5 Best Pet Air Purifiers – Remove Hair, Dander, & Smells

We picked the five best air purifiers for tackling pet odors, pet hair, pet fur, and pet dander and providing a more pleasant experience for pet owners.

Many pet owners struggle with issues such as red eyes, stuffy noses, and severe allergies caused by pets. Buying an air purifier is one of the most effective solutions for addressing these issues.

Various studies, user feedback, and personal experiences confirm that air purifiers can significantly reduce pet allergies. Additionally, they help minimize pet hair, fur, and odors in your home.

Best Air Purifiers For Pets - Get Rid Of Pet Hair and Dander
My cat seems very curious. I believe he likes all these air purifiers! Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

I deeply analyzed all the models we tested to determine the best air purifiers for pet owners. In addition to our standard testing procedures, we evaluated many air purifiers in environments with cats, lion-headed bunnies, and budgies.

In summary, an air purifier can help neutralize unpleasant odors and reduce the impact of pet allergies.

However, it’s important to remember that these devices have their limits and should not be seen as a miracle solution. To maintain a clean environment, regular hygiene practices—such as vacuuming—are essential, especially in areas where pets reside.

In a Hurry? Here Are the Best Air Purifiers For Pets!

  • Levoit Vital 200S – It provides the best value for money and is our best option for pets. The Vital 200S offers outstanding performance, washable pre-filter, and plenty of smart features.
  • Winix 5500-2 – The best option for people suffering from dog or cat allergies and want to neutralize pet odors. It uses a washable pre-filter.
  • Levoit Core 600S – It’s the best option for large rooms but also a great option for people having multiple pets. It covers rooms of up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²).
  • Austin Air HealthMate Jr. – The best option for pet odors. Thanks to the high-quality activated carbon filter, this air purifier will neutralize pet odors with ease.
  • Levoit Vital 100S – Is the best small air purifier for pets you can get. It uses high-quality filtration technology that will for sure help clean the air in your place.

*If you click any of these links and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Top 5 Air Purifiers for Pets

We picked the top five air purifiers for pets currently available on the market.

These air purifiers have been chosen based on their specifications, performance test results, and features, making them the best options for pet owners.

Levoit Vital 200S – Best Option for Pets Overall

Levoit Vital 200S - Best Air Purifiers For Pets
Levoit Vital 200S air purifier.

Levoit Vital 200S Highlights

  • This is a powerful air purifier with a room coverage of 380 sq. ft. (35 m²), making it highly effective even if you have more than one pet.
  • It features high-quality filtration technology, and I especially love its washable pre-filter, which is practical, easy to clean, and efficient.
  • The Levoit Vital 200S delivered exceptional results in our particle removal tests, improving air quality by 96% in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.
  • It’s undoubtedly one of the best options for pet owners, particularly if you’re looking for a device that captures pet dander and hair while also neutralizing light pet odors.

The Levoit Vital 200S is an excellent air purifier for pets, offering outstanding performance at a reasonable price. It uses three-stage filtration technology, produces no ozone, and comes with plenty of smart features that make it user-friendly.

What I truly love about the Vital 200S is its washable, detachable pre-filter. This filter effectively traps larger particles like pet hair, preventing them from clogging the other filters and extending their lifespan. I recommend cleaning it at least twice a week to keep it working optimally.

Levoit Vital 200S Air Purifier - Replacement filter
The Levoit Vital 200S filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Additionally, it uses a high-quality particle filter to capture allergens and dander, while a pellet-based carbon filter efficiently neutralizes unpleasant odors. One minor improvement I’d love to see is separate carbon and particle filters, which would definitely simplify the replacement process.

CFM to dBA Ratio

Comparison of the CFM-to-dBA ratio at maximum speed between the Levoit Vital 200S air purifier and its competitors. A higher ratio usually indicates better airflow performance relative to noise levels, meaning the device moves more air with less noise.

The Vital 200S also stands out for its smart features, quiet operation—even at maximum speed—and low energy consumption.

Overall, the Levoit Vital 200S is the ideal choice for pet owners seeking an air purifier that can effectively handle pet dander, hair, fur, and odors while also reducing allergens and improving air quality.

Specs: Levoit Vital 200S

Dimensions (inches / cm)15.6 x 8.5 x 19.8 inches (39.6 x 21.7 x 50.2 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)13.2 lb (6 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)245 CFM (416 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Lifeabout 12 months
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App Yes
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 380 sq. ft. (35 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 50W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)41.0 – 62.2 dBA
Noise Ratings

Levoit Vital 200S – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Levoit Vital 200S is just what you need.

Winix 5500-2 – Best for Pet Allergies and Light Odors

Winix 5500-2 - Best Air Purifiers For Pets
Winix 5500-2 air purifier.

