The Best

Living with a pet means coexisting with any allergies, hair everywhere and unwanted smells — from litter boxes to bad breath.

Pet odors, hair and dander can linger, even with regular grooming and cleaning. That’s when an air purifier can become a valuable investment.

But that is only the case if you buy the right air purifier.

You should focus on finding a model that comes with a removable pre-filter (ideally washable), activated carbon filtration (for odors), a high quality particle filter (for allergens), good performance at quiet fan speeds, a control panel with the option to lock all buttons, and enough power to change the air 4-5 times per hour.

I kept all that in mind when shortlisting the air purifiers for this list. As always, I have bought and tested all these devices myself, so everything I’ll share is based on my experience and first-hand data.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

I also made a point of sticking to air purifiers without an ionizer or with bipolar ionization technologies that could be disabled without negatively impacting air cleaning performance.

1. Best for large spaces: Levoit EverestAir

The EverestAir boosts power and smart features in a sleek white and silver design that makes it stand out from the crowd.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

For $499.99, you get a good looking air purifier with enough air cleaning power (PM1 CADR of 375 cfm) to provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 562 sq. ft. when running at top speed (57.8 dBA).

The pre-filter is easy to remove so you can vacuum pet hairs and extend the life of the main particle filter that sits behind it.

The bonded filter has a high quality particle filter on one side (to remove the smallest of particles from the air) and a gas filter on the other with 400g of pelleted activated carbon (to adsorb odors and gases).

The air quality sensor displays particle readings on screen and it unlocks a smart mode where it adjusts fan speeds automatically.

The color-coded LED lights on the display show the percentage of clean air in the room.

And the VeSync app unlocks features like scheduling and display lock to ensure curious pets don’t change settings.

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2. Best for smelly pets: Alen BreatheSmart 75i (with the Fresh Filter)

A large air purifier with an H13 HEPA filter and 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon to remove unwanted pet smells from the air.

The 75i is Alen’s largest and most powerful air purifier. With an estimated PM1 CADR of 333 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 448 sq. ft.

Similarly to the EverestAir (above), the 75i comes with a removable pre-filter, which is easy to access and keep clean regularly.

It also has a laser particle sensor (which you won’t need to clean regularly) and you get an air quality indicator on screen.

There are multiple filter options available. For pets, I recommend the Fresh filter, which comes with a HEPA H13 and a carbon filter.

Alen’s Fresh filter is packed with 3.6 lbs of pelleted activated carbon, which is a lot more than what you get with most other devices.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜ 

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3. Best under $200: Levoit Vital 200S

For less than $190, you can get an excellent air purifier with a removable pre-filter, carbon filtration, quiet operation and smart features.

This has been my top recommendation for most people since 2024 because it is affordable, performs as well as much more expensive units and comes with all the smart features readers ask about. It also has an estimated PM1 CADR of 260 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 390 sq. ft.

The Vital 200S comes with a washable pre-filter that will make it a lot easier to regularly remove pet hairs before they obstruct airflow.

You also get a bonded particle and carbon filter, which has enough carbon to help with mild pet smells but won’t be enough in cases where you’re dealing with serious odors.

In terms of air cleaning, it outperformed more expensive devices like the Winix 5510 and the Coway Airmega 250S, while generating less noise.

The control panel is simple and easy to figure out without reading the manual. You get a button to activate the child lock and you will also see a color-coded ring that shows air quality in real-time.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜ 

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4. Best for small spaces: Levoit Core 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)

A smart and quiet air purifier with a filter packed with 450 grams of pelleted activated carbon to help with pet smells.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

There are many other much smaller devices than the 400S, but if you want to keep your air clean of pet hair, dander and odors, then you shouldn’t go smaller than this. The cylindrical design will make it easier to find a spot for it even in the smallest of rooms.

Even though you’ll see there’s a Pet Allergy filter, I recommend choosing the Smoke Remover filter as it comes with 50 grams more of carbon.

The filter itself is a cylindrical filter, so vacuuming the pre-filter won’t be as easy as with rectangular models like the Vital 200S.

Size-wise, the Core 400S is similar to the Winix T810 but it offers better air cleaning performance at quiet fan speeds that won’t disturb your pet.

