Allergies don’t necessarily stop you from being a pet parent

Allergies don’t necessarily stop you from being a pet parent.A pet air purifier purifies breathable air for a cleaner, allergy-free home with your favorite furry friend.These purifiers address the specific challenges posed by pet ownership, often including odor, pet dander, and pet hair.

The size of the room, the number of pets and the particles you want to target will all affect the type, size and filter you need.Extra features like pet or child locks and smart settings make it easier to take deep breaths without inhaling bad odors or pet hair.Our list of the best pet air purifiers ranges from models designed specifically for pet hair to those that excel at removing odors.
— Best Overall: Levoit Core P350 — Best Budget: Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier — Best for Pets Scent: Alen BreatheSmart Classic Great Room Air Purifier — Best for Pet Hair: Blueair Blue 211+ HEPASilent Air Purifier — Best for Pets Great Room: Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
We looked at air purifier filter types, clean air delivery rates (CADR), recommended room sizes, and extra features that are best for pet houses.We also considered the performance record of each model on the list.
Filter Type: For a pet house, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is one of the most important factors.We looked at models with true HEPA filters to target allergy-causing pet dander.However, some models with similar HEPA filters made the list due to the advantages of other features.A HEPA filter isn’t strictly necessary if you don’t want to control allergies, although you’ll get the best results.Pre-filters and carbon filters are other types we consider.The pre-filter targets large particles and the carbon filter absorbs pet odors.

CADR: We recorded CADR when available, including separate scores for dust, smoke and pollen.Unfortunately, some manufacturers do not report CADR at all, or may only report a CADR number without stating whether it is for dust, smoke, or pollen.
Room Size: We have air purifiers that can be used in various sized rooms to suit different home layouts.
Extra features: Air purifiers may come with a long list of extra features that you may or may not need.Most people only need a basic purifier with a two or three fan setup.However, if you prefer to set up your air purifier and have it run without fiddling with the controls, models with built-in sensors and automatic settings can be useful.
Why it’s on the list: Designed for pet homes, this Levoit effectively removes allergens, odors and pet hair up to 219 square feet.
Specifications: – Dimensions: 8.7″L x 8.7″W x 14.2″H – Recommended Room Size: 219 sq. ft. – CADR: 240 (not specified)
Advantages: — Pre-filter removes large particles — Night setting operates at only 24 dB (decibels) — Multiple fan settings — Petlock prevents tampering
The Levoit Core P350 specifically targets pet problem areas like dander, hair, and odor, making it an excellent pet air purifier.The three-layer filtration system starts with a non-woven pre-filter that captures large particles.It is reusable and needs to be cleaned every few months.(The more pets you have, the more often you will need to clean this filter.)
The second stage of filtration is a true HEPA filter that removes allergens such as pet dander.(This filter typically needs to be replaced every six to eight months.) The P350 eliminates odors using an activated carbon filter with ARC technology, which absorbs and chemically breaks down odors.
This model also comes with some user- and pet-friendly extras, including a pet lock that prevents pets (or children) from tampering with settings, a check filter indicator, and the option to turn off the display light.It also has two-hour, four-hour, six-hour and eight-hour timers.(For best filtration, we always recommend running the air purifier 24/7, but you can use a timer to improve energy efficiency.) Finally, this model has three speed settings and a nighttime setting that runs quietly at 24 decibels .However, some users report a chemical smell after a few months of use.Replacing the filter seems to fix the problem, but not every unit has this problem.
Why it’s on the list: Hamilton Beach’s reusable HEPA-rated filters and two-way options make it versatile and affordable.
Specifications: – Dimensions: 8.5″L x 6″W x 13.54″H – Recommended Room Size: 160 sq. ft. – CADR: NA
If you want to keep a relatively small space clean, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier is a great deal.The unit removes particles down to 3 microns in a space of 160 square feet.This is small enough to remove pet hair, some dander, and many allergens, but not all.(A true HEPA filter removes particles down to 0.3 microns.) You’re giving up on filtering allergens with this model, but it still removes hair and other large particles well.
One of the great things about this air purifier is that it can save you money in the short and long term.It’s affordable upfront, and it has a permanent, reusable filter that needs to be vacuumed every three to six months.
