Which Air Purifiers Have The Most Activated Carbon?

  • Author: Irene Batres
  • Date: September 26, 2022
  • Time to read: 10 min.
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An activated carbon filter is an important part of any air purifier.

It helps to remove harmful toxins and pollutants from the air, which can improve your health and wellbeing.

Not all activated carbon filters are created equal, however, so it is important to get the best one possible. 

So if you are shopping for an air purifier with an activated carbon filter, you may be wondering which air purifiers have the most activated carbon.

In this post, we will take a look at the top five air purifiers with the most activated carbon.

We will also provide some tips on how to choose an air purifier with an activated carbon filter that is right for you.

IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…..

Here is a quick overview of our top favorite Air Purifiers.

TOP PICK
9.7
Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier
Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier
  • Most Popular
  • Four-stage filtration 
  • Three fan speeds
  • Covers 361 sq.ft
  • 3 Year warranty
RUNNER UP
9.5
IQAir GC MultiGas
IQAir GC MultiGas
  • 12 lbs of filtration media
  • Best for Larger Rooms
  • Covers 1,125 sq ft
  • 10-year Limited Warranty
  • 100x more effective than regular HEPA filters.
ALSO GREAT
9.1
Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier
Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier
  • Tracks the air quality, temperature, and humidity levels
  • High-quality activated carbon granules
  • Covers up to 800 sq. ft
  • 2 Year Limited Warranty

Which Air Purifiers Have the Most Activated Carbon? (Top 5 Reviewed)

Below, I review the top five air purifiers with the most activated carbon.

For each product, I will explain the key features, list the pros and cons, and tell you why it made our list.

Hopefully, by the end of the review, you will have a better idea of which air purifier with an activated carbon filter is right for you.

1. Best Overall: Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier with Air Quality Monitoring, Auto Mode, Timer, Filter Indicator, Eco Mode

The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier is our best overall air purifier with an activated carbon filter.

This is a top-quality product that is the 2nd most popular air purifier on the market.

It comes with a True HEPA filter, which is able to remove up to 99.99% of airborne particles as small as 0.03 microns in size.

It also features a four-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, a huge honeycomb activated carbon filter, a True HEPA filter, and Vital Ion.

This system is designed to remove harmful toxins and pollutants from the air, leaving you with clean, fresh air.

In addition, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier has a room coverage of 361 square feet and a CADR of 246 for dust, 240 for pollen, and 233 for smoke.

It also has three fan speeds and a timer feature that allows you to set it for one, four, or eight-hour intervals.

It has a filter change indicator, so you will know when it is time to replace the filter, and it also comes with an air quality monitor.

The noise level on this purifier ranges from 24.4dB to 53.8dB, which is relatively low.

With two modes – Auto Mode and Eco Mode – this purifier can adjust the fan speed automatically to save energy when the air is clean and run at a higher speed when the air quality is poor.

Overall, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier is an excellent choice for those looking for an air purifier with an activated carbon filter.

Strength
  • True HEPA filter
  • Four-stage filtration
  • Three fan speeds
  • Timer feature
  • Filter change indicator
  • Air quality monitor
  • Relatively low noise level
  • Two modes

Weakness
  • Some people may find the noise level to be too high on the highest setting

Verdict: Coway is among the leading companies when it comes to air purifiers.

The Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier is one of their most popular products and for good reason.

Thanks to its highly-effective activated carbon filter, it is among the best air purifier for VOCs, smoke, and other odors. Despite being a bit pricey, it is definitely worth the investment.


2. Best For Larger Rooms IQAir GC MultiGas For Chemicals, Gases, & Odors with MultiGas 

IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier - Medical Grade H14 HyperHEPA filter for home large room up to 1125 sq ft, Air Cleaner for Viruses, Bacteria, Allergens, Asthma Triggers, Smoke, Mold, Pets, Dust, Odor, Swiss Made, White

The IQAir GC MultiGas – Medical-Grade Air Purifier is one of those air purifiers that have especially been designed for gases, odors, VOCs, and any other kind of chemicals.

It is a top-rated product and it has even been rated first for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and tobacco smoke.

It comes with a lot of activated carbon 12 pounds in total, which is what makes it so good at removing VOCs, smoke, and other odors from the air.

It has an H11 HyperHEPA pre-filter and medical-grade filtration, which makes it 100x more effective than regular HEPA filters.

The HyperHEPA filters are able to remove ultrafine chemicals as small as 0.003 microns in size.

This purifier also has a lot of other features that make it worth the investment.

It comes with a sophisticated remote control, has an EvenFlow diffuser, and can cover rooms up to 1150 sq. ft. It also has a filter life indicator, so you will know when it is time to replace the filters.

