A healthy home ensures a healthy life. If you want to enjoy a good life with good health you must take care of your home environment. To maintain the home environment properly, a good quality air purifier helps you a lot. An air purifier can easily monitor the quality of your home air. It can purify the air in several ways. There are various types of filtration and speed options available when choosing the air purifiers. Therefore, it’s hard to decide when choosing a good one for you. With intense research, in this article, we will discuss some effective, popular, budget-friendly and space-saving air purifiers that cost under 100 dollars. We will also highlight the pros and cons so that you can compare and choose the best one for you.
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Top 5 air purifier 2020 [Best under 100]
Considering important features, efficiency, popularity and users’ opinion, below is the shortlist of our top 5 budget air purifiers.
- Levoit Air Purifier LV-H123
- GermGuardian AC4825
- Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier
- MOOKA Air Purifier
- Holmes air purifier HAP243
Levoit Air Purifier LV-H123
Levoit air purifier LV-H123 is the most popular air purifier in the world in the low price category. Its compact size, user-friendly operating system, and well-set look just won people’s hearts. A survey has been executed among 1000 Levoit users on why they use the Levoit air purifier. Most of them said that they trust the Levoit label. Therefore, people try Levoit LV-H123 because they trust the brand. If you have no time to study, I suggest you get Levoit LV-H123 without a second thought.
Filter quality
This Levoit H123 model comes with a 3 in 1 filtration system. A true HEPA filter is included in it. On top of that, it contains a good quality carbon activated filter and a washable pre-filter. The charming point of this filtration system is the pre-filter. You can easily open and clean it. Therefore, the other filters sustain for a long time.
Smart option
This budget-friendly Levoit H123 has two bonus smart options – a beautiful blue nightlight and automatic filter replacement indicator.
Efficiency
Its high-quality air purification system and super silent noise level have made it the top budget air purifier. High customer satisfaction proves its efficiency.
At a glance
| Name | Levoit Air Purifier LV-H123 |
| Product dimension | 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches |
| Product weight | 6.61 pounds |
| Coverage area | ≤ 129 ft² (12 m²), |
| Power supply | AC 120V/ 60 Hz. |
| Filtration system | 3 in 1. true HEPA filter + fine preliminary filter + activated carbon filter |
| Noise level | ≤ 50dB, super quiet |
| Made in | USA |
- Three-stage filtration system
- Energy efficient
- Washable pre-filter
- Low noise level
- Easy to operate
- Nice smart option
- Compact in size
- Charming elegant look
- Low charge filter replacement
- Long life span
- Ozone free
- Can set a timer
- Short warranty periods
- Only can cover up to 165 sq. feet.
What users say?
Christian, a user of Levoit LV-H123 told that this model is seriously good. It keeps her home atmosphere clean and odor-free. Very quiet in low-speed operation but beefy at high speed. Surely effective for any breathing difficulty, moderately works to eliminate smoke.
Expert’s opinion
Overall survey and study find Levoit Air Purifier LV-H123 as a good option for a budget air purifier lover. Most of the customers love Levoit products. Although the LV-H123 model is for very small space, for a larger coverage you can try the upgraded model Levoit Air Purifier Core 300.
GermGuardian AC4825
Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier can be an excellent choice to filter Allergies, Pollen, smoke, dust, pet odor, mold, and even germs. Its sleek design and extraordinary performance will certainly win your heart. It’s also verified with AHAM tests. It is also Energy Star Certified & Carb Compliant. It’s able to remove different kinds of floating chemicals.
Filter quality
GermGuardian AC4825 air purifier contains four types of filtration systems. A carbon filter with a pre-filter which can catch big particle. A true HEPA filter and UV-C lights. HEPA filter kills 99.97 % of harmful germs and other floating particles as small as 0.3 microns. UV-C lights help reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and microbes such as influenza, rhinovirus, etc. Pre-filters trap primary dust, pet hairs and other kinds of large particles and help expand the life of other filters. Activated charcoal filters remove the unwanted odor from the air and keep your home environment pure and fresh.
Smart option
There is only one smart option comes with this model. It has an indicator for the replacement alert of the filters.
Efficiency
Its CADR (clean air delivery rate) is dust-118, pollen-125, and smoke-108. Therefore, it shows that this unit is quite efficient. This product is also AHAM certified. Because it comes with a UV-C Lights filter, it’s very effective for asthma and allergy patients.
