> At a Glance
> – Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max leads 2026 rankings with 1 min 28 sec particle clearance
> – Coway Airmega 400S clears 90% of smoke in 21 seconds on high fan
> – Shark HP232 wins low-speed award, costs only $330
> – Why it matters: New lab data proves you don’t need to spend big for cleaner winter air
CNET’s latest lab tests reveal the five best air purifiers of 2026, with the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max keeping its crown as the top all-rounder at $230-and often less on sale.
How the Test Worked
Engineers filled a sealed chamber with custom smoke bombs, then timed how fast each unit removed 90% of particles (T90). They also logged noise and energy draw across low, medium and high settings.
- 12 new models evaluated
- GreyWolf PC3500 counted particles every 15 seconds
- Kill-a-Watt tracked monthly kilowatt-hours
The Five to Buy Now
| Rank | Model | T90 (avg) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blueair 311i Max | 1:28 | $230 | Overall balance |
| 2 | Coway Airmega 400S | 1:26 | $750 | Large homes |
| 3 | Shark HP232 | 1:17 | $330 | Low-speed speed |
| 4 | Windmill 3-in-1 | 2:13 | $400 | Fine particles |
| 5 | Oransi Mod Plus | 1:29 | $850 | Coarse dust |
Standout Winners
Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max stayed quietest at 34.84 dBA on low and sips only 11.65 kWh, making it the sweet spot for bedrooms and offices.
Coway Airmega 400S scooped the high-speed lab award, erasing smoke in 21 seconds on turbo, though it draws 24.12 kWh and hits 55.53 dBA.
Shark HP232 earned the low-speed award, clearing the chamber in 1:17 while staying energy-cheap at 11.50 kWh.
Who Actually Needs One
Dr. Mark Hyman, chief medical officer at Function Health, reminds that “we’re constantly breathing in particles, allergens and toxins that can impact our health.”
Air purifiers help:
- Seasonal-allergy sufferers
- Pet owners battling dander
- Households near wildfire zones
- Families with kids, seniors or immune sensitivities
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max-fast, quiet, efficient, $230
- Fastest on high: Coway Airmega 400S-21-second clearance, $750
- Best value low-speed: Shark HP232-1:17 T90, $330
- Budget shoppers should wait for seasonal discounts; top models drop below $200
Cleaner indoor air is cheaper than ever-grab one before winter allergens peak.
