Do you have a large space that needs clean air? If so, be sure to check the fine print on any air purifier you are thinking of buying. Not all air purifiers work in large areas. Even some that advertise a coverage area of 1,200 square feet doesn’t work so well. That is why we have composed the following review of the best air purifiers for 1200+ square foot extra-large rooms. Only the best large-capacity air purifiers made the top 3 cuts so take a look at what we found.
The Best Air Purifier for 1200+ Square Feet
Best for overnight use
- 1300+ Sq. Ft. Room Coverage
- Very Large Spaces
- Reduce dust, mold, etc
- Improve sleep
- Affordable Price
Best value for the money
- 1,256 sq. ft. Room Coverage
- Extra Large Rooms
- Remove bacteria, pollen, etc
- Reduce allergy/cold symptoms
- 360 degree humidification
Best for eliminating air contaminents
- 1,238 sq. ft. Room Coverage
- Extra Large Rooms
- Remove dust, germs, etc
- Relief from allergies
- Cough/bronchitis relief
Best Air Purifier for 1200+ sq. ft. Extra Large Rooms & Very Large Spaces
Best for overnight use
The BreatheSmart 75i comes with 8 different color options, with the standard black and white, as well as faux-wood in maple, oak, and rosewood
Using a True HEPA H13 filter, this will capture 99.99% of contaminants larger than .1 microns. This includes dust, dander, allergens, pet fur, and many different kinds of odors. To better assure you that it is cleaning your air, this model features a laser Smart Sensors which detects airborne particles and has a color-changing panel that auto-adjusts to show you the air quality within your home. From Blue to Red, there are 5 different levels that will be displayed.
With the power to clean a 1300 square foot room every 30 minutes, you would expect this to be quite loud. Fortunately, it has a very quiet fan, registering from 25 dB to 49 dB. Great for overnight use, the low fan speed also registers are “pink noise”, which has been shown to help promote more restful sleep.
One drawback of this air purifier is its size and weight. This air purifier is 33 lbs, 12 inches wide, and 27 inches tall. The weight of this machine makes it more difficult to move around your home. Additionally, it’s important to note that some customers have issues with the machine’s ability to eliminate dust.
Pros:
- Cleans up to 1300 square feet
- Very quiet at only 25dB
- Great for overnight use, fan sound is “pink noise” which promotes restful sleep
- Only draws 45watts
- Filters last 12-15 months
- 8 color options
- Has an Air-Quality Sensor
Cons:
- Does not have a remote control or phone app
- This machine is heavy – 33 lbs
- Not the best for eliminating dust
- Does not have a washable pre-filter
Trial Results
We tested the BreatheSmart 75i in a huge 3 car garage that smelled of must and mildew. After running it overnight, there was a noticeable difference in the smell. We ran it at the lowest speed and the sound quickly faded into the background. This would be great for overnight use in a bedroom. Having the air-quality sensor was also great for peace of mind.
Best value for the money
This little box packs a punch, with a powerful 3-stage filtration system that has the strongest cleaning power of any air purifier on our list. Able to filter a room up to 1,256 square feet, this will remove up to 99.999% of air particles down to .01 microns in size. That’s ten times small than most air purifiers you will find on the shelves.
They achieve such amazing results by using the Coway Green True HELA filter in conjunction with the Coway Activated Carbon filter. The HEPA filter traps harmful gases, VOCs, dust, pet hair, dander, allergens, mold, viruses, and bacteria from your air.
To make sure that you are using a clean filter, there is an air filter indicator that tells you when they need replacing. The Coway Airmega 300 also has real-time air quality monitoring, using a pollution sensor and a 4-color system you can easily see what the air quality level of your home is.
The Auto-Mode feature will automatically adjust the fan speed according to the current air quality of the room. This cuts back on running costs and will help preserve the life of your filters. There is also a sleep mode that reduces the fan to its lowest setting, filtering your air without disturbing your sleep.
The noise level on this device is in line with the others on our list, averaging 22dB – 52dB, depending on fan speed.
