@@blake27182 It was. Mila has great performance, but not it's price point is notably higher than many other brands / models with similar performance / coverage. Ultimately, we didn't include it because there are less expensive choices with the same performance.
@@deniselozada8829 In general, I've always found Dyson purifiers to be excellent. In terms of performance they almost always earn high marks. The biggest downside, and the primary reason Dyson didn't make the cut for this video, is they are 1) disproportionately expensive relative to their coverage (both the unit and the filters) and 2) more difficult to find for sale (in the last 3 years I've noted increasing out of stock issues across numerous retailers and even at Dyson.com).
same here, being allergic to dust is like being allergic to the world! I really need something to help! Did you end up buying one, and if so which one did you go for?
You are, without a doubt, my air purifier hero. I can not fathom the amount of wisdom that has been dropped in your air purifier series. You have single handedly made me the most knowledgeable about air purifiers out of anyone i know. You've done me a great service. You deserve a sub
Bought the Medify from your previous video review. Couldn’t be happier. My air is so much cleaner in my house (2800 sq ft). I used to wear breathe right strips at night to help breathing through nose. I haven’t need to wear once since I bought the Medify.
By far the best and most concise video Ive seen regarding air purifiers. I’ve spent 3 full days reading analysis on air purifiers. This summed it all up. My head was spinning with info until your video! Thanks
How do these same filters continue to perform after extended use. I know some filters after awhile such as 8 weeks. Will start leeching particals out or the seal fails from what ive read. So basically im looking for long term testing.
Just wondering for a home with multiple rooms, is it better to have 1 large unit or smaller multiple units to clean the air properly? Can the large units exchange the air in the individual far away rooms, for instance a 3 or 4 bedroom home?
Currently have a Healthway Deluxe Air Purifier but haven’t been able to get filters for it in months. We got it because it’s supposed to be “hospital grade“ but in need of an air purifier to take its place while we wait on filters. What do you recommend for an air purifier that removes pollen, pet dander, etc but capable of large areas? Not concerned about price if it works well. Thanks for the video and thanks in advance for your insight.
For what you're looking for I'd say AirDoctor 5500. See here - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-5500 2,000 sq. ft. coverage area (2 air changes per hour) and essentially perfect purification performance.
I bought the ma 112 because of your test, i thought I will take no auto mode for granted as long as it does its job. But happily surprised my 112 version got auto mode and also a light indicator with pollution level. It even has a pmi 2.5 value display.
Using two Philips Air purifiers, the 2000i & 3000i & I'm impressed, my asthma has improved, dust build up on surfaces greatly reduced, can highly recommend these two.
Have you done testing on the effective range of air purifiers in different rooms? Does getting a unit capable of 2000 sq ft work for 1000 sq ft when separated into a few rooms?
We haven't done that type of testing except in a few specific cases (namely whole home purifiers / HVAC filters). There are many variables involved in this type of testing, including the unit, home layout, environment, doors / windows / building sealing, and more, such that it would be difficult to say anything definitive, in my view.
For small rooms, it seems you only recommend Levoit 300 but I'm debating between that and Blueair 411 auto as well and didn't notice that model in your opening video of all those purifiers. Curious what you think of that - leaning toward Blueair for the moment since seems to perform just as well but lower energy and looks better.
Blueair 411 is probably a good choice for small bedrooms. We haven't tested it yet, so it wasn't one we considered for this video. But the Blueair 211 we tested did fantastic and earned a recommendation. Blueair is a brand that I trust.
@@ModernCastle The Blueair 211 is great BUT the Pre-filter is a colored fabric that is on the OUTSIDE of the very nice metal structure..... I did not understand that and was mystified when I unboxed it. Once I watched a video that shows this I returned it immediately - why would I want something with all kinds of hair/particles clinging to a coloured cloth (black !!!) looking like I did not clean ? Static would be a potential problem constantly in the various types of particles being sucked onto it. So sad - they should have incorporated it inside the metal frame and I would have been a very happy camper. We live in rural circumstances with all kinds of bits and pieces floating about. Sad.
Great video. My house is against the freeway wall. My thermostat says poor IAQ. Once I open the windows and get fresh air in the IAQ starts to improve. I want to monitor this closely, would you recommend the Temtop LKC-1000S+ 2nd Gen?
This is great! Thank you so much. I just got the Coway for my bedroom so I’m glad to se it on this list. It’s been running for about 30 minutes and I’m already impressed.
Thank you for all your hard work! It is definitely appreciated! I especially appreciated that you let us see all the data in charts at the end! :) Which in home air sensor (similar to your’s) is the best value and most accurate-that you recommend? And where can we buy it? I battle serious health issues, so that would be invaluable to me! Do they test for mycotoxins? Thanks again!! 😊💕
Thanks so much for your kind words. Really glad to hear the video was helpful :) As far as home sensors go, I haven't really tested any...only 2, one of which I thought was pretty lame, and then the 2nd one is the one we use for testing, which is the Temtop LKC 100s. It's not too expensive and gets the job done. If you want to know exactly what's in your air I think it's a great choice for most. You can buy it here - www.amazon.com/Temtop-LKC-1000S-2nd-Professional-Formaldehyde/dp/B08DNJ8L55/ref=sr_1_4?tag=mc_1001-20&crid=10L52SUZ1CZ6O&keywords=temtop+lkc-1000s+&qid=1704003186&sprefix=temtop+lkc%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-4&th=1&geniuslink=true Regarding mycotoxins...these types of air quality meters aren't looking for specific contaminants in the air, instead, they are shining a laser that bounces off the particulates and back to the machine. So you'll be able to see all of the contaminates, but you won't know exactly what they are...only if they are there or not. A quick google search says mycotoxins can be as small as 0.1 microns, which is going to be below the threshold of the LKC, but they can be as large as 1 to 20 microns, in which case, you'll see all of those. The LKC will see everything from 0.25 microns and larger. So you might miss some, but you should be seeing the vast majority.
Do you find 3rd party filters perform similarly to genuine filters? The price difference between an MA-112 genuine ($140) vs 3rd party ($60) is appealing but not sure if it's worth it. Also, this could be a future video idea. Performance of genuine vs 3rd party filters on top rated purifiers.
It's definitely something we need to test (thanks for the suggestion). I've only tested a handful of 3rd party filters. At least the few I've tested thus far have been great. My view right now is that, as long as it's still an actual HEPA filter then there really shouldn't be any issues. Some of these brands really jack up the price on these filters...so it's more than reasonable to think that a 3rd party brand could make a compatible HEPA filter for significantly less money.
I buy after market for my three air purifiers HEPA and carbon both have been excellent. I but the least expensive with decent reviews on amazon. Only issue is some companies fold the carbon filters and I can never get them flat after that. My suggestion is read reviews first to see if they fold the filters also maybe able to tell in the photos from customers. I'm sure they fold them for cheap shipping but if you can't get them flat then dirt can get behind them after install.
Late to the game here, but I'm looking into buying my first unit. As to the cost of replacement filters, OEM filters are expensive. I had the same thoughts as you. However, I think they get you (the manufacturer) by saying the Limited Lifetime Warranty is only good IF you use OEM filters. I would expect that they would want proof that you purchased OEM filters should you ever need warranty work. Don't quote me on that, but I fear that is how it would work.
I'm looking for a whole-house solution to place in the corner of a large area.. aside from noise, is there anything wrong with using a higher-square footage unit in a smaller area ? Do any of the usual-suspects of popular models ( airmega 400 , medify ma-112 , nuwave oxypure , etc) have a filter replacement indicator that is based the actual state of the filter, not just the time it's been on? I imagine, a non-smoking house, lots of plants, and no pets versus lots of cooking/frying, cigarette smoke filled house will cause the filters to be worn very differently after the same amount of on-time. I'm looking Looking for a whole-house solution..
Nothing wrong with that at all. A higher coverage unit in a smaller area means you can leave it on quieter settings and still get great performance. I don't know of any air purifier brand that uses a filter indicator based on filter state. I am not even sure how they would effectively determine that, assuming they would. Virtually all filter replacement indicators are simple timers.
You did such a great job on this review! I was happy to see you added AirDoctor in this video. We are remodeling an old house and there's LOTS of dust. We have an unexpected new baby in the mix so we have her in the only room that we got finished in the house which is the master bedroom. The room is about 350 sqft but has very high cathedral ceilings and a loft area. I was looking at the 500-100sq ft ones for that reason. Is there one you would recommend above the others? TIA!
Thanks, Sarah! I appreciate your kind words. With vaulted ceilings you'd ideally want a purifier with higher coverage (I'd say 3x your space to account for such high ceilings) and highest air flow. This would help get the vertical coverage you need and better manage the volume of the air. These would be my picks for your space: Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon) IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com) Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon) AirDoctor 5000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-5000
Unique question, what air purifier would work best get rid of Indian food kitchen smell in a new condo I just bought? Would they be equal for this purpose?
