Shopping for an air purifier for an office?
Well, you are in the right place!
Your office desk is the most prominent place for your creativity. It should be well-lit, neat, distraction-free, and free from airborne contaminants.
If you want to make sure that your office air is fresh and free from allergens to boost the productivity and energy of both yourself and your employees, you need to invest in an air purifier for your office.
It can be quite challenging to work in an environment filled with dust, human odor, smoke, and other air pollutants that can make the air dirty and contaminated. With a good-quality air purifier for your office, your work life can be a million times better.What's In This Buying Guide
Contents of This Guide
With the multitude of office air purifiers touting various purification methods, it can become quite challenging to find the best one for your needs.
In this guide, we review the top products from well-known manufacturers to help you sort through the best office air purifiers.
In addition, we include the features that make a good purifier and their pros and cons to make it easy for you to choose the unit that is just right for you!
Best Air Purifiers for an Office
- 1Budget-friendly: hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier
- 2Best for Large Rooms: Blueair XL Pro Air Purifier
- 3Most Effective: IQAir HealthPro Plus
- 4Best Medical-Grade: Healthmate Plus
hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier
- Budget-friendly
Weight
2.9 poundsDimensions
6.7 x 6.7 x 7.5 inchesHEPA filter
YesFilter Replacement Indicator
Yes
Blueair XL Pro Air Purifier
- Best for Large Rooms
Weight
71 poundsDimensions
10 x 20 x 44 inchesHEPA filter
YesFilter Replacement Indicator
Yes
IQAir HealthPro Plus
- Most Effective
Weight
35 poundsDimensions
16 x 15 x 28 inchesHEPA filter
NoFilter Replacement Indicator
Yes
Healthmate Plus
- Best Medical-Grade
Weight
47 poundsDimensions
14.5 x 14.5 x 23.5 inchesHEPA filter
YesFilter Replacement Indicator
No
1. Budget-friendly: hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier
If you want to ensure that you breathe quality air while working at your desk, the hOmeLabs 4-in-1 purifier is for you.
The hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier is designed with a 4-stage filtration system that effectively cleans the air around you.
Its compact design makes it an ideal air purifier for your office, while its low price does not put any extra burden on your pocket.
Pros
- 4-stage filtration
- Easy to use
- Customizable fan settings
- Compact and highly portable
- Filter change indicator
- Easy to change filters
Cons
- No option to turn off the top light
- Can be noisy
Our Review
The convenient and travel-friendly size of the hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier makes it suitable for various spaces. You can use it to purify the air in any office, closet, bathroom, dorm, bathroom, or desk 40 square feet in size.
Its excellent 4-stage filtration consists of the pre-filter, HEPA filter, carbon filter, and ion booster. The pre-filter and HEPA filter help to trap large and small particles in the air, while the carbon filter eliminates odors.
The ion booster helps to freshen the air by releasing three million negative ions per cubic centimeter. It is designed with a 360-degree air inlet that draws in polluted air from all sides.
The hOmeLabs unit is very easy to use and comes with detailed instructions regarding its operation. You just need to plug it in, and it starts with the push of a simple button. The indicator light tells you when it is time to change the filter.
You can place the hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier on your desk and run it 24/7 to purify the air around your desk. It hardly makes any noise when running at low speed, so you can carry on with your work without disturbance.
Many reviewers felt an evident difference in the air quality and claimed that their allergies significantly improved after using this device.
However, they did findthe blue light at the top of the unit quite annoying as there is no option to turn it off. They also claimed that when run at high speed, this unit gets quite noisy.
Specs
Filtration stages: 4
Area coverage: 40 sq. ft.
Noise level: -
Filter lifespan: Up to 700 hours
Warranty: 1 year
2. Best for Large Rooms: Blueair Pro XL Air Purifier
The Blueair Pro XL air purifier effectively filters the air in a 1,180 square feet room at the rate of 5 times an hour to maintain a comfortable and clean environment in an extra-large workspace.
It moves an amazing volume of air at 990 cubic feet per minute.
Pros
- Sleek design
- HEPASilent technology with particle filtration
- German-engineered fans
- Automatically adjusts the fan speed
- It fits into any business, waiting room, lab, or home
- Delivers more clean air in less time
- Energy star and CARB certified
Cons
- Expensive
- Ionizer could be better
Our Review
A powerful combination of German-engineered technology and sleek Swedish design, the Blueair Pro XL Air Purifier is a top-notch model for large offices. The True HEPA filter, together with an electrostatic charge and particle filtration, removes 99.97% of airborne pollutants.
