To find the best ionic air purifier, you’ll need to examine a list of criteria to determine what is most important. We recommend the best ionic air purifier with a minimum 3-stage filtration system that consists of a preliminary filter for large particles, a true HEPA filter for ultrafine particles, and an activated carbon filter for smoke, odors, and gases. Technically, these can’t be considered good filterless air purifiers, as they still use a filter of some kind. Ideally, they offer a large square foot coverage (e.g. 300+ square feet) with a solid 120 CFM or higher delivery rate. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more and choose the best air purifier for your home or office.

After analyzing hundreds of reviews, we’ve determined that the Aeramax 300 Ionic Air Purifier is the best ionic air purifier you can buy.

Top 10 Best Ionic Air Purifiers

 #1  Aeramax 300 Ionic Air Purifier

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier uses 3-stage filtration to tackle contaminated air in rooms up to 600 square feet, an excellent choice as a main air purifier option for your home or office.

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  • Generous 600 square feet coverage
  • High-Performance Mode for allergies
  • Activated Carbon filter removes odors, smoke, and gasses

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  • No real-time air quality status updates
  • Very heavy and bulky

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This ionic air purifier uses 4-stage filtration, starting with a carbon filter for large particles, a true HEPA filter for ultrafine particles as small as 0.3 microns with antimicrobial treatment, and PlasmaTRUE technology which comprises a plasma airfield with energized particles that breakdown germs, viruses, and bacteria at the molecular level. You might wonder if a Himalayan salt lamp is better than an air purifier, but many claims about the salt lamps aren’t fully proven.

A touch screen panel with a sensor for auto fan speed adjustment (low, medium, high, or turbo), as well as a filter change indicator that also works well to give users a gauge of unit performance. In terms of maintenance, this ionic air purifier works well, with its true HEPA filter replaceable every 12 months. All in all, consider this ionic air purifier an excellent choice for allergy and asthma sufferers. And for your kids, you will also need the best air purifier for babies that has a 3-stage filtration, including a pre-filter for larger airborne particles, an activated carbon filter for odors, and a HEPA filter for ultrafine particles.

 #2  Silveronyx Ionic Air Purifier

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier comes with a True-Hepa H13 charcoal filter to capture close to 100% of airborne contaminants in areas up to 500 square feet, a nice choice for living rooms and dining rooms.

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  • Five speed settings
  • Includes activated carbon filter to eliminate bad smells
  • Activated Carbon filter removes odors, smoke, and gasses

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  • Does not include handheld remote control
  • No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Ionizer not as effective as true HEPA filtration

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This ionic air purifier features five filtration stages, starting with a preliminary filter for larger particles, a true HEPA filter for ultrafine particles, and a carbon filter/ion generator and UV light sanitizer combo to help neutralize odors, mold, and germs. We are a big fan of this unit’s PM2.5 (particulate matter) sensor, which optimizes airflow levels based on how great or poor your air quality is. If you’re not sure about your air quality, you might want to learn how to buy an air purifier first, so you get the right size and the best features.

For such a compact unit (10.5 x 10.5 x 16.5 inches), this air purifier is full of digital features. It includes a timer for auto shut off with variable minutes and a change filter icon to indicate when it’s time to replace the filter. A one-touch ion generator also releases millions of negative ions into the environment to latch onto airborne contaminants as an added layer of protection. And in your automobile, airborne contaminants can also be neutralized by the best car air purifier that features a negative ion generator.

 #3  Pure Enrichment Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST FOR MONITORING

WHY WE LIKE IT: This interior air purifier comes with 4-stage filtration up to rooms up to 190 square feet and an Air Quality Monitor, an excellent choice for people who would like to gauge air quality in real-time.

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  • Slim profile; very discreet
  • Solid delivery rate of 120 CFM
  • Color-coded air quality monitor

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  • High noise level (≤ 60.2 dBA )
  • Only covers up to rooms up to 190 sq ft

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This ionic portable air purifier is solid across the board, starting with a photocatalyst filter, true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter to handle large particles (e.g. pet dander) for small particles as small as 0.03 microns. A separate ion release function realizes millions of negative ions into the air to bind even further and a UV-C light bulb provides extra protection against germs, pacing plenty of punch in a smaller than average-sized unit. Compare the Winix air purifier vs BlueAir first, before making a buy decision.

