27 Best UV Sterilizers to Safely Kill Germs (2023)

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Coronavirus cases nationwide are racking up record numbers, and flu season is here as well, so staying safe is almost certainly on almost everyone's mind. Since you’re probably looking for the best ideas you can use at home or at your kids’ schools to help keep your whole family protected, we’re here to help. The positive news is that you can kill most harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses with a UV-C light sterilizer.

These devices, whether you opt for a wand, box, bag, lamp, or cabinet, will drench your items with germicidal light that can eliminate up to 99.9% of the nasty stuff on your sheets and bedding, phones, keys, glasses, toys, and other more personal items. And, because bacteria can often stink, these sanitizers are also great for helping to eliminate those offending odors too. Another piece of good news is that some of the most popular UV sanitizers that quickly sold out are now back in stock.

If you’re looking for a UV sterilizer for your home, office, or any other space small and large, you’ll find many different options that are rechargeable and many are so portable you can easily keep them in your car, office, and at home to get and keep all your personal items germ free in a matter of a few minutes a day. While you’re focused on killing germs, UV air purifiers can kill airborne germs, while UV water purifiers will keep you safe from waterborne pathogens at home and when you’re on the go.

You can read more about UV-C light and why it's so effective for killing germs at the end of our reviews. Also, when you’re looking to safely and quickly sanitize larger spaces around your home including specific surfaces from your keyboard to your mouse, UV lamps are another effective option that's quick and easy to use as long as you’re not going to need to be in the space while the lamp is working.

If you’re looking for a big, powerful germicidal UV lamp at 253.7nm wavelength to disinfect your office, restaurant, or factory areas, this rolling lamp is ideal. Two 55-watt lamp bulbs on a multi-positioning arm are adjustable in six different directions and come on a metal stand with caster wheels so it's easy to move around in large spaces. It covers up to 330 square feet and can be placed directionally to sanitize specific surfaces.

This lamp has three cycles with a timer that can be set for 15, 30, or 60 minutes and has a convenient remote control that allows you to delay the cycle start which allows you to exit from the room in order to avoid light exposure which can be harmful to your eyes. You’ll also appreciate the handle on the lightbox tower that allows you to position this lamp to do the most effective disinfection.

Find more Tool Klean Professional Grade Rolling UV-C Lamp information and reviews here.

If you’re looking for a UV-C sanitizer box, but you’re frustrated by the long wait times for many orders right now, the Puritize UV sanitizer is available now and it's large enough to disinfect and charge multiple phones as well as other items at once. Long UV-C bulbs in the lid provide 99.9% disinfection in just a five to ten-minute cycle. Better yet, there's no need to flip your items and run a second cycle for complete disinfection, because this box features a reflective interior that allows for 360-degree sanitization.

Internally, a divided rack allows you to organize and insert many items at once. The spacious size with three USB ports means you can sanitize and charge three phones at once, along with many more items. At 16.5 long by 9.5 inches deep by 6 inches tall, this box is perfect for sanitizing your hair and makeup brushes, nail supplies, and glasses too. This box is also a good option for sterilizing your toothbrushes and other personal items as well. You’ll like that this sanitizer also offers a custom combination lock to keep little hands from opening it during its cycle.

Find more Puritize Home UV Light Sanitizer Box information and reviews here.

Lots of UV sterilizers have small LED UV bulbs, but the JJ Care UV sterilizer box has two powerful UV-C bulbs that operate at 253.7nm wavelength. They are replaceable, but also promise 20,000 hours of bulb life, which means this sanitizer is going to last you for years. Large enough for your smartphone or other small items, the other distinctly different attribute is the classy wooden box.

A simple three-minute cycle does the trick, and the lighted button on top lets you know when the cycle is in process. At 8.85 inches long x 4.52 inches wide and 2.36 inches high, it's ideal to keep at the office for your small personal items. Rechargeable via USB, this portable sanitizer is also easy to take anywhere you think you’ll want quick sterilization.

Find more JJ Care UV Disinfection Box information and reviews here.

