To find the best air purifiers with a washable filter you’ll need to examine a list of criteria to determine what is most important. We recommend the best air purifiers with a washable filter with a 3-stage filtration or greater process that uses a pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. A fourth layer, UV-C, provides an added layer of defense against bacteria and germs likely to bypass larger filters. Consider large square foot coverage (300+ square feet), high CADR ratings for pollen/dust/smoke, and real-time air quality monitoring paired with a dedicated smartphone app for monitoring and scheduling. Any air purifier with all these features will make it to our list of the best air purifiers.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews, we’ve determined that the Winix PlasmaWave 5500 Air Purifier with Washable Filter is the best air purifier with a washable filter you can buy. Keep reading about this, and our other top picks to learn more and choose the best air purifier to suit your needs.
Top 10 Air Purifiers With Washable Filters
#1 Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with a washable filter comes with a 3-part filtration system and 360° of airflow, making it an excellent choice for people who also need a light-powered fan to feel refreshed.
- Low sound levels (71-46 dB)
- 2 included pre-filter colors
- 360 square feet CADR rating
- Small area coverage (161 square feet)
We like this washable HEPA filter’s composition, which uses two fabric pre-filters and a collapsible carbon filter for odor, smoke, and mold protection. It uses electrostatic filtration, good enough to remove 99.97% of airborne particles on five air changes an hour in a 161-square-foot room. Sound levels are a respectable 17 – 46dB, perfect for bedrooms and other sleeping areas. Take a look at the best air purifier for smoke if you are looking for a purifier that can eliminate smoke odors.
Arguably this unit’s biggest draw is its 360 airflow, which disperses air across all corners, instead of a bottom-to-top or dual-side concept – resulting in better air distribution. Its controls are also very intuitive, consisting of a simple button to turn the unit on and change settings. This machine is an excellent choice if you are a minimalist at heart.
#2 Hamilton Beach 04386A Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with a washable filter comes in a neat compact design and covers up to 160 square feet, an excellent choice for tabletops and nightstands.
- Can sit vertically or horizontally
- 3-speed settings for output control
- Powerful 99% HEPA-grade filter
- Does not include handheld remote control
- 46dB noise level on the highest setting
- No digital display panel; simple knob operation
This air purifier with a washable filter is impressive across the board, starting with a true HEPA filter to kill nearly 100% of airborne contaminants. We also love its Whisper-Clean mode, which operates at less than 30dB for undisturbed sleep.
Arguably this particle filter’s biggest draw is its slim and compact design, with the ability to be aligned vertically or horizontally without losing its suction and airflow power. Three-speed settings allow for output control, and a Quick Clean mode does an effective job when you need to clear out bad air in a hurry. Plus, this unit is very easy to maintain, only needing a quick vacuum of the HEPA filter without a filter replacement. Compare this with the best air purifier for your baby that has a filter lifetime indicator that lets users know when it’s time to replace the filter.
#3 Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with a washable filter comes with two zeolite filters and a permanent pre-filter to combat pet hair and odors, an excellent choice for people with household pets that frequently shed.
- Design makes it easy to clean
- Slim profile (10.84 x 8.08 x 16.43 inches) ; good for table tops
- 99.97% true HEPA cleaning power
- Small coverage area (up to 140 square feet)
- No digital display, Sleep Mode, or Auto Mode
This air purifier with a washable filter is impressive in almost all aspects. A true HEPA filter works to catch 99.97% of airborne contaminants, and several layered filters work aggressively to combat pet odors and hair (activated carbon zeolite filters). Our only knock is that it only covers rooms up to 160 square feet, not much by any stretch, so it’s ideal for litter rooms and main pet living areas.
One of our favorite features of this unit is how easy cleaning the filters is. Simply vacuum the filter without the need to replace a filter. On the digital side, it’s rather limited, coming with only three-speed settings but none of the additional frills such as real-time air quality monitoring, built-in Bluetooth/WiFi, or Sleep Mode. All in all, it’s an excellent air purifier for asthma, especially for minimalists looking for a simple, compact solution. If you’re looking for something smarter, check out the best smart air purifier that features sensors that tread dark rooms to activate sleep mode and active mode for well-lit rooms, among many other smart features.
