[social_warfare]
An air purifier neutralizes the particles floating around you, while a smart one adds convenient features such as Wi-Fi, history-keeping, and alerts.
An average person spends around 90% of their time indoors, especially with the lockdown obligations. That’s where our 6 best smart air purifiers can help you.
Best Smart Air Purifiers
- Winix AM90
- Rowenta PU3040U0
- Coway AP-1512HH
- Alen BreatheSmart
- Bissell Smart Purifier
- MOOKA True HEPA
The 6 Best Smart Air Purifiers in 2021
1. Winix AM90
The top result of our extensive search in the world of smart air purifiers is the Winix AM90, and we’ll tell you why. Firstly, it has a four-stage filtration process, which starts with a pre-filter for catching all the larger contaminants such as hair and dead skin.
Then, you reach the carbon filter (activated), which sterilizes and removes all odors as it targets VOCs. After that, we reach The True HEPA filter, which targets all particulates to neutralize them, and our last stage will be the PlasmaWave technology, an ionizer of sorts. By the way, you can turn this option on and off for battery perseverance.
Another thing that the Winix AM90 utilizes to be more efficient is the bottom-to-top airflow; when the air at the bottom is purified, it becomes a lot lighter. Therefore, it rises and displaces the air at the top as it gets heavier, making it fall down, then it’ll be caught easier and faster by the purifier.
All of this happens over a range of 360 ft.², which is rather impressive, as it can cover a medium to large room efficiently. As you all know, the Winix AM90 is a smart air purifier, and therefore, it can be connected to Wi-Fi, although it can be a little bit unstable.
Still, the Winix AM90 offers Alexa voice control, plus its own Winnix Smart app (which still needs quite some work to have a user-friendly interface and experience.)
The air purifier's smart features include checking the air quality indicators, activating the sleep mode, and setting it to automatic. Consequently, when the Winix AM90 senses that the lights are dimmed or off, it automatically reduces the noise created.
Sadly though, the handle is a dent style, which makes it somewhat impractical. Still, the entire device weighs around 16.5 lbs, which makes it kind of portable.
Pros:
- Alexa voice control
- Durable
- Sleek design
- Compact
- Bottom-to-top airflow system
- 4-stage filtration process
- PlasmaWave technology
- 360 sq ft coverage
- Winix Smart App
- Amazon Dash Replenishment
Cons:
- Unstable Wi-Fi
- Uncomfortable handle
- App needs work
2. Rowenta PU3040U0
Our next option is the Rowenta PU3040U0, and it’s most famous for its NanoCaptur+ technology, utilized as the last phase of its four-stage filtration process. Let’s talk about that filtration process.
The first wall that meets the antigens is a pre-filter designed for larger particles such as hair and dead skin. Next, they'll be meeting with an Allergy+ HEPA filter that works on collecting particulates such as dust and pollen with incredibly high efficiency. The next phase is the active carbon filters, which target VCOs and works on sterilizing the atmosphere.
Our last stage and the star of the show is the NanoCaptur+ filter, which removes 99.99% of formaldehyde. The thing about the NanoCaptur+ technology is that it doesn’t just trap formaldehyde particles in its cavities. Rather, it destroys them indefinitely, eliminating the chance of these particles freeing themselves.
Moreover, the Rowenta PU3040U0 enjoys a group of smart sensors placed strategically on the filters' sides. These sensors include dust and gas sensors, and the mentioned placement allows them to generate accurate readings regarding the quality of the air.
You can either set it to auto, and the device itself will decide which mode to go according to the light intensity in the room, or you can change it yourself. Either way, the Rowenta PU3040U0 is rather quiet; in daytime mode, it produces around 50 dB in terms of noise, while in nighttime mode, this number is cut down to 24 dB to allow you to sleep peacefully.
Furthermore, it boasts a time function allowing you to set it to work for one hour, two hours, all the way up to eight hours, and then shut down on its own.
Another attribute that the Rowenta PU3040U0 enjoys is the EnergyStar power consumption, which allows it to work with 68 watts, so it won’t cause a dent in your electric bill.
