Top air purifiers for apartment reviewed – Purify indoor air and stay safe

Last updated on: April 1, 2024.

Want the best air purifier for your apartment? Read this before buying.

Urban environments have seen a steady decrease in air quality over time. Industrial pollution, toxic chemicals, and increasing contaminants are all reasons behind the poor quality of the air we face in cities.

In addition, apartment inhabitants often have to deal with odor or smoke that seeps in from the neighbors. These factors combined make the home you dwell in an unsafe environment that can cause long-term damage to your health.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. If walking through the city and breathing in the fumes gives you cause for concern, can you imagine how dangerous your living situation actually is?

The harsh reality is that our homes are not as safe as we perceive them to be. Airborne contaminants that are microscopic escape our attention and contribute to deteriorating long-term health. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem that plagues several residents.

 Air purifiers are household products that are designed to remove harmful airborne contaminants. The air purifier traps harmful particles in the air to provide good quality indoor air for your apartment.

Clean and fresh air has several health benefits that can alleviate asthma and allergies, improve respiratory illness and facilitate better sleep and health.

Installing an air purifier in your environment can ensure that you always have a clean and safe space to come home to, regardless of how contaminated your home is or how much your neighbours and their pets can cause a little pollution. 

There are many different types and models of air purifiers currently in the market. It can’t be easy to choose a specific model for your exact requirements. There are many various factors to consider, such as the size of the unit, technologies, and efficiency.

Not all air purifiers are best suited for apartments. Air purifiers cater to many different needs. It is essential to consider them carefully to ensure you get an air purifier that works for you. We have conducted extensive research to determine which air purifiers work best for apartments in 2022. 

What you can do next is to plan your budget and understand how best to get an air purifier that not only helps your home environment but also is economical and eco-friendly.

You can start with understanding when it is time to buy and install air purifiers and a few to keep indoor air fresh and your apartment healthy. 

When do you need an air purifier in an apartment? 

The worldwide pandemic has caused several people to focus more on health, immunity, and wellbeing. More than ninety percent of our time is spent indoors. This can be detrimental to health if our homes are unsafe environments.

It is essential to overcome this health hazard with clean and fresh air. Air pollution can be a pervasive and continuous problem that is unlikely to go away anytime soon and will get worse over time.

There is no better time than the present to get an air purifier for your apartment. An air purifier is a wise investment as these units last several years and guarantee the safety of you and your family in a world that is facing ever-growing contamination and pollution.  

Even if you are health conscious and practice eco-friendly principles, there is the likelihood that people living around you will continue to pollute the environment that you live in.

Moreover, vehicular traffic, humidity levels, and allergens can add to the pollution around your building. Air purifiers for your apartment maybe your best option to avoid allergies and respiratory problems. 

Have you encountered any of the most common types of contaminants such as dust, mold, pollen, dander, smoke, odor, or toxic volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in your apartment? If your answer is yes, you know that your apartment could benefit from installing an air purifier.

Which is the best air purifier for an apartment? 

Apartment Air Purifier

After much deliberation, we have concluded that the best air purifier for an apartment is the Hathaspace Smart air purifier. It features a five-in-one filtration system that gets rid of common pollutants like dust, pollen, dander, VOCs, tobacco smoke, odors, and more. It uses high-quality HEPA filters in combination with an activated carbon filter.

The Hathaspace Smart air purifier also has a Smart monitoring system that tracks the pollution in your environment and automatically adjusts the settings accordingly. All of this is displayed in real-time, so you can always know your indoor air condition.

It comes in a compact form and operates at whisper-quiet levels, ensuring your sleep is unaffected.

For these reasons, the Hathaspace Smart air purifier is our top pick for the best air purifier for an apartment.

Why should you trust us? 

You can trust us because we have your best interests in mind and conduct the required testing of the products before giving our verdict. We use research-based facts to cover both pros and cons of products and offer our recommendations. You will find an objective evaluation of selected products that can help you find the ideal air purifier for your apartment. 

