Purifiers can be quite expensive. Though high-end models are packed with tons of functional and convenience features, they can set you back a couple of hundreds of dollars. However, you can get some high-quality models that are very affordable.
To help you get one, we have compiled a list of 9 of the best air purifiers under $100 that you can buy in the market. Let’s jump right into it.
What To Check Before Choosing the Best Air Purifier Under $100?
1. Filter Technology of Air Purifier
Air purifiers usually have a set of at least 2 filtration stages and within these, there should be a layer that traps the finest particles. The most commonly used technology is True HEPA and this is very effective.
The filter traps all particles larger than 0.3 microns in size with 99.97% efficiency.
That said, the more the filtration stages, the better because this ensures more contaminants are removed. As such, Guardian Technologies’ AC4825E stands out due to its 4 filtration stages.
2. CADR
The Clean Air Delivery Rate is a measure of how well the purifier traps dust, pollen, and smoke particles in particular room sizes.
It is usually given in m3/hour and some have the CADR averaged to a common value while in others, it is given for each of the three factors.
That said, the higher the CADR value, the faster the machine will clean your air, and we highly recommend this.
3. Coverage Area of Air Purifier
Given in square feet, this factor shows the room size that the purifier can comfortably handle in circulating and cleaning the air.
Generally, the larger the coverage area, the better but this also means a higher price and more power consumption.
Therefore, the ideal thing to do is to measure or estimate your room’s size then buy a purifier that fits it.
4. Fan Speeds
Fan speeds give you control over the pace of the purification process. The more they are, the better because this allows you to raise or lower the filtration speed depending on the air quality.
Additionally, you should also check for presets such as sleep mode, which sets up the lighting or speed or both to the optimal conditions for better sleeping. For this, be sure to check out HomeLabs’ air purifier.
5. Extra Features
Budget air purifiers usually have limited features, which are for basic use.
However, some have additional features such as a sleep mode for nighttime use, a timer for automated use, and filter change indicators, just to name a few. The more you get, the better the purifier.
6. Noise Level
Air purifiers should clean the air in your home without disturbing your peace. Therefore, you should check the noise level, and it should be as low as possible, especially in the low fan speed setting. Ideally, at this level, the noise should with the 20-30dB range.
For the highest speed setting, the level should not exceed 50dB. Otherwise, it might be too noisy.
7. Air Purifier Maintenance
Filter replacements make up most of the maintenance task and there are two options. Some purifiers have permanent filters that only need to be dry cleaned. This makes the maintenance process cheaper but messy.
Others have replaceable filters that are less messy but cost more to maintain. Whichever you choose is okay and selection should be based on personal preference.
9 Best Air Purifiers Under $100 Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Guardian Technologies AC4825E (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Koios EPI810-A (Best Budget) |
|
 | 3. Mooka Air Purifier (Best Compact) |
|
 | 4. HomeLabs Air Purifier (Best Night Light) |
|
 | 5. Hamilton Beach 04384 (Easy Fitting) |
|
 | 6. Levoit LV-H132 (High-Efficiency) |
|
 | 7. Geniani G-2000 (With a Filter Change Reminder) |
|
 | 8. Pure Enrichment PureZone (Best for Large Spaces) |
|
 | 9. Honeywell HHT270W (Best Tabletop) |
|
1. Best Overall: Guardian Technologies AC4825E
Photo: Guardian Technologies
Guardian Technologies’ AC4825E takes the best overall spot because it has 4 very effective filtration stages. The first and second stages are combined as a pre and charcoal filter. These trap large particles while also eliminating odor.
The third stage is a True HEPA filter for capturing small particles with 99.97% efficiency while the fourth is a UV-C light. This kills airborne mold and germs, and it works with titanium dioxide to reduce VOCs.
That said, the unit turns over the air in a 167-sq-ft room 4X an hour at max speed. With this, it has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 118, 125, 108 m3/hour for dust, pollen, and smoke respectively.
Other features include a space-saving 22-in tall tower design with a small footprint, 3-speed settings, and a filter change indicator. The only problem is that you don’t get a night light for creating the perfect ambiance when sleeping.
