Some air purifiers are too large for your needs. Thanks to their plug-in counterparts, you can enjoy the same benefits without the bulky build or hefty price tags. These compact air purifiers are ideal for small spaces such as your closet, a pet area, a nursery, a single bedroom, or your office. Plus, since they’re small enough to carry anywhere, you can take one with you when traveling abroad.
How do plugin air purifiers work? Most of them don’t have a multi-stage cleaning or purification system. Instead, they rely mostly on either a UV-C light technology or an ionizer to get rid of odors, microbes, and allergens. Sometimes, they are called “UV air sanitizers” (if they use UV-C light) and “ozone generators” (if they produce ozone).
What is the best plugin air purifier? Here’s a list of our top picks.
Best Plugin Air Purifier Pick #1: Gideon GD-UVSNTZ-01
Designed for spaces up to 150 sq. ft., the Gideon plugin air purifier (GD-UVSNTZ-01) works through the power of negative ions and UV-C light, a technology that has long been used to destroy the ability of microorganisms to reproduce by breaking up their DNA. Weighing only 1.2 pounds, this plugin device is a mini tower-type air purifier that consumes only 8 watts of energy. It can be used 24/7.
Is it noisy? As one person puts it, it sounds like a “quiet laptop fan.” Does it really work? Based on consumer feedback, the general feedback is that this air purifier keeps odors (e.g., cigarette smoke, pet odor) under control.
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Best Plugin Air Purifier Pick #2: GermGuardian GG1000
The GermGuardian GG1000 is a UV-C air sanitizer. It is 8.2 inches in height, and it weighs 12 ounces. This plugin device doesn’t have a filter, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning or replacing on. But since it relies on UV-C light technology, the UV-C bulb should be replaced after several months.
Ideal for small-size areas, you can use this air purifier to sanitize and destroy odors in your bathroom, pet area, kitchen, and nursery. Based on consumer feedback, this device has been reported to help deal with pet smells, cooking odors, and stale or musky smell.
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Best Plugin Air Purifier Pick #3: Hamilton Beach TrueAir 04531GM
Advertised as an “odor eliminator,” the TrueAir 04531GM from Hamilton Beach is equipped with a replaceable activated carbon filter that traps and neutralizes odors for about 3 months. It also has a fan that pulls in unwanted odor, re-circulating it back to the room as clean and fresh air.
This device is a mini version of many larger brands. It has a filter replacement indicator, comes with a built-in night light, and has an optional Green Meadow scent cartridge. It weighs 11.2 ounces, and it is 8.7 inches in height.
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Best Plugin Air Purifier Pick #4: One Earth Health Ozone Ionizer
As advertised, the One Earth Health Ozone Ionizer device is the “only ozone generator with a 30-minute timer.” It was designed to eliminate germs and bacteria such as E. coli, staph, and salmonella, covering areas up to 330 square feet. According to the manufacturers, this air purifier has an ozone output of 50 mg/hr, and you are encouraged to “please research to see if ozone is right for you.” As an added warning, you are advised to run this air purifier for not more than 30 minutes and when the room is empty.
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Best Plugin Air Purifier Pick #5: Plixio PLX50 Ionic Air Purifier and Ozone Generator
As an ozone generator and an ionic air purifier, the Plixio PLX50 does not require the use of filters. Weighing just 7.2 ounces, this device comes in a cute, circular design with an area coverage of up to 150 square feet. It comes with a dial that lets you control the ozone output, giving you total control.
The Plixio PLX50 is ideal for offices, closets, dorm rooms, and bathrooms. Maintenance is easy as it needs only light vacuuming once a month.
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