Volatile organic compounds are no joke and may cause irreversible damage to your lungs and liver in the long term. However, there are ways to get rid of them, such as ventilation or using air purifiers. If you’d like to know the best air purifiers for VOCs, keep on reading.
Best Air Purifier for VOCs
- Bissell Smart
- Okaysou AirMax8L
- Blueair Blue Pure 411
- Airdoctor 4-in-1
- Hathaspace Smart
- Okaysou AirMic4S
- Westinghouse 1804 Portable
The 7 Best Air Purifiers for VOCs in 2022
1. Bissell Smart
If you’re looking for an air purifier that is packed with premium features, there’s no better option than the Bissell Smart air purifier.
At first glance, you can tell it’s different, thanks to the highly convenient elevated platform legs that help you clean the area hassle-free. Also, the rear cord storage is an excellent way to reduce cables lying around. Plus, it has a modern look that will fit in any room at your home.
You can use it in any room of up to 800 sq. ft. So, it’s ideal for most rooms, including living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms, and basements.
It employs a three-stage filtration process to clean the air. Firstly, it has a pre-filter to catch pet dander, fur, and large dust particles. Secondly, the HEPA filter acts as a small particle filter that catches everything that was too small for the pre-filter. Finally, the honeycomb-structured activated carbon filter targets odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In addition, the air purifier utilizes the Automated CirQulate system, which is a light-coded air quality and VOC sensor that gives you real-time feedback. Also, it has an auto night mode that dims the light and lowers the noise. Plus, there’s a handy timer that saves energy. Furthermore, the intuitive single-touchpoint controls separate this smart device from others.
Yet, there’s only one downside, which is the purifier’s not-so-affordable price.
Pros:
- Three-stage filtration
- Timer
- Automated CirQulate system
- Elevated platform legs
- Quiet
- Rear cord storage
- Intuitive single-touchpoint controls
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Okaysou AirMax8L
If you’re reading this, you suspect your home of having VOCs in the air. However, if you have household chemicals, pets, smokers, cooking odors, and allergic people at home, too, I recommend the Okaysou AirMax8L air purifier with a medical-grade HEPA filter.
Like most air purifiers on the list, it has a smart look to it, which became my preference, especially in 2020. With a 5-year warranty, rest assured that the manufacturer trusts this device. The child lock separates its design, enabling you to operate the device in the kids’ bedroom safely.
This affordable has a rate of 1.5 air changes per hour in a room size of 800 sq. ft., 3 air changes in a 500 sq. ft. one, and 5 air changes in a 320 sq. ft. one.
What I love about this air purifier is how it employs five stages of purification, including a medical-grade H13 True HEPA to catch 99.97% of air contaminants, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and hair. Also, this device acts as a household odor eliminator and breaks down tons of toxic fumes and gases that threaten your health.
Plus, you can definitely benefit from its filter alert, auto-shutoff timer, and sleep mode that provides a quiet environment.
The only complaint I have to make about this air purifier is how hard it is to find replacement filters.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 5-year warranty
- Filter alert
- Child lock
- Quiet
- Timer
- Multi-step filtration
Cons:
- Replacement filters are hard to find
3. Blueair Blue Pure 411
If you’re looking for an innovative way to filter through pollutants, the Blueair Blue Pure 411 air purifier got you covered with its electrostatic and mechanical filtration.
It's attractive and small design captures your attention immediately. You can pick from custom colors for the fabric pre-filter to match the room. Blueair employs galvanized steel and recyclable plastics in the body, which is good for the environment.
In addition, the cylindrical form allows for 360-degree air intake, which means that you get to choose where to place it without compromise because it can work anywhere. It’s good to note that it only has one button, which simplifies its usage.
Besides the physical filtration of the fabric exterior, this affordable unit boasts its own HEPASilent technology that charges airborne particles electrically to attract and trap them. Then, the activated carbon filter for removing VOCs and odors, eliminating the risk of health problems, short-term or otherwise.
Also, it has a helpful filter change indicator. Also, this air purifier is Energy Star certified, which is the best news for your energy bills. Plus, its efficiency led to a quiet performance of no more than 46 dB.
Yet, it can only clean the air in small rooms of no more than 161 sq. ft., which can be limiting.
Pros:
- Three-stage filtration including static electricity
- Quiet
- Energy Star certified
- Custom colors
- 360-degree air intake
- Filter alert
- Affordable
Cons:
- Suits small rooms only
4. Airdoctor 4-in-1
Not all air purifiers are made to cover medium to large areas because it can be a lot of work on smaller ones. So, I recommend the Airdoctor 4-in-1 air purifier to clean large contaminated areas.
One of the best features about this buddy is how portable it is, despite targeting areas of around 900 sq. ft. It’s not bulky at all and has built-in handles to enable you to move it from room to room. Its sealed design ensures no air leaks. Also, it has a sleek look that anyone can welcome in their home.
