In recent years, air purifiers have moved from niche appliances to mainstream home essentials for good reason. With growing concerns about indoor air quality caused by allergens, dust, pet dander, smoke, and urban pollution, an air purifier can make a measurable difference in everyday comfort and overall health.
However, not all air purifiers are created equal. Some homeowners prefer air purification systems integrated into HVAC ducts, while others opt for the flexibility and convenience of portable air purifiers. This portable preference has grown significantly in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, where fluctuating AQI levels make room-specific air purification more practical.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of choosing the right portable air purifier for your home.
1. Understand What Portable Really Means
When we refer to a portable air purifier for your home, we mean a unit that operates on standard AC power, plugged into a wall, and is either light or compact enough to be moved between rooms. Think of it as a room-to-room solution that gives you flexibility without compromising performance. While some people prefer battery-powered or USB-charged purifiers for convenience, these models are typically designed for short-term or personal use rather than consistent indoor air cleaning.
Battery- and USB-powered air purifiers often have limited airflow, smaller fans, and reduced filtration capacity. As a result, they clean less air over time and struggle to handle common indoor pollutants such as dust, smoke, and fine particulate matter. Performance can also drop as the battery drains, making them less reliable for maintaining stable air quality in living spaces where pollution levels can fluctuate throughout the day.
Plug-in portable air purifiers are built for continuous operation and more effective filtration. A constant power supply allows for higher air circulation, the use of true HEPA and activated carbon filters, and support for features like app control, air quality sensors, and automatic fan adjustment. For homes that require consistent, room-to-room air purification, these units offer better performance, control, and long-term value.
2. Know Your Indoor Air Quality Issues
Before buying, identify what you need the purifier to handle:
- Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander
- Smoke from cooking or wildfire events
- Odours from pets, cooking, or chemicals
- Particulate matter (PM2.5) that comes from outdoor pollution
Knowing the primary concern in your home helps you narrow down features such as filtration type, Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), and size.
3. Filtration Types Matter
Different filters target different pollutants:
- True HEPA Filters capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 μm. For homes with allergy sufferers or pets, this is essential.
- Activated Carbon Filters help reduce smells, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and common household odours.
- Pre-Filters trap larger particles, extending the life of HEPA or carbon filters.
- Some models include UV-C or ionisers, but these should be chosen with caution. UV-C can help reduce certain pathogens, but ionisers may produce ozone (a lung irritant), so look for models certified as ozone-safe.
4. Room Size and Capacity
Every air purifier has a recommended room size. You’ll often see this listed in square feet (e.g., “up to 300 sq. ft.”). Choose a unit rated slightly above the room you intend to use it in.
For example:
- Small rooms: 100-250 sq. ft.
- Medium rooms: 250-500 sq. ft.
- Large spaces: 500+ sq. ft.
If you plan to move the purifier between rooms, pick one that fits the largest expected space. It’s better to have a unit that’s a bit overpowered than one that struggles to keep up.
5. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
CADR measures how effectively the purifier removes smoke, dust, and pollen. Higher CADR numbers mean faster purification. When comparing models, look for CADR ratings appropriate for your room size. As a general rule:
- Dust CADR: higher is better for homes with pets or dust issues
- Smoke CADR: important if cooking smoke or wildfire smoke is a concern
- Pollen CADR: useful for seasonal allergies
6. Noise Levels and Daily Use
Portable units often sit in bedrooms or living rooms. A purifier that is too loud can be disruptive. Look for noise levels in decibels (dB). Anything under 60 dB on lower fan settings is typically quiet. Some units offer “sleep mode” or reduced fan speed settings, which can be especially important for night use.
7. Filter Replacement and Cost of Ownership
Buying the purifier is just the beginning. Filters need changing, usually every 6-12 months, depending on usage. Check:
- Filter lifespan
- Cost of replacement filters
- Availability of filters from reliable suppliers
Always verify that you’re not locked into proprietary filters with excessive pricing.
8. Portability Should Be Practical
Since this guide focuses on AC-powered units, you can move around:
- Check the weight. Aim for something under 7 kilograms if you plan frequent relocation.
- Ensure it’s compact enough to fit through doorways and into storage when not in use.
9. Additional Features to Consider
Modern air purifiers come with useful extras:
- Air quality sensors that auto-adjust fan speed
- Wi-Fi/app control
- Filter change indicators
- Timer functions
These features aren’t essential but can add convenience.
10. Stay Informed and Choose Wisely
The best portable air purifiers balance performance, practicality, and long-term value. Read independent reviews, check real-world user experiences, and avoid models that over-promise features like “ozone cleaning” or “permanent filters” without transparent data.
If you are looking for a dependable air purifier for everyday home use, the Forbes 230 Surround 360° Air Purifier from Eureka Forbes is a solid option. It uses a True HEPA H13 filter with a 4-stage purification system and draws in air from all sides for consistent cleaning. The unit is suitable for rooms up to 310 sq. ft., with a filter life of around 1.5 to 2 years under normal use.
For larger spaces, the Forbes 355 Surround 360° Air Purifier offers higher coverage and faster purification. It features a True HEPA H13 filter along with a pre-filter, activated carbon, and plasma filtration to capture fine particles as small as 0.1 microns. With smart digital indicators, multiple modes, and timer settings, this HEPA air purifier is designed for users who want more control and quicker air cleaning.