Ionic air purifiers produce negative ions that trap unwanted airborne contaminants in your household – weighing them down and causing them to fall on surfaces instead of staying airborne. 

After much consideration, our favorite ionic air purifier is the Envion Ionic Pro Turbo. This easy-to-maintain model is capable of clearing contaminants over 500 sq.ft. in less than an hour, killing germs and removing odors without increasing troublesome ozone levels.

Interested to find out more? Read on to discover more reasons why this model was crowned our winner and which other ionic air purifiers we recommend.

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1Envion Ionic Pro Turbo

  • Reduces pollutants, allergens, and odors via ionized collection blades.
  • Oxygen Plus technology turns smog and ozone into pure oxygen.
  • Germicidal chamber kills 99.9% of airborne germs.
  • Washable filters.
  • Adjustable fan.
  • 500 sq. ft. coverage area.
  • 24-hour automatic timer.
  • 1-year warranty.

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2Plixio Portable

  • Ionizer fights allergens, dust, germs, and odors.
  • Small and portable.
  • Generates ozone for heavy-duty odor elimination.
  • 150 sq. ft. coverage area.
  • Adjustable ozone output.
  • 1-year warranty.

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3Bell and Howell Ionic Whisper

  • Fights pollutants like smoke, odors, bacteria, allergens, dust, and pet dander.
  • Two fan modes (Whisper silent and Turbo).
  • 300 sq. ft. coverage area.
  • 1-year warranty.


1

Envion Ionic Pro Turbo

The Ionic Pro Turbo uses ionized collection blades to trap dust, dirt, smoke, and odor molecules. It’s designed for use in medium to large rooms up to 500 sq. ft. According to Envion, it captures 99.9% of airborne germs in less than an hour when used in “standard-sized” rooms.

Aside from ionized blades, though, this air purifier also uses a germicidal chamber to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. This model uses Oxygen Plus technology to actively convert ozone and smog into oxygen – perfect if you’d rather avoid ionizers which cause ozone buildup. As an added benefit, this ionic air purifier also uses washable filters for ease of cleaning. 

Envion also boasts economical operation with this model, since it uses about the same energy as a night light. Because of its fan-less design, this machine should also be quieter than most conventional air purifiers. The only real downside is that it has a relatively expensive upfront cost compared to other ionic air purifiers on our list. 

However, if you’re looking for superior purification, large coverage and easy maintenance – this model ticks all the boxes.

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Pros

  • Handles germs, pollutants, odors, ozone and smog.
  • Actively transforms ozone into oxygen. 
  • Adjustable fan speed (three settings).
  • Clean air indicator.
  • Silent operation.
  • Washable filter.
  • Easy and affordable to maintain (no filters to replace).
  • Has a 24-hour timer.

Cons

  • Relatively expensive.

2

Plixio Portable

The Plixio Portable PLX50 is a direct plug-in air purifier that uses a combo of ionization and ozone generation to fight off household pollutants like dust, pollen, smoke, and germs.

The presence of an ozone generator means that it’s a more powerful weapon against odors. While we’re aware that ozone-producing models present a safety risk, the PLX50 fortunately allows the user to adjust the amount of ozone generated. And of course, running this air purifier inside an empty room would always do the trick.

As a compact and extremely-cheap model, it’s not surprising that it slacks off a bit in terms of coverage area. Since it only covers 150 sq. ft., it’s best for use in smaller spaces like laundry rooms, dorm rooms, and bathrooms. Also, while it doesn’t have any filters to replace, you’d still have to clean the unit (through vacuuming) monthly. 

Regardless, if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to odor and pollution problems in small spaces, then the Plixio Portable might just be the model for you.

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Pros

  • Handles germs, dust, odors, VOCs, pet dander.
  • Adjustable ozone output.
  • Quiet.
  • No filters to replace.
  • Affordable.
  • Takes up little space.

Cons

  • Generates ozone.
  • Small coverage area.
  • No timer or clean air indicator.


3

Bell and Howell Ionic Whisper

The Bell and Howell Ionic Whisper air purifier uses ionization to rid the air of dust, pollen, pet dander, fumes, odors, and smoke, among other pollutants. 

Offering decent coverage for up to 300 sq. ft. of space, this machine features two air speeds: “Turbo,” for high-speed air flow, and “Whisper Silent” for quieter operation. Its affordable price tag is accompanied by low long-term costs, as it comes with no filters to replace. It is also incredibly energy efficient, costing only a few pennies a day to operate.

It seems focused on its role as a simple and straightforward air purifier, as it lacks extra features like a timer or a clean indicator. To be fair, you can’t really expect it to be fancy with such a low price tag. 

If you’re looking to save on costs without compromising your air purifier’s coverage area and you appreciate extra-silent models, then investing in this Bell and Howell model would be a smart choice.

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Pros

  • Handles germs, dust, odors, smoke, and pet dander.
  • Quiet operation.
  • No filters to replace or clean.
  • Affordable.
  • Two speed options.

Cons

  • No timer or clean air indicator.
  • Generates ozone.

Comparison Chart

Envion Ionic Pro TurboPlixio PortableBell and Howell Ionic Whisper
Dimensions (in)7.5 x 28.5 x 9.54.5 x 2 x 412 x 5 x 12
Coverage (sq.ft)500150300
Releases Ozone X✓✓
Clean Air Indicator✓XX
Timer✓XX
Adjustable Fan Speed✓✓✓
Weight (lbs)7.80.152.2
Warranty1-year1-year1-year

Buyer’s Guide:

Ionic Air Purifier

Ionic air purifiers use the power of negatively-charged ions to rid the air of pollutants. 

These negative ions, which are dispersed into the air by the machine, attach to dust, allergens, smoke molecules, and other contaminants that are positively-charged. This fusion of particles weighs down pollutants and causes them to settle on surfaces. As such, regularly vacuuming your floors, shelves, and tables is a must.

Some ionic air purifiers, as the Envion Ionic Pro and the Bell and Howell Ionic Whisper  also use ionized blades or plates to collect contaminants. Basically, instead of falling down onto surfaces, pollutants will instead get trapped onto the said plates or blades. This minimizes the need to vacuum as frequently.

Ionic air purifiers need to be cleaned regularly. 

Due to the way they work, ionic plates and filters become sites for the accumulation of dust. Should this be left to build up over time, your ionic air purifier won’t be able to function effectively and your air quality will suffer. 

Some models, such as the Envion Ionic Pro Turbo come complete with washable filters, so you’ll be able to clean them easily and extend their life. While others, such as the Bell and Howell Ionic Whisper can be vacuumed clean.

Ionizing plates, wires, and blades also have to be cleaned; however, there’s no standard procedure for accomplishing this task. You should consult with your air purifier’s user manual for specific instructions.

Pros:
  • Remove Irritating Particles – Ionic air purifiers are perfect for removing unwanted particles such as dust, pet dander, smoke and odors from the atmosphere in your home.
  • Quiet – Ionic air purifiers create very little noise when working. This makes them a good choice if you’re a light sleeper or struggle to focus with background noise.
  • Cheaper Option – They’re cheaper upfront compared to air purifiers that rely chiefly on premium filters like HEPA.
  • No Filter Changes – Ionic air purifiers are cheaper to maintain in the long run because they don’t need constant replacement filters.
Cons:
  • Regular Cleaning – Since ionizing plates are permanent, they need to be cleaned regularly.
  • May Produce Ozone – Many ionizers generate ozone, which can lead to health concerns if used incorrectly. If you wish to avoid this, our top pick the Envion Ionic Pro Turbo actively converts ozone into oxygen.
  • Cannot Remove Very Small Particles Ionic air purifiers aren’t as effective as HEPA filters in terms of eliminating microscopic airborne pollutants.

