Best Air Purifier for Smoke Under $100 – Reviews and Ultimate Buying Guide

I’m sure you’ve already noticed the growing number of people wearing simple breathing masks on the street. Although most people are aware of the dust and smoke polluting the air on the street, many are indifferent to the pollution inside their homes.

You should know that the impurities in the air, including odors, smoke, dust, and pet dander you inhale on the road, are also present to some extent inside your home too. Sometimes, some of these pollutants’ levels could be five times higher than outdoor air!

Today, technology has given us things to be thankful for. One of them is a home air purifier. When you think, you and your family have had enough of bad air through your lungs, the best solution you can have is to buy a good air purifier for your home.

6 Best Air Purifiers for Smoke Under $100

To make your task a whole lot easier, I’ve shortlisted some of the best air purifiers for smoke under $100 in this article. Take a look at these and decide which suits you the best.

ImageProductPrice
backpacLEVOIT LV-H132Check Latest Price
backpacHamilton Beach TrueAir Air PurifierCheck Latest Price
backpacAeraMax 100 Air PurifierCheck Latest Price
backpacMOOKA Air Purifier for HomeCheck Latest Price
backpacGerm Guardian True HEPA Filter Air PurifierCheck Latest Price
backpacVEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air PurifierCheck Latest Price

1. LEVOIT LV-H132 – Air Purifiers for Smoke Reviews

LEVOIT LV-H132

The first of the six air purifiers for smoke reviews we’re gonna discuss is the LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier for Home. With the height of just over a foot, this slick but elegant looking air cleaner for home weighs 6.5 pounds.

Many of the air purifiers in the market use ionizers that produce Ozone gas – hazardous to health, especially the lungs. Instead, the LEVOIT LV-H132 uses a three-layered filtration system consisting of first, the pre-filter, then a True HEPA filter, and lastly, a High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter.

The pre-filter captures pet hair or dander and large dust particles first. Then the True HEPA filter collects harmful particles such as pollen, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.

And finally, the activated carbon filter cleans the air from allergens, mold, and odor in addition to removing 99.97% of airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns.

This three-layered filtration system purifies the air in such a way that you can enjoy an improved air quality inside your home.

One of the important drawbacks of electronic air filters is the sound. But this LEVOIT air purifier filters the air with the lowest sound under only 25dB. So you can have a soothing and relaxed environment.

If kept at a small or medium-sized room, perfect for the machine, it can circulate the air inside the room at least four times in an hour. It also saves you a lot of money in the long run because its replacement filters are more affordable than the ones in the market.

As the cherry on top, it has a built-in replacement indicator to remind you when you need to change it. Usually, you don’t need to replace a filter before 6-8 months of service.

The LEVOIT LV-H132 is CARB certified too. That is, it passed California’s stringent standards for any type of indoor cleaning device.

Pros

  1. Small yet elegant looking
  2. Quiet performance
  3. Indicator for replacement filters
  4. Highly efficient performance
  5. Replacement filter more affordable
  6. CARB certified

Cons

  • Works best only in small rooms

2. Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier (04384)

Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier

When you own a pet, the odor is the most common complaint any pet owner has. The specialty of Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier is exactly this, to remove your trouble once and for all. This beautiful looking air cleaner eliminates pesky pet odors and dander from home and giver you nice and fresh air to breathe.

Hamilton Beach does this with its triple filtration technology containing one true HEPA filter and 2 carbon zeolite filters. The HEPA filter is permanent, so you don’t need to replace it ever. But the carbon zeolite filters need replacing every three months.

There is a Timestrip cartridge attached to the replaceable carbon filters to indicate the time of their replacement. It is usually once every three months.

A permanent pre-filter traps hair and large polluting particles. The two zeolite carbon filters eliminate pet odors, and the permanent true HEPA filter cleans the air from 99.97% of all pollutants.