At a glance
| Name | GermGuardian AC4825 |
| Product dimension | 9 x 5.5 x 21.5 inches |
| Product weight | 7 ponds |
| Coverage area | up to 167 sq. feet |
| Power supply | AC 120 V |
| Filtration system | 4 filter; a true HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and UV-C light filter and a pre-filter |
| Noise level | Super quiet in lower mode (42.5 Db) but harsh on higher mode |
| Made in | USA |
- Covers a big area up to 165 sq. feet.
- Eye-catchy design
- Various filtration system
- A long warranty period of up to 3 years (terms and conditions apply)
- Energy efficient
- Prevent airborne germs
- Recommended for asthma and allergy patient
- AHAM verified
- Certified by Energy Star and compliance with California CARB rules and regulation
- Moderately big in size
- Very harsh on high speed
What users say?
Rosely, a consumer of this product told that GermGuardian AC4825 had been quite perfect for the price ………….…it helped improve her allergy and asthma…………… Removed the bad smells immediately and she just surprised. The highest setting is a little bit loud but she didn’t know why. She liked this white sound. Unconditionally it’s the best and she felt more maintained.
Expert’s opinion
GermGuardian AC4825 air purifier is a very efficient and highly performed model. It’s quite popular too. It takes care to emit many kinds of airborne microbes such as mold, bacteria even virus. But the concern is the UV-C Light filter. Excessive use of UVC-Light can be harmful to you. UV-C Lights can damage the skin or eye cornea.
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier
Do you want a super affordable hassle-free and basic air purifier? Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier can be a good option for you. Most of the purifiers available in markets contain temporary air filter but Hamilton Beach TrueAir Purifier contains a permanent HEPA grade filter. When you think about cleaning the filter, just vacuum it. This model also has an activated carbon filter and a pre-filter. You can use it vertically and horizontally- both the ways.
Filter Quality
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier comes with three different types of filters. It contains permanent HEPA grade filter which can easily catch 99.99% of dust, pollen and unwanted floating particles as small as 2 microns. Replaceable carbon zeolite filter absorbs pet odor and stinky household flavor and smoke. For larger particle and pet hair, a pre-filter is also there.
Smart Option
No smart feature available in this model.
Efficiency
This model is perfect as a basic model. It has an ultra-quiet motor with a three-speed operation. For quick and heavy cleaning, set the high mode. Select a medium setting for general cleaning and low mode when you need a super calm environment.
At a glance
| Name | Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier |
| Product dimension | 10.8 x 8.1 x 16.4 inches |
| Product weight | 6.3 pounds |
| Coverage area | 140 Square Feet |
| Power supply | AC 120 V |
| Filtration system | 3 filter. A pre-filter, carbon filter, and permanent HEPA grade filter |
| Noise level | Ultra-quite motor |
| Made in | USA |
- Quiet operation
- Permanent HEPA grade filter
- 2 carbon filters for bad odor
- Low cost in the long run
- Can be used vertically and horizontally
- Compact in size
- Stylish in design
- Easy to use
- No smart option
- Permanent HEPA grade filter can be cleaned only by vacuum and is not washable
What users say?
S. jay, a user said that he was very pleased with this model. He just bought another two of them. This unit is very good for his pet’s dander and odor. It gives him a feeling that he has no pets though he has 3 dogs and 2 cats. It also emits his next-door smoke smell.
Expert’s opinion
If you only want a basic air purifier then Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier is unconditionally perfect. A permanent HEPA grade filter makes it unique. But you should keep an eye on the filter because there is no replacement indicator. It also not recommended for the extra sensitive patient.
MOOKA Air Purifier
If you want a super-compact, highly affordable and comfortably portable air purifier, MOOKA Air Purifier can be your right choice. Because of its compact size, you can use it anywhere you want such as the bedroom, small office room even in the car. Simply keep it as a decorative piece.
Filter types
MOOKA air purifier comes with 3 types of filtration systems. True HEPA air filter, activated carbon filter and pre-filter. True HEPA filter removes 99.97% dust, mold and pet dander as tiny as 0.3 microns from the air. Activated carbon filter removes bad odor and smoke and makes the air fresh. Finally, the pre-filter catches comparatively big unwanted floating particles from the air.