#4 Envion Therapure TPP240 Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST FOR BEDROOMS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with a washable filter clears rooms up to 343 square feet and powerful UV lighting for an added layer of defense against bacteria and germs, excellent for small bedrooms.
- Three room changes per hour
- Excellent 343 square foot capacity
- Solid CADR ratings for pollen, dust, and smoke
- Ion generation may affect nearby electronics
- Does not include handheld remote control
This air purifier with washable filter offers a little bit of everything, serving medium to large rooms with EPA- type technology for effective neutralizing of airborne pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, dust, bacteria, and germs. It also includes a photocatalyst filter for smoke, odor, and gas reduction. Clean air delivery rates (CADR) are A -grade (155 pollen; 32 dust, and 137 for smoke)
This air purifier with a washable filter is solid on the digital front. A digital display shows a 24-hour automatic timer, ionizer selection, and a filter indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to do maintenance. Consider this a well-rounded machine for most bedrooms. Another very well-rounded machine is the best air purifier and humidifier that has a high square footage rating, high CADR (clean air delivery rate) scores, and a minimum 3-stage filtration.
#5 Envion Therapure Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with washable filter covers rooms up to 350 square feet with 3-stage filtration and a top handle, a great choice for people who need portability to carry it between different rooms with ease.
- Can be carried for easy transport
- Excellent CADR ratings (152 for smoke, 132 for dust, and 155 for pollen)
- 3-speed fan settings
- Does not have a dedicated smartphone app for monitoring
- No real-time air quality monitoring
This air purifier with washable pre-filter is a dependable workhorse, clearing rooms up to 350 square feet with a 3-stage filtration system that uses a HEPA filter, UV germicidal light, and a photocatalyst filter for large and ultrafine particles. CADR ratings are rock solid, clocking in at 152 for smoke, 132 for dust, and 155 for pollen. Kudos for being Energy Star certified for cost-saving on your electric bill.
We love the fact this air purifier with a washable filter has a 3-speed fan setting, which helps users adjust cleaning levels based on air quality. Our only critique is that it is missing several display features we love, such as Sleep Mode, Auto Mode, and real-time air quality monitoring for a more involved approach. This is why you will prefer the best ionic air purifier which has filters that carry sleep modes for whisper-quiet operation, multiple fan speeds, and real-time air quality indicators.
#6 Honeywell Air Genius 5 Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST EASE-OF-USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with washable filter covers up to 250 square feet of space using 5 air cleaning levels and smart touch screen controls, an excellent choice for people wanting an easy-to-use unit.
- 5 cleaning levels for effectiveness
- Healthy number of digital controls
- Solid CADR ratings; good for up to five air changes per hour
- Pre-filter needs replacement every 3 months
- No handheld remote control
- No real-time air quality monitoring
This Airgenius 5 air purifier with HEPA filter leads with proprietary QuietClean ifD® technology that eliminates nearly 100% of airborne contaminants using two optional pre-filters, including a permanent washable filter. Compare an ifD® filter vs a HEPA filter first, to see which one works better for you. CADR ratings are solid across the board (161 smoke; 169 dust; 170 pollen), good for complete air changes up to five times an hour depending on the fan speed setting.
By far, this unit’s biggest draw is its smart touch screen, with several options to control output. It has five clean settings (Sleep, Germ, General, Allergen, and Max) – along with a two to 12-hour automatic shut-off timer. If you are looking for a well-rounded air purifier with a washable filter, it’s hard to go wrong with this one. Compare that with the best personal air purifier that even has a filter life and maintenance information button. Despite this, you’ll still want to know how to clean air purifiers for the best maintenance.
#7 Honeywell HFD 120 Q Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST FOR ALLERGIES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with washable filter features a permanent pre-filter and a HEPAClean filter for effective filtration of up to 99.99% of contaminants, an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable, everyday performer for allergies.
- Energy Star-certified for savings
- Three fan speed settings
- Effective washable and permanent pre-filter for allergies
- Not the widest coverage (186 square feet of space)
- No real-time air quality monitoring
Covering up to 186 square feet of space, this air purifier with a washable filter does its work with a two-stage filtration system plus a built-in ionizer to neutralize and ground airborne contaminants. These are good at removing up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants including pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, and cooking odors.
