Need to know
- Our expert air purifier review includes over 50 models from brands including Samsung, Dyson, Kogan, Ikea, Breville, Philips and more
- We score how well they remove dust, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, as well as how energy efficient and quiet they are, and how easy they are to use
- Consider joining CHOICE to see our full air purifier reviews and best performers, as well as expert reviews and advice on hundreds of products and services
Since the pandemic and the rise in extreme weather events, many more of us have become concerned about the quality of air we're breathing in our homes, schools and workplaces.
Unsurprisingly, the number of air purifiers on the market continues to grow, with more and more models becoming available as brands release new air purifying appliances in an attempt to meet consumer demand.
Unfortunately, while CHOICE experts have seen plenty of good air purifiers, we've also encountered some models that performed so poorly you may as well be watching your cash disappear into thin air.
Considering the relatively high cost of air purifiers, the poor performance of some models is especially disappointing. Many people with allergies, asthma or respiratory issues rely on air purifiers to improve their quality of life by filtering out dust, pollen, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home.
Some models perform so poorly you may as well be watching your cash disappear into thin air
Others are also turning to air purifiers as a way to help keep the air in their homes, schools or workplaces clear of germs associated with viruses such as influenza or COVID-19 (a job air purifiers can indeed do, although with limitations – find out more about how effective air purifiers are against viruses and germs).
We don't want you to end up with a dud buy, so here are the products that scored lowest in our lab tests. Consider becoming a CHOICE member to see the best performers.
The worst performing air purifiers in CHOICE testing
Our CHOICE air purifiers review looks at over 60 different models. We score each air purifier based on how well it removes dust, smoke and VOCs from the air. Our review also tells you which models are the most energy efficient, the quietest and the easiest to use.
Our results show that the air purifiers in the list below definitely won't blow you away. And while most come in under the $250 mark, they're anything but a bargain.
Size matters
Bear in mind that cheaper air purifiers (including many in this list) tend to be smaller, which means they may struggle to deliver the same air-purifying power as a larger model. And, because we test all air purifiers in the same room, bigger models usually perform better. So, if you're looking for an air purifier for a very small room, one of these smaller models may perform more effectively there, so could still be worth considering.
Cheap models
It's worth noting that some cheaper models may perform OK in certain aspects of our testing rather than across the board – for example, they may be OK at removing dust or smoke, but perform poorly when it comes to removing VOCs from the air. This means they could be worth buying if they perform well for the particular aspect that's important to you.
Having said all that, there's no guarantee that buying a bigger or more expensive air purifier will give you better performance, so check our detailed CHOICE air purifier reviews before you buy.
Sunbeam On-the-Go Fresh Portable SAP0800WH
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 28%
- Performance score: 10%
- Price: $149
We rarely see air purifiers this small that perform well in our testing, and although this air purifier sells itself as being compact, rechargeable and lightweight, its poor air purifying capabilities aren't likely to leave you feeling fresh.
It promises to purify your 'personal air' however our results show that it probably won't do much to purify any air, personal or otherwise. Our experts gave it a performance score of just 10%, with a dust removal score of just 9% and smoke removal score of 7% – the lowest scores for these tests of all the air purifiers in our review.
It performed marginally better against VOCs, with a score of 30%, but the effect is likely minimal unless you're using it in a very small confined space (the product says it is recommended for spaces up to 10 square metres, which is equivalent to a very small bedroom). If you have a larger space, it's worth investing in a better-performing purifier that has a larger capacity.
Read the full Sunbeam air purifier review.
Oricom AP8030 air purifier
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 41%
- Performance score: 29%
- Price: $219
Even its flashy blue lights can't detract from the fact that this air purifier scored just 17% for its ability to remove VOCs from the air.
It's better at removing smoke and dust from the air (scoring 34% and 28% respectively) but it's only designed for rooms up to 20 square metres (about the size of a small bedroom or office space). You'll find air purifiers in our review that perform much better at around this price point. Read the full Oricom air purifier review.
Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Gen 1 HP10
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 42%
- Performance score: 34%
- Price: $899
If you're outlaying a sum just shy of $1000, you'd be wanting some seriously clean air blowing in your direction.
This pricey Dyson appliance may offer the bonus of functioning as a heater and fan as well as an air purifier, but our tests show it doesn't do much as an air purifier. It scores just 34% for overall performance and 28% for removing smoke. A positive was that it rated as 'quiet' when operated on both a high and low setting.
However, if you want peace of mind as well, we recommend opting for a better-value model that will give you the clean air you crave. Read the full Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Gen 1 HP10 review.
Breville The Easy Air Connect Purifier LAP158
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 42%
- Performance score: 25%
- Price: $249
This is another small model that doesn't perform well against bigger, more powerful air purifiers as it simply can't process as much air.
Breville claims this model is suitable for rooms up to 25 square metres; however, there are other models in our review that claim to work in similar-sized rooms but which perform better.Read the full Breville The Easy Air Connect air purifier review.
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
