As if choosing the right air purifier for your needs isn’t hard enough, you have to select the right brand too. With air purifiers rapidly gaining popularity, an increasing number of manufacturers are popping up everywhere making it all the more difficult to choose.

One reputable brand has managed to stand the test of time to remain one of the most popular for home appliances.

Honeywell has more than 130 years of experience to its credit. Originating as separate companies that merged over the decades, Honeywell’s expertise in producing top-notch home appliances is unrivaled.

The Honeywell brand covers everything from thermostats to security systems to air purifiers. Regardless of the product, if it’s from Honeywell, you can be sure that it’ll be worth your money.

Honeywell air purifiers come in multiple sizes with different features, but what are the best ones they offer? Which purifiers are the most popular among users? Let’s find out!

This article examines some of the more popular Honeywell air purifier models and outlines their various strengths so that you can make an informed decision when hunting for your perfect Honeywell model.

  • 4 Fan Speeds
  • Built-in Timer
  • Control Panel Light Dimmer
  • Filter Replacement Indicator
  • 5-year Warranty

  • SurroundSeal Technology
  • Intelli-Check electronic filter indicator
  • Permanent True HEPA filter
  • 3 Fan Speeds
  • 5-year Warranty

  • On/off Oscillation
  • Electronic filter check indicator
  • LED Touch control panel
  • 3 Fan Speeds
  • 5-year Warranty

  • SurroundSeal Technology
  • Electronic controls
  • Intelli-Check electronic filter indicator
  • 3 Fan Speeds
  • 5-year Warranty

  • 5 fan speeds
  • Accent lighting with different levels
  • Auto-off timer
  • Filter indicator
  • 5-year Warranty


The HPA300 is one of Honeywell’s flagship air purifiers that was specifically developed to combat allergens. With its 2-stage filtration system consisting of a carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter, you can see a sudden reduction in the number of odors and allergens present in your home.

The HPA300 is rated to clean rooms up to 465 sq. ft. and can cycle the air every 12 minutes or 5 times per hour. This is a powerful device and can often beat out any other competitor of the same caliber in terms of raw cleaning power.

Despite its simple 2-stage filtration system, its CADR rating of more than 300 is unrivaled among large room air purifiers.

It has the bare minimum features for a mid-priced air purifier: 4 fan speeds, timer, filter replacement indicator, and control panel light dimmer.

At its price and compared to its peers, the HPA300 much lacks in additional features like an auto mode or air quality indicator.

Also, its controls are said to be confusing to some users because they are labeled as “germ,” “general clean,” “allergen,” and “turbo.” These controls don’t change the way the air purifier cleans the air; rather, they are merely fan speed settings, with “germ” being the lowest and “turbo” being the highest. At “turbo” setting, the HPA300 works extremely well at cleaning the air but is also very loud. If you plan to use it at night, you’ll have to set it to “germ” setting.

Overall, the HPA300 is a powerful mid-priced air purifier with excellent specifications.

Pros

  • Very high CADR ratings
  • Large room coverage
  • Recommended by allergists
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Confusing controls
  • Few features for an air purifier of its caliber
  • Loud
  • Large and heavy

The Honeywell 50250-S is an old model originally developed more than a decade ago; however, its energy efficiency and ease-of-use means it is still popular today.

Its design may look a bit dated on the outside, but the filtration system is simple and straightforward, beginning with a carbon pre-filter that can remove large debris like hair and dust while filtering out common house odors. Then, its permanent True HEPA filter works to effectively remove up to 99.97% of pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, smoke, bacteria, and viruses from the air.

One of the best features of the 50250-S is the 360° air intake and discharge design. Regardless of where you put it, you can be sure it can take in dirty air from any direction and release clean air back out.

It also has Honeywell’s SurroundSeal Technology so you can be sure there are no air leaks. Additionally, it has a filter change indicator so that you know when to replace or clean the filters, and 3 fan speeds depending on how fast you want it to clean the air.

