7 Best Air Purifier For Basement 2023 – Personally Tested

Basements are often overlooked when it comes to maintaining good air quality, even though they are notorious for harboring various pollutants such as dust and mold. 

Fortunately, adding an air purifier to your basement is a relatively simple and affordable solution to this problem. Air purifiers are especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma as they can effectively eliminate microscopic particles and allergens from the air. 

Additionally, basement air purifiers can remove unpleasant odors caused by excess humidity, leaky sewage lines, or faulty sump pumps.

Furthermore, basements tend to draw in humid air and lack proper ventilation, leading to a buildup of particulate pollutants and odors. It’s worth noting that the average basement in the US is larger than a typical bedroom or bathroom.

However, not all air purifiers are created equal. We recommend air purifiers based on performance tests, rather than marketing claims. We only recommend air purifier technologies that have been fully accepted by the mainstream scientific community. 

In this article, we will provide insights and best practices for choosing and using air purifiers in basements. We will recommend the top five air purifiers for basements based on testing in an environment similar to a family house basement. 

Proper placement and maintenance of air purifiers is also important to ensure optimal performance. Poor air quality in basements can have negative impacts on health, and an air purifier is a solution for cleaning the air in basements. Don’t let poor air quality in the basement ruin your health.

List Best Air Purifiers For Basement

As a team of experts who personally tested and used the IQAir HealthPro Compact air purifier, we are confident that this device is the best air purifier for basements in 2023.

The HealthPro Compact is an affordable flagship model of IQAir with a powerful air filtration process and good room coverage. 

Despite being the smallest and lightest of IQAir’s flagship models, it can deal with 99.95% of all pollutant particles as small as 0.3 microns in a room of up to 500 square feet.

One of the key features of the HealthPro Compact is its 2-stage air cleaning system. The PreMax filter captures more than 55% of particles down to 0.3 microns and needs to be changed every 18 months. 

The HyperHEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it one of the most powerful mechanical filtration air purifiers in the world. The HyperHEPA H12/13 can even filter particles down to 0.003 microns in size with 95% efficiency.

However, it is important to note that the HealthPro Compact does not have an activated carbon filter to combat smoke, smells, and odors. 

If you have issues with these pollutants in your basement, you may need to consider a different air purifier with this feature.

The HealthPro Compact’s 3D Ultra Seal technology prevents polluted air from escaping the device, while its bottom-to-top air flow system allows for even distribution of fresh air in the room. The touch pad control panel is located on top of the device for easy access.

One of the things that sets the HealthPro Compact apart from its competitors is its Swiss-design, which is a sign of quality, uniqueness, superior design, innovation, precision, and reliability. The device is made with a full stainless steel body, giving it a sleek and modern look.

The HealthPro Compact also uses EvenFlow Diffuser technology to distribute air evenly in the room, and the 320 Degree outlet air flow is unique to IQAir and increases the amount of clean air delivered to the room.

Compared to other air purifiers, the HealthPro Compact has good performance in a room of up to 500 square feet. The Blueair Classic 605 has a filtration efficiency of 99.97%, while the Alen BreatheSmart 75i has a filtration efficiency of 99.9% in the same test. 

However, the HealthPro Compact surpasses the extra-large room coverage of other IQAir flagships.

In terms of portability, the HealthPro Compact is not the most lightweight device on the market. The AIRMEGA 400S is lighter than the HealthPro Compact.

 However, if you’re looking for an air purifier for a musty or moist basement, you’re likely not looking to move the device around often.

Overall, the IQAir HealthPro Compact offers excellent value for its price. It is recommended for people who need good air filtration and room coverage but are on a budget. 

If you need an air purifier for a large basement, the HealthPro Compact is an excellent option. It’s also the best air purifier for mold in a basement due to its powerful filtration capabilities. 

And, if you’re looking to eliminate basement odors or dust, the HealthPro Compact is a reliable air purifier for those needs.

Coway Airmega 400S device is designed to effectively eliminate various pollutants and provide clean air for large spaces, making it an excellent option for those with a musty, dusty, or moist basement.

One of the standout features of the Airmega 400S is its all-in-one filter, which includes a washable pre-filter and a Max2 filter. 

The Max2 filter is a combination of an activated carbon filter and a true HEPA filter, capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles smaller than 0.3 microns. 

This filter also reduces more than 99% of volatile organic compounds and fumes, such as NH3 and CH3CHO, making it an excellent air purifier for basement gym or any other room in your home.