Winix 5500-2 Highlights

  • The Winix 5500-2 effectively covers rooms of up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) with an ACH (air changes per hour) of 4.8.
  • It features highly efficient four-stage filtration technology, including a washable pre-filter and a washable activated carbon filter.
  • In our performance tests, performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, it improved air quality by an impressive 96%.
  • Keep in mind that it is slightly power-hungry and can be a bit noisy at maximum speeds.
  • It’s an excellent choice for tackling pet allergies and odors.

Let me be honest: I would rank the Winix 5500-2 as the top recommendation for pet owners if it didn’t have an ionizer.

This means that its performance is nearly identical to the Levoit Vital 200S, and regardless of which model you choose, you will be extremely satisfied.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a four-stage filtration technology that includes a washable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, a True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology, which is optional to use.

Its True HEPA filter makes it particularly effective for people with pet allergies, whether caused by dogs, cats, rabbits, or birds.

A pellet-based carbon filter
Winix 5500-2 pellet-based activated carbon filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Additionally, the Winix 5500-2 stands out as the best budget-friendly option for addressing light odors. It excels at neutralizing unpleasant smells, such as those from a litter box, especially when placed nearby.

While it lacks advanced smart features, it compensates with an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator, and auto mode functionality.

In my opinion, the Winix 5500-2 matches the Levoit Vital 200S in overall performance, with a slight edge in neutralizing pet odors.

Another advantage is its separate HEPA and carbon filters, which simplify maintenance and make replacements more affordable.

Specs: Winix 5500-2

Dimensions (inches / cm)15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)15.4 lb (7 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)232 CFM (394 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyWashable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter
Filter Lifeup to 12 months
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App No
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 360 sq. ft. (33 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 70W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)40.6 – 66.4 dBA
Noise Ratings

Winix 5500-2 – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Winix 5500-2 is just what you need.

Levoit Core 600S – Best for Large Spaces with Pets

Levoit Core 600S - Best Air Purifiers For Pets
Levoit Core 600S air purifier.

Levoit Core 600S Highlights

  • The Core 600S is the best option for pets in large rooms. It covers spaces of up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²).
  • It features a three-stage filtration technology, is ozone-free, and is 100% safe for use around pets and people.
  • This air purifier delivered an outstanding performance in our particle removal tests and ranked as one of the fastest air purifiers in our smoke removal tests.
  • The Core 600S uses a well-optimized motor, is relatively quiet at its lowest speeds, and comes with plenty of smart features.

While the Levoit Core 600S may not boast the most advanced filtration technology or the sleekest design, it undeniably stands out for having the highest CADR on our list.

This makes it the ideal air purifier for households with multiple pets or anyone needing an effective solution for large spaces with pets.

Its three-stage filtration technology ensures reliable air cleaning, and the fact that it doesn’t produce ozone makes it a safe choice. With a CADR of 410 CFM (697 m³/h), it’s one of the most powerful air purifiers for tackling airborne pollutants.

Levoit Core 600S - Replacing Filter
The Levoit Core 600S filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Core 600S works with the VeSync smart app and has an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode features.

In our performance tests, the Core 600S produced exceptional results, improving air quality by 96% in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room.

With its smart features, efficient motor, and quiet operation, the Core 600S is a fantastic choice for large spaces or homes with more than one pet.

Specs: Levoit Core 600S

Dimensions (inches / cm)12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)13.7 lb (6.2 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)410 CFM (697 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Lifeup to 12 months
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App Yes
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 635 sq. ft. (59 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 49W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)43.9 – 68.5 dBA
Noise Ratings

Levoit Core 600S – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Levoit Core 600S is just what you need.

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. – Best for Serious Pet Odors

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. - Best Air Purifiers For Pets
Austin Air HealthMate Jr. air purifier.

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. Highlights

  • It features one of the best activated carbon filters on the market that contains an impressive 6.5 lbs of carbon pellets.
  • Although it includes a True HEPA filter, there are better options for addressing pet allergies, hair, fur, and similar pollutants.
  • Its design may look a bit old-fashioned, but don’t let that deceive you—it’s a highly capable device.
  • This is a simple air purifier without any advanced or smart features, relying only on a basic control wheel for operation.

The Austin Air HealthMate Jr. is an outstanding air purifier, mainly recognized for its exceptional ability to neutralize strong odors.

While it may appear bulky or outdated, it stands out as the best choice for tackling serious and heavy pet odors. If odor control is your top priority, this is undoubtedly the air purifier to choose.

Its activated carbon filter, packed with 6.5 lbs of carbon pellets, is its secret weapon against stubborn pet odors.

Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr - The Main Filter
The Austin Air HealthMate Jr. filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

However, Austin Air HealthMate Jr. has a few limitations. Its CADR is relatively small, and its performance in capturing airborne particles—such as pet allergens, fur, and hair—falls short compared to models like the Levoit Vital 200S, our top recommendation for pets.

