It is important to have clean air in your home. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in an air purifier. They work by circulating the air in your home, cleaning and refreshing it, then recirculating it back into the environment.
There is a myriad of different choices on the market, so my team and I set out to give you a thorough review of a popular brand called Germguardian. Check out our buyer’s guide to see if this is a good option for you and which model you should invest in.
Who Makes Germguardian Air Purifiers
Guardian Technologies is the manufacturer of many small home appliances that increase the quality of your home’s air and environment. In 2002, they set out to become the protector of your home’s atmosphere.
They manufacture air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and air sanitizers. Today, they have their main office located in Euclid, Ohio.
Quick Guide – Our Favorite Models
The Germguardian Air Purifier Range Explained
- Table Top Air Purifiers
This model was created for small offices or kitchens. It sits securely on a tabletop or counter and filters air upward in a 360-degree cone. - Tower Air Purifiers
This is the most common model. It was designed for small or medium-sized rooms. It sits on the floor in an upright position and filters air outward. - Console Air Purifiers
These units were designed for medium or large-sized rooms such as living or dining spaces. They filter air through the top and are generally bigger than other models. - Smart Air Purifiers
These models were created with the smart home in mind. They can connect to your phone via WiFi or Bluetooth so that you can control your air purifier remotely. - Pet Pure
These models come with an anti-microbial agent that eliminates mold and allergens associated with pet dander. The Germ Guardian AC4300WPT that we reviewed above includes PetPure.
GermGuardian Air Purifiers Compared
Why Choose the GermGuardian Air Purifier Brand?
True HEPA Filtration Technology
This is the most crucial component of your air purifier. It is the only filter that needs to be replaced on your machine. True HEPA filtration systems filter out 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. True HEPA filters are better than HEPA-like or other similar types.
Pet Pure Treatment and Odor Reduction
This component of GermGuardian air purifiers includes an anti-microbial agent that will eliminate common mold and bacteria caused by pet dander that could grow on the filter. It also helps reduce any pet odors that are present in the surrounding air.
UV-C Light Technology
This filtration device uses a type of UV light that can destroy the DNA of harmful bacteria, mold, and pathogens that may be carrying microscopic particles such as influenza or other viruses. This type of UV light is also called germicidal UV light, and it is often used in clinics and hospitals.
Filter Check Lights
It is important to know when to change the filter in your air purifier. If you don’t change it at the appropriate time, it will become less effective and could put harmful particles back into the air. GermGuardian includes a filter check light on all of their machines. It will light up when it is time to replace the filter.
Energy Star Qualified
Every homeowner likes to save money on their electric bill. All of the GermGuardian air purifiers in our review are Energy Star certified so that you know they are economical. It will cost less to run this machine per month than other household appliances.
Quiet Operation
GermGuardian Air purifiers run fairly quiet compared to other devices. Most of the models that we tested below ran between 25 to 55 decibels. If you have the device on the lowest fan speed, it will be quieter than when it is on the turbo fan speed.
3 Year Limited Warranty
Every Germ Guardian air purifier comes with a 3-year limited warranty that covers manufacturers defects and other part malfunctions. Make sure that you register your device once you receive it to activate the warranty.
6 Best GermGuardian Air Purifiers Reviewed
1. Germ Guardian AC4825E
Best Overall
| Coverage Area | 167 Sq ft |
| Filtration Type | 4 stages |
| Filtration Life | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise Level | 40 dB |
| CADR | Dust (118), pollen (125), smoke (108) |
If you’re looking for the real powerhouse of this range, then you should give this option a try. We named the Germ Guardian AC4825E as the best overall product in this roundup. It comes with many features that are suitable for most homeowners.
This GermGuardian model comes in a unique tower design that is ideal for people who want to save a little bit of space. This model comes with a 4-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter, a charcoal filter, UV-C light treatment, and TIO2 treatment.
The HEPA filter eliminates dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. The charcoal filter helps get rid of unwanted odors. The UV-C light destroys harmful pathogens and bacteria. The last step is the TIO2 treatment, which uses titanium dioxide to eliminate harmful pollutants further.
One thing that we liked about this model is that it came in a tower design, which looks sleek and also saves space. We thought that the 4-stage filtration system worked well. It doesn’t come with a remote, however.
As Evelyn noted in her review, “The purifiers look sleek and small enough to fit under the counters or in a corner nicely.”
