Best UV Air Purifier Reviews

Updated: October 1, 2024

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If you’re overwhelmed by the process of choosing the best UV air purifier you’re not alone.

There are a ton of options available, and with all of the different terminology and conflicting information out there, it can be really difficult to know if you’re choosing the right one.

What’s the best air purifier with UV light? Are HEPA filters necessary or is UV disinfection sufficient on its own? How does this type of light work anyway, and what’s the difference between the UV A, B, and UV-C light? Should I look for an air purifier that has an ozone generator, or is it better to find a purifier that’s ozone free?

These questions, and many more, are why we created this buyer’s guide. Scouring the internet for the right products and specifications can be extremely time-consuming, and not everyone can spend hours pouring over reviews of the countless air purifiers available.

If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best air purifiers with UV we could find. There are UV air purifiers for every budget, and each one is reviewed in detail so that you can confidently choose the best option for your needs.

The Best UV Air Purifiers Available Online

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KEY BENEFITS

• Highly effective chemical decontamination technology
• Breaks down VOC compounds at the chemical level
• Absorbs and neutralizes odors
• Higher UV exposure time than most other UV-C light air purifiers

If you’re looking for the all-around best UV Air Purifier, the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model tops our list. This technology was originally designed for chemical warfare decontamination and includes germicidal UV-C light, HEPA filtration, and advanced chemistry technology.

This is truly a workhorse unit that’s ready to tackle microorganisms and kill airborne viruses, from volatile organic compounds and toxic gasses to particulates, viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and asthma and allergy triggers. More importantly, the air filters prevent these toxins from recirculating back into the room.

The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model has a coverage area of up to 1,000 square feet and a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 250 cubic feet per minute. With its small footprint this device can work as a whole-house air purifier for apartments and other smaller living spaces.

For as powerful as this unit is, you’d expect it to be quite loud, but it’s actually very quiet. The noise levels range from 54 dB on low up to 62 dB on the highest speed setting. This means that it can achieve max efficiency at white noise levels that are appropriate for both commercial and residential use, even with differing room sizes.

Because it features UV-C light, HEPA, and a patented Earth Mineral Purification Technology, the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model unit components will require replacement from time to time. There are indicator lights to notify you when the UV-C lamps need replacing, typically every 1-2 years.

The EnviroKlenz Air Cartridge needs replacing more often, usually every 5-6 months. This allows the unit to continue to absorb and neutralize odors and toxic chemicals effectively.

While most HEPA filters need to be replaced every 6-8 months, the HEPA filter on this unit has an expectancy of up to two years, which keeps your yearly filter replacement cost quite reasonable.

The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model is the best air purifier with UV on the market. It handles a wide range of contaminants, is built to last, and provides optimal UV-C exposure time to thoroughly destroy microorganisms.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 338 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA and activated carbon
• Filtration Life: 6-8 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 3 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Wide range of purification capabilities
• Built-in smoke and odor sensor
• Remote control operation
• Super quiet sleep mode at <28 dB

Our runner up for the best air purifier with UV light is the Mooka True HEPA+ Sterilizer and Ionizer.

This impressive unit offers six dimensions of air cleaning, including a pre-filter, HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, negative ion generator, VOC absorption particles, and a UV light sterilizer

The Mooka True HEPA+ Sterilizer and Ionizer is effective against pollen, mold, dust, dust mites, smoke, pet dander, benzene and formaldehyde, and viruses and bacteria. On auto-mode, the air purifier senses any increase in smoke and odors and will regulate the fan speed to more effectively clean the air.

Its activated carbon filters absorb and neutralize odors, which is handy for home chefs, smokers, pet owners, and those living in areas with smog or pollution

This air purifier has a coverage area of 540 square feet, making it a great option for large rooms and open floor plans. It has a CADR of 177 cubic feet per minute, meaning it can refresh the air 4.5 times in a 300 square foot room..

With these capabilities, you might be surprised at this unit’s modest footprint. At just under 14″ x 7.5″ x 18.5″ Mooka True HEPA+ Sterilizer and Ionizer will fit well in any living space. With all of these capabilities wrapped up in such a small package, it’s a truly impressive air purification system.

The Mooka True HEPA+ Sterilizer and Ionizer is a great choice if you need a large coverage area and a wide range of air purification features.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 540 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA and activated carbon
• Filtration Life: 2,000 hours or every 6-8 months
• Noise Level: <28 dB on sleep mode or low speed
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 3 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• High coverage area – up to 3,000 sq. ft.
• Small, compact device
• Multiple independent functions
• Simple, easy-to-operate controls

If you’ve ever wondered if you should buy an ozone generator or an air purifier, the New Comfort CA3000 6 Stage UV Air Purifier combines the benefits of both into one tiny package. Its six stages of purification also include a HEPA filter, activated charcoal filter, negative ion filtration, and a Tio2 photocatalytic filter.

The air purifier itself has a footprint smaller than a standard sheet of paper, and weighs just 10 pounds, making it ideal for those with strength or mobility limitations. The simple, easy-to-use mechanical controls make it a great choice for those who aren’t comfortable with high-tech buttons and remotes..

It can be used as either an air purifier, ozone generator (to remove odors), or both. This purifier is ideal for those who smoke (or share air with someone who does), pet owners, houses dealing with mold or mildew and can even kill airborne viruses. For health purposes, this unit should not be used to generate ozone while people or pets are present.

Like other combination UV air purification units, the New Comfort CA3000 has multiple components that will need to be replaced from time to time. The compatible HEPA filters, activated charcoal filter, and UV bulbs are all relatively inexpensive, making this unit a cost-effective air filtration solution.

The New Comfort 6 Stage UV Air Purifier is one of the best UV air purifiers due to its flexible purification options, portability, large coverage area, and odor neutralizing capabilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 3,000 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA filter and activated charcoal filter
• Filtration Life: 6 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 3 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Real-time air monitoring
• Super energy efficient
• Ultra-quiet operation
• Ultra-quiet operation
• Multi-stage filtration
• CARB-Certified

The InvisiClean Claro Air Purifier combines four air purification technologies — a True HEPA filter, UV-C, ionization, and carbon filters. These methods combine to neutralize odors, destroy microorganisms, capture ultrafine particles, and freshen the air.

Even with all of these features, the InvisiClean Claro Air Purifier remains incredibly energy efficient. On the lowest setting running the unit 24/7 can cost as little as $0.50 per month. It’s also extremely quiet, with white noise levels of <56 dB at max (turbo) fan speed. You might even forget it’s there.ir.

Its features include real-time air monitoring that detects air quality changes and an auto setting that automatically adjusts the fan speed for optimal air purification. Air quality levels, room temperature, and humidity are all listed on the LED display, along with reminders to replace filters and bulbs as needed.

If you need near-silence and complete silence in order to sleep at night, the InvisiClean Claro Air Purifier has got you covered. The sleep setting turns off all of the lights in the unit and provides whisper-quiet operation at 32 dB, so you’ll be able to sleep well in clean, purified air no matter the room size

Like most combination UV and filter-based air purification systems, you will need to replace the True HEPA filter and activated charcoal filter on a regular basis. Depending on your air quality, expect to do so every 6-12 months. The UV-C bulbs will also need to be replaced once a year.

The InvisiClean Claro Air Purifier is one of the best UV air purifiers for sleepers who are sensitive to noise and light levels. Switching to sleep mode turns off all indicator lights and offers the whisper-quiet operation, purifying the air as you sleep.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 375 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: True HEPA filter
• Filtration Life: 6-12 months
• Noise Level: 32 dB – 56 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 1 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• 360-degree air circulation
• Unique filter style that’s 60% larger than comparable units
• Smart sensor monitors air quality
• Energy efficient auto setting

The SilverOnyx Air Purifier is an affordable air purifier for bedrooms or small living spaces.

While it boasts a coverage area of 500 square feet, its CADR of 83 cubic feet per minute means that it will take several hours to clean a room that size, but it’s certainly sufficient for smaller room sizes.

Its 5-stage filtration process includes a mesh preliminary filter to catch larger particles, an H13 True HEPA filter which removes 99.97% of ultra-fine particles down to 0.3 microns, a filter that neutralizes odors, a negative ion generator, and of course, a UV light sanitizer.

The SilverOnyx Air Purifier uses a cylinder-shaped HEPA filter which provides 60% more surface area than a traditional flat filter. The cylindric design also provides 360-degree air circulation which not only leads to more air movement but a more comfortable airflow experience overall.