This machine is lighter and easier to move than the others on our list at only 21.4 lbs, 10.94 inches wide, and 13.58 inches tall. However, the air quality sensor is not very accurate. It is known to read the air as being clean when it’s actually dirty and vise versa.
Pros:
- The warranty covers malfunctions for a year and electrical problems for 5 years
- Has an air quality sensor
- Auto-mode and sleep-mode reduce costs with automatic fan settings
- Removes air contaminants as small as .001 microns
Cons:
- This model is no WI-FI or phone app-enabled and does not have a remote
- Replacement filters are expensive
Trial Results
Best for eliminating air contaminents
IQAir HealthPro Compact Air Purifier
The IQAir HealthPro Compact is a slimmed-down version of the HealthPro Plus and fits well in our list of compact air purifiers. At just 25 pounds and standing only 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide, this is a device that is useful for those who have a tighter space to work with. While smaller than the HealthPro Plus, it uses the same HyperHEPA filter and the only thing missing in the compact version is the odor and smoke trapping V5 Cell filter.
Using the IQAir exclusive HyperHEPA filter, this will trap ultra fine particles all the way down to .003 microns. This covers pet hair and dander, mold, allergens, dust, bacteria and viruses. This is a great device for those suffering from asthma and allergies, with many 5-star reviews from people who claim that it alleviated all of their suffering.
While most air purifiers use a standard HEPA filter, the IQAir models use a HyperHEPA, which works 100x better. Known to promote better quality sleep, less snoring, and cleaner air, this model is a bit cheaper than the HealthPro Plus. Because to its small size, its easier to move around the home, especially with the built-in handle.
One issue with this purifier is the price. This air purifier is significantly more expensive than the Coway Airmega 300 and Alen BreatheSmart 75i. Additionally, a small number of reviewers have had issues with the air purifier getting hot and creating an odd-smelling odor. These are two negatives that should be considered when looking at this purifier.
Pros:
- Lighter and smaller
- The frame is very well built
- Powerful fan
Cons:
The noise level on this device averages 22dB – 52dB, depending on fan speed.
- This air purifier is more expensive than most other purifiers
Trial Results
Extra Large Room Air Purifier Comparison
| Air Purifier | Room Coverage |
|---|---|
| Alen BreatheSmart 75i | 1300 sq. ft. |
| Coway Airmega 300 | 1256 sq. ft. |
| IQAir HealthPro Compact | 1238 sq. ft. |
What to Look for in an air purifier for extra-large rooms (1200+ Square feet)
Again, not all air purifiers are rated for large rooms. Take a look at the following list of features to keep an eye out for when shopping for a large-capacity air purifier:
- Air moving capability of at least 100CFM per 250 square feet of space
- 1,200+ square foot air purification rating
- True HEPA filter
Benefits of an Air Purifier for 1200+ Square Foot Very Large Spaces
Large rooms can house a lot of dander, dust, allergens, germs, and viruses. A high-capacity purifier with at least a true HEPA filter will reduce the health risks posed by these airborne contaminants. If you have pets that stay in a large garage or living room while you are at work every day, it can help them breathe healthier air as well.
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
Will a small air purifier work in a large room?
Size is not always an indicator of capability. Some small purifiers are actually rated for large 1,000+ square foot areas. Still, some large purifiers were designed for small spaces. Be sure to check the specs before you buy to make sure.
Where should I place my air purifier?
Be sure to place it somewhere that gives it clearance on all sides of at least 6 inches from any wall or obstruction. This will ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness as airflow will not be restricted.
How long does it take an air purifier to clean a room?
Most models make a tangible difference after just a half-hour. Still, some require 2 hours of continuous operation.
Closing Words
The bottom line is that large rooms need large-capacity air purifiers. There’s no way around it. But if you want clean air for your large areas, any of the models listed above are solid choices. It is a worthwhile investment in your and your family’s health and happiness. If you are in college and living in a dorm find an air purifier for dorm rooms today!
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.