Shopping for a Smart Air Purifier?
Take a look at our top picks.
We live in a digital era revolving around continuous Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi-enabled smart household devices allow us to create smart homes that we can very conveniently control with just a single tap of our fingers using our smartphones.
With appliances like refrigerators and TV becoming smart, why should air purifiers stay behind?
A smart air purifier allows you to create a better indoor atmosphere, that, too, with a simple voice command. You can regulate these units using both your phone or your Amazon, Google, or Apple device using voice commands.
What’s In This Buying Guide
Contents of This Guide
Whether you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri, the devices we picked are compatible with all three.
In this buying guide, we assess some high-rated smart air purifiers with Wi-Fi.
We first compare them side by side so that you can find the one that best suits you with just a glance.
Then, we review each unit in full detail and go over its pros, cons, and specifications.
We list some essentialand critical features to look for while shopping and go over some other important considerations.
Lastly, in the FAQ section, we answer some queries that people commonly have about smart air purifiers.
But if you’re looking for something simpler, check out the Dyson Pure Cool.
Best Smart Air Purifiers
- 1Best for Small Spaces: LEVOIT Core 200S Air Purifier
- 2Best for Medium Spaces: Winix AM90 Wi-Fi Air Purifier
- 3Best for Large Spaces: Zigma Aerio-300
LEVOIT Core 200S Air Purifier
- Best for Small Spaces
Dimensions
8.07 x 8.07 x 12.6 inchesWeight
6.6 PoundsCoverage Area
183 Square feetFiltration Stages
3CADR Rating
118 cfmACH Rating
5xWarranty
1 year warranty coverage
Winix AM90 Wi-Fi Air Purifier
- Best for Medium Spaces
Dimensions
15.1 x 8.7 x 23.5 inchesWeight
16.5 PoundsCoverage Area
360 square feetFiltration Stages
4CADR Rating
>230 cfmACH Rating
5xWarranty
2 Years Manufacturers Warranty
Zigma Aerio-300
- Best for Large Spaces
Dimensions
16.5 x 11.4 x 23.6 inchesWeight
17.66 poundsCoverage Area
420 Square FeetFiltration Stages
5CADR Rating
330 cfmACH Rating
4xWarranty
Not Specified
1. Best for Small Spaces: LEVOIT Core 200S Air Purifier
Levoit Core 200S is an affordable option for users who want a small air purifier without compromising on the smart features and price. It is compact and lightweight, with enough power to cover an area of up to 183 square feet.
With its 118 CADR rating, the Core 200S delivers 5 air changes every hour in a 183 square feet room. And, in a bigger 376 square feet room, it changes the air 2 times per hour.
This Levoit device comes with the compatible VeSync app. Plus, there is a touch-sensitive control panel on top for manual operation.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to set up
- VeSync app is easy to navigate through
- 360-degree air intake and Vortexair output
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
- No air quality sensor or auto mode
Our Review
Levoit is known for bringing innovative features to users at an affordable cost.
And the Levoit Core 200S is an excellent example of that.
It has an average CADR of 118 cfm, making it suitable for small to medium-sized spaces. However, the suggested area coverage is small at 183 square feet with a 5x ACH rating. But you can also use it in a room double the size at 376 square footage with reduced air changes.
The Core 200S filters air using a triple-stage filtration system to rid the indoor air of pesky contaminants. It consists of an ultra-fine nylon pre-filter designed for larger particles like fur, lint, and hair.
The H13 True HEPA filter is the next stage that efficiently traps smaller contaminants like pollen, mold spores, and other allergens. The high-efficiency filter removes up to 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.
Then, the air passes over a layer of activated carbon that absorbs all the fumes and odors borne on it. In the end, the air blowing out the top of the device is cleaner, fresher, and healthy.
This Levoit air purifier features a special cylindrical design with a 360-degree air intake and uses Vortexair technology to circulate clean air around the roomcontinuously and evenly.
The device comes with the proprietary VeSync app. Once you download the application, it guides you through the device connection process. Using it, you can adjust the settings in your Core 200S, create customized schedules, or view filter status.
The Core 200S is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. Once you connect the unit with your assistant, you can simply use voice commands to control your Levoit Core 200S.
