CNET has released results from comprehensive lab tests on 12 new air purifiers, identifying five top performers for various needs. The evaluations focused on particle removal speed, noise levels, and energy efficiency, with awards for standout models in filtering performance. These findings come amid growing interest in indoor air quality amid seasonal allergies and pollutants.
In November 2025, CNET's experts at their Louisville, Kentucky, labs conducted rigorous tests on a dozen recent air purifier models, measuring how quickly they clear 90% of particles in a smoke-filled chamber, known as T90 time, alongside noise output in decibels and monthly energy use in kilowatt-hours. The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max emerged as the best overall, balancing performance with a T90 of 1 minute and 28 seconds, quiet operation at 43.31 dBA on medium settings, and 11.65 kWh efficiency. It suits medium rooms up to certain sizes, featuring app control, voice commands, and an air quality indicator.
For larger spaces, the Coway Airmega 400s excelled, covering up to 3,100 square feet in an hour with a high clean air delivery rate of 325 to 400. It earned a lab award for the fastest high-fan removal at 21 seconds T90 but drew more power at 24.12 kWh and reached 55.53 dBA at max speed, priced at $750. The Shark Large Air Purifier HP232 won for low-fan efficiency, achieving 1 minute and 17 seconds T90 overall and 11.50 kWh use, ideal for up to 1,200 square feet at $330, though louder at high settings.
The Windmill 3-in-1 stood out for fine particles like allergens and smoke, with a 1 minute and 7 seconds T90 for 0.3-micrometer sizes, quiet at 43.87 dBA, and efficient at 9.61 kWh, available in bamboo finishes for $400. For pet hair and dust, the Oransi Mod Plus offered quick coarse particle removal in 52 seconds, made in the US with 12 fan speeds, but was the loudest at 62.80 dBA and least efficient at 28.32 kWh, costing $850. Senior lab engineer Gianmarco Chumbe noted its high running costs despite strong filtering.
Dr. Mark Hyman, chief medical officer at Function Health, emphasized that inhaling particles and toxins affects health, underscoring the value of these devices for allergies and indoor comfort. Tests used custom smoke bombs to simulate pollutants, confirming HEPA filters' role in capturing 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. While honorable mentions like the Levoit Core 400S showed promise, the top picks prioritize verified performance without added assumptions.