We break down different products to their core elements and offer comparisons based on their features alone. We perform due diligence on each of the reviewed products. This ensures you access all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Some of our picks may be more expensive than others. You can still find budget-friendly options. If you are worried about monthly energy bills, you will find energy-saving systems, too. 

Our information follows the current market research. You can be sure that the reviews in our guide contain the latest and most up-to-date information you can benefit from.

Top 7 best air purifiers for apartments (April 2024)

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Our Top PickHathaspace Air Purifier (1) HATHASPACE Smart Air Purifier for Home✦ Honeycomb activated-carbon filter
✦ Smart air quality sensor
✦ Award-winning customer support
9.8
Runner UpBlueAir Air Purifier Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier✦ Swedish Filter Technology
✦ Activated carbon filter
✦ Low energy consumption
9.6
Bisell Air Purifier Bissell Smart Purifier with HEPA and Carbon Filters✦ Medical-grade HEPA Filter
✦ Honeycomb-Structured Carbon Filter
✦ AHAM Certified
9.1
Levoit Air Purifier LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Home Large Room✦ Check Filter Indicator 
✦ 100% Ozone Free Purification
✦ Whisper Quiet
8.9
Winix Airpurifier (1) Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA✦ Check Filter Indicator 
✦ 100% Ozone Free Purification
✦ Whisper Quiet
8.7
Germ Guardian Germ Guardian AC5250PT 28” 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier✦ Antimicrobial agent
✦ UV-C light
✦ Activated charcoal filter 
8.5
Vremi Air Purifier Vremi True HEPA Large Air Purifier ✦ 360° Aerodynamic air intake
✦ User friendly touch panel 
✦ 3 fan modes
8.3


1. Hathaspace Smart air purifier for best air quality

The Hathaspace Smart air purifier is a powerhouse packed into a sleek form that weighs only 12 pounds. It has the capacity to cover up to 700 square feet, which is large enough for most urban apartments.

You can take control of your indoor air quality with Smart features that make it so much easier to empower your quest for good health. 

Hathaspace airpurifier

Things we liked:

  1. It features high-quality HEPA filters with an additional activated carbon filter with a unique honeycomb pattern.
  2. The Smart features automatically track and adjust your settings to retain the best air quality no matter how your environment changes.
  3. This air purifier uses state-of-the-art fans and motors that operate at whisper-quiet volumes to ensure your sleep isn’t disrupted.
  4. The Hathaspace Smart air purifier comes with a two-year warranty and great customer support available around the clock.
  5. 99.9% of every common pollutant is eliminated with this air purifier, including dust, mold, dander, pollen, smoke, odor, and VOCs.

Things we didn’t like:

1. On the higher side of the price point.

2. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ air purifier

The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ air purifier is inspired by Swedish design and pushes the envelope for high-quality and sustainable products. It looks elegant with its Scandinavian look and comes with several features that make it easy to have good indoor air quality on demand.

BlueAir Air Purifier

Things we liked:

  1. It features high-quality HEPA filters with an additional activated carbon filter with a unique honeycomb pattern.
  2. The Smart features automatically track and adjust your settings to retain the best air quality no matter how your environment changes.
  3. This air purifier uses state-of-the-art fans and motors that operate at whisper-quiet volumes to ensure your sleep isn’t disrupted.
  4. The Hathaspace Smart air purifier comes with a two-year warranty and great customer support available around the clock.
  5. 99.9% of every common pollutant is eliminated with this air purifier, including dust, mold, dander, pollen, smoke, odor, and VOCs.

Things we didn’t like:

  1. The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ air purifier is very expensive and can cost up to 500 dollars for a larger-sized unit.
  2. This product is not made in America, and it can be difficult to find replacement parts. 

3. Bissell 2609A air purifier 

The Bissell 2609A air purifier packs powerful air cleaning capabilities into a beautiful cabinet that blends form and functions well. It is designed for large rooms and works well for any apartment.

