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Our five faves to keep your home fresh and clean.
Photo:Real Simple
Thats whyair purifiersare essential for pet ownersthey helpreduce allergensand eliminate unpleasant odors in your space.
However, not all air purifiers are created equal.
While some are made for general use, others are designed withpets in mind.
PHOTO: Amazon
To find the best air purifiers for pet owners, we tested 61 popular models over six months.
To narrow our list, we focused on models with effective filtration, stylish design, and quiet operation.
Stick around for our top five picks for a fresher, fur-free home.
We put this purifier to the test to see how well it would stand up to large clumps of pet hair.PHOTO: Real Simple
Its a bit clunky and indiscreet.
After six months of testing, our air felt much fresher and cleaner.
The mesh pre-filter was also full of hair at the end; a visible reminder of its effectiveness.
An indicator light tells you when the filters need to be changed.
With its quiet operation and sleep mode, its great for nighttime use, too.
Our only complaint is that the cover tends to pop off easily since the magnetic closure isnt super secure.
The design is also bulky, so it might not fit well in a living room or dining area.
Dimensions:15 by 8 by 24 inches |Weight:14.8 lbs.
The filter removal process releases allergens back into the air.
With a sleek, user-friendly design, this model blends in well with any decor.
Plus, you’re free to set it to run continuously or on a timer.
Dimensions:8 by 14 by 8 inches |Weight:5.85 lbs.
Its one of the pricier models out there.
Whether its sticking to your clothes or just making you sneeze, fur around the house is never fun.
In our tests, itremoved more smokeand pet hair than other units, thanks to its six-stage filtration system.
In fact, it was so quiet, we practically forgot it was there.
Plus, the sleek, modern design makes it an unobtrusive addition to any space.
Dimensions:21 by 7 by 20 inches |Weight:19 lbs.
The higher options are disruptive, and the robotic appearance may not appeal to everyone’s tastes.
Thats why we love the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX, which stands out for its odor-neutralizing technology.
Better yet, it also seemed to alleviate our dog’s allergies.
This unit includes a Debris Defense filter for larger particles and a HEPA filter for smaller ones.
Our dog slept through the first two speeds, though it got a bit noisy at level three.
you could also buy a remote control separately.
Beyond its effective odor neutralization, this unit also has an impressive lifespan.
The filter lasts 10 times longer than most, so you won’t need to replace it often.
Setup was also a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-install pre-filters and HEPA filter.
Dimensions:13 by 13 by 23 inches |Weight:12 lbs.
The touchscreen lags a bit.
The setup was ridiculously easy, and we found the interface similarly easy to navigate.
PHOTO: Amazon
We did notice a slight lag on the touchscreen which, while frustrating, wasn’t a dealbreaker.
We think the calming noise, coupled with the dim display, make this a great nighttime option.
Overall, we were impressed by this air purifier’s performance.
PHOTO: Rabbit Air
After six months, its still exceeding our expectations.
Dimensions:14 by 14 by 25 inches |Weight:23 lbs.
We then evaluated the design based on the quality, aesthetics, design features, and footprint.
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 Air Purifier was quiet on the highest setting according to a decibel meter.PHOTO: Real Simple
Next, we measured each purifiers noise levels on its highest and lowest tweaks using a decibel meter.
Of course, we also tested each air purifier’s effectivenessat purifying the air.
We then recorded the PM2.5 and VOC levels again at each station and from varying distances.
We repeated this test with the air purifier on its highest mode.
Lastly, we scored the overall valueof each air purifierbased on its price and performance.
They can absorb many contaminants in the air that HEPA filters cannot, including VOCs.
Activated carbon filters are often used in combination with HEPA filters to trap both allergens and odors.
In general, you’ll want to replace activated carbon filters every three to six months.
Pre-Filters:Many air purifiers come with pre-filters to trap large debris and dirt.
Noise Level
Noise is another important consideration, especially if you have sensitive pets around the house.
Higher parameters are generally noisier than lower ones, but some models are still quieter than others.
Most of the air purifiers we tested had noise levels ranging from 20 to 60 decibels.
PHOTO: Shark
Some even have a quiet mode thats specially designed for bedtime use.
Certifications
If you want to save money on utilities, look for anEnergy Star-certifiedair purifier.
This certification ensures the air purifier meets specific energy-efficiency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
We loved the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX’s sleek and modern appearance.PHOTO: Real Simple
(ETL does not develop its own safety standards.)
Questions You Might Ask
How often does an air purifier filter need to be replaced?
For washable filters, you should rinse or wipe them down every month.
If the filter isnt washable, you cangently vacuumit.
What filters are best for pet hair and odors?
When it comes to larger debris, a pre-filter is essential for capturing things like pet hair.
PHOTO: Orsani
Ideal for large, open spaces, the Orsani Mod+ Hepa Air Filter can cover over 2,700 square feet every hour.PHOTO: Real Simple
Some of the air purifiers we tested include remotes, while others offer intuitive touchscreen controls for adjusting settings.Real Simple
Air purifiers designed for pet owners were evaluated based on the ease of accessing and replacing their filters.Real Simple
During our testing, we looked for air purifiers that operated quietly enough not to disturb conversations, TV watching, or sleep.Real Simple
