Homes can be overrun with sources of bad odor, like an untreated sewage system, a housemate’s cigarette smoke, or even your own personal cooking. If you experience these normal yet disconcerting household air quality issues, fret not. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can target unwanted smells for ultimate odor control.
This article offers our extensive research on the best air purifiers in the market that are built for odor removal in the hopes that it will help you make an informed decision when making a purchase. Read on for the essential specifications so that you can find the best option for your home.
Top 10 Air Purifiers for Odor Removal Comparison
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1. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier
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2. Alen BreatheSmart
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3. GermGuardian AC4825
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4. Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier w/WiFi
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5. Honeywell HPA300
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6. AeraMax 300/DX95
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7. Honeywell AirGenius5
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8. GermGuardian AC5250PT
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9. GermGuardian AC5350B
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10. LEVOIT LV-PUR131 Air Purifier
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Odor Removal Air Purifiers REVIEWS
1. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier
The LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier is a simple, straightforward air purifier that can get the job done. Whether it is dust, odors, pollen, or pet dander, this model will get rid of common household air pollutants for a relatively low price. The manufacturer also promises a 1-year buyer assurance along with lifetime support, giving the consumers their money’s worth. It is powered by a three-stage filtration system to make sure that 99.97% of air pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, smoke, dust, mold spores, and odor are eradicated from your room atmosphere. It also comes with a 100% ozone free guarantee, which eliminates the chances of contracting any ailments from inhaling it.
This device operates quietly through the night, ensuring its users a good night’s sleep while they breathe In clean, purified air. It is able to eliminate odor in rooms and spaces of up to 538 sq. ft. While the downside is that there are some complaints that it emits a burning smell, the positives still outweigh the negatives.
Pros
- Fairly affordable price
- Comes with lifetime support from manufacturer
- 100% ozone free
- Can remove allergen particles as small as 0.3 microns
Cons
- Short warranty
2. Alen BreatheSmart
Besides its modern minimalist look, the Alen BreatheSmart has added benefits including powerful odor reduction technology. The HEPA filter can be upgraded with the OdorCell technology to provide more efficiency in removing unpleasant smells, bacteria, pet dander, and smoke. It is a favorite among many for its wide coverage area up to 1100 square feet.
Users can customize this product according to their preference using the four filter options that include a HEPA-Pure filter as well as three others that deal with pet dander and odor, mold and bacteria, and allergies and dust. It also operates silently through the night and includes an air sensor that monitors air quality and can turn the device on and off as needed.
Pros
- Improved HEPA filter with Odor Cell Technology
- Air sensors adjust air filtering and control the energy consumption
- Wide coverage area
- Stylish in design
Cons
- Relatively pricey
3. GermGuardian AC4825
The GermGuardian AC4825 is equipped with a HEPA filter system to catch even the smallest particles of dust, mold spores, pet dander, and plant pollens. It also comes with a charcoal purifier that does the job in removing unwanted odors. This device is compact and lightweight, making it a suitable addition right next to the living room couch.
The one drawback of this model is its small coverage area, but on the flipside, the GermGuardian AC4825 will not be a burden to your bank account or savings. It is proven to be an energy-saver through its Energy Star certification to curb electricity expenses. The machine itself works efficiently and is able to circulate and filter room air for a total of four times in one hour. Aesthetically, it adds to the overall environment of any room, and it comes with a filter replacement indicator to remind you when a change is needed.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can filter out most common allergens and odors
- Runs “ultra-quiet” for better sleep
- Sleek and stylish in design
- Energy Star certification
Cons
- Small coverage area
4. Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier w/WiFi
In addition to its BioGS filter for bacteria growth reduction to ensure cleanliness, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 is also powered by Wi-Fi and features a mobile app to boot. What makes this device stand out is its unique design along with its wide coverage area that is guaranteed to purify any room in your house or office.
The MinusA2 may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it does have the best qualities you would want in an air purifier. It has a wide coverage area of up to 815 square feet, making it suitable for large spaces. This product operates silently to avoid any possible disruption, and it is also very energy efficient with its Energy Star rating. Its filters can last for up to 5 years, even if you choose to operate it 12 hours daily.
