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.
- Three-stage filtration
- Soothing, relaxing and quiