As flu season progresses and the coronavirus spreads, it is essential to reduce bacteria and germs from the air in your home and office. You can do this by providing plenty of ventilation, fresh air, and using an air purifier to remove harmful airborne particles. In this article we share with you the four best air purifiers on the market and how they compete with each other.
>> Important note: We have selected the IQAir HealthPro Plus as the best-performing air purifier for bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, due to increased demand from COVID 19 and IQAir’s support of Wuhan, China hospitals, this air purifier has recently been sold out on Amazon. Luckily, IQAir has two models that are also effective for bacteria and viruses. If the HealthPro Plus is sold out, feel free to check out IQAir’s Medical-Grade HealthPro Compact and Medical-Grade GC Multigas. Also, check out the following article regarding IQAir’s efforts to assist hospitals battling the coronavirus: IQAir supports hospitals treating ongoing coronavirus outbreak.To learn more about the coronavirus outbreak and how you can protect yourself and those around you, please visit the CDC.
Best Air Purifier for Germs, Bacteria, and Viruses Comparison Chart
★ Best Value ★
- Capture Bacteria and Viruses
- Improve sleeping
- Great Customer Reviews
- Affordable
- Eliminate Bacteria and Viruses
- Relief from symptoms
- 3-in-1 Filtration
- Quiet Operation
★ Best Performance ★
- Kills Bacteria and Viruses
- 100X more effective
- Exceptional Performance
- Hyper HEPA Filter
- Eliminate Airborne Germs & Viruses
- Relief from symptoms
- Great Price
- 4 Stage Filtration
Air purifiers are often known for their ability to eliminate dirty air such as dust, pollen, and odor, but did you know that an air purifier can also eliminate and kill bacteria, viruses, and germs?
The TruSense Air Purifier is the best rated air purifier for killing viruses, germs, and bacteria. With a UV germicidal lamp that is part of an advanced 4 stage filtration system, this purifier will eliminate airborne pathogens in your home.
Best Air Purifiers for Bacteria and Viruses Reviews
Company Background
This germ-killing air purifier is manufactured by TruSense. TrueSense is a respected designer and manufacturer in the air purifier industry and has created one of the most reliable, affordable, and best performing air purifier for bacteria and viruses on the market. They have a line-up that features standard air purifiers, specialty filters, and smart air purifiers.
Filters Used
- Dupont HEPA Filter : Captures 99.97% of airborne particles at least .03 microns in size (including some viruses and bacteria)
- Carbon Filter : Filters out odors from smoke, pets, and cooking
- UV-C Light Sterilization : Kills living organisms such as live germs. viruses, bacteria, dust mites, and more
Overview
As explained above, the TruSense air purifier was chosen as the best air purifier for bacteria and viruses because of its balance between performance, filtration process, design, durability, and affordability. The purification process includes a 360 degree filtration involving a carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and UV germicidal lamp. UV-sterilizer are essential for eliminating airborne germs, bacteria, or viruses.
The PureDirect proprietary technology has two airflow streams that results in 24% more efficient airflow that gives a 100% total room coverage. This model features an easy push-button display, auto mode for energy efficiency, portable air quality sensor and display, an, filter change light indicator, quiet performance, and lightweight design.
Pros:
- 360° Filtration
- Great Airflow
- Air-Quality Sensor
- Air Filter Change Indicator
- Easy to Replace Filter
- Portable and Light-Weight
Cons:
- Does not use a True HEPA Filter
- Produces small amounts of ozone
Trial Results
Company Background
This product is manufactured by Pure Enrichment, located in Santa Ana, California. Pure Zone is not a household name like the others, but manufactures a line of air purifiers that all have very high ratings and great customer feedback on amazon.
Filters Used
- Pre-Filter
- Activated Carbon Filter
- True HEPA Filter
- UV-C Sanitizer
Overview
The Pure Zone 3-in-1 offers many of the bells and whistles that other purifiers offer, but at an affordable price.
This device uses an activated carbon filter in tandem with a HEPA filter to eliminate cat odors. it also includes a UV-C light sanitizer which will zap and kill airborne organisms or bacteria. If your cat is frequently outside and you are worried about the cat tracking in bacteria or fungi, this air purifier is perfect for you.
Rated to clean the air quickly and efficiently in rooms up to 200 square feet, this is perfect for the area around your litter box. It has 3 fan settings to switch between and a night setting, which turns off the lights and is very quiet. Weighing in at just under 8 pounds, this unit is easily maneuverable and has a built-in handle.
The display panel is intuitive and uses touch-sensitive buttons which light up when not in -night-mode. With a few presses you can set the timer, change the fan speed, and switch between modes. The filter is easy to get to for replacing, and it will last about 6 months at a time.
