Air purifiers are expensive, and finding an air purifier that is both affordable and effective can be a difficult task. Thats why we’ve done it for you. We’ve spent months researching the best air purifiers for smoke under $100 and have come up with a condensed list of 3 purifiers that will not only clean the air of smoke and reduce smoke odor but also keep your wallet looking fat.
The Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Under $100
#1. Leviot LV-H132
#2. PureZone 3-in-1
#3. Germ Guardian
Price
Performance
Quiteness
Overall
Levoit
PureZone
GermGuardian
To see the more expensive Air purifiers for Smoke (better performance) visit:
Table of Contents
Reviews
Buying Guide
These 4 air purifiers range from $50 – $100. Although these purifiers will get the job done, if you are willing to pay a higher price for even better performance and larger space coverage, read our article on The best air purifiers for smoke & smoke odor.
The Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Under $100
#1. Levoit LV-H132
- Smoke
- Odors
- Allergens
- Pets
- Mold
- Germs
- Pre- filter
- True HEPA Filter
- Activated Carbon Filter
- 3 Speed Settings
- Gentle night light with two brightness settings
- CARB, ETL & FCC-approved
- Compact Size
- 2-year warranty w/ lifetime support
- 3 Speed Settings
- Noise Level : 50 dB
- Power Consumption : 28 Watts
Overview
The Levoit LV- H132 is the smaller version of the LV-PUR 131. This purifier is perfect for smaller sized rooms, living areas, offices,and kitchens.
It’s cylinder shape not only provides an attractive look but also allows for all three filters to reach their maximum potential. At first sight, the air purifier looks small and weak, but don’t let this compact design fool you. The 3-stage filtration system works like a charm.
With a three stage filtration process, the Levoit LV-H132 will effectively remove smoke odors, tobacco carcinogens, and wildfire ash. The pre-filter will capture large particles and sticky nicotine residue released by cigarette which can subsequently be washed from the filter. The activated carbon filter will absorb odors such as cigarette smoke smell, musty smells, and pet odor. The true HEPA filter will eliminate 99.97% of contaminants from the air that are at least .3 microns in size. This includes smoke, allergens, mold, dust, pet dander, pet hair, and odors.
If you’re wondering about the purifier’s ability to eliminate tobacco odor, just take your advice straight from the Levoit company website. The website specifically states that the air purifier will remove, “Cooking smells, pet odors, and cigarette smoke.”
Positive Feedback
Customers are overall extremely satisfied with this product. Over 70% of the 2000 reviews on amazon are 5 star reviews. This means that the LEvoit purifier is one of the highest rated products on the market. Cutomres rave about its ability to clear the room of odors, allergens, smoke particles, and pet dander. Many say that after buying this purifier, their allergies completely wiped out.
The reviews indicate that this purifier has reduced dust and allergens in many houses. Customers state that their problems with indoor allergies have subsided and their dusting duties have been lessened.
Negative Feedback
A small amount of reviewers have complained about issues with the purifies beeping noise. Some say that the product constantly produces an annoying beep noise. This is generally due to a malfunction in the puffier and it can be sent back for a new one for free.
Others have stated that the blue lights on the purifier are too bright and disrupt sleep. Although this can be an legitimate issue, the light can actually be turned off, and in many cases customers have actually enjoying the light as an added nightlight feature.
#2. PureZone 3-in-1
- Smoke
- Odors
- Allergens
- Pets
- Mold Spores
- Germs
- Pre-Filter
- Activated Carbon Filter
- True HEPA Filter
- UV-C Sanitizer
- 5 Year Warranty
- 3 speed settings
- Automatic Timer
- Filter Reset Indicator
- Quiet Operation
- Power: AC 120V, 50Hz, 60W
- Noise Level: 30dB (Low), 40dB (Medium), 50dB(High)
- UV Light: Wavelength: 254nm | Lamp life: Approx. 20,000 hours
Overview
Although this product is advertised as a 3-in-1 air purifier, it can actually be considered as a 4-in-1. The PureZone features a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, true HEPA filter, and a UV-C light sanitizer. Using these 4 technologies together will clean the air of a wide range of contaminants.Positive Feedback
Although this purifier does not have a lot of power in comparison to more expensive models such as the Coway AP, it will get the job done. Reviewers are consistently satisfied with its inexpensive price as well as its affordable replacement filters. At only $17, the PureZone replacement filters are very affordable.
If you plan to use it in a small room, the PureZone 3-in-1 will effectively clean the air in your room at a price of only 99$.
Negative Feedback
#3. GermGuardian AC4825
- Smoke
- Odors
- Allergens
- Pets
- Mold Spores
- Germs
- Pre-Filter
- HEPA Filter
- Activated Carbon Filter
- Optional UV-C light
- 3 stage filtration
- 3-speed fan
- Easy-to-use push button display
- Quiet Performance
- Lightweight design
- AHAM verified
- Energy Star Certified
- 22 inch
Overview
The GermGuardian was chosen as the third best air purifier for smoke because of its wide respect and popularity in the air purification industry. It is easily the most popular air purifier on the market and offers top of the line performance for an affordable price. With an amazon rating above 4.0 and over 8,000 reviews, its safe to say that this purifier is one of the most trusted on the market.
Guardian Technologies is the company that manufacturers this purifier. Guardian Technologies is at the forefront of air purification technology and has a line of products that include air purifiers, sanitizers, humidifiers, and essential oil diffusers.
Purification Technology
The purifier first draws in air through the back. As air flows into the purifier, it hits the pre-filter, the activated carbon filter, the HEPA filter, then the UV-C light.
