9 Best Air Purifier For Pets: Molekule vs Dyson vs GermGuardian vs Honeywell vs Coway vs Levoit & More
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Air pollution isn’t limited to car exhaust, jet fuel, sprayed pesticides, and factory smoke. And it’s also not limited to the outdoors. Did you know mold spores, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and smoke can get trapped inside your home and office? That means your furry friends could contribute to your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Fortunately, air purifiers can help improve the air quality in your home and eliminate the toxins that your furry family members may be unable to prevent. There are so many to choose from, and finding the best option for your home can be daunting. But my best pet dander air purifier reviews help you find the best fit for your needs. So, let’s take a closer look.
| Best For Pet Odors | Best For Dog Hair | Best For Large Spaces | Best For Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| GermGuardian | Filtrete | Coway | Levoit Core |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
9 Best Air Purifiers For Pets
Ahhhhh, now you can stop holding your breath. It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: our recommendations for the best air purifier for allergies and pets. You can take many steps to protect indoor air quality, and investing in an air purifier is one of them. So, let’s take a closer look.
Best Air Purifier For Pet Odors: GermGuardian 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Review
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The GermGuardian AC4300BPTCA is the newest version of GermGuardian’s air filters, and it’s my top choice for the best air purifier for pet odors. This three-in-one, high-performing air purifier for dog smells traps, kills, and filters germs, dust, and dander at a reasonable price. This air purifier claims to capture 99.97% of allergens (as small as 0.3 microns), including pet dander, mold spores, and plant pollens. Many customers state they notice indoor air quality improvement super quickly.
It has UV-C light technology, which kills bacteria, viruses (including rhinovirus, e. coli, and streptococcus), germs, and mold spores in the air. The charcoal filter reduces cooking, smoking, and pet odors, including urine. Plus, the HEPA air filtration system helps reduce exposure to asthma triggers. For all of these reasons and high ratings by users, I think it’s the best air purifier for pet odors.
Our Personal Experience With GermGuardian
“We bought the GermGuardian AC4825 air filter to minimize dog smells in our basement since that is where their dog crates are. It has exceeded expectations by getting rid of the doggy smell quickly, reducing the amount of time we have to run it. As a bonus, it also reduces fire pit and cigar odors that waft in through the basement door and damp smells when it rains. The noise level is so quiet that we sometimes forget to turn it off, but I am not complaining about that! It’s been a great air purifier for pet odors.”
– Michelle Schenker, Dog Mom & Co-Founder Of Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CADR rating: 100+ | The small light can be annoying to some if they keep it running during the night |
| HEPA filter lasts for 6-8 months | A small number of customers say there’s a plastic smell when you first use it, but it goes away after a day or two of use |
| Earned the Energy Star by the U.S. EPA | |
| Certified energy efficient | |
| It is great at removing smelly odors | |
| Customers state allergies are more manageable indoors | |
| Small design | |
| Quiet noise level on low and medium | |
| Easy to set up | |
| 3-year warranty |
Price
Best Dog Hair Air Purifier: Filtrete Air Purifier Review
This is my top pick for the best dog hair air purifier. Like other air purifiers in this article, Filtrete’s FAP-C02WA-G2 air purifier claims to capture 99.97% of airborne particles (as small as 0.3 microns). These include dust, lint, dust mite debris, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke, smog, bacteria, viruses, exhaust particles, and ultrafine particles. This air purifier can help clean air in rooms up to 150 square feet, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms.
It has a change filter indicator to help you know when the filter has reached the end of its life. The top has a soft-touch display to adjust the fan speed, set a timer, dim the control panel lights, and reset the filter change indicator. I think this is the best air purifier for dog hair because it helps eliminate the smell and debris that comes with a shedding dog.
Our Personal Experience With Filtrete Air Purifier
I was sent a similar smart Filtrete air purifier (a smart air purifier that has a few advanced features) to test out in exchange for an unbiased review. I noticed our bedroom had a fairly strong pet odor in it, so I thought testing the air purifier in there would help me notice the most changes.
The air quality in our bedroom was absolutely terrible, I’m embarrassed to even share the numbers with you. When I set up the air purifier, the bedroom air quality was in the 120-range, which is deemed “poor.” When I had the humidifier running in our bedroom, it worsened the air quality tremendously. This can happen depending on the type of water you use, how clean your humidifier is, how old the filter is, and more. Without the humidifier running, the air quality numbers were much lower in our bedroom. On average, our air quality is now less than five, which is deemed “good.”
