5 Best Basement Air Purifiers – Say Goodbye to Musty Smells!

Eliminating a musty smell and improving the air quality in your basement isn't always easy, but an air purifier can help. Here are the five best you can get.

A basement is usually an isolated place in the home that is exposed to various factors, such as high humidity, low ventilation, and rising dampness, which almost always leads to poor air quality.

While making your basement fresh and clean may be difficult, I think it’s something you shouldn’t prolong. Apart from assuring the ventilation in your basement is good and working, there are other tricks to improve the air quality in such spaces, such as getting an air purifier.

Best Air Purifier For Basement
In the image above, you can see the musty basement where I tested air purifiers. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

An air purifier with HEPA and an activated carbon filter will ensure your basement is free from pollutants, gases, bad odors, and VOCs. It will also trap airborne particles, such as mold spores, preventing them from attaching to the walls and, thus, stopping the spread of mold.

Besides my usual testing procedure, I picked every air purifier I thought was worth considering and tested it in the musty basement. Based on the results and collected data, I have created a list of the top five options for your basement.

All the devices mentioned use high-quality filtration technology and will do a great job in your basement. However, some are better than others in specific situations, which is why I strongly recommend reading this article thoroughly and also using the comment box below if there are unanswered questions.

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the Best Air Purifiers For Basement!

  • Alen BreatheSmart Flex – Thanks to its high-concentration pellet-based carbon filter, this is the best air purifier you can get for the basement, especially for the musty one.
  • Winix 5500-2 – One of the best air purifiers I have tested so far and the best option for those looking for a cost-effective and affordable device with high-efficiency filtration technology.
  • Levoit Core 600S – This is the best air purifier for a large basement you can get. It covers 635 sq. ft. (59 m²) rooms, uses a three-stage filtration technology, and has plenty of smart features.
  • Coway AP-1512HH – It’s a reputable name in the air purifier market and one of the best air purifiers you can get for trapping airborne particles such as mold spores.
  • Levoit Vital 100SThe best option for small basements. It offers high-quality filtration technology, plenty of smart features, and great performance, all at an affordable price.

*If you click any of these links and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Top 5 Basement Air Purifiers

Below are the five best air purifiers I have tested so far that you should use in the basement. However, not every air purifier on this list may be the best fit for your specific situation and needs.

This is why this list is specific and why I categorized devices for particular situations, such as large basements, musty basements, budget options, etc.

So, whether you’re in search of an air purifier for a dusty, musty, or damp basement, the following options represent the best available according to our testing procedures.

Alen BreatheSmart FLEX – Best for Musty Basements

Alen FLEX - Best Air Purifier For Basement
Alen FLEX air purifier.

Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Highlights

  • Alen FLEX has a 3-stage filtration technology and is intended for rooms of up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²) with 4.8 ACH.
  • It uses a medical-grade H13 True HEPA filter, which effectively traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and will efficiently capture mold spores.
  • It has a pellet-based carbon filter with >2 lb of carbon included.
  • This extraordinary air purifier offers excellent performance, a quiet motor, and exceptional build quality.
  • Alen offers a lifetime warranty for this model, with a subscription to a filter replacement plan through the Alen website.

The Alen BreatheSmart FLEX is one of the best-selling air purifiers and the one I often recommend. It’s made by a US-based company. This air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²), and it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in the recommended rooms.

What makes the Alen FLEX an ideal air purifier for basements is its high-quality True HEPA filter, which captures airborne pollutants such as mold spores and dust, and a pellet-based activated carbon filter, which neutralizes bad odors and musty smells in the basement.

Alen BreatheSmart Flex Air Purifier - Activated Carbon Filter
Alen FLEX’s activated carbon filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

There is an option to buy a filter with >2lb of carbon pellets inside, meaning even better performance in neutralizing bad odors.

The Alen FLEX is also one of the quietest air purifiers I have tested, which is why I recommend it as one of the best air purifiers for bedrooms. Besides, it performed outstandingly in the tests, especially in a 560 sq. ft. room test, in which it improved the air quality by about 94% in just 60 minutes working at the max speed.

What may be a disadvantage for some users is the lack of advanced features such as an air quality sensor, auto mode, or smart app. But, given that it provides truly amazing performance, I believe the lack of some features won’t be a big deal.

What I also like about the FLEX is the option to get a lifetime warranty, but only if you subscribe to replacement filters through the Alen website.

Alen BreatheSmart FLEX - Smoke Test
The Alen FLEX cleaned all the smoke from the smoke box in just 32s. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Specifications

Manufacturer Alen
Model BreatheSmart FLEX
Dimensions 8.5 x 15 x 25 inches
Filters Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Longevity 9-12 months
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 300 sq. ft. (28 m²)
CADR 245
Number of Fan Speeds 4 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode
Power Consumption 50W
Warranty Lifetime

Alen FLEX – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Alen FLEX is just what you need.

Winix 5500-2 – Best Cost Effective

Winix 5500-2 - Best Air Purifiers For Basement
Winix 5500-2 air purifier.

Winix 5500-2 Highlights

  • Winix 5500-2 is a medium-sized air purifier intended for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
  • It uses a 4-in-1 filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, AOC carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology.
  • The Winix has plenty of features, of which I like the air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and remote control the most.
  • Due to the high-quality True HEPA filter and a pellet-based carbon filter, the Winix 5500-2 is ideal for the basement.
  • Winix 5500-2 comes with a 2-year warranty.

What puts the Winix 5500-2 on the list, apart from its amazing performance, is the price-to-value ratio. This is truly one of the best air purifiers you can get for the price.

For the price of an average small room air purifier, you get an air purifier equipped with four-stage filtration technology that covers rooms of 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) and plenty of advanced options.

A pellet-based carbon filter
Winix 5500-2 pellet-based activated carbon filter. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

What’s more, the Winix 5500-2 has one of the best activated carbon filters (among the commercial air purifiers), which will not only reduce bad odors and musty smells in your basement but is also washable and easy to maintain. It also can be reused for up to one year.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a slightly larger motor of 70W, but it’s very quiet at the lowest speeds. I’m sure you will find the speed that fits you the best, especially as it offers five different speeds to choose from.

What I also want to highlight about this air purifier is a great result in the performance test in a room of 320 sq. ft., in which it improved the air quality by about 96% for just 60 minutes working at the max speed.

All in all, the Winix 5500-2 is a reputable air purifier that has been available on the market for many years. If you are looking for a good value air purifier that will significantly improve the air in your basement, then this one is definitely for you.

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier - Smoke Test
The Winix 5500-2 needed 20s to remove all the smoke from the smoke box. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Specifications

Manufacturer Winix
Model 5500-2
Dimensions 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches
Filters Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter
Filter Longevity up to 12 months
Coverage 360 sq. ft. (33 m²)
CADR Smoke 232 / Dust 243 / Pollen 246
Ionizer PlasmaWave
Power Consumption 70W
Warranty 2-year

Winix 5500-2 – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Winix 5500-2 is just what you need.

Levoit Core 600S – Best for Large Basements

Levoit Core 600S - Best Air Purifiers For Basement
Levoit Core 600S air purifier.

Levoit Core 600S Highlights

  • The Levoit Core 600S is this company’s largest air purifier, covering 635 sq. ft. (59 m²), making it ideal for large basements.
  • It uses a three-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, main filter, and activated carbon filter. The Core 600S doesn’t produce ozone and is CARB-certified.
  • The Levoit Core 600S has plenty of advanced options, such as an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and smart app.
  • It performed extraordinarily well in all tests, is quiet at the lowest speeds, and doesn’t consume much power.
  • Levoit comes with a 2-year warranty.

Sometimes, people need an air purifier for very large basements, let’s say 500 sq. ft. or larger. That’s where the Levoit Core 600S comes into expression.

This large air purifier is actually the best one for large rooms I have tested so far. It covers spaces of 635 sq. ft. (59 m²) and will clean the air 4.8 times in a room of recommended dimensions.

Levoit Core 600S air purifier - quick overview
Levoit Core 600S – Quick showcase. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

What I really like about this air purifier is that it has plenty of smart features, of which the air quality sensor, auto mode, and smart app are my favorite. You can simply control it remotely via the smart app and don’t even need to go down into the basement to change any settings.

