11 Best Car Air Purifiers in India

Your everyday morning commute to work can be hazardous to your health. It’s not the half-crazy and rash drivers or the mad-dash, oblivious pedestrians, or even the stress of having to navigate all that in good time. It is more subtle than that and it’s the last thing on your mind while you are driving. It’s the air that you breathe. The toxic air.

A road with traffic on it is one of the most polluted sites in a city and most of us are required to be on it daily, sometimes for hours. Traffic pollution typically comprises fine particulate matter, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

Even though the gasses are notorious for causing breathing difficulties and irritations in the upper respiratory tract, the most significant danger that we face on the road is from the suspended Particulate Matter (PM).

PM comes in all shapes and sizes but the most dangerous kind is the PM 2.5.  While the larger dust particles and other matter generally get trapped in our body’s natural defense mechanisms like nasal hair, PM 2.5 is so small that it can penetrate deep into the lungs. In fact, some studies have even shown that such small particles can reach the bloodstream and wreak havoc on our immune systems by way of the lungs.

All this should be of great concern for anyone who drives or spends even a few hours on road. While motorists are at an obvious disadvantage here, there is actually some hope for the car owners. Since the car forms a well-sealed cabin, it stands to reason that we can purify the cabin air, regardless of how polluted the outside air is.

This is where car air purifiers come in. An effective car air purifier can not only clean the cabin air for the duration of your commute but also take care of a few other things such as bad odors.

If you’re looking for the best car air purifiers in India, then you already know that they’re beneficial. We’ve created this guide to help you understand how beneficial they really are and what mechanisms they depend on.

More importantly, we’ve created this guide to help you find the best air purifier for your car. Below, we’ve listed everything we’ll be covering on this page. Feel free to click specific topics and jump to those sections.

• Can your Car AC be the Car Air Cleaner?
• Car Air Purifier Vs Car AC HEPA Filter
• Types Of Air Purifiers for Car
• How To Pick the Right Air Cleaner for Car?
• 11 Best Car Purifiers: At a Glance
• 6 Best Car Purifiers in India with Ionizing Technology
• Best Car Purifier in India with Only HEPA Technology
• 4 Best Car Purifiers in India with HEPA and Ionizing Technology

Can your Car AC be the Car Air Cleaner?

There is good news and bad news. The good news is that switching on the car AC can have a positive impact on the cabin air. However, the bad news is that the difference it produces is not nearly enough.

Studies conducted on the effects of car AC on cabin air demonstrate that it can reduce the pollution in the air by 20-34%. However, this difference is not significant enough and certainly not a solution particularly since car ACs are unable to filter PM 2.5 particles.

Naturally, the thought arises then, how might we increase the purifying capability of our existing car air conditioners. Replacing the already-existing filter on the AC intake vent could be one way, and indeed many types of replacement filters are available in the market today. Let’s take a look at whether the car AC HEPA filter is a viable option for combating traffic pollution.

Car Air Purifier Vs Car AC HEPA Filter

Many kinds of car AC HEPA filters are available in the market today that act as replacements for the AC filter in our car. Even though this seems like a very simple solution on the surface, if you go deeper, you’ll find certain drawbacks and issues with them.

For instance, since these car AC HEPA grade filters are not company produced there are often fitting issues. A badly fitting filter is just like having no filter as the polluted air will find its way in from the gaps.

Further, installing a thicker and denser filter will greatly reduce the airflow, which in the short run leads to inadequate cooling. In the long run, these filters can even damage your car’s AC due to the additional load placed on it.

Even if you found the best fitting HEPA filter to replace your car AC filter, you won’t be able to rely on it if you live in the northern parts of the country. You see, pollution levels in northern parts of the country are the highest in the cooler months i.e., in the later and early part of the year. And that is the time when we are most unlikely to use the air conditioning. Therefore, car air purifiers are our best bet in protecting ourselves from traffic pollution.

Types Of Air Purifiers for Car

There are mainly two types of technologies in the market today when it comes to car air purifiers. These are ionizing car purifiers and HEPA air purifiers but you can get devices with both these technologies too.

Both technologies have their respective benefits and drawbacks. When considering which car air purifier to buy, you’ll have to consider these advantages and disadvantages along with other space-related preferences that you may have.

