Best Affordable Air Purifier: 8 Models For Powerful Air Cleaning
Are you looking for the best affordable air purifier? I have compiled the 8 products with efficient filtration, advanced features, and classy designs. Each of them removes harmful toxins and increases indoor atmosphere quality. Let’s dive into the details!
Quick Answer
With a surge in air pollution and viral diseases, air purifiers have become a necessity. They refine the indoor environment by eliminating larger particles, VOCs, mold spores, unwanted smells, dust mites, smoke particles, pet dander, and viruses. They also relieve you of allergies and ensure a good night’s sleep.
But what if you have a tight budget? Are affordable air purifiers efficient? The short answer is Yes.
I have compiled the best cheap air purifiers for varying room sizes. They are feature-rich and visually appealing. Let’s look at them in detail and find the one that meets your needs.
Top 8 Best Affordable Air Purifiers – Comparison Chart
The following table lists 8 budget air purifiers, their filters, and room coverage.
The Levoit Core 300 is an air purifier for small spaces with efficient filtration and advanced sleep mode features.
Pros
Customizable filters.
Ultra-quiet sleep mode.
Energy star rated.
Low maintenance cost.
Easily portable.
Filter replacement indicator.
Timer option for 2, 4, 6, 8 hrs.
Display lock button.
Display off feature.
CARB (California Air Resources Board) certified.
Cons
No auto mode.
No smart sensor.
Lack of a smart app or voice control.
Levoit Core 300 is an easy-to-use stylish air purifier with a powerful 3-stage purification system. It has QuietKEAP technology that enables ultra-quiet operation. Let’s look at it in detail.
Levoit Core 300 Features
The features of the Levoit Core 300 are:
3-Stage Filtration: Levoit produces great HEPA air purifiers. Levoit Core 300 has an efficient 3-stage filtration with VortexAir technology.
Customizable Filters: Levoit Core 300 has three filter options – Pet allergy, Toxin absorber, and Smoke remover.
Sleep Mode: Levoit Core 300 has a sleep mode with QuietKEAP technology. It enables the air purifier to work at an ultra-quiet noise level of 24 dB. The display off button turns off all the control panel lights. This mode ensures a peaceful sleep.
My Recommendation: Levoit Core 300 is one of the best budget air purifiers. Although it lacks smart control, it has a great design, quality build, powerful air filtration, and ultra-quiet sleep mode.
2. Germ Guardian AC4825E Air Purifier – Best For Germs
The compact Germ Guardian AC4825E is ideal for small rooms. It has 4-stage filtration with UV light and three fan speed options.
Pros
Extremely easy-to-use.
Quiet operation on the lowest fan setting.
Filter replacement indicator.
UV button to turn the UV light on or off.
Energy Star certified.
AHAM, EPA, and CARB certified.
Cons
High filter replacement cost.
Low-quality carbon filter.
No smart app or voice control.
No auto or sleep modes.
Absence of a smart sensor.
The tower-shaped Germ Guardian AC5825E has a 4-stage filtration with UV technology. It is compact with simple control panel buttons. Let’s look at it in detail.
Germ Guardian AC4825E Features
The features of the Germ Guardian AC4825E are:
4-Stage Filtration: Germ Guardian AC4825E has four air filters.
UV-C Light: It kills germs, bacteria, and viruses. The control panel has a UV button to turn it on or off.
Filter Replacement Indicator: It notifies when the filters need replacement.
Germ Guardian AC4825E Specifications
The specifications of the Germ Guardian AC4825E are:
My Recommendation: Germ Guardian AC5825E has a compact tower-shaped design that allows it to fit any space. It has 4-stage filtration, quiet operation, and does an adequate job of cleaning the air. But its annual maintenance cost is high.
The Levoit Core 200S is a perfect blend of power air filtration, advanced features, and affordable price.
Pros
True HEPA filter eliminates fine airborne allergens.
Highly efficient activated carbon filter.
Compact and easily portable.
Smart app connectivity and voice control.
Energy Star certified.
Low cost of replacement filters.
Timer option for 2, 4, and 8 hrs
Filter replacement indicator.
Display off button.
Display lock feature locks the settings.
CARD, ETL, and FCC certified.
Cons
No auto mode.
No smart sensor.
The small Levoit Core 200S is a powerful air purifier with 3-stage filtration. It has advanced features like smart app connectivity, voice control, sleep mode, and a night light that you will not find in any other air purifier at this price range. Let’s look at it in detail.
Levoit Core 200S Features
The features of the Levoit Core 200S are:
3-Stage Filtration: Levoit Core 200S has three filters. The pellet-based carbon filter is highly efficient at eliminating unwanted odors. It uses VortexAir technology for strong airflow.
Smart App: You can operate the Levoit Core 200S using the VeSync app and voice control.
Sleep Mode: The sleep mode enables ultra-quiet operation of only 24 dB due to the QuietKEAP technology. The display off button dims the control panel lights for uninterrupted sleep. It is one of the best air purifiers for small bedrooms.
