This exceeded my expectations. It can be loud if youd rather enjoy silence, but personally, I like the white noise. This purifier is powerful and also works as a fan because it circulates a lot of air. I bought it to keep in my living room so the cats litterbox wasnt the first thing that anyone smells when they walk in my door. (I scoop it every day. I still cant stand the smell) Also, it keeps the wafting cigarette smoke from downstairs away. My air is clean!