Like the Bissell Smart, it follows a three-stage filtration system. The pre-filter removes the not so fine particles. Then, the UltraHEPA filter traps almost 100% of fine particles at 0.003 microns. The dual-action filter targets ozone, gas, and VOCs that harm our health.
The air purifier benefits from a color-coded auto sensor that adjusts according to the level of household chemicals in the air. Thanks to the whisper-jet fan, it is 30% quieter than its counterparts. Plus, it has a helpful filter alert that tells you when to change them. You can also use the timer to pick when it operates.
However, there are two downsides. Firstly, the air purifier is expensive. Secondly, it may emit a plastic smell the first time you turn it on.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Auto mode
- Filter alert
- Three-stage filtration
- Timer
- Built-in handles
- Perfect for large rooms
Cons:
- Expensive
- Plastic smell when turned on for the first time
5. Hathaspace Smart
There are different levels of air pollution. If what you have at home is high, I recommend the five-step filtration system that the Hathaspace Smart air purifier provides.
Like a true smart air purifier, this reasonably-priced one has a sleek look that makes it belong in any modern home, thanks to the white body and black LED touch control panel at the front. Also, it doesn’t take up too much space.
In terms of coverage, it can handle a room size of up to 700 sq. ft. However, it has a rate of 2 air changes per hour in a 350 sq. ft. room.
What separates this device from most is its intensive filtration. It starts with a cold catalyst filter that attacks large particles, a cellular-activated carbon filter to remove VOCs and odors, an antibacterial filter, a True HEPA filter for mold spores and pollen, and an ozone-free ionizer that you can turn on or off.
This air purifier senses and adjusts the fan speed according to the air quality in auto mode. In addition, you can control this device from a distance, thanks to the convenient remote control. Plus, the timer saves you a lot of energy. Also, this unit produces 43dB at its loudest, which is still quiet.
Although I don’t have major complaints about this device, I wish its build was a bit sturdier than the plastic that they used.
Pros:
- Five-step filtration
- Auto mode
- Remote control
- Quiet
- Reasonably priced
- Timer
Cons:
- Plastic build
6. Okaysou AirMic4S
We don’t think enough about affordable air purifiers. There are some that won’t break the bank and are worth your time, such as the Okaysou AirMic4S air purifier.
The design of this air purifier is compact and practical. You can easily move it around the home, and the placement of the touch controls and vent at the top is perfect. Despite the affordable price point, it has a quality built that the manufacturer supports with a 5-year warranty.
Plus, it boasts a rate of 3 air changes per hour in a 300 sq. ft. room and 5 in 150 sq. ft. Thus, it can protect you from allergens and health problems in any small room. Also, the timer is pretty helpful when you don’t want to turn the device on all day.
What sets this air purifier apart is it lets you choose from specialized medical-grade H13 filters. So, there’s an original filter with a pre-filter for the usual airborne particles, another one for humid environments, another to remove VOCs present in the air with the help of an activated carbon filter, and a final one for odors. The filter alert comes in handy.
However, replacement filters are hard to find. Also, despite the manufacturer’s claims, this is not an air purifier for large rooms; it is ideal for small to medium rooms.
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable
- 5-year warranty
- Timer
- Filter alert
- Four optional main filters with a pre-filter and an activated carbon one
Cons:
- Replacement filters are hard to find
- Small rooms only
7. Westinghouse 1804 Portable
When we hear about air purifiers, we usually picture bulky air conditioners that stay in their place or move around with an effort. Nobody’s first thought is an air purifier that they can carry like a purse. Yet, here we are with the Westinghouse 1804 Portable air purifier.
This air purifier is the one that stands out the most in terms of design. It has a two-color casing and leather carrying strap, and it pretty much looks like a cute little purse. This design enables you to take it outside to anywhere you can think of that needs some proper air purification. This air purifier targets very small rooms and works on charges rather than electricity.
In addition, this reasonably-priced air purifier gets innovative in its technology. It utilizes an active oxygen generator that kills bacteria and viruses, the medical-grade H13 True HEPA filter that obliterates small pollutants, and the unique NCCO reactor whose job is to break down and remove VOCs. It’s an unusual but bold choice to prefer the NCCO technology over an activated carbon filter.
All that being said, there are a few things that I have to mention. The fact that it needs charging can be inconvenient if you’re outside with nowhere to charge it. Also, it can only perform well in a room size of no more than 100 sq. ft., which is a bit limiting.
Pros:
- Cute design
- Most portable
- Reasonable price
- Three-stage filtration
Cons:
- Needs charging
- Small rooms only
How to Choose an Air Purifier for VOCs
You may know what to look for and may not. However, it’s always helpful to consider these features to find the best air purifier for VOCs.
Filtration
The level and type of filtration every air purifier provides are the number one aspect to consider for removing VOCs. First things first, a pre-filter is an important step to not just clean the air, but also prolong the life of your main filter because it catches the large particles for it.
Then, you’ll need an air purifier with a True HEPA filter, which is the best particle filter to remove most impurities, such as dust mites, pollen, and most allergens. If your house is full of contaminants, a medical-grade HEPA filter is the answer.
