7 Best UV Air Purifiers to Sterilize Indoor Air in 2023

Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA air purifier comes with a genuine UV light for all-around sterilization. A century-old technology that radiates short-wavelength ultraviolet light to inactivate mold, bacteria, flu viruses like H1N1, influenza, and rhinoviruses3 in the air. Additional filtration includes a pre-filter that traps and protects the HEPA/ carbon filter from larger particles like dust and hair. The activated carbon filter absorbs smoke particles from pets, food, cigarette, and noxious chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon dioxide. The true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of the fine particles as small as 0.3 microns before releasing the clean, sterilized air. With PureZone 3-in-1 air purifier continuously cleaning and sterilizing 200 square feet of room space, you will see indoor air quality improvement in a matter of hours.

At slightly above 100 dollars, PureZone 3-in-1 True HEPA UV-C comes with 3 fan speeds, sleep mode, 2, 4, 8 hours timer, filter change indicator, and a dedicated UV-C function can be disabled to extend the light bulb's life. We highly recommend you leave UV mode on to curb the spread of germs and bacteria. The manufacturer's five-year warranty is a big vote of confidence in the air purifier's durability and reliability. It will not break down even if you leave it running all day, every day.

On to drawbacks, there are two things PureZone 3-in-1 didn't tickle our fancy. The mentioned CADR is only at a low 80 cfm with minimal air cleaning coverage. The filter set also requires replacing every 6 months even though the UV-light bulb can last 9,000 to 20,000 hours (around 12 months). As a 3-in-1 air purifier, the UV-C technology cannot work independently, and you will need to replace the entire filter set to resume operation. The saving grace is that the low annual filter cost is around 40 dollars, including the replacement UV lamp, which is way less than other brands' upkeep costs.

In short: Affordable HEPA air purifier with UV light technology. The cheap and long-lasting light bulb makes up for the hassle filter change. Buy this if you're on a tight budget for a multi-stage UV air cleaner.

Skip the old one and go with the new and improved InvisiClean Aura II UV air purifier. The main highlight is the germ disinfecting UV-C light that irradiates and destroys microorganisms cells from reproducing. Supporting the UV is the 2-in-1 activated carbon pre-filter with chemical adsorbent materials that remove dust, smoke, and odors before it reaches the HEPA filter. South Korea made premium H13 True HEPA filter traps 99.985% of microscopic particles in the air as small as 0.3 microns, including mold, mildew, pollen, and pet dander. Lastly, the ionizer release ions to help pull down dirty particles in the air for capturing. Both ionizer and UV-light are effective and safe with CARB approved ozone emission levels. Again, it is optional, and you can disable the function when not needed.

Ideal for people with breathing trouble due to allergies. InvisiClean Aura II 4 in 1 can cover up to 1,276 square feet of room size. You can increase to 4 air changes per hour for sensitive or asthmatic persons who need swift clean air sanitization with a reduced 319 square feet of coverage. All three dust, pollen, and smoke clean air delivery rates are at a healthy 170 cfm figure.

Priced at a heavily discounted $150-200, InvisiClean Aura II air purifier is in a good spot with a low $50-85 annual filter replacement. It is aided by the long-lasting 12 months UV-C light bulb that should give you about 10,000 hours of runtime. You are also getting a 4 fan speed (Low, Medium, High, Turbo), timer auto-shutoff (2, 4, 8 hours), reset filter change indicator, sleep mode, and dedicated UV light/ ionizer control.

There are a few obvious downsides that you will need to look into. First, InvisiClean Aura II uses a carbon pre-filter that is inefficient in dust removal and smoke absorption. Other models offer a better carbon filter at a similar price point. Given the smaller light bulb size and short exposure time, UV germicidal irradiation will also take time to break down bacteria, viruses, and other higher-resistance strains of the pathogens. Turbo mode is distractingly loud and only usable when you're away from the air cleaner. The lack of auto mode and air quality sensors is a big missed but understandable. All the mentioned complaints are shared in a UV air purifier that will not directly impact ultraviolet light performance.

In short: InvisiClean Aura II 4-in-1 UV air purifier can be your primary defense against airborne germs invasion. Buy this if you want strong UV and HEPA performance at a reasonable price.

Medify Air MA-50 air purifier is powered by a 4-stage filtration that removes even the tiniest particles in the air. The ozone-safe UV light radiates a high dosage of 254 nanometers short wavelength to destroy small cell mold, bacteria, and viruses from multiplying at close proximity. Since the sterilization takes a while to disinfect the biological pollutants, the standing-by pre-filter will capture large PM10 particles like dust, hair, and lint and prevent them from clogging the UV/ HEPA filter. Lastly, the medical-grade H13 HEPA filter removes 99.9% of microscopic pollutants as small as 0.1 microns bypassing ultraviolet radiation. The active carbon composite neutralizes pet odors, cooking smoke, musty mold, and toxins e.g. VOCs, asbestos, formaldehyde, benzene, and ozone byproducts, before releasing sterilized air.

Independent lab tested by Aerosol Research and Engineering Laboratories Inc. to be effective against 99.95% of particles related to COVID-19 & SARS-Cov-2 in the air. At full speed, the Medify MA-50 UV air purifier can purify up to 2,200 square footage of room space at 1 ACPH, 1,100 square footage at 2 ACPH, and 550 square footage at 4 APCH. CADR is close to 300 cfm, which can benefit UV radiation by bringing in more airborne pollutants. It is the ideal model to opt for if you have severe asthma and constantly fall sick from airborne germs and viral viruses.

A high-performance, premium-looking air purifier with a matching price tag. Medify Air MA-50 UV air purifier comes with a tempered touched glass panel to manage the 4 fan speeds, advanced 2-12 hours timer, night mode, must-have child lock, passive filter replacement indicator, and optional UV light. Since the UV light does not produce any smell or toxic chemicals, we recommend leaving it on to kill pathogens that cross their way. The trademark lifetime warranty covers all electronic parts and motors, excluding filters. You will truly appreciate the peace of mind after a few years down the road.

The trade-off for extraordinary filtration performance is the cost. Medify MA-50 Air Purifier will set you back around 300+ dollars for a brand-new set. That's twice as expensive as some air purifiers on this list. The short 3-4 months/ 2,500 hours filter life also means you will have to bear a high 78 to 156 dollars annual filter cost. A crucial consideration point that many people tend to ignore. Despite the high price tag, There is no air quality monitor or auto mode. Skip this model if you're on a tight budget.

In short: Pricey it may be, this is undoubtedly the best UV + HEPA performance air purifier to date. Buy this If you want the best air-cleaning performance for large room sizes.

PureZone Elite 4-in-1 UV-C Light + photocatalyst filter help combat seasonal allergies by eliminating common airborne viruses e.g. Varicella, Measles, Mumps, Influenza, Rhinoviruses3, and Viral meningitis that are exposed to the UV radiation. The intense UV-C rays penetrate and disrupt the DNA of the pathogens and prevent them from multiplying. Protecting the mercury lightbulb is the 2-in-1 activated carbon pre-filter that traps dust, smoke, and household odors in one go. Next, the True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of fine particles like pollen, pet dander, mold, and mildew. Lastly, the ionizer release ions to link with other positive ions pollutants in the air. The combined and heavier impurities will fall, allowing the filter to capture and UV sanitize, leaving the air cleaner than before.

On to the Smart technology, PureZone Elite UV standard 3 fan speed shines well with auto and sleep modes. UV function is optional and can be enabled/ disabled at any time. There is also a color-coded smart air quality monitor, a 2, 4, 8 hour timer, a filter reset indicator, and a 5-Year warranty with local customer support.

Do not be disheartened by the low applicable area; PureZone Elite 4-in-1 can cover under 190 square feet of room size but with much higher air changes per hour. Combined with the extensive UV radiation, the under 120 cfm CADR can swiftly reduce harmful irritants in the air and alleviate your allergy symptoms. You will breathe better, sleep better, and be completely refreshed the next morning.

On to the few drawbacks, PureZone Elite bundled carbon pre-filter is not washable. You will have to take it for weaker smoke absorption. Other air purifiers will get you better filtration with a dedicated preliminary filter and separate activated carbon filter. Power consumption is good, but the noise level can also be an issue for those not OK with white noise. Again, we suggest leaving it at low speed for whisper-quiet operation while enjoying longer germs exposure time in the UV chamber. The best of both worlds.

In short: A tall UV-C sanitizer can protect you against pathogenic germs. The supporting 4-in-1 HEPA filtration is the perfect icing on the cake. Buy this if you want a powerful tower UV air purifier with Smart technology.

HoMedics AP-T30 is a 5-stage, mid-range UVGI cleaner from its TotalClean lineup. It has a good balance in price, performance, and functionality. With its superb 5-in-1 air filtration, the single UV-C technology eradicates microorganisms by destroying their DNA and the replication cells. To assist with the UV radiation exposure time, the outer pre-filter blocks dust, debris, pet hair, and lint that otherwise may damage the UV or HEPA filter. The inner HEPA filter traps up to 99.97% of airborne irritants as small as 0.3 microns e.g. mold, pollen, mildew, and dander. The carbon filter neutralizes cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and pet odor via the chemical absorption material. The built-in ionizer generates ions to attract and pull down heavier contaminants in the air.

Comes in black or white, HoMedics TotalClean AP-T30 supports a top to bottom 360-degree filtration, 3 fan speeds, filter light indicator, night light button, and both Ion and UV-C sanitizer function. Another highlight is the aromatherapy feature, thanks to its built-in essential oil slot. No other UV air cleaners here come bundled with this feature.

