Best Air Purifiers For Apartments Under $100: Small Space, Fresh Air—Buyer’s Guide
If you live in an apartment, you probably deal with limited space and limited control over your air quality. It’s easy for those of us who live in smaller living and breathing spaces to be affected more by pet dander, cooking odors, dust mites, or seasonal allergies. But a solid air purifier can help immensely, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to find one.
This guide caters to apartment dwellers seeking affordable air purification solutions. We’ve outlined what you should consider when buying an air purifier, suggested some of our favorite top-rated models under $100, and armed you with the knowledge you need to find the right one for you.
How Apartment Dwellers Need Air Purifiers (More Than You Realize)
Apartments come with unique air quality challenges:
Shared Air: You’re typically sharing ventilation systems with other units, so you may be breathing in allergens, odors, and even contaminants from the neighbors.
Reduced Air Transfer: Smaller interiors typically have reduced natural ventilation, resulting in stale air and contaminant accumulation.
Pet Dander & Allergens: Have pets (or do your neighbors) pets) dander can quickly build up in a small area.
Cooking Smells: Strong cooking odors can penetrate for hours (or even days) in a smaller apartment.
Dust Mites: These tiny pests love to live in bedding and furniture, and they are a common cause of allergies and asthma.
An air purifier effectively removes harmful substances from your home, allowing you to breathe in cleaner, fresher air. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about your health.
What to Consider When Choosing an Apartment Air Purifier (Under $100)
It is possible to find a great air purifier under $100, but you need to know what features matter most. Here’s a breakdown:
HEPA Filtration: The Gold Standard in Air Purification Look for a True HEPA filter. This is crucial. A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can trap 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. These include dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and more bacteria. Don’t accept “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” filters — these are not as efficient.
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate): This number indicates how fast the purifier can purify a room. The higher the CADR, the better, particularly in larger rooms. For small to medium-sized apartments (let’s say, under 500 square feet), a CADR of at least 100 for smoke, dust, and pollen is a good baseline. Terms of service Remember, however, that manufacturers typically list CADR for the highest fan speed, which can be loud.
Room Coverage: The packaging (or online description) of the purifier should specifically indicate recommended room sizes. Pick a purifier that’s rated for a space slightly larger than your actual room size. This will ensure it can clean the air effectively, even when it’s on a lower, quieter setting.
Noise level: This is very important for apartments. You do not want a purifier that sounds like a jet engine! Seek models with a “Sleep Mode” or “Quiet Mode,” and look for reviews with comments about noise. In general, you want something under 50 decibels (dB) at the highest setting and much lower at the lowest.
Long Term Cost: Filter replacement costs (HEPA filters generally need replacing every 6 to 12 months and activated carbon filters (which help with odors) need replacing even more frequently.) Choose models that have easily found and inexpensive replacement filters.
Activated Carbon Filter (for Odors)—A HEPA filter takes care of particles, but if you want to remove odors, you need activated carbon. If you cook a lot, have pets, or get annoyed with odors, you’ll want this. Seek out purifiers with a HEPA filter plus a deep layer of activated carbon.
Pre-Filter: Helps your HEPA last longer.
Apartment Air Purifiers We Recommend Under $100
Here are a few top-rated air purifiers that still get high marks from customers and great value, by our first criteria, for well under $100:
(Note: Prices can change, so verify before purchasing. These are based on average retail prices.)
Levoit Core 300S:
It’s a perennial favorite for a reason. It is equipped with a True HEPA filter, a large activated carbon filter, a good CADR (about 141 for dust), and it’s surprisingly quiet. It’s recommended for rooms up to 219 square feet, sizing it for bedrooms, living rooms, or even small studios. It also comes with intelligent features (app control, voice control via Alexa/Google Assistant), the best of its kind at this price.
Pros: Great filtration, quiet, smart features, cheap filter replacements
Pros: Can be a little small if you have an especially large open-plan apartment.
Levoit Core Mini: An excellent choice for smaller, cozier spaces. Levoit has been a top performer consistently.
Pros: Feels like an amazing value, able to purify areas of up to 178 sq ft. Quiet operation
Cons: May need to buy a bigger unit for filtering larger areas
GermGuardian AC4825
Here’s an old –> It comes with a True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a UV-C light that aids in killing germs and viruses. It’s rated to cover rooms as large as 167 square feet. It’s not the quietest purifier out there, but it’s durable and works well.
Pros: Affordable, durable, UV-C light for added germ-killing power.
Cons: A little louder than other models; the design is a bit dated.
Honeywell HPA060:
Honeywell is known for making great air purifiers, and the HPA060 is a good budget choice. It features a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, and it’s rated for rooms less than 155 square feet. It is characterized as being fairly quiet and simple to use.
Pros: Reliable brand, quiet operation, good value.
Cons: Filter replacements are a little pricier than some competing models
Disclaimer: These are some examples to start you with. This information is for guidance only, and you should always do your own research and read reviews before making a final decision. Then, check the specific features and see how they pass with your budgets, etc.
How to Improve Apartment Air Quality (Besides Air Purifiers)
An air purifier is an excellent tool, but there are a few other things you can do to improve your apartment’s air quality:
Let the air in: Opening windows for a couple of minutes a day can help, even in a small space. This helps clear out stale air and bring in fresh air. (Just be aware of outdoor allergies or pollution levels.)
Vacuum Often: Run a vacuum with a HEPA filter to catch filters and allergens. Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
Keep the Humidity Under Control: Mold loves humidity. Use a dehumidifier if needed, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
Use Exhaust Fans: Always turn on your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking and your bathroom exhaust fan while showering.
Opt for Low-VOC Products: When purchasing furniture, paint, and cleaning products, consider low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products. These VOCs can off-gas, adding to the indoor pollution in one’s home.
The next thing that you can do is consider houseplants: Some plants help to naturally filter and freshen your air, so these plants are a great option to add to your room.
Breathe Easy, Live Better
If you reside in an apartment, investing in a quality air purifier is investing in your health and wellness. By choosing the appropriate Ӧ and following a few simple steps, you can take advantage of indoor air quality that can lead to a healthier living space. You are entitled to fresh, clean air, regardless of how small your apartment may be!
Would you have any questions on selecting an air purifier for your apartment? Or, if you’re already using one, share your favorite model and tips in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
