Did you know that even indoor air is full of germs, allergens, smoke, and other airborne contaminants? Just because it's invisible to the naked eye doesn't mean it's not a threat.
Air purifiers filter the impurities in the air via a filtration system that traps small and large airborne particles and also help to eliminate odour in the room. With a plethora of options in the market, such as Blueair, Levoit, and Philips, you're probably overwhelmed. That’s why we've curated a list of the best air purifiers for your consideration.
How To Choose the Right Type of Air Purifier?
Air purifiers are those 'mysterious' products where results aren't visible but can be felt after a while. To easily pick the best for yourself, you can look to pick one based on the filter it uses:
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
The most popular out of the bunch, HEPA filters, are treated as a "necessary" type of filter as they can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. True to their name, they are highly effective in removing pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air. However, they do not do much when it comes to removing gases and odours.
Pros:
- Great for removing allergens and particles
- Recommended for improving air quality when it comes to asthma or allergies issues
- Comes in most air purifiers; easy to find
Cons:
- Does not remove pollutants such as gases and odours
- HEPA purifiers can be noisy and may require frequent filter replacements.
Activated carbon filters
Designed to remove odours, these filters aim to clear volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous pollutants from the air. They basically absorb said pollutants and trap them onto the surface of the activated carbon.
Pros:
- Works to remove odours and gaseous pollutants
- Recommended for improving air quality if you have chemical sensitivities
Cons:
- May require frequent filter replacements if exposed to high levels of pollutants
UV-C Light Air Purifiers
By utilising ultraviolet light, air purifiers with this filter can kill bacteria and viruses that may be present in the air. These purifiers typically work in conjunction with HEPA filters or activated carbon filters.
Pros:
- Effective at killing bacteria and viruses, ultimately lowering chances of one catching a flu or cold
- Best for those with respiratory illnesses
Cons:
- UV-C light can be harmful to humans and animals if exposed directly
- Expensive initial cost
Ionic Air Purifiers
A relatively rare filter type, these purifiers use charged plates to attract and remove particles from the air. They are designed to create negative ions, then attach to particles in the air and then deposit (or trap) them onto a positively charged plate.
Pros:
- Silent operation
- No filters to replace
- Good quality ones can remove some types of pollutants like dust and allergens
Cons:
- Less effective at removing gaseous pollutants and odours
- May produce ozone, which can be harmful to human health in high concentrations
- It might not be effective at removing smaller particles and may even generate additional pollutants if not cleaned regularly
Related: Best Budget-Friendly Air Purifiers
List of 13 Best Air Purifiers in Malaysia
Table of Contents
Why it's our top pick?
While most air purifiers already do a good job of filtering out the bad, the Sterra Breeze's UV tech and sterilisation capabilities make it a unique winner in our books. For your information, this air purifier uses the natural way of killing viruses and bacteria rather than just using a medical-grade HEPA filter, which extends its efficiency.
Overview
Designed with a medical-grade True HEPA-13 filter; this air purifier utilises its TotalCleanse Filter System™ to clean up to 99.95% of airborne particles and cover spaces of up to 80m with about a strong 400m3/h airflow so that your space is properly protected.
Aside from its sterilisation feature, the purifier also releases healthy ions that aid in binding viruses, dust particles, free radicals, and pollen in the air; essentially clearing particles that are harmful to allergy sufferers. Alongside those, the purifier can also clear formaldehyde which is a toxic gas released by gas stoves.
While you can choose to opt it out, we highly recommend getting the purifier with UV Tech which employs a UV-C light to trap and destroy bacteria as well as viruses in the air.
Those who are big on saving electricity would really appreciate the UV upgrade as it’ll consume about 40% less energy, taking 52.2% less footprint compared to other similar products in the market.
Details
- Rate Power: n/a
- CADR: 400 m³/h
- Noise level: 20db
- Filter: True HEPA-13 Filter, medical grade
- Coverage: 80m²
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
The purifier is nearly 100% efficient against particles with a diameter larger than 2.5 μm, which is what hospitals use in their rooms to help decontaminate and clean the air. Not only that, but because it can run as silently as 20dB (a library noise level is 40db), the Sterra Breeze Air Purifier is perfect to be used in sizeable bedrooms and living rooms as well.
