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As much as we hear about the threat of air pollution outdoors, many people are probably unaware that indoor air pollution is often significantly higher and causes more health problems. Even if you have good indoor air quality, there are many instances where the odors of smoke or animals can create an unpleasant environment.
One of the best ways to prevent these issues from causing any long term harm is to get an air purifier. Unfortunately, many air purifiers aim to improve the air quality of your home at the expense of your peace of mind by running loud fans to circulate the air, hanging like a sword of Damocles over your head.
That is why we put together a list of the 5 best quiet air purifier reviews of this year, highlighting what each one does best. We also answer some of the most important questions about this appliance and provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you know which option will clean your air in peace.
Best Quiet Air Purifier Reviews
Best Seller: RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier – Stylish, Efficient and Energy Star (SPA-700A, White, Pet Allergy)
- Advanced HEPA filtration with six stages of purification and deodorization
- 5 Year Warranty
- Pet Allergy customized filter: Traps and reduces pet dander and pet odors.
RabbitAir is easily the most reputable and experienced company that we reviewed with a history that stretches back more than a decade and a half. On top of that, this company specializes not only in indoor air quality products but only puts out a couple of models, meaning they place plenty of focus on this option.
The RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A air purifier is easily one of the quieter models on our list with a low setting that only makes 20 ⅘ dB of noise and a high setting that barely exceeds 45 dB. Given how quiet it is, you might think that its fan is a bit underpowered, but this air purifier is also the best-performing model we reviewed.
In terms of sheer power, the RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A air purifier can handle the largest space we found with 700 sq ft at 2 cycles per hour and 350 sq ft at 4 cycles per hour. As if that were not enough, this air purifier also scores the best total CADR at 203 with its pollen, dust, and smoke ratings sitting at 171, 173, and 166 respectively.
A big part of the reason that the RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A air purifier can maintain such a high-performance is that it employs an advanced 6-stage air filtration system. Not only does this air purifier employ one of the more advanced air filtration systems on our list, but it also uses a BioGS HEPA filter which reduces the spread of the common cold.
Even better, the RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A air purifier is the only entry on our list with a negative ion generator that provides additional health benefits as well. While its performance is exceptional, this air purifier is also high-tech with a customizable front panel that can display any image you want while the whole unit can be mounted to a wall.
Features
- Runs quietly at most setting, producing between 20 ⅘ to 45 ⅗ dB
- Cleans large rooms with a 700/350 sq ft coverage area
- Works non-stop improving air quality with a 99.97% BioGS HEPA filter
- Provides refined air purification with a 6-stage filtration process
- Makes exceptionally clean air with a CADR of 203
Verdict
The RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A air purifier is easily the best-performing model on our list that also has the quietest low setting and a fairly quiet high setting. On top of that, this air purifier ties for the largest coverage with one of the better filtration systems that employ a BioGS HEPA filter with a 203 CADR.
Pros
- Only generates between 20 ⅘ to 45 ⅗ dB
- Has a large coverage area
- Has a great CADR
- Employs a 6-stage filtration system
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Not the easiest to use
Top Pick: Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier for Home, 5-in-1 Large Room Air Cleaner for Allergies, Pets, Asthma, Smokers – Filters 99.97% of Allergens, Dust, Pet Hair, Pollen, Smoke, Odors – HSP001
- Purify your air – Our 5-in-1 filter system targets pollen, dust, pet dander, VOC’s, smoke, and odors. Our H11 HEPA filter captures 99.9%...
- What you get – Smart air purifier, True HEPA filter set, remote control, manual, 2-year warranty, award-winning customer support 7 days a...
- Remove odors, smoke, & VOC’s – Both an air cleaner and odor eliminator, our air purifier features a unique honeycomb activated-carbon...
Hathaspace may not have the same experience or reputation as some of the other companies on our list, but give them time and they will certainly get there. Like other high-end air quality companies, Hathaspace stays laser-focused on air purifiers with only a couple of different models to worry about.