Based on our tests, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 213 cfm, it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 319 sq. ft.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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5. Best for homes with multiple smelly pets: Austin Air Healthmate

An air purifier made in the USA with a filter packed with 15 lbs. of carbon that can remove the most stubborn, pungent pet odors from the air.

If you have multiple pets at home, you’re likely to need a lot more carbon than what you usually get with most air purifiers you’ll find in stores. For those cases, I recommend the Austin Air HealthMate and its filter packed with 15 lbs. of activated carbon and zeolite.

Its metal body is heavy but durable, with a flat top that many cats will enjoy sleeping on.

Even though it’s heavy, it comes on wheels so you can easily move it around your house as needed. It’s one of the only devices I’ve tested with wheels that roll well on carpets.

The filter inside the HealthMate is bigger than most small air purifiers you’ll see recommended online.

Instead of a touchscreen display or colorful buttons, the HealthMate comes with a dial to switch between three fan speeds — no risk of your pet accidentally switching the device off.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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Special mentions

These are the air purifier models that nearly made the cut

I have tested over 130 different air purifiers and have found many excellent options for pet owners. Not all of them made my shortlist, but perhaps they will be a good choice for you.

Smart Air SA600

The SA600 has two H13 HEPA filters, two activated carbon filters, and two removable pre-filters. With a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm at top speed, it can change the air five times per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

It didn’t make this list because it’s too large for small spaces and too expensive ($279.95) for the under $200 category.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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Alen BreatheSmart 35i

With a PM1 CADR of 162 cfm at top speed, the 35i cleans the air five times per hour in 247 sq. ft. rooms. You get different filters but for pet owners, I recommend the Fresh filter (H13 HEPA + carbon pellets).

Even though its performance is top-notch, it is more expensive than the Core 400S, which is my top pick for small spaces.

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Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

It has a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm at top speed, so it can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft. It has an H13 HEPA filter for pet allergies and a wraparound filter with 900g of carbon for pet odors.

The BP06 is the best Dyson air purifier I’ve tested, but I haven’t included it because it’s expensive ($800+) and keeps going out of stock.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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Coway Airmega 150

The Coway 150 has the most convenient pre-filter design for pet hair: you can remove it without opening the device AND is washable.

With a top speed PM1 CADR of 156 cfm, it can clean the air five times per hour in 234 sq. ft. spaces. It has solid particle and carbon filters, but the Core 400S offers higher performance and more carbon.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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AirFanta 3Pro

This PC fan-powered air purifier offers incredible value for money, costing $164.99 and offering an impressive PM1 CADR of 353 cfm. At top speed, it can clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 529 sq. ft.

It didn’t make the cut because the fans on top are too exposed and the design might not survive being pushed around by curious pets.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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Coway Airmega 250S

This is a beautiful device from Coway that doesn’t have an ionizer and comes with a smart, easy-release pre-filter like the Coway 150.

We estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, which can provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 373 sq. ft. I didn’t include it because it costs upwards of $400 but offers less power than the cheaper Vital 200S.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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What to look for when buying an air purifier for pets

To find out if the unit you are considering is the right one for the job, these are a few questions that will guide you in your search:

1. Does the air purifier have the right filters? 

When it comes to pets, a three-stage filtration system is the most comprehensive option, as it includes a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a particle filter.

• Stage 1: Pre-filter. These are designed to pick up larger particles (such as pet hair) before they reach the main filter. Their key function is to prevent fur from clogging the main filters, thus extending their lifespan. Removable pre-filters are more straightforward to clean; some are washable to rinse the shed fur effortlessly.

• Stage 2: Activated carbon filter. This is the layer that clears the air from unwanted pet odors — the carbon works by absorbing odors (and VOCs) that pass through the filter, removing them from the air.

• Stage 3: Main particle filter. Particle filters are made of pleated sheets that create a maze of randomly assorted fibers capable of capturing the smallest of airborne particles, including pet dander, dust, and pollen.

2. Is the air purifier capable of dealing with your room size?

This is a key issue when choosing the right air purifier for you. A unit suited for smaller rooms won’t be able to make the air changes per hour (ACH) needed to clean the air in large spaces. Therefore, it won’t be efficient at removing the odors and lacks the power to remove all airborne pollutants.

