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6 Best Air Purifiers for Smoke of 2024

Updated
If you have smokers in your household, you’ll need this.

Cigarette smoke can be as harmful as it can be annoying. If you’re a smoker or live with a smoker, you could benefit from an air purifier. The right air purifier will effectively remove the smoke and its odor in no time.

Finding the best air purifiers for smoke isn’t an easy task. With so many options available, which one should you choose? The choice is easy once you know what to look for.

To help you out, we’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews and expert advice. We’ve analyzed dozens of air purifiers and their room coverage, filter stages, fan speeds, features, and effectiveness to ensure we’re bringing you the best seven on the market.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Relaxing Moments: Elechomes Air Purifier
  • Three-stage filtration
  • Soothing, relaxing and quiet
  • Fan speeds & timer
Best for Quiet Operation: RabbitAir BioGS Ultra Quiet
  • Five speed settings
  • Four-stage filtration
  • Optional ionizer
Best Sleep Mode: Levoit Compact Air Cleaner
  • Advanced HEPA filter
  • Excellent sleep mode
  • Filter reminder wheel
Best Design: Blueair Blue Pure 121 Air Purifier
  • Scandinavian design
  • Effective three-stage filtration
  • Eco-friendly
Best HEPA Filter: Medify MA-40 Air Purifier
  • Medical-grade HEPA filter
  • Large but compact
  • Durable material and construction
Best Filter Protection: AeraMax 100 Air Purifier
  • Long-lasting HEPA filter
  • Unique sleek design
  • Auto sensors monitor air quality


Product Reviews

An air purifier can greatly benefit a household with a smoker or a smoking next-door neighbor. After our expert team picked out the top choices for our list, we researched each unit thoroughly. Some of the significant points we looked for were the quality of the filters and room coverage.

With no further ado, here are the best air purifiers for smoke.

Elechomes Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter

Best for Relaxing Moments

The Elechomes air purifier is an all-around winner in our book. It’s fitted with a three-stage filtration system which includes a True HEPA filter. You get different modes to accommodate the room and mood.

An aromatherapy mode is an excellent addition to this purifier to help set a soothing and relaxing mood. This purifier is excellent for homes with smokers due to the round filter. The round structure enables it to clean more air more efficiently.

There’s a timer you can set to turn the purifier off automatically. This is a great feature as it helps to save electricity.

What We Like

Three-Stage Filtration

The three-stage filtration includes a pre-filter that captures larger particles such as hair and lint. Next, the True HEPA filter captures up to 99.97 percent of the tiniest particles. Last but not least is the activated carbon filter. It absorbs odors such as smoke, benzene, and formaldehyde.

360-Degree Coverage

As we briefly mentioned above, the shape of the filter is where its powers are. Because of the 360-degree coverage, it will filter more air at a time, removing harmful substances from the cigarette smoke.

Soothing, Relaxing, and Quiet

During the night or quiet hours, activate sleep mode. When in this mode, the purifier operates at a super-quiet level, producing only 33 decibels.

You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil when you need deeper relaxation. As the air purifier releases clean air, it will infuse it with the oil, creating an aromatherapy spa at home.

Fan Speeds and Timer

You can choose between three fan speeds to suit your needs. When required, set the timer to a specific hour between one and eight to shut the unit off automatically.

Compact Size Fits on Desk or Table

This purifier is the perfect addition to a bedside table or office desk; it’s compact and lightweight. However, don’t judge it by its size. It will effectively cover an area of up to 215 square feet.

What We Don't Like

Replacement Filters Are Difficult to Find

Unfortunately, when it becomes time for a replacement, the filters are tricky to get your hands on. Plus, they can be costly, around half the cost of the air purifier itself.

Works In Small Rooms Only

With a room coverage of 215 square feet, this works best in small areas. Customers found it worked best in bathrooms, closets, or small offices. This won’t be powerful enough if you need something for a studio apartment or larger living space.

Product Specs

Recommended Room Coverage 215 square feet
Filter Stages Three-stage
Warranty Not specified
Special Features Timer, sleep mode
Fan Speeds Three

Our Ratings

Filter Type
4 / 5
Cadr Rating
3.5 / 5
Room Size Compatibility
3 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

RabbitAir BioGS Ultra Quiet

Best for Quiet Operation

This modern-looking air purifier is one of the quietest options on the market. On the lowest level, it’s only 22.8 decibels loud, comparable to leaves rustling on a tree, and even quieter than a whisper.

