5 Of The Best Air Purifiers For Smoke Under $100 – Buyer’s Guide And What To Know

Here you’ll find 5 of the best air purifiers for smoke under $100 along with details, info, and the pros & cons to know before spending a dime.

You can definitely get a good buy that’s affordable! You’ll also find lots of helpful information about smoke and air purifiers too.

Read on to learn more!

Infographic – Cigarette smoke and air purifier facts

What is in smoke? How small are smoke particles?

Image of a cigarette smoke particle under microscope

A microscopic image showing two fine aluminum silicate particles in smoke from a Marlboro Medium cigarette. Note the size scale in the image is an incredibly small 1 micrometer (1um). A micrometer (or “micron”) is 1/1,000,000 of a meter. Cigarette smoke particles have been studied and measured (see below). Their incredibly small size is one reason they’re such a problem for odors and irritation. Microscopic particles can travel to many areas of your home and surfaces.

Smoke from pipe tobacco, cigarettes, and cigars contains a huge amount of chemical particles released when the tobacco burns. This is because tobacco is treated with a variety of chemicals and substances before being packed for used by smokers. Some aren’t intentionally added but occur as tobacco is cured.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over 7,000 chemicals are released from cigarette smoke.

How smoke builds and becomes worse

Smoking indoors is a self-building problem: the more you smoke indoors, the more it builds and the worse it becomes. Smoke after-effects don’t disappear or “evaporate.”

As most homes or businesses aren’t open to outside fresh air, smoke particles are trapped inside and never leave. They build up over time and accumulate on surfaces and even your skin, clothes, and more.

I’ve seen the results of heavy smokers who stayed indoors and smoked. Over time, the white walls actually became dark yellow in color. It permeated nearly everything inside!

Once smoke particles bond to surfaces and fabrics, it’s very difficult to restore them to their original freshness. Taking preventative measures can prevent this easily.

Even if smokers don’t smoke indoors, they bring in odors and smoke residue which are strong and a source of irritation. I’ve been in contact with someone once who was a heavy smoker, and because of the smoke particles on her body it caused me to break out in a rash.

You’ve got to eliminate the problem as effectively as possible to remove smells and avoid causing allergic reactions, coughing, and other side effects of bringing in smoke residue.

Do air purifiers help with cigarette smoke and odors?

Image of Levoit LV-H132 air purifier in bedroom
Yes, a good air purifier of the right type can effectively remove smoke, smoke by-products, and odors.

An air purifier removes smoke and related odors by using a fan to circulate air in the room which is passed through filters. These filters permanently trap smoke & its particles suspended in the air. Odors can be removed, too.

Air fresheners and other attempted solutions like that don’t work – they cover up (mask) the problem. Air fresheners cannot actually process the air or change the air contents as a purifier can.

One of the challenges of removing smoke isn’t just as simple as paper burning. Unlike smoke from other sources, cigarette and tobacco smoke is made of a huge range of microscopic particles. Gaseous chemical substances are released into the air, too.

Cigarette smoke typically contains elements that range in size from about 0.1 to 1.0 um in size.

You’ll need something that can eliminate these incredibly small elements in the air. That’s where an air purifier comes in – they’re practical, affordable, and most of all they’re effective. Air purifiers work well and get the job done safely.

Dirty air is one of many reasons why you might not be getting good rest, too!

What kind of air purifier do I need for smoke?

While there are many low-cost “air filters” and “air cleaners”, etc., on the market, you need to shop for a filter-based product. Not just that, but you should also be sure to shop for the following kind:

  1. Uses a quality High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter
  2. A purifier that includes an activated carbon filter

What is a HEPA filter?

 

Diagram showing efficiency of HEPA filter removing smoke particles
A HEPA filter is an air filter used to remove very small particulates from the air. “HEPA” is name used to describe an old standard created in the United States back in the 1950s to ensure the cleaning efficiency of air filters.

This type of filter is excellent at removing an amazing 99.7% of the contaminants that enter it when air is forced through it. This means that only a tiny 3 out of every 10,000 particles that enter it are able to escape!

They can trap microscopic particles down to an incredibly small 0.3 microns in size. This is less than 1/1,000,000 of a meter! For reference, the human eye can only see particles that are a bit larger than 5 microns in size.

As smoke contains particles that range from below 1 micron to above 1 micron, it’s critical to have this amount of filtering ability to remove smoke by-products from your air.

However, as effective as these filters are, they’re not able to trap odors and other vapors that smoke introduces in your air. You’ll need a carbon filter also for that.

What is an activated carbon filter?

Illustration of HEPA air purifier for dust sectionsAn activated carbon filter (shown here in black) is often made with a course/thin pre-filter material. These are typically used in conjunction with a HEPA filter for better smoke air filtering. The activated carbon filter traps odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The pre-filter is great for dust and hair. The HEPA filter permanently removes microscopic smoke particles from the air around you.

An activated carbon filter is a somewhat thin air filter section that is dark in color. They’re normally black due to the very small pieces of carbon used in them. Activated carbon attracts and traps odors and other chemical substances in the air.

This includes odors and other emissions from smoke which cause discomfort and breathing problems. Not only that, but they’re great for removing those awful smells that come from cigarettes and other smoke sources.

Carbon filters aren’t normally used by themselves – in air purifiers, they’re used alongside a dense HEPA filter to form a more comprehensive air purification system.

They’re especially important when it comes to dealing with smoke by-products and odors. You shouldn’t purchase an air purifier without one.  As I mentioned earlier, a HEPA filter alone can’t remove odors and gaseous substances in the air.

Air purifier filter replacement

GermGuardian FLT4825 replacement filterReplacing the expired filters in an air purifier usually means buying a replacement set made by the manufacturer. Pricing depends on the specific product and brand, but around $30 is typical. However, for some models, it’s possible to replace only the pre-filter & activated carbon filter section for less money. These are sometimes sold both by the air purifier manufacturer and from 3rd party companies. In that case you can extend the life of the HEPA filter section.

Trapping unwanted elements in the air is the basis for how air purifiers work. This also means that eventually they’ll become saturated with debris and particles.

Average replacement times for the HEPA filter section are about 6 to 8 months, although that varies with how dirty the air is where the purifier is used.

Optionally in some cases it’s possible to replace only the pre-filter/carbon filter section and extend the life of the HEPA filter. This can save quite a bit of money as well – often by 1/2 the cost of replacing both.

Many air purifiers sold today include a replacement reminder. In that case, you’ll be reminded to check the filter and replace only if necessary. However, bear in mind that for smoke use you should at least replace the carbon filter section every 6 months and possibly sooner if heavy smoke is present.

★ 5 of the best air purifiers for smoke ★

Our top picks at a glance

Image Product Details
sample-table__image★ OUR #1 PICK! ★GermGuardian AC4825
  • Best seller and overall an excellent value! Easy to use and quiet.
  • 155 sq ft coverage, 100+ CADR lab tested rating
  • True HEPA, carbon filter for odors, UV-C germ killer
Check on Amazon
sample-table__imageULTRA QUIETLevoit LV-H132
  • Electronic controls and super quiet operation
  • 129 sq ft, true HEPA + carbon filter
  • Touch controls, night light, and memory feature
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sample-table__imageGermGuardian AC4100
  • Great for dorms and small rooms
  • Same HEPA filter + carbon filter quality as larger models
  • Includes germ-killing feature
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sample-table__imageLevoit PUR131
  • 322 sq. ft coverage, 3-stage HEPA. Low-noise sleep mode
  • Auto-sensing and auto-off advanced features
  • Digital display and touch controls
Check on Amazon
sample-table__imageLarge room valueHoneywell HPA300
  • Huge 465 sq. ft. coverage. Easy filter replacement, too!
  • Electronic touch controls, dimmer, and sleep timers
  • True HEPA and carbon filters. High-speed Turbo mode
Check on Amazon

Product reviews and details

1. GermGuardian AC4825 – Not just a best seller but a great value! Get good performance and coverage for less.

Another purifier with wonderful buyer reports and a top seller, the AC4825 doesn’t include the same features as the Levoit LV-H132 but offers more room coverage and also includes an ultraviolet (UV) germ killing feature.

A true HEPA filter design ensures it cleans your air well and leaves the room fresh and allergen & dust-free. The pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, handles larger particles and odor removal. Additionally it provides nearly twice the room coverage of similarly priced models.

It’s a great overall value and an excellent choice.

GermGuardian AC4825 top view of controls

The AC4825 features one of the easiest-to-use control setups you’ll find. It’s incredibly easy to use! Set the rotary control to one of the 3 fan speed settings. Use the UV push button to switch the germ killing feature on or off. A power-on indicator LED lights when the purifier is working.