@gerrieshapiro2147 man, that’s a tough smell to get rid of. If the air filters aren’t working, you can do an ozone treatment but you might need a professional as ozone is hazardous.
Would love to see an odor removal duration comparison. I've tried several filters in the Levoit core 300: 2 stock, one OEM "green" toxin remover and a generic 3rd party, on a nasty pet odor, None were able to last 24 full hours. Additionally the OEM Levoit filters have prop65 a warning printed on the boxes that they cause exposure to lead and BPA. The 3rd party has no such warning.. hopefully it's not simply omitted. In the end I resorted to burning candles to get rid of the smell, and the filter to remove the smoke from the candles.
This video singlehandedly saved me so much time I have to give you YT algorithm love with some engagement here as a comment. Props for a well done, well filmed, well edited review video. Btw, do you have affiliate links to those air quality meters you were using? I'd like to test my home to help determine which of these might really impact things the best, and which rooms actually need help!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lora :) I'm so glad to hear the video was helpful! This is the primary air quality meter we used to test purifiers - www.amazon.com/Temtop-LKC-1000S-Professional-Formaldehyde-Detector/dp/B0778WGMH2?tag=mc_1002-20
One would expect the cost and coverage area to correlate, but they do not :D the Levoit Core 300S as an example is $150, but several other models with a much larger coverage area are cheaper, or the same price. I'm sure it would be hard to keep updated, but some kind of value chart would be good. I'm tempted to try out some of Medify's other models meant for smaller rooms given their price and the MA-112 being rated highly.
We do have an updated chart with pricing, coverage, and other metrics in a side by side here - moderncastle.com/best-air-purifier/ It's towards the top of the page.
We have the MA-40 with the h14 filters (and 9 cats) and so far it's been great. We keep the Medify in the main living space and actually have a core 300, not the S model, for the bedroom. This video has actually just been great to confirm my previous purchases lol
The problem is many air purifier companies do not correctly state the coverage area. It’s suppose to be calculated using the industry standard of 5 air exchanges per hour, but many companies do only 2 or even 1 air exchange an hour. This way they can claim it covers a larger area when in reality they’re just fudging the numbers.
Test methodology: I’d suggest making air quality measurements from multiple points in room. Suggest ceiling, floor and near intake of air conditioner or heating units, as well as near curtains. Of course air quality measurements next to filter will get the best results. Also compare it to what I would consider a baseline unit, which would be a box fan with Winix hepa and charcoal filters attached to the inlet.
Hi! New fan!! I have a question. I’m interested in the medify or the iqAir, it looks like medify is at the top of your list? Does it have a large 12 lb carbon filter like iqAir, and why isn’t iqair at the top of the list then? Also, I see that medify112 has a standard version and then an upgrade able version with UV light… what does the UV light do that the filters can’t already do? I have a big budget and price isn’t an issue, so I want to get the very best I can possibly get!! Thank you for answering both my questions!!! :) ❤
I do realize I’m speaking about the multiGas model specifically here which wasn’t in your test here. 😂 I just find the medify-112 so much more attractive for a modern residential home and it’s at the top of your list, so yeah thank you for clarifying if the carbon filter is sufficient for removing smells on Medify112
1. Medify does not have a large carbon filter 2. There isn't a "top" of this list. Every purifier in this video is at the top of their respective coverage category. IQAir GC MultiGas is $450 more than the IQAir HealthPro, while having equivalent particulate removal performance. While the 12 pounds of carbon is fantastic, that increase in price isn't worth it for most consumers. 3. UV lights inside are fine, but I wouldn't pay extra for it. If budget is no issue then the GC MultiGas is probably the best choice for you. Our full tests on that unit are here - moderncastle.com/iqair-gc-multigas-review/
This video is amazing! Thank you. What would you suggest for a space (1 floor of home) that is 1170 sq feet and 9’ ceilings? Or do you think it’s more important to do the family room and kitchen only as it’s the most used area? This would be 736 sq feet with 9’ ceilings.
I'd go with one of the higher air flow units to make sure you're getting fully coverage (given the volume of space is more than many homes with those 9' ceilings). AirDoctor would be my first pick, but the others are fantastic as well. Buy AirDoctor 5000 / 5500 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-5000 (AirDoctor.com) Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon) Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon) Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
You should really look at the Coway 300S/400S. IMO its one of the best at the cheapest price. It goes on sale too as well do the filters. I've has my 300S now going on for 4 years and its amazing with its dual sided filters it cleans the air quick.
If it's performance is anything like the other Coway I've tested I'm sure it's super impressive. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see if we can get one for testing later this year.
@@Lou-xd9efcan’t dispute that. I have several IQAir and Coway purifiers. As a purifier junky, I believe those two manufacturers are the best. Rabbitair ( Coway ) is top notch as well.
i see the word 'OBJECTIVELY' and not subjectively. Then I see a skinny man who looks like a person who knows about science and knows what he's doing. i click . Was not disappointed. sometimes a single video is worth 10 vids
When you rated the Medify as having 0 Ozone detection, was that WITH or WITHOUT the ionizer being used? Should I be concerned while using the Ionizer option regarding ozone in the air?
@@ModernCastle WOW thank you for the reply! Would you say that the ionizer should be of concern ? I've been reading that it causes Ozone levels in the air, but I would love your opinion
@@flpacor8812 In our ozone tests it read 0.0 parts per million. Our meter has a resolution of 0.1 PPM. So there is a chance there is some level of ozone being created, but it's within safe limits according to US government agency regulations. If you are worried at all just turn it off. It will not have a major impact on performance.
I just use a carbon scrubber with a hepa sleeve. It's like 60 dollars, 30 dollar replacement filters every 6 months. This thing pumps. I have 3 smokers in my house and you'd never know it unless you saw them. Life hack: if you have central air, first get a good filter for it but second if you your air filter very close to it, it pumps that air throughout the house for free multiplying the effectiveness of your air filter.
Hey Derek, in terms of third party filter replacements. What are your recommendations when searching for whatever filter one would need? How do we guarantee that we are getting a true hepa replacement for our model of Purifier?
Unfortunately, I haven't tested many 3rd party filters. As far as how to guarantee it's a HEPA...buy from a reputable brand, be it 1st party brand or a 3rd party. Beyond that, looking for the specific HEPA rating on the product page can help as well.
Thank you! We finally got a chance to test IQAir this past year...very impressive across the board. Expensive, but impressive. Hoping we can get an Austin Air this year for testing.
The before is the particulate level before we started testing. After is the level after the testing is complete. Same for PM10. Same for AQI. CADR, the Clean Air Delivery Rate, is a metric that was developed as a way of measuring the performance of residential air purifiers. The CADR rating reflects the volume of air in CFM (cubic feet per minute) that is cleaned of particles of certain sizes.
@@StormySky48 Using a nationwide network of monitoring sites, EPA has developed ambient air quality trends for particle pollution, also called Particulate Matter (PM). PM2.5 describes fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. PM10 are particulates 10 micrometers. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.
This video was awesome. I just wish it had that massive chart that showed all the models and how expensive they were and if they had a carbon filter, app connectivity, square ft, etc. Just the much more in depth comparison chart of all the details of the tested models put on one chart to make it easier to decide between them.
It's a strong performer, but it's overkill for a small room and is way over priced for the coverage level. There are numerous better options than Dyson on the market in 2023.
Hi there, thank you for this extremely helpful information! I am trying to decide between one AirDoctor 5500 or one AD 5500 AND an AD3000. Our home has two floors. Mostly open concept on 1st floor minus the main bedroom. We have vaulted ceilings and an open loft area between 1st and 2nd floor. Would you buy just the 5500 or both? Thank you!!
With 2 floors I think you'll be happier with both...especially given the vaulted ceilings. That ends up being a lot of air volume for a single unit (even one as high air flow as the AD5000) to get through on its own. The additional AD3000 will make a big impact.
I am thinking about getting an Airdoctor 3000. Only thing is i live in an 500 Sqf apartment, would getting 2 of the 3000s be overkill? 1 for the living room and 1 for the bedroom. Or would just 1 for the whole apartment be adequate. There is no air circulation as we only have a single air conditioner unit in the living room beneath the only window. We do have ceiling fans in both rooms. So would it be worth it to have 2 cleaning and circulating the air in each room?
