Take a walk along any busy road in your city. What did you experience? You probably got a lungful of exhaust fumes in your body. Did you know that you’re breathing cleaner air than the people in vehicles driving by?
Research shows that the air inside our cars is 15 times worse than the air a few meters from the vehicle. This is bad news when you consider that traffic on roads has significantly increased globally over the past few years.
Yes, most modern cars have air filters in their HVAC system that brings in fresh, clean air from outside. But these filters can’t block ultrafine pollutants or remove cabin odors and VOCs. The air inside a car’s cabin can be polluted in three ways:
- Other vehicle emissions can enter through ventilation (PM, NOx, CO, SO2).
- In-cabin pollution (smoking, VOCs off-gassing from cabin materials).
- Bio-aerosols from passengers (pathogens buildup through coughing, sneezing, or breathing).
If you’re in a hurry, check out our best picks:
Do Car Air Purifiers Work?
The answer is simple, car air purifiers work, and they are worth it. Unlike humidifiers and essential oil diffusers, car air purifiers work by trapping tiny pollutants from the air.
Such pollutants include dust, pollen, car exhaust fumes, and VOCs. HEPA-based car air purifiers are effective than the ionizer car air purifiers.
Is a Car Air Purifier Necessary?
It depends. The HVAC systems in our cars have air filters, but these filters are unable to trap ultrafine particles. They are also unable to remove odors and harmful gases.
The filtration system in our cars was initially designed to trap large particles such as dust and pollen. As such, they are not good at removing ultrafine particles from vehicle emissions. This means Nitrogen oxides and Carbon dioxide are not filtered out.
Meanwhile, the HVAC filters are helpless when pollution is spread by passengers or enters by the opening of doors and windows. In this scenario, an air purifier can help to reduce the contaminants inside the car cabin.
You can play a part in preventing air pollutants from getting in your car by doing the following:
- Have your car vacuumed regularly.
- Bathe your pets often.
- Never smoke inside your car.
- Close car windows.
- Use low fan speed.
In this post, we review the best air purifiers for your car, including a buying guide. During our research for the best car air purifiers, we looked at the following things:
- HEPA filter for maximum effectiveness.
- Compact size to fit in the car.
- A convenient power source (USB and battery-powered).
Check out our top picks >>> The 10 Best Desktop Air Purifiers.
List of The 7 Best Car Air Purifiers:
1. Pure Enrichment Mini Portable Air Purifier
The Pure Enrichment Portable Air Purifier is one of the best HEPA car air purifiers for travelers. Weighing under one pound, this true HEPA filter air purifier keeps your cabin air clean. This is beneficial on long drives.
Besides portability, the car air purifier comes with a two-stage air purification system. They include a true HEPA filter and an activated carbon pre-filter. The first stage of the filtration system is the activated carbon pre-filter.
This filter traps cabin odors, VOCs, and vehicle emissions. After the first stage, the air passes to the true HEPA filter.
This filter traps 99.97% of pollutants in the air. Mostly, it captures pollutants 0.3 microns in size. They include pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander.
When it comes to size, the air purifier has a compact design. At 2.7 inches by 3.3 inches by 8.5 inches, this air purifier is small enough to fit in your travel briefcase or purse. In your car, you can easily place it in the cupholder.
With three fan speeds, it’s powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. On a single charge, the purifier runs for 12 hours.
To recharge the purifier, use the USB cable available in the package.
Primary filter: True HEPA
Placement in the Car: Cupholder
Power: Rechargeable li-ion battery
Replacement filter price: ~ $20, 6 months usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
2. IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier
If you are looking for a purifier to remove ultrafine pollutants, this is for you. The IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier is designed to use in cars, comes with a variety of accessories.
The air purifier has the following dimensions – 11.5 by 4.05 inches with the car mount. It weighs 5.28 pounds with the power adapter and the car mount accessories. Available in black, it uses HyperHEPA filtration technology.
Unlike true HEPA filters, which can remove pollutants of 0.3 microns. HyperHEPA filters can trap 99% of ultrafine particles down to the 0.003-micron level. Such particles or contaminants include viruses and fine combustion particles. The gas-phase media in the filter also absorbs various gases and VOCs.
Made in Germany, the purifier can clean the air inside your car up to 20 times an hour (a large car cabin has 120 cubic feet of volume). Thanks to the 270-degree air intake, it draws in dirty air more effectively in the cabin.
The purifier comes with an app that allows you to unlock more features. The IQAir Atem Car Air Purifier includes a car mount, belt and buckle to attach to the back of the seat, and car power adapter.
