Believe it or not, apartments suffer from poorer air quality than residential homes. This is caused by a number of different factors including poor ventilation, exposure to different air pollutants from neighbors, and having to share an HVAC system that may or may not be properly regulated.
One way to curb the harmful effects of these air pollutants is to have an air purifier for your apartment. Most apartments in the U.S. are typically around 700 sq. ft. to 1200 sq. ft. in size. As such, the ideal apartment air purifier should be able to handle spaces that size.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the best air purifiers you can use in your apartment!
Top 7 Air Purifiers for Apartments
| Product | Features | Price |
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1. Alen BreatheSmart Classic
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2. Levoit LV-H134
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3. Coway Airmega 400S
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4. Green Air Encore
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5. Alen BreatheSmart FLEX
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6. Medify MA-40
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7. Coway Airmega 300
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Apartment Air Purifiers Reviews
1. Alen BreatheSmart Classic
One of the most popular heavy duty air purifiers on the market, the Classic from Alen’s BreatheSmart line is the flagship models. Rated to cover up to 1100 sq. ft. of space, the Classic boasts a complete set of smart features, including air quality sensors, a sleep mode, and an auto mode.
The main highlight of the BreatheSmart line is that it allows you to choose between four types of HEPA filters that target different types of air pollutants: a HEPA-Pure filter for dust and allergens, a HEPA-Silver filter for mold and bacteria, a HEPA-FreshPlus filter for chemical fumes and VOCs, and a HEPA-OdorCell filter for neutralizing odors. This makes the Classic an ideal air purifier to handle various air pollutants that may be lingering in your apartment.
Because of all its bells and whistles, it’s no surprise that the Classic comes with a hefty price tag. On top of that, you have to worry about expensive replacement filters. Another problem with the Classic is that it is quite bulky, so you’ll need to clear out a space for it in your apartment. However, when you take all things into consideration, there’s no denying that the BreatheSmart Classic is a robust air purifier fit for use in most apartments!
Pros
- Customizable panel with several different colors/designs to choose from
- Interchangeable filters to fit your specific needs
- Smart sensors
- Large coverage area
- Lights-off mode
- Automatic all day mode
- Silent operation
Cons
- Expensive upfront and long-term
- Large footprint
- Uses on one filter
2. Levoit LV-H134
The Levoit brand has enjoyed a lot of success with their ever-popular LV-H132 compact air purifier. In 2019, however, they came out with the new LV-H134, their first ever large room air purifier rated to cover up to 710 sq. ft.of space. This sleek, tower-type air purifier is ideal for relatively small apartments.
Unlike the LV-H132, the LV-H134 comes with a premium price tag. However, its wide array of features and powerful fan is enough to justify this. With its 12-hour timer, auto mode, sleep mode, and air quality indicator, you can leave the LV-H134 to do all the work for you.
One problem that we can’t overlook, however, is its short warranty which lasts only one year. If you’re looking for sleek air purifier that comes from a reputable brand to help you combat air pollutants in your apartment, the LV-H134 is an attractive choice.
Pros
- Large coverage area
- Unique, tower design
- Air quality indicator
- Operates quietly
- Auto mode and sleep mode
- Timer up to 12 hours
- Casters for mobility
- Great for both allergies and odors
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Short warranty
3. Coway Airmega 400S
The Coway Airmega 400S is one of the most powerful (and expensive!) air purifiers on this list and easily one of the best air purifiers on the market. Rated to cover a whopping 1560 sq. ft. of space, the 400S of Coway’s Airmega series is one of the few air purifier models available that boasts WiFi-capability and compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa.
If you’re planning on purchasing the 400S, be prepared to shell out a ton of cash as it is the most expensive air purifier on this list. Long-term costs also remain high due to high power consumption and expensive replacement filters. This air purifier will also take up a considerably large amount space, which might be problem for some apartment owners.
Overall, the 400S remains a worthy (albeit big) investment, especially for those looking for heavy duty air purification. Its Max2 filter is a unique combination of a carbon filter and a True HEPA filter. Because of the thin filters, the 400S is able to permit higher airflow while effectively lowering pollutant concentration in a short amount of time.
