Best Air Purifiers for Germs and Viruses (They Kill Them!)

Last updated on October 23rd, 2022

The best air purifiers for germs and viruses employ either a HEPA air filter that can catch the tiniest virus-carrying particles, an UV-C light to inactivate and kill them or both these systems to keep the air clean from these pesky little airborne irritants that make you sick and weak.

Down below you will find air purifiers that are reliable and excellent at catching airborne pollutants and killing germs, viruses and bacteria.

Air Health Skye: Best Air Purifier for Germs and Viruses

Air Health Skye tops the list of portable air purifiers that kill viruses and germs as it employs a 5-stage air filtration system inside the body:

• a pre-filter that catches large particles and extends the life of other air filters;
• the true HEPA air filter that removes 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3 micron, including germs and viruses;
• Activated Carbon filter to trap odors and gases;
• Titanium Dioxide Pro-cell that converts gases and chemicals into harmless vapor;
• 254 UV-C light kills viruses and germs, and prevents the growth of mold and mildew.

Such a powerful system removes virtually all dangerous pollutants from anyone’s home: due to a high AHAM-certified Clean Air Delivery Rate of ~300 CFM (cubic feet per minute), this air purifier delivers 4 air changes in a 550 sq. ft. room or 2 ACH in a 1050 square feet space. The Skye will keep your whole house free from airborne pollutants 24/7 – just replace the filter and bulb once a year.

Apart from having a cutting-edge cleaning system, this unit is also extremely easy to operate. You may turn on the Auto mode and thanks to the well-calibrated sensors the machine will adjust the speed based on the number of dangerous particles inside your home. The 10-speed setting also allows for fine-tuning whenever you want. Or just use an app to connect your phone or tablet (iOS or Android) to the air purifier and apply changes from a distance at any moment in time.

The last thing I want to mention is its noise production. At the lowest speed, it is inaudible – can be used at night in a bedroom or at any place someone is sleeping at. At the highest, the Skye’s sound is noticeable, but still not as loud as many other models considering this unit is powerful and covers large areas.

I reviewed this air purifier some time ago, you may check the review here. To sum up, it’s a powerful air cleaner that does a great job keeping you and your family (including pets!) safe from various germs and viruses. In addition to that, it also removes odors coming from the kitchen or bathroom, reduces dust and allergens in the air and keeps the air clean from air pollutants found in big cities. I recommend!

Tracs TM250: Durable Air Purifier to Kill Germs, Viruses, Bacteria

Tracs TM250 is used in many households for more than 2 decades to keep germs and viruses away from homes. Compared to the AirHealth Skye, this machine lacks PRO-cell and its pre-filter combined with the Carbon filter – at first glance it may seem that this unit isn’t as good as the Sky. However, you will be mistaken.

First of all, the Tracs HEPA filter is medical-grade – it is used in hospitals, laboratories and other places that require the air to be as clean as possible. This air filter lasts up to 5 years (3 if the air is very polluted).

Secondly, this air purifier employs two powerful UV-C bulbs – they are excellent at sanitizing the air and killing germs and viruses alike. The bulbs have a lifespan of 12 months minimum.

The TM250 is manufactured in the US: its body is made out of welded steel and the motor is extremely durable: it lasts for decades without any maintenance.

Compared to the previously reviewed Skye, this one lacks any additional features – no WiFi or Auto mode for you. Plus, the initial price may seem high at first sight. however, when you factor in the Tracs longevity, high-quality filters and bulbs, and durability the price tag doesn’t seem so high overall: maintenance costs are low and the unit is built to last for many years to come. And a 5-year warranty supports that statement.

Medify Air MA-50: Affordable Air Purifier for Germs and Viruses

Medify Air MA-50 is an affordable air purifier that kills germs and inactivates viruses in rooms up to 500 square feet in size. Its 4 stages of air cleaning (a combined pre-filter/HEPA/Carbon plus one UV-C light) greatly reduces the number of virus-carrying particles in your home, reducing the chances of getting sick.

The downside of this air purifier is the short lifespan of the combined filter: if used 24/7 it wears down pretty quickly, so it will need a replacement every three to four months. That is a common problem of all Medify air purifiers – they are cheaper compared with other brands, but maintenance costs add up year after the year.

However, if this doesn’t scare you and you don’t have enough budget for more sophisticated cleaners like Air Health or Tracs, then the Medify MA-50 is the best option to choose from.

Austin Air Bedroom Machine: Only Mechanical Filtration

Austin Air Bedroom Machine is the only air purifier in this list that doesn’t feature any UV-C light. However, it uses a unique sophisticated system to keep viruses, germs, allergens, bacteria, smells and other air pollutants. This system employs five high-quality air filters that eliminate virus-containing particles, germs, bacteria, chemicals, toxins, VOCs, dust particulates, cigarette smoke, odors and allergens from any environment wherever this unit is used.

Despite its official name, this Austin air purifier is designed not to just keep the air clean in bedrooms but in other rooms as well. It also can be used in offices, schools, restaurants, hotels, places with chemical pollution or kitchens. This all-in-one unit offers great air cleaning capabilities even without a UV light and its filters have a good lifespan and high durability.

All Austin Air cleaning units are made in the US and the manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty (mechanical and for parts). So if you are planning on getting one, you can rest assured that the Bedroom Machine will keep your environment clean from any kinds of pollution, including germs and viruses for a long, long time.

HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe: 5-in-1 UV & HEPA Air Purifier

HoMedics TotalClean Deluxe employs 5 stages to clean the air, including an in-built ionizer that freshens the air. The unit does not generate as much airflow as the aforementioned air cleaners and it is only good in small and medium-sized rooms. However, compared to them, this one is way cheaper and you can often grab it on Amazon at a discount.

FAQ

What about ozone? I’ve heard UV-C lights aren’t safe!

Air purifiers use 254nm UV-C bulbs that have the highest ozone absorption rate – check this study for reference. Some of them might release a tiny amount of ozone in the air, but it’s way below dangerous levels and will not harm you or your pets.

Do these air purifiers clean the air in the whole house?

You can easily move an air purifier from room to room, or to put it in one place to cover the biggest area in your house (e.g. living room) or any room where you spend most of the time.

What about HVAC air purifiers, are there any good ones?

Yes, here’s the list of the best HVAC air purifiers for your ductwork.

For more information on various air purifiers visit this page.