With a True HEPA filter, a Charcoal filter, and an UV-C light sterilizer, this air purifier will eliminate smoke, odors, allergens, dust, mold, pet dander, and more. The pre filter will collect nicotine residue and large particles. The HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of airborne particles at least .03 microns in size, the carbon filter will remove smoke smell and other odors, and the UV-C light technology works with Titanium Dioxide to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, germs and mold spores.
The combination of these technologies will combat smoke odor, smoke toxins, and clean the air of second hand smoke.
Positive Feedback
Using the GermGuardian AC4825 will make the air your room clean and fresh, and will clear almost any type of smell. Many people are happy with the purifier’s ability to remove cigarette and cigar smoke, and say that it will clear a room of smoke in only a few hours. If you live with someone who smokes or live next to a smoker and deal with smoke odor, the GermGuardian should fix your problems. Customers are arguably most satisfied with its ability to remove allergens and pet dander. They also do a great job of eliminating germs and mold spores (thanks to the UV-C light).
Negative Feedback
Aside from customer complaints about the air purifier coverage (which can be avoided as explained below), there really aren’t a lot of negative reviews about this purifier. In fact, with over 8,000 reviews in amazon, around 80% are positive reviews and only around 20% are negative.
Many of the negative reviews are related to this purifiers propensity to overheat and burn itself up in the inside. Reviewers complain of the purifier omitting a “burning plastic” like smell when this happens. Although this does seem to be a real threat, it has only happened to a very small number of customers. Also, there is a warranty offered for this product, so the purifier can simply be exchanged for a new one.
What to look for in an Air Purifier for Smoke
When investing in an air purifier, it is important to look at size and coverage, CADR ratings, and filtrating technology.
To choose the correct size for your needs, first measure the room in which you will be placing the purifier. The best way to measure your room size is to calculate the square footage by multiplying the length by the width.
After determining the square footage of your room, use this information to assist you in your buying process. Look for air purifiers that specifically offer room coverage of at least or close to your room size.
The next step is to look at CADR ratings. CADR stands for clean air delivery rate. This is the measure of how well and how fast an air purifier can clean the air in your room. Obviously, a larger, more expensive air purifier will have a higher CADR rating. Due to the differences in air purifier size and power, it is important to compare air purifiers that are generally around the same size and price. Thats why its important to determine the room size before researching purifiers.
Another important thing to look for is the types of filtration technologies offered. Each type of technology has its own benefit and should be used for different types of particulate air. For example, an activated carbon filter is best for removing odor, a true HEPA filter is best for removing small particles such as pollen, dust, and smoke, and a UV-C light is best for killing bacteria such as germs and mold spores. Although Ionizers produce ozone, they are also an important technology for eliminating smoke as they will attach a negative ion to any particle the flows through the purifier. After acquiring a negative charge, these contaminants will stick to anything and everything, including each other. Eventually several dirty particles will stick to each other and fall to the ground (due to their weight) to be swept for vacuumed.
It is also important to make sure that the purifier you are purchasing says “True” HEPA filter and not “HEPA like” or some other similar type of wording. Many companies will attempt to advertise their products in a way that will make an uneducated buyer think that the product features a real HEPA filer, when in fact it is actually a knock off technology.
Do Air Purifiers work for Cigarette Smoke?
Yes. Air purifiers with an activated carbon and True HEPA filter are able to absorb all types of smoke including cigarette smoke, cigar smoke, marijuana smoke, and wildfire smoke. One way to see that an air purifier has removed cigarette smoke is to check the filter. Cigarette smoke often leaves yellowish residue on the air purifier filter that can be easily cleaned.
As explained above, this residue is one the main causes of smoke odor in your home or car.
Although air purifiers can be very effective, they are not able to capture all smoke particles in a room. It is still important to limit the amount of indoor smoking.
What is the Best Cheap Air Purifier?
The best cheap air purifier is the Levoit LV-H132. This air purifier offers great performance for a cheap price below $100. The Levoit LV-H132 is not only the best air purifier for smoke under $100, but is also great at removing odor, allergens, pet smells, pet dander, mold, and germs.
Some of the other best cheap air purifiers include the PureZone 3-in-1 air purifier and the Germguardian AC4825.
Effects of Smoke Odor
Cigarette smoke will seep into every piece of furniture, clothing, or carpet that you own. The smell of smoke will even embed into the walls of your home. Over a period of time, the smell can become so entrenched in your home, furniture, and car that it will significantly reduce the value of your property.
Not only does the smell of smoke reduce the value of your personal property, it can also be harmful to your health. In a study released by “Clinical Science,” “researchers exposed mice to similar levels of smoke found in smoker’s homes. After six months, these mice showed cell damage in their liver and brains.”
How to Avoid Second Hand Smoke
The best way to avoid second hand smoke is to remove the source of smoke or avoid being around people while they are smoking. If eliminating smoke from the source is not an option, the next best option is to encourage the people smoking around you to smoke outdoors.
The best step to eliminating second hand smoke in an enclosed environment is through the use of an air purifier. As explained above, air purifiers can remove the majority of carcinogens released by tobacco smoke and can help keep you and your family safe.
Effects of Second Hand Smoke
What is second hand smoke and how can exposure to it be harmful?
When someone is smoking a cigarette in an enclosed environment, most of ths smoke doesn’t actually go into their lungs. As the cigarette burns, most of the smoke is released into the air. Also, much of the smoke is released when exhaled.
In the past several year, smoking has become illegal in many public places, but many people are still struggling with issues related to second hand smoke.
Second hand smoke has over 4,000 harmful chemical compounds, 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Exposure to these compounds can significantly increase your chance of heart disease and lung cancer.
If you have children, be aware. Second hand smoke is the most harmful to children as they have young developing lungs. Second hand smoke is known to cause asthma attacks, ear infections, and respiratory infections in children.
Also worried about smoke from your fireplace? Find an air purifier for fireplace smoke today!
Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.