5 of the Best Air Filters

Take a breath with devices that scrub pollen, pollution and other unwanted particles from your home

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Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact

Dyson claims its sleek and recently updated Purifier Cool will capture 99.95 per cent of pollutants, gases, odours, pollen and dust mites, including ultrafine particles just 0.1 microns across — that includes viruses like H1N1. An activated carbon filter also nabs gases like NO₂.

As a company, Dyson puts its efforts into the quality of the filters and says less about the clean air delivery rate, claiming the rating isn't representative of a standard room in an average home. Even so, it says the Purifier Cool was tested in a chamber 81m³ (2,860ft³) in volume — significantly bigger than some competitors.

Also impressive are the techy extras you get with a Dyson price tag. The filter has sensors to measure air quality — neatly displayed on a LED display - and gets to work when it detects something. There's also an integrated fan (sans blades, as is the Dyson way) while other models have a humidifier.

It's on the larger side though and replacement filters can cost up to £75.

£449, dyson.co.uk

Shark Never Change5 Air Purifier Compact Pro

Shark’s range of air filters are designed for all kinds of spaces, but its latest unit is a small-but-mighty device best suited to smaller bedrooms and home offices. Trying to work or sleep with traffic pollution or pollen drifting through the window? This might be your best bet.