This version of the Filtrete air purifier integrates with an app to adjust the fan speed, set a timer, see the filter life, learn more about pollutants, and more from my phone. I’ve been pleased with it and think it’s a great contender for the best air purifier for pet dander.
Since using the Filtrete air purifier, I’ve noticed the amount of dust, pet dander, and dog smell has decreased dramatically in our bedroom. We’re now considering purchasing a whole-home air purifier or additional units to be in other areas of concern in our home.
– Kimberly Alt, Dog Mom, Author & Pet Insurance Expert At Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CADR rating: 107 | Loud noise level when on high mode |
| HEPA filter lasts for six months | |
| It is great at removing smelly odors | |
| Modern design | |
| Quiet noise level on low and medium | |
| Easy to set up |
Price
Best For Large Spaces: Coway Airmega Mighty Review
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The Coway Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH(W) is an advanced air purifier that uses a four-stage filtration system (pre-filter, deodorization filter, true HEPA filter, and vital ion). It captures up to 99.97% of particles (0.3 microns) in the air and effectively reduces odor, pollen, pollutants, and other allergens. Many customer reviews state it’s the best air purifier for allergies and pets. Its real-time pollution sensor lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air quality is all day.
You can set the timer to turn off after one, four, or eight hours. To save energy, this purifier automatically stops the fan and goes into eco mode when no pollution is detected for 30 minutes. This Coway purifier accommodates room sizes up to 361 square feet. So, it is ideal for apartments, large rooms, and other mid-sized spaces. Many users, however, report excellent performance in much larger spaces, which is why it’s the best air purifier for pets and large rooms.
Our Personal Experience With Coway
My in-laws recently remodelled their home and this is the air filtration system that their contractor recommended they invest in to reduce dust in their living spaces. In addition to reducing dust, it also was a great way to manage odors from pets, cooking, and more, without .
It worked so well and is so quiet that they ended up buying a second one for their upstairs after renovations were complete. They have recommended it to many others, including us.
– Michelle Schenker, Dog Mom & Co-Founder Of Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CADR ratings: 246 dust, 240 pollen, and 233 smoke | Setup instructions can be confusing |
| 4-stage filtration system | Some users say the fan is too noisy on high setting |
| HEPA filter lasts for a year, and the odor filter for six months | |
| Energy Star certified | |
| Pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time | |
| Filter lifetime indicator for pre-filter and HEPA filter | |
| Quiet noise level on low and medium | |
| Attractive design and compact size | |
| 3-year warranty |
Price
Best For Bedrooms: Levoit Core P350 Review
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The Levoit Core P350 air purifier has a Pet Lock that prevents pets or children from changing settings. It can cover up to 219 square feet in 12 minutes and has a three-stage filtration system (fine preliminary filter, true HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter) that captures up to 99.97% of particles (0.3 microns) in the air. It’s also a great air purifier for pet hair and dander and a great option to help eliminate pet odors.
It effectively absorbs pet odors and decomposes them to eliminate second-hand pollution, so I think it’s a great air purifier for pet urine smell and odor. You can set a timer for 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours. This Levoit air purifier is smaller than others and runs quietly in the background, so it’s a good option for your bedroom. Plus, it is Energy Star certified, which is always a bonus when looking to save energy consumption.
Our Personal Experience With Levoit Air Purifier
We bought a Levoit for our bedroom as I was getting pretty stuffy at night. The purifier was easy to set up, and we love that it works with Google Assistant, so it’s easy to turn off. It’s super quiet and I can’t even hear it blowing. The filter is easy to clean, and it has a nightlight feature if you want so you don’t trip over it in the dark.
– Sadie Cornelius, Dog Mom & Creative Marketer At Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CADR rating: 240 | Customers suggest filters don’t last as long as they should |
| HEPA filter lasts 6-8 months | |
| 3-stage filtration system | |
| Quiet noise level | |
| Easy to setup | |
| Attractive design and compact size | |
| 1-year warranty | |
| Energy Star certified |
Price
What Are My Other Options For Air Purifiers?
Below are more air purifiers that didn’t make my top picks, but I think they could be great fits for many homes.