It will effectively remove smoke and other pollutants from your indoor air while deodorizing the room. There are a whopping five speeds to choose from to suit the quality of the air.

The BioGS 2.0 is backed by an incredible five-year warranty and lifetime 24-hour technical support. It’s Energy Stay certified and uses only a small amount of energy when activated.

What We Like

Five Speed Settings

You get the option to set this to five different speeds. This means you get more power in more intense settings, which is excellent for smoke. But if you want something ultra-quiet, you can choose the lowest setting. This is great for homes that already have pretty good air quality.

Four-Stage Filtration

The four-stage filtration effectively removes pollutants of all sizes. The pre-filter catches large particles such as lint, hair, and dust. Then when needed, you can wash it and put it back in for an improved operation.

Next, we’ve got an activated carbon filter that absorbs unpleasant odors, smoke, and fumes. This filter will also capture any VOCs that might be present, as well as cooking odors.

The BioGS HEPA filter will capture up to 99.97 percent of particles at 0.3 microns. It traps contaminants and allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and any smoke that might’ve escaped the carbon filter.

Optional Ionizer

This purifier is also equipped with a negative ion generator. These will bond with positive particles such as dust, making them too heavy to float in the air. The particles will then fall to the ground, where you can remove them by vacuuming or sweeping.

Many homeowners worry about ionizers due to the risk of ozone. Thankfully, this one doesn’t produce harmful levels. There’s also the option of turning it off if not wanted.

Up to Four Changes Per Hour

In 275 square foot rooms, this air filter changes the air up to four times per hour. It’s incredible at removing anything from dust mites to pet hair to tobacco smoke, leaving your air purified and fresher.

What We Don't Like

Too Much Light When in Auto Mode

Most customers prefer to use the auto mode due to its effectiveness. However, many said it was obnoxious at night since it featured bright LED lights and kept changing between fan speeds.

Expensive Price Point

For what you get, customers think this is overpriced. It’s one of the most expensive we’ve seen, and while it has ample coverage, it could have better design elements. One thing that customers would have loved to see is an automatic startup function when the unit detects poor air quality.

Loud on the Max Setting

When you have this unit on the highest setting, it’s 48.6 decibels loud. This is comparable to quiet office chatter, which is pretty annoying at night.

Product Specs

Recommended Room Coverage 625 square feet
Filter Stages Four-stages
Warranty Five-year warranty
Special Features Optional ionizer
Fan Speeds Five

Our Ratings

Filter Type
4.5 / 5
Cadr Rating
4.5 / 5
Room Size Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Levoit Compact Air Cleaner With Advanced HEPA Filter

Best Sleep Mode

If you’re often bothered by the smell of cigarette smoke, this compact air purifier is for you. The Levoit LV-H126 is a small purifier with lots to offer.

One thing we love about it is the activate sleep mode, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. The compact design enables it to be placed anywhere in your home.

It’s also equipped with a three-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter and an advanced HEPA filter. You can choose between three fan speeds to suit the room, and it can cover up to 161 square feet.

What We Like

Advanced HEPA Filter

This is equipped with an advanced HEPA filter that captures up to 99.9 percent of airborne pollutants.

It removes cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, allergens, and mold spores. The activated carbon filter will take care of any unpleasant odors present after smoking or even cooking.

Excellent Sleep Mode

One common complaint about air purifiers’ sleep modes is bright LED lights. However, this purifier has no lights in sleep mode and operates at a whisper level of 32 decibels.

Filter Reminder Wheel

We admit this filter replacement indicator might not be as high-tech as others, but it’s still beneficial.

Levoit recommends that you replace the filters every six to eight months. To help you remember, you can set the reminder wheel. When you replace the filter, turn the wheel to match the current month you’re in. Then when it’s time for a new filter, the wheel will let you know.

Front Panel Output

This air purifier extracts air from the back, filters it, and then emits it out of the front. It funnels clean and purified air straight at you to enjoy.

What We Don't Like

Can Dry the Air

A few customers noticed that the air purifier also seemed to dehumidify the air. This can be very difficult, especially if you’re sick and need more humidity for your illness.

The Unit Creates a Bad Smell

One of the most frequent complaints is that this unit starts to smell after a few weeks. The smell is weird, plastic-like, and chemical. This concerning smell stops when you turn the unit off, but customers still notice it even after replacing the filters.