I am just starting the vid so I don't know yet if you comment on this, so: Which are the absolute best 2 or 3 purifiers for removing mold? I've had a major mold problem in my house for some months and literally wear a mask around the clock. I've had some removal work done so far but it was poorly done. The house is about 1200 sf but it wouldn't have to cover the entire house at once as I don't use the entire space (doors kept shut in 2 rooms). Also, what decibel level is considered quiet? Any suggestions would be appreciated. 😊
Mold is a large particulate and therefore easy for any robust HEPA purifier to remove. Any purifier on this list is going to be fine. If you're looking for specific models, I would get something with the highest air flow / coverage that fits within your budget. That way, you get more air changes per hour. 2000+ Square Feet Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon) 1,000+ Square Feet Coverage Buy IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-hea... (IQAir.com) Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon) Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon) www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html - good guide on what's quiet and what's not I'd say anything 70+ is loud Anything in the 60 range makes noise, but it's not super annoying 50 and less is pretty quiet
@@ModernCastle Thank you so much for your extensive reply! It is so appreciated. You are an *exception to the rule* on You Tube. So many who post videos never respond to viewers questions or follow up on their information. You have been a terrific help and I am very grateful. You da man!
We haven't tested the Blueair 411 so I really don't know how it compare to the Core 300s. I would guess performance is pretty similar though. Both Blueair and Levoit have consistently been strong performers in our other tests.
There is a reason Blueair i Max series is carried by the flagship suppliers like Best Buy, Canadian Tire and Home Depot. You wud never see 95% of the other brands posited by this guy but maybe on Amazon or Temu.
I have the IQAir HealthPro Plus and whenever I run it, it puts a strange smell in the air. It really bothers me. It’s always done this, even when the filters are freshly changed. Are there any air filters that don’t emit any smells?
What you're smelling is the carbon filter. If you don't want that smell just remove the carbon filters. However, it's the carbon filters that are removing VOCs and odors from the air...so it's a bit of a catch 22.
We did not specifically test dander, so I cannot say. That said, there is no reason to think airborne dander would be substantially different than any other airborne particulate. For larger areas: Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon) 1,000+ Square Feet Coverage IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com) Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon) Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon) For medium sized bedrooms: Hathaspace HSP001 - geni.us/xddy (Amazon) AirDoctor AD3000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-3000 (AirDoctorPro.com) BlueAir Pure 211+ - geni.us/BCqi5D (Amazon)
Have you done testing reviews on the HEPA filters? Trying to figure out why there are such drastic price differences for filters that fit the same purifier.
Not sure what you mean by that. Virtually every single filter in this video and probably 95% of every air purifier and filter we've ever tested is HEPA.
Which one will be best for me to clean fragrances and VOC's? I do not have pets. TY!! I live in an 800 square foot apartment and they blow fragrance in the hall that is causing me reactions.
Thank you the robust information, I appreciate all your work! Bought the levoit and winnix air purifiers for my home based on your reviews. Have you tested any portable air purifiers? Specifically, something that would work in a car? I am thinking of getting one for a family member who is a travelling salesperson for a chemical company - would need a feature to filter out any harmful effects from riding in the car with merchandise.
Unfortunately, we have not tested any portable air purifiers. The smallest unit we've tested is the IQ Air Atem - moderncastle.com/air-purifiers/iqair-atem-review/
Creates ionically charged particles that attach to airborne particulates, causing them to fall to the ground and no longer be airborne. You can just leave it on.
My apartment is 1,000 sq feet. Would it be better to place the oransi mod in the livin room and be good for the whole apartment or, hathaspace in the living room and than the winnix in my bedroom?
Mold is easy for any HEPA purifier of any reasonable quality to remove. Any purify on this list would be perfectly fine. I did test Medify models with the UV light. In my view, UV light in an air purifier setting is more of an marketing gimmick than an actual significant feature. UV is great when it shines directly on a surface continuously. To that end, where it is shinning within the interior of the unit will be sanitized. However, many consumers are under the false assumption that the UV light somehow sanitizes the air itself. This is not correct. All that to say, it's not bad that it's within a unit, but don't let that be a major factor for your purchase.
We recently tested it here - moderncastle.com/molekule-air-pro-review/ It has significantly better performance than the original Air Pro (with just a PECO filter). It's on the more expensive side given the coverage (making the value of the product less than great). However, as far as straight performance goes, it's as good as any of the best choices in this video.
Happy to see results of testing, but the gigantic variability of particles in the air is concerning. The Blueair 211+ only had half the work to do of others, as example. Doesn't seem to be fair/reliable data.
In our 2024 version of this video (which is coming soon...just waiting on my editor to finish it up) we have all new updated testing with more consistent baseline starts for every test.
Because some users want the option of turning it on / off. Just because it's an ionizer doesn't mean it creates ozone. However, many high power ionizers will create ozone.
Would like to see how a DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box stacks up against all of these. I just made one with a $20 box fan and 4 MERV-13 filters. Ive seen tests where they are beating out almost every HEPA because of the high CADR, but I havent seen it compared to a comprehensive list. Usually its like 4 or 5 different things being tested. Even just slapping a single filter to the back of a box fan seems to beat out most of the low end HEPA filters it seems.
Hey I’ve been looking into the levoit 300 for my 2 bed rooms I live in a apartment high rise (older building) would you recomend? I wanna get rid of dust and mold in the air my kids keep coughing at night and I think it’s from the air quality in the bedrooms. Went on vacation and 2nd day away the coughs stop I know you can’t give medical advice but doc said could be air quality. So any recommendations really would appreciate it.
Levoit 300 is as good a place as any to start. If the bedrooms are small to medium sized that should be perfectly well suited to your needs. My sister had a similar issue with her newborn baby a few years ago. She purchased a Core 300 and almost over night the baby's allergy symptoms went away.
Hello! Love this review and thank you for your time I have the Oransi the big one I like it but I don’t love it you think Medify is better then Oransi I just need one for two open rooms thank you 🙏🏼
I am in between the Hathaspace hsp 0001 and the BlueAir211, which would you recommend since I am looking for a purifier for a living room and have a cat that sheds
I would. I haven't tested the Levoit Core Mini, but I have tested the Core 200...and the mini is an even smaller version than the 200. The 200 offered fine performance, but far from great. I would guess the Core Mini would be similar.
@@ModernCastle hey there, I read a lot of your reviews and I am going to try out the 200S as it is more within my price range. Having said that, one thing that I have a question about is adding scents within a room. The core mini had “aroma pads” to add scents whereas the 200S does not. Were I to buy a oil diffuser, would it work against the air purifier ?
@@logloglog3988 It will work against the purifier. Oil diffusers add floating particulates into the air. Air purifiers try to remove floating particulates.
Out of all of your reviewed air purifiers, would you recommend Medify or Rabbit Air for longevity? I am only leaning towards the Rabbit Air since they have a less conditional warranty and cheaper replacement filters.
It really is a total toss up between those two. I have great confidence in both brands. I would personally lean a little more towards Medify as they were the stronger performing brand in terms of purification performance.
Thanks for the video! I'm looking for an air purifier for our bedroom. What are your thoughts on the Rabbit Air model SPA-700a. I can get a "like new" used one for $200....worth it? Or should I go with a new, cheaper option from Amazon?
That's a pretty good deal if it really is "like new". We tested that model several years ago. Our data / tests are here - moderncastle.com/rabbit-air-minusa2-review/
As an avid and active hobbyist, I don't see any data on VOCs, specifically for my needs VOCs from 3D printing, both FDM and resins. Am I missing it, or is the data in some other measurements with which I am not familiar?
VOCs are just incredibly hard to reliably test. I have a couple of VOC meters that we've tried and neither are reliable enough that I feel good publishing the data. The higher end VOC measuring devices would likely be better, but we just don't have the budget for those, unfortunately.
Can i just ask how important is CADR as a metric for a small room (204sqft). I can always turn my fan on for better airflow, room is air-conditioned most of the time, would the Levoit 300S still be ok?
In our tests, its ozone did not exceed 0.0 PPM, putting it well within US Federal safe limits. The fact it didn't have a HEPA filter didn't impact it's performance in terms of air quality improvement. Our score is primarily based on air quality improvement and not the type of filter.
The highest air flow units will suck up the most dust. One of the following: Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon) Buy IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com) Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon) Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
What would you say the best and most economical air purifier would be for Litter Box smells (particularly targering Ammonia) in reguards to total operating costs and effectiveness? It would only need to be used for a small room or about 1000-1500 sq ft.
So, I'm curious, especially with the purifiers that cover up to 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft. IS the idea that you can place in a central area of the house and it would really pull in the air from everywhere, or do you have to move it around to get the most coverage out of them???
Depends on the coverage level you need. MA 112 has a larger coverage area than AD3000. If you need the extra coverage then absolutely, MA 112 is better, if not, AD3000 is better. Buy the one that is appropriately sized to your space.
Amazing research! What air purifier comes to mind if you're looking for one for a bedroom that also works well as a white noise machine for sleep. So a purifier that has a nice consistent deep sound to it and you can manually change the fan speed.
Nah, not at all. Every Dyson purifier we've tested to date has been as solid as any in terms of purification performance. Their only downside is their price...which is more expensive than you generally need to spend. That said, the performance is excellent.