Bionaire True HEPA 360° Air Purifier Review
Bionaire claims to capture 99.97% of airborne particles with its three-stage filtration system. This air purifier can clean air in rooms up to 155 square feet, making it excellent for small to medium rooms such as bedrooms, offices, playrooms, and more. It has a 360° air intake to clean from all directions. The control panel features an on/off button, three fan speed settings, timer options, a night light on/off, and a night mode.
It’s easy to change with replacement filters and has a super quiet noise level on the low setting. However, customers state that the noise level is noticeable on the higher function and reminds them of a white noise machine, which some reviewers like. This air purifier has a simple, sleek appearance that should blend into most homes. Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for moving around the home.
Our Personal Experience With Bionaire Air Purifier
I was sent a similar Bionaire True HEPA 360° Air Purifier in exchange for an unbiased review. I noticed my basement had more of a pet odor mixed with humidity. I leave my dog in the basement when I’m away from home, so it can start to smell downstairs at times. We already use a dehumidifier, which helps with the humidity level but I thought adding an air purifier to the area would offer additional benefits.
I plugged the Bionaire Air Purifier into the outlet and set it on the low setting. Within a couple of days, I stopped noticing the smell in the basement. I’m unsure about what the air quality level was in the basement because it doesn’t offer any type of advanced features like that, but I can tell that it improved it.
I don’t spend a lot of time in the basement, so I wish I had access to an app to see how the air quality is and turn it on/off from my phone. But overall, I’ve been happy with it and think it’s a great option for a medium-sized room.
– Kimberly Alt, Dog Mom, Author & Pet Insurance Expert At Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CADR rating: 100 | Loud on medium and high settings |
| HEPA filter lasts up to 18 months | There is no auto mode to adjust the fan speed when more toxins are in the air |
| Great at removing smelly odors | |
| 360° air intake | |
| Quiet noise level on low setting | |
| Easy to set up, lightweight, compact | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde Review
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Look no further if you want a sleek, modern air purifier for dust and pet hair. The Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 claims to remove 99.97% of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. Dyson has an app that includes information about the filter’s life, acts as a remote control, and lets you schedule when the purifier is on and off. It also has a quieter night mode that dims the display and reports indoor air quality in real time. This air purifier can clean the air with or without the cooling mode, which is great for users who dislike the breeze from most air purifiers.
This didn’t make our top picks for the best air purifier for pet hair because of its high price point (without the technological advances you’ll find in the Molekule below). This is a great product, but you can get other HEPA air purifiers for much less, and they do just as good a job. Unless you want an air purifier with an app or prefer the look of Dyson products, I recommend looking at other top picks that are better value for money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 350° air intake | Expensive |
| Night mode | Since it’s more technical with the app, it can be tricky getting it set up at first |
| Can sync with your smartphone via app (iOS | Android) | Issues with the app in the past |
| Works with Amazon Alexa | |
| The filter needs replacing every 12 months | |
| HEPA filter | |
| Energy Star rated |
Price
Holmes HAP2420NUC Air Purifier Review
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If you’re looking for a less expensive option for a 10′ x 11′ room, the Holmes HAP242-NUC air purifier is a great choice. It claims to remove up to 99% of airborne particles as small as 2 microns, which is not as effective as the other purifiers on this list. This Holmes air purifier has a carbon filter that helps remove up to 44% of odors. Although this isn’t stylish, you can place the purifier vertically or horizontally on a desk, table, or other surface. This is a budget option for smaller rooms, and some users suggest it is still going strong after many years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CADR rating: 70 | Only collects particles down to 2 microns |
| Filter lifespan varies based on the filter you buy | Not stylish |
| Filter change indicator | Some customers complain of a chemical smell |
| Small design | Not the best air purifier for smoke |
| Quiet noise level on low, medium, and high modes | HEPA type filter is not a true HEPA filter |
| Great value |
Price
Honeywell 50250-S Air Purifier Review
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Honeywell is a household name for security equipment, HVAC equipment, doorbells, and air quality equipment, including air purifiers. This device is ideal for large rooms up to 465 square feet. It is a little bulky, but this shouldn’t be a problem for the large rooms it’s intended for. This Honeywell model’s glass fiber HEPA filter collects up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. It also notifies you when you need to change or clean the filter.