Pros
- Wi-Fi powered and can be accessed via a mobile app
- Equipped with BioGS filter to also reduce bacteria growth
- Wide coverage area
- Lengthy warranty offer
- Wide coverage area
- Equipped with smart light sensor system that automatically adjusts to sleep mode and active mode
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Expensive filter replacement
- Does not work as well with cigarette smoke
5. Honeywell HPA300
The Honeywell HPA300 air purifier frelies on the True HEPA filter and the carbon pre-filters to capture the most noxious odor particles. The prefilters act as a shield for the more demanding HEPA filter and retains larger impurities, including pet hair and dander. One of the pre-filters can even control gas smells in the air for a fresher, odor-free ambiance. Moreover, the HEPA filter can collect the particles from cooking smells, smoke, or mold spores, thus improving the overall air quality.
The Honeywell HPA300 will give you a bang for your buck with its efficient operation. It can circulate and filter air for up to five times in an hour in a space up to 465 square feet. As for maintenance, this product’s filters can be difficult to replace, but overall, it is very easy to deal with. It comes with replaceable filters that need to be changed approximately every three months and a filter light to indicate the need for replacement.
Pros
- Includes 2 prefilters and a HEPA filter for increased efficiency
- It comes with different operating levels to adjust it according to the air filtering needs
- Long lifespan of the HEPA filter – needs to be replaced only once a year
- Wide coverage area
- Good for allergy sufferers
Cons
- Filters are difficult to replace
- Short filter lifespan
6. AeraMax 300/DX95
Providing a great area coverage of up 600 square feet of space, the AeraMax 300/DX95 is an air purifier you will love. It features a special mode for use during the cold, flu, and allergy seasons, that provides a more thorough purification to cater to your needs. Its filters require replacement rarely, so you won’t be wasting too much money on it long-term.
The 300/DX95 can be the instant best friend of those who regularly deal with asthma or other allergies. This model is specifically developed to tackle such problems, and as such it was given asthma and allergy certifications by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Furthermore, it provides a convenient automatic operation with its AeraSmart feature, which means it can automatically detect contaminants and immediately take action by purifying the surrounding air.
This model is also equipped with PlasmaTRUE technology, which creates an ionized field to make the removal of air pollutants and contaminants a lot more effective. Like any product, it has its negatives, but as a whole, the AeraMax 300/DX95 does not disappoint.
Pros
- Features a special mode that adjusts during flu, cold and allergy seasons
- Comes with AeraSmart technology that automatically detects pollution levels
- Long filter lifespan
- Equipped with smart sensors that automatically monitors air quality and adjusts fan speed.
Cons
- Loud
- Relatively pricey
7. Honeywell AirGenius5
The 5 different air cleaning levels offered by the Honeywell AirGenius5 means you can choose the optimal performance depending on your specific needs. The common problem that people stumble upon with air purifiers is the noise it creates while it operates, but the Honeywell AirGenius is exempt from that issue. It runs quietly through the day or night, freeing your environment from any disruption as you work or sleep.
One downside of this product is that it only covers up to 250 square feet of room space, but with its Energy Star rating and 12-hour automatic shut-off functionality you will not have to worry about increases to your electric bill. The AirGenius5 also comes in a sleek, modern design to add aesthetic value to your room or office space.
Pros
- ifD filter is washable – no money will be spent on product maintenance
- Intuitive operation granted by the smart touchscreen it features
- 12-hour shut-off timer allows you to set the preferred operational period
- Sleek, stylish design that will be a good fit for any room
- Energy Star rated for energy efficiency
Cons
- Tends to emit a burning plastic smell
- Small coverage area
8. GermGuardian AC5250PT
Without a doubt, the GermGuardian AC5250PT is a great odor removal air purifier to choose when you want to freshen the air indoors. It guarantees a complete cleaning of the air that starts with the combination of a HEPA filter and a carbon filter that can remove even the smallest air contaminants. It is able to eliminate 99.97% of common allergens such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites.