Bisell Air Purifier

Things we liked:

  1. The Bissell 2609A air purifier uses a medical-grade True HEPA filter and has a honeycomb pattern activated carbon filter.
  2. This air purifier has automated air circulation with a color-coded system that helps you keep track of your air quality. The extra-large fan optimizes airflow and makes sure that enough air flows through the filters
  3. The Bissell 2609A air purifier has indicators that signal when to replace a filter.
  4. The air purifier has five different fan settings, the lowest operating at quiet levels.
  5. This air purifier costs around 160 dollars, which is reasonable for its size and features.

Things we didn’t like:

  1. User reviews mention that the user manual lacks information, and the convoluted display system can be hard to understand.
  2. Despite the elegant design, transporting this device around can be difficult as it doesn’t have wheels or proper handles and weighs 18.25 pounds.

4. LEVOIT’s Vital 100 Air Purifier

LEVOIT’s Vital 100 delivers powerful performance in a compact form at an affordable price point. This device offers the most value for money with simple yet effective features that provide good indoor air quality without bells and whistles.

Levoit Air Purifier

Things we liked:

  1. The LEVOIT’s Vital 100 air purifier has a three-stage filtration process, a pre-filter, a true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. 
  2. This purifier facilitates better sleep with lights that can be turned off and operational volume as low as 23 decibels. 
  3. The LEVOIT’s Vital 100 air purifier is energy efficient, costing as little as 1.6 dollars per week to run continuously. 
  4. This air purifier comes in a compact size that weighs less than 10 pounds and is easy to operate. 
  5. The unit costs around 100 dollars, making it a budget-friendly product that delivers excellent and reliable results.

Things we didn’t like:

  1. Placing this air purifier on the floor can reduce airflow. Therefore, you may need to fix it to a wall or place it on a table. 
  2. While the device itself is affordable, filter replacements can be expensive. 
  3. User reviews indicate that this purifier gets less efficient over time. The build quality is not as durable as other air purifiers on the market.

5. Winix 5300-2 air purifier

The Winix 5300-2 air purifier improves upon an earlier popular model by the brand. It follows a modern design language and will look great in an urban apartment. It offers several industry-standard features at a reasonable price point.

Winix Air Purifier With True Hepa

Things we liked:

  1. The Winix 5300-2 air purifier has multiple filters and technologies, including True HEPA filter, activated carbon, and plasma wave technology. This combination makes this air purifier effective at eliminating a majority of common airborne contaminants. 
  2. This purifier is easy to use with sensors that automatically adjust settings and an air quality indicator that displays information in real-time. It also has an indicator that alerts you to change filters and a sensor automatically turning off lights when your room is dark.

Things we didn’t like:

  1. This air purifier is heavy, weighing 17 pounds.
  2. User reviews have mentioned that the intelligent monitoring system can be erratic and switch between doing too little and doing too much.

6. GermGuardian AC5250PT air purifier

The GermGuardian AC5250PT air purifier improves upon traditional filtration technologies to add a few extra useful features. It comes in an attractive tower form, making it easy to place anywhere in your apartment.

Germ Guardian main

Things we liked:

  1. The GermGuardian AC5250PT air purifier has several technologies packed into one device. It includes filters coated with antimicrobial coatings to prevent the growth of mold or mildew on them. It also has UV-C lights that work with titanium dioxide to kill germs and reduce VOCs.
  2. This air purifier has a pre-filter, high-quality HEPA, and activated carbon filters that work together to remove the most common airborne contaminants.
  3. The GermGuardian AC5250PT air purifier is certified by common industry standards, including energy star, CARB, and AHAM.
  4. It costs around 130 dollars for a small room which is reasonable for the variety of features offered.

Things we didn’t like:

  1. Customer reviews indicate that replacement parts for this air purifier can be hard to find. It is especially true for the UV-C light bulb. Some reports suggest that new filter parts are hard to fit into this device.
  2. Customers report that the indicator light for replacing filters can be erratic and come in the way of a good air cleaning experience.

7. Vremi large air purifier

The Vremi large air purifier comes in an attractive cylindrical shape that offers 360-degree airflow. This sleek device is a portable air purifier and can fit anywhere in your apartment.