Allergists recommend Honeywell, and it comes with a five-year warranty. The carbon-activated pre-filter captures larger particles and reduces pet odors. The filters should be replaced every three months. However, Honeywell states that if you vacuum the pre-filter, the filter’s lifetime can be extended to three to five years. The only minor criticism from a few users is that it is noisy on full blast, but at the lower levels, it is hardly noticeable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Filter can last 3-5 years | Not stylish |
| CADR rated 250 for smoke, dust, and pollen | Louder when on higher modes |
| AHAM Certified for rooms up to 390 sq ft | Some assembly is required, but customers say it’s easy |
| Filter change indicator | The small light can be annoying to some if they keep it running during the night |
| 360° air intake | |
| Customers state allergies are more manageable indoors | |
| HEPA filter | |
| 5-year warranty |
Price
Molekule Air Pro Air Purifier Review
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Is Molekule the next generation of air purifiers? They claim so, and consumer feedback seems to agree that this new technology’s ability to clean the air is more effective than traditional HEPA-filtered purifiers. Molekule’s major selling point is PECO, an innovative nanotechnology that utilizes free radicals to oxidize pollutants and kill airborne viruses and chemicals (VOCs). They say this technology can destroy pollutants 1,000 times smaller than traditional HEPA filters.
For this reason, Molekule Air Pro is FDA-cleared as a class II medical device and the best for indoor air quality. It works in any area up to 1,000 square feet and provides an air score through the app. Molekule also offers a mini size for rooms up to 250 square feet. Both options are stylish and have a vegan leather handle for increased portability.
This is a smart device compatible with Alexa that you can operate hands-free. It also has a touch screen. The “whisper quiet” fan has six manual speeds or two modes that automatically regulate the fan according to the air’s purity. The only major downside I see for this product is its high price tag, which can turn away some consumers. They do, however, offer a payment plan, and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very effective against mold and many allergens | Very expensive |
| Innovative technology has been third-party tested | Replacement filters are expensive (but you get your first year free) |
| You can choose two room sizes | Some users had problems with the smartphone app being buggy |
| Class II medical grade device | |
| Glowing customer reviews about its performance | |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
Molekule gives you one year of free filters and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Note: While conducting our research for this article, I noticed some users complaining about the release of cool air from air purifiers. To clarify, this is normal, and it’s natural for there to be a slight breeze.
Best Air Filters For Pets: Filtrete Air Replacement Filters Review
Each of the air purifiers above uses a specific filter. However, filters in your home’s furnace need to be changed regularly. Depending on the air filter you get, you may need replacement filters every one to three months. However, you may want to replace your filters more often if you have allergies or multiple pets. I recommend these odor-reduction air filters for furnaces as the best air filter for pet hair. These air filters can last up to three months and remove strong odors from the air, including smells from pets and cooking, mildew, and smoke. So, for the best air filter for homes with pets, consider Filtrete’s odor-reduction replacement filters.
What Are Air Purifiers?
Generally speaking, all air purifiers have an intake where the air is taken into the system to be filtered and another spot where it’s released after filtration. Using an air purifier makes the air in your home smell and feel squeaky clean. You’ll notice your ability to breathe easier and may even find that you don’t need allergy medication as often. Look at this video covering how air purifiers work and best practices when using one.
Did you know your dog’s diet can influence how much they shed? Choosing a high-quality food option for your pup can improve their coat health and help to reduce shedding. Check out our guide on the best dog foods for shedding.
Air Purifier Terminology & Technology
Here’s a bit more explanation about the technical side of how air purifiers work and what to look for when picking out the right one for you.
What Are HEPA Filters?
High-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters) force air through a mesh screen and collect harmful particles like pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and dust mites. We’ve noted in our reviews that air purifiers use HEPA filters, and most do. However, some use HEPA-type filters, which are not true HEPA filters. The Molekule Air Pro uses advanced PECO technology to destroy pollutants 1,000 times smaller than traditional HEPA filters.
If you love dogs, but your allergies don’t, and you’re looking for ways to increase your chances of welcoming a furry friend into your life, you might be interested in our list of hypoallergenic dog breeds. You may have more success with an allergy-friendly dog.
Air Purifier Certifications
In this article, I discuss three certifications: Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), Energy Star, and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
- CADR. This is the measurement of how fast an air purifier delivers filtered air. The higher the CADR, the better.
- Energy Star. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives products the Energy Star rating when they meet strict energy-efficient guidelines.
- AHAM. This is an organization that inspects the performance of household appliances.
Note: Not all of the air purifiers I reviewed will have all three of these ratings. I provide information about these certifications for the products I could find.
What Is A Micron?
