For many years, people only knew air purifiers to get rid of indoor air pollution from cooking fumes, mechanical emissions, and dust, but that’s far from the truth. 

Remarkably, air purifiers can get rid of much more, qualifying them to the ‘must have’ list. They are such a great investment.

So, Can an air purifier trap and kill viruses and bacteria?

Well, yes! Most air purifiers trap and kill bacteria and viruses in the air at the time. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers are particularly effective in arresting airborne virus-sized air elements. Other air purification technologies can kill bacteria and viruses.

 Nonetheless, no air purifier can safeguard you from a virus completely. They should, thus, not be used as substitutes for personal hygiene. You should keep up the usual hygiene routines to avoid getting germs into your home.

Not sure where to start? We have selected the top best air purifiers for bacteria and viruses in your home. In addition, we will guide you on what to look out for in the best air purifier for bacteria and viruses.

What to Look for When Buying An Air Purifier for Bacteria and Viruses

Here is a universal truth.

Not all air purifiers can eliminate germs and viruses. It takes a special kind of an air purifier to do this. One with either of the following technologies.

Ultraviolet Light

UV-C light is a form of radiation that destroys airborne bacteria and viruses by destroying their DNA. Ultraviolet light kills the germs through the air passing through the light.

 When the air is sucked into an air purifier for cleaning, it passes through thru UV-C light on its way out. The radiation breaks the germs DNA apart and kills them. The air is sterilized and safe for you to breathe.

HEPA Filters

Most viruses have a diameter of between 0.2microns and 0.4 microns. Some are smaller. For instance, the coronavirus is 0.1microns.

But High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can only filter particles bigger than O.3 microns? Doesn’t that put coronavirus and other viruses below the size that HEPA filter can trap? You ask.

Well, not necessarily. Research has proven that even particles smaller than 0.3microns have a good chance of being trapped by HEPA filters. This is because such minuscule particles tend to move in random directions, thus encountering the filter fibres as they pass through. As a result, they are trapped just likes the larger particles.

Bacteria, on the other hand, ranges between, 0.2 to 10 microns. HEPA filters can easily trap bacteria. However, there is a risk of the filters becoming a breeding ground for these bacteria. If the filters are not replaced as scheduled, the bacteria may penetrate the filter and flow back in the air.

Silver Infused HEPA Filters

As the name suggests, these are HEPA filters that are infused with silver.

You see, silver is a natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal agent.  It forces the reproduction of these pathogens to stop. This makes this kind of HEPA filter more effective.

How this filter works is that the surface has silver nanoparticles. The pathogens outer membrane comes into contact with the nanoparticles; their (pathogens) structure is altered. These changes lead to degradation and finally, the death of the pathogens.

Photoelectrochemical Oxidation

Air purifiers with this type of technology can also kill viruses and bacteria. These kinds of filters generate catalytic oxidation effects that break down the germs.

12 Best air purifiers for Bacteria and Viruses

The truth is, there are several air purifiers in the market with the above technologies today.

We understand that making a choice can be confusing. Therefore, we are making it easy for you by reviewing the top 12 air purifiers for bacteria and viruses. Choose the one that appeals to you and fits within your needs and budget.

Sharp Smart Air Purifier

Covering a space of 502 sq. ft. the Sharp has a big striking look.  Using the Plasmacluster Technology against airborne viruses and bacteria, it is effective leaving clean air to breath.

The quiet feature purifies the air using a 3-stage purification system of;

1. Activated Carbon filter – Reduces pet, smoke and other household odours.
2. True HEPA filter – The True HEPA Filter arrests to 99.97% of airborne pathogens as tiny as 0.3 microns such as viruses, germs, bacteria, pollen, and dust. 
3. Plasmacluster Technology –Decreases the capacity of pollutants more. You can easily switch on/off.

The smart sensor automatically controls the fan speed reliant to the level of pollutions in the air. Similarly, the dust, odour, and clean sign sensors recognize the precise pathogens for successful air cleansing. What’s more?

Utilizing the Sharp Air App, you can control the air purifier from your mobile anywhere you are. The app can also inform you of the situation of the filters if they need replacement or not.