Specs
Dimensions: 8.07 x 8.07 x 12.6 inches
Weight: 6.6 Pounds
Energy Star: Yes
Filters: Ultra-fine Nylon Pre Filter, H13 True HEPA Filter, and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter
Smartphone Application: VeSync app
Fan Speeds: 3
Operating Modes: Sleep Mode
Noise Level: as low as 24 decibels
2. Best for Medium Spaces: Winix AM90 Wi-Fi Air Purifier
The Winix AM90 Wi-Fi Air Purifier is AHAM certified for medium spaces up to 360 square feet. It delivers 5 air changes within the suggested area and has a high CADR of 230 for smoke, 233 for dust, and 240 for pollen.
It boasts a 4-stage air filtration system, including the patented PlasmaWave technology. This Winix device has 5 different speeds and 2 operating modes. Plus, you can connect it with Dash Replenishment Service so that you never run out of filters.
Pros
- Durable and solid construction
- Safe and effective PlasmaWave technology
- Built-in air quality sensor
- Sleep mode for peaceful sleep
- Powerful motor and fan
Cons
- Noisy at high speed
- Wi-Fi connection becomes unstable
Our Review
The Winix AM90 is an affordable alternative to most high-end smart air purifiers that cost much more, like the Airmega Smart Air Purifier. It is quite economical and offers more or less the same features as the more expensive purifiers.
For instance, the Wininx AM90 boasts a 4-stage filtration with Winix’s patented PlasmaWave technology. It also supports Alexa voice commands and Dash Replenishment Service.
Although this Winix air purifier is AHAM verified for 360 square feet, it is also suitable for rooms measuring 435, 580, 870, and 1740 square feet and delivers 4x, 3x, 2x, and 1x air changes per hour, respectively.
The AM90 also has a high CADR rating equal to or more than 230 cfm for each contaminant category.
The AM90 uses the company’s signature 4-stage filtration system.
The first stage is the permanent (washable) fine mesh pre-filter that traps visible air pollutants and stops them from clogging the finer filter inside.
The second layer in AM90 is the true H12 HEPA filter designed to catch smaller particles and prevent them from making their way across.
The last stage is the deodorizing filter (activated carbon filter). The porous material captures household odors, chemical off-gases, and other gaseous molecules that create lingering smells around your home.
A unique feature of this Winix smart air purifier is its patented PlasmaWave air cleaning technology.
This fourth filtration stage is characteristic of Winix air purifiers. It uses water vapor and hydroxyl radicals to safely break apart odors, allergens, chemical vapors, and other pollutants at the molecular level. It is a type of ionic technique that adds an extra layer of protection to your home.
Specs
Dimensions: 15.1 x 8.7 x 23.5 inches
Weight: 16.5 pounds
Energy Star: Yes
Filters: Washable Fine Mesh Pre-Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave Air Cleaning Technology
Smartphone Application: Winix Smart App
Fan Speeds: 5
Operating Modes: Auto Mode and Sleep Mode
Noise Level: as low as 27 decibels
3. Best for Large Spaces: Zigma Aerio-300
The Zigma Aerio-300 is a smart air purifier for large spaces and comes at a very affordable price. It features a comprehensive 5-stage air filtration system with a built-in air quality monitor.
The Aerio-300 also has some otherinnovative smart features, including voice command support and proprietary application compatibility.
This smart air filter from Zigma is AHAM verified to clean a 420 square feet room 4 times an hour. It can also cover larger areas but with fewer air changes.
It also has a high CADR score of 330 cfm, making it excellent at removing air pollutants. Plus, the AI detection system works in conjunction with the air quality monitor for better cleaning and energy-saving performance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comprehensive filtration system
- Colored ring light for air quality status
- Simple and easy to use
- Whisper quiet on sleep mode
Cons
- Loud at higher speeds
- Customer service could be better
Our Review
The Zigma Aerio-300 delivers everything you can ask for in a smart air purifier. It features a 5-stage filtration system with 3 mechanical filters, an ultraviolet light, and an ionizer.
While the manufacturer states that it can cover areas measuring up to 420 square feet, you can also use it in larger areas with lower ACH ratings.
