Many air purifiers claim to clean the air, but when it comes to tackling VOCs like formaldehyde or benzene, most fall short.

Removing these harmful chemicals requires more than a basic HEPA 13 filter—it demands a purifier designed specifically for the job. 

In this guide, I've narrowed down everything you need to choose an air purifier that safeguards your home and your family’s health from VOCs.

Quick glance: My recommendations

Powerful air purifiers for targeting VOCs and formaldehyde

Austin Air HealthMate

The higher volume of activated carbon means it can remove more VOCs and gaseous pollutants from your home.

Alongside the efficient filtration and air purification, its easy to use.

I need to note that the product listing for this one says that the unit weighs 15 pounds, but that's just the activated carbon filter! The actual weight of the product and filter weigh 47 lbs. together.

It has caster wheels to roll between rooms and an intuitive touchscreen that makes it easy to configure. There is also a remote control, but I didn't really need it during testing.

The Austin Air Healthmate is a premium VOC air purifier, so it's more expensive, compatible with the price of the Alen Air Purifier.

Still, the Deccan Herald states this air purifier has 'unmatched gas filtration'

However, it delivers commercial-grade filtration and costs about the same as the Alen and Clean Force Air models.

If you want a high-quality, portable air purifier that will last years, this is the one I recommend.

IQAir HealthPro Plus XE

The IQAir purifier is high-quality and high-performing. It's medically certified, too, so I know it will keep my indoor air clean.

It may not have the coverage or CADR of the NuWave or Clean Force Air. Still, it's arguably more efficient, and this smart air purifier stands up to heavy use.

The unique hyper HEPA filtration removes ultrafine particles associated with viruses and bad odors, helping VOC removal by also removing contaminants that bond with them.

According to IQAir, "IQAir's HyperHEPA filtration is proven and certified to filter at least 99.5% of all particles down to 0.003 microns - which is 100 times smaller than the 0.3 micron particles that HEPA filters can remove."

The advanced air filtration system also works fast.

It uses a 360-degree powerful fan system that evenly distributes air around a room, improving the overall air quality more quickly than other models.

The only downside of this high-performing air purifier is the cost.

It's noticeably more expensive than the Austin Air Healthmate purifier and not for those on a tight budget.

However, it offers industrial-grade quality and will last over a decade if well maintained, offering long-term value for money. 

The other feature I love is that IQAir recently updated this model (the new XE tag). The new model integrates WiFi connectivity through the AirVisual app, making it easy to track your air quality from anywhere.

If you have pets or live in an area with a lot of pollution in the air, I recommend the IQAir HealthPro Plus.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i

The Alen BreatheSmart packs a lot into a small frame, and I was surprised at how well it performed.

The medical-grade HEPA filter and activated carbon absorb over 99% of dust mites, pet dander, VOCs, and other asthma and allergy triggers.

However, it's important that I note that Alen has several filters for the 75i, and the Fresh filter is the only one suitable for VOCs.

It also provides odor control, leaving your home feeling and smelling fresher.

I found the Alen Breathesmart more versatile than other VOC air purifiers, with several different settings and modes.

It even has a customizable front panel to match the style of the room.

However, my favorite feature of the Alen Breathesmart air purifier is the Smart Sensor technology. 

It detects the current air quality accurately and has display lights on the front panels to indicate when it's cleaning the air. It even has app control and displays all the readings.

The adjustable settings, sensors, and auto mode mean it mostly runs itself, and over two days of testing, I didn't have to do much.

It isn't the cheapest model, but it's priced competitively for a premium quality air purifier at about $800. 

It may not have the raw power of the Clean Air Force, but this versatile air purifier is more than enough for most homeowners with allergies.

I also really appreciate that when you subscribe to filter replacements directly through Alen Air, you not only save 10%, but they also extend your 1 year warranty into a lifetime warranty. 

Formaldehyde and VOC air purifiers compared

What to look for when buying a VOC air purifier

How much activated carbon is in the filter?

All the best air purifiers for VOCs have an activated carbon filter, but the volume of activated carbon (or activated charcoal) will vary.

Studies have revealed that more carbon means more adsorption and removal of VOCs.

