Sometimes you need a great purifier on a budget. Curated Experts make sure to take each person’s budget into account every time they make recommendations. This list brings together their top recommendations for air purifiers under $500. Want a more personalized fit? Don't forget to chat with an Air Filtration Expert here on Curated for free advice and recommendations on the best air purifier for your needs.
- Winix Tabletop Air Purifier
- Winix AM90 PlasmaWave True HEPA Wi-Fi Console Air Purifier
- Winix HR900 Console Air Purifier
- Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Console Air Purifier
- Winix AM80 True HEPA with Washable Odor Control Carbon Filter Console Air Purifier
- Molekule Air Mini+ Tabletop Air Purifier
- Aura Air Mini Tabletop Air Purifier
Winix Tabletop Air Purifier
A true HEPA air purifier best for small rooms! This purifier is AHAM certified for rooms up to 230 square feet. Winix uses a 4-stage filtration system with this purifier. First, a fine mesh pre-filter catches large contaminates and prevents them from clogging the downstream filtration. Then, a true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne allergens down to 0.3 microns in size; this takes care of most dust, smoke, pollen, or pet dander. Then, your air is filtered through an activated carbon filter to reduce odors and capture VOCs. Finally, the air passes through the Winix Plasma Wave filter which creates hydroxyls to generate positive and negative ions to separate hazardous contaminates at a molecular level (without generating ozone!). This filtration method meets the California Air Resource Board's AB2276 standard for ozone emissions with less than 0.05 parts per million. A smart sensor with an auto mode, a sleep mode, an air quality indicator, and a 2-year warranty top off this high-end yet budget-friendly small room purifier.

True Hepa filter that captures pollen, dust, smoke and dander.
25 decibel noise level = quiet.
Filters last for 1 year.
Sleep mode.
Auto mode that automatically adjusts the fan speed based on air quality.
Air quality indicator.













Winix AM90 PlasmaWave True HEPA Wi-Fi Console Air Purifier
Small to medium sized spaces that need better air filtration than what a basic air purifier can handle and for people who want elegant simplicity.

Winix HR900 Console Air Purifier
The Winix HR900 is the ultimate air purifier for pet owners! It offers five-stage filtration with a true HEPA filter and is AHAM verified at 300 sq ft but can filter 1450 sq ft in 1 hour. The first line of defense in this purifier is the Ultimate Pet Pre-Filter which filters out pet hair, dander, and visible particles. This filter is easy to change and will keep your filter running at maximum efficiency! Next, your air passes through a washable pre-filter that captures the largest airborne molecules. Next up, the washable AOC carbon filter reduces odors and captures airborne VOCs. After that, the True HEPA filter filters out the finest molecules, such as dust, smoke, and remaining pet dander. Finally, PlasmaWave technology removes the rest of the airborne particulates by creating charged ions to latch onto the contaminants. Triple smart sensors plus an auto mode keep your filtration running at the optimal speed throughout the day and a sleep mode keeps it quiet during the night. Energy Star certification means you can always prioritize your air quality without worrying about your electric bill

Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Console Air Purifier
Rabbit air purifiers are known for their quiet operation, and the BioGS 2.0 is no exception. At only 20dB when set to silent speed mode, the BioGS 2.0 is significantly quieter than other purifiers in its class. The purifier uses four stages of filtration and deodorization, including a pre-filter, activated carbon charcoal filter, proprietary BioGS HEPA filter (a true-HEPA rated filter), and an ionizer to create negative ions and weigh down unwanted air molecules. The BioGS 2.0 is also low maintenance and requires a filter replacement only every 18 months when operating the purifier 24 hours a day. Best for standard filtration of 550 sq ft rooms, or maximum filtration of rooms 275 sq ft or smaller, this is best for users looking for air filtration in medium rooms.. This purifier is also Energy Star certified so you can filter your air 24 hours a day worry-free!

Small to medium sized spaces, and for people who rather have simple intuitive controls.

Winix AM80 True HEPA with Washable Odor Control Carbon Filter Console Air Purifier
- Medium-sized rooms like the living room, kitchen, or basement.
- The Winix AM80 is AHAM certified for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. with an average clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 235. The AM90 uses a 4-stage filtration system including a washable mesh pre-filter, a washable AOC carbon filter, a true HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave air cleaning technology (dual polarity ionizer that can be turned on or off).
- Additional features include an auto mode, sleep mode, filter replacement indicator, dual smart sensors, and an air quality indicator.
- The Winix AM80 is Energy Star rated and includes a 2-year warranty. Winix recommends cleaning the pre-filter every three weeks, cleaning the AOC carbon filter every three months, and replacing the true HEPA and AOC carbon filter every 12 months.
- Additional notes: The Winix AM80 is great for medium spaces. For smaller spaces consider the Winix A231 and for larger spaces choose the Winix XLC. Have a medium space and really want WiFi with app control - go for the Winix AM90.

Molekule Air Mini+ Tabletop Air Purifier
Users looking for a smart and aesthetically pleasing purifier that is best for small rooms.

Aura Air Mini Tabletop Air Purifier
Personal spaces, great for taking with you in the car or to work for your office space! It uses Sterionizer (tm) Technology that generate positive and negative ions like those found in nature to kill germs and bacteria, mold and pollen on contact!

Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!
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