Pros:
- 4 filtration stages
- UV-C light works with TIO2 to reduce VOCs
- High turnover of 4X/hour
- Space-saving tower design
- Filter change indicator
Cons:
- No night light
2. Best Budget: Koios EPI810-A
Photo: Koios
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- CADR: 55 m3/hour
- Fan Speeds: 2
Within this affordable range of air purifiers, Koios’ EPI810-A is the most affordable option, making it ideal for those on a tight budget. Despite this, it is equipped with 3 filtration stages for eliminating most contaminants.
These include a fine pre-filter for trapping large particles, a True HEPA filter for trapping small particles, and an activated carbon filter for neutralizing bad odor.
Controls are done via a single button, which allows you to adjust between high and low speeds, and to switch the night light off by long pressing for 4 seconds.
Other features include whisper-quiet running at under 25dB in the lowest speed and 360º deep purification, in which the air intake and discharge points are placed on opposite sides for better air circulation.
However, the unit has a low CADR or 55 m3/hour, which basically means its air cleaning efficiency is not very high.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 3 filtration stages
- Simple single-button control
- Whisper quiet running
- 360º deep purification
Cons:
- Low CADR
3. Best Compact: Mooka Air Purifier
Photo: Mooka
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- CADR: 50 m3/hour
- Fan Speeds: 2
Measuring only 7.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 in., Mooka’s air purifier is a very compact unit that easily fits in tight spaces. Within this small size though, it houses 3 filtration stages, which include a fine pre-filter for trapping small particles, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
The unit features 2-speed settings and controls are done via a single button, just like that of the Koios EPI810-A. It has a nightlight function that can be turned on/off by long pressing on the same speed setting button.
You also get an efficient 360º air intake and discharge design that maximizes fresh air distribution and a relatively affordable price tag. On the downside, the purifier has a low CADR.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Simple single button use
- Nightlight with on/off control
- Efficient 360º air intake and discharge design
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Low CADR
4. Best Night Light: HomeLabs Air Purifier
Photo: HomeLabs
- Coverage Area: 57.5 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speeds: 3
The night light setting in HomeLabs’ air purifier is unique because it has several brightness levels. This gives you more customization options as compared to the on/off nightlight.
With this, the unit has 3-speed settings and the highest setting operates below 50dB, which is not the quietest in this review. However, it does operate relatively quietly and ensures you get a peaceful night’s sleep in your room or apartment.
That said, the purifier is only suitable for use in small rooms of up to 57.5 sq. ft. and it uses 3 stages of filtration to eliminate odor, small and large particles. This makes it very effective for small room size.
More features include a control panel child-lock feature, a filter reset indicator, and a quick-change filter system for easy maintenance.
Pros:
- Several nightlight brightness levels
- Effective 3-stage filtration system
- Child lock
- Filter-reset indicator
Cons:
- Small coverage area
5. Easy Fitting: Hamilton Beach 04384
Photo: Hamilton Beach
- Coverage Area: 140 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speeds: 3
Hamilton Beach’s 04384 has a unique easy-fitting design that can be mounted either in a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on the available space. This means you can use it as a standalone unit or a table/benchtop purifier.
Filtration is done in 3 stages, which are a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and 2 replaceable carbon filters. That said, the HEPA filter is permanent and only needs to be vacuum cleaned after contaminants accumulate on its surface. This makes it very affordable to maintain.
Other features are 3-speed settings with dial adjustment, a 140 sq. ft. coverage (ideal for medium-sized rooms) and an affordable price tag. On the downside, a night light is not included for enhancing the ambiance when sleeping.
Pros:
- Vertical or horizontal placement design
- 3-stage filtration system
- Permanent HEPA filter
- Affordable
Cons:
- No night light
6. High-Efficiency: Levoit LV-H132
Photo: Levoit
- Coverage Area: 129 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speeds: 3
With a coverage of 129 sq. ft., Levoit’s LV-H132 turns over the air in this space 4X an hour for rapid purification. This makes it highly efficient and is ideal to use in small to medium-size rooms.
Aside from that, the unit incorporates the use of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter to trap dust and allergens from the air. While purifying, the unit produces very low noise (25dB) at low speed, which is ideal for nighttime use.
On top of this, it has a night light that creates a relaxing ambiance before sleeping. This light can be turned off independently if you prefer total darkness as you sleep. You also get a filter change reminder but the unit is quite expensive.
Pros:
- 4X air change per hour
- Low noise output at the slowest speed
- Independently controlled night light
- Filter change reminder
Cons:
- Quite costly
7. Best with Filter Change Reminder: Geniani G-2000
Photo: Geniani
- Coverage Area: 160 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- CADR: 120 m3/hour
- Fan Speeds: 3
While using a 3-stage filtration system with a certified HEPA filter, Geniani’s G-2000 has a filter change reminder that alerts you when the filter is worn out and requires a replacement. This ensures you maintain it at optimal conditions for effective purification.
That said, the purification process is controlled via 3-speed settings, which are low, medium, and high. There is also a nightlight option, which powers on a cozy dim light to enhance your sleeping experience. This can be turned off if you prefer total darkness when sleeping.
Other features include a compact and stylish design, a 37-50dB noise level range from low to max speed and a relatively large 160 sq. ft. coverage. However, you don’t get a child lock feature to prevent tampering of the control panel settings.
Pros:
- Filter change reminder
- 3-stage filtration system
- Optional nightlight
- Compact and stylish design
Cons:
- No child lock
8. Best for Large Spaces: Pure Enrichment PureZone
Photo: Pure Enrichment
- Coverage Area: 200 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- CADR: 136 m3/hour
- Fan Speeds: 3
Pure Enrichment’s PureZone is the ideal choice for large rooms because it has the widest coverage area of 200 sq. ft. To clean the air in this space, it incorporates the use of a 4-stage purification system.
This includes a pre-filter on the first stage, activated carbon on stage 2, a True HEPA filter on stage 3, and UV-C light on stage 4. The last stage sanitizes the air by killing disease-causing micro-organisms.
Purification is done via 3-speed settings, which give you more control and produce different noise levels (30, 40, and 50 dB for low, medium, and high speeds respectively).
You also get a timer with 3 settings (2H, 4H, and 8H) for automated use, sleep mode for quiet nighttime use, a filter-reset indicator, and a built-in carrying handle. The only problem is that the purifier is the most expensive option.
Pros:
- Wide 200 sq. ft. coverage
- 4-stage filtration system with UV-C light
- Timer with 3 settings for automated use
- Built-in carrying handle
Cons:
- Expensive
9. Best Tabletop: Honeywell HHT270W
Photo: Honeywell
- Coverage Area: 85 sq. ft.
- Filter Technology: HEPAClean
- CADR: 68, 65, 55 m3/hour
- Fan Speeds: 3
Rounding up the list is Honeywell’s HHT270W and this one is designed for tabletop use due to its stable wide, low-profile body. Though it has a relatively small 85 sq. ft. coverage area, the unit circulates air in this room size up to 5X/hour, which ensures you get very clean air.
Purification is done via a dual-action HEPA type filter, which has an activated carbon pre-filter to give all-round filtration. On the other hand, the purification speed is controlled via 3 settings, which are adjusted manually via a knob.
You also get a filter change indicator light but there is no timer for automated use.
Pros:
- Stable wide, low-profile body for tabletop use
- Circulates air up to 5X in an 85 sq. ft. room
- Dual-action HEPA type filter
- Filter change indicator light
Cons:
- No timer
Conclusion
In conclusion, we recommend Guardian Technologies’ AC4825E as the overall best air purifier under $100 because it has an effective 4-stage filtration system and a high turnover of 4X/hour
If you want a compact unit, be sure to check out Mooka’s air purifier. It is designed to occupy very little space on your countertop.
Though all these products are very affordable, if you are very short on cash, Koios’ EPI810-A should be your go-to option because it is the most affordable purifier.
In this post:
- What To Check Before Choosing the Best Air Purifier Under $100?
- 9 Best Air Purifiers Under $100 Reviewed
- 1. Best Overall: Guardian Technologies AC4825E
- 2. Best Budget: Koios EPI810-A
- 3. Best Compact: Mooka Air Purifier
- 4. Best Night Light: HomeLabs Air Purifier
- 5. Easy Fitting: Hamilton Beach 04384
- 6. High-Efficiency: Levoit LV-H132
- 7. Best with Filter Change Reminder: Geniani G-2000
- 8. Best for Large Spaces: Pure Enrichment PureZone
- 9. Best Tabletop: Honeywell HHT270W
- Conclusion