The Airmega 400S is Coway’s strongest air purifier yet, with a high-performance rating suitable for large spaces. 

Its 360° intake air grill maximizes room coverage, and it effectively removes a high portion of pollutants from the air, making it one of the best air purifiers for mold in basement. 

In fact, in our testing, the Airmega 400S and the Blueair Classic 605 were the top performers, trapping 99.95% and 99.98% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, respectively.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Airmega 400S also boasts a smart design and long-lasting build quality. The device has a narrow handle that makes it difficult to move from one place to another, but its weight is better than the 35-lb Blueair Classic 605. 

The device also features an air quality indicator on the front and has fewer buttons than previous Coway air purifiers, making it a smart and easy-to-use option.

One potential drawback of the Airmega 400S is its size and weight. The device is bulky and weighs 24.7 lbs, making it difficult to move around. 

However, its size also means that it is suitable for large spaces, typically more than 300 square feet, and its high-performance rating makes it an excellent air purifier for basement air cleaning.

Overall, we believe that the Coway Airmega 400S air purifier is the best basement air purifier option available in 2023. Its impressive performance, smart design, and long-lasting build quality make it an excellent choice for those who want an effective air purifier for their large room. 

Additionally, its all-in-one filter and washable pre-filter make maintenance easy and cost-effective in the long run. We highly recommend this device for anyone looking to eliminate basement odors, musty smells, and other pollutants from their home’s air.

This air purifier is a great option for anyone in need of a good basement air purifier, air filter, or air cleaner. In fact, we believe that this is the best air purifier for a musty basement in 2023.

One of the standout features of the Alen BreatheSmart Classic is its customizable colors. With 14 options to choose from, you can find one that matches your home décor. 

The air purifier is also quite compact, measuring only 26.7 inches in height and 10 inches in depth. Its curved panel contributes to its small feel, making it a good option for those with limited space.

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic has a unique 3-stage air cleaning system with four different HEPA filter options. The HEPA-Pure filter captures 99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust and pollen. 

The HEPA-Fresh filter adds an activated carbon filter for dealing with household odors like cooking smells and light smoke. The HEPA-Silver filter has anti-microbial silver-ion threads to prevent mold spores and bacteria growth. 

Finally, the HEPA-OdorCell filter has Alen’s Molecular Conversion Powder to destroy odors on a molecular level. The pre-filter protects the HEPA filter from larger pollutants and extends its lifespan. This range of filter options makes it easy to choose the one that best suits your needs.

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic uses a True HEPA filter, which is the latest selling point. The air purifier also has an add-on ionizer that emits negatively charged ions into the air to attract positively charged allergens, dust, and bacteria. 

This causes the bonded particles to become heavier, leading them to fall to the physical HEPA filter. This process makes the air purifier even more efficient at purifying the air and making it fresh.

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is suitable for larger rooms up to 1100 sq.ft. It is also energy efficient and has low noise levels. 

The filter replacement indicator reminds you to change the filter, and the filter replacement schedule is every 6-12 months depending on usage. The air purifier also has a sleep mode that sets the air purifier to a low fan speed.

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic is easy to use and operate, even for beginners. Its warranty of up to 5 years provides added peace of mind. Additionally, the customer service provided by Alen is helpful and responsive.

Overall, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic is a reliable air purifier that delivers fresh and clean air. It is a great option for those who need air purifier in basement, whether it be for a basement apartment or a musty basement. 

Its range of filter options, customizable colors, and compact design sets it apart from its competitors. If you are in need of a basement air purifier, we highly recommend the Alen BreatheSmart Classic.

Firstly, the Levoit EverestAir corrects the mistakes of the previous Levoit LV-H134 air purifier, which had some flaws in its air filtration system. 

The Levoit EverestAir is bigger and heavier than the previous Levoit LV-PUR131, and the size of the air purifier is necessary to hold more air filters. The curved sides trim the overall shape of the air purifier, making it easy to place against a wall and match any decor. 

The air inlet in front of the device does not block airflow when placed against the wall or kitchen bar. However, we did notice that the air sensor is positioned a bit far from the air inlet, making the reading a bit false.

The patent air sensor of the Levoit EverestAir is impressive, unlike other cheap products. The air purifier has a big fan that delivers a smooth bottom-to-top airflow system concept. 

The output airflow of the air purifier is stronger because of its aerodynamic air duct. However, the control panel is full of buttons, which is not ideal for a premium air purifier with a remote control like the Levoit EverestAir. The air purifier is hefty and needs some casters for mobility.