Another benefit is the horizontal or vertical orientation to better suit various spaces.Three speeds allow you to adjust not only the filtering speed but also the noise level according to your needs.
No bells and whistles, this air purifier keeps everything basic and affordable.It’s a good option for spaces that pets visit but don’t necessarily come around frequently most of the day.
Why it’s on the list: BreatheSmart offers a pet-specific option that neutralizes pet odors and removes allergens with a true HEPA filter that replaces air in 1,100 square feet of space every 30 minutes.
Specifications: – Dimensions: 10″L x 17.75″W x 21″H – Recommended Room Size: 1,100 sq. ft. – CADR: 300 (not specified)
Pros: – Customizable filters – Custom finishes – Huge coverage area – Sensors automatically detect air quality
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier is a premium air purifier that eliminates dog (and cat) odors, with multiple customization options and a huge coverage area.After purchase, you can choose one of four filter types.Of the four, the OdorCell filter neutralizes pet odors while also trapping allergens and pet dander.However, FreshPlus filters that use chemical air filters to remove allergens, odors, VOCs and fumes are another option for pet owners.Either will keep pet dander and odors from taking over your home.You can further customize this air purifier by choosing one of six finishes.
The power and size of this air purifier prevents odors from penetrating your home.At its highest setting, it can completely replace the air in a 1,100-square-foot room in 30 minutes.
The BreatheSmart has a high price, but that price includes extra features like a timer, filter meter (letting you know when the filter starts to fill), four speeds, and automatic settings.The automatic setting uses a built-in sensor that detects the air purification level.The air purifier automatically turns on when the level falls below an acceptable range, preventing BreatheSmart from running when the air is clean.Keep in mind that this powerful air purifier comes with a large price and footprint.It can easily overpower a small room visually.
Why it’s on the list: The 211+ treats pet hair with an energy-efficient, reusable fabric pre-filter.
Specifications: – Dimensions: 13″L x 13″W ​​x 20.4″H – Recommended Room Size: 540 sq. ft. – CADR: 350 (smoke, pollen and dust)
Advantages: – Reusable fabric pre-filter – Electrostatic filtration removes 99.97% of particles – Activated carbon filter removes some odors
The Blueair Blue 211+ HEPASilent air purifier is an air purifier for dog hair (or cat hair) thanks to a reusable fabric pre-filter, it is the ideal air filter for pet hair and powerful suction.We’d like to point out that the name HEPASilent can be a bit deceptive for this model.It doesn’t have a true HEPA filter, but an electrostatic filter that removes particles down to 0.1 microns.It’s not quite the same standard as a HEPA filter, but with a CADR rating of 300 for pollen, dust and smoke, it’s still very effective.
In the recommended 540 square feet of space, this model can change all the air in the room 4.8 times in one hour.This power removes a lot of floating hair through a pre-filter.When the pre-filter fills up, which is inevitable, you can just throw it in the washing machine, let it dry completely, and put it back on.If you want to mix and match with your decor, Blueair offers additional fabric coverings in different colors.
The 211+ also has an activated carbon filter that reduces slight odors.However, if you have a particularly smelly pet or multiple pets, you may need a model with multiple activated carbon filters to remove odors from your home.As a potential downside, the 211+ has been known to smell a bit by itself in the first few days.
Why it’s on the list: Coway’s pre-filters, HEPA filters, and carbon filters effectively clean the air in a 1,560-square-foot room twice an hour.
Specifications: – Dimensions: 14.8″L x 14.8″W x 22.8″H – Recommended Room Size: Maximum 1,560 sq. ft. – CADR: 328 (smoke and dust), 400 (pollen)
Advantages: – Automatic Air Quality Sensor – Reusable Pre-Filter – Filter Indicator – Smart Mode
The Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier is equipped with advanced features like an automatic air quality sensor and smart mode and filter indicators for large rooms.It’s about the same price as the Airdog X5 air purifier, a powerful pet-specific air purifier, but the Coway covers a much larger area.This large air purifier is designed for rooms up to 1,560 square feet.In such a large room, it is possible to completely change the air twice an hour.
This model saves energy, especially in smart mode.In smart mode, the air quality sensor adjusts settings based on detected air pollution, increasing or decreasing airflow based on sensor readings.Smart settings also activate a halo on the front of the device, which changes color as air quality decreases.Also, if the air quality continues to be cleaned for ten minutes, Eco Mode turns off the fan.
