The Coway AP-1512HH Airmega 200M is the best air purifier for allergies in 2026, combining 246 CFM pollen CADR with H13 HEPA filtration, auto mode with a real-time air quality sensor, and a $70/year filter cost—all for under $220. For larger rooms, the Coway Airmega 400 scales up to 400 CFM for open living spaces where allergy sufferers need maximum coverage.
Allergy relief from an air purifier depends on three factors: True HEPA (H13) filtration that captures 99.97% of allergens per pass, sufficient CADR to achieve 5–6 ACH in your room, and 24/7 operation to maintain consistently low airborne allergen levels. Below, we rank every recommended model by pollen and dust CADR—the metrics that matter most for allergy sufferers.
What Makes an Air Purifier Effective for Allergies
Common allergens and their sizes determine what filter grade you need:
All common allergens are well above the 0.3 μm MPPS where HEPA is least efficient. At allergen sizes (1–60 μm), H13 HEPA captures virtually 100%. The deciding factors between purifiers for allergy use are CADR (how quickly you cycle allergen-laden air), noise (you need to run it 24/7 including sleep), and filter cost (ongoing expense).
Best Air Purifiers for Allergies: Ranked
1. Coway AP-1512HH Airmega 200M — Best Overall Value
The AP-1512HH has been the most-recommended allergy purifier for years, and for good reason. Its 246 CFM pollen CADR delivers 7.4 ACH in a 250 sq ft bedroom—well above the 5–6 ACH allergy threshold. The four-stage filtration (pre-filter, odor filter, True HEPA, ionizer) covers particles and light odors.
The auto mode reacts to PM2.5 spikes, ramping up when you open a window or when cooking releases particles. At 24 dB on low, it's inaudible during sleep. Annual filter cost is just $70–90—among the lowest for any quality unit.
Why #1 for allergies: Maximum filtration performance per dollar. Proven design with millions of units in homes worldwide. Handles bedrooms up to 350 sq ft comfortably.
2. Winix 5500-2 — Best Budget Alternative
Nearly identical CADR to the Coway at a slightly lower price. The Winix adds PlasmaWave technology (ionization without ozone) for additional pathogen reduction—you can turn it off if preferred. Washable AOC carbon filter reduces ongoing costs.
Why it's great: Same airflow performance as the Coway, often $20–30 cheaper. The washable pre-filter is more robust for pet-hair households.
3. Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max — Best for Larger Allergy Rooms
At 350 CFM, the 211i Max covers rooms up to 420 sq ft at 5 ACH—making it ideal for living rooms and larger bedrooms. HEPASilent technology delivers HEPA-class filtration at lower noise. The fabric pre-filter (available in colors) catches large particles and extends main filter life.
Why it's great: Highest CADR under $350. Covers large rooms where smaller units fall short. Clean, attractive design.
Room-by-Room Allergy Strategy
For comprehensive allergy relief, you need purifiers in every room where you spend significant time. Here's the priority order:
Priority 1: Bedroom. You spend 6–8 hours sleeping and breathing deeply. Target 6 ACH minimum. Keep the door closed. This alone provides the biggest allergy improvement.
Priority 2: Home office / main living space. Where you spend your waking hours. Target 5 ACH.
Priority 3: Other occupied rooms. Playroom, den, guest rooms as needed.
Real-World Allergy Results
Example 1: Seasonal Pollen Allergy
Dr. Amanda tracked her spring allergy symptoms (sneezing, nasal congestion, eye itching) with a daily symptom diary. Before air purifier: average 12 sneezing episodes/day, congestion score 7/10. After running a Coway AP-1512HH in her 280 sq ft bedroom with the door closed (6.7 ACH): sneezing dropped to 2–3 episodes/day, congestion score 3/10. A 75% improvement in the bedroom—symptoms returned within hours of leaving the purified space.
Example 2: Dust Mite Allergy with Pets
A family with two dogs in a 350 sq ft living room ran a Blueair 211i Max continuously. Their Temtop M10 air quality monitor showed PM2.5 dropping from an average of 20 ug/m3 to 4 ug/m3. The parents (both dust mite and pet dander allergic) reported dramatically fewer nighttime symptoms after adding a second Coway unit to the master bedroom.
Example 3: Year-Round Multi-Allergen Sensitivity
Michael is allergic to dust mites, cat dander, mold, and multiple pollens. He runs purifiers in his bedroom (Coway AP-1512HH), home office (Levoit Core 400S), and living room (Coway Airmega 400). Total investment: ~$800. Annual filters: ~$250. His allergist noted improved lung function tests at his annual checkup, and his daily antihistamine use decreased from twice daily to as-needed.
Allergist-Recommended Practices
Based on guidelines from the ACAAI and AAAAI:
- Use True HEPA (H13) filters only—not "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-style"
- Size for 5–6 ACH minimum in sleeping areas
- Run 24/7—intermittent use dramatically reduces effectiveness
- Keep doors and windows closed in purified rooms
- Combine with allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers
- Use a HEPA vacuum weekly on floors and upholstery
- Maintain humidity below 50% to discourage dust mites and mold
- Replace filters on schedule—a loaded filter reduces both CADR and filtration quality
- Avoid purifiers with ozone-producing ionization (can worsen asthma)
- Place purifiers in the breathing zone—bedroom nightstand height, not hidden in a corner
Key Takeaways
- H13 HEPA captures 99.99%+ of all common allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores)
- Coway AP-1512HH is the best value for allergy bedrooms: 246 CFM CADR at $175–220 with $70/year filters
- Target 5–6 ACH in sleeping areas for meaningful allergy relief
- Bedroom is priority #1—you spend 6–8 hours breathing filtered air while sleeping
- Run purifiers 24/7 with doors closed—intermittent use doesn't maintain low allergen levels
- Combine with source control: allergen-proof covers, HEPA vacuum, humidity control
- Budget for whole-home coverage if multiple family members have allergies: $300–1,500 in units