In the long run, you’re able to save money on replacement HEPA filters, but the carbon pre-filter has a very short lifetime of only 3 months, so you’ll have to shell out more cash on that each year.

Also, several users have reported the 50250-S to be very loud which may be disruptive when used at night. Despite these downfalls, the 50250-S boasts a very good CADR – 250 for pollen, smoke, and dust – and can handle rooms up to 390 sq. ft.

In a space that large, it’s able to scrub the air a whopping 5 times per hour making it perfect for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. At its price, the 50250-S is worth it!

Pros

  • Large room coverage
  • Good CADR ratings
  • Permanent True HEPA filter
  • Energy efficient
  • Easy maintenance

Cons

  • Bulky and heavy
  • Short carbon pre-filter life
  • Loud


The HFD-120-Q is one of Honeywell’s highest-rated products on Amazon. It features Honeywell’s Intense Field Dielectric Technology (ifD) which is a breakthrough electrostatic filtration method similar to HEPA filtration that’s able to remove 99% of airborne pollutants.

It also makes use of a fan to circulate the air in the room and force it through the washable ifD filter, a washable pre-filter, and an ionizer for added efficiency. This model even has an optional oscillation feature for more efficient air intake and discharge.

What’s great about this product is that all the filters are washable, making the HFD-120-Q affordable both upfront and in the long term.

It’s also extremely low maintenance!

The HFD-120-Q is Energy Star rated and quiet when it operates, and fits in discreetly with home decor thanks to its sleek form.

The HFD-120-Q is limited; however, by its small space coverage, being only 170 sq. ft. which restricts usage to smaller parts of the house like bedrooms or offices.

Also, as with most ionizers, a small amount of ozone is emitted by the HFD-120-Q’s ionizer. Overall, though, the HFD-120-Q doesn’t have any real downsides, making it a very efficient, quiet air purifier at a reasonable price that can effectively remove anything from allergens to odors in small rooms.

Pros

  • Low maintenance
  • All filters washable
  • Affordable (upfront and long term)
  • Energy efficient
  • Quiet
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Small area coverage
  • Ionizer emits a small amount of ozone

The Honeywell 17000-S is one of Honeywell’s most popular compact air purifiers. Despite being small and compact, it can clear areas up to 200 sq. ft.

It has a simple 2-stage filtration system comprised of a carbon pre-filter and a True HEPA filter which can take care of odors and airborne particulates, respectively.

Like other Honeywell air purifiers, the 17000-S also has SurroundSeal Technology to ensure that there are no air leaks, as well as an Intelli-Check electronic filter indicator that lets you know when it’s time to replace the filters.

The True HEPA filter will last you up to 3 years, but the carbon pre-filter will only last about 3 months (meaning you will have to buy a new filter 4 times a year).

The 17000-S is affordable upfront, though, and is easy to maintain. There are 3 fan speeds to choose from, depending on how fast you want it to work to clean the air, and as its name implies, the 17000-S works very quietly in the background.

It’s small enough to place on a bedside table or shelf without taking up too much space.

All things considered, the 17000-S is a handy air purifier. Considering how small it is, its CADR ratings are quite impressive so you can be sure that air pollutants are adequately captured in small spaces.

Pros

  • Small and compact
  • Quiet
  • Affordable
  • Easy to maintain
  • Good CADR ratings for a compact air purifier

Cons

  • Small room coverage
  • Short carbon pre-filter life

The AirGenius 5 is one of Honeywell’s most sophisticated air purifiers, boasting an array of features unprecedented in any previous model. Like the HFD-120-Q, the AirGenius 5 also makes use of a permanent ifD electrostatic filter that is capable of removing 99.9% of airborne pollutants.

Aside from the permanent ifD filter, it comes with 2 optional pre-filters to choose from; 1 permanent pre-filter and 1 odor-reducing filter.