Gets Louder and Louder

On the lowest setting, the unit is pretty quiet. But on the highest setting, it’s very loud. And unfortunately, the more you use it, and the more the filter captures dirt, the louder the unit gets.

Product Specs

Recommended Room Coverage 161 square feet
Filter Stages Three-stage
Warranty Two-year warranty
Special Features Sleep mode, filter reminder wheel
Fan Speeds Three

Our Ratings

Filter Type
4.5 / 5
Cadr Rating
3 / 5
Room Size Compatibility
2.5 / 5
Noise Level
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Blueair Blue Pure 121 Air Purifier

Best Design

For larger rooms, this Blue Pure air purifier is an exceptional choice. It features a three-stage filtration system with a washable pre-filter.

You can personalize this air purifier as you like by changing up the pre-filters. These come in different colors, such as grey, dark blue, beige, and pink.

Although this purifier doesn’t contain a HEPA filter, it will capture smoke and the odors it creates. The unit runs on very little energy and is, therefore, Energy Star rated. Filters are recyclable, so you won’t have to feel guilty about replacing them every six months.

What We Like

Scandinavian Design

The tall, sleek look of the purifier is a classic Scandinavian design. Colors are easy on the eye, and it’s a breeze to fit into any room.

Effective Three-Stage Filtration System

The three-stage filtration will capture anything from large particles such as hair to viruses. It quickly absorbs smoke and eliminates any signs of the bad habit.

Eco-Friendly and Energy Star Rating

You can run this purifier without taking a massive toll on your monthly bills. It uses less energy than similar models — when at high speed, the unit will only use 60 watts.

Quiet at 32 Decibels

This purifier uses specialized polypropylene media to ensure you get pure air without needing earplugs. When at low speed, it processes more air while being ultra-quiet.

Just be aware that it ranges up to 56 decibels on the highest setting, comparable to the sound of everyday conversation.

What We Don't Like

No HEPA Filter

We do not recommend this air purifier for anyone dealing with allergies or asthma. It doesn’t contain a HEPA filter and won’t remove the smallest allergens.

High Price Point

This is another expensive option that we found. While we think it’s worth it due to its good power and sleek design, it doesn’t have a HEPA filter which we wish it would for its price.

Might Worsen Allergies

On the topic of HEPA filters, this actually might make allergies worse. Customers found that it didn’t help allergies at all, and even emitted a strange smell, which triggered an even worse reaction.

Product Specs

Recommended Room Coverage 620 square feet
Filter Stages Three-stage
Warranty Not specified
Special Features Washable pre-filter
Fan Speeds Three

Our Ratings

Filter Type
3 / 5
Cadr Rating
4 / 5
Room Size Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Medify MA-40 Medical-Grade HEPA Filter

Best HEPA Filter Air Purifier

If you’re tired of dealing with the aftermath of cigarette smoke, check this out. The Medify MA-40 air purifier uses a medical-grade HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants.

This is a great addition to large living spaces since it will cover up to 1,300 square feet in one hour. There are four fan speeds to choose between to suit the room, or set it to auto mode.

The design might be large, but it’s highly durable and scratch-resistant. To keep curious fingers from causing trouble, activate the child lock.

What We Like

Medical-Grade HEPA Filter

Even if no one in your household is dealing with allergies or asthma, this filter could still be beneficial. It has a slight edge over True HEPA and will be more thorough at removing every trace of cigarette smoke.

Large but Compact

This might be a bit confusing, but this unit is both compact and large. It’s 25 inches tall but very slender and isn’t as cumbersome as other units with similar room coverage. It is on the heavier side, though, weighing 20 pounds.

Durable Material and Construction

The sleek-looking top panel is made of tempered glass. This will keep it clean and without scratches.

Easy Filter Change

When it’s time to replace the filter, simply open up the back, remove the old and install the new. It’s super easy and doesn’t require any special tools.

What We Don't Like

Loud Fan Noise When on High Speed

This purifier is a bit too loud for our liking when at high speed. However, when in sleep mode or low fan speed, it’s surprisingly quiet.

No Sensor on the Unit

This unit used to have a sensor, but it doesn’t anymore. It’s difficult to tell whether the air around you is good, medium, or poor since there’s no sensor. You have to guess yourself.

Product Specs

Recommended Room Coverage 1,300 square feet
Filter Stages Three-in-one
Warranty Not specified
Special Features Tempered glass panel, ionizer, air quality sensor, sleep mode, child lock
Fan Speeds Four

Our Ratings

Filter Type
5 / 5
Cadr Rating
4.5 / 5
Room Size Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Noise Level
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

AeraMax 100 Air Purifier

Best Filter Protection

For small to medium-sized rooms, the AeraMax 100 is a great choice.

