The air quality of the classroom is of great concern. Dust particles, pet danders, allergens, VOCs, chemical odors, disease-causing microbes, mold spores, and viruses are the major air-borne contaminants. Good air quality is the key feature of a classroom that ensures the health, safety, and overall healthy environment at the school.
Air purifiers use the latest technology of HEPA filters to entrap the invisible smaller particles. Most commonly, the minimum size particle a purifier can capture is 0.3 microns, which is truly incredible. Some of them use HyperHepa filters that can entrap as small as .003 microns.
While looking for the best air purifier for the classroom one should consider the specific features in the air purifiers. The first of them is the maximum area coverage. A standard classroom in the USA occupies an area of 900 sq.ft to 1200 sq.ft. So you must consider those products that can work within a large space. The other feature is the operating sound. An air purifier with loud operating sounds is not at all suitable for the classrooms. Select the one with the minimum noise level.
Best Air Purifiers For Classroom in 2021
- Best Overall: Austin Air Healthmate HM-400
- Best HEPA: RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet Purifier
- Best Budget: IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier
- Best for Large Room: Alen BreatheSmart Classic
- Best Mini: Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA
- AIRMEGA 300S Air Purifier
- LEVOIT Air Purifier LV-H134 With H13 True HEPA Filters
1. Best Overall: Austin Air Healthmate HM-400
Rating: 4.2 / 5
The HM-400 is an amazing air purifier by Austin that uses a 4-stage filtration technology for maximum efficiency. The best thing about this air-purifying system is that it cleans a larger space upto 1500 sq.ft. Well, It’s a great option for over-sized classrooms, laboratories, and conference rooms.
A PermaFlit filter stands in front of the defense line. It is capable of capturing the coarse visible particles like hair. Next comes the pre-filter that deals with the mid-level hazards like mold spores etc. The third carbon-zeolite filter is able to remove all types of odors, VOCs, and larger particulates.
Then comes the heart of this product, a true HEPA filter with a medical-grade. In the final stage of this purification system, this filter removes all kinds of airborne particles of the size 0.3 microns and greater. It’s a true anti-allergen and antiviral air purifier.
You would love to know that it boasts a 360 degrees air intake and a top outflow system to ensure the air purification in all dimensions. Furthermore, it is a sturdy machine with a compact-steel body and hence comes with a warranty of five years. With proper maintenance, vacuuming, and timely replacement of filters, you can extend the life of your air-cleaning system.
The fan works at three different speeds. It works smoothly with very little noise even at the fastest speed. Isn’t it amazing? It features all the manual controls and consumes very little power-so no extra burden on electricity bills.
The large coverage and minimum noise levels are the convincing traits of Austin HM-400. Even at the fastest fan-speed, it works with barely-audible sound, so no more annoying operational sounds. In short, it is the best combination of efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Best HEPA: RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet Purifier
Rating: 4.7 / 5
As the name indicates its Ultra quiet. For an undisturbed learning process, it is a great choice. It works efficiently for rooms of 815 sq.ft which is very close to standard classroom size. In addition to that, it is a stylish machine with an artistic outlook. It’s portable in nature but can be mounted to a wall if required.
It guarantees the top-rated performance with a six-stage filtration mechanism. Just like many others, there is a pre-filter to capture the large visible particles. Next to it, a medium filter is present that can handle the pollens, pet danders, and smaller dust particles that made their way through the pre-filter.
Then comes the true BioGs HEPA filter that can eliminate even smaller sized particles as 0.3 microns. This site includes most of the allergens, mold spores, bacterias, and viruses. Next, you will get a customizable filter to target specific needs. It includes toxin absorber, germ-specific or allergy-free filters.
An activated carbon filter is also part of the system to absorb gases and remove odors. The last but not the least is the negative Ion generator that boosts the overall filtration capacity of other filters and makes the contaminants settle down on the bottom from where they can be collected and disposed of through a vacuum cleaner.
Ion generators may pose a threat to people with asthma and allergies due to ozone emission. There is nothing to worry about, ion generators can be turned on or off easily.