Primary filter: H13 HyperHEPA
Placement in the Car: Mountable to back of the seat
Power: 12V DC car adapter
Maximum Air Delivery: 39 cfm, 20 air changes per hour in a 120 cubic feet car cabin
Replacement filter price: ~ $79, 1-year usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
3. Youmeet Portable Air Purifier
The Youmeet Mini Air Purifier is a USB powered purifier with a multi-stage filtration system. It comes with a universal 1.5 meter USB cable compatible with a USB car charger. As such, you can use the purifier anywhere. Just plug it in, and you are good to go.
The Youmeet Mini includes two layers of pure cotton filter, a sponge type activated carbon filter. Another component of the filtration system is the LED UV Light.
The pure cotton pre-filters trap large particles such as pet hair, lint, and dust. The activated carbon filter neutralizes odors. Lastly, we have the UV light that sterilizes harmful bacteria and viruses.
When you combine the filtration system with the brushless DC motor, the purifier can deliver 41 cubic feet of clean air per minute. This makes it suitable for use in a sedan, SUV, or truck.
The product has the following dimensions – 4.6 by 7 inches. It weighs 500 grams, which makes it perfect for travel as it can fit in your luggage and car.
Primary filter: Cotton filter
Placement in the Car: No dedicated placement
Power: USB, 5V
Maximum Air Delivery: 41 cfm, 20 air changes per hour in a 120 cubic feet car cabin
Replacement filter price: ~ $12, 3 months usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
4. The Three Musketeers M1 Mini Portable Air Purifier
At 9 by 9 by 17 cm and 270 grams, this is one of the best car air purifiers that are lightweight and portable. Don’t be fooled by its size. The purifier can cover an area of 6 square meters. As such, it’s perfect for use in a car, office, or even a pet room.
The purifier has a 3 layer filtration system: H11 HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and mesh filter. This filtration system is available as a 360-degree filter without a dead angle. As air flows through the filter, large particles such as dust, pet hair, lint, and others are usually trapped by the mesh pre-filter.
What you need to know is that the purifier produces 30 dB at the lowest fan speed setting. To set sleep mode, press auto mode then set high speed more off. Besides the low noise, the air purifier also consumes around 0.5 W. As such, it will not drain your car battery.
The air purifier has a 360-degree air intake and outlet. The intake is on the side while the outlet is at the top. To replace the filter, buy the genuine product, remove the bottom cover, install the new screen, and reinstall the bottom cover.
Primary filter: H11 HEPA
Placement in the Car: No dedicated placement
Power: USB, 5V
Maximum Air Delivery: 6 cfm, 3 air changes per hour in a 120 cubic feet car cabin
Replacement filter price: ~ $9, 3 months usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
5. Airthereal ADH80 Air Purifier for Car
With a three-stage filtration system, the Airthereal ADH80 Air Purifier will help you breathe easier. How you may ask. The filtration system includes a pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
The pre-filter traps large particles that include pet dander, hair, and lint. With a 99.97% efficiency, the True HEPA filter captures all airborne particles small as 0.3 microns. They include smoke, dust, mold spores, and others.
Lastly, we have an activated carbon filter. Attached with a cold catalyst filter, nano mineral, and molecular sieve, it absorbs bad odors and chemical smells.
The filter comes in an elegant and compact design. To ensure the purifier continues to clean the air efficiently, replace the filter after 6 to 8 months.
At 7.1 by 11.7 inches and 3.5 pounds, the purifier can fit in your car. You can place it on the car dashboard or the sit. Thanks to the powerful motor and three-stage filtration system, it will purify the air faster as you drive to and from work.
The purifier comes with a 12V DC car adapter to ensure it cleans the air on the go.
CARB certified by the State of California, this air purifier has a CADR of 47 cfm, which can clean a large 120 cubic feet volume car cabin 23 times per hour.
Primary filter: True HEPA
Placement in the Car: No dedicated placement
Power: 12V DC car adapter
Maximum Air Delivery: 47 cfm, 23 air changes per hour in a 120 cubic feet car cabin
Replacement filter price: ~ $20, 6-8 months usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
6. Jinpus Air Purifier
The Jinpus Air Purifier is a powerful pollutant eliminator with a 360-degree purification performance. Compact but powerful, it has a sleek design. At 4.9 by 7.6 inches, it weighs 550 grams. It can fit in your car and yet clean a with more air changes per hour with 88 cfm of airflow at top speed.
This is two times more than average car air purifiers.
USB powered, it comes with a 1.5 m long USB cable. You can plug the USB cable in your car or laptop. To fully charge the purifier it takes on a few hours. Once fully charged, it can run for more than 12 hours on a single charge.
The air purifier has a three-stage filtration system. They include a fine preliminary filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. These filters work together to trap pollutants of up to 0.3 microns. The contaminants include pet dander, lint, hair, dust, and pollen.
