7 Best Affordable Air Purifiers Under $100 in 2024

Best affordable air purifiers

In an ideal world, we’d all breathe clean, fresh air without giving it a second thought. However, the reality is that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. That’s where air purifiers come in – but not everyone can shell out hundreds of dollars for cleaner air. Good news: you don’t have to. We’ve done the legwork to find the best affordable air purifiers under $100 that can help you breathe easier without breaking the bank.

Before we dive into our top picks, here is a quick disclaimer:

This article is based on extensive research rather than hands-on testing. While we’ve done our best to provide accurate information, real-world performance may vary. Always consider your specific needs and space when choosing an air purifier.

  1. Our Pick: Levoit Core 300 – High performance with True HEPA filtration
  2. Runner-up: LEVOIT Airnow Desktop – Compact efficiency
  3. Smoke Specialist: CRANE UV Light – Effective against wildfire smoke
  4. Most Portable: Winix A231 – Good CADR in a compact design
  5. Energy Saver: TaoTronics AP003 – Low power consumption
  6. Allergy Fighter: Honeywell HPA060 – True HEPA filtration
  7. Feature Rich: MOOKA Air Purifier – Multiple functions
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Levoit Core 300: The Jack of All Trades

Price: $99.99


If you’re looking for an air purifier that offers the best bang for your buck, the Levoit Core 300 is your go-to choice. It’s like that friend who’s good at everything – tackling dust, pollen, and odors with equal enthusiasm.

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Key Features:

  • True HEPA filter (goodbye, 99.97% of airborne particles). If you’re wondering how air purifiers work, this filtration technology is key.
  • Covers up to 300 square feet
  • 360° air intake for efficient purification
  • Quiet operation as low as 24dB

What We Love

  • High performance for its price point
  • Versatile for different room sizes
  • Energy efficient with only 45W power consumption

The Not-So-Great

  • Replacement filters can be pricey
  • No smart features or app control

Who It’s For: If you want a solid all-rounder that won’t let you down, this is it. It’s especially great for medium-sized living rooms or master bedrooms.

Runner-up

LV-H128 Desktop Air Purifier: Small But Mighty

Price: $49.99


Don’t let its size fool you – the LEVOIT Airnow Desktop packs a punch. It’s perfect for small spaces where every square inch counts.

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Key Features:

  • True HEPA filtration
  • Compact design ideal for desktops or nightstands
  • Covers up to 161 square feet
  • 3-stage filtration system

What We Love

  • Perfect for small rooms or offices
  • Affordable price point
  • Low power consumption

The Not-So-Great

  • Limited coverage area
  • May not be suitable for larger spaces

Who It’s For: If you need to purify the air in a small bedroom, home office, or dorm room, this little powerhouse is your best bet.

Smoke Specialist

Crane Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter: The Smoke Buster

Price: $89.99


For those dealing with wildfire smoke or other persistent odors, the CRANE UV Light Air Purifier is here to save the day (and your sinuses). It’s particularly effective if you’re concerned about whether air purifiers help with mold.

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Key Features:

  • UV light technology for enhanced purification
  • Covers up to 250 square feet
  • Effective against smoke particles

What We Love

  • Excellent performance against smoke
  • UV light adds an extra layer of purification
  • Good coverage for its price range

The Not-So-Great

  • Limited information on CADR ratings
  • UV bulb may need periodic replacement

Who It’s For: If you live in an area prone to wildfires or have a smoker in the house, this purifier is your new best friend.

Most portable

Winix A231: The Portable Powerhouse

Price: $99.99


The Winix A231 is the perfect balance of performance and portability. It’s ideal for those who want to move their purifier from room to room as needed

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Key Features:

  • PlasmaWave technology for enhanced particle removal. This is one of several types of air purifiers available on the market.
  • Covers up to 230 square feet
  • Compact and portable design
  • Auto mode adjusts to air quality

What We Love

  • Good CADR for its size
  • Quiet operation (as low as 25dB in night mode)
  • Easy to move around

The Not-So-Great

  • Some users report difficulty cleaning the fins or vents
  • PlasmaWave technology may produce trace amounts of ozone

Who It’s For: This is perfect for those who want a versatile purifier they can easily move between rooms or take on trips.

ENERgy saver

TaoTronics AP004: The Energy-Efficient Compact

Price: $79.99


If you’re on a tight budget but still want to improve your air quality, the TaoTronics AP003 proves that every penny counts.

