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Jul 01, 2025

The 5 Best Small Air Purifiers Our Editors Recommend

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. These compact air purifiers can help improve the air quality in your office or

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

These compact air purifiers can help improve the air quality in your office or small bedroom.

Brandi Fuller is a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens who specializes in gardening and outdoor products, pest control, wildlife, and linens. She has tested bamboo sheets and researched products like cleaners, furniture, appliances, lawn mowers, and more.

In This Article

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Air purifiers can help improve indoor air quality, but some of them can take up quite a bit of space. Thankfully, there are an abundance of smaller options available that are perfect for offices, bedrooms, laundry rooms, and more.

Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), says, “Portable air cleaners are best for the rooms you spend the most time in (like your bedroom) or in the spaces that have the worst air quality."

“For example, cleaning products, smoke from cooking, and gas appliances in your kitchen may make your kitchen the most polluted room in your home.”

When looking for the best small air purifier, you should also take into consideration whether it can filter out common particles, like particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Dust, pollen, and smoke are common examples of PM, Carver explains.

VOCs are gaseous in nature and can come from household materials like paint, varnishes, or cleaning products. “Surprisingly, there can be two to five times more VOCs indoors than outdoors,” Carver says. “Because of their gaseous state and their small size, VOCs can irritate your airways (as well as eyes and skin).”

In addition to VOCs and PM, you should also consider the CADR of the air purifier. “CADR, or clean air delivery rate, is the performance metric to indicate the effectiveness of an air cleaner to remove smoke, dust and pollen particles,” Carver says. “If you purchase an air cleaner with a CADR rating too low for your room, it will be ineffective.”

“The CADR of your air cleaner should be equal to at least two-thirds of the room's area,” says Dr. Niha Qamar, MD. A lower CADR isn’t necessarily bad—it just means it should be used in a smaller space. A higher CADR means the air purifier can be used in a larger space.

While testing air purifiers, we considered factors suck as setup, design, noise level, features, and effectiveness. For more information on how we tested air purifiers in our lab, check out our testing process below.

It has an accompanying app that you can use to control the device and set schedules, and you can connect the device to a smart speaker.

The noise level can get up to 48 decibels on high.

The Levoit Core 300S earned the spot of the best small air purifier after extensive testing. This smart device can trap both VOCs and PM, and it has a CADR of 141 CFM. On the highest setting, it does have a noise level of 48 decibels though, which is relatively high.

Using this small air purifier was easy and straightforward, and all of the settings could be controlled using the buttons on top of the device. There is also an accompanying app that can be used in conjunction with the air purifier to conveniently create schedules, set timers, and more.

We loved that we could even pair the air purifier to a smart speaker for added convenience. During testing, we also appreciated the lock button that prevents other users, such as children, from changing the settings.

After just 30 minutes of testing this device on the low setting, we could tell a noticeable difference in the air quality in the room we were testing it in. The air smelled cleaner, and the closer we got to the air purifier the better the air smelled.

Similarly, after testing this air purifier on high, we noticed a considerable difference in the air quality of the room. The smell from lit incense was barely noticeable, and only faint traces of the air freshener were detected. Because it impressed us with both settings, we think it's an excellent option.

This is a "set it and forget it" machine—we ran it constantly in a bedroom/office with an attached bathroom and the fan setting automatically adjusted based on the air quality changes in the room. It helped cut down on odors and dander from our cats.

The simple controls and app, which shows air quality trends as well as filter life, make it an especially user-friendly option. Changing the filter went smoothly; we unscrewed the bottom of the device, took out the old filter and slotted in a new one, and updated the "reset filter" setting on the app to indicate it had been changed.

Product Details: Room Size: 219 sq. ft. | CADR: 141 CFM | Noise Level: 24 to 48 dB | Dimensions: 8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 in. | VOC Filtration: Yes | Features: Smart home compatibility, smartphone app, timer, lock button

It performed exceptionally well and is thoughtfully designed with no sharp corners and a lock feature.

It’s a bit louder than other small air purifiers we tested.