Pros

• Diverse operation modes
• Noiseless operation
• Smart mode activated
• Auto-restart
• Top-notch performance
• Sleek design
• Smart app
• 3-stage filtration system

Cons

• Costly

Green Air

Breathe easy with this Non-ozone air purifier that covers up to 1000 sq. ft. Green Air Encore HEPA has a 3-staged air filtration system o

1. Mesh Pre-Filter – The washable micron mesh captures 99.9% of impurities, the size of 0.28mm, prolonging the other two filters’ life.
2. Activated Carbon Filter – Reduces smoke odour and toxic gasses such as Benzene and Formaldehyde.
3. True HEPA Filter – Eliminates 99.97% of germs and allergens as small as 0.3 microns such as bacteria, viruses, pet dander, smoke, dust, and mold spores. 

The Green air Encre has an air quality colour changing light ring informs you of the air quality in your space. The automatic air filter change indicator tells you when the filters are worn out and need change.

In addition, it has four modes easily adjustable to suit your situation and preference with a noiseless operation.

Pros

• Very quiet operation
• Top-notch performance
• A 3-stage air purification system
• Air quality and filter change indicators
• Powerful enough for large spaces

Cons

• Filters wear out faster in large rooms.

ENVION TA500 Ionic Pro Turbo

Are you thinking of getting your office or child’s room an air purifier? Look no further because the Envion ionic air purifier kills germs, bacteria, viruses, and odours without making noise.

The Ionic Purification Technology sanitizes and removes up to 99. 9% of airborne germs and odours in your home.

Remarkably, the classy tower design consumes less energy to purify the air from medium to large rooms up to 3 times in an hour. 

This Envion ionic air purifier is user friendly. The speed levels are simple to use and set according to your desired liking.

Imagine the thought of never having to replace a filter. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, the filter in this gadget is washable, and the front blade compartment makes it easy to clean. 

Pros

• Forever use and washable filter.
• User friendly
• Quiet operation
• Sophisticated design
• Low energy consumption

Cons

• The filter works for a shorter time after each cleaning and produces a loud crackling sound

Aair 3-in-1 Pro Air Purifier

The Aair 3-in-1 Pro Air Purifier inhibits even the toughest airborne health risks from affecting the entire family. The aair Medical Pro is constructed with a Swiss anti-microbial covering that permits elimination of airborne impurities without using dangerous UV rays. Also, it purifies air pollution.

Everybody loves sound, beauty sleep. Therefore, this gadget operates on the lowest noise level at night mode, similar to a whisper of 35db.

The aair Medical Pro works in spaces as big as 540 sq. ft. This makes it ideal for large rooms.

With IAQ sensor technology, the aair runs effectively using less energy in time. What’s more?

While using the hospital level TRUE HEPA filtration system of 14 filter material, no pathogen escapes the magnificent aair Medical Pro. Pre-filter and HEPA filters are equally treated with Zinc-Perithione Varnish that gets rid of the bacteria stuck in the filter.

An Aeris device app gives you full insight and freedom to operate it from wherever.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Attractive design with three colours to choose from
• Lon filter life and simple filter replacement method
• Smart mode 
• Child lock enabled

Cons

• Expensive

Oransi

        Do you need to eliminate the disgusting constant cigarette smoke from your home? We got you covered. The Oransi covers till 600 sq. feet space with silent operation and 3-stage air purification;

1. Pre-Filter – Durable and captures big dust particles. Also, clean using light vacuuming.
2. HEPA Filter – The top-notch performance HEPA filter arrests until 98% of pathogens. The seal inhibits no air to escape the filter. 
3. Activated Carbon Filter: Traps gases and odours and smoke.

The smart mode has both Air Quality Monitor and Filter Replacement Indicators. The Air Quality Monitor automatically adjusts the fan speed when in auto mode while tracking the air quality in your space. Conversely, the Filter Replacement Indicators alerts when the filter check time is due. The colour-coded guide helps you to understand when you need to replace the filters.

Wondering how to use it? Just plug in and breath in better allergy-free air.