More: Keep The Air Fresh for Your Baby with These 7 Best Air Purifiers
Overview
Concerned about those fumes and toxins released from your daily cooking? The Dyson TP09 can detect and eliminate formaldehyde which is usually present not just in gas stoves but also in paint, mattresses, air fresheners, furniture, and plywood.
Behind its filtration power lies its HEPA H13 filter which can remove 99.95% of particles as tiny as 0.1 microns. Not only that, but the air purifier is able to double as a bladeless fan thanks to its powerful stream of purified airflow. Best of all, it’s 20% quieter than the previous model thanks to acoustic engineering that reduces turbulence.
Details
- Rate Power: n/a
- CADR: n/a
- Noise level: up to 60db
- Filter: HEPA H13 filter
- Coverage: 81m²
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
Keep note that Dyson’s TP09 air purifier's main objective should be to purify the air at home rather than cool down your space. But at least that's still useful given how hot Malaysia is. Most existing users have purchased it for its ability to destroy formaldehyde.
Overview
The Xiaomi Air Purifier 3H is an upgrade of the brand's second-generation air purifier, 2s. Compared to its predecessor, this new model covers a larger space and offers a higher CADR.
By pairing the device to the Mi Home app, users can control the device and monitor the air quality of their space using their phones. On top of that, this device is supported by Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for advanced AI voice control.
Its three-layer HEPA filter doesn't just eliminate dust and pollen, but also dander, smoke, bacteria, and formaldehyde. It also comes with several operation modes which are accessible via its OLED touchscreen display.
Details
- Rate Power: 38W
- CADR: 380 m³/h
- Noise level: 64db
- Filter: HEPA H13 filter
- Coverage: 484sqft
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
According to users, the air purifier is easy to set up and works seamlessly with the Mi Home app. They also like how it doesn't take up much space as its base is only as large as an A4 paper. It's easy to use and should be a good starter air purifier for most users.
More: Protect Your Home from The Coronavirus with These 11 HEPA Air Purifiers
Overview
Is it possible to purify the air in your entire house in just 8 minutes? With the Air Purifier 2000i from Philips, that’s a “Yes”.
This device is capable of purifying the air in a space as large as 1054 sq ft, which is equivalent to the size of a 2-bedroom apartment. Its filtration system consists of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter that removes dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air.
What’s even more amazing about this device is that the brightness of its display automatically adjusts according to the ambience so you won’t need to fiddle with the settings. To control it remotely, users can pair it with Philips’s Clean Home+ app.
Details
- Rate Power: n/a (High)
- CADR: 330 m³/h
- Noise level: 30db
- Filter: 3-layer filter including a NanoProtect HEPA filter
- Coverage: 1054 sq ft
- Filter recommended usage duration: 36 months
Who is this for?
According to existing users, this air purifier results in remarkable improvement in their air quality. Many of them were "sceptical at first" but were soon "taken by surprise at how great it works". They especially like its Smart Filter indicator, which displays the filter lifetime that you can track and replace accordingly.
More: Put Your Asthma At Ease with These 8 Best Air Purifiers
Overview
Is it necessary for you to sleep with an air purifier? The FPJ60LW from Sharp effectively sterilizes the air with its advanced Plasmacluster technology to leave the air contaminant and microbe-free as quietly as possible.
Get this; its noise level ranges from 15 dBa to 43 dBa. When Sleep mode is on, it will operate at the minimum noise level and its display light will be off. Users can set the timer on the device for up to 12 hours and get uninterrupted sleep as there is no need to wake up in the middle of the night just to turn it off.
Other than that highlight, the purifier utilises HEPA and mesh filters to purify the air, capturing germs, pollen, mould, dust, and more. When the Haze mode of the device is turned on, both negative and positive ions will be released into the air to remove any existing smoke particles.
Details
- Rate Power: n/a
- CADR: up to 396 m³/h
- Noise level: 15 db - 43 db
- Filter: 3-step filter including a pre, deodorizing and HEPA filter
- Coverage: 516 sq ft
- Filter recommended usage duration: up to 24 months
Who is this for?
With its amazing features and positive performance, users claim that this device is “a great machine to add to the house”. Especially for light sleepers, you can now go to sleep peacefully for real.
More: 7 Budget-Friendly Air Purifiers That Won’t Break Your Bank
Overview
The Levoit Core 300S is an award-winning product with over 30,000 5-star reviews worldwide. You’ll want it in your home.
