Air purifiers can make quite a lot of noise, especially when you’re running them at higher settings. While not overly loud, those sensitive to noises may find it very distracting. This is especially true if you’re using the air purifier in your bedroom or near sleeping children.
The good news is there are many air purifier models out there that put a premium on operating very quietly. To find out more about the best quiet air purifiers, read our review below!
Top 6 Best Quiet Air Purifiers
| Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
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1. Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier MUG-55
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2. Levoit LV-H133
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3. Winix 5500-2
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4. Coway Airmega 400
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5. Alen BreatheSmart FLEX
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6. Airthereal Pure Morning APH260
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Quiet Air Purifier Reviews
1. Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier MUG-55
The Hathaspace MUG-55 is a quiet air purifier that uses a very comprehensive air filtration system. Rated to cover up to 700 sq. ft. of space, you can already tell the MUG-55 is a high performance air purifier. Despite this, however, it can run more quietly than a whisper at 18 dB on Sleep Mode, with noise levels capped at 43 dB on the highest setting.
Aside from having a comprehensive air filtration system, the MUG-55 also boasts a bevy of smart features and, while this is ultimately a good thing, it also makes the device pretty difficult to use. Another drawback to this model is that many users have reported a strong chemical or plastic smell coming from the air purifier.
Overall, however, the MUG-55 definitely gives you more bang for your buck. At a very modest price point, you get an air purifier that’s capable of covering large spaces, fitted with a highly efficient air filtration system, and backed by a bevy of smart features.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ideal for medium to large rooms
- Comprehensive air filtration system
- 12-hour timer
- Whisper-quiet operation especially on Sleep Mode
- Remote control operation
- Auto mode, sleep mode, and air quality indicator
Cons
- Relatively difficult to use
- Large footprint
- Emits strong chemical/plastic smell
2. Levoit LV-H133
The Levoit air purifiers have enjoyed a considerable amount of popularity and with good reason. They’re not only reasonably-priced, but also operate very quietly. The LV-H133 is one of their latest releases and is capable of covering wide spaces up to 538 sq. ft. Equipped with a permanent pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter, the LV-H133 is a robust air purifier that operates quietly, making as little as 25 dB of noise — just above a whisper.
Unfortunately, because it’s such a new product, the LV-H133 is a little more expensive than the other air purifiers on this list. Some users even complained that the air purifier’s motor makes a loud whirring noise after some time. While probably an isolated case, it’s still something to keep in mind.
Overall, the LV-H133 is a great quiet air purifier to have at home. Its sleek tower-type design allows you to place it in tight spaces. It also has a wide array of smart features including a 12-hour timer and an air quality indicator.
Pros
- Large room coverage
- 360-degree air intake
- 12-hour timer
- Quiet operation on the lowest setting
- LED panel can be turned off
- Air quality indicator and auto mode
- Good CADR ratings
- Sleek, tower-type design
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Motor makes a loud noise after some time
3. Winix 5500-2
The Winix 5500-2 has been a long-time favorite for air purifier users all over the world. Easily one of Winix’s most popular products, the 5500-2 has a robust air filtration system comprised of a carbon pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and the PlasmaWave ionizer. It’s rated to cover 360 sq. ft. of space and operates as quietly as a whisper at 26 dB.
Unfortunately, despite its affordable upfront price, the 5500-2 has expensive replacement filters that keep long-term costs high. On top of that, the washable carbon filter needs to be cleaned quite regularly in order to keep the air purifier running efficiently. You’re also only backed by a short 1-year warranty.
With all things considered, the 5500-2 still remains to be one of the best air purifiers you can get at this price point. It’s also one of the quietest! In addition to that, you get a ton of smart features, a remote control, and an air quality indicator to help you gauge your indoor air quality. Overall, the 5500-2 is one of the strongest contenders on this list.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Comes with smart features (modes and indicators)
- Easy to operate with a remote control
- Automatic fan speed adjustment using Smart Sensors
- Dedicated PlasmaWave button
- Affordable upfront
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Large footprint
- Slightly expensive long-term
- Carbon filter needs to be cleaned regularly
- Short warranty
4. Coway Airmega 400
The Coway Airmega 400 is one of Coway’s most high-performing air purifiers, rated to cover very large areas up to 1560 sq. ft. in size. It uses Coway’s revolutionary Max2 filter which is a combination of a True HEPA and activated carbon filter. Despite being such a large and powerful device, the Airmega 400 keeps noise levels to less than 43.2 dB.
Because it’s Coway’s flagship air purifier, it’s not surprising that it comes at a premium price point. In addition to that, it has a relatively large footprint, making it more difficult to position in your home. It also doesn’t have any casters so moving it around can be a pain.
These flaws are easily overlooked, however, when you take into consideration how beneficial the 400 is for your home. This top-notch device is unmatched when it comes to airflow and air purifying speed. It also has all the smart features you would expect from a premium air purifier.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Large room coverage
- Max2 filter permits higher airflow
- 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
- Large footprint
- No casters
5. Alen BreatheSmart FLEX
Alen’s line of BreatheSmart air purifiers put a premium on quiet operation with the FLEX making as little as 39 dB of noise. While not the quietest in the industry, they’re surprisingly quiet for the power that they hold. The FLEX, which is the smallest and most affordable of the bunch, is rated to cover up to 700 sq. ft. of space and offers different options for HEPA filters.