This is where the unit’s CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) comes in, indicating its cleaning performance in CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute). We’ve included each unit’s CADR and room size recommendation in our spec tables.

But you can use our calculator to find the exact CADR you need based on the size of the space where you want to use the air purifier:

3. Does the unit produce any chemical by-products?

Ionization features are often found in air purifiers to enhance their performance. Air purifiers with ionizer functions release ions into the air that attach to airborne particles, forcing them to drop onto surfaces so you can vacuum and wipe them.

The problem is that, in the process, these devices can generate small amounts of ozone, which can be detrimental to the health of those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

To wrap it up

Taking good care of your pets (with frequent grooming, healthy food and periodic visits to the vet) is a solid step forward in reducing their odor and the amount of hair floating around in the air. Regular home cleaning makes for another important element in the equation, but that’s not always enough.

Introducing the right air purifier to your home can make a BIG difference. Just make sure you are buying a device powerful enough for the space where you will place it with a high quality particle filter, a pre-filter that is easy to clean, and a good amount of pelleted activated carbon to deal with odors. Pay attention to sound levels too, as pets are sensitive to noise, and stay away from ionizer functions that cannot be disabled.

If you have any questions about your specific situation, just drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Sounds above 85 decibels are considered harmful to human hearing, so we should avoid prolonged exposure to them. This can become a problem when you consider that the fans inside air purifiers can get really freaking loud – especially if you have more than one device inside a room.

All this is to say that sound matters when it comes to air purifiers, and unfortunately, sound levels in product listings and marketing materials cannot be trusted.

In fact, if you click on a random air purifier on Amazon, you will likely see very low sound levels (around 20 dB) mentioned. But you should know that these incredibly low decibel figures are generally what you can expect when running the air purifier on sleep mode…

Sadly, it’s now common for air purifier manufacturers to only share the sound level at the lowest fan speed. The problem is that at this low fan speed, any small air purifier will not be able to provide multiple air changes per hour in even the smallest of rooms.

That is why we not only test the air cleaning performance of air purifiers at top speed but also at fan speeds below 45 dBA, which is the limit set by Clean Air Stars for noisy classrooms and offices.

My recommendations today are based on benchmark testing of over 130 different air purifiers running at fan speeds that generate less than 45 decibels of sound.

TL;DR: These are the best quiet air purifiers

If reading is not your thing, you can just watch the video version of this article.

I’ve also put together a table with information about each of the air purifiers I recommend for those looking for solid performance with quiet operation:

	BEST OVERALL	BUDGET	SMART	SMALL	LARGE	BUY-IT-FOR-LIFE
	CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra	AirFanta 3Pro	Blueair Blue Signature	CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron	Coway Airmega ProX	Nukit Tempest Pro
Top speed performance	315 cfm @ 47.2 dB	353 cfm @ 56.3 dB	400 cfm @ 59.6 dB	128 cfm @ 40.5 dB	462 cfm @ 53.6 dB	462 cfm @ 53.6 dB
Quiet speed performance	284 cfm @ 44.1 dB	213 cfm @ 43.3 dB	229 cfm @ 40 dB	128 cfm @ dB	299 cfm @ 44.4 dB	462 cfm @ 53.6 dB
Filter tech	MERV 13	HEPA H11 + carbon	Particle + carbon + ionizer	HEPA H10 + carbon	True HEPA + carbon	MERV 13
Max room size	472.5 sq. ft.	529 sq. ft.	600 sq. ft.	192 sq. ft.	693 sq. ft.	693 sq. ft.
Long-term running costs	$65.70 / year	$169.99 / year	$179.81 / year	$123.62 / year	$269.82 / year	$269.82 / year
List price	$310.00	$164.99	$449.00	$359.00	$999.00	$999.00

Read on to learn more about my top picks for the best-performing quiet air purifiers you will find today. If none of them is right for you, scroll down to my list of excellent devices that nearly made the list or drop us a message on Reddit.

1. Best overall: CleanAirKits Luggable XL Ultra

It is honestly so quiet that the first week we had it, I found myself walking up to it now and again to check if it was running.

