Best Air Purifiers for Allergies in 2026

If you wake up congested every spring or struggle with pet dander year-round, an air purifier with a true HEPA filter can dramatically improve your quality of life. We tested eight models specifically for allergen removal.

What HEPA Actually Means

True HEPA filters capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. That includes pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. Watch out for “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-style” labels, which indicate lower-grade filters that miss more particles.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max

The 311i Max covers rooms up to 930 square feet and runs whisper-quiet on its lowest setting. Its three-stage filtration system combines a washable pre-filter, particle filter, and activated carbon layer. Replacement filters cost around 40 dollars and last six months.

Best for Large Rooms: Coway Airmega 400

If your living room or open-plan space exceeds 1,000 square feet, the Airmega 400 handles it with ease. Dual HEPA filters capture allergens from both sides, and the real-time air quality indicator lets you see the improvement.

Best Compact: Levoit Core 300S

The Core 300S fits on a nightstand and is ideal for bedrooms up to 220 square feet. Smart controls let you schedule cycles and monitor filter life from your phone. At under 100 dollars, it is the most affordable true HEPA option we tested.

Placement Tips

Place your purifier in the room where you spend the most time, typically the bedroom. Keep it at least a foot from walls for proper airflow. Run it continuously on a low setting rather than turning it on only when symptoms flare.

Worth the Investment

A quality air purifier will not cure allergies, but it significantly reduces indoor triggers. Most testers reported noticeable improvement within three days of continuous use.