It’s fitted with a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon media. To keep the filter safe, it’s treated with an AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria or fungi from forming on the HEPA media.

The air purifier uses PlasmaTrue Technology that creates an ionized field. This field helps to eliminate airborne pollutants such as dust and mites.

One worry about this purifier is the ionizer due to the risk of ozone production. However, this does not produce any harmful levels of ozone.

What We Like

Long-Lasting HEPA Filter

Changing an expensive HEPA filter every other month will quickly take its toll. Luckily, this purifier’s True HEPA filter will last up to 12 months, depending on the air quality.

On the other hand, the carbon filter absorbs odors and pollutants like a sponge. This requires more frequent replacement. The manufacturer recommends replacing it around every three months.

Unique Sleek Design

Most air purifiers are cumbersome and can look misplaced in a room. However, this purifier has a tall, sleek look that adds a nice modern touch to any room. It’s available in white and black.

Auto Sensors Monitor Air Quality

When in auto mode, this purifier will monitor the room’s air quality and adjust the fan speed. It will also notify you of the quality by changing the color of the LED display.

Several customers had a bit of fun testing the sensors’ sensitivity. All reported quick results, and odors were gone in no time.

Good for Small Bedrooms

This air purifier will cover a room of 100 to 200 square feet — an ideal size for bedrooms and nurseries. This is an excellent choice if you have a smoker in the house and don’t want the smoke in your bedroom. The activated carbon filter absorbs cigarette smoke and the smell it causes.

What We Don't Like

Not as Quiet as Others

Despite the small size, this purifier does produce quite a noticeable humming sound. It can be annoying at night, but it’s more like white noise at low speed.

You Might Need to Change Filters Often

While cleaner homes can get away with fewer filter changes, some customers needed to change their filters more often. Some even had to change them monthly because the air quality was so bad. Of course, this is circumstantial, but if the filters were slightly higher quality, it might make a difference.

Beeping Buttons and Bright Lights

When you press buttons on the panel, it comes with a loud beeping noise which is annoying at night. Plus, the panel has bright lights, which can be distracting when you’re trying to sleep.

Product Specs

Recommended Room Coverage 100 to 200 square feet
Filter Stages Four-stage
Warranty Not specified
Special Features PlasmaWave Technology, AeraSafe Antimicrobial treatment, air quality monitor
Fan Speeds Not specified

Our Ratings

Filter Type
4.5 / 5
Cadr Rating
3.5 / 5
Room Size Compatibility
3 / 5
Noise Level
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Recommended Coverage Filter Stages Warranty Special Features Fan Speeds
Elechomes Air Purifier Relaxing Moments 215 sq ft 3 N/A Timer, sleep mode 3
RabbitAir BioGS Ultra Quiet Quiet Operation 625 sq ft 4 5-year Optional ionizer 5
Levoit Compact Air Cleaner Sleep Mode 161 sq ft 3 2-year Sleep mode, filter reminder wheel 3
Blueair Blue Pure 121 Air Purifier Design 620 sq ft 3 N/A Washable pre-filter 3
Medify MA-40 Medical-Grade HEPA Filter HEPA Filter 1,300 sq ft 3 N/A Tempered glass panel, child lock, air quality sensor, sleep mod 4
AeraMax 100 Air Purifier Filter Protection 100 – 200 sq ft 4 N/A PlasmaWave Technology, AeraSafe Antimicrobial treatment, air quality monitor N/A

Why Use an Air Purifier for Smoke?

Living with a smoker or being one yourself does have an impact on indoor air quality. Not only are you dealing with lingering smoke, but it can also discolor curtains and cause an unpleasant odor.

If you have young children or other people living with you, they run the risk of secondhand smoke. This can be caused by a burning cigarette or even exhaled smoke.

Keep In Mind

Secondhand smoke can cause many health issues, especially in children and infants. Asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) can all be caused by passive smoking (1).

You can reduce the risks by using an air purifier specializing in cigarette smoke. An air purifier uses a small motor and fan to draw air in and filter it through a media. Clean air is then emitted into the room for you and your family to enjoy.

The smoke often affects apartment-dwellers who live next door to heavy smokers. Many consumers have reported great success with an air purifier that eliminated issues, mainly bad odors.