The ozone levels from some air purifiers I keep reading about make me very nervous. I keep seeing reviews on many products complaining about their units emitting a plastic/chemical smell, what could be causing this? Also, when you say the ozone readings are 0.1ppm, does this mean they are still producing a small amount of it or is that just a natural amount that's it the air? Just curious. Personally I would want a unit that doesn't produce any ozone at all. I'm dealing with serious breathing issues due to a mold exposure so the last thing I'd want is to breathe in anything else that could be harmful. Which unit would you recommend for a small apartment, that is both safe and effective? Lower price would be nice, but my health is the main priority.
Units emitting a plastic / chemical smell definitely is a bad sign. But that's probably not ozone...ozone smells more like it does immediately after it rains. Here are other ways people commonly describe the smell: Metallic Like a burning wire Like chlorine A “clean” smell Sweet and pungent Like an electrical spark Regarding our ozone meter - our meter measures to ozone a resolution of 0.1 PPM. So it's possible there is ozone of less than 0.1 PPM, in which case, our meter would not pick it up. Most US Federal agencies who have guidelines on ozone recommend it be no more than between 0.05 and 0.1 PPM. If we can keep growing as a channel I'd like to get a more expensive and precise ozone meter. But for now we'll continue to use what we have. If you want a unit that produces no ozone then simply avoid anything that has an ionizer of any type. That's the electronic component that creates ozone. If you just have an air purifier with carbon and HEPA filters and that's it then it simply cannot produce ozone. Many units that do haver ionizers can also be turned off, so that's an option as well. For a small apartment I would go AirDoctor 3000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-3000 It's just a HEPA and carbon filter, no ionizer, so there is 0 ozone created.
IQAir GC Multigas - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-gc-multigas Odors and smoke smell need a carbon filter to remove. GC MultiGas has the largest carbon filter I've seen to date with 12 pounds of carbon. HEPA will remove the smoke particulates (and other airborne particulates), but it doesn't do anything for the VOCs (the things that make the smell).
Are you using a respirator? If not, that'd be a good place to start. Beyond that, I would suggest the IQAir GC MultiGas - moderncastle.com/iqair-gc-multigas-review/ 12 pounds of carbon in the filter is the best way to handle VOCs coming off those adhesives. It also has a robust HEPA filter so the dust will be no problem.
@@ModernCastle thank you! Yes I do use the respirator but I work from home and I’m afraid the toxins go to the other room as well! Really appreciate you response!
I have a question I live in a 1,100 townhouse and the dust in my apt gives my friends allergy’s where should I place this if I wanna help them medify 112
I have a townhome with high vaulted ceilings and the kitchen/ living room is one big room and centrally located. Together they’re 400-450 sqft, but with the vaulted ceilings it’s probably at least double that. Whole home with bedrooms is 1400. Would you recommend something like two MA-50’s in living room/ kitchen? Or will the ma-112 suffice with smaller purifiers in bedrooms (which we already have)?
It's something that's hard to test the impact (at least with the tools and devices we have on hand). However, my general feel is it's mostly a marketing gimmick more than anything. If it provided a significant impact than you would see UV light used in medical grade HEPA purifiers in hospitals. But you don't see that. Even hospitals just use standard HEPA filters.
2000+ Square Feet
Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
1,000+ Square Feet Coverage
Buy IQAir HealthPro Plus - geni.us/AVfL (Amazon)
Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
500-1,000 Square Feet Coverage
Buy Hathaspace HSP001 - geni.us/xddy (Amazon)
Buy AirDoctor AD3000 - geni.us/L1dwHD6 (Amazon)
Buy BlueAir Pure 211+ - geni.us/BCqi5D (Amazon)
250-500 Square Feet Coverage
Buy Coway 1512HH - geni.us/Vu5s (Amazon)
Buy Winix 5500-2 - geni.us/BLBYm (Amazon)
0-250 Square Feet Coverage
Buy Levoit Core 300S - geni.us/dB7K (Amazon)
Questions? Ask away! I do my best to answer all questions within 24 hours.
Question - was Mila one of those you tested and didn’t include?
@@blake27182 It was.
Mila has great performance, but not it's price point is notably higher than many other brands / models with similar performance / coverage.
Ultimately, we didn't include it because there are less expensive choices with the same performance.
Thank you for this video. I too was wondering about a specific purifier - what can you say about Dyson purifiers ?
@@deniselozada8829 In general, I've always found Dyson purifiers to be excellent. In terms of performance they almost always earn high marks.
The biggest downside, and the primary reason Dyson didn't make the cut for this video, is they are 1) disproportionately expensive relative to their coverage (both the unit and the filters) and 2) more difficult to find for sale (in the last 3 years I've noted increasing out of stock issues across numerous retailers and even at Dyson.com).
@Cemil I'll see if we can get a few Samsung units for testing.
As someone who is allergic to dust particles, I appreciate your work and the updated tests every year.
You're too kind, Nina. Thanks so much :)
What u buy? I need one. I always sneeze and cough
@@assassin7250 its bcz chemtrails bro .they dump on us every day and night ,close windows at night
same here, being allergic to dust is like being allergic to the world! I really need something to help! Did you end up buying one, and if so which one did you go for?
You are, without a doubt, my air purifier hero. I can not fathom the amount of wisdom that has been dropped in your air purifier series. You have single handedly made me the most knowledgeable about air purifiers out of anyone i know. You've done me a great service. You deserve a sub
You're too kind, my friend. Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm glad to hear you've found my videos helpful :)
Bought the Medify from your previous video review. Couldn’t be happier. My air is so much cleaner in my house (2800 sq ft). I used to wear breathe right strips at night to help breathing through nose. I haven’t need to wear once since I bought the Medify.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm glad to hear it's working well!
@@ModernCastle could you test Philips air purifier if u can 😊
@@dxtnguyxn4179 I'll add it to our list. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@ModernCastle i recommend the Philips 2000i as it was the best selling air purifier around Europe
@@dxtnguyxn4179 Did you buy one
By far the best and most concise video Ive seen regarding air purifiers. I’ve spent 3 full days reading analysis on air purifiers. This summed it all up. My head was spinning with info until your video! Thanks
You're too kind, Lulu. Thanks so much! Glad to hit our video hit all the right marks :)
How do these same filters continue to perform after extended use. I know some filters after awhile such as 8 weeks. Will start leeching particals out or the seal fails from what ive read. So basically im looking for long term testing.
Unfortunately, we haven't done long term filter tests yet. Thank you for the suggestions.
I'll see if it's something we can incorporate in the future.
Wow I am blown away by this test and the detailed list!! Thank you for your work!!
You're too kind. Thanks so much, Yilei!
Just wondering for a home with multiple rooms, is it better to have 1 large unit or smaller multiple units to clean the air properly? Can the large units exchange the air in the individual far away rooms, for instance a 3 or 4 bedroom home?
In general, smaller units in each room is better.
The more doors, hallways, floors, etc. the harder it is for a single unit to fully clean the space.
@@ModernCastle Thank you for the advice and love your channel! Keep up the great work!
@@docwho10th88 My pleasure, and thank you!
Currently have a Healthway Deluxe Air Purifier but haven’t been able to get filters for it in months. We got it because it’s supposed to be “hospital grade“ but in need of an air purifier to take its place while we wait on filters. What do you recommend for an air purifier that removes pollen, pet dander, etc but capable of large areas? Not concerned about price if it works well. Thanks for the video and thanks in advance for your insight.
For what you're looking for I'd say AirDoctor 5500.
See here - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-5500
2,000 sq. ft. coverage area (2 air changes per hour) and essentially perfect purification performance.
@@ModernCastlethanks! I appreciate it!
@@HowToHomeDIY You're welcome!
Really appreciate these in depth videos. Can be difficult to find up to date videos similar to this.
Thanks very much. Glad to hear the videos are hitting the right marks!
I too have sinus issues and appreciate you giving it straight to us and in plain language with tests to prove it.
My pleasure. I'm glad to hear you liked our approach!
I bought the ma 112 because of your test, i thought I will take no auto mode for granted as long as it does its job. But happily surprised my 112 version got auto mode and also a light indicator with pollution level. It even has a pmi 2.5 value display.
Oh that's great! I wonder if they added that feature to newer versions of the 112.
Good to know! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Using two Philips Air purifiers, the 2000i & 3000i & I'm impressed, my asthma has improved, dust build up on surfaces greatly reduced, can highly recommend these two.
Nice! I'm glad to hear they are making a positive impact for you.
Have you done testing on the effective range of air purifiers in different rooms? Does getting a unit capable of 2000 sq ft work for 1000 sq ft when separated into a few rooms?
We haven't done that type of testing except in a few specific cases (namely whole home purifiers / HVAC filters).
There are many variables involved in this type of testing, including the unit, home layout, environment, doors / windows / building sealing, and more, such that it would be difficult to say anything definitive, in my view.
