We love our furry friends, but there's no denying they have a tendency to get fur and dander everywhere they go. Pet dander is a big respiratory concern for many people and something of a pain to actually deal with; the smallest bits of dander can be as little as 0.1 microns (µm) in size, which is smaller than other common irritants like pollen, dust, and even some forms of bacteria. Thankfully, an air purifier with a HEPA-grade filter, capable of trapping at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, can significantly reduce the amount of airborne dust and dander in your home. Particle filtration is only one piece of the puzzle, though: when searching for the best air purifier for pets, you'll want a model that's powerful enough to move a lot of air; otherwise, you won't be putting that dense, medical-grade HEPA filter to use.
Many manufacturers also include a layer of activated carbon in their primary filter, touting its odor-reduction capability. A quick warning, however: we found in our own investigation into air purifier performance that the overwhelming majority of these units don't contain anywhere near enough of the material to have a meaningful impact on odor-generating gaseous contaminants. As a result, if you see a manufacturer advertising the best air purifier for pet odors, you should look at these claims with serious skepticism.
We've tested more than 50 air purifiers, and below are our recommendations for the best air purifiers for pet owners based on our test results. Here are some important things to look for:
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): CADR effectively dictates how quickly an air purifier will remove allergens from your home's air. Higher is unilaterally better, though barring certain exceptions, that also tends to come with a higher upfront cost. Generally, a CADR of 320 m3/hr (188.3 CFM) or so is a good target to aim for. If you want an idea of how well-suited an air purifier is to your given room, take a look at our room sizing tool.
- HEPA-Rated Filtration: While a HEPA rating isn't necessarily a guarantee of good overall performance (CADR is a more reliable metric), it does at least provide some level of guarantee that an air purifier is capable of handling most common allergens.
- Features: Air quality sensors and built-in Wi-Fi minimize the amount of necessary babysitting, which is helpful if you plan on running your air purifier while you're away from home.
We put each unit through the same rigorous tests to give you clear, repeatable results, and we also take price and availability into account when making our recommendations. If you want a broader overview of the product landscape, check out our recommendations for the best air purifiers, the best HEPA filter air purifiers, and the best air purifiers for allergies. Also note that we've updated our testing methodology to evaluate air purification performance at a fan speed that minimizes operating noise, great for easily startled pets. If you're interested in learning more, you can read our test bench changelog.
We buy and independently test air purifiers with no manufacturer samples, sponsorships, or pre-approved talking points. Each unit goes through the same standardized test bench, and the results are validated by multiple teams before being published on our website, so you can accurately compare them side by side.
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Best Air Purifier For Pets For Most People
Pets8.4Particle Filtration Rate8.4Measured PM1.0 CADR500 m³/hr (294 CFM)Noise @ Lowest Fan Speed33.1dBASee all our test resultsNoise @ Highest Fan Speed53.9dBAThe best air purifier for pets for most people that we've tested is the Winix C909, thanks to its compelling blend of performance and value. This Costco-exclusive unit has a three-stage filtration system that features a pre-filter for trapping finer strands of hair, a primary allergen filter that can handle pet dander, and a sheet of activated carbon for reducing odors, though, like most household air purifiers, the amount of activated carbon within is too low to have a massive impact. There's also a particle ionizer feature to neutralize airborne pollutants, though it emits ozone while running; if your pet has an ozone sensitivity, you'll be glad to know that the system can be disabled, and doing so doesn't drastically impact performance.
At its highest fan speed, the C909 offers a high enough clean air delivery rate (CADR) to deal with pet allergens within the average living room or dining area, without causing an undue disturbance. If your pet is particularly sensitive to unfamiliar noises, it can still operate effectively in rooms up to 310 ft² (28.8 m²), more than enough for the biggest of bedrooms and home offices. Useful features include automatic fan adjustment, Wi-Fi connectivity, air quality monitoring, and app controls for changing settings and creating schedules.
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Best Air Purifier For Pets
Pets9.1Particle Filtration Rate9.1Measured PM1.0 CADR729 m³/hr (429 CFM)Noise @ Lowest Fan Speed31.2dBASee all our test resultsNoise @ Highest Fan Speed58.2dBAIf you're comfortable spending more for greater overall coverage and a more subtle design, the Blueair Blue Signature Large is the best air purifier for pets that we've tested. This Wi-Fi-enabled unit has an incredibly high max clean air delivery rate (CADR), making it a good standalone option for apartment dwellers or homeowners looking for a unit that can handle pet dander in open-concept living areas or bigger basements; it can clear the air in an equivalently-sized space over 30% faster than the already solidly-performing Winix C909. It runs impressively quietly, too, and shouldn't be a major disturbance even for easily startled pets. Its chic design and flat top allow you to use it as a small end table too, making it a more subtle option than most household units. The multi-stage filtration system includes a pre-filter that can collect finer strands of hair to keep them from clogging the primary filters, along with an odor-neutralizing mineral filter, and a further layer of activated carbon in its primary allergen filter, though this unit would require an even greater amount of activated carbon to effectively deal with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors.
There's an important caveat, though: this unit also uses a particle ionization system to attract airborne particles to its filter and further improve performance, which produces a small amount of ozone while running. While this system's ozone production rate is AHAM-certified to fall within safe limits, it can't be disabled, which could be a dealbreaker if your pet is particularly sensitive to ozone; this can include short-snout dogs like pugs or bulldogs, most cat breeds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Air Purifier For Pets
Pets8.4Particle Filtration Rate8.8Measured PM1.0 CADR617 m³/hr (363 CFM)Noise @ Lowest Fan Speed33.7dBASee all our test resultsNoise @ Highest Fan Speed61.2dBAIf the Blueair Blue Signature Large's always-on ionizer is a dealbreaker, then take a look at the Levoit Core 600S. Its max clean air delivery rate (CADR) falls slightly short of the Blueair, with the latter being almost 20% faster in delivering the same level of air quality within an equivalently sized space, all the while making less noise. That being said, the Levoit's performance is still sufficient for use in large, open-concept living rooms and whole apartments. While performance does drop at lower, quieter fan speeds, it still provides sufficient airflow for effective operation in most bedrooms and offices. Its three-stage filtration system consists of a pre-filter for larger airborne particles, a primary filter for dust and mold, and an Activated Carbon filter to minimize odors, though there's very little of the latter, and it's unlikely to have a massive impact on odors, such as those from your cat's litter box.
Like the Blueair, this unit is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can use the Levoit VeSync app to view an air quality estimate from its onboard particle sensor, adjust the fan speed, or be alerted when the filter needs to be replaced. While it's narrower than the Blueair, it's still a fairly tall unit.
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Best Mid-Range Air Purifier For Pets
Pets8.2Particle Filtration Rate8.1Measured PM1.0 CADR439 m³/hr (258 CFM)Noise @ Lowest Fan Speed32.4dBASee all our test resultsNoise @ Highest Fan Speed60.7dBAThe Winix 5530 is the best air purifier at a mid-range price point that we've tested. Compared to the more expensive Levoit Core 600S, this unit can't quite compete in terms of performance, with a CADR that's nearly 30% lesser. That being said, at its highest fan speed, its performance is still sufficient for handling common allergens like pet dander within areas a little over 400 ft2 (37.2 m2), more than sufficient for most living areas. This unit's filtration system is pretty standard, but well-suited to pet owners. Beyond the primary allergen filter, there's a washable pre-filter for dealing with lightweight clumps of shed pet fur, and an activated carbon sheet meant to reduce odors. That said, the latter filter doesn't contain enough carbon media to have a dramatic impact in the real world.
Otherwise, the 5530's feature suite is well-rounded. There's Wi-Fi connectivity so you can check your home's air quality while you're at work, or change settings and set operating schedules without leaving the comfort of your couch. It's also noticeably slimmer than the aforementioned Levoit, which can make it easier to fit in tighter offices or bedrooms.
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Best Budget Air Purifier For Pets
Pets7.6Particle Filtration Rate7.2Measured PM1.0 CADR278 m³/hr (163 CFM)Noise @ Lowest Fan Speed31.7dBASee all our test resultsNoise @ Highest Fan Speed58.5dBAIf you're a pet owner and only need an air purifier for small spaces, the Dreo Air Purifier 539S is worth a look. It's another step down the ladder in terms of performance compared to the pricier Winix 5530; the Dreo's coverage tops out at a little over 250 ft2 (23.2 m2), but that's still enough for the vast majority of bedrooms and home offices. Performance does degrade by a noticeable degree at lower fan speeds, though its performance in that configuration is just about sufficient for a home office or nursery. The primary filter in its three-stage filtration system is HEPA-rated and won't have much trouble handling common allergens like pet dander.
Its compact size also allows you to fit it on a dresser, desk, or end table, and it runs quietly enough not to cause a significant disturbance, which is great for more noise-sensitive pets. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity, a welcome feature for a unit at this low a price point, which allows you to monitor air quality or change fan speed settings even when you aren't home.
