The $200 air purifier experts keep recommending (and 4 more for bigger rooms)

The Coway Mighty has been one of the most recommended air purifiers by independent reviewers for a long time, and its specs explain why. It uses a pre-filter, carbon filter and true HEPA filter, and Coway rates it for medium to large rooms. An air quality indicator changes color, and auto mode adjusts the fan to match. Owners like its quiet low setting for bedrooms and its reasonable filter costs. It is a bit dated in design, and the carbon filter is thin, so it does less for strong odors. For most rooms, it is the safest choice.

The Levoit Core 300 is one of the best-selling air purifiers, mostly because it does the basics well for little money. Its round design pulls air in from all sides through a true HEPA filter, and the sleep mode is quiet enough for bedrooms. It is small enough for a nightstand or desk. Owners like the simple controls and low cost of replacement filters. It is meant for smaller rooms, so it will struggle in an open living area. There is no auto mode on the basic model. For a bedroom or office, it is an easy pick.

The Winix 5500-2 is a long-time favorite for homes with pets and kitchen smells. It pairs a true HEPA filter with an activated carbon filter that is more substantial than many rivals. Auto mode and an air quality sensor adjust the fan. It also includes PlasmaWave, which you can switch off if you prefer a filter-only purifier. Owners praise its value and quiet sleep mode. It is bulkier than the Coway and Levoit, and the controls are basic. For pet owners and open kitchens, it is a strong choice.

Large rooms need a purifier that can move a lot of air without sounding like a jet engine. The Blue Pure 211i Max is built for that, and owners consistently note how quiet it is at lower settings. Its fabric pre-filter slides over the body, comes in colors and can be washed to catch pet hair and dust. An app lets you check air quality and adjust the fan remotely. It costs more than our other picks, and replacement filters are pricey. For an open living room, it is the purifier we would choose.

Dyson's Purifier Cool combines a sealed HEPA filtration system with a bladeless tower fan. In summer it moves air like a fan, and the purifier runs year-round. The display and app show real-time air quality, and the tower oscillates to spread air around the room. Owners like that it replaces two devices and looks sleek. It is expensive, and many reviewers note that dedicated purifiers clean air faster for the money. Buy it if you also want a fan, value design and have a medium-size room to cover.