The air filtration system of the Levoit EverestAir has three separate stages: pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. The washable preliminary filter captures most of the large objects in the first stage of the air filtration process. 

The H13 True HEPA Filter reduces 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The custom high-efficiency Activated Carbon filter is especially effective for cooking smells and pet odors. 

The air filters are separated to prolong the main HEPA filter longer than a usual all-in-one air filter, but this increases the risk of improperly installing air filters. 

Levoit calls its next-gen air filtration system HEPASmart technology, similar to the HEPASilent technology of Blueair, and there is no noticeable improvement between the new filter and the previous models.

The Levoit EverestAir is one of the best air filters for basement bedrooms, damp basements, and moldy basements in Canada. It’s specially designed to clean the air in finished basements, which can be challenging due to the presence of moisture, mold, and dust. 

The air purifier cleans 99.93% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns in a 400-square-foot room. The Levoit EverestAir has 4 different vent angles to select from, so you can direct the air output anywhere in your home. 

The position of the control panel is fixed between Levoit products, on top of the air purifier, and it’s designed to avoid dust problems typical for many air purifiers.

Compared to its competitors, the Levoit EverestAir matches the performance of the Sharp FX-J80UW and is even better than Airmega 300S and Alen BreatheSmart Classic. 

It’s an excellent air purifier for basements because of its three-stage air filtration system, HEPASmart technology, and powerful fan. The air purifier is ideal for medium to large-sized basements, but it’s not ideal for small homes.

The air purifier has a 3-level air cleaning system that includes a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter and high-efficiency activated carbon, which effectively removes pollutants and allergens from the air.

One of the standout features of the HiMox H05 air purifier is its 100% ozone-free design, making it safe for use by children and asthma sufferers. It can clean a room up to 2000 sq ft in one hour or 1000 sq ft in 30 minutes, making it ideal for larger rooms and spaces. 

Additionally, the air purifier has 437 air inlets that increase the air contact surface, and air convection is very fast.

We did experience one issue with the HiMox H05 air purifier, as it started making a loud whining noise after a year and two months of use. 

Another potential drawback of this air purifier is that replacement filters are expensive and need to be replaced every three months.

However, we were impressed by the HiMox H05 air purifier’s advanced air cleaning system, large coverage area, affordability, and 100% ozone-free design, making it an excellent choice for basement. 

We found that the upgraded filter in the air purifier optimized the structure of activated carbon, greatly improving the odor removal effect.

The HiMox H05 air purifier also has super smart sensors that monitor air quality at any time, and the auto mode adjusts the speed accordingly. We found the air purifier to be affordable compared to other air purifiers with similar features, making it a great value for its performance. Additionally, the air purifier has a small and compact design, making it ideal for those who want an air purifier that won’t take up too much space.

In summary, the HiMox H05 air purifier is an excellent choice for unfinished basement due to its advanced air cleaning system, large coverage area, and 100% ozone-free design. 

The air purifier is effective in removing pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air, making it a good choice for basements, especially for those with moldy or damp basements. 

While replacement filters may be a concern for some users, we believe that the benefits of the HiMox H05 air purifier outweigh any potential drawbacks. Overall, we highly recommend this air cleaner for basement use.

One of the standout features of the Nuwave OxyPure is its advanced filtration system. The unit features a combination of stainless steel pre-filter, ozone removal filter, True HEPA filter, carbon filter, and Bio-Guard filter. 

This combination is incredibly effective at capturing particles as small as 0.09 microns, including pollen, pollutants, smoke, pet dander, dust, and other allergens. It also removes toxic ozone from the home to less than 1 ppb, creating an ozone-free space.

The unit is efficient at cleaning the air in a 2700 sq ft space and works well on “auto” mode. We found that it is powerful and quiet, catching a lot of pet hair, and improving air quality, including reducing stuffiness. 

It eliminates all odors, including those from perfume, cooking, pets, smoke, and cleaning products. We were particularly impressed with how well it worked to help with basement smell.

One potential drawback of the Nuwave OxyPure is that it becomes loud in full-speed mode when cooking, but it automatically decreases speed eventually down to low after 30-45 minutes. 

However, we found that it is generally a quiet air purifier for basement use, and the nighttime feature turns off the indicator lights.

The filters on the Nuwave OxyPure are easy to clean with a vacuum, picking up cat hair, dust, etc. 