Pros
- Max2 filter permits higher airflow and removes different types of air pollutants quickly
- WiFi-capable, Alexa-compatible, comes with Airmega app
- Automatic air quality monitoring and fan speed adjustment
- Programmable timer and scheduler
- Unique, modern design
- Excellent for large areas
- Long warranty
Cons
- Expensive upfront and long-term
- No casters
- Large footprint
4. Green Air Encore
Green Air is a little known air purifier brand that boasts Encore, their large room air purifier capable of covering 1000 sq. ft. of space. Fitted with a simple three-stage air filtration system, the Encore uses a washable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an odor-reducing carbon filter.
Like the other high-end devices on this list,the Encore boasts smart features like an air quality indicator, filter change reminder, and different modes to choose from.
Unfortunately, this model is not yet compliant with the regulations of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and, thus, is no qualified for sale or distribution in the state of California. Furthermore, it’s also relatively expensive and has a large footprint.
Overall, users have reported relief from air quality problems in their homes with the Encore air purifier running. Its different modes allow it to operate on its own, depending on your needs. It does particularly well against odors and VOCs. The built-in ozone-free ionizer is also a plus.
Pros
- Large room coverage
- Air quality indicator
- Filter change reminder
- Auto mode, silent mode, night mode
- IonCluster Technology helps remove air pollutants
- Works quickly to remove allergens and odors
Cons
- Not approved for sale/distribution in California
- Slightly expensive
- Large frame
5. Alen BreatheSmart FLEX
The Alen BreatheSmart FLEX is the smaller and cheaper version of the Classic, rated to cover up to 700 sq. ft. of space. It shares the same aesthetic with the other BreatheSmart air purifiers and also features interchangeable front panel designs. In short, it’s a mini-version of the Classic.
Like the other BreatheSmart air purifiers, the FLEX also relies on only one filter: a customizable HEPA filter to target specific air pollutants. Unfortunately, because it’s only one filter, it may get worn out faster and may be less efficient.
Overall, the FLEX is a good choice for small apartments. The FLEX also offers more or less the same features and functions as the Classic: smart sensors, auto and sleep/night modes, an air quality indicator, and a filter change indicator.
Pros
- Customizable panel with several different colors/designs to choose from
- Interchangeable filters to fit your specific needs
- Smart sensors
- Large coverage area
- Lights-off mode and automatic all day mode
- Lower power consumption compared to other models
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Slightly expensive (upfront)
- Expensive replacement filters
- Uses only one filter
6. Medify MA-40
The Medify MA-40 is a relatively new air purifier model, but performs up to par with even the most popular models — minus the extravagant price. Rated to cover up to 860 sq. ft. of space, the MA-40 makes use of a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and carbon filter to remove different types of air pollutants in your apartment.
Truth be told, this air purifier appears to be without flaws, except for the fact that its replacement filters are hard to find which can be a serious problem if you heavily rely on your air purifier and use it frequently. Other than that, we have nothing but praises for this device.
For such a powerful and robust device, the MA-40 is surprisingly very affordable and is quite possibly the most affordable large room air purifier on the market. It features a modern-looking tempered glass display, as well as all the modes and functions you would expect from a high-end air purifier. Definitely a bang-for-your-buck device!
Pros
- Affordable
- Large room coverage
- Medical-grade HEPA filter
- Sleek, tower-type design
- Particle sensor with air quality indicator
- Auto mode, night mode, and timer
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hard to find replacement filters
7. Coway Airmega 300
If you’re interested in the Coway Airmega 400S but can’t quite bring yourself to shell out so much money, then you might want to take the Airmega 300 into consideration. It is the smaller, slightly more affordable version of the 400S – rated to cover up to 1256 sq. ft. of space. Despite being the lower-end model, the 300 is still relatively expensive compared to the other models on this list.
It is still fitted with the same pre-filter and Max2 filter, as well as a similarly wide array of different functions and features. The only difference is that it doesn’t have WiFi capabilities like the 400S. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that the 300 is still an excellent, well-rounded air purifier capable of removing allergens, odors, VOCs, and other air pollutants from most apartments.