This chart shows the top Levoit Core 600S competing air purifiers that were also tested in a 560 sq. ft. room.
This chart shows the top Levoit Core 600S competing air purifiers that were also tested in a 560 sq. ft. room. Photo (Chart): Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

In the performance test I did in a 560 sq. ft. room, it improved air quality by about 96%, which is about 2% better than what the Alen FLEX made. However, the Alen has a better carbon filter, which is why I picked it as the best option overall instead of the Levoit Core 600S.

In summary, if you have a large basement, which is much over 300 sq. ft., then the Levoit Core 600S is the best air purifier on the list you can get.

Specifications

Manufacturer Levoit
Model Core 600S
Dimensions (inches / cm) 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg) 13.7 lb (6.2 kg)
Filtration Technology Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Life up to 12 months
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 635 sq. ft. (59 m²)
Number of Fan Speeds 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode
Noise Level (low – high) 43.9 – 68.5 dBA
Efficiency Test 96% in a 560 sq. ft. room
Power Consumption 49W
Warranty 2-year

Levoit Core 600S – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Levoit Core 600S is just what you need.

Coway AP-1512HH – Budget + Great Performance

Coway AP-1512HH - Best Air Purifiers For Basement
Coway AP-1512HH air purifier.

Coway AP-1512HH Highlights

  • The Coway AP-1512HH is a medium-sized air purifier that covers rooms of 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
  • It uses a four-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and an ionizer.
  • This air purifier is CARB-certified, meaning it produces ozone in allowed amounts but only when the ionizer feature is active.
  • It improved the air quality in a 320 sq. ft. room test by 96% in 60 minutes.
  • Coway comes with a 3-year warranty.

The Coway AP-1512HH is an old player in the air purifier market. It comes from a reputable and reliable brand, and it has confirmed its popularity many times. Even the Wirecutter (a reputable reviews magazine) has recommended it for years.

This air purifier is similar to the Winix 5500-2, except that the Winix has a higher-quality carbon filter. The Coway AP-1512HH uses a four-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and an ionizer, which is turned off by default. 

The Coway covers rooms of 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), with an ACH of 4.8 times, and is one of the best-rated air purifiers on the Air Purifier First. 

What I really like about this model is its great price and the amazing value you get for the price. I’m sure it’s hard to find such a high-quality air purifier as the Coway AP-1512HH is in the same price range. 

The Coway AP-1512HH is a great option for airborne particles such as dust, mold spores, and similar, and it definitely refreshes the air in your basement. However, I wouldn’t recommend it if your main concern is getting rid of bad odors or musty smells. Rather, go with some other models on the list, such as the Winix 5500-2 or the Alen FLEX, which have much better carbon filters.

What I also want to point out is that the Coway AP-1512HH performed outstandingly in the tests and improved the air quality by about 96% in a 320 sq. ft. room for just 60 minutes.

You won’t regret choosing this model.

Specifications

Manufacturer Coway
Model AP-1512HH
Dimensions 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches
Filters Pre-filter, Deodorization Filter, and True HEPA Filter
Filter Longevity up to 12 months
Coverage 361 sq. ft.
CADR Dust 246 / Pollen 240 / Smoke 233
Number of Fan Speeds 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3
Power Consumption 77W
Warranty 3-year manufacturer limited warranty

Coway AP-1512HH – Video Review

If you’d rather prefer video content, then our video review of the Coway AP-1512HH is just what you need.

Levoit Vital 100S – Best For Small Basements

Levoit Vital 100S - Best Air Purifiers For Basement
Levoit Vital 100S air purifier.

Levoit Vital 100S Highlights

  • A small air purifier with a coverage of 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), which is ideal for small basements.
  • It uses a three-stage filtration technology, produces no ozone, and has a True HEPA filter.
  • The Levoit Vital 100S is equipped with plenty of advanced options such as an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and smart app.
  • It showed amazing results in the performance tests, is very quiet at the lowest speed, and doesn’t use too much power.
  • Levoit offers a two-year warranty for this model.

