Plenty of us have heard about the benefits of having an air purifier. However, unless you’ve researched them, you may not know why having a quality air purifier is important for protecting your respiratory health. Of course, all air purifiers aren’t created equal. In this comprehensive consumer guide, I’ll be discussing HEPA air purifiers with permanent filters, which are, in my opinion, the gold standard for air purification.
The Top 5 HEPA Air Purifiers With Permanent Washable Filters – Reviews
There’s a lot to consider when buying a HEPA air purifier with a permanent, washable filter. I put together this list of the top five based on researching and testing several models from the best brands.
I looked at numerous factors with the aim to provide you with a diverse selection of the best choices available, so you can make an informed decision and pick the right air purifier that fits your lifestyle choices.
My Top Pick – Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
The Winix 5500-2 is my top pick for the best HEPA air purifier with a permanent, washable filter. From the moment I unboxed this air purifier, I fell in love (yes, you can fall in love with an air purifier!). As well as its aesthetically pleasing, sleek good looks, its performance didn’t disappoint.
It has some great features, including odor control and sleep mode functionality.
However, it is designed for small to medium-sized rooms, so if you have a large room, you might want to consider one of the other models I’ve reviewed.
5 Best HEPA Air Purifiers with Permanent Washable Filters
Below you’ll find a chart that lists my top five with some basic information; if you’ve got the time, I would suggest reading my full reviews. However, if you are in a rush, each of these HEPA air purifiers with permanent washable filters will serve you well.
| Model | Pros | Key Features | Check Price |
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier |
Meets HEPA standards.
Filtering mode that automatically adjusts based on the condition of the surrounding air. Optional sleep mode responds to the lighting in a room and will turn to a near-silent speed. |
– Noise level at 27.8 dB
– Coverage area up to 360 Square Feet – CADR: 246 cfm |
Buy on Amazon |
Coway Airmega 300 Air Purifier |
Great for large rooms.
Meets the HEPA standard and includes activated carbon. LED ring to indicate air quality through color. |
– Noise level at 22 dB
– Coverage area up to 1256 Square Feet – CADR: 360 cfm |
Buy on Amazon |
Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier |
Silent running filter
Filters large volumes of air by taking in air from all sides. |
– Noise level at 32 dB
– Coverage area up to 540 square feet – CADR: 350 cfm |
Buy on Amazon |
Honeywell AirGenius 6 Air Purifier |
Very affordable
Compact size great for smaller spaces Can be customized and controlled with an app. |
– Coverage area up to 260 square feet
– CADR: 169, dust: 166, and pollen: 149 (cfm) – Bluetooth enabled |
Buy on Amazon |
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier |
-Compact, ideal for small rooms
-The HEPA filter does not need to be washed) |
– Coverage area up to 160 square feet
Can be used horizontally or vertically |
Buy on Amazon |
1) Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
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As I previously mentioned, this is my number one pick. This sleek, all-black air purifier will blend into just about any decor, and it comes equipped with several high-tech features. This model is an especially good choice if you’re concerned about pet or cooking odors, as it’s optimized for odor control, too.
I’ve got a pet dog, and I’ve got used to the smell around the house, but friends who have visited since I’ve been using the Winix 5500-2 have described the air quality as a lot less doggy!
The Winix 5500-2 is advertised as a True HEPA filter. While it may sound like this means it’s an enhanced version of a HEPA filter, “True HEPA” is a marketing term–it simply means that the machine meets the HEPA standard of filtering out 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles . I was pleased to find its washable filter is made of carbon, making it both lightweight and exceptionally strong.
This machine also uses PlasmaWave technology, which is designed to break down odors and allergens. By working in conjunction with HEPA filtering technology, this feature really did a good job of keeping my home’s air clean and odor-free.
The Winix 5500-2 has several convenience and automation features, too. One is auto mode–this filtering mode automatically adjusts based on the condition of the surrounding air.
I also appreciated that you could manually switch between four fan speeds. And if you typically turn down an air filter before bed, you won’t need to do so with this machine–its optional sleep mode responds to the ambient lighting in a room and will turn to a near-silent speed. I’m a reasonably light sleeper, but running this air purifier in my room didn’t mess with my sleep patterns.
It also has a filter indicator, which lets you know when it’s nearing time to change the filter. Something I would be sure to forget without this feature.
