The 5 Best HEPA Air Purifier for Pet Allergies & Odors in 2018

The air inside a home can sometimes carry harmful particles like allergens, pet hair, and bacteria that can contribute to breathing difficulties, particularly for those with allergies or asthma. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration can help to effectively alleviate these air quality issues, making them an increasingly popular feature in many of the  air purifiers currently on the market. The best type of air purifiers will have a HEPA style filtration system because it can remove more particles out of the air than other types of filters to produce a cleaner (and odor-free) environment. Accordingly, doctors associated with the American Academy of Pediatrics Allergy & Immunology recommend air purifiers with HEPA filters.

With a plethora of options on the market, it can be difficult deciding which one is best to meet your individual needs. To help facilitate the process, we’ve assembled a list of what (in our opinion) rank as the five best HEPA air purifiers available on the market today. Read on to learn more about these models and their special features so that you can assess if they might be the right unit for your home.

1. Levoit Air Purifier

The Levoit Air Purifier has earned itself an impressive rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website, most likely thanks to its three-stage filtration system. This remarkable system incorporates a pre-filter, which aids in neutralizing airborne bacteria, pet dander, and mold; a True HEPA filter, which traps particles such as dust mites, pollen, and other types of larger particles; and an activated charcoal filter, which can capture and neutralize odors associated with cooking, cigarette smoke, and pet odors. This trio of filters combine to help eliminate 99.97% of particles in the air, which is ideal for consumers suffering from pet allergies.

The Levoit does not use UV or ions that might contribute to the production of ozone, a harmful air pollutant. You can also choose between three different fan speed settings: low, medium, and high to meet the room’s needs. The air purifier unit is equipped with a nightlight with two brightness settings, making it a great choice for use in children’s rooms. The sleek, compact design will blend in with its surroundings and not take up space.

Features at a glance:

• Three-stage filtration system
• Nightlight with two brightness settings
• Has a three-speed fan
• Comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime support
• Does not produce ozone
• Operates quietly

The Levoit Air Purifier can be found here on the Amazon website for around $$.

2. GermGuardian 3-in-1 Air Purifier

The GermGuardian 3-in-1 Air Purifier has earned itself a high rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. Equipped with a three-stage filtration system, a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated charcoal filter, the GermGuardian eliminates 99.97% of particles and odors.

Unlike the Levoit, the GermGuardian utilizes c-spectrum ultraviolet (or UV-C) light. This light kills bacteria and viruses that can cause illness, such as E. coli, streptococcus, and rhinovirus, by damaging the germs’ DNA.

Features at a glance:

• Three-stage filtration system
• Kills bacteria and viruses with UV-C light
• Energy Star certified with a 100% Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) level
• Operates quietly
• Contains indicator lights that blink when it is time to replace the UV-C light bulbs
• Has three fan speeds

Find the GermGuardian 3-in-1 Air Purifier here on the Amazon website for around $$.

3. Winix Ultimate Air Cleaner

The Winix Ultimate Air Cleaner has earned itself an excellent rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The Winix is suitable for larger rooms and is made specifically for homes with pets. The five-stage filtration system eliminates 99.97% of particles in the air, effectively removing almost all pet hair, dander, and odor from the air. The five-stage filtration system consists of a washable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, a CleanCel antibacterial treatment between filtration stages, a granular carbon filter for advanced odor control, all supported by PlasmaWave technology, which neutralizes bacteria, viruses, odors, and chemical vapors.

The Winix is equipped with Smart Sensors which can detect a change in air quality. This involves the ‘set and forget’ feature of the unit. The air purifier will automatically change its fan speed in order to equalize the pollutants. The unit features four speed settings –  low, medium, high, and turbo – and can be controlled by a remote or control panel illuminated by LED lights,

The unit detects the amount of ambient light in the room as part of the auto dim feature and can change its brightness to accommodate a darker room. The control panel will also have an LED light indicator for when the filter needs to be changed.

Features at a glance:

• Five-stage filtration system for clean air
• Utilizes PlasmaWave technology that neutralizes viruses and bacteria
• Smart Sensor monitors changes in air quality
• Ability to control the unit with a remote
• Has an Auto Dim Feature for nighttime
• Can filter the air in a room up to 283 sq. feet

The Winix Ultimate Air Cleaner can be found here on the Amazon website for around $$$.

4. PureZone 3-in-1 Air Purifier

The PureZone 3-in-1 Air Purifier has earned itself a whopping 4.7 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The three-stage filtration system removes up 99.97% of air pollutants using a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. The PureZone also uses UV-C light to sanitize the air, killing viruses and bacteria and also helps eliminate household odors.

The unit has an automatic timer to shut off after two, four, or eight hours along with a three-speed fan operating at low, medium, or high speeds. The control panel also has a light indicator for when the filter needs replaced.

Features at a glance:

• Three-stage filtration system
• Uses UV-C lights to kills bacteria and viruses
• Automatic timer shut-off
• Choose from three fan speeds
• Whisper-quiet technology for noise control, operating at 30 dB
• Light indicator for filter replacement

The PureZone 3-in-1 Air Purifier can be found here on the Amazon website for around $$.

5. VEVA Elite Air Purifier

The VEVA Elite Air Purifier has earned itself a high rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 on the Amazon website. The two-stage filtration system can eliminate 99.97% of air pollutants through its combination of an activated charcoal pre-filter, which removes noxious odors, and a True HEPA filter that removes particles such as pollen, pet dander, bacteria, mold spores, dust, and smoke. The three-speed fan goes from ultra-quiet to turbo for the best cleaning depending on room size.

Features at a glance:

• Two-stage filtration system with activated charcoal pre-filters and a True HEPA filter
• Purifies the air in rooms up to 325 sq. feet
• Ozone free
• Comes with four extra, pre-cut activated charcoal pre-filters
• Automatic shut-off feature when the front panel is removed

The VEVA Elite Air Purifier can be found here on the Amazon website for around $$.