Great testing. Wish there was a specific VOC test so can tell how good at removing odors like cat smells
For small rooms, it seems you only recommend Levoit 300 but I'm debating between that and Blueair 411 auto as well and didn't notice that model in your opening video of all those purifiers. Curious what you think of that - leaning toward Blueair for the moment since seems to perform just as well but lower energy and looks better.
Blueair 411 is probably a good choice for small bedrooms. We haven't tested it yet, so it wasn't one we considered for this video.
But the Blueair 211 we tested did fantastic and earned a recommendation. Blueair is a brand that I trust.
@@ModernCastle The Blueair 211 is great BUT the Pre-filter is a colored fabric that is on the OUTSIDE of the very nice metal structure..... I did not understand that and was mystified when I unboxed it. Once I watched a video that shows this I returned it immediately - why would I want something with all kinds of hair/particles clinging to a coloured cloth (black !!!) looking like I did not clean ? Static would be a potential problem constantly in the various types of particles being sucked onto it. So sad - they should have incorporated it inside the metal frame and I would have been a very happy camper. We live in rural circumstances with all kinds of bits and pieces floating about. Sad.
Great video. My house is against the freeway wall. My thermostat says poor IAQ. Once I open the windows and get fresh air in the IAQ starts to improve. I want to monitor this closely, would you recommend the Temtop LKC-1000S+ 2nd Gen?
Temtop is a great choice. We've used that model for year and it's been solid the entire time.
That feels like a safe purchase to me.
This is great! Thank you so much. I just got the Coway for my bedroom so I’m glad to se it on this list. It’s been running for about 30 minutes and I’m already impressed.
Glad it was helpful!
Great choice. Coway and IQair makes the best purifiers.
Thank you for all your hard work! It is definitely appreciated! I especially appreciated that you let us see all the data in charts at the end! :)
Which in home air sensor (similar to your’s) is the best value and most accurate-that you recommend? And where can we buy it?
I battle serious health issues, so that would be invaluable to me! Do they test for mycotoxins?
Thanks again!! 😊💕
Thanks so much for your kind words. Really glad to hear the video was helpful :)
As far as home sensors go, I haven't really tested any...only 2, one of which I thought was pretty lame, and then the 2nd one is the one we use for testing, which is the Temtop LKC 100s. It's not too expensive and gets the job done. If you want to know exactly what's in your air I think it's a great choice for most.
You can buy it here - www.amazon.com/Temtop-LKC-1000S-2nd-Professional-Formaldehyde/dp/B08DNJ8L55/ref=sr_1_4?tag=mc_1001-20&crid=10L52SUZ1CZ6O&keywords=temtop+lkc-1000s+&qid=1704003186&sprefix=temtop+lkc%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-4&th=1&geniuslink=true
Regarding mycotoxins...these types of air quality meters aren't looking for specific contaminants in the air, instead, they are shining a laser that bounces off the particulates and back to the machine. So you'll be able to see all of the contaminates, but you won't know exactly what they are...only if they are there or not.
A quick google search says mycotoxins can be as small as 0.1 microns, which is going to be below the threshold of the LKC, but they can be as large as 1 to 20 microns, in which case, you'll see all of those. The LKC will see everything from 0.25 microns and larger. So you might miss some, but you should be seeing the vast majority.
Do you find 3rd party filters perform similarly to genuine filters? The price difference between an MA-112 genuine ($140) vs 3rd party ($60) is appealing but not sure if it's worth it.
Also, this could be a future video idea. Performance of genuine vs 3rd party filters on top rated purifiers.
It's definitely something we need to test (thanks for the suggestion).
I've only tested a handful of 3rd party filters. At least the few I've tested thus far have been great.
My view right now is that, as long as it's still an actual HEPA filter then there really shouldn't be any issues. Some of these brands really jack up the price on these filters...so it's more than reasonable to think that a 3rd party brand could make a compatible HEPA filter for significantly less money.
I buy after market for my three air purifiers HEPA and carbon both have been excellent. I but the least expensive with decent reviews on amazon. Only issue is some companies fold the carbon filters and I can never get them flat after that. My suggestion is read reviews first to see if they fold the filters also maybe able to tell in the photos from customers. I'm sure they fold them for cheap shipping but if you can't get them flat then dirt can get behind them after install.
Late to the game here, but I'm looking into buying my first unit. As to the cost of replacement filters, OEM filters are expensive. I had the same thoughts as you. However, I think they get you (the manufacturer) by saying the Limited Lifetime Warranty is only good IF you use OEM filters. I would expect that they would want proof that you purchased OEM filters should you ever need warranty work. Don't quote me on that, but I fear that is how it would work.
I'm looking for a whole-house solution to place in the corner of a large area.. aside from noise, is there anything wrong with using a higher-square footage unit in a smaller area ?
Do any of the usual-suspects of popular models ( airmega 400 , medify ma-112 , nuwave oxypure , etc) have a filter replacement indicator that is based the actual state of the filter, not just the time it's been on? I imagine, a non-smoking house, lots of plants, and no pets versus lots of cooking/frying, cigarette smoke filled house will cause the filters to be worn very differently after the same amount of on-time.
I'm looking Looking for a whole-house solution..
Nothing wrong with that at all. A higher coverage unit in a smaller area means you can leave it on quieter settings and still get great performance.
I don't know of any air purifier brand that uses a filter indicator based on filter state. I am not even sure how they would effectively determine that, assuming they would.
Virtually all filter replacement indicators are simple timers.
You did such a great job on this review! I was happy to see you added AirDoctor in this video. We are remodeling an old house and there's LOTS of dust. We have an unexpected new baby in the mix so we have her in the only room that we got finished in the house which is the master bedroom. The room is about 350 sqft but has very high cathedral ceilings and a loft area. I was looking at the 500-100sq ft ones for that reason. Is there one you would recommend above the others? TIA!
Thanks, Sarah! I appreciate your kind words.
With vaulted ceilings you'd ideally want a purifier with higher coverage (I'd say 3x your space to account for such high ceilings) and highest air flow. This would help get the vertical coverage you need and better manage the volume of the air.
These would be my picks for your space:
Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com)
Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
AirDoctor 5000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-5000
Unique question, what air purifier would work best get rid of Indian food kitchen smell in a new condo I just bought? Would they be equal for this purpose?
@gerrieshapiro2147 man, that’s a tough smell to get rid of. If the air filters aren’t working, you can do an ozone treatment but you might need a professional as ozone is hazardous.
Would love to see an odor removal duration comparison. I've tried several filters in the Levoit core 300: 2 stock, one OEM "green" toxin remover and a generic 3rd party, on a nasty pet odor, None were able to last 24 full hours. Additionally the OEM Levoit filters have prop65 a warning printed on the boxes that they cause exposure to lead and BPA. The 3rd party has no such warning.. hopefully it's not simply omitted. In the end I resorted to burning candles to get rid of the smell, and the filter to remove the smoke from the candles.
I'm impressed by the thoroughness and organization of this video and related contents. Thank you.
Thanks so much! Really glad to hear you like the video.
so what is the best choice for cat and dog hair, normal dust in a living room around 4 meters x 10 meters?
One of these 4:
2000+ Square Feet
Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
1,000+ Square Feet Coverage
Buy IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com)
Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
This video singlehandedly saved me so much time I have to give you YT algorithm love with some engagement here as a comment. Props for a well done, well filmed, well edited review video. Btw, do you have affiliate links to those air quality meters you were using? I'd like to test my home to help determine which of these might really impact things the best, and which rooms actually need help!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lora :) I'm so glad to hear the video was helpful!
This is the primary air quality meter we used to test purifiers - www.amazon.com/Temtop-LKC-1000S-Professional-Formaldehyde-Detector/dp/B0778WGMH2?tag=mc_1002-20
Late to the game, but nicest (best) video testing of these air purifiers I've seen! Nice work!
Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it helpful.
One would expect the cost and coverage area to correlate, but they do not :D the Levoit Core 300S as an example is $150, but several other models with a much larger coverage area are cheaper, or the same price. I'm sure it would be hard to keep updated, but some kind of value chart would be good. I'm tempted to try out some of Medify's other models meant for smaller rooms given their price and the MA-112 being rated highly.
We do have an updated chart with pricing, coverage, and other metrics in a side by side here - moderncastle.com/best-air-purifier/ It's towards the top of the page.
We have the MA-40 with the h14 filters (and 9 cats) and so far it's been great. We keep the Medify in the main living space and actually have a core 300, not the S model, for the bedroom. This video has actually just been great to confirm my previous purchases lol
@@laethe230 Nice! Glad to hear those purifiers are working well.
The problem is many air purifier companies do not correctly state the coverage area. It’s suppose to be calculated using the industry standard of 5 air exchanges per hour, but many companies do only 2 or even 1 air exchange an hour. This way they can claim it covers a larger area when in reality they’re just fudging the numbers.
You don't mention anything on harmful ionizers, which blueair is known to have
Test methodology: I’d suggest making air quality measurements from multiple points in room. Suggest ceiling, floor and near intake of air conditioner or heating units, as well as near curtains. Of course air quality measurements next to filter will get the best results.
Also compare it to what I would consider a baseline unit, which would be a box fan with Winix hepa and charcoal filters attached to the inlet.
Hi! New fan!! I have a question. I’m interested in the medify or the iqAir, it looks like medify is at the top of your list? Does it have a large 12 lb carbon filter like iqAir, and why isn’t iqair at the top of the list then? Also, I see that medify112 has a standard version and then an upgrade able version with UV light… what does the UV light do that the filters can’t already do? I have a big budget and price isn’t an issue, so I want to get the very best I can possibly get!! Thank you for answering both my questions!!! :) ❤
I do realize I’m speaking about the multiGas model specifically here which wasn’t in your test here. 😂 I just find the medify-112 so much more attractive for a modern residential home and it’s at the top of your list, so yeah thank you for clarifying if the carbon filter is sufficient for removing smells on Medify112
1. Medify does not have a large carbon filter
2. There isn't a "top" of this list. Every purifier in this video is at the top of their respective coverage category. IQAir GC MultiGas is $450 more than the IQAir HealthPro, while having equivalent particulate removal performance. While the 12 pounds of carbon is fantastic, that increase in price isn't worth it for most consumers.
3. UV lights inside are fine, but I wouldn't pay extra for it.
If budget is no issue then the GC MultiGas is probably the best choice for you. Our full tests on that unit are here - moderncastle.com/iqair-gc-multigas-review/
This video is amazing! Thank you.
What would you suggest for a space (1 floor of home) that is 1170 sq feet and 9’ ceilings?
Or do you think it’s more important to do the family room and kitchen only as it’s the most used area? This would be 736 sq feet with 9’ ceilings.
I'd go with one of the higher air flow units to make sure you're getting fully coverage (given the volume of space is more than many homes with those 9' ceilings). AirDoctor would be my first pick, but the others are fantastic as well.
Buy AirDoctor 5000 / 5500 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-5000 (AirDoctor.com)
Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
You should really look at the Coway 300S/400S. IMO its one of the best at the cheapest price. It goes on sale too as well do the filters. I've has my 300S now going on for 4 years and its amazing with its dual sided filters it cleans the air quick.
If it's performance is anything like the other Coway I've tested I'm sure it's super impressive.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see if we can get one for testing later this year.
Ya my Coway is also the best!
@@Lou-xd9efcan’t dispute that. I have several IQAir and Coway purifiers. As a purifier junky, I believe those two manufacturers are the best.
Rabbitair ( Coway ) is top notch as well.
I’d like to see the 400 tested as well.
So which air purifier would be good for a small bedroom mainly for smoke reasons to clear out smoke and smell , is the levoit core 300 the best ?
For a single small bedroom the Levoit Core 300s is perfect.
i see the word 'OBJECTIVELY' and not subjectively. Then I see a skinny man who looks like a person who knows about science and knows what he's doing. i click . Was not disappointed. sometimes a single video is worth 10 vids
You're too kind, Curuna. Thanks very much. Glad to hear you found the video helpful!
When you rated the Medify as having 0 Ozone detection, was that WITH or WITHOUT the ionizer being used? Should I be concerned while using the Ionizer option regarding ozone in the air?
It was WITH the ionizer turned ON.
@@ModernCastle WOW thank you for the reply! Would you say that the ionizer should be of concern ? I've been reading that it causes Ozone levels in the air, but I would love your opinion
@@flpacor8812 In our ozone tests it read 0.0 parts per million. Our meter has a resolution of 0.1 PPM. So there is a chance there is some level of ozone being created, but it's within safe limits according to US government agency regulations.
If you are worried at all just turn it off. It will not have a major impact on performance.
I just use a carbon scrubber with a hepa sleeve. It's like 60 dollars, 30 dollar replacement filters every 6 months. This thing pumps. I have 3 smokers in my house and you'd never know it unless you saw them. Life hack: if you have central air, first get a good filter for it but second if you your air filter very close to it, it pumps that air throughout the house for free multiplying the effectiveness of your air filter.
Hey Derek, in terms of third party filter replacements. What are your recommendations when searching for whatever filter one would need? How do we guarantee that we are getting a true hepa replacement for our model of Purifier?
Unfortunately, I haven't tested many 3rd party filters.
As far as how to guarantee it's a HEPA...buy from a reputable brand, be it 1st party brand or a 3rd party. Beyond that, looking for the specific HEPA rating on the product page can help as well.
@@ModernCastle thank you!
@@Jonnyhasheart My pleasure
damn this was some really great material
Thank you!
Thank you for making this video! I appreciate it!
You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful!
very well-produced video! great work. i'm a big fan of iqair and austin air.
Thank you!
We finally got a chance to test IQAir this past year...very impressive across the board. Expensive, but impressive.
Hoping we can get an Austin Air this year for testing.
I wish they tested one of the higher end Austin Models. They are pricey.
@ModernCastle 12:00 & 12:39 What exactly are "Before PM 2.5", "After PM 2.5", "Before PM 10", "After PM 10", "Before AQI", "After AQI" and CADR rating?
The before is the particulate level before we started testing.
After is the level after the testing is complete.
Same for PM10. Same for AQI.
CADR, the Clean Air Delivery Rate, is a metric that was developed as a way of measuring the performance of residential air purifiers. The CADR rating reflects the volume of air in CFM (cubic feet per minute) that is cleaned of particles of certain sizes.
@@ModernCastle you explained CADR but I still don't understand what p.m. represents or the 10 and 2.5 attachments to PM are. Same goes for AQI.
@@StormySky48 Using a nationwide network of monitoring sites, EPA has developed ambient air quality trends for particle pollution, also called Particulate Matter (PM). PM2.5 describes fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. PM10 are particulates 10 micrometers.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.
@@ModernCastle that helps greatly thanks. Is 2.5 more dangerous than 10. Or why wouldn't we just focus on one vs the other?
@@StormySky48 Yes, smaller particulates are generally considered more dangerous than larger.
This video was awesome. I just wish it had that massive chart that showed all the models and how expensive they were and if they had a carbon filter, app connectivity, square ft, etc. Just the much more in depth comparison chart of all the details of the tested models put on one chart to make it easier to decide between them.
Thanks, Gary.
I've got the table you're looking for on our website here - moderncastle.com/best-air-purifier/
Hi, what do you think of Dyson purifier TP7A for small room? Is it loud? Not the fan option but purification i mean.
It's a strong performer, but it's overkill for a small room and is way over priced for the coverage level.
There are numerous better options than Dyson on the market in 2023.
Has anyone bought a Medify unit? Every time I ask customer service specific questions they have no clue about their products…
Hi there, thank you for this extremely helpful information! I am trying to decide between one AirDoctor 5500 or one AD 5500 AND an AD3000.
Our home has two floors. Mostly open concept on 1st floor minus the main bedroom. We have vaulted ceilings and an open loft area between 1st and 2nd floor. Would you buy just the 5500 or both? Thank you!!
With 2 floors I think you'll be happier with both...especially given the vaulted ceilings. That ends up being a lot of air volume for a single unit (even one as high air flow as the AD5000) to get through on its own. The additional AD3000 will make a big impact.
I am thinking about getting an Airdoctor 3000. Only thing is i live in an 500 Sqf apartment, would getting 2 of the 3000s be overkill? 1 for the living room and 1 for the bedroom. Or would just 1 for the whole apartment be adequate. There is no air circulation as we only have a single air conditioner unit in the living room beneath the only window. We do have ceiling fans in both rooms. So would it be worth it to have 2 cleaning and circulating the air in each room?
Given that you have no HVAC circulating your air I do think you would benefit from a unit in each room. I'd say go with 2 units in your case.
Can you gift me one of those im broke
Get a job
Like Joe? @@victuringan1429
I am just starting the vid so I don't know yet if you comment on this, so:
Which are the absolute best 2 or 3 purifiers for removing mold? I've had a major mold problem in my house for some months and literally wear a mask around the clock. I've had some removal work done so far but it was poorly done.
The house is about 1200 sf but it wouldn't have to cover the entire house at once as I don't use the entire space (doors kept shut in 2 rooms).
Also, what decibel level is considered quiet?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. 😊
Mold is a large particulate and therefore easy for any robust HEPA purifier to remove. Any purifier on this list is going to be fine. If you're looking for specific models, I would get something with the highest air flow / coverage that fits within your budget. That way, you get more air changes per hour.
2000+ Square Feet
Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
1,000+ Square Feet Coverage
Buy IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-hea... (IQAir.com)
Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html - good guide on what's quiet and what's not
I'd say anything 70+ is loud
Anything in the 60 range makes noise, but it's not super annoying
50 and less is pretty quiet
@@ModernCastle
Thank you so much for your extensive reply! It is so appreciated.
You are an *exception to the rule* on You Tube. So many who post videos never respond to viewers questions or follow up on their information.
You have been a terrific help and I am very grateful. You da man!
@@rjb7569 You're too kind, RJB. Thanks very much. Glad to hear I was able to help!
Comparison thoughts on Blueair Pure 411 auto vs the Levoit Core 300S? Currently trying to decide on the two.
We haven't tested the Blueair 411 so I really don't know how it compare to the Core 300s.
I would guess performance is pretty similar though. Both Blueair and Levoit have consistently been strong performers in our other tests.
There is a reason Blueair i Max series is carried by the flagship suppliers like Best Buy, Canadian Tire and Home Depot. You wud never see 95% of the other brands posited by this guy but maybe on Amazon or Temu.
Thanks so much for the sound test. really important for me. thx!
My pleasure. Glad to hear it was helpful!
I have the IQAir HealthPro Plus and whenever I run it, it puts a strange smell in the air. It really bothers me. It’s always done this, even when the filters are freshly changed. Are there any air filters that don’t emit any smells?
What you're smelling is the carbon filter.
If you don't want that smell just remove the carbon filters. However, it's the carbon filters that are removing VOCs and odors from the air...so it's a bit of a catch 22.
Which ones are best for removing dander specifically? For larger open areas and medium size bedrooms?
We did not specifically test dander, so I cannot say.
That said, there is no reason to think airborne dander would be substantially different than any other airborne particulate.
For larger areas:
Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
1,000+ Square Feet Coverage
IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com)
Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
For medium sized bedrooms:
Hathaspace HSP001 - geni.us/xddy (Amazon)
AirDoctor AD3000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-3000 (AirDoctorPro.com)
BlueAir Pure 211+ - geni.us/BCqi5D (Amazon)
Have you done testing reviews on the HEPA filters? Trying to figure out why there are such drastic price differences for filters that fit the same purifier.
Not sure what you mean by that.
Virtually every single filter in this video and probably 95% of every air purifier and filter we've ever tested is HEPA.
Which one will be best for me to clean fragrances and VOC's? I do not have pets. TY!! I live in an 800 square foot apartment and they blow fragrance in the hall that is causing me reactions.
IQAir Multi Gas - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-gc-multigas - is definitely the best we've tested to date when it comes to removing VOCs and smells.
Thank you the robust information, I appreciate all your work! Bought the levoit and winnix air purifiers for my home based on your reviews.
Have you tested any portable air purifiers? Specifically, something that would work in a car? I am thinking of getting one for a family member who is a travelling salesperson for a chemical company - would need a feature to filter out any harmful effects from riding in the car with merchandise.
Unfortunately, we have not tested any portable air purifiers.
The smallest unit we've tested is the IQ Air Atem - moderncastle.com/air-purifiers/iqair-atem-review/
Have you ever used Meaco clean purifier?. Wondering what's your opinion?
I have not tested that brand.
What does the Iomizer on the medify ma112 do! Should I leave it on all the time?
Creates ionically charged particles that attach to airborne particulates, causing them to fall to the ground and no longer be airborne. You can just leave it on.
My apartment is 1,000 sq feet. Would it be better to place the oransi mod in the livin room and be good for the whole apartment or, hathaspace in the living room and than the winnix in my bedroom?
Hathaspace in living room + Winix in bedroom would be the better setup
@@ModernCastle awesome thats what i was leaning more towards thank you!
@@TheeeInevitable My pleasure
If you had to pick based on quality would you go with the air doctor or the blue air plus
I'd go AirDoctor
Just got the Winix 5500-2 for ~160.00 USD on an Amazon 4th of July sale.
Thanks for the vid--allergies are brutal this year.
Great deal! Hope you enjoy it.
What purifier would you recommend for mold? Have you tested Medify with UV light? Is it better to have a UV light in an air purifier or not?
Mold is easy for any HEPA purifier of any reasonable quality to remove. Any purify on this list would be perfectly fine.
I did test Medify models with the UV light.
In my view, UV light in an air purifier setting is more of an marketing gimmick than an actual significant feature. UV is great when it shines directly on a surface continuously. To that end, where it is shinning within the interior of the unit will be sanitized. However, many consumers are under the false assumption that the UV light somehow sanitizes the air itself. This is not correct.
All that to say, it's not bad that it's within a unit, but don't let that be a major factor for your purchase.
What are your thoughts on Molekule peco hepa ?
I see that it is FDA cleared for medical use ?
Thank you
We recently tested it here - moderncastle.com/molekule-air-pro-review/
It has significantly better performance than the original Air Pro (with just a PECO filter).
It's on the more expensive side given the coverage (making the value of the product less than great). However, as far as straight performance goes, it's as good as any of the best choices in this video.
Happy to see results of testing, but the gigantic variability of particles in the air is concerning. The Blueair 211+ only had half the work to do of others, as example. Doesn't seem to be fair/reliable data.
In our 2024 version of this video (which is coming soon...just waiting on my editor to finish it up) we have all new updated testing with more consistent baseline starts for every test.
@ModernCastle 7:26 What is the purpose of a negative ion generator if negative ions are supposed to give off harmful radioactive ozone?
Causes airborne particulates to clump together and fall to the ground
what's the best for odor / smell remover? approx 50 square meters apartment.. thanks..
For a space that size I'd go with the AirDoctor 3000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-3000
@ModernCastle 3:19 If ozone is harmful than why do they give you the option of an ionizer?
Because some users want the option of turning it on / off.
Just because it's an ionizer doesn't mean it creates ozone.
However, many high power ionizers will create ozone.
Would like to see how a DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box stacks up against all of these. I just made one with a $20 box fan and 4 MERV-13 filters. Ive seen tests where they are beating out almost every HEPA because of the high CADR, but I havent seen it compared to a comprehensive list. Usually its like 4 or 5 different things being tested. Even just slapping a single filter to the back of a box fan seems to beat out most of the low end HEPA filters it seems.
You can see our tests for the Corsi box here - moderncastle.com/air-purifiers/diy-air-purifier-review/
Which ones from this list are low EMF emissions? aka radiation from the motors?
EMF isn't something we tested, unfortunately
Hey I’ve been looking into the levoit 300 for my 2 bed rooms I live in a apartment high rise (older building) would you recomend? I wanna get rid of dust and mold in the air my kids keep coughing at night and I think it’s from the air quality in the bedrooms. Went on vacation and 2nd day away the coughs stop I know you can’t give medical advice but doc said could be air quality. So any recommendations really would appreciate it.
Levoit 300 is as good a place as any to start. If the bedrooms are small to medium sized that should be perfectly well suited to your needs.
My sister had a similar issue with her newborn baby a few years ago. She purchased a Core 300 and almost over night the baby's allergy symptoms went away.
@@ModernCastle thank you so much I’m going to look into the core since you gave an actual personal experience the rooms are small
@@leonciofermin374 My pleasure. Happy to help!
Hello! Love this review and thank you for your time I have the Oransi the big one I like it but I don’t love it you think Medify is better then Oransi I just need one for two open rooms thank you 🙏🏼
You're very welcome! Glad we could help.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
I am in between the Hathaspace hsp 0001 and the BlueAir211, which would you recommend since I am looking for a purifier for a living room and have a cat that sheds
Between those 2 I'd go with the Hathaspace
The Blueair 211 is the better air purifier. It has a significantly higher CADR, 350 vs the Hathaspace at 160.
Hi there,
I currently have a bedroom of about
I would.
I haven't tested the Levoit Core Mini, but I have tested the Core 200...and the mini is an even smaller version than the 200. The 200 offered fine performance, but far from great. I would guess the Core Mini would be similar.
@@ModernCastle hey there, I read a lot of your reviews and I am going to try out the 200S as it is more within my price range. Having said that, one thing that I have a question about is adding scents within a room. The core mini had “aroma pads” to add scents whereas the 200S does not. Were I to buy a oil diffuser, would it work against the air purifier ?
@@logloglog3988 It will work against the purifier. Oil diffusers add floating particulates into the air. Air purifiers try to remove floating particulates.
Wow. Awesome reviews. I went for the Oransi Mod. My home office has me sneezing everyday.
Thank you! Glad they were helpful.
Out of all of your reviewed air purifiers, would you recommend Medify or Rabbit Air for longevity? I am only leaning towards the Rabbit Air since they have a less conditional warranty and cheaper replacement filters.
It really is a total toss up between those two. I have great confidence in both brands.
I would personally lean a little more towards Medify as they were the stronger performing brand in terms of purification performance.
Thanks for the video! I'm looking for an air purifier for our bedroom. What are your thoughts on the Rabbit Air model SPA-700a. I can get a "like new" used one for $200....worth it? Or should I go with a new, cheaper option from Amazon?
