Compare air purifier: Comparison of Top Brands

Chemical and odor purification, encouraged here, is not present on every air purifier. Despite claims by manufacturers that a thin carbon-impregnated polyester blanket prefilter removes chemicals, only the top 5 purifiers compared well on this.

Airflow rates, expressed either in CADR (clean air delivery rate), or in cubic feet per minute (cfm), show the relative strength of each machine. Again purifiers comparing poorly cluster near the bottom.

Increasing concern with biological threats from diverse sources has many builders offering germicidal options. Ultraviolet (uv)light and various oxidizing techniques are increasingly deployed.

Air purifying equipment is increasingly automated, with electronic displays, timers and remote controls. Additionally, sensors for dust and odor can be added to automatically adjust purification levels in response to actual pollutant load. This saves wear, energy, and reduces interference with human activities. Comparing very well in this category is Sharp FPN60X.

Finally, no comparison would be meaningful without price info. Prices quoted here are estimates. Where a purifier sells across a range of prices, I have used an approximation somewhere below the midpoint.

Clicking on the purifier name will take you to my detailed review.