Vremi Air Purifier

Things we liked:

  1. This purifier uses a three-stage filtration process of pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter to eliminate the most common airborne contaminants.
  2. Changing filters is quick and easy.
  3. The Vremi large air purifier is highly portable and easy to place anywhere in your apartment.
  4. It has a user-friendly touch panel that makes operating this device easy.

Things we didn’t like:

  1. The Vremi large air purifier is not very good at handling large rooms.
  2. User reviews mention that the Smart settings can be unpredictable and erratic.

How can you improve the apartment ventilation?

Apartment ventilation

Good ventilation in your apartment can decrease moisture content in your apartment, thereby reducing mold and mildew growth. A well-ventilated apartment will also increase airflow and help your air purifier perform better.

Opening up windows is the best way to create more ventilation in your apartment. Unfortunately, this also means that you are allowing more external pollutants into your house.

You can choose to open up windows during the day for fresh air and then let your purifier remove the contaminants in the night when you are sleeping.

Exhaust fans are another great way to create more airflow in your apartment that sends pollutants outside. Strategically placing exhaust fans in your apartment can lead to better ventilation.

Similarly, ceiling fans can also move air and provide better airflow in your apartment.

Your apartment’s HVAC system can improve ventilation. Similarly, you can use air conditioners or swamp coolers to improve the airflow in your apartment to ventilate it better.

You may also use mechanical ventilation by installing air ducts and vents in your apartment that circulate air without needing to open windows. This is an effective solution for extremely noisy and polluted environments but will also be more expensive and require engineering knowledge to implement successfully.

How to deal with mold and mildew in apartment?

Mold and mildew are mostly caused by excessive moisture in your apartment. The first thing you should consider is getting rid of this moisture. The simplest way to do this is to increase ventilation in your apartment. Check for water leaks in plumbing and from roofs to ensure that you do not have the precursors for a mold outbreak.

Since killing all mold spores in your apartment is difficult, getting rid of the root cause is always the first thing to do with regard to mold growth. In most cases reducing moisture or humidity levels in your apartment is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth.

If you still see signs of mold even after eliminating potential causes, there are a few ways to get rid of it. If you don’t have appliances that can help, a simple but effective way to kill mold is using white vinegar. It can kill over 80% of mold species.

If you can invest in devices, getting a dehumidifier and air purifier will prevent mold growth. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture and prevent the conditions for mold growth. Air purifiers remove airborne contaminants and can prevent mold from spreading.

Where to put air purifier in apartment?

air purifier for house

You must place the air purifier within your breathing zone. The closer an air purifier is to your head, the less clean air has to travel to reach you. You should place an air purifier in or as near to the place you spend the most time in to ensure you get clean and fresh air. In bedrooms, this could be on a nightstand or bedside table.

You should also consider reach and access. Air purifiers are best kept out of reach of pets or children. At the same time, they should be accessible to you for maintenance or to change settings.

Air purifiers work best in closed environments with doors and windows closed. It is recommended that you get different air purifiers for every room in your apartment.

Our Verdict

After tests and research, we have found that the Hathaspace Smart air purifier is the winner for the best purifier for apartments in 2022. 

It uses high-quality True HEPA filters combined with an activated carbon filter to eliminate the most common pollutants with a five-stage filtration process. The Smart monitoring system helps you keep track of your air quality and ensures that you are provided the best quality of indoor air possible. It comes in a sleek design that covers both form and function.

For these reasons, the Hathaspace smart air purifier is our top pick for the best air purifier for apartment.

FAQ Section

1. How do you air out an apartment with no windows?

The best way to air out an apartment with no windows is to use ceiling and exhaust fans. Fans move air in the apartment and help take pollutants outside the apartment. Another way to air out an apartment is to use air vents to create more ventilation in your apartment.

Air conditioners can also provide better ventilation for your windowless rooms. Purchasing an air purifier will also create more airflow in your apartment, but a well-ventilated apartment will make your air purifier perform better and more efficiently.

2. Do air purifiers really work for an apartment that stinks?

Not all air purifiers are effective for odors. Air purifiers with an activated carbon filter can work for apartments with a foul odor. Activated carbon filters have millions of tiny pores that trap particles in the air that cause the smell. VOCs cause smells with smaller particles than other common contaminants such as dust.

