The best air purifiers, according to Consumer Reports and Reader's Digest

Dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold may be preventing you from breathing clean air in your home. That’s where an air purifier comes in. But when the market is flooded with options and not all purifiers live up to their claims, it's hard to know which are worth the investment.

To help you narrow it down, we looked at top recommendations from Consumer Reports and Reader's Digest to bring you a list of the best air purifiers for every room size and budget. 

Continue reading to see which made the list and why.

Screenshot: Amazon $AMZN

Consumer Reports' top extra-large room pick, this heavy-duty unit covers up to 2,126 sq ft starting at $850, but budget in an additional $249 each year for filters and energy.

Screenshot: https://www.blueair.com/products/blue-pure-311i-plus-max

Weighing under 10 pounds and priced at $240, this portable unit earns Consumer Reports' large-room recommendation with solid performance and modest $128 annual running costs.

Screenshot: Amazon $AMZN

Consumer Reports favors this $190 medium-room model for its reusable, washable filter that keeps yearly ownership costs to a more wallet-friendly $88.

Screenshot: Amazon $AMZN

Consumer Reports' best small-room performer delivers strong results at both speed settings with smartphone compatibility. It sells for about $100.

Screenshot: Amazon $AMZN

Reader's Digest highlights this sub-$70 desktop unit as a rare budget win, offering HEPA filtration for spaces up to 109 sq ft without breaking the bank.

Screenshot: Amazon $AMZN

Reader's Digest recommends this $300 pet-household staple for its long-lasting filter — good for up to five years — and whole-home-friendly 1,400 sq ft coverage.