Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Monday, December 2nd
You might know Dyson as the company that revolutionized vacuum cleaners, but they've since expanded into other areas of home technology. Founded by James Dyson in 1991, this technology company is now leading the global market in household appliances. Dyson is known for its out-there designs and cutting-edge technology, including in air treatment products like air purifiers, fans, and humidifiers.
Dyson won't tell you their CADR scores...
Dyson doesn't publish the clean air delivery rate (CADR) of their purifiers anywhere on their website. They say it's because they believe it doesn't reflect real-world conditions, arguing that the CADR test chamber is too small compared to average rooms, and uses fans that aren't typical in homes. Dyson claims this can lead to misleading results, as purifiers with high CADR might struggle in larger rooms without ceiling fans. Instead, Dyson promotes their own POLAR test, which they say better represents real living spaces. However, we wonder if this isn't a convenient way for them to justify their products' performance compared to competitors - or to get out of comparing them at all.
...probably because their CADR scores are pretty bad
Dyson might not publish their CADR scores, but Energy Star does. We looked them up, and their Smoke CADR/Watt rating is not great compared to competitors. The BP06 is their highest rated air purifier, with a CFM of 183.3 for Smoke-Free CADR. (Alright, that's pretty good.) However, the next highest CADR score is on the DP04, dropping to just 81.5. For reference, the other air purifiers in our review typically fall somewhere in the 200-300 range for smoke removal.
Many air quality concerns addressed in one device
Still, Dyson is worth looking at purely because their product line is so different from the others in this review. Most notable is the sheer number of combinations of functions in one air purifying device.
Formaldehyde-removing purifier for $529 to $1,000
Take the "Big + Quiet Formaldehyde" line, for instance. These air purifiers, priced at $999.99 for the BP03 model and $1,099.99 for the BP04 model, not only remove all the typical indoor pollutants and allergens, but they also specifically target formaldehyde - which you may not have known is a common indoor contaminant. Formaldehyde can be released from household products like pressed-wood furniture, certain fabrics, and some types of insulation. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues and has even been linked to certain cancers. The silhouette and Prussian blue/gold color scheme of the Big + Quiet line might be a bit quirky, but it could be worth tolerating the look and the price if you're concerned about formaldehyde levels in your home. There's also the "Cool Formaldehyde" line, represented by the TP09 model ($529.99), which cools, purifies, and removes formaldehyde all at once.
Save space with a heater, cooler, and purifier all in one
Next up, Dyson's "Hot + Cool" series, with models ranging from $529.99 to $749.99, combines air purification with heating and cooling capabilities, so you can regulate both temperature and air quality in a single unit. If you live in a smaller home or apartment where you don't want two separate appliances taking up valuable floor space, this could be a great space-saving solution.
Humidity regulation for $850 to $1,000
Then there's the "Humidify + Cool" line, which, as the name suggests, integrates a humidifier with air purification and cooling functions. The PH03 model is priced at $899.99, while the PH04 model with formaldehyde removal capability ranges from $849.99 to $999.99. This all-in-one device could be particularly nice to have around in drier climates or during the winter months when indoor air tends to become more parched.
Warranty automatically registered
Dyson offers a 2-year parts and labor warranty for their air purifiers, humidifiers, heaters, and fans. When you purchase from Dyson's website, your warranty is automatically registered, so at least you won't need to fill out additional paperwork.
Potential for free shipping
Dyson offers free shipping on select machines for certain zip codes. However, other items like spare parts and accessories (like filters) will incur an $8.95 shipping charge. Orders received before 12 PM Eastern Time on weekdays will usually ship the same day, while orders received after that or on weekends will ship the next business day.
30 days for returns with free return shipping
If you need to return an item, you can call Dyson's customer service number or visit their website to start the process. You'll need to package the item in the original Dyson packaging and send it back to them within 30 days of purchase to receive a full refund. Dyson will pay for the return shipping, and you can expect the refund to be processed in 4-8 weeks.
Price match sort-of guaranteed
Dyson guarantees that you're getting the best price on their website. If you find the same Dyson air purifier model sold by an authorized US retailer for a lower price within 30 days of your purchase, they say they'll refund you the difference. However, there are several restrictions: the product must be the exact same model, in new condition and original packaging, and purchased from approved retailers. Dyson also reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time. That could make it difficult to actually receive a refund, even if you did find a lower price elsewhere.
Negative reviews despite high BBB rating
When it comes to customer reviews for Dyson, you'll find some conflicting information. While the Better Business Bureau gives Dyson an "A+" rating, Trustpilot has given them a low score of 1.3 out of 5. We were curious about this discrepancy, so we dug into what customers had to say about Dyson's air purifiers specifically. It was mostly negative. Some customers liked Dyson's products but were extremely frustrated with their customer service. For example, one customer waited six weeks for a replacement unit, and was put on a 10-hour hold when trying to follow up. Others had issues like Dyson allegedly refusing to honor warranties and pushing repairs until after warranty expiration. There were also complaints about product quality: one customer claimed they had to replace their humidifier/purifier five times within three years. Technical issues seem to be a recurring theme, with reports of purifiers getting stuck in cleaning cycles or developing faults shortly after purchase.
Look somewhere else
We get it - Dyson's air purifiers look cool and promise a lot. But in reality, they're expensive, their performance doesn't quite match up to competitors, and customer service seems to be a pain. You'd be better off looking at other brands that offer better value for your money and more reliable after-sales support. Remember, a fancy design isn't worth much if your air purifier keeps breaking down or you can't get help when you need it.
Imagine coming home after a long day, only to be greeted by a stuffy atmosphere and a musty smell in your living room. You open the windows, but the outdoor air carries in pollen that makes you sneeze. Sound familiar? An air purifier might be just what you need.
These devices can help remove pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air to make your space cleaner and more comfortable. While not a substitute for other preventive measures, air purifiers with HEPA filters may also help reduce the risk of airborne transmission of viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, by removing particles from the air.
Many people can benefit from using an air purifier. If you have allergies or asthma, an air purifier can help reduce symptoms by removing irritants like pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air. If you live in an area with high pollution levels or wildfires, an air purifier can help filter out harmful particles. Even if you don't have specific health concerns, an air purifier can help improve overall air quality and eliminate unpleasant odors.
There are several types of air purifiers available, each using different technologies to clean the air. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most common. They can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust, pollen, and some bacteria.
Activated carbon filters are great for removing odors and gasses. They work well for getting rid of cooking smells, smoke, and chemical fumes.
UV-C light purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. They're often combined with other types of filters for more thorough air cleaning.
Ionizers release negatively charged ions that attach to airborne particles, making them too heavy to stay in the air. However, ionizers can produce ozone, which can be harmful to your health.
When shopping for an air purifier online, consider the following factors:
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best air purifiers available. We hope this review helps you find the best air purifier for your needs. With the right air purifier, you can breathe easier and enjoy cleaner, fresher air in your home, office, or even car.
Select any 2 Air Purifiers to compare them head to head