In a 420 square feet room, it delivers 4 air changes per hour. As you increase the area, the number of air changes decreases. So, in a 1680 square feet room, the Zigma Aerio-300 delivers one air change per hour.
We like this Zigma device for its advanced air filtration system. It consists of a pre-filter that traps larger particles like lint, fibers, hair, and per fur from making their way into the air purifier.
The next stage is the medical-grade True HEPA Filter, a high-efficiency filter designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. It prevents up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants and directs clean, particles-free air towards the next stage.
The last filtration stage in the Zigma Aerio-300 is the activated carbon filter. This porous honeycomb-shaped structure catches gaseous molecules like chemicals, odors, and fumes to trap them inside its pores.
Once all of these are removed, the air is treated with UV-C radiation to kill harmful germs and microbes.
The Zigma Aerio-300 also has a fifth air purification stage: the optional ionizer.
The ionizer releases negatively charged radicals into the air to neutralize positively charged particles, forcing them to form clusters that the filters can capture easily. The button for the ionizer function also doubles as a child lock for accidental child or pet operation.
Another safety feature in the Aerio-300 is the automatic power shutoff. Once you open the device, it automatically cuts off the power for safer filter changes. Zigma also equipped this unit with a DC motor that delivers a powerful air cleaning performance while consuming less power.
Specs
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.4 x 23.6 inches
Weight: 17.66 pounds
Energy Star: No
Filters: Pre-Filter, Medical Grade True HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, Optional Ionizer, and UV light
Smartphone Application: Exclusive Zigma APP
Fan Speeds: 4
Operating Modes: Sleep mode and auto mode
Noise Level: as low as 25 decibels
Smart Air Purifier: Buying Guide
What Is a Smart Air Purifier – and How Does It Work?
A smart air purifier is very similar to a regular air purifier, except that it comes with the added benefits of app and voice control. It is Wi-Fi enabled and syncs with your smartphone to deliver real-time feedback about your home’s air quality.
You can use the compatible app to operate the unit and gain insight into your indoor air quality data.
Some smart air purifiers also connect with your voice-controlled virtual assistant to regulate the device’s speed and operating modes. You can ask it to turn off or on, set timer, change mode, etc.
Smart air purifiers are an excellent choice for people who like the extra convenience and control.
Why Spend the Money to Buy an Expensive Smart Air Purifier?
There’s no doubt that smart air purifiers are a bit costlier than their regular counterparts, but they also offer more convenience.
They offer you remote control over your device from anywhere in the world, voice control within your home, IFTTT integration, air quality data, and filter status.
If none of these features entices you, you are better off saving some money and purchasing a non-Wi-Fi-enabled HEPA air purifier.
Features to Consider: Smart Air Purifier
Here are some essential features to look for when finding a smart air purifier that works for you.
Price
As we mentioned, smart air purifiers are slightly more expensive than their regular counterparts. So be prepared to set a higher budget to make this purchase.
You also need to be mindful of operation and maintenance costs. Like regular air purifiers, smart air purifiers require regular filter replacements, so you have to factor in that cost, too.
And although air purifiers don’t consume a lot of energy, it’s better that you opt for an energy-efficient unit so that you can run it round the clock. Look for the Energy Star certification.
You can safely run Energy Star certified units for more extended periods as they consume about 60% less power than non-certified units.
Energy Efficiency & Operating Cost
As we already mentioned above, purchasing an energy-efficient air purifier will help you cut operating costs. This is especially important if you want to run your smart air purifier round the clock.
Energy-efficient air purifiers consume as much energy as a light bulb, so you won’t be hard-pressed to set an operating schedule that fits your budget.
Coverage Area
Each air purifier is designed to clean a specific room size.
When shopping for a new Wi-Fi air purifier for your home, make sure it has enough power to handle the size of the room you plan to use it in.
For example, if you plan to use your air purifier in a living room measuring about 350 square feet, make sure to purchase a unit with a coverage area of 350 square feet or higher.
If you purchase a unit with a smaller area coverage, it won’t efficiently clean the air around that room.
We recommend purchasing an air purifier with enough coverage area that can even handle the largest room in your home. That way, you can use it all over the house without worrying about coverage area issues.
Filter Technology
The best smart home air purifier has the right filter technology to fulfill your needs. To make sure you find the right filtration system, here are some air filter types for you to check out:
Pre-Filter
A pre-filter or preliminary filter is usually a simple layer of mesh designed to prevent bigger particles like hair, dust, and fur from entering the internal filtration stages. Without it, bigger particles will clog the other finer filters.
Some air purifiers have permanent washable pre-filters. Others have disposable ones that you need to replace once they reach their lifespan.
HEPA Filter
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most advanced air purifier filters. They are designed to trap smaller particulate matter measuring around 0.3 microns.
In fact, a true HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of solid particles from your indoor atmosphere. These include dust, pet dander, allergens, bacteria, visible smoke, and mold spores.
Only the best smart air filters have this filter. Some lower quality models advertise HEPA-Type or HEPA-like filters, but they are inferior products that you should steer clear from.
Activated Carbon Filter
An activated carbon filter is a must-have if you want to eliminate odors, chemicals, and other gaseous particles from your room. It is the only type of filter that can absorb airborne chemicals, gases, and odors.
It is extremely porous, so when the air passes through it, it traps odor molecules, VOCs, and other gaseous particles into its surface. As the air continues to cycle throughout the room, more and more of these particles are captured, leading to fresher air blowing into the room.
Medium Filter
Where pre-filters capture bigger particles and HEPA filters smaller ones, some air purifiers also feature a medium filter that traps medium-sized particles.
Its presence boosts the efficiency of the HEPA filter. With all the large and medium-sized particles already removed, the HEPA filter only has to trap smaller particles, increasing both its performance and lifespan.
Ionizer
Some smart air purifiers also contain an ionizer feature. The ionizer releases charged particles into the air that attach to airborne particles to charge them. Once charged, all these particles stick together to form clusters that are easier for the air purifier to capture.
A smart air purifier offers you a combination of all or at least most of these air filtration techniques. All of these stages combine to reduce air pollutants in the air.
You should only consider a unit if it offers at least a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
Voice Control
A smart air purifier is truly smart only when it is compatible with virtual voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri.
The voice command support allows you to control your air purifier with simple voice commands. You can ask it to turn on or off, change the fan speed, switch to a different operating mode, or set a timer. This makes using an air purifier very convenient.
Remote Control
We believe that the remote control in a modern air purifier is not necessary. Since these devices come with their own smartphone apps for better usability, there is no need for separate remote control.
However, if it is crucial for you to have one, you should go ahead and purchase a unit that comes with a separate remote control.
IFTTT Integration
IFTTT means the programming conditional statement “if this, then that.” It is a software provider that develops a software platform that connects apps, devices, and services from different developers. It links them all together to let you easily script different actions to make your home more comfortable.
An air purifier with IFTTT integration offers you better control. You can sync it with your IFTTT, where it becomes a part of the smart appliance’s hub in your home.
Now, you can regulate it along with all the other devices with a single app. There is no need to install separate apps for all the different devices.
Air Quality History
Some smart home air purifiers have built-in air quality monitors.
These monitors measure the concentration of different airborne pollutants and generate detailed reports that you can view on your smartphone.
Most of these actually store the air quality history to help you better understand your indoor air quality index.
Purchasing such a device will help you maintain a more ambient indoor atmosphere in your home. You can use the data to learn about different air quality issues and take different measures accordingly.
Filter Maintenance Reminders
A good smart air filter sends you an alert when its filters need your attention. It monitors the filter status in real-time, and when it is full, it automatically sends you an alert via push notification to check it out.
Although most units have built-in filter change indicators, receiving the alert directly on your phone makes the entire process more convenient.
CADR Ratings
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating represents how efficient an air purifier is at eliminating different airborne pollutants. The CADR rating is calculated for three major contaminants: smoke, dust, and pollen.
This rating is usually issued by AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), who calculates it in cubic feet per minute or cfm.
The most effective air purifier has a CADR score that is at least 2/3rd of its area coverage. For instance, an air purifier with 300 square feet area coverage should have a cfm rating of 200 for each particle.
When purchasing a new air purifier, keep an eye out for its CADR rating. It is best that you invest your money in an AHAM-certified unit with a high CADR so that your purifier can efficiently eliminate air pollution.
ACH Rating
ACH rating is the number of air changes an air purifier delivers per hour. In other words, it also means how fast it can clean the air.
The ACH rating is usually included in the list of specifications.
A unit with a 2x ACH rating cleans the room two times in an hour. Similarly, a unit with a 5x ACH rating changes the air in the room 5 times every hour.
Of course, the higher the ACH rating, the better the air purifier.
Warranty
Since smart air purifiers are advanced appliances with modern technology, you should ensure they are backed by strong support. This includes checking the warranty coverage and how responsive the company’s customer care service is.
Smart air purifiers have warranty coverage ranging from 1 to 5 years.
All manufacturers have different terms and conditions for warranty coverage. Some offer different coverage ranges for both electrical and mechanical components, while others offer a single comprehensive coverage for the entire unit.
You should steer clear of devices that don’t come with a warranty and go with the ones with longer warranty coverage. This is because no warranty hints at the manufacturer’s lack of trust in the product’s quality.
You should also check out previous customer feedback to learn how responsive and cooperative a company’s support service is.
What You Need to Know About Smart Air Purifiers
A Wi-Fi-enabled air purifier is quite convenient. You can control it remotely via your smartphone, both within and outside your home.
Smart purifiers also offer real-time air quality alerts. Plus, the IFTTT integration lets you integrate it into your smart home network. Some other things you need to know about smart air purifiers are:
Smart air purifiers need constant internet access for you to benefit from the smart features. If they lose signal, you won’t be able to access their smart features.
These air purifiers come with their own proprietary application that allows you to use them via your smartphone. With these apps, you can convert your smartphone into a remote control that enables you to adjust the air purifier.
Most smart air purifiers come with built-in air quality monitors. They provide you real-time feedback about indoor air quality and sometimes also list the contaminants floating in your air.
You can set up a custom schedule for the air purifier to turn on and off throughout the day or even the week.
You can also control these devices with voice commands. You can sync them with your virtual voice assistant as a more convenient method of operation.
Smart air purifiers tend to cost a bit more than non-Wi-Fi air purifiers.
Pros and Cons: Smart Air Purifiers
Now that you know about some popular smart air purifier models, here is a brief rundown of their pros and cons to help you choose right.
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Smart Air Purifiers Use More Power than Regular Models?
Because of their continuous Wi-Fi connectivity, smart air purifiers tend to consume a bit more energy than their regular counterparts.
Yet the fact remains that air purifiers, whether smart or not, are energy-friendly devices.
On average, they consume about 50 watts of power. Even if you run yours for 12 hours every day, it’ll cost you under $10 per month.
Do Smart Air Purifiers Pose Any Risk?
Just like their regular counterparts, smart air purifiers are actually great for your health, especially if you suffer from asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
Some air purifiers generate ozone during their operation. They do pose a health risk because ozone is a known lung irritant, and in large concentrations, it can make you seriously ill.
Are Smart Air Purifiers Quiet?
Most smart air purifiers are designed with user comfort in mind. That’s why many models operate on near-silent noise levels.
You won’t hear a thing when they are running at low speed. They may generate some white background noise at higher speeds.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Smart Air Purifier Sold Today?
Smart air purifiers with Wi-Fi control and voice command compatibility are a convenient and hands-free way of creating an ambient indoor atmosphere. They let you create customized schedules and offer remote operation and managementfrom any part of the world.
If you want a smart air purifier for a small area, we believe the LEVOIT Core 200S is a great option. It is an affordable unit from the number one air purifier selling brand in the US and boasts numerous impressive features.
But if you have a medium-sized space that you want to purify, we would suggest you go for the Winix AM90. It covers areas as big as 360 square feet and delivers 5 air changes with a CADR rating above 200 cfm.
Moreover, if you want something even bigger that purifies much larger areas, the Zigma Aerio-300 is a good choice both in terms of price and features. It can cover areas upwards of 420 square feet and boasts AI detection for automatic speed regulation.
