7 Best Air Purifier for Smoke Under $100
With the rapid increase of pollution in the environment today, air quality has become a matter of serious concern. You will see several people wearing masks on the streets, and it is indeed somewhat helpful in avoiding dust and smoke. But what about pollution inside your own home?
You may think that your own house is free from any pollutants, but the truth is far from that. The seemingly fresh air inside your home is also not free from impurities and includes dust, smoke, odors, pet fur, and more. And the difference in the quantity of pollutants inside your home isn’t too high when compared to the condition outside.
But thanks to technology, we now have some means to work towards obtaining better air quality and dealing with indoor air pollution. And in this scenario, an air purifier can genuinely be considered a boon.
A purifier is a device that helps to get rid of pollutants and impurities present in the air indoors and provides purified air. This is also a great option who are prone to cold or flu or even allergies and asthma. Airborne particles and airborne allergens like dust mites can lead to adverse health effects like allergies and breathing problems.
But air purifiers can improve indoor air quality, eliminate airborne germs, and even get rid of smoke odor and cooking odors.
Therefore, yes, air purifiers can offer significant benefits and helps to promote cleaner air. But how to choose the best air purifier which performs well and is also within an affordable budget?
Here is a list of seven options to pick the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars.
Top 7 picks for the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 Best Seller  | LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier for Home
| 9.7 | Check Price |
Attractive Design  | AROEVE MK01 Air Purifiers for Home
| 9.5 | Check Price |
#2 Best Seller  | LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier for Home
| 9.1 | Check Price |
#3 Best Seller  | Germ Guardian AC4825 22” 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
| 8.8 | Check Price |
Ultra Quiet  | LEVOIT Vital 100 Air Purifier
| 8.6 | Check Price |
Compact design  | Medify MA-15 Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA
| 8.2 | Check Price |
Fights bad odour  | YIOU Air Purifier R1
| 8 | Check Price |
1. LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier.
- Enjoy fresh air in minutes with the Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier
- Ease sneezing, congestion, and other allergy
- Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter
- QuietKEAP Technology reduces noise levels
- Energy Star Verified
LEVOIT is one brand that is known for its innovative products, and this one lives up to expectations. What’s great about this particular air purifier is that it’s minimalistic, performs well, and is easy to use.
The Levoit Core 300 is a perfect fit for smaller to medium sized rooms with an area of up to 219 square feet. It is a powerful device with an enhanced filtration system. The x-factor of this product is the True HEPA type filter, which claims to remove approximately 99.97% of airborne pollutants with a size of even 0.3 microns.
Apart from the mentioned filter, this air purifier also comes with a pre-filter and an activated carbon filter. The power consumption is around 45 watts, and you get a 2-year warranty on this product.
The design of the Levoit Core 300 has been kept quite minimal and is entirely white with gray details. There is also a great touch panel on the top, and the design blends well in most rooms.
However, it’s not just the looks of this air purifier that is winning hearts. The structure is made of high-quality, BPA-free plastic and is pretty durable. Even though it can provide clean air in even larger rooms, the device in itself is quite compact and easy to use. The size is perfect and can literally fit anywhere.
A well-designed control panel, sensitive touch buttons, powerful engine, sleep mode, and a built-in timer are just some of the many impressive features of the Levoit Core 300.
There is also a sleep mode, where it will keep operating while you are asleep, with the option to turn off the display light to maintain ideal darkness. The air purifier also has a filter replacing indicator that lets you know when to replace the filters.
Pros.
- Good build quality.
- 100% ozone free.
- Powerful tech which allows high airflow.
- Efficient True HEPA type filter.
- Energy Star certified.
Cons.
- Pressing buttons do not make any sound to alert the user if the input has been received.
- No air quality sensor.
2. AROEVE H13 HEPA Air Purifier.
- Efficient Particle Filtration
- High Circulation Rate
- Low Decibel Operation
Another deserving contender on this list, this air purifier from Aroeve uses an H13 HEPA filter. This filter is well known to effectively get rid of any harmful particles larger than 0.3 microns. So whether you want to eliminate tobacco smoke, pet dander, bad smells, or even pollen, this guy does the job.
