For an allergy sufferer, or anyone sensitive to the seasonal changes in air quality, buying an air purifier with a built-in humidifier makes a lot of sense. They might cost more than standalone air purifiers, but not more than the cost of buying two separate machines.
If the air in your home gets a little too muggy or a little too dry... or fluctuates between those extremes a little too much, an air purifier and humidifier combo can feel life-changing.
Having tested and reviewed many air purifying devices at Tastylicious, we turned our attention to these combo models to determine which is the best value for money for an average household. Some of the results were expected, some were surprising.
Our winning model was the moderately priced Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster. One of the only combo models verified by the AHAM Verifide rating agency, its performance is proven in rooms up to 254sq ft. It's quiet. It has ion cleaning technology without producing ozone and is used widely both inside and outside the USA.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, or you live in California (where oddly enough the Sharp Plasmacluster does not meet local air cleaner regulations), you can see our full breakdown below, including a ranking of the top 5 machines, and answers to your most important questions about investing in this kind of air purifier. Let's dive in.
Table of Contents
- Here's How We've Determined the Best Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo
- #1: Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster (Best Value)
- #2: Venta LW25 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier (Best Machine)
- #3: BONECO Air Washer W200 Humidifier & Purifier (Best For Easy Maintenance)
- #4: Afloia HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier (Best Low Cost)
- #5: PureHeat 3-in-1 - Energy Efficient Heater/Purifier/Humidifier (Best For Space Saving)
- #6: Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier (Best for Large Rooms)
- #7: Dyson Pure Humidify And Cool Air Purifier (Best Splurge)
- Budget Options
- Verdict: Your Best Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo
- What Should I Look for When Buying Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo?
- Is a Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo Definitely Right For You?
- Is it OK to leave an air purifier on all night?
- Do humidifiers clean the air?
Here's How We've Determined the Best Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo
When determining the best model we looked at its effectiveness and how well the model removed pollutant particles from the air. We also considered the decibels level and how likely it was that the air purifier and humidifier combo would disturb you.
We also took the initial cost and running costs into consideration as well. The more frequently you have to replace the filters, the higher the running costs are going to be.
#1: Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster (Best Value)
The Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster is an amazing air purifier and humidifier combo that offers excellent usability and features. Sharp’s patented ion technology makes this model stand out from all the rest as you won’t find it on any other combo on the market.
The Plasma cluster ion technology can eliminate even the smallest pollutant particles in the air. The other air purifier and humidifier combos on this list, such as #2 and #3, use filters that cannot catch these microscopic particles.
The Sharp Triple Action Plasmacutter replicates the air cleaning process that occurs in nature by producing both positive and negative ions from the air’s water vapor. Again, this is completely different from any of the other models on our list, giving the Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster a clear advantage over the rest.
This unique feature leaves your home with much better air quality than it had before. It can reduce viruses such as E-Coli, MS2, and Staphylococcus. Common molds and fungus can also be removed to protect your house as well as your family.
Not only will this model remove 99.97% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns in the air. The triple filtration system can also catch dust and larger particles. The activated carbon filter also removes odors that pass through the filters, leaving your house with a fresher, cleaner smell.
What's more, the operating costs are something to be admired. The filters only need to be changed every two to five years, reducing the maintenance costs and increasing convenience.
With a noise level of only 26 decibels, you can sleep peacefully through the night without the air purifier and humidifier combo disturbing you. Noise levels this low are usually hard to find in air purifiers of this size and fan power but the Sharp is an exception.
The reviews for the Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster are excellent, with the majority of customers being satisfied. There are a few poor reviews from people stating that the parts are low-quality, but this is an issue with a minority of customers and the rest seem to be very happy with the changes in air quality this machine achieved for them.
#2: Venta LW25 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier (Best Machine)
The Venta LW25 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier is another great option for air purifying and humidifying spaces at the same time. The fact that it can cover areas up to 400 square feet stood out to us, allowing you to use this machine no matter how spacious your living area is.
Perhaps most important of all, there are no filters required with this model - it uses only water to clean the air around you. Dust, pollen, and other pollutants will be effortlessly wicked away. The method is considered the most hygienic way of humidifying indoor air.
