I’d been thinking about getting an air purifier for ages, but life kept getting in the way and I never did the research—until now. I have mild asthma, which gives me the occasional cough, and I’ve dealt with allergies for years. A recent allergy test confirmed I’m allergic to grass, which wasn’t a shock given how bad hay fever season is for me. That was the push I needed to look properly into air purifiers for the home.
As I dug in, I found more than just good models—I learned about common asthma triggers around the house and why some purifiers are actually unsuitable for people with asthma. Below I’ve shared what I learned: the best air purifiers available in the UK for asthma and allergies, plus tips for picking the right one.
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Can air purifiers help with asthma?
Yes—air purifiers can help, but they’re not a cure-all. The important part is choosing the right type. Models with True HEPA filters are best because they capture tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander—common asthma triggers. An activated carbon filter is useful too, since it removes smells and harmful gases.
Avoid purifiers that produce ozone, rely on ionizers, or use only UV-C light—these can irritate the lungs and sometimes make asthma worse. Also remember that a purifier works best as part of a bigger plan: regular cleaning, avoiding scented products, and dealing with mould are all important too. Think of a purifier as one helpful tool among many.
Best air purifiers you can buy in the UK (my top picks)
Levoit Core 600S
Coverage: Up to 147 m²
CADR: 697 m³/h
Why I like it:
Levoit is a strong brand in the UK and the Core 600S is their most powerful model, built for large open-plan spaces. It handles dust, pollen and odours well and is surprisingly quiet for its power—Quiet Mark certified. It also doubles as a high-speed fan in summer and has fast VortexAir 3.0 circulation that cleans large rooms quickly. App control is available but it’s easy to use without it.
Key features:
– Triple filtration: pre-filter, True HEPA (99.97% at 0.3 microns), activated carbon.
– VortexAir 3.0 for fast circulation.
– Quiet operation, Quiet Mark certified.
– Auto mode with real-time air quality monitoring.
– App control (optional) and high-speed fan mode.
What to consider:
– Can be noisy on max.
– Larger and bulkier than compact models.
– Replacement filters are fairly costly, need changing every 6–12 months, and aren’t recyclable.
Final verdict:
Great for large spaces where strong, fast filtration matters. It’s a premium, powerful option—worth it if you want top performance and don’t mind the size or filter costs. For smaller rooms, consider the Levoit Core 300S.
Coway Airmega 150
Coverage: Up to 73 m²
CADR: 281 m³/h
Why I like it:
Coway has decades of experience and keeps things simple. The Airmega 150 doesn’t fuss with unnecessary tech but is effective and quiet. It’s ECARF Certified Allergy-Friendly and Quiet Mark certified. It’s compact and stylish, and the washable pre-filter helps cut running costs.
Key features:
– Triple filtration: washable pre-filter, activated carbon, GreenHEPA™ (99.99% of fine particles).
– Auto mode adjusts fan speed by air quality.
– Very quiet—24 dB in silent mode.
– Easy maintenance; main filters last up to a year.
What to consider:
– Auto mode stops actively monitoring after 30 minutes of clean air unless reset.
– No handles for moving.
– Some users reported a slight motor buzz on certain surfaces.
– Best for medium rooms; not ideal for very large spaces.
Final verdict:
A strong, simple choice for medium rooms. Certified allergy-friendly and easy to maintain—good value if you don’t need extra smart features or large-room coverage.
Philips 3000i Series AC3033/30
Coverage: Up to 135 m²
CADR: 520 m³/h
Why I like it:
Philips is a trusted brand and this model is built for large rooms. It’s ECARF certified and has a high CADR, so it cleans air quickly. Sleep mode is impressively quiet at 15 dB. It also offers app and voice control, though manual use is straightforward.
Key features:
– Three-stage filtration: pre-filter, NanoProtect HEPA (99.97%), activated carbon.
– Smart auto mode and air quality display.
– Ultra-quiet sleep mode (15 dB).
– App and voice assistant compatible.
What to consider:
– Premium price.
– Large for small rooms.
– Can be loud on high speeds (common for powerful purifiers).
– App and Wi-Fi features can be clunky or unreliable.
Final verdict:
A high-performing option for large spaces, especially if you want quiet night use and solid allergy performance. It’s pricier, but reliable and effective.
