Shopping for an Affordable Air Purifier?
Well, you are in the right place!
Using an air purifier in your home makes a huge and easily noticeable difference in the air quality o your space. It not only helps remove dust and other such particles from the air inside your house but also minimizes the adverse effects of air pollution in your home.
Many people believe that air purifiers are quite expensive; however, that is not always the case. You can find many units with high-end features that allow you to enjoy fresh air without spending a lot of cash.
What's In This Buying Guide
Contents of This Guide
Despite their low prices, inexpensive air purifiers are just as effective as expensive ones. So, if you are looking for an affordable air purifier, continue reading as we review some of the best options commercially available these days.
You learn about all the various features to look for in an affordable air purifier so that you make the right choice.
We also answer some questions that users commonly ask to clarify any possible confusion and address any queries regarding this highly efficient device.
Best Affordable Air Purifiers
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1Best for Allergies: Levoit Air Purifier
- 2Best for Bedrooms: hOmeLabs Purely Awesome Air Purifier
- 3Value for Money: Elechomes EPI081
- 4Best Warranty: Germ Guardian AC4825E
- 5Best for Use with Pets: Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier
- 6Most Inexpensive: Tredy HEPA Air Purifier
Levoit Air Purifier
- Best for Allergies
Dimensions:
7.9 x 7.9 x 12.6 inchesWeight:
6.5 poundsFilter
True HEPAPower Source
Corded ElectricFilter life
6 - 8 months
hOmeLabs Purely Awesome Air Purifier
- Best for Bedrooms
Dimensions:
7.87 x 7.87 x 12.8 inchesWeight:
5.29 poundsFilter
True HEPAPower Source
Corded ElectricFilter life
3- months
Elechomes EPI081
- Value for Money
Dimensions:
10.23 x 8.46 x 13.38 inchesWeight:
3.4 poundsFilter
True HEPAPower Source
Corded ElectricFilter life
-
Germ Guardian AC4825E
- Best Warranty
Dimensions:
10.25 x 6.75 x 21.5 inchesWeight:
8.55 poundsFilter
True HEPAPower Source
Corded ElectricFilter life
6-9 months
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier
- Best for Use with Pets
Dimensions:
10.84 x 8.08 x 16.43 inchesWeight:
6.3 poundsFilter
Permanent HEPA-gradePower Source
Wall OutletFilter life
-
Tredy HEPA Air Purifier
- Most Inexpensive
Dimensions:
8.5 x 8.5 x 15 inchesWeight:
6.6 poundsFilter
True HEPAPower Source
ACFilter life
6-months
1. Best for Allergies: Levoit Air Purifier
The Levoit HEPA air purifier is ideal for people who have breathing difficulties or suffer from allergies due to bad air quality.
Its 3-stage filtration includes an H13 True HEPA filter that works together with the pre-filter and high-efficiency activated carbon filter to capture 99.97% of allergens and microbes present in the air.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Simple and intuitive controls
- Quiet operation
- The night light comes with 2 brightness settings
- 3-stage filtration
- Filters are easy to replace
- Suitable for small or medium-sized rooms
- Compact design
- Built-in replacement indicator
- Removes 99.97% of allergens
Cons
- Short filter life
- No air quality indicator
Our Review
The Levoit air purifier cleans the air while avoiding the use of UV-C light, making this unit environmentally friendly. With this high-performance unit, you can enjoy fresh air in a matter of just minutes.
If you suffer from congestion, sneezing, or any other allergy symptoms, this Levoit model is for you as it provides relief from all these ailments by removing even the smallest airborne particles.
The Levoit air purifier features 3-stage purification that traps large particles such as hair, dust, and debris, etc., as well as tiny particles not visible to the naked eye, including pollen, dander, dust mite, bacteria, and mold.
The carbon filter in this Levoit air purifier reduces household odors and gaseous compounds, keeping the air inside your home fresh and clean. The nightlight feature is handy as it prevents you from tripping over objects while navigating through the dark.
You can also place this Levoit unit in your child’s room to help them sleep comfortably at night. Plus, with the 2 adjustable brightness settings, you can reduce the light’s intensity or turn it off during the day to ensure the light bulb’s extended usage life.
This durable, reliable, and compact air purifier easily fits in tight places and matches all home decor. You can move it from room to room with minimal effort.
The 3 different speeds are easy to use, and you can black out the simple touchscreen display with the push of a button. It comes with a filter change reminder for convenience.
This Levoit air purifier comes with numerous features that make it a worthwhile purchase; however, some users complain that the filters lose their effectiveness very quickly.
Specs
Specs
Filtration Stages: 3
Noise Level: Less than 43 dB
Coverage Area: 129 sq. ft.
Air Filtration: Fine Preliminary Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA filter
Warranty: 2 years
2. Best for Bedrooms: hOmeLabs Purely Awesome Air Purifier
The hOmeLabs Purely Awesome Air Purifier is, well, just as its name suggests, purely awesome! It quietly purifies any apartment, dorm, or room and makes less than 50 decibels of noise.
The unit’s silent operation makes it suitable for your bedroom as it allows you to enjoy a peaceful sleep and wake up well-rested and ready for a new day.Pros
- Efficiently filters out smoke, pet dander, cooking odors, dust, etc.
- 3-stage filtration cleans the air effectively
- Modern design
- Highly portable
- Adjustable night light brightness option
- Reduced noise level
- Child lock function
Cons
- Short filter life
- No auto or sleep mode
Our Review
The hOmeLabs compact air purifier houses a 3-in-1 filtration system and has a clean white design that fits nicely in most homes. Plus, its low weight ensures that moving this unit is not an issue.
The 3-stage filtration works efficiently to remove allergens from the surrounding air. It draws in the dirty air and passes it through the pre-filter that traps hair, dust, and other large particles that might damage the HEPA filter.
The HEPA filter then removes almost 99.97% of fine particles like mold spores, germs, pollen, and pet dander. The last stage, which is the activated carbon filter, absorbs odor and light smoke from cooking, spoiled food, pets, etc.
This hOmeLabs air purifier is designed with a filter reset indicator that reminds users when to replace the filter. The ≤50 dB noise means that it offers a whisper-quiet operation at the lowest speed. Its low power consumption makes it highly energy-efficient for continuous operation.
The Purely Awesome air purifier’s child lock function allows you to place this unit in your children’s nursery without worrying about them fiddling with the settings. The dimmable brightness option in the night light also ensures all-night extra safety and comfort for your child.
Although changing the filter of this hOmeLabs air purifier is easy, some users find it a hassle to change it every 3 months. It also results in higher filter replacement costs.
The hOmeLabs Purely Awesome Air Purifier also does not have any special features such as auto or sleep mode.
Specs
Filtration Stages: 3
Noise Level: ≤50 dB
Coverage Area: 78 sq. ft.
Air Filtration: H13 True HEPA filter, Pre-filter, Activated Carbon filter
Warranty: 1-2 years3. Value for Money: Elechomes EPI081
Timer setting, sleep mode, 4-stage filtration, low noise performance, filter change indicator - these are some features of the Elechomes EP1081 that make it a unique unit.
The only Aromatherapy air purifier designed with a HEPA filter, the Elechomes EP1081 is a reliable, durable, and pet-friendly model that offers great value for money.Pros
- 100% ozone-free
- Perfect for offices, bedrooms, living rooms, and more
- 4-in-1 purification system
- Cleans areas up to 215 sq. ft in just an hour
- 3D air output
- Sleep mode
- Double ball-bearing fan blade for low noise
- Timer setting
- Excellent performance
- Low energy consumption
- It can be used with essential oils
- Compact travel size
Cons
- Hard to find replacement filters
Our Review
The modern and aesthetic white design of the Elechomes EP1081 is surrounded by 360-degree air circulation, making it a highly efficient unit that can capture airborne particles from every angle.
The airflow outlet at the top ensures extensive distribution and offers quick filter change. You can also add your favorite essential oil to this air purifier and enjoy a relaxed and deep sleep.
Designed with a smart control panel, you can easily set a specific time when you want to turn off the Elechomes EP1081. It also features a Sleep Mode that allows you to run this air purifier at the lowest speed with dim light to not disturb your sleep.
The Auto mode is also very convenient as it automatically sets the correct speed depending on the room’s air quality. Plus, the filter change indicator lets you know when to replace the composite filter after 3,000 hours of use.
The most exceptional feature of the Elechomes is its quadruple filtration. The first layer, which is the pre-filter, captures pet hair, dust, and debris in the air, extending the useful life of the HEPA filter. Then the antibacterial filter prevents the trapped viruses and bacteria from multiplying.
Next comes the HEPA H13 filter that targets 99.97% of PM2.5 particles such as dust mites, spores, and mold down to 0.1 microns, which is 40 times smaller than pet hairs.
Lastly, the activated carbon filter removes irritating smoke and odors from cooking, mold, pets, cigarettes, and rotten food.
The Elechomes EP1081 is a 100% ozone-free unit that works without ionizer and UV-light technology. You will experience fewer allergies such as skin rash, coughing, sneezing, and headache by running this air purifier all day.
The EP1081’s outstanding performance means it can clean up to 215 square feet in just one hour. This air purifier works best in the bedroom, kitchen, dormitory, baby room, and small office without being overwhelming.
The Elechomes is very silent at 30 dB and features upgraded noise reduction technology. Even at full speed, the white noise level does not hinder your restful sleep. Plus, its low power consumption adds a very insignificant cost to your electricity bill.
However, along with all these features, the EP1081 has some problems. The low AHAM-verified clean air delivery rate of 47 cfm means that this unit is not very effective against smoke and chemical fumes such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and VOCs.
Its replacement filters are also not readily available. And the short filter life can cause the replacement costs to stack up in the long run.
Specs
Filtration Stages: 4
Noise Level: 30 dB
Coverage Area: 215 sq. ft.
Air Filtration: Fine preliminary filter, Activated carbon filter, Antibacterial filter, True H13 HEPA filter
Warranty: 18 months
4. Best Warranty: Germ Guardian AC4825E
The Germ Guardian AC4815E is designed with a True HEPA filter and an optional UV-C light to provide crisp, refreshing air to your room. It can clean rooms up to 153 square feet and comes with a 3-year warranty for customers’ peace of mind.
Pros
- 4-stage filtration
- Works with Titanium Dioxide
- It helps kill airborne viruses
- Quiet operation
- Traps allergens to extend the HEPA filter’s life
- 3-speed settings
Cons
- Low-quality materials used in the construction
Our Review
If you want to breathe cleaner and fresher air and find relief for your allergies, the Germ Guardian AC4815E is the ideal option for you. This air purifier is designed with 4-stage filtration that kills germs and viruses, filters out odors, and traps allergens to ensure that the air you breathe is both fresh and clean.
The AC4815E’s True HEPA filter captures allergens and dust, while the charcoal filter reduces unwanted odors from cooking and pets. The UV-C light helps reduce airborne viruses such as staph, rhinovirus, influenza and works with Titanium Dioxide to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
The smart design of the Germ Guardian AC4815E stands tall on the floor. Its 3 customizable speed settings allow you to choose the speed according to your room requirement. The lowest speed setting is ultra-quiet and does not disturb your sleep.
Specs
Filtration Stages: 4
Noise Level: 30 dB
Coverage Area: 153 sq. ft.
Air Filtration: Charcoal filter, UV-C light, T102 Treatment, True H13 HEPA filter
Warranty: 3 years
5. Best for Use with Pets: Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier
If you are looking for a simple air cleaning device with the primary purpose of circulating clean air free from pet hair and odors, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir air purifier is a great option.
It is designed with 2 dispensable carbon zeolite filters to get rid of pet odors, a HEPA filter that captures pet dander, and a pre-filter that helps trap pet hair.
Pros
- 3-stage filtration
- Captures 99.97% of allergens as small as 3 microns
- Two activated carbon zeolite filters to reduce undesirable household odors
- Easy to clean
- Quiet and powerful
- Can be positioned horizontally or vertically
- Suitable for an area of up to 140 square feet
- No need to replace the HEPA filter
Cons
- Weak filtration
- No auto or sleep mode
Our Reviews
The Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier is a compact unit that swiftly freshens and cleans the air. Its versatile design allows you to use it in both vertical and horizontal positions without experiencing any disruption in the airflow.
This small and simple device does not come with any complicated controls, ionizer, or UV light. Its low-noise operation makes the TrueAir suitable for both home and office use. Plus, this durable unit can withstand rough use.
The most outstanding feature of this Hamilton Beach air purifier is its HEPA filter that needs minimal upkeep. This filter efficiently removes 99% of impurities in the air, and you can simply vacuum it to keep it clean.
Next is the pre-filter that traps dust, pet hairs, and other large contaminants. Lastly, the two replaceable carbon zeolite filters eliminate pesky pet odors and smoke smells. This triple filtration effortlessly removes airborne irritants in rooms up to 140 square feet.
Another great thing about the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier is its ultra-quiet fan and motor. On the WhisperClean, you hardly hear any sound to indicate the unit is working. At QuickClean or medium speed, it produces a slight humming sound that some people find soothing.
Although the permanent HEPA filter used in this air purifier helps reduce cost, the filtration that this type of filter provides is weak compared to a True HEPA filter.
The filter change indicator is a convenient feature, but there is no timer, sleep mode, air quality indicator, or auto mode to ease usability.
Specs
Filtration Stages: 3
Noise Level: Silent
Coverage Area: 140 sq. ft.
Air Filtration: Pre-filter, Carbon zeolite filters, HEPA-grade filter
Warranty: 1-year
6. Most Inexpensive: Tredy HEPA Air Purifier
In spite of being a budget air purifier, the Tredy HEPA air purifier comes with numerous features that make it one of the best affordable units out there.
Auto mode, air quality indicator, sleep mode, and timer are some features that allow it to work efficiently whether you put it on your bedside stand, cabinet, work desk, walk-in wardrobe, or island table.
Pros
- Captures 99.97% of airborne particles
- Automatically adjusts the fan speed
- Creates only 28dB of noise
- Color-changing air quality indicator
- Night mode
Cons
- The built-in sensor is not always accurate
Our Review
The Tredy HEPA air purifier has a modern and clean-looking exterior that makes it look like a more premium product. It comes with 3 speeds and an auto mode that ensures efficient and uniform air purifying.
The air quality indicator light changes colors to indicate the air quality, while the filter change light reminds you when it is time to change the cartridge. The pre-set timer makes it convenient to turn off the device after a set number of hours.
The sleep mode of the Tredy HEPA air purifier is ideal for bedside use as it turns off the light and cleans the air silently (makes only 28dB of sound). The 2 brightness levels in the night light provide security and comfort without disturbing your sleep.
Running the Tredy HEPA air purifier on sleep or auto mode ensures optimized energy efficiency without compromising on airflow performance.
Designed with a 360-degree air filtration system, the Tredy air purifier can capture 99.97% of harmful particles as tiny as 0.3 microns from every corner of the room.
The pre-filter traps hair, dust, debris, fur, and other particles that hinder the HEPA filter’s performance.
Next, the True HEPA filter traps tiny particles like pollen, mold spore, pet dander, etc.
The active carbon filter removes unwanted odors and VOCs, while the protective net filter traps other particles from going into the fan system before giving out fresh air.
The Tredy air purifier is functional and easy to use and comes with a complete set of features. Most people positively review this unit; however, some users complain that the built-in sensor does not correctly indicate the air quality.
Specs
Filtration Stages: 4
Noise Level: 28 dB
Coverage Area: 200 sq. ft.
Air Filtration: Pre-Filter, True HEPA filter, Net-Filter, Activated Carbon Filter
Warranty: 1-year
Buying Guide
Key Considerations When Shopping for an Affordable Air Purifier
A large number of air purifiers available can make it quite confusing to pick a particular model. When buying an affordable air purifier, you have to make sure that the unit not only costs less but also performs well.
By keeping the following considerations in mind, you can easily find an affordable air purifier that is just right for you:
Size and Portability
Air purifiers come in all sizes.
Knowing where you are going to use it makes it easier to decide on the ideal size. If you are going to carry your air purifier from one room to another, then choose a lightweight model.
Price
Since you are looking for affordable air purifiers, it is crucial to make sure that the price of your chosen model is within your budget.
You can easily find a unit that costs less than $100 but offers excellent performance.
Coverage Area
The airflow delivery rate and air purifier filter size help determine its coverage capacity. Typically, manufacturers provide the official figure regarding the coverage area and the recommended room size.
To find out what size is best for your room, measure its square footage and then pick a model.
Using an air purifier for a room that is bigger than it is rated for will drastically reduce its effectiveness.
Efficiency
A good set of filters not only protects users from inhaling harmful allergens it also determines how efficient an air purifier is in removing fine particles.
A unit designed with a 3-stage filtration which consists of a pre-filter, carbon filter, and HEPA filter, is considered most efficient. Plus, optional features like UV-light and ionizer help provide more comprehensive air cleaning.
Clean Air Delivery Rate
Before making a purchase, it is best to determine the unit’s CADR rating to gauge its efficiency. An air purifier with a power that is twice its highest fan speed is considered to have an efficient CADR rating. Such a unit can efficiently clean all harmful particles, including mold, dust, smoke, or pollen.
A unit with a low CADR rating will not have sufficient power to effectively eliminate airborne particles from your space.
Aesthetics
Air purifiers nowadays are available in many beautiful designs and shapes. Make sure that you choose a unit that matches your room’s decor.
Weight
Air purifiers are quite heavy. Some can even weigh about 10 kg or more. If you are going to move your unit from one room to another, make sure it has a manageable weight. Carrying handles and wheels make moving these units easier.
Warranty
Many reputable air purifier manufacturers offer a full money-back warranty or free repair guarantee for up to 5 years in case of any malfunction or problem.
On the other hand, not all affordable air purifiers come with a warranty.
So, if you want value for your money, look for air purifiers that come with at least a short warranty coverage.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Air Purifiers
Air purifiers, like all other electrical gadgets, are designed for your comfort. However, before purchasing a unit, it is best to find out their advantages and disadvantages to know how they can be helpful for you:
Pros
Improves The Quality of Air
The primary purpose of an air purifier is to remove impurities from the air.
Air purifiers rid the air inside your home of viruses, allergens, and undesired smells so that you can breathe in fresh and clean air.
Removes Viruses and Bacteria
Air purifiers not only elevate the quality of air that you breathe but also help eliminate disease-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses. As a result, these units greatly help to ensure your and your family’s well-being.
Reduces Asthma and Allergy Symptoms
Particles such as dust, pollen, and dander can be major triggers for allergies. Air purifiers are designed with filters that can catch these allergens and help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Eliminates Bad Smells
Most purifiers are fitted with carbon filters that help eliminate bad smells. If you have a smoker in the house, an air purifier comes in quite handy.
Produces no Byproducts
Air purifying products such as ionizers, ozone, and PECO all emit harmful byproducts into the air. HEPA filters, on the other hand, simply filter the air without producing any byproducts.
Cons
Needs Regular Cleaning
A dirty air filter can result in mold growth and moisture build-up. To keep air purifiers running efficiently, it is vital to clean them regularly, which can be an added chore given the amount of time and effort it requires.
However, the size and shape may sometimes make it difficult to access the HEPA filter and clean it. Some HEPA filters are washable, while for some, you need to exert extra effort for cleaning.
Does not Fully Eliminate Gases and Smell
Despite the fact that air purifiers are powerful devices capable of dispensing various air contaminants and bacteria, they do not entirely dispose of gases and smells.
Filter Needs Frequent Replacement
HEPA filters can trap most particles present in the air. As a result, they clog faster than more porous filters. Plus, moisture in the air filter can result in mold growth.
To reduce the spread of mold and ensure the efficient working of your air purifier, replace your HEPA as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average life of a budget air purifier?
Many manufacturers produce budget air purifiers. Their service life differs from model to model, type of filters used, and their usage. However, by changing the air filters regularly and maintaining your air purifier, you can increase their average life.
Why is it important to determine the size of your room before buying an air purifier?
Choosing an air purifier model recommended for your room size is vital as it directly affects its performance.
An air purifier used in a room larger than the recommended size will not be able to remove the contaminants and allergens from the air as efficiently as it would in a recommended sized space.
What is a CADR rating? How do you calculate a good CADR rating?
CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rate indicates the amount of filtered air delivered by an air purifier. It shows how efficient an air purifier is at capturing fine particles present in the air.
A CADR rating is considered good if it equals at least two-thirds of the area of a room. For example, a good CADR rating for a 150 square feet room would be a tobacco CADR of at least 100.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Affordable Air Purifier on the Market Today?
After reviewing various different affordable air purifiers options, we have come to believe that the Elechomes EPI081 is the best unit available.
Its outstanding performance, silent operation, and ability to remove 99.97% of allergens from the air make it a useful model to combat allergies.