This PhoneSoap UV sanitizer is ideal for smartphones, or whatever else you can fit inside. Its small size makes it convenient to keep on your desk or dresser and the USB-A and USB-C outlets mean it's easy to charge plus you can use it to charge your iOS and Android devices while they’re being sterilized. This sterilizer requires just a five-minute cycle to clean your entire phone. The vacuum-plated aluminum inner shell adds extra reflectivity to achieve 360-degree sanitation.

Right now, you’re probably especially concerned about keeping your sweet baby safe from germs and viruses, and we don't blame you. If you’re looking for hospital strength sterilization for their bottles, binkies, and toys, Evla's UV bottle sanitizer is an ideal germ-killing choice. This UV sterilizer kills 99.9% of bacteria, germs, and viruses in just 11 minutes.

Large enough to handle a half dozen bottles, caps, rings, and nipples, this sterilizer is also big enough to handle your portable devices, toothbrushes, and lots more household items you may worry carry dangerous germs. While most sterilizers require daily cleaning and descaling, because this uses UV light to do its work, it won't rust like those others. Plus it's a low power unit, so it won't increase your electricity use.

Find more Evla's UV Baby Bottle Sanitizer information and reviews here.

There's plenty of evidence out there that your phone is probably as germ-ridden as your toilet seat according to USA Today. Gross, right? That's why you’ll want to snag this HoMedics phone sanitizer fast. This compact model cleans up to 99.9% of harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses in just one minute using powerful UV-C light. It's rechargeable via USB and can run 70 cycles on a single charge.

While it only cleans one side of your phone at a time, it's a simple flip and push of a button to complete the cleaning cycle. It collapses to nearly flat when not in use, so it's easy to take with you wherever you go.

Find more HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer information and reviews here.

We love lightweight and portable sanitizing products and this Uvilizer Sanitizing Wand is so simple to use. It destroys up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria including viruses from MRSA to Coronavirus and other cold and flu viruses with a light wavelength of 250-270nm.

This handheld wand is easy to take anywhere, especially to sanitize surfaces while you travel. Just swipe over any surface and the UV-C light technology destroys the molecular structure of DNA or RNA in harmful substances and kills those undesirable germs within just a few seconds.

Because it kills bacteria, it also reduces odors caused by mold and bacteria so it's great to use in bathrooms, on pet beds, kids’ toys, and even stinky shoes. Wand over items for several minutes and you’re done. This wand is easy to recharge via the included USB cable, but can also run on AAA batteries so you can it anywhere. Use it to disinfect your phones, laptop, keyboards, and more. These wands have a 10,000-hour lamp life.

Find more The UVILIZER Light Sanitizer information and reviews here.

If you’re looking for a UV sterilizer that can do double duty as a towel warmer, the JJ Care cabinet is an ideal find. It heats towels up to 167 degrees in just 10 to 20 minutes, but with two stainless steel racks, you can use the UV sterilizing function for other items like cloth masks or other mask alternatives. This cabinet features a powerful 6 Watt UV lamp inside.

At 14.72 inches wide by 11.61 inches deep and 14.17 inches tall, it can accommodate up to 40 smaller hand towels and other cloth items like scrubs. It features an easy-to-clean removable drip tray on the bottom. One thing we like is that if you’re using this in a barbershop or spa, the insulated cabinet stays cool on the outside, even if you’re leaving it on all day. This cabinet is also great for keeping neck warmers and massage stones heated and ready to use on-demand.

Find more JJ Care UV Towel Warmer & Sterilizer information and reviews here.

This UV-C sanitizer wand from Leadlife features four programmable timers so it does a yeoman's job of removing up to 99.9% of bacteria, germs, and viruses on all kinds of surfaces. Take it to ensure your hotel sheets and pillowcases are clear of those pathogens, and use it at home to keep your phones, devices, and keyboard clear as well. And, because UV light can be dangerous for your eyes, you might want to order some safety goggles as well.

Using the power of nine large UV-C lights with a wavelength of 270-280 nm, this wand effectively keeps your space a little safer in minutes, and it keeps odors caused by bacteria at bay too. We like that it works on both porous surfaces as well as hard surfaces, and it's odorless and leaves no residue. It's easy to keep in service because it charges fast via the included USB cable, so you can even use it to sterilize your groceries and other items you might not have thought about.