This air purifier is rated for a 360-square-foot room, making it ideal for smaller to medium-sized rooms. I’d say that this is the only downside to this model; if you have a larger room, you might want to take a look at my next pick.
Key Features
| Brand | Winix |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Recommended Room Size | 360 Square Feet |
| Clear Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 246 cfm |
| Noise Level | 27.8 dB |
| Energy Consumption | 54.8 watts. |
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetic design
Convenience and automation features, such as a filtering mode that automatically adjusts based on the condition of the surrounding air. Optional sleep mode responds to the lighting in a room and will turn to a near-silent speed. |
Not ideal for rooms above 360 square feet. |
My Final Verdict
I found plenty to like about the Winix 5500-2, from its sleek look that allows it to blend in with any decor to its high-tech features, such as the Plasmawave Technology that got rid of my dog Buster’s distinctive odor!
And being able to run it at night without messing with my sleep was another plus. Really, I can’t recommend this air purifier enough.
My Rating: 5/5
2) Coway Airmega 300 Air Purifier
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If you’re looking to keep the air clean in a larger room, this air purifier would be my top choice–it’s rated for rooms up to 1,256 square feet.
It also has a somewhat unique feature of two separate filters. One filter is a true HEPA filter, but it also includes a pre-filter. This pre-filter catches larger dust particles, and it means that your HEPA filter likely won’t need to be cleaned as often. Anything to save time or extra work is good for me, and I am pretty sure that most of you out there agree.
Like many modern HEPA air purifiers, this one’s filter also includes activated carbon. In addition to the HEPA standard for particle removal, this filter also works to neutralize organic compounds and fumes.
This filter is also a good choice if you want to monitor your home’s air quality in real time. It features an LED ring that will use a color to indicate air quality. It has four potential air quality readings: good, moderate, unhealthy, and very unhealthy. I do have an app on my phone that is supposed to do something similar, but this built-in feature is much more convenient.
It gave me the choice of controlling the fan speed manually but also having the option of using Smart Mode. This mode senses air quality and adjusts the fan speed accordingly.
Because it’s designed for larger rooms, this filter also has an impressive efficiency feature. Rather than pulling in air from one side of the unit, this one draws in air from both sides and pushes the filtered air through the top of the unit.
It’s also Energy Star certified, making it economical to run. With energy prices going through the roof, I certainly welcomed this feature.
And like many HEPA air purifiers, it has an indicator that lets you know when each filter needs to be removed and cleaned.
So far, I haven’t found any negatives with the Coway Airmega 300; I suppose it would have been nice to have a sleep mode option like the Winix model.
I looked to see what other users were saying online, and the only real issue I noticed is that some found the mobile app for iOS wouldn’t work properly. If you do use the app with your Apple device and have problems, then it is probably best to get in touch with Coway, who I’m sure will have a fix.
Key Features
| Brand | Coway |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Recommended Room Size | 1256 Square Feet |
| Clear Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 360 cfm |
| Noise Level | 22 dB |
| Energy Consumption | 60 watts |
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for large rooms.
Meets the HEPA standard and includes activated carbon. LED ring to indicate air quality through color. |
Issues reported with the iOS mobile app |
My Final Verdict
This is another terrific air purifier, especially if you need it for a large room. Coway has done a great job in making it extremely efficient by designing it so that it pulls in the air from both sides of the device.
Being able to read the air quality from the built-in LED color, I thought, was a useful addition.
From my testing, I would rate this model one of the best large room purifiers on the market, so it gets the thumbs up from me.
My Rating: 4.8/5
3) Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
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This air purifier is made by Blueair, a giant in the HEPA filter industry. It has a modern two-tone appearance, and it’s rated for rooms up to 540 square feet. Independent tests have shown that this purifier is capable of filtering the air in a medium to large room up to five times per hour.
While I haven’t got any room in my house that is over 500 square feet (I wish), I found it performed exceptionally in the largest room in my house with ease.
For such a large model, I was impressed with the quiet-running filter, and as it is Energy Star certified, I know that I won’t get any unwanted surprises when the bills arrive.
It manages to filter large volumes of air per hour by taking in air from all sides, which is somewhat of a rarity in air purifiers.
