The Best Overall IQ Air Atem X The more air purifiers that I test , the more I think they should be viewed as a lifetime investment. If you have the means, the Atem X ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) truly is the best investment when it comes to a HEPA filter. Aside from its sleek design, there's an option for a 10-year warranty (with registration and filter subscription), which means you’ll have access to parts and repairs for a decade.

It’s quiet and has custom settings, a built-in sensor, and a dashboard phone app, and it can be set flush against a wall. I use the term “air purifier math” to consider how many air purifiers you might burn through in the next decade. One, two, maybe three? This is why the Atem X is a wise investment, even at its big ticket price.

The one drawback is that the Atem X doesn’t have a carbon filter to remove gases. Best Air Purifier for Small Rooms Coway Airmega 200M For sheer simplicity and affordability, the Airmega 200M will do the job for most people’s lives, houses, and budgets. The compact, attractive device easily fits into a corner of my bedroom and is effective for spaces up to 361 square feet.

It saves energy with an included air-quality monitor that turns the machine off when no pollution is detected and automatically increases the fan speed if it detects particles. When my dog plopped down in her bed, or when I cooked bacon with the bedroom door open, the Airmega 200M roared to life. You’ll probably want to turn off the AQ mon.