A 3-speed fan control is provided and a great choice for those who prefer simple controls & operation. The filter is easy to remove and replace by opening the rear door and simply swapping it out. A replacement reminder is included too.

GermGuardian AC4825 side view UV-C feature glowing

The lovely blue trim ring lights up when the UV-C feature’s in use. Don’t worry though – it’s perfectly safe, as the ultraviolet light is trapped inside. It’s a great-looking way to see when the feature is on. I like it!

At 22 inches in height, it’s not as compact as others listed here but the small base size allows it to fit well in corners and small places where height is not an issue. Replacement filters cost about $30 and last approximately 6 months, depending upon use.

You can also find 3rd party brand filters which are cheaper.

PROS:
  • Simple 3-speed fan switch is great for nearly everyone
  • Good overall value for performance & room size vs. the Levoit LV-132
  • Great filtering performance
  • Quiet fan operation on low speed setting
  • Germ & microbe-killing UV-C feature not found in many others
  • Filter replacement reminder
  • Soft LED when power is on
  • Vertical size is great for corner or areas with more vertical space
  • Good room size coverage (155 square feet)
  • 3-year limited warranty
CONS:
  • No auto-sensing modes
  • No electronic controls
  • No auto-off feature
  • Cannot wash & reuse filter
  • Design is less stylish and attractive than other competitors in its price range (ex. Levoit LV-H132)
  • Warranty requires paying for return shipment for service

Even better, it’s also available in a sharp-looking version called the AC4900CA. It’s identical in performance as well. Note that prices are often slightly different between the two despite being functionally identical.

I personally own an AC4825 and now I understand why it’s a bestseller. It’s well made, works great for cleaning the air, and is frustration-free.

You’ll find the best price and thousands of happy buyer reviews over at Amazon.

2. Levoit LV-H132 – Sleek and with nice features. Many happy buyers agree it’s a great choice.

Levoit LV-H132 purifier white front view

One of the most popular units available, the Levoit LV-H132 (a smaller sibling to the Levoit LV-PUR131) is a great choice for the money. If you’re wanting to remove smoke odors & particles that aggravate breathing & allergic reactions but prefer more features this is an excellent option.

Like its competitors, it features a true HEPA filter with 3-stage filtration for good performance when removing smoke & odors.

Although it provides less coverage than competitors like the GermGuardian AC4825, the Levoit makes up for this by including more. It’s also a great looking choice for small rooms or light duty use in medium-sized rooms.

Not only this but buyer reviews are excellent and it’s a top seller in its category.

Levoit LV-H132 air purifier touch control features image

The Levoit LV-H132 is sophisticated yet still easy to use. Electronic touch controls are provided and beep when operated. After power is switched off the last settings are saved. Upon the next use, the purifier remembers your last settings and restores them automatically.

It offers some of the most features in its price range. The fan offers pleasant and quiet operation on low speed. A built-in night light with 2 brightness settings is a bonus feature.

A convenient filter replacement reminder lets you know when it’s time to change the filter and replace it if needed.

Levoit LV-H132 air filter replacement example image

Filter replacement is a bit different for the LV-H132, but very simple. Turn the unit upside-down, rotate the cover, and then you can pull out and replace the old 3-in-1 filter assembly. Note: unlike some competitors, in most cases you can’t replace the carbon prefilter separately. It’s something to keep in mind.

Replacement filters run around $30 and are simple to replace by opening the top cover. In my hands-on testing I found the LV-H132 to be a very well made and designed purifier.

It’s sleek, extremely quiet, and a great choice.

PROS:
  • Shorter height than competing tower purifiers
  • 2-year warranty
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Night light with 2 brightness levels
  • Nice looking, modern design
  • Electronic soft button controls
  • Quiet operation on low level won’t disturb sleep
  • Filter replacement reminder
  • Great build quality & high reliability
  • Easy filter replacement
CONS:
  • Smaller room coverage than others in its price range (129 sq. ft.)
  • No auto-off timer feature
  • No air quality sensor
  • Electronic controls may not be suitable for some
  • High speed is not quite a fast as other products

It’s an excellent purifier with wonderful buyer reviews and great air cleaning performance. Without a doubt it’s one of the lowest-noise purifiers money can buy.

Be sure to check out why it's one of the best sold today and was awarded the Amazon's Choice label.

Levoit LV-H132 black model

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3.  GermGuardian AC4100 3-in-1: Great for your office, dorm room, or bedroom. Small but good!