The fact that water is used to purify the air means that no ions, white dust, or ozone are produced.
Reason #1 to Choose The Venta: Lower Price
Despite the higher coverage at 400sq ft, the Venta Airwasher costs less than the Sharp Plasmacluster in. our#1 spot.
If you have a slightly lower budget and want to save money rather than opting for #1, this is the best option to go for. The fact that no filters are required also means that the running costs are lower as you don’t have to replace them after a few years.
Venta also offers a 10-year warranty, ensuring that your purchase is protected should anything happen to your air purifier and humidifier combo due to a manufacturer issue.
Reason #2 to Choose The Venta: Square Foot Coverage
Another reason to opt for #2 over #1 is the square foot coverage. While the Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster can cover areas just slightly over 250 square feet, the Venta LW25 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier can cover areas up to 400 square feet.
There is even the option to choose the same air purifier and humidifier combo with a coverage of 600 square feet! If you wanted to save some more money; however, you could choose a smaller coverage area of 200 square feet to save a decent chunk of money.
#3: BONECO Air Washer W200 Humidifier & Purifier (Best For Easy Maintenance)
Much like the Vento LW25 Airwasher, the BONECO Air Washer doesn’t just filter the air - it washes it. Within the machine are specialized evaporation mats which work to ‘scrub’ the air, removing large pollutant particles 10 microns in size.
We love the fact that this model is self-regulating, meaning that you don’t need to constantly monitor the settings. Instead, the BONECO Air Washer does all of the work for you. This is one of the features that previous customers loved so much about this air purifier and humidifier combo.
It is incredibly easy to maintain this product, with several of the pieces being dishwasher safe or machine washable. Gone are the days of us having to stand over the tub scrubbing filters with a specialized brush!
Reason #1 to choose the BONECO: Simple Operation
The BENCO Air Washer comes with just two modes - one for the daytime and one for nighttime. The mode usable in the daytime optimizes maximum output, which is when the majority of the air purifying and humidifying will happen.
Switch it to nighttime mode before you go to sleep so that the output turns to a minimum. This will reduce the noise level while still keeping your room comfortable and enjoyable to sleep in.
Reason #2 to choose the BONECO: Essential Oil Container
One great thing about having a humidifier function built into your air purifier is that it can also act as a diffuser. The BONECO Air Washer comes with an integrated fragrance container you can fill with essential oils of your choice.
The air purifier and humidifier combo will release the oil in small amounts so that your room is not overpowered with too much fragrance. At the same time, it won’t release too little so that you don’t get the benefits from your essential oils.
#4: Afloia HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier (Best Low Cost)
The Afloia HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier is perfect for people looking to save some money on their air purifier and humidifier combo. In fact, choosing this option saves you over $100 from our #1 and #2 choices. The coverage is great for the price too, coming in at 219sq ft.
The three-stage filtration system uses a prefilter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. These three filters working together allow this model to remove up to 99.9% particles as small as 0.1 microns.
The customer ratings for the Afloia HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier are overall excellent, with the lowest rating being three out of five stars. The top filling design is easy to use and convenient for the user, and the large 1.9 capacity means that you can leave the machine alone for longer.
Reason #1 to choose the Afloia: Separate the Functions
One unique feature of the Afloia is the ability to use the purifier function and the humidifier function separately. The humidifier stacks on top of the air purifier so they can be used in combination, or alone. This is helpful for reducing running costs. It also adds a layer of control to the purifying process. During more temperate weather you may not need the humidifier running, and with the Afloia, you simply won't need to attach it.
Reason #2 to choose the Afloia: Night Light
There is also the option to use the Afloia HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier as a night light as it works. The warm light has two brightness settings to choose from, leaving you with an enjoyable place to sleep.
Again, this is a great feature if you have newborns or young children. They can benefit from the subtle light while still breathing in clean and humid air throughout the night.