Pros:
- Helps with allergies as well as odors
- Very quiet, even on higher fan settings
- Has a night-mode
- Has a built-in timer for 2, 4, and 8 hour intervals
Cons:
- Night-mode automatically sets fan speed on low and can not be changed
Trial Results
As a mode affordable air purifying option, while still having a true HEPA filter, the PureZone is a good choice. It is light weight which makes moving it around very easy, and setting it up near the litter box, we can no longer tell when it’s time to clean it out! While this may be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it, not smelling the cat odor is a definite plus in our book!
Company Background
This product is manufactured by IQAir, who is known for creating some of the most effective air purifiers on the market. This Swiss-based company has been in business since 1963, and operates in more than 100 countries. The company’s line of air purifiers are recognized as top-of-the-line medical-grade machines, and they have even played an important role in slowing the spread of coronavirus in Wuhan, China. During January, IQAir provided hundreds of its air purifiers to Chinese Hospitals to reduce airborne contaminants and virus particles.
Filters Used
- HyperHEPA: 100x more effective than HEPA air purifiers
Overview
Using a HyperHEPA advanced filter, these can capture particles down to 0.003 microns in size; 10 times smaller than a virus. What many people don’t know is these ultra-fine particles are actually the most harmful to your health. Ultra-fine particles make up 90% of the air pollution we breathe and easily make their way into your lung tissue and can travel to all vital organs in your body. So getting these out of the air in your home is of utmost importance!
The IQAir HealthPro will filter out the most common contaminants like pollen, mold spores, dust, bacteria, pet dander, and smoke, but it doesn’t stop there. It also filters out viruses and bacteria, which is important for those with compromised immune systems, asthma, and severe allergies.
This model has a new and improved fan, which delivers up to 300 CFM and uses only 27 watts at its lowest speed, thereby cleaning your air while hardly making an impact on your electric bill. With its EvenFlow Diffuser, you get 320-degree clean air output which allows for better air circulation than air purifiers than simply push air out the top.
This model comes with a remote control and an intuitive display panel. With a variety of programmable operating options, filter-life monitoring, and color-coded lights to indicate when the filter needs to be changed, you can fine-tune the device to fit your specific needs. The average filter life when run 10 hours per day is 18 months, which is 3 times longer than the average air filter. So while you may be paying more in upfront costs, you will save in the long run.
Pros:
- Filters downs to .003 microns
- Removes viruses from the air
- Has a remote control
- Low energy usage
- 320-degree clean air output
- Filters last 18 months
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional air purifiers
- Bulky size makes it difficult to move around
- No night-mode, so lights are always on
- Replacement filters are expensive
Trial Results
The fan is very quiet on the low setting and gets progressively louder as you turn it up. This makes sense as you can clearly see that it is pulling in massive amounts of air, which make it great for when things get really bad. From the moment we took it out of the box it was clear that this Swiss-made device is well constructed and high-quality. Not light by any means, this is not really meant to be dragged around the house. Although the design leaves much to be desired, the end result is gives makes it easy to overlook its bulky aesthetic.
Company Background
This product is manufactured by SilverOnyx, based in Bluffdale, Utah. SilverOnyx is well-respected in the air purifier industry, and many believe they manufacture some of the best air purifiers on the market.
Filters Used
- Pre-Filter
- True HEPA Filter
- Activated Carbon Filter
- Clean Air Ionizer
- UV-C Sanitize
Overview
This small but powerful device can purify rooms up to 500 square feet in size. We love that it can fit on a desk, side table, or tucked away in the corner of a bedroom. It is quiet, efficient, and portable, which means you can also take it on road trips to make sure your hotel rooms are clean as well!
The Silver Onyx Air Purifier has a 5-stage cleaning system. The pre-filter takes care of pet hair and larger pollutants, while the HEPA H13 activated carbon filter removes finer particles from the air. The UV light and ION generator top-off the cleaning process by taking care of odors.
With it’s five speed setting and automatic mode, there are quite a few options when it comes to air purification. The Auto mode will analyze the quality of air and adjust accordingly, this helps with keeping things as efficient as possible. Running at full speed, the Silver Onyx consumes only 24 watts of power, thats an average of 9$ per year, when run 8 hours per day.
A built-in indicator alert lets you know when it is time to change the filter, which lasts about 6 months with regular use. Ideal for rooms up to 500 sq. ft., this air purifier is small in size but not in results. With a 4.6 rating on BreatheQuality.com, this is one of the favorites among reviewers for its ability to clean the air of a room despite its small size.