Don’t underestimate it due to its compact size as its VortexAir Technology provides an airflow rating of 240m³/h to efficiently refresh a 538 sq. ft space twice within an hour. Filter changes are customisable to meet your specific needs and are recommended every 6-8 months for optimum performance.
Don’t worry about soaring electricity bills as its operation utilises less electricity than three lightbulbs combined. You’ll also find that the settings can be easily controlled via the Vesync App on your phone. Plus, there are 4 timer options so you can set it to turn off at an interval of your choosing.
Details
- Rate Power: 23w
- CADR: 240m³/h
- Noise level: 24db
- Filter: True HEPA Filter
- Coverage: 538 sq ft
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
The reviews are in and the consensus is that the Levoit Core 300S is great for small spaces. It operates silently even at the highest speed without affecting its efficiency. According to one review, their sinus and hay fever symptoms reduced significantly within a week of using this air purifier.
More: Breathe Comfortably with These Top 6 Air Humidifiers
Overview
Whether you're looking to get one for your car or for your office space, this air purifier is a great choice.
The Levoit LV-H128 Desktop Air Purifier is a 2-in-1 device that doesn't just purify the air with its 3-stage purification but also leaves your space smelling nice and fresh thanks to the inclusion of an aroma pad. It is capable of eliminating odours while simultaneously cleaning the air whether you choose to add on essential oils or not.
Need to head to a public space like the library? Use Sleep mode to have it operate at just 24dB so it won't bother anyone else or catch the attention of librarians. Moreover, this purifier doesn't consume much energy as it operates at just 10W. Being both an air purifier and diffuser, it's great value for money.
Easy to use; all you have to do is add 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil to the aroma pad and it'll start diffusing the scent once the purifier is on.
Details
- Rate Power: 10W
- CADR: 68m³/h
- Noise level: 24 dB
- Filter: 3 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 15m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
Because this is such a small, desktop-sized air purifier, the coverage is only 15m² or 161 sq ft, making it best for smaller spaces. As such, it is perfect for placing at your workstation.
More: 10 Best Air Purifiers That Eliminates Smoke From Your Home Right Away
Overview
Protect yourself and your loved ones with PerySmith's AURORA Series H13 air purifier. It is the ultimate air solution that will have you kissing germs and air pollutants goodbye.
This purifier has a 4-layer anti-H12 high-efficiency particulate air filter that removes up to 99.5% of particles while the Aurora UV light kills 99.9% of pathogens. It features a responsive LCD control panel that displays the air quality via the PM2.5 indicator. Besides, there’s a negative ion generator that clears airborne allergens.
Details
- Rate Power: 45W
- CADR: n/a
- Noise level: 25 dB
- Filter: 4-layer anti-H12 HEPA filter
- Coverage: 40m2 (430.6ft2)
- Filter recommended usage duration: 3 - 6 months
Performance
Users are pleased with the PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13 as it effectively removes odour and smoke. It also gets rid of dust and helps with pet hair, reducing sneezing if that’s an issue for you. This air purifier operates silently too.
- Max coverage: 20 ㎡ / 215.3 sq. ft - 40 ㎡/430.6 sq. ft
- Min. noise level: 25dB
Overview
If you find yourself constantly struggling with nasal allergies or trying to get rid of pet dander at home, you might appreciate the KIMOZO Anion Air Purifier.
With a 5-layer filtration system, it can eliminate up to 99.8% of microorganisms. By utilising a HEPA filter and non-woven filters, the purifier targets to effectively remove hair, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, etc. You can even choose from its range of 5 modes including haze mode and sleep mode.
Besides, on auto mode, KIMOZO’s built-in particle sensors are sensitive to air quality changes, automatically choosing the best settings accordingly. On top of that, it has negative ion air purification and UV light that removes bacteria and viruses.
You’ll get plenty of use out of it as the filter only needs to be replaced every 375 days(with 8 hours of use per day).
Details
- Rate Power: n/a
- CADR: 108m³/h
- Noise level: n/a
- Filter: 3 layers composite filter; High-efficiency negative ION Filtration sterilization + UV Light
- Coverage: 50m³ (538sqft)
- Filter recommended usage duration: 375 days
Who is this for?
Users have reported that the use of the KIMOZO Air Purifier has reduced their asthma symptoms. One user also reported improvement in sinus symptoms. Regarding the latter, said user has 3 cats so it can be deduced that this air purifier is indeed effective.
On another note, one review pointed out that the cable is a little short, necessitating placement near a plug point.