The Blueair Pro XL can purify the air in a 1,180 square foot room once every 12 minutes with outstanding fan power. So, within the first 12 minutes of running this purifier, the air in your office can be clean of any pollutants and smoke.
The HEPASilent Technology ensures its silent operation, while the integrated Smart Sensor monitors indoor air in real-time and adjusts the fan speed automatically.
The Blueair Pro is quite expensive, and buyers expect it to work flawlessly. However, they believe that this unit does not provide good value for money, and they can get the same features in a cheaper unit.
Also, the cost of running this unit can add up as the filters used in this air purifier are quite expensive and need to be changed regularly.
Specs
Filtration stages: 2
Area coverage: 1180 sq. ft.
Noise level: 32-58 dB
Filter lifespan: 6 months
Warranty: 1 year3. Most Effective: IQAir HealthPro Plus
Designed with IQAir’s exclusive HyperHEPA filtration technology, the IQAir HealthPro Plus can trap particles down to 0.003 microns, which is ten times smaller than a virus.
This provides users with unparalleled protection against ultrafine and fine particles, including viruses and bacteria.
Pros
- Exclusive PreMax, V5-Cell, and HyperHEPA filtration
- Filters particles that are 100 times smaller than 0.3 microns
- Room coverage of 1,125 sq. ft.
- Air delivery of up to 300 cfm
- Programmable operating options
- Color-coded lights to indicate a filter change
- Filter-life monitoring
- It uses only 27 watts at the lowest speed
- 320-degree air delivery
- Easy to move from one to another due to wheels
Cons
- Filters are expensive
- Low-quality wheels
Our Review
Instead of the normal True HEPA filter, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is equipped with an exclusive HyperHEPA technology that provides outstanding protection from viruses and bacteria.
This filter can trap ultrafine particles that are the most harmful particles in the air. These ultra-fine particles can be quite harmful as they can cause asthma, heart attacks, strokes, and even cancer.
The PreMax air filter removes pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and other particles without any ions or ozone. Plus, the granulated Activated Carbon filter is highly effective against smoke, odors, VOCs, and other harmful chemicals.
With a high CADR rating of 300 cfm, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is designed with a powerful fan that cleans your office every 12 minutes. This vertical air purifier features 3D ultra-seal technology that makes the unit airtight, eliminating air leakage.
Thanks to the 8 shock absorbers and the aerodynamics fan design, the IQAir HealthPro makes hardly any noise when run at the lowest setting.
A lot of buyers felt the change in their air quality after they started running this air purifier. Their allergies almost disappeared, and they felt a noticeable difference in the dust levels around them as well. However, they found the cost of replacing the IQAir filters too much.
Some users also complained that the wheels on this unit are made from cheap plastic.
Specs
Filtration stages: 3
Area coverage: Up to 1125 sq. ft.
Noise level: 22 dB
Filter lifespan: PreMax: 18 months, V5-Cell: 2 years, HyperHEPA: 4 years and two months
Warranty: 10 years on parts and labor (excluding filters)
4. Best Medical-Grade: Healthmate Plus
According to the manufacturer, the Austin Air Healthmate Plus is a Clinically-Proven Medical-Grade Air Purifier.
It provides more protection against formaldehyde, wood-burning smoke, benzenes, gases, chemicals, and other VOCs.
Pros
- Ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers
- Traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- Needs minimal routine maintenance
- Removes dust, chemical vapors, viruses, bacteria, gases, and more
- Requires filter replacement once in 5 years
- Reduces coughing and wheezing
- Eases headaches
- Provides a higher level of odor control
- Energy-efficient
- It helps to sleep better
Cons
- No filter change indicator
- It can be noisy at the highest setting
Our Review
The 360-degree progressive filtration system used in the Healthmate purifier helps remove the most symptom-aggravating chemicals, odors, and allergens from your home. By running it regularly, you can experience a reduction in your asthma, allergies, and MCS symptoms.
This purifier pulls in air from all sides, which then passes through the 4-stage filtration process. It cleans the air faster and more efficiently than most conventional air purifiers.
The 4-stage combination filter includes a PERMAFILT pre-filter that traps large particles easily visible to the naked eye, such as pet dander and dust.
The medium particle filter, in the second stage, removes medium- to small-sized allergens. The air then passes through a 15-pound activated carbon filter infused with potassium iodide and natural zeolite. This helps to trap odors, fumes, gases, chemicals, and VOCs.