Pros:
- It has a 5-speed fan
- Sleek, modern design
- Good for trapping pet dander and hair
- Small size makes it good for any space
- Air quality indicator
Cons:
- Gets quite loud at higher fan settings
- Inexpensive
Trial Results
| Best Air Purifier for Bacteria & Viruses | Bacteria & Viruses | Germs | Pollen | Pets and Dust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. TruSense | Great | Great | Great | Good |
| 2. PureZone 3-in-1 | Best | Good | Good | Good |
| 3. IQAir Health Pro Plus | Best | Best | Best | Good |
| 5. SilverOnyx | Great | Great | Good | Good |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why use an Air Purifier for Bacteria and Viruses or Germs?
- Prevents the spread of airborne viruses
- Keeps germs from getting onto surfaces
- Releases clean air into your home
When someone coughs or sneezes they release thousands of micro-organisms into the air. These micro-organisms are often filled with bacteria and viruses called germs. When exposed to people, germs can cause colds, flus, and viruses.
Sneezes can travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour and can reach distances of 3 meters! Also, bacteria and viruses released from a cough or sneeze will subsequently linger in the air before falling onto surrounding surfaces. Once on the surrounding surfaces, germs (bacteria and viruses) such as the flu can survive for several hours infecting anyone that comes in contact with that surface later in the day. That is why is is important to use an air purifier to kill these germs before they are able to reach the surrounding surfaces.
Surprisingly, people do not need to have face-to-face interaction with an infected person. Germs and viruses can remain suspended in the air for several minutes and even travel from room to room though ventilation systems. An air purifier will absorb the majority of the air in the room and kill germs as they flow into the purifier.
According to webmd.com, over 7 million Americans have already been struck with a strain of this year’s flu virus, and between 69,000 and 84,000 have been hospitalized. Considering that flu activity normally peaks in February, it’s important to take action before flu season begins. Flu season can even extend into the summer months.
It is important to get the flu shot each year as a different flu strain will effect the US every winter. When someone gets a flu shot, they are introduced to a minor amount of the bacteria allowing the body to fight and kill this intruder. After being introduced to the virus once, the body will then recognize the flu after coming in contact for a second time and will be able to easily kill the germs. Although flu shots can be very effective, many times the flu shot is not enough to eliminate the virus. Sometimes a different strain (different from the flu shot strain) of the virus is transmitted and is still able to infect someone who already got a flu shot. That is why it is till important to use an air purifier for germs even if you have gotten a flu shot.
It is important to use an air purifier to draw in and destroy these germs before they have a chance to be inhaled or contaminate surfaces in the area.
Do Air Purifiers Kill Viruses?
Not all air purifiers will kill viruses. In order for an air purifier to kill an airborne virus, the purifier must feature UV light technology. Air purifiers that use UV light sanitization will not only kill viruses but will also kill germs, bacteria, and microscopic organisms. HEPA and activated carbon filters will capture viruses, but will not kill them.
Does a HEPA Filter Remove Viruses?
A HEPA filter will remove most viruses, but will not remove all of them. True HEPA filters are able to capture 99.97% of airborne particles that are at least .03 microns in size. Most virus particles are below .03 microns, which means that the 99.97% capture rate will be lower depending on the type of virus. Although a HEPA filter will capture a large amount of airborne viruses, they will not capture everything. It is important to use a UV light sanitizer, and an activated carbon filter in conjunction with a HEPA filter.
Do Germ Killing Air Purifiers Remove Bacteria?
An air purifier is able to remove and kill most bacteria from your home. The three methods used to remove bacteria are True HEPA filters, Activated carbon filters, and UV light sanitizers. True HEPA filters will remove all bacteria that is at least .03 microns in size. An activated carbon filter takes a different approach by absorbing bacteria with its incredible amounts of surface area. Finally, UV light sanitization will not remove bacteria, but will kill it.
Which Air Purifiers are Best for Bacteria, Viruses, and Germs
When looking for an air purifier for bacteria and viruses that is a true air germ killer it is important to make sure that the purifier features ultraviolet light technology and a True HEPA filter. These two technologies will be vital to capturing and killing germ air contaminants.
UV-C Light Sanitizers Are True Germ Air Killers
UV sanitizers use ultra violet light chambers within the purifier to zap microorganisms as they pass through. UV light is the same light that gives you a sunburn in the summer. As many people have experienced in the summer, this form of light can be very harmful to living organisms. This technology uses intense levels of UV light that cripple living organisms. A UV-Light purifier will will kill bacteria, germs, and living organisms such as the flu virus as they pass through the purifier. After entering the UV chamber, these viruses are destroyed and will not be able to infect anyone. This important virus and germ air killer feature will get the job done well.
