If you share your home with furry, feathered, or scaled companions, you understand the joy they bring—and the pet hair, dander, and odors that can come with them. Fortunately, the Best Air Purifiers For Pets are specifically designed to tackle these challenges, ensuring your home air is fresh, clean, and healthy for everyone. For 2025, our top recommendation is the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier, praised for its user-friendliness and robust four-stage filtration system that effectively captures pet hair and neutralizes unpleasant smells. For those seeking a more economical solution, the Levoit Core P350 Pet Air Purifier stands out as an excellent updated option with a specialized filter adept at removing pet dander.
Pets enrich our lives, but they also introduce a variety of microscopic particles into our living spaces, including pollen, dust, mold spores, mycotoxins, bacteria, and pesticides. Michael Rubino, a renowned mold and air quality expert and founder of HomeCleanse, explains, “Air purifiers are instrumental in eliminating these airborne particles, thereby decreasing their concentration in your home and your exposure to them. The fewer microscopic contaminants present, the better your indoor air quality will be.” Investing in a top-tier air purifier is therefore not just about immediate comfort, but also about safeguarding your family’s health in the long run. Whether you need a unit for expansive areas or a device to target specific allergens, we’ve compiled a list of the best air purifiers for homes with pets in 2025.
Best Overall Air Purifier For Pets
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier: Top-Rated Performance and User-Friendly Design
Optimal coverage area: 360 square feet | CADR Rating: 232 CFM | Minimum noise level: 40.6 dB| Dimensions: 8.2 x 14.9 x 23.6 inches | Weight: 14.74 pounds
Pros:
- Comprehensive four-stage filtration
- Quiet operation suitable for bedrooms and living spaces
Cons:
- Larger footprint may not be ideal for very small rooms
The Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier distinguishes itself as a potent yet remarkably quiet appliance that is incredibly easy to manage and use. It features intuitive controls for adjusting fan speed, setting a timer (with options for one, four, or eight hours), and selecting specialized purification modes tailored to your needs. While it’s a substantial unit, weighing nearly 15 pounds, the integrated handle simplifies moving it between different rooms as needed.
At its core is a highly effective four-stage filtration system. This includes a washable mesh pre-filter to capture larger particles like pet hair, a True HEPA filter to trap fine particles such as pet dander and dust mites, and an activated carbon filter to neutralize odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The innovative ‘PlasmaWave’ technology acts as a fourth stage, emitting negative ions that cause smaller particles to cluster together, making them easier to capture by the filters or settle out of the air for removal through dusting or vacuuming.
Maintenance is straightforward. The pre-filter should be cleaned every two weeks by rinsing or vacuuming, while the HEPA and carbon filters are designed for replacement every 12 months. Adding to its convenience, a built-in air quality sensor enables the purifier to operate in auto mode, intelligently adjusting fan speed in response to real-time air quality measurements, ensuring optimal air purification at all times.
Best Value Air Purifier For Pets
Levoit Core P350 Pet Air Purifier: Affordable and Effectively Targets Pet Allergens and Odors
Optimal coverage area: 219 square feet | CADR Rating: 145 CFM | Minimum noise level: 24 dB| Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds
Pros:
- Excellent pet odor reduction, eliminating up to 92% of smells
- Effectively removes pet hair and dander
- Ultra-quiet sleep mode for undisturbed rest
Cons:
- High fan setting can be noisy according to some user reviews
The Levoit Core P350 Pet Air Purifier is specifically engineered to meet the needs of pet owners seeking an affordable yet powerful solution for cleaner air. Its advanced three-stage filtration system is adept at diminishing pet odors, such as those from litter boxes or pet accidents, by up to 92%, while also efficiently capturing pet dander and other common allergens. Furthermore, a specialized non-woven pre-filter is included to trap larger particles like pet fur, contributing to cleaner furniture and floors by reducing floating pet hair. This model is designed with user convenience in mind, featuring a whisper-quiet sleep mode for nighttime operation and a practical pet lock to prevent unwanted setting changes by children or pets.
For enhanced control and usability, the Core P350 can be operated via a user-friendly mobile app or integrated with voice assistants for hands-free adjustments. Optimized for rooms up to 219 square feet, it’s particularly well-suited for bedrooms, home offices, or smaller living areas, providing significant air quality improvement in personal spaces.
Best Large Room Air Purifier For Pets
Honeywell HPA5300B HEPA Air Purifier: Powerful Performance for Extensive Spaces
Optimal coverage area: 500 square feet | CADR Rating: 335 CFM | Minimum noise level: 55 dB| Dimensions: 10.8 x 19.1 x 22.3 inches | Weight: 20.5 pounds
Pros:
- Broad coverage area suitable for large rooms and open-plan spaces
- Simple and straightforward operation
Cons:
- Heavier unit, less portable
- No remote control included
For those requiring robust air purification across larger areas, the Honeywell HPA5300B HEPA Air Purifier is an excellent and reliable choice. It boasts the capacity to circulate air up to 4.8 times per hour in rooms as large as 500 square feet, ensuring consistent and effective air cleaning across multiple rooms or expansive single spaces. The purifier is equipped with both a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon pre-filter, working in tandem to reduce common household odors and VOCs while capturing an impressive 99.97% of microscopic allergens and particles as small as 0.3 microns. For enhanced odor control, users have the option to add a specialized odor filter.
Operationally, the Honeywell HPA5300B prioritizes ease of use with a simple power button and four distinct cleaning modes, including a Turbo mode for rapid purification when needed. Although it lacks smart features like remote or app control, it integrates a VOC sensor that actively monitors air quality and provides a visual indication of VOC levels. This powerful machine is ideally suited for apartments, large living rooms, or any extensive area needing comprehensive air purification.
Best Air Purifier For Small Spaces
Winix A231 Air Purifier: Compact and Efficient for Smaller Rooms
Optimal coverage area: 230 square feet | CADR Rating: 154 CFM | Minimum noise level: 35.2 dB| Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds
Pros:
- Space-saving, lightweight design
- Smart sensors for automatic fan adjustment
- Quiet operation with sleep mode
Cons:
- Replacement filters can be relatively expensive
The Winix A231 Air Purifier is expertly designed to deliver robust air cleaning performance in small to medium-sized rooms, effectively covering spaces up to 230 square feet. Weighing under 7 pounds, it combines portability with powerful filtration, featuring a washable fine mesh pre-filter for larger particles, an activated carbon filter to reduce VOCs and household odors including pet smells, and a True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of airborne allergens like pollen and pet dander. Integrated air quality sensors automatically monitor the environment and adjust the fan speed in real-time to maintain optimal air quality without manual intervention. For nighttime use, activating the ultra-quiet sleep mode ensures near-silent operation, making it ideal for bedrooms and nurseries.
Best Air Purifier For Pet Odor
RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra-Quiet Air Purifier: Stylish Design with Advanced Odor Elimination
Optimal coverage area: 815 square feet | CADR Rating: 193 CFM | Minimum noise level: 25.6 dB| Dimensions: 7 x 21.4 x 20 inches | Weight: 19.4 pounds
Pros:
- Elegant, slim design suitable for prominent placement
- Specialized filter option for targeting pet odors
- Comprehensive six-stage air purification system
Cons:
- Larger physical footprint despite slim profile
The RabbitAir MinusA2 stands out with its sophisticated panel design, allowing it to be placed on a desk, mounted on a wall, or subtly positioned in any room. Beyond aesthetics, this purifier is equipped with a comprehensive six-stage filtration system: a pre-filter, a medium particle filter, a True HEPA filter capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, a customizable filter (options include Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Odor Remover, or Toxin Absorber), and an activated carbon charcoal filter. Users can tailor the customizable filter to specifically target pet odors for enhanced effectiveness.
Additionally, the MinusA2 includes a negative ion generator, which can be controlled via a mobile app or directly on the unit. While filter replacements are necessary approximately every 12 months and represent an ongoing cost, the extensive six-stage filtration process ensures consistently fresh and odor-free air, making it a top choice for pet owners particularly concerned about smells.
