9 Best Air Purifiers Under $500

What’s the best air purifier under $500?

My guess is you’re looking for a pro-grade air purifier without wanting to spend your entire bank account. Luckily, air purifiers in the 350-500 dollar range are a happy medium. Most of them efficiently eliminate the overwhelming majority of pollutants while hovering in a more affordable price range.

After extensive research and reviews, we formulate d a list of the eight best air purifiers under $500. We made sure that each one is fantastic at eliminating or destroying airborne 99.97% of pollutants, lasts a long time, and is highly rated amongst users.

In Short, Here Are The Best Air Purifiers Under $500

• Molekule Mini+
• Dyson DP04-HEPA
• LEVOIT LV-H134
• Medify MA-40 2.0
• Alen BreatheSmart
• TruSens 
• Dyson TP01
• Germ Guardian
• Dyson Pure Hot + Cool

1. Molekule Mini+

 

First up, the Molekule Mini+ is an excellent air purifier under $500. Explicitly designed for smaller rooms, it can entirely replace the air of a 250 square feet air. Another thing you’ll love is its ability to run without using too much energy continuously. 

A very important feature this purifier offers is its PECO technology. Many air purifiers on the market collect pollutants. This one, with PECO technology, destroys the pollutants. You can set it on “Auto-Protect Mode,” which allows it to control the fan speed based upon how much the room needs to be purified. Overall, we highly recommend this air purifier for smaller rooms!

Users Say: “We love this air purifier! Not only is it super sleek looking and goes seamlessly in any room, but it’s also effective. We feel like the air quality is already improved here. Plus, it has several levels and they are impressively quiet for what they do! It’s also very easy to set up and use, with very little you need to do. Very nice!”

Tech Specs & Details

• PECO technology destroys pollutants
• 30-decibel on Silent Mode
• Auto-Protect mode adjusts the fan in accordance with the air particles
• Designed for rooms up to 250 square feet

2. Dyson DP04-HEPA

 

Running below $500, the Dyson DP04-HEPA air purifier is an impressive choice. It has very high reviews amongst users for many reasons. For one, it’s scientifically proven to capture bacteria, allergens, and pollutants. It removes mold and dust, as well. Considering it’s Energy Star Certified, it’s energy-efficient and can run all day and night without spending that much energy. 

One of the most unique attributes is its ability to sense the air quality changes and show summarize it on the LCD screen. With the 360-degree filtration system, the HEPA filter captures 99.7% of pollutants. Impressively, It can capture pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. Another feature worth mentioning is its air purifier technology, which projects the purified air throughout the house. Overall, it’s an amazing choice, and we highly recommend it!

Users Say: “The fan is awesome. Never thought I’d own Dyson products. Many features and I love the screen on it. It is very sensitive when detecting pollutants and allergens. When I open the door or cook it instantly starts cleaning the air. One of the best purchases I’ve made. I may buy another unit.”

Tech Specs & Details

• 360° filtration
• LCD screen 
• HEPA filter 
• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• Senses and adapts to air quality
• Energy Star Certified

3. LEVOIT LV-H134

Primarily designed for owners of pets, the LEVOIT LV-H134 air purifier is a phenomenal bang for the buck. Not only is it well below $500, but it also does an incredible job for its competitive price. It suctions and filters air at an omnidirectional 360-degree radius. With the ability to successfully filter pollen, allergies, mold, germs, and pet dander; You’ll be able to breathe much easier.

The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of partials in the air that are a small as 0.3 microns. With its “Smart Auto Mode,” it finds air particles with laser sensors and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. If you’re about to sleep or you generally prefer it to be much quieter, the “Sleep Mode” quietly filters air at 25dB. Overall, it’s a superb choice under $500. Be sure to check out the reviews below!

Users Say: “So far I’m very pleased with this unit. Was a bit frustrated the first few days when it was telling me my air quality was the highest quality possible with almost no debris in the air, but having it for a month now, I see that it does vary. When I cook meat like bacon and sausage, the unit light turns red and immediately starts working to clean the air. Definitely happy with this purchase.”

Tech Specs & Details

• 360° filter
• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• Sleep Mode: 25-decibels
• Smart Auto Mode

4. Medify MA-40 2.0

The Medify MA-40 2.0 air purifier is a reliable choice for your home. It provides H13 True HEPA medical-grade filtration. After one hour, it can purifier 99.97% of pollutants in a room up to 1,600 square feet. Like the previous one, it too has “Sleep Mode” for a much quieter operation. 

