In today’s world, we face a multitude of challenges to the air we breathe. From environmental sources such as raging wildfires or gridlock traffic to everyday household pollutants, including allergens and odors, or even deadly viruses and bacteria.
Luckily, innovative ways to tackle such problems, including pollution-busting air purifiers are becoming ever more available and affordable. Yet finding the right purifier for your needs is no easy feat. With hundreds of options out there, from mega units costing thousands of dollars to fairly dubious-looking purifiers for under 50 bucks.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for regarding air purification. More expensive models often boast higher Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR). These higher-quality filters capture the smallest pollutants and even varying levels of Smart features and designs to make them easily slot into the modern home.
The good news is that you can find all these vital qualities in a purifier for under $300. Meaning clean, healthy air for you and your family now costs less than a budget phone or laptop.
When buying a new household appliance, you will want to ensure you’re investing your money wisely. Especially if this appliance is charged with making your home a healthier environment.
That’s why we only picked purifiers with
- Quality air filters – The better the filters, the better protection you will have from even the smallest of pollutants.
- Powerful fans – To clean the air effectively, you need powerful fans to draw air from all corners of your space.
- Smart design – When paying up to $300, you will want a well-designed unit that makes life easier without compromising on style.
Judging an air purifier based on feature lists or marketing materials is impossible. But this is how many other review sites approach recommending products. That’s why we dig into our products to buy and test each purifier:
- In our home lab of 728 cubic feet, we light an incense stick to generate particle pollution and VOCs.
- We set up our trusted Purpleair Indoor Sensor with the latest Bosch gas sensor to track levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10ug/m3 and VOCs in the air.
- We switch the air purifier to its highest speed and measure how long it takes to get our room air quality down to PM1 level to 0.
- We use an energy meter to measure precisely how much electricity is used when running the unit at the lowest and highest fan speed settings.
- We track sound levels emitted by the air purifier at different fan speeds with the help of a commercial sound meter.
Testing each air purifier for ourselves allows us to provide an unbiased opinion, comparing air purifiers side by side to find the ultimate units for under $300, with eight excellent options.
For those in a hurry, check out our top three purifiers, highlighting the best options for those on a budget, those looking to cover a large space or simply our top recommended unit below.
Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers under $300
With no two homes being the same, we made sure to include a range of options, covering different budgets, styles and levels of protection. So be sure to check out the full list below.
1. Best overall: Levoit Core 400S
First up is the Levoit Core 400S. This air purifier is a standout unit in the mid-priced market, providing excellent value for money with three stages of protection to cover common pollutants, impressive room coverage and an excellent range of features.
Delving deeper into this purifier’s many merits, you’ll first notice the quality of the filters used. The 400S has a medical-grade H13 HEPA that will tackle dust, pollen and even bacteria with a 99.97% success rate. At the same time, the high-efficiency Activated Carbon filter will handle unpleasant odors from cooking or pets alongside taking care of gaseous VOC pollutants too.
With a recommended room size of 403 ft², the Core 400S is at the higher end of coverage than you will find in an air purifier for under $300. It will completely cycle the air in this size space in 12 minutes, thanks to Levoits VortexAir technology, which will whip up a storm.
Touch-sensitive controls complement the Core 400S’ modern design, as you effortlessly glide through the unit’s settings or set it to Auto mode for complete peace of mind.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 33 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) |
| 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): | 24 – 52dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $39.95 per year |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
2. Best budget option: Winix 5300-2
Designed in the technological hub of Seoul, where air quality is a key concern, Winix has drawn on its 50 years of experience creating healthy home appliances to create the cost-effective and state-of-the-art 5300-2.
Despite its slender price tag, the Winix 5300-2 has powerful air-cleaning capability and features that will elevate your experience. Strip back the sleek, matte grey casing, and you’ll find four layers of protection. With a washable fine-mesh pre-filter, True HEPA and Activated Carbon layer to tackle everyday pollutants, alongside Winix’s trademark PlasmaWave technology, that helps to increase efficiency.
Genuine filter replacements offer excellent value for money, too, thanks to their long lifespan and ability to capture 99.9% of particles as small as 0.003 microns.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★☆ |
|---|---|
| Time to clean our test room: | 27 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Washable Fine Mesh Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, Plasmawave Air Cleaning Technology |
| Recommended room size: | 435 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 246 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 15W x 8.2D x 23.6H inches (38.1W x 20.8D x 59.9H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) |
| Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 37.1 dB Speed 2: 39.6 dB Speed 3: 43.3 dB Speed 4: 59.2 dB |
| Filter life: | – HEPA filter: every 6 months – Carbon filter: every 3 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.41 kWh Speed 1: 4.85 (5.16) kWh Speed 2: 6.7 (7.10) kWh Speed 3: 10.47 (11) kWh Speed 4: 51 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $150.99 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
3. Best for large rooms: Levoit Core 600S
Another high-flying entry is the Levoit Core 600S. This air purifier is a beast. It’s big, bold and, quite frankly, too good to cost under $300. It provides superior power and filtration than many other units that cost twice as much, offering exceptional value for money.
The 600S follows a long line of good air purifiers from Levoit’s Core range. All of these get the fundamentals spot on, with three layers of filtration, including a medical grade HEPA filter, plenty of Activated Carbon to tackle VOCs and odors and a Pre-Filter to capture those larger particles that can decrease the lifespan of your primary filters.
When we first got hold of the Core 600S, its power immediately impressed us. It cleared our test lab of all pollutants in just 15 minutes — the quickest time recorded by any air purifier we have ever tested.
Add to this a range of classy features such as an Auto mode and the smooth-running Levoit App, which allows you to control your unit remotely and see detailed reports on air quality, and you’ll start to see why this purifier is such a steal.
What we really like
What we think could be better
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 ft² |
| 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 |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
4. Best on/off ionizer function: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
The Airmega AP-1512HH is another widely popular air purifier, having won many awards and accolades after its release in 2015. In the years since, Coway has fine-tuned the design to get even more oomph out of an already excellent purifier while maintaining a very reasonable price tag.
The first you’ll notice about this purifier is that it looks the business. Design is often an afterthought in the air purifier world or limited to models at the top end of the market, so it’s nice to see Coway has pulled out all the stops for the Airmega AP-1512HH.
Under the gleaming hood of this purifier, you’ll also find thoughtfully designed components that offer real performance, with powerful fans that provide a CADR score of 240 CFM, making it an excellent option for medium to large rooms.
In terms of filtration, you’ll find a True HEPA for particles as small as 0.3 microns, an Activated Carbon filter for odors and a Pre-filter too. The AP-1512HH also has a Bipolar Ionizer, which you can turn off if you wish, although it is CARB rated to emit no Ozone.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
|---|---|
| Time to clean our test room: | 23 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Pre-filter, True HEPA, Activated Carbon, and Bipolar Ionizer |
| Recommended room size: | 361 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 240 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18.3H x 16.8W x 9.6D inches (46.5H x 42.7W x 24.4D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.3 lbs (5.58 kg) |
| Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 38.9 dB Speed 2: 44.4 dB Speed 3: 60.1 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.3 kWh Speed 1: 3.7 kWh Speed 2: 8.7 kWh Speed 3: 75.3 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $162.93 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 3 years |
| Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
5. Honeywell HPA300
For those looking for a no-nonsense air purifier for under $300, the HPA300 from Honeywell is it. Despite being a veteran of the air purifier market, this unit can still compete with the bright new things of today. In many cases it eclipses rivals’ CADR score, thanks to its high-power motor that cleans 300 cubic feet of dirty air per minute.
With such high-powered fans, the Honeywell HPA300 is ideal for large spaces, cycling the air 4.8 times an hour in a 465 sq. ft. space. It comes with three levels of protection from the multitude of pollutants often found in the home, with a True HEPA for the smallest particles and a dual Pre and Activated Carbon filter to capture large particles and keep odors at bay.
This purifier is ridiculously simple to operate, with clearly labeled controls to allow users to cycle through the four fan speeds (Allergen, General Clean, Germ and Turbo), set a timer for 2, 4 or 8 hours and even dim the lights when its time to hit the hay.
What we really like
What we think could be better
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 (509 m³/h) |
| 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 (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 43.6 dB Speed 2: 48.8 dB Speed 3: 53.9 dB Speed 4: 59.5 dB |
| Filter life: | HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 28.35 kWh Speed 2: 42.92 kWh Speed 3: 55.8 kWh Speed 4: 76.2 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $151.22 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
6. Smart Air S
Looks can be deceiving when it comes to air purifiers. At first glance, you may dismiss the Smart Air S as a cutesy machine that catches the eye but lacks the oomph required to transform air quality. But that couldn’t be further than the truth, with enough power to clean 185 cubic meters of dirty air per minute.
This power allows the Smart Air S to work wonders in larger rooms of up to 430 sq. ft. It can cycle the air five times an hour while being small enough to sit on top of your work surface, bedside table or desk.
Smart Air has opted to use H12 HEPA filters, which allow air to pass through slightly easier than the medical grade H13. It requires less energy while still capturing 99.95% of 0.3-micron and 0.07-micron airborne particles.
It’s worth noting that the Activated Carbon filter doesn’t come included as standard. However, this is worth investing in as it comes packed with 7 oz carbon pellets, providing a vast surface area that will capture odors and VOC pollutants for up to a year.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
|---|---|
| Time to clean our test room: | 50 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 (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 35.5 dB Speed 2: 49.1 dB Speed 3: 58.2 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 5.6 kWh Speed 2: 19.7 kWh Speed 3: 39.4 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $105.20 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
7. Blueair Blue Pure 211+
For those looking to clean the air in larger spaces without breaking the bank, the Blue Pure 211+ is an excellent option. With ferocious fans and 360-degree air intake, this purifier can perform 4.8 air changes an hour in a 550 sq ft space. Need more coverage than that? Leave it for an hour, and the 211+ can even cover a room as large as 2,592 sq ft.
For just under $300, you can get your hands on an air purifier that boasts Blueair’s highly advanced HEPASilent technology. This combines a fabric Pre-Filter, Activated Carbon and HEPA filter with their trademarked electrostatic filtration, resulting in the removal of 99.99% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns.
Filters can be further beefed up if opting for the SmokeBlock, which comes with more carbon to help tackle fumes and odors from wildfires or smoking.
This is a great-looking machine with classy features all over. From the single-button operation to the interchangeable fabric pre-filter, you can closely match your home’s design. It’s worth pointing out that this specific unit doesn’t come with an Auto mode, but if you think that is something you simply can’t live without it, the 211+ Auto is available for just $40 more.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 18 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ Technology and Activated Charcoal Filter + Ionizer technology |
| 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 (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 37.2 dB Speed 2: 45.8 dB Speed 3: 55.7 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.1 kWh Speed 1: 16.9 kWh Speed 2: 40.5 kWh Speed 3: 54.5 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $117.50 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
| Country of manufacture: | Designed and engineered in Sweden, assembled in China |
8. Levoit Core 300
This option brakes the mold of the budget-friendly air purifier, punching well above its weight with quality filters and an impressive CADR score. You can pick one up today for less than 100 bucks.
It may come as a surprise to see such a cheap purifier cutting it with options three times its price. But by looking at its review, you’ll quickly see it shares many of the same hallmarks as premium models, such as a Pre-Filter, H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon filter to tackle anything the modern-day home will throw at it. This small but mighty machine cleared our test lab of all pollutants in just 40 minutes.
It’s refreshing to see that Levoit hasn’t withheld the same technology found in their more premium products. You’ll still find the same VortexAir and QuietKEAP technology in the Core 300 as you would in the 400S or 600S, with this model simply being designed for smaller spaces of up to 219 sq ft.
What we really like
What we think could be better
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed): | 40 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Pre-filter, non-HEPA grade particle filter, and activated carbon pellets |
| Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour): | 219 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | Dust: 131 cfm Smoke: 126 cfm Pollen: 154 cfm |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter): | Speed 1: 37.1 dB Speed 2: 48.5 dB Speed 3: 50.2 dB Top speed: 54.5 dB |
| Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor): | Standby mode: 0.1 watts Sleep mode: 17.3 watts Speed 1: 19.7 watts Speed 2: 24 watts Top speed: 35.5 watts |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
Buying guide: Air purifiers under $300
You may think that once at home, you’re safe from the various toxins, allergens and pollutants that exist in our atmosphere. But the reality is that you are more exposed to air pollutants in an indoor setting than outdoors.
Air pollutants are emitted from everyday sources inside the home, from your stove to your flat-pack furniture. As well as external pollutants that make their way inside through windows, doors or even by hitching a ride on your back as you come and go, before becoming trapped inside thanks to buildings’ modern insulation.
The most common polluters come in the form of:
- Traffic fumes
- Formeldyhyde
- Wildfire Smoke
- Dust Mites
- Radon
- Mold
- Pollen
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Odors
- Pet Dander
- Carcinogens
The excellent news is that you needn’t spend your life savings on an air purifier. With many different options available for under $300, that can work wonders for your air quality.
Air quality indoors is often up to 5 times worse than the levels recorded outside.
One study found that simply cooking a Thanksgiving meal spiked indoor pollutants higher than you would find in downtown New Delhi during their notorious winter crop-burning season.
Exposure to poor-quality air can affect your mood and energy and make your home feel like an uninviting space for you or your guests. But most importantly, it can result in a multitude of health complications, including
-Chronic lung diseases such as asthma or even cancer
-Allergic reactions
-Headaches, dizziness and fatigue
-Higher risk of infection
-Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
-Ischaemic heart disease and strokes
As we spend around 90% of our time indoors, we find ourselves highly exposed to pollutants, with most people being unaware and unprotected.
Unfortunately, not all air purifiers were created equal. And while manufacturers may claim their product can transform your air quality, the reality is that many fail to live up to expectations.
To help you find the right unit to combat a combination of common polluters, you’ll need to ensure it uses the right filters and is powerful enough to circulate the air in your home if you are to see real results.
What to look for when buying an air purifier under $300
1. High-quality HEPA filters
Without quality filters, your air purifier won’t capture pollutants effectively. While different types of filtration are available, we recommend looking for units that use HEPA filters. Also known as High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters are considered the benchmark of air purification as they are guaranteed to catch at least 99.97% of polluting particles as small as 0.3 microns.
2. Room size suitability
Each air purifier is designed to work in a specific-sized space. Some will be capable of cleaning the air in large, open-plan spaces, while others will be better suiting to smaller rooms. Manufacturers will share the optimum sized space for their units, so measure your space in advance and look for a suitable option
3. Activated carbon
If you are aware of a buildup of a certain pollutant, such as mold after flood damage, or need to target a smellier room in the house, like the kitchen, then you’ll want to consider a purifier that is best equipped to deal with the issue by using Activated Carbon filters which target VOC and odor pollutants.
4. Clean air delivery rate
The last thing you want to do is expose yourself to pollutants for any prolonged period, so opting for an air purifier that gets the job done quickly is essential. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is an excellent metric to discover the volume of air that your air purifier can clean, measured in cubic feet per minute.
Common questions about air purifiers under $300
Indoor air pollution can occur from many different sources. While you’ll no doubt have noticed the usual suspects of dust or pet hair in your home, there are countless more you cannot see.
Many people will find mold issues in basements, bathrooms or kitchens. The spores from mold can stay suspended in the air for hours and are extremely harmful to breathe. The same is true for bacteria and viruses. A single sneeze spreads 40,000 droplets which can travel up to 20 feet and stay suspended in your home’s airflow indefinitely.
You will also find many particles that we usually consider to be outdoor pollution. If you live by a busy road or industrial complex, you’ll be subject to harmful toxins and fumes. At the same time, other naturally occurring yet harmful gasses, such as Wildfire Smoke or Radon can become a cause for concern in concentrated spaces, such as when trapped indoors.
Purifiers priced up to $300 offer excellent all-around protection from many pollutants in the average home. At this price point, you’ll find top-quality filters, powerful fans capable of cleaning medium to large-sized spaces and even a range of Smart features to make life easier.
If you need to cover a large space, however, you may need to find a little extra cash for a purifier with more power, or alternatively purchase two smaller units and place them at opposite ends of the room.
If you can’t stretch your budget as high as $300, there are still great options for less than $200 or even under $100 that can help bring about a healthy environment in your home. We always shop around for you to provide different pricing options through Amazon, Sylvane or directly from the manufacturer to offer you the best value wherever possible.
The first step to reducing air pollution is by cutting the issue off at the source. You can achieve this through everyday household chores such as regular cleaning, vacuuming and dusting or limiting pollutants’ access to your home. For example, keeping pets out of certain spaces or ensuring cracks and crevices to external walls and windows are well sealed.
As well as keeping your space spick and span, you can also add certain houseplants to your home that will help to purify the air. A recent study from the University of Birmingham and Royal Horticultural Society tested three common plants, including the Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) and fern arum (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) to see how they faired against nitrogen dioxide. With each of the plants halving the amount NO2 within an hour.
Consistent circulation is the key to clean air, so opening a window for a short burst will help give you a hit of fresh air. But bear in mind this may also flood your space with external pollutants. This is why using an air purifier is one of the best methods to reduce air pollution, as it circulates and cleans effectively.
Wrapping up
While $300 is undoubtedly a lot of money, there are fewer ways to invest this money that will pay such dividends to your health and home environment. Whether you’re hunting for an air purifier to tackle everyday allergens, unpleasant odors or even harmful environmental pollutants that make their way inside your home, you’ll be well covered by each of the units on this list thanks to their quality filtration and air circulating capability.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