In this article, I refer to microns, the size that an air purifier can handle. A micron is equal to one-millionth of a meter (in other words, it’s super small). To give you some perspective, here are some common particles in our air and their size in microns.
- Human hair: 80-100 microns
- Pollen: 30 microns
- Mold spores: 10-30 microns
- Household dust: 10 microns
- Pet dander: 5 microns
- Smoke: 1 micron
This means that if you want your air purifier to get rid of smoke, you’ll need one that can filter particles as small as one micron. If you want an air purifier to help with pet odor and dander, you’ll need one that can handle particles as small as five microns.
Whole-Home Air Purifier Systems
If you don’t want an air purifier in every room or constantly move one filter around, you can install a whole-home air purifier solution. These air purifiers can cost thousands of dollars, so they aren’t as affordable as the ones I reviewed for this article. It’s an investment, but a whole-home solution may be the best choice if you want a house full of clean air.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that there’s a lot to think about when it comes to the best air purifiers for pets. Here are some frequently asked questions from our readers regarding air purifiers. If you can’t see yours, please ask us in the comments below, and we’ll find the answer.
Can An Air Purifier Remove Urine Smell?
You might be wondering, “Will an air purifier get rid of dog smell?” Yes. Find one like our winner for bedrooms with an activated carbon filter to trap and neutralize home pet odors, including that nasty pee smell. A HEPA filter may not be as helpful for urine smells and other odors emitted as very small particles.
Do Air Purifiers Help With Pet Hair?
You may be wondering, do air purifiers catch pet hair? Yes, air purifiers can help eliminate pet hair, but only if it is floating in the air. So, do air purifiers remove pet hair entirely? Air purifiers for pets won’t magically eliminate all the dog hair and dander around your home (I wish!) Finding the right de-shedding tools can help reduce the amount of pet hair floating around your home.
Do Air Purifiers Work For Pet Allergies?
If you are also thinking, “Will air purifiers help with dog allergies?” Yes, air purifiers can help alleviate dog allergies and asthma triggers by removing tiny particles from the air. I recommend any of our top picks as the best air purifier for pet allergies and asthma.
What Are The Best Air Purifying Plants Safe For Pets?
If you’re thinking about adding plants to your home to improve your indoor air quality, it’s a great idea. However, you must be sure to pick non-toxic plants for dogs. Below is a list of the best air-purifying plants that are safe for dogs.
- Money Tree
- Palms
- Spider Plant
- Boston Fern
- Bamboo
- Wax Plant
- Gerber Daisy
- Prayer Plant
Discover which plants are poisonous to dogs and remove them from your home to protect Fido.
Can Air Purifiers Prevent Illness Like COVID-19?
Air purifiers won’t necessarily prevent you from getting COVID-19, but they can improve the air quality in your home to help someone suffering from this illness. Additionally, running an air purifier could help protect other family members or caregivers. COVID-19 spreads via viral droplets transmitted from the body. Air purifiers can help reduce airborne germs that cause the flu and common cold, which is a coronavirus. So, these devices may also reduce some COVID-19 airborne pathogens, but experts haven’t verified it. And the Molekule Air Pro goes one step further by killing the germs.
Which Is The Best Air Purifier For Indoor Air Quality & Low Noise Levels?
Most modern air purifiers have low noise levels, at least on the lower settings. Our team members have tested the quietest air purifiers on my list, the Levoit Core P350 or the Bonaire purifier, and both options were hardly noticeable. If you’re seeking the option to improve your indoor air quality the most, the Molekule Air Pro is the best choice as it is a medical-grade device.
The Best Vacuums For Pet Hair
Vacuuming can help remove pet hair and other airborne particles from the air and improve your home’s overall cleanliness and air quality. Our experts have reviewed some of the best vacuums for pet hair and shared their findings with you. If vacuuming is your least favorite chore, we have also reviewed the best robot vacuums for dog hair. We also have a guide on pet-safe cleaning products and how to avoid poisoning, which is a must-read for any pet household.
Do you have one of these air purifiers for your home? Perhaps you have another device you think we should consider for our air purifier for pets review? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Kimberly has written about various dog-related topics, such as pet insurance, health conditions, treats, training, and more. When shopping for the best air purifier with the top performance and the lowest price for her home, she consulted other Canine Journal members to glean their personal experiences. Kimberly spent many hours researching and writing this article to bring her readers the most accurate and honest information and reviews.
