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If you’re fed up with cleaning and maintaining air filters, a filterless air purifier is just what you need. Heightened energy efficiency, less noise, cost-friendliness, and cleaner air quality are what filterless air purifiers are all about. Could it get better? Find the best filterless air purifier for you below!
Best Filterless Air Purifier
- Airfree Air Purifier P3000
- Air Oasis 1000G3
- Airocide NASA Air Purifier
- IonPacific Ionbox
- Airfree P1000
- Envion Ionic Pro Turbo
The 6 Best Filterless Air Purifiers in 2021
1. Airfree Air Purifier P3000
The Airfree Iris 3000 is one of the quietest filterless air purifiers on the market, so if you’re looking for a pick that won’t showcase itself to your guests, this is the one. It actually has no fan, so it’s literally noise-free.
Additionally, the Airfree Iris 3000 is super sleek-looking and conveniently small –– if you’ll need to move it across rooms or take it with you on your frequent trips, you won’t have to worry about its portability! To be precise, it weighs exactly 3.5 lbs. As for its coverage area, it’s ideal for houses or areas spanning around 650 square feet.
On the note of the design, I loved that this air purifier comes with nine different color options for lighting. And if you don't prefer lighting altogether, you can simply switch it off.
Functionality-wise, the air purifier employs the filterless technology along with patented Thermodynamic TSS technology, which effectively destroys microorganisms, including pollen, viruses, dust mites, organic allergens, odors, pet dander, mold, and bacteria. Also, the Airfree Iris 3000 is ISO certified, so you’re in safe hands.
As if all that wasn’t enough, the Airfree Iris 3000 is budget-friendly and boasts a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Demolishes most of the air contaminants
- Sleek and modern design
- Changeable lighting
- Quiet operation
- Seamless setup process
- Lightweight
- ISO certified
Cons:
- Doesn’t effectively function in areas over 650 square feet
- Not Energy-Star certified
2. Air Oasis 1000G3
Filterless air purifiers that purify surfaces aren't exactly easy to come across; luckily, the Air Oasis 1000G3 made a presence on this list thanks to its mid-range price, top-notch technology, and effectiveness in eliminating odorant particles.
The 1000G3 is 14.13 inches tall and weighs 3 lbs, making it even more portable than the Airfree Iris 3000, so you could easily take it with you on your trips. On the design front, it boasts a unique, angular look with a ravishing blue light on the top.
This filterless air purifier functions in quite a distinct way –– it electrochemically changes particles rather than filtering them out. It operates using the NASA-developed AHPCO technology along with Bi-Polar ionization to basically breakdown the particles on a molecular level.
By using ions and photocatalytic oxidation, the 1000G3 neutralizes odors and deactivates any bacteria, allergens, viruses, and mycotoxins. In other words, it doesn't exactly "remove" material from the air; it just changes their nature.
In terms of coverage area, the 1000G3 is best suited for spaces around 300 square feet. It functions its best when it’s actually placed in open spaces, like large offices or homes with backyards. That’s simply because it tends to produce a sort of ozone smell that can become evident in enclosed areas.
Lastly, this model features a super quiet fan, so you won't be hearing any annoying noises.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Purifies both surfaces and air
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Purifies down to a molecular level
Cons:
- Relatively limited coverage area
- Produces ozone smell
3. Airocide NASA Air Purifier
The Airocide APS-200 delivers a 100% particle removal rate, and that in itself is its unique selling proposition. By eliminating organic pollutants and pathogens completely, it doesn’t get better.
For starters, the Airocide APS-200 has a distinct, space-age look that speaks "NASA" on all levels; it really doesn't look like an air purifier –– which is great! However, the downside is that it’s relatively large. It's 18.7 inches long and weighs 9 lbs, so it isn't the most portable option out there.
This filterless air purifier uses titanium oxide along with UV-C photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology developed by NASA to neutralize VOCs produced by plants out of space vessels' air to make in-space gardening easier.
