We all know about the dangers that come with smoking cigarettes. Science has shown us that cigarette smoke is proven to damage not only our bodies but the bodies of those around us.
Cigarette smoke contains around 250 harmful chemicals, and around 69 of them are known to cause cancer, so it is widely recommended that your home environment is 100% smoke-free.
The advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to stop smoking cigarettes, but it’s not always easy to quit so reducing the amount of smoke in your household is paramount.
As a smoker, you need to keep in mind that smoking cigarettes indoors not only can lead to substantial carbon monoxide buildup but it can also generate smells that will stick around for a long time as smoke filters into the fibers of your clothes, furniture, and even wallpaper—it can be hard to get rid of smells so you want to tackle smoke before it gets absorbed into your home.
If you are going to smoke indoors, then air circulation is key. You can eliminate some of the pollution caused by cigarette smoke by opening windows and doors or turning on extraction fans. But, the best solution is to invest in an air purifier with a large fan, HEPA filter and packed activated carbon filter, which will help cleanse the air to remove unwanted pollutants and those nasty odors cigarette smoke leaves behind.
That is exactly what we looked for when rounding up the best units for this article.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations When choosing the best units available on the market right now to help you tackle cigarette smoke indoors, we hand-picked air purifiers with: ✔️ Outstanding HEPA filters ✔️ Packed activated carbon filters ✔️ Big fans But we didn’t just put this list together based on manufacturers’ figures and information in their marketing materials. Unlike most sites “reviewing” air purifiers these days, at HouseFresh, we actually buy every product we review with our own money so we can test them in our own home lab: STAGE 1️⃣ – We use an air quality monitor to test the unit’s air cleaning performance by tracking how long it takes it to remove incense smoke pollutants in the air inside our 705 cubic ft. home test room. STAGE 2️⃣ – We use an electricity usage monitor to test the unit’s energy consumption at its lowest and highest speeds. STAGE 3️⃣ – We use a sound level monitor to test the unit’s noise level output in decibels when running at its top and bottom speeds. |
With all this data in hand, we can compare air purifiers side-by-side as we have tested them all performing the same jobs under the same conditions. We have personally tested every single air purifier in this list, so you can rest assured that any of them would help clean the air in your home from cigarette smoke.
If you don’t have time to go through the full list and you want to find an air purifier that will help you tackle cigarette smoke ASAP, then check out our top picks:
Our 3 Favorite Air Purifiers For Cigarette Smoke
Those above are the top choices across three scenarios we like always to cover: readers looking for the best regardless of cost, readers looking for solid performance at a low price, and readers looking for a unit that will help clean the air in a large space.
When hand-picking the best units, I decided to group them by price to ensure solid options for everyone, regardless of their budget. Pick the best option in the table below to see the top air purifiers for your wallet:
Best Air Purifiers Under $200
1. Best Budget Option: TaoTronics AP003
The TaoTronics TT-AP003 surprised us when we tested it in 2022. We like to call it ‘the Levoit Core 300 killer’ because it is an air purifier with premium functions and air cleaning performance for consumers on a tight budget.
What makes the ToaTronics TT-AP003 an excellent choice for tackling cigarette smoke is its combination of a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter with an activated charcoal filter and a good-quality fan.
When we tested the AP003, we were pleasantly surprised to see it performing at the same level as the Levoit Core 400S, which costs over $100 more than the TaoTronics air purifier.
What We Really Like:
👍 You will pay $70 and get in return air cleaning performance and design that is normally found in the $200 range
👍 The AP003 uses mechanical filtration technology (pure HEPA + activated charcoal) without the use of ionizer tech, meaning that it doesn’t generate ozone to perform at the highest level.