That's a pretty good deal if it really is "like new".
We tested that model several years ago. Our data / tests are here - moderncastle.com/rabbit-air-minusa2-review/
@@ModernCastle Thanks for the reply! Would you go with the Rabbit Air Minusa2 or the Dyson TP02 if they are the same price?
@@itsjohnking Rabbit Air MinusA2
Nice video as usual! If you had to choose between a MSA3 and a Levoit Core 300 to remove food odors, which one would you choose? Thanks
MSA3 = Rabbit Air Minus A3? Or are you talking about something else?
A loved one suffers from respiratory issues and this helped tremendously. Instant subscribe. Thank you!
You're very welcome! Glad to hear my video could help :)
As an avid and active hobbyist, I don't see any data on VOCs, specifically for my needs VOCs from 3D printing, both FDM and resins. Am I missing it, or is the data in some other measurements with which I am not familiar?
VOCs are just incredibly hard to reliably test. I have a couple of VOC meters that we've tried and neither are reliable enough that I feel good publishing the data.
The higher end VOC measuring devices would likely be better, but we just don't have the budget for those, unfortunately.
Can i just ask how important is CADR as a metric for a small room (204sqft). I can always turn my fan on for better airflow, room is air-conditioned most of the time, would the Levoit 300S still be ok?
Not super important. Basically any purifier is going to fully cover that sq. ft. coverage space.
Core 300s is going to be perfectly fine.
Does the Blueair not having a true hepa filter and the use of ozone affect the overall score?
In our tests, its ozone did not exceed 0.0 PPM, putting it well within US Federal safe limits.
The fact it didn't have a HEPA filter didn't impact it's performance in terms of air quality improvement. Our score is primarily based on air quality improvement and not the type of filter.
any particular one that will suck up the most dust? annoyed by the layer of build-up specks of dust so quickly.
The highest air flow units will suck up the most dust. One of the following:
Buy Medify MA-112 - geni.us/3unIMq (Amazon)
Buy IQAir HealthPro Plus - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-healthpro-series (IQAir.com)
Buy Oransi Mod - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Buy Rabbit Air A3 - geni.us/uhXbxS (Amazon)
What would you say the best and most economical air purifier would be for Litter Box smells (particularly targering Ammonia) in reguards to total operating costs and effectiveness? It would only need to be used for a small room or about 1000-1500 sq ft.
Oransi mod is going to be best in your situation - geni.us/fZlzs (Amazon)
Just scoop your box 2x day & change entire box every month! Leave shit in a box is nasty! Want to walk in that if u were a cat????
So, I'm curious, especially with the purifiers that cover up to 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft. IS the idea that you can place in a central area of the house and it would really pull in the air from everywhere, or do you have to move it around to get the most coverage out of them???
Correct, that's the idea. Place it in a central location and leave it on the highest air flow mode that you can stand 24/7.
Hi would you recommend the Medify MA 112 over the Air doctor 3000?
Depends on the coverage level you need. MA 112 has a larger coverage area than AD3000. If you need the extra coverage then absolutely, MA 112 is better, if not, AD3000 is better. Buy the one that is appropriately sized to your space.
@@ModernCastle ohh okay thank you
Thank you for doing this!! What do you think of Hathaspace HSP003?
Unfortunately, I haven't tested it yet. However, the 001 and 002 performed great. No reason to think it wouldn't be a very strong performer.
Amazing research! What air purifier comes to mind if you're looking for one for a bedroom that also works well as a white noise machine for sleep. So a purifier that has a nice consistent deep sound to it and you can manually change the fan speed.
AirDoctor 3000 on the mid level fan sounds like exactly what you're looking for. See here - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-3000
I just bought a Dyson TP09, did I mess up?
Nah, not at all.
Every Dyson purifier we've tested to date has been as solid as any in terms of purification performance.
Their only downside is their price...which is more expensive than you generally need to spend. That said, the performance is excellent.
@@ModernCastle really appreciate the reply, thank you
@@BeforeThisNovember My pleasure
@@BeforeThisNovember My pleasure!
How about the Aroeve MK01?
Not one I've tested, unfortunately.
Great video. Thank you!
You are welcome!
The ozone levels from some air purifiers I keep reading about make me very nervous. I keep seeing reviews on many products complaining about their units emitting a plastic/chemical smell, what could be causing this? Also, when you say the ozone readings are 0.1ppm, does this mean they are still producing a small amount of it or is that just a natural amount that's it the air? Just curious. Personally I would want a unit that doesn't produce any ozone at all. I'm dealing with serious breathing issues due to a mold exposure so the last thing I'd want is to breathe in anything else that could be harmful. Which unit would you recommend for a small apartment, that is both safe and effective? Lower price would be nice, but my health is the main priority.
Units emitting a plastic / chemical smell definitely is a bad sign. But that's probably not ozone...ozone smells more like it does immediately after it rains.
Here are other ways people commonly describe the smell:
Metallic
Like a burning wire
Like chlorine
A “clean” smell
Sweet and pungent
Like an electrical spark
Regarding our ozone meter - our meter measures to ozone a resolution of 0.1 PPM. So it's possible there is ozone of less than 0.1 PPM, in which case, our meter would not pick it up. Most US Federal agencies who have guidelines on ozone recommend it be no more than between 0.05 and 0.1 PPM.
If we can keep growing as a channel I'd like to get a more expensive and precise ozone meter. But for now we'll continue to use what we have.
If you want a unit that produces no ozone then simply avoid anything that has an ionizer of any type. That's the electronic component that creates ozone. If you just have an air purifier with carbon and HEPA filters and that's it then it simply cannot produce ozone.
Many units that do haver ionizers can also be turned off, so that's an option as well.
For a small apartment I would go AirDoctor 3000 - moderncastle.com/go/airdoctor-3000
It's just a HEPA and carbon filter, no ionizer, so there is 0 ozone created.
@ModernCastle Thanks so much brother. I really appreciate the quick and very detailed response. Just subscribed 👌
@@djpike5760 My pleasure and thanks for the sub! We've got some really cool stuff coming up in the next couple of months.
What is the best purifier for burnt smoke smell, orders etc. Also what's the difference from HEPA?
IQAir GC Multigas - moderncastle.com/go/iqair-gc-multigas
Odors and smoke smell need a carbon filter to remove. GC MultiGas has the largest carbon filter I've seen to date with 12 pounds of carbon.
HEPA will remove the smoke particulates (and other airborne particulates), but it doesn't do anything for the VOCs (the things that make the smell).
Do these all help to purify out bacteria/viruses?
Bacteria / viruses that are airborne...and also that are larger than 2.5 microns, yes.
Hi! I am working with adhesives and a lot of dust! What would you recommend? I would really appreciate your help!
Are you using a respirator? If not, that'd be a good place to start.
Beyond that, I would suggest the IQAir GC MultiGas - moderncastle.com/iqair-gc-multigas-review/
12 pounds of carbon in the filter is the best way to handle VOCs coming off those adhesives. It also has a robust HEPA filter so the dust will be no problem.
@@ModernCastle thank you! Yes I do use the respirator but I work from home and I’m afraid the toxins go to the other room as well! Really appreciate you response!
@@LabeledMasterpieces My pleasure!
Does air purifier mentioned in this video pick up pet fur flying in the air as well right. I'm interested for the winix 5500-2.
Provided it's small enough to make it past the external gate / pre-filter, then yes, it would remove airborne pet hair as well.
I have a question I live in a 1,100 townhouse and the dust in my apt gives my friends allergy’s where should I place this if I wanna help them medify 112
Either centrally located and/or in the rooms where your friend spends the majority of their time in the house.
I have a townhome with high vaulted ceilings and the kitchen/ living room is one big room and centrally located. Together they’re 400-450 sqft, but with the vaulted ceilings it’s probably at least double that. Whole home with bedrooms is 1400. Would you recommend something like two MA-50’s in living room/ kitchen? Or will the ma-112 suffice with smaller purifiers in bedrooms (which we already have)?
MA-112 would probably be a fine choice. Just put it in a centrally located area and leave it on the highest setting that you can stand.
Thank you!
@@gnutz87 My pleasure
Any chance you've tested the Coway Airmega 300 or 400s?
Unfortunately, we have not.
Excellent review, personally I'm a big fan of Austin Air's Bedroom unit, I have two: one in my bedroom, and one in my primary living area.
Thank you!
I've heard good things about Austin as well.
I'd like to test them in the future.
What is your thought on air purifiers that use UV light in addition to HEPA filter(s)? Thank you
It's something that's hard to test the impact (at least with the tools and devices we have on hand).
However, my general feel is it's mostly a marketing gimmick more than anything.
If it provided a significant impact than you would see UV light used in medical grade HEPA purifiers in hospitals. But you don't see that. Even hospitals just use standard HEPA filters.
Saved me hours of research, thanks!
Glad it helped!