One of our favorite features of this ionic air purifier is its air quality monitoring system for your room air, with three color-coded levels (Good, Fair, Poor) to get an instant gauge of air quality. A slim profile (9” x 7” x 25” ) also makes it work for tight corners, such as entertainment TV stands or couches to remain out of sight. An even more compact unit is one of the best plug-in air purifiers that are ultra-compact and are the perfect choice for tight areas such as under kitchen cupboards and litter box rooms.

 #4  Greentech pureAir 50 Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST FOR BATHROOMS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier comes in a small compact size and plugs into an outlet, an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

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  • Generous 325 square feet coverage
  • Comes in a compact travel size
  • Very easy to clean; no filter replacement needed

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  • Not as effective as true HEPA filters
  • Large enough to block the second outlet
  • Emits a high pitched sound on occasion

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This compact ionic air purifier cleans up to 325 square feet with a simple plug and plays installation. Only 2.5 x 3.5 x 4.25 inches, it emits a combination of activated oxygen and ions which disperses through the air and neutralizes airborne installments on contact. It’s very effective with pet odors, smoke, mildew, bacteria, and viruses.

In terms of features, this ionic air purifier is no-frills, with only a simple dial to your desired high medium, or low settings. Unlike other ionic air purifiers, this one does not come with real-time air quality updates, nighttime mode, or multiple fan settings. One of the key benefits is the lack of a filter – simply wipe it with a damp cloth regularly to keep it clean. For a filtered unit, check out the best air purifier with washable filters.

 #5  Oransi Max Ionic Air Purifier

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Award: BEST FOR GARAGES

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier comes with 3 stages of air filtration to purify rooms up to 600 square feet, an excellent choice for small to large-sized rooms such as foyers and garages.

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  • Effective 3-stage filtration (600 sq ft)
  • Long 12-month pre-filter/true HEPA filter life
  • Max noise level of 34dB to 53dB

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  • Heavy and bulky (20 x 11 x 25.5 inches; weighs almost 20 pounds)
  • Intelligent Air Quality Monitor, not the most intuitively presented

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This ionic air purifier is one of the more well-rounded ones on our list, starting with 3-stage filtration (pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter). Pre-filter and true HEPA life are solid, running for up to 12 months before needing a replacement.

On the digital side, this ionic air purifier is well equipped with four auto mode fan speeds, gas/dust sensors, a timer option (one to 12-hour increments), and a real-time air quality monitor. Its air quality monitor is even capable of automatically adjusting fan speed based on output. All in all, this ionic air purifier’s combination of 3-stage filtration, filter life, and digital options make it a winner in our book. For a 4-stage filtration unit that helps a smoker’s air quality, check out the best air purifier for cigarette smoke.

 #6  Envion Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier removes 99.9% of airborne contaminants and freshest air using Oxygen Plus technology, making it an excellent choice for people who want a more oxygenated environment.

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  • Removes 99. 9% of airborne contaminants
  • Collection blade for easy cleanup
  • Less energy consumption than a fluorescent bulb

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  • Small coverage (65 square feet)
  • Slight crackling noise indicates when it’s time to clean

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This ionic air purifier’s claim to fame is Oxygen Plus technology, which uses a filter that converts smog and ozone generators into oxygen. It also includes a clean air ionizer and germicidal chamber filter that works to strip the air of dust, mold spores, smoke, and other harmful particles. Although, compare an ionizer air purifier vs a UV air purifier to see which one works better.

Three fan settings also allow users to tweak strength settings. At only 7.5 x 28.5 x 9.5 inches, it’s small enough to carry from room to room – perfect as a travel size. Plus, maintenance is a breeze (no pun intended) with a front-loading collection blade that is easy to vacuum off, as opposed to replacing an entire filter. Our only knock on this product is that it only covers up to 65 square feet of space, making it a better choice for bathrooms and large master closets. Another excellent choice for a master bedroom or bathroom is the best air purifier and humidifier.

See Also: Take a look at the best humidifier too.

