We're barreling headlong into hay fever season, and if you were thinking of adding an air purifier into your anti-pollen arsenal this year, now's the time to pick one up.
We're tested a bunch of different options at TechRadar, and if you want the full low-down you should head to our best air purifier guide. However, if you're tight on space and are looking for a compact option specifically, you can stay right here. We've tested three standout small air purifiers at TechRadar, all of which scored a near-perfect 4.5 stars in their respective reviews.
First is the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. Our tester praised how simple it is to use and how effective the purification is. We also liked the colorful fabric pre-filters, which make it easy to switch up the look, while also minimizing the number of disposable filters you'll need to buy.
The second standout small air purifier we've tested is the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite. Our reviewer called this one "a fantastic purifier for the price". (If you're torn between the two, we have a Blue Pure Mini Max vs Smart Air Purifier Lite comparison article to help you decide.)
Finally, there's the Levoit Core 300S. This one's a little bigger, but more advanced in what it offers, with oscillation and an auto mode. On test, our reviewer praised the "wide range of smart features" including an "intuitive and insightful" app. Scroll down for links to buy, a specs comparison table, and some more info about choosing. Here's to a sneeze-free allergy season...
Our favorite air purifiers for small rooms
Specs compared
Model: |
Govee Smart Air Lite |
Blueair Pure Blue Mini Max |
Levoit Core 300S |
|---|---|---|---|
Size: |
6.2 x 6.2 x 10.75 inches / 15.8 x 27.3cm |
6.8 x 11.4 in / 17.2 x 28.9cm |
8.7 x 14.2 in / 22 x 36cm |
Settings |
3 speeds |
3 speeds |
4 speeds + Auto mode and oscillation |
Filters: |
3-in-1 HEPA filter |
HEPASilent and carbon filter |
HEPA and carbon |
Weight: |
2.4lb / 1.1kg |
2.9lb / 1.4kg |
5.95 lb / 2.7 kg |
You might notice that there's nothing on room size in the specs. The reason for this is that figuring this out is way trickier than you'd expect. Different brands will use different standards and specs, and they aren't consistent in the number of air changes they're making their suggestion based on, either.
For example, the Blueair model has a recommended room size of 8.2 sq m (equivalent to 88.3 square feet) in the specs section but lists 107 sq ft in the FAQs. The latter comes with a note that that's based on the air being cleaned "4 times every 12.5 minutes" (I assume this is a typo, and it's four times per hour).
The Govee model can apparently "effectively purify" a room up to 376 sq ft, but there's no info as to how many air changes that is based on. The Levoit model will change the air in a 1051 sq ft room once per hour, but that's not really enough to make a difference.
Note that generally speaking, a smaller air purifier is a less powerful air purifier, so if you're wanting to purify a large space, you'll need to dedicate a bit more room to something that can process the air faster. There are some relatively flat options in our main air purifier roundup that you put position against a wall to save space.
If you're buying the purifier specifically to tackle allergies, head to my article covering how to choose an air purifier for hay fever for some more info and advice.
Other options...
Model |
Score |
Low-down |
|---|---|---|
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Not that small, but doubles as a side table. |
|
Not yet tested |
Basic, stylish and very affordable IKEA purifier with a handle. |
|
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
Again not small, but looks like furniture and doubles as a side table. |
|
⭐⭐⭐ |
Not as quick to react as we'd hope. |