What good in this, this permanent HEPA filter can be vacuum cleaned easily without any hassle whatsoever. So, you don’t even need to buy any replacement filter.

The Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier is quiet and yet powerful for your home setting. You can enjoy soothing quietness with the fresh air at the same time. It has Extra Quiet feature for night time along with the Quick Cleaning setting for a powerful cleanup.

This slick air cleaner is versatile in its setting too. You can place it horizontally or vertically according to your liking, and it fits perfectly.

Pros

  • Specialization in pet hair and odor cleaning
  • Two carbon zeolite filters
  • The delivery is free of charge
  • Versatile and really talented

Cons

  • Hardly any smart features

3. AeraMax 100 Air Purifier

AeraMax 100 Air Purifier

Due to the pollution in the air occurring all around the world, the number of people with an allergy has also increased manifolds. Most of the allergic reactions that occur are due to the dust and other microparticles in the air.

AeraMax 100 Air Purifier specializes in this problem. This air purifier has special filters that have the required antimicrobial treatment to help out allergy and asthma sufferers.

It has an incredible four-stage filtration process. First, the Carbon Filter captures large particles and odors from the pet, cooking, cigarette smoke, and other household odors.

The next stage works through a True HEPA Filter that removes all other airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Here, you can get the protection from pollen, ragweed, and other allergens, viruses, germs, dust mites, mold spores with any other pet dander or cigarette smoke that might have escaped the first stage.

And the third stage has the AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment that provides you protection from all types of microbial growth causing odor on the True HEPA filter.

It also provides built-in protection from the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mildew, and fungi on the True HEPA filter. And finally, AeraMax 100 Air Purifier possesses PlasmaTrue Technology, which creates an ionized field to help safely remove any other airborne pollutants.

All these four stages help you get protection from more than 99.97% of all germs, growth, or minute particles that might be present in the air. These high-performance built-in filters save you during the cold and flu seasons from allergy and airborne sickness.

AeraMax 100 Air Purifier has AeraSmart Sensor that monitors air quality constantly looking out for any pollutants, then automatically adjusts the fan speed keeping your air extra clean.

It also has certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Pros

  • Safety from Asthma and Allergy
  • True HEPA filter remains clean always
  • No replacements needed
  • Auto sensor for pollutants
  • Covers 200 sq. ft. area

Cons

  • Ionized field creation might produce Ozone

4. MOOKA Air Purifier for Home

MOOKA Air Purifier for Home

The MOOKA Air Purifier is one of the lightest air purifiers in the market. Its small size makes it adjustable to practically any type and size of the room. Along with its smaller size, it weighs less too, only 3.01 pounds.

Its simple and minimalistic design makes operation very easy. With just one button, you can turn it on, off, and also change the fan speed. But do not be fooled with its simplicity and size, it can work wonders when left it to.

Ozone is a harmful gas that is produced in some air cleaners. The California Air Resources Board certified the MOOKA Air Purifier for its least Ozone emission.

This small yet powerful air purifier is perfect for all pet owners, along with anyone wanting to improve the air quality in their home. For, it has also got the True HEPA filter, which cleanses 99.97% of all airborne particles and pollutants.

Just under 100%, this powerful air cleaner is also quiet while working. The unit has a quiet mode canceling the noise and keeping it under 35 dBs. It consumes only 0.192 units of electricity with a rated power of 8W. So, you can say goodbye to your high electric bill!

A special feature is that it has a 360-degree air intake system. So, it circulates the air inside the device and discharges better cleaner air for you. Thanks to the nice night light, it looks elegant in the dark. But it cannot be turned off while the power is on. So, if you are not into super dark rooms at night, this may be a good pick.

Pros

  • The smaller size makes it greatly portable
  • 360-degree air circulation technology
  • Uses true HEPA filter

Cons

  • The night light cannot be turned off while power is on

5. Germ Guardian AC4825 – Air Purifiers Under 100$

Germ Guardian AC4825

To be honest with you, the first time seeing it, I thought it looked a lot like a speaker. But that aside, this goof looking air purifier from Germ Guardian cleanses the air better than most other air purifiers under 100$ mark.

It has the Pre-filter trapping all types of dust, pet hair, and any other large particles in the air. Also, this layer has the Charcoal Filter attached to it, which gives you additional primary cleansing and traps the odors, as well.

The second layer consists of the True HEPA filter, without which there cannot be a good air purifier to talk about.

And last but not least, the last layer of filters is a UV-C-supported technology that works with Titanium Dioxide. Because of this, it is able to provide protection against airborne bacteria, viruses, germs, and mold spores. It kills those germs and saves you from influenza, staph, rhinovirus, and many other bacteria.

Longer and taller than most other under 100$ mark air cleaner, the Germ Guardian can filter the air inside a room no less than 4 times in an hour. But the maximum room size is a bit smaller than the others – 167 square feet.

This beautiful air cleaner is also AHAM verified, Energy Star Certified,andCARB Compliant verified. So, you can be assured this really does its job well.

Pros

  • Four layered filtering system
  • UV-C filter kills bacteria
  • Energy saving
  • AHAM, CARB and Energy Star certified

Cons

  • Costly filter replacement

6. VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series – Best Air Purifier Under 100$

VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier

The VEVA Elite Pro Air Purifier has been kept for the last intentionally. This is probably the best air purifier under 100$ that we have discussed. Calling it just a good air cleaner is probably an understatement.

Amazingly, it has got not only one but four Premium Activated Carbon Pre-filters that gives you year-round satisfaction and protection against all kinds of dust, pet dander, pollen, bacteria, mold, and odors from pets, smoking, cooking and more.

The unit boasts one Premium Quality True HEPA filter for anyone who suffers from allergies and asthma or looking to create a cleaner, healthier home. What’s more premium about it is that it has 30% more HEPA filter fabric!

What good! VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier has the lowest filter replacement cost compared to other air cleaners we have discussed. You can change the filter every 9 to 12 months, that’s a lot more than others.

It is absolutely Ozone free, so no worries about lung problems. One of the best features is the area coverage. It has the largest area coverage of almost 325 sq. feet, which is fairly a big room.

Lastly, its super sleek and innovative design is perfect for any home or office décor.

Pros

  • Four activated carbon filters
  • Premium HEPA filter with 30% more fabric
  • Very large coverage area
  • Ozone free
  • Auto shutoff
  • Super safe around children

Cons

  • Doesn’t have filter change indicator

Best Air Purifier for Smoke Under $100

Things to Expect from an Air Purifier for Smoke under 100

You don’t want to have a remorse after finally buying an air purifier for yourself. So before you do decide to buy one, you need to know well the following things first.

  • Continuing Costs

A commercially produced air purifier for smoke is made up of a number of parts, including multiple filters, a fan, etc. The filter requires the use of various materials like fiberglass, mesh, paper, etc.

So, the thing with these parts is that after a certain amount of time, these parts require regular replacement or cleaning to maintain efficiency. And that costs money. On average, this cost could add up to $50 to $100 a year.

  • Ozone Producer

If you have read about global warming, you’ve probably heard of this gas. The ozone gas contains three atoms of Oxygen. And this is produced as a byproduct in some types of air purifiers that use ionizers.

These are ions that are released into the air to get attached to polluting particles. Ozone, in addition to the environment, is also harmful to the lungs and throat, causing chronic respiratory diseases and shortness of breath. So, do keep yourself away from those purifiers.

  • Great Expectations!

I suggest not to expect cleaning like the controlled conditions in a lab. Most air filters are designed to capture gas, odor, particles, dust, and pollen. Some do kill bacteria and germs through UV but mind that there are germs that are UV-resistant.

Besides, new pollutants are constantly forming and entering through a ventilator, window, and doors, not to mention the allergens embedded onto furniture, flooring, and the wall paints.