 #7  AirFree P3000 Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST FOR BEDROOMS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier uses Thermodynamic TSS technology to fry airborne contaminants via heat induction and includes an adjustable night light, a nice choice for bedrooms and nurseries.

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  • Effective thermodynamic TSS kills germs
  • Compact size ( only 8.4 x 8.4 x 10.4 inches)
  • Very silent operation

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  • Bottom to top airflow concept; not as evenly distributed
  • Odd plastic smell when turned on occasion

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This ionic air purifier is a winner across several criteria, starting with its proprietary thermodynamic TSS base which uses heat conduction to fry contaminants in temperatures as high as 400 °F before cooling the air and releasing it back into the atmosphere. It is very effective at killing all types of airborne particles, including smoke, odors, mold spores, and dust mites.

Plus, at only 8.4 x 8.4 x 10.4 inches, it is compact enough to sit on a tabletop or nightstand. Kudos for its silent operation adjustable, harmonic blue night light, which makes an excellent addition to nurseries. Its bulky cylindrical shape with a concave top gives it a bit more pop than your average unit, working decently as a prestige piece. Another great option is the best large room air purifier if you have a pretty large house. In that case, you’ll probably want a whole-house air purifier.

 #8  Mammoth Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST FOR LARGE HOUSES

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier covers up to a monstrous 3,500 square feet using ion and output controls good enough to disperse 46.5 cubic feet of ions per hour, an excellent choice for entire households.

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  • Eliminates 99.97% of contaminants
  • Modest 10 1/8” x 8 1/4” x 12” dimensions
  • Pre-installed ozone plates; easy to maintain

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  • Boxy, wooden frame may not match home decor

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This ‘mammoth’ ionic air purifier lives true to its name, purifying up to 3,500 square feet of living space using ozone plates that are mounted inside the unit. It does an exceptional job of breaking down bacteria, mold, mildew, and odors. Two separate knobs control the number of ions dispersed into the atmosphere with no digital controls or buttons to work with. Consider this one of the simplest interfaces we’ve researched.

At 10 1/8” x 8 1/4” x 12”, this ionic air purifier is compact enough to fit beside entertainment stands, beds, and other larger pieces of furniture without sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s also a breeze to maintain, with ozone plates only needing replacement every one to two years. Speaking of replacement, check out the best smart air purifier that has a preset timer, as well as filter replacement notifications and in-app scheduling.

 #9  Aeramax 100 Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST FOR KITCHENS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier comes with an AeraSafe antimicrobial true HEPA filter and AeraSmart Sensor for real-time monitoring, it is an excellent choice for rooms up to 200 square feet such as larger kitchens and children’s playrooms.

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  • AeraSmart sensor for quality monitoring
  • Choice of three fan speeds
  • AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment for germ-killing

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  • Small area coverage (up to 200 square feet)

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This value ionic air purifier does a little bit of everything. The four-stage filtration system knocks 99.97% of airborne particles to the tune of 2.5 to 5 air changes per hour, depending on the room size. PlasmaTrue Technology also applies an ionized field, releasing millions of negative ions into the air to bind and clamp-on airborne pollutants, making them thick enough to be swept away or annihilated by its true HEPA filter.

In terms of maintenance, this ionic air purifier is very manageable. A true HEPA filter has an up to e12 month life and its carbon fiber is good for up to 3 months. All in all, we love this ionic air purifier as a value option for smaller rooms. Consider this one of the best negative ion generators. And for UV, check out the best UV air purifier for viruses that is excellent across the board.

 #10  Oion Technologies Ionic Air Purifier

Award: BEST ENERGY EFFICIENT

WHY WE LIKE IT: This ionic air purifier comes in a slim and tall build (5.5 x 6.5 x 17 inches) and only consumes 7.5W of energy, an excellent choice for people looking for energy savings.

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  • 7.5W in energy consumption
  • Simple dial for low and high-speed settings
  • Easy to main metal plate filter

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  • Does not use pre-filter or true HEPA filter
  • Metal filter quick to build residue with heavy use

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This ionic air purifier does a little bit of everything well. Electrostatic ionizer purification technology releases negatively charged ions into the air to cut down airborne contaminants as small as .01 microns, great for pet dander, odors, mold spores, and dust. Our only knock is that it does not include a pre-filter for large particles and a true HEPA filter, which could produce additional purification power.