That might be part of why the Hathaspace HSP001 air purifier is not only one of the quieter options at its low fan speed at 21 dB but is also quieter at its fastest fan speed setting at only 43 dB. Like other high-end air purifiers, this model also offers some of the best air quality we found, ranking first or second in all major categories.
In terms of its coverage, the Hathaspace HSP001 air purifier ties for first with a 700 sq ft coverage at 1 cycle per hour and a 350 sq ft coverage at 2 cycles per hour. Beyond the sheer space this air purifier can clean, it also boasts a solid overall CADR of 160 with pollen, dust, and smoke ratings of 170, 160, 165.
While not the most advanced filtration system, the Hathaspace HSP001 air purifier is no slouch in this department either with a 5-stage system that uses a True HEPA filter. It is worth noting that while not the most expensive entry, this air purifier is still an expensive option– though you get what you pay for.
Another great quality of the Hathaspace HSP001 air purifier is the sheer number of settings as this is one of the few models we found with an automatic function. This air purifier can automatically purifier the air in a room thanks to its included air quality sensor that not only reads the air quality but presents it to you in an easy to understand format.
Features
- Runs quietly at most setting, producing between 21 to 43 dB
- Cleans large rooms with a 700/350 sq ft coverage area
- Works non-stop improving air quality with a 99.97% True HEPA filter
- Provides refined air purification with a 5-stage filtration process
- Makes clean, fresh air with a CADR of 160
Verdict
The Hathaspace HSP001 air purifier is another high-performing model that is almost as quiet at the low setting and one of the quietest at its high setting. This air purifier also ties for the largest coverage with a solid air filtration system, plenty of settings, and a 160 CADR which is good for the second-best on our list.
Pros
- Only generates between 21 to 43 dB
- Has a large coverage area
- Has a great CADR
- Employs a 5-stage filtration system
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Uses a lot of energy
Best Value: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair Smokers in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Air Purifiers Filter, 24db Quiet Air Cleaner, Remove 99.97% Smoke Dust Mold Pollen for Large Room, Core 300, White
- WE WON'T RELEASE ANY PRODUCT WITHOUT THE LOGO: Each of our products undergoes professional tests & recognition, after which a formal LOGO...
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Enjoy fresh air in 12 minutes with the Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier. Featuring VortexAir Technology, 360° air intake,...
- FIND RELIEF: Ease sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms caused by airborne contaminants. The H13 True HEPA Filter works alongside...
Though you may not necessarily have heard of LEVOIT, this is the second most experienced company on our list with a stellar reputation that has won numerous awards. While LEVOIT does not specialize in air quality products explicitly, it still focuses on air and climate control products.
The LEVOIT Core 300 air purifier performs reasonably well all things considered, but it is not one of the quieter models that we reviewed. That said, this air purifier is not exactly loud either as its low fan speed only generates 24 dB or noise while the highest fan speed setting can be a bit more distracting at 50 dB.
Still, the LEVOIT Core 300 air purifier performs better than you might think given that it is also a reasonably priced model. In terms of its purification ability, this air purifier has a CADR pollen rating of 145, a dust rating of 140, and a smoke rating of 141– though the company does not release the overall rating.
Part of the reason for this might be the fact that the LEVOIT Core 300 air purifier only has a coverage of 219 sq ft, though it cycles that space a whopping 5 times per hour. Still, another reason that it might skirt the line in terms of performance is that it only employs a 3-stage air filtration system but at least uses a True HEPA filter.
Given its reasonable price and adequate performance, it is a bit surprising that the LEVOIT Core 300 air purifier offers more settings than any of its competitors. On top of that, this air purifier is still compact enough for you to take from room to room as needed with an 8 ⅔” x 8 ⅔” x 14” profile and weighing just under 9 lbs.
