Hi there,
I was in a very similar situation looking for a purifier for my bedroom to help with allergies and pet dander. I initially looked at the popular Levoit models as well.
However, I decided to consult the independent reviews from Stiftung Warentest (Germany’s leading consumer organization, equivalent to Consumer Reports). Interestingly, the Levoit Vital 200S only received a “Satisfactory” score (2.6) in their 03/2024 test.
I went with the Bosch Air 4000 instead. In fact, it was the Test Winner (“Testsieger”) in that comparison. It features a vacuumable pre-filter (to catch pet hair before it clogs the main filter) and is extremely quiet.
A technical note on the PuroAir’s HEPA 14 claim: While “14” sounds better than “13”, the denser filter media naturally creates higher air resistance. This implies a trade-off: the device either restricts actual airflow or the motor must run harder and louder to move the same amount of air. For pet owners, high air circulation (to catch floating dander quickly) is usually more effective than hospital-grade filtration with potentially lower airflow. Moreover, the filter is more expensive and needs to be replaced regularly to maintain its cleaning performance.
One question regarding automation: Are you specifically looking for a device with native app integration, or would a standard unit work for you?
I personally use my purifier with an Aqara Smart Plug (EU) to make it smart. This allows me to integrate it into my automations without paying extra for a “smart” air purifier model.
I actually made a video showing this setup:
Hope this helps with your decision!