In terms of digital features, this air purifier with a washable filter is very serviceable. It includes an electronic filter check indicator for replacement monitoring and LED touch-button controls to adjust fan speeds, including its whisper-quiet lowest setting that competes with the quietest air purifier. If you are looking for a no-frills machine without all the bells and whistles of real-time air quality monitoring or a dedicated smartphone app for smaller bedrooms, this is a solid choice. Another excellent choice is any of the best UV air purifiers with a minimum 3-stage filtration system, consisting of a pre-filter, true HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and UV-C light.
#8 BlueAir 211 Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST FOR KIDS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with a washable filter comes in a sleek, minimalist design and machine-washable fabric pre-filters that come in different colors, a neat choice for children who want to customize their look.
- Eliminates 99% of airborne contaminants
- Excellent sound levels (31-56dB)
- Colorful machine washable fabric pre-filters for style
- Pre-filters gather dust around the unit very easily; not hidden inside
- Airflow out on top; no 360 distribution for more evenness
- Slight learning curve putting on and removing outer filter sleeve
This best air purifier with low maintenance is a pretty nifty contraption, featuring HEPASilent technology and a pre-filter for large and ultrafine particle protection. A third activated carbon layer also works to dispel, smoke, odors, and gases. Coverage is good for up to 540 square feet, making it work exceptionally well in studios, lofts, and smaller open-plan apartments.
On the digital side, it’s super-simplified, featuring no jobs and a single button to adjust settings. A built-in warning system also activates, letting users know when it’s time to change the filter. Consider this more of a style piece for smaller areas with quirky machine washable fabric pre-filters names such as ‘Diva Blue’ and ‘Dark Shadow’. But don’t forget digital controls, such as real-time air quality reminders and away mode settings that also come with the best whole house air purifiers.
#9 Oion Technologies Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: BEST FOR SMOKE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with washable filter comes with an electrostatically charged metal filter for thirdhand smoke, an excellent choice for people living with heavy smokers.
- Electrostatic purification for added power
- UVGI technology of germs and bacteria protection
- Includes night-light; great for bedrooms
- A slight smell of ozone may be detected
- Not the most durable unit
This air purifier with washable filter offers powerful filtration, starting with carbon filtration and electrostatic ionizer, which disperses millions of negative ions into the air to ground airborne contaminants. Although, compare an electrostatic precipitator vs an ionizing air purifier to see which is better. An added UV-C light also provides additional fighting power against bacteria and germs that easily bypass larger filters.
We like the fact this air purifier with washable filter is geared for sleep, with a built-in night light and whisper-quiet operation that does not exceed 40 decibels. Plus, an ultra-slim profile (5.5 x 6.5 x 17 inches) makes it easy to sneak beside a nightstand or entertainment center without being too obtrusive. But in case you need a unit that has a pre-filter for large particles, a true HEPA filter for ultrafine particles, and a combination of the activated carbon layer and ionizer for smoke and odors, your best bet is the best large room air purifier.
#10 Winix PlasmaWave 5500 Air Purifier with a Washable Filter
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This air purifier with washable filter comes with 4-stage filtration and is CADR rated for 360 square feet, an excellent choice for small to mid-sized living rooms.
- Dual Smart Sensors optimize filtration
- PlasmaWave for added layer of defense against bacteria and germs
- 360 square feet CADR rating
- Heavy unit (roughly 15 pounds) and bulky
- No dedicated smartphone app for monitoring and scheduling
A 4-stage filtration system provides multiple lines of defense against airborne contaminants, starting with a pre-filter for larger particles, a true HEPA filter for ultrafine particles, and an activated carbon filter for odors. Winix 5500-2’s proprietary PlasmaWave air cleaning technology depends on hydroxyl production for an added layer of defense against bacteria and illness-causing germs, making it welcome in children’s nurseries where nasties abound.
This Plasma Wave 5500-2 true HEPA air purifier with a washable carbon filter’s digital features is very impressive. An air quality indicator offers real-time status updates, and built-in sensors also help to optimize fan speed based on air quality. When air quality dips, it cranks up and vice versa. We also love this unit’s Sleep Mode, which automatically hunkers down and becomes more energy-efficient. The best air purifier for cigarette smoke also has a sleep mode, which keeps it at its lowest noise setting, ideal for sleeping and children’s nurseries.