However, if your main goal is to eliminate bad odors, this air purifier is undoubtedly the best. Whether it’s odors from litter boxes or other sources, the HealthMate Jr. handles them effortlessly.

Just keep in mind that it’s not the best option for managing pet hair, allergens, or other airborne particles. Its strength lies in odor control, and for that purpose, it’s hard to beat.

Specs: Austin Air HealthMate Jr.

Dimensions (inches / cm)11 x 11 x 16.5 inches (27.9 x 27.9 x 41.9 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)21 lb (9.5 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)-
Filtration TechnologyLarge Particle Pre-filter, Medium Particle Pre-filter, Activated Carbon and Zeolite, and True Medical Grade HEPA
Filter Lifeup to 5 years
Air Quality Sensor No
Auto Mode No
Smart App No
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 185 sq. ft. (17 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 60W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)40.6 – 54.7 dBA
Noise Ratings

Levoit Vital 100S – Best Portable Option for Pets

Levoit Vital 100S - Best Air Purifiers For Pets
Levoit Vital 100S air purifier.

Levoit Vital 100S Keypoints

  • This air purifier covers rooms of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), with an ACH of 4.8.
  • It features a three-stage filtration technology that includes a washable pre-filter, a main particle filter, and an activated carbon filter.
  • The Vital 100S operates quietly at its lowest speeds, is powered by a well-optimized motor, and offers plenty of smart features.
  • In our performance tests, it delivered excellent results and performed exceptionally well in the smoke test.

The Levoit Vital 100S is another fantastic option from Levoit and the best choice if you’re looking for a small, portable air purifier.

It offers all the great features of the Vital 200S but in a more compact design.

Like its larger counterpart, it uses a three-stage filtration technology, includes a washable pre-filter, produces no ozone, and is packed with smart features.

Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier - A washable pre-filter
A washable pre-filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

In our tests, the Vital 100S demonstrated outstanding performance. In a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, it improved air quality by 95% in just 60 minutes.

This air purifier is an excellent choice for small spaces, such as a cozy bedroom, an area near the litter box, or a tiny apartment.

Despite its size, it’s powerful enough to handle airborne pollutants, effectively capturing pet fur, dander, and hair while also neutralizing light pet odors.

Specs: Levoit Vital 100S

Dimensions (inches / cm)12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)7 lb (3.2 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)141 CFM (240 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyWashable Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Life9-12 months
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App Yes
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 219 sq. ft. (20 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 35W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)40.5 – 65.4 dBA
Noise Ratings

Levoit Vital 100S – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Levoit Vital 100S is just what you need.

How We Tested the Air Purifiers?

To understand how air purifiers work and whether they are worth purchasing, we evaluated many of them in various situations, including places with pets.

The cat in the image at the beginning of the article is named Bobi and is one of our testing companions. Bobi lives with my brother, who is highly allergic (particularly to pollen). Installing an air purifier in his room and observing the results was a great idea. The air purifier not only neutralized bad odors from the cat litter box but also captured a surprising amount of cat hair, leaving my brother amazed by the quantity captured.

Best Air Purifiers For Pets - Dirty Pre-filters
Dirty pre-filters from some air purifiers used in tests. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

In another test, we used air purifiers (separately) in a room with a rabbit and two parrots. While we didn’t photograph these pets, you can see an image of several different pre-filters above, which show feathers, dust, and other particles attached. This test demonstrated the incredible amount of feathers, dust, and pet hair collected on the air purifiers’ pre-filters.

If you have parrots, you may have noticed that breathing in the room where they reside is somewhat harder. It feels like you can’t use 100% of your lung capacity. This is due to the tiny feathers and other particles released into the air by parrots, which many people are allergic to.

Installing an air purifier in such a space not only eliminates unpleasant odors but also removes allergens, feathers, and similar particles, making it easier to breathe.

Did you know?

In the U.S., pets can be found in 60% of all households, with cats and dogs making up over 161 million of these beloved companions.

We often underestimate the pollution level in the air around us, mainly because we adapt to various conditions quickly. I’m happy about anyone who reads this article and considers investing in an air purifier.

Can An Air Purifier Help With Pet Hair and Dander?

First, I want to emphasize that most air purifiers effectively eliminate unpleasant odors and pet allergens and capture common airborne particles. I believe this is sufficient reason for anyone concerned about their health to invest in air purifiers.

However, pet owners often face different types of particles and typically expect more from devices like air purifiers. One of the most common questions is whether air purifiers work with pet hair and dander. Without delving into the basics and explaining what pet hair and dander are, I will just say that any air purifier from the list above can handle pet hair and dander.

If I were to highlight my favorite, it would be the Levoit Vital 200S, primarily because it features a mesh pre-filter that is easy to clean (wash) and efficiently captures pet hair, preventing it from reaching and damaging other filters. A good pre-filter is one of the most important features to look for in an air purifier for pet hair!