Not only is it Energy Star certified, but it’s ETL and CARB certified, as well. You can get it in either white or black. Overall, it’s a great air purifier under $500. We recommend it for large rooms!

Users Say: “Price is good. I put this one on the kitchen floor running 24 hours auto setting. Kitchen dining and den are about 1500 sq ft. This one covers 800 sq ft. I have two litter boxes on this floor level. Amazing!!!! No cat litter smell. Also, the kitchen has no food smell. I got this one 2 days after receiving smaller cleaners from this company. I might get more for each floor after test this unit. Maybe bigger or the same size. After the center Alonzo air/heat unit stop working I got this. Litter smell removing is better with this device. But I have to see if I want to get a new one for the central cleaner or these individual units. My husband prefers individual units.”

Tech Specs & Details

• Great for large rooms up to 1,600 square feet
• CARB certified
• Energy Star certified
• ETL certified.
• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• Medical-grade filtration

5. Alen BreatheSmart

Next up, the Alen BreatheSmart is an exceptional air purifier that offers 3-stage filtration. The first stage traps and vacuums large particles. In the second stage, True HEPA removes 99.97% of pollutants as little as 0.3 microns. In the third and final stage, the air odors are eliminated by passing through hundreds of non-toxic odor cell formulas. 

Unlike basically every other air purifier on the market, this one uses WhisperMax, which helps calm down pets with anxiety. It does that by using pink noise. Overall, it’s a remarkable air purifier, and we recommend it!

Tech Specs & Details

• 3 filter stages
• True HEPA
• WhisperMax technology calms pets with anxiety
• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• Many color options

6. TruSens

The TruSens is a high-quality air purifier running under $500. There are a plethora of reasons why we love it. For one, it uniquely uses UV Light to sterilize and kill germs, bacteria, and allergens. With its 360-degree DuPont filtration, it also captures cold and virus, mold, mildew, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. It’s known for being 24% more efficient with its bi-directional airflow. Overall, it’s a great option, and we believe you’ll be very satisfied.

An important thing worth noting is the large Trusense has a True HEPA filter while the medium and small Truesense has a standard HEPA filter. 

Users Say: “Ordered a medium and large unit. Both arrived on time and in good condition. I put the large unit in our great room and the medium unit in our master bedroom, with their remote sensors across the respective spaces. Unpackaging and setup were very easy. The remotes synchronized quickly upon startup and each unit showed initial high readings but these dropped to the 5-8 range within a couple of minutes. We have two pet dogs, so the house has dust and other odors. As people move around in the rooms, the sensors readings go up and then eventually down again (dust from carpets?). They are very quiet in the automatic mode, only changing to higher speeds when the sensors detect contaminants. In the night mode, only a tiny moon crescent is lit on the control panel which is great to sleep with. I am impressed with the overall quality and functions of both units.”

Tech Specs & Details

• 360-degree
• True HEPA filtration and DuPont filtration
• UV sterilization

7. Dyson TP01

For a good reason, the Dyson TP01 is a very highly-rated and customer-reviewed air purifier. Currently running under $500, we believe it significantly outperforms its price. The HEPA filter removes 99.97% of various pollutants. Using its air multiplier technology, it produces 77 gallons of purified air per second. You’ll appreciate that it’s certified as allergy and asthma-friendly, as well. Be sure to check out the reviews below!

Users Say: “This is our second fand. I bought the first one about 3years ago and use it every single day. We can feel the air quality in the room once it’s on. Our son started developing asthma in a humid climate we used to live and this fan helped a lot. We moved to a dryer place now but on the hot days use this to cool and to purify the air. We’ll be getting one for every bedroom.”

Tech Specs & Details

• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• HEPA filter
• Air Multiplier technology 
• Certified allergy and asthma friendly

8. Germ Guardian

Here is yet another effective air purifier under $500. The Germ Guardian efficiency filters dust, pet dander, mold, allergens, and the UV-C light helps destroy germs. Some of the viruses the UV-C light kills is staph, rhinovirus, and influenza. You’ll enjoy its ability to eliminate odors with its charcoal filter, as well. 