GermGuardian AC4100 angle view

An affordable model, the AC4100 has an excellent reputation and is a great looking, well-performing little purifier for small rooms, offices, and other close spaces.

Measuring only 7.5 x 6.5 x 11″ in size uses a true HEPA filter & charcoal section to produce fresh, clean air. Unlike other products priced near $50 and below, it uses the same high-performance quality of filters as its more expensive GermGuardian siblings.

As an added bonus the UV light along with titanium dioxide kills germs to make your air safer and prevent illness.

A replacement filter costs about $18 and there’s a filter installation date wheel on the rear to help you know when it’s time to replace it.

Image of a GermGuardian AC4100 showing HEPA and activated carbon filters

The AC4100 features the same 3-in-1 filtering design as its larger siblings. You’ll get a true HEPA filter, prefilter, and odor-absorbing section but for smaller rooms and on a budget.

Operation is simple: a 3 speed fan control. It’s quiet and generates a pleasing low noise level on the lowest setting. When set to high sound similar to white noise is produced.

GermGuardian AC4100 filter replacement how to image

Filter replacement on the AC4100 is easy! Just open the rear cover, pull out the old filter, and insert the new one. You can also use a vacuum to remove larger particles like dust. As you can see my AC4100 caught more and more dust as I used it!

Unlike its bigger brothers the AC4825 and AC4900CA, the UV germ killing switch is an on/off type control rather than a push button. I don’t like is that there’s no indicator light for the UV feature like the larger models.

However, that’s a pretty minor complaint. All in all, it’s a great little purifier I recommend for small rooms up to about 75 square feet and below in size.

PROS:
  • Simple 3-speed fan control and on/off UV-C switch
  • Good for small rooms (75 sq. ft. and below)
  • UV & titanium dioxide design to kill germs
  • Great filtering ability for its small size
  • High speed setting moves a lot of air for purifying quickly
  • Filter replacement reminder wheel (month installed)
  • Low filter replacement price (about $19)
  • Filter replacement date wheel (marks month installed)
  • Sleek, modern design
CONS:
  • 1 year warranty is shorter than other models
  • Fan speed on high could be slightly better
  • No filter replacement light
  • No additional colors offered

Following the same great quality that has made GermGuardian purifiers some of the best today, it’s a great choice.

Be sure to see the many great buyer reviews and current sale price at Amazon.

4. Levoit LV-PUR131 – Great smoke & odor removal for med/large rooms with auto-sensing.

Levoit LV-PUR131 side front image
For those who need to remove smoke in a larger room, this Levoit model is one of the most popular and well-reviewed units you can buy today.

It’s stylish, powerful, and has several cool features that really appeal to someone like me who worries about being able to sleep with electronics running. Check out the reviews – it’s an excellent addition to your home, office, or even workplace and great at removing smoke odors & residual particles in the air.

Electronic controls are simple to use (similar to its smaller sibling the LV-H132) and it includes a sharp-looking LCD display.

A low-noise sleep mode option is provided to ensure the LV-PUR131 doesn’t disturb you at night time and it’s super-quiet.

Levoit LV-PUR131 control panel features

The electronic control panel looks a bit complicated at first glance but it’s easy to use. Touch controls easily rotate through their various on/off settings such as the fan speed or mode. A digital display shows the remaining operation time when the auto-off timer in use as well as the current air quality detected.

What makes this Levoit model such a wonderful choice is not only the same 3-speed push button fan control but also an automatic mode which increases or decreases fan speed as needed when the air filtration is especially more demanding.

There’s more, too. One of my favorite features, auto timer lets you set and forget it. The purifier will turn itself off automatically after 1-12 hours of operation as selected.

Filters are typically replaced about every 6 months and the replacement reminder will let you know when it’s time to check the filter. Expect to pay around $35 for a replacement, which is still relatively economical when compared to other competitors in its price range.

Levoit LV-PUR131 purifier HEP filter sections diagram

The LV-PUR131 continues the tradition of Levoit’s great air purification filter design. The true HEPA filter traps finer, more difficult dust particles while the preliminary filter quickly and permanently removes airborne dust particles of normal size.

A quiet sleep mode ensures that you’re not disturbed by noise as it provides a very low level of noise during operation.

As it’s only about 11.2 lbs in weight and 14.5 x 7.2 x 18.5 inches in size, the PUR131 provides more square feet coverage (322 square feet) than others but can be placed on many countertops, shelves, and desks if needed.