Smart Option
This compact model has a charming nightlight option.
Efficiency
Comparing the cost of this unit (>50$), it will provide more efficiency. This product is as good as you want. Its three-stage filtration system, 360o air circulation process, and the less noisy moderate motor are just perfect.
At a Glance
| Name | MOOKA Air Purifier |
| Product dimension | 7.5 x 6.9 x 6.9 inches |
| Product weight | 3 pounds |
| Coverage area | Small room |
| Power supply | AC 110V |
| Filtration system | 3 in one pre-filter, HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter |
| Noise level | >35dB (Quiet Mode) |
| Made in | USA |
- 360o air circulation system
- High portability
- Very low energy consumption
- True HEPA filter
- Multiple filtration system
- Very quiet operation
- Easy to operate
- Minimalist design- anywhere to fit
- 100% Ozone free
- Two smart option
- Can’t turn off the LED light when it works
- Cover very small space
What users say?
S.Saam, a user said that this product passed 3 months, and he loves it!!! Now his air is fresh and clean. Very good for a small room. Gives a noticeable difference around the room. He is very air pollution sensitive, now feels better with it and can’t sleep without it.
Expert’s opinion
Very good for basic needs. Lightweight and compact size increase the portability. But for the moderately sensitive body, try to keep it in a safe zone and don’t shake it hard. Another concern is the nightlight. Although the light is cool and fine it can’t be turned off when the purifier is running. I suggest, if you feel disgusted just remove it out of the machine (you can learn it from YouTube)
Holmes air purifier HAP242
If you search a super economical, compact, handy ionizer air purifier then Holmes air purifier HAP242 is the best option for you. Its dual position and three-speed settings made it more efficient. The main turning point is that it comes with an optional ionizer. You can turn the ionizer on/off as per your wish.
Filter type
Holmes air purifier HAP242 has 3 types of filtration systems. The first one is a washable pre-filter which can trap comparatively large particles such as pet’s dander. It also helps increase the life span of other filters present in this unit. The second and the most important one is the HEPA type filter. It can filter 99% of unwanted airborne particles such as pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and so on as small as 2 microns. The final one is a carbon filter which helps remove bad odor, smoke odor and so on. It makes the air fresh and pure. Ionizer light can significantly improve the efficiency of the purifier. Don’t worry. It’s optional, so you can operate it as per your needs.
Smart option
No smart option is available, but the optional ionizer light and its operating button could be an extra function.
Efficiency
Holmes air purifier HAP242 is compact and has a longer life span. It comes with 3 cleaning speeds to keep your atmosphere clean and fresh. You can keep it on your table or desktop- horizontally or vertically.
At a glance
| Name | Holmes air purifier HAP242 |
| Product dimension | 14.8 x 11.4 x 7.2 inches |
| Product weight | 5.65 pounds |
| Coverage area | 109 sq feet / 10-by-11-foot room |
| Power supply | AC 120V |
| Filtration system | 3 in one pre-filter, HEPA type filter, and a carbon filter. It is also included with ionizer light. |
| Noise level | Quite in low speed, moderately noisy in high speed |
| Made in | USA |
- Highly affordable (>50$)
- Compact in size. Fits like a table decor
- Longer lifespan
- Three fan speed settings
- Multiple filtering systems
- Optional ionizer
- Lightweight, highly portable
- 3-year warranty(limited)
- HEPA type filter instead of a true HEPA filter
- Quite noisy in high-speed setting.
What users say?
Paul, a user said that this product is quite good for him. He can’t explain how good its performance compared with another desktop air purifier. Although its low and medium speed is quiet high speed is slightly loud. So he does a hack, only run it high speed when he is out of the home.
Expert’s Opinion
Very good option as a compact design ionizer and light desktop air purifier. Also, very affordable and fits for all financial status. Although Ionizer light increases its efficiency, excessive use of ionizer can be hazardous. I suggest using the ionizer moderately.
You can also read our article on the top odor eliminators for your home.
Features Of An Air purifier under 100
There are multifarious air purifiers available in the market. Choosing the right one is not so easy, especially when you find the best one from a dime a dozen. Some people look for the best one at the lowest price. We suggest convincing yourself that you are going to get an economical one and curb your expectations. Let’s find out some reasons to get a budget air purifier.