Features
- Runs quietly at most setting, producing between 24 to 50 dB
- Cleans average rooms with a 219 sq ft coverage area
- Works non-stop improving air quality with a 99.97% True HEPA filter
- Provides refined air purification with a 3-stage filtration process
- Easily taken from room to room with a 8 ⅔” x 8 ⅔” x 14 ⅕” profile
Verdict
The LEVOIT Core 300 air purifier is reasonably priced and maintains a low volume at most of its settings, though the high setting gets a bit louder than the competition. While the coverage is not quite as good as some of the other models, it cycles the air 5 times and still provides a better than average 140s CADR.
Pros
- Has a solid CADR
- Has a solid coverage area
- Comes with numerous settings
- Easily moved to different rooms
Cons
- Not the most advanced filtration system
- Not the quietest high speed
Runner Up: TaoTronics HEPA Air Purifier for Home, Allergens Smoke Pollen Pets Hair, Desktop Air Cleaner with True HEPA Filter, Sleep Mode, Night Light, Odors Dust, Bedroom Office.
TaoTronics may not be the most well-known company in the US, but it has been providing high-end products in China for over a decade. Now, after finally breaking into the US markets, this company can offer solid options at reasonable prices– though it focuses on consumer goods more broadly rather than specialize in air quality products.
That said, the TaoTronics TT-AP001 air purifier still falls well within the expected range of noise generation for an entry on our list. At its lowest fan speed setting, this air purifier only generates 25 dB of noise while still only making 45 dB of noise when turned up to its fastest fan speed setting.
On top of that, the TaoTronics TT-AP001 air purifier might offer one of the best values we encountered for a single-room model thanks to its incredibly low price. Of course, that means that you should not expect this air purifier to perform quite as well as it only has an overall CADR of 71.
Part of this likely comes down to the fact that the TaoTronics TT-AP001 air purifier has one of the simpler air filtration systems on our list with only 3 stages but uses a True HEPA filter. On top of that, this air purifier is not able to handle nearly as large of a space as some of its competition at only 161 sq ft– though it cleans that space exceptionally well with 5 cycles per hour.
Not only is the TaoTronics TT-AP001 air purifier an inexpensive model but it stays that way too thanks to a lower power draw of only 12 watts. Even better, the 7 ⅗” x 7 ⅗” x 10 ⅗” profile and weight of 3 ⅘ lbs mean you can take this air purifier wherever you want– not to mention it comes with a built-in LED light too.
Features
- Runs quietly at most setting, producing between 25 to 45 dB
- Cleans cozy rooms with a 161 sq ft coverage area
- Works non-stop improving air quality with a 99.97% True HEPA filter
- Provides refined air purification with a 3-stage filtration process
- Easily taken from room to room with a 7 ⅗” x 7 ⅗” x 10 ⅗” profile
Verdict
The TaoTronics TT-AP001 air purifier is an inexpensive option that also maintains a low volume regardless of the fan speed you choose. This air purifier is also one of the few on our list that can effortlessly move from one room to the next, though it has a somewhat small coverage of close to 13’ x 13’ and a substandard CADR.
Pros
- Only generates between 25 to 45 dB
- Has an LED light
- Easily moved to different rooms
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most advanced filtration system
- Has a smaller coverage
Also Consider: Airthereal ADH50B Air Purifier with 3 Filtration Stage True HEPA Filter for Small Room, Bedroom, and Office Whisper Quiet – Day Dawning
- TRUE HEPA FILTRATION: Airthereal’s 3 Filtration Stage True HEPA Filter will help you breathe easier by removing particles as small as 0.3...
- SILENT OPERATION: Tired of lying in bed at night listening to the hum of your air purifier? No more! The max operating noise in sleep mode...
- AROUND THE HOUSE: The ADH50B is so lightweight that you can simply unplug and move to wherever you spend the most time. There’s no need to...
Airthereal may be our last company and it is still fairly new, but it shows every indication of a company on the rise. For starters, this company specializes exclusively in air quality products and their accessories while still offering a wide range of different models to choose from.
