The Best Portable Air Cleaners for a Room

Rabbit Air BioGS

• Many portable air cleaners do not perform well in larger rooms because air circulation is limited. The Rabbit Air BioGS can remove particles in a room with an area of up to 600 square feet, according to Galt Home Buying Guides, and features washable high performance filters. Replacing filters is one of the highest costs associated with using an air purifier. Unlike other air cleaners, this model does not emit ozone. Ozone is an air pollutant that can irritate lungs, even in small amounts, and many newer air cleaners emit it as a byproduct of the cleaning process. Allergy sufferers recommend this model for removing pollen and pet dander.

BlueAir 650E

• Air cleaners usually use one type of filtration method per model, but combination models like the BlueAir 650E offer two methods in one portable unit. Filters in this model are not high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) rated says ConsumerSearch, but they are efficient and thickly woven. With an additional ionizer to reduce air particulates, it is highly efficient at removing tobacco smoke particles, pollen and pet dander. Its main downside is a very small production of ozone, which over a long period may lead to serious health problems.

IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA

• Superior air cleaning efficiency makes this model appropriate for people with severe allergies or lung problems, but it comes with a price to match its quality. Professional testing has shown that the HEPA filters in the IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA portable air cleaner can remove all of the particles in a room's air supply, according to Bestcovery, which is only possible when the filter is regularly replaced. Invest in this model if other efficient portable air cleaners have not alleviated your allergy symptoms. The model may be overkill for a homeowner who is just looking for basic dust or pollen reduction.

Honeywell 50250

• Louder than other models, the Honeywell 50250 does a better job of cleaning the air than other budget models because of its noisy but helpful fans. Units without fans may not circulate air enough around a room to properly clean it, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. HEPA filters trap 99 percent of particulates, and the unit notifies the user of a dirty filter with a simple light. Sleeping with this model running may be difficult for some, but it does not produce more noise than a normal house fan turned on high.