👍 Replacement filters are easily available on Amazon
👍 Energy consumption and noise levels are both quite low, considering the performance of this machine
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 If you are a heavy smoker, you might want to consider buying two (2) TaoTronics AP003 to ensure odors are dealt with as its carbon filter is not as big as other more expensive units such as the Alen BreatheSmart 75i
👎 Not easy to find on Amazon – most people will be forced to buy directly from TaoTronics or go with third-party sellers, which can be less reliable
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets |
| Recommended room size: | 322 sq ft (30 m²) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 226 CFM (384 m³/h ) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 21.8 x 14.1 x 7.9 inches (55.4 x 35.8 x 20cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 32 – 52 dB |
| Filter life: | 3 – 6 months |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $30.48 per year |
2. Honeywell HPA300
The Honeywell HPA300 may be a little louder than other units, but to pack this much of a punch, you’re gonna need some power. With a CADR rating of 300 CFM, the HPA300 will clean a room of 400-500 sq. ft. super efficiently whilst taking on multiple indoor contaminants. This power will be invaluable for removing cigarette smoke from the air.
Operating at a 4-stage fan speed, the HPA300 features a HEPA filter (to help disperse air-born particles such as dust, mold spores and pollen) and an activated carbon filter (for bad odors and hazardous VOCs). The carbon filter, also acting as a pre-filter, is located directly behind the grill and will capture larger particles while also tackling potent odors such as cigarette smoke.
What We Really Like:
👍 Having the option to turn off the lights, perfect for the bedroom
👍 Filters are easy to replace and easy to come by
👍 Simplistic style means it’s very easy to understand and use
👍 Easy to pick up because of the side pockets (really comes in handy as it is quite heavy)
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Can be very loud on the highest setting
👎 The design isn’t the best looking
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 26 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Activated Carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter |
| Recommended room size: | 465 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 300 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20.8L x 10.83W x 22.38H inches (52.8L x 27.5W x 56.8H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 48.3dB – 71.2dB |
| Filter life: | HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months |
| Warranty: | 5 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $189.01 per year |
3. Levoit Core 400S
Over the last few years, Levoit has given us some great units. In our tests, the Core 400S proved reliable, high-performing and efficient. It is an excellent choice for those with medium to large-sized rooms (up to 403 sq. ft.), and it boasts a CADR score of 244 CFM for smoke, allowing the Levoit Core 400S to clean the room from cigarette smoke five times per hour.
Its cylindrical design is made of high-quality plastic that expels cleansed air out of the top of the unit and draws in contaminated air from the grills at the bottom. Featuring an H13 true HEPA filter and a custom high-efficiency activated carbon filter, the Core 400S will happily take on multiple indoor contaminants, from cigarette smoke to pollen particles. Not only that, but you will also be able to control the Core 400S through the Levoit app, making it super handy if you want to activate the air purifier remotely.
What We Really Like:
👍 Easy-to-use controls
👍 Handles are located towards the top, making it easy to maneuver
👍 Great value for such a high output of CADR
👍 Super quiet on the lowest setting
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Design isn’t going to win any awards
👎 Air quality sensor could be more accurate
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 33 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter |
| Recommended room size: | 403 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 260 CFM (442 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 10.8L x 10.8W x 20.5H inches (27.4L x 27.4W x 52H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $39.95 per year |
4. Smart Air S
The Smart Air S is a stunning, aesthetically beautiful unit that stands unique in the air purification world, being the new kids on the block. Taking up as much space as a small washing basket, the Smart Air S is an all-around well-made unit with fantastic cleaning capabilities that can cover a space of up to 430 sq. ft.
