Air pollution is worsening across several Indian cities, with Delhi witnessing a sharp deterioration in air quality this week. According to Hindustan Times (HT), the Capital's AQI entered the severe category on Friday morning, reaching 403 at 7.30am, an increase of 82 points in 24 hours. The city's PM2.5 concentration had also more than doubled within a day, touching 244 micrograms per cubic metre by Thursday evening, around four times the national standard.
Calm wind conditions through the night further restricted the dispersal of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate over the city. With a thick, smoky haze continuing to envelop Delhi, concerns around daily exposure to polluted air are growing. While tackling outdoor pollution requires broader measures, maintaining indoor air quality is another consideration for households. Air purifiers equipped with suitable filtration systems can help reduce airborne particles inside homes. Here are some air purifier options available in India worth considering as pollution concerns rise.
Top air purifiers to consider
Choose better. Buy smarter.
NEHA by HT Tech generates recommendations using proprietary AI analysis built on years of editorial expertise.{{#product}}{{/product}}
The Shark HP150IN features a four-layer filtration system designed to capture 99.98% of airborne particles as small as 0.1–0.2 microns, including dust, smoke and allergens. Its NeverChange True HEPA filter is designed to last up to five years, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Clean Sense IQ technology monitors PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 levels, automatically adjusting purification intensity. It also features Odour Neutraliser Technology to tackle unwanted household smells.
Why choose this product?
Choose the Shark HP150IN for its long-lasting HEPA filtration, large-area coverage and automatic particle monitoring, making everyday indoor air management more convenient.
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The Mijia by Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Compact uses a three-in-one filtration system to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen and pet dander. Its 360-degree air intake supports consistent air circulation, while the built-in PM2.5 sensor monitors pollution levels and automatically adjusts fan speed. Smart app connectivity, voice assistant support and a quiet Sleep Mode make it suitable for everyday use in bedrooms.
Why choose this product?
Choose this Xiaomi purifier for compact rooms and bedrooms if you want smart controls, quiet operation and effective filtration without spending on a larger unit.
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The Philips AC4221 uses a four-layer NanoProtect filtration system comprising a pre-filter, HEPA NanoProtect and two activated carbon layers to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.003 microns. Its 600 m³/hr CADR supports larger living spaces, while AeraSense technology monitors PM2.5, gases, temperature and humidity.
SilentWings technology helps keep operation quieter, and the Air+ app offers remote controls, pollution tracking and filter replacement alerts.
Why choose this product?
Choose the Philips AC4221 for larger living rooms, advanced air quality monitoring and multi-layer filtration designed to tackle fine particles, gases and household odours.
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The Honeywell Air Touch V2 features a four-stage filtration system combining a pre-filter, Nano-Silver antibacterial filter, H13 HEPA filter and activated carbon layer. It is designed to remove up to 99.99% of airborne pollutants and micro-allergens, including PM2.5 and PM10 particles.
Its 3D airflow design supports air circulation across rooms, while a CADR of 250 m³/hr enables an air purification cycle approximately every 12 minutes, according to the manufacturer.
Why choose this product?
Choose the Honeywell Air Touch V2 for its multi-stage filtration, H13 HEPA technology and practical room coverage at a relatively accessible price point.
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The Mijia by Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 6 combines a five-stage purification system with a high CADR of 443 m³/hr, making it suitable for larger rooms and living spaces. Its filtration setup includes a primary filter, high-efficiency filter, activated carbon, UVC light and a negative ion generator.
Five sensors track PM1, PM2.5, dust, temperature and humidity, with readings displayed on the colour LCD screen. It also supports app and voice controls through Xiaomi Home, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Why choose this product?
Choose the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 6 for its high CADR, five-stage filtration and detailed air quality monitoring across larger living spaces.
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The Qubo Q1000 is designed for larger rooms, with a 600 m³/hr CADR and a five-stage filtration system comprising two pre-filters, a nano-silver antibacterial coating, activated carbon and a True HEPA H13 filter.
It offers Auto, Manual, Sleep and AI modes, along with app-based controls and scheduling. A live PM2.5 display lets users monitor indoor air quality, while the filter is rated to last up to 9,000 hours.
Why choose this product?
Choose the Qubo Q1000 for its high CADR, H13 HEPA filtration and smart controls if you need to monitor and purify air in larger rooms.
How do I choose an air purifier based on my room size?
Room size should be one of the first things to check before buying an air purifier. Look at the recommended coverage area and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to understand how quickly it can clean the air in your room. A purifier designed for a small bedroom may struggle in a large living room. Ideally, choose a model with coverage suited to your room size.
Is a HEPA filter enough to deal with rising air pollution?
A HEPA filter is important because it captures fine airborne particles, including PM2.5, dust and pollen. However, filtration requirements can vary depending on the pollutants you want to address. An activated carbon filter can help reduce certain gases, smoke and odours. For homes in highly polluted areas, consider an air purifier that combines HEPA filtration with an activated carbon layer.
How much does it cost to maintain an air purifier after purchase?
The initial purchase price is only one part of the expense. Air purifier filters need periodic replacement, and their prices can vary significantly across brands and models. Check the recommended filter replacement interval, availability and cost before buying. Also consider electricity consumption if you plan to run the purifier for several hours daily. A reasonably priced model with affordable maintenance may offer better long-term value.
Should I look for an air purifier with an AQI display and automatic mode?
An AQI or PM2.5 display can help you monitor changes in indoor air quality, while an automatic mode adjusts fan speed based on readings from the purifier's sensors. These features can make everyday operation more convenient, especially when pollution levels fluctuate. However, check whether the device measures PM2.5 specifically, as well as how its sensors work. Do not treat its display as an official AQI reading.
Top 3 features of the best air purifiers in 2026
| Air purifier | CADR | Coverage area | Filtration system |
| Shark HP150IN | Not specified | 600 sq. ft. | 4-layer filtration |
| Mijia Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Compact | 230 m³/hr | Up to 400 sq. ft.* | 3-in-1 filtration |
| Philips AC4221 | 600 m³/hr | Up to 780 sq. ft. | 4-layer NanoProtect |
| Honeywell Air Touch V2 | 250 m³/hr | Up to 388 sq. ft. | 4-stage filtration |
| Mijia Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 6 | 443 m³/hr | 312–538 sq. ft.** | 5-stage filtration |
| Qubo Q1000 | 600 m³/hr | Up to 1,000 sq. ft.*** | 5-stage filtration |
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