- Top 6 Plug-In Air Purifiers Comparison
- Plug-In Air Filters Reviews
- Buyer’s Guide:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a plug-in air purification device powerful enough to handle removing air pollutants from a small-sized nursery?
- What technologies and filters do plug-in air purifiers use?
- On average, how much power does a plug-in air purifier consume?
- Are these air purification devices capable of removing unpleasant odors?
- What are the disadvantages of using a direct plug-in air purifier?
- Where is the best place to use a plug-in air purifier?
- Final Thoughts
- Related Posts
If you’re planning to get a separate air purifier for smaller areas in your home, such as the laundry room or pet corner, opting for a plug-in purifier can be a cost-effective move. These machines are ideal for this sort of job because they’re compact, portable, affordable, and are made especially for smaller areas. These purifiers are also versatile because their compact size makes them easy to take with you when traveling.
If these pint-sized plug-in purifiers sound like they might be ideal for you, this article takes a look at the best plug-in air purifiers available on the market below so that you can make an informed decision for your needs.
Top 6 Plug-In Air Purifiers Comparison
Product | Features | Price |
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1. GermGuardian Elite GG1100
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2. Envion TPP50
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3. GermGuardian GG1000
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4. Knox Gear KN-APUR
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5. GreenTech GT50
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6. EdenPURE OxiLeaf
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Plug-In Air Filters Reviews
1. GermGuardian Elite GG1100
The GermGuardian Elite GG1100 cleans the air using titanium dioxide and UV-C light that team up to rid the air of bacteria, viruses, and mold. It also claims to remove odors, although the absence of ozone or carbon filters means that it won’t be as effective as conventional air purifiers in this regard.
The GG1100 sets itself apart from the field of portable air purifiers by featuring a USB charging port, which means it won’t monopolize outlet space. If you don’t mind the short 1-year warranty (the standard among plug-in devices), then the GermGuardian Elite is definitely a model to look into if fighting airborne germs is your primary concern.
Pros
- Decent coverage
- Compact
- Comes with a USB charging port
- Strong profile against airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Easy and affordable to maintain
- Affordable upfront
Cons
- Short warranty
- Weak profile against particles and odors
2. Envion TPP50
The Therapure TPP50 from Envion boasts UV light technology to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air. It also boasts stainless steel plates that help collect dust and other particles, although you can’t expect them to be as effective as HEPA filters. It also claims to neutralize unpleasant odors, although it doesn’t mention the specific technology that performs this task.
Aside from being highly affordable, the TPP50’s filters are also permanent and it is energy-efficient, which equate to low maintenance costs. This also means, though, that you have to regularly set aside some time to clean the filters. All in all, the Envion Therapure TPP50 is a competitive plug-in model that presents affordability, decent coverage, and low maintenance costs.
Pros
- Decent coverage
- Compact
- Strong profile against airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Easy and affordable to maintain
- Affordable
Cons
- Short warranty
- Stainless steel filters need to be cleaned regularly
- Weak profile against particles
3. GermGuardian GG1000
The GG1000 air purifier uses UV-C light technology to rid the air of viruses, mold, and bacteria that may also be causing odors. GermGuardian also states that this plug-in model is good at neutralizing odors including those from pets or diaper pails.
Although its UV bulb needs to be replaced every six to eight months, the replacement bulb is affordable. This is a pro for budget-conscious shoppers who have a preference for UV-C technology. With that said, you can’t expect this machine to fight other types of pollutants, such as dust, smoke, and pollen, because it doesn’t have physical filters or an ionizer. Made for areas that are approximately 100 sq. ft., it has one of the most decent coverage specs on this list. If you’re looking for an ozone-free plug-in model with the aforementioned pros, the GG1000 is a strong contender.
Pros
- Decent coverage
- Compact
- Strong profile against airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Easy and affordable to maintain
- Affordable upfront
Cons
- Short warranty
- Weak profile against particles and odors
4. Knox Gear KN-APUR
This Knox Gear plug-in air purifier uses ionization and ozone generation to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. Because of its ozone output, it also handle odors pretty well. It’s not going to be as effective as small air purifiers with physical filters when it comes to trapping particles, but its ionizing function should help handle the problem.
This machine only covers a measly 50 sq. ft., which means that you should only use it in small spaces to get adequate protection. Of course, you have to make sure that this space is unoccupied, as well, so that the harmful effects of ozone may be avoided. The control knob that makes adjustable ozone output possible is a plus. If you’re just delving into the world of plug-in air purifiers and are on the lookout for an extremely affordable, entry-level machine to try, the Knox Gear KN-APUR is worth considering.
Pros
- Adjustable air purification
- Strong profile against odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Compact
- Affordable
- Easy and affordable to maintain
Cons
- Short warranty
- Small coverage
- Produces ozone
- Weak profile against particles
5. GreenTech GT50
The GreenTech GT50 uses ozone to rid the air of odors, mold, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens. Its adjustable ozone output is definitely a plus as it lets you control the degree of purification according to your needs. We recommend, though, that you use this machine only in unoccupied spaces to avoid ozone-related health risks.