Pros

• Simple to use and set up
• Smart mode enabled
• 3-stage purification system
• Easy to replace filters with no tools or manual needed
• Value for money

Cons

• Noisy when turned off

Sharp fp J80E

Covering a space of 62sq.m, the Sharp fp J80E has a big striking look. Plasmacluster Technology is effective against airborne viruses and bacteria, leaving fresh and healthy air.

The noiseless feature cleanses air using a 3-stage purification system of;

• Activated Carbon filter – Decreases pet dander, smoke, and other indoor odours.
• True HEPA filter – The True HEPA Filter captures up to 99.97% of airborne microbes as small as 0.3 microns like viruses, germs, bacteria, pollen, and dust. 
• Plasmacluster Technology –Reduces further the capacity of pollutants. Easily on/off switch.

The smart sensor automatically regulates the fan speed depending on the level of contaminations in the air. Equally, the dust, odour, and clean sign sensors recognize the precise pathogens for successful air cleansing. What’s more?

Utilizing the Sharp Air App, you can control the air purifier from your mobile anywhere you are. The app can also inform you of the situation of the filters if they need replacement or not.

Pros

• 5 operation modes; Max / Med / Low / Pollen / Sleep
• Noiseless operation
• Smart mode sensors and indicators
• Child lock/ auto restart
• High performance
• Sleek design
• Smart app
• 3-stage filtration system

Cons

• Available in one colour-black
• Expensive

LG Puricare 360

The fact that this LG puricare360 is lightweight makes it easy for you to carry it around anywhere in the house you like. Its compact size enables you to charge it easily and use up to 8 hours. What’s more?

With Intertek certification, it can eliminate 99% of 0.3-microns that cause diseases. The low and whisper kind of noise of 30db allows you to confidently bring it in a library with no worries of disturbing anyone.

The 4-Color Smart Display automatically shows the air condition using four colours and real-time detection. Dual inverter motors make a faster and powerful airflow and cleansing. Read on.

You can easily operate it using only two buttons at the top. The three lights when on, activate the Turbo mode to remove dust efficiently.

Last but not least, the PuriCare Mini app remotely controls airflow power. It also enables you to access unique features like; filter data, automatic reports, battery level status, present ambient air conditions, and pollution history. Amazingly, this app is also blue tooth enabled.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Simple to use
• 4-color smart display
• A durable battery of up to 8 hours
• Noiseless operation
• Smart features inclusive of Bluetooth
• Compact and attractive design

Cons

• Smart functions limited to only the LG platform

Dyson Pure Cool Cryptomic

The Dyson pure cool cryptomic not only purifies the air in your space but also heats and cools your ambience. How amazing is that? When it is winter, the Dyson pure cool cryptomic heats the room and cools off the room when summer and hot.

Activated carbon filters eliminate gases while the Closed HEPA filters arrest 99.97% of allergens and pollutants. Besides, it spontaneously senses airborne pathogens and odors, then analyses and reports on the spot. What’s more?

In addition, the unique Dyson cleansing fans and heaters have Air Multiplier technology and 350° rotation to spread fresh air everywhere in the room.

Lastly, you can monitor and regulate your device from anywhere using the Dyson Link app. You get to know about the present air quality, humidity, filter lifespan, and air quality, both outdoor and indoor.

Pros

• Adjustable control modes
• Smart app for monitoring and regulation remotely
• Unique and sleek design
• Effective Carbon and HEPA filters 
• Heats and cools the air

Cons

• Limited availability

SilverOnyx Air purifier

In ancient Indian tales, Onyx referred to as protection against evil. In the same way, the  silverOnyx air purifier can protect you against bacteria, viruses and other harmful pollutants. This product is not only powerful but affordable. It is also compact and comes in a sleek design that will match your interior décor.

Further, the silverOnyx has a 5-stage air purification system that includes an inbuilt ionizer and UV-C light to get rid of bacteria and viruses.

The pre-filter captures and traps large particles and allergens. The true HEPA filter captures germs and other small allergens of up to 0.3microns. The cylinder-shaped internal filter is an added advantage. The cylindrical shape increases the surface area by 60%, making the purifier more effective.

Still, on the purification system, this unit has a carbon filter that reduces household odours.  Also, it has an inbuilt ionizer to kill bacteria and Ultraviolet light to kill all pathogens, including viruses.