Given its small size, we were amazed by how effective the Vornadobaby Purio Nursery Air Purifier AC1-0040-43 was at removing smoke and other particles from the air. Before testing this air purifier, we measured the quality of the air in the room using an air quality monitor. When we lit incense, the air quality significantly worsened. After running this small air purifier for just 30 minutes on the lowest setting, the air quality was back to its original reading.

There are three speed settings to choose from, and the average noise level is about 57 decibels (depending on the setting), providing a soothing, albeit slightly loud, white noise sound. The noise level on the lowest setting is very soft, so it wouldn't disrupt anyone heading off to sleep.

We love that there's a lock feature, so wandering fingers can’t easily change the settings. Plus, the cord can be easily stored at the base of the device when not in use so it's completely out of the way.

The rounded design of this small air purifier means there are no sharp edges for anyone to accidentally bump into. The device also doubles as a night light to provide a gentle glow in a dark room.

This model helped clear out cooking smells and smoke from candles when we used it at home. We are a bit disappointed in the lack of smart features compared to other models, though we like how user-friendly it is. The biggest potential downside is the noise—it's quiet on low but louder than an AC on high.

Product Details: Room Size: 125 sq. ft. | CADR: Dust: 89 CFM, Pollen: 95 CFM, Smoke: 75 CFM | Noise Level: 57 dB | Dimensions: 9.4 x 15.2 x 12.75 in. | VOC Filtration: Not listed | Features: Nightlight, child lock, white noise

The air quality improvements were consistent throughout the room during testing.

Its CADR wasn’t listed.

If you’re looking for a space-saving purifier that is whisper quiet, the Kenmore 850e Air Purifier is the best air purifier for you. On the lowest setting, we barely detected any noise at all—we could hardly tell that it was even on. At just 25 decibels, it’s perfect for sleeping spaces since it isn’t loud enough to be disruptive. The CADR isn’t listed for this device, but it can be used in rooms up to 850 square feet.

The air purifier has several features, including a timer, a light, and three different fan speeds. Though there isn’t an accompanying app, it’s easy to change the settings with the touch screen on the top of the device.

It was also simple to change and remove the filter—we simply had to twist to unlock the canister and pull to remove the filter. We appreciated that this small air purifier has a HEPA filter that helped trap dust, dander, odors, and more.

After allowing this air purifier to run for 30 minutes after lighting incense, we were able to tell a noticeable difference in the air quality in the room. With other air purifiers we tested, we noticed the air quality seemed to improve the closer we got to the device.

But with this air purifier, we noticed that the air quality seemed consistent throughout the room—the proximity to the actual device didn’t matter as much with this one. We found this impressive given its small size and noise level.

After running the device for about eight hours a day, we noticed a clear difference in seasonal allergies and pet allergies when the air purifier was in use vs. when it was not (no more waking up with puffy eyes and a runny nose). We felt it outperformed a different air purifier that we already owned before the test.

Maintenance is simple and affordable considering the filter is washable. About four months in, we removed the filter and cleaned it off with a damp paper towel, letting it dry for an hour or so before replacing it. However, we worried about the ability to clean it completely and would consider buying a brand-new filter next time.

Product Details: Room Size: 850 sq. ft. | CADR: Not listed | | Noise Level: 25 dB on low | Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 8 in. | VOC Filtration: Yes | Features: Timer, light, touch screen

This air purifier was one of the most effective devices at filtering out both PM2.5 and VOCs.

It doesn’t have a child lock feature.

If you’re tech savvy and have a home filled with smart devices, the Clorox Tabletop Air Purifier is the best small air purifier for you. With a coverage of up to 200 square feet, this device is perfect for bedrooms or offices. At just 9.5 inches tall and 7.5 inches wide, it’s compact enough to fit on a tabletop, nightstand, or shelf.

There are three different fan settings on this device, and the noise level ranges from 44 to 53 decibels. This means it was quiet enough not to disturb conversation, but loud enough to provide a bit of white noise in the background.

We liked that there were three different timer options—two, four, or eight hours—so we could customize how long we wanted it to run. It can also double as a nightlight that you can adjust to be bright or dim.