With its 100% removal rate, the Airocide APS-200 gets rid of VOCs, bacteria, dust particles, and mold. I found it incredibly effective with organic matter, in particular. So, if you suffer from asthma or have an allergy, this filterless air purifier will definitely come in handy. Imagine your life with no more dust!
Generally, this air purifier works adequately in both medium and large-sized rooms; there isn't an exact coverage area. However, the bedroom seems to be the most suitable place for its placement.
Noise-wise, it produces white noise that could actually put you to sleep. To make that even more convenient, you can enable it to automatically down-throttle for nighttime use.
Pros:
- Top-notch technology
- Sleek design
- 100% particle removal rate
- Ideal for nighttime use
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Requires replacement reaction chambers annually
4. IonPacific Ionbox
With a whopping coverage area of 500 square feet, a sub-$100 price tag, and rechargeability, the IonPacific Ionbox is really hard to top as the best portable filterless air purifier.
This air purifier is impressive on many different fronts. To begin with, it has a 20 million negative ions/second particle removal rate, which is ideal for a medium-sized room. And out of the box, it comes with an electrostatic discharge (ESD) brush to allow you to clean the grids whenever the purifier starts making any unwelcome noise.
When using this air purifier, I notice that my family’s allergies have been relieved tremendously and that tobacco smells, cooking odors, vehicle exhausts, and litter box odors have literally come to an end by using it.
Not to mention, the IonPacific Ionbox is both CE and RoHS certified, which testifies to its effectiveness and how little ozone it produces; it’s almost negligible.
When it comes to portability, not only is the IonPacific Ionbox super portable and lightweight, but it's also chargeable via USB (that's a first for me!). You can just connect it to your smartphone or laptop, and it's good to go. Its adapter is also compatible with both 110-V and 220-V plugs, again catering to portability and travel-friendliness.
Pros:
- Super portable
- Very budget-friendly
- CE and RoHS certified
- Chargeable by USB through smart devices
- 110-V/220-V AC adapter
- Comes with an electrostatic discharge (ESD) brush
Cons:
- Can get noisy sometimes
- Only suitable for medium-sized rooms
5. Airfree P1000
The Airfree P1000 filterless air purifier is genuinely among the best you'll ever encounter, and for all the right reasons! From its excellent coverage of up to 450 square feet and the fact that it only weighs 3.1 lbs, all the way to its patented Thermodynamic TSS technology, it just doesn't fail!
By using heat to get rid of microorganisms, this air purifier has the ability to clean the air from bacteria, allergens, mold, dust mites, tobacco, viruses, pollens, and pet dander, among many other air pollutants using heat sterilization. In just a matter of hours, you’ll begin to reap the benefits of filterless air purifiers!
Since it uses Thermodynamic TSS technology, the Airfree P1000 won’t ever require you to replace filters or even wash them.
On the practical side, this air purifier is completely silent because it doesn’t have any fans; you literally won’t feel its presence to the extent that you may even question whether it’s operating. And what’s even better is that although it’s that quiet, it magically works to reduce ozone emission by 25%.
Lastly, I liked how it features an adjustable night light that can work for bedrooms and baby nurseries alike. Yet, be cautious if you’re going to place it in a baby nursery because it tends to get quite hot after running for a couple of hours.
Pros:
- Decent room size coverage
- Low energy consumption
- Reduces ozone emission by 25%
- Features a night light
- Low noise level
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Can get super hot after operating for a couple of hours straight
6. Envion Ionic Pro Turbo
The Envion Ionic Pro Turbo is a filterless unit that works wonders when it comes to providing you with dust-free, clean air. Air purification doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, as this air cleaner comes at a very reasonable price that caters to all budgets.
And it's not one of those filterless air purifiers with a low upfront price but then charges you tons of money while running; it's extremely energy-efficient, so you don't have to worry about your energy bills becoming sky-high.