The Levoit Vital 100S is the smallest air purifier on the list, making it ideal for small basements. It’s within the range of the legendary Levoit Core 300, but it has a much better design and better filters.

This air purifier’s main defense is its three-stage filtration technology, which includes a washable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a pellet-based carbon filter.

It covers rooms of 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), in which it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour, making it an ideal option for small basements.

What I especially like about this model is the design, good price, high-quality filters, and plenty of smart options. Also, it’s one of the quietest air purifiers I have tested so far, producing just 40.5 dBA on the sleep mode.

Furthermore, it made outstanding results in the performance tests. In a room of 320 sq. ft., which is larger than the recommended dimensions, it improved the air quality by about 93% in just 60 minutes, working at the max speed.

All this makes the Levoit Vital 100S a great option for small basements but also the most affordable air purifier on the list.

Specifications

Manufacturer Levoit
Model Vital 100S
Dimensions (inches / cm) 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg) 7 lb (3.4 kg)
Filtration Technology Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Life 9-12 months
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 219 sq. ft. (20 m²)
Number of Fan Speeds 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode
Noise Level (low – high) 40.5 – 65.4 dBA
Efficiency Test 95% in a 194 sq. ft. room
Power Consumption 35W
Warranty 2-year

Comparison: Best Air Purifiers for Basement

Best for Musty Basements Best Cost Effective Best for Large Basements Budget + Great Performance Best For Small Basements
Product Image Alen FLEX Air Purifier Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier Levoit Core 600S Air Purifier Coway AP-1512HH Air Purifier Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier
Rating 9.6/10 9.6/10 9.5/10 9.7/10 N/A
Manufacturer Alen Winix Levoit Coway Levoit
Model FLEX 5500-2 Core 600S AP-1512HH Vital 100S
Dimensions 8.5 x 15 x 25 inches (21.6 x 38.1 x 63.5 cm) 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm) 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm) 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm)
Room Coverage (4.8 ACH) 300 sq. ft. (28 m²) 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) 635 sq. ft. (59 m²) 361 sq. ft. (33 m²) 219 sq. ft. (20 m²)
Performance Ratings
Filtration Technology Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter Pre-filter, Deodorization Filter, and True HEPA Filter Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Replacement Indicator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Filter Longevity 9-12 months up to 12 months up to 12 months up to 12 months 9-12 months
Power 50W 70W 49W 77W 35W
Operating Costs Ratings
Fan Speeds 4 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode
Air Quality Sensor No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Air Quality Indicator No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auto Mode No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Noise Levels 41.2 – 53.7 dBA 40.6 – 66.4 dBA 43.9 – 68.5 dBA 41.4 – 63.5 dBA 40.5 – 65.4 dBA
Noise Ratings
Warranty 1-year to Lifetime 2-year 2-year 3-year 2-year
In-Depth Review Alen FLEX Winix 5500-2 Levoit Core 600S Coway AP-1512HH Levoit Vital 100S
Price Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon

Scroll or swipe left/right to view the whole table.

How To Select a Right Air Purifier For Your Basement?

Before I delve into the key factors to consider before purchasing an air purifier, it’s important to note that installing a ventilation system in the basement can significantly improve airflow and remove odors. This is especially crucial if your basement lacks windows.

A pile of carbon filters on my desk
A pile of carbon filters. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Aside from the ventilation, the air purifier will enhance air quality and eliminate contaminants that can’t be removed through built-in ventilation

Here are the things to bear in mind when selecting the best air purifier for a basement:

  • What are the main contaminants in your basement? First, identify the primary pollutants in your basement. If you aim to remove mold spores, dust, or other airborne particles, you’ll need an air purifier with a high-quality HEPA filter. However, if combating odors, VOCs, and musty air is your main goal, look for an air purifier with a high-quality activated carbon filter. Ideally, opt for an air purifier that contains both HEPA and activated carbon filters, which is a common feature of all the devices listed in this guide.
  • How large is your basement? Some houses have small basements where an ordinary air purifier will be enough to deal with the size, but some houses have large basements, larger than 1000 sq. ft., in which, I’m afraid you would need more than one air purifier, something like the Levoit Core 600S, which covers rooms of 635 sq. ft. 
  • Is the brand you want to buy reliable? There are many Chinese air purifiers out there, which is why I always suggest being careful when purchasing non-reliable cheap air purifiers. Apart from the low quality of filtration, the main concern here is the lack of replacement filters, which are usually out of stock. This has been an issue with a few air purifiers I’ve tested.