With a six-stage filtration technology and larger coverage area, it is one of the best options available out there. Moreover, It is engineered in a way so that it can provide the ultra-clean air without creating any annoying and distracting sounds. It is an expensive option but it is fair to say that with all these amazing features it is worth the money.
3. Best Budget: IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier
Rating: 4.5 / 5
IQAir HealthPro Plus is the most efficient air purifier on the list. It’s my personal opinion. It outstandingly purifies the air in large rooms as 1.125 sq.meters. What makes HealthPro Plus a top-rated product, is its 3-stage efficient filtration technology.
It also begins with PreMax pre-filter to catch the large-sized particles like haIR. Moving further you will find a granulated activated carbon filter supplemented with a pelletized chemisorption filter. The activated carbon filter is responsible for detaining pollen, gases, odors, chemicals, or smoke particles, while the chemisorption filter assists in the further destruction of harmful substances.
In contrast to all others reviewed on the list, it contains the HyperHepa H12/13 filter instead of the typical true HEPA filter. It can filter 97% of airborne particles of a size of 0.3 microns and greater. Moreover, the HyperHepa filter is capable of filtering out the ultrafine particle of size 0.003 micron and makes it the best air purifier for the classrooms.
It is an expensive product for many customers, but if you can pay a little more for better performance and enhanced experience, it won’t let you regret your decision. Additionally, its HyperHepa filter doesn’t demand the annual replacement; instead, it lasts for 4years. Considering this feature and low power consumption, it is an overall cost-effective choice.
The noise level of IQAir HealthPro Plus is surprisingly low, even with the powerful fans. It works silently as 57 DB is the noise level produced by it in the most aggressive mode. Hence it guarantees silent operation in the classroom.
With an extra-large coverage space, and highest filtration capacity this air purifier ensures the provision of pure clean air in larger-sized areas such as classrooms. For a true learning experience, you need a quiet, undisturbed environment. Hence, the extremely low noise levels produced by it make it a catchy option for the classrooms.
Lastly, the brand has also produced some excellent car air purifiers, which are designed to fit and clean the car air for better health.
4. Best for Large Room: Alen BreatheSmart Classic
Rating: 4.6 / 5
It is also one of the high-end quality air-purifiers for extra-large spaces. It works for a large space as 1100 sq.ft with a medium CADR rating which is still better than many other air purifiers available in this range. It uses three filters to purify the air and have a 360 degrees intake of air and outflow through a top vent.
The pre-filter efficiently blocks the coarse visible particle hence extending the lifespan of your true HEPA filter inside. In the center, you will find variable options in HEPA filters like HEPA-fresh, HEPA-pure, HEPA-silver, and HEPA-odor cells. We can choose one and also use the combination of two or more for advanced solid performance.
The ion generator is also there to produce negative ions hence improving the overall filtration process. It is also helpful in the disposal of pollutants from the machine as it makes them settle down at the bottom. As it works with powerful fans that ensure the maximum airflow so we can expect it to be a little noisy.
But there is no need to worry about it, it uses the WhisperMax technology to reduce the noise level making it compatible with the needs of educational institutes.
So with an extra-large coverage and as low as 41 dB noise level, it fulfills the basic requirements of the best air purifier for the classroom. The other reasons to buy this air purifier is its lifetime warranty, efficient filtration, and a smart feature to detect the overall air quality of the room.
5. Best Mini: Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Honeywell HPA300 is a product with marvelous performance at an affordable cost. It comes with a two-stage filter technology that ensures the germ and allergy free air. According to the label, this is made for a room of 465 sq.meter but on real grounds, it even works great in a larger space.
The first filter commonly known as a pre-filter is the activated charcoal filter. It can handle the odors of all types, larger particulates, and VOCs efficiently. There are multiple options available for the cleaning of this filter like vacuum cleaners and washing. The filter needs to be replaced every three months and a pre-filter.
The second filter that is the key to this product is a true HEPA filter. It can capture all types of allergens, molds, microorganisms, and particles of the size 0.3 microns or greater. Filters are not washable but can be vacuumed to maximize lifespan. HEPA filters should be replaced every year.