#5: PureHeat 3-in-1 - Energy Efficient Heater/Purifier/Humidifier (Best For Space Saving)
If you’re looking for an air purifier and humidifier combo for small spaces, the PureHeat 3-in-1 machine is great for just that. Not only does it purify the air and work like a humidifier, but it can also be used for heating spaces as well.
The superior air purification system kills mold, bacteria, and viruses as well as removing odors from the air and on your surfaces. This can keep you and your family better protected from airborne particles and prevent mold from settling into your home.
There are plenty of additional features that come with the PureHeat 3-in-1 machine to make it more convenient for you. The internal filter can be cleaned and replaced within minutes, alleviating the pressure of you having to pay for new filters every year or so.
Reason #1 to choose the PureHeat: Saves On Space
The PureHeat 3-in-1 is excellent for rooms where free floor space is difficult to find. In smaller rooms such as offices, bedrooms, and apartments, you might not have enough space to store a separate machine to heat, humidify, and purify the air.
It can be a pain to keep these three separate machines stored when they’re not being used. For example, you’ll only need to use the heat function for three months of the year. The rest of the year it will be dormant hidden away taking up space. The PureHeat 3-in-1 eliminates this issue.
Reason #2 to choose the PureHeat: Convenience
If you want an air purifier and humidifier loaded with bells and whistles to make your life easier, the PureHeat 3-in-1 does not disappoint. It has a remote control, giving you the ability to alter the settings wherever you are in the room. There is also a timer to ensure that you’re not using it for too long when you don’t need to.
There is also an LCD display that shows the temperature as well as the settings that it is currently running on. These features might seem insignificant, but they truly make a great difference in its usability.
#6: Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier (Best for Large Rooms)
The Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier can clean the air of incredibly large rooms up to 1200 square feet. This is perfect for open-plan apartments of small houses, and this is the best coverage that we have seen for a combo model available anywhere.
Much like the #3 BONECO Air Washer, the Hestom Air Purifier also does most of the work for you. The humidistat detects the current humidity and automatically adjusts itself to reach the optimal humidity levels.
The three filters can remove up to 99.97% pollutant particles up to 0.3 microns, meaning this air purifier and humidifier combo compares well to our #1 winner - the Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster - in terms of purification.
Reason #1 to choose the Hestom: Enormous Coverage
Compared to ordinary air cleaners, the Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier is shown to work 30% faster and with up to 30% more efficiency. For large spaces up to 1200 square feet, this model can change the air twice an hour.
The Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier can also work continuously for 50,000 hours, which is four times longer than motors found in other air purifiers. Opting for this machine means you’ll be getting an incredibly powerful model that can be left for great lengths of time. This is convenient for busy professionals.
Reason #2 to choose the Hestom: The Most Modes
There are three modes that you can choose from when using the Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier - sleep mode, smart mode, manual mode. The smart mode alters the humidity automatically while manual mode allows you to adjust the machine to your optimal settings.
Sleep mode reduces the output and therefore the noise level so that you aren’t disturbed by the noise of the machine. The Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier also comes with a filter replacement indicator to tell you when it needs to be changed. Previous customers have stated that you need to change the filter every six months, which isn’t the best when it comes to running costs.
#7: Dyson Pure Humidify And Cool Air Purifier (Best Splurge)
Dyson is an incredibly reputable brand, known for its vacuum cleaners, electronic devices, and beauty products. They also make top-of-the-range fans and humidifiers, and their take on their air purifier and humidifier combo is very impressive.
The fully sealed 360-degree filtration system combines activated carbon and a glass HEPA filter to capture both odors and pollutants. Much like many of the other products on our list, the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool Air Purifier works to remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Cleaning the machine could not be easier thanks to the hassle-free deep clean cycle. One quick touch of a button will activate the mode and walk you through the next steps to ensure that you clean your machine thoroughly in as little time as possible.
Reason #1 to choose the Dyson: UV Cleanse Technology
Water used in this humidifier and air purifier is pre-cleaned before being spread into your room. The ultraviolet light removes 99.9% of bacteria in the water before it’s used. This keeps your air as clean as possible after being purified and humidified.
