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Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments and can cause serious health problems, including respiratory diseases, fatigue, and headaches. Air purifiers may help remove common allergens like mold from the air, providing relief for people with allergies or chronic asthma. Whether you're sensitive to mold, can have reactions just from being in the same room as it, or simply want a cleaner environment, we found the LEVOIT Core 400s to be the best air purifier due to its simple design, smart features and top-tier performance that excelled during our test. And if you want an air purifier that doubles as a humidifier, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde also impressed us in the Lab.
It's important to note that even the best air purifiers can't completely remove all mold spores from the air. "Mold in an environment is typical because of a humidity or moisture problem," says Stanley Fineman, MD, board-certified allergist and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Air filtration is generally not considered effective against removing mold. Humidity and moisture remediation is best at handling this type of problem."
We tested 38 air purifiers in our lab from the top brands, the most basic of which costs $50 and can run more than $900 depending on how many extra features they have beyond simply cleaning the air. Regardless of what you spend, you want a purifier that's going to improve the overall quality of the air in your home and reduce exposure to mold. Every purifier that made our list has a true HEPA filter, which is necessary for helping remove mold spores from the air (though, in our Lab, we only tested how well each purifier removed pet hair and smoke from the air). In addition to their ability to improve air quality, we evaluated each model based on how easy it was to setup, how user-friendly (and aesthetically pleasing) the design is, noise level, additional features, and value.
Here, the best air purifiers for mold—according to our test.
Why We Like It: The 400s purifies the air in a matter of minutes with its three-stage filtration system.
It's Worth Noting: The pre-filter requires regular maintenance and cleaning every 2 to 4 weeks.
In our test, the Levoit 400S ranked best overall after impressing our tester with its ability to quickly and effectively purify the air in a large room. The three-stage HEPA filtration system removed 99% of impurities in our test. In addition, the filter is designed to last up to six months before needing to be replaced. However, you should still clean the pre-filter every 2 to 4 weeks.
The Levoit also features a five-speed fan, which can be set to run quietly during sleep. You can manually set the fan speed or let the purifier do it automatically based on the room's air quality. When set to Auto Mode, the fan speeds up when it recognizes allergens or other pollutants in the air and then returns to a lower setting once the air is clean. There's also a Sleep Mode that lowers the fan speed and noise level to whisper-quiet operation—something our tester appreciated.
Our tester also loved the smart features of the Levoit, including the app and Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility. "The app is very easy to set up and very user-friendly," said our tester. There, you're able to see the current air quality in the room, set a schedule for the purifier to run, and get filter replacement notifications.
Overall, our tester was very impressed with the Levoits' smart capabilities, aesthetic design, and performance. It was also noted as being very well-built, yet lightweight and easy to move from room to room. We think the price tag is worth it if you plan to use the purifier in a large space and want the ability to control it hands-free or while you're away from home.
What We Like: It's very lightweight and simple, without sacrificing performance.
It's Worth Noting: There aren't any smart capabilities or advanced features with this purifier—it's a no-frills option.
A simple yet effective option, the Toppin Comfy Air C2 Purifier is a great choice for those on a budget or who aren't interested in the advanced features and smart capabilities of some other options on our list. Despite its low price tag, this air purifier effectively removed 99% of airborne particles when set to the highest mode in our test. It features a 3-in-1 filtration system that includes a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and HEPA filter.
The purifier also features a low noise operation, making it perfect for use in bedrooms or other areas where a loud purifier would be disturbing. However, our tester did find the noise level to be rather noticeable for its size when on the highest setting.
While it lacks the bells and whistles, such as app control and voice activation, our tester noted how easy it was to set up and use right out of the box. The touch control panel allows you to switch between three fan settings, adjust display lighting, and set a timer for specific run times. A filter life indicator lets you know when to replace the filter.
Our tester found this purifier to be very lightweight and easy to move around the home. Its compact size makes it a good option for small spaces—the purifier covers an area of up to 215 square feet. Overall, we think the Toppin is a great budget-friendly option that performs well.
Also available at Amazon and Dyson
What We Like: The built-in humidifier is a nice addition (especially if you don't have a lot of space) that keeps the air feeling moist and comfortable.
It's Worth Noting: While the humidifier is a bonus, it comes with a hefty price tag.
If you're looking for an air purifier with a built-in humidifier, we think the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde is a great option to consider. This all-in-one unit removed 99% of airborne pollutants in 10 minutes when set to the highest mode in our test.
The Dyson purifier features a unique catalytic HEPA filter that captures pollutants and bacteria—and also has an activated carbon layer to remove gases and odors. It comes with a remote control to adjust the fan speed, fan direction, oscillating feature, and mode (auto and night) from anywhere in the room. The unit also features a display with details on current indoor air quality and filter life. And the Dyson app allows you to monitor air quality, humidity, temperature, and pollutants found in your home.
Our tester found this purifier to be very effective at removing pollutants from the air and also appreciated the humidifier feature. The unit is quiet on lower settings and gets louder as you turn up the fan speed—similar to a small fan on high. Our tester noted some difficulty during set-up and filter replacement, but found the included set-up video helpful.
As the most expensive option on our list, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde isn't for everyone. At time of publication, it costs more than $900, so it's a significant investment. However, its ability to remove pollutants while adding moisture to the air makes it an ideal all-in-one solution—especially if you live in a small space or don't have room for extra appliances.
Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Why We Like It: The smooth motion of the oscillating fan delivers a refreshing breeze.
It's Worth Noting: The unit is on the taller side, measuring 41 inches from base to top.
The Dyson TP07 is a high-end air purifier that doubles as a fan. The purifier features a 360-degree HEPA filter and activated carbon filter that removed 99% of airborne pollutants on the highest mode in our test. The unit also has a built-in 0 to 350° oscillation fan that circulates clean, cool air throughout the room.
In testing, the Dyson TP07 was quick to set up—taking just under five minutes. Our tester was thrilled with the improved air quality when putting the Dyson TP07 to the test against smoke and pet hair. "The unit cleared the air above my expectations," she said. "I'm amazed that it could clear the smoke from the air so quickly."
It was also very quiet, something our tester noted—even on the highest fan setting. The unit is controlled via the included remote or the Dyson mobile app, which our tester found quite user-friendly. Other features worth noting include the night mode—which dims the display and runs the unit on a lower fan setting to minimize noise—and the filter replacement indicator, which lets you know when it's time to replace the filter (every 12 months).
Air quality, humidity, and temperature can be monitored on the LCD screen or in the app. Overall, the Dyson TP07 scored well across all metrics. Our tester said they would recommend it for the simple fact that the "air cleanliness readings improved dramatically after just 5 to 10 minutes of operation."
Also available at Walmart and Bissell
Why We Like It: Its high-tech digital display offers accurate information on the quality of your indoor air.
It's Worth Noting: The bulkier, boxier design might not complement every home's aesthetic.
The Bissell air400 is a large room air purifier that features a 3-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter that was one of the most efficient and effective in our entire test. The unit is also equipped with a powerful blower that circulates clean air throughout the room. In testing, the Bissell air400 was very straightforward to set up and use. Our tester liked that the units' instructions were clear and concise.
However, the aesthetics of the unit weren't as pleasing. "It would be hard to tuck this away in a corner without it being very noticeable," said our tester. While on the larger side, its display was very easy to read and our tester liked having the buttons for additional features—mode, fan speed, time, and filter reset.
The noise level was another attribute our tester took note of, finding it surprisingly quiet when set to "quiet mode". On max, however, the noise was noticeable and potentially bothersome during a conversation. But with multiple fan speed settings—max, high, medium, low, auto, and quiet—our tester quickly found a happy medium.
The Bissell air400 doesn't have an app, but the display shows the room's air quality using a colored indicator to represent a low, medium, or high level of contamination. During testing, the purifier was compared to an air quality testing device. "I was impressed that the digital display consistently matched our testing device for air quality," said our tester. Despite its bulky appearance, it quickly eliminated 99.7% of air contaminants, making it a great option if you, or someone you live with, have allergies.
Also available at Bed Bath & Beyond and Levoit
Why We Like It: The simple design is minimalist and takes up very little counter or floor space.
It's Worth Noting: The power cord is relatively short, limiting where you can place the unit.
The Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier is a "small, but mighty" air purifier that features a 3-stage filtration system and covers up to 178 square feet. The unit is equipped with a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter that work together to remove 97% percent of airborne contaminants—but takes a little bit longer to do so than other models we tested. And the 360-degree air intake ensures fresh, clean air is circulated throughout the room.
In terms of design, our tester liked the "minimalist" look of the unit and found it very lightweight—less than 3.5 pounds. However, it was noted that the power cord was relatively short, which might limit where you can place the unit in your home. Assembly was quick and easy, our tester said, and the unit's limited functions—a single button that controls the fan speed and an indicator light for filter changes—are straightforward.
As a smaller unit, the Levoit Core Mini is one of the quietest air purifiers we tested. On low, our tester could barely hear it running. On high, the noise was still not distracting or bothersome, making it a good option for a small office or bedroom. You can also add essential oils to the diffuser pad for added benefits.
Even though it's on the smaller side, the Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier was still able to effectively clean the air during testing, although it performed best when on high. Overall, we think it's a great option for small spaces. And for the price, it's hard to beat.
Why We Like It: The wall-mounted design is sleek and unobtrusive.
It's Worth Noting: As one of the heavier air purifiers, it may be difficult to move around and install.
For a quieter option, we recommend the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier. This unit features a 6-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, bioGS HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and two proprietary filters. Together, these filters removed 99.9% of airborne contaminants in our test, making it the most effective purifier on this list.
However, weighing in at almost 20 pounds, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 is one of the heaviest units we tested. Despite this, our tester liked having the option to mount it on the wall to free up floor space. In terms of noise, we found it to be very quiet on silent mode. On high, it measured quieter than most of our top picks—at around 61 decibels.
This purifier stands out for its smart features and app control. The unit can be controlled via the included remote or the Rabbit Air app, which allows you to monitor the air quality, change fan speed, set a schedule, adjust pollen mode, and change light settings. It's also equipped with an air quality sensor that adjusts the fan speed based on the current level of contamination in the air.
Our tester gave the Rabbit Air MinusA2 a 4.5 out of 5 for value, noting that while it's one of the more expensive air purifiers on the market, "it did a really nice job quickly cleaning very dangerous air levels in 5 minutes."
The Health team tested air purifiers based on six key attributes: setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and value. We ranked each air purifier on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. We also evaluated the purifiers for True HEPA filters and their ability to remove mold spores based on insights from various experts, including allergists and a mold microbial investigator.
To start, our testers unboxed and assembled each unit according to the included instruction while timing how long it took to set up. We also evaluated how easy it was to understand and follow the instructions. Next, we assessed the design of each unit, paying attention to things like quality and aesthetics.
Because some air purifiers are loud, we also tested the noise level of each unit at its lowest and highest settings. And since many air purifiers come with additional features like smart capabilities, timers, and app control, we looked at how well each unit performed in those areas and scored them accordingly.
We then put each air purifier to the test in a controlled environment to see how well they clean the air. We used an Air Quality Testing Device to measure the levels of particulate matter in the air before and after—turning on the purifier in a sealed chamber with harmful levels of particulate matter, such as pet hair, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Finally, we explored the overall value of each product based on our testing insights to determine whether the MSRP was justified. We're also continuing to test these air purifiers in our own homes so we can see how well they continue to work after weeks and months of use. We'll update this list with additional observations and findings.
Most air purifiers on the market use true HEPA filters to remove airborne contaminants. True HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns—including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, smoke, and pet dander.
"HEPA filters significantly reduce levels of molds including Aspergillus and other fungi in the air," says Kara Wada, MD, allergist and immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "They have been proven to decrease the risk of hospital-related Aspergillus infections."
According to Dr. Wada, "Use of HEPA air purifier fans remove airborne fungi between 1.5 to 6 times faster than without their use."
While true HEPA filters effectively remove these contaminants from the air, they do have some drawbacks. First, they can be costly to replace—depending on the brand, a true HEPA filter can cost anywhere from $15 to $100.
In addition to true HEPA filters, many air purifiers also come with other types of filters. Some common filters include:
This isn't a conclusive list of all the different types of filters available. When choosing an air purifier, it's important to read the product description carefully to see what type of filters it uses and how often they need to be replaced.
The CADR is a measure of an air purifier's ability to remove specific contaminants from the air. It's expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For example, a CADR of 250 for smoke means that the air purifier can clean the air in a 250-square-foot room of smoke in one hour.
The three main contaminants that the CADR measures are:
The higher the CADR rating, the better the air purifier is at removing contaminants from the air.
The size of the room is an important factor to consider when choosing an air purifier. Most manufacturers will list the recommended room size for their air purifiers on the product description. It's crucial to choose an air purifier that's designed for the specific size of your room—otherwise, it won't be as effective.
The model of purifier you'd likely buy for your small home office won't be powerful enough to clean the air in a large living room. Measuring the square footage of your room is a quick and easy way to make sure you're choosing the right size air purifier.
The cost of replacement filters and the frequency with which they need to be replaced varies from one air purifier to the next. Some air purifiers come with permanent filters that never need to be replaced, while others use disposable filters that need to be replaced every few months.
Permanent filters have a higher initial fee, but will eventually pay for themselves because you don't have to continue buying replacement filters. Disposable filters are less expensive upfront—but can add up over time.
When choosing an air purifier, it's important to consider the cost of replacement filters and how often they should be replaced. This will help you choose a purifier that fits your budget and needs.
We also tested the below air purifiers, but they didn't make the cut for our top picks based on our criteria.
According to Robert Weitz, certified microbial investigator and Principal of RTK Environmental, a leading environmental testing firm in the northeast, an air purifier must use a HEPA filter to have any effect on mold spores. "Only an air purifier with a HEPA filter will remove more than 99.97% of mold spores in the air."
Mold spores are larger than the particles that HEPA filters are designed to capture, however, an air purifier alone is not enough to prevent mold growth. To prevent mold, you'll also need to address the source of the moisture that's causing the mold growth in the first place.
"Using an air purifier will help reduce health symptoms caused by mold," explains Weitz. "The only way to get full relief is to have the area tested for mold by an independent inspector, and then hire a contractor to remove the mold."
Air purifiers work by using filters to remove airborne contaminants from the air. The type of filter used will determine what kind of contaminants the purifier can remove. HEPA filters, for example, are designed to capture smaller particles, while activated carbon filters can help to remove odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Filter replacement frequency depends on the type of filter and the amount of use it gets. HEPA filters, for example, typically need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, while activated carbon filters may need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations and filter life estimates.
As a nurse and public health professional, Lindsay Modglin is an experienced journalist who covers the rapidly evolving health and medical field. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Insider, Verywell, and more. She enjoys researching and writing about the latest developments in health, wellness, and medical technology. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.
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