The only downside of this purifier is that it is quite expensive.

But if you are looking for an air purifier that can effectively remove VOCs, smoke, and other odors from the air, then the IQAir GC MultiGas is definitely worth the investment.

Strength
  • H11 HyperHEPA pre-filter
  • Rated first for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)
  • Medical-grade filtration
  • Covers rooms up to 1150 sq. ft.
  • Has an EvenFlow diffuser
  • Filter life indicator

Weakness
  • Quite expensive but worth the price

Verdict: The IQAir GC MultiGas is a top-rated product that has been specifically designed for gases, VOCs, smoke, and other odors.

What really makes this unit unique is its H11 HyperHEPA pre-filter and medical-grade filtration, which makes it 100x more effective than regular HEPA filters.

While it is quite expensive, I am sure that it is worth the investment for those who are looking for an air purifier that can effectively remove VOCs, smoke, and other odors from the air.


3. Best Budget: LEVOIT Air Purifier

LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Ozone Free, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core 300, White

While it is among the cheapest products on this list, the LEVOIT Air Purifier still manages to pack in a lot of features.

It comes with an H13 True HEPA Filter that can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns in size at an efficiency of 99.97%.

It has a High-Efficiency Activated carbon filter that removes smoke, odors, and VOCs.

The LEVOIT Air Purifier also features a unique VortexAir Technology and 360-degree air intake that maximizes its CADR of 141CFM.

Additionally, it has a three-stage filtration system that includes a prefilter, H13 True HEPA Filter and the High-Efficiency activated carbon filter.

The unit also has multiple replacement filters that include Toxin Absorber Filter, Pet Allergy Filter, and Smoke Remover Filter.

The noise level on this purifier is just 24dB, which is one of the lowest on this list. It also has a filter life indicator and time feature.

The unit doesn’t use UV-C light filtration, which means it is Ozone-free.

You can, therefore, use it with confidence knowing that it won’t produce any harmful by-products.

Strength
  • H13 True HEPA Filter
  • High-Efficiency Activated carbon filter
  • Unique VortexAir Technology and 360-degree air intake
  • CADR of 141CFM
  • Filter life indicator
  • Time feature
  • Ozone-free

Weakness
  • The CADR is lower than most of the other units on this list

Verdict: On a budget, but still want an air purifier with a quality activated carbon filter?

Look no further than the LEVOIT Air Purifier. With its High-Efficiency Activated carbon filter, it will remove smoke, odors, and VOCs from your home.

Additionally, the H13 True HEPA Filter removes particles as small as 0.3 microns in size at an efficiency of 99.97%.


4. Best For Smaller Spaces: BLUEAIR Air Purifier For Small Rooms

BLUEAIR Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pet Dander in Small Rooms, HEPASilent Technology with 1 Button Control, 3 Stage Filtration Removes 99.97% Pollen Dust Viruses, 411 Auto with Washable Pre-filter

This is another great air purifier with a good quality activated carbon filter.

The BLUEAIR Air Purifier for Small Rooms uses a three-stage filtration system that includes a washable pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and a high-quality activated carbon filter.

The unit is also equipped with a unique HEPASilent Technology from Blueair that makes it one of the quietest air purifiers on the market.

It also has an air quality monitor and LED display that shows you the current air quality in your room.

This purifier is great for smaller spaces up to 190 sq. ft. and can clean the air in just 13 minutes.

It removes 99% of airborne pollutants including smoke, pollen, dust, pet dander, VOCs, etc.

The activated carbon filter is great for odor and smoke removal, and the sleek design makes it a great addition to any room.

Strength
  • Unique HEPASilent Technology
  • Three-stage filtration system
  • Air quality monitor and LED display
  • Cleans spaces up to 190 sq. ft.
  • Removes 99% of airborne pollutants
  • Sleek design

Weakness
  • The unit is on the expensive side
  • Only suitable for smaller spaces

Verdict: Need an air purifier for those unwanted odors, smoke, and VOCs in your office or any other small space? Check out the BLUEAIR Air Purifier for Small Rooms.

With a three-stage filtration system that includes an activated carbon filter, it will remove 99% of airborne pollutants in your space.

It is also equipped with Blueair’s unique HEPASilent Technology, which makes it one of the quietest air purifiers on the market.


5. Best High-End: Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier

Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier

The Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier is one of the most stylish and sleek air purifiers on the market with a good quality activated carbon.

It has a 360-degree, second-generation Dyson HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of pollutants down to 0.3 microns in size.

It comes with a layer of high-quality activated carbon granules that absorb odors and VOCs.

