Best Budget Air Purifier under $350?

• 

  fredblogs on 06/01/2025 - 22:19

  +2

  Ioniser is something to avoid: https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/engage/air-cleaner-guide

  • 

    the1doood on 06/01/2025 - 22:35

    Thanks for this. Don't the ions neutralize the micro organisms?

    • 

      fredblogs on 06/01/2025 - 22:44

      No, the HEPA filter already stops viruses and bacteria (similar to how an N95 mask works)

    • 

      Gunnar on 06/01/2025 - 22:56

      +3

      According to:
      - marketing? Yes.
      - Science? No

      Have a read of the link posted above and the other hyperlinks, like this one which graphs for you the good and garbage purifiers:
      https://sgeas.unimelb.edu.au/engage/air-cleaner-guide/austra…

• 

  Liger Zero on 08/01/2025 - 01:03

  +1

  This has been the top rated pick on Wirecutter for many years: Coway Airmega
  It's often around $250

• 

  the1doood on 05/02/2025 - 18:24

  TLDR: If you need a good all rounder in budget WINIX 5 STAGE. https://ausclimate.com.au/products/zero-pro-5-stage-air-purifier

  I currently live in good place with good AQI with no pets. I had the opportunity to try out the current Kmart HEPA13 purifier, Older Kmart HEPA11 purifier, Daikin MC55YPVM and WINIX 5 Stage. Coway models seems to be similar to WINIX but has lesser warranty. INOVA E-8 purifier models seems to be a better clinical choice with longer filter life, 2.4kg activated carbon filter carbon content and longer warranty.

  Summary of learnings:
  -It's better to run a larger capacity purifier (one that can cover larger area) than small one to reduce stress on machine and change air faster.
  -Airflow rate (CADR) is important i.e how many times it purifies total air in the room per hour
  -Filter are really expensive for some models hence, look for a total 5 year cost than machine cost.
  -Filters for some models can be hard to find once the model is phased out.
  -Warranty can be varied
  -Ionizer/Ozone can be irritating

  Models and summary
  1) Kmart HEPA13 purifier Model: for 27sq m (https://www.kmart.com.au/product/large-air-purifier-white-43…):SKU : P_43262779: 1 YR warranty. I found it to be quite simple. Ionizer cannot be turned off, however it turns off by default after 30mins and can be resumed if needed.
  * Pros: HEPA13 model, cheap machine, easy to use, cheap filter(29$), ~30W power usage at max mode, can be an excellent white noise machine at high.
  * Cons: Ionizer cannot be turned off, no night mode, no auto mode, no AQI indicator, no wifi/app

  2) Kmart Old model KJ300GR-G1E: Very decent option, filter only 19$. I liked it better than new model despite lower HEPA classification.1 YR warranty
  * Pros: Larger filter area that new one, has night mode, ionizer can be turned off, has auto mode, numerical AQI indicator, quiet
  * Cons: Only HEPA 11, high power usage (60W at max), no wifi/app

  3) Daikin MC55YPVM: A good buy and forget machine. 1 YR warranty (5 year only for AC)
  * Pros: Daikin claims filter lasts for 10 years, auto mode is quite sensitive from experience, claims to filter Diesel,NOx etc, very quiet, ionizer can be turned off,
  * Cons: no wifi/app, initial cost is higher

  4) ZERO+ PRO 5-stage Air Purifier Good all rounder. If you have no pets Smart 4 stage model suffice.
  * Pros: 2 year warranty, very sensitive sensor(more than Daikin) which reacted to drain cleaner usage few meters away, good design, 100m² large room capacity , quiet, low power usage.
  * Cons: no wifi/app, expensive filter 219$ ( Ryco has cheaper filter though rated for 6 months), Cheaper OEM filter on Amazon.

  I hope this helps someone.

  • 

    the1doood on 15/02/2025 - 12:42

    Unfortunately the WINIX ionizer caused cough in kid, I saw reports from others over internet. Daikin and recently got Sharp didnt cause this.