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Best DIY Air Purifier For Pets
Pets7.7Particle Filtration Rate9.5Measured PM1.0 CADR943 m³/hr (555 CFM)Noise @ Lowest Fan Speed51.7dBASee all our test resultsNoise @ Highest Fan Speed67.3dBADo you have several heavily shedding pets or require cleaner air in a large space? Are you easygoing about looks and operating noise? If you answered yes to some or all of the above, you could consider building your own Corsi-Rosenthal Box! It's capable of operating effectively in areas exceeding 860 ft² (79.9 m²), making it suitable for large areas like basements or garages. Provided you stick to the same material list as this guide, which features four MERV 13 air filters with a 20-inch box fan, it won't have any trouble trapping finer allergens like pet dander. While it can slightly reduce airflow and, consequently, performance, you can also tape mesh filters to the outside of the unit to trap any larger clumps of pet hair or dust bunnies, too.
However, this isn't a do-it-all solution, as unlike the Blueair Blue Signature Large or the Levoit Core 600S, it lacks convenience features. Most Corsi-Rosenthal box designs lack a carbon filter to trap pet odors, and there's no particle sensor or Wi-Fi connectivity. Corsi-Rosenthal boxes are also pretty noisy due to their large box fans, and might scare off more skittish animals while they're running. To reduce noise and energy consumption, some users have swapped the single large box fan for multiple PC fans; however, we haven't tested this design yet.
Notable Mentions
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Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX HP302:
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX HP302 is an air purifier with a unique filtration system that's supposed to last five years without the need to replace a component, keeping recurring costs low. That said, its air cleaning rate is lower than that of the Winix C909.
See our review -
Coway Airmega 200M:
The Coway Airmega 200M is an air purifier with a built-in ionizer that you can turn on and off and an automatic fan speed adjustment function, though it has a lower max CADR than the Winix 5530.
See our review -
Levoit Core 400S:
The Levoit Core 400S is a very good alternative to the Winix C909 if you're looking for something with a smaller form factor. That said, it lags slightly behind the C909 in terms of performance and makes more noise while running.
See our review -
Rabbit Air A3:
The Rabbit Air A3 is a high-end air purifier that runs impressively quietly and has a great maximum CADR, but it's outperformed by the Blueair Blue Signature Large in terms of performance.
See our review -
NuWave OxyPure:
The NuWave OxyPure is a high-end air purifier that represents a good alternative to the Blueair Blue Signature Large if you want to forego the latter's ionization system. It also features a unique washable filtration system to lower its recurring costs. That said, the Blueair delivers superior particle filtration performance, quieter operation, and a more discreet, compact design.
See our review -
Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max:
The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is a high-end air purifier that delivers comparably superb overall performance as the Blueair Blue Signature Large. It's a good alternative if it can be found at a lower price, and you don't mind missing out on the Signature Large's more subtle appearance.
See our review -
Levoit Vital 200S:
The Levoit Vital 200S is a mid-sized air purifier with a U-shaped air inlet meant to prevent clumps of pet fur from clogging its intake. That said, it has a lower CADR than the Winix 5530, and won't perform as well in bigger spaces.
See our review -
Levoit Core 200S:
The Levoit Core 200S is a compact air purifier that represents a good alternative to the Dreo Air Purifier 539S if you want something even smaller, but its particle filtration rate lags far behind that of the only slightly bigger Dreo.
See our review
Recent Updates
Aug 21, 2026:
We've added the Winix C909 as the new 'Best Air Purifier For Pets For Most People' pick, replaced the Levoit Vital 200S with the Winix 5530 as the 'Best Mid-Range Air Purifier For Pets', and replaced the Levoit Core 200S with the Dreo Air Purifier 539S as the 'Best Budget Air Purifier For Pets' pick. We've also added the Levoit Vital 200S and Levoit Core 200S to the Notable Mentions, and added a Buyer's Guide to the article to help simplify your search for a new air purifier.
Jun 16, 2026:
We've replaced the NuWave OxyPure with the Blueair Blue Signature Large as our pick for the 'Best Air Purifier For Pets' due to its superior performance and more compact design. We've also added the NuWave OxyPure, Rabbit Air A3, and Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max to our Notable Mentions section.
Apr 28, 2026:
We've updated the article's text to more clearly explain product details and contextualize performance data.
Feb 27, 2026:
We recategorized the Levoit Vital 200S as the 'Best Mid-Range Air Purifier For Pets' pick. We added the Levoit Core 600S as the new 'Best Upper Mid-Range Air Purifier For Pets' category pick. We replaced the Levoit Core 300 with the Levoit Core 200S as the 'Best Budget Air Purifier For Pets' pick due to current availability.