If you’re someone who wants your air purifier to match your decor, this is also a great choice. You can purchase pre-filters in several different colors. These pre-filters are visible on the exterior of the unit, and they let you give your purifier a personalized touch. While I thought that this was a bit gimmicky at first, I’ve actually come around to the idea; it’s kind of fun and quirky.
I noticed one potential downside to this air purifier, and that is that you can’t switch off the light indicator when it’s running. I didn’t run this Blue Pure model in my bedroom, but I guess you’d have to cover the indicator up with a strip of cloth if you are sensitive to light.
Key Features
| Brand | Blue Pure |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Recommended Room Size | 540 square feet |
| Clear Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 350 cfm |
| Noise Level | 32 dB |
| Energy Consumption | 62.4 watts |
| Pros | Cons |
| Silent running filter
Filter large volumes of air by taking in air from all sides. Energy Star Rated |
Light indicator could be a nuisance if using the air purifier in a bedroom |
My Final Verdict
Blueair is a big name in the air purifier market so I expected a quality device, and that’s exactly what I got. While it doesn’t appeal as much as the first two models on my list it comes in at a respectable third place, so well worth adding to your shortlist.
My Rating: 4.5/5
4) Honeywell AirGenius 6 Air Purifier
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This high-tech, column-style filter is more affordable than many on my list, and its compact size makes it a great option for smaller living spaces. It’s rated for rooms up to 260 square feet, and it can filter air in a room of this size up to five times per hour.
One of the most attractive features I found with this air purifier is its ability to be customized. It can be controlled with an app that connects to the purifier via Bluetooth. I’m not the most technical guy, but I found it a breeze to use.
The app let me manually set cleaning levels, but I could allow the device to adjust automatically based on air quality.
The app also lets you pre-program air cleaning schedules. For instance, I set it to clean at a high fan speed while I was at work and then set it to a quieter level for when I come home.
The app also sent regular alerts and updates on my air quality, and it even sends alerts if pollen and other allergens are high in the outdoor areas near where I live.
It’s worth mentioning that, while the HEPA filter doesn’t need to be replaced, the odor-neutralizing pre-filter is not washable. However, it only needs to be replaced every three months, making maintenance fairly easy to keep up with.
Key Features
| Brand | Honeywell |
| Filter Type | Pre-Filter |
| Recommended Room Size | 260 square feet |
| Clear Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 169, dust: 166, and pollen: 149 (cfm) |
| Energy Consumption | 42 watts |
| Pros | Cons |
| Very affordable
Compact size great for smaller spaces Can be customized and controlled with an app. |
The odor-neutralizing pre-filter is not washable. |
My Final Verdict
A compact air purifier at an affordable price, with a simple-to-use Bluetooth app, what’s not to like? If you have a small apartment and are on a budget, the Honeywell AirGenius 6 would be my recommendation.
My Rating: 4.5/5
5) Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier
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Plenty of people need a larger HEPA air purifier for use at home. But if you only have a very small room or want something to use in the office, you probably don’t want to spend extra money on a purifier rated for larger rooms. This is a very compact filter that’s rated for rooms up to 160 square feet.
The one convenient feature that ensured the Hamilton Beach TrueAir was added to my list was that it can fit almost anywhere–this filter can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. I’ve got a little study room at home and this air purifier fitted nicely.
Unlike most filters on the list, this one’s HEPA filter doesn’t need to be washed–it can simply be vacuumed clean. If you hate housework like me, then this could be a consideration!
It doesn’t have a pre-filter, but it’s important to remember that the TrueAir is meant to be a compact air purifier.
It may not have all the added features of some of the more expensive options on my list. However, sometimes you don’t really need all the bells and whistles. In some ways, I liked its simplicity with a three-speed operation that let me choose higher settings for quick air cleans or lower, quieter settings for sleep. It comes in white or black, (I went with the black), making it easy to select the color that best fits into your decor.
Key Features
| Brand | Hamilton Beach |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Recommended Room Size | 160 square feet |
| Energy Consumption | 44 watts |
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact, ideal for small rooms
The HEPA filter does not need to be washed) |
No pre-air filter due to the size.
Not a lot of features |
My Final Verdict
Are in the market for a simple, compact air purifier that does the job without costing a bomb? Do you want one that doesn’t leave you scratching your head at all the different settings and controls? If so, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir should be a match made in heaven. And as an added bonus you won’t even need to wash the HEPA filter.