The most effective air purifier for the basement is the Alen BreatheSmart FLEX. It demonstrated excellent performance in my tests, features high-quality filtration technology, uses a high-weight carbon filter, and is one of the quietest air purifiers I’ve tested. I highly recommend it!

Tips On Using an Air Purifier in a Basement

Air purifiers are lifesavers in places such as dusty and moldy basements. According to the EPA, these devices can remove 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. Considering that average dust and mold spore particles vary in size between 2 and 10 microns, the effectiveness of these devices is truly impressive.

The Basement Where I Tested Air Purifiers
This is the basement where I tested all the air purifiers. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Not only that, but air purifiers are also very effective against bacteria, viruses, VOCs, pollen, and other airborne pollutants.

However, before getting an air purifeir for basement, you should do some preparation steps. Firstly, install or check your ventilation system to ensure there is always airflow, facilitating fresh air intake.

Next, given that almost all basements have moisture issues, I recommend using a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels to an optimal range. High humidity can promote mold growth, leading to potential mold problems.

Lastly, it’s essential to remove existing mold. Although it’s possible to clean mold yourself, I would suggest hiring a mold expert for thorough remediation.

Best Air Purifiers For Allergies Best Air Purifiers For Mold Best Air Purifiers With Washable Filters Related buying guides

FAQ on Basement Air Purifiers

Should I use an air purifier in my basement?

Yes, using an air purifier in your basement will improve the overall air quality by trapping airborne particles and neutralizing bad odors from the air.

Will an air purifier help with the basement smell?

An air purifier with an appropriate activated carbon filter will help remove bad smells from your basement.

Where to place an air purifier in the basement?

Always place your air purifier near the source of the pollution. Also, a good placement would be near the moldy wall in your basement, or at least in the center of the basement.

Do air purifiers really work for mold?

It depends. Air purifiers can’t remove mold from walls or other places where it has already been attached, but such devices can remove airborne mold spores, and in that way prevent mold from spreading through the room, and also from attaching to walls and other objects.

Does an air purifier help with a damp or musty basement?

Although an air purifier can neutralize musty smells, I would suggest getting a dehumidifier to fight damp basements. This combination would neutralize bad smells and reduce the humidity in your basement, which leads to less moisture in the basement and lower dampness inside.

What else can you do to improve your basement air quality?

Among all the suggestions, I would say that the most important thing you can do for your basement is installing a good ventilation system. That, along with an air purifier and dehumidifier, will keep the air in your basement clean from pollutants and bad smells and reduce mold growth.

Final Thoughts

The air quality in basements is often very polluted and can lead to potential health issues, especially due to high mold concentration, stale air, or heavy pollution.

To prevent inhaling all the harmful particles present in your basement air, you can use an air purifier. Such a device is designed to trap airborne pollutants and neutralize bad odors simultaneously.

The best one you can get is the Alen BreatheSmart FLEX, but I listed four more models in this guide that are also worth checking.

If you have any questions regarding the air quality in your basement, please feel free to ask in the comment section below the article. I will do my best to respond to all questions as quickly as possible.

5 responses to “5 Best Basement Air Purifiers – Say Goodbye to Musty Smells!”

  1. Erika

    What air purifier would be my best choice to get a musty smell out of my basement. Should I choose one with a carbon filter over a HEPA filter.

    • Milan Antonic

      I suggest choosing an air purifier with both a True HEPA filter and a carbon filter, which is simply any listed in the article.

  2. John Janicky

    Trying to determine the best air sanitizer unit for an unfinished 1000 sq foot basement with a 9 foot ceiling and some crawl space attached to two walls. Biggest issue is a musty odor. Most units do not cover a large area and or have other issues.

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