Levoit Core 400S: best overall value
A lab-tested 340 m³/h for the price of a budget unit. The one most homes should buy.
Breville Viral Protect Max: best for smoke and big rooms
The highest clean-air rate we cover, real carbon, and an Australian brand with local filters.
Winix Zero+ Pro: best for allergies
An H14 filter and near-silent running. The pick for hay fever, asthma and open-plan homes.
Coway Airmega 150: best for bedrooms
The cheapest to run on our list, with an H13 filter and no app to fuss with.
Philips 2000i: best when it's on sale
Strong value at the sale price. Don't pay the $699 list.
Skipped: the Dyson HP09, which costs $1,099 and cleans less air than the Levoit. Worth it only if you want the heater and fan too.
What matters most
- Room size first. Box coverage assumes one air change an hour. Use the size calculator.
- Clean-air rate (CADR). The speed number. Lab results beat maker claims.
- A stated HEPA grade. H13 for most homes, H14 for allergies. HEPA explained.
- Filter costs. $65 to $130 a year here. Compare running costs.
Questions
Do air purifiers actually work?
For smoke, dust and pollen, yes, if the unit suits the room and the doors are shut. What the research says.
Why are these picks written for Perth?
Every unit here is sold across Australia. We weight smoke readiness and dust handling because Perth deals with burn-offs, bushfires and dry summers, which suits most of the country too.