Considering a filterless air purifier? Looking for a few top picks to consider?
You’ve come to the right place.
If you don’t like the hassle and cost of changing air filters in an air purifier, then you should consider buying a filterless air purifier. Today’s products offer the same level of air cleaning with far less work.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know – including reviews of our top picks, answers to frequently asked questions and the pros/cons of filterless air purifying technology, to help you decide which product is the right one for your needs.
Why Buy a Filterless Air Purifier?
Filterless air purifiers offer a number of advantages over traditional units that use replaceable filters or filter cartridges.
Most conventional air purifiers work use fans to provide a constant airflow through the unit, so they tend to make noise while they work.
In contrast, filterless air purifiers don’t use fans and don’t need constant airflow to work.
So if the constant buzz of fans bothers you, consider buying a filterless unit.
Moreover, if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time to clean and maintain your unit, a filterless air purifier is the way to go. In fact, most filterless air purifiers don’t require maintenance at all.
Filterless air purifiers also don’t have filters (duh), so you don’t have to deal with taking the unit apart and washing or replacing the filters periodically. This also means there won’t be a recurring expense to deal with.
That said, filterless air purifiers aren’t the best solution for everyone. They tend to work only in smaller spaces, for example.
And while filterless air purifiers are excellent at extracting even the finest particles from the air, they tend to get more easily overwhelmed by thick smoke and strong odors.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 7-inch wall plug-in unit
- Reduces odors from cooking fumes, smoke, and pets
- UV-C light kills airborne viruses while titanium dioxide reduces volatile organic compounds
- Thermodynamic TSS technology removes allergens, pollens, viruses, mold, bacteria, pet dander, etc.
- Also reduces ozone levels
- Does not emit harmful products like ultraviolet light or ions
- Since it doesn’t use an electric fan, it keeps energy bills low
- Design blends well with any decor
- Uses thermodynamic TSS technology
What's In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
This buying guide is the complete 101 on filterless air purifiers.
We first list our top picks for a range of needs and situations, then compare them on key features.
Next, we provide our review of each.
We follow our reviews with an in-depth buying guide that covers everything from how filterless air purifiers work, to the features to look for and how to maintain one.
We end the guide by answering a few common questions related to filterless air purifiers so you can make your purchase confidently.
So – let’s dive in.
Best Filterless Air Purifiers
- 1. Best Travel-Sized: GermGuardian GG1100W
- 2. Best for Kids & Pets: Airfree T800
- 3. Best for an Office: Airfree P3000
- 4. Smartest Tech: Trekoo Air Purifier
- 5. Best Design: Clarifion Air Purifier
- 6. Best for Small Spaces: Airfree Tulip
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
GermGuardian GG1100W
Best travel-size filterless air purifier
Purifying technology
UV-C light & Titanium DioxideEnergy Consumption
3.5 wattsCoverage Area
56 sq ft
Airfree T800
Best for kids and pets
Purifying technology
TSS ThermodynamicsEnergy Consumption
33 wattsCoverage Area
180 square feet
Airfree P3000
Best for offices
Purifying technology
TSS ThermodynamicsEnergy Consumption
52 wattsCoverage Area
650 sq ft
Trekoo Air Purifier
Smart filterless air purifier
Purifying technology:
Ozone generator/ionizerEnergy Consumption
10.8 wattsCoverage Area
166 sq ft
Clarifion Air Purifier
Sleekest filterless air purifier
Purifying technology:
Negative ion generatorEnergy Consumption
–Coverage Area
Roughly 50 sq ft
Airfree Tulip
Best for compact spaces
Purifying technology:
TSS ThermodynamicsEnergy Consumption
52 wattsCoverage Area
650 sq ft
The GG1100W is a small and versatile pluggable filterless air purifier ideal for children’s rooms, bathrooms, litter box rooms, and the kitchen. Apart from reducing odors, it kills airborne viruses like rhinovirus and influenza with its UV-C light technology.
PROS
- Simple and inexpensive
- Very low energy consumption; wallet-friendly
- Removes cooking odors, smoke, and pet odors
- Helps with pet dander
CONS
- Makes an annoying high-pitch sound
- Bright blue light can be bothersome in bedrooms
Features
- 7-inch wall plug-in unit
- Reduces odors from cooking fumes, smoke, and pets
- UV-C light kills airborne viruses while titanium dioxide reduces volatile organic compounds
- 1-year warranty
- Designed for small rooms
Our Review
The GG1100W’s simple and modern unit is easy to operate; all you have to do is plug it into a wall socket, and that’s it! There are no complicated settings or controls you have to deal with.