Factors to Keep in Mind

With the vast array of choices on the market, finding the right one for you can be challenging. So we’ve gathered a few points worth considering before settling on a unit.

HEPA Filter Type

One of the most crucial parts of an air purifier is the filter. Now, the most common filters used in air purifiers are HEPA filters. These come in different types, but the most common are True HEPA and HEPA-grade.

True HEPA filters are the most effective and will remove up to 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants. They will also capture particles as small as 0.3 microns (2).

HEPA-grade filters, on the other hand, will only capture up to 99 percent of pollutants. It may not seem like a major difference, but True HEPA is more effective for smoke.

If you want to take it the extra mile, look for an Advanced HEPA or medical-grade HEPA filter. This will capture up to 99.95 percent of pollutants at the tiny size of 0.3 microns (3). To be blunt, it leaves nothing but pure air.

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Carbon Filter

Another major issue with smoke is the odor. This can sometimes be pungent and even linger on furniture, clothes, and hair. If you want to be able to have guests without anyone suspecting you’re a smoker, an activated carbon media is a must.

Activated carbon or charcoal filters will absorb odors, fumes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). What makes carbon so effective are the millions of tiny pores. As odors, gases, and fumes pass the pores, they’re absorbed into the charcoal and kept securely (4).

When the particles are trapped, the carbon changes them from gas-form to solid-form. The solid particles are then passed on to the HEPA filter and trapped there.

For this reason, activated carbon filters may not last as long and require frequent replacement. Most air purifier media will last anywhere from two to six months.

Size and Room Coverage

Size and room coverage are two important factors to consider, as well.

Consider the room where you will place the purifier. If you have young children or infants, placing a small unit in the nursery can help to prevent the risks of secondhand smoke.

On the other hand, if you or another in the house often smoke indoors, having a larger unit is beneficial. Bigger air purifiers can cover areas up to and over 1,000 square feet.

One downside to a vast room coverage is the size of the unit. Large air purifiers are notorious for being cumbersome, heavy, and not-so-good-looking. However, manufacturers are beginning to change the designs, and you can find units that might even compliment the room.

Modes

Many air purifiers come with different fan options and modes. These can be very beneficial in a household with smoke as you can adjust the fan to suit the room.

Many consumers favor auto modes due to their effortless operation. When in auto mode, most units rely on air quality sensors that monitor the air and set the fan speed accordingly. Many will even notify you of how polluted your air is by a color-changing light on the display panel.


FAQs

How Do You Clean the Air In a Smoker’s House?

The best way to clean the air in a smoker’s house is to use an air purifier. It removes the smoke particles and releases clean air back into the room. You should also ensure plenty of ventilation to allow for healthy airflow.

How Long Does It Take for Smoke to Clear Out of a House?

The time it takes for smoke to clear out of a house can vary depending on the smoke pollution and house size. On average, removinng smoke from a house takes between two weeks and two months.

How Do You Protect Yourself When You Live With a Smoker?

The simplest way to protect yourself when you live with a smoker is to make the smoker light up outside. Failing that, if they refuse, you should be the one to step outside.

What Type of Air Purifier is Best for Smoke?

The best type of air purifier for smoke is one with a HEPA filter, like this Medify MA-40 Air Purifier. It has a medical-grade HEPA filter that traps 99.99 percent of pollutants to a size of one micron, and it cleans up to 1,600 square feet in just one hour.

Does Burning a Candle Help With Cigarette Smoke?

Burning a candle can help with cigarette smoke because the candle acts as a thermal reactor, burning away the foul odor of the smoke.


Creating a Smoke-Free Environment

If you’re a smoker or live with someone who is, an air purifier is a must-have. Smoking poses multiple health risks, such as heart attacks and cancer. However, secondhand smoking can be just as harmful, especially when children or infants are exposed (5).

When searching for the best air purifiers for smoke, the quality of the filter is crucial. A True HEPA filter will capture smoke particles, while an activated carbon media will absorb odors. Creating a smoke-free home environment is essential for your and your family’s well-being.

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About the Author

Matthew Sullivan

Matthew Sullivan is a technical writer with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the realm of HVAC, humidity, air purification, and mold prevention. With a background rooted in mechanical engineering, Matthew seamlessly blends the intricate world of technicalities with the everyday challenges that homeowners and businesses face. His vast expertise has led him to collaborate with leading HVAC manufacturers, consult on cutting-edge air purification systems, and become a sought-after voice on mold mitigation.