This is a good air purifier, which operates on dual-channel technology to get rid of polluted air. The air in any room of up to 215 square feet gets refreshed at a rate of 5 times per hour. The device also has a 360-degree air outlet.
Another feature of the Aroeve air purifier worth mentioning is that it can operate with negligible sound. There is a sleep mode that, when turned on, reduces the fan speed to the lowest level, and you will hardly hear any sound after that. The sound level is as low as 22 DB, and it helps to maintain a relaxing indoor environment.
When the purifier has been used for more than 2000 hours, there is a red indicator light that will turn on to let you know that it is time to replace the filter cartridge.
The 6/12/24 timer lets you choose one of the options according to your convenience so that the purifier can turn off once it’s done. The consumption power is approximately 17 watts, and it is safe to say that this air purifier is energy efficient as well.
Pros.
- Gets rid of all odors effectively.
- The minimal design makes it easy to set it up anywhere.
- Easy to use functions.
- Air filter can be removed and replaced effortlessly.
Cons.
- Device can get noisy at the highest fan speed setting.
3. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier for Home
- Ozone-Free Filtration
- 3-Stage H13 True Hepa Filtration
- Whisper-Quiet
- Quickly Refresh the Air in Rooms as Large as 129 Ft² in 15 Minutes
Another product from the renowned brand in this list, the LEVOIT LV-H132 is relatively better for smaller-sized rooms. The design got a new twist as the brand usually goes for solid square shape designs. However, this one is cylindrical, and there is a pre-filter present at the bottom of the air purifier.
Considering its size, it is compact and portable and weighs around 6lbs. The filters used in this are basic.
There is a standard pre-filter that helps get rid of dust particles, mold, and fungi. The True HEPA filter eliminates up to 99.97% of 0.3 microns allergens, and an activated carbon filter gives you pure air free from smoke and cooking odors.
Another plus point of is particular LEVOIT air purifier is its capacity to run silently. The lowest noise level is around 36dB. And if you want to run the purifier at the highest setting most of the time, the noise level will still be only around 50dB.
Regarding power consumption, the maximum range is only 28 watts, and the standby power consumption is around 0.8 watts. Honestly, it is challenging to find an alternative with this power consumption rate in this price range.
Another exciting feature of this air purifier is the night light function. Since this has been designed for smaller rooms like a private bedroom, this feature is excellent for keeping the machine running while you get a relaxed night of sleep.
Activating this feature will turn on the dim lights, which creates a beautiful atmosphere for peaceful sleep.
Pros.
- Small and compact design.
- Decent build quality.
- Optional night light settings.
- Quite affordable air purifier.
- Works with minimal noise.
- Low maintenance cost.
Cons.
- Not suitable for bigger sized areas.
- No automatic shut-off feature.
4. Germ Guardian AC4825 22” 3-in-1 Air Purifier.
- 3-In-1 Air Purifier for Home
- Uv-c Light Helps Kill Airborne Viruses
- Pre-filter Traps Dust, Pet Hair, and Other Large Particles
- Activated Charcoal Filter Helps To Reduce Unwanted Odors
- Quiet Operation
The Germ Guardian AC4825 screams simplicity but in the best way possible. It is easy to use and perfect for those looking for something simple instead of being confused with too many features.
What’s special about this simple air purifier is the filtration system it uses. It is known as a 3-in-1 purifier because it uses 3 different methods for cleaning dirty air.
The first is the True HEPA filter which destroys 99.97% of toxic, airborne germs and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
The next is the pre filter+ activated charcoal filter which is better for capturing those larger particles like pet hair. The third is the additional UV-C light filter, also known as Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation.
UV-C light is an advanced technology, and you can turn it on or off according to your requirement. This also helps to decrease air-bone bacteria and mold spores further. UV-C light activates Titanium Dioxide, and the duo combines not only to kill germs but also to remove pet odors and smoke particles.
The noise level is lower than most other models out there, and the range is between 46dB and 55dB. The machine consumes 55 watts of power while running at full speed, and the UV-C light is turned on.
Overall, it’s a decent entry-level air purifier and definitely worth a try.
Pros.
- 3 levels of air filtration for extra clean air.
- UV-C light filter.
- Value for money and decent performance.
- UV-C and filter replacement indicators.
Cons.
- Replacement filters are pretty expensive.