- A budget one is compact. So, if you have space constraints, you can try it.
- As it is compact, it’s highly portable.
- If your atmosphere is almost good but you want a better environment.
- To remove specific kinds of odor or dust particles such as dust from pets or smokes.
- For personal office space.
- For your family members who has been suffering from asthma or allergies.
Advantages and limitations of a budget air purifier
Any product you choose in the budget range, you have to face some limitations. Although you get several facilities too. Let’s check the table.
Advantages
- Budget-friendly and affordable.
- Compact in size
- Perfect for carrying during travel
- Easy to store
Limitations
- Can’t cover big space
- Lees effective
- Less smart option
Buying guide – What to know before you purchase the best air purifier under 100?
When you fully convinced to buy a brand-new budget air purifier it’s important to know the different features of it. Let’s find what you should look for when you get an air purifier under 100.
Magnitude of the Filter
The most important aspect of an air purifier is its filter quality. There are various kinds of filters available in the market. The most popular type is the HEPA filter. Other popular types are ion Ionizers and Ozone Generators, active carbon filter, UV lights, washable pre-filters and so on. A specific purifier filter contains 3 to 5 types of the filter plate. Filters catch the unnecessary particles that present in the air. When air passes through the filter, it traps the airborne particles. Some special types of filters can trap bacteria, microbes, and even viruses. When you want to buy an economical air purifier you must keep in mind that a budget purifier may not have a filter that can trap everything.
Extra Expense
Most of the time the filters are not permanent or washable. Therefore, after using a few weeks or months you have to change the filter plate. The frequency of changing the filter plate depends on the performance of your machine and the quality of the atmosphere you belong to. When you want to buy a budget air purifier it’s very important to consider the replacement cost of the filter. Sometimes the main machine will cost lower but after using a certain period it will cost you a lot.
In the market, some purifiers are existent with a permanent filter system, although they are not good for some sensitive environment.
Speed of the Fan
Good quality filters are not the only matter you should keep in mind. The performance of an air purifier largely depends on the fans and their speed. Most of the purifiers have multiple fan speed setting. You can adjust these as per your needs. Sometimes products also come with a speed sensor of the fan that can automatically adjust the speed.
CADR Level
CADR means Clear Air Delivery Rate. The CADR indicates the performance of a purifier. Higher CADR ensures higher operating efficiency. Try to get a purifier with at least 350 CADR or beyond.
Coverage Area
Before you purchase an air purifier, you must measure the area of your room. A purifier with a smaller coverage area can decrease the efficiency remarkably. Generally, devices with larger dimensions cover larger space than the devices having a smaller dimension. Therefore, always keep it in your consideration.
Dimension
Before deciding on a model you must check the dimension of the appliance. Especially when you purchase it online, check the dimension on and on again. Models that have a larger dimension will cover a larger area but portability may create an issue for you. You need to balance between these two. If you need an air purifier for your car, you are a travel lover who needs to carry the air purifier or the room you need to purify is small then big size models will not be suitable for you.
Warranty
It’s very important to check the warranty terms for your product. The warranty period simply indicates the trustworthiness of the manufacturer and this is an important quality of any product. A higher warranty period means the producer believes in the performance and durability of the product himself. On the other hand, less warranty period demonstrates that the product might not last long. Before you make the decision, check the terms and conditions with caution as well.
Noise Level
An air purifier is a machine and it contains functional fan in it. Therefore, it usually makes some noise. Generally, the noise level is very low. There might be few models out there that create disgusting sound on higher speed mode. Therefore, before you choose an air purifier, check the decibel range of the model, especially if you have children, pets or sound-sensitive persons in your family.
Smart option
To amplify the efficiency and functionality, manufacturers include some extra options in their products. Most air purifiers of the higher ranges come with various smart options. Nowadays, some budget models also have fewer extra functionality such as filter life indicator, ionizer, light, some kinds of digital functions and so on. But if you have a budget concern, having no smart option is just ok.
Commonly asked Questions about a budget air purifier [FAQ]
Final Words
Choosing a perfect air purifier is so difficult and it can even more difficult to choose a budget one. I think this article will help you take the right decision. You can also try some natural ways to get the best results. Know your needs before you intend to purchase anything. If you find the article helpful, please share it with your friends so that they can also get benefited. You can also share your experience about air purifiers through the comment section. Have a good day!