When it comes to your home, you will want to have the cleanest and healthiest air possible, and that can easily be achieved by using an air purifier.
This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on these devices since they can be costly, and there are plenty of affordable models.
Here is our complete and comprehensive review of the top affordable and budget-friendly air purifiers for everyone, so keep reading on to know more.
Table of Contents
5 Best Cheap Air Purifiers Reviewed
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Best Overall: GermGuardian AC4100 Air Purifier
For those who want something lightweight and affordable, then this compact model is going to be ideal. This one is 7.5” x 6.5” x 11” in size, and it weighs only 5.15 pounds, which means it is ideal for use on your desk if needed. This model has a True HEPA filtration system that can help eliminate the allergen, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, dust, and other harmful germs. It also uses UV C light to fill various airborne viruses like rhinovirus, staph, Influenza, and more.
Not only does it have the HEPA filtration system, but it also has a pre-filter for catching the larger particles and there are 3 speed settings. It has a CADR rating of 50 for smoke, 76 for pollen and 56 for dust and it can handle a room of around 78 square feet.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you want something that will be budget friendly and very easy to use along with being compact, then make sure to check out this option.
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Runner Up: GermGuardian AC4900CA Air Purifier
Another great option from the same brand is this one, which will be a bit taller, ideal for placing in the corners of a room. This one measures 9.5” x 11” x 24.5” in size and weighs 10 pounds, and it has a pre-filter and the HEPA air filtration system to get rid of all allergens and pollutants. It also uses the UV C light to help kill off any airborne viruses, and it uses the pre-filter to trap large particles like pet hair and dust.
It also has an activated charcoal based filter to get rid of any smells from pets, cooking and much more. If you need to use this as night the lowest setting is very quiet and it has a CADR rating of 97 for smoke, 112 for pollen and 106 for dust.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
For those who don’t need something expensive for a medium sized room, then you might want to put this model on your list.
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Levoit LV-H126 Air Purifier
You should check out this option for those who have to stick to a strict budget when buying a device. This will be a compact model, and it measures 9.65” x 6.8” x 7.9” in size, which is completely free of any Ozone. It also has a foam filter that uses charcoal and a granular-based activated carbon filter, so the absorption is much better than other models.
This can purify all of the air in a room of around 161 square feet in only 30 minutes and it has 3 levels of speed to choose from. It is also very quiet at only 32 dB, which means you can use it in your bedroom or office easily without any issues.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you are searching for a model that will be quiet along with being very affordable, then don’t be afraid to look at this model.
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Levoit Vital 100 Air Purifier
If you are searching for something lightweight, then this 9.3-pound model is going to be ideal. It measures 12.8” x 6.4” x 16.1” so it can fit easily on your desk or even on a shelf in any room without being noticeable. This is Ozone free, and it is ideal for pet owners or those with allergies since the preliminary filter can be washed and traps lint, hair, and pet fur. It also ensures that the room is cleaned within only 30 minutes if it is less than 500 square feet.
This is extremely compact and you will be able to move it from room to room and the LED display is easy to read and you can even turn it off while you are sleeping.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
For those who want something that will have a great design and that will be easy to use and compact enough to move from room to room, then go ahead and add this model to your list.
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Holmes Desktop Air Purifier
If lightweight is what you want, then this desktop model will be perfect since it weighs only 5.7 pounds and measures 9.7” x 13.1” x 6.3”. The design is simple, and it uses the HEPA filtration system to get rid of all of the airborne allergens and particles like smoke, pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust. It also comes with an optional air ionizer, and the CADR rating is 70.
You can choose from 3 different speed settings to help keep the air pure and clean, and this is perfect for rooms 109 square feet or less. This can also be used horizontally or vertically, depending on the space that you have available.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you don’t mind having a machine that will be slightly loud when it is running, then this affordable model should be one for you to look at carefully.
Cheap Air Purifiers Buying Guide
There is a lot that you are going to want to think about when you are looking at buying an air purifier, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot. You should ensure that you know what models are available, along with some of the top features that you might want to look at. The more you know about the models and what to consider, and what to avoid, the decision can be much easier for you, so keep reading on to find out more.
Top Features to Look for in the Best Cheap Air Purifier
You always want to know what some of the best features will be when searching for the perfect air purifier for you. There are so many options that might become confusing, and you might need some help, which is when the features come into play. Here are a few of the top ones to look at, such as:
- Multi-stage air purification – You want to think about getting a model with a multiple-stage air purification system, which should include a pre-filter. This will help get all of the small or large particles and pollutants lingering in the air. Think about going for one that has the True HEPA filtration system along with one that uses activated carbon to get rid of any lingering odors.
- Frequency of filter replacements – Also, you want to consider how often you will have to change out the filters with new ones. This will help the air be cleaner since the dirt and debris will collect in the filters, which means that the air isn’t always the healthiest. Ensure that you are looking at how often they need to be replaced and how much the filters will cost you.
- Maximum room area coverage – The final feature you need to consider is just how much square footage the device would handle. This might be the most important thing to consider since you want it to cover the entire area. If you want it to cover one room, then think about how big that room is and then find the device that can handle it.
These are just some of the main features you are going to want to think about, and you should consider using them to help you with your decision. The more you know about the features, the more you can determine which one would be important to you and which one you can do without.
FAQ
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How many hours is the most I should be running my device daily?
You should run it around 12 hours a day, but you can also run it all day if you are home. If you aren’t home, consider turning it off while you are out and then turning it back on to ensure that you are conserving energy. However, for those at home all day, they can be run all day, including sleeping if required.
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Where is the right location to place my device?
Many people have a question about where the device should be placed, and it depends on the size and type of machine you have. You want to make sure that it isn’t placed fully in the corner, and it should be able to pull in some of the air around it. You can also place these on your desk or even a bookshelf, provided the vents are not blocked.
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How often should I change out the filters?
This really depends on the type of filter you are using, but most of them need to be changed out at least 1 time every year. If you have the washable filters, then you should wash them when the air feels as if it isn’t being cleaned anymore. Ensure that you are noticing any change in air quality to replace the filters, so ensure you have one handy.
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How do I know what size machine I should get for my bedroom?
If you are going to place one of these air purifiers in your bedroom, you need to be aware of the square footage. This will help you choose the best option from the available models to efficiently and effectively handle the space. Every model will let you know the best square footage to buy the one that fits the area the best.
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Why should I consider increasing my budget if possible?
If you can increase your budget to purchase an air purifier, you might want to do that. This would help you purchase not only a bigger device if needed, but it can also help you get more features and a much more efficient and effective model. Figure out how much you can spend, and then check out the models that would fit your needs as well as your budget.
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Why is the noise level something I need to consider?
For those who will be using these in your office or even your bedroom, you might not want a machine that would make a lot of noise. This is especially important if you are a light sleeper or if you would be using it for children since it might keep you up at night or wake you up.
Conclusion
Ensure that you are checking out all of these models and using the factors and features available to help you make a choice. It might not seem like an easy choice, especially if you are on a budget, but there are plenty of great and effective models out there that aren’t expensive. Ensure that you are looking at these models and picking the one to suit your needs the best.
