5 Best Air Purifiers for VOCs – More Carbon, Less Toxins!

This is a list of the 5 best air purifiers for VOCs, featuring powerful carbon filtration to effectively remove harmful toxins and improve air quality.

Breathe in. What did you just inhale? Mostly invisible and often unnoticed, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful pollutants present in our homes at levels 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. They lurk in paint, cleaning supplies, and even new furniture, posing potential health risks—ranging from eye irritation to nervous system damage.

Best Air Purifiers For VOCs - Buying Guide
The heavier the carbon filter, the more effective the air purifier is against VOCs. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

One effective way to combat VOCs is by using an air purifier—but not just any air purifier. You need one equipped with the best possible features and filtering technology to adsorb VOCs effectively. The key component is an activated carbon filter (ideally pellet-based), which should be as large as possible. I’ll dive deeper into these features throughout the article.

Before we get into the details, it’s important to remember that high concentrations of VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and potentially harm the nervous system and overall health. This is a serious issue that requires immediate action. In addition to using an air purifier, I strongly recommend ventilating your space as much as possible—especially when using household cleaning products, which are a major source of VOCs.

Through rigorous market analysis, extensive testing, and comprehensive reviews of filtration technologies, I’ve created a list of the top 5 air purifiers to help you tackle VOCs effectively.

Additionally, I’ve answered the most frequently asked questions on the subject and recommend that you read the entire article, as you’re likely to find answers to your concerns and definitely learn something new along the way.

Here’s a Summary of The 5 Best Air Purifiers For VOCs!

  • Winix 5500-2 – The best budget-friendly air purifier for VOCs. It features a washable, carbon pellet-based filter, allowing you to refresh it periodically. This air purifier is intended for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
  • IQAir GC MultiGas – A premium air purifier with advanced filtration technology. Its filters capture particles 100 times smaller than those caught by traditional filters. It uses an activated carbon filter that contains 12 lbs of carbon and is ideal for rooms up to 473 sq. ft. (43.9 m²).
  • Austin Air HealthMate Jr. – This USA-made air purifier covers rooms up to 185 sq. ft. (17 m²) and features a 4-stage filtration system. It combines carbon and zeolite filters weighing over 6.5 lbs to effectively combat VOCs.
  • Alen FLEX – A modern air purifier offering excellent value for money. It includes 2+ lbs of carbon in its filter and is ideal for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²).
  • Mila – This air purifier offers seven different filter options and covers rooms up to 380 sq. ft. (35 m²). It features the most advanced air quality sensor I’ve seen in an air purifier, making it the smartest model I’ve ever used.

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Top 5 Air Purifiers For VOCs

I’ve created this list of the best air purifiers for VOCs by carefully balancing price and performance. You’ll find several affordable options that are still highly effective at removing VOCs.

However, my primary focus has been on air purifiers with the highest possible activated carbon content, as this plays a crucial role in adsorbing VOCs. If an air purifier also includes additives like zeolite, that’s a bonus.

Many popular air purifiers feature high-quality HEPA filters, which excel at capturing small airborne particles. However, they often lack effective carbon filters, making them less suitable for VOC removal. This is one reason why air purifiers with larger carbon filters tend to have a higher initial cost.

Winix 5500-2 – Best Budget Option (Approx. 1 lbs of Carbon)

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Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier, now $147.18 (save 41%)

Price as of 10:00 PM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Winix 5500-2 - Best Air Purifiers For VOCs
Winix 5500-2 air purifier.

Winix 5500-2 Highlights

  • The Winix 5500-2 has a CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h), meaning it’s suitable for rooms of up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
  • It uses a four-stage filtration technology, but the most important one for removing VOCs is the activated carbon filter. It contains about 1 lbs of carbon pellets.
  • The Winix 5500-2 has plenty of advanced features, uses an air quality sensor that detects odors in real-time, and many other features that increase the value of this device.
  • In our smoke test, it removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds.
  • This air purifier comes with a 2-year warranty.
$249.99 $147.18 at Amazon
Price as of 10:00 PM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply.

The Winix 5500-2 is one of the best air purifiers we have tested and is frequently among our top three recommendations. It covers rooms of up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) with an ACH of 4.8.

What I like about the Winix 5500-2 is its high-quality, highly efficient four-stage filtration technology. Additionally, it offers some advanced features while maintaining an affordable price.

The first stage of filtration is a pre-filter, followed by a True HEPA filter as the second stage. The third stage is an activated carbon filter, and the final stage is the PlasmaWave technology.

The activated carbon filter is the most important to us, as other filters are less effective in removing VOCs. It contains about 1 lb of carbon pellets.

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

Although the Winix 5500-2 uses an activated carbon filter with a lower carbon concentration than some of the other devices on our list, I believe it does a perfectly solid job, especially for the average household.

I personally used this air purifier when I was painting my house a while ago, and I have to give it a thumbs up because I didn’t smell the paint at all. In addition, I want to highlight that this air purifier not only helps remove VOCs but also improves overall air quality thanks to its high-quality True HEPA filter, which effectively traps other airborne particles.

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier - Smoke Test
See how long it takes Winix 5500-2 air purifier to clean all the smoke from the glass box. Photo (GIF): Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Keep in mind that the Winix 5500-2 is relatively large, so you’ll need to find a suitable spot for it in your room.

Smoke Box Test - Comparison

In this chart, you can see how quickly the Winix 5500-2 removes smoke from a glass box compared to its competitors.

I’ve also recommended the Winix 5500-2 as one of the best air purifiers for smoke removal, further proving its exceptional quality and reliability.

All in all, the Winix 5500-2 is my top recommendation if you’re looking for an affordable air purifier that effectively removes VOCs.

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.

IQAir GC MultiGas – Best Air Purifier for VOCs (12 lbs of Carbon)

IQAir GC MultiGas - Best Air Purifiers For VOCs
IQAir GC MultiGas air purifier.

IQAir GC MultiGas Highlights

  • The IQAir GC MultiGas is intended for rooms up to 473 sq. ft. (43.9 m²).
  • It uses a three-stage filtration technology that contains as much as 12 lbs of carbon. The more carbon, the more effective the filter is at fighting VOCs.
  • What I don’t like is that it has a too-large footprint, is high-power use, and lacks advanced and smart features.
  • IQAir gives a very generous warranty on this model for up to 10 years.

IQAir is a giant in the air purifier market, and the GC MultiGas is a device that boasts perhaps the highest-quality filtration technology available.

Although its high price may be a barrier to purchase, I believe you can’t go wrong with the IQAir GC MultiGas. This air purifier cleans the air at least a shade better than any other device on the list. It is best suited for rooms up to 473 sq. ft. (43.9 m²), where it cleans the air 4.8 times per hour.

The IQAir GC MultiGas is designed for large rooms and offers chemical removal power equivalent to more than 100 gas masks. Its HyperHEPA filter captures particles up to 100 times smaller than those trapped by some traditional filtration systems, effectively removing particles as small as 0.003 microns.

The filtration stages on this air purifier include a GC HyperHEPA H11 pre-filter, a set of GC filter cartridges, and a set of GC post-filters. Frankly speaking, this is one of the most efficient filtration technologies currently available on the market.

The IQAir GC MultiGas contains 12 lbs of carbon of activated carbon, which is more than sufficient to effectively neutralize VOCs.

Without a doubt, this is the best air purifier you can buy to combat VOCs, and I’m sure it will serve you well for years. Additionally, I highly recommend this air purifier for neutralizing cigarette smoke, wildfire smoke, odors, mold, and other extremely harmful pollutants.