Overview
Despite being way cheaper than a lot of other models, the FPJ30LA from Sharp doesn’t compromise on its functionality. You don’t have to break the bank with this option available.
This device is capable of removing mould, dust, viruses, and allergens in the air. Notably, all thanks to its unique Sharp Plasmacluster® Ion Technology which can deodorise surfaces and objects and reduce static electricity. It is also able to eliminate airborne microbes and mould. As such, the function is useful for pet owners.
Users can set a timer on the device for 4 hours or 8 hours. They can also turn on Haze mode to get rid of the haze particles in the air. When the device is set to run at the lowest fan speed, it consumes very little energy at just 13 watts.
Details
- Rate Power: 50W
- CADR: 180m³/h
- Noise level: 44dB
- Filter: 2 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 23m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 24 months
Who is this for?
Many users love how this air purifier works decently without burning a hole in their wallets. It is simple and sufficient for small rooms. Among most products, the purifier is also notable for its ability to clear off smoke like Haze, so rest assured that you are in safe hands.
Overview
The Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C is a great budget option that can tackle the likes of cigarette smoke, airborne dust, mould and spores, as well as germs and virus. It utilises a True HEPA filter to eliminate 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Although it has quite a low price value of under RM300, it has a good area coverage of up to 106m2/h (1140 square feet) and airflow of 320 m³/h, so rest assured that performance will be on par in terms of delivering numbers. You'll also be glad to know that the purifier is pretty silent as it can go as low as 30.5db.
Details
- Rate Power: 29W
- CADR: 320 m³/h
- Noise level: 30.5 - 61db
- Filter: True HEPA Filter
- Coverage: 106m2/h
- Filter recommended usage duration: 6 - 12 months
Who is this for?
If you can't decide which air purifier to use or what you want it for specifically, you can go with the Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C. It's a versatile option that holds a lot under its belt, covering a range of concerns from clearing cigarette smoke to mould and bacteria.
Overview
The Classic 205 from Blueair offers users clean, uncontaminated air without causing a spike in their electricity bills.
This purifier utilises a HEPASilent™ technology that allows for more quiet and efficient filtration than traditional HEPA filters. It removes harmful airborne particles and allergens with energy consumption as low as 20 watts, which is less than a lightbulb.
Apart from being compatible with the Blueair app, the device also works with Amazon Alexa for smart voice controls. Simply by connecting the device to WiFi, users will be able to control it remotely.
Details
- Rate Power: 20-80W
- CADR: up to 340 m³/h
- Noise level: up to 56db
- Filter: Electrostatic and mechanical filtration (Blueair HEPASilent Technology)
- Coverage: 280 sqft
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
Based on users’ reviews, Classic 205 is a high-quality mid-range air purifier. Many approve of its efficient cleaning power and like how it is small in size and is thus suitable for rooms with limited space. Despite that, they wish it could have come with an Auto mode.
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| Product Name | Sterra Breeze Air Purifier | Levoit LV-H128 Desktop Air Purifier | Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C | Sharp Air Purifier FPJ30LA | Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3H | Blueair Classic 205 Air Purifier with Particle Filter | Philips Air Purifier 2000i AC2936/33 | Sharp Air Purifier FPJ60LW | Dyson TP09 Purifier Cool™ Formaldehyde | Levoit Core 300S | PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13 | KIMOZO Air Purifier |
| Specialty | Great for bedroom; also for pet lovers | Best small, portable air purifier | Best budget air purifier | Best air purifier for smoke | Best smart air purifier | Best energy-saving air purifier | Best air purifier for large spaces | Best silent air purifier (low noise) | Best HEPA air purifier | Best small air purifier-suitable for babies and kids | Best air purifier for health | Best air purifier for asthma, pets |
| Filtration | 3-in-1 HEPA | 3-layer HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | High-efficiency Filter | HEPASilent | HEPA, Active Carbon, Prefilter | HEPA, Deodorization, Fine-meshed | HEPA H13 filter | True HEPA | H13 HEPA, Carbon Filter, Prefilter | HEPA, Carbon, Ionic, UV |
| Noise level (dB) | 20dB | 24dB | 30.5 - 61db | 23dB | 33dB | 32dB | 15dB | 15dB | Up to 60dB | 22dB | 25dB | n/a |
| Max coverage | 80m | 15m | 106m | 23m | 26m | 26m | 98m | 48m | 81m | 20m | 40m | 50m |
| Child lock | No | No | n/a | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Where to Buy |
FAQ:
- Differences between HEPA air purifiers & Ionic air purifiers
While both HEPA air purifiers and ionic air purifiers serve the same purpose, they work rather differently.
