| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies |
| Best for Odors | Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA |
| Best for Large Rooms | Coway Airmega 400S True HEPA Air Purifier |
| Most Affordable | Afloia Air Purifier For Home |
Our dogs and cats feel like family. They lie on our floor, sit on our couch, and sleep in our beds (whether we admit it or not). We all love a good pet cuddle but sometimes their dander or hair can irritate allergies for those in the home or for visitors. Pets can also bring in some stinky odors. Purchasing an air purifier can help ensure that the air in your home remains clean to alleviate pet-related allergies and asthma made worse by dander and hair. Air purifiers can also help keep pet odors at bay.
Clean air in your home is an absolute must, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Pets are a wonderful addition to your home and an easy way to keep your home pet-friendly for you is by adding air purifiers to one or multiple rooms in your home. Many different types of air purifiers are on the market, ranging from those that simply filter for dust, mold, pollen, and pet hair to ones that will do all of the above and utilize UV-C light to kill germs.
What you’re looking for depends on your specific needs and also the types of pets in your home. Cat dander is somewhat stronger and stickier than dog dander, meaning it may affect you more and for a longer time if you are sensitive to pet dander. Cats also typically use a litter box, meaning they track litter dust and unpleasant odors throughout your home as well. Dogs can be just as smelly, rolling in who-knows-what outside and then proceeding to hop up on your favorite chair.
If you are looking to eliminate simple odors and the occasional dust bunny, a simple air purification system will work. If you have a harder time with allergies to pet dander or sensitivities to germs and odors brought in with your pet, you definitely want to consider a more intensive purifier. While they are more expensive, it is worth it for your comfort in your own home that you can share with animals.
Our team looks for practicality, originality, affordability, and inclusivity in the products we choose. We have chosen the air purifiers we believe to be the best. We hope our following list of air purifiers for your home will help you find the best option for you!
Check Amazon•True HEPA air purifier
•AOC-activated carbon filter for odors
•PlasmaWave
•Sleep mode
Top Picks: The Best Air Purifiers for Homes With Pets
#1 Best Overall: LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home
LEVOIT Air Purifier is our choice for the best overall purifier for pet homes because of its size, appearance, and highly effective system. The device uses a three-stage filtration system to effectively remove contaminants from your air. The three stages include a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter.
The three filters work in tandem to eliminate pet odors, hair, and dander from your home, as well as other contaminants such as mold, dust, and smoke. The filters can remove contaminants that are as tiny as 0.3 microns.
Choose from three different speed settings depending on the air in your home and your personal noise preferences. When on the low setting, the air purifier operates at just 25 decibels. The sleek purifier comes in white or black for your preference. It is also an affordable option to add to your home.
The LEVOIT may be small, but it is mighty. Each hour, the air purifier will circulate the air in the room four times for the most effective purification possible. This air filter does not have an air quality indicator, but it does have an indicator light to alert you when it is time to replace the filter. Just flip it over and unscrew the bottom to replace it. While it is easy to do so, for some customers this was a drawback and made it less likely for them to vacuum the filter every two to three weeks as recommended.
Pros and Cons of the LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The three-stage filtration system is highly effective for removing contaminants from your air. | Some customers reported vacuuming the filter less than recommended because they had to flip it over to access it. |
| It includes a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter. | You don’t get the satisfaction of an air quality indicator that turns red or blue for bad or good air quality. |
| The three filters help to eliminate hair, dander, and pet odors from your home, as well as smoke, dust, and mold. | |
| There are three different speed settings to choose from. | |
| There are two color options to choose from (white or black). | |
| This filter is small and does not take up a ton of room, but it is strong and effective. | |
| There is an indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter. |
•Pet home air purifier
•Triple filter
•Small appliance
•Fast-acting
2. Best for Odors: Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier With True HEPA
If you need to eliminate pet odors from your home, we recommend the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier. This model features a True HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants from the air, such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites.
It also features an AOC-activated carbon filter that works to eliminate odors. The filter is washable and reusable as well. Another feature of this filter is the PlasmaWave, which works to break down pollutants, odors, allergens, and vapors without dispersing harmful ozone.
You can choose your desired setting or let the filter’s auto mode sense the air quality in your space and adjust itself. There is also a sleep mode that can ensure the machine isn’t too loud to disrupt you at night.