This wand is CE Certified by Products Safety Consultants, Inc. which should give you added confidence.

Find more Leadlife UV-C Sanitizer Wand information and reviews here.

The Wabi UV Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer is great for families with babies in the house, but it's so much more versatile for sanitizing your entire family's items. This advanced UV sterilizer is designed with a simple touchscreen that lets you sterilize, dry, and store items with a single touch. You can sanitize bottles or your personal devices in just 30 minutes while eliminating germs and harmful bacteria.

The touch panel on top lets you set UV sterilization for one minute up to every two hours, so once the items have been sterilized you can use it as a storage space to keep baby bottles, kitchen wares, or electronics continually and automatically clean and germ-free.

Find more Wabi UV Sterilizer & Dryer information and reviews here.

So many of our most commonly used items are rife with opportunities for germs to multiply, from viruses and bacteria to fungi and more – none of which you want on your stuff. The 3B Lumin, while originally developed to quickly clean C-PAP accessories, is the perfect way to use UV-C light to clean and sanitize all your devices as well.

With a high-powered UV-C light, this UV sterilizer takes just five minutes to leave your items completely clean and safe. This machine is virtually maintenance-free, requiring no filters or replacement parts, and the bulb life is expected to outlast the life of the machine itself. The easy-to-read control panel is simple to operate, and the sterilization chamber is roomy enough to accommodate everything from toothbrushes and electronics to hearing aids, cell phones, and smaller children's toys.

To be clear, this machine does not use ozone, which can be harmful and leave both an unpleasant smell as well as residue. Since most C-PAP users have oxygenation issues, you might consider purchasing a pulse oximeter to keep tabs on your health during the day and night and to gauge whether your machine is doing what it should.

Find more 3B Lumin UV-C Light Sterilizer information and reviews here.

With the power of UV-C light and ozone, this sterilizer cabinet is ideal for those who are looking to disinfect a variety of larger items from hair and nail salon equipment to personal devices and more. It features 360-degree all-around sterilization without the need to turn or reposition the items you put inside.

This cabinet is approximately 14.5 × 9.8 × 8.2 inches in size and features customizable time and light settings to allow you complete sterilization of your items. This item is newly available, so we don't have complete information on it at this time, but want you to have ample choices for UV sterilization.

Find more Oubo UV Sterilizer Cabinet information and reviews here.

If you’re looking for a truly portable solution for sanitizing your phone, keys, wallet, and glasses, the HoMedics UV Sterilizer is an easy option to choose. So small it can fit in your purse, gym bag, or car cubby this small sanitizer, you can take this when you travel and have it at the ready because it's rechargeable via USB, and can run 70 cycles on a single charge.

This little workhorse kills up to 99.99 percent of germs, viruses, and bacteria in a one-minute sanitation cycle. It comes with two interchangeable platforms to ensure your small items are thoroughly cleaned. One holds your smartphone and the second is a flat base for small things right down to your pulse oximeter and fitness tracker.

Your phone, in particular, is rife with germs according to this article by Ryan Reed for HGTV. The HoMedics sanitizer uses four UV-C Germicidal LED lights to completely surround your items with germ-stopping rays. This would be the perfect gift for seniors and other folks likely to be more compromised should they get sick.

Find more HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer information and reviews here.

If you’re ready to protect the environment by reducing plastic waste, but you’re unsure about the safety of your tap water, the CrazyCap UV Water Purifier Cap and Insulated Water Bottle will cover both of those important considerations. The CrazyCap uses an in-cap UV-C light to kill 99.999% to kill mold, bacteria, and viruses in one to two minutes. Its rays are the same wavelength as the UV used to sanitize operating rooms and water treatment plants. The UV light cap is rechargeable via USB, so you’re reducing battery use too.

Because this comes with a 17 ounce insulated stainless steel water bottle, you can eliminate up to 500,000 plastic water bottles over your lifetime. Amazing. The bottle keeps hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The bottle is self-cleaning because the UV light activates every four hours to stop bacteria and mold from breeding in your water bottle.

If protecting the environment is a deciding factor when you’re spending your hard-earned money, you’ll be pleased to know that this company gives 5% of your purchase to Water.org. This bottle would be a great eco-friendly gift for anyone you love who has the same philosophy.

If you’re looking for a large capacity UV sanitizer, this UV sterilizer cabinet is a professional option for salons but equally excellent for home use as well. This big box obliterates 99.9998% of harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses from beauty tools, electronics, and even kitchen utensils all in a five to 30-minute cycle. The easy-to-read digital timer on the front makes it simple to see cycle progress.

A reflective interior ensures 360-degree exposure to maximize disinfection efficiency. At 13.77 x 8.66 x 10.03 inches in size, it has two internal racks so you can sterilize more items at a time. The advanced UV-C LED light is long-lasting and easy to replace. Thanks to an intelligent induction switch, this cabinet automatically shuts off if it's accidentally opened during its cycle.

Find more JJ Care Anti-Microbial UV Sanitizer information and reviews here.

You could get a traditional bottle sterilizer, but it would be as multifunctional for your whole family as the 4-in-1 UV sterilizer that can do so much more. This sterilizer kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria on all sorts of household items as well as baby bottles. For bottles, you have the option to sterilize and dry, sterilize only, or dry only. It fits up to a dozen baby bottles, plus nipples and rings.

Two powerful UV-C bulbs plus a HEPA filter remove bacteria, particles, and odors from almost anything. The highly reflective stainless steel interior delivers 360-degree purification. You can sterilize and sanitize in a quick 16-minute cycle at the push of a button, or choose longer cycles for sterilizing or drying. This sterilizer also has a child safety switch to turn off UV lights when kids are around.

An interior basket allows you to arrange items to maximize the volume of things to be sanitized during a single cycle.

Find more Grownsy UV-C Clean Sterilizer & Bottle Dryer information and reviews here.

When you’re looking for a UV phone sterilizer, why not get one that also offers wireless smartphone charging as a side benefit? The Samsung Wireless Charger and UV-C Sanitizer has both options, and it's large enough to sanitize more than just your phone. Equipped with Intertek and SGS UV-C light, this sanitizer can keep your phone and other small items germ and virus free.

The ten-minute cycle is all it takes, although you can select between four different timer options. The wireless charger on top works with both iOS and Android devices too.

Find more Samsung Wireless Charger and UV-C Sanitizerzer information and reviews here.

When you’re looking for a UV sterilizer that is mobile and can be used around the house, in the car, or pretty much wherever, the Germ Reaper UV sanitizing wand is a solid solution that allows you to sanitize pillows, shoes, sheets, devices, and more. This wand uses the power of UV-C LED lights that kill 99.99% bacteria, mold, fungus, and viruses in just 10 seconds.

This device operates with four AAA batteries which are not included. It features a light life of 10,000 hours. Because UV-C light can be damaging to the eyes, this device has a protection measure that turns off the light when the wand is turned upwards.

Find more Tecsee Ultravoilet Portable UV Sterilizer Wand information and reviews here.

When you’re looking for a versatile UV sanitizer that can be used all over your home, this mini light can kill up to 99.9% of dangerous germs, viruses, and bacterial. It delivers 30 milli joules of light energy from a foot away – which is a lethal light dose for germs. Because it automatically senses when humans or pets are near, it will shut down and avoid exposing their eyes to the light rays – an excellent safety precaution.

Put this little light in literally any box and toss in your phone, toothbrush, keys, or whatever and be confident knowing they’ll be germ-free in a matter of minutes. Rechargeable via USB, this sanitizer will last up to seven uses before needing to recharge. This UV light does not use ozone in the sanitizing process. This small and lightweight device is great to take on travels to sanitize your hotel pillows and more.

Find more uvFreshr Mini UV Light Sterilizer information and reviews here.

When you’re trying to be especially careful about your baby's health and safety right now, this Aian dual function dryer and sanitizer can help the rest of your family stay healthy too. Using gentle heat and UV-C rays, it can safely sterilize bottles, caps, and nipples, but it's also a great solution to sanitizing your smaller devices like phones and earbuds, along with keys, glasses, and more.

This effective little cabinet features a mirrored stainless steel interior to provide 360-degree disinfection of up to 99.99% of germs and viruses. Two internal racks allow for efficient use of space. It also offers the option to use heat, and negative ions, along with UV-C light to be sure your items are thoroughly disinfected and ready for use at all times. Things will be disinfected in just 10 minutes’ time and it's large enough for lots of items, allowing you to customize to your family's needs.

Find more ZP-Mu Dual Function UV Sterilizer & Dryer information and reviews here.

If you’re looking for a portable and rechargeable UV light sanitizer that can fit in a space as small as your car cup holder, the Addot UV sanitizer lamp is a solution that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria in as little as 15 minutes. Clean and sanitize the smallest nooks and crannies in your house even if you don't have an outlet because this powerful UV sterilizer can run from five to eight cycles on a single charge and quickly powers back up via USB cable.

Set it and forget it as the cycle shuts down automatically after it has done its work. With an easy-to-position stand, you can place it in all sorts of spaces. This device has an 8,000-hour lamp life. It should only be operated while you’re outside the space. Because this item is new to Amazon, we don't have any significant consumer feedback and have not been able to try it yet.

Find more Addot Portable UV Light Sanitizer information and reviews here.

If you’ve been considering the value of a UV air purifier for your bathrooms or closets, but you simply don't have the counter space, the HomeZens plug-in UV air purifier might be the ideal option to maximize results while taking up a minimum amount of space. At just 7.5 inches tall, this little purifier can tackle odor and remove 99.9% of germs and viruses in rooms up to 110 square feet.

Because this purifier operates at a low speed, it never distracts with noise. It's ozone free and combines a 5,000 hour UV-C light along to do its work. Perfect in a nursery, it will never wake your baby. You’ll love that the plug rotates on the back to match your outlet configuration. And you’ll never need to worry about filter changes with this purifier either.

Find more HomeZens Portable Plug in Air Purifier information and reviews here.

The PerfectDryLux hearing aid sanitizer uses the power of 360-degree UV-C light to clean, disinfect, and sterilize one of your most essential items. This handy cleaning box has a forced-air fan drying system so if you’ve used a damp rag to do a preliminary cleaning, you can rest assured knowing your devices will come out dry and germ-free.

This portable box can be charged via USB or operates with a power cord from anywhere you can plug in. It's so small, it can literally fit in the palm of your hand. A 30-minute cycle is all it takes and done daily, you can rest assured that your hearing aids will always be safe to put in.

If you’re looking for a professional level sanitizer, whether it's for beauty, tattoo, or medical tools, this UV disinfection cabinet gives you plenty of space to clean lots of items at once. The germicidal UV lamp and heavy-duty metal cabinet make this a great option for salons and spas. At 14 inches wide by 8 inches deep and 9 inches high, it's one of the roomiest units available.

The bright stainless steel interior reflects UV light for 360-degree disinfection and the two-level cabinet means you can sanitize more items at one time. A ten-minute cycle is all it takes to knock out the bad stuff.

Find more Pibbs 491 Large Sanital Sanitizer information and reviews here.

Whether your concern is sanitizing your C-PAP or you’d like to have a portable option to sterilize your smartphone, tablet, keys, and more, the Doctor's Choice UV sanitizing box is an easy way to kill germs on all kinds of items. With three, five, and ten-minute cycles, you can easily sanitize almost anything you use in public that might be exposed to germs or viruses.

This extra-large box has a highly reflective interior to ensure 360-degree sterilization and UV lights that bathe your items from both the top and the bottom. It also features an interior tray that allows you to stack more items inside for each and every cycle.

It features a UV leak-proof zipper and magnetic clasp, and a front light to let you know when the box is mid-cycle. This 12 x 8 x 5-inch sanitizer is USB powered so it's easy to take with you while traveling as well.

Find more Doctor's Choice Extra Large UV Sanitizer Box information and reviews here.