 

PROSCONS
Ionic Air Purifiers
  • Remove dust, dander and odors from the air.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Cheaper than HEPA purifiers.
  • No filter changes
  • Plates and filters need frequent cleaning.
  • May produce ozone.
  • Not as effective as HEPA filters.
  • Particles can get dislodged from plates and recirculated into the home.
HEPA Air Purifiers
  • Remove 99.97% of particles 0.03 microns and larger. 
  • Do not produce ozone.
  • Particles are kept securely trapped in the filters.
  • Requires regular filter changes
  • More expensive upfront.

  • Are ionizers the same as ozone generators?

  • Ionizers and ozone generators work in a similar way but have different purposes.

    Ionizers create ozone as a by-product. They use electrostatically charged plates to create negatively charged gas ions which attract and bind to airborne particles. Some of this electrical charge is transferred to oxygen molecules, causing them to gain an oxygen atom and transform from O2 (oxygen) to O3 (ozone).

    On the other hand, ozone generators are specifically designed to attract an extra oxygen atom and create ozone using electricity or UV light. Therefore, they create much higher quantities of ozone than an ionic air purifier.

  • What is ozone and why do ionizers produce it?

  • Ozone is a highly-unstable molecule that effectively combats odor problems. Ozone reacts easily with odor molecules and causes them to disintegrate, which effectively eliminates unpleasant odors at the source.

    Because ionizers commonly use electricity to produce negatively-charged ions, they’re also prone to producing ozone. The charge that they give off when generating ions can disrupt normal oxygen molecules in the atmosphere and cause them to transform into ozone molecules.

  • Is ozone harmful?

  • The high reactivity of ozone makes it ideal as an air purifier. This very same property, though, also makes ozone potentially hazardous to humans and animals. These unstable and reactive molecules can cause respiratory tract irritations and ozone damage to your internal organs. With that said, it’s important to use ozone-generating air purifiers correctly — that is, avoid using them in occupied rooms.

  • Do ionic air purifiers have odor-controlling abilities?

  • Negative ions are capable of attaching to and neutralizing odor molecules. Ionized plates can also attract the odor molecules. The results you’ll get, however, won’t be as impressive as what you’ll enjoy with a carbon filter or an ozone generator.

  • Is an ionizer sufficient to address common air quality concerns?

  • An ionizer can fight off almost all of the most common household air pollutants, such as dust, odors, smoke, allergens, and even germs. You can’t, though, expect it to be as effective as, say, HEPA filters against particle pollutants, or as powerful as a dedicated ozone generator when it comes to neutralizing foul odors. As such, having an ionizer at home acts as an all-around solution provided that you aren’t facing severe pollution problems.

Final Thoughts

Ionic air purifiers offer a great way to purify your air without the hassle of regular filter changes or expensive upfront costs. While they are less effective than HEPA purifiers with regard to microscopic pollutants, they are still very useful for combating common allergens such as dust and pet dander as well unpleasant odors.  

Our overall favorite is the Envion Ionic Pro Turbo. It may be a little pricey, but this ionic air purifier is a winner in terms of coverage area, removing 99.9% of airborne germs in under an hour. Economical and quiet to run, this model also eliminates ozone build up by actively converting it into oxygen. The filters are washable for easy cleaning, while the adjustable fan and timer make it simple and intuitive to use. 

If you’re looking for a compact model which is unassuming and takes up little space – we recommend the Plixio Portable. This ionic air purifier has the least coverage of any of the models we have reviewed, but it’s small enough to go unnoticed in any room. Furthermore, its adjustable ozone generation settings help you stay in control of odors without putting your health at risk. 

Last, but by no means least – the Bell and Howell Ionic Whisper is our top recommendation for those on a budget. Simple in design, this low-cost ionic air purifier offers decent coverage and 2 air speed options – so you can reduce noise levels on demand. There’s no fancy features such as timer or air quality indicator, but if you’re just after the basics without breaking the bank, this model makes a smart choice.

Further Reading

Rainbow RainMate Air Purifier Review
Change My Air Purifier Filter
How Often Should I Change My Air Purifier Filter?
Personal Air Purifier
Best Wearable Personal Air Purifiers