How We Decided
We explored efficiency, versatility, and digital controls in determining the best air purifier with a washable filter to buy. Additionally, you can check out our comparison of an air purifier with a washable filter vs replaceable filter to see the benefits of each filter type. You can also check out our IFD filter vs HEPA comparison to see how a washable filter stacks up to HEPA. Or, you can read more about the differences between a filter vs filterless air purifier if you don’t want to worry about cleaning or replacing a filter. Additionally, if you like DIY projects, you may be interested in our guide on how to make an air purifier with water.
In our view, efficiency refers to a combination of square footage rating and CADR (clean air delivery rate), which translates to the rate of contaminant reduction. The higher the number, the faster the machine. We are big fans of 3-stage filtration systems that use a pre-filter for large particles, true HEPA filters for smaller particles (down to 0.3 microns), and an activated carbon filter for odor resistance. You can also read our comparison of the H13 HEPA filter vs true HEPA to see which is right for you.
In terms of versatility, go for the best air purifiers with washable filters with 360° distribution instead of bottom to the top concept for improved air distribution, along with a slim profile to make it mountable on a tabletop or beside an entertainment stand without sticking out like a sore thumb. Other signs of versatility include one-button operations for simplicity’s sake and dedicated smartphone apps that assist with real-time air quality monitoring and scheduling. Another excellent gadget for car owners is the best car air purifier that can purify your car during long road trips.
Lastly, digital controls should be in focus. We are big fans of a dedicated app or color-coded LED indicators for real-time air quality monitoring, along with multiple fan speeds, Sleep Mode, and Auto Mode, which optimizes fan speeds based on air quality for energy savings. If you’re price-checking, then you’ll probably want the top-rated air purifiers under $100.
Best Air Purifiers with a Washable Filter Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Efficiency
Focus on efficiency in terms of expansive square footage if you’re after an air purifier for smell purposes and have a larger space. We recommend seeking an air purifier with a washable filter that offers a larger square footage rating than the room or rooms you intend to place it in for the best results. If you want our recommendation, read our Airdog air purifier review.- Efficiency also refers to a minimum 3-stage filtration system with a pre-filter for large particles, true HEPA filters for smaller particles (down to 0.3 microns), and an activated carbon filter for odor resistance.
- Plus, you’ll want to ensure it has a strong pre – filter, that will eliminate most allergens.
- Altogether, this can neutralize nearly 100% of airborne contaminants from pet dander, mold spores, pollen, dust, bacteria, and more.
- Versatility
Focus on air purifiers with washable filters that have an even air-friendly airflow concept (e.g., 360° distribution instead of bottom to the top concept) for better distribution.- Some air purifiers even double as humidifiers and fans, offering you more bang for your buck depending on the size of the device you purchase.
- However, it’s best to find a unit with permanent filters that can be replaced later when they get dirty, and you can learn how to how to change your air purifier filter easily. The problem with reusable filters is that, while their cost is low, they eventually will wear out due to repeated washing and reuse. While cleaning your filter, check out how to clean air purifier blades to ensure your machine stays in the best working order.
- Keep in mind the type of filter you have as well. We have guides on how to maintain a HEPA filter in case you’re new to them and are wondering to yourself, “Can HEPA filters be washed and reused?”
- Don’t forget different mounting positions, with very few purifiers able to be mounted on a wall or sit horizontally/vertically to adhere to space exactly as you’d like.
- On the other hand, if washable filters get annoying to use, you can always opt for the best filterless air purifier instead.
- Digital Controls
A healthy number of digital controls make air purifiers with washable filters much easier to use. Look for the best air purifier with a washable filter that carries real-time air quality monitoring with color-coded LED indicators that grade air quality levels, as well as Sleep Mode and Auto Mode for optimization of fan speed based on air quality. Don’t forget dedicated smartphone apps for ease of monitoring and scheduling. You can rely on these controls to tell you when it’s time for some filter cleaning, and there are easy-to-follow online guides on how to clean certain debris like this one that tells you how to clean tar from air purifier filters.
