2020 has been a CRAZY year, we had it all starting from the Australian bushfires to the death of Kobe Bryant to “Parasite” winning the Oscars to Stock Markets crashing down. But, the Craziest One of all was the COVID-19 Pandemic. So it is deserving to finish off 2021 with the best budget air purifier.
Yes, we know how important air purifiers are especially in the situation we are in and to be fair not all of us are enjoying our bit when it comes to the economy. So we came up with a list of the 7 best budget air purifier that not only are budget-friendly but are also dominating the market today.
And if you happen to be someone who has allergy or asthma issues or is sick and tired of contaminants and odors. Then stay tuned to know not One but Seven best solutions!
Quick Overview
- 1 These are the best among the Best Budget Air Purifier
- 2 With that, let’s start with the Best Budget Air Purifier!
- 3 Buying Guide
- 4 Conclusion
These are the best among the Best Budget Air Purifier
With that, let’s start with the Best Budget Air Purifier!
1. Hamilton Beach 04386A
Product Description
Hamilton Beach 04384, what better way to start the best air purifier on a budget than with this air purifier! Before we go on to its features, you need to know that the design is different from the rest.
By different, I mean there is no such in the market. Furthermore, it comes with 3 filters (Pre-filter, Activated Carbon filter & Permanent HEPA filter) to cover up a room of 140 sq. ft. and this room will be filtered 2 times an hour.
The filtration will be quite effective as the CADR for smoke, pollen and dust is 35 cfm in general. After using the air purifier for 6 months, you will need to pay around $35 to replace them.
However, the sound level at the highest setting is 60 decibels meaning it is not a great choice for a bedroom. Finally, it consumes 100 watts so you will have to pay around $36 per year if you use it for 8 hours every day.
Those factors may not be something highlighting but you can’t complain because it comes with a price tag of just over $50. And also, it is effective in taking out unwanted particles like bacteria, viruses, dust, mold spores, and many more.
However, if you still don’t think you are happy with the size it covers, you can go for Hamilton Beach 04386A which is a similar product but it covers 160 sq. ft.
Role of filters:
Permanent HEPA filter: This filter captures 99% of pollen, mold, fungi, pet dander, virus, bacteria, and allergen down to 0.3 microns in size.
Specifications
- Model: 4834
- Dimensions: 10.84 x 8.08 x 16.43 inches
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Filtration levels: 3
- Room coverage: 140 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 7.5 out of 10
Additional features
- To replace or clean the filters, simply turn the knob.
- Compact
- Unique design
- Price is very low
- ACH & CADR rating is not bad
- The sound level is high
Infographic!
To get a clean idea about what the air purifiers on this list can do, this picture will come in handy!
2. Blueair Blue Pure 411
Product Description
Unlike Hamilton Beach 04384, this product is great for a bedroom. Wait! The word “Great” undermines the air purifier so let’s rephrase. “This air purifier is the best air purifier out there when it comes to a bedroom”!.
The reason for it is mainly the obvious 17 decibels sound it makes at the lowest setting. And then there is the CADR, filters, and the power consumption and yes, it is the complete package you need for a 161 sq. ft. room.
So let’s start with the filters which are 3 in number (Pre-filter, Particle filter, and Activated Carbon filter). They will need to be replaced after 6 months costing you around $30.
Next is CADR & ACH which is the second-best part after the sound, the CADR for pollen is 120 cfm, dust is 120 cfm and pollen is 105 cfm and the ACH is 5x. As those ratings are high, we can easily name it the best budget air purifier for mold.
Let’s not forget, this air purifier gives you the option to choose from 5 colors which are Blue, Black, Gray, Yellow, and Pink. All of them without the need to pay a single extra penny.
After every year, you will need to pay around $5 to $7 if you use it for 8 hours per day as it consumes 1.5 to 10 watts, this amount is very low even though it has 3 fan speed. Speaking of fan speed, at the highest setting the sound level is 46 decibels.
Role of filters:
Particle filter: The polypropylene fibers present will capture 99% of bacteria, fungi, mold, pollen, pet dander, virus, and allergen.
Specifications 
- Model: 411PACF101435
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 16.7 inches
- Weight: 3.35 pounds
- Filtration levels: 3
- Room coverage: 161 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 8.5 out of 10
Additional features
- You can choose any color out of the 5 (Blue, Gray, Black, Yellow, and Pink).
- HEPASilent technology will allow using the device at a very low sound level.
- Very, very quiet air purifier
- The CADR rating is high
- ACH is high
- 5 colors available
- Easy to use
- Perfect for small rooms
- Can handle medium-sized rooms
- No smart sensor
Review: Blueair 411 air purifier
3. Levoit Core 300
Product Description
The last product set the bar very high so there is no better time than now to introduce you to Levoit Core 300. There was no doubt on whether we will have a Levoit device on the best budget air purifier review because Levoit is known for making great air purifiers at a low price range.
