Shopping for an air purifier for smoke that costs less than $100?
You’ve come to the right place.
Candles, tobacco products, cooking accidents, and wood-burning fireplaces are the main sources of smoke that pollute indoor air.
Smoky air irritates the throat, sinuses, and eyes. Although these may seem like minor discomforts, the effects add up.
Smoke particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating heart and lung diseases.
Purchasing an air purifier to remove smoke from your home’s air will help safeguard your health and the health of non-smokers in your home by minimizing the adverse side effects of smoke.
The air purifiers reviewed below not only filter out harmful smoke but also clean the air of dust, mold spores, pollen, and other unwanted pollutants. So they also help relieve allergies and asthma and reduce the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria.
If you are dealing with indoor smoke and looking for a way to clean your air, then the products reviewed below might be your answer.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Medical-grade True HEPA filter
- 99.9% particle removal
- Three fan speeds
- Ultra-quiet operation, good for bedrooms
- Triple air purification system
- 99.97% particle removal
- Easy-to-replace filters
- Powerful and effective
- For small rooms of 100-200 sqft
- 4-stage filtration process
- AeraSmart maintains air quality automatically
What's In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
This guide reviews and compares some of the best air purifiers for smoke under $100.
We start with a list of our top picks, followed by a comparison table, and a comprehensive review of each so that you can pick the right air purifier easily.
You also learn the features you need to keep in mind when shopping for an air purifier for smoke. Finally, we answer the most common questions about air purifiers for smoke.
Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Under $100
- 1. Best Overall: Okaysou AirMic4S
- 2. Best Value: GermGuardian AC4825
- 3. Best Smart Features: AeraMax 100 Air Purifier
- 4. Best for Small Rooms: Levoit LV-H132
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
Okaysou AirMic4S
Award
Best OverallArea Coverage
300 sq. ftWeight
6.6 lbs.Dimensions
8.7 x 8.7 x 11.9 inchesNoise level
24dB
GermGuardian AC4825
Award
Best ValueArea Coverage
167 sq. ftWeight
5.6 lbs.Dimensions
15.77 x 4.76 x 1.29 inchesNoise level
40dB
AeraMax 100
Award
Best Smart FeaturesArea Coverage
100-200 sq. ftWeight
9.24 lbs.Dimensions
8.5 x 7.25 x 27.25 inchesNoise level
35dB
Levoit LV-H132
Award
Best for Small RoomsArea Coverage
129 sq. ftWeight
6.5 lbs.Dimensions
7.48 x 7.48 x 12.6 inchesNoise level
25dB
HEPA filters can typically collect 99.95% of air pollutants, while the AirMic4S, which is designed with an Ultra-Duo Filtration System, can trap up to 99.97% of air pollutants. It helps relieve asthma symptoms, eliminate smoke, and control unwanted odors.
PROS
- Three-stage Ultra-Duo filter ensures cleaner air
- Eliminates cigarette smoke; dust, pet dander and hair, household odors, pollen, and other harmful gases
- Compact and lightweight design
- Relieves asthma symptoms
- Energy-efficient
- Five must-have modes and touch control panel
- Creates an excellent sleep atmosphere without affecting the fan speed
- Easy-to-install filter
CONS
- Can be hard to get replacement filters
Features
- Medical-grade True HEPA filter captures 99.9% of airborne particles
- Three fan speeds to adjust the air intake based on the surrounding air
- Schedule and customize two, four, or eight hours of operation depending on your unique purification needs
- Ultra-quiet operation makes it suitable for bedrooms
- Option to choose from two blue light settings to create an ideal sleep atmosphere
- CARB, RoHS, CE certified, and ETL Listed
- Ability to circulate air twice in an hour in a room of 580 sq. ft
- Filter indicator alerts when it is time to change the filter
- 5-year warranty
Our Review
The Okaysou AirMic4S is one of the safest and highly functional units available. Certified by RoHS and CARB, it is designed with a three-layer medical-grade filter. It can clean rooms of up to 300 sq. ft. by removing 99.97% of particles, even those as small as 0.3 microns.
