Air Purifiers for Pets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
For any home with pets, a good air purifier can dramatically reduce the amount of pet hair and dander, along with other irritating allergens and pollutants. This can offer relief to those who suffer from allergies, which typically affect the sinuses and irritate the eyes.
“HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are certified to remove particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, and should remove small particulate matter when properly used and maintained,” Melanie Carver, Chief Mission Officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, told the Spruce Pets. Particulate matter comprises mold, pet dander, bacteria, cleaners, dust, and other substances common in homes.
To determine the top air purifiers that pet parents can use, We’ve evaluated 47 different air purifiers across various conditions. We’ve collected specific data in the New York City and Des Moines testing labs and then delivered the top-performing models to testers willing to test them for longer-term tests in their homes.
Our favorite air purifier is the Winix 5500-2 True HEPA 4-Stage Air Purifier. It’s quiet and highly efficient, and the layered filtering system is easy to replace procedure. We also discovered several other options that we liked and may be better suited to your budget, space, and preferences.
Winix 5500-2 4-Stage True HEPA Air Purifier
Filtering is accomplished through four layers: a pre-filter with a washable carbon filtration and a HEPA filter as well as a permanent filter; it comes with sensors that detect changes in the quality of air, as well as low decibel ratings for audio even at the most potent power setting it is this Winix 5500-2 4-Stage HEPA Air Purifier is the top choice out of all air purifiers we’ve tried. This energy-efficient air purifier boasts an impressive CAR (clean air delivery rate) score for dust (243), pollen (246), and smoke (232). Also, it has the highest-performing pre-filter that can capture the pet hair of the models we’ve tested.
“Having a true HEPA filter and a good CADR has been shown to be a lot more effective with reducing allergens,” Allergy and Immunology medical expert Niha Qamar MD explained to The Spruce Pets.
The sound from Winix 5500-2 Winix 5500-2 is pretty low. Therefore, it’s unlikely to disrupt conversations or disturb sleep. Additionally, it automatically switches into sleep mode in dark environments, preserving energy while decreasing the brightness of its LED display and then changing into an auto mode when in the presence of lighting.
It’s also simple to install and includes a remote for easy operation from a distance. However, it’s not connected to WiFi for voice commands and has no mobile app for monitoring. If the three layers of disposable filters need to be cleaned, a light on the device’s display will flash, and hanging out and washing the carbon filters is simple. Three lights-up indicators show changes in the quality of air in real-time.
The Winix 5500-2 is suited for larger areas up to 360 square feet. However, the device is large (15 by 8.2 inches x 23.6 inches). Therefore, per Dr. Qamar, it can be overwhelming small spaces or even a bedroom, among the primary areas to purify the air in homes. “I always recommend placement in a bedroom because that is where you spend most of your time and where a lot of dust mites could linger, especially in your bedding.”
For bedrooms, it is possible to look at our other top options like the Levoit Core 300s smart Ture HEPA Air Purifier and one of our Best For Odors pick, which has the highest rating overall, as well as the Best for Quiet selection, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier that has a sleek design that can be wall mounted.
Veva 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier
The VEVA Air Purifier 8000 is an essential product priced reasonably and delivers reliable air purification results. Two filters inside the unit–a carbon filter and a HEPA filter–are relatively low maintenance, with replacements recommended every two to three months and every six to twelve months in the latter case.
Apart from switching between on and off, three power settings are available, each producing low noise levels and not disrupting conversations during our tests. The unit also runs with minimal consumption of power, which could save you cash in the end. It’s also suitable to use in a bedroom at night since it does not have an LED light that could disrupt the sleeping cycle. However, it will not show when the filters require to be replaced.
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max Air Purifier
The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max efficient air filtration is made more accessible by the convenience of an on-demand mobile app that controls power settings and observes the air quality in real-time. After introducing common house contaminants in our testing area, the Blue Pure 411iMax was removed and improved air quality. It’s among the quietest air purifiers we test, even in the most powerful setting.
The intelligent device with WiFi connectivity supports voice commands and has an optional child lock that keeps the settings in place. There are four-speed settings for fans and two power modes: night mode, which turns off lights on the display, and auto mode, which adapts when sensors detect pollution in the air. It also has three lighting settings for the show: off, dim, bright, and dim. With all these options included, the Blueair filtering system for air can be adjusted for use in bedrooms with sensitive sleepers and in a living space that doesn’t interfere with conversations or the sound from your entertainment device.
Five different colors of air quality indicators will let you know when your air quality is improved, decreased, or might be improved by filter maintenance. The pre-filter that faces the outside can capture hair from pets, is cleaned with water to ensure regular maintenance, and comes in five muted shades. It also comes with an optional subscription option through Blueair which sends replacement filters every three, six, or nine months based on your pet’s needs and usage.
Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier SPA-780A
This Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier equipped with WiFi comes with a filtration system that is five layers deep, including the activated carbon filter, a specially designed HEPA filter, and an individualized animal allergy filter. Through our tests, this cleaner was able to effectively and quietly improve air quality by removing contaminants from the air, ranging from the dander and hair of pets to volatile organic compounds such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
The purifier is a sleek and contemporary design that takes up only a tiny amount of space and can be hung on the wall. In silent mode, the device can be virtually inaccessible. To ensure uninterrupted air purification, the sleep mode shuts off the lights for a longer duration.
The display and app on the device will show any changes in air quality and assist you in monitoring the state of the filtration system to optimize the efficiency of this MinusA2 Ultra Quiet. It’s also the priciest air purifier on our list, but it has a 5-year guarantee from Rabbit Air.