Pros
- Tower design that saves space
- 4-stage filtration system
- Titanium dioxide treatment included
Cons
- Does not include a remote
2. Germ Guardian AC4300WPT
Best Quiet Air Purifier for Bedrooms
| Coverage Area | 153 Sq ft |
| Filtration Type | 3 stages |
| Filtration Life | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise Level | 27 dB |
| CADR | Dust (107), pollen (116), smoke (99) |
It is essential that your new machine not disrupt your sleep patterns with a noisy fan. We chose the Germ Guardian AC4300WPT as the best quiet air purifier for bedrooms. It will clean your air without you even noticing that it’s on during the night.
This model comes with a 3-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter, a PetPure treatment, and a charcoal filter. This model is different than the last one because it includes a PetPure treatment. This treatment is applied to the HEPA filter to extend its life and filter out harmful substances like mold and dander caused by pets.
This is an ideal option for people who have multiple pets that sleep in their rooms at night. Like the previous model, this version also comes with a UV-C light treatment that will kill harmful pathogens that may cause colds.
We liked that this model came with the PetPure treatment included. It helped get rid of pet odors. One potential downside to this model is that it didn’t come with a heavy-duty prefilter to get rid of pet hair.
One homeowner, Lora, said, “Excellent product. It really works and gives results beyond our expectations.”
Pros
- Incudes a PetPure treatment
- 22-inch tower design
- Quiet fan
Cons
- Does not have a heavy-duty prefilter to eliminate some of the pet hair
3. Germ Guardian AC4820
Best Air Purifier for Allergies
| Coverage Area | 158 Sq ft |
| Filtration Type | 3 stages |
| Filtration Life | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise Level | 40 dB |
| CADR | Dust (112), pollen (131), smoke (102) |
If you’re like me, you might suffer from seasonal allergies from outdoor pollen that works its way indoors during the spring and summer months. We chose the Germ Guardian AC4820 as the best air purifier for allergies. Less sneezing and cleaner air make this model a good choice for allergy sufferers.
This Germ Guardian model comes with three stages of filtration. The first one includes a washable prefilter that will help eliminate the larger particles that make their way indoors. The next step is a charcoal filter that will remove smaller particles and clear out the odor.
The final filter is a true HEPA filter that eliminates even the smallest pollen particles that cause allergies. This model differs from the previous two in that it doesn’t come with a UV-C light filter. It was designed for handling pollen and other allergens as opposed to pathogens.
We liked that this model was designed for filtering out allergens that cause sneezing and itchy eyes. This model is best for people who suffer from seasonal allergies caused by spring blossoms. We wish that it came with a UV-C light filter as an added step.
According to verified buyer Tracy, “Love this unit. I could tell a difference in my allergies.”
Pros
- Filtration system was designed to improve allergies
- Prefilter that helps eliminate large particles
- Three fan speeds
Cons
- Does not include a UV-C light filter
4. Germ Guardian AC5000
Best for Large Spaces
| Coverage Area | 180 Sq ft |
| Filtration Type | 4 stages |
| Filtration Life | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise Level | 50 dB |
| CADR | Dust (123), pollen (128), smoke (116) |
This model is the biggest that we have reviewed so far. If you’re looking for a model covering a bit more square feet, you should check out this unit. We chose the Germ Guardian AC5000 as the best for large spaces.
This model comes with a 4-stage filtration system that includes the same stages as the first model that we reviewed. It starts with a charcoal and PCO filter that eliminates pollutants from indoor air.
The other models that we have reviewed do not include a PCO filter, so that is an added bonus. PCO stands for photocatalytic air cleaner, enabling the filter to diffuse harmful substances while also filtering odor with charcoal.
We liked that this model was able to purify the air in rooms as large as 180 square feet. That is greater than the other models on our list. We also liked that it included the 4-stage filtration system. We didn’t like that it was a bit louder than the other models since it has a larger fan.
As buyer Michele noted in her review, “The Germ Guardian is reducing the spring pollen in our home as well as the level of dust. We are able to enjoy sleeping with the windows open once again.”
Pros
- Charcoal and PCO filter
- Ideal for larger rooms
- 4-stage filtration system
Cons
- A bit larger and noisier than other models
5. Germ Guardian AC4200W
Best Tabletop Air Purifier
| Coverage Area | 105 Sq ft |
| Filtration Type | 2 stages |
| Filtration Life | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise Level | 35 dB |
| CADR | Dust (76), pollen (77), smoke (68) |
This is a unique model on our list because it’s not a standing tower design like the other models that we reviewed. This model sits on your table or desk in your room and offers 360-degree air circulation. We chose the Germ Guardian AC4200W as the best tabletop air purifier.
It comes with a 2-stage filtration system, which is less than the other models that we reviewed. This one is intended for smaller areas. It comes with a true HEPA filter and a charcoal odor-reducing filter. This model would be ideal for someone who is looking for a smaller model that is more portable.