Night Light: The night light is Levoit Core 200S unique feature. It works as a night lamp and is perfect for bedrooms.
My Recommendation: Levoit Core 200S is a smart air purifier with an efficient air filter, advanced sleep mode for peaceful sleep, and app connectivity. Although it does not have an auto mode, it is still the best budget air purifier for small rooms.
4. Honeywell HPA100 Air Purifier – Longest Warranty
The rectangular Honeywell HPA100 is ideal for small rooms with its 3-stage filtration, three fan speeds, timer feature, and Turbo mode.
Pros
5-year long warranty.
Turbo mode.
Timer option for 2, 4, 8 hrs.
Filter replacement indicators.
Dimmer feature.
Energy star rated.
AHAM verified.
Cons
No auto mode.
No sleep mode for quiet operation during the night.
Lack of a smart app or voice control.
No smart sensor.
The carbon filter is not competent enough at removing unpleasant odors.
Traditional design.
Honeywell HPA100 has a 3-stage filtration with an efficient True HEPA filter. It has a Turbo mode, timer, and dimmer lights features. Let’s look at it in detail.
Honeywell HPA100 Features
The features of the Honeywell HPA100 are:
3-Stage Filtration: Honeywell HPA100 has a 3-stage filtration.
Turbo Mode: Honeywell HPA100 has a Turbo mode to clean the air quickly.
Filter Replacement Indicators: Honeywell HPA100 has two filter replacement indicators for Carbon pre-filter and HEPA filters.
Dimmer feature: It dims or turns off the control panel lights.
My Recommendation: Honeywell HPA100 with a 5-year warranty is ideal for people in search of air purifiers that last long. It has 3-stage filtration and four fan speed options with a Turbo mode apt for small spaces. It might not be suitable for bedrooms due to the absence of a sleep mode.
The tiny Levoit LV-H132 has a 3-stage filtration, three fan speeds, and unique night light perfect for small bedrooms.
Pros
Efficient True HEPA and carbon filters.
Aesthetic night light.
Low power consumption.
Filter replacement indicator.
Low maintenance cost.
High-quality build and modern design.
CARB, ETL, and FCC certified.
Cons
No auto or sleep modes.
No app connectivity or smart control.
Lack of a smart sensor.
Absence of the timer feature.
The modern Levoit LV-H132 is a HEPA air purifier with 3-stage purification. It has a stylish night light suitable for bedrooms and features like three fan speeds and a filter replacement indicator. Let’s look at it in detail.
Levoit LV-H132 Features
The features of the Levoit LV-H132 are:
3-Stage Filtration: It has three filters.
Night Light: The night light works like a night lamp. It glows blue when turned on. If you long-press the night light button, it will turn off all the lights on the control panel.
Filter Replacement Indicator: It notifies when the filter needs replacement.
My Recommendation: Levoit LV-H132 is a tiny yet modern air purifier packed with an efficient air filtration system. It has a visually appealing night light that works as a lamp. It is ideal for people looking for affordable air purifiers who do not care about advanced features.
The stylish Blueair Blue Pure 411 has a 3-stage filtration, quiet operation, three fan speeds, and very low power consumption.
Pros
3-stage air purification with HEPASilent technology.
Extremely low power consumption (Energy Star rated).
Ultra-quiet operation.
Washable pre-filter in various color options.
360-degree air suction.
AHAM and CARB certified.
Filter replacement indicator.
Cons
No true HEPA filter.
No auto or sleep modes.
lack of a smart app or voice control.
No smart sensor.
Absence of features like a timer.
The Blueair Blue Pure 411 is a minimalistic air purifier with powerful 3-stage filtration and HEPASilent technology. It has a single-button control for easy access and a filter replacement indicator. Let’s look at it in detail.
Blue Pure 411 Features
The features of the Blue Pure 411 are:
3-Stage Filtration: Blue Pure 411 has three filters with HEPASilent technology and 360-degree air suction. HEPASilent ensures optimum filtration with minimum noise.
Pre-filter: The washable fabric pre-filter is available in five different colors. You can buy the ones that match your aesthetic preference.
Single Button Control: Blue Pure 411 has an easy single button for control. It changes between the three fan speeds.
Quiet Mark awarded: Quiet Mark has identified Blue Pure 411 as the quietest air purifier.
My Recommendation: The minimalistic Blue Pure 411 is ideal for people looking for a budget air purifier with a powerful filtration system for clean air and simple control. But it does not have a True HEPA filter which is more reliable.
7. Toshiba CAF-W36USW Air Purifier – Inexpensive Smart Air Purifier
The Toshiba CAF-W36USW has a 4-stage filtration with UV light, Wi-Fi compatibility, and Alexa voice control.
Pros
4-stage filtration.
Quiet operation at low speed.
Wi-Fi compatibility.
Remote Alexa voice control.
Energy star rated.
Filter reset indicator.
AHAM certified.