Specs: IQAir GC MultiGas

Dimensions (inches / cm) 28 x 15 x 16 inches (71 x 38 x 41 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)44 lb (20 kg)
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 473 sq. ft. (43.9 m²)
Filtration Technology Pre-filter, Gas Cartridges, and Post-filter Sleeves
Power Consumption 215W
Filter Lifeup to 10 years

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. – Best Compact Option (6.5+ lbs of Carbon)

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

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. Highlights

  • The Austin Air HealthMate Jr. is intended for rooms of up to 185 sq. ft. (17 m²), in which it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour.
  • It uses a four-stage filtration technology, with the combination of carbon and zeolite filters being the most important filtration stage for combating VOCs.
  • The Austin Air HealthMate Jr. made outstanding results in our VOCs removal tests but lacked efficiency in airborne particle removal tests. 
  • It uses a motor of 60W, which is, in my opinion, too high, especially as it has a small CADR.
  • Filters last up to 5 years, which is one of the longest filter life on the market.
  • This air purifier comes with a 5-year warranty.
$610.00 at Amazon
Price as of 10:00 PM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply.

The Austin Air HealthMate Jr. is a USA-made air purifier that has been on the market for several decades.

It covers rooms of up to 185 sq. ft. (17 m²), meaning it can clean the air 4.8 times per hour within the recommended room size.

It uses a four-stage filtration system consisting of a Large Particle Pre-filter, a Medium Particle Pre-filter, an Activated Carbon and Zeolite filter, and a True Medical-Grade HEPA filter.

What makes the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. ideal for combating VOCs is its high concentration of carbon inside the filter. It has approximately 6.5 lbs of carbon pellets. However, it’s worth noting that there is also a larger model of the Austin Air, which contains over 15 lbs of carbon pellets—an option I would recommend for those dealing with heavy VOC issues.

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

Although this air purifier is one of the best for removing VOCs, gases, smoke, and similar pollutants, it performed poorly in our airborne particle removal tests. In a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), it improved air quality by about 86%, which is a lower result compared to some much cheaper air purifiers.

A few other downsides of the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. include its old-fashioned design, lack of advanced features, and simple controls.

Additionally, it consumes too much power for its CADR rating.

Despite these drawbacks, the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. is effective in reducing coughing, wheezing, and sneezing. It is definitely an air purifier I would recommend for VOC removal, primarily due to its excellent combination of carbon and zeolite filters.

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

Alen FLEX – Best Design & Great Performance (2+ lbs of Carbon)

DEAL
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Air Purifier

Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Air Purifier, now $276.99 (save 21%)

Price as of 10:00 PM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Alen FLEX - Best Air Purifiers For VOCs
Alen FLEX air purifier.

Alen FLEX Highlights

  • The Alen FLEX has a CADR of 187 CFM (317 m³/h), meaning it will clean air 4.8 times in a 300 sq. ft. (28 m²) room.
  • This air purifier uses 3-stage filtration technology, but the most important information for this article is that it has more than 2 lbs of carbon inside the filter.
  • In performance tests, this air purifier improved air quality by approximately 94% in a 560 sq. ft. room in just 60 minutes of operation.
  • The Alen FLEX is one of the quietest air purifiers we tested, making it also one of the best options for bedrooms.
  • Alen has the option to activate a lifetime warranty on this model. This is available only through the website.
$349.00 $276.99 at Amazon
Price as of 10:00 PM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply.

The Alen FLEX is the most modern air purifier on this list. It’s a stylish device that will complement almost any environment. It covers spaces of up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²), meaning it will clean the air 4.8 times per hour inside the recommended room size.

This air purifier uses a three-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. The activated carbon filter contains more than 2 lbs of carbon, making the Alen FLEX not only stylish but also highly efficient.

Alen BreatheSmart Flex Air Purifier - Activated Carbon Filter
Alen FLEX’s activated carbon filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

In our smoke tests, it removed all the smoke in just 32 seconds, which is an impressive result. But that’s not all—it also delivered outstanding results in our airborne particle removal tests.

In a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, it improved air quality by 94% in just 60 minutes while operating at maximum speed the entire time.