The Smart Air S features an H12 HEPA filter that will fight off small particles like smoke, dust and pollen. Smokers should buy the activated charcoal filter (which doesn’t come as standard) to help eliminate the smell of cigarette smoke, as well as VOCs and other odors. This unit certainly doesn’t shy away from competing with the big brands on the market; the Smart Air S is a high-performing air purifier that runs as quietly as a whisper with the lowest fan speed is just 23dB.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great size can be tucked away nicely if necessary
👍 Its unique design is lightweight and coincides brilliantly with modern-day rooms and living spaces
👍 On the lowest speed, it functions at 23dB, so it’s super quiet
👍 Very powerful unit for its size, can cover spaces up to 430 sq. ft
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Wish it was equipped with a timer function
👎 Wish it had an auto mode feature for detecting indoor air quality
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H12 HEPA and optional activated charcoal filter |
| Recommended room size: | 430 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 185 CFM (315 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 13H x 13W x 14.3D inches (33.02H x 33.02W x 36.32D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 23dB – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $45.20 per year |
Best Air Purifiers Under $500
5. Our Number One Pick: Blueair Blue Pure 211+
Blueair air purifiers pop up regularly on our best-of lists. The air cleaning performance shown by the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ in our tests (it cleaned the air in our test room in 18 minutes!!) granted it a stop as our top cigar smoke air purifier, so it will be no surprise to hear that the Blue Pure 211+ is our number one pick for cigarette smoke. With a CADR for smoke of 350 CFM, this unit is optimal in rooms up to 540 sq. ft. and comes in different colored pre-filters to customize its design for those who care about the interior décor.
The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ uses a three-part filtration system, including HEPA, activated carbon and a pre-filter. The 211+’s Particle + Carbon filter does its job by combining a powerful HEPA filter (which takes care of airborne particulate matter such as smoke) with an activated carbon layer that removes the odors associated with cigarette smoke. On top of this, the pre-filter is washable, making it a great feature that smokers will appreciate in the day-to-day.
What We Really Like:
👍 Whisper quiet mode
👍 Particle filter included
👍 Multiple color options for the pre-filter fabric
👍 Certifications from the AHAM, CARB, and Energy Star mean it’s ozone-safe
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 No Smart Sensor or air quality sensor
👎 The ON button has a bright light that may disturb light sleepers
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 18 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ Technology (electrostatic filtration with HEPA) and Activated Charcoal Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 540 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 350 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20H x 13W x 13D inches (51H x 33W x 33D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 31 – 56 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Warranty: | 1 year (can be extended to 2 years by creating a Blueair account and registering the unit within 60 days of purchase) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $64.12 per year |
6. Mila Air Purifier
When buying your Mila, you can choose from seven pre-configured filters, but you must choose wisely. To ensure the Mila will help with both the smoke particles AND the smell, you need to buy one of the filters with activated carbon. When asked about the best filter for cigarette smoke on their Kickstarter campaign page, a representative from Mila specified that The Critter Cuddler and the Rookie Parent (yes, these are real names) were both good options as they contain both HEPA and heavy-duty carbon filters.
Now, if you are a heavy smoker, you might want to try The Home Wrecker instead, as it comes with a dual-layer carbon filter (with 1.96 lbs of modified granular carbon) and will be able to deal with the odors even if you smoke heavily indoors. That said, ensure to ventilate and get fresh air into the room by opening windows and doors.
What We Really Like:
👍 The smart home features make it easier to keep your home free of pollutants — with auto mode as a default
👍 Mila’s on-board sensor is continuously working, monitoring pollution levels (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, CO2, CO1) and temperature
👍 The unit itself looks great and it can be moved easily from room to room as it doesn’t take up too much space
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 You pay extra to get a smart unit, but you will get better air cleaning performance from other cheaper air purifiers that don’t have smart sensors in-built
👎 The filters are pretty expensive, so you will need to drop around $150 every six months to keep the Mila performing at its top level
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 35 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPA (ranges from H12-H14) + Activated charcoal (granular carbon) |
| Recommended room size: | 1000 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 263 CFM (447 m³/hr) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12L x 12W x 15H inches (30.48L x 30.48W x 38.1H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 18 lbs (8 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 74dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 per year |
7. Levoit Core 600S
If you have been reading HouseFresh for a while, you will know by now that the Core 600S is the top-performing air purifier we have tested. We felt the need to run our air cleaning performance test twice to make sure we hadn’t made a mistake: it took the Core 600S only 15 minutes to clean the air in our test room – 44 minutes faster than the average (59 minutes).
The 600S is an excellent option if you want to tackle cigarette smoke (and the accompanying odors) thanks to its H13 True HEPA filter and its high-efficiency Activated Carbon filter with ARC Formula™. And it will do all this for a fraction of the price you’ll pay for air purifiers performing at top levels: the Core 600S retails at $299, which is incredibly good considering that other units with similar cleaning performances are all above the $500 mark.
What We Really Like:
👍 The Core 600S comes with smart functions so you can control the air purifier through the Levoit app remotely
👍 The CADR 410 CFM (697 m³/h) is high for an air purifier at this price point. Super impressive!
👍 The Core 600S is a quiet air purifier, which is surprising considering how powerful a machine it is
👍 Unofficial generic replacement filters are easy to find on Amazon
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 It might be overkill for those with small rooms as it is pretty big
👎 They placed the air quality sensor at the back of the unit, so you need to make sure not to place your Core 600S too close to the wall or the sensor will struggle
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 15 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter with Activated Carbon |
| Recommended room size: | 635 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 26 – 55 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
Best Air Purifiers Under $1000
8. Our Top Unit for Large Spaces: Blast Mini
The Blast Mini is the top choice if you’re looking for an air purifier to help eliminate particulates and odors connected to cigarette smoke in larger areas such as commercial buildings and office spaces. With excellent reliability, the Blast Mini surprised us with its high-powered and effective capabilities covering an astonishing 915 sq. ft. of space.
With a CADR rating of 435 CFM (740 m³/h) and an oversized HEPA filter, the Blast Mini performed incredibly well in our tests showing great performance for tackling airborne particles such as smoke over a vast space. But if you also want to tackle the unwanted odors associated with cigarette smoke, you need to buy the optional carbon filter because the Blast Mini doesn’t include it by default.
What We Really Like:
👍 The HEPA filter lasts up to 18 – 24 months
👍 Brilliantly made fan that allows for superb performance
👍 Has space for an optional activated carbon filter
👍 Smart and slick design blends in great with its surroundings
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 The high-powered performance means it’s a little louder on the lowest setting compared to other units
👎 Higher electricity consumption compared to other units
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 17 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 915 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 435 CFM (740 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 22.6L x 13W x 24.8H inches (57.5L × 33W × 63H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 59 lbs (26.8 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 36 – 49 dB |
| Filter life: | 33 months |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $277.70 per year |
9. Alen BreatheSmart 75i
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifier is versatile, slick and performs to an extremely high standard, covering rooms of up to a resounding 1,300 sq. ft. With a CADR rating of 347 CFM, this unit excels at cleaning the air from indoor pollutants such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust and mold spores.
You can buy different filters for the Alen BreatheSmart 75i, but not all are suitable for tackling cigarette smoke. Choose Alen’s B7-Fresh filter as it includes medical-grade H13 HEPA technology AND activated carbon. This specific filter will tackle pollution from cigarette smoke whilst adsorbing odors.
With five fan speeds, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i will automatically adjust to whichever speed is required when placed in auto mode.
What We Really Like:
👍 Available in a wide variety of attractive designs
👍 A number of different filter types are available to upgrade the unit
👍 Energy Star certified
👍 Lifetime warranty helps to provide extra peace of mind
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Not so easy to move around
👎 We wish there was a power indicator light to show when the machine is operating
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 24 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 1,300 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 347 CFM (589 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 27H x 18.5W x 11.5D inches (68.58H x 46.99W x 29.21D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.2 kg (27 lbs) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 49dB |
| Filter life: | 12 – 15 months |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 per year |
Buying Guide: Air Purifiers for Cigarette Smoke
Each time you light a cigarette indoors, you will see how smoke spreads throughout the room. Cigarette smoke is super pervasive, and it latches onto your skin, clothes, and furnishings, leaving a lingering smell and covering everything wth carcinogenic particles.