By removing these pollutants, it keeps your cabin air fresh and clean.
What we liked about the air purifier is the simplicity of operating it. To turn on the purifier, press the power button, and blue light will turn on. A two press will set the air purifier in sleep mode. This will dim the light and will turn it off automatically after 8 hours.
To turn off the unit, triple press the power button. At sleep mode, you can hardly hear the fan running. This is because the machine produces 30 dB at sleep mode. If driving at night, the air purifier will provide a soft blue light.
This light has a dual function. First, it bathes the cabin with a soft light that relaxes you. Second, it acts as an ion generator that neutralizes pollutants. What you need to know is that the light does not emit ozone.
Primary filter: HEPA
Placement in the Car: No dedicated placement
Power: USB, 5V
Maximum Air Delivery: 88 cfm, 44 air changes per hour in a 120 cubic feet car cabin
Replacement filter price: ~ $12, 6 months usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
7. Westinghouse 1804 Portable Air Purifier
The Westinghouse 1804 Portable Air Purifier is another popular purifier that comes in a sleek, modern design. Great for travel, it weighs 2 pounds and comes with a leather strap as a handle. Not only is the purifier perfect for use in your sedan, SUV, or truck. It’s ideal for use in your hotel, plane, or train too.
It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that takes a couple of hours to charge fully. On a single charge, it can run for 8 hours. To recharge, connect the USB power cord in your car using the recommended adapter.
The purifier features patented NCCO technology that looks like PCO filtration.
Nano Confined Catalytic Oxidation technology or NCCO breaks odors and VOCs into harmless elements such as water molecules and carbon dioxide.
Besides the NCCO, the air purifier has a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter. It can trap 99.97% of particulate in the harmful air such as smoke, dust, pet dander, hair, and lint.
What you need to know is that the HEPA filter can last for 3,000 hours or 4 to 6 months.
Primary filter: H13 HEPA
Placement in the Car: No dedicated placement
Power: Rechargeable 3000 mAh li-ion battery
Maximum Air Delivery: 15 cfm, 8 air changes per hour in a 120 cubic feet car cabin
Replacement filter price: ~ $32, 3000 hours usage (check availability & filter price)
Pros & Cons:
Buying Guide for Car Air Purifiers
Car air purifiers come in all sizes and shapes. They feature different filtration methods such as true HEPA filter, non HEPA filter, carbon filter, UV-C, and ionizer. If it’s your first time shopping for the best HEPA car air purifier, you need to make an informed decision.
Lucky for you, we produced the buying guide below.
HEPA Filters
A majority of car owners think they are safe from air pollution while driving their cars. Since most cars have some kind of filtration system, they believe that air pollution from outside will not affect them. Well, they are wrong.
Not all modern cars have an efficient filtration system with a HEPA filter. Exposing yourself to pollutants will contribute to asthma and allergies. If you or a family member suffers from asthma or allergies, you may find a purifier with a HEPA filter a worthy investment.
HEPA filter, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, is a filter that traps and removes dust, dirt, pet hair, smoke, and pollen from the air.
The true HEPA filter can trap 99.97% of particles of 0.3 microns in diameter.
What you need to know is that car exhaust fumes are described as PM 2.5 and PM10. Since HEPA filters can trap particles of 0.3 microns, they will remove PM 2.5 and PM10 particles alongside other pollutants.
If you want to remove cabin odors, make sure the air purifier has an activated carbon filter.
Convenient Power Management
You can now equip your car with the best HEPA car air purifier that comes with a powerful motor covering more than 100 cubic feet cabin. Thanks to improved technology, car air purifiers are now USB powered.
Most purifiers come with a USB power cord. To power the unit, you can use a USB car charger. Some car air purifiers come with a 12V car power adapter so that you can connect straight into the 12V car power outlet.
Some car air purifiers come with a built-in rechargeable battery. On a single charge, they can run for 6 hours to 12 hours. This depends on the fan setting and models.
Size & Aesthetics
A standard home air purifier can not fit in a cup holder or sit on your car dashboard. This is because they are large in size. Car air purifiers come in a sleek, modern design. They are compact but powerful.
To mount on the car dashboard, use a suction cup. Besides size, the noise level is another factor to consider if you want to have a comfortable driving experience.
Final Thoughts
The best car air purifier is a worthy investment. They play a vital role when outdoor traffic pollution is high, and you cannot open the windows.
Some car air purifiers come with ionizers. They release negative ions to removing particulates from the air. If you intend to buy a model with an ionizer, make sure it’s CARB certified. This ensures a safe ozone emission as your drive.
If you are looking for the best car air purifiers on the market, we recommend the models reviewed above.
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