This unit is designed for use in medium and large rooms up to 360 square feet. It is on the pricier side but ultimately worth it. However, some customers reported being bothered by the bright blue light, and that the filter was a bit too noisy on its highest setting.
Pros and Cons of the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier With True HEPA
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a True HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. | There is a bright blue light across the top which may bother some customers. |
| The AOC-activated carbon filter works to eliminate odors. | Some customers found the filter a bit too noisy when on its highest setting. |
| The filter is washable and reusable. | This unit is a bit more pricey. |
| The PlasmaWave also helps to break down pollutants, odors, allergens, and vapors. | |
| There is an auto mode as well as individual settings and a sleep mode. | |
| It is designed for use in medium and large rooms up to 360 square feet. |
•True HEPA air purifier
•AOC-activated carbon filter for odors
•PlasmaWave
•Sleep mode
3. Best for Large Rooms: Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
If you have a larger room you need to cover, the Conway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier should be your go-to. You can use this unit in rooms up to 1,560 square feet, and during just one hour it will circulate the air in the room at least two times.
The machine features an activated carbon filter and a True HEPA filter that work together to remove up to 99.99% of particles as small as .01 microns from the air. It can eliminate pollen, dander, allergens, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants.
The filter features a special sensor that will let you know the quality of your air. When a contaminant is detected in the air, the sensor will change colors. There are five different fan modes to allow you to control the speed and noise level of this filter. The sleep mode on the purifier also has the ability to sense changes in light and recognize that it is time for the purifier to go into a slower, quieter mode. An eco-mode can also be turned on to ensure the purifier isn’t running unnecessarily.
Both WIFI or non-WIFI versions of this purifier are available if you’d like to be able to control the device or check the air purity from your smartphone. Your purifier may also be turned to voice control mode, meaning it will respond to voice commands. Graphite or white color options allow you to choose which will best fill your space.
With more space comes a higher price. But, if you are willing to splurge, the Conway Airmega is worth the extra cost.
Pros and Cons of the Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This unit can be used in rooms up to 1,560 square feet. | This unit is more expensive than other options. |
| The unit circulates air in the room at least two times in one hour. | |
| It features a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter that remove 99.99% of air pollutants like pollen, allergens, dander, and volatile organic compounds. | |
| There is a special sensor that changes colors to let you know your air quality. | |
| Five different fan modes allow you to control speed and noise levels. | |
| Sleep mode can sense light changes and goes into a slower, quieter mode at night. | |
| The eco-mode can help to keep it on or off when necessary. |
•Air purifier for 1,560 sq. ft.
•Smart technology
•Multi-mode
•2-filter action
4. Most Affordable: Afloia Air Purifier For Home
At around $80 plus a 30% off coupon code, the Afloia Air Purifier is our favorite affordable device. While the purifier is cheap, it still removes 99.99% of pet odors, pollen, dust, smoke, and household mold in rooms of sizes up to 880 square feet.
In only an hour, the purifier uses its three-filter system to clean a room of that size. For rooms of 220 square feet, the purifier can complete four cycles. Pre-filtration, HEPA filtration, and active carbon filtration work one after the other to remove all the mentioned contaminants from the air in your home.
You can choose how long you would like the purifier to run and when it should stop. At night, the device offers a night light and lowered sound options. The filter needs to be replaced every four to six months.
The unit does not have handles, and some customers reported that it was difficult and awkward to move, due to its round shape and slick sides.
Pros and Cons of the Afloia Air Purifier For Home
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This unit removes 99.99% of pet odors, pollen, dust, smoke, and mold in rooms up to 880 square feet. | There are no handles on the unit, which is round with slick sides. Some customers reported that it is awkward and difficult to move. |
| It only takes about one hour to clean the air in the room. | The filter needs to be replaced every four to six months. |
| It features pre-filtration, HEPA filtration, and active carbon filtration. | |
| You can choose when the unit runs and stops. | |
| There is a night light and lower sound options for night use. |
•Affordable air purifier for home
•3-filter action
•Sleep mode with night-light
What to Look For in an Air Purifier for Homes With Pets
There are a few different considerations to keep in mind as you are shopping for an air purifier for your pets. Using these considerations to guide your search can help ensure that you end up choosing the best product that will meet your needs.
