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7 Best High CADR Air Purifier (Certified Air Performance!) in 2023

It is hard to determine the best air purifier, with every manufacturer having its own benchmark testing. Fortunately, AHAM, the independent home appliance organization, came out with a standardized testing method which is the CADR we know today. To make life easier for you, we have compared every model listed on the AHAM database based on the size, filtration setup, and specification. Find out which is the best CADR air purifier that you can buy right now, along with their pros and cons.
Certified

2023 Best High CADR Air Purifier

BEST BUDGETBEST OVERALLBEST PERFORM-ANCEPERFORMANCE
GermGuardian AC9200WCA Air Purifier ReviewAlen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier ReviewMedify Air MA-112 Air Purifier Review
GermGuardian AC9200WCA Air PurifierAlen BreatheSmart 75i Air PurifierMedify Air MA-112 Air Purifier
CADR (DUST/ POLLEN/ SMOKE)
310 cfm/ 346 cfm/ 244 cfm347 cfm/ 347 cfm/ 347 cfm950 cfm/ 950 cfm/ 950 cfm
Recommended Room Size
378 sq. ft. (35 m2)1,300 sq. ft. (121 m2)2,500 sq. ft. (232 m2)
CADR
Dust 310 cfm (527 m3/h)
Pollen 346 cfm (588 m3/h)
Smoke 244 cfm (415 m3/h)
Dust 347 cfm (590 m3/h)
Pollen 347 cfm (590 m3/h)
Smoke 347 cfm (590 m3/h)
Dust 950 cfm (1614 m3/h)
Pollen 950 cfm (1614 m3/h)
Smoke 950 cfm (1614 m3/h)
Filtration
5-stage3-stage4-stage
Ratings
4.4out of 54.6out of 54.1out of 5
Amazon Price
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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** MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)/ RSP (Retail selling price) is accurate at the time of posting.
^ Annual filter cost is calculated based on filter price and 12 hours of usage. Pricing could vary depending on air quality, usage frequency, and speed.
` The indicated online price guides as follows: $ = under $50, $$ = $50-100, $$$ = $101-200, $$$$ = 201-300, $$$$$ = $301-400, $$$$$$ = 401-500, $$$$$$$ = over $500.

How Do We Measure?

Having a high clean air delivery rate should not be your only consideration when purchasing an air purifier. There are other valuable benchmarks that can help you decide whether the air purifier you're about to buy is the right one. To save you the trouble of going through every specification, here are the features you will need to consider for the best CADR air purifier.

  • Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) - We're using the overall CADR metric between dust, pollen, or smoke. The higher the output, the swifter an air purifier can remove the particulates in a room. Never go below 200 cubic feet per minute.
  • Room size - An excellent benchmark to see if the strong CADR matches the recommended room size coverage. Go with a large air purifier that can cover at least 300 square feet with 2 air changes per hour.
  • Dimension - Generally, high CADR air purifiers are big and bulky and occupy a lot of interior space. So think carefully about where you intend to place the model, measure the model dimension, and make sure the device can fit in.
  • HEPA filter - A must-have filtration in any air purifier, regardless of the specification. Ensure the air cleaner is equipped with an H13 or true HEPA filter instead of an inferior HEPA-type filter.
  • Carbon filter - Another must-have filter that covers smoke, toxic fumes, and odors. Choose a dedicated activated carbon filter over a carbon pre-filter with a thin sheet.
  • Addon filtration - From germ-killing UV-light, negative ion generator to antimicrobial, anything that can help clean the air would be welcome with open arms. Note that the CADR does not take into account any addon filtration.
  • Noise level - If you're considering using an air purifier during work or sleep, go with a model that outputs less than 50 decibels at normal speed.
  • Cost of ownership - There's no denying that the absolute best CADR air purifier will cost you a bomb (above 1 grand). So buy what you can afford to own and maintain as an air cleaner that will last for ages.

The best bang for buck air purifier on the list with a high CADR. GermGuardian AC9200WCA is a highly regarded air cleaner that offers great value at an accessible price. Thanks to the side air inlets and uncluttered removable panels, it looks modern and sleek over most CADR air cleaners here. At a width of 17 inches and 27 inches in height, GermGuardian AC9200WCA commands little interior space compared with other big boys here. The bottom-to-top air circulation allows you to place the device by the corners with just a few feet of gap between walls. The 20.7 lb in weight is still manageable for room-to-room purifying when needed. Build quality is good for daily use, with no signs of off-gassing due to poor fitting. The extended 3 years warranty covers any manufacturer defects that hinder usability.

Moving to the easy to use controls that GermGuardian AC9200WCA is blessed with. You have a standard 3 fan speeds, a timer with preset 2/ 4/ 6 hours, and a filter change indicator that alerts you to replace the filter or UV-C light when it is due. Since no auto mode is available, everything has to be set accordingly before you leave for work or hit the sack. You also have the option to disable the ionizer and UV-C light during the purification.

At around 300 dollars after discount, GermGuardian AC9200WCA has an impressive clean air delivery rate of 310 cfm for dust, 346 cfm for pollen, and 244 cfm for smoke. A rare trade for an air purifier of its caliber outpacing most competitor models. At an ideal speed and room temperature, it can cover a respectable 378 square footage of room size with good air changes per hour. Highly suited for a studio, small apartment, bedroom, living room, basement, playroom, and nursery home plagued with bad air. Another perk is the noise level and power usage is on the lower tier. No problem running it comfortably during work or sleep. No other CADR air purifiers offer the air cleaning serenity that GermGuardian AC9200WCA gives.

GermGuardian AC9200WCA CADR Air Purifier Review

Controversially, the biggest strength of the GermGuardian AC9200WCA air purifier is not its CADR but the 5-stage filtration. Starting with the reusable pre-filter that traps large PM10 particles and protects the HEPA filter from being damaged by sharp objects. The true HEPA filter removes 99.97% finer PM2.5 contaminants like mold, pollen, mildew, pet dander, and germs. The activated carbon filter neutralizes household smoke, chemical fumes, and odors through chemical adsorption. For bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, UV-C light radiation permanently kills biological pollutants with no chance of growth. Finally, the ionizer electrostatically charges negative ions that merge and weigh down airborne particles for the filter to capture. Both ionizer and UV light is safe and effective filtration but play no role in the CADR measurement.

On to the few drawbacks we need to touch on. GermGuardian AC9200WCA does not have an outrageously expensive price tag (around 300 after a discount). The annual filter cost can be a long-term burden, especially when indoor air quality is less than ideal. The UV light bulb intensity will drop substantially, resulting in reduced performance if it is not replaced in time. Another minor complaint is the lack of air quality indicators and Auto mode that can be useful at times. Not a deal-breaker for a CADR orient model as long as you understand what you're getting at.

In short:A HEPA 5-stage air purifier without the outrageous price tag. The perfect balance between performance and cost. ⚠️ Buy this if you want a decent CADR air purifier at a more attainable price.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.4

OUT OF 5

GermGuardian AC9200WCA online price **
±499.99 $$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±128-182)

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When the indoor air is at an unhealthy level with visible PM10 pollutants, you will need a high CADR air purifier like Alen BreatheSmart 75i. This high-performance, console-sized air cleaning machine stands at an 18.5 x 27 x 11.5 inches dimension and a hefty 32 pounds weight. Not the biggest model on this list, but it will still take up some room space and thus can be problematic for a small room. Design-wise, the classic side air inlet setup supports many customizable panels you can swap out to match your interior design. There is also an air quality indicator that illuminates blue, yellow, or red light to reflect the room's air condition. Fitting and build quality are second to none, as evidenced by the Lifetime warranty (with subscription filter).

With tons of embedded features, usability is great with the Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier. You can cycle through the 4 fan speeds, optional ionizer activation, child-lock that locks the setting, 3 preset timers to shut down the machine, and our favorite auto mode. With energy-saving auto mode, BreatheSmart 75i will only run at a higher speed when there is an increase of airborne pollutants in the air. The advanced Smart Filter calculates the filter life, so you only have to replace the dirty filter when it is completely worn out.

Here's why we picked the Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier when it comes to air cleaning performance. It delivers a strong 347 cubic feet per minute for dust, pollen, and smoke. Overly exceeded our minimum 200 cfm CADR threshold. Complemented by the 150-285 cfm of airflow delivery rate, the recommended room size is up to a wide 1,100 square footage at regular air changes per hour. It is ideal for large room sizes like living room, bedroom, basement, garage, kitchen, and home office. If your home constantly suffers from bad air quality from external pollutants, Alen BreatheSmart 75i can be a difference-maker.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i CADR Air Purifier Review

Alen BreatheSmart 75i is not the most silent air purifier in the market despite the incorporation of WhisperMax technology. The 42 to 56 decibels noise level is on the louder side due to the high airflow output. It is still suitable for everyday use as long as you keep the fan speed low. Power consumption is a tad high, between 64 to 105 wattage output per hour, tallying with the CADR. You should still run it 24x7 with Auto mode enabled to conserve energy.

With its strong CADR, Alen BreatheSmart 75i can remove all types of airborne pollutants, but you need to choose the right set of filters. The first-stage pre-filter traps large particles like dust and prevents them from clogging the HEPA filter. The default HEPA-Pure filter removes 99.97% of airborne particulates as small as 0.1 microns, including bacteria and viruses. For smoke filtration, you will need to upgrade to either mold removal HEPA-Silver filter, HEPA-FreshPlus, or HEPA-OdorCell filter that comes with additional deodorization filtration. Since the customized filter does not impact the CADR outcome, we recommend going straight for the best HEPA-OdorCell filter upgrade. Lastly, the optional ionizer generates millions of negative ions that attract and pull down positive ion pollutants in the air for the HEPA filter to capture. The technology is safe and effective but does produce a very insignificant amount of ozone (CARB approved). Since ionizer plays no role in the CADR ratings, you can turn it off as you wish.

The drawback of the Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier is the cost. Not only will you have to take in the 700+ dollar selling price, the customizable panel costs money, and so does the filter replacement set. Opting for the upgradeable filter will add another 30-40 dollars to the total cost annually. The abovementioned noise is also on the louder side when running at a higher speed. If you are not a big fan of white noise, it can be distracting for those working from home or having a baby to take care of.

In short: A premium, high CADR HEPA air purifier that offers customization in filtration and outlook. An Addon filter upgrade is a must to complete the purification. ⚠️ Buy this if you are OK with the extra charges on top of the selling price.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.6

OUT OF 5

Alen BreatheSmart 75i online price **
±749.00 $$$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±66-99)

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An expensive, clean, modern air purifier with a touch of elegance. Medify Air MA-112 is undisputedly the best CADR performance model yet considerably small compared with some of the models here. The sleek design does not impair airflow distribution in any shape or form. At 16 x 28 x 15 inches in size, you will have no issue finding a place for it unless you live in a shared bedroom, dorm, or small cubicle with limited spaces. The heavy 32 pounds weight does pose more of a problem when you try to move it around. Otherwise, this is a very livable air-cleaning machine.

Available in 2 colors, Medify Air MA-112 air purifier's simple controls will work like a charm in cleaning unhealthy indoor air. You can cycle through 4 variable speeds or activate shutdown timers to manage the air cleaner runtime. The convenient child lock mode locks the setting and prevents any unintended adjustment. Dimmer light mode disables all LED indicator lights that can be annoying when used during the night. A bonus in Medify Air MA-112, there is a built-in sensor to support the air quality indicator, sleep, and auto mode. In auto mode, the air cleaner will only run at a higher speed when a significant concentration level of pollutants is detected. AQI displays the room air quality's current status; from there, you can see how the air purifier will react to it. Lastly, a fairly accurate filter replacement indicator will remind you to change the filter after 3,000 hours of air purification.

