video. I hope your channels gets big and wish you everything the best.

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you very much for the kind words and support!

[@arlenreyes4283]

Such a great guide very detail and well made!

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you!

[@MS7.7]

Excellent video, I have Philips 1000i series model AC1215/91 and I think it's very similar to Winix 5500 but I don't know the actual CFM. I noticed the Active Carbon filter on Winix have to hexagonal indentation on the sides is this allowing small amount of air to bypass it? Also does it matter if it sucks air from front or sides or both?

[@TheJustina102085]

I love the channel and content! I’ve used this channel as a guide to buying several air purifiers; excluding my purchase of the Lg Tower Air purifier, I wanted something that looked nice and had smart features for one of my rooms.. soo it prob sucks as an air purifier idk haha If you read this; I’d love to see a review on the Wyze Air purifier, & is incredibly cheap given what it claims to do. The app on the Wyze looks excellent as well so for less than $200 I’m wondering if it’s a worthwhile purchase for a medium size room.

[@RathOX]

Sadly seems cant get austin air in the uk i need the VOC scrubbing

[@civulaskolowe5393]

I love you for this video!

[@marioz3760]

Great analysis, thank you! Subscribed.

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you! And thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@tigeruppercut7]

I commented this on another video of yours, but want to highlight my point for visibility. The sensor on many purifiers, including the Winix don't actually detect particulates. They only detect gases. However, the purifier focuses on filtering particulates, not gases. Therefore auto-mode will not work effectively. It will only turn on if you have a gas pollutant source, such as from cooking or perfumes.

[@MS7.7]

I believe most air purifiers uses infrared sensor which detect the pollution by reflectivity of particles. I'm not sure how efficient but I think it's not very reliable and in auto mood it will be on the lowest settings most of the time. However that doesn't reduce the effectiveness of the air purifier hence manual mode is better but less convenient.

[@robeerob]

My Winix definitely has an infrared particle counter. It’s clearly not very precise but it does in fact detect sudden and dramatic increases in suspended particulate matter.

[@hdhdu7634]

Best reviews on the market - so succinct & thorough. Even if I'm not in the market for a possibility item, I still watch just to learn 👍🏽

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you very much for the kind words, and thank you for watching!

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

HOW DOES THE COSTCO WINEX 9500 FOR 200$ RATE? ( COMES WITH SPARE FILTERS ALSO) WONDER WHAT THE AIRFLOW IS@@consumer-analysis

[@mattnmoe]

Really appreciate your reviews. Wondering if you could review or your thoughts on combo dehumidifier and air purifier all in one. Like the Pure & Dry HEPA 70 or Luko 70 Pint or Afloia.

[@nu7493]

Great videos! I’ve learned a lot from your videos. We’d love to see reviews or maybe just remarks on the newer models from Winix and Coway. Great job!

[@consumer-analysis]

Thanks for the kind words! I've definitely considered reviewing newer models from Winix and Coway on the channel. It's just difficult to justify taking the time to test and review them because they're generally considerably more expensive than my top two picks without really offering any additional performance. A good example of this is the Winix AM80. It offers essentially identical performance to the 5500-2 but it's usually at least $50 to $100 more expensive. So I'll definitely keep an eye on models like these. I just can't really justify taking the time to review them at this time.

[@XtianApi]

Thank you thank you!

[@JC-wv3tu]

Great review!! Does it come in the color white?

[@talflex25]

great content thank you!!

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you for watching!

[@dodger4196]

Do you have any plans on reviewing the Medify MA-125 or Levoit Everest Air? I’ve got a couple MA-25s and was looking adding a larger unit in the living room. Almost pickup an MA-112, but would like to have one with smarter features such as an auto mode.

[@viper04af]

Thank you do the blue air 411i max have true hepa now ?

[@SlackerU]

I wish you could test how many inches of water-column each purifier-blower could offer. I live in a State that needs more than 20 years to enforce our changing burn rules so I need filtration almost every night that wind speeds are below 6mph. I think I'm going to use a 1TDT7 blower that is rated for 1-1/4 inches of water-column so it should clog filters. I have a D480[works amazing no-complaints for what it is] & I can sense when it's not ideally functioning so I need something more powerful. I also don't like that these Purifiers are suppose to be 3-5 ft off the ground so I might make mine 6ft tall so that the clean air is as far away from the dirty air as possible. I almost want to just install it in a wall.

[@Caps78]

Is the levoit everest air a good purifier? I bought it but not knowing what I wss buying. My room is 12x16 . And in a month 23% of the filter is used. I didn't realize filters are $99 to replace. Now I have buyers remorse.

[@stevethea5250]

plz also provide metric measurements/square and whabbout Xiaomi models ?

[@mumbles711]

Have you tested the Winix AM90? If so, how does it compare to the 5300? Thanks.