- No sleep mode.
5. LEVOIT Vital 100 Air Purifier.
- 100% Ozone-free.
- Powerful Performance
- 3-Stage Filtration
- Sleep Comfortably
- User-friendly & Energy Efficient
The LEVOIT Vital 100 has been specially designed for large rooms and can cover an area of up to 500 square feet. The design is sleek and simple, and the air intake is located at the top.
This air purifier uses a three-phase filtration system to deal with air pollution. The velcro attached washable filter tackles bigger elements like lint, pet hair, and fur.
Activated carbon filters are excellent for dealing with things like cigarette and tobacco smoke and odors. The True HEPA filter absorbs 99.97% of airborne particles, only 0.3 microns small.
There are touch LED buttons on top of the purifier for different functions like turning the machine on and off, adjusting fan speed, a timer, an indicator for a filter change, and turning the display lights on or off.
You can set a timer for 2, 4, or 8 hours according to your convenience. Just above the “speed” and the “timer” buttons, there are small LED lights to help you see the current setting you are on.
And whenever it’s time to replace the filter, you will see a bright red LED light. You must replace the filters every 6 to 8 months for optimum performance.
The machine operates quietly at a sound level of around 23dB. The display lights can be dimmed when you are ready to go to bed.
Pros.
- Compact size to fit in anywhere.
- Suitable for covering big areas of up to 500 square feet.
- Touch LED controls are easy to use.
- Ability to dim lights.
- Filter replacement indicator.
Cons.
- No auto mode for automatic detection of indoor air quality.
6. Medify MA-15 Air Purifier.
- Maximum Coverage
- Hepa H13 Filtration
- Ultra Quiet
- Choose From 3 Fan Speeds
- Easy To Use Features
The Medify MA-15 is a worthy contender for the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars title. You are getting an all-rounder option at a budget price with some decent features.
Compared to the previous models, this one looks slightly better in quality and is a great portable option for small rooms. The purifier includes two sets of air filters but is lightweight simultaneously.
There is the basic combination of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. The pre-filter shields the True HEPA filter to increase its longevity and traps large pollutants like pet fur and hair.
The True HEPA filter is known for eliminating 99.97% of pollutants as small as .0.3 microns. The primary function of the activated carbon filter is to get rid of unwanted and toxic odors.
The machine can cover an area of up to 330 square feet and clean it up in 30 minutes. The sound level is around 35 dB on the minimum fan speed. If you are somewhat of a light sleeper, it is recommended to use it only on the lowest speed setting while you are sleeping.
Air purifiers are usually operated for more extended periods. So, the energy consumption factor is quite significant.
The power consumption of the Medify MA-15 is only 18 watts, and hence it helps save energy. Coming to some additional features, there is a timer that you can use to schedule the time off for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours.
Apart from that, there is a child lock function, which is highly essential if you have curious children roaming around.
Last but not least, you do not have to put effort into remembering when to replace the filters as the purifier has a LED indicator to do the job.
The Medify MA-15 is a budget air purifier with a decent quantity of features you can experiment around with.
Pros.
- Available in a premium silver colour.
- True HEPA filter.
- Child lock function for extra security.
- Decent performance.
Cons.
- Noisy when high setting is used.
- Filters need to be changed almost every 4 months, which can be a little expensive.
7. YIOU Air Purifier for Home.
- Adopted enhanced air duct system
- 3-Stage True HEPA Filter
- Visible Real-time Air Quality Indicator
- Sleep within a Sound of Silence
- Certificated Air Cleaner
The YIOU air purifier has been designed keeping larger rooms in mind. It can efficiently purify rooms of up to 547 square feet twice in one hour. It is also quite effective in blocking airborne particles.
This purifier uses a three-stage filtration process like many other air purifiers on the market. There is the pre-layer that deals with larger particles like pet dander, hair, fur, etc.
Then there is the H13 True HEPA filter for dealing with the smaller airborne particles of even 0.3 microns. And at last, there is an activated carbon filter that decomposes unpleasant orders and gives you relief from respiratory discomfort.
A great feature of the YIOU air purifier is the real-time air quality indicator. This is extremely helpful in determining the quality of the air around you, and the device does that by glowing red when the air quality is poor, yellow when it’s good, and green when it is excellent.
You can then adjust the air cleaning speed according to the air quality detected by the sensor.
This air purifier also helps to promote better and healthier sleep at night as it can operate at 20dB 8 when the sleep mode is activated. The indicators will be half on or off, and you will not face any disturbance due to buzzing or beeping sounds.
And it’s not just simple features we are talking about. This air purifier has proven its efficiency and has a CADR of 139 CFM for dUST, 144 CFM for pollen, and 40 CFM for smoke. It can also function in cases of Wildfire smoke or allergies.
Pros.
- Covers a large area.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Gives off a pleasant, low white noise.
- Pressing the Timer and Sleep buttons together can activate the child lock feature.
- Air quality detection sensors and indicators.
- Lights inside the unit and control button lights can be dimmed.
- Compact size.
Cons.
- Replacement filters are hard to find.
- The device turns off automatically, even with a brief power interruption or outage.
Things to consider while buying an air purifier under 100 dollars.
Considering recent years, air purifiers have slowly become a necessity because our indoor air is full of chemicals, biological pollutants, smoke, and other impurities.
The primary objective of an air purifier is to suck the indoor air and passes it through a range of filters to get rid of dust and other airborne particles. What you get at the end is fresh air that then settles within your house.
However, before making a solid purchase, it is recommended to go through the range of features you need to consider before buying the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars.
Here are a few factors and tips that you can consider before making your purchase, and this will help you make an informed decision.
The size of the room.
This is the first step you need to figure out before purchasing an air purifier. Once you figure out the space, it will help you find options that can offer coverage for that amount of space.
Buying a smaller air purifier won’t be adequate for larger areas. Most of the purifiers available in the affordable range are suitable for smaller to medium-sized rooms. You might have to spend slightly over budget if you are looking for an option for a bigger space.
Check the coverage area of the selected purifier.
This is again related to the previous point. Once you have the room’s size figured out, it will be easy for you to choose based on the air purifier’s coverage area. If you get somewhat confused during this process, you can always go for the slightly larger one to do the job.
Levels of cleaning.
You will see that most of the brands try to market their products by emphasizing how many cleaning levels are present in them. The standard cleaning levels in air purifiers available today are somewhere between 3 to 5.
The units with three cleaning levels usually use just filters to improve air quality. The models equipped with 4 or more cleaning levels use filters and some other technologies like an ionizer or UV-C light.
Type of filters.
This is by far the most critical element when it comes to purchasing an air purifier, especially a cheap air purifier. First of all, it is essential to know that a purifier cannot automatically improve the air quality and clean it.
Most of the models are equipped with the mechanical filtration process. The air runs through a filter that captures the toxic particles before discharging it into the environment again.
Usually, maximum air purifiers include a minimum of two filters- a pre-filter to trap larger particles, including pet hair, and the primary filter for getting rid of smaller particles. You can wash or vacuum some of these pre-filters, mobile some a disposable on the other hand.
The main order primary filter is the essential one, and it is better to opt for an air purifier where this primary filter is highly efficient. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is the standard recommended by the EPA.
This type of filter is known to capture 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of approximately 0.3 microns or larger.
An air purifier having a True HEPA filter offers great performance and is an excellent choice for air cleaners. However, you must know that HEPA filters cannot help much regarding gas molecules, odors, fumes, and similar issues.
In this case, activated charcoal air filters can be a game-changer. And what’s even better, many brands combine both UV light filters and ionizers for higher impact and better results.
You will also come across filterless air purifiers that use ionization and other technologies to provide clean air and will not need any replacement filter ever. These options might seem a little expensive initially, but can help you save major bucks in the long run.
However, these filters may produce ozone (a lung irritant) which could make the condition worse for people with breathing problems. Moreover, ozone is harmful to the environment as well.
Fan speed.
Yes, the type of filters used in an air purifier makes a significant impact. But it would be best if you also consider the fan and their speeds.
Air purifiers with adjustable fans are great if you want the machine to operate, depending on the air quality inside your house.
The adjustable fan speed feature lets you decide whether the low, medium or high speed would work best during that particular time.
CADR Level.
While shopping for the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars, you might come across the CADR rating, also known as Clear Air Delivery Rate. The primary objective of this parameter is to portray how well an air purifier can clean a room of a particular size.