Best Air Purifier For Pet Allergies
Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier: Heavy-Duty Relief for Allergy Sufferers in Large Homes
Optimal coverage area: 1,300 square feet | CADR Rating: 350 CFM | Minimum noise level: 25 dB| Dimensions: 11.5 x 18.5 x 27 inches | Weight: 27 pounds
Pros:
- Automatically adjusts fan speed based on air quality
- Very large coverage capacity, ideal for whole-house purification
- Available in multiple finish options to match home décor
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No remote control included
For individuals with severe pet allergies requiring potent air purification, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier is an exceptional solution. Although priced higher, it features a medical-grade HEPA H13 filter that captures 99.99% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, significantly reducing allergens and making it particularly suitable for those with respiratory sensitivities. The device is user-friendly, equipped with an intuitive control panel, an air quality monitor, and an Auto mode that activates and adjusts purification levels as air quality fluctuates. It also monitors PM2.5, VOCs, CO2, temperature, and humidity, delivering real-time data and notifications via a connected app. An LED light ring visually indicates air quality improvements or declines. With five fan speed settings and a high cleaning capacity of 400 cubic feet per minute, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i is effective for large rooms or homes with multiple pets, ensuring improved breathing and reduced allergy symptoms.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team specializing in home and kitchen products brings extensive experience in researching and evaluating the best products for your home. Our history includes in-depth articles and recommendations on a wide range of air purification needs, from air purifiers for smoke to best espresso machines. Our commitment to quality and informed recommendations is evident in our approach:
- We conduct thorough research into various types of air purifiers to identify those best suited for addressing pet-related allergens and odors. Our selection process narrowed down to the top six air purifiers from leading brands such as RabbitAir, Alen, and Winix.
- For expert insight, we consulted Michael Rubino, a specialist in mold and air quality and founder of HomeCleanse. Mr. Rubino provided valuable perspectives on the most effective air purifier technologies for homes with pets.
- This article was meticulously written and researched by Sholeen Damarwala, a Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor with over ten years of experience in product journalism, ensuring expertise and reliability in our recommendations.
How We Chose The Best Air Purifiers For Pets
To determine the best air purifiers for pets, our evaluation process was comprehensive and rigorous, focusing on key performance metrics and practical considerations. We compared filtration effectiveness, room coverage area, CADR ratings, and noise levels, while also examining highly-rated models from reputable brands.
- Our primary focus was on air purifiers specifically designed to tackle pet-related allergens and odors, featuring brands known for quality and performance such as Levoit, Winix, and Honeywell.
- We assessed critical factors for each model, including ease of use, physical footprint, maintenance needs, CADR ratings, noise levels, and total coverage area to ensure practical recommendations for users.
- Customer feedback was invaluable; we analyzed numerous reviews, excluding any models with an average rating below 4 out of 5 stars and paying close attention to long-term performance comments to ensure reliability and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Air Purifiers Really Work For Homes With Pets?
Yes, air purifiers significantly enhance indoor air quality, especially in homes with pets. Pets introduce microscopic particles such as dander, pollen, and dirt, along with other contaminants like mold spores, bacteria, and pesticides. “When airflow disturbs dust, it becomes aerosolized and can be inhaled,” notes air quality expert Michael Rubino. “Increased particle presence means greater exposure and a higher risk of adverse health reactions.” This underscores the importance of air purifiers in reducing particle buildup and maintaining a cleaner home environment for pet owners.
How Do Air Purifiers Get Rid Of Pet-Related Odors?
Most modern air purifiers are equipped with activated carbon filters that are highly effective at removing gases and odors. “This should be used in conjunction with regular pet grooming and home cleaning to minimize pet odors,” advises Rubino. Air purifiers also capture small particles like pet dander and dirt, which contribute to odors and poor air quality. By removing these pollutants, they not only reduce odors but also improve overall indoor air quality, lessen allergy triggers, and create a healthier living space for everyone. Choosing an air purifier with robust filtration capabilities is key to capturing even the smallest odor-causing pollutants.
What To Look For In An Air Purifier For Pets?
At minimum, select an air purifier that meets HEPA standards, capable of capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. “However, some contaminants, like mycotoxins, are even smaller,” cautions Rubino, suggesting purifiers that can filter particles smaller than 0.3 microns for enhanced protection. Consistency in pollutant removal is crucial; opt for a model that continuously cleans the air, not just intermittently. Additionally, Rubino recommends considering air purifiers with technologies designed to filter various gases, including VOCs, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. Finally, an activated carbon filter is essential for effectively tackling and eliminating pet odors.