Attached is a suitcase-like handle for easier portability. Considering it’s mainly designed for 335 square-foot rooms, you can switch the rooms easily. Overall, the Germ Guardian is a decent air purifier below $500. Although it’s not the best on this list, it’s still a top contender.

Users Say: “Sooo quiet! That was the number one requirement for me and this air purifier far exceeded my hopes. It is also very effective at removing funky odors that are emitted when my HVAC is blowing. I only gave it 4 stars for style since it looks like a robot or something. My bad, maybe I should have taken more note of the size. However, I’m so glad I didn’t because it does everything I needed it to do. I also have a Honeywell which is half the size of the germ guardian but it is not as quiet as the germ guardian. Matter of fact, I’m sitting right next to it and I can’t even hear it. I highly recommend it, especially if someone wants a super quiet air purifier.”

Tech Specs & Details

• HEPA Filter 
• UV-C light: Helps eliminate airborne viruses
• Activated charcoal filter minimizes odor
• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• Best for rooms up to 335 square feet

9. Dyson Pure Hot + Cool

Last but not least, the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool is the perfect air purifier that can be a heater or cooler, as well. With near-perfect ratings and reviews amongst users, it’s an impressive choice. Many people who prefer their room to be a different temperature than the entire home or want to save energy dramatically benefit from this unit. 

This air purifier is scientifically proven to capture bacteria and allergens. With the sealed HEPA filter, it captures 99.97% of pollutants as tiny as 0.3 microns. Keep in mind; this air purifier can either blow hot air, cold air, or neutral. It’s an unbeatable choice if you’re looking for a three-in-one deal!

Users Say: “I live in a tiny cottage, and because the lows where I live rarely get below 40, I barely ever use my heat because the Dyson heats my small space so quickly and effectively. I also bought one for my grandma and she finds it very easy to use. My favorite feature is that I can adjust it remotely and monitor the temperature in my home from afar, which makes me secure about keeping my dog comfortable in hot and cold weather.”

Tech Specs & Details

• HEPA filter
• Captures 99.97% pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
• Air Multiplier technology
• Heater, cooling, or neutral airflow

Quick Recap

Here Are The Best Air Purifiers Under $500

• Molekule Mini+
• Dyson DP04-HEPA
• LEVOIT LV-H134
• Medify MA-40 2.0
• Alen BreatheSmart
• TruSens 
• Dyson TP01
• Germ Guardian
• Dyson Pure Hot + Cool

What’s an air purifier?

An air purifier is a compact device used to filter out pollutants from your home. 

Does an air purifier filter gasses?

If the air purifier has a carbon filter then it filters gasses. However, air purifiers that don’t have a carbon filter aren’t able to filter gasses. 

What does an air purifier with a HEPA Type filter purify? 

An air purifier with a HEPA Type filter removes 99% of all pollutants as little as 2 microns. 

What does an air purifier with a True HEPA filter purify? 

An air purifier with a True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of all pollutants as little as 0.3 microns. 

What does an air purifier with built-in UV-C light do?

If an air purifier has an integrated UV-C light, it sterilizes pollutants according to manufacturers. Keep in mind, air purifiers with a built-in UV-C light are relatively new technology. 

Does an air purifier with built-in UV-C light give off Ozone? 

Unfortunately, air purifiers with a built-in UV-C light give off a small amount of ozone. 

How much does an air purifier cost?

With a few exceptions, most air purifiers can cost as little as $39 all the way up to the $1000’s. However, some of the more popular air purifiers hover between $100-$300

How much does an air purifier weigh? 

While mini air purifiers can weigh as little as 1.3 pounds, some of the larger air purifiers can weigh up to 35 pounds. However, most of the popular air purifiers are in the ballpark between 6-20 pounds. 

Does an air purifier with True HEPA filtration filter mold spores?

Yes, True HEPA air purifiers filter pollutants as little as 0.3 microns, and mold spores are 4- 20 microns. Therefore, True HEPA air purifiers have no problem filtering mold spores. 

Does an air purifier with HEPA Type filtration filter mold spores?

Yes, HEPA Type air purifiers filter pollutants as little as 2 microns, and mold spores are 4- 20 microns. Therefore, HEPA Type air purifiers have no problem filtering mold spores.