First, let’s look at the technologies, and then we’ll delve into the other factors that have to be considered.

Car Ionizers

Call them ionizers or negative ion generators, they work the same way. They clean the air by electrostatically charging the pollutants and particulate matter.

It is important to note that there are a few ionizers that make use of both positive and negative ions, most emit just negative ions. There is specific significance of the purifiers that emit both negative and positive ions and we’ll talk about them in detail in our detailed product reviews below. As of now, let’s look at how negative ion generator purifiers work.

Most ionizing air purifiers emit a large number of negative ions in the surrounding air. This gives a negative charge to all the particulate matter in the air. To balance the negative charge the particles now find the nearest positively charged surface and rest there or simply fall to the ground. Sometimes there is a collection place that allows the charged particles a surface to gather on. 

This method is an effective way of removing particulate matter pollution from the air. However, the degree to which an ionizer air purifier may help in reducing odors is going to vary greatly from one product to another. This is because odors arise out of gasses and ionizers have the most impact on particulate matter pollution.

However, many ionizing car purifiers come equipped with an aroma diffuser feature. Unfortunately, these types of devices only mask the bad odor rather than eliminating it from the source.

Many ionizers also emit just a small amount of ozone molecules that have the typical ‘clean air’ smell. Many people think that ionizers are not safe because they produce ozone. To a certain extent, they’re right because ozone can irritate the lungs.

At the same time, it is important to note that most ionizers that produce ozone well under the safe limit. Plus, the negative ions can have some truly great benefits on the body even beyond purifying the air of particulate matter.

For instance, did you know that negative ions commonly exist in nature in places like large green areas, waterfalls, beaches, etc? Also, during a thunderstorm, when there’s lightning, the high voltage charges the air, and negative ions are abundant in the air.

The positive effects of negative ions on mood and mental health have been observed by scientists for hundreds of years and have been studied elaborately for decades now. It has been proven that negative ion exposure can alleviate depression. Further, negative ions can also reduce stress, boost immune function and also discourage the growth of bacteria, viruses, and many types of mold species.

Further, ionizing air purifiers also have the benefit of being more economical in the long run as there is no physical filter that needs to be changed regularly. Ionizing air purifiers are, therefore, a good option for those looking to minimize the effects of air pollution. However, if you are strictly against ozone and prefer a barrier-type purification method then ‘only HEPA’ air purifiers can be a good option too.

Only HEPA Air Purifiers for Car

‘HEPA filter’ stands for ‘High-Efficiency Particulate Air’ filter. It is a well-known and reliable method of purifying the air. A HEPA filter purifies the cabin air through the mechanical barrier method. What that means is that the actual purification of the air happens when the polluted air passes through the HEPA filter.

A HEPA filter is typically made up of high-density paper with randomly organized fibers. So, when the polluted air passes through it, the particulates get trapped while clean air is let out. This particulate trapping capability of the HEPA filter is incredibly reliable and has been proven in countless lab settings.

Only HEPA-type car air purifiers are typically marketed as composite four-layer filtration systems. The composite four-layer filtration system features activated carbon filters which are very effective at dealing with bad odors in the air. Whether it’s food smell, smoke smell, or you get caught behind a garbage truck with your windows down, rest assured an activated carbon filter will eliminate the odor pretty quickly.

Moreover, only HEPA air purifiers do not emit any ozone. However, there is a slight recurring cost in the form of replacement filters. In the case of car air purifiers, though, this replacement cost is reduced because of a few factors.

The first is that the air conditioning in the car also shares some of the work of purifying the air while the second is that the car cabin area is not only small but also generally well-sealed. Therefore, you can assume the cost of replacement filters of a car air purifier to be much less than for an air purifier for home use.

There’s another benefit of getting only HEPA-type car purifiers and that is the visual proof that they are actually working. Let us explain.

Even with the best ionizer in the market, since there is no AQI monitor on the product, there is no visual proof that it’s working. This can upset buyers as there is no way for them to verify that their device is working. In contrast, HEPA filters trap and hold dust which is then visible when they’re changed.

HEPA With Ionizer Car Purifier

These types of car air purifiers offer the best of both worlds. The combination of HEPA and ionizing technologies makes a very efficient and fast method of purifying your car cabin air.

There are quite a few good ones in the market too and we’ll be reviewing the best of the lot in detail for you. Further, some even come with the added function of aroma diffusion, should you be so inclined.

Read on to find out how to pick the right car air purifier, for your car.

How To Pick the Right Air Cleaner for Car?

Picking the right car air purifier is not like choosing an air purifier for home. The things you look at are slightly different.

To pick the right car air purifier consider the following factors:

Technology

Be clear about whether you would like to buy an ionizing car air purifier, a HEPA car air purifier, or a combination of the two. While most ionizing car air purifiers are safe, there may be people with sensitivities who may want to steer clear of this technology.

If recurring cost is a concern, then opting for an ionizing car air purifier may be the best move. If you just want the best, most effective, and efficient device, pick a car air purifier that combines both.

Space

There is not a whole lot of space in a car cabin. Plan where you would like to place your car air purifier. While most car air purifiers are meant to fit in the cup holder if you prefer you can opt for one that mounts on the dashboard or another kind that fits behind the seat.

Functionality

If you are sure about the above two aspects, you are pretty much ready to pick your product. The last thing you may want to consider is if you would like your car air purifier to have any additional features.

For example, as we mentioned earlier, there are car air purifiers that come with the aroma diffusion function. There are also a few that double up as power banks for the times your phone may be running out of charge. There’s even one that has a UV light feature that sterilizes the air of any bacteria or viruses.

11 Best Car Purifiers: At a Glance

6 Best Car Purifiers in India with Ionizing Technology

#1: eDDge Car Air Ionizer

Editor’s Rating: 7/10

When plugged in, it releases millions of negative ions in the car air that stick to the dust, dander, pollen, and other particulate matter in the air. The weighed down particles now easily either fall to the floor or stick to the nearest positively charged surface, leaving clean air behind.

The product also claims to effectively remove foul odor, smoke, allergens, and viruses from the car air.

Since most types of ionizers produce at least a little bit of ozone, it is important to note that this product is certified for safety by many different certifications like CE, RoHS, and FCC.

It’s very cheap too and makes a very good option for people who are maybe looking to try a basic car ionizer before investing in a more elaborate one.

Who’s it for: If you are looking for a cheap car air ionizer with extremely simple plug-n-play functionality while conserving the cup holder space in your car, this is the car air purifier for you.

#2: MOTOZOOP Air purifier

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

While the product also claims to restore skin hydration, it’s not exactly clear the mechanism it uses for this. However, there is a clear fresh air smell and feel to the car once it is plugged in.

It is very effective in dealing with the new car smell that comes from the VOCs emanating from fresh leather and polish on the car interiors which can be quite irritating for sensitive noses. If you park your car in a heated area, these VOC-containing gasses can quickly accumulate in the car and give you a headache when you step in.

This car air ionizer also supports fast charging through a 2.1-amp dual port. This feature comes in handy for the times that you may need to charge your device while on the move or during a long journey. The blue LED light that glows once the purifier is plugged on serves two very important functions.

One is that it becomes easy to find the charging port and plug in the charging cable, which can otherwise turn out to be a challenge in the dark sometimes. The other is that it gives a blue ambient light to the car, which is pleasing and even though the product does not claim so, we found has been scientifically proven to promote alertness and decrease fatigue-related signs.  

This car air purifier is compatible with almost all Indian vehicles that have a charging port. Further, it is certified for safety by FCC, RoHS, and CE certifications. CE and FCC certifications mean that a product is compliant with European and United States standards of safety.

RoHS stands for ‘restriction of use of hazardous substances’ and is a legal European directive prohibiting the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other harmful chemicals. Given its quality and functionality, this is a very effective product and is available at a very decent price point too.

Who’s it for: If you are looking for a simple yet effective car air ionizer that also allows for a phone charging option and don’t want to spend too much money, this is the one for you.

#3: CHECKNSURE Car air purifier

Editor’s Rating: 7/10

The negative ions it generates, weigh down all the heavy particles by producing 1 crore negative ions in the air. This brings the levels of heavy pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, viruses, allergens, molds, etc down considerably and then the Ozone function further boosts the purification by neutralizing them.

While ozone can destroy the molecular structure of gasses by combining with them and has been used for sterilization in various other industries, how it functions in this particular product is still unclear. This is because products that release ozone beyond a certain level are generally deemed unsafe for use in confined spaces. That being said, the product does have the requisite CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications of safety.

The product can be pre-charged and also connected to the charging port in the car with a micro-USB. Connecting it to the car means that the car air purifier will start functioning automatically when you start the car.

It starts with the first “gear”, which is also indicated via a blue light. The gear in this product indicates the wind speed and a light press accelerates it to the second gear. The ozone function is not automatic and a two-second press activates it, releasing 50mg/h of Ozone in the air to ensure that every corner is purified. The ozone function when active is indicated with an orange LED indicator light.

The product comes in a typical tumbler design that fits compactly in the cup holder of any car.  The outside shell is made of hard-anodized aluminum which makes it sturdy and capable of being moved around freely. In fact, this purifier is meant to be used not only in the car but also in small bedrooms, office cubicles, bathrooms, restrooms, and even for shoe-rack and wardrobe sterilization.

This portable air purifier for cars is very versatile. Further, it is also equipped with a 2000 mAh battery and dual port USB so it can also act as an emergency power bank for your devices.

It comes at a very affordable price too, in two color options. It comes with a one-year warranty and an option for extending the warranty by two years for a nominal price.

Who’s it for: If you are looking for a multipurpose car air purifier that travels with you into your office space, doubles up as a power bank, and provides effective car air purification, this is the one for you.

#4: Sharp IG-DC2E-B Plasmacluster Ion Generator

Editor’s Rating: 8/10

It comes in a tumbler design that can comfortably fit into the cup or the bottle holder of your car. It draws power from the car charging port and contains a pre-filter that is washable and lasts a lifetime. The product has three operating speeds to effectively take care of the suspended particulate matter in the cabin air like dust, dander, pollen, PM 10, etc.

Apart from purifying the air through the pre-filter, the product also takes care of living pathogens like bacteria, spores, viruses that may be present in the cabin air.

It does this through its plasma cluster technology and it does this without creating ozone in the process. Ionizers typically produce only negative ions but this product produces both negative and positive ions in the cabin air.

The negative and positive ions form an -OH radical and attach to the molecular surface of any living pathogens in the air. On attaching to the surface, the OH radical extracts a hydrogen atom from the virus/bacteria and in effect destroys it.

But the magic happens after this is done as, in this process, the OH radical has turned into H2O i.e., water. This technology is the same that Sharp offers in its range of home air purifiers and along with being ozone-free, maintains the humidity levels in the air and can also neutralize static build-up in the vicinity.

Their Plasma Cluster technology makes Sharp car air purifiers very effective and also very safe. Talking of safety, the technology has been proven efficient and certified by 28 GLP Labs against infections, allergens, mold, bad odor, toxic gases, bacteria, viruses, static charge, and many other common pollutants in the air.

This car air purifier is designed beautifully and the controls are illuminated brightly for convenient functionality. Sharp claims that there is no replacement cost for up to 8 years (19000 hours) and comes with a one-year product warranty. All this comes at a very affordable price too.

Who’s it for: If you are not a fan of the ozone that is a common by-product of ionization but are still looking for effectively purifying your car cabin air, pick this one.

#5: Nebelr Car Air Purifier

Editor’s Rating: 8/10

The product further claims to deodorize the air but we aren’t sure how effective it is at that. In our tests, we found that ionizers can, at best, mask very faint smells. Moreover, the negative ions also balance the positive ions generated by devices with screens and in effect can relieve eye irritations and headaches.

This device has a tumbler design and is housed in an aluminum casing which makes it very portable. This car air purifier is actually meant for use in places other than the car as well, like homes and offices. Perhaps the office space is where the positive ion balancer function will shine the best as office spaces are filled with screened devices.

When used in the car, it automatically starts with the car ignition and automatically suspends function a few minutes after the ignition is turned off.

There are two fan speeds and doesn’t make a lot of noise even when being used at the higher one. There are two extra USB charging ports as well but that is pretty standard these days.

The best feature of this car air purifier is the fact that, unlike other ionizers, this product produces almost negligible ozone as a byproduct of ionization. This makes it very safe for use with kids in the car as well. It is not the cheapest product but is certainly affordable. The manufacturers are offering one year warranty on purchase.

Who’s it for: If you believe that negative ions do not have to come at the cost of ozone and are looking for a product that can be used in places other than the car, this is the one for you.

#6: Sharp IG-GC2E-B Plasmacluster Air Purifier

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

We have already reviewed the IG-DC2E-B car air purifier by Sharp and this is virtually the same product. The difference is that this one is meant for bigger cars, vans, and SUVs with a capacity to cover 3.6 Cu. M. (127 Cu. Ft.).

Sharp’s patented plasmacluster technology is used here too and effectively eliminates bacteria, viruses, and germs from your car air. It can also absorb sweat, mold, food smells.

This product comes in a tumbler design and fits neatly in the cup or bottle holder. It draws power from the charging port of the car and also has two USB outlets for charging other devices. There are two fan speeds and a washable pre-filter that lasts a lifetime. In addition to the car. it can be used in other spaces as well like bedrooms, offices, etc.

The best feature of this product, though, is still that it generates negative and positive ions in a manner that does not produce ozone. The negative and positive ions, after eliminating the germs, turn into water molecules that maintain the humidity levels in your car. Moreover, the product claims to relieve and static build-up through the same mechanism.

You’ll be able to get this air purifier for your car in two colors – standard black and champagne gold. There is one year warranty on the product. It has been proven for efficiency in 28 GLP labs.

The only real drawback of this product is that it is priced expensively. However, if you have a big car, then this happens to be the best car air purifier available to you.

Who’s it for: If you are looking for a car air purifier for a larger car like an SUV or a van that has proven benefits of negative ions without the drawbacks of ozone, this is the one to go for.

Best Car Purifier in India with Only HEPA Technology

GoMechanic Carbon C4 Low Noise Air Purifier

Editor’s Rating: 8/10

As a result, this car air purifier successfully cleans the car of PM 10, PM 2.5, smoke, bacteria, mold spores, etc. Further, since it has an activated carbon filter, this purifier also absorbs odors and bad smells.

The best feature of this device, however, remains its automatic sensor. This sensor automatically detects and adjusts the fan to the air quality. The air quality and the fan speed are both displayed on the LCD screen in four colors.

This gives this product an instant edge. After all, devices with only ionizing technology neither display nor adjust their operations to suit changing air quality. The screen shows temperature, humidity, and fan speeds and is touch-sensitive to boot.

The product has a portable tumbler design but the downside of its design is its build quality. It has a plastic body that does not seem very sturdy to the touch. Another drawback of this product is that it does not have the dual USB ports that many other car air purifiers are offering these days. The product itself accepts USB charging, though.

All in all, this is a decent product. We really like the fact that there is no ozone production and that there is actually some feedback from the product regarding the air quality and the mode of operation. The manufacturers are offering a 1-year warranty on the product. It’s priced affordably too.

Who’s it for: If you believe that HEPA filters are the best way to clean the air, and are strictly against ionizers then go for this one, it has air quality feedback and an LCD touch screen that lets you know so much more.

4 Best Car Purifiers in India with HEPA and Ionizing Technology

#1: Reffair AX30 [MAX] Portable Air Purifier for Car

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

With an effective CADR of 16.2 m³/h, it claims to purify the cabin air in 20 minutes. This product claims to remove 99.97% of dust, mold, smoke, pet dander, and fine particulate matter.

It has a pretty big fan outlet and a large surface area for drawing air in. It can be plugged directly into the car charging port or into a power bank as well. The manufacturers also claim that it’s an energy-efficient product that can run for more than 48 hours with a 20,000 mAh power bank.

On the downside, this device doesn’t provide the dual USB outlets that most of its competitors do these days. There are three operation modes to choose from too. These are gears 1 and 2 along with the spray mode.

Gear 1 mode is the slow fan speed adequate for most times, while the gear 2 mode can be used on times when you are passing through highly polluted areas. The spray mode is specifically designed for people with sensitivities, as it suspends the negative ion generation. This mode effectively makes the ionizer function optional. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer an AQI indicator that most people also like for the feedback it provides on the effectiveness of the device.

The product comes in two colors which are black and white. Further, it can be used in other small spaces. There is also a one-year warranty on the product. The product is priced very economically given that it houses a true HEPA filter.

Who’s it for: If you are looking for a smartly designed product that can assuredly clean your car cabin air along with making it smell fresh with an aromatherapy feature, pick this one up.

#2: VANTRO Smart Car Air Purifier

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

The product is housed in an aluminum case that gives it a very sturdy look and feel. It has a tumbler design and accepts micro-USB charging from your car’s charging port, a power bank, or any other device like a notebook or a tab.

It has an automatic sensor that indicates AQI by way of colors too. The same indicator shows the temperature and humidity in the cabin air. The AQI indicator, however, is a very useful feature that gives feedback regarding the efficacy of the product.

There are three fan speeds that you can choose from with a simple touch on the screen. This device also has 7 beautiful LED ambient light options that add a classy touch to your car interiors.

The product is priced affordably and the manufacturers are providing a 1-year worldwide warranty.

Since this car air purifier has an ionization function, there is bound to be some ozone production. Unfortunately, the company has not given any indication of it being under safe limits.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a classy-looking product for your car interiors with HEPA and ionizer along with AQI feedback, this is the one for you.

#3: PranaVital Smart Multi functional Car Air Purifier

Editor’s Rating: 8/10

The Smart Multi Functional Car Air Purifier has a grade-13 HEPA which is also called a true HEPA filter. This filter is rated to trap 99.99% of suspended particulate pollutants like PM 10 and PM 2.5. Further, this device’s activated carbon filter and ionizer function deal with any residual bacteria, viruses, VOCs, and bad odors.

To supplement these functions, the company has also provided the aromatherapy feature. You can simply deposit a few drops of your favorite essential oils at the bottom of the purifier and the essence will diffuse when the device is turned on.

In terms of interface, this device has an LED display screen that indicates the AQI levels in the cabin air. The AQI levels are monitored through a high-sensitivity PM 2.5 sensor that PranaVital imports from Japan. These levels are communicated through colored lights.

There are two fan speed modes and the product is relatively quiet even at the higher mode. It accepts micro-USB charging and fits neatly in the cup or bottle holder of your car.

Even though there is an ionizer function in this product the company has not indicated whether or not there is any ozone production. Still, it is a pretty well-built air cleaner for cars that has multipurpose features and can be used at home or office in addition to your car. It is priced slightly on the expensive side but the company is providing a 1-year warranty.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a sturdy and sleek-looking product that not only purifies the cabin air but also gives you the aroma diffusion function along with a highly accurate automatic PM 2.5 sensor, you have to pick this device.

#4: SHARP FP-JC2M-B Car Air Purifier

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

The product itself is designed in Japan and features two types of purification. The active one is through plasmacluster ionization while the passive one is through its true HEPA filtration. The HEPA filter comes with a washable pre-filter and an activated carbon filter.

All this offers you 99.97% protection against particulate pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. The carbon filter effectively absorbs VOCs and bad odors and the ionization function protects against bacteria, viruses, and other live pathogens in the cabin air.

The best feature of this air purifier remains the fact that it does not produce ozone. The ionizer in this product, as in the case with all Sharp devices, produces both negative and positive ions. After destroying live pathogens, these ions combine to form water. The water molecules maintain humidity and end up benefitting skin and hair.

One thing to note about this product is that it is designed differently than other car air purifiers. It has a boxy design that allows it a large surface area to work with. Unfortunately, while the design makes it considerably more efficient, it does take away this device’s portability. It can be mounted behind the seat or on the armrest of the back seats and is designed for a larger car like an SUV or a van.

The features and the efficacy of this product make it one of the priciest car air purifiers on the market. However, it is also meant for discerning users that want absolutely the best HEPA protection in their vehicle. The manufacturers are offering a 1-year warranty on the product.

Who’s it for: If you are looking for the most reliable protection against air pollution for a larger car or want the ionization feature in your car air purifier without the downside i.e. ozone, this is the one for you.