The nightlight feature made us feel like this device would be ideal to use in nurseries, but keep in mind it doesn’t have a child lock feature. Conveniently, the smart air purifier can connect to an Alexa smart speaker so you can easily adjust the timer, change the fan speed, or dim the nightlight.

The filter lasts for six months, and a red light will appear to alert you it’s time to change it out for a new one. During our testing, the filter was simple to change—we just twisted the bottom, and the filter slid out. The new filter twisted and locked into place with ease.

While other air purifiers we tested were more effective at filtering particulate matter from the air, this device was effective at filtering both PM2.5 and VOCs from our testing area. It decreased the VOCs in the air by about 40% and PM2.5 by 80% in just 15 minutes.

After running the air purifier nearly 24/7 for six months, we can confidently say that we'd continue to recommend it. The device works as well as it did when we first set it up. We clearly notice a difference in the air quality when it's on—there's overall less dust, the room smells fresher, and our seasonal allergies have been less intense.

Changing the filter is very simple—you simply twist a knob, slide the old filter out, and replace it with a new one. There's a light to indicate when it's time to change the filter, though we wished we'd swapped it out even sooner because the air quality quickly improved once we did.

Product Details: Room Size: Up to 200 sq. ft. | CADR: 53 to 59 CFM | Noise Level: 44 to 53 dB | Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 in. | VOC Filtration: Yes | Features: Timer, nightlight, smart home compatibility, filter change indicator

It significantly reduced both the PM2.5 and VOCs in the air in just 15 minutes, and we liked that we could use it as a nightlight or have no lights displayed at all.

It’s slightly larger than most of the other air purifiers we tested.

Pet dander, dust, and smoke can irritate those with indoor allergies. After our testing, we determined that the Pure Enrichment PureZone Halo Air Purifier is the best small air purifier for allergy sufferers because of its effectiveness at filtering particulate matter from the air.

This circular air purifier is slightly larger than the Clorox Tabletop Air Purifier so it may not fit on a small nightstand, but it’s still compact enough to display on a dresser, desk, or shelf. It only weighs 5.5 pounds, which made it easy to move around.

During our testing, we found that it was simple and intuitive to use. To turn it on, we pressed the power button, and then selected one of three fan speeds. We also liked that we could set a timer for two, four, or eight hours, and we could select from a nightlight (which displays a soothing blue hue) or sleep mode.

The low and medium settings were fairly quiet, but the high speed was more noticeable at 56.8 decibels. During long-term testing, we felt that setting was too loud to use while trying to sleep.

Changing the filter was easy—we just popped off the front cover, and we were able to pull the filter right out. It’s recommended to clean the filters once a month with a brush and vacuum, and replace the carbon HEPA filter every six months.

This was one of the most effective air purifiers at filtering PM2.5 from the air; in fact, the PM2.5 in the air decreased by 85%, and the VOCs decreased by 47% after just 15 minutes. For comparison, the VOCs only decreased about 8% after 15 minutes when we tested the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max.

We tested the air with an air quality monitor, but we could also see and smell that the air was clearer after using this device.

The purifier has made a noticeable difference in air quality, especially when it comes to odors—it reduces both the smell and residue from a cat's litter box in a 150-square-foot room. We keep it on constantly, using the medium setting, and only turn it off when switching the filter (or when our cat accidentally shuts it off by climbing on top).

While we don't think it's the most attractive option, it works better at controlling odors than others we've tried. We also appreciate that the replacement filters have a spot to write down the date so you know exactly when you last changed it. Overall, we like this purifier even more after long-term use than when we first began testing it.

Product Details: Room Size: Up to 100 sq. ft. | CADR: 50 CFM | Noise Level: 44 to 56.8 dB | Dimensions: 7 x 10.2 x 10.4 in. | VOC Filtration: Yes | Features: Timer, nightlight, sleep mode

We chose the Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier as the best small air purifier because it was effective at cleaning the air, and it comes with an accompanying app to control the device. We also love that it can be paired with a smart speaker for even more convenient control.

To find the best small air purifiers, we tested almost 80 air purifiers and found five that exceeded our expectations. Before testing the devices, we first removed the air purifiers from their boxes and timed how long assembly took.

