The best air purifier under $250 in 2026

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Up to 15 m² (160 sq ft)1, 1 model
• 15 to 30 m² (160 to 320 sq ft)1, 1 model
• 30 to 50 m² (320 to 540 sq ft)1, 1 model
• Over 50 m² (540 sq ft)0, 0 models

A purifier cleans the air in a room only as fast as its CADR allows, so the room sets the size you need.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Dust and pollen0, 0 models
• Smells and gases1, 1 model
• Both0, 0 models

A HEPA filter catches particles such as dust and pollen. Smells and gases pass through it, and only an activated carbon filter takes them out.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Hay fever or pollen0, 0 models
• Asthma or dust mite0, 0 models

A finer filter catches more pollen and dust mite. For asthma we also leave out ionisers that cannot be switched off.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Pets at home1, 1 model

Pet smell is a gas, not a particle, and only an activated carbon filter takes it out.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Yes, in the bedroom1, 1 model

At night a purifier should be quiet enough to sleep beside. We keep models whose quietest setting is 25 dB or less.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Wildfire smoke where I live1, 1 model

Smoke needs a measured smoke CADR and a carbon filter. We leave out ionisers that cannot be switched off.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• H13 or H140, 0 models
• Any true HEPA0, 0 models
• With carbon filter1, 1 model

The filter class and carbon layer the maker states. "HEPA type" and an unstated class do not count as true HEPA.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Wi-Fi1, 1 model
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth1, 1 model

Whether the maker's app controls the purifier, and over what.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• 5% & up0, 0 models
• 20% & up0, 0 models
• 30% & up0, 0 models
• 50% & up0, 0 models

Below what the same store usually asked in the 30 days before, at a store we followed on all those days.

• Does not matter1, 1 model
• Alexa1, 1 model
• Google Home1, 1 model
• Apple HomeKit0, 0 models
• SmartThings0, 0 models
• Home Assistant1, 1 model
• Matter0, 0 models

Based on the voice assistants and Matter support the maker lists. A model that lists none of them is left out.