Best Direct Plug-In Air Purifiers
Direct plug-in air purifiers, as the name suggests, are designed to be plugged directly into a wall socket. As a consequence, these devices are usually the most compact and portable.
While generally marketed towards use in small spaces like laundry rooms and pet areas, plug-in purifiers also come in handy when traveling.
These air purifiers might be small, but they are also highly effective. Decent plug-in air purifiers can do a great job of eliminating airborne germs and odors, courtesy of purification systems that are typically comprised of an ionizer and either a UV light or an ozone generator.
Since most of them don’t contain mechanical filters, however, they aren’t as effective when it comes to combating airborne particles. Despite this disadvantage, direct plug-in air purifiers are lower-maintenance, quieter, and cheaper than their conventional counterparts.
For those considering adding a convenient plug-in air purifier in their living or working spaces, this article reviews several of the best models in this subcategory for you to explore.
- Optional night light
- Dedicated on/off switch
- 200 sq. ft. maximum coverage area
- Optional scent cartridge
- 1-Year Warranty
- 2 USB ports
- Anti-Microbial Deodorizer
- HEPA Filter
- Purifies and Ionizes
- 100 Percent Money Back Guarantee
- 150 Sq Ft Coverage
- Ideal for RV’s and Small Spaces
- Chemical Free
- Super-Quiet
- 1-Year Warranty
- Operates Anywhere in the World
- Ideal for Small Office or Pet Area
- Whisper-Quiet
- Adjustable Purification
- 90-Day Warranty
- UV-C light treatment
- USB Port
- Filter-free
- UV-C light bulb life span of six to eight months
- 1-Year Warranty
- Kills 99.9 Percent of Bacteria
- 11 Watts
- No Filters needed
- Quiet operation
- 1-Year Warranty
The True Air presents a more robust case against stench with its activated carbon filter and fan combo. It also takes a strong stance against unpleasant odors, thanks to the dedicated scent cartridge inside.
With that said, you can’t expect it to deal with germs and particles as effectively as models that sport an ionizer and/or a UV light.
This makes it an ideal pluggable air purifier for rooms that only need heavy-duty deodorizing, such as kitchens and smelly areas like diaper bins and smoking spaces. Since it only has to combat odors, it has a broader coverage area of up to 200 sq. ft.
Nightlights aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and darkness divas would rejoice that two variants—one with a built-in nightlight and one without—are available. Having a filter replacement indicator and a dedicated on/off switch gives this model extra brownie points.
Pros
- Affordable
- Accommodates scent cartridges
- Quiet
- Optional night light
- Low-cost replacement filter
- Relatively-wide coverage area
- Dedicated on/off switch
Cons
- Filters have to be replaced every three months
- No germ-killing action
This car air purifier, from Pure, adapts to every make and model of car, and because it has two high-speed USB ports, charging your Android or Apple device in half the time should be a breeze.
It has a HEPA filter, so it kills dust, bacteria, and allergens, making the air inside the vehicle as clean as the air inside your house. It also ionizes, eliminating all the triggers that cause allergic reactions.
It tackles pet odors and cigarette smoke as well, so you can arrive at your destination smelling fresh.
This air purifier is small, and because of its size, may not be as productive as plug-in house varieties. Also, it does produce ozone, which the company claim is at a safe level, but ozone isn’t something that you would want in the confined space of a car.
And don’t leave it plugged in when the car is turned off because it could still draw power from the battery, despite claims to the contrary.
Pros
- Compact and sleek
- Fits every style of vehicle
- HEPA stainless steel filter
- Ionizer
- 2 Quick charging USB ports
Cons
- Produces ozone
- Small size affects efficiency
- Drains your car battery
This APP 50 purifier by 03 Pure is compact and fun to look at. It has an adjustable optimum output control to help you regulate the level of ozone in the air, and because it purifies spaces up to 150 sq ft, it’s ideal for small offices, closets, and laundry rooms.
It also works well in RV’s, so you can take clean air with you on the road. It doesn’t use or produce any chemicals, and it is super-quiet so it won’t disturb you, especially when you are sleeping.
This plug-in doesn’t have a replaceable filter, so it should keep costs down, and because it comes with a 1-year warranty, it gives you peace of mind when purchasing.
Pros
- 150 sq ft coverage
- Great for RV’s and smaller spaces
- Ozone regulator
- Deodorizes
- Whisper-quiet
Cons
- Fragile
- Issues with strange smells
- Fan makes high pitched sound
This GT50 purifier resembles the AAP 50 in style and looks, but this model is a professional-grade purifier meaning the company claim it will cover spaces up to 250 sq ft.