Then, we familiarized ourselves with the air purifier and its settings, reading the instruction manual if needed. We also located the filter and determined how easy or difficult it was to remove each one.

After this, we began more technical testing. We marked six different spots (marked A to F) within the testing room to measure the air quality in different areas. Using an air quality monitor, we measured and recorded both the PM and VOCs in the room at each designated marking.

Then, we lit an incense match, blew out the flame, and allowed the incense to produce smoke for five minutes. While we waited, we sprinkled a mix of sawdust, dirt, and flour around one designated mark (mark C).

After extinguishing the incense match completely, we sprayed room freshener around another designated mark (mark A) for about 10 seconds. We then measured and recorded our air quality findings at each mark.

To test the performance of the air purifier, we turned on the air purifier on the lowest setting and closed the door, allowing the air purifier to clean the air for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, we measured and recorded the air quality at each mark.

We repeated this process for the high setting and also added pet hair to a designated mark (mark F) to determine how well each air purifier filtered pet hair. After testing, measuring, and recording, we removed the filter and visually inspected how much pet hair had been captured.

After testing and collecting our data, we reviewed the results of each air purifier and compared them to each other to determine our list. Our testing methodology was reviewed and approved by Carver.

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Small air purifiers are typically designed for spaces with 850 square feet or less. “It’s important to ensure the device can accommodate the size of the room it is being placed in or else it will not be as effective,” Carver explains. If you have a room with more square footage or an expansive, open area, a larger air purifier will better suit your needs.

Small air purifiers are compact enough to sit on a desktop, nightstand, or dresser. All of the options on our list are between 10 and 15 inches tall and between 7 and 12 inches deep—perfect for small bedrooms, dorms, or offices. They are also generally lighter than larger air purifiers, making them easy to move from room to room.

Before purchasing a small air purifier, you’ll also want to consider the noise level of the device. All of the air purifiers on our list have a noise level between 24 and 60 decibels, depending on which speed setting is being used. Twenty-four decibels is about the sound of a whisper, while 60 decibels sounds similar to a quiet office.

“Air cleaners have ratings that show the volume of air they can clean,” Carver says. “A useful way to determine this is by an air cleaner’s CADR rating.” Carver explains that the CADR should equal about two-thirds of the room's size. For example, if you have a room that is 120 square feet, you’ll want to look for a small air purifier that has a CADR of at least 80 CFM.

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We previously featured this air purifier as our Best Design pick, but after long-term testing, we weren’t convinced it did much. While we found it intuitive to use, it wasn’t responsive to contaminants like essential oils, hair spray, wildfire smoke, or cat hair, and odors tended to linger.

After just 30 minutes of using this Shark Air Purifier, we could already tell a difference in the air quality—we didn’t notice the smell of smoke or the air freshener, and the air felt less dusty. Just keep in mind that while it works in rooms up to 500 square feet, its CADR is only 100 CFM, so it may not be as effective in open spaces. It's also the priciest model on our list, so we feel other options are similarly effective at a lower cost.

Small air purifiers can help reduce PM and VOCs as long as they are in a space that corresponds with their room size and CADR.

Before purchasing a small air purifier, be sure to measure your room and read the air purifier’s specific product details to make sure it will work efficiently in your space. An air purifier designed for a 150-square-foot room won’t work as well as a large room air purifier in a 300-square-foot room.

Depending on the speed setting, the small air purifiers on our list range from 24 to 60 decibels, averaging around 42 decibels.

Larger air purifiers, however, tend to be louder. One top air purifier for removing dust, allergens, and smoke, for comparison, is 24 inches tall and 16.13 inches wide and has a noise level of 80 decibels. 80 decibels is comparable to a busy street or an upright vacuum being used.

Brandi Fuller has been an Associate Editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022 and has also written for publications such as Southern Living and Real Simple. She has written about home and outdoor products including sheets, sewing machines, mosquito repellents, birdhouses, air quality monitors, and more.

For this article, she researched various air quality monitors as well as common air quality issues. We also interviewed Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and Niha Qamar, MD.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Air cleaners and air filters in the home. US EPA O.

Volatile organic compounds’ impact on indoor air quality. US EPA O.

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