  • Guideline for Size

When you buy the best air purifier for smoke for yourself, try to buy one that is able to operate on a larger area than you’d be using it for. This will give you a better efficacy and less noise.

  • CADR Rating

It stands for the Clean-Air Delivery Rate rating. This measures the speed of cleaning the dust, smoke, pollen, or any other particle in the air. Look for CADR of at least 300 or more.

  • True HEPA

High-efficiency particulate arrestance removes at least 99.97% of particles measuring up to 0.3 micrometers. True HEPA filters require cleaning less frequently and don’t produce the harmful ozone either. The US Department of Energy requires manufacturers to pass the HEPA requirements.

  • Portability

Since you’ll be buying the air purifier for smoke under $100, naturally, it wouldn’t be as big as those commercially used units found in industries and labs. Make sure your purifier is portable enough to move around your house.

  • Filter Type

Every house has a different need when it comes to air filters. The various filters used in different purifiers have varying functionalities. They all don’t work in the same way, and neither do they provide you with the same benefits. If your home has someone with dust allergies, for example, go for the purifier with HEPA.

  • Noise

It is an important factor to consider if you’re setting it in a home. Some air purifiers are practically silent while they’re on, which is really good. But others make some kind of humming noise in room settings, especially when they’re overworking.

So, you may want to choose a device that’s relatively quiet, even at higher speeds. Try to look for ones that make the sound less than 20 decibels.

  • Energy Consumption

It is important to look for energy efficiency while buying an air purifier. Since they work best while they’re on continuously, it means they’ll definitely consume a considerable amount of electricity.

But if you’re careful to choose the one with less energy consumption, when the electricity bill comes, you might not even notice any difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are home air purifiers safe around children?

The question of safety of air purifiers comes from what comes out of it, and not what goes in. These cleaners with ionizers usually form Ozone gas, which is harmful to the lungs if inhaled too much. Other than that, they are completely safe.

  • Do under 100% create too much noise?

All air purifiers have fans inside them to circulate the air. Without them, they won’t be able to intake the air for filtration. As in this case, naturally, there will be some sound. But the smaller air purifiers have very low sound. Besides, there are the ones which have special sound reduction features, as well.

  • Are replaceable filters available in the market?

The major air purifiers have plenty of extra filters waiting to be replaced in the market. So, when you finally decide to buy your air purifier under 100$, make sure the replacement filters are available enough, or you can buy some extra in advance.

  • How long does air purifiers need to be on to completely clean the air inside the room?

It depends on the power of the purifier, its fan speed, and the area of air space it is covering. Most good air cleaners claim to clean the room air no less than four times in an hour, providing they cover only the maximum area.

  • Can I turn the air cleaner off after it has cleared the air once or twice?

It is a common misunderstanding that running an air cleaner for a couple of hours is enough to keep the air inside the room clean. But in reality, new pollutants and particles are constantly forming and coming inside the room from outside.

Air purifiers are made to run for a longer period of time, and they also don’t eat up much electricity. So, you don’t need to turn it off that quick.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

If you have come this far, probably you’ve already decided to buy the best air purifier for smoke under $100. And if you did, our first pick would be the VEVA Elite Pro Air Purifier for you. Because, what hasn’t it got? You have the largest area coverage with minimum cost on the replacement!

Out second pick is the LEVOIT LV-H132.LEVOLT has been one of the biggest manufacturers of air purifiers for years, and their product naturally provides the best solution in the market. As a truly energy-efficient, compact, and smart-looking air purifier, it is also greatly portable.

Although it doesn’t really seem like it, all the pollutants of the outdoor air get trapped inside the house, causing what is known as the Sick Building Syndrome. More than 4 million people die because of indoor air pollution worldwide!

So you see, gone are those days when people called having an air purifier for home a luxury. Presently, it has rather become a necessity for a healthy life. So, choose your pick wisely.

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