Levoit Core 300 is like the elder brother of Levoit Vista 200. They are both almost the same but Levoit Core 300 covers more space, has a bit better features, and will cost you few extra bucks.
Moreover, it was made to cover 219 sq. ft. and all that space will be effectively filtered because of the 3 filters present (Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and Activated Carbon filter), the ACH & CADR rating.
The CADR rating for smoke is 145 cfm, dust is 140 cfm and pollen is 141 cfm and the ACH is 5x. By the way, to keep the device effective, you have to change them after 6 months which will cost you $24.
The other payment is around $16 after the end of every year if you use it for 8 hours per day as the device consumes 0.8 to 45 watts. Plus, at the lowest fan speed sound level is 24 decibels and at the highest, it is 50 decibels.
We saved the best for last! This air purifier will give you the option to choose from a regular filter, pet allergy filter, mold bacteria filter, and toxin absorber filter. Meaning it is not only the best budget air purifier for smoke but also a great air purifier for other particles.
Specifications 
- Model: Core 300
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.25 inches
- Weight: 8.83 pounds
- Filtration levels: 3
- Room coverage: 219 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 8.5 out of 10
Additional features
- Gives you the option to choose from regular filter, mold bacteria filter, pet allergy filter, and toxin absorber filter
- Sleep mode will lower the sound at night.
- Display lock will make sure the settings you set don’t get changed.
- There is a LED indicator for filter replacement.
- The basic timer has a 6 hour off setting.
- Quiet air purifier
- Feature-rich
- You can customize the filters
- The CADR rating is high
- ACH is very high
- Filter replacement cost is not high
- Perfect for small rooms
- Can handle medium-sized rooms
- No smart sensor
In depth review of Levoit core 300 air purifier
4. Levoit LV-H132
Product Description
Yet again we have another levoit air purifier and it is not only one of the best air purifier for budget. But also the best seller when it comes to levoit air purifiers beating the likes of previously mentioned Levoit Core 300 and Levoit LV-PUR131.
There are obvious reasons why it is liked by so many people. Firstly, it is priced under $100 and it comes with 3 filters (Pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and Activated Carbon filter) which need only $17 in order to be replaced. That’s a great deal as you will need to change them every 6 months.
In addition, it was made for small rooms like those 129 sq. ft. rooms. If you have a room of that size, you will be pleased to hear that the CADR rating is 40 cfm in general and the ACH is 2x. Because those values are high enough to handle dust, allergies, bacteria, asthma, virus, and other airborne particles.
Also, when used at the highest setting the sound level is 50 decibels and at the lowest setting, it is 36 decibels. And if you use it for like 8 hours a day you will have to pay around $10 a year as the power consumption is 0.8 to 28 watts.
In the end, it is also a great device for cooking odor, pet odor, and also smoke, you get all under $100.
Specifications 
- Model: H13 True HEPA fil
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Filtration levels: 3
- Room coverage: 129 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 7.5 out of 10
Additional features
- Nightlight function adjusts the fan speed and dims the light making it easier to sleep at night.
- Well-built keeping the price in mind
- Slightly quiet
- Consumes less power
- CADR & ACH is not bad
- Filter replacement cost is very low
- Great for small rooms
- No smart sensor
Read Levoit LV-H132 review for more information
5. GermGuardian AC4825E
Product Description
We now move on from Levoit’s bestseller to the bestseller overall. GermGuardian is by far the bestseller air purifier which is no easy feat as we all know how high the competition is on the market.
So what makes it the best seller!? Well, the effectiveness plays a vital role without any doubt so does the filters and the design. But, one of the main reasons for the success of GermGuardian air purifiers like the GermGuardian GG1000, GermGuardian AC4100, GermGuardian AC5350B and the GermGuardian AC4825E is because of the excellent customer service they provide.
Anyways, back to the design which is such that it will instantly catch your eye. This air purifier also has a white version which looks even better!
The room coverage is almost the same as Blueair Blue Pure 411 but it covers 6 sq. ft. more meaning 167 sq. ft. and running it at the lowest speed, the sound level is 40 decibels and 55 decibels at the highest setting.
Now to effectiveness, your room will be filtered 4 times an hour by the 3 filters (Pre-filter + Activated Carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and UV-C light) and the CADR rating for pollen is 125 cfm, dust is 118 cfm and smoke is 108 cfm. Very well suited air purifier for home, don’t you think?
After a year of use, you will have to pay around $19 as it consumes 53 watts if you use it for 8 hours a day. And halfway through the yearly payment (6 months), you have to pay around $23 for the filters and around $22 for the UV-C light. Not a bad deal!