Cons
No auto or sleep modes.
No smart app.
Lack of a smart sensor.
The tower-shaped Toshiba CAF-W36USW is a smart air purifier with 4-stage filtration, quiet operation, and remote voice control. Let’s look at it in detail.
Toshiba CAF-W36USW Features
The features of the Toshiba CAF-W36USW are:
4-Stage Filtration: Toshiba CAF-W36USW has a 4-stage purification.
Alexa compatibility: This air purifier has Wi-Fi compatibility. You can add it to the Amazon Alexa app (or Echo devices) for voice control.
Filter Replacement Indicator: The UV indicator also works as a filter replacement indicator. It notifies when the filter needs replacement.
My Recommendation: Toshiba CAF-W36USW is ideal for people in search of a smart yet cheap air purifier with powerful filtration and easy voice control. It does not have a sleep mode which is crucial for quiet operation during the night.
The elegant Mooka air purifier has a 3-stage filtration and an aesthetic blue night light.
Pros
3-stage filtration with True HEPA filter.
Calming blue night light.
Quiet operation at low fan speed.
Low power consumption.
360-degree air intake.
CARB, ETL, and FCC certified.
Cons
Only has two fan speeds.
No auto or sleep modes.
No advanced features.
Lack of a smart sensor.
Mooka True HEPA is a tiny air purifier power packed with 3-stage filtration and an appealing blue night light. It is energy efficient and quiet. Let’s look at it in detail.
Mooka True HEPA Features
The features of the Mooka True HEPA are:
3-Stage Filtration: It has three filters with a 360-degree air intake that pulls air from every direction.
Night Light: The Mooka air purifier has a calming blue night light that can help you sleep peacefully.
Quiet Operation: It operates quietly on low fan speed.
My Recommendation: Mooka air purifier is the cheapest air purifier on this list. It is ideal for people looking for a tiny yet tasteful and efficient air cleaner for small spaces. Its biggest downside is it has only two fan speeds to choose from.
Most Important Things To Look For In Affordable Air Purifiers
The primary function of the best cheap air purifiers is to improve air quality. Undoubtedly, its purification system is the most important feature you must focus on. Below are the most common filters and their functions.
1. Preliminary Filter
A preliminary filter captures large airborne particles from the air intake. A washable pre-filter saves costs due to its reusability.
2. Activated Carbon Filter
Activated charcoal filter reduces VOCs and odors from the air. If your house has strong cooking smells, look for air purifiers with pellet-based carbon filters as they are more efficient at trapping them.
3. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
It is the most vital filter in air purifiers as it removes fine allergens and airborne bacteria. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, look for air purifiers with True HEPA filters as they have a higher particle retention rate.
4. Additional Filtration Technology
Many air purifiers have patented filtration technology to kill germs and viruses like ionization and UV light. Be careful while buying them as they might produce ozone. If you buy one, make sure there is a button to turn it off.
Where Will You Use The Air Purifier?
You must know where you will use the air cleaner as different rooms have different requirements. Let’s look at what features to look for in specific rooms.
Living rooms: High room coverage and strong airflow.
Bedrooms: Ultra-quiet sleep mode and display off feature for peaceful sleep.
Kitchen: High-efficiency activated carbon filter for advanced odor control.
Is Price An Indicator For Device Quality?
No, the price does not indicate device quality. With the advancement in innovation and severe market competition, manufacturers focus on producing great air purifiers at a low cost.
Don’t fall into the trap that high price indicates superior quality products. Do your research by reading guides and reviews before buying an air cleaner.
Annual Cost Of Maintaining Air Purifiers
Air purifiers have two annual maintenance costs:
Power consumption: Air purifiers run on electricity. They add up to your monthly energy bill.
Replacement filters: Most filters need replacement once or twice a year. This is a recurring cost during the life of an air purifier.
Always calculate how much energy bill and filter replacement cost you will pay annually after the purchase. It should not happen that you spend less upfront and end up paying more later.
Yes, cheap air purifiers are worth it. Many affordable air purifiers have strong air filtration technology and advanced features.
Which is the best air purifier for your home?
Levoit air purifiers are the best for homes as they have powerful air purification processes, smart features, and elegant designs.
What is the best air purifier price?
The best air purifier price is between $70 to $300, depending on the room coverage, filters, features, and build quality.
Conclusion
All the above 8 best affordable air purifiers are great for small spaces. Although they are budget, they have a modern design, efficient filtration, and a variety of features.
If I have to choose the best cheap air purifier, I recommend Levoit Core 200S.
Experience clean air with the latest technology of the Winix 5300-2 air purifier: The elegant Levoit Core 200S is perfect for small bedrooms due to:
High-efficiency air filters rigorously clean the air.
Smart app connectivity and voice control.
Ultra-quiet night mode, calming blue light, and low power consumption.
I hope this comprehensive guide helped you select the most suitable air cleaner for your needs and pocket. Which one is your top pick and why? Please comment below.
Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!