How it works
HEPA air purifiers use HEPA filters, which are physical filters that trap airborne particles. The air will be drawn into the device, then go through the filters, and finally, come out clean and contaminant-free.
An ionic air purifier, on the other hand, works by emitting negatively charged ions into the air to bind with the particles, which are positively charged. As they bind together, the particles will become too heavy to stay in the air and thus, fall onto the surfaces around them, producing clean air.
Some ionic air purifiers use electrostatically charged plates instead of ion emission to collect the airborne particles. As the air is drawn into the device, the particles will stick onto the plates, which results in clean air.
Effectiveness
HEPA filters are known as the best technology in the air-filtration industry. They are highly effective “collectors” that can remove up to 99.97% of impurities in the air.
Ionic air purifiers are less effective than HEPA air purifiers as when the electrostatically charged plates become dirty, the harmful particles can pass through the plates and remain in the air — which doesn’t happen to HEPA filters. Also, ionic air purifiers that work by ion emission technically do not remove the airborne particles but rather just “move” the particles to the surrounding surfaces such as the floor, furniture, and even on clothes.
Maintenance
HEPA filters need to be replaced from time to time as dust and mould collected through the filtering process degrades their air cleaning performance while ionic plates do not. Instead, ionic plates are to be washed regularly.
Which is the best?
HEPA air purifiers are usually preferred over ionic air purifiers, especially for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.
Additionally, many air purifiers available on the market these days are a hybrid of both mechanisms: they are built with a HEPA filter and an ion generator. This combo delivers even better effectiveness and performance.
- Benefits of an air purifier
Of all the charms we have heard about an air purifier, I bet that most of you are most familiar with its ability to produce cleaner air by filtering and trapping dust, smoke, pet fur, mould, dust mites, and germs from your surroundings. But, an air purifier does more than just that. It benefits you in other ways that you may not even be aware of until today.
Improves sleep quality
Acknowledged by the fact that hazardous air particles are being removed from your home, air purifiers save you peace of mind and calm you down after a long day. The fresh filtered air keeps hay fever (which causes allergic symptoms like runny nose, sneezing or coughing) at bay, granting you a good night’s sleep.
Neutralises unpleasant odours and smoke
It is commonly known that inhaling secondhand smoke, be it tobacco smoke or cooking oil fume, can potentially lead to chronic respiratory problems as well as heart diseases. This is especially concerning if you have children or elderly people at home.
That said, air purifiers with High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and activated carbon filters are effective in capturing chemicals, gases, smoke and also pet odour to circulate fresh air back in the room.
Eliminates hazardous indoor air pollutants
The tricky part when it comes to eliminating indoor allergens is that they are invisible to the human eye. These tiny airborne particles (dust, pollen, bacteria, etc.) or harmful external pollutants do not go away just by closing the doors and windows. You could constantly be exposed to the chemical toxins from your household cleaning agents, air-fresheners and paint products.
Leaving these pollutants suspended in the air is likely to cause breathing discomfort and trigger asthma attacks, not to mention the associated health issues in long term.
More: Enjoy A Fresh, Clean Home with these 10 Best Air Purifiers for Dust Removal
- How do air purifiers work?
Air purifiers consist of a fan and layers of filters. The built-in fan draws in air and directs it to the filters to get rid of the contaminants. The clean air is then released back into the room to maintain healthy indoor ventilation.
The marketed air purifiers are commonly equipped with HEPA filters which claim to capture pollutants as small as 0.3 microns – small enough to get past the tiny hairs (cilia) in our airway. However, there are other types of filters such as activated carbon, UV light, negative ion or ozone generators to suit your personal needs.
An average person takes 1,200 breaths an hour, 28,800 breaths a day and 10,512,000 breaths a year. Bearing in mind that you would not even drink unfiltered and dirty water, so why would you allow yourself and your loved ones to inhale stale and dirty air at home?
Conclusion
With all of that in mind, investing in an air purifier is ideal for a comfortable, refreshing ambience and your family’s health overall. Not only that, but clean air does make your living space much more comfortable to stay at, which keeps the mind and soul healthy too. Especially if you are prone to allergies, best to treat your nose with these nifty devices!
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