First things first, this article is going to help you do the following things:

1. Identify SIX KEY features your air purifier needs to best deal with odors.
2. Review & compare the 5 best air purifiers for odor elimination.
3. Recommend to you the best air purifier for odor, as well as the best BUDGET air purifier for odor elimination.

Have you gone nose-blind in your own home?

Maybe you remember those Febreze commercials from a few years ago. They brought up the idea that people aren’t able to smell the unique smell that comes from their own home because they’re so used to it.

Well….

Bad news. It’s actually a real thing. Your nose actually does get used to your house’s unique smell.

This is why getting an air purifier to deal with odors is so crucial nowadays! You don’t want guests or family walking into your house making a stinky face because they can smell what you can’t!

If you’re looking to fix this problem – Look no further!

Product Comparison Table of the Best Air Purifiers for Odors

In A Rush? No Problem. Here’s What We Suggest

The Best Air Purifier for Odors – Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-780N

Why?

• Huge coverage area! – 815 square feet!
• Monitor & control it all from your Smartphone!
• BioGS HEPA filter better than the average HEPA filter
• Activated Carbon filter to deal with heavy odors.
• Energy Star certified
• 5 year warranty!
• Sharp, modern design + the option to mount it to your wall.
• Child-safety features

You’ll be hard pressed to find an air purifier that’s got everything you need. EXCEPT for the Rabbit Air MinusA2, it’s got it all. The BioGS HEPA filter beats out your average HEPA filter. It’s equipped with the activated carbon filter needed to deal with removal of all types of odors. Energy star certification and a 5 year warranty make sure this air purifier won’t suck money out of your wallet in the long run. Instead, with its 815 square foot coverage, it’ll just suck the odors out of your house!

The Best Budget Air Purifier for Odors – Winix 5500-2

Why?

• Advanced Odor Control (AOC) Carbon filter designed to be more effective than average activated carbon filter.
• PlasmaWave filter gives you all the benefits of an ionizer, without the drawbacks!
• Air Quality Indicator to remind you how well it does the job!
• Remote controllable
• Second highest Smoke CADR on the list!
• Energy Star certified
• Affordably priced

This is an easy decision. The Winix 5500-2 is so packed full with value it’s impossible not to consider buying it. You get everything you need in an air purifier to deal with odors AND MORE! Seriously, the AOC carbon filter paired with the PlasmaWave filteris A+ material, something you’d see in a top-of-the-line priced air purifier. Winix packed this air purifier full of effective, useful features that you’ll value. This thing is so well priced you really can’t go wrong getting it. Top it off with its extremely high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and you’ve got yourself a keeper.

Features Our Air Purifier Needs To Eliminate Odors

So you’ve decided you’re fed up with the smell around your house. You’ve searched Google for an answer and now they’ve led you here!

Let’s get to it then!

Most Important

There’s three big things that you should be on the look out for while shopping for an air purifier to best eliminate odors. They are:

• Activated Carbon Filter

  

(Sometimes called activated charcoal filter).
An activated carbon filter is the most important feature an air purifier should have when dealing with odor elimination. That’s because it’s the only filter that directly deals with removing odors. The role of the activated carbon filter is to rapidly absorb, trap, and breakdown chemicals, smoke, & odors that would otherwise go undetected in your household. Leaving only fresh air left in your home! If you’re looking for something to help remove odors, this will definitely be a make-or-break factor. You probably understand why this would be our #1 priority in this article then!

• True HEPA Filter

If you’ve never heard of a HEPA filter, this is usually an indicator of how good the air purifier will be. The reason is because a HEPA filter (standing for High Efficiency Particulate Air) is responsible for the more significant parts of air filtration. All HEPA filters must meet a standard set by the United States Department of Energy. And that standard is…drumroll please… that every HEPA filter has to be able to filter 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. These are very small particle sizes that HEPA filters deal with, and normally these particles would slip through your average filter. Although a HEPA filter doesn’t directly deal with odor removal, it’s ability to filter out the smallest of particles makes it an important inclusion.

• Smoke CADR

The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR for short) is an excellent indicator of how effective your air purifier is at filtering out airborne particles. I could go into a whole scientific explanation of how the CADR works but instead I’ll make it quick and easy! The higher the CADR number is, the more air it filters per minute for that particle. It’s a quick and effective way of being able to compare air purifiers. In the case of odor elimination, we’re going to focus on the Smoke CADR.

Not As Important, But Preferred

Here’s just a few more specifications that won’t affect the air purifier’s ability to remove odors, but will make life a little easier for you and your wallet. For each product I recommend below, I’ll be saying whether or not these features are included in the air purifier you’re looking at. These features are:

• Low Power Consumption

Of course, having a low power consuming unit is a great plus to every air purifier owner. The less power your air purifier uses the more money you’ll be keeping! Energy efficient units typically use (approximately) 120V or less. A second way to see if the air purifier is energy efficient is if they are Energy Star certified.This certificate guarantees that the air purifier uses their power in an energy efficient way.