As for its coverage, the Rowenta PU3040U0 has a range of 234 ft.². Now, that’s less than the Winix AM90 but is still a reasonable range. Also, when the ACHx10 supports it, you’ll find that you’ll get impressive results.
Unfortunately, though, the CADR could’ve been improved a little bit, along with their customer service, which is very difficult to reach.
Pros:
- NanoCaptur+
- 4-stage filtration
- Quiet
- EnergyStar power consumption
- 234 ft.² range
- Smart sensor placement
- Bottom-to-top airflow
- Time function
Cons:
- Low CADR
3. Coway AP-1512HH
Our third smart air purifier for the day will be the Coway AP-1512HH, and just like its colleagues, it enjoys a four-stage filtration process. Again, the first stage is a pre-filter, made out of micro-mesh, which works on catching all of the larger particles such as hair and dead skin. The thing about it is that’s is a washable pre-filter; therefore, it’s in it for life.
The second phase is an activated carbon filter, which again works on sterilizing by attacking the VCOs in the air and eliminating all the room’s odors. Our third phase is a True HEPA filter, which attacks particulates, removing around 99% of them.
The last phase is the Vital Ionizer, which carries out a very specific process. What it does is that it charges the air particles negatively as they pass through it. This allows them to attach themselves on-to the dust particles floating in the air.
Consequently, they become too heavy and sink to the floor. This leads to a sense of overall freshness in the room, especially if you follow it up with a vacuuming session to remove all of the floor's dust.
Moreover, the Coway AP-1512HH has three airflow stages, allowing you to control the fan's strength and the level of noise produced by the purifier according to your current needs. Plus, it sports two modes for you to work with; the auto and the eco modes. Your choice between them will affect electricity consumption.
Furthermore, the air quality indicator installed in the Coway AP-1512HH is one of its greatest attributes. It shows its results through a color gradient starting with purple as your air is infiltrated by pollutants, moving all the way two blue as the atmosphere around you gets cleaner and cleaner.
Plus, it also has a timer function so that you can set it to shut down after a specific period. As for the range of air, the Coway AP-1512HH can clear as far as 326 ft.² That number is close to the Winix AM90, and still more than the Rowenta PU3040U0.
Lastly, we’ll speak about the design, which is one of its greatest attractions. The Coway AP-1512HH has a sleek black or white design that fits in with any aesthetic. Overall, it looks like an iPod-Nano, just on a larger scale.
This brings us to its portability, which is on point, as it’s fitted with two handles on each side and has an overall weight of only 12.35 lbs.
The cons of the Coway AP-1512HH include its hefty price tag, which not everyone can deal with, and its top light, which is always on.
Pros:
- Vital Ionizer
- 4-stage filtration process
- Air quality indicator
- 3-stage airflow
- Filter replacement indicator
- Eco-mode
- 326 ft.² range
- EnergyStar
- Time function
Cons:
- Expensive
- The top light is always on
4. Alen BreatheSmart
Our fourth entry is the Alen BreatheSmart, and it’s rather different when compared to its peers. One of its greatest, if not the greatest, features is its range that’s a stunning 1100 ft.², beating all of the other smart air purifiers that we’ve spoken about.
Mainly, the filtering system is the Alen 3-stage cleaning one, and in the center, you’ve got yourself one of four different HEPA filters. It would be best if you made your choice according to your pathogen elimination needs.
You can choose between the HEPA-Pure, which is the standard HEPA capable of eliminating 99% of particulates, and the HEPA-Fresh, which is essentially the same as the HEPA-Pure with the addition of an activated carbon filter, which, as mentioned before, works on sterilizing the atmosphere and removing all sorts of odors as it attacks VCOs.
The next step will be the HEPA-Silver, which comes with all the previous, plus an anti-microbial set of silver ion threads. The job of this set is to destroy any spores or bacteria and prevent their spread anywhere.
Take another step forward, and you’ll find the HEPA-OdorCell, which comes with molecular conversion powder. This powder gets down to the very origin of the particles destroying their molecules, therefore eliminating any chance of them still circulating the air around you.
Logically, as you go for more advanced filters, you’ll find that you’re paying more, and the filter replacement will cost just as much. Plus, since the HEPA filter is so expensive, Alen has decided to protect it to enhance its longevity. That’s done by installing a pre-filter that manages to catch larger particles.
One thing where the Alen BreatheSmart is similar to its colleagues is the bottom-to-top airflow. Additionally, this smart air purifier is rather conservative when it comes to electricity, as it uses only 50 W. Nevertheless, it’s rather loud, which can be annoying.
Furthermore, it comes with two different modes; the first one is the automatic mode, which decides the fan’s strength according to the room’s level of pollution, while the second is the sleep/night mode, which dims the lights.
Next, we have the smart sensor, which detects the number of particles in your room. This information is transferred to the air quality indicator, which turns from blue, representing good air quality, to yellow, which means moderate air quality, ending with red, representing low air quality.
This product has a very sleek modern look that comes in eight different color choices. Hence, it can suit every space, even large spaces; however, it’s rather large, although hidden by the purifier’s slimness.
Pros:
- Smart sensor
- Filter timer
- Sleep mode
- Automatic mode
- 1100 ft.² coverage area
- Bottom-to-top airflow
- Alen’s 3-stage cleaning system
- Center HEPA filter
Cons:
- Large size
- Loud
- Expensive filter replacement
5. Bissell Smart Purifier
Now, let's jump onto our second to the last pick, and that's the Bissell Smart Purifier. This smart air purifier is the ultimate minimalistic device that will complete your retro aesthetic.
It comes with a three-stage filter, which starts with a pre-filter, followed by a core HEPA filter, and last but certainly not least, an activated carbon one. Each of these filters has its job; the only thing you'll have to do yourself is changing the activated carbon filter and the HEPA filter every six months.
Moreover, don’t be fooled by the look of this smart air purifier. It looks old, but it comes with five different fan speeds. The thing is that as the fan speed goes down, so does the cleaning efficiency.
Nevertheless, with a VOC air quality sensor, which mirrors its findings on the LED matrix display showing you the clarity of the air around you, you'll be able to make ends meet nicely. Furthermore, the Bissell Smart Purifier enjoys the option of automatic night mode, meaning that it adjusts the fan speed and dims the light upon finding that the room's lights have been dimmed.
Another feature that the Bissell Smart Purifier enjoys is its portability, as it’s designed with a handle. Additionally, it comes with an EnergyStar rating, which means that it can conserve energy significantly.
Last but certainly not least is its range of 250 ft.². This leads to a CADR of 178 m³. Unfortunately, the Bissell Smart Purifier is rather heavy, and it sports neither a child lock feature nor a timer.
Pros:
- 3-stage filter
- 178 m³ CADR
- VOC sensor
- 5 fan options
- LED matrix display
- 250 ft.² strange
- Retro style
- EnergyStar rated
Cons:
- Heavy
- Lower fan speed = less cleaning efficiency
- No child lock option
6. MOOKA True HEPA
Our last pick is the MOOKA True HEPA air purifier, and this one came to our list with a stunning five-stage sterilization process, which is our focal point, and we’ll explain it right now.
The very first stage is, of course, a pre-filter, then the air is hit with the compact HEPA-Core filter, which works on removing particulates with a 99.97% efficiency. Next comes the carbon filter, which works on VOCs.
Now, the two coming steps are the revolutionary ones. First, you have the UV-C Air sanitizer, which uses UV light to eliminate any leftover microorganisms or bacteria. Hence, they're not around you in any way.
After that, the air will be hit by an ionizer, which puts negative charges on the particles to remove them easily. Moreover, the fan has three different speeds. As a whole, the MOOKA True HEPA has a 265 ft.² range and a 300 m³ CADR, which is incredibly impressive.
Another sensor that has been added to MOOKA True HEPA is the VOCs, which unfortunately cannot do particulates.
The MOOKA True HEPA is truly a smart device as it can be controlled by remote control and is fitted with a touchscreen through which you can adjust all of your options.
Plus, it comes with an auto mode and a timer. Unfortunately, though, it’s rather loud.
Pros:
- Five sterilization stages
- 2000 hrs filter life
- 300 m³ CADR
- 265 ft.² range
- Three fan speeds
- VOC sensor
- Automatic mode
- Touch screen
Cons:
- Doesn’t measure particulates
- Loud
How to Pick the Best Smart Air Purifiers
Type of Filter
Most probably, the very first thing you need to make up your mind about is the type of filter that you want in your smart air purifier. Overall, we have five different types of filters, and each one of them has its own merits.
They all work on at least one type of contaminants, particulates such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are mostly chemicals such as the fumes released from paint or even laundry sitting out for way too long.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA)
As the name suggests, the HEPA, high-efficiency particulate air filter is exclusive to neutralizing particulates. Hence, it’ll remove all the bacteria, mold, air pollutants, and pollen with 100% efficiency. Nevertheless, its downside is that it has nothing to do with VOCs at all.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are the exact opposite of HEPA filters, as they target VOCs through their activated carbon microscopic cavities. The said cavities trap the floating VOCs within them. Sadly, though, carbon filters are of a limited lifespan, and they will need constant replacement.
Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)
Just like the HEPA, the ESP is a lot more effective when dealing with particulates. Since they’re in their solid form, they pass through it and are collected according to their electrical charge on one plate or the other. Additionally, contrary to the carbon filters, they don’t need any replacements – just frequent maintenance, which includes a good wash every now and then.
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
Photocatalytic Oxidation or PCO thankfully works on particulates and VCOs together. It uses simple yet potent technology to destroy both substances. You see, the UV light is focused on a catalyst, which is usually titanium dioxide.
This reaction results in hydroxyl radicals' production, which attach themselves to the molecules of pollutants and break them down.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)
As you can conclude by the name of this technology, it depends on ultraviolet rays. What it does is that it uses the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays to destroy the nucleic acids completely, and therefore the DNA as a whole of the microorganisms, rendering them, pretty much, useless.
This technology allows it to sanitize and eradicate all odors. Unfortunately, though, it leaves the rest of the particles suspended in the air. That’s why it mostly needs a backup filtering technique to collect all of these particles; preferably the HEPA or the ESP.
Range
The range point can be a little bit complicated. In the beginning, though, it looks to be the simplest as the range of each smart air purifier, or air purifier in general is listed in its specs.
However, this range is always given in square feet, and you certainly don’t want your smart air purifier to be working on just your floor; it’ll be dealing with the entire room size.
That’s why it’s much better to know the clean air delivery rate (CADR), and that’s the volume of air that the purifier can purify per minute.
CADR
So, how can you calculate how much air you need to be purified per minute? Simple, you would find out the volume of your room (length x width x height), and you would multiply that by the (ACH/60).
What's the ACH? You might ask. That's the air changes per hour, and that too will be specified in the specs of your air purifier.
Connectivity Options
Today, we’re speaking about smart air purifiers, and there are two types with regards to connectivity options. The first type is the one that requires Wi-Fi to work, and that may be a little bit harder to work with because it needs constant connection on the network.
On the other hand, the second type is one that would accept Wi-Fi and gain a few more options by connecting to the smartphone app; however, it can still work without it and will do the job just fine.
Noise Level
One of the ultimate deal-breakers, especially for me, would be if an air purifier is too loud. The sound of the filters going on in the background is certainly something that one can live without. That’s why the highest volume that an air purifier should sport should be around 60 dB – nothing higher.
Maintenance
Maintenance is essential to the longevity of your smart air purifier. Don't forget to check your manual to understand the cleaning process's dos and don'ts, as some filters can be cleaned with a damp cloth, while others won't accept even a drip of water.
Final Thoughts
We’ve finally reached the end of our article discussing the best smart air purifiers, and in my humble opinion, the Winnix Am90 is the clear winner as the best smart air purifier. This smart air purifier truly brings the most cohesive and complete package of features to the table.
Starting with the four-stage filtration process, which ends with the PlasmaWave technology, all the way to the smart features such as Alexa voice control, the Winnix Smartphone app, and of course the Amazon Dash replenishment system, it’s an air purifier that ticks all of the boxes.
Additional Reading