That is not all. This product also has a Particulate Matter (PM) sensor that automatically adjusts the airflow. You can rest assured the air quality in your home is the best. Also, it has a LED indicator that notifies you when its time to change the filters.

In addition, this purifier is very easy to operate. It has an easy to use button that displays the purifiers features.

Pros

• 5-stage purification
• Large surface area
• SMART features
• Easy to operate

Cons

• Noisy

Pure enrichment Purezone Air purifier

Breathe easy all day with pure enrichment pure zone air purifier. It is not only whisper quite in operation but quite affordable (pun intended). You neither need to break a bank nor your eardrums.

Designed for up to 200sq. Ft rooms, this unit has a 3-stage purification system, this product will keep you and your family safe from airborne illness. Like many purifiers, it has a pre-filter to trap large particles and True HEPA filter that eliminate over 99.97% small particles. Also, it has a carbon filter that reduces household odours.

In addition, this unit comes with an in-built UV-C light for additional bacterial and viral destruction.

You will also love this products energy efficiency and ease of operation. You can easily select three timer settings to save energy or run continuously. Also, you can choose one of the three fan settings.

The purifier operates at a noise level of 30decibels.  That is lower than a refrigerator.

Pros

• Whisper-quiet operation
• UV-C light
• Easy to operate
• Eliminates odours

Cons

• Noisy at highest fan setting

Molekule Air Purifier

As the adage goes, without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible. So, let us not talk about HEPA filters, UV-C light and carbon filters for a minute. Shall we?

Meet the unique kid and in the block: Molekule air purifier.

Unlike other purifiers in this review, this brand uses nanotechnology to destroy viruses and other pathogens. The whole process is known as photoelectrochemical Oxidation (PECO).

I know, I know!… let me explain.

PECO uses UV-C light to excite a nano-coated filter. The filter, in turn, starts a catalytic oxidation reaction. The oxidation reaction then breaks the pollutants down at a molecular level, making them harmless. According to research’, this technology effectively destroys up to 99.99% of airborne bacteria and viruses that go through it.

Does this technology emit ozone? You ask

Not. In fact, not only does this product not emit ozone, it eliminates it.

Further, this unit takes in air and disperses it from every angle. It also quiet in operation with a noise level of 41decibels. It is quieter at the lowest speed.

In addition, this unit is user friendly and convenient. It is controlled using a well-labelled touch-screen display. It is also Wi-Fi enabled for more convenience. You can control it remotely using an android or iPhone app.

You will also like its leather handle, which makes the air purifier portable. The sleek design makes it compatible with almost any interior décor. Finally, it comes in different sizes. You can choose a molecule air purifier for large spaces up to 6oo sq. Ft or molecule air purifier for smaller spaces up to 250 sq. Ft.

Pros

• Advanced technology
• Whisper quiet
• Portable
• Ozone free
• 360degrees air intake

Cons

• Expensive compared to other purifiers

Alen T500 Air purifier

if you are looking for an air purifier for your small apartment, Alen T500 is your best pick. This product is designed to cover both small and medium spaces.

This air purifier has four air purifying filters: pre-filter, True HEPA, silver layer and Activated carbon filter. The True HEPA eliminates up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants bigger than o.3 microns. The HEPA silver layer contains compounds that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses including influenza.

Further, this air purifier has an ionizer for more viral and bacterial elimination power. Also, it cleans 500ssq. Ft of air every 30 minutes.

In addition, this unit is also easy to operate. It features an LCD where you can change the settings at a click of a button. It also has an LED indicator which alerts you when the filters need to be changed.  You need not contact a technician to change the filters as they are easy to change.

This unit is also Energy-star certified for its low power consumption. It consumes 53watts at the highest speed. The only downside for this unit is that it can be a bit noisy at the highest fan setting.

 Pros

• East-t0-change filters
• 5-in-1 purification system
• Filter change indicator
• Portable
• Low energy consumption

Cons

• A bit noisy at the highest fan setting

Wrapping It Up

The best way to keep respiratory illnesses (apart from regular cleaning) is by investing in a good air purifier for bacteria and viruses. It will keep the air you breath safe.

We hope the above review helps you pick an air purifier that suits your needs and budget.

Happy shopping!