Many of us are spending more time indoors than ever. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution may be two to five times greater than outdoor pollution.
Fortunately, you can find a quality home air purifier for a reasonable price.
Read our buying guide to learn more about what to look for in an air purifier under $100 as well as our product recommendations. Our top choice, VEVA 8000 Elite Pro, operates quietly and can filter the air of a room up to 325 square feet.
What to know before you buy an air purifier under $100
There are two main types of air purifiers we’ll cover in this guide that can be purchased for under $100.
Ionizers
Ionizers, also called negative ion generators, create static around airborne contaminants so that they cling to the nearest surface. While this takes allergen particles out of the air, be aware that you’ll still need to regularly clean your furniture, walls and floors to remove them altogether. Ionizers can also create a low concentration of ozone, which can harm lungs.
Mechanical filtration units
The most popular air purifiers have filters. They use different filter types to remove different types of pollutants from the air. For instance, a pre-filter removes large particles from the air, and a HEPA filter removes particles as small as 0.3 microns. The best purifiers also have an activated carbon filter in their multistage filtration process.
Air purifiers under $100 features
Capacity
The coverage of filtration an air purifier can provide is determined in square footage. While some purifiers can cover an entire home, units under $100 typically filter a single room — between 50 and 325 square feet. Select a unit with a coverage rating that’s a bit larger than the room you’re placing it in to avoid overtaxing the machine.
Fan speed
A good air purifier offers different fan speeds so you can customize the rate of operation. Often, a purifier has three speeds: low, medium and high. High speed may only be necessary for adverse conditions whereas low and medium speeds are adequate for daily maintenance.
Sleep mode
Some purifiers offer a sleep mode, which offers quiet or near-silent nighttime operation. It’s also a good idea to check reviews to see how loud a unit is. Some users like the fan-like, white noise that air purifiers emit.
Air purifiers cost
While portable air purifiers for larger spaces cost $300-$1,500, this buying guide focuses on purifiers under $100. You can spend as little as $40 for a decent air purifier.
Air purifiers under $100 FAQ
Do I need to change the filters in my air purifier?
A. Yes, for mechanical filtration units you will need to change the filters periodically. Keep in mind that different filter types require different frequency of replacement. Factor in filter costs when shopping for a purifier. New filters can cost as much as $50 for units under $100.
What do air purifiers under $100 filter out of the air?
A. Typically, most air purifiers at this price point can filter out smoke particles, mold spores, dust, pollen and pet dander. Generally they don’t filter out VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from substances like paint or glue.
Which air purifier under $100 should I get?
Best of the best air purifier under $100
VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier: available at Amazon
Our take: A premium air purifier with multiple filters and quiet operation.
What we like: Ultra-quiet mode is perfect for the bedroom. Purifies air in a room up to 325 square feet. Comes with a long-lasting HEPA filter as well as four carbon pre-filters.
What we dislike: Replacement filters are costly but last longer than most.
Best bang for your buck air purifier under $100
hOmeLabs 4-in-1 Compact Air Purifier: available at Amazon
Our take: A lightweight, highly portable ionic purifier perfect for small spaces or travel.
What we like: Inexpensive but still features a multistage filtration process. Ion generator operates very quietly. Main filter lasts three to five years. Only 7.5 inches tall.
What we dislike: Blue light cannot be shut off while in operation and is bright.
Honorable mention air purifier under $100
Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 Air Purifier: available at Amazon
Our take: This feature-packed air purifier offers a three-stage filtration system.
What we like: Features a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter for comprehensive, multistage purification. Has a UV-C light to eliminate germs. Three different timer and speed settings.
What we dislike: Can be difficult to find a replacement for the UV-C light.
Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