My Rating: 4/5
Before I conclude this review guide, I’d like to share some valuable information that might further be of benefit before making your final decision.
What is a HEPA Air Purifier?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. The “particulate” in the name refers to their ability to filter out particles in the air that measure 0.3 microns. To be designated as a HEPA filter, a given air filter has to be able to trap 99.97 percent of all 0.3 micron particles.
See Also:
- The Most Energy Efficient Air Purifiers – Buying Guide and Reviews
- The Best Air Purifier for COPD – Buying Guide and Reviews
- The Best Air Purifiers for Mold Spores – Unbiased Reviews
- The Best Air Purifier for Construction Dust
- The Best Air Purifier for Formaldehyde
But why is the 0.3 micron measurement so important? At this size, particles that we breathe in can be absorbed into the bloodstream, making them especially dangerous. Here are some of the 0.3-micron materials that a HEPA air filter may be able to help remove from your air:
- Bacteria
- Dust mite allergens
- Suspended dust
- Tobacco smoke
- Soot from fireplaces
- Smog
HEPA filters are also capable of removing larger particles from the air. They can also filter out mold and pollen, which tend to be larger than 0.3 microns.
How Do They Work?
HEPA filters were originally designed to remove radioactive particles from the air, so they were designed to be much more effective than the average air filter. On a basic level, a HEPA filter uses a series of dense filters, many of which are made out of tiny glass fibers. The air purifier draws in air (somewhat like a vacuum) and forces it through these filters.
The filters inside of a HEPA air purifier capture particles in three different ways:
- Impact — This is when particles are absorbed into the filter simply by crashing into it.
- Interception — This is when a particle is caught by a filter fiber as it floats freely within the filter.
- Diffusion — This happens when dust and other particles crash into one another and some are pushed into the filter.
If you want your HEPA filter to be as effective as it can be, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using one that’s rated for use in a room close to the size of the room where you intend to use it. It’s ok to choose a HEPA air purifier that is rated for a larger room in a smaller room. However, if you use a purifier rated for a smaller room in a larger room, it’s unlikely to be very effective.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Using One?
You might think of dust as being fairly benign, but a good HEPA air purifier removes more than just dust from the air. Here are some of the benefits of using one of these filters (or a few) in your home.
- It removes dust mites and related allergens
Dust mites have been shown to cause allergic and asthmatic symptoms. And because they are very difficult to see with the naked eye, they are also very difficult to remove from your home. Dust mites feed on dead skin cells, and their microscopic droppings can cause severe allergic reactions in many people. A HEPA filter works to remove dust mites and their droppings from the air, which lessens your risk of respiratory complications. - It removes mold spores, which can cause serious illness
Mold thrives in damp, warm places in your home. And while a serious mold issue will also require professional remediation, a HEPA filter will remove the mold particles that float through your home on a daily basis. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause severe respiratory symptoms, headaches, and fatigue. Generally, your reaction to mold will be worse if you also are allergic to it. - It removes more pet allergens than vacuuming alone
If you have dogs or cats in your home, you already know that hair and dander can build up quickly. And while vacuuming can remove a lot of hair and dander, a HEPA filter can remove much more than vacuuming alone. This is especially important if you have any animal allergies or live with someone who does.
For instance, cats who sit on bedding or furniture can leave dander that stays in the fabric, and indoor-outdoor animals can bring in bacteria and allergens from the outside. Using a high-quality HEPA filter will help remove these particles from the air in your home before they have time to accumulate. - They have been tested for quality and effectiveness
HEPA isn’t just a marketing term–these filters have to go through very rigorous testing in order to earn the designation. This means that any genuine HEPA air purifier you buy will be able to filter out at least 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. Of course, some filters will have advantages over others, so you’ll want to compare specifications carefully before choosing a particular HEPA filter.
Why Are Reusable Filters the Better Option?
Many HEPA air purifiers come with replaceable filters. However, these filters become somewhat costly to replace over time–they can’t be cleaned and reused.
If you want to save money and be environmentally responsible with a reusable filter, it’s important to note that there are two types of reusable filter: washable and permanent. A washable filter needs to be scrubbed with soap and water and then dried before it can be used again. Once it’s dry, it can simply be placed back into the HEPA air purifier.