Safety-wise, Medify Air MA-112 air purifier is CARB (California Air Resources Board) approved ozone-safe, AHAM tested, and ETL listed. Build quality is tight, with the goal set for long hours of operation. The lifetime warranty is the perfect testimonial of its long-term durability providing only an original Medify Air filter is used. Simply put, with Medify Air MA-112 air cleaner, you will be set for life.

Great for hypersensitive person, Medify MA-112 air purifier CADR ratings is at an impressive 950 cubic feet per minute (cfm). A remarkable air cleaning achievement (3 times more to exact) considering its segment. With the high CADR. Medify MA-112 can clean 2,500 square footage of room size in 30 minutes or 2 air changes per hour. Double the air changes per hour to 4 (15 minutes); it can still reach 1,250 square footage of air cleaning space. Suitable as a whole-house air purifier or set for living room, master bedroom suite, basement, nursery, and home office. Unfortunately, the noise level will take a hit to accommodate the strong airflow. Anticipate a loud 70 decibels when the air purifier runs at max speed. You can keep it at the lowest speed when you need quietness e.g. during work or sleep. As an Energy Star rated model, power usage is reasonable for its class and the strong 950 cfm output. You can run it 24x7 with minimal impact on your utility bill.

Medify Air MA-112 CADR Air Purifier Review

Combining the best CADR and Medical-grade filtration, no pollutants will be too difficult for Medify Air MA-112 air purifier. The dual air intake pulls in air from both sides for the first round of filtration by the pre-filter. With both pre-filters capturing all the large particles, the H13 HEPA filter trap remaining microscopic particles as small as 0.1 microns with an efficiency of 99.9%. This includes lead dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and virus carrier. The activated carbon filter absorbs odor from pets, cooking, and toxic fumes from VOCs, asbestos, cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, and benzene. The optional ionizer diffuses charge negative ions to latch and merge pollutants in the air. This resulted in the latched particles falling from the increased weight allowing the medical-grade filter to capture them. Medify Air's 4-stage filtration efficiency is proven beyond doubt, with only Blueair Pro that matches its superiority.

There is nothing bad to say about the Medify Air H13 air purifier when money is no issue. Sadly, not everyone has the luxury to do so. You might be better off with a slightly lower variant of Medify Air models such as MA-50 or MA-40. As always, the high filter replacement set will cost you dearly, particularly in an unhealthy air environment. Something you need to seriously consider as the recurring fees will keep on coming. If you want to max out on the CADR performance, the whirring fan noise can be distracting when you leave it at full blast. Overall, if you are staying in a single-floor home or studio room with limited partitions, it is no brainer to invest in Medify Air MA-112 air purifier for a lifetime of clean air.

In short: The top-of-the-line Medify H13 air purifier with the highest CADR ratings and price tag. Look out for the recurring filter cost as well. ⚠️ Buy this if you want the best CADR and can afford to maintain one.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.1

OUT OF 5

Medify Air MA-112 online price **
±595.00 $$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±278-417)

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The best comes from Sweden, and Blueair is the key to unlocking everlasting clean air. Blueair Classic 605 air purifier is nothing short of amazing when it comes to clean air delivery rate. This white powder-coated machine host a series of HEPA air filtration that you will not find elsewhere. At a large 20 x 26 x 13 inches in dimension and a 35 lb weight, its simplistic approach blends well in the modern exterior but at the cost of space and movability. You will have to hard time moving it around even with the 4 durable casters to support it. It is essentially a set it and leaves it type of air purifier.

With a slight learning curve, Blueair 605 is easy to use once the Wi-Fi setup is completed. There are 3 buttons at the top: the fan speed, filter reset button, and Wi-Fi button. The Wi-Fi button allows remote access via phone pairing for advanced function and remote access. By downloading the Blue Friend app at iTunes or the Play store, you can use your smartphone to control the fan speed, LED light, child lock, or set up night mode in any part of the world. There is also a scheduler to help manage Blueair 605 operational hours and other useful information to help you achieve the pinnacle of clean air. For those that prefer the conventional method, you can also turn on/ off and physically set the fan speed of Blueair via the control panel. Overall, the build quality is exceptional that guarantees no off-gassing from its eco-friendly materials. The 5 years warranty will give you deservingly peace of mind throughout the course of ownership.

An official AHAM verified model, Blueair 605 can quickly clean the air in a room with CADR ratings of 500 cfm for dust, 640 cfm for pollen, and 500 cfm for smoke. Far greater than the majority of the air cleaners in its class. Airflow delivery rate tally with the CADR at a max 650 cfm and large room size equivalent of up to 775 square footage. You can use it as a whole-room air purifier in a single-story home, apartment, condo, and office with doors wide open. The noise level is surprisingly livable, even with the strong airflow output. Blueair 605 only generates a low 23 decibels when running at the lowest speed to a normal conversation at 62 decibels at max speed. Far more efficient than MA-112 and Blueair Pro series counterparts. The same goes with the power consumption; anticipate a low 15 wattage hourly to a reasonable 100 watts when it is set to max.

Blueair 605 CADR Air Purifier Review

With the strong CADR, no airborne particles will be able to get away from Blueair's trademark electrostatic and mechanical filtration. First, the drawn-in air will be electrically charged in the encapsulated particle-charging chamber. This allows the charged particles to be more adhesive to the gradient structure particles filter resulting in a 99.97% removal efficiency as small as 0.1 microns. This includes dust mites, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. On top of it all, there is antibacterial polypropylene fibers coat that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Very useful if you are living in a humid area notorious for creating a habitat for pathogens. Lastly, the SmokeStop Carbon filter neutralizes toxic fumes, chemical smoke, and household odors, including ozone. Every filter works as advertised, and you will feel the changes in air quality in a matter of hours

Changing the tune, Blueair 605 has most of the drawbacks you would expect from a high CADR air purifier. Cumbersome, as it is designed to be bulky to fit in the large fan motor and filters. The replacement filter will cost you between 230-460 dollars annually if you follow the exact interval timeline. The lack of auto mode is disappointing, but the expensive price tag is the biggest stumbling block for most people. Nonetheless, nothing is more valuable than your health, and clean air is a big part of it. If Blueair 605 pricing doesn't cut it for you, downgrade to 405 or 205 series if you want something cheaper but with an identical specification.

In short: A HEPASilent air purifier that gives you more than just high CADR ratings. The high price tag and maintenance fees will limit its appearance. ⚠️ Buy this if you want a proven HEPASilent technology and the best CADR performance Classic Blueair has to offer.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.8

OUT OF 5

Blueair 605 online price **
±829.99 $$$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±230-460)

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Forget about the M and L variant Blueair Pro XL is the best CADR air purifier you can get right now. This premium, niche air cleaning machine comes in at a tall 20 x 44 x 10 inches in dimension. While the size is still manageable, the 71 pounds weight limits badly on its versatility. Even with the carrying handle, you can forget about room-to-room purifying as it is too much effort to do so. you'll have to pick the right spot to place it so Blueair Pro can cover multiple places of air cleaning at one go. With the assuring 5 years warranty, build quality is outstanding with no signs of air escaping or poorly aligned case. After all, this is Sweden's best of the best.

Blueair Pro XL is straightforward to use with the inclusion of the Air Intelligence Module. In auto mode, the air purifier will only run at higher fan speeds when indoor air quality is deteoriating. You can still use the manual 3 speeds mode but it is not necessarily at this point. A red filter light indicator will illuminate between 6 to 12 months when the trio filter requires replacing. Lastly, there is a dual air quality indicator that displays the air-suspended particles (PM2.5) and gaseous contaminants (GAS) levels. 1 green bar equals good indoor air quality while 3 bars (green, yellow, and red) equals unhealthy air quality level. Timer is the most notable missing feature but that hardly hamper the overall usability.

Here's why Blueair Pro XL is the undisputed, best high CADR air purifier for residential and commercial use. It is tested by AHAM with the official CADR ratings of 950 cfm for dust, 900 cfm for pollen, and 800 cfm for smoke. The air purifier will promptly remove airborne pollutants before it has a chance to trigger your allergies. The German-engineered fans output a strong 990 cfm airflow distribution cater to 1,180 square footage of air cleaning coverage. Ideal for large room sizes like office, living room, nursery home, classroom, meeting hall, cafeteria, and study area. Noise levels can be subtle between 32 to 58 dB(A) despite the abundance of clean air delivery thanks to the sound dampening material. Energy usage is unavoidably high with up to 256 wattages hourly. Compared with models such as BreatheSmart, the power consumption is 3-4 times higher which will be reflected in your monthly bill. This is not the model you want it by the bedside.

Blueair Pro XL CADR Air Purifier Review

Here's where all the money goes to. Blueair Pro XL is the highest tier in its series so naturally, it comes with the best trio encapsulated particle-charging chamber setup. the ionizer electrostatically charges particles into the filtration. The charged particles will be more sticky to the V-shaped dense filter allowing the trio Pro3 Particle Filter to swiftly remove 99.97% of the biological pollutants as small as 0.1 microns including pet dander, mold, bacteria, and viruses. The trio Pro SmokeStop filter absorbs primarily chemical fumes and odors including radon, ammonia, CO, CO2, VOCs, ozone, and asbestos that is common in old buildings. As an extra layer of protection, the filter media is made from waterproof, natural antibacterial polypropylene fibers that inhibit mold and bacteria growth. Very important to curb down the reintroduction of germs into the air space.

Let's divert our attention to the common downsides of high CADR air purifiers. Blueair Pro XL is the biggest and heftiest air purifier here which heavily impacted its mobility. Although stable, the 32+ pounds weight can be a safety concern when you have children or pets playing near the machine. You also have to bear the 2,000+ dollar price tag and exuberance trio filter costs that can go as high as 1000+. Perhaps the biggest letdown is the lack of Wi-Fi support, remote control, and timer features at this price tag. That said, Blueair Pro XL is a very niche product that caters to those with severe respiratory issues. If your focus is getting the best CADR air cleaner, look no further.

In short: Blueair Pro XL is the ultimate CADR purifier that almost nobody will buy. If you can afford one, this could be the smartest health decision you will ever make. ⚠️ Buy this when money is no objection.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.7

OUT OF 5

Blueair Pro XL online price **
±2427.00 $$$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±540-1080)

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A surprising entry to the CADR air purifier world, Gocheer GH-Monster is a modern, smart air purifier that is still somewhat accessible (under 600). The futuristic design and dual air intake setup come in at a 15.9 x 31.9 x 14.8 inches dimension size. Not too big for a high CADR air purifier but you will definitely feel its presence. Weight-wise, the 34.9 pounds weight is well supported by the integrated 360 degrees castor wheels and universal pulley. You will have no problem moving Gocheer GH-Monster around. Finishing up the exterior tour is the front vertical LED light that illuminates when the air purifier is turned on.