CFM to dBA Ratio

Comparison of the CFM-to-dBA ratio at maximum speed between the Alen FLEX 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.

One drawback of the FLEX is the lack of advanced features—there’s no smart app or air quality sensor. However, it’s a high-performing air purifier that ranks among the best we have tested.

Although the Alen FLEX has some minor drawbacks, I highly recommend it to anyone looking to remove VOCs, odors, and smoke from their home.

Alen BreatheSmart FLEX - Smoke Test
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX – unique smoke test. Photo (GIF): Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Specs: Alen FLEX

Dimensions (inches / cm)8.5 x 15 x 25 inches (21,6 x 38,1 x 63,5 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)15 lb (6.8 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)187 CFM (317 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Life9-12 months
Air Quality Sensor No
Auto Mode No
Smart App No
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 300 sq. ft. (28 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 50W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)41.2 – 53.7 dBA
Noise Ratings

Alen FLEX – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Alen FLEX is just what you need.

Mila – Best Smart Option for VOCs (Approx. 1.96 lbs of carbon)

Mila - Best Air Purifiers For VOCs
Mila air purifier.

Mila Keypoints

  • The Mila with the Home Wrecker filter covers rooms of up to 275 sq. ft. (25.6 m2).
  • This filter includes a high-density carbon filter and a HEPA filter. It contains 1.96 lbs of carbon.
  • It has the most advanced air quality sensor that detects PM1, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, CO2, CO1, temperature, and humidity.
  • It performed well in our airborne particle removal tests but also made outstanding results in our smoke test. 
  • The Mila is the smartest air purifier I have ever tried.

The Mila is the best smart option for tackling VOCs that you can get. I recommend picking the Mila with the Home Wrecker filter, which contains approximately 1.96 lbs of carbon. The Mila with the Home Wrecker filter is designed for rooms up to 275 sq. ft. (25.6 m²).

This model covers smaller rooms compared to the Mila I initially tested because the Home Wrecker filter is a high-density filter that results in a lower CADR compared to other filter options.

Mila Smart App - Air Quality Data Reporting
Mila Air Purifier – Smart app. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Mila is the smartest air purifier I have ever tried. It offers plenty of smart features, including automation, multiple auto modes, and a detailed presentation of air quality data.

Another feature I like about the Mila is its high-quality air quality sensor, which detects eight different parameters, including PM1, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, CO2, CO, temperature, and humidity.

In our smoke test, the Mila delivered fantastic results, removing all the smoke in just 21 seconds.

Overall, if you are looking for a smart air purifier capable of efficiently neutralizing VOCs, the Mila with the Home Wrecker filter is a perfect choice.

Specs: Mila

Dimensions (inches / cm)12 x 12 x 15 inches (30.5 x 30.5 x 38.1 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)18 lb (8.2 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)245 CFM (416 m³/h)
Filtration TechnologyHEPA and Activated Carbon Filter (Option)
Filter Lifeabout 6 months
Air Quality Sensor Yes
Auto Mode Yes
Smart App Yes
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 380 sq. ft. (35 m²)
Performance Ratings
Power Consumption 88W
Operating Costs Ratings
Noise Level (low – high)43.2 - 73.5 dBA
Noise Ratings

Mila – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Mila is just what you need.

How Can an Air Purifier Remove VOCs?

The biggest dilemma is whether air purifiers can remove VOCs from the air at all and whether it is worth buying an air purifier for this purpose. This doubt is correct, especially considering that not every air purifier can remove everything.

VOCs are a very serious problem, and I would never recommend buying air purifiers for this reason. To this end, the device must be up to the task, have the appropriate filtration technology, and be efficient. In fact, the most effective filters for neutralizing VOCs are those that can adsorb VOCs, and such filters are activated carbon filters.

Filtration Technologies and VOC Efficiency

HEPA Filters

Air purifiers used for household, non-industrial, and most accessible to almost every ordinary user usually have some kind of HEPA filter as a filter layer. HEPA filters are excellent, especially True HEPA filters, which remove 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size.

Coway AP-1512HH - True HEPA Filter
An example of a True HEPA filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

These filters are great for catching small, and large particles such as dust, pollen, pet hair, and similar pollution but are completely ineffective for VOCs, as these particles are almost 1000 times smaller than the particles that a HEPA filter can catch.

A HEPA filter is basically made up of paper or fibers that do not allow particles of a certain size to pass through and so clean the air. In fact, there is nothing in this type of filter that traps VOCs.

Ionizer

Ionizing filtration technology is also very common in many air purifiers. However, this technology is also not effective in removing VOCs.

Basically, the ionizer produces negative ions that bind to heavier particles in the air and then drop them to the ground, and then in combination with some other filtration technologies, neutralize these particles. This means that the ionizer does not destroy particles at all, nor does it bind to VOCs, so this technology is not effective enough even for VOCs.

UV-C Lights

UV-C light is perhaps the most effective way of removing VOCs of all the methods mentioned so far. This is because UV-C light does not adsorb or trap but destroys particles, namely mold, mites, VOCs, and similar stuff. This means that, in theory, UV-C light can destroy VOCs. In addition, this filtration technology is known to destroy some bacteria and viruses.

This is what a UV-C light looks like.
This is what a UV-C light looks like. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

However, there are two problems with UV-C lights in air purifiers:

  1. The first problem is that UV-C lights in air purifiers are mostly not powerful enough, so they cannot destroy particles effectively enough.
  2. The second problem is that the air does not stay in the UV-C light for long enough, so it simply does not have time to destroy harmful particles.

Overall, the idea behind UV-C filtration technology is excellent, but I think that more innovation is needed in this area to perfect the technology.

Activated Carbon Filter

As I have already hinted in the previous part of this article, the activated carbon filter is the most effective method for removing VOCs. The point with this filter is quite clear, the bigger/heavier the activated carbon filter, the more effective it will be and the easier it will fight VOCs. The activated carbon filter removes both reactive and non-reactive VOCs.

The pile of carbon filters on my desk
A pile of carbon filters on my desk. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The activated carbon filter works on the principle of adsorption, which is why it is so effective at removing these pollutants, and this filter also removes odors, neutralizes almost all unpleasant smells, and contributes in many ways to keeping the air quality in your home at a high level. However, it is important to bear in mind that even though this filter cannot adsorb all pollutants from the air, it is quite effective enough for domestic situations.

VOCs are a large category, and many gasses, such as benzene and formaldehyde, fall into this category. This basically means that an air purifier with an activated carbon filter will neutralize formaldehyde.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier for VOCs

It’s no bad thing to confirm the most important fact, which is that an air purifier that effectively combats VOCs must have an activated carbon filter built in. In addition, there are a few general items that you can look out for when buying or choosing your preferred air purifier.

Filter type: since HEPA filters are not effective in combating VOCs, the air purifier must have an activated carbon filter.

Price: Price is a decisive factor in everything and can have a big influence on the choice. However, this does not always mean that if an air purifier is expensive, it is also good. That’s why I review as many different air purifiers as possible from different manufacturers and in different price ranges, all so that I can give you the best possible suggestions.

Noise level: this is a device you are likely to have on all the time, which means you also need to think about the volume it produces at different speeds. My suggestion is to always choose an air purifier that has as many different speeds as possible, as this will make it easier for you to adjust the mode of operation and help you find the fan speed that suits you best.

Room coverage: It is pointless to buy a weak air purifier because it will not be able to do its job properly or to buy an air purifier that is too strong and will use more resources than necessary. Therefore, before you buy, you should research exactly how large rooms the machine covers and whether it is just the right power you need.

Operating costs: The price of electricity is rising, and air purifiers are electrical appliances, so you need to pay attention to power consumption before choosing an air purifier. That’s also why I do a detailed analysis of the power consumption and profitability of the air purifier at each review.