Many other air purifier humidifier combos do not include this feature, meaning that bacteria is being reintroduced into the air even after you’ve purified it.
Reason #2 to choose the Dyson: WiFi Capable
Unlike any of the other air purifier and humidifier combos we have listed in our article, the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool Air Purifier is WiFi capable and can be linked to your smartphone or tablet.
Monitor the air quality and alter the settings of your machine with your phone, tablet, or even home assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri. You can also control the features away from home so that you can walk back into an air purified and humidity-controlled room.
Budget Options
Now that we’ve looked at the best the market has to offer, you might be wondering if there are any budget options to take advantage of instead. The good news is that there are a few out there, and we’ve found the best three.
#1 Best Budget: Westinghouse Humidifier and Air Purifier
The Westinghouse Humidifier and Air Purifier is much more portable and a lot smaller than many of the air purifier and humidifier combos that we have looked at today. It can sit on a countertop and work in whichever room you need it to.
However, the dramatic difference in size comes with its downfalls. It can only cover areas up to 193.75 square feet, which will suffice in a smaller room such as a bathroom, office, or small bedroom.
The two different filters can remove odors and airborne particles such as pet hair and dust. It can also collect particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is impressive for such a small price.
You cannot use both the air purification and humidifier feature at the same time with this machine. You will need to swap out the filters to activate the different modes, which can be slightly inconvenient when you lead a busy life.
The Westinghouse Humidifier and Air Purifier is impressive for such a low price, although the smaller size definitely does limit its reach. One of its advantages, however, is the remote control, allowing you to switch the modes with a push of a button. Another is the level of noise it produces—or in this case, almost inaudible, a boon to all light sleepers.
If you only want to use your air purifier and humidifier combo for small rooms and don’t mind the extra work, you can save a nice amount of money with this budget machine.
#2 Best Budget: Home Air Purifier and Cool Mist Humidifier
Our second favorite budget air purifier and humidifier combo is the Home Air Purifier and Cool Mist Humidifier. Again, it’s a tabletop option and therefore will be best for smaller spaces. It states that it can cover up to 10 square feet at a time, meaning that you’ll need to carry it around with you unless you’re remaining in one spot.
This could be an ideal option to remain on a desk or table where you find yourself spending a lot of time. If you’re constantly on the move, you’re not going to experience the benefits of this air purifier and humidifier combo as much because it covers such a small area.
The Home Air Purifier and Cool Mist Humidifier can still capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, although not from entire rooms.
The humidifying feature can run for five hours without needing to be refilled. If you’re using the indirect mode, this can be stretched to 10 hours so that you can get a peaceful night’s sleep without the humidifier shutting off.
This is a cheap product that can work for people looking to test an air purifier and humidifier combo for the first time to see if it’s worth opting for a more expensive model. However, it’s not very effective due to the small coverage.
While the 10 square feet around you might be purified, this clean air will quickly mix with the unpurified air outside of the coverage area and undo everything the machine has done. You’ll have to sit or stand right next to this air purifier and humidifier combo to feel the effects.
#3 Best Budget: Smartoto Humidifer and Air Purifier
Our final budget option delivers you a party environment as well as cleaning and humidifying the air. The air purifier releases anoin into the air to clean even the smallest particles. You can use the air purifier model alongside the humidifier mode so that you don’t have to choose between the two benefits.
Stand this model on your desk and position the humidifier in any area you want it to. The smaller 200ml capacity means that you’ll need to refill this humidifier much more frequently than other more expensive models.
There is the option to use the humidifier sporadically rather than continuously, although previous customers have still found that this feature uses the water up quite quickly.
This product doesn’t come with a warranty or any other features that the more expensive air purifiers and humidifiers come with. The lights are a nice touch, but many of the previous customers didn’t think that they made up for the lower quality humidifier and air purifying features.
Previous customers even recommended that people should invest in a larger air purifier and humidifier. However, this is a good option if you want a novelty item that also doubles as a nightlight. You’ll also need to be okay with the fact that its water needs topping up every few hours.
Verdict: Your Best Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo
If you want the best value for money, pick the Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster.
The Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster offers the best efficiency for the price, with patented technology that no other air purifier offers. It offers plenty of features for you to use with respectable square foot coverage, making it the best value for money on our list.
If you need the largest square foot coverage, pick the Hestom Air Purifier with Humidifier.
If you want to keep the spend under $100, pick the .
The Luminous Air Purifier and Humidifier is a respectable budget option if you want to spend less than $100. It has an impressive square foot coverage compared to the other budget picks of 100 square feet, and it takes up much less space than a larger air purifier and humidifier combo.
When choosing the right air purifier and humidifier combo for you, it’s important to keep in mind that your needs come first. While an amazing product is at the top of our list, it might not be the right model for you in terms of capacity, square foot coverage, or price.
Keep a clear list of the features you want out of your air purifier and humidifier in your head when comparing products. This is the only way you’ll be able to choose the best product for your individual needs.
What Should I Look for When Buying Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo?
Buying your first air purifier and humidifier combo can be daunting when you’re faced with the lots of choices that the market has to offer. Chances are that you won’t even know what to look for.
However, we’re here to help and have listed some of the most important criteria to look for when buying your air purifier and humidifier combo.
Criteria #1: Purification Ability
It makes sense that when purchasing an air purifier, you’ll want it to be as effective as possible. Pollutant particles in the air come in all different sizes, and only the best air purifiers can capture the smallest particles.
Ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns are the most difficult to capture, and only a few air purifiers can manage to remove them from the air. The majority of air purifiers on our list can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Our #4 pick can capture particles as small as 0.1 microns. The BONECO Air Washer is the least effective, with its purpose being to focus on larger particles 10 microns in size. This is good for dust and pet hair, but not for viruses and bacteria in the air.
Criteria #2: Capacity
Humidifiers need a capacity to be able to introduce water back into the air continuously. The larger the capacity, the more water the machine can hold. Therefore, the more water the air purifier and humidifier combo holds, the longer it will run without you having to top up the water tank.
Opting for a larger capacity will be more desirable if you don’t want to concern yourself with the machine continuously throughout the day. However, this will make the machine less portable. A more sizable capacity often comes with the most expensive air purifier and humidifier combos.
Criteria #3: Noise Level
Many people use their air purifier and humidifier combos throughout the day and night. There is not much worse than being able to hear an irritating humming sound coming from your machine continuously - especially when you’re trying to sleep.
The Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster has a noise level of 26 decibels which is barely noticeable. Other models will have a similar or slightly higher noise level which might be more noticeable. Machines with a sleep mode or lower operating modes will have a lower noise level to leave you undisturbed.
Criteria #4: Price
Price is a big thing to consider when choosing your air purifier and humidifier combo. Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on their combo machine.
Set yourself a clear budget before perusing the market to ensure that you don’t purchase something too expensive for your needs. Our budget picks are respectable options for people who don’t want to spend too much on their air purifier and humidifier combo.
Is a Air Purifier and Humidifier Combo Definitely Right For You?
Air purifier and humidifier combos are excellent for cleaning the air as well as adding moisture to the room. These two features work together to improve air quality by reducing air pollutants and increasing the humidity levels if they’re too low.
You only need a combo machine if you live in an area that has both poor air quality and low humidity levels. If you only have poor air quality but high humidity, you can look for a standalone air purifier.
On the other hand, if you have good air quality and low humidity levels, you might choose a standalone humidifier. Only needing one of these features can save you a decent amount of money and widen the market to many more products to choose from.
Is it OK to leave an air purifier on all night?
Yes, you can leave an air purifier running all night as long as it uses a HEPA filter. HEPA air purifiers do not get hot, no matter how long you leave them running. There are also no dangerous parts to cause concern when leaving them unattended.
An air purifier with an automatic shut-off feature would be the safest option in case anything did go wrong with the machine.
Do humidifiers clean the air?
No, a humidifier will not specifically clean the air. However, it will improve air quality by adding moisture into the air.
To clean the air, you will need an air purifier. An air purifier and humidifier combo will work to improve the air quality in two separate methods, leaving you with much cleaner air than before.
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