For our purposes, the Airthereal ADH50B air purifier is actually the quietest option that we encountered with a low fan speed setting making only 20 dB of noise and the high fan speed setting topping out at 40 dB of noise. As if that were not enough, this air purifier is also extremely inexpensive, though that comes with some drawbacks as well.
For starters, the Airthereal ADH50B air purifier has the smallest coverage on our list at only 110 sq ft with no indication of how many times per hour it cycles that space’s air. To make matters a bit trickier, this air purifier also has the lowest overall CADR at 70 ½ with no specification depending on the specific contaminant.
That said, the Airthereal ADH50B air purifier still performs reasonably well, all things considered, thanks in a large part to the most advanced filtration system on our list. This air purifier filters air with a 7-stage system through a True HEPA filter, though no specifics are given regarding all of the different stages.
The Airthereal ADH50B air purifier is another model that not only saves you money upfront but keeps saving you money throughout its lifetime with a power draw of only 3 ½ watts. Even better, this air purifier is the easiest to take from room to room with a profile measuring 6 ⅓” x 6 ⅓” x 10 ⅕” and weights 2 ½ lbs.
Features
- Runs quietly at most setting, producing between 20 to 40 dB
- Cleans cozy rooms with a 110 sq ft coverage area
- Works non-stop improving air quality with a 99.97% True HEPA filter
- Provides refined air purification with a 7-stage filtration process
- Easily taken from room to room with a 6 ⅓” x 6 ⅓” x 10 ⅕” profile
Verdict
The Airthereal ADH50B air purifier is an exceptionally inexpensive model that is also extremely quiet at every fan speed. This pint-sized air purifier is also the only entry on our list to employ a 7-stage air filtration system, though it has the smallest coverage at 100 sq ft and the lowest CADR at only 70 ½.
Pros
- Only generates between 22 to 40 dB
- Employs a 7-stage filtration system
- Easily moved to different rooms
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Has a smaller coverage
- Not the best filtration
Best Quiet Air Purifier Buying Guide
Volume
For our list, this is one of the most important qualities to consider, though it is worth noting that even on the highest setting, none of the entries we reviewed get louder than a quiet office. Still, there are plenty of options that we found which hover around a light rainfall in terms of its maximum noise generation.
The most important thing to consider with an air purifier’s volume is the speed of the fan that circulates the air being purified. However, this is a bit of a double-edged sword as a weaker fan will not perform as well as a more powerful one, so you need to balance the noise generated with air purification performance.
Coverage
Coverage refers to the size of a room that an air purifier is rated for, though it does not place a hard cap on the maximum size you can use an air purifier in and is rated in square footage. Instead, the coverage tells you the maximum size that the model can achieve the desired air quality rating but can vary depending on the base air quality.
It is also worth noting that the coverage often incorporates the number of cycles used to achieve that rating, though that functions more based on the fan. Still, some air purifiers provide multiple coverages that change depending on the mode you select and the number of cycles the purifier performs.
CADR
CADR or clean air delivery rate is the quick and easy specification that tells you how well a given air purifier performs and is rated in cubic feet per minute. That said, the CADR is always rated in at least a given coverage and will quite often include the number of cycles an air purifier performs in a given hour to achieve this rating.
Depending on the company (and often how well the air purifier performs) a given product may provide an “overall” CADR, though this is not technically standard. For a better idea of how well an air purifier performs, compare the specific types of contaminant CADRs of pollen, dust, and smoke– assuming the manufacturer provides them.
Filter System
Outside of potentially the strength of an air purifier’s fan, the filtration system tends to have the biggest impact on how well the purifier performs. In this instance, the filtration system will use several different stages to filter out either finer contaminants or different types of contaminants.
Pretty much all air purifiers come with a pre-filter that removes large particles, a HEPA filter that removes small particles, and a charcoal filter that removes odors and smoke. However, more advanced air purifiers may also include additional filters to remove even more filters based either on the size or type of contaminant.