[@advertusmedia]

for a single 500 sf room, would you suggest one Medify MA 112 or 2 Winix 5500-2?

[@BarefootVlogger]

Problem with the pellet carbon filter on the Winix from what I'm seeing is there are huge gaps in the filter. They only filled carbon about half way to the top of each of those honeycombs, leaving blank space in about half of the filter. Doesn't that defeat the purpose?

[@NorrisCheung]

Would you mind adding the Ikea Starkvind to your comparison tests? I was a BlueAir fan for years buying multiple units but after comparing price/CFM/value (including filter replacement costs), I find the Ikea Starkvind a no-brainer.

[@arthurfernando2413]

Could you make a review on the xiami mi robot vacuums? Xiami mop p & etc

[@thaik56]

Can we change the order of the filters ourselve? Mine is prefiler-hepa-carbon, I don't see anything that stops me from placing the carbon before the hepa filter.

[@thelowcarbcook1196]

We have a 1200 sq foot open large living area. I have watched many of your videos but the winix 500-2 seems to be your pick over all purfiers. Do you think 2 of these units would be enough for this size area?

[@adamsterdam9049]

They dont sell the 5500-2 in my country, but the Winix Zero looks pretty similiar, have you tested this one?

[@amin990]

What about the Mila air filter ?

[@arjunprabhu6742]

Winix is not available in India. I purchased the Coway Airmega 250 and also a Coway 1220-B Storm.

[@mattmaes]

Have you tested the Enviroklenz?

[@Shmew455r]

Went with levoit, 300 bucks for 3k square feet is a great deal, plus it has all the pros of the winix without being so weak

[@lstev7489]

I just bought a Winex 535..any good?

[@9arvis]

What do you think of the Winix 9800??

[@sailor1145]

I don't see any mention of Alen Breathsmart in this buying guide

[@lexbraxman9270]

Airmega 400 was a game changer for me.

[@ChiefBrianIrons]

I have to disagree with you on filter order if you ever see the pellet carbon filters they have gaps in them as carbon pellet drops to the bottom of the honeycomb which allows dust to get through easily. Also carbon filter job should not be catching dust it main job should be to get rid of VOCs that why the carbon filter should be the last filter as HEPA filter job should be catching dust and fine particles. You might have a case with carbon lace filters.

[@arjunprabhu6742]

This point struck me too. I wish someone would clarify on this.

[@dinoscheidt]

WINIX 5500-2 vs WINNIX Zero? I’m currently looking for a air purifier due to dust allergy for the bed room. I live in Europe, Germany to be precise. WINIX doesn’t seem to offer the 5500-2 in Europe but their WINNIX Zero - which look like a modernized version. How do the WINNIX Zero compare to the 5500-2? Or next best alternative. Thank you very much! Great timing !

[@muallauzun6757]

Hi, you are right winix market in europe is different. I live in Turkey and I bought zero pro for my daughter's little house. She has a dog and a cat. My suggestion is zero pro which is the best winix model for houses in Europe.

[@Diego-1]

What do you think of the Winix Zero Pro sold here in Europe? as good as the 5500-2?

[@consumer-analysis]

The Zero Pro is essentially the 5500-2 equivalent in Europe and so I would say that yes, it is as at least as good as the 5500-2.

[@WelcomeToDERPLAND]

I've got a Winix P450.

[@ericasanders4442]

I have heard that UV light is important to kill the mold, not just HEPA for catching them. Any thoughts?

[@consumer-analysis]

I talk about air purifiers and mold in detail in this guide: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/air-purifier-for-mold/ To answer your question, you don't need to kill mold with a UV light. It's sufficient to filter mold spores.

[@robeerob]

In Europe Winix doesn’t sell the 5500-2, the closest model is the Zero which as far as I can see is identical to the American C535 (so basically carbon coated mesh instead of pellets). The only model with carbon pellets is the Zero Pro, which as far as I can see is identical to the American HR900 minus the pet pre-filter, sold at a MSRP of € 189. Since the chassis is very different from the recommended 5500-2, is there any chance that you review the HR-900? If not, do you know enough about it to recommend it?

[@kayskreed]

How would you classify them based on the best "zero ozone" producing models?

[@FA-tq9ip]

Would be interesting to know how the Coway AirMega 250 would fit in

[@arjunprabhu6742]

I purchased a Coway Airmega 250 and I hope they test it too.

[@ChiefBrianIrons]

The issue with the winix in Europe is the carbon filter replacement issues. Winix advertise their filters to last a year but the carbon filter only last 3 months which i don't mind but in Europe you can't buy a separate carbon filter you need to buy the Hepa filter with it so making it useless i can't buy full set of filters every three months just to use the carbon filter. Have you ever tested Philips Air Purifiers.

[@arjunprabhu6742]

Does Philips manufacture the purifiers or does it only relabel purifiers manufactured by third parties ? I plan to write an email and ask Philips too.