Did you know?

Approximately one in five individuals in the U.S. are affected by pet dander allergies.

With pet dander, the situation is a bit different, and in this case you will need an air purifier with a HEPA filter because pet dander particles are 5-10 microns on average. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively remove up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, and airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander.

These air purifiers can provide significant relief for those who suffer from allergies triggered by pets, making them a valuable addition to any home with furry friends.

Side-by-side Comparison of the Best Air Purifiers for Pets

Product ImageLevoit Vital 200SLevoit Core 600SAustin AirWinix 5500-2Levoit Vital 100S
ManufacturerLevoitLevoitAustin AirWinixLevoit
ModelVital 200SCore 600SHealthMate Plus Jr.5500-2Vital 100S
Dimensions (inches / cm)15.6 x 8.5 x 19.8 inches (39.6 x 21.7 x 50.2 cm)12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)11 x 11 x 16.5 inches (27.9 x 27.9 x 41.9 cm)15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm)12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)13.2 lb (6 kg)13.7 lb (6.2 kg)21 lb (9.5 kg)15.4 lb (7 kg)7 lb (3.2 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)245 CFM (416 m³/h)410 CFM (697 m³/h)-232 CFM (394 m³/h)141 CFM (240 m³/h)
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 380 sq. ft. (35 m²)635 sq. ft. (59 m²)185 sq. ft. (17 m²)360 sq. ft. (33 m²)219 sq. ft. (20 m²)
Performance Ratings
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon FilterPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon FilterLarge Particle Pre-filter, Medium Particle Pre-filter, Activated Carbon and Zeolite, and True Medical Grade HEPAWashable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA FilterWashable Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Replacement IndicatorYesYesNoYesYes
Filter Lifeabout 12 monthsup to 12 monthsup to 5 yearsup to 12 months9-12 months
Power Consumption 50W49W60W70W35W
Operating Costs Ratings
Number of Fan Speeds5 – Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, High, and Turbo5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 35 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode
Air Quality Sensor YesYesNoYesYes
Air Quality IndicatorYesYesNoYesYes
Auto Mode YesYesNoYesYes
Smart App YesYesNoNoYes
Voice Control YesYesNoNoYes
Other FeaturesLight DetectionDisplay OffDisplay LockTimerLight SensorDisplay InfoDisplay LockTimerNoPlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimerDisplay OffDisplay LockTimer
Noise Level (low – high)41.0 – 62.2 dBA43.9 – 68.5 dBA40.6 – 54.7 dBA40.6 – 66.4 dBA40.5 – 65.4 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Pets
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Dust
Smart Home Integration
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Offices
Allergies
Large Spaces
Dust
Smart Home Integration
Kitchens
Smoke
Neutralizing VOCs
Small Spaces
Odors
Pets
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Smoke
Dust
Neutralizing VOCs
Bedrooms
Small Spaces
Dust
Allergies
Children's Rooms
Smart Home Integration
Warranty2-year2-year5-year2-year2-year
In-Depth ReviewLevoit Vital 200SLevoit Core 600SAustin Air HealthMate Plus Jr.Winix 5500-2Levoit Vital 100S
PriceCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Amazon

FAQ on Best Air Purifiers for Pets

Do air purifiers help with pet allergies?

Of course! Air purifiers are excellent at removing fine particles and certainly reduce the impact of pet allergies on humans while potentially neutralizing asthma triggers that originate from pets.

Which air purifier is best for pet hair?

In fact, all the air purifiers on the list are very effective at removing pet hair from the air, but I would consider the Levoit Vital 200S to be the best choice, mainly because of its very practical pre-filter.

How to choose the best air purifier for pet allergies?

The most important factor in choosing an air purifier for pet allergies is whether the device uses a True HEPA filter.

The fact is that all the devices I have mentioned use a True HEPA filter, which means that they are all very effective in fighting allergies, but I would choose the Winix 5500-2 as the best choice, mainly because it has three True HEPA filters.

Do I need to change the filters more frequently if I use the air purifier for pets?

Given the number of pollutants, pet hair, and other particles that are much more common in pet environments, it is very certain that you will need to change your filters a little more often than usual.

Final Conclusion

The purchase of an air purifier is something that drastically changes life for the better, and I think it is one of the best decisions that can be made, especially if you have pets in your house.

Air purifiers not only neutralize allergies, pet dander, pet odor, and other pollutants, but they can also remove pet hair from the air and thus make your environment with pets much cleaner.

In this list of the 5 best air purifiers for pets, you will find different devices with different features designed for rooms of different dimensions. However, if I had to choose the best device to buy, it would definitely be the Levoit Vital 200S, while the next best would be the Winix 5500-2.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the devices on the list or about purchasing an air purifier for pets in general, please leave a comment in the comments box below.

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