Gocheer GH-Monster Smart air purifier is a powerhouse when it comes to usability. The glossy touch controls panel allows the easy operation of the 4 fan speeds, shut down timers, lighting dimmer, child lock, and filter reset. Child lock is a godsend for those with children at home and light dimmer clearly benefits from the deactivation of indicator light. With the built-in laser particle sensor, you can activate sleep mode and auto mode that automatically set the fan speed to high when a high concentration level of indoor airborne pollutants is detected. Another unique feature in Gocheer GH-Monster is the Wi-Fi smart app remote control. Just like Blueair 605, you can monitor and control the air purifier remotely via your smartphone or tablet. A convenient and seamless experience that can be done at a click of a button. On the whole, Gocheer GH-Monster 4-in-1 air purifier is very well put together for everyday use. It is also ETL/ UL listed, CARB approved, and asthma & allergy-friendly certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

On paper, Gocheer GH-Monster is the best CADR air purifier you can get right now. It features an industry-leading 1000 cfm CADR that can swiftly remove airborne allergies before it causes any harm. Outrank even the greatest model such as Medify Air MA-112 and Blueair Pro XL. The dual suction covers 2,500 square footage of air cleaning space with 2 changes per hour/ 30 minutes. You can also increase the air changes frequency clean to 4 or every 15 minutes at a reduced 1,250 square footage. Ideal for living room, hospital, office, basement, studio apartment, or single-storey home as a whole-house air purifier. Noise output can be whisper-quiet if you run it in sleep mode at around 25 decibels but anticipate a more realistic 40 decibels on daily use. Power consumption is also decent at around 35% more energy-efficient over the same category models. A worthy consideration for those that count on every penny.

Gocheer GH-Monster Smart CADR Air Purifier Review

Double the filters, double the protection against airborne pollutants. Gocheer GH-Monster Smart air purifier 4/5 stage filtration will protect you from inhaling harmful allergens by swiftly capturing them. The twin washable, polypropylene pre-filter blocks pet hair, lint, fiber that would otherwise clog the H13 filter. The dual medical-grade HEPA filter capture 99.97% fine allergens as small as 0.3 microns from both direction. The antibacterial cloth filter reduces the growth and spread of mold spores, bacteria, viruses that have been captured by the HEPA filter. The charcoal-based activated carbon filter neutralizes chemical fumes like VOCs, asbestos, radon, ozone, cigarette smoke, and formaldehyde. Overall, the filtration grade is excellent but just slightly under par with Blueair offerings. Pairing with the high CADR, it will ensure a continuous flow of fresh air as long as Gocheer GH-Monster Smart is kept on.

Gocheer GH-Monster Smart might have every single premium feature available, it comes with a hefty price tag that can deter its accessibility. Besides the cost, you will have to account for the recurring dual filter maintenance fees that can go as high as 260 dollars in an unhealthy air environment. Unless you go for a third-party filter (not recommended) it will not run properly if you do not replace both sides of the filters. So if you are tight on budget or currently staying in a shared room, you might be better off with a smaller air purifier.

In short: Pricey it may be, this could be the single H13 HEPA air purifier with high CADR you will ever need for your home. ⚠️ Buy this or at least consider over BreatheSmart or GermGuardian AC9200WCA.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.6

OUT OF 5

Gocheer GH-Monster Smart online price **
±599.00 $$$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±129.99-260)

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The controversial included in the list yet rightly so. LEVOIT Core 300 is a CGD 2019 award-winning air purifier that has excellent size to CADR ratio despite the weak output. Comes in at an affordable under 100 price tag, the small 8.7 inches diameter, 14.2 inches height, and 8.8 pounds weight makes it highly accessible and portable unlike other high CADR air purifiers here. You can place it high off the ground like the work desk, nightstand, cabinet to take advantage of the compact size. It is also the only air purifier that you can bring around wherever you go. Build quality is superb even though you are paying only a fraction of what other CADR air purifiers here cost. complemented by the California-based customer service support and a long 5 years warranty.

Continue with the touch controls. Levoit Core 300 ozone-free (CARB compliant) means functionality is simple and easy to get the grip on. You can manage the airflow via the 3 fan speeds or choose the manual sleep mode ready for night use. There is also 2, 4, 6 8 hours timer option that you can choose when to turn off the machine. The child lock button allows you to lock the controls to prevent anyone from meddling with the setting. The light off button will turn off all indicator lights to reduce eye glaring at night. Lastly, the Filter reset button reminds you to change the filter every 6 months. A relatively short lifespan but understandably so given the smaller filter size.

Besides the smaller presence, Another advantage of the Levoit Core 300 True HEPA air purifier is the silent operation averaging at only 24 decibels noise. Even at max speed, the noise output will not exceed 50 decibels breaking point. Perfectly usable for work, relaxation, and sleep that should cover most household activities. Again, you can manually select Sleep mode to keep the noise level down. Power consumption is equally efficient to at only 45 watts hourly. Unlike the rest of the CADR air cleaners here, Energy Star Core 300 will not burden your electrical bill regardless of how you use it.

LEVOIT Core 300 Review

Here's where the big gap between the rest of the high CADR air purifiers here. LEVOIT Core 300 Vortexair Technology outputs a consistent airflow circulation that is optimized for small room sizes. The official clean air delivery rate stands at 140 cfm for dust, 145 cfm for pollen, and 141 cfm for smoke. Far from outstanding but it will serve its purpose well. At full speed, the air purifier will distribute clean air of up to 219 square footage at 5 air changes per hour. Ideal for close-range use with limited room spaces such as bedroom, office cubicle, dorm room, small basement, and attic. You can even place multiple air purifiers in a home without having any issue of the air cleaning overlapping.

Despite the smaller form factor, Levoit Core 300 comes with complete mechanical filtration to support its clean air delivery rate. The initial pre-filter traps dust, hair, lint, the debris and protect the HEPA filter from being clogged by the large particulates. The imported true HEPA filter captures microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns like mold spore, mildew, pollen, fungi, and germs in the air. The granular activated carbon filter removes nearby smoke and odors via its chemical adsorption. Surprisingly, there is even space left to include one of the 3 upgradable filters from Pet Allergy, Toxin Absorber, and MB Filter. Pet Allergy is effective in removing pet dander, odors, diapers, and cooking smells. Toxin Absorber Filter focus on neutralizing chemical fumes from cigarettes, vehicle exhaust (CO), ammonia, radon, and VOCs. MB Filter anti-microbial element impedes microorganism growth and is our preferred choice.