Role of filters:
UV-C light: The micro-organisms and airborne particles like mold spores, viruses, fungi, and bacteria are all killed by the UV-C light bulb.
Specifications 
- Model: AC4825E
- Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 22 inches
- Weight: 8.55 pounds
- Filtration levels: 3
- Room coverage: 167 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 8.5 out of 10
Additional features
- LED filter replacing indicator will tell you the time to replace the filters.
- Unique and eye-catching design
- ACH & CADR rating is high
- 3-year warranty
- Perfect for small rooms
- Can handle medium-sized rooms
- A bit noisy
6. Fellowes AeraMax 100
Product Description
In case, you’re wondering that none of the air purifiers mentioned above come with many features then I guess it is the perfect time to introduce you to the Fellowes AeraMax100. It is the youngest brother of the family, the elders being the AeraMax200 and AeraMax300.
It is rare for a device to have a smart sensor and also be one of the best air purifier under budget at the same time, so as far as this goes Fellowes has done a great job.
There is one price you have to pay and that is how much room it can cover. I wouldn’t exactly call it paying but 100 sq. ft. is the room size and you can’t complain much because it has smart features and also, after all, it is a budget air purifier.
Additionally, 4 filters are present (Activated Carbon filter, True HEPA filter, AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment, and PlasmaTrue Technology) to cover 100 sq. ft. and you have to bear 35 decibels at the lowest setting, that’s good!
The ACH is 3x and the CADR rating for pollen is 75 cfm, smoke is 68 cfm and dust is 65 cfm explaining that it is more than enough to handle a small room as well as eliminate odor, bacteria, mold, asthma, and other unwanted particles.
Further, if this device is used for 8 hours, you will have to pay around $13 to $18 as 37 to 51 watts is consumed depending on the fan speed. Ohh, we forgot to mention one thing.
The AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment acts as a barrier and prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria, fungi and mildew hence the filters last long and once the time for replacement has come, you will have to pay around $58.
Role of filters:
AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment: This acts as a protective layer for the True HEPA filter preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria, fungi, and mildew.
PlasmaTrue Technology: It is one kind of ionizer that removes the unwanted airborne pollutants and it can be turned on/off.
Specifications 
- Model: 9320301
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.25 x 27.25 inches
- Weight: 9.24 pounds
- Filtration levels: 4
- Room coverage: 100 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 8.0 out of 10
Additional features
- AeraSmart is the smart sensor that detects the air quality and adjusts the fan speed accordingly hence increasing the life span of the filters.
- Unique Aera+ mode increases the air turnover rate so your room is cleaned quicker.
- LED filter replacement will let you know when to change your filters.
- The smart sensor is accurate
- 4 filters
- Feature-rich
- Slightly quiet device
- CADR & ACH is high according to the room size
- Ideal for small rooms
- Can help in medium rooms
- The cost of replacing filters is high
7. Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1
Product Description
“The More the Merrier” is a phrase that I am sure you heard and the same can be said about filters. And that is why, just like the last product, this air purifier also has 4 filters (Pre-filter, Activated Carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and UV-C light).
Those 4 filters will make sure to either capture or kill all the airborne particles that enter the filter as a result, you can enjoy clean filtered air free from dust, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Anyways, Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1 is not the only best affordable air purifier made by Pure Enrichment. There is the Pure Enrichment PureZone Halo and Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-in-1 (Pretty long names, right? haha!) who are the other great air purifiers priced under $100.
Nonetheless, the sound level isn’t very high. 30 decibels is how much it makes at the lowest setting and at the highest setting, it makes 50 decibels. So it is not a bad option to use in quiet places!
Speaking of using, if you use this air purifier for like 8 hours a day, you will need to pay around $22 a year later as the power consumption is 60 watts. If you think this payment is high then you will be happy to know that the cost of replacing the filter after 6 months is only $17.
Furthermore, this air purifier has a room coverage of 200 sq. ft. and the CADR rating to cover that much space is 80 cfm in general. That isn’t bad at all! By the way, the 200 sq. ft. will be cleaned twice an hour as the ACH is 2x.
Role of filters:
UV-C light: The UV-C light bulb kills the airborne and micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, dust, virus, germs, and other pollutants.
Specifications 
- Model: Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 7 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Filtration levels: 4
- Room coverage: 200 sq. ft.
- Our rating: 8.5 out of 10
Additional features
- The timer will give you the option of 2, 4, and 8 hours.
- LED filter replacement will indicate the time to replace those filters.
- Not loud
- Easy to use
- 4 filters
- Filter replacement cost is low
- Great for small rooms
- CADR is not very high
Buying Guide
We are done! We have given you the top 7 best budget air purifier that are dominating the market today. Even though the list is short, you might still have doubts running on your mind.