True HEPA Filters Capture Germs, Bacteria, and Viruses
An air purifier with a HEPA filter will trap 99.97% of contaminants that are at least .3 microns in size. To put that into prospective, bacteria, viruses, and germs generally range from 1 to 10 microns in size. This means that a HEPA filter will be able to capture and kill 99.97% of bacteria and germs that enter the purifier. Although HEPA filters are effective, there are some viruses that are extremely small and will not be captured by the filter. That is why it is important to get a purifier that has both a HEPA filter and UV-C light technology. The best way to kill and remove germs, bacteria, and all viruses from the air is to use a purifier that first uses a HEPA filter to capture the larger organisms then use a UV light chamber to kill any remaining viruses or germs.
The combination of these two types of technology will provide the best solution for eliminating germs, bacteria, and viruses.
What Type of Viruses & Germs can an Air Purifier Remove?
| Type of Virus |
|---|
| Colds |
| Coronavirus |
| Flu |
| Strep Throat |
| Stomach viruses |
| Pink Eye |
| Head Lice |
| Coughing and Sneezing |
Benefits of Air Purifiers that Kill Germs
- Kill airborne pathogens
- Reduce spreading of the Coronavirus, Flus, colds, stomach bugs, and other viruses
- Reduce airborne bacterial counts
- Improve overall air quality
- Prevent the spreading of viruses
- Eliminate the growth of fungi
What is ultraviolet (UV) light?
As explained above, UV rays are a form electromagnetic radiation that is commonly known as light. Light travels in waves, and each form of light has a different wavelength. The wavelength of UV rays are too small for the human eye to see.
You’ve probably heard of UV rays when watching the weather channel in the summer because of their damage to human skin. The sun produces three forms of UV light that can be harmful to human skin. The forms of UV light are UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays.
The most harmful type of UV light is UV-C. This is the type of UV light that is also best for removing germs, bacteria, and viruses and is the type used in your air purifier.
How Ultraviolet Light (UV) Technology Kills Germs
An ultraviolet light air purifier uses a UV-C light chamber to burn and subsequently kill living organisms at the particulate level such as bacteria, viruses, germs, and fungus such as mold spores. As air is drawn into the purifier, it is directed into the UV-C chamber. Intense levels of UV light (the same light that gives you a sunburn in the summer) are exposed to the contaminants. These intense levels of light will kill bacteria and viruses. Basically, the viruses and bacteria are sent through an intense tanning bed.
The Right Air Purifier for Bacteria and Viruses
All of the air purifiers that we have chosen offer both a UV-C light sanitizer as well as a true HEPA Filter. When purchasing an air purifier for this reason it is important to make sure that the air purifier offers both of these technologies. It is also important to make sure that the purifier has the ability to clean the correct sized room.
Determining the Right Size Air Purifier
The best way to determine the right size air purifier is to first measure the length and width of your room. Take the length of the room and multiply it by the width. This will give you the square footage of your room.
After determining the square footage of your room it is important to look for an air purifier that is able to effectively clean the square footage needed.
It is important to consider that a stronger air purifier will be able to absorb more air particles at a faster rate. That means that is someone in the room sneezes then a stronger air purifier will be able to capture more of the germs, bacteria, or viruses from the air before they have a chance to come into contact with other surfaces or are inhaled by someone else.
Air Purifier for Germs Conclusion
It is very important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. The best way to prevent sickness (besides washing your hands and simply being smart) is to purchase an air purifier for bacteria, viruses, and germs that will effectively remove the germs from the air and keep your home or office safe from contaminants.
If you have become sick, find out what is the best air purifier for sickness.
Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.
I have a cold. Which purifier should I pick?
If you are trying to prevent the cold from spreading I would suggest the SilverOnyx. This air purifier has a great combination of air purification technologies and features an advanced UV-C sanitizer that will kill germs and bacteria that enter the purifier. Be sure to place the purifier in the most used room of your house to achieve the best results.
I work in a school clinic. Which air purifier would be best for flu, colds and other yucky germs?
Troy, in our opinion the Silver Onyx is the best all around air purifier for not only bacteria and viruses (such as the flu) but also other airborne contaminants such as pollen and dust. Although this purifier is great, we also recommend the PureZone 3-in-1. Honestly, you can not go wrong with either of these purifiers. The GermGuardian is best for a limited budget because it is priced a little lower but still offers great performance. Ultimately, we recommend Silver Onyx, but be sure to use the optional UV light to remove germs. You should use the above links to analyze the products on Amazon before making a final decision.
I work in the electrical department and very often fall sick. Maybe the side environment in my voice troubles me? May I please know which air purifier will be best for my office where 20 people work? Maybe my suggestion to my boss works?