As we alluded to earlier, Levoit Core 300 is not exactly a high CADR model that max out at only 145 cubic feet per minute. It is quite the opposite at around 7 times less of what Gocheer GH-Monster Smart air cleaner CADR is outputting. Nonetheless, the weaker airflow does drive the price down including the filter recurring cost. Adding the portable form factor into the book, this is undoubtedly the perfect starter air purifier for you to try out before investing in a full-blown CADR air purifier.

In short: For just a shy of 100 bucks, Levoit Core 300 is the perfect start air purifier for those that need a small air purifier with reasonable CADR output. ⚠️ Buy this if you want a budget, compact HEPA air cleaning machine for desktop and bedside use.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.3

OUT OF 5

LEVOIT Core 300 online price **
±99.99 $$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±20-40)

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Max Fernandez

A loving father and a dedicated reviewer for airfuji.com with more than 1000 air purifiers under his belt. Max Fernandez is also one of the million patients currently suffering from asthma. Feel free to nudge him if you have any questions.

 

Air purifiers are not all about CADR, below are more types of air cleaners (minus Ozone generators) that would also improve indoor air quality.

  • HEPA air purifier - The number 1 pick among buyers in an air cleaner that uses mainly mechanical filtration. Remove all particles without releasing harmful byproducts.
  • Ionizer - Create an electrical field to discharge negative ions that draw and combine with positive ions airborne particles. The dirty airborne particles will fall on the surface area of the room.
  • Electrostatic precipitator - The better version of a standalone air ionizer. Instead of letting the pollutants fall all over the room, a collector plate is included to capture them.
  • UVGI - Available as a standalone or part of a multi-stage filtration. It releases UV-C radiation light that is strong enough to kill mold, bacteria, viruses, and other biological pollutants. Safe for human and pet use.
  • PCO air purifier - Photocatalytic technology combines broad-spectrum UV light and titanium dioxide for complete sterilization. The radiated light kills and accelerates the natural decomposition of biological pollutants.
  • Ozone generator - The so-called "air purifier" that releases harmful ozone that can cause adverse health effects when inhaled. Not recommended by health agencies.
What Is CADR? What is The Best CADR

What Is CADR And Why Is It Important

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a metric developed by The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to measure the air purifier's particle removal performance. Its main goal is to provide a uniform measurement for all manufacturers. CADR is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Energy, and the American Lung Association.

The higher the CADR ratings, the faster an air purifier can clean the indoor air, and the better it is. CADR is important because it gives you an indication of whether an air purifier has the capacity to effectively clean a room. Consumers can use the numbers to evaluate and compare the air purifier's performance. The ratings will also be available on AHAM's official website.

How is CADR Measured?

The CADR is calculated based on the volume of clean air produced by an air purifier in cubic feet per minute (cfm) or cubic meter per hour (m³/h). 3 independent tests will be performed and rated on how well an air purifier cleans indoor air. Dust CADR represents medium particles, Pollen CADR represents coarse particles, and Smoke CADR represents tiny particles.

  • Dust particles between 0.5-3 micron
  • Pollen particles between 5-11 micron
  • Smoke particles between 0.09-0.1 micron

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) uses the ANSI/AHAM Standard AC-1 procedure for testing. The air purifier is put into a 1,008 cubic feet (around 30 m3) test chamber to measure filtration efficiency. The air purifier will run at max speed for 20 minutes straight while the number of pollutants is repeatedly re-evaluated. The leftover contaminants will then be deducted from the earlier recorded numbers and compared to the natural decay rate. Finally, the tester will give the air purifier its official CADR rating. Note that AHAM will randomly select an air purifier for independent testing to ensure the selected model meets the airflow performance levels.

How Much CADR Do I Need?

How Much CADR Do I Need?

As a rule of thumb, your air purifier's CADR should be at least two-thirds of the room size that needs air cleaning. The first step is to measure the room size you intend to place the air purifier. For example, a room with dimensions of 20 feet by 10 feet has a total area of 300 square feet. The CADR must be at a minimum of 225 to be truly effective. Follow the air purifier's recommended room size or use AHAM's 2/3 CADR calculation guideline.

What Is The Best CADR?

The maximum CADR rating for dust, smoke, and pollen is 1000 cfm. It is the highest possible CADR rating an air purifier can get. We recommend choosing one with a good CADR rating of at least 200 cfm.

What Are The Benefits Of CADR

The benefit of a CADR rating is it gives the consumer a standardized metric to compare air purifiers' airflow and filtration efficiency. It prevents manufacturers from coming out with their own benchmark testing and misleads the consumers through misleading marketing. For example, some manufacturers will use particle counters to manipulate a favorable air cleaning efficiency for their air purifiers without accounting for other important data.

Is CADR Test Accurate? What Are CADR Limitations?

CADR is an accurate and good benchmark for comparing air purifiers, but not without its controversy. The CADR test can be impartial as a fast airflow delivery rate does not equal a high filtration efficiency. It does not paint the complete picture by ignoring many factors that make an excellent air purifier what it is. Some consumers are misled by the ratings rather than considering the overall package. Below are some of the limitations of CADR:

  • CADR is a voluntary program where not all brands are willing to participate e.g. Austin Air, Alen. As a result, there are air cleaners that do not have an official rating.
  • Two main variables are used to calculate the CADR. One increase can offset a decrease in the other, and you will still end up with a higher CADR rate.
  • The test primarily focuses on particles as opposed to gases. Bacteria and viruses are off the table.
  • CADR will only factor in the volume of filtered air. There are air purifiers that do not rely on airflow, like Airfree's Thermodynamic TSS Technology.
  • It does not account for additional filtration, including ionizer, antimicrobial, and UV-light.
  • CADR does not account for the size and quality of the filter. A large HEPA filter with a high density can capture finer particles at the cost of airflow. It has a disadvantage over a smaller, inferior HEPA filter with less density.
  • It is conducted in a controlled environment (empty chamber). The CADR output does not truly reflect in a real-life scenario where many household items can create an obstruction.
  • CADR test runs on the highest fan speed with 1 ACH. Less than ideal as 2 ACH is recommended for everyday use and 4 ACH for those with hypersensitivity.
  • It is assessed with a brand-new filter that does not reflect the actual filter media condition and the air purifier's performance over time. The ratings on a used filter filled with trapped particles will be much lower.
  • It is only applicable to a portable air purifier. A whole-house/ central air purifier is out of the equitation.
  • It does not evaluate the ozone emission level, reliability, durability, noise output, energy usage, and features.

When Should I Place A CADR Air Purifier?

Given most CADR air purifiers are powerful enough to cover an entire home, you should place the air cleaner in the middle of a room or by the doorway. Just remember to leave a few feet of space away of space away from the wall for maximum airflow circulation. Avoid placing it next to electronic devices or underneath a window.

How Much Does A CADR Air Purifier Cost?

A top-tier CADR air purifier is very expensive. It will cost you between $300-2400 dollars depending on filtration depth, filter size, and airflow delivery performance. If you are living in a small abode e.g. a studio, apartment, or dorm, we highly recommend you start with Levoit Core 300 and slowly make your way to the top of the chain based on your needs.

What Is CADR Ratings?

Is High CADR Air Purifier Safe And Effective?

Air purifier with high CADR is very safe as it uses primarily mechanical filtration i.e. pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter. It cleans the air without producing harmful byproducts. You can safely use it 24/ 7 with pets and children around the house. For better peace of mind, you can opt for CARB-certified air purifiers that are ozone-safe for home use.

How To Choose The Right Size CADR Air Purifier?

It is vital to pick the right size air purifier for your home. An air purifier can be too small (ineffective) or too big for a room (energy wastage). While High CADR air purifiers come with a powerful airflow circulation, prioritize the air purifier's filtration capacity to remove airborne allergens, smoke, chemicals, and odors. Always choose a model that uses mechanical filtration, like a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter to clean the air.

How Much Energy Does A High CADR Air Purifier Use?

On average, a High CADR air purifier will consume 45 watts of energy per hour. The energy cost is estimated at around 4-7 dollars monthly based on $0.15 per kilowatt-hour with 12 hours of runtime and 48 to 84 dollars yearly. Note that the power consumption varies on the model and fan speed an air cleaner is constantly running. For example, Blueair Pro XL power usage peaks at 256 watts while Alen BreatheSmart 75i peaks at 45 watts.

Is It OK To Leave High CADR Air Purifier On All Night?

It is OK to leave a high CADR air purifier on all night as it uses mainly HEPA filtration. However, you might need to rely on auto mode or tune it down to a lower speed, so the loud fan noise does not disrupt your sleep. Air purifiers are meant to run 24x7 to maintain healthy indoor air quality and halt airborne contaminants from returning. With the increased usage hours, always check on the filters and have them cleaned or replaced when needed to.

How To Use An High CADR Air Purifier Effectively?

A high CADR air purifier requires some effort to maintain its efficiency. For those that own one high-performance air cleaner, here's how to use it properly to get the best out of it.

  • Do not turn it off - An air purifier must be on all the time to prevent airborne pollutants from building up and increasing the risk of us inhaling them. Use auto mode or run at full speed for a couple of hours, then revert to the lowest speed.
  • Replace the filters - HEPA and carbon filters in the air purifier are non-washable and require change when the indicator light is on. For optimal filtration, replace them promptly according to the recommended usage life.
  • Close to the pollution sources - It will ensure pollutants that become airborne are captured firsthand. Remember to leave 2-4 feet of space between the air purifier and household objects to avoid any airflow disruption.
  • Close all windows/ doors - A fundamental rule of using an air purifier. It stops clean air from escaping and outside air from leaking it.

How Long Do High CADR Air Purifiers Last?

As most high-range CADR air purifiers will cost you a fortune, they will have no issue lasting for more than 10 years or even a lifetime with proper filter care. That said, most air filters used in high CADR air purifiers will only last around 1-year. Replace them promptly to ensure the longevity of the device.

Is CADR The Same As CFM?

The CADR reflects the air purifier's airflow efficiency that passes the air filter measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). CFM is the most common measurement used to determine the cubic feet exchanged each minute. For example, if an air filter has 300 cfm with 100% efficiency, the CADR would be 300. If the air filter has 300 cfm with 75% efficiency, the CADR would be 225.

The Pros And Cons Of A High CADR Air Purifier

There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to using a high CADR air purifier. If you are confused about getting one, there are key facts that you should look into.

Pros

  • Stop airborne allergens - All high CADR air purifiers uses HEPA filters. They are very effective in capturing airborne pollutants, including bacteria and viruses. With the device constantly running in the background, You will be better protected from illnesses due to airborne particulates.
  • Suitable for multiple rooms/ whole house - Covers large areas with the best airflow circulation and CADR. You will enjoy healthy indoor air quality, guaranteed.
  • No ozone emission - All high CADR air cleaners are certified to be ozone-safe. Ideal for people with hypersensitivity.
  • Functional and practical - High CADR air purifiers have some of the best features that helps with usability. You can't go wrong with one.
  • Whisper-quiet and energy-saving - High CADR can be quiet and efficient when running at a lower speed. You have the option to do so.

Cons

  • Expensive - At least a couple hundred dollars for the "entry-level" model. The pricing will only go up from there.
  • High filter cost - High CADR air purifiers heavily rely on filters. The filters are expensive, and you will need to replace them within a year's time.
  • Bulky - Compared with a normal air purifier, high CADR air purifiers are significantly bigger and heavier. You will need to allocate space for that.

Final Thoughts

Getting a high CADR air purifier is a long-term investment that will pay dividends to your health. To recap, GermGuardian AC9200WCA is a "budget" CADR air purifier choice despite costing over 300. Consider Alen BreatheSmart 75i or Medify Air MA-112 if you want a performance-oriented air purifier instead. For those with asthma or hypersensitivity, visit our best asthma air purifier page for a more in-depth review and comparison.

Compare Best High CADR Air Purifier

NoImageAir PurifierOnline Price (Amazon)ScoreFiltrationCoverageFan
Speed
DimensionWeightDust CADRPollen CADRSmoke CADRPre-filterHEPA filterCarbon filterIonizerUV lightOther filterAll-in-one filterNoise levelPower outputTimer/ SchedulerSensorsWarrantyAuto modeRemote controlChild lockENERGY STARWi-Fi/ BTBluetoothAQIFilter indicator
1GermGuardian AC9200WCA Air Purifier ReviewGermGuardian AC9200WCA Air Purifier

$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.45-stage378 sq. ft. (35 m2)3
17 x 27 x 9.8 in
(43.2 x 68.6 x 24.9 cm)
20.7 lb (9.4 kg)310 cfm (527 m3/h)346 cfm (588 m3/h)244 cfm (415 m3/h)
Pre-filter
6 - 9 months
True HEPA filter
6 - 9 months
Activated Carbon Filter
6 - 9 months
Ionizer
LB9200 UV-C Light
10 - 12 months34.99
-
FLT9200 Filter H Combo Pack
6 - 9 months
69.99
2, 4, 6 hours3 years
2Alen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier ReviewAlen BreatheSmart 75i Air Purifier

$$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.63-stage1,300 sq. ft. (121 m2)5
18.5 x 27 x 11.5 in
(47 x 68.6 x 29.2 cm)
27 lb (12.2 kg)347 cfm (590 m3/h)347 cfm (590 m3/h)347 cfm (590 m3/h)
Washable Pre-filter (with HEPA filter)
12 - 18 months
Pure Antimicrobial True HEPA Filter B7-Pure
12 - 18 months
+- 99
-
Ionizer
-
-
-
25-49 dB1.8-45 W2, 4, 12 hoursIntelligent sensorLifetime Limited Warranty
3Medify Air MA-112 Air Purifier ReviewMedify Air MA-112 Air Purifier

$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.14-stage2,500 sq. ft. (232 m2)4
16 x 28 x 15 in
(40.6 x 71.1 x 38.1 cm)
32 lb (14.5 kg)950 cfm (1614 m3/h)950 cfm (1614 m3/h)950 cfm (1614 m3/h)
2x Pre-filter
6 months
2x H13 HEPA filter
6 months
2x Activated Carbon filter
6 months
Ionizer
-
-
Medify MA-40 Replacement Filter (ME-40)
6 months
+- 59.99
21-70 dB0-8 hoursLifetime
4Blueair Classic 605 Air Purifier ReviewBlueair 605 Air Purifier

$$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.83-stage775 sq. ft. (72 m2)3
20 x 26 x 13 in
(50.8 x 66 x 33 cm)
35 lb (15.9 kg)500 cfm (849 m3/h)640 cfm (1087 m3/h)500 cfm (849 m3/h)
-
Blueair Classic 500/600 Series Particle Filter
6 - 12 months
+- 79.95
Blueair Classic 500/600 Series SmokeStop Filter
6 - 12 months
+- 149.95
HEPASilent Technology
-
-
-
32 - 62 dB(A)15 - 100 WVia App5 years
5Blueair Pro XL Air Purifier ReviewBlueair Pro XL Air Purifier

$$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.73-stage1,180 sq. ft. (110 m2)3
20 x 44 x 10 in
(50.8 x 111.8 x 25.4 cm)
71 lb (32.2 kg)950 cfm (1614 m3/h)900 cfm (1529 m3/h)800 cfm (1359 m3/h)
-
Blueair Pro Particle Filter (x3)
6 - 12 months
+- 180
Blueair Pro SmokeStop Filter (x3)
6 - 12 months
+- 360
HEPASilent Technology
-
-
-
32 - 58 dB(A)33 - 256 WAir Intelligence Module (AIM)5 years
6Gocheer GH-Monster 4-in-1 H13 Smart Air Purifier ReviewGocheer GH-Monster Smart Air Purifier

$$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.64-stage2,500 sq. ft. (232 m2)4
15.9 x 31.9 x 14.8 in
(40.4 x 81 x 37.6 cm)
34.9 lb (15.8 kg)1000 cfm (1699 m3/h)1000 cfm (1699 m3/h)1000 cfm (1699 m3/h)
Polypropylene Pre-Filter
6-12 months
H13 Medical Grade HEPA Filter
6-12 months
Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon Filter
6-12 months
-
-
Gocheer 4-in-1 Replacement Filter
6-12 months
+- 129.99
<25-40 dB80 W1, 2, 4, 8Laser particle sensor1-4 years
7Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier ReviewLEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier

$$

CHECK PRICE
4.33-stage219 sq. ft. (20 m2)3
8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 in
(22.1 x 36.1 x 22.1 cm)
8.8 lb (4 kg)140 cfm (238 m3/h)145 cfm (246 m3/h)141 cfm (240 m3/h)
Pre-Filter
Washable
H13 True HEPA filter
6 - 8 months
High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter
6 - 8 months
-
-
LEVOIT Core 300-RF 3-in-1 Replacement Filter
6-8 months
+- 19.99
24–50 dB45 W2/ 4/ 6/ 8 hours2 years
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References

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