Its coverage area of 50 sq. ft. and warranty of only 90 days may not be the best, but it at least handles both odors and germs. As it’s also filter-free, it won’t do anything to reduce dust, pet dander, and other particles in the air. If all you’re looking for is an odor- and germ-fighting air purifier that’s easy to use and maintain (and if you don’t mind using ozone devices), however, then the GT50 is an affordable option.
Pros
- Adjustable air purification
- Strong profile against odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Compact
- Affordable
- Easy and affordable to maintain
Cons
- Very short warranty
- Small coverage
- Produces ozone
- Weak profile against particles
6. EdenPURE OxiLeaf
The EdenPURE OxiLeaf is a plug-in air purifier that uses ozone to combat odors and other airborne pollutants, such as bacteria, mold, and viruses. Because it doesn’t sport physical filters or any other technology aside from ozone generation, it’s not particularly effective at removing particles like dust and pet dander from the air.
Like the GreenTech GT50, this machine also comes with the potential hazards associated with ozone but features an adjustable ozone output. It’s also considerably more expensive than most plug-in devices.
If a compact and portable plug-in air purifier that can efficiently handle foul smells and germs is all that you’re after (and if you don’t mind using ozone-generating devices), there’s really no major reason to skip the EdenPURE OxiLeaf.
Pros
- Adjustable air purification
- Strong profile against odors, bacteria, viruses, and mold
- Compact
- Easy and affordable to maintain
Cons
- Short warranty
- Produces ozone
- Weak profile against particles
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide:
Plug In Air Purifiers
The Benefits of a Plug-In Air Purifier
There are many reasons you may want or need a plug-in filter. Some of the biggest benefits include:
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Space Savings
The most obvious reason why a plug-in system is beneficial is that it takes up little to no space when operating. You simply have to plug it directly into a power outlet, which means it won’t take up counter, floor, or table space. This makes it ideal for space-strapped homes and rooms.
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Perfect Travel Accessory
Another important reason that makes plug-in air purification a worthy investment is that it is ideal for travel. If you want to guarantee the quality of the air you breathe even when you’re out and about, taking an air purifier with you is a smart move. The extremely compact size of these devices means they’ll occupy little space in your luggage.
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Energy Efficiency
Plug-in air purifiers are compact and made for small spaces. This makes them more energy efficient than conventional models. Generally, plug-in models can consume as little as 3-8 watts when they are in use, so they’re a good option for people who don’t want their electric bills to inflate.
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Strong Performance
Although it’s tempting to think that plug-in air purifiers are not quite efficient at their job, the truth is they are indeed capable of performing their duties. Sure, they usually can’t purify the air in large spaces, but this does not take away from their performance because they can eliminate different types of air pollutants in small rooms. The key here is simply to follow instructions and to ensure that the model you’re getting is suitable for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a plug-in air purification device powerful enough to handle removing air pollutants from a small-sized nursery?
Plug-in devices are specifically designed to handle air purification in small rooms and areas. Thus, if you’re intending to use this device in a small nursery in order to ensure that your child will breathe only clean air, then you’re on the right track. Of course, it’s always smart to measure the nursery’s floor area and check the area coverage of the model you’re leaning towards buying.
What technologies and filters do plug-in air purifiers use?
As you may have read above, plug-in air purifiers usually rely on UV-C technology, ozone generation, and ionization to clean the air. Plug-in models usually don’t come with HEPA and carbon filters because doing so might compromise their compactness, which is the main point of this particular air purifier sub-category.
On average, how much power does a plug-in air purifier consume?
One of the main advantages that plug-in air purifiers boast is the fact that they consume little energy when operating. On average, a plug-in device consumes between 3 and 8 watts, which is a lot less than what conventional air purifiers consume. If you’re looking for a cost-efficient system to keep the air clean, going for a plug-in model is definitely an option.
Are these air purification devices capable of removing unpleasant odors?
What are the disadvantages of using a direct plug-in air purifier?
Where is the best place to use a plug-in air purifier?
Plug-in air purifiers are designed for small spaces, so it is best to use them in the more compact spaces of your home. Laundry rooms, intimate nurseries, small reading nooks, and even play areas will also benefit from an increase in air quality from a plug-in model — all without the added costs of running a full-sized air purifier.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to smaller areas and compactness, plug-in air purifiers are the go-to option. After reading through the reviews we’ve written above, you probably already have an inkling as to which device you’re likely to buy.
Our favorite, though, is the GermGuardian GG1100, since it’s energy-efficient, packed with a UV-C light for sanitation, easy to maintain, and equipped with a an extra USB port for charging. Meanwhile, the Knox Gear KN-APUR wins the round in terms of affordability. If you don’t mind using a device that generates ozone, this plug-in model provides a cost-effective solution against odors and germs.
The Pure Enrichment PurePlug has amazed me with its operation! It might be small, but it’s definitely a force to be reckoned with.