HEPA
Pretty much all air purifiers come with a HEPA filter which if given the “True HEPA” moniker means that it can purifier air down to 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency and down to 0.1 microns with 99% efficiency. That said, some high-end models will include special HEPA filters that also clean the air of bacteria and viruses to prevent the transmission of illness.
Cycles
The cycles refer to how many times per hour an air purifier completely purifies its rated coverage of air. The more cycles an air purifier performs generally the cleaner the air will smell, though it may not necessarily translate to significantly better air quality compared to competitors depending on other factors.
FAQ’s
What Makes an Air Purifier Quiet?
While air purifiers can be somewhat more complicated than some of the other products we cover, the factors that determine the amount of noise they make are fairly basic. That said, most air purifiers are at least reasonably quiet due to inherent advantages in their design– though these benefits vary between products.
The biggest thing that all air purifiers have for them is a closed chassis design which helps muffle any sound generated throughout its action. However, the number, position, and size of the intake and outlet ports heavily influence how effective the design is at actually muffling the noise created.
In terms of actual noise generated, the main culprit for most air purifiers is the fan that cycles the air given that most air purifier filtration systems are passive. However, this presents a bit of an issue as the more powerful the fan is the more noise it makes, but you need a powerful fan to cycle through and clean more air as well.
This being the case, you generally need to decide how effective of an air purifier you need and accept a given noise level based on that air quality.
What is CADR?
CADR stands for “Clean Air Delivery Rate” and is the primary “official” standard developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers to rate the effectiveness of consumer-grade air purifiers specifically. This rating, while standardized, can come in a couple of different specs depending on the country of origin, market, or product quality.
CADR should be provided in cubic feet per minute or CFM but some manufacturers opt for cubic meters instead as US customers are less likely to know how they correlate. That said, there are also a few different sub-specs to consider when looking at an air purifier’s CADR depending on the particular air quality issues you need to address.
For instance, some manufacturers simply provide the total amount of air that they circulate without necessarily focusing on how their air purifier performs at any given task. However, air purifiers that perform well tend to offer individual ratings for each of the major types of air contaminants that the AHAM tests for which are pollen, dust, and smoke.
What to Look For?
Outside of the volume and the CADR rating, one of the most important aspects of an air purifier is its coverage area which determines how large a space it can effectively purify. Keep in mind, the coverage area differs not only from machine to machine but also based on the number of cycles it performs in an hour.
Since most air purifiers are only effective for enough space to cover one or two rooms, you often need to purchase multiple purifiers to cover an entire house. However, if you only need an air purifier occasionally or for particular rooms or situations, you may want to consider how large and portable the purifier is.
Finally, an air purifier with multiple settings and an easy control not only allows you to determine what kind of air quality you need but how easy it is to achieve that setting. Timers as well as different cleaning modes are a good way to customize your purification settings while a remote control makes it easy to adjust.
Conclusion
In the end, all of the options we reviewed can quietly clean your home’s air at its lowest setting, but a good air purifier is often an expensive product that demands precise attention. For example, if you have a large home with plenty of open space that needs an air purifier, the RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A is the best-performing we found.
Of course, if you want a solid air purifier that does not come with a sticker shocking price tag, Hathaspace HSP001 either ties for first or is second-best in all meaningful specs. Of course, if you want to save some real money without having to completely sacrifice on performance, the LEVOIT Core 300 is a great option.
If the well-performing air purifiers are still a bit too rich for your blood, the TaoTronics TT-AP001 is good enough for an average middle-class home’s room. Finally, the Airthereal ADH50B air purifier is extremely inexpensive and comes with a top of the line air filtration system, but its small size limits its overall performance.
As far as the quietness of these air purifiers they all seem to be as loud as each other running an average of 20-50 dBs depending on the speed at which you wish them to operate. To run these air purifiers silently, one would want to run them at their lowest speed. The other aspect of quietness which could be overlooked is the fact these devices emit light, if you’re sensitive to light pollution, especially when you’re trying to sleep at night, then picking one such the LEVOIT Core 300 is a great option.