Considering it’s in the same price range as the HPA300, the AirGenius 5 is feature-packed, with a unique Allergen & Germ settings to enhance performance and better target specific air pollutants.

It has 5 variable fan speeds and a 2 to 12-hour auto shut-off timer. Alongside these features it has a filter indicator which lets you know whether the filters need to replaced or cleaned.

It even has accent lighting with different levels of brightness.

The AirGenius 5 has a lot of impressive functions, but it is not without its imperfections. At its price, the AirGenius 5 is only able to cover medium-sized rooms up to 250 sq. ft.

In addition, some users have reported crackling sounds from the ifD filter as the air purifier was in use. This is possibly due to the electrostatic nature of the filter and usually is nothing to be concerned about.

Overall, the AirGenius 5 is a good option if you’re looking to fight off both particulate matter and odors. Its additional features also make using it very customizable and easy.

Pros

  • Quiet
  • Sleek
  • Low maintenance
  • Permanent ifD filter
  • Energy efficient
  • Good for odors

Cons

  • Slightly expensive
  • Produces an audible crackling sound while in use
  • Small room coverage

Comparison Chart

FEATURESHoneywell 50250-S True HEPA Air PurifierHoneywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean Tower Air Purifier Honeywell 17000-S QuietCare True HEPA Air PurifierHoneywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen RemoverHoneywell AirGenius 5 HFD320
TypeConsole, plug-inTower, plug-inCompact, plug-inConsole, plug-inTower, plug-in
Size18 x 18 x 1910.4 x 9.65 x 28.7415.8 x 13.1 x 17.19.2 x 20 x 22.212.2 x 12.2 x 29.9
Weight20.01 lbs12.32 lbs 13 lbs21 lbs17.9 lbs
Filters/
Technology
Carbon Pre + HEPA Pre + Electrostatic filter + Ionizer Carbon Pre + HEPACarbon Pre + HEPAPre + (Odor-reducing Pre) + Electrostatic filter
Room Coverage 390 sq. ft. 170 sq. ft.200 sq. ft.465 sq. ft. 250 sq. ft.
ACH55555
CADR Ratings Dust: 250
Pollen: 250
Smoke: 250
Dust: 100
Pollen: 132
Smoke: 110
Dust: 130
Pollen: 130
Smoke: 130
Dust: 320
Pollen: 300
Smoke: 300
Dust: 160
Pollen: 170
Smoke: 161

Buyer’s Guide:

Honeywell Air Purifiers

The company was formed by Mark C. Honeywell in 1906, under the name “The Honeywell Heating Specialty Company” but it has roots that stretch back to 1885 and Albert Butz, who invented the furnace regulator and alarm. 

Butz formed the “Butz Thermo-Electric Regulator Company” in Minneapolis in 1886, and in 1927, the two companies merged. 

Today, Honeywell employs over 110,000 people and operate businesses in many diverse sectors. Its headquarters are based in Morris Plains in New Jersey, where it oversees an operation spanning 70 countries.

An air purifier removes contaminants and bacteria from the air in our homes by filtering the allergens. Many have 2, 3 or even 5 stage filtering systems that see dirty air sucked through pre-filters, activated carbon filters, True HEPA filters, and some even utilize ionizers and UV-C lights to improve results.

Many people notice the difference in the air they breathe and often report that they have a more restful sleep and wake feeling more refreshed than they did before they bought a purifier.

The very young would benefit from clean air, especially as they are more vulnerable because they are still growing and gaining strength. By reducing the contaminated air in bedrooms or nurseries, you ensure that their lungs are free from pollution. 

Also, the elderly and the sick would benefit, because an air purifier removes allergens and bacteria that attack the immune system and cause reactions that could hinder any recovery. 

Asthma and hay-fever sufferers will benefit hugely from an air purifier, as will smokers who want to banish the smell of tobacco smoke from their homes. And if you like cooking spicy food, an air purifier will reduce odors significantly.