It also holds an Energy Star rating, so you will never have to worry about a sudden spike in your electric bill. In addition, this model comes with a Pet Pure treatment feature that removes odor-causing bacteria, mold spores, and mildew smell. The UV-C light completes the process with a thorough sanitation of the air. Similar to the previous item, this product has a stylish design that makes it a good fit in any room. There are some downsides such as relatively costly filter replacements and a small coverage area, but it is still worth having around the home or office.
Pros
- Compact design makes it great for any room size
- Advanced air cleaning technologies maximize its power in removing air odors
- Helpful UV-C light enhanced with titanium dioxide kills bacteria, germs, and viruses
- Energy efficient with energy star rating
- Equipped with a filter replacement reminder
Cons
- Filters can be costly to replace
- Relatively small coverage area
9. GermGuardian AC5350B
If you happen to be in search of a an odor-eliminating air purifier that is is both functional and reliable, the GermGuardian AC5350B would be ideal. It is equipped with a HEPA filter to capture 99% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns along with a charcoal filter to reduce and eliminate odors.
The manufacturers are generous enough to provide a 5-year warranty, and each filter can last up to eight months before it is due for a replacement. It is also Energy Star certified to curb your electricity expenses and is AHAM verified to deal with pollutants such as pollen, tobacco smoke, and dust. While there are some drawbacks, such as its price and small coverage area, the stylish AC5350B can keep your home’s air fresh, clean, and odor-free.
Pros
- Lengthy warranty time and support from manufacturer
- Filters take up to eight months to replace
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Energy star certified to curb electricity expenses
- Equipped with filter change indicator and a timer that works up to eight hours
Cons
- Small coverage area
- Relatively pricey
10. LEVOIT LV-PUR131 Air Purifier
The LEVOIT LV-PUR131 Air Purifier is powerful and capable of eliminating odors and filtering out allergens as small as 0.3 microns. This model comes with a Smart Auto mode that automatically adjusts the fan speed to make the purifying process a lot faster and more efficient. The sleep mode, on the other hand, allows the machine to work to its full capacity with no unnecessary noise that could cause disturbance while you sleep.
While the product can be a bit pricey for those operating on a tight budget, the Levoit LV-PUR131 is Energy Star certified to curb any problems that may arise from a sudden spike in electric bills. While this unit only bears a two-year warranty, the manufacturer does offer lifetime support for users in case you have repair and replacement needs.
Pros
- Lifetime support from the manufacturer
- 100% ozone-free
- Great for use during spring time
- Wide coverage area
- Energy efficient with energy star rating
- Equipped with Smart Auto mode to automatically adjust fan speed
Cons
- Filter change notifier is based on running time, not actual filter condition
- Can be pricey for those on a budget
- Can be noisy for those with sensitive hearing
Buyer’s Guide:
Air Purifiers for Odor Removal
Causes of Unpleasant House Odors
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Smoke
Cigarette smoke tends to stick on the walls and carpets and linger in the air, making the entire space smell awful and allowing thousands of cancerogenic chemicals to linger in the air and potentially damage your health. A good air purifier for odor removal should help fix this problem immediately, but the best solution would be to not smoke inside these confined spaces.
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Pets
No matter how clean you think your pet is, it can still be one of the causes of unpleasant indoor odors. Apart from the air purifier, make sure to properly train your pets and make sure that they are not causing any problems to the upkeep of your home.
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Sink Pipes
A clogged sink is what usually causes unpleasant odors to emit from the drainage system. Although a purifier will remove the unpleasant smell effectively, you will still have to get rid of the blockage. In case there are unpleasant smells in rooms like the kitchen or the bathroom, make sure to check the pipes.
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Cooking
A room where unpleasant smells are inevitable is the kitchen. The reason why these smells are almost permanent is because most are caused by the foods you cook. Of course, you should not stop cooking just because unpleasant smells will invade the kitchen. Instead, place the device in the room to eliminate them.
Market Leading Air Filter Brands
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Alen
Alen is a brand known for its consistent focus on researching and developing new and effective technologies to ensure both reliability and longevity. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty to be of service for consumers for a long time.
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Honeywell
Like many brands out there, Honeywell manufactures high-quality products that improve the quality of people’s lives. Best of all, this company does its best to avoid damaging the environment during the manufacturing processes, using “green” methods. If you are looking for a top-notch air filtration system that is going to help you get rid of unpleasant indoor odors, this is one of the top companies we recommend you purchase from as it delivers durable, reliable, safe, and dependable products.