If you’re looking for a large UV sterilizer for salon use or to sanitize multiple items at home, this UV sterilizer is an ideal option for you. Unlike many sanitizers that you close and hope they’re working, this unit features a tinted blue cover that allows you a view of the machine in the process. At 11.4 inches by 9.1 inches deep and nearly 7 inches tall, this sanitizer box could easily accommodate multiple phones, keys, and wallets at once.

The UV-C light cycle can be adjusted to your liking at anywhere from 10-20 minutes, but you’ll need to manually turn it on and off. Also, if you’re looking for portability, this machine requires a standard plug-in so it's better for home or salon use. It comes with two extra bulbs, which is a big plus.

Find more Green Power UV Sterilizer Box information and reviews here.

If you’re a busy mom with a baby, there's nothing more worrisome than having your precious little one get sick. The Munchkin portable UV sanitizer is exactly the right size to kill 99% of germs on the binky they just tossed on the ground or the nipple on their bottle that rolled off the highchair. This tiny sterilizer is so convenient to take absolutely everywhere. It features a clip so you can hang it from your bag or the arm of a stroller.

Using UV-C light at 295nm wavelength, the little box is ideal for anything small. It comes with a USB cable for convenient charging in the car, a portable power bank, or at home, and a single charge lasts up to a month, so you’ll be ready for any situation. Plus, this new model also features a rechargeable battery so it's ready on the go, whenever you’re ready to head out.

It's simple to see when it's ready for operation, during operation and when complete thanks to the light on the exterior. It also automatically shuts off when the contents have been fully sanitized. It's also waterproof, so you can feel confident carrying it in your stroller, even when it's raining.

Find more Munchkin Portable UV Sterilizer information and reviews here.

Using UV-C light to clean sounds futuristic but it has been used to sanitize surfaces since 1878. The 1903 Nobel Prize in Physiology was awarded for the use of UV light to kill and prevent tuberculosis. It's currently used in medical, food preparation, and water sanitation services, but now the technology has shrunk enough that you can have your own UV sanitizer at home. These handy devices are used to clean everyday objects like phones, wallets, and bags (and consequentially, they make a great cheap Christmas gift).

So how do UV sterilizers work? In order to understand that, we should first talk about what UV light is. We're exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun all the time. Our sunblock protects us from UV-A and UV-B light which can cause sunburns and skin cancer. UV-C light, the kind created by these sterilizer devices, is generally deflected by our ozone layer and never reaches us. UV-C bulbs are not the same as those black light bulbs you find everywhere around Halloween. These are powerful bulbs.

When UV-C light hits microbes, the light disrupts the bonds that hold their DNA together. Without working DNA, bacteria and viruses can't replicate themselves or even perform normal cell functions and say the colony dies off. Which is pretty brutal if you think about it, but also awesome because a light bulb can kill all the bacteria on your bathroom counter.

For more information, this article from Scientific American really spells out things in detail.

First and foremost, follow the instructions that came with the wand because they are all a bit different. If you somehow obtained a wand with no instructions here is what you need to know.

Keep it straight. These wands work best in a flat, horizontal, and downward position. Many have safety features that shut off the lamp if it's turned upright to protect your eyes. If you need to use it on something like a wall or mirror, it can be used vertically, just be sure to keep it aimed directly at the surface so you don't trigger the safety shut off.

Do not shine it on people, animals, or near anyone's eyes. It won't kill you like it will bacteria but your eyes can be severely damaged according to this article from Prevent Blindness.

These wands are most effective on flat smooth surfaces, so they are mainly meant for counter surfaces, manicure tools, and other smooth objects. These wands can kill over 90 percent of all microbes.

It takes at least 10 seconds to be effective. Think of it like ironing--if you pass it over at lightning speed, it won't work. Go slow, work in sections.

Between a half-inch and an inch is the sweet spot for how high off the surface you want to hold your wand. Any closer and it's going to take you a lot longer to cover the area and any higher and the effectiveness goes down.

UV wands can also be handy to travel with, as you can use them to ensure your hotel linens are clean and sterile.