• Filter Life Indicator

For our air purifier to be able to remove odors, it needs to have a working filter to help it. So how can you be sure your filter is still good? This is where a filter life indicator comes in. Typically a light will flash on to let you know that your in need of a new filter (whether it be the HEPA or activated carbon filter). Avoiding to do guesswork makes this much easier for any user.

• Area of Coverage

Last but definitely not least, you’ll want your air purifier to have a fairly good area of coverage. What’s the point of having an air purifier to deal with odors if it can’t get to them? Now if you’re using your air purifier in only a certain area or room of your house then this may not be as big of a deal. However for most, this should be something to consider when you’re looking through this list of best air purifiers for odor elimination.

#1 – Best Air Purifier For Odor Elimination – Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-780N

Coverage: 815 sq ft.

Weight: 19.4 lbs.

Power Consumption: 7-61 W

Smoke CADR: 180

Filter Life Indicator: YES

Activated Carbon Filter: YES

HEPA Filter: YES

Warranty: 5 years.

Note for the reader: The model I’m reviewing is the SPA-780N. It is the newer version of the MinusA2 that has more updated or completely new features compared to the older counterpart, the SPA-700A. Some specs & features apply to both but this review is specifically talking about the 780N.

The Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-780N is without a doubt the best air purifier for odor elimination on this list. It’s got everything I mentioned in the features list, and with such a large coverage area, you’ll definitely be getting rid of any odors nearby. The ability to pick a customized filter when you purchase this air purifier means you can pick the exact one for your needs! (In this case you’d probably want the Odor Remover filter.) The MinusA2 is Energy Star certified (huge plus), and is backed by a 5 year warranty!

6 Stages of Filtration + a BioGS Hepa Filter!

The MinusA2 is jam packed with features that make it well worth the price. Firstly, the MinusA2 comes equipped with a BioGS HEPA filter that is more advanced than just your average HEPA filter.

The BioGS HEPA filter is built to reduce buildup of common allergens that would normally get trapped on the filter and reduce its efficiency. It also is coated with an antimicrobial spray to reduce growth of bacteria and viruses on the filter. Ultimately these two features will end up prolonging the filter’s efficiency and lifespan. On top of it all, it’s still filtering particles at HEPA standards! Not to mention the other 5 stages of filtration that the MinusA2 has!

Unbeatable Technology & Convenience

The MinusA2 is a great pick not only due to its purification capabilities but also the convenience it provides for its owner as well. This air purifying unit gives you the option of mounting it to a wall. If you wanted to give your house a nice smart-home look, or if you’re sick of always bending over to deal with it! Even better, this air purifier is controllable via an included remote. You won’t have to go for a walk every time you want to change a setting!

It gets better than that!

The SPA-870N model of the MinusA2 is compatible with an app created by Rabbit Air. This will let you control your air purifier from your phone,even when you’re not at home! You’ll be able to access a multitude of features from your phone that you wouldn’t get with any other air purifier! Here’s some of the things you can do from your phone with the Rabbit Air MinusA2 app:

• Air quality in your house
• Adjust your fan’s speed
• Check your filter life
• On/Off toggle for Auto mode
• On/Off switch for the mood light
• Turn On/Off the negative ionizer (This produces negative ions to make breaking down particles easier)
• Set a 2/4/6 or custom timer to auto shut-off when done

Kid Friendly & Safe

You can give the unit a little bit of art for you or your kids to enjoy (if you’re not liking the sleek white or black that’s normally on the unit). You’re able to pick from a variety of art & cartoon designs (two examples on the left) to put over the air purifier.

Speaking of kids, if this air purifier’s cover is taken off at any point, it will automatically shut down to prevent any possible accidents!

If you plan on placing this in a kids room or near children, or you just want it for yourself during a nice dinner, feel free to turn on the mood light! The included mood light can switch from a gentle blue to a soft pink.

Pros & Cons

All in all, the Rabbit Air Minus A2 is without a doubt the best air purifier for odor elimination and removal. With a CADR (Clean Air Delivery rate) for smoke of 180, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better air purifier on this list then this one. This is why we’ve given it the #1 spot on this list for best air purifiers for odors.

#2 – Runner-Up – Alen BreatheSmart Classic HEPA-OdorCell Purifier

Coverage: 1100 sq ft.

Weight: 21 lbs.

Power Consumption: 105W at highest fan speed.

Smoke CADR: 300

Filter Life Indicator: YES

Activated Carbon Filter: YES

HEPA Filter: YES

Warranty: Lifetime!

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is an excellent all around machine, and again checks off everything you’re looking for in an air purifier to deal with odors. With the option to pick a filter that will best handle your situation, the BreatheSmart Classic can deal with whatever airborne problem you’re dealing with. Not to mention, with a coverage of 1100 square feet every 30 minutes, it’s definitely getting rid of all the nearby odors.

HEPA-OdorCell Filter

Since this is a list of the best air purifiers for odors, you’d want to pick the HEPA-OdorCell filter that Alen offers. The OdorCell filter was designed by Alen company to destroy odors at the molecular level.The entire purpose of this filter is specifically to take care of the heavier odors in your house like what comes from diapers & pets!

Caring For Their Customers

Alen’s industry-first lifetime warranty guarantees you’ll be getting your money’s worth with their air purifier! Pair this with the fact that the BreatheSmart Classic is Energy Star certified means that you’ll be making a sound investment when purchasing this air purifier. With the protection of a lifetime warranty and an energy efficient air purifier, you’ll be saving plenty of $$ in the long run since you won’t have to buy a new air purifier or pay hefty power bills!

If you’re not a fan of Alen’s air purifier design look, not a worry! With the BreatheSmart Classic you’ll be able to pick from15 different designer panels to best fit your home’s decor! This air purifier isn’t just functional but stylish too!

Other Notable Features

Other notable specs that the Alen BreatheSmart Classic has are the following:

• Laser Smart Sensor & Air Quality Indicator – Detects airborne particles and tells you the quality of the air in your home.
• Auto-Mode – When used in combination with the Smart Sensor, the BreatheSmart Classic will adjust fan speed to best suit the air quality.
• WhisperMax technology – Eliminates high frequency noises from the air purifier.
• Ionizer – Helps to make breaking down airborne particles easier.
• Filter Life Indicator
• Timer – Let’s you set it and forget it!
• Sleep Mode – Will go into lowest fan speed and dim the LED lights.

Pros & Cons

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is an absolutely stellar air purifier! A staple in this list and without a doubt deserves its runner-up spot. It’s got everything you’d look for in an air purifier in general, not only just for odor removal. Alen company creating custom filters to deal with certain airborne problems really helps the BreatheSmart Classic’s ability to handle the job! Let’s not forget the lifetime warranty that’s guaranteed with this air purifier! You seriously cannot go wrong if you buy this.

#3 – Best Budget Air Purifier for Odors – Winix 5500-2

Coverage: 360 sq ft.

Weight: 15.4 lbs.

Power Consumption: 70 W

Smoke CADR: 232

Filter Life Indicator: YES

Activated Carbon Filter: YES

HEPA Filter: YES

Warranty: 1 year

The Winix 5500-2 is the perfect value-packed air purifier. It provides you with all the excellence from the high-tier air purifiers, while still being priced affordably! That’s why we’ve put it at #3, just behind the top-grade air purifiers on this list of best air purifiers for odors.

The Winix is packed full with all the things you’re looking for in an air purifier:

• 4 Fan speeds
• Sleep mode that will adjust to the lowest fan speed and dim all indicator lights.
• Auto mode that when paired with included SmartSensors will auto-adjust fans to best purify your air.
• Air Quality Indicator (Blue = Good, Amber = Okay, Red = Poor).
• Remote controllable!
• Energy Star certified

Advanced Odor Control

The Winix 5500-2 is equipped with an Advanced Odor Control (AOC for short) carbon filter. This carbon filter is a little different than your average activated carbon filter found in most air purifiers. That’s because the AOC filter is made from granular activated carbon, which is more effective at removing household odors.

To further help in removing odors from your house, the Winix has what’s called a PlasmaWave filter. The PlasmaWave filter is a permanent filter that helps safely break down odors, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants. Sound familiar? That’s because this is normally what an ionizer would do!

But get this!

With this PlasmaWave filter, it’s able to do what the ionizer would, without producing any ozone whatsoever! You get all the benefits of an ionizer, without any of the negative health effects from the ozone!

Reusability

Another benefit to the AOC carbon filter & the pre-filter is that they’re both washable and therefore reusable! The benefits from this are two-fold.

1. Washable & reusable means you’ll be saving money instead of buying replacement filters.
2. Buy reusing them you’re getting the most efficient HEPA filter because these filters will do most of the heavy lifting.

The pre-filter should be washed every 14 days, and the AOC carbon filter should be washed every 3 months.

Pros & Cons

#4 – Levoit LV-PUR131

Coverage: 322 sq ft.

Weight: 15.8 lbs.

Power Consumption: 0.8-40 W

Smoke CADR: 135

Filter Life Indicator: NO

Activated Carbon Filter: YES

HEPA Filter: YES

Warranty: 1 year (with free option to extend another year).

The Levoit LV-PUR131 is a simplistic air purifier that does the job exactly how you need it to. It won’t go above and beyond, but if all you need is an air purifier to take care of removing odors, this’ll do just the trick! It’s got the filters you need for odor removal (HEPA & Activated Carbon).

It’s excellent for cleaning out heavy odors in a room at an extremely quick rate. In a 200-220 square foot area, the LV-PUR131 takes only approximately 10 minutes for it to completely purify & rid the air of any odors!

One of the best parts about this air purifier?

It’s super affordable. Seriously, I know some of the air purifiers on this list come with quite the price tag (but they are worth it), however, if you’re on a budget and are still looking for something to take care of odors

This air purifier from Levoit comes with fairly standard features you’ve seen so far:

• Auto shut-off timer
• Nightlight with two brightness settings
• 3 fan speed settings

It’s important to mention that this air purifier is Energy Star certified. It’s also covered by a 1 year warranty, with an option to extend it for an additional year for free. (So why wouldn’t you?)

Hassle-Free Control Panel

As I had mentioned earlier, the LV-PUR131 is an extremely simplistic air purifier. This is further reinforced by the extremely easy to use control panel that you’ll find on this air purifier.

As you can see from the picture on the right, every function that can be used on the LV-PUR131 is labelled and clearly displayed on the control panel. Making it a hassle-free air purifier for those who like their air purifiers nice and simple!

Ozone Free Purification

Unlike #1 and #2 on this list, the LV-PUR131 doesn’t have an ionizer so it’s entirely ozone free. This comes at a trade-off. Exposure to ozone is known to cause problems such as chest pains, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. However, without an ionizer, the LV-PUR131 will have a harder time breaking down airborne particles. It comes down to your preference as a buyer and whether or not you’d want an ionizer or not.

Note to reader: Since I’ve just brought up the whole ozone thing and how #1 and #2 have ionizers, it’s worth it to mention this now. The top two air purifiers I recommended on this list do create ozone in the process of using the ionizer. BUT, they produce such a ridiculously small amount of ozone that they can technically claim they produce no ozone at all, even though they do. BUT, (again) because the amount of ozone produced by products #1 and #2 is so small, it has no impact on your health whatsoever! So the ionizer in those two air purifiers comes at no downside!

Pros & Cons

The Levoit LV-PUR131 is a great air purifier if you need something that’s simple. It’ll eliminate odors with ease and you won’t be worrying about its performance. It’s great in the sense that it won’t disappoint, but it won’t necessarily exceed expectations either. The biggest selling point for me with this air purifier is it’s affordability.

#5 – GermGuardian AC5250PT

Coverage: 180 sq ft.

Weight: 10.55 lbs.

Power Consumption: 33-63 W

Smoke CADR: 116

Filter Life Indicator: YES

Activated Carbon Filter: YES

HEPA Filter: YES

Warranty: 5 years.

If you’ve read other recommendations of air purifiers for odor elimination, you’ve probably heard of this brand by now. Unfortunately, most people recommend the AC4825 and not this model. The AC5250PT is a newer model released by Guardian Technologies, and when dealing with odors, performs much better too.

Specifically, what this GermGuardian model has over any of the other models by this brand is the Pet Pure spray that coats the filters inside this air purifier. The Pet Pure spray is an anti-microbial agent that is sprayed on the filter to prevent growth of mold, mildew, and other odors that can cause bacteria growth on the filter. (Need an air purifier to deal with mold and mildew? May I suggest this post?)

The AC5250PT has the filters you’ll need for dealing with pungent odors in your house. Also included to deter odors is a UV-C light! With its own life indicator similar to the filter life indicator. The UV-C light will constantly blink when the bulb is in need of replacement.

A nice bonus on top of this already top performing unit is the Energy Star certification and 5 year warranty included! This’ll help put money in your pocket instead of the power bill.

HomeAirHelper Recommendation!

For some reason this air purifier sometimes has issues dealing with electricity. The circuit board is sensitive to frying if exposed to too much voltage, and the UV-C lights can die within a month or two (Normally should last 6-9 months) if precautions are not taken. Since hearing about this problem, I did a little research and found a fix to this problem! I’d recommend buying a surge protector power bar to prevent this problem from occurring. The surge protector will help keep the voltage in check and prevent any short circuiting funny behavior!

Side Note: If you notice a plastic smell coming from this air purifier the first 2 or 3 days of usage – that’s completely normal. It’s just a break in smell that comes from the air purifier. It’s an inconvenience no doubt but it does go away. If it doesn’t go away then you might want to ask for a refund/return!

Pros & Cons