Best Quiet Air Purifiers
Air purifiers improve your home life and well-being by enhancing the quality of air in your living spaces. However, like many other appliances, these machines produce noise to a certain degree. A noisy appliance can easily become an annoyance, whether it’s by making it difficult to hold conversations within its immediate vicinity or by disrupting a good night’s sleep. If you’re extra-sensitive to noise, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of having an air purifier; it simply comes down to choosing the right model.
We’ve compiled a list of the best quiet air purifiers in this article. These are models with lower-than-average decibel ratings or models whose noise levels can be adjusted down to suit quiet environments.
- Pre-filter + True HEPA + activated carbon + Ionizer + UV lamp + photocatalytic filter + electrostatic collector grid
- 20 to 52 decibels
- 500 sq. ft. coverage area
- Air quality, performance, and filter life sensor
- Auto mode + four speed options
- 3-year warranty
- Pre-filter + BioGS HEPA + carbon + optional ionizer
- 22.8 to 48.6 decibels
- 550 sq. ft. coverage area
- Air quality indicator
- Auto mode + five speed options
- 5-year warranty
- Pre-filter + iFD + Ionizer
- 56 decibels maximum
- 179 sq. ft. coverage area
- Washable and permanent filters
- Three speed options
- 5-year warranty
- Charcoal pre-filter + True HEPA
- 43 to 44 decibels
- 490 sq. ft. coverage area
- Sleep mode (8-hour timer)
- Four speed options
- 5-year warranty
- Pre-filter + True HEPA + Activated carbon
- 54 decibels (maximum)
- 161 sq. ft. coverage area
- Three speed options
- Filter reminder wheel
- 2-year warranty
- Pre-filter + Max2 filter (Green True HEPA + activated carbon)
- 22 to 52 decibels
- 1560 sq. ft. coverage area
- Smart mode (Eco, Sleep, Auto) + Four speed options
- Air quality monitor
- 5-year warranty
- Pre-filter + True HEPA + activated carbon
- 52 decibels (maximum)
- 322 sq. ft.
- Smart auto mode + three speed options
- Air quality indicator
- 2-year warranty
- Pre-filter + medium filter + BioGS HEPA + customized filter (germ defense filter, pet allergy filter, toxin absorber filter, or odor remover filter) + charcoal + optional Ionizer
- 20.8 to 45.6 decibels
- 700 sq. ft.
- Customized panel and mood lighting
- Sleep mode + intelligent auto mode + pollen mode + five speed options
- 5-year warranty
The XJ-3800 boasts wide coverage and minimal noise. It can go as quiet as 20 dB and uses seven stages to combat every type of household air pollutant. A True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, an ionizer, a UV lamp, a photocatalytic VOC filter, an electrostatic collector grid, and a pre-filter make up these seven stages.
It’s also equipped with multiple sensors to monitor air quality, pollutant type, filter status, UV bulb status, and electrostatic collector status. Its findings are communicated through a set of LED indicators on its control panel. It also has an auto mode that adjusts speed according to the detected pollution level. While the pre-filter and collector grid are permanent, the XJ-3800 still has parts that need regular replacing: the HEPA, photocatalytic, and carbon filters, as well as the UV bulb. As such, maintenance costs are expected to be higher than usual. Thankfully, Surround Air promises that this air purifier is energy-efficient (owing mostly to the self-adjusting auto mode), so that might help offset some of your expenses.
In spite of coming with slightly-disheartening long-term and upfront costs, the XJ-3800 offers a lineup of pollutant-fighting technologies that is truly difficult to beat. Its array of convenience-boosting features makes it even more prestige. So in the end, you should get more than your money’s worth.
Pros
- Air quality and performance sensors
- Pollutant indicators
- UV light and ionizer indicators
- UV bulb change, clean collector, and change filter indicators
- Auto mode
- 1/2/8 hr timer
- Adjustable air speed
Cons
- Expensive
- High long-term costs
The Rabbit Air SPA 550A can go as quiet as 22.8 dBA. On top of this, the LED lights on its control panel automatically shut off once the air purifier enters its idle state, so it’s good for combatting light pollution as well.
Its promisingly-low noise level is joined by equally-appealing features, such as a BioGS HEPA filter, a sensor-assisted auto mode, and five speed settings. Unlike traditional HEPA filters, the BioGS HEPA filter also reduces allergen build-up and bacteria growth on the filter, which prolongs its optimal efficiency. The pre-filter is washable while the carbon and HEPA filters last for approximately three years based on 12 hours of daily operation. This is an impressively-long lifespan for a filter, and this definitely gives the BioGS 2.0 an advantage in terms of long-term costs.
An activated carbon filter and an optional ionizer complete the lineup of tech offered by this model. It also has a 550 sq. ft. coverage area, an included remote control, and both filter change and air quality indicators. Overall, this Rabbit Air machine appears to be a versatile and quiet model that would suit large rooms best.
Pros
- Equipped to handle all pollutants
- With remote control
- Has an auto mode and smart sensors
- With filter change and air quality indicators
- Wide coverage
- Five speed settings
- Long filter life
- Long warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- No timer
The Honeywell QuietClean Tower HFD-120-Q traps 99% of airborne particle pollutants from the air that passes through its pre-filter and iFD filter. It also has an ionizer that improves overall effectiveness against dust, smoke, pet dander, and other contaminants.
Its coverage area is more on the small-to-medium side, but you have the option to turn on an oscillation feature that helps circulate the air better. With three speed options, it has a maximum decibel rating of 56 dB, which means that while it has the highest maximum operational noise level so far on this list it’s still safely within quiet air purifier territory.
Both its pre-filter and iFD filter are washable so you won’t have to regularly purchase replacement filters, therefore lowering long-term costs. You’d have to regularly clean said filters, though, once the filter check indicator tells you it’s needed. Overall, the Honeywell HFD-120-Q is definitely a model to consider if a cost-effective air purification solution for small-to-medium spaces is what you’re after.
Pros
- No filters to replace
- Adjustable air speed
- Filter check indicator
- On/off oscillation control
- Affordable
- Long warranty
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Small room coverage
- Needs regular cleaning
- No timer
The Whirlpool Whispure WP500 keeps its noise levels below 44 dBA when on sleep mode, which makes it good for nighttime use. Turning sleep mode on is also equivalent to turning on a preset timer which shuts down the air purifier after eight hours.
Banking on a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon pre-filter, the WP500 neutralizes odors and traps 99.97% of dirt, allergens, tobacco smoke, and pet dander as small as 0.3 microns. It also boasts a control lock feature, which amps up its safety factor for households with small children. Its filter status indicator is useful for precisely determining the state of both filters. It’s worth noting that the HEPA and carbon filters, which last for 12 months and 3 months, respectively, are quite lacking in terms of lifespan. If child-safe features, wide coverage, and a sleep timer are important to you, then the WP500 may be the way to go.
Pros
- Four speed settings
- With control lock
- 8-hour timer (sleep mode)
- Filter status indicator
- Wide coverage
- Long warranty
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Short carbon filter lifespan
The Levoit LV-H126 is a portable air purifier that bundles pocket-friendliness with quietness. Although its exact noise output range isn’t given, it advertises a maximum decibel rating of 54 decibels. This is a respectable noise output, which merits its right to be considered a quiet air purifier. Take note that if you’d like it to produce less than 54 decibels of noise, you can always turn down the speed dial by a notch or two as it has three speed options.
Its activated carbon filter unfortunately doesn’t have the best lifespan, since it has to be replaced every three months. It’s pretty hard to complain about this aspect when an air purifier’s price tag is this affordable. It should be a great addition to small spaces like bathrooms, dorm rooms, and bedrooms that are smaller than 161 sq. ft. While it doesn’t have fancy tech like filter change indicators, it makes do with a manual filter reminder wheel. If all you’re really looking for is a simple and small air purifier that won’t hurt your budget, then this Levoit machine is certainly worth considering.
Pros
- Affordable
- With filter reminder wheel
- Three speed settings
- Portable
Cons
- Short filter lifespan
- No timer
- Small coverage area
In spite of having exceptional coverage at 1560 sq. ft., the Coway AirMega 400 manages to keep its noise levels within the 22 to 52 dB range. This machine banks on a Max2 filter, which is a combination of True HEPA and carbon technologies. The said filter fights allergens, dust, odors, VOCs, and chemical fumes. A pre-filter also traps larger particles. The said pre-filter is washable, but the Max2 filter needs regular replacing. Both the pre-filter and the Max2 filter have their own status indicators.