The LED circle ring informs you if the UV sanitizer is working, so you don’t have to play around with the purifier!
The GG1100W purifies the air using UV-C light and titanium dioxide. Despite being an old technology, it is quite effective.
Perfect for people with allergies who want to sleep blissfully.
The short-wavelength UV-C kills mold spores, viruses, bacteria, and germs within minutes, while the titanium oxide serves as a disinfectant and uses photocatalysis to decompose microorganisms.
This combined purification process works until all the odor-causing cells and irritants are eliminated.
Like all filterless air purifiers, the GG1100W is also silent since it just uses UV-C light filtration, so you’ll hardly notice it while it does its job.
However, the fan will make some noise when pulling in the air. Plus, it consumes little energy, especially because it is fitted with a 3.5-watt bulb instead of a standard one.
And it has a USB port you can use to charge other devices while it sanitizes air.
Lastly, the purifier is very safe to use since it runs on the standard voltage and it is CARB-compliant, so you can even let it run the whole day.
The T800 is a small and lightweight purifier that uses Thermodynamic TSS technology. It has a design to that will complement most modern decor.
PROS
- No light on the unit, making it great for bedrooms
- Effectively removes pollen, smoke, dust, pet dander, and mold
- Really helpful for asthma and allergy sufferers
- Well-designed, simple appliance
CONS
- Runs a little hot
- Ceramic coils inside the unit can break
Features
- Thermodynamic TSS technology removes allergens, pollens, viruses, mold, bacteria, pet dander, etc.
- Also reduces ozone levels
- Does not emit harmful products like ultraviolet light or ions
- Virtually silent
- Compact and portable
Our Review
The Airfree T800 is a basic, no-frills cylindrical air purifier.
Like other Airfree models, this one also uses the Thermodynamic TSS technology, but at a much lower price.
This technology produces no ions and reduces ozone levels, making it perfect for kids and pets, especially parrots.
We like this model particularly because of its portability and compactness.
It weighs just 1.5 pounds and has a sleek and thin body that stands 12-inch high and 6.1-inch wide. It is also well-sealed, making it slimmer.
Given its modern and aesthetic design, it will easily blend-in anywhere in your house. Plus, there are no dials or fancy controls; just turn it on and let it work its magic.
This Airfree air purifier eliminates up to 99.99% of allergens, making it great for people with respiratory issues.
It works silently and won’t annoy you, making it perfect for offices and baby rooms.
We also love that the T800 is super energy-efficient. It uses just 33 Watts, and since you won’t have to replace filters, you’ll save money over a comparable filter-based unit.
The Airfree P series is the company’s award-winning series, and the P3000 uses the same design with the efficient thermodynamic TSS technology. Since it runs noise-free, it is perfect for placing in the office.
PROS
- Highly effective against mildew and mold
- Makes no noise at all
- Blue night light won't disrupt sleep
- No ozone or ion emissions
CONS
- Only covers a limited space, so you will need multiple units for a larger office
- Priced higher than most other units
Features
- Since it doesn’t use an electric fan, it keeps energy bills low
- Basic black design blends into with any decor
- Uses thermodynamic TSS technology
- Does not produce UV light, ions, ozone, or harmful particles.
Our Review
The P3000 is easy to use, compact, efficient, and silent. The award-winning design is sleek and beautiful, so it will easily integrate with any home or office decor.
Since it doesn’t use fans or filters, it consumes very little power.
The selling point of the P3000 is how safe and silent it is. It doesn’t emit ozone or ions, for example.
This filterless air purifier also doesn’t use harmful UV light. And like other Airfree purifiers, there’s no fan to make annoying sounds.
While most filterless air purifiers can at best cover up lingering smells, this one actually gets rid of them.
Moreover, it comes with a cool, adjustable harmonic night light.
You can use it to create a safe work environment and enjoy the clean air it produces for years, hassle-free.
With its auto-sensor operation, the Trekoo air purifier helps save on electricity bills by switching to sleep mode when it doesn’t sense people in the room. With so many different settings and modes, you can set it up to meet your needs perfectly. This is why we love the Trekoo filterless air purifier and why it is our best choice for most people.
PROS
- Simple to install and comes with a hanging bracket, screws, and anchors
- 5 operating modes and 3 fan speeds
- Only takes a few minutes to clear up the odor
- Motion sensor is highly sensitive and works well in the dark
- Well-built
CONS
- Instruction manual could be better
- Short warranty, especially given the expected life
Features
- Removes tough odors, including cigarette smoke and pet odors
- Generates negative ions to refresh air up to 166 sq ft
- If it senses pets or people, it generates negative ions and ozone for two minutes after every four minutes
- Switches to sleep mode if it doesn’t sense anyone, helping you save money
- Powerful manual mode for unoccupied spaces
- Produces less than 20dB noise
- Nano-activated carbon filter lasts for 15 years
Our Review
Don’t let the small size of the Trekoo air purifier fool you. It is a powerful odor remover that can easily deal with tobacco fumes, litter smell, perfumes, cooking odors, and bathroom odors.
The unit is antibacterial, so it will also remove mold and mildew from the air.
Apart from manual, auto, and sleep modes, it also comes with unique ‘toilet’ and ‘room’ modes. These modes use specific ion and ozone production levels and adjust fan speed to cater to different needs.
The Trekoo also comes with a sensor to sense people/pets in the room. This feature goes a long way to reducing energy consumption, because the unit can be set to shut off when a room is empty.
All of these features ensure that ozone levels are kept within safe parameters while using the least amount of energy.
To further neutralize odors and reduce ozone, it uses a nano-activated carbon filter that can last as long as 15 years.
For further convenience, it comes with wall-mounting hardware so you can hang it on your wall – to place it above a kitchen counter or a baby’s crib, for example.
This is a pluggable ionizer, and while it might look too small to be effective, it can actually produce 10 million negative ions per cm3 – enough to eliminate most viruses, bacteria, odors, and allergens.
PROS
- Small but powerful - especially against biologicals
- Super easy to use
- The blue nightlight is a nice addition
- Silent operation. You’ll only notice a noise if you put your ear against it
- Hardly consumes any space
CONS
- Small room capacity of 150 sqft
Features
- Comes with a sterilization function
- Chemical-free and helps remove allergens, viruses, and bacteria
- Also effective against odors
- Produces 10 million negative ions per cm3
- Smart design and LED indication
Our Review
While the Clarifion filterless air purifier has small dimensions and low weight, it is quite powerful.
It is also very easy to operate and can be mounted on a standard wall plug. The Clarion is a plug-and-play purifier, so you don’t have to deal with confusing controls.
Just watch for the glowing blue LED light to know tell when this purifier is working.
The Clarifion air purifier is energy-efficient, with the ionization cycle using less than a watt even if you run it throughout the day.
Plus, it is extremely quiet, so it makes for a good addition anywhere and everywhere – including the home office, bathroom, and even a dining room.
This filterless air purifier works using ionization technology and releases 10 million negative ions per cm3, which is plenty enough to destroy most biologicals in the air including viruses, bacteria and mold/fungi.
The Clarifion is also 100% ozone-free and can cover one room up to 150 square feet in size.
The last Airfree unit on our list of top picks, the Airfree Tulip is a small machine with a beautiful lotus-like design that can purify medium-sized rooms like bedrooms.
PROS
- Option to turn off the night light if you find it too bright
- Unobtrusive, small, and beautiful design
- Doesn’t produce odors or ozone
- TSS thermodynamic technology is very effective
CONS
- Touch sensor for the light is difficult to find
Features
- Has a lotus flower petal shape
- Virtually silent
- Covers medium-sized rooms up to 650 sqft
- Compact, portable size
- Choose from 10 colors for the light
- Removes up to 26% odor
Our Review
With its gorgeous lotus-like design, this model looks like a decoration piece rather than a purifier. It is very small, but can purify the air of a large bedroom or small living room – completely in silence.
Like other Airfree units, this one uses the company’s patented TSS technology that uses a heated ceramic core to kill up to 99.99% of microorganisms.
It removes viruses, bacteria, odors, tobacco, dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander – and reduces ozone levels as a byproduct.
The TSS air purification process makes no noise, and if you leave the purifier running for 24 hours, it can purify the air in rooms up to 650 square feet.
The purifier is also economical, consuming just 52 watts of power. While this is not the most energy efficient unit on our list, it is still about the same as a regular light bulb.
But what we love the most is that the purification process doesn’t produce ozone or ions. This is a healthier outcome.
For aesthetic purposes, you can change the color of the light between the petals.
You can choose from 10 colors: grey, brown, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, violet, rose, and red. Ideal for home decor.