However, we did notice that dust builds up on the wall and the exit grate of the machine, likely due to the air system not being completely airtight like a HEPA filter. Additionally, we found that it doesn’t handle VOCs as well as some other air purifiers with more activated carbon in the filter.

In terms of design and ease of use, the Nuwave OxyPure is a well-designed machine. The touch controls are easy to understand and use, and the noise level is generally low. 

The fan level is powerful, and the turbo option is a great feature. It also connects to the internet easily, although the phone app is basic and could be improved by adding notifications and shopping options.

While the Nuwave OxyPure is not a cheap air purifier, it is superior to many low-cost units on the market. It works well in reducing airborne particles and making a significant difference in air quality, particularly for people who are allergic to pollen, dust, and pet dander. 

We believe that it is the best air purifier for basement use in 2023, based on our firsthand experience and research.

In conclusion, the Nuwave OxyPure air purifier is a powerful and efficient air purifier that is good for basements and other unfinished spaces. 

Its advanced filtration system, quiet operation, and ability to eliminate odors and reduce airborne particles make it a standout choice for people looking to purify the air in their basement.

Our research has shown that the Airdog X3 is an excellent choice for those looking for a good air purifier for basements, especially unfinished basements that tend to have a musty smell.

One of the most significant benefits of the Airdog X3 is that it uses a 4-stage air cleaning system with no HEPA filter, making it a cheaper option for those who cannot afford the Airdog X5. 

Despite this, the Airdog X3 still delivers excellent results, using the same air filtration technology as the Airdog X5.

We found that the Ionizer is the main filtration method of the Airdog X3, and it can destroy even the 0.0146 microns ultra-fine particles, making it effective in removing harmful particles from the air. 

Additionally, the composite catalyst, an activated carbon filter, removes odors, smoke, and chemicals, while removing ozone emissions to ensure clean air quality for your home.

One of the unique features of the Airdog X3 is its compact design, making it suitable for small households. 

It has a height of 20.5 inches and a width and depth of 10.5 inches, making it perfect for rooms up to 215 square feet, with a recommended room coverage of 100 to 150 square feet.

Furthermore, the Airdog X3 is a quiet air purifier for basements, which is ideal for people who want to use it in their bedrooms or home offices. Its noise level is low enough to avoid causing any distractions or disturbances.

However, our team found that the Airdog X3 falls behind the competition in real-world tests, capturing viruses but only 99.7% effective against common airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. 

Other competitors like the Vornado PCO575DC, GermGuardian AC9200WCA, Oransi mod Jr, and Aeris aair Lite were better in this regard.

Another drawback of the Airdog X3 is its lack of fan power. While it still performs well in smaller rooms, it may struggle in larger areas or when dealing with heavy air pollution.

In terms of its evolution from previous models, the Airdog X3 follows the same design as the Airdog X5, with some adjustments made to make it more affordable and compact.

Based on our research and first-hand experience, we believe that the Airdog X3 is the best air purifier for basement in 2023. Its excellent air filtration technology, compact design, and quiet operation make it a top contender in the market. 

Additionally, its lower cost compared to the Airdog X5 and its ability to remove musty smells in unfinished basements make it a great option for those looking for a good basement air filter.

How to Choose the Best Basement Air Purifier

Basements are often damp, musty, and prone to mold growth, making it essential to invest in an air purifier to improve the air quality. However, with so many options available, choosing the best basement air purifier can be overwhelming. 

We provide a guide on how to select the most effective air purifier for your basement.

Consider the Size and Dimensions of Your Space

The first factor to consider when choosing a basement air purifier is the size and dimensions of your space. Basements vary in size, and it is important to invest in an air purifier that can adequately cover the room’s dimensions.

Conduct a “Sniff Test”

Before investing in an air purifier, conduct a “sniff test” to determine if you might have mold. Mold can cause health issues, and it is essential to get an air purifier with a HEPA filtration system or a UV-C Light feature to combat it.

Consult Industry Experts and User Reviews

Shopping experts conduct research, consult industry insiders and subject matter experts, and read user reviews to recommend the best products. Consider reading reviews and consulting experts to narrow down your options.

Invest in a Unit with Good CADR Rating

Consider the size of your basement and invest in a unit with a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating that aligns with it. CADR measures how much clean air an air purifier can emit within a given time. The larger the basement, the higher the CADR rating required.

Consider the Air Contaminants Prevalent in Your Basement

Consider the air contaminants prevalent in your basement and choose a purifier with appropriate filtration technology. HEPA air filters can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them ideal for a basement. 

Activated carbon filters can remove odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and radon from the air.

Choose a Trustworthy Brand

Choose a trustworthy brand when buying a basement air purifier. Consider the warranty and after-sales support provided by the manufacturer.

Ensure the Air Purifier has Adequate Air Flow and Filtering Time

Consider the air flow and the length of time it takes for the purifier to filter the air in a basement. Ensure the air purifier can cover and clean the air in a room of appropriate dimensions.

Install a Ventilation System in the Basement

Installing a ventilation system in the basement can also improve airflow and remove odors. Consider investing in a ventilation system to complement your air purifier.

Benefits of Using Air Purifier in The Basements

Basements can also be a source of indoor air pollution, and their air quality can be affected by various factors such as mold, radon, dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One way to address these issues is by using a basement air purifier.

An air purifier can provide numerous benefits for the basement environment. Firstly, it can remove unpleasant odors that may be present due to various factors such as dampness, mold, and stagnant air. 

Secondly, it can eliminate toxic components such as radon and VOCs. Radon is a highly toxic radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, and it can seep into basements from the soil. VOCs, on the other hand, can be emitted from various sources such as cleaning products, paints, and adhesives. 

High levels of VOCs in the air can be harmful to human health and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Mold is another common problem in basements, and it can create bad air quality and cause allergic reactions in some people. An air purifier can effectively remove mold spores from the air and prevent the growth of mold colonies. 

Dust is also a common issue in basements, and it can affect the air quality and cause respiratory problems. An air purifier can effectively remove dust particles from the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe.

Musty air is often a symptom of the aforementioned problems, and an air purifier can effectively remove the root causes and eliminate mustiness. 

By removing dust, VOCs, radon, and mold from the air, the air in the basement will become cleaner, fresher, and healthier.

Moreover, an air purifier in the basement can have many additional benefits. It can improve indoor air quality, promote better health, and prevent the spread of airborne illnesses and allergies, making it an essential tool for people with respiratory issues. 

Air purifiers can provide both short-term and long-term benefits, making them a worthwhile investment for any homeowner.

Do You Need an Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Your Basement?

If you are looking to improve the air quality in your basement, you might be wondering whether you should invest in an air purifier or a dehumidifier. While both can be useful tools, they serve different purposes and address different issues.

An air purifier is designed to remove airborne contaminants, such as dust, mold spores, and pet dander. It works by drawing in air and passing it through filters that trap these particles. Some air purifiers also include additional features, such as UV-C lights, which can kill bacteria and viruses.

On the other hand, a dehumidifier is designed to remove excess moisture from the air. Basements are notoriously damp, and high humidity levels can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. 

A dehumidifier works by drawing in humid air, cooling it to condense the moisture, and then expelling the dry air back into the room.

So, which one do you need for your basement? The answer depends on the specific issues you are experiencing. 

If you are concerned about airborne contaminants and want to improve the overall air quality in your basement, an air purifier might be the best choice. 

This is especially true if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory issues.

However, if you are dealing with excess moisture and are worried about mold growth, a dehumidifier is likely the better option. By reducing the humidity levels in your basement, you can create an environment that is less hospitable to mold and mildew. This, in turn, can help to prevent damage to your home and protect your family’s health.

Of course, in some cases, you might need both an air purifier and a dehumidifier. If your basement is particularly damp and musty, for example, you might need a dehumidifier to address the underlying moisture issue, as well as an air purifier to remove any airborne contaminants.

When it comes to choosing between an air purifier and a dehumidifier, it is important to consider your specific needs and the issues you are experiencing in your basement. 

Both can be effective tools for improving indoor air quality and promoting better health, but they address different problems. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make an informed decision and choose the right tool for the job.

Final Words

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best air purifier for your basement, the IQAir HealthPro Compact and Coway Airmega 400S are both excellent options. 

The IQAir HealthPro Compact offers a powerful air filtration system that can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns and has good room coverage of up to 500 square feet. 

It features a 2-stage air cleaning system with PreMax and HyperHEPA filters that effectively trap a wide range of pollutants.

On the other hand, the Coway Airmega 400S is a great choice for those with larger basements, as it has a high-performance rating and can effectively eliminate various pollutants. It features an all-in-one filter that captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles and is suitable for large spaces.

Ultimately, the best air purifier for your basement will depend on your specific needs and the size of your space. Both of these options offer top-of-the-line air purification technology, so you can breathe easy knowing that your indoor air quality is being effectively maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions