Delhi’s air quality index entered the severe category on Friday morning, reaching 403 at 7:30 am, an increase of 82 points in 24 hours. The capital’s PM2.5 concentration had more than doubled within a day, touching 244 micrograms per cubic meter by Thursday evening — around four times the national standard.
Calm winds through the night restricted the dispersal of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate over the city. A thick, smoky haze continued to cover Delhi, and concern about daily exposure to polluted air is growing. Pollution is also worsening across several Indian cities. Outdoor pollution requires broader measures, but indoor air quality is another consideration for households. Air purifiers with suitable filtration systems can help reduce airborne particles inside homes.
For buyers, the Indian market offers models with different filtration stacks, clean air delivery rates, sensor packages and smart controls. Six purifiers available in India show the range of options as pollution concerns rise.
Six air purifiers available in India
Shark HP150IN
The Shark HP150IN uses a four-layer filtration system designed to capture 99.98% of airborne particles as small as 0.1–0.2 microns, including dust, smoke and allergens. Its NeverChange True HEPA filter is designed to last up to five years, reducing the frequency of replacements. Clean Sense IQ technology monitors PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 levels and automatically adjusts purification intensity. Odor Neutraliser Technology is included to tackle household smells. The model’s listed advantages are long-lasting HEPA filtration, coverage for larger areas and automatic particle monitoring, which can make everyday indoor air management more convenient.
Mijia by Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Compact
The Mijia by Xiaomi Air Purifier 4 Compact uses a three-in-one filtration system to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen and pet dander. Its 360-degree air intake supports consistent air circulation, while a built-in PM2.5 sensor monitors pollution levels and automatically adjusts fan speed. Smart app connectivity, voice assistant support and a quiet Sleep Mode make it suitable for everyday use in bedrooms. It is aimed at compact rooms and bedrooms where smart controls, quiet operation and effective filtration matter more than the capacity of a larger unit.
Philips AC4221
The Philips AC4221 uses a four-layer NanoProtect filtration system: a pre-filter, HEPA NanoProtect and two activated carbon layers. Philips rates the system at capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.003 microns. Its 600 m³/hr CADR supports larger living spaces, while AeraSense technology monitors PM2.5, gases, temperature and humidity. SilentWings technology helps keep operation quieter, and the Air+ app offers remote controls, pollution tracking and filter replacement alerts. The model is intended for larger living rooms and for buyers who want advanced air quality monitoring plus multi-layer filtration for fine particles, gases and household odors.
Honeywell Air Touch V2
The Honeywell Air Touch V2 features a four-stage filtration system combining a pre-filter, Nano-Silver antibacterial filter, H13 HEPA filter and activated carbon layer. It is designed to remove up to 99.99% of airborne pollutants and micro-allergens, including PM2.5 and PM10 particles. A 3D airflow design supports air circulation across rooms. Honeywell says the 250 m³/hr CADR enables an air purification cycle approximately every 12 minutes. The model’s stated appeal is multi-stage filtration, H13 HEPA technology and practical room coverage at a relatively accessible price point.
Mijia by Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 6
The Mijia by Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 6 combines a five-stage purification system with a CADR of 443 m³/hr, making it suitable for larger rooms and living spaces. The filtration setup includes a primary filter, high-efficiency filter, activated carbon, UVC light and a negative ion generator. Five sensors track PM1, PM2.5, dust, temperature and humidity, with readings displayed on a color LCD screen. The purifier supports app and voice controls through Xiaomi Home, Alexa and Google Assistant. Its main draw is the combination of high CADR, five-stage filtration and detailed air quality monitoring across larger spaces.
Qubo Q1000
The Qubo Q1000 is designed for larger rooms, with a 600 m³/hr CADR and a five-stage filtration system comprising two pre-filters, a nano-silver antibacterial coating, activated carbon and a True HEPA H13 filter. It offers Auto, Manual, Sleep and AI modes, along with app-based controls and scheduling. A live PM2.5 display lets users monitor indoor air quality, while the filter is rated to last up to 9,000 hours. The model is positioned for buyers who need high CADR, H13 HEPA filtration and smart controls for larger rooms.
How to choose an air purifier
Room size should be one of the first things to check before buying an air purifier. Look at the recommended coverage area and Clean Air Delivery Rate to understand how quickly a unit can clean the air in a room. A purifier designed for a small bedroom may struggle in a large living room. Ideally, choose a model with coverage suited to the room size.
A HEPA filter is important because it captures fine airborne particles, including PM2.5, dust and pollen. Filtration requirements can vary depending on the pollutants a household wants to address. An activated carbon filter can help reduce certain gases, smoke and odors. For homes in highly polluted areas, an air purifier that combines HEPA filtration with an activated carbon layer is worth considering.
The initial purchase price is only one part of the expense. Air purifier filters need periodic replacement, and prices can vary significantly across brands and models. Check the recommended filter replacement interval, availability and cost before buying. Also consider electricity consumption if the purifier will run for several hours daily. A reasonably priced model with affordable maintenance may offer better long-term value.
An AQI or PM2.5 display can help monitor changes in indoor air quality, while an automatic mode adjusts fan speed based on readings from the purifier’s sensors. These features can make everyday operation more convenient, especially when pollution levels fluctuate. Buyers should check whether the device measures PM2.5 specifically and how its sensors work. The display should not be treated as an official AQI reading.
Across the models, three features stand out: multi-stage filtration, CADR ratings that indicate room coverage and speed, and sensor-driven controls that adjust operation automatically. Those features matter as much as the purchase price when pollution levels rise and a purifier is expected to run for long periods.