The higher the CADR rating, the higher the machine’s efficiency. If you are confused between two models, you can always compare the CADR rating to determine the best suitable model for you.
Noise level.
Today most of the modern air purifiers produce very low noise during operation. But they may become slightly noisy and release a humming sound when you turn up the fan speed.
If you require an air purifier for your bedroom, go for a model that produces relatively low sound at even higher fan speeds.
But how will you determine the noise level? Go to the specifications of your desired air purifier in detail, and the noise level ranges will be mentioned in the description in decibels.
Energy-efficient.
Air purifiers usually work best when you use them around the clock. However, this can show an impact on your electricity bill.
Look for purifiers with Energy Star certification, as this means the device uses a reasonable amount of power depending on the fan speed.
The size of the purifier is directly proportional to the energy it consumes. Some of them consume very less power, while some can draw a high quantity like 200W or even more.
Cost of maintenance.
Buying an air purifier is not enough. There are some additional costs you will have to bear later on with time. The filters will need replacement from time to time, and the cost of these filters varies according to the device using them.
HEPA-type filters are usually disposable, and you have to replace them entirely. On the other hand, you can wash some pre-filters and reuse them.
Try to make an approximate calculation before the purchase so that you can make a proper comparison before going ahead with the final choice.
Exclusive features.
Apart from the regular features, some purifiers come with extra bonus features, which can be considered brownie points.
These additional features can include a filter reset indicator, a programmable timer for automatic shutdown, built-in ionizers, remote control, app integration, and even a digital assistant.
There is no denying that 8d features bring a high level of convenience with them. But be ready to spend some extra money if these bonus features are what you are looking for.
What should the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars be like?
Okay, so you are looking for budget air purifiers, and you know the features you need to consider before purchasing an air purifier. But what features should you prioritize? Do you need to compromise a lot because you are under a $100 budget? Not necessarily.
The first and foremost thing to look for is efficiency because that is the most crucial factor. The type of filter used in that particular air purifier will also significantly impact the efficiency of the device. So you will know what you are getting into.
A smaller budget means it is better to consider options that cover a smaller or medium-sized area. A basement purifier is also a great option because they are specifically designed to cover a slightly larger area.
Cheap air purifiers should be compact and portable. This can prove to be a huge benefit. Do not focus much on the exclusive features, as you will only end up spending more money and stretching the budget.
The basic features work just fine. The best idea is always to build a detailed comparison list between the products you are interested in so that you are aware of the pros and cons and can make a well-informed decision.
FAQs.
1. Does an air purifier remove smoke smell?
There is no direct answer to this. Trying to get rid of cigarette smoke using an air purifier is challenging. But eliminating the actual smell cigarette smoke leaves behind is a whole other issue.
In this case, a HEPA filter alone isn’t enough. This challenge requires the combination of an effective HEPA filter, a powerful fan motor, and an activated carbon filter, which works to absorb smoke odor.
However, the quantity of carbon required is slightly higher, and the air purifier models do not always contain that required amount. So it’s hard to get rid of the smoke smell entirely.
2. Do air purifiers help with cigarette smoke?
Yes, to an extent, The most common size range of cigarette smoke particles is between 0.3 to 0.5 microns. Many of those toxic particles are even as small as 0.1 microns.
Some air purifiers can help with cigarette smoke, but most of them cannot. The most effective way is to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter as they can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Verdict.
Effective air purifiers can make a significant difference to your allergies and respiratory issues as it helps to get rid of airborne pollutants, harmful particles, smoke, odor, and more.
And finding the best air purifiers under a budget can be a little overwhelming. However, out of the 7 recommendations mentioned above, my pick for the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars would be the LEVOIT Core 300.
You are getting a trusted brand, minimal design which blends beautifully in any room, great performance, and a device that is quite easy to use. Plus, it includes the True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, which helps eliminate both larger particles (like pet fur, hair, etc.) and even particles as small as 0.3 microns.
And apart from the basic features, you are also getting a few exclusive ones like the sleep mode, touch control panel, and a built-in timer. And all of this for under $100! This one definitely ticks all the boxes and is a worthy winner for the best air purifier for smoke under 100 dollars.