Lastly, the air moves through 60 square feet of the medical-grade HEPA filter, which cleans the air of harmful bacteria, mold, viruses, pollen, dust, pet dander, and ragweed particles.
The Healthmate Plus is constructed with durable, sturdy components that boost energy savings and efficiency. The long-life PSC motor, all-steel outer body, and a powerful centrifugal fan all ensure that this unit serves you for a long time.
The Healthmate Plus is easy to use. A simple knob control makes it easy to choose from 3 purification speeds. The smooth-rolling casters ensure easy portability, and to remove the filter, you just need to remove the bottom cover, take out the old filter, and drop in a new one.
However, you need to replace the combination HEPA/carbon filter once every 5 years, helping you save money on expensive filter replacements.
Specs
Filtration stages: 4
Area coverage: 1500 sq. ft.
Noise level: 40-64.5 dB
Filter lifespan: 5 years
Warranty: -
Office Air Purifiers: Buying Guide
Why Buy an Air Purifier for an Office?
According to research, a clean environment at your workplace is good for your health and boosts your productivity. However, your air purifier should include a True HEPA filter, UV light, and Activated Carbon filter to ensure its excellent performance.
Researchers are also of the opinion that better air quality in the office can help improve cognitive performance among your employees. So, with a good-quality air purifier, you can not only improve the physical health of your employees but their mental health as well.
Features to Consider
It is vital to consider a few things before making a purchase to ensure that you get the best model for your office. Not all purifiers are constructed the same, and investing in the wrong type may not get you the desired results.
To help you get a unit that can meet the demands of office space, it is best to keep the following tips in mind:
Filter Type
Many pollutants can be present in your office air, which is why we recommend units designed with mechanical filtration as their filters can physically capture the pollutants that pass through them.
Such units typically have at least two filters - a pre-filter that traps large particles such as pet hair and the main filter that catches smaller pollutants. Pre-filters do not usually differ in quality.
Some are disposable, while others are washable. The former may increase the unit’s operational cost in the long run; however, there is not much to compare.
The main filter of your air purifier is another matter. You want to look for an air purifier that utilizes a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is recommended by the EPA.
HEPA filters are capable of trapping 99.97% of particles that are even 0.3 microns in size. You may also find units with HEPA-type filters, but they are not rated to meet the filtration level that HEPA filters provide.
Some air purifiers are equipped with additional filters like charcoal or activated carbon that trap odor compounds, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These extra filters are particularly helpful if you are allowed to smoke in your office. However, you need to change them regularly to be effective.
Some air purifier units also feature filtration processes that depend on ultraviolet light (UV) or ionizers. These units, however, may produce ozone, which can aggravate breathing-related problems.
Cost of Operation
Most air purifiers are designed with filters that need to be replaced frequently. Activated carbon filters need to be replaced every 3 months, while pleated filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
The cost of these filters varies widely, so make sure that you keep this additional cost in mind when looking for a suitable unit.
Coverage Area
Different air purifiers are designed to cover a particular amount of space. Some are better suited for small cubicles, while others can efficiently cover large open office spaces.
Find out the size of your office and make sure that the unit you choose can handle your required space. The best unit for your office is one that meets or exceeds the square footage (length x width) of your office.
Weight
People need air purification in different areas of their offices, which is why compact and lightweight options are best. Bulky and big exteriors can make it difficult to move the units from one room to another.
Technology Type
Some air purifiers are designed with the innovative Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology. Such units use free radicals to break down pollutants like mold, allergens, VOCs, bacteria, and viruses at a molecular level.
With the help of nanotechnology, PECO destroys pollutants almost 1000 times smaller than the ones that traditional filters ordinarily remove.
When used in a workplace or office environment, air purifiers designed with PECO technology can keep the air extremely sterile and clean without letting any particles slip through.
These air purifiers are also great for asthmatics as total particle elimination helps improve lung and respiratory functions.
Noise Levels
You just do not have to keep in mind how well a purifier performs but also determine how well you will be able to live with it. Since you’ll be running your purifier continuously, so ideally, it should be quiet.
You can find out the decibels of a particular model on its packaging or website before making a decision.
Size
Choosing the correct air purifier size for your office ensures its efficiency and effectiveness. Most manufacturers recommend a suitable room size for their models.
Some can be placed on your desk, while others need to be placed on the floor. Make sure that your chosen model corresponds to the area you want to purify.
Warranty
Choosing an air purifier for your office that comes with a warranty or a trial period helps promote greater peace of mind.