The biggest drawback to the BreatheSmart air purifiers is that they’re so expensive — and the FLEX is no exception. On top of that, the customizable HEPA filters are also quite pricey, which means long-term costs remain quite high. On top of that, the FLEX only uses one filter, which means the customizable HEPA filter wears out faster with frequent use.
If you’re looking for a high performance air purifier with a lifetime warranty and relatively quiet operation, Alen’s BreatheSmart air purifiers are the perfect choice. FLEX, in particular, is the most affordable choice. Its different types of HEPA filters allow you to target specific types of air pollutants and customize your experience. The FLEX’s bevy of features make it one of the most attractive choices on this list.
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
- Expensive upfront and long-term
- Expensive replacement filters
- Uses only one filter
5. Alen BreatheSmart FLEX
Alen’s line of BreatheSmart air purifiers put a premium on quiet operation with the FLEX making as little as 39 dB of noise. While not the quietest in the industry, they’re surprisingly quiet for the power that they hold. The FLEX, which is the smallest and most affordable of the bunch, is rated to cover up to 700 sq. ft. of space and offers different options for HEPA filters.
The biggest drawback to the BreatheSmart air purifiers is that they’re so expensive — and the FLEX is no exception. On top of that, the customizable HEPA filters are also quite pricey, which means long-term costs remain quite high. On top of that, the FLEX only uses one filter, which means the customizable HEPA filter wears out faster with frequent use.
If you’re looking for a high performance air purifier with a lifetime warranty and relatively quiet operation, Alen’s BreatheSmart air purifiers are the perfect choice. FLEX, in particular, is the most affordable choice. Its different types of HEPA filters allow you to target specific types of air pollutants and customize your experience. The FLEX’s bevy of features make it one of the most attractive choices on this list.
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
- Expensive upfront and long-term
- Expensive replacement filters
- Uses only one filter
6. Airthereal Pure Morning APH260
The Airthereal Pure Morning APH260 is a popular and incredibly affordable air purifier rated to cover 355 sq. ft. of space. It uses a highly comprehensive air filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, a UV light, and an ionizer. It operates quietly as well, making as little as 28 dB of noise.
Unfortunately, one of the bigger problems with this model is that several users have complained of durability issues. To be honest, this isn’t too surprising considering how affordable it is. Another problem is that its buttons make loud beeping noises whenever you press them. In addition, the unit’s True HEPA filter wears out faster because it’s positioned ahead of all the other filters.
Overall, the APH260 is great option especially if you’re looking for an affordable and quiet air purifier. Despite its modest price, the APH260 is surprisingly efficient and can remove pollutants as small as 0.1 microns in size. It also has all the makings of a premium air purifier minus the hefty price tag.
Pros
- Affordable
- Medium room coverage
- Can filter pollutants as small as 0.1 microns
- Comprehensive air filtration system
- 12-hour timer
- Auto mode, sleep mode, and numerical air quality indicator
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Durability issues
- Loud beeping noises from buttons
- True HEPA filter wears out easily
Buyer’s Guide:
Quiet Air Purifier
Air Purifier Noise
For the most part, the noise air purifiers make is considered ambient noise or “white noise”. While white noise isn’t too distracting (some people even find it soothing), some users might prefer to live without it.
Depending on the brand, make, and model, the sound an air purifier makes depends on the operating speed, the density of the filters, the location of the device, and how furnished the room is.
- Operating speed: Naturally, air purifiers operating at higher fan speeds will be louder.
- Filter density: Air purifiers that use denser filters will generally be louder due to the friction the air has to go through before exiting the device,
- Location: Air purifiers placed in rooms that have more furniture and a carpet will sound quieter than an air purifier placed in a bare room.
Average Air Purifier Noise Levels
Ideally, a good air purifier should make only 32 dB of noise or less. This is a little above a whisper but still considered very quiet. However, average air purifier noise levels are around 36 dB which is still pretty quiet but more noticeable. Obviously, the quieter an air purifier is, the better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air purifiers recommended for use in the bedroom?
Yes, air purifiers can be very beneficial when used throughout the night while you’re sleeping. It can prevent allergic rhinitis in the morning as well as ensure cleaner air for breathing during the night. However, if you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to avoid having an air purifier in your room.
My air purifier uses UV light and negative ions. Is it safe for my children?
Unfortunately, UV light and ionizers have been associated with ozone generation. Ozone is a known lung irritant and can aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. While the amount of ozone that UV light and ionizers produce are well regulated, it doesn’t change the fact that ozone is being released into your home.
How do you know when it’s time to change filters?
Most air purifiers nowadays come with a filter change indicator that lights up when it’s time to change one of the filters. You can also estimate when the filters need to be changed depending on how long you’ve been using them. True HEPA filters last anywhere between 6 to 12 months and activated carbon filters last anywhere between 3 to 6 months.
Final Thoughts
Air purifiers are high beneficial to have at home. However, they’re not always the quietest machines. Luckily, several manufacturers have begun putting a premium on quiet operation, with a lot of quiet air purifiers being released into the market.
After a thorough comparison of the most popular quiet air purifiers, the Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier (MUG-55) comes out on top by giving the best value for money. Its comprehensive air filtration system, wide array of features, and whisper-quiet operation make it the best quiet air purifier on this list!
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