If you think that comes at the expense of the design, you’d be pleased to learn that it actually doesn't. In fact, the Envion Ionic Pro Turbo features a modern tower design, making it perfect for placing in the corner of your room without occupying too much space.
The Envion Ionic Pro’s filter is a collection blade, trapping up to 99.9% of all airborne particles. From household irritants such as pollen, pet dander, dust, kitchen odors, all the way to viruses, bacteria, smoke, and others, say goodbye to air pollution!
The air purifier features three different speed settings: low, medium, and high, and the purifier itself gives you an indication of when air quality is at its optimum. Regardless of the level you opt for, you won’t be distracted –– the noise level is kept to the minimum even at the highest setting.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Super low noise level
- Has three speed levels: low, medium, and high
- Energy-efficient operation
Cons:
- You must leave it to dry for a day after cleaning
What to Look for When Buying a Filterless Air Purifier
Choosing the best filterless air purifier for you isn't precisely the same as choosing a standard air purifier. Below are some factors you need to consider when selecting filter-free air purifiers.
Coverage Area
Naturally, the first thing you want to look out for among the different models of filterless air purifiers is their range of coverage. I'd first consider the actual room or area you're looking to use the purifier in and then make a choice accordingly. Generally, add approximately 20 feet to your room size for the best results.
For example, if your room is 500 square feet, it would be best to go for a filterless air purifier with a coverage area of at least 520 square feet.
Air Purification Technology
I'll cover the different air purification technologies utilized by filterless air purifiers momentarily. Still, I want to emphasize that regardless of the technology, you want to make sure that your purifier isn't stripping away any matter from the air. And that's the case with most filterless air purifiers.
Generally, air-purification technologies include Heat Sterilization, UV-C, Ionization, Ozone, Electrostatic Precipitation, and Photocatalytic Oxidation, but I’ll cover them in more details later.
Noise Level
For a lot of people, a filterless air purifier is only as good as how minimal sound it produces. That's especially so for those with children because even the slightest noise disturbances can wake them up for the entire night. To check for noise levels, examine the product description for a statement on the noise levels, which are usually measured in decibels (dB).
Energy Consumption
It would be horrible to opt for a filterless air purifier and end up with hefty electricity bills every month! Luckily, the majority of air purifiers operating without filters are extremely energy-efficient. To double-check if your chosen air purifier is energy-efficient, take a look at its Energy Star rating.
Percentage of Airborne Particles Removal
This is a classic factor to consider, but I'll mention it anyway. Choose the filterless air purifier with the highest percentage of airborne particle elimination. Ideally, opt for one with a 99% removal rate or even higher.
Also, while Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ratings don't apply to filterless units, don't be surprised if some of them come with CADR values. In general, CADR refers to the cubic footage of air per minute (CFM) in which particles are demolished.
Warranty
Always go for a filterless air purifier with a warranty. You never know when an air purifier will malfunction, so it’s always best to have a guaranteed warranty to back you up in case anything goes wrong. And don’t just accept any warranty –– go for an air purifier with a decent warranty of at least one year in case the defect doesn’t happen right after the purchase.
Operation Modes
A lot of filterless air purifiers come with three modes: low, medium, and high. These settings differ in the fan speed only, which is the speed at which the air purifier draws air into the apparatus. You'll find that some of them are sort of automatic; they have sensors that trigger the purifier to operate, like poor air quality or human presence.
Just be careful with air purifiers that produce ozone; you want to apply the user manual instructions word for word since a lot of toxicity hazards can be involved.
Extra Features
Some manufacturers really do all it takes to ensure your satisfaction. That's mostly through extra features. For instance, some filterless air purifiers have night lights so that you could sleep safe and sound at night with the right air cleaning setting on and with minimal noise production.
Other features include an LCD screen, timers, light color options, sleek designs, and much more. Of course, they sometimes come at their own price embedded within the air purifier’s upfront price, but they could be worth it big time!
Why Should You Get A Filterless Air Purifier?
