The best air purifiers in 2021 – tested

It’s not just people with allergies and asthma who can benefit from better air quality in the home. Studies have shown that improving indoor air quality – which can often be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air – can help both your to sleep and skin and you will feel the results instantly. There is also evidence of Unicef suggest that children – especially in the first 1,000 days – need clean indoor air for optimal brain and lung development.

No longer an unobtainable commercial tool, air purifiers are now designed for home environments and designed to be easy to use and control. The best models are also discreet enough to sit in the corner of your room without disturbing. We tested six of the best, all of which made indoor air quality noticeably cooler within minutes.

How we tested

Each of the models we have featured here have undergone their own rigorous testing methods in controlled laboratory environments. To perform our own real-world testing, WIRED got their hands on a laboratory grade particle monitor to measure the main types of inhalable fine particles polluting a real home environment, which includes PM10 (dust and mold, etc.) and PM2 .5 (viruses, bacteria, fine dust, smoke, animal dander, cooking vapors, etc.).

Before turning on the air purifiers for the first time, the mass concentration of particles per cubic meter (µg / m³) was measured in the room in which we were testing. The particle concentration was then measured again after 60 minutes of using the air purifier. . All the purifiers were tested in the same room for a few weeks.

For each model we have featured here, we saw a noticeable difference in air quality and wrote down the percentages for each, which ensured us that they really work to purify the air we breathe. It is important to note that our results were conducted in a domestic home, and not in a controlled laboratory, so while they provide some insight into which ones were most effective at removing particles in a real home, it is always important to do your own research. A good place to start is to look at the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), which indicates the volume of filtered air that a purifier can deliver with scores for smoke, tobacco, and pollen.

What is the best air purifier I can buy in 2021?

We evaluate the Blueair HealthProtect (£ 839) for its quiet operation, intelligent capabilities and impressive performance. It’s the best air purifier you can buy now.

See the Blueair HealthProtect 7740i for £ 839 on Wayfair

We were also impressed with the smart functions and sleep mode on the Philips AC3033 (£ 450), which can run efficiently in as little as six minutes.

See the Philips AC3033 for £ 450 on John Lewis

For a model under £ 200 you can try the plug-in and go Blueair Blue 3210 (£ 159). Our first choice for a cheap air purifier does not come with an app, but it is powerful and quiet, making it suitable for day and night use.

See the Blueair Blue 3210 for £ 159 on John Lewis

Blueair HealthProtect 7740i

WIRED recommends: Blueair HealthProtect 7740i gives you quiet and powerful performance

About Sherri Flowers

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