The filter is a convenient all-in-one design that includes the pre-filter, a carbon filter, and True HEPA filter in one piece. Filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced every 6 months. The all-in-one filter cartridge is surprisingly affordable, which adds to the appeal of this unit.

The SilverOnyx UV Air Purifier is one of the best UV air purifiers for those looking for convenience, affordability, and solid air purification capabilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 500 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: True HEPA Filter
• Filtration Life: 6 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: n/a

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6. Best Budget UV Air Purifier: VAVA UV-C Light Sanitizer

KEY BENEFITS

• Ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers
• Small footprint
• CARB-certified
• A lightweight, portable unit

If you’re looking for the best budget air purifier, the VAVA UV-C Light Sanitizer is a great choice. With three-stage True HEPA filtration system and UV-C technology, this unit effectively removes up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and actually destroys airborne microorganisms..

With cleaning capabilities like this, the VAVA UV-C Light Sanitizer air purifier is exceptionally effective in removing common asthma and allergy triggers such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. UV-C light is a proven air disinfectant, making this a great unit to have on hand during cold and flu season.

For a budget option, this air purifier has a solid set of helpful features, including a CADR of 120 cubic feet per minute, pre-set timers with auto shut off, three fan speeds, and helpful “change filter” reminders.

This lightweight unit is portable and compact, making it a good option for those with strength or mobility issues. With its small footprint, this air purifier will fit in any space. Due to its moderate coverage area, the VAVA UV-C Light Sanitizer is best for bedrooms and small living spaces.

This compact and affordable unit is one of the best budget UV air purifiers. It’s also great for users with strength or mobility limitations..

Pros

• Very affordable
• True HEPA filter technology
• Low maintenance
• Ultra-quiet dark sleep mode
• Energy-saving timer

Cons

• Low coverage area

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 270 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: True HEPA
• Filtration Life: 3-6 months
• Noise Level: 30 dB – 50 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 2.5 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Medical grade HEPA filter
• Automatic air quality monitoring
• Powerful 4 stage filtration

The TOSOT True HEPA Air Purifier is simple, streamlined, and powerful. With a medical-grade HEPA filtration system that removes airborne particles like pollen, bacteria, and mold spores, and odor absorbing and chemical neutralizing activated carbon, it packs a whole lot of cleaning capability into a pretty small package.

Using UV-C technology, this unit uses ultraviolet rays to effectively kill molds, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. On auto mode, the built-in air quality sensor monitors the air and adjusts the fan speed accordingly for optimal air quality and efficient energy usage.

A nice feature of the TOSOT True HEPA Air Purifier is that you’re actually able to clean the air quality sensor so that it stays accurate over time. The controls are streamlined and simple, and the unit itself is sturdy and compact, with a small footprint that will fit into even the smallest living spaces.

The True HEPA filter will need to be changed every 6-8 months, depending on your air quality, and there’s an indicator on the unit to let you know when the filter needs to be replaced. Filters are reasonably priced, so your yearly filter replacement cost should be quite manageable.

If you’re looking for medical-grade filtration and UV air treatment in a compact package the TOSOT True HEPA Air Purifier is a solid, effective, and budget-friendly option.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 450 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: True HEPA
• Filtration Life: 6-8 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 3 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• 7-stage purification system
• CARB-certified
• A lightweight, portable unit
• Large room coverage

The Azeus 7-in-1 Air Purifier is a sleek, streamlined, and capable unit that covers up to 540 square feet of living space.

True HEPA filtration system, negative ion generation, and UV-C disinfection combine to create a powerful machine that simultaneously filters, sanitizes, and freshens the air.

The True HEPA filter includes five layers of filtration, including a pre-filter to catch pet hair, dust, and debris, a HEPA layer that captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, a filter to absorb and neutralize odors and VOC’s, a layer of formaldehyde absorption particles, and an antimicrobial layer.

After air moves through this impressive lineup, it is disinfected by the germicidal rays of UV-C light and refreshed with the (optional) negative ion generator which can be turned on or off according to your needs.

With a CADR of over 210 cubic feet per minute, the Azeus 7-in-1 Air Purifier can completely refresh the air in a 380 square foot room five times each hour. It’s a powerfully capable addition to any studio apartment, bedroom, or living room.

This unit is small, portable, and weighs less than 12.5 pounds, making it a great fit for small space living and those with strength limitations, and the remote control capability is great for those with limited mobility.

The Azeus 7-in-1 Air Purifier is ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers, smokers, pet owners, and anyone wanting to purify and disinfect the air in their home. This is a great option when you’re in the market for a HEPA filter air purifier.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 540 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: True HEPA
• Filtration Life: 2000 hours or 3-6 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: n/a

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KEY BENEFITS

• Reduces airborne bacteria and viruses
• Neutralizes odors
• Energy efficient
• Powerful and customizable

The GermGuardian True HEPA UV Light Sanitizer is ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers.

It uses a charcoal pre-filter to absorb and neutralize odors and keep dust and pet hair from the main filter. The True HEPA filtration system then captures up to 99.97% of ultrafine particles including dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and germs.

The air is then circulated past a germicidal UV ray which destroys bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microorganisms. Clean, fresh air is then released back into the room, at a CADR of 220 cubic feet per minute.

The purifier is effective in rooms up to 338 square feet, making it a great choice for medium to large rooms. It features three-speed settings for customizable filtration and a convenient 8-hour timer. The UV-C light is optional, so you can turn it off for night time operation.

Like almost every combination UV light air purifier, both the filter and the UV lamps will eventually need to be replaced. The filter should be replaced every 6-8 months, depending on the air quality. The UV bulb should be replaced every 12 months. GermGuardian True HEPA filters are somewhat pricey but are required so as not to void the warranty.

The Germ Guardian UV Light Sanitizer is a powerful and effective air purifier that is best for medium to large rooms. It’s a great option for those with asthma and allergies.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 338 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA
• Filtration Life: 6-8 months
• Noise Level: <61 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 3 year

UV Air Purifier Buying Guide

UV Exposure Time

The effectiveness of an air purifier depends on the UV exposure time — the amount of time an organism spends absorbing the UV rays. While using a fan to move air will theoretically decrease the time the air is exposed to the light, what matters the most is how much air is exposed to the UV source.

This makes it especially important to choose an air purifier that has a high clean air delivery rate (CADR). Units that effectively move room air through the UV rays increase the overall air UV exposure time. Air that is repeatedly exposed to the UV lamp will be purified more effectively than slow-moving air.

But that doesn’t mean your purifier needs to be running at high speeds at all times. Using a lower speed actually moves the air more slowly past the UV rays which will increase the UV exposure time. The most effective UV air purifiers have a high CADR, multiple fan speeds, and can be comfortably run over longer periods of time.

UV-C Light Intensity

UV-C light (wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers) is considered germicidal. This is the ideal UV intensity for effective air purification. UV lights can be either mercury based or LED. Mercury based lights are more intense, but an LED UV-C can be a better fit for certain situations.

In order for the UV rays to reach optimum intensity, the surface of the lamp needs to remain clean and dust-free. UV lamp bulbs will lose their intensity over time, and typically need to be replaced about once a year. Bulbs that have been coated to decrease ozone production will be less intense than their uncoated counterparts.

When shopping for an air purifier, make sure that it’s UV-C, as this is the most powerful. Find out how often you’ll need to replace the lamp bulbs, and set a reminder on your calendar so that you don’t forget. The effectiveness of your UV purifier depends on having an optimally intense light.

Ozone as a Byproduct

One of the main concerns regarding UV rays and the use of a UV air purifier is the amount of ozone that’s produced as a byproduct. In large enough quantities, ozone can damage the tissues of the respiratory tract and cause irritation and inflammation. It can even cause the lungs to be more susceptible to toxins and microorganisms.

A UV air purifier can create a small amount of ozone as a byproduct of ultraviolet radiation. If this is a concern, make sure to check out the CARB-certified air cleaning devices list. Many of the UV air purifiers in this buying guide are CARB-certified.

The New Comfort 6 Stage UV Air Purifier actually includes an ozone generator as part of its filtration process because it removes odors, however, the unit can be run without the ozone generator. People and pets should not be present when the ozone generator is running.

FAQ

What is UV? What About UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C?

UV stands for ultraviolet light. Light is made up of photons, which are miniscule particles that vibrate as they travel through space. Photons that vibrate faster create shorter wavelengths. Ultraviolet light has extremely short wavelengths that are made up of particles moving so fast, they’re invisible to the human eye.

UV-A refers to the ultraviolet light that is moving just faster than visible light. While it has more energy than visible light, it's not as powerful as UV-B or UV-C light.
UV-B light wavelengths are shorter, meaning its particles vibrate faster than UV-A but are not as powerful as UV-C.
UV-C light particles move the fastest and contain the most energy. These short, powerful UV-C wavelengths are considered germicidal. As living molecules absorb the UV-C energy, it damages their DNA, causing the cells to self-destruct.

Along with the light we can see, the sun actually emits quite a bit of UV rays. When we experience a sunburn, we’re actually feeling cell damage from the UV radiation caused by sunlight. UV-C technology harnesses this ability to destroy cells and uses it to kill viruses, bacteria, and mold.

Because UV-C lights do create UV radiation, they’re usually built into air purifiers in a way that we’re not exposed to the light that’s emitted. Some air purifier bulbs are coated to further reduce the light that users are exposed to.

How Does UV Kill Viruses, Bacteria, and Mold?

Viruses, bacteria, and mold are all microorganisms that can be hundreds of times smaller than a human hair. These tiny living particles can float for hours in the air around you, and the more times you’re exposed the more likely you are to get sick. UV light emits high levels of energy that is absorbed by the particles around it.

When a microorganism is overpowered by UV rays, the excess energy damages its DNA. Once the DNA is damaged, the microorganism self-destructs. The effectiveness of UV depends on how close it is to the cells, and how long the cells are exposed to UV rays – this is referred to as UV light exposure time.

In order to kill viruses, bacteria, and mold the UV light must be able to penetrate the pathogens for a sufficient length of time. The length of time needed depends on how close a molecule is to the light source, and the strength of UV-C light the lamp emits.

How Effective are UV Air Purifiers?

UV-C light is the most powerful type of ultraviolet light, and the one most commonly used in UV purifiers. According to the EPA the ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps may be effective in destroying viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and mold.

That said, UV-C light alone won’t remove dead microorganisms, so it is best used in cooperation with a mechanical filtration system. Most ultraviolet air purifiers are part of a larger air purification unit that includes electronic or HEPA style filters to trap particles and keep them from recirculating in the air.

UV light can effectively disinfect air as long as there’s sufficient exposure time. While there’s no standard measurement for the effectiveness of UV cleaners, it is reasonable to expect that systems with better fans and airflow will move more air past the UV lamp and will therefore be more effective.

The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model provides the best UV exposure time as the UV-C light disinfects both the air and shines continuously on the collection chamber, resulting in highly efficient kill rates for mold, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

What is the Best Air Purifier with UV Light?

When you consider the quality and effectiveness of its UV-C technology alone, the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model is a clear winner for the best air purifier with UV light.

If you’re looking for high-level elimination of airborne mold spores, viruses, and bacteria, the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model should be your top choice. It boasts the longest UV light exposure time of all of the UV air purifiers on this list, making it one the most effective UV purifiers on the market.

It also absorbs and neutralizes toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds and prevents them from being reintroduced to the environment. If you’re dealing with pollution, mold and mildew, smoke, or VOC’s this unit is a powerful and effective solution.

The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model is the best air purifier for anyone committed to choosing top-of-the-line air purification equipment for their home.

In Closing

The best air purifiers combine HEPA filtration technology with germicidal UV light to clean and disinfect the air in your home. There are solid options for any budget, from top-of-the-line equipment to basic, reliable models that won’t break the bank.

Do you need a UV purifier that also absorbs and neutralizes toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds? The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Model will probably be your best fit. Looking for an affordable basic UV purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce allergens, bacteria, and viruses in the air? The VAVA UV-C Light Sanitizer might be just what you need.

Ultimately, you need to decide what air purifier features are most important for your specific needs

As you consider your options, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to calculate filter and UV-C lamp replacement costs into the overall price of the machine. If you’re wanting to run the unit 24/7 and are sensitive to light or sounds, make sure to check out the noise levels and light function of each model.

Our health is directly impacted by the quality of the air we breathe – especially at home, which is why having clean air to breathe is so important. A UV air purifier is one of the easiest and most effective ways to positively impact your health on a daily basis, with minimal effort.

We hope we’ve given you the information you need to make the right decision. It might just be the most valuable purchase you ever make.