The filter Indicator light is there to give you an alert about filter replacement. Pre-filters are easily available at cheap prices. They don’t forget to buy a pack of these HEPA filters as it uses three of them.
Like many others, HPA300 has customizable settings for light, timer, and performance. There is a problem with its confusing button labeling. For example, germ mode is for the basic and turbo for the fastest speed. The dimmer will customize the light for you at a comfortable level.
Well, the sound of the air purifier to be used in the classroom is of great concern. It works silently at germ or general clean mode but becomes noisy at turbo mode. It is not recommended for the areas that have a higher concentration of pollutants because it needs to be run at turbo mode for all the time.
With CADR rating above three hundred, it is the best air purifier for the classroom. It’s an ideal option for larger spaces like bigger classrooms due to its greater coverage and larger size. Moreover, it assures maximum purification due to its efficient two-stage filtration system.
6. AIRMEGA 300S Air Purifier
Rating: 4.2 / 5
With a three-stage filtration mechanism and an average 300+ average CADR rating, these air purifiers seem attractive to be used in a classroom. It can provide 2 air changes every hour within larger sized rooms.
At the front, there is a typical washable pre-filter. It doesn’t allow the coarse particles to reach the core-HEPA filters hence extending their lifespan. Moving next there is an activated carbon filter that can absorb 95% of gases, VOCs, and all types of chemical odors-claims the manufacturers.
Then come the true-HEPA filters to capture the small air-born pollutants of the size 0.3 microns and greater. This model does not include the Ion generator, UV lamps so its safe and ozone-free air-purifiers guarantee the maximum health safety in the classrooms.
Even with powerful fans, it features very low power consumption and lowest noise levels. The maximum noise level at the highest settings reaches upto 51 dB which is quite acceptable in a classroom over a larger area. It also includes the air quality sensor to monitor air quality and an LED ring to adjust the brightness level of the room.
Airmega 300s is a top-quality air purifier with a 300+ CADR rating. 300+ CADR resting means the premium quality upgraded filters with great power efficiency. It seems a bit expensive but if you are concerned with the true pure air quality in the classroom, do not hesitate to spend a few more dollars.
7. LEVOIT Air Purifier LV-H134 With H13 True HEPA Filters
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Levoit LV-H134 has been exclusively engineered for the larger spaces upto 1170 sq.ft which is a bit larger than standard classroom size in the USA. The most attractive feature is its price tag. It’s quite surprising to get a high powered air purifier with an extra-large area coverage under $400.
It’s the best solution to get rid of dust, pet danders, pollens, allergens, organic pollutants, and molds. With a three-stage filtration mechanism, it superbly captures all of them. Pre-filter is there to capture the coarse visible pollutants while an activated carbon filter efficiently sucks 95% of odors, gases, VOCs and other pollutants.
Then comes the heart of the device. A true H13 HEPA filter which is able to filter out as smaller particles as 0.3 microns. It doesn’t include ion generators and UVc lamps hence making it a safer device to be operated on the educational spots.
Noise level of an air purifier supposed to operate in the classroom does matter. It works silently on its lowest speed modes and creates a bit of noise at the highest settings but to an acceptable level. In sort operating sound is not a problem in case of Levoit LV-H134
The obvious reason to buy the Levoit LV-H134 is its affordable price. It boasts a lot of traits that are usually found in the expensive models and cleans air within a larger space with maximum efficiency
Final Verdict
The air purifiers are necessary to provide a cleaner and pure environment in schools and colleges. Air purifiers can effectively reduce the rate of catching a common cold, influenza, diarrhea, allergies, and other viral diseases, and hence can boost the attendance level at institutes.
To summarize the discussion here are our top-three picks
- AIRMEGA 300S Air Purifier for highest efficiency with low power consumption.
- LEVOIT Air Purifier LV-H134 highly efficient with true HEPA h13 filters at relatively low cost.
- IQAir HealthPro Plus with true HyperHEPA filters with maximum life span making it the best air purifier ever.
All of the other products on the list come with their own pros and cons. Before taking a quick decision it is recommended to go through the key features of air purifiers like noise level, coverage area, and types of filters to select the best one for you.