Or you are not just clear on what exactly to look out for in an air purifier when it comes to buying one. To solve all those issues we have compiled a buying guide which will guide you in making your journey easier.
Filters
The table below will show you the use of the common 3 filters which are present in most of the air purifiers in our list.
|
Pre-filter |
The Pre-filter captures all the large particles that are present like fibers, human hair, pet hair, dust, dust mites and lint. |
|
True HEPA filter |
True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles like bacteria, fungi, pollen, allergen, mold, virus, and pet dander down to 0.3 microns in size. |
|
Activated Carbon filter |
The next filter gets hold of odors of smoke, pets, household, and cooking. Also, chemical vapors and VOCs, |
An air purifier filters the air, making it safer and healthier for us so there is no question you need to ask on how important filters are.
Anyhow, most air purifiers on the market come with 3 filters which is ideal when it comes to dealing with polluted air. And as you are looking for the best budget air purifier you need to keep in mind that not many air purifiers come with more than 3 filters in a small price range.
With that said, we made sure to include at least more than one air purifier that comes with 4 filters. Because after all, more filters mean greater efficiency.
So if you need an air purifier with more than 3 filters maybe because of asthma or allergies, you can opt for either Fellowes AeraMax 100 or Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1.
Room Coverage
When it comes to buying any products, there are some specific pieces of information that you must know in order to make your purchase. Like when it comes to clothes you must know your size, the same goes for shoes and I can go on and on but I am sure you got my point.
Measuring your room size is important and if you want to use your air purifier in multiple rooms then we would suggest you take the average sq. ft. of both the rooms or the room with the highest sq. ft.
Keep in mind that an air purifier with a room coverage of 160 sq. ft. can handle 210 sq. ft. or even sometimes 260 sq. ft. if the CADR & ACH is very high. Take Blueair Blue Pure 411 as an example.
A Pro Tip for you people will be to multiple the CADR rating of either the dust, smoke, or pollen with 1.55. The result you get is how much sq. ft. an air purifier can cover effectively.
As these air purifiers are budget air purifiers, none of them can cover medium or large rooms. So if you are willing to spend a bit more, then you can go for Winix 5500-2 as this air purifier has the capability to handle medium and large room very effectively!
Sound
If you are planning to use your air purifier in your bedroom or in a place where you prefer to keep it quiet then the sound level is something to consider.
And if you are on the other end and don’t bother much about the sound level then you are free to choose any air purifier from our list.
We tried our best to make sure we include quiet air purifiers but, to be honest, there are some air purifiers like the Hamilton Beach 04384 that are loud and not a great choice for a bedroom.
And if you are looking for a quiet air purifier then there is no better choice on earth than the Blueair Blue Pure 411!
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) & Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)
The best way to identify how effective an air purifier is by the CADR rating. Also, the calculation which we mentioned under “Room Coverage” can’t be done without the CADR rating.
The fact is simple, a bigger room means higher CADR and higher CADR means more fresh and clean air.
Some air purifiers can cover more than the manufacturers mention and some do the opposite. For say Levoit Core 300, 219 sq. ft. is how much they mentioned but it can effectively cover up to 225 sq. ft.
Moreover, the value of ACH is how many times your room will be cleaned in an hour. So buy an air purifier with a higher ACH rating if you want to keep your room clean at all times maybe because it gets contaminated quickly or for any other reason.
Design, Size & Weight
It is obvious not all air purifiers come with the same design hence not all of them will give your décor the gorgeous look that you might desire. As far as this list goes GermGuardian AC4825E is what we as well as the people prefer but you are free to choose any.
The size is the same as the design. If you are someone who makes sure all the objects present in a room are of perfect size then you can keep the size in mind. And if you are not into these things then it is best to focus on other factors.
And lastly, choose an air purifier that weighs less if you use the air purifier in multiple rooms as it will be easily portable. Like Pure Enrichment PureZone 3-in-1, it weighs 6 pounds only. FYI, none of these above air purifiers weighs much so weight shouldn’t bother you much.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend, the list of the best budget air purifier is all yours! Remember, if you want to spend money make sure you spend it well and that is exactly what you will achieve if you go for any of those 7.
In Addition, there is no doubt you can have on how effective they are because there is a reason why they are the best on the market. Now the decision depends on you!
The buying guide is there to guide you through any further issues you face when buying and don’t forget to mention which best budget air purifier you choose in the comments section below. With that, the time has come, the end of our journey! So Au Revoir (Goodbye)!
Are you looking forward to introducing yourself to other top air purifiers that are ruling the market? Look them up:
- Best air purifier for mold spores
- Best air purifier for dust
- The best air purifier for odor elimination
- Best air purifier for bedroom
- Best air purifier for allergies
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