The quiet operation of this device, together with the timer and an optional nightlight, adds to its convenience. The timer can be set for two, four, or eight hours, allowing you to set the purification time according to your requirement.
Featuring a sleep function, the Okaysou AirMic4S ensures that no energy is wasted. The filter change indicator lets you know when it is time to switch out the filters. You also have the option to choose from four optional replacement filters according to your needs.
The GermGuardian AC4825 is a stylish unit with a solid ABS plastic body and a low-gloss black finish. This four-in-one purifier uses HEPA filters to effectively clean rooms of up to 167 square feet.
PROS
- Suitable for a 167 sq. ft room
- UV-C germ-killing light
- 3-speed fan control
- Can be used for white noise by operating it at the lowest setting
- Energy Star Certified & AHAM Verified
- Replaceable UV bulb
- Low-noise fan setting
- Push-button on/off UV switch
- Simple rotary control
CONS
- Few smart features
Features
- Triple air purification system removes 99.97% of allergens present in the air
- Easy-to-replace filters
- Powerful and effective
- Helps improve indoor quality
- UV bulb replacement indicator
- Quiet operation
- 3-year warranty
Our Review
This efficient air purifier is designed with a triple air purification system:
The pre-filter with activated charcoal not only removes large particles such as pet hair, dust, and similar debris, but also absorbs household odors.
The second layer of the HEPA filter retains smaller particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, etc.
While the UC-V lamp, which constitutes the third layer, sanitizes the air.
The True HEPA filter of the GermGuardian AC4825 retains particles even as small as 0.3 microns. It is designed with simple controls positioned at the top. With three-speed fan control and ultraviolet light, this unit is suitable for medium-sized rooms.
This GermGuardian air purifier is designed with a bulb and titanium-oxide germ-killing feature. This feature renders the germs passing through it ineffective by targeting their molecular and protein structures.
When this feature is activated, you can see a thin, blue light strip under the silver top. This is a nice touch as it adds to the aesthetic of this unit. This 22” air purifier is also easy to transport because the recessed area at the rear of the top provides ample room for your fingers.
The AC4825 does not consume much energy and will need filter replacement in six to eight months, depending on the use. These filters are not very expensive and require only a few minutes to change.
The Fellowes AeraMax 100 combines quality with the manufacturer’s love of integrity and sustainability. It has been certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to be an allergy and asthma-friendly device.
PROS
- Can capture viruses; bacteria, dust, pollen, smoke, etc.
- Built-in sensor makes it easier to keep tabs on your environment
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet operation does not interrupt your television or family time
- Suitable for small offices and bedrooms
CONS
- Bright lights may disturb your sleep
Features
- Designed for small rooms of 100-200 sq. ft
- 4-stage filtration process
- AeraSmart sensor maintains the quality of air
- Area+ mode makes it best for allergy and flu season
- PlasmaTrue Technology removes airborne particles safely
- True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of allergens from the air
Our Review
Sleek and stylish, the AeraMax 100 boasts a minimalized, touch-sensitive control panel at the front. The carrying handle at the top further adds to this unit’s convenience.
This air purifier works on the front-to-back air purification method. The air-out grill is hidden behind the front panel that houses the controls, while the air filtration kit is installed at the back.
This purifier is designed with a four-stage purification process that removes 99.97% of allergens. The air passes through an activated charcoal filter to combat volatile organic compounds, mold odor, tobacco smoke, kitchen smells, and pet odor.
Meanwhile, the HEPA filter catches dust, dust mites, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, hair, fur, pet dander, and viruses to clean the air of 99.97% contaminants.
Aerasafe Antimicrobial technology protects the HEPA filter from deterioration by preventing the growth of bacteria, mold, and odor.
PlasmaTrue Technology creates an ionized field to eliminate airborne viruses, molds, and bacteria. You can also turn off this button if you want to stop ozone creation.
This tower-shaped air purifier is incredibly lightweight. It is available in black or white, and you can choose one depending on your preference.
This user-friendly unit comes with a simple and straightforward control panel. The Aera+ button on the control panel activates a turbo mode that increases air turnover by 15%.
It also features an AeraSmart sensor that monitors your indoor air quality and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. This feature provides real-time air quality reports in three different colors.
If you are looking for an economical air purifier made from high-quality plastic, the Levoit LV-H132 is the best option. White modern casing with black accents and blue indicator lights give this unit a very stylish look. If that does not match your decor, you can also get it in black.
PROS
- Aesthetic design
- Small footprint
- Quiet operation
CONS
- No smart features
- Hard to tell if it is working
Features
- 100% ozone-free unit
- 3-stage filtration system removes 99.97% of airborne contaminants
- Three speed settings to cater to different air quality needs
- Circulates the air in the room over four times every hour for rapid purification
- Built-in filter replacement indicator
- Night light with two brightness settings
- CARB and FCC Certified and ETL Listed
Our Review
The Levoit LV-H132 is designed with a number of great features and safety certifications. It features a triple-layer filter system that can efficiently cover up to 129 sq. ft.
Thanks to its ultra-silent operation, this purifier only makes 43.1 dBA at the lowest operating speed. Thus, you can enjoy an undisturbed sleep while the Levoit purifies the air in the room.
This compact and lightweight air purifier can remove 99.97% of airborne contaminants, including pet dander, allergens, odors, and smoke, four times an hour.
The built-in indicator light lets you know when it is time to change the filter. The touch buttons on the control panel at the top are sensitive and respond to a light touch.
The adjustable night light is a convenient feature and can be easily controlled with a button. Thanks to its compact size, you can even place it on a table.
Thanks to its ultra-silent operation, this purifier only makes 43.1dBA at the lowest operating speed. Thus, you can enjoy an undisturbed sleep while the Levoit purifies the air in the room.
This compact and lightweight air purifier can remove 99.97% of airborne contaminants, including pet dander, allergens, odors, and smoke, four times an hour.
The built-in indicator light lets you know when it is time to change the filter. The touch buttons on the control panel at the top are sensitive and respond to a light touch.
The adjustable night light is a convenient feature and can be easily controlled with a button. Thanks to its compact size, you can even place it on a table.
Air Purifiers for Smoke Under $100: Buying Guide
Why Should You Choose an Affordable Air Purifier Over Other Kinds for Smoke Elimination?
Affordable air purifiers for smoke elimination are designed with HEPA filters. These filters can remove 99.97% of particles present in the air, making them quite effective against particulate pollutants. They not only remove the visible elements of smoke but also help to reduce smoke odor.
What to Look for in an Air Purifier for Smoke Elimination Under $100
If you are looking for an affordable air purifier for smoke elimination, it is best to understand the features your chosen model should have.
There are a number of acronyms that can be quite confusing, but learning about them beforehand can make your shopping experience a pleasant one.
Following are some considerations that you should keep in mind when buying an affordable air purifier for smoke:
Filter Life
An air purifier can be designed with various types of filters. These include HEPA, ozone, carbon, ionizers, prefilters, and UV filters.
The best models use HEPA filters to capture large unwanted particles combined with activated carbon filters that help remove smaller pollutants.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters can trap 99.97% of particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. In addition, they can remove contaminants present in the air, including those emitted by cigarette smoke, wildfires, and cooking.
These filters are constructed from interwoven glass fibers to create a barrier maze. As the air passes through the filter, this barrier removes the particles from circulation by either interception, diffusion, direct impact, or sieving.
The average life of HEPA filters is between three months and a year, depending on the air quality of your home, your usage, or as instructed by the manufacturer.
Prefilters
Some purifiers are designed with pre-filters that trap large particles in the air before they can reach and clog the filtration system.
It can be quite costly to replace HEPA filters. That is why the inclusion of both helps save money in the long run. Prefilters, on the other hand, need to be cleaned monthly and replaced if they get damaged.