It has an easy to reach adjustable purification setting, and because it is whisper-quiet, using it in the bedroom or a babies room is fine.
It eliminates smoke and odors and significantly reduces bacteria, allergens, mold, and viruses. The company also claim that it is suitable to be used anywhere in the world, although in Europe an adapter is needed to convert it from a 2-pin plug to a 3-pin variety.
On the downside, the cost of this plug-in is eye-watering when compared to other purifiers in its class. It retails at over $170! When you compare that figure to the price of the AAP 50 plug-in, it costs an extra $130.
Pros
- Professional grade
- Removes odors and smoke
- Reduces allergens, viruses, and bacteria
- Adjustable purification control
Cons
- Costs over $170
The GermGuardian Elite Pluggable Air Purifier brandishes UV-C with titanium dioxide technology to kill airborne viruses, bacteria, germs, and mold spores while also fighting odors at the source.
As expected from a device this size, GermGuardian advocates for its use in smaller spaces around 100 sq. ft. in size.
It also includes a unique feature of a USB socket on the side, which enables the user to charge other devices while the air purifier is plugged in.
This model is entirely filter-free, which means it will need minimal upkeep since there wouldn’t be any filter cleaning or changing involved.
Its UV-C bulb needs replacement every six to eight months, which sounds like decent longevity for a plug-in device. Although one might notice color changes on the UV bulb when it is past its lifespan, no dedicated replacement indicator is present.
In addition, the absence of mechanical filters realistically translates to a less effective profile against airborne particles when compared, at least, to the other models mentioned above.
This pluggable also doesn’t come with the convenience of having a dedicated on/off switch, which means you’d have to manually plug and unplug it to turn it on and off.
Pros
- Deals with both germs and odors
- USB port
- Easy to maintain
- Decent UV-C bulb lifespan
- Cool touch exterior
- CARB-compliant
Cons
- No mechanical filter
- No on/off switch
- No bulb change indicator
This Eden Pure model is the quirkiest plug-in in terms of looks and styling. The company claim that this new high-tech purifier is more efficient than a HEPA purifier, capturing more bacteria and allergens.
They also state that this Oxi Leaf will outperform air purifiers up to twenty times the size.
It is super-quiet, it kills mold, relieves allergies and sinus problems, kills pet odors, and all without needing a filter.
Eden Pure even claim that this plug-in will remove toxic gasses from the atmosphere!
This model is also ideal for traveling, and because it uses less than 11 watts, it is also perfect for use in RV’s.
The price may put you off, because it isn’t cheap at just over $75, and if you live in California you won’t be able to purchase this plug-in due to the states strict rules on ozone generators.
On styling alone, this air purifier deserves to be on this list.
Pros
- Kills 99.9 percent of air pollutants
- Energy efficient
- Looks good
- More effective than a HEPA purifier
- Whisper-quiet operation
Cons
- Costs over $75
- Not available in California
- Produces ozone
Comparison Chart
| Features | Car Air Purifier With HEPA Filter | AAP 50 Plug-In Air Purifier | GT50 Professional Grade Air Purifier |
| Type | Car Plug-In | Direct Plug-In | Direct Plug-In |
| Size | 5.5 x 3.2 x 1.7 | 2 x 4.1 x 3.5 | 5 x 2.5 x 3.5 |
| Weight | 4.8 oz | 6.4 oz | 5 oz |
| Filter | Hepa | Ozone Generator | Ozone Generator |
| Room Coverage | N/A | 150 Sq Ft | Small Rooms Approx 100 Sq Ft |
| Warranty | Money Back Guarantee | 1-Year | 90-Day |
| Features | GermGuardian Elite GG1100 | Hamilton Beach True Air 04530GM | Eden Pure OxiLeaf |
| Type | Direct Plug-In | Direct Plug-In | Direct Plug-In |
| Size | 6.75 x 3.5 x 6.75 | 6.46 x 5.24 x 3.74 | 5.9 x 5.3 x 2.8 |
| Weight | 10.4 oz | 1.15 Lbs | 13.6 oz |
| Filter | UV-C Light/Titanium Dioxide | Activated Carbon | Ionizer and Ozone Generator |
| Room Coverage | Small Rooms Approx 100 Sq Ft | Small Rooms Approx 100 Sq Ft | Small Rooms Approx 100 Sq Ft |
| Warranty | 1-Year | 1-Year | 1-Year |
Buyer’s Guide:
Direct Plug-In Air Purifiers