Air purifiers tackle some of the most commonly known bacteria, removing them from indoor spaces. Here are some of the main advantages:

PROS:
  • Breathe clean air – There is no substitute for breathing fresh, pollution-free air. It’s good for your lungs and has health benefits.
  • Removes odors – Have you ever been in a home with a smelly pet? We all know what that smells like, so to avoid your home suffering the same fate, an air purifier removes odors.
  • Aids sleep – A good night’s sleep will recharge your batteries and leave you feeling fresh and invigorated. That affects your positive mental attitude, lifting your mood. 
CONS:
  • High maintenance – Keeping your air purifier in good condition is critical to achieving the best quality air in your home. If you don’t maintain your purifier, you will end up recycling dirty air back into the atmosphere, and that has health implications for you and your family.
  • Replacement filters – Most air purifiers have disposable filters that need regular changing. The cost of these filters is expensive, especially when added up over time, and could eventually dwarf the initial value of the air purifier.
  • Cost – A decent purifier will set you back around $100 to $200. As an initial outlay, that is a large sum to find.
Honeywell Air Purifier

Pros

  • Clean air to breathe
  • Reduces foul odors
  • Aids sleep
  • Cheap to run
  • Has health benefits

Cons

  • High maintenance
  • Replacing the filters are costly
  • Initial purchase cost can be significant

  • What is an Ionizer?
  • An ion is a negatively or positively charged particle. An ionizer creates charged particles and emits them into the atmosphere in your home. These then attach themselves to pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander, and they fall to the floor to get vacuumed away. 

    The reason why they fall is that by positively charging these molecules they become heavier.

  • Which is best: washable or replacement filters?
  • There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Washable filters have a longer lifespan, which has an impact on the overall running costs of the purifier. You won’t be shelling out for a new one every 3 or 6 months. 

    Replacement filters, by contrast, perform better at removing the allergens from the air as they are fresh and new, rather than still being contaminated from a hurried of lackluster wash. 

    Also, as time progresses, your washable filter will suffer the ravages of constant washing, and start to reduce in effectiveness. 

    However, disposable filters are wasteful and help to contribute to the millions of tons of waste we throw in the trash. 

    The best answer is to decide which one is best for you and go for it. Either way, you are going to benefit from cleaner air no matter what filter you use.

  • Are air purifiers noisy?
  • When you are buying a new air purifier, look at the decibel levels the machine creates with the different fan settings. Most decent purifiers that are suitable for bedrooms operate at around 35 dB to 50 dB, and the higher the fan setting, the noisier the unit. 

    At 35 dB, it is the equivalent of listening to a very hushed conversation!

    It is recommended that for bedroom use, you should set the purifier on the lowest fan speed to keep it running at the quietest level. That way, you should avoid any interruptions during sleep. 

  • Other Things to Consider
  • Buying an air purifier is a smart move, especially if you have family members who are susceptible to seasonal allergies, or are recovering from an illness, but do factor in the ongoing costs before you purchase one, and drill down on the price of replacement filters.

    Also, if you do suffer from sleep-related issues, maybe a purifier for the bedroom will help you sleep better and leave you feeling more refreshed in the morning?

    Whatever your reason for wanting one, an air purifier could become the most indispensable appliance in your home.

Final Thoughts

Honeywell is undeniably one of the top-performing brands in the air purifier market. When you hear “Honeywell”, you can be sure it’s going to be worth every penny. Innovative as they are, Honeywell has dabbled in several areas from engineering to developing aerospace systems to manufacturing high quality home appliances.

With the range of Honeywell air purifiers each unique in their own way, it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for you. Regardless of the model you select, you can be sure that Honeywell air purifiers are backed by science and manufactured to the highest standards.

The list of air purifiers featured in this review are just a few of the popular air purifiers that Honeywell manufactures. All these air purifiers have been used by millions of people and have proved their worth again and again.

Further Reading