The Luggable XL Ultra cleaned our 728 cubic ft. test room of all PM1 pollutants in 19 minutes while generating only 47.2 dB of sound. Just to put this into perspective, that is around the same time it took the larger Winix 9800 and the Coway Airmega 350 — incredible air cleaning performance below 50dB!

It’s super quiet because it’s powered by seven Cooler Master Mobius 120 PC fans, which combined with two Filtrete MPR 1900 MERV 13 filters lead to excellent performance at whisper-quiet operation.

With the Luggable Ultra you’ll get 315 cfm under 50 dB, which will be powerful enough for five air changes in spaces of up to 472.5 sq. ft.

If you live in Canada, check out Northbox Systems

Northbox Systems is a Canadian manufacturer that produces PC fan-powered air purifier kits that use HVAC filters. We tested the 6XL and its air cleaning performance is outstanding. 

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best budget option: AirFanta 3Pro

More than just quiet: this is the only air purifier with a CADR above 350 cfm that you can fit inside a carry-on bag.

This is another PC fan-powered air purifier like the Luggable XL Ultra (above) but this one is much easier to build and cheaper to buy. Based on our tests, we estimate a CADR of 353 cfm (56.3 dB), which will provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 529 sq. ft for just $164.99.

The 3Pro arrives in parts, so you’ll need to build it yourself but it’s super easy: you get plastic square-shaped base, four H11 HEPA filters (carbon is optional) and four PC fans on top.

It has a speed controller, so you can set it to 6.54V and it will offer 213 cfm while generating just 43.3 dB of noise – excellent quiet performance at an affordable price!

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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3. Best smart option: Blueair Blue Signature

A quiet option for those who want a more traditional air purifier with an onboard sensor, smart features and app connectivity.

The Blue Signature is a cylindrical air purifier that doubles as a table with powerful air cleaning performance, a laser PM2.5 sensor, smart modes and app connectivity. At top speed, it will give you 400 cfm while generating 59.6 dB of noise. This will be enough to clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 600 sq. ft.

When set to speed 2, the Signature will reach 40 dB while still being able to provide a CADR of 229 cfm – pretty impressive quiet performance!

It comes with wraparound filter that combines particle filtration with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and Blueair’s HEPASilent ionizer technology.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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4. Best for small spaces: CleanAirKits Triple Exhalaron

An air purifier with a CADR of 120 cfm that has been designed to be used as a table centerpiece.

As much as I would like every person to buy the largest, most powerful air purifier they can live with, I know that not everyone has the space for a full-sized device. If this is you and you find yourself looking for a small and quiet air purifier with good air-cleaning performance, you should definitely consider the Triple Exhalaron from CleanAirKits. 

At its highest fan speed, it hit 40.5 dB while having a CADR of 128 cfm so it can clean the air five times per hour in small areas no larger than 192 sq. ft.

In terms of design, the Exhalaron consists of three cylindrical filters covered by a washable pre-filter mesh with a wooden base and three CoolerMaster Mobius PC fans at the top.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Best for large spaces: Coway Airmega ProX

The ProX offers an impressive CADR of 586 cfm (dust) for large rooms without generating excessive noise.

The ProX is the largest air purifier in the Coway Airmega line and can provide five air changes per hour in rooms of up to 693 sq. ft. (CADR of 462 cfm) when running at top speed (53.6 dB). It lacks app support but comes with an onboard air quality sensor that unlocks smart modes.

It’s the only traditional air purifier that comes close to the quiet performance of PC fan models like those from CleanAirKits, Nukit and AirFanta.

It uses two filters, each combining a Green HEPA filter with a pelleted carbon filter to help with both particles and VOCs.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

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6. Best buy-it-for-life: Nukit Tempest Pro

The Tempest Pro is the latest PC fan powered air purifier from Nukit and it’s entirely made out of metal.

The design of the Tempest Pro is similar to other Nukit models, with panels made out of black steel that will last a lifetime. But unlike the Euro and the original Tempest, the Pro uses six fans placed in two rows of three and 25×20 MERV 13 filters, so its body is larger — the same size as the Luggable XL Ultra from CleanAirKits.

With its OEM fans, it reached 38.1 dB at top speed with a CADR of 188 cfm – powerful enough for five air changes per hour in rooms up to 282 sq. ft.

it isn’t cheap but I honestly think it’s an investment for the long term, for those looking for an air purifier that will last a lifetime and are happy to pay extra for it.

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

These air purifiers also offer solid performance at quiet fan speeds, even though the didn’t make my final list. Perhaps one of them could be a better choice for you, depending on what you’re looking for:

Alen BreatheSmart 45i (36.2 – 51.1 dB)

A medium-sized air purifier with touchscreen controls, a H13 HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon, and an ionizer function that you can turn on and off.

With a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm, it used to be my top recommendation but its 51 dB is too loud compared to what we see today from the new generation of PC fan-powered air purifiers.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Levoit Vital 200S (38.3 – 57.7 dB)

Considering it has smart functions, pelleted carbon and a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm, this was my top budget option thanks to its list price of $189.99.

It hits 41.9 dB at speed 2 with a PM1 CADR of 128 cfm but this result was blown out of the water by the highly affordable and quiet AirFanta 3Pro.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Smart Air Blast Mini (44.9 – 56.3 dB)

Unlike most air purifiers, the Blast Mini is made from metal instead of plastic, which makes it super durable. It’s large and powerful,, with a PM1 CADR of 400 cfm and 56.3 dB at top speed.

When running at its lowest speed, it hit 44.9 dB and 272 cfm. This is a great option for large spaces, but it didn’t make the cut because the ProX hit 299 cfm at 44.4 dB.

READ MY FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW ➜

What to look for when buying a quiet air purifier

If you want to ensure the air in your home is clean, you should run your air purifier 24/7/365. That means that if your air purifier is noisy, it will affect the quality of life of those who live in your home… or even worse, you will likely turn it off sooner or later.

That is why you could say that the Holy Grail of air purifiers is a high CADR unit powered by a quiet fan, but these units are not easy to find, so I rounded up some tips to help you navigate the world of sound when looking for a quiet air purifier:

1. Don’t get duped by reported noise levels

Most air purifier guides on the Internet are nothing more than a repetition of manufacturers’ claims and data, and the thing with manufacturers is that it is in their interest to show you the best numbers, even if they had to jump through hoops to achieve them in a controlled test environment that won’t be reflective of day-to-day use.

That is why you will often see articles about quiet air purifiers quoting very low decibel figures, as manufacturers tend to promote noise levels of their units running at its lowest fan speeds.

When buying an air purifier for your home, be sure to check how much noise it produces at both low AND high fan speeds. Ideally, look for third-party data like the one we publish here at HouseFresh.

2. Pay attention to the CADR rating

By checking the air purifier’s clean air delivery rate (CADR) rating, you can determine how effectively the device filters pollutants within a given room size.

For example, a device with a 250 CADR rating for dust will be more effective than one with a 200 CADR rating for the same room size. The 250 rating means the air purifier can produce 250 cubic feet of fresh air per minute to remove dust from the room. Therefore, the higher the CADR rating, the faster the air purifier will clean a room’s air.

You can use our handy calculator to find out what CADR rating you should be looking for depending on the size of the room where you will be using the air purifier:

3. Check whether the air purifier has a Sleep Mode

If you are looking for an air purifier for your bedroom, don’t just focus on noise levels; choose one with a sleep mode option.

The sleep mode option not only sets the device to run at the lowest fan speed possible but also turns off the lights on the display, minimizing the chances of the air purifier disturbing the darkness of your room.

4. Beware of small air purifiers that promise whisper-quiet operation

Most lists you will find ranking on Google for “quiet air purifiers” will recommend tons of tiny air purifiers because they operate super quietly at low fan speeds. The problem is that these small devices won’t be able to clean enough air even when running at their top fan speeds (which are usually a lot noisier), so they will offer even worse performance at low fan speeds.

Take the popular Levoit Core Mini, for example. In our test, its top fan speed hit just 44.5 dB, which is below the 45 dB limit we set for this list of recommendations. The reason why this air purifier didn’t make the list is that when running at its highest speed, it took 1 hour and 53 minutes for the Core Mini to clean our fairly small test room of PM1 pollutants. Compare this to the 17 minutes it took the AirFanta 3Pro to complete the exact same test, and you’ll understand why I’m not recommending devices like the Levoit Core Mini.

If you choose the traditional air purifier route over PC fan-powered devices, the best option is to buy a big unit that is powerful enough to clean your air even when running at its lowest fan speeds.

Wrapping up

Our motto at HouseFresh is that our tests reveal what manufacturers won’t tell you. To fulfill that promise, we buy all our devices with our own money to avoid any bias and we spend months testing them thoroughly.

If you buy one of the air purifiers I recommended today by clicking the buttons throughout this page, you will be supporting our work so we can keep testing and reviewing air quality products. In simple terms, when you buy a device through our website, we will get a 3% commission on the sale at no extra cost to you. 

These funds will help us continue testing and reviewing air purifiers, so we can identify more devices that offer exceptional air cleaning performance without generating too much noise.

As always, if you have any questions about any of the air purifiers I mentioned in this article, then let me know in the comments.

I spent HOURS browsing lists of ‘the best air purifiers’ from big media sites and found that the average cost of the models they recommend is $400!

But you most definitely don’t need to spend $400 to get a good air purifier. To prove it, I have compiled a list of the best air purifiers I’ve tested that will clean the air without breaking the bank.

Since 2020, I have reviewed 133 different air purifiers (and counting!), and I used the data we collected from our tests to select the best-performing options you can buy for less than 190 bucks:

	UNDER $50	UNDER $90	UNDER $100	UNDER $152	UNDER $180	UNDER $190
	DIY Fan + Filter	Corsi-Rosenthal Box	SwitchBot Air Purifier	AirFanta 3Pro	Winix 5510	Levoit Vital 200S
TOP SPEED CADR	70 cfm	462 cfm	198 cfm	353 cfm	249 cfm	249 cfm
TOP SPEED SOUND	62.4 dBA	62.4 dBA	59.2 dBA	56.3 dBA	67.2 dBA	57.7 dBA
FILTER TECH	MERV 13	MERV 13	Bonded HEPA with carbon + removable pre-filter	E11 particle filter + optional carbon filter	Separate HEPA + carbon + removable pre-filter	Bonded particle with carbon + removable pre-filter
ROOM SIZE (5 ACH)	105 sq. ft.	693 sq. ft.	297 sq. ft.	529 sq. ft.	373 sq. ft.	373 sq. ft.

If you prefer to watch a video version of this article, I’ve got you covered:

1. Under $50: DIY Fan + Filter

For around $50, you will be able to buy a good Lasko fan (on eBay) and a 20×20 MERV 13 filter to build your own air purifier.

You can build it at home with a 20’’ box fan, a 20×20 HVAC filter, some duct tape, and a pair of scissors. It won’t be able to help with odors and VOCs, but in terms of particle filtration, it will give you a CADR of around 70 cfm, which will provide 3-5 air changes per hour in spaces between 105-175 sq. ft.

If you already have a box fan at home, it will cost you just $30.99, which is the price of two 3M Filtrete MPR1900 filter.

It offers a much higher CADR than the $45 AROEVE MK01 (34 cfm) and the $50 Levoit Core Mini (41 cfm). But it’s loud and power-hungry.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

2. Under $90: 30×20 Corsi-Rosenthal Box

You can supercharge the DIY fan + filter air purifier above by turning it into a Corsi-Rosenthal box for an additional $40.

If you combine your 20″x20″ box fan with four 20″x30″ Filtrete MPR 1900 filters ($90), you’ll get a much bigger DIY air purifier called a Corsi-Rosenthal box (or CR box). It will be MUCH bigger than the fan + filter air cleaner from before, but with the size comes incredible power.

In our particle removal test, it cleared the air in 13 minutes – that’s as fast as the Coway Airmega ProX, which costs just under $1,000. Not bad for a thing you can build yourself…

But be aware, that box fans are not quiet and they aren’t known for is their energy efficiency. Another thing to consider is that the 30×20 CR box is pretty big.

3. Under $100: SwitchBot Air Purifier

An air purifier for small spaces that costs less than $100, comes with smart features and doubles up as a small side table.

There are MANY options for air purifiers under $100 on Amazon, but after testing 21 different models at that price point, I only recommend the SwitchBot Air Purifier. It has a list price of $99.99, but can be found on Amazon for as low as $75 on deal days.

It completed our particle removal test in 30 minutes, which is 10 minutes faster than the more expensive Winix A231, Levoit Vital 100S, and Coway Airmega 100.

It has an bonded HEPA and carbon cylindrical filter, with a removable, washable pre-filter mesh on the outside. This makes it easier to clean and vacuum — especially good design for pet owners.

4. Under $152: AirFanta 3Pro

If you could stretch your budget to $152, you could buy one of the best air purifiers I’ve ever tested – powerful enough for large rooms up to 529 sq. ft.

Out of the 133 air purifiers I’ve tested since 2020, the AirFanta 3Pro stands out thanks to its incredible value for money. The HEPA-only version sells for $160, but you can get it for $152 if you use the HOUSEFRESH discount code.

The 3Pro is inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box: it’s basically a cube with a plastic base at the bottom, a filter on each side, and a fan array on top with four 140mm PC fans.

At top speed, the 3Pro cleaned our test room as fast as the $339 Coway Airmega 350 and faster than the $559 AirDoctor 3500. And thanks to its four PC fans, it’s relatively quiet and energy efficient compared to traditional air purifiers with comparable air cleaning power.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

5. Under $180: Winix 5510

A modern air purifier for medium-sized rooms with smart features and app support that will set you back $179.99.

The 5510 is a new air purifier from Winix that has come to replace the now discontinued Winix 5500-2. It has excellent air cleaning performance, especially for its price, and comes with an onboard sensor, smart features and app support.

When it comes to performance, the Winix 5510 completed our particle removal test in 24 minutes – that’s six full minutes faster than the $900 Dyson Big+Quiet BP06.

The 5510 comes with separate filters: a removable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter and a pelleted activated carbon filter. It also has bipolar ionization technology (PlasmaWave), which can be disabled.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

6. Under $190: Levoit Vital 200S

An alternative to the Winix 5510 that will cost $10 more but doesn’t use bipolar ionization and offers quieter operation.

The Vital 200S completed our particle removal test as fast as the Winix 5510 (above). That said, it was one minute faster to clean the air in our test room when both models were running at speed 2 (sub 45-dBA).

It is more energy-efficient that other air purifier models with comparable CADR and this leads to the lowest running costs in the bunch.

Just like the 5510, it comes with an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator light, auto-mode and app connectivity.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Two good air purifiers under $100 that didn’t make the final cut

The models above are my top picks for those on a tight budget, but there are other air purifiers that narrowly made the list:

GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 H7124

With a PM1 CADR of 148 cfm, the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier 2 was able to complete our particle removal test in 40 minutes while generating 57.6 dBA of noise, which is quieter than other models with equal power like the Winix A231.

This is good performance for an air purifier you can buy for less than $100, but it was outshined by what we saw with the SwitchBot Air Purifier.

MORENTO HY4866

The HY4866 has a PM1 CADR of 174 cfm at top speed, which will be powerful enough to clean the air five times per hour in rooms no larger than 261 sq. ft. It has a list price of $120 but you will regularly find it on deal for less than $90.

It didn’t make the list because it was no match for the SwitchBot Air Purifier and its CADR of 198 cfm.

The cheap air purifiers that we don’t recommend

We test many air purifiers here at HouseFresh and while we are continually looking for units like the Taotronics AP-003 that move the performance needle forward, we also come across a lot of duds. This is especially true at the sub $100 level, and so we felt it our duty to also point out those air purifiers you should avoid in this budget range. 

• AROEVE MK01 – I could not find a published CADR for this unit, which would make sense as when we tested it, we found it took 163 minutes to clean our room to the levels recommended by the WHO guidelines. Remember that our test room (728 cubic feet) is the smallest in our house, so we can assume that this unit will be underpowered for most home use cases and should be avoided. The budget doesn’t have to be the thing that holds you back from having clean air in your home. Pay $20 extra and get the TaoTronics.

• Levoit Core Mini – The Core Mini is the smallest air purifier in the Levoit Core line. It comes with the same three-stage filtration (pre-filter, main filter and activated carbon filter) and it doubles down as a diffuser for essential oils. It only pulls 6.4 watts and generates just 44 dB of sound at its highest fan speed, but it took one hour and 53 minutes to remove all the pollutants in our relatively small test room. This budget unit is too underpowered for most rooms, but if you are looking for a way to clean the air in your RV or campervan, then this could be the one.

• GermGuardian AC482e – This air purifier seems awesome on the surface, especially as you will find glowing reviews from well-respected media organizations if you decide to Google it. There is only one problem — it’s not good at all. It might have been an OK choice a few years back, but the AC4825e failed to perform well in our home lab tests with a poor performance of 104 minutes. When the Levoit Core 300 can achieve this in 40 minutes, you must wonder what you are paying for with the GermGuardian AC4825e.

• Levoit Core 200S – The Core 200S is not bad, it is just not good enough for you to spend $89.99 on it. it comes with app support, emits a maximum of 49dB of sound when running at its top speed and doesn’t pull too much power (28.4 watts max) but it took a full hour to clean the air in our test room. You could get a TaoTronics AP003 or a Winix A231 for that money and they would offer you much better air cleaning performance.
  

How to avoid wasting money when buying a budget air purifier

Air purifiers offer an excellent way to remove harmful particles and improve indoor air quality, but many high-end models come with a hefty price tag. You need to know what to look for in a quality air purifier, and you’ll discover many high-performance units that are affordably priced. And we’re here to help! 

Our guide for the best budget air purifiers outlines the critical things to consider when buying an air purifier.

1. Take the time to calculate how much it will cost you to replace the filters

Manufacturers usually specify the estimated lifespan of the filters on the product page. They will usually give you a range (like 6-12 months or 3-6 months), so I recommend taking the lowest estimate for your calculation.

Once you know the lifespan, check out the cost of a filter replacement. You will then be able to calculate how much you can expect to spend to replace the filter each year:

Doing this will help you avoid models with disproportionate filter costs where, within a year, you might end up spending the same (or more) than the price of the air purifier.

2. Find an air purifier with enough CADR to clean your specific room

Room size is another critical factor when buying an air purifier, as not all air purifiers aren’t created equal. Based on the size of your room, you can estimate how much CADR the air purifier will need to provide a minimum of 4.8 air changes per hour, which is what the EPA recommends.

CADR, or clean air delivery rate, measures the air volume an air purifier can clean in a given time. You can use our calculator to find out what CADR you should be looking for:

3. Don’t be duped into buying one of those small, cheap air purifiers at the top of Amazon

Seeing a $50 price tag might help you make a quick decision, but in the end, it will only lead you to a false economy.

Small air purifiers usually need their filters replaced every 3 to 6 months, compared to the 9-12 months of lifespan you get with mid-sized filters. So in the end, you might end up spending double!

4. Before you hit the ‘Buy’ button, double-check that you’re not also being tricked into signing up for a filter subscription

I’ve seen multiple examples of online stores that use dark patterns to trick users into signing up for filter subscriptions.

These could be options already selected for you with a checkbox to opt out greyed out or simply not as prominent. And in some extreme cases, just a tiny legend that tells you that you’re also signing up for automatic replacements with your purchase.

If you’re only going to take one thing from this article, let it be this: when buying anything online, be vigilant of the dark patterns that end up signing you up for newsletters you don’t want to receive, add-ons you don’t care about buying, or subscriptions you most definitely don’t need.

Wrapping up

Clean air shouldn’t be something only the 1% can afford. You can make your budget go further by going down the DIY route with a Corsi-Rosenthal box or trying out some of the newer designs that utilize PC fans, like the AirFanta 3 Pro.

To keep running costs low, look into generic filters, as they can be much lower in price. Just be aware that carbon quality might not be the same as with OEM filters, but in our testing, particle removal performance is on par.

But whatever unit you decide to go for, if you are on a tight budget but need an air purifier for your home, make sure to do your research BEFORE you buy. You don’t want to end up like this Redditor, who bought two different air purifiers before realizing they didn’t work and had to buy a third one to help with her cat allergies.