A permanent filter is a little simpler. This filter can just be vacuumed before being replaced. However, in order to reduce the risk of adding some of the trapped particles back into air circulation, it may be wise to vacuum the filter outside.
Many HEPA air purifiers, and especially those that are larger, have two filters. The HEPA filter is used as a secondary filter and primarily focuses on capturing smaller particles. The other filter is sometimes called a “pre-filter” and is designed to capture larger dust particles. This has the advantage of prolonging the life of your HEPA filter–you’ll need to clean it less often since most of the larger, visible dust will have been captured by the pre-filter.
However, the potential downside to this is that you will have two filters to clean. In some models, the pre-filter is not washable and will still need to be replaced. Be sure to read the specifications carefully since each air purifier will have its own recommended cleaning and/or replacement schedule.
What Should You Look for When Buying a HEPA Air Purifier with Permanent Washable Filters?
A good-quality HEPA filter is an investment in your health and well-being. Thus, it’s wise to know a little about the key features you may want to look for before you begin your search. According to the EPA, indoor air is often up to five times as polluted as outdoor air, so a high-quality air filter can accomplish a lot when it comes to protecting your general health and respiratory health.
- Square Footage Rating and Air Changes Per Hour
One of the most important things to look for is the square footage rating of a given unit. This will tell you the size of room it can treat. When you’re on a budget, it may be tempting to buy a smaller filter for a larger room. However, this will mean that the air purifier doesn’t have the necessary power to treat a larger room, and your air won’t be as clean as it should be.
A related factor is the number of air changes per hour (ACH) that a given unit is capable of. This reading will tell you how many times it can completely filter the air in a given space. Very high-powered HEPA filters can change a room’s air several times in an hour. These purifiers tend to be more expensive, but they will result in cleaner air. In order to achieve any given purifier’s maximum ACH, you will need to run it at maximum fan speed. - Placement
Some HEPA air purifiers, especially those designed for very large rooms, can take up a good bit of space. Before buying one, make sure you have a space where it can run optimally. HEPA filters use a fan to pull in air, so you’ll want to place it at least a few feet from a wall. If possible, when you aren’t home, you may want to pull the filter to the center of the room, which may let it operate more efficiently.
While many air purifiers only pull in air from one side, you may also find some that pull in air from multiple sides. This makes it easier for it to treat air from all areas of a room, even if you can’t place the purifier centrally. - Quiet Operation
Running a HEPA filter at full blast can sometimes be a little loud. Look for filters that have several speed options. Many of them have a near-silent option that’s ideal for when you’re home and trying to sleep (or otherwise need some quiet). On most of these models, you can also turn up your purifier’s operating speed when possible. This louder, faster-cycling option is ideal for times when you won’t be home or won’t be bothered by a little additional noise. - Filter Life Indicators
In a HEPA air purifier with a reusable filter, it’s easy to forget to clean it on time. If you’re busy or forgetful, you might prefer to purchase a filter with a filter life indicator. This is usually in the form of a light, and it will come on when a filter needs to be washed or vacuumed. - Control Options
Plenty of HEPA air purifiers are controlled with a knob mounted onto the unit itself. However, there are plenty of newer technologies that allow you to control a filter from anywhere. Some newer models can be controlled using WiFi, and many of these can be controlled even if you aren’t at home. Other models include a remote, which will usually allow you to control the air purifier from anywhere within your home. - Air-Quality Indicators
Some higher-end models may even have an indicator that informs you of the air quality in your home as it filters it. This can be helpful if you’ve experienced respiratory illnesses and want to know if your home’s air is partially to blame. - Mobility Features
Depending on which HEPA filter you choose, you may end up with an air filter that’s fairly large. If you get a larger purifier, you may want to consider getting one that’s easier to move. Many of these purifiers have handles, and some even come equipped with caster wheels to make moving them much easier.
In Conclusion
I’ve been using a HEPA air purifier with a permanent filter for a while now, and I can feel that it has made a big difference in my life. I don’t have to vacuum and dust as often, and I’m not exposed to as many pathogens and respiratory irritants. Plus, the washable filter means I save money and contribute less waste to landfill. If you’re looking for a healthier life, I recommend giving a HEPA air purifier with a permanent filter a try.