Pros
- Max2 filter permits higher airflow and removes different types of air pollutants quickly
- Automatic air quality monitoring and fan speed adjustment
- Programmable 8-hour timer
- Unique, modern design
- Excellent for large areas
- Long warranty
Cons
- Expensive upfront and long-term
- No WiFi or Alexa capability
- No casters
Buyer’s Guide:
Air Purifier for Apartments
Common Air Quality Problems in Apartments
Believe it or not, apartments pose unique air quality challenges different from residential homes. The following are common air quality problems associated with apartment living:
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Poor ventilation
Because they’re smaller and are typically more cramped than residential houses, apartments tend to be poorly ventilated and have more restricted airflow. This means air tends to recirculate several times in the home, accumulating air pollutants over time.
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Poorly regulated HVAC system
Most apartments have a shared HVAC system, giving you little to no control over what you or your family is breathing in. Your building’s HVAC system may or may not be properly regulated and you may unknowingly be allowing allergens, dust, and mold enter your home.
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No control over neighbors
In an apartment setting, you have no control over what your neighbors are doing. Are they cooking up some foul smelling dish? Do they burn through a pack of cigarettes a day? Do they own pets that trigger your allergies? Regardless of what your neighbor is up to, more often than not, you have no control over it.
Benefits of Having an Air Purifier in Your Apartment
These air quality problems are very common in apartments, but an air purifier can address them. Air purifiers are developed to process large amounts of air, passing it through filters, leaving common air pollutants behind. The following are some air pollutants that an air purifier will be able to effectively remove:
- Allergens
- Dust
- Smoke
- Odors and odor-causing bacteria
- Volatile organic compounds and chemical fumes
- Mold, bacteria, and viruses
Because these air purifiers were developed to handle such a wide variety of air pollutants, it’s easy to see how they would benefit any apartment. An air purifier will help reduce the odor of your neighbor’s cooking, smoking, and pets. On top of that, you’ll have less dust at home and significantly fewer allergic reactions to dust, pollen, or mold.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier
Before you get too excited and purchase an air purifier for your apartment there are a number of considerations for you to make before doing so:
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Room coverage
One of the first things you have to do before buying an air purifier is to determine the size of your room or apartment. This can easily be done by multiplying the length and width of your apartment in feet. The result is the room coverage your air purifier should have in square feet. An air purifier with a capacity smaller than the room you intend to put it in will be ineffective or overworked.
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Features
Determine what type of features you want your air purifier to have. Most air purifiers nowadays are fully equipped smart features and functions. However, if you’re a fan of Alexa, you might want an air purifier that will be able to communicate with her.
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Size/weight
Because apartments offer limited space, it’s important for you to determine how large or small you want your air purifier to be. Take note, however, that smaller air purifiers tend have smaller room coverage and are less powerful.
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Budget
Your budget is also very important to take into consideration. A lot of air purifiers nowadays are very affordable. However, not all of them will suit your needs. Of course, powerful air purifiers capable of covering wide spaces with a lot of great features will definitely require a heftier upfront investment.
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Identify specific air quality problems
Because you’re the one living there, you’re the best person to identify specific air quality problems in your apartment. Be more observant and try to determine which air pollutants are irritating you. Is it a certain odor? Are you suffering from seasonal allergies? Whatever it may be, knowing what it is will help you pick out the right air purifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate room size?
What is the best air purifier for pet owners?
When it comes to pets, the most common air pollutants are dander, hairs, and odor. Even if you wash your dog on a daily basis, he’ll still leave dander and hairs everywhere — you might not even see it! The best type of air purifier for pets is one fitted with a True HEPA filter to remove allergens and a carbon filter to remove odors. Read our review of the best air purifiers for pets here.
I live in an apartment in a very polluted city. How do I choose the right air purifier?
When it comes to pollution, an air purifier will definitely help. Choose a robust and powerful air purifier that you know will be able to all sorts of air pollutants regardless of what they may be. The Coway Airmega line offers very well-rounded air purifiers capable of handling a wide array of household air pollutants.
Final Thoughts
Apartment living may mean you have to compromise your air quality and the safety of your family. Luckily, a high quality air purifier should be able to help you avoid air quality problems and keep your family safe from potentially harmful air pollutants.
After much consideration, we’ve come to the conclusion that the Alen BreatheSmart Classic is the most ideal air purifier for apartments. Aside from a wide room coverage that allows it to cater to most apartments with ease, the customizable HEPA filter is an added advantage that none of the air purifiers have. Whether its your neighbor’s strong-smelling cooking or a roommate’s cigarette smoke, the Classic will be able to handle it.
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