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These compact air purifiers can help improve the air quality in your office or small bedroom.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Dust, pollen, and smoke are common examples of PM, Carver explains.
In addition to VOCs and PM, you should also consider the CADR of the air purifier.
A lower CADR isnt necessarily badit just means it should be used in a smaller space.
Credit: Amazon
A higher CADR means the air purifier can be used in a larger space.
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.
During testing, the compact Levoit Core 300S was able to purify the same size of room as larger units in a similar amount of time.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
This smart rig can trap both VOCs and PM, and it has a CADR of 141 CFM.
We loved that we could even pair the air purifier to a smart speaker for added convenience.
The air smelled cleaner, and the closer we got to the air purifierthe better the air smelled.
The smell from lit incense was barely noticeable, and only faint traces of the air freshener were detected.
Because it impressed us with both tweaks, we think it’s an excellent option.
It helped cutdown on odors and danderfrom our cats.
Its CADR wasnt listed.
The air purifier has several features, including a timer, a light, and three different fan speeds.
We found this impressive given its small size and noise level.
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.
It doesnt have a child lock feature.
With a coverage of up to 200 square feet, this unit is perfect for bedrooms or offices.
It can also doubleas a nightlightthat you’re free to adjust to be bright or dim.
The new filter twisted and locked into place with ease.
The machine works as well as it did when we first set it up.
Its slightly larger than most of the other air purifiers we tested.
Pet dander, dust, and smoke can irritate those with indoor allergies.
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.
The low and medium parameters 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.
Overall, we like this purifier even more after long-term use than when we first began testing it.
We also love that it can be paired with a smart speaker for even more convenient control.
Then, we familiarized ourselves with the air purifier and its parameters, 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 then measured and recorded our air quality findings at each mark.
After 30 minutes, we measured and recorded the air quality at each mark.
Credit: Amazon
Our testing methodology was reviewed and approved by Carver.
They are also generally lighter than larger air purifiers, making them easy to move from room to room.
Twenty-four decibels is about the sound of a whisper, while 60 decibels sounds similar to a quiet office.
The Kenmore 850e Air Purifier has a washable filter, though we would consider buying a new one each time to ensure that it is fully clean.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Emily Woodruff
CADR
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 cleaners CADR rating.
Carver explains that the CADR should equal about two-thirds of the room’s size.
There’s only one speed setting, and no timer.
It may be ideal as a secondary air purifier.
Your Questions, Answered
Do small air purifiers work?
Are small air purifiers loud?
Larger air purifiers, however, tend to be louder.
80 decibels is comparable to a busy street oran upright vacuumbeing used.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Air cleaners and air filters in the home.
Volatile organic compounds impact on indoor air quality.
Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
Credit: Amazon
The Clorox Tabletop Air Purifier is small enough to fit on a nightstand, shelf, or desk.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit: Pure Enrichment
To change the filter on the Pure Enrichment PureZone Halo you simply pop off the front cover.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
We’ve tested over 100 air purifiers at home and in our lab to find the best ones on the market.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Most air purifiers have filters that should be changed about once every six months.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens