Have you ever paused to consider the quality of the air you’re breathing indoors? With rising pollution levels and unseen allergens floating about, the air inside our homes isn’t always as clean as we’d like to think. That’s where air purifiers step in. Over the past few months, we’ve had the chance to get up close and personal with 15 different air purifiers, putting them through their paces to see which ones truly make a difference. Whether you’re battling seasonal allergies, looking to eliminate pet odours, or simply aiming for a healthier home environment, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we dive into our top picks for the best air purifiers across all price ranges, sharing our hands-on experiences to help you breathe easier.
Top Features to Look Out For When Buying an Air Purifier
When choosing an air purifier, it’s essential to consider certain features that can enhance its effectiveness and suit your specific needs. Here are the top features to keep in mind:
- HEPA Filters: High-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters are crucial for trapping tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. A true HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring you breathe cleaner air.
- Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are excellent for absorbing odours, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you’re concerned about unpleasant smells or chemical pollutants, an activated carbon filter is a must-have.
- CADR Rating: The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) indicates how quickly the purifier can clean the air in a room. A higher CADR means faster and more efficient air purification.
- Coverage Area: Ensure the air purifier is suitable for the size of your room. Check the manufacturer’s recommended coverage area to match your space requirements.
- Noise Levels: If you plan to use the purifier in a bedroom or office, look for models with lower noise levels to avoid disturbances during sleep or work.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient models consume less power, saving you money on electricity bills in the long run.
- Smart Features and Connectivity: Some air purifiers come with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, or compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. These can add convenience but may come at a higher price.
- Filter Replacement Indicators: A handy feature that notifies you when it’s time to replace the filters, ensuring the purifier operates at optimal efficiency.
- Ease of Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to access and replace filters. User-friendly designs can save you time and hassle.
- Warranty and Customer Support: Good warranty terms and responsive customer service can provide peace of mind and assist you if any issues arise.
By considering these features, you’ll be better equipped to choose an air purifier that fits your budget and meets your specific air quality needs.
Best Air Purifiers Across All Price Ranges
Best Air Purifier Under ₹10,000
Winner: Sharp Air Purifier FP-JA30M-B
The Sharp Air Purifier FP-JA30M-B emerged as the best performer in the sub-₹10,000 category based on our AQI and PM2.5 tests. We evaluated five air purifiers in this price range, assessing their performance, noise levels, ease of replacing filters, and replacement filter costs. While all these factors were considered in curating this list, performance was given the highest priority.
After 25 minutes, it reduced the AQI to 56, outperforming the Qubo Smart Air Purifier Q200 (AQI: 68) and the Eureka Forbes Air Purifier 150 (AQI: 76).
While the Qubo model had slightly lower PM2.5 levels in the centre (31 µg/m³) compared to Eureka Forbes (47 µg/m³), the overall AQI reduction by Eureka Forbes indicates more effective purification. The Sharp purifier lagged behind in both AQI and PM2.5 reduction. Therefore, the Eureka Forbes Air Purifier 150 offers the best air-cleaning performance in this price range.
Best Air Purifier Under ₹15,000
Winner: Xiaomi Air Purifier 4
After testing the three air purifiers (Xiaomi Air Purifier 4, Philips 1715, and Coway AirMega 150) under both center and corner room conditions, Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 and Philips 1715 perform quite similarly, with both delivering impressive reductions in AQI and PM2.5.
Starting with an AQI of 100 and PM2.5 levels around 400 µg/m3, Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 reduces AQI to 33 and PM2.5 to 78 µg/m3 in the center, and AQI to 31 and PM2.5 to 69 µg/m3 in the corner test. Philips 1715 shows comparable results, reducing AQI to 34 and PM2.5 to 66 µg/m3 in both tests, but Xiaomi slightly edges out in terms of PM2.5 levels. Coway AirMega 150, while still effective, lags slightly behind, with a final AQI of 34 and PM2.5 of 78 µg/m3 in the center test, and AQI 31 and PM2.5 69 µg/m3 in the corner test.
Beyond performance, Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 also stands out for its user-friendly app, which makes it easier to control and monitor the air quality from anywhere. Additionally, Xiaomi's purifier is relatively simpler to maintain compared to the Philips model, which may require more frequent attention. This combination of superior air quality performance and ease of use makes the Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 the best overall choice under Rs 15,000.
Best Air Purifier Between Rs 20,000 to 30,000
Winners: Honeywell Air Touch U2 and Honeywell Air Touch U1
In the 20,000-30,000 price range, a segment known for its premium air purifiers, we extensively tested three standout models: Coway Airmega 250, Honeywell Air Touch U2, and Honeywell Air Touch U1. These purifiers were evaluated under both center and corner room conditions to provide a comprehensive understanding of their real-world performance. Starting with a baseline AQI of 100 and PM2.5 levels between 395 and 407 µg/m3, we analyzed how each model reduces pollutants in different room placements.
At the center of the room, both Honeywell Air Touch U2 and Honeywell Air Touch U1 performed exceptionally well, reducing AQI to 28 and PM2.5 to around 34-35 µg/m3. Honeywell Air Touch U2 showed a slight edge in AQI reduction, while Coway Airmega 250 performed well but lags behind slightly, achieving AQI of 33 and PM2.5 of 53 µg/m3.
When tested in the corner of the room, where air circulation can be more challenging, Honeywell Air Touch U2 and Honeywell Air Touch U1 continued to shine, both reducing AQI to 25 and PM2.5 to 21 µg/m3. In comparison, Coway Airmega 250 showed AQI of 25 and PM2.5 at 44 µg/m3, making it slightly less effective in this placement.
With extensive testing, we've found that Honeywell Air Touch U2 and Honeywell Air Touch U1 outperform the Coway Airmega 250 in terms of overall air quality improvement, particularly in corner placements. These models offer premium filtration efficiency, compact design, and a competitive price point, providing the best value in this segment. While Coway Airmega 250 is still a solid option, Honeywell's models deliver superior performance, making them the best choices for those looking for effective air purification in the Rs 20,000-30,000 range.
Best Air Purifier Under ₹40,000
Winner: Philips 3000i
In the premium ₹40,000 price segment, both the Dyson Purifier Cool (TP10) and Philips 3000i show excellent performance in our extensive testing. Starting with an AQI of 100 and PM2.5 levels between 395 µg/m3 and 403 µg/m3, both purifiers reduced AQI to 33 in the center of the room, with Dyson Purifier Cool (TP10) reducing PM2.5 from 395 µg/m3 to 83 µg/m3, and Philips 3000i bringing it down to 83 µg/m3 as well.
When tested in the corner of the room, Philips 3000i slightly outperformed the Dyson Purifier Cool (TP10), achieving a lower final PM2.5 level of 74 µg/m3, compared to Dyson's 83 µg/m3, although both purifiers reduced AQI to 33 in this test. This shows that both models offer top-tier filtration, but the Philips 3000i edges ahead slightly in PM2.5 reduction in the corner placement.
Beyond the numbers, the Dyson Purifier Cool (TP10) truly stands out as a premium air purifier with its sleek, modern design and no-nonsense performance. It's a design marvel, exuding sophistication and offering a hassle-free experience, as there are no frequent maintenance reminders or filter cleaning notifications. It even comes with a sleek remote, adding to its premium feel. On the other hand, while the Philips 3000i performs admirably, it has a more run-of-the-mill design and comes with frequent reminders to clean the filter, which can be annoying. You will need to manually vacuum or dust the filter and reset it, adding to the maintenance burden. Both air purifiers feature easy-to-use apps, but the Dyson Purifier Cool (TP10) offers a more seamless, premium experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking convenience, design, and effective air filtration. While Philips 3000i offers great value in terms of filtration, Dyson's overall ease of use and superior design make it the better option for a truly premium air purification experience.