The unit also has a night-time auto mode that automatically adjusts the fan speed to remove pollutants quietly.

This sleek air purifiers has up to 10 different settings.

The Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier is Amazon Echo enabled, so you can control it with your voice. It’s easy to change the filters.

Strength
  • Very sleek and stylish design
  • 360-degree, second-generation Dyson HEPA filter
  • Layer of high-quality activated carbon granules
  • Night-time auto mode
  • Amazon Echo enabled
  • Easy filter change

Weakness
  • The unit is on the expensive side but it is effective and is high quality 

Verdict: If you like stylish and sleek products, then you’ll love the Dyson Pure Cool Link Desk Air Purifier. But style is not all that this unit has to offer.

It comes with a layer of very high-quality activated carbon granules that make it great for odor and VOC removal.

While it is among the most expensive air purifiers on the market, it is definitely worth the price for all that it offers.

It is also easy to use and comes with a five-year warranty.


How To Choose An Air Purifier With The Most Activated Carbon

Today, the market is awash with many air purifiers that come with different features, and it can be quite overwhelming trying to choose the right one.

When choosing an air purifier with the most activated carbon, here are some factors to consider:

Activated Carbon Filter

Of course, this is the first thing you will want to look for when choosing an air purifier with the most activated carbon.

The activated carbon filter is responsible for removing odors, smoke, and VOCs from the air.

It is important to choose a unit with a high-quality activated carbon filter for the best results.

Room Size

Another important factor to consider is the size of the room you want to purify.

Air purifiers come in different sizes and capacities, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your room.

If you have a small space, then a smaller air purifier will suffice. But if you have a large space, then you will need a more powerful unit with a higher capacity.

Filtration System

Another factor to consider is the filtration system. The best air purifiers will have three-or-four-stage filtration systems that include an activated carbon filter.

This will ensure that the unit can remove 99% of airborne pollutants in your space.

Noise Level

You don’t want an air purifier that is going to be too noisy, so it is important to choose one with a low noise level.

Check the labels, read manuals, or do some online research to find out the noise level of the unit before making your purchase.

Build Quality

How well-made is the unit? Is it made of high-quality materials?

These are important factors to consider when choosing an air purifier. You want a unit that is going to last and one that is not going to break down easily.

CADR

CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate and it is a measure of an air purifier’s ability to clean the air in a space. The higher the CADR, the better the unit is at cleaning the air.

CFM

The CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is a measure of an air purifier’s airflow.

The higher the CFM, the more air the unit can circulate in your space.

So look for an air purifier with a high CFM if you have a large space.

Price

Of course, price is always a factor to consider when making any purchase.

But it is important to remember that you get what you pay for.

So don’t just choose the cheapest unit on the market.

Do your research and find an air purifier that offers the features and performance you need at a price you are comfortable with.

best air purifiers with The Most Activated Carbon

FAQ

Which Three Chemicals Are Not Removed by The Carbon Filter?

Sodium, nitrates, and fluorides are the most notorious for not being removed by carbon filters. They are best removed by reverse osmosis systems.

Can You Wash Activated Carbon Filters?

No. An activated carbon filter can only be used over a period of time and then discarded. You will need to change your filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Does Charcoal Absorb VoCs?

Yes, charcoal filters or activated carbon filters are very good at removing VOCs from the air.

They absorb the volatile organic compounds and prevent them from being released into the air.

What Is The Lifespan of Carbon Filters?

The lifespan of a carbon filter depends on the manufacturer, but most filters will last for about three to six months.

After that, you will need to replace the filter.

The frequency of filter change will vary depending on factors like the amount of VOCs in your environment and the size of your space.

How Often Should I Change My Air Purifier’s Filter?

It is important to change your air purifier’s filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will vary depending on the type of filter and the specific unit.

But in general, it is recommended that you change your filter every three to six months.

Does A Carbon Filter Remove Viruses?

No. Carbon filters are not effective at removing viruses from the air.

For that, you will need a HEPA filter. But carbon filters are good at removing other airborne pollutants smoke, odors, and VOCs.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look for, you can choose the best air purifier for your needs.

Be sure to consider the factors we’ve discussed in this article, like the filtration system, noise level, build quality, CADR, CFM, and price.

Consider getting one of the air purifiers on our list of the top five reviewed.

Hopefully, this article has helped you make a decision on which air purifier to buy. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

We would be happy to help you choose the best air purifier for your needs.

Looking For Air Purifier Guides?

If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.

References: Activated carbon, Activated Carbon overview, Activated Carbon vs Activated Charcoal Air Filters

irene mills author of freshairdevices

(Author)

Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.