The light can also serve as a night light if you place the purifier in the kids’ room and can help them make their way in the dark if you place it in the hall.
Filterless Air Purifier Buying Guide
What is a filterless air purifier - and how does it work?
A filterless air purifier is just what the name suggests – an air purifier with no filter.
This raises the question: if there are no filters, then how do these units work?
Well, a filterless air purifier uses one or more of the different technologies listed below. Each technology has its own pros and cons related to energy consumption, what kind of particles & odors it removes, and whether it emits ozone and ions into your home’s air.
1. Ionization
Filterless air purifiers that use ionization clean the air by releasing negative ions.
These ions then bind to positively-charged particles such as viruses, pollen, bacteria, and similar allergens.
Once they combine, the resulting particle becomes so heavy that gravity pulls it down to the ground, making the air cleaner and lighter.
This process continues for as long as the air purifier is switched on.
In general, the more negative ions produced per cubic centimeter, the better an ionization unit will be at removing particles from the air.
2. Thermodynamic TSS Technology
Thermodynamic TSS technology follows the concept of boiling water. Room air is sucked into the unit and exposed to temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This kills all biologicals – viruses, bacteria, mold and other allergens – found in the air and carbonizes them, causing them to become heavy and drop out of the air.
TSS technology has proven to be 100% efficient in removing microorganisms. This is primarily because microorganisms can’t survive the extremely high level of heat, regardless of how big or small they are.
Once the microorganisms in the air are killed, the purifier cools the air and releases the now-clean air back into the room.
3. UV-C Light Technology
Many filterless air purification units include UV-C light technology as a complement to other technologies like the two mentioned above.
This is because UV-C light is extremely effective at killing airborne organisms. UV-C light is artificial, has a shorter wavelength as compared to that of visible light, and cannot be seen by the naked eye. However, it can incapacitate and kill living organisms easily.
Air purifiers with UV-C light pull air into the purifier and pass it into a UV-C chamber. Exposure to the UV wavelength kills the cells, leaving behind sterilized air.
This technology is highly effective against viruses, bacteria, mildew, and mold. All such organisms are microscopic, so they can pass through a filter, but they cannot survive being under UV-C light.
That said, UV technology cannot deal with particles like allergens and pet dander.
4. Ozone
Filterless air purifiers that use ozone technology basically release ozone into the air by taking in oxygen from the air and giving it a strong electrical charge. In other words, it adds another oxygen atom, converting O2 (oxygen) to ozone (O3).
So, when the negatively-charged oxygen (ozone) makes contact with smoke or mold, the extra oxygen molecule attaches to the pollutant’s molecules and oxidizes (binds with) them, causing them to become heavy and fall from the air.
Some people don’t want high ozone levels in their home’s air due to the perceived health risks. However, most medical experts agree that this risk is overblown, especially regarding the low amounts produced by most ozone-based air purifiers.
5. Electrostatic Precipitators
Filterless air purifiers that use electrostatic precipitators are the most effective against dust particles not visible to the human eye.
Electrostatic purifiers release high-voltage electrostatic charge into the air that passes through them. This binds dust particles together so that the unit’s dust trap can collect them.
Why buy a filterless air purifier over other kinds?
Filterless air purifiers are not as popular as filter-based models; however, they’re slowly getting there.
This is because, compared with other kinds, filterless air purifiers offer a number of distinct advantages.
Cost Savings
Filterless air purifiers are less expensive than filter-based units – especially over time.
There’s only a one-time cost involved at the time of purchase. You won’t need to spend additional money on filter replacements.
HEPA purifiers in particular can have a high purchasing cost as well as a high recurring cost of filters.
Ease of Use
Perhaps the biggest selling point of filterless air purifiers is their ease of use.
They require virtually no maintenance, and you can even leave them unattended throughout the day without any problem.
In contrast, with a traditional filter-based air purifier you will have to change the filter regularly since it will get clogged up with dirt and dust.
And if you opt for an air purifier with a washable filter, you’ll have to take apart the unit, wash the filter, and put everything back together – at least once every few months.
Silent Operation
As mentioned earlier, filterless air purifiers run completely silent.
In contrast, other kinds of air purifiers generate a noticeable sound caused by the use of a fan. Most filterless units do not require a fan.
Better Design
Filterless air purifiers are sleeker and more aesthetic than their filter-based counterparts.
This is because the purifier’s body doesn’t need to accommodate filters nor a fan, which makes them more flexible in terms of design.
What to Look for in a Filterless Air Purifier
To make sure you actually end up with the most suitable filterless air purifier, keep in mind the following:
Air Purification Technology
Filterless air purifiers are best for killing microorganisms and removing fine particles and allergens from the air, but they’re not the best choice form removing chemicals, VOCs, odors, and encapsulated allergens like pet dander.
So, if you want something to address these pollutants you will want to invest in a HEPA air filte.
Capacity of Removing Particles
Filterless air purifiers usually come with a particle removal rate of 99%, while ionizing variants produce a specific number of ions per second.
While most air purifiers come with a CADR rating, that’s not the case with most filterless counterparts. CADR refers to the area the unit can purify.
To know how well your chosen model removes particles, make sure to read reviews and see what users have to say.
Coverage and Room Size
Most manufacturers list the coverage area of the unit in square feet. However, you might need more than the reported area.
For instance, if you have very high ceilings or live in an extremely polluted area, then it’s better you invest in a model that covers more than your floor space.
Usually, you will need to opt for a filter-based air purifier if you need to clean more than 1,000 sq ft.
Energy Consumption
Generally, filterless air purifiers are extremely energy-efficient, so they won’t jack up your electricity bill. However, it’s better if you check the energy consumption and ensure it’s manageable.
The best way to know if an air purifier is energy-efficient is to check if it is Energy Star rated.
Noise Produced
As mentioned earlier, filterless air purifiers hardly make any sound. However, some of them produce white noise, while a few do employ a fan and might be even louder.
So make sure you check the unit’s noise level before making the purchase, especially if you’re going to be using the purifier in the bedroom.
Warranty Coverage
A multi-year warranty is always good to have when it comes to electrical appliances of any kind.
Make sure the unit you’re opting for has a good warranty with sufficient coverage, so you can get a replacement or your money back in case of problems.
Extra Features
While it isn’t necessary to have additional features like timers, multiple operating modes and room sensors, they can make a big difference in energy consumption and your overall experience using them.
In addition, visible alerts and night lights may or may not be what you want, mostly depending on the room.
Limitations
While filterless air purifiers are great and come with a plethora of benefits, they do have significant limitations you should be aware of, including the following:
- Limited choice. There just aren't that many good-quality filterless air purifiers sold today. In contrast, you will find a plethora of filter-based models.
- For small spaces only. Due to the limitations of their filtration technology, filterless air purifiers are ideal only for small rooms up to 500-1,000 sqft. Filter-based units can clean far larger spaces.
- Most filterless aren’t AHAM certified. This means they have not been tested and certified by AHAM for their ability to remove dust, pollen, and smoke - the three common kinds of air pollutants. So if you are trying to protect someone from medical harm, go for a HEPA air purifier instead.
- Only one filtration technology. On the other hand, filter-based air purifiers often use multiple filter stages to better clean the air. The option of multiple stages also means you can find a filter-base unit specifically designed to remove exactly what you want - and nothing else.
Cleaning and Maintenance
There’s hardly any cleaning and maintenance involved with filterless air purifiers, which is what makes them so great.
For cleaning, just wipe down the collection blades with a damp cloth, and you’ll be good to go.
And as mentioned above, once you’ve bought these units, you don’t have to worry about maintaining them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are filterless purifiers better and more effective?
Filterless air purifiers are more effective for killing pathogens and microorganisms.
However, for removing odors and allergens, filter-based air purifiers are the better choice.
Can a filterless purifier help get rid of chemicals, molds, and smoke?
This depends on the kind of technology in your chosen purifier. Filterless purifiers with electrostatic precipitation can’t eliminate chemicals, mold, or smoke.
However, ozone-based filterless air purifiers can help deal with smoke, while UV-C light technology is effective against mold.
Do HEPA and filterless air purifiers clean the air at the same rate?
No, HEPA filters are more effective at cleaning the air and can cover a larger area.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Filterless Air Purifier and Why?
Based on our research and reviews, we think the GermGuardian GG1100W is a great choice for most people, specifically because of its low 3.5-Watt energy consumption and excellent germ-killing ability.
If convenience and technology matter to you, you’ll love the Trekoo air purifier. If its auto-sensing technology doesn’t detect anyone in the room, it’ll run on a power-saving mode to help cut down on bills.
And if you’re tight on space, go with the Airfree Tulip. Its compact size will fit literally anywhere. Plus, it’s the best-looking filterless air purifier sold – in our humble opinion 🙂
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