Dec 01, 2025:
We replaced the Winix 5500-2 with the Levoit Vital 200S as the 'Best Air Purifier For Pets' pick due to current availability.
What To Consider When Buying An Air Purifier For Pets
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) And Coverage
Generally speaking, when considering an air purifier, it's best to measure the size of your own space, so you don't end up with too little performance for your needs. If you're looking at our reviews to help make that choice, pay close attention to the 'Particle Filtration Rate' test, particularly the 'Recommended Room Size @ Max Fan Speed' field.
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180 - 220 ft2: Very large primary bedrooms, or smaller living rooms.
- Suitable CADR: 115.2 - 140.8 CFM (195.7 - 239.2 m3/hr)
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250 - 350 ft2: Medium-sized living or dining room.
- Suitable CADR: 160.0 - 224.0 CFM (271.8 - 380.6 m3/hr)
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375 - 450 ft2: Large living rooms, or open-concept combined living and dining areas
- Suitable CADR: 240.0 - 288.0 CFM (407.8 - 489.3 m3/hr)
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500 - 650 ft2: Small partial dens.
- Suitable CADR: 320.0 - 416.0 CFM (543.7 - 706.8 m3/hr)
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700 - 950 ft2: Smaller open-concept basements.
- Suitable CADR: 448.0 - 608.0 CFM (761.2 - 1033.0 m3/hr)
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1000 ft2 or more: Medium-sized basements.
- Suitable CADR: 640 CFM (1087.4 m3/hr) or higher
Pet Dander and Filtration Efficiency
Pet dander is a composite of many different particle types, from bits of shed fur to dead skin. As a result, they run a wide gamut in terms of size, generally falling in the relatively wide ballpark of 0.1 to 25 microns in size. It doesn't take an especially restrictive filter to trap particles at the upper end of the scale, but smaller particles can demand greater filtration efficiency. There are many grades of filter categories found with air purifiers, each of which is meant to align with a different usage.
- HEPA-like: Not an official filter classification, and subject to wide degrees of performance variation. Some filters that lack HEPA certification remain highly effective for dealing with allergens, while others are ineffective
- True HEPA: The baseline for HEPA certification. True HEPA filters are certified to trap 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns (µm) in size.
- H13: Effectively one level up from True HEPA filtration, and typically found in healthcare environments. H13-grade filters are rated to trap 99.95% of particles 0.2 microns (µm) in size.
- H14: Usually found in medical environments with very strict air quality requirements, and almost certainly overkill for household use. H14-grade filters are rated to trap 99.995% of particles 0.2 microns (µm) in size.
As we explored in our best HEPA filter air purifiers article, a HEPA-certified filter isn't necessarily a guarantee of good overall filtration performance. A HEPA grade filter will demonstrate good overall filtration efficiency, which is to say, a filter's ability to trap particles within a single exchange of airflow. However, filtration efficiency isn't the be-all and end-all indicator of filtration performance. Instead, it's merely a component of a more comprehensive metric, that being the clean air delivery rate, which measures how quickly an air purifier can pull pollutants from the air.
A HEPA-rated unit with high filtration efficiency but low airflow might trap a significant amount of pollutants during a single air exchange in a room, but it also restricts its use to a relatively small area because only a small amount of air is filtered. A non-HEPA air purifier with lower filtration efficiency but higher airflow might not be as effective in capturing pollutants on its first pass, but it'll be able to filter the air multiple times within the same span as the latter. Each pass filters out more and more of the remaining pollutants from the air, meaning it won't take long for it to reach parity with a HEPA-rated unit.
Features
There are a few features that are especially nice to have if you're shopping for an air purifier, regardless of your intended use case:
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Air Quality Sensor Auto Mode
- This allows the air purifier to automatically adjust its fan speed setting in real time, without forcing you to fiddle with its onboard controls or a remote control, which is handy if air quality in your home takes a dive while you're asleep or away from home.
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Remote Control/App
- An included remote control or a smartphone companion app also allows you to operate the unit without having to walk over to it.
- Display Off Functionality
- This feature isn't strictly necessary, but can be handy if you have your air purifier set up in a home theater, bedroom, or nursery and would like to avoid any bright indicator lights taking up some of your attention.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are some of the best air purifiers for pets. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
That said, there's no single best air purifier for homes that will suit everybody; your needs will depend on your budget, the size of your living space, your tolerance for operating noise, and whether you like having a device with convenience features like Wi-Fi connectivity. If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our air purifier reviews.