However, an activated carbon filter can trap these smaller particles, thereby reducing the smell in your apartment. They are particularly good for smoke and odor and can help with bad smells like tobacco smoke or cooking.

Activated carbon filters may not be effective at removing other types of contaminants. They are better when combined with a True HEPA filter to maximize air cleaning capabilities.

Therefore, air purifiers with an activated carbon filter will definitely work for an apartment that stinks.

3. What temperature should your apartment be in summer?

As per the US Department of Energy, the best temperature for your apartment during the summer months is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you do not have a thermostat to reach this temperature, there are a few ways to make your apartment naturally cooler. 

Close your blinds and curtains during the day to keep the sun out of your house. You can invest in blackout curtains to drastically reduce temperatures.

Weatherstrip your doors and windows to keep cool air in and hot air out.

Use appliances like stoves, ovens, and dryers only at night if possible. Appliances can raise indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees.

Get more houseplants. They can add decor to your apartment, increase oxygen and improve air quality as well as cool down your apartment.

4. Can you smoke in apartment with air purifier?

Air purifiers can be effective at eliminating smoke and odor. If your neighbors smoke, an air purifier can help reduce the smell in your apartment. 

Air purifiers can substantially reduce particles in tobacco smoke but cannot get rid of everything. Some of the particles in tobacco smoke are so small that they cannot get trapped in air purifiers.

If you smoke in an apartment with an air purifier, secondhand smoke can be mitigated but not entirely. You will still expose your family members to tobacco smoke to some degree.

While air purifiers help reduce the impact of smoking, the best way to completely get rid of contaminants is to eliminate the source. 

5. Are air purifiers noisy?

Air purifiers usually come with different fan settings. They can be noisy at higher fan speeds. Air purifier manufacturers consider your needs, and most units come with low fan speeds that operate at low volumes.

While every air purifier comes with different fans and motors, most manufacturers include a sleep setting where the air purifier can function without disrupting your sleep cycle.

The operating volume ranges from around 24 to 50 decibels in most air purifiers. 

6. Do air purifiers only work in one room at a time or a whole apartment?

It depends on how large your apartment is and how well ventilated it is. Air purifiers work best in closed environments with windows and doors closed. An air purifier with a larger capacity can function in a whole apartment, provided there is sufficient airflow. This usually means having to keep doors between rooms open.

If you have family members who value their privacy and like to keep room doors closed, getting separate air purifiers for every room is better.

7. Can one air purifier work for a medium sized apartment?

If your air purifier matches its capacity to the square footage of your apartment, it is possible to use a single air purifier for your apartment. You will have to ensure that your apartment is well ventilated and has sufficient airflow.

Air purifiers work best in closed environments, so it will take some organization to make sure the air purifier can cover the entire apartment. Air purifiers are also best placed within your breathing zone, or the place you spend the most time in.

If you spend time equally in different parts of your environment, you may compromise the air quality in certain rooms. Instead, it would be ideal to get separate air purifiers for each room, although you can make one air purifier work for a medium-sized apartment with proper organization.

Final Words:

Air quality has been steadily deteriorating over the years. It is more so in urban environments that constantly face increased pollution and contaminants in the air.

Apartment living does not give you any control over neighboring apartments or the immediate area surrounding your block of apartments. With the EPA’s estimation that indoor air is up to five times more polluted than outside air, this is particularly problematic.

We often think of our homes as safe spaces to retreat to at the end of a long day. Data and research show that these very homes can be more toxic than we thought. Air purifiers offer the opportunity to take back control of your indoor air quality. They offer you the chance to have clean and breathable air no matter how dire your external circumstances are.

With multiple types and models of air purifiers available in the market, it can be challenging to pick the correct air purifier to match your specific needs. We hope you have sufficient information on what is available in the market and their features.

This article also covers our top picks for the best air purifiers for apartments in 2022. With the listed pros and cons, you should be able to make your choice without undertaking a testing process or calling for professional assistance.

author-image

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.