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GermGuardian
GermGuardian is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in air filtration systems. The company makes it a point to innovate with every air purifier it releases, creating a healthier, safer and happier environment for users. If you buy a system manufactured by this brand, you will be pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of options it offers.
How We Rated the Filtration Systems
Are you wondering why we ranked the odor removal air purifiers the way we did? This section of the article explains the ratings that influenced our rankings. Knowing more about our rating system will allow you to form a better idea of what you should look for when making this purchase, so do not skip this section of the article.
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Filter Quality
For an air purification system to be able to effectively remove unpleasant indoor odors, it must have two distinct features: high-quality filters and activated carbon technologies. The BreatheSmart model features the HEPA-OdorCell, which actually specializes in odor removal and does a superior job at eliminating smoke and other heavy odors, so we ranked this model higher than the others.
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Maximum Recommended Room Size
The quality of an odor removal air purification system greatly depends on the surface it can cover. After all, it should be able to handle the clearing of unwanted smells in both small and large rooms. The BreatheSmart system produced by Alen scored the highest when it all came down to purifying the air in a room as large as 1100 sq. ft.
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Pollutant Removal Efficiency
For the air to be cleared of all unpleasant odors, the filtration system must be able to eliminate lingering pollutants. As you can see, all of the models featured in our list are capable of removing more than 99 percent of the pollutants and contaminants in the air indoors.
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CADR Rating and AHAM Certification
The clean air delivery rate (CADR) rating should be high for a quality air purifier. It is measured in cubic feet per meter (cfm) and detects the smoke, dust, or pollen that is present in the air. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certification is the determinant that measures how good CADR ratings are, and it recommends that devices follow the “⅔ rule.” This rule basically means that the smoke CADR must be equal to or surpass ⅔ of the room area in square feet.
As you can see, we took into consideration the efficiency of the filters, giving the Honeywell HPA300 higher ratings when it came to this aspect since it can deliver a 100 cfm smoke CADR rating for a 155 sq. ft room, 200 cfm smoke CADR for a 310 sq. ft room, and so on.
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Energy Star Certification
Ideally, the filtration system must be certified by Energy Star in order to minimize electricity costs. We chose purifiers with the Energy Star certification because we want you to invest in a product that will meet expectations. Regardless of the model you go choose, you won’t end up paying too much money when the bills come even if it operates through long hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can indoor odors present a threat to my health, or are they simply an inconvenience?
While most consider getting rid of unpleasant indoor odors solely for the inconvenience, the truth of the matter is that certain odors do pose a health risk. The perfect example is cigarette smoke odor, which can be caused by fumes packed with 70 different pollutants that can present a danger to your health as well.
How do carbon filters help with odor removal?
The activated carbon filter acts like a sponge that traps the unpleasant odors in the surrounding air. Specifically, it targets the compounds that cause these odors, whether it is from the bacteria from sink pipes or even pet odors. The carbon filters go through the process of adsorption (not to be confused with absorption) wherein the odor compounds are captured and retained. They don’t necessarily eradicate the chemicals, but filters trap an amount adequate to eliminate the odor in the air.
Final Thoughts
If unpleasant odors are a common occurrence in your home, you can get rid of them with the use of any odor removing air purifier presented in this article. Our favorite, though, is the Alen BreatheSmart, a device that caught our attention because of its features and large coverage area. What really made it stand out, though, is its lifetime warranty offer, which is always beneficial for consumers.
If you are on a budget, we recommend you take another look at the GermGuardian AC5250PT. It comes at an affordable price without sacrificing quality, and it is able to effectively remove unpleasant odors using its charcoal filter.
Related Posts
The Alen BreatheSmart seems like an interesting option to go with. I have two cats who make the entire house smell unpleasant, to say the least. With this household appliance in my home, I hope the odors will be removed.
We strongly recommend that you invest in this air purifier as it truly makes a difference when it comes to the quality and freshness of the air that you breathe. It’s a purchase that you will surely not regret making!