[@deenyc1049]

Unfortunately I watched this video AFTER I already purchased two Blueair 311's. WInix will be my next purchase.

[@ExecutiveGoth]

Hi, so being from Salt Lake City, I'm looking for an air purfifer that can handle PM2.5 particles (HEPA14), these are smaller and more dangerous, and are sort of a pretty big problem here. Are there any that you've tested that could work for that purpose? Most HEPA 13 filters do reduce PM2.5 particles, but don't stop them.

[@consumer-analysis]

A standard HEPA filter will do an excellent job filtering PM2.5 particles. And so for your application I would still have the same top three recommendations. I highly recommend reading my guide on HEPA filters, in which I address HEPA filters capturing smaller particles in detail: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/hepa-air-purifier/

[@PearlRyan15]

I’m looking for creative ways to disguise an ugly air purifier but I don’t want to compromise on effectiveness. Can I put a backless cabinet or something with a vented design over the air purifier or will anything blocking air flow be totally stupid? Any ideas?

[@consumer-analysis]

You could do it. It will impact performance, but only minimally.

[@9to5techs]

Winix 5500-2 vs Levoit Vital 200S

[@xkxxxx]

Can you review the Mila that was kickstarted? Is it hype or crap?

[@consumer-analysis]

The Mila has similar airflow to the Winix 5500-2 but is more than double the price. It's not a bad air purifier. It's just not a good value.

[@GenjoKoan75]

Excellent. Perhaps best review video I have watched. Bit dry delivery however. Try to lighten up and crack a few jokes.

[@77chiqui]

Some purifiers like the winix emits ozone which can be harmful

[@trizkial7592]

Great video. Just wish you didn’t have price harm a products placement. I want to know the best of the best cost be damned

[@optikzofficial]

Would one Winnix 5500-2 be fine for a 650 sq ft bachelor apartment?

[@optikzofficial]

Is it good for removing cooking odours, dust and allergens?

[@optikzofficial]

Please let me know

[@consumer-analysis]

For 650 sq. ft. I would recommend two Winix 5500-2 units.

[@consumer-analysis]

Yes, it will be effective removing cooking odors, dust, and allergens.

[@NoHandleToSpeakOf]

It is astonishing that the filter order can be designed wrong

[@pinkorganichorse]

?

[@Mr.No-body697]

Long term winix 5500-2 user here I can tell you after 2 years of use both of my units motors are so loud its un bearable so much so im Throwing them out and looking into other brands. So be warned if you buy them there motor does get loud over time and its not just one both experienced the same thing

[@userou-ig1ze]

best reviews... but what about Xiaomi air filter

[@consumer-analysis]

I've definitely considered buying at least one Xiaomi unit for review, but they're just not popular enough in the United States to justify my taking the time to buy one, test it, and write a review for it.

[@userou-ig1ze]

@@consumer-analysis would you consider it if community sends one

[@mixedbylmg]

I have a winix C535 and 2 other winix units in my commercial space. Every time the air comes on, my neighbor complains and im TIRED. is this WINIX 5500 -2 really going to make a difference? is a austin healthmate going to work? I run a recording studio and clients HAVE TO SMOKE, which is annoying enough, so IDC about the cost. I just want 100% guarantee that this lady will stfu from now on. It's summer time in GA and my current purifiers only work with no air running, with sprays and opening the door to air out after the session. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME OUT

[@mitsygaynor]

I thought Plasmawave - creates ozone and build up of ozone is harmful to humans

[@i.d.6492]

Is there any research behind this. I get the bang for buck but most people buy these and don't even know if their air quality has improved, they might say oh it is improved but it's most likely placebo. You should do testing to see which one actually purifies air.

[@consumer-analysis]

See my written reviews for particle test results: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/best-air-purifier/#reviews

[@jorishnathanael1812]

Niceeee

[@moddkilla]

Why on earth would a pellet based carbon filter used to remove orders placed in front of the Hepa filter maximize the life of the hepa filter….

[@RathOX]

Because the carbon also helps get rid of larger particles.

[@CaitlynKeenan-nk4cr]

What are your thoughts on Bionaire Air Purifiers?

[@yavorchernaev39]

No philips? 🤔

[@lancetakiguchi9756]

Nooo, I bought blue air 😭. I've found this channel a year late.

[@watchout5508]

Air purifier goes *wooosh*

[@geo555]

For Pete's sake, why don't you list the Wyze air purifier ?

[@consumer-analysis]

I only listed the top 30 air purifiers I've personally tested.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Are u still alive

[@thepcal9654]

If you bring your son back there knowing their agenda you have failed.

[@PhillipKnoll]

You "tested" them how? I heard no description of what you tested. ZERO. Throwing the word "test" around is easy. Doing testing requires a lot of work.