Filter Types for Office Air Purifiers
With many people going and coming and so many different office pieces of equipment running, your office air could contain high levels of contaminants.
To keep your office air clean and fresh, it is vital to get an air purifier designed with at least 2 filters - the True HEPA filter and the activated carbon filter. Some units are also fitted with ultraviolet light for increased protection.
True HEPA filter
A True HEPA filter is essential in an office as it is the only filter that can capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including allergens, bacteria, mold spores, PM2.5 (from factory and automobile exhaust smoke), and dust, etc.
However, when searching for an air purifier, you might find units that use words like ‘HEPA-type,’ ‘HEPA,’ or ‘HEPA-like’ with their names instead of the word ‘True.’ It is best to stay from such units as they are less efficient than a True HEPA filter.
Only True HEPA filters are guaranteed to capture ultrafine pollutants that can be harmful to your health.
Activated Carbon Filter
An activated carbon filter is essential in an office purifier as it traps particles that escape a True HEPA filter. There are a number of contributing factors to VOCs or Volatile Organic compounds in a workplace.
VOCs are invisible chemical vapors and gases discharged by both building materials that make up the office like paint, drywall, and carpeting, and office equipment such as fax machines and printers, etc.
In addition, chemical cleaning agents emit VOCs, and it can take hours or even days for the particles to dissipate.
Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. As a result, there can be severe damage to the kidney, liver, and central nervous system.
A True HEPA filter is not designed to capture VOCs; however, an activated carbon can. These filters are constructed with a unique substance that eliminates VOCs. Plus, activated carbon filters help reduce odors in the workplace.
Ultraviolet Light
Another filter that can increase the efficiency of your office air purifier is ultraviolet light. The UV-C light is a bulb fitted inside an air purifier, and it emits a low level of radiation. When the air passes by the UV-C light, it disrupts the DNA of the viruses and bacteria and kills them.
Most air purifiers available are not equipped with ultraviolet light; however, using one for your office can make the environment more sterile.
Office environments are notorious for spreading germs, particularly during the flu season. An air purifier with a UV-C light helps reduce the pathogens and microbes floating around the room.
Pros and Cons of Using an Air Purifier in the Office
An office air purifier helps breathe easier when used indoors. From increased productivity to odor removal, these units can improve air quality in a number of commercial settings, from warehouses and factories to wellness centers and nail salons.
However, they have some limitations, too.
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Are office air purifiers able to kill bacteria and viruses?
Many air purifiers can trap and even kill bacteria and viruses, but only those present in the air at the time. A HEPA filter is highly effective in trapping 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
It is also important to note that air purifiers are not a substitute for good hygiene, like cleaning hard surfaces and regularly washing your hands.
Is running an air purifier harmful for your office plants?
Some scientists believe that choosing the right air purifier for your office does not only help to detoxify the air but also helps plants grow.
Air pollutants in the air can hinder the food-making process of plants. Air purifiers help by removing the pollutants in the air, making it easier for plants to carry out photosynthesis.
On the other hand, ozone generators and purifiers that release ozone are not advantageous for plant growth. The ozone released by these air purifiers adversely affects all living things, including plants.
Can an air purifier effectively reduce office odors?
Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can effectively remove odors, gases, and chemical toxins from the air.
When the carbon in these filters, which is basically charcoal, is treated with oxygen, many tiny pores form between the carbon atoms. This enables the activated carbon to adsorb odorous substances from liquids or gases.
In addition to using an air purifier, it is better to address the problem by removing the source of the unpleasant smell as much as possible.
Can air purifiers effectively remove office dust?
Air purifiers designed with HEPA filters can effectively remove 99.97% of airborne particles, which helps to control and reduce dust in your office. When used 24/7, these units can also reduce the need to dust the furniture regularly.
What is the best place in an office to set an air purifier?
The best place for an air purifier in your office is the spot where the airflow reaches all corners of the room. Make sure you place your air purifier on a stable surface that is at least 30 cm away from the wall and 100cm away from the ceiling. It is also best not to place air purifiers in corners.
Final Verdict: What is the best office air purifier sold today?
After carefully reviewing some of the best office air purifiers available today, we believe that the Healthmate Plus is the best unit available.
It can eliminate more than 3,000 types of odors and toxic gases, 95% of particles that are 0.1 microns in size, and 99.97% of airborne particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger.
So, with this unit, you can rest assured that the air in your office is fresh, clean, and free from odors.