As one of the best air purifiers for pets, it has a three-stage filtration system including a pre-filter, a true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.You can also set your own schedule with three timer settings.Although this unit is large and expensive, it is an effective solution for large rooms or open floor plans.
Filter Type: Air purifiers can be equipped with one or more filters.Each filter type serves a slightly different purpose, targeting different particles.Ask yourself if pet hair, dander, or odor is more of a problem for you.Some people may have problems with all three, which means you may need a tertiary filtration system.
— HEPA filter: HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.They are a mechanical filter that traps particles in the filter fibers.These filters remove pet dander, mold, and dust, making them one of the most effective types of filters.If you need an air purifier for cat allergies or pet dander, make sure the air purifier has a HEPA filter or a true HEPA filter, not just a HEPA-type or HEPA-rated filter.The latter names may function similarly to HEPA filters, but may not help allergies as well as true HEPA filters.Keep in mind that HEPA filters don’t completely remove odors, smoke, or smoke, although they can reduce odors by removing some of the odor-causing particles.
— Electrostatic filters: Electrostatic filters rely on static electricity to attract unwanted particles, such as pet hair and dust.They are not as effective as HEPA filters, but they are a more economical option because they are less expensive to replace and are disposable and reusable.The reusable type can be cleaned and reused repeatedly, saving the cost of replacing the filter element.
— Activated carbon filters: Activated carbon filters absorb odors and gases, including pet odors, cigarette smoke, and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs).These filters can be treated with chemicals to target specific contaminants.While these filters do a great job removing odors and fumes, they can saturate over time and require regular replacement.Replacing them is also expensive.
— UV Filters: Ultraviolet (UV) filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.While these filters can help keep your home clean, most bacteria and viruses require longer UV exposure than an air purifier can provide.
— Negative ion and ozone filters: Negative ion and ozone filters work by releasing ions that attach and hold down unwanted particles so they fall out of the breathable air space.However, both negative ions and ozone filters release harmful ozone.Therefore, we do not recommend them.
CADR: The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) uses the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to measure the effectiveness of air purifiers.Air purifiers can get three CADR ratings, one for dust, smoke and pollen.CADR indicates how efficiently an air purifier removes particulate matter in each category based on the room space and the amount of clean air the air purifier produces per minute.Then convert that number to cubic meters per hour.The rating takes into account particle size, the percentage of particles removed, and the amount of air produced by the air purifier.You just need to know that the higher the CADR, the better the air purification efficiency and effect of the air purifier.Not every manufacturer includes CADR in their products, but those that do make it easier to compare models based on recognized third-party standards.
Room Size: The size of the room in which you will be using your air purifier has a big impact on the model you choose.An air purifier should be able to purify the air in a space slightly larger than the area of ​​the room.A model that is too small will not be able to effectively purify the air.Too large will consume more energy than is required to keep the air in the room clean.

Extra Features: Air purifiers can provide many useful, but not strictly necessary, extra features.Timers, automatic settings, air quality sensors, and smart features are the most common.Automatic settings and sensors reduce energy usage, while timers can set schedules.However, to truly protect against allergens, an air purifier should operate 24/7.
How often you replace your air purifier filter depends on several factors, such as the size of the air purifier, the amount of particles in the air, and the type of filter used.For example, if you have several pets or live in an area with frequent wildfires, your HEPA and charcoal filters may need to be changed frequently.Typically, pre-filters that remove the largest particles need to be replaced or cleaned every three to four months.HEPA filters need to be replaced every two years (more common in multi-pet households).The lifespan of an activated carbon filter varies from a few months to a year.
The difference between true HEPA filters and HEPA-type or HEPA-like filters is their ability to capture airborne particles.A true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.HEPA-type and HEPA-like filters are not efficient enough to claim to be true HEPA filters, although they can still remove particles as small as one to three microns.
Air purifiers can range in price from $35 to over $600, depending on the size and type of filter they contain.Larger models with pre-filters, HEPA filters and activated carbon filters that also feature built-in timers and smart features or remote controls will be at the top end of the price range.Smaller models designed for 150 to 300 square feet of space, with only a pre-filter and HEPA filter, will likely fall at the bottom of the price range.