- Coverage area
- Sound
- Additional features
- Budget
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Coverage Area
First, you’ll need to consider the size of the space where you plan to put the air purifier. Different air purifiers offer different capacities, and some are only designed for smaller spaces. Determine the number of square feet in your space, and choose an air purifier that will be strong enough to work in that space.
If you’re looking for a portable filter to move between spaces in your home, choose one that has a large enough capacity for the largest room where it may be used.
Sound
Next, be sure to check the volume and sound levels for each air purifier you’re considering. Some models are much noisier than others, and depending on where you plan to put the air purifier, it could be too loud. Some pets are also more sensitive to sounds, so if this is true for your dog or cat, look for an ultra-quiet air purifier or one that includes quiet modes.
Additional Features
Some manufacturers include additional features with their air purifiers. These may include temperature settings and enhanced odor-eliminating filters. Washable filters are another feature you may want to look for. Washable filters can reduce the overall cost of owning the air purifier since you won’t need to purchase new filters.
You may also want to consider the aesthetic appeal of each air purifier, especially if it will be going in a main living area in your home. Some air purifiers also include different lighting options, which may add to their aesthetic appeal.
Budget
Finally, keep your budget in mind. Are you looking for a more economically-priced option, or are you in a position to splurge a bit and choose an air filter that offers all the bells and whistles?
Up Next…
- 5 Ways To Keep Your Dog off the Couch (And Other Furniture) For Good — If your dog’s smells and fur are too much to handle on the furniture, check out our tips for keeping them off your favorite couch.
- The Best Non-Tracking Cat Litter for a Cleaner House — Don’t let your cat’s litter stick with them after use. Here are our top cat litters that you won’t see except for in the box!
- The Best Vacuum for Pet Hair — We love our pets but not their fuzz balls everywhere. Only these vacuums will do to best remove unwanted fur in your home.
- Compare the Top 5 Best Pet Wipes — Pet wipes are a great way to clean off your pet after they come inside or if they just need a good wipe down.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies |
| Best for Odors | Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA |
| Best for Large Rooms | Coway Airmega 400S True HEPA Air Purifier |
| Most Affordable | Afloia Air Purifier For Home |
The Best Air Purifier for Homes With Pets FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the best air purifiers for a house with pets?
The best air purifier for homes with pets will vary depending on your exact needs. For example, large rooms will require a more powerful air purifier than small rooms will. Whether you’re looking for odor control, relief from allergies, or both, different air filters may offer a better solution. Some are designed more for pet odors, while others have special filters better at filter hair and dander for pet allergies and asthma relief.
Our favorite air purifier for homes with pets is the LEVOIT Air Purifier. We also liked the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier and the Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier.
Do air purifiers really work for pet dander?
Some air purifiers can help reduce pet dander. Choosing an air purifier that features a HEPA filter will be the most effective in this regard. Pet dander typically has a width between 5 and 10 microns, and HEPA filters can remove particles that are as small as 0.3 microns from the air.
Does an air purifier remove the dog smell?
Yes, some air purifiers can remove, or significantly decrease, pet smells. HEPA air purifiers are most effective in this regard since they are able to filter much finer particles than other purifiers. Some air purifiers may include additional filters, often made with carbon, designed to trap odors for enhanced odor control.
Do air purifiers collect dog hair?
Air purifiers may remove some of the dog hair that is floating in the air, but they won’t prevent air from getting stuck on furniture or rugs.
Is an air purifier good for cats?
Yes, air purifiers can help with cat odors and dander. Some stronger air purifiers may help with pet allergies and asthma symptoms enough to allow individuals with mild allergies to still be in a home with cats. However, this will depend on the severity of the individual’s allergies.
What are the advantages of an air purifier if you have pets?
There are many different advantages associated with purchasing an air purifier if you have pets. These include:
• Reducing pet dander, hair, and odors
• Removing other allergens from your homes, such as pollen and bacteria, that could be irritating you or your pets
• Optional add-on features such as sleep modes, enhanced odor control, quiet modes, and indicator lights for filter changes
• Available in different capacities to accommodate large rooms and small rooms
• Some feature a portable design and can be moved between rooms in your home as needed.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
