Small Air Purifier Reviews- Safe & Sound in Uncertain Times

Air purifiers are in high demand. It’s not just about breathing clean air or eliminating dust and pollen. Many people are also wanting to take advantage of their antibacterial and antiviral technologies. This is especially so for the winter season when doors and windows are mostly closed. We take a look at the best small and affordably priced air purifier lineup in Japan. The variable price range is below ¥10 000, or slightly above, for 8 tatami to 20 tatami rooms.

The Small Air Purifier in Japan – Key Features

Most air purifiers will advertise features similar to those outlined below. Integrated HEPA and active carbon filters are standard, while UV light and Ion generation are specific features.

HEPA Filtration

This is the most general and essential component of an air purifier. HEPA stands for ‘High Efficiency Particulate Air’ filter. According to EPA.gov standards, these filters should “remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm)”.

HEPA filters need to be changed according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. This means that choosing a popular product, or a well-established manufacturer, is often the better way to go. 

Activated Carbon Filters 

An activated carbon filter layer removes things such as tobacco, pet, and cooking odors. Usually this and the HEPA filter are incorporated together in a single replaceable filter unit.

UV Light Disinfector

If your air filter is equipped to deal with viruses, bacteria, and mold, then it may have a UV light mechanism. Air drawn into the purifier is also exposed to an internal UV light source. This is a permanent part and usually cannot be replaced. UV light also ensures that no bacteria or other harmful microbes can develop within the air filter.

Other Portable Air Purifier Top Features

Depending on  price point, or unique value features, these features can help you pick the best air purifier for your home, room, or apartment in Japan. 

Filtration capacity – usually an air purifier in Japan will indicate the filtration capacity in terms of tatami measurements or tatami jyou.

Timers – timers may include the typical option of automatic shutdown after a select number of hours. Sometimes you can set your own defined period of use. 

Sleep mode – many people like to use an air purifier while they sleep or in their child’s nursery. Sleep modes may also have a low volume setting, lights off, or lower power setting.

Night light – it’s not uncommon to find a soft night light on an air purifier in Japan. This creates a nice ambiance, or it can function as a nursery light or a child light for sleeping.

Power consumption – because power costs can easily add up in Japan, people often want to know how much running their air filter will cost. Retailers usually include that information. 

Warranties and certifications – a one year warranty is standard, but a two year warranty is a great value proposition. PSE certification means that the product is fully compatible with Japanese electrical safety standards.

Best Small and Portable Air Filter Reviews in Japan 

Our small and portable air filter reviews details the pros and cons of the best air purifiers you can buy in Japan. Each products is carefully selected for its unique features and capabilities.

Dreamegg TR-8080B 18 Tatami — Best Value Small Air Purifier in Japan

Dreamegg is a brand name of Integration Smart (HK) Co., Limited out of Hong Kong. Their original products were sound machines for sleep improvement. Now, they also make air purifiers and air humidifiers.

For the price, Dreamegg is a good value device. The UV-C sanitizer is probably the best feature. UV-C light does NOT produce ozone, but is in actual fact an anti-germicide technology. The noise on the first two levels is hardly noticeable. However, levels 3 and 4 emit a regular kind of fan noise.

On the lowest level, the cost performance is 7W at ¥ 0.19/hr, so it’s cheap to run especially on sleep mode. This Dreamegg 8080B model is the cheaper version. The Dreamegg 8080A (price link) has an additional Pet mode for better extraction of pet smells and allergy particles. The filter (price link) is the same on both, and needs changing every 6 months. The dimensions are 20 x 20 x 34 cm and it weighs 2.65 kg.

View Dreamegg Store’s full product range

Levoit Core 300 20 Tatami — Best Quality Small Air Purifier

Levoit is an online brand that now falls under Vesync Corporation based in the US. Their market extends into Europe and Japan. Two of their other brands are Etekcity and Cosori – popular for health care and kitchen appliances. These purifiers were winners of the ‘red dot design award’ and the German Innovation Award.

Levoit were the innovators of these rounded small HEPA air purifiers. Compared to the Dreamegg, they are slightly larger (22 x 22 x 36 cm) and consume 9W on low at ¥ 0.25/hr. They are, however, more powerful featuring award winning vortex technology. The antiviral and anti-bacterial function is built into the electrostatic HEPA filter.

Another key feature is the nylon pre-filter which catches large particles like lint and pet fur. It should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner every 2-3 weeks. Levoit products are electrically modified for the Japanese market and have PSE certification. In the US, they are Energy Star rated, and you can view the US manual online.

Another plus to this air purifier is the granulated carbon filter. Most similar low cost air purifiers use only fibrous carbon. Granulated, however, is far more efficient at removing especially pet, tobacco, or cooking odors.

You can also modify your needs with the type of replacement filter. You can get a two filter pack (price link), a pet filter (price link), or a disinfecting filter (price link) with no difference in the price.

Get Smart with the 300s Core Smart Air Purifier

Visit the Levoit Store for more air solutions

Diki Air Purifier 12 Tatami – Best with Ion Generator and Air Quality Sensor

Pros and Cons:

The air quality sensor is unique for the price. It emits a nice green glow if clean, yellow, then red for poor quality air. Smart mode automatically adjusts the air volume accordingly. In general, the features and performance are good for the price. The minimum decibel level is as low as other leading products.

If you need to clear heavier odors from cooking, this might not be the best choice – Levoit is the best option for this. Unfortunately, the main drawback to this air purifier is the cost of the replacement filter (price link), and it may not last as long as 6 months.

Afloia Air Purifier 20 Tatami – Best for a Unique Design

Pros and Cons:

Although people say this machine runs quietly, the minimal decibel level is 28 db compared to a typical 23 decibels. It’s anti-viral properties are unknown. The thing most people love, however, is the adjustable blue night light.

The air flow is decidedly less than one would expect, but it works just as well as similar machines. On the other hand, the controls are not backlit, and there is no filter alert, so these may be factors in your choice. The replacement filter (price link) is reasonably priced, and warranty issues are promptly attended to.

Visit the Afloia Store for more choices

Milin Air Disinfector & Humidifier 10 Tatami – Best No Filter Alternative

Pros and Cons

The obvious disadvantage to this air purifier, or rather sanitizer, is that is does not filter the air. If you’re worried about PM 2.5, or have a serious dust or pollen allergy, it’s better to go with a regular HEPA air purifier. However, some people do report reduction in allergy symptoms.

Some feel it’s just a glorified humidifier, but the product does have supporting test analysis for the reduction in microbes. Customer support is also responsive and they seem to honor the warranty. The brand name is affiliated to one of the many Shenzen based small manufactures.

VAVSEA Air Purifier 8 Tatami – Best Portable Compact Sized

Pros and Cons:

The air filter function works quietly enough. One drawback, however, is no USB support, so you need to plug it into an outlet. Also, there’s no timer. The UV function is a plus, but the independently working fan is too noisy for sleeping in summer.

Other Air Solutions for All Seasons:

• See our reviews for the best Vortex Action Fan Circulators in Japan.