A 2 year warranty is provided.

PROS:
  • More room coverage for the money (322 sq ft)
  • Auto-sensing mode adjusts fan speed automatically
  • Sleep mode for very quiet operation
  • Electronic, simple controls
  • LCD display
  • Auto-off feature: 1 to 12 hours for “set and forget” operation
  • Great smoke removal performance
  • Excellent overall reviews and customer satisfaction
  • Lower weight and smaller size than others – can be used more places
  • 2 year warranty
  • Nice, modern appearance
CONS:
  • No remote control
  • Auto-sensing mode does not indicate air quality levels visually
  • No night light
  • Replacement filters aren’t the cheapest (near $35 or so)
  • Warranty is shorter than some competitors
  • White color only

As it’s a fantastic compromise between cost, room size coverage, features, and performance it’s a purifier you can’t go wrong with.

Check it out! Find out now why it's one of the best selling models you can buy today at Amazon.

5. Honeywell HPA300 – Bigger room coverage and turbo air cleaning mode. More powerful smoke removal!

Honeywell HPA300 HEPA air purifier product image

The Honeywell provides the greatest room size coverage and smoke filtering ability of the units listed here. It’s a great unit with excellent reviews and some of the best smoke and odor removal ability you’ll find anywhere. It’s not short on features, either!

As it’s a more powerful unit, the HPA300 is a large and heavy unit, weighing about 21 lbs. The filters (carbon/pre-filter section, and separate true HEPA filter sections) are more complex but not difficult to replace.

Expect to pay around $68 or so dollars for a complete 3-filter supply for your purifier. Replacement time is about 3-5 months depending on how heavy the purification work was.

Honeywell HPA300 electronic controls top view

The purifier features excellent touch panel electronic controls. Just touch one of the controls to rotate easily through the settings like fan speed, the light dimmer, and to set the auto-off timer feature.

It’s easy to use and has electronic tap controls for fan speed, light dimmer, and auto-operation. Indicator lights give separate reminders for both the HEPA filter sections and the pre-filter carbon filter section.

For very heavy-duty air cleaning the high-speed mode provides its maximum cleaning ability although it’s far quieter at minimum fan speed. Automatic mode shuts off the unit after either 2, 4, or 8 hour operation.

Honeywell HPA300 filter replacement image

Filter replacement is very simple! The main cover uses 2 push-releases at the top to secure the cover. After removal the prefilter can be replaced or the 3 standard Honeywell HEPA filters as well. It’s easy to do, in my experience.

The HPA300 also has 3 operational modes: allergen, general, and germ for maximum effectiveness if you’re not using it for only smoke odor & particle removal.

Hit the Turbo button for a great boost in air cleaning speed!

I bought the HPA300 myself and gave it a great going-over, and I’m impressed!

PROS:
  • Electronic touch controls
  • Maximum room size capability for the money (below $300 range)
  • Turbo mode for heavy air cleaning operation on demand
  • Automatic operation with 2, 4, and 8 hour settings
  • Quiet low speed operation
  • Largest room/house coverage (465 sq. ft)
  • Filter replacement reminder for both HEPA and pre-filter sections
  • 5-year warranty
  • Dimmer control
CONS:
  • Auto-off timer adjustable only in increments of 2 hours – no 1hr settings
  • Not as sleek-looking as some competing products
  • No auto-sensing mode for self-adjusting ability
  • Black color only

Dealing with smoke in your home and larger rooms? Then you can’t go wrong with the HPA300.

Find out now why it's one of the best large room air purifiers for smoke sold at Amazon today.

Honeywell HPA200 promotional image originalIs the HPA300 a bit too big and expensive for you? Great news!

The HPA200 has the same exact features in a smaller size for a bit less money. It’s great for large rooms. Find out the current price and read how many people love it here.

A tip on filter replacement and use

Air purifiers with filter the replacement reminder feature operate based on operation time and cannot sense how much filtration work was actually done. You’ll want to check the filters and determine whether or not the filter truly needs replacement or not.

When an air purifier is not used heavily – say periodically, for example – the actual time between filter replacement is extended.

For heavy smoke filtration, don’t forget that the pre-filter/carbon filtration section is essential for removing many odors and therefore will definitely need replacement after regular use.

Grant Williams

About the author

Grant is a professional engineer by trade and has experience with both maintenance and do-it-yourself home projects. He enjoys sharing his expertise & ideas with others to help them improve their comfort and quality of life. Read more »

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