If you were just considering air purifiers in general and came across filterless ones, you’re probably lost in the differences between both, especially that they essentially serve the same functions. Here’s why you should get a filterless air purifier:
- Noise-free. Filtered air purifiers utilize fans and require continuous airflow. On the contrary, filterless air purifiers don't need fans and don't rely on airflow to operate. Accordingly, you end up with an entirely noise-free operation that's just a breeze.
- Zero maintenance. With filter air purifiers, you need to clean out the filters every now and then and do some maintenance work to ensure the functionality of the purifier. On the other hand, filterless air purifiers require nothing at all!
- Cost-effectiveness. Filterless air purifiers are both affordable upfront and in the long run. They’re actually more cost-effective in the long run because you don’t pay any recurring expenses. With standard air purifiers, you need to buy replacement filters quite often.
How Do Filterless Air Purifiers Work?
If filterless air purifiers don’t use filters, then how do they function? Impressively, these air purifiers rely on different technologies to clean and purify the air. Below are the most common technologies employed in filterless air purifiers.
- Heat Sterilization/Thermodynamics. With this technology, microorganisms and air pollutants are heated in super high temperatures and completely destroyed. Following that, the air is cooled and released into your area or room to freshen it.
- UV-C Light. Some filterless air purifiers use UV light or rays to clean the air. In this case, the DNA and molecular structure of pollutants, germs, bacteria, and others is damaged and, thus, completely eliminated from your home.
- Ionization. Ionization is pretty common, where ions are produced to trap air contaminants and prevent their release into your home.
- Ozone Generation. This is actually one of the most hazardous mechanisms to clean the air, but it’s a technology used to neutralize odors rather than destroy them.
- Electrostatic Precipitation. As its name implies, this technology induces an electrostatic charge into the air to trap contaminants like odors, smoke, bacteria, and more to break them down.
- Photocatalytic Oxidation. By employing titanium dioxide and UV-C, gaseous contaminants are converted into harmless compounds that don’t harm your home or the air quality.
Are Filterless Air Purifiers Good?
Yes! They’re extremely beneficial when it comes to making your home feel and smell fresh. They’re a huge saving over standard air purifiers, and they’re equally, if not more, effective when it comes to destroying pollutants, especially dust particles.
Do All Air Purifiers Have Filters?
A lot of people believe that even filterless air purifiers have a filter embedded that’s invisible to the naked eye. Actually, what you see is what you get. Like the products I’ve reviewed in this article, filterless air purifiers are literally filter-free.
Are the UV-C Lights Inside the Filter-Free Air Purification Unit Safe for Humans?
While direct exposure to any UV-C light could be dangerous, as long as they’re kept inside the appliance itself, there’s nothing to worry about. Just don’t tamper with the internal manufacturing of the air purifier.
How Long Do Filter-Free Air Purifiers Last?
Medium or large filterless air purifiers could last around five years on average, while cheaper ones and portable ones could last a year at most. To extend their lifetime, keep any water and direct exhaust fumes away from them as much as you could. Also, you could brush dust buildup from the intake/output layers every now and then.
Final Words
If you've made it this far, I hope you now have a clear understanding of how to pick a filterless air purifier and made up a general overview of the best ones on the market today. If you're still new to all of this and it still feels overwhelming, don't worry; I've got your back. Here's a further narrow down of my top picks.
The Airfree Iris 3000 is my ultimate pick as the best filterless air purifier. Its noise-free operation, sleek design, portability, and 99.99% particle removal rate are all the features one could possibly want in a filterless air purifier. It simply ticks all the boxes.
And because the competition was so fierce, I can’t help but mention the runner-up, the Air Oasis 1000G3. Not only does it combine two technologies, but it also comes at an affordable price and is suitable for most rooms!
To make the final choice, just reread the buying guide once more and consider the factors that matter most to you. Once you do, you’ll surely be able to make up your mind once and for all! Either way, it’s very difficult to go wrong with a filterless air purifier –– they’re truly effective, affordable, noiseless, portable, and require no maintenance!
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