However, a HEPA filter alone is not enough for VOC removal. It needs another type to accompany it, such as an activated carbon filter, for instance. It is made up of a semi-porous carbon layer that makes all kinds of volatile organic compounds stick to it, thus clearing the air from them. Carbon filters are the most common for VOC removal, but they’re not the only ones.
PECO or Photoelectrochemical Oxidation is also another popular technology for filtering gaseous pollutants. In fact, it is even more effective than an activated carbon filter because instead of collecting VOCs, PECO air purifiers destroy them and other allergens. So, I highly recommend air purifiers that utilize this technology.
Coverage
Knowing how much area an air purifier can cover is essential because it dictates how well it will perform in your room of choice; it is extra important for combatting VOCs, not just casual air purification with no specific target in mind.
So, always check the air purifier’s coverage in sq. ft. and compare it to the room size. You can find options for small to very large rooms, so don’t give up.
Efficiency
Nobody wants to use a device that uses more power than it should and causes electricity bills to look like phone numbers. So, you should always be on the lookout for air purifiers that work more efficiently than others.
One way to tell is if the air purifier has an Energy Star certification. This basically means that it’s 27% more energy-efficient than its standard counterparts, which ends up saving you a lot of money and energy. In addition, look for air purifiers with smart energy-saving modes or sensors that mean that the devices will only work when needed.
Noise
Noise is one thing you think doesn’t matter until you’re stuck with an HVAC unit that won’t let you sleep. Each device has fan speeds that range between the lowest and highest, and which translate into quietest and loudest sounds.
So, always check this sound range in decibels. In terms of comfort and safety, everything quieter than 60 decibels is fine. Also, consider an air purifier with a sleep mode if you’re going to use it in your bedroom.
Portability
If you suspect harmful emissions in more than one room in your home, you may need to consider a portable air purifier.
Many air purifiers are lightweight and have a handle at the top to help you carry them. Also, many of them have caster wheels so that you can easily roll them from room to room. Plus, many models have mini versions, if you really want something compact.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics may not be your first priority, but it sure helps you enter a room and find something nice to look at. If you don’t want industrial-looking air purifiers at home, think about sleek ones with attractive finishes and innovative designs.
Why Are VOCs Bad for You?
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of organic chemicals that are known for their high vapor pressure and low water solubility, meaning that many VOC molecules evaporate from their original solid or liquid form and turn into gas, hence the name “volatile”.
There are many products that release or “off-gas” into the air, mainly paint, varnishes, adhesives, upholstery, cigarette smoke, perfumes, hairsprays, pesticides, cleaning products, and so much more.
Okay, so what’s so bad about evaporation? Exposure to these molecules that exist in most household chemicals when they evaporate or off-gas causes short-term and long-term health effects because they pollute indoor air long after the use of the product that emitted them.
Short-term effects include headaches and irritation in the eye, nose, and throat. Long-term effects include nausea, liver damage, loss of coordination, and central nervous system damage. In many cases, EPA suspects some VOCs in causing cancer to humans.
Do Air Purifiers Help With VOCs?
Of course, but not all of them do. Look for air purifiers that are designed to remove gases and VOCs from the air.
A purifier with a HEPA filter is the best way to go. Why? HEPA filters can capture very small airborne particles; they are 99.97% efficient in trapping airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. What about smaller or larger particles? They capture them too.
Another filter that usually accompanies HEPA filters is the activated carbon filter. A carbon filter that’s activated is basically a necessity because it specializes in trapping gas molecules and strong odors by attracting them and making them stick to a semi-porous surface.
How Do You Get Rid of VOCs?
Ventilation is the key to the ideal indoor air quality. The reason why VOCs affect indoor air more is the lack of ventilation in closed areas. So, let your home breathe.
Also, try to skip chemical cleaning products and go the DIY route. Remember to find low-VOC alternatives to your home renovation products and building materials. Another hack for your home is to keep air-purifying plants indoors, such as Devil’s Ivy and Boston Fern.
In addition, if there’s a smoker in your household, try to make them smoke outdoors to reduce the risk of exposure to VOCs.
Final Words
Now that you’ve seen all of my top choices for the best air purifier for VOCs, you probably have a clearer image of what you want and what suits you best.
Let me announce my winner, which is the Bissell Smart air purifier. It is the best all-around option whether you’re new to air purification or not. It has a convenient design and a modern look that should fit your home like no other.
In addition, it covers up to 800 sq. ft., which is the perfect coverage for most rooms. Plus, it cleans your home using a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and carbon filtration to remove VOCs. Also, it has an automatic sensor that adjusts according to the air quality and keeps you up to date.
If you want to use it at night, you can, thanks to its ability to automatically lower noises and dim lights. Also, it has a timer that puts in control of how long the air purifier works. Finally, its touch controls are intuitive and fun. So, it’s safe to say that it’s worth checking out.
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