Activated carbon filter
These filters remove volatile organic compounds and unwanted odors commonly present in homes. Carbon filters attract unwanted elements chemically and trap them on their textured surface or interior pores.
These filters should be replaced every three to six months, depending on the recommendation made by the manufacturer.
Activated Carbon Filter
These filters remove volatile organic compounds and unwanted odors commonly present in homes. Carbon filters attract unwanted elements chemically and trap them on their textured surface or interior pores.
These filters should be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on the recommendation made by the manufacturer.
Portability and Ease-of-Use
Some air purifiers are lightweight or designed with wheels that make them easy to transport. You can use them in different rooms of your home or take them with you on your travels. This can help you sleep better in a new environment and reduce the risk of exposure to pollutants.
In addition, it is best to choose a model designed with a simple interface and a few buttons. It should be easy to change and maintain its filters and should have convenient features like handles, multiple speeds, remote control, etc.
Build and Durability
Make sure that the model you choose is durable and built with high-quality materials to ensure a longer life span. Choose a manufacturer that is well-known for quality products and has a good reputation in the market.
Noise Levels
Nobody wants an air purifier that makes a lot of noise. Make sure to check the noise level while selecting a particular model.
Many air purifiers produce about 60 decibels (dB) which is about the same noise level as a normal conversation. Air purifiers that operate at a noise level below 55 decibels are a better option for home offices and bedrooms.
Effectiveness
Air purifiers are labeled with a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) which helps users determine the effectiveness of a device in filtering various particles in a room.
For example, a CADR of 400 for dust means that the purifier can effectively reduce dust, equal to adding 400 cubic feet of fresh air per minute. Typically, the higher CADR a device has, the faster it can deliver clean air.
It is also important to check the ACH (Air Changes Per Hour). This number indicates the number of times the entire air volume will be filtered in an hour.
Coverage Area
Most air purifiers come with the recommended maximum size specified on the unit. Make sure you check your room size against this value. If you choose a unit designed for a smaller room, it will not be able to completely purify the room.
Limitations
Although you can enjoy clean and fresh air without spending a lot of money, there are a few features you might have to sacrifice.
Low-cost purifiers are effective in small to medium-sized rooms, which makes them ideal for bedrooms and small offices.
These air purifiers are fitted with smaller fans, which affects the amount of air they can clean in an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can air purifiers prove effective against cigarette smoke?
Air purifiers equipped with a HEPA filter and electronic air cleaners like ionizers can significantly reduce the cigarette-smoke particles present in the air inside your home. However, research indicates that these devices are not 100% effective.
Tobacco smoke consists of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, which most air purifiers are not designed to handle. Therefore, it is best to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke in the first place.
How do air purifiers filter smoke?
Air purifiers designed to filter smoke are equipped with two kinds of filter:
Smoke particles are less than one micron in size or between 0.9 and 1.0 microns, to be more precise. HEPA filters are capable of capturing smoke particles (solid form) as small as 0.3 microns, which makes them ideal for smoke air purifiers.
Activated carbon or charcoal filters remove odors, including smoke smell from cigarettes, cigars, and cooking (gas form). They absorb volatile organic compounds, and the thicker they are, the better.
These purifiers feature a powerful fan that pushes air through the HEPA filters. These are mechanical filters made from glass and polyolefin polymers and can filter air efficiently.
Is it possible for a low-cost purifier to remove wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke typically consists of particles that are 0.4 to 0.7 microns in size. A True HEPA filter works exceptionally well in removing particles of this size from the air.
Thus, a low-cost purifier equipped with a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter can effectively get rid of wildfire smoke particles and smells.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Air Purifier for Smoke Under $100?
We find the Okaysou AirMic4S to be definitely worth the price. It is a durable, well-built, and completely safe unit that effectively cleans the air of 99.97% allergens, even those as small as 0.3 microns. Moreover, it comes with a 5-year warranty that builds customer confidence.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