On the maintenance side, this best air purifier negative ions is very easy to work with. A metal filter never clogs and only requires a quick vacuum or wipe clean without replacement. A simple dial has options for low and high-speed settings along with a night light and no other digital display, offering one of the simplest interfaces on our list. Compare this unit with any of the best personal air purifiers that have a minimum of 2.5 million ions per cm3.

How We Decided

In determining the best ionic air purifier to buy, we explored efficiency, versatility, and digital controls.
Look at the total square footage coverage area when selecting a filter. If you are only looking to purify the air in an enclosed space such as a bathroom or a kitchen, a 200 square foot -rated air purifier will do. The best practice is to go for a higher square footage rating than your actual living area for the best results. Consider ionic air filters with a minimum 3-stage filtration process, which consists of a pre-filter for large particles, a true HEPA filter for ultra particles, and an activated carbon filter or UV-C light to work its magic against smoke, odors, bacteria, and viruses. Ionizers perform a similar purpose, releasing negative ions into the air than clumping and binding airborne particles for easy disposal by a HEPA filter or manual sweep.

Versatility and digital controls are very important when deciding on the best ionic air purifier. Our preferred ionic air filters carry sleep modes for whisper-quiet operation, multiple fan speeds, real-time air quality indicators (via color-coded LED lighting), and timer settings that allow you to calibrate – perfect for people on the go. It could be considered a great quiet air purifier. We are also big fans of built-in wi-fi and dedicated smartphone apps to easily monitor your indoor air quality in real-time and schedule your cycles no matter where you are.

Best Ionic Air Purifier Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Efficiency
    Our preference is for the best air purifier to carry a minimum 3-stage filtration system, which uses a pre-filter for large particles (pollen, dust), a true HEPA filter for ultrafine particles as small as 0.3 microns, and an activated carbon filter that works against smoke, odors, and gases. Ionizers. Kudos for any ionic airflow that employs a 360-degree air filtration for even air distribution, as opposed to a bottom to top airflow system.
  2. Versatility
    We love ionic air purifiers that have several settings designed to make them easier to use. Look for sleep mode (optimal noise setting), multiple fan speeds, and real-time air quality updates directly on the unit or through a dedicated smartphone app.
  3. Digital Controls
    We love ionic air purifiers with built-in WiFi and Alexa/Siri compatibility and dedicated smartphone apps, which allow easy monitoring and scheduling cycles from anywhere. Handheld remotes are also a plus. Like an ionic air purifier necklace, most of the ionic air purifiers on our list do not have built-in WiFi and Alexa/Siri compatibility, but a full set of digital controls.

Ionic Air Purifier FAQs

Which is better HEPA or ionic?

Do ionic air purifiers work? In the battle of ionic air purifier vs HEPA, true HEPA filtration is more effective than ionic air purifiers. HEPA air purifiers can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, as well as smoke and odors. Ionic air purifiers are more known for their limited maintenance needs (no filter to replace), silent operation, and smaller size.

Should I use the ionizer on my air purifier?

Don’t worry about ionic air purifier dangers. Ionizers provide an alternative method of cleaning the air. Unlike true HEPA filters, which as small as 0.3 microns, Ionics release negative ions into the air that clump and bind against airborne contaminants, creating large enough particles to fall and get swept away by a HEPA filter in a small or large room. For ionizers to be effective, you must vacuum and dust at regular intervals. That said, ionizers and air purifiers work hand in hand as long as your sweeping schedule is on point.

Where should an air purifier be placed in a bedroom?

Our recommendations for air purifier placement falls in the area where there is the worst air pollution, as well as an open area with the free exchange of airflow, three to five feet off the ground, and free of obstacles as to not obstruct airflow. We also recommend not placing it in areas with high humidity such as a kitchen, enclosed patio, or garage.

Is it OK to leave the air purifier on all night?

It is highly recommended to leave an air purifier on all night. The longer it runs, the optimal efficiency. Purifying the air is a 24/7 process with ebbs and flows in terms of air quality and one cannot reasonably expect air to be completely purified in a short amount of time and remain that way for hours afterward.

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