El Lay — the first things that come to mind when you mention living in the City of Angels are sunshine, vibrant culture, scenic views and Hollywood. But it also means dealing with persistent traffic, earthquakes and — recently — increased air pollution.

Wildfire season has become an increasingly challenging reality in LA. When smoke and pollutants from nearby fires seep into your home, an air purifier can be your first line of defense, helping you breathe easier and protect your health. Here are the five top picks to help you create a haven from the smog during wildfire season and beyond.

1. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty

Meet your new best friend during wildfire season. The Coway Mighty lives up to its name. This powerhouse efficiently cleans medium-to-large rooms up to 1,748 square feet — despite its compact size. Its smart sensors adjust purification levels based on air quality, so you get optimal performance without any guesswork.

What makes it particularly suitable for your wildfire smoke concerns is its four-stage filtration system, which includes a pre-filter, carbon deodorization filter, green HEPA filter and built-in bipolar ionizer. This system neutralizes harmful particulate matter, airborne pathogens, aerosols and smoke — up to 99.7% — guaranteeing your indoor air stays fresh.

What you’ll get:

• Energy-efficient operation to keep your electricity bills in check
• Aesthetically pleasing design that won’t clash with your decor
• Real-time air quality indicator so you know what you’re breathing

Price: $207 on Coway

2. Blueair Blue Pure 211+

If you have an open-concept space or a larger living area, consider the stylish, efficient and easy-to-maintain Blue Pure 211+. This air purifier features a three-stage filtration system, including an activated carbon filter that traps smoke odors completely in a 550 ft² room every 12.5 minutes.​

This Swedish-designed purifier can handle rooms up to 540 square feet, making it perfect for a modern LA loft or spacious living room. Its low energy consumption makes it an eco-friendly choice for conscious Angelenos.

What you’ll get:

• Washable pre-filter in different colors to match your home’s style
• Whisper-quiet operation that won’t disturb your peace, thanks to advanced HEPASilent technology.
• Simple one-button operation for hassle-free use
• Exceptional performance in removing wildfire smoke particles from your space

Price: $339 on Amazon

3. IQAir HealthPro Plus

Here’s the Tesla of air purifiers. The IQAir HealthPro Plus proves its worth with its many features. It’s powerful, sophisticated and incredibly effective at filtering even the smallest particles from your air.

What you’ll get:

• Medical-grade filtration for your peace of mind
• Coverage for your large spaces up to 1,125 square feet
• Advanced controls and programming options to suit your needs
• 10-year warranty to protect your investment

You might be interested to know the quality of air you breathe directly impacts your daily performance. Recent studies show that when you work in spaces with below-average levels of indoor airborne pollutants, you’re likely to perform significantly better cognitively than people who work in an environment with standard air quality.

Price: $949 on IQAir

4. Levoit Core 400S

If you’re a smart home enthusiast, you’ll love this one. The Levoit Core 400S combines effective air purification with modern connectivity features, letting you monitor and control your air quality from your phone — perfect for checking your home’s air while you’re stuck in traffic on the 405.

The Levoit Core uses 360° air intake to circulate clean air indoors. The filter indicator tells you when a replacement is needed. Remember to switch filters every three months or more often if you have pets or smokers in your residence.

What you’ll get:

• Smart home compatibility to fit your connected lifestyle
• Quiet operation that won’t disturb your work-from-home setup
• Coverage for rooms up to 400 square feet
• Real-time air quality updates via your smartphone

Price: $220 on Levoit

5. Honeywell HPA300

Consider the Honeywell HPA300 your air-cleaning workhorse. While it might not be the most stylish addition to your home, it excels at what matters most — keeping your air clean during wildfire season. Its powerful fan and true HEPA filter technology make quick work of microscopic particles of up to 0.3 microns, like smoke, with an impressive efficiency rate of 99.97%.

What you’ll get:

• Superior smoke and odor removal for your space
• Easy-to-find replacement filters at your local stores
• Turbo mode for when you need quick air cleaning
• Simple, straightforward operation for your daily use

Price: $270 on Honeywell Store

Breathe Easier, Stay Healthy

With wildfires becoming a regular concern, investing in an air purifier is one of the best steps you can take to protect your home and health. Stay ahead of the pollution and give yourself the fresh air you deserve with these air purifiers, whether you need a budget-friendly option or a high-tech powerhouse.