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Key Features:

  • 3-stage filtration system
  • Compact cylindrical design
  • Ultra-low power consumption (as low as 28 watts). This efficiency can impact how long you should run your air purifier without worrying about energy costs.
  • 3 fan speeds

What We Love

  • Very affordable price point
  • Energy efficient
  • Quiet operation

The Not-So-Great

  • Lower CADR compared to some competitors
  • May take longer to clean air in larger rooms

Who It’s For: If you’re on a tight budget or want to try out air purification without a big investment, this is a great starting point.

Allergy Fighter

Honeywell HPA060: The Allergy Fighter

Price: $89.99


For those battling allergies, the Honeywell HPA060 Allergen Plus True HEPA Tower Air Purifier is a formidable ally in the fight for cleaner air. The HPA060 has CADR ratings of 48 for tobacco smoke, 62 for dust, and 75 for pollen. Understanding CADR ratings can help you choose the right purifier for your needs.

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Key Features:

  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • 3-stage filtration system
  • Compact design
  • Night light function

What We Love

  • Very quiet, even on higher settings
  • Good for bedrooms or nurseries
  • Affordable price point

The Not-So-Great

  • Limited information on CADR and coverage area
  • May not be powerful enough for larger spaces

Who It’s For: This is ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or any space where quiet operation is a priority.

7. MOOKA Air Purifier: The Feature-Rich Choice

Feature Rich

MOOKA Air Purifier: The Feature-Rich Choice

Price: $89.99


If you like your appliances with a few extra bells and whistles, the MOOKA Air Purifier delivers without breaking the $100 barrier.

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Key Features:

  • 3-stage filtration system
  • 360° air intake
  • Night light with 7 color options
  • Timer function

What We Love

  • Good balance of features and affordability
  • Night light function adds versatility
  • Timer allows for customized operation

The Not-So-Great

  • May not be as powerful as some competitors
  • Some users find the lights too bright

Who It’s For: This is great for those who want a few extra features in their air purifier, especially if you’re using it in a child’s room or as a nightlight.

How We Researched

Our process for selecting these air purifiers involved several steps:

  1. Market Analysis: We scoured major retail platforms and manufacturer websites to identify air purifiers under $100.
  2. Specification Comparison: We compared key specs like CADR ratings, coverage area, filter types, and noise levels.
  3. User Reviews: We analyzed thousands of user reviews to understand real-world performance and reliability.
  4. Expert Opinions: We consulted air quality experts and HVAC professionals for their insights on budget-friendly options.
  5. Brand Reputation: We considered the track record of manufacturers in producing reliable air purification products.

Why Trust Us?

While we haven’t personally tested these air purifiers, our team has years of experience researching and writing about home appliances. We’ve developed a keen eye for separating marketing hype from genuine value. Our recommendations are based on thorough research, expert consultations, and analysis of user experiences.

We also stay up-to-date with the latest developments in air purification technology and indoor air quality standards. Our goal is to provide you with accurate, unbiased information to help you make an informed decision.

How to Choose the Right Air Purifier for You

Choosing the right air purifier depends on several factors:

  1. Room Size: Match the purifier’s coverage area to your room size for optimal performance.
  2. Specific Concerns: If you have allergies, pets, or live in an area with wildfires, look for purifiers that target those specific issues.
  3. Noise Level: Consider where you’ll use the purifier. Bedroom purifiers should be quieter than those for living areas.
  4. Filter Type: HEPA filters are the gold standard for particle removal. Consider activated carbon filters if odor is a concern.
  5. Maintenance Costs: Factor in the cost and frequency of filter replacements.
  6. Additional Features: Decide if you need extras like air quality sensors, timers, or night lights.

For a more comprehensive guide on choosing air purifiers, check out our Air Purifier Guide for Cleaner Home Air.

Conclusion

Breathing clean air doesn’t have to cost a fortune—these affordable air purifiers under $100 offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re dealing with allergies or pet dander or just want to improve your overall air quality, there’s an option here for you.

Remember, while these purifiers can significantly improve your indoor air quality, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach to clean air. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and addressing pollution sources are all important steps in maintaining healthy indoor air.

Invest in your health and comfort by choosing the air purifier that best fits your needs and budget. Your lungs (and your wallet) will thank you!

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