Bosch Air 6000
Coverage: Up to 125 m²
CADR: 600 m³/h
Why I like it:
Bosch is known for quality and this model has a strong 4-in-1 filter system (pre-filter, activated carbon, anti-bacterial layer, HEPA) that captures around 99.95% of pollutants. It’s ECARF certified and has one of the higher CADRs on the list, making it fast at cleaning larger rooms. Design and controls are simple and user-friendly.
Key features:
– 4-in-1 filtration: pre-filter, activated carbon, anti-bacterial layer, HEPA.
– Captures 99.95% of fine particles.
– Easy-to-use controls and modern look.
– Night mode around 25 dB.
What to consider:
– No handles for moving.
– Can be noisy at high speeds.
– Replacement 4-in-1 filters are on the pricier side and need changing every 6–12 months.
– No Wi-Fi or app control.
Final verdict:
A solid, reliable choice for large rooms. Good balance of performance and price, though lacking smart features and portability.
Blueair Blue Max 3250i
Coverage: Up to 48 m²
CADR: 239 m³/h
Why I like it:
Blueair combines style and performance. The 3250i is ideal for medium rooms and uses HEPASilent™ tech to remove particles down to 0.1 microns at very high rates. It’s smart-enabled, energy-efficient, and very quiet at low speeds.
Key features:
– HEPASilent™ (mechanical + electrostatic) filtration removing 99.97% down to 0.1 microns.
– Wi-Fi and Blueair app for control, scheduling, and air quality updates.
– Very quiet: as low as 18 dB.
– Fabric, washable pre-filter available in colors to match decor.
– Low energy use (2.5–20 W).
What to consider:
– A mode LED can stay lit even in night mode and may be distracting.
– No carry handles.
– Replacement filter availability can vary.
Final verdict:
A great-looking, efficient purifier for bedrooms or living rooms. The smart features and quiet operation make it an attractive pick; just be aware of minor LED annoyances and check filter stock before buying.
WINIX 5500-2
Coverage: Up to 99 m²
CADR: 390 m³/h
Why I like it:
The WINIX 5500-2 offers strong value for larger rooms. Its 4-stage system (washable pre-filter, pellet carbon filter, HEPA, PlasmaWave) handles allergens, dust, pet hair and VOCs well. It’s certified by Allergy UK and AHAM and has smart auto mode that uses particle sensors to adjust fan speed.
Key features:
– 4-stage filtration: washable pre-filter, active pellet carbon, True HEPA (claims capture down to 0.1 microns), PlasmaWave technology.
– Auto mode with intelligent sensors.
– Certified by Allergy UK and AHAM.
– Sleep mode operates at around 27.4 dB.
What to consider:
– Not the quietest for bedroom use.
– Interface feels a bit dated; some settings are limited.
– PlasmaWave is debated—some users find it unnecessary.
– Filter replacements needed every 6–12 months and availability varies.
Final verdict:
A reliable, cost-effective choice for larger spaces. Strong filtration and certifications make it great for asthma and allergy sufferers—just know it’s not the quietest or sleekest option.
So, how do you choose the best air purifier for you?
It can be confusing with so many options. Here are the main things I’d look at:
– Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend. Some expensive models aren’t always worth the price. Also factor in filter replacement costs.
– Room size: Match the purifier’s coverage to the room. Too small and it won’t help; too big and it might be unnecessary.
– CADR: A higher CADR cleans air faster, which matters for bigger rooms.
– Noise: For bedrooms, aim for models under 20 dB in sleep mode. Living areas can handle louder units.
– Portability: If you’ll move it around, look for handles or lighter units.
– Filter availability and cost: Check how easy and costly it is to replace filters. Some brands have supply issues.
– Design and size: Think about where it will sit—compact or stylish models suit living rooms better.
– Smart features: Wi‑Fi and apps offer convenience but aren’t essential.
– What to avoid: Stay away from ozone-emitting purifiers and many ionizers—ozone can irritate lungs and worsen asthma. Look for True HEPA filters and avoid models that rely only on ionizing or UV-C technology.
Ultimately pick the unit that fits your room, budget, and noise tolerance. A good purifier helps, but combine it with cleaning, avoiding scented products, and dealing with mould to make your home truly asthma-friendly. A little research now will save you headaches (and allergens) later.