Filter cost: In addition to the cost of electricity, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which in some air purifiers last more than one year, so it would be a good idea to include this cost in the annual maintenance costs.

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

Product ImageWinix 5500-241% offAustin AirAlen FLEX21% offMila
ManufacturerWinixAustin AirAlenN/A
Model5500-2HealthMate Plus Jr.BreatheSmart FLEXMila
Dimensions (inches / cm)15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm)11 x 11 x 16.5 inches (27.9 x 27.9 x 41.9 cm)8.5 x 15 x 25 inches (21,6 x 38,1 x 63,5 cm)12 x 12 x 15 inches (30.5 x 30.5 x 38.1 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)15.4 lb (7 kg)21 lb (9.5 kg)15 lb (6.8 kg)18 lb (8.2 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)232 CFM (394 m³/h)-187 CFM (317 m³/h)245 CFM (416 m³/h)
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 360 sq. ft. (33 m²)185 sq. ft. (17 m²)300 sq. ft. (28 m²)380 sq. ft. (35 m²)
Performance Ratings
Filtration TechnologyWashable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA FilterLarge Particle Pre-filter, Medium Particle Pre-filter, Activated Carbon and Zeolite, and True Medical Grade HEPAPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon FilterHEPA and Activated Carbon Filter (Option)
Filter Replacement IndicatorYesNoYesNo
Filter Lifeup to 12 monthsup to 5 years9-12 monthsabout 6 months
Power Consumption 70W60W50W88W
Operating Costs Ratings
Number of Fan Speeds5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 34 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode10 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, Speed 5, Speed 6, Speed 7, Speed 8, Speed 9, and Speed 10
Air Quality Sensor YesNoNoYes
Air Quality IndicatorYesNoNoYes
Auto Mode YesNoNoYes
Smart App NoNoNoYes
Voice Control NoNoNoYes
Other FeaturesPlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimerNoControl Panel LockTimerCarbon Monoxide Detector
Noise Level (low – high)40.6 – 66.4 dBA40.6 – 54.7 dBA41.2 – 53.7 dBA43.2 - 73.5 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Pets
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Smoke
Dust
Neutralizing VOCs
Kitchens
Smoke
Neutralizing VOCs
Small Spaces
Odors
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Neutralizing VOCs
Dust
Mold
Quiet Operation
Living Rooms
Offices
Dust
Air Quality Monitoring
Warranty2-year5-year1-year to Lifetime1-year
In-Depth ReviewWinix 5500-2Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr.Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Mila
Price
Prices as of 10:00 PM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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FAQ on Air Purifiers for VOCs

Do air purifiers remove VOCs?

The answer to this question is difficult to generalize as it all depends on the filtration technology in the air purifier. Basically, an air purifier that has an activated carbon filter will adsorb VOCs. This means that air purifiers can remove VOCs.

Which air purifier is best for VOCs?

If your budget is limited, then my absolute recommendation is the Winix 5500-2. It is an excellent device with high-quality filtration technology, an affordable price, and many advanced options. If your budget is not limited, then I suggest buying the IQAir GC MultiGas, which is definitely one of the best air purifiers on the market, with filtration technology of such high quality that it easily removes VOCs.

Can HEPA filters remove VOCs?

A HEPA filter removes small particles such as dust, pollen, pet hair, and similar stuff, which are hundreds or even thousands of times larger than VOCs. This means that a HEPA filter cannot remove VOCs.

Do air purifiers remove formaldehyde?

An air purifier with an activated carbon filter will help remove formaldehyde from the air.

Can you get sick from VOCs?

In fact, VOCs are common pollutants that can be found in your home, which means that you will be exposed to these pollutants much more when you are indoors than outdoors. I wouldn’t say that these pollutants can make you sick, but they can irritate your eyes, throat, nose and even trigger asthma. In addition, as you know, inhaling the smell of fresh paint for a long time can cause headaches, eye and nose pain, and it is known that the smell of paint also falls into the category of VOCs.

Final Conclusion

It is encouraging that more and more people are becoming aware of the air they breathe and that indoor air is not ideal and contains many pollutants. In this article, I have touched on VOCs, as well as the best solutions to remove and neutralize these particles.

I have analyzed the market and made a list of the best air purifiers you can buy to combat VOCs, including the harsh gas formaldehyde, and in my opinion, the best choice to buy is the IQAir GC MultiGas. Considering that the IQAir is a top-of-the-range air purifier, the prices are ridiculous, and not all users can afford it; the second best choice that offers the best price/quality ratio is the Winix 5500-2.

In addition to the two mentioned above, you won’t go wrong if you choose any other device from the list, as all the devices on the list have been carefully selected and are there for a reason.

If you have any questions on this topic or if you have any suggestions, I invite you to leave a comment in the comments box below.

6 responses to “5 Best Air Purifiers for VOCs – More Carbon, Less Toxins!”

  1. Stacey

    Hi Milan,

    Love the precision of this article and that you narrowed down great choices.
    It looks like the Winix 5500-2 emits small levels of ozone which it not supposed to be healthy.
    It’s unclear why this would be since hepa filtration allegedly doesn’t emit ozone but from what I read in some amazon reviews, it seems to emit very low levels which might still cause a problem for some people? Do you know much about this issue?
    I would prefer to have no ozone but maybe some hepa filters emit levels that meet Calif safe standards?

    thanks

    • Milan Antonic

      Hi Stacey,

      Thank you for your kind comment.

      Yes, the Winix 5500-2 emits a small amount of ozone, but this only happens when the PlasmaWave feature is turned on. When it’s off, the device doesn’t produce ozone. It’s also important to note that the device is CARB certified, meaning it complies with the stringent regulations set by California and is safe for use. Please also keep in mind that the PlasmaWave feature is set to on by default, so you will need to manually turn it off each time you turn on the air purifier if you prefer not to use it.

      HEPA filters don’t produce ozone. This is because they are made of fibers, making ozone production impossible.

      I hope this information is helpful. If you have any more questions, I would be pleased to assist you further!

  2. DR

    Great info. Milan!
    Was wondering if the Levoit 400S could make this list with one of these filters:
    LEVOIT Core 400S Air Purifier Toxin Absorber Replacement Filter, 3-in-1 True HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core400S-RF-TX (LRF-C401-GUS), 1 Pack, Green
    or
    LEVOIT Core 400S Air Purifier Smoke Remover Replacement Filter, 4-in-1 True HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core400S-RF-SR (LRF-C401-BUS), 1 Pack, Blue

    Thanks,
    DR

    • Milan Antonic

      Thanks!
      I don’t see Levoit stating that these filter options have more carbon pellets than the Original Filter. So, using any of these wouldn’t be significantly different from using the Original Filter.

      Anyway, the Levoit Core 400S is an outstanding air purifier that neutralizes smoke, VOCs, and bad odors, and if you really like it, then go for it. I’m sure it won’t disappoint you!

  3. Stephanie

    Hi…I found your information very helpful as well as having a better understanding of VOC’s and the safest way to removing them. I am a medical aesthetician which involves the use of applying chemicals peels on my patient’s. For example, active ingredients such as Phenyl and Glycolic
    and my treatment room is
    about 1000 sq ft. However I do have on the counter a
    small “air filter” which was required due to the COVID pandemic but I’ve been looking for a VOC filter and one that is reasonable in the price and the carbon filters also will be safe to use on a daily basis.
    Looking forward to hearing from you
    Thank you

    • Milan Antonic

      Hi, thank you for the kind words.

      Unfortunately, I still haven’t come across a small and affordable air purifier that has enough activated carbon to combat VOCs effectively. Therefore, I can only suggest any air purifier from the list I created for the purpose of this article.

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