While smoking may be banned all across the US in indoor public spaces, our freedom to smoke in our homes remains. But that doesn’t mean that we like our home to smell like an ashtray. You need to deal with this before it’s too late. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the smell of cigarette smoke will stick around for a long time if you let it.
| 🤔 What are the consequences of second and third-hand smoke? It is not only the smokers health we need to consider, it’s the health of everyone who might come into contact with cigarette smoke, second and third hand. The main issues caused by second and third-hand smoke are: 1. Increased risk of bronchitis in children and infants 2. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath 3. Higher risk of lung infections 4. A lingering odor |
The thing with cigarette smoke is that not every air purifier out there will help with it. You need to keep in mind not only the specific technology included in the air purifier but also your specific conditions, including the size of your room and the number of cigarettes you smoke daily.
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier for Cigarette Smoke
1. Medical-grade or True HEPA filter
For a filter to be labeled as True HEPA or be considered medical-grade, it must be certified and tested at the highest levels. True HEPA and medical-grade HEPA filters boast the highest filtration efficiency and can tackle the smallest particles, making them the best choice for filtering cigarette smoke.
| 🤓 Read more about the different types of HEPA filters in our guide to medical-grade HEPA versus True HEPA versus HEPA. |
2. Activated carbon filter
Only those air purifiers that contain an activated carbon filter can remove odors and VOCs by adsorbing harmful molecules and trapping them on its surface.
| 🤓 Wondering how this works? Learn about how activated carbon filters work. |
3. High CADR rating and air cleaning performance
Cigarette smoke is thick and can travel easily between rooms. To combat this, we ensured all the recommended units had high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ratings.
| 🤓 Not sure what this means? Check out our guide on CADR rating. |
4. Your budget
You can find air purifiers with excellent HEPA and activated carbon filters with a solid CADR rating without paying the world for them. Check out the different price ranges we covered to find the best unit for your wallet.
5. The size of your room
In the air purifier world, size matters. Pay attention to the ‘recommended room size’ row in the specs tables of the air purifiers we have shortlisted above and find the one that suits your room better.
| 🤓 Do you smoke around the house? Then you need to read our guide on whether you should get an air purifier in every room. |
Common Questions About Cigarette Smoke
🤔 What is inside cigarette smoke?
Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of chemical compounds bound to aerosol particles and can be free in gaseous form. Researchers have found that cigarette smoke contains 7,357 chemicals from many different classes.
Many of these compounds are toxic and can damage our cells, and some are carcinogenic. If you’ve ever wondered what you inhale when smoking a cigarette, this guide is an eye-opener.
Aside from nicotine and tar (the most common ones), cigarette smoke contains many other harmful compounds existing in different forms.
Some smoke components, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), exist in gaseous form. Others, such as benzene, acrolein, and formaldehyde, are volatile chemicals in the smoke aerosol’s liquid-vapor portion. A few, such as nicotine, phenol, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, exist in the solid particles suspended in the smoke.
Given this diverse combination of harmful compounds in cigarettes, it goes without saying that smoking can have adverse health effects on smokers. Exposure to this secondhand smoke can also harm non-smokers, especially if the smoke is not dispelled from the house, which is why buying an air purifier for cigarette smoke is recommended.
🤔 Can an air purifier make smoking safe?
In short, no.
Air purifiers can reduce indoor air pollution by removing smoke, dust, dander, pollen, and other particles from the air. However, if you are smoking in the same room, you will continuously create new pollutants and gases that will go into your body and affect the lives of those around you.
That being said, using an air purifier with both HEPA and activated charcoal filters can help to remove pollutants and odors from the air reducing the risks associated with secondhand smoke.
🤔 What gets rid of the smell of cigarette smoke?
In addition to using a purifier, you can do a few things to help get rid of cigarette smoke in your home or office. To start with, keep windows and doors shut when smoking outside and clean your home regularly. You can also leave open containers of charcoal in each room. This works in the same way as a carbon filter but is less intense. We wrote an entire guide on this one issue, so you should read it if you want to learn more.
Wrapping Up
The best way to remove cigarette smell and smoke from your home is to stop smoking. Still, if that is absolutely not an option, then you should choose an air purifier with a medical-grade HEPA filter and a heavily loaded activated carbon filter. These filters can capture the toxic particles from cigarette smoke, leaving the air in your home feeling fresher and healthier to breathe.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API