Generally, the amount of activated charcoal or carbon is relative to the size of the air purifier.

Smaller portable air purifiers will only have a few ounces of carbon, and filterless air purifiers won't have any, which is why they aren't great for odors.

Larger high-end air purifiers with a large filter may have 5-10 pounds of activated charcoal or carbon.

More activated charcoal or carbon means more effective air purification, but it also means the air purifier is more expensive.

It may also impact the filter life span.

I recommend balancing cost with performance by choosing a model like the Clean Force Air, but you can opt for a purifier like the Austin Air Healthmate with more activated carbon or activated charcoal.

CADR score is an important parameter

CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate.

It’s an indicator of the effectiveness of an air purifier, showing the cubic feet per minute (CFM) of clean air delivered in a room and the amount of pollutants removed.

The CADR should be clear on the packaging.

CADR is actually a measurement of air purifiers ability in removal of cigarette smoke, dust, and pollen rather than VOCs. 

However, it still shows what you can expect from your air purifier. These are the minimum CADR scores I recommend for different-sized rooms:

If you want a larger CADR that can quickly improve air quality in any room size, the Clean Force Air is a solid choice.

Related article: What is CADR rating?

Check for VOC removal certifications

Some regions will have official certification to show that an air purifier can remove specific VOCs (particularly formaldehyde).

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is one of the most common, but it does vary from region to region. CARB has the most strict regulations, so if your air purifier is on their list of certified models, you know you can trust it will work well. 

Certification isn't mandatory, but it does let you know the product has been through testing. 

Air quality sensors for improved efficiency

Many modern air purifiers can sense poor air quality and activate as needed.

It's useful because it improves the efficiency of the air purifier and (by sensing and removing airborne particles and VOCs) gives you cleaner air.

You will pay more for an air purifier with smart features and sensors, but I recommend it.

Models like Alen Breathesmart or Nuwave have some of the most accurate sensors.

Durable construction is paramount for VOC purifiers

Quality should be standard in home appliances, but it's particularly important for VOC air purifiers to prevent air leakage.

Look for a well-made appliance with well-sealed edges around the filters so no VOCs can escape or bypass the filter.

A high-quality air purifier will be more efficient and safer, preventing air leakage and VOCs going back into your home.

All the models listed above are good quality and well made, but quality does cost more. Don’t be afraid to spend extra on a VOC air purifier compared to standard models.

Related article: Are air purifiers safe?

Beware of the noise output

Up front costs can vary

A high-quality VOC air purifier will typically cost $400-$1000.

They cost more than a standard air purifier because they need more specialist adsorption or filtration, so you should be ready to pay more.

It’s also worth considering the energy consumption of the air purifier models and how much they will cost to run. 

Investing in an efficient unit with sleep mode can help you save money on your bills.

What exactly are VOCs and why air purifiers can help remove them

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and end up in your air supply.

Common indoor VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds can come from many places, including paint, cleaning products, furniture, and other building materials.

Symptoms of VOC exposure

Exposure to high concentrations of VOCs can cause:

You can sometimes tell you have high concentrations of VOCs due to household odors, but it's often impossible to know.

I use an air quality monitor to detect VOCs, and I recommend you do the same.

If you have symptoms, you need to take action immediately.

The Minnesota Department of Health says that people with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, the elderly and people with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to irritation and illness from VOCs.

How air purifiers remove VOCs

Air purifiers can help remove Volatile Organic Compounds and improve indoor air quality.

Depending on the type of air purifier you have, they can help in a few ways:

An air purifier with an activated carbon filter is needed to deal with VOCs. Purifiers with washable filters will not be suitable enough. 

However, many modern air purifiers offer carbon, HEPA, and UV air purification in one.

Related article: Where should I put my air purifier?

So, which should you buy?

Only VOC air purifiers can properly handle certain harmful chemicals in your air.

All the air purifiers on the list above are up to the job, but the Austin Air Healthmate air purifier is my top pick.

It's high-performing, efficient, simple, and covers a large area. It will improve the air quality in any home and won't break the bank.

However, every home has different needs, and you may benefit from a different model.

Hopefully, this list has helped you find the best VOC air purifier so you and your family can enjoy fresh, clean air.