It would be great for a countertop in a kitchen or office. It features four different fan speeds. It filters air from the top of the device in a conical shape to offer 360-degree filtration.
We liked that this model is small and compact. It sits comfortably on any table or desk. We also liked that it brings air through the top and filters it out in a conical shape. This allows for better coverage. We thought that they should have included a prefilter with this model.
As purchaser Dani noted in her review, “This purifier is amazing. It is super quiet, energy-efficient, and my house is cleaner than ever.”
Pros
- Filters air out over 360-degrees
- Small and compact design
- Unique tabletop model
Cons
- Not suitable for large rooms
6. Germ Guardian GG1000
Best Cheap Model
| Coverage Area | 100 Sq ft |
| Filtration Type | 2 stages |
| Filtration Life | No changeable filter |
| Noise Level | 28 dB |
| CADR | Dust (72), pollen (74), smoke (65) |
If you are searching for a small model that will work for a small bathroom or laundry room, this might be best for you. It is also reasonably priced so that it won’t break the bank. We chose the Germ Guardian GG1000 as the best cheap model. It is ideal for people on a budget.
This model comes with a 2-stage filtration system, but it does not include a HEPA filter like the rest of the models. It has an odor-reducing charcoal filter and a UV-C light that eliminates harmful pathogens and germs.
It comes at a bargain price, so they did not include the HEPA filter to keep costs down. This model covers a maximum of 100 square feet, so we recommend it for a small bathroom or laundry room. This model stands at only 7 inches tall, so it’s compact and easy to move.
We liked that this model does not require you to change the HEPA filter every 6 to 8 months. You won’t have to spend a lot of extra money on filters. GermGaurdian recommends that you change the UV-C bulb every 5000 hours, though.
Simply stated by one user, “Love it. Use it in a small bathroom. No more odors.”
Pros
- Wall pluggable so there are no cords
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for small bathrooms or laundry rooms
Cons
- Does not include a HEPA filter
Comparing Germguardian vs. Similar Air Purifier Brands
Now that you’ve seen our choices for the top products from this brand, I’m sure you are wondering how GermGuardian compares to other popular models. In our research, we found that Germ Guardian air purifiers are often cheaper than Honeywell, Winix, or Dyson.
Other models, such as Honeywell and Winix, cover more square footage than GermGuardian machines. Honeywell and GermGuardian are on par with each other, while Winix and Dyson are more advanced and more expensive. One unique feature that Germ Guardian has that others do not is the use of UV-C light to kill pathogens.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Do Germguardian air purifiers produce ozone?
They have been tested and certified that they do not produce ozone according to the standards of ARB. During an 8-hour test, GermGuardian air purifiers produced less than 0.001 ppmv when tested in a 30 cubic meter chamber. They are safe to use.
When do I know that it’s time to replace the UV-C light bulb?
Most GermGuardian air purifier UV bulbs need to be replaced every 12 months. For a few of their devices, the bulb is expected to last for the life of the product. Check their list to figure out which category your model falls under.
Learn more about UV light here.
How often should I replace the filters?
Germ Guardian recommends replacing the HEPA filter every 6 to 8 months, depending on the usage. Always buy genuine filters when replacing them.
What is the electrical usage of Germguardian air purifiers?
On average, GermGuardian purifiers do not use that much electricity. They use less than most of your other home appliances. They are Energy Star certified, so they will add approximately $4 to $8 to your bill per month.
How long do Germguardian air purifiers last?
The machine will last quite a long time if you replace the filter when you are supposed to. If the filter is replaced every 6 to 8 months, then the machine should last a minimum of 5 years.
How do I troubleshoot a Germguardian air purifier that has stopped working?
There are a few items that you can check if you have a problem with your GermGuardian air purifier.
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| The unit does not turn on | Make sure that it is properly plugged in.
Make sure that the filter is securely in place. |
| The unit shuts off unexpectedly | Make sure that the filter is securely in place.
Check that the rear cover is completely latched. |
| No air circulating from the unit | Check the carbon and prefilters to see if they need to be cleaned. If so, clean them and replace.
Replace the HEPA filter |
| Red light is flashing | Replace the HEPA filter |
| Blue light is flashing | Replace the UV bulb |
Conclusion
In this buyer’s guide, we have tested and reviewed the best GermGuardian air purifiers on the market. We recommend GermGuardian for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly air purifier for small bedrooms or offices.
Our number one choice is the Germ Guardian AC4825E because of its 4-stage filtration system.
Our Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