It features a smart mode that automatically switches between Auto, Sleep, and Eco depending on external conditions. This air purifier has a real-time air quality monitor/indicator and a light sensor for this purpose.
As may be expected from a wide-coverage, True HEPA air purifier that is laden with bells and whistles, this unit comes at a hefty price. Its body is also big and bulky, which means that it would definitely stand out inside a room. Still, if coverage area, a True HEPA filter, and sensor-assisted technology is what you’re all about, the Coway AIRMEGA 400 seems well-equipped to make the needed initial investment worth it.
Pros
- Smart mode (auto, eco, sleep)
- Filter check indicator
- 1/4/8hr timer
- Air quality monitor
- With smart mode
- Long warranty
- Adjustable air speed
Cons
- Expensive
- Big and bulky
The Levoit LV-PUR131 cleans air through three stages of air purification—a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. It comes with an air quality indicator and a corresponding “Smart Auto” mode that adjusts fan speed according to pollutant level.
Its maximum noise output is only 52 dB, and using “Sleep” mode will keep operational sounds to the minimum. The LED timer can also be turned off to minimize light pollution inside the bedroom. Additionally, it has a timer that can be programmed to anywhere
between 1 to 12 hours. It should be able to cover medium-sized rooms up to 322 sq. ft. On top of the “Smart Auto” and “Sleep” modes, you can also set the LV-PUR-131 to operate in one of three speed options.
All in all, this Levoit air purifier comes out as a reasonably-priced machine for mid-sized spaces. Its array of purifying technologies and features may not be awe-inducing, but it’s a competitive and quiet option nonetheless.
Pros
- With smart auto mode
- 12-hour timer
- Air quality indicator
- Adjustable air speed
- Optional LED display
Cons
- No filter check indicator
The RabbitAir MinusA2 SPA-700A is a great air purifier for covering bigger spaces while keeping noise levels low (its noise range is 20.8 to 45.6 decibels). This model is inconspicuous enough in terms of noise, but a customizable panel takes it a notch higher. The panel can be set to display artwork, which works great considering that this can be mounted onto a wall. The panel also has a light strip that can be used for mood lighting.
Combining a pre-filter, a medium filter, BioGS HEPA, charcoal, an optional ionizer, and a customizable filter, it’s obvious that Rabbit Air wanted to give consumers lots of personalization options. You can choose to get a germ defense filter, a pet allergy filter, a toxin absorber filter, or an odor remover filter for the customizable purification step. Like the Levoit LV-PUR131, this model also boasts a light-sensing sleep mode on top of an intelligent auto mode, a pollen mode, and five speed options. It also has a remote control and various indicators for added convenience.
Unsurprisingly, all of these come at a rather-hefty price tag, but if high-end features and having customization options are perks you’d highly-appreciate, then the MinusA2 is undoubtedly attractive.
Pros
- Equipped to handle all pollutants
- Has an auto mode, pollen mode, sleep mode, and five speed options
- Smart sensors for detecting light, air quality, and odors
- With remote control
- Wide coverage
- Long warranty
- Long filter life with indicator
Cons
- Expensive
- No timer
Buyer’s Guide:
Quiet Air Purifiers
Quiet air purifiers can be useful if you’re wary about noise pollution. If humming from appliances makes it difficult for you (or your kids) to fall asleep at night, or if you’re extra-sensitive that you find distinct operational sounds annoying, getting a quiet air purifier could be a wise move.
Final Thoughts
The Surround Air Intelli-Pro XJ-3800 is the most well-rounded air purifier overall, with its seven air purification stages and array of extra features. The XJ-3800 also has the lowest minimum noise level of the bunch.
However, if there’s even a single thing that prevents you from buying the Intelli-Pro, it’s clear that there’s still a bunch of other models that are great and capable. Whether you’re looking for a machine for a small, medium, or large room, the air purifiers on this list have got you covered.