Price under 200 dollars, HoMedics annual filter cost is low, and the UV-C light bulb has a lifespan of 10,000 hours. We recommend replacing it sooner rather than later, especially when there is a drastic drop in the intensity of ultraviolet light. While we are at it, let's address the common complaint with HoMedics AP-T30: the noise. The spinning fan is clearly audible at high speed to compensate for the average airflow delivery rate. It is not a deal-breaker for us, as it does not affect the UV-light performance. Another drawback of its 5-stage filtration is the purifying coverage. The mid-range HoMedics AP-T30 TotalClean can only cover up to 195 square feet of room space, so you're limited to smaller rooms like the bedroom, kitchen, or study area.

In short: The only 5-in-1 UV air purifier that kills airborne germs with a pleasant aroma smell. Buy this if you absolutely need the essential oil and nightlight addon.

Why settle for just UV technology? Why not have it all? GermGuardian AC5250PT Pet Pure 5-in-1 air purifier comes with the completed filtration set at an affordable price (after discounts). The high dosage ultraviolet germicidal lights produce short-wavelength light (100-280 nm) that damages the nucleus of cells of pathogens. The damaged mold, bacteria, and viruses will either be killed off or made dormant without the ability to reproduce. As UV radiation will take its time to inactivate the pathogens, the carbon pre-filter traps dust, hair, and other large particles, plus mild smoke odors traveling inside. The True HEPA filter with 99.97% removal efficiency, captures microscopic particles like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and mildew pending sterilization. There is also an antimicrobial coating on the filter that inhibits the growth of microbes that somehow manage to survive UV radiation. All in all, the UV light intensity is excellent yet consistent.

GermGuardian AC5250PT PetPure 5-in-1 UV air cleaner can reach up to 180 square feet of room space. The CADR is rated 123 cfm for dust, 128 cfm for pollen, and 116 cfm for smoke. With sufficient exposure time, it will ease the work of the other filtration.

Other GermGuardian AC5250PT air purifiers features include a digital display, 5 fan speeds, 1-8 hours programmable timer, filter reset function, and a 5-year warranty covering any manufacturer defects. The UV mode can be disabled for those that prefer only mechanical filtration. We do not encourage doing so as it would defeat the purpose of owning a UV air purifier.

For a shy of under 130 dollars after a discount, GermGuardian AC5250PT Pet Pure UV air cleaner might do well in most departments, but it is not without a few flaws. The carbon pre-filter is not the most effective in removing smoke and odor, particularly chemicals. The Auto mode omission is a big downer, given some cheaper models like PureZone manage to bundle with it. Lastly, the multiple filter set will wear out quicker in a bad air environment and is costly to change. Thankfully the UV light has a longer 10-12 months life and is only 29.99 dollars to replace.

In short: A proven UV air purifier designed with pet owners in mind. Trap and kill microorganisms in a household without you realizing it. Buy this if you want complete filtration and are OK with the smaller air coverage.

No other compact air purifiers even come close to SilverOnyx's multi-stage UV filtration, let alone a full-sized model. With the brushless DC motor pulling the air to the internal chamber, the main UV-C light photocatalyst damages the pathogens' nucleic acid and stops them from multiplying. Ideal for containing viral infections, bacteria, and viruses, including strains of H1N1 at bay. Extending the exposure time and protecting the ultraviolet Light bulb is the preliminary mesh filter that blocks large visible particles like dust, pet hair, and lint. True HEPA H13 filter traps 99.97% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns in a typical household, such as mold, pollen, and pet dander. The active carbon filter removes mild smoke and odors from pets, cooking, and cigarettes. Lastly, the Vita-ion diffuses millions of ions to merge and pull down airborne contaminants for the filter to seize. It pairs very well with UV technology as both are reusable and will work seamlessly in the background. You can disable the anion generator if you have sensitive lungs and prefer to leave it off.

SilverOnyx's world-class purification UV technology will give you the clean, fresh air you deserve. At max speed, the SilverOnyx True HEPA UV air purifier can cover up to 500 square feet of room space in an hour based on the lowest air changes. The ultraviolet light intensity is strong, but the small light bulb may take some time to kill off pathogens completely.

Designed for the desktop crowd. SilverOnyx True HEPA is our favorite small UV air purifier simply for its inexpensive price tag yet packed with tons of value. It comes in 3 distinctive color options (black, silver, and white), and you have dedicated buttons for power, filters, timer, Light, sleep, auto, Vita-Ion, and 5 fan speeds. The UV and Vita-Ion function are optional and can be disabled when not needed. There is also a digital display that shows the current timer setting and filter residual life, so you will have a heads-up on when to change the filter cartridge.

Let's focus on the few downsides of the air purifier that may or may not break the deal. The main gripe is the cartridge filter set that needs to be changed every 6 months. Changing is a hassle and can cost you around 100 dollars annually. Another problem is that the UV-light replacement part is difficult to find and pricey. Both issues are not something you will look forward to and will hinder the longevity of the air purifier. Smoke and odor filtration is also not its strong suit, but so do many air cleaners listed here. SilverOnyx is a UV sanitizer, after all. Not a deodorizer.

In short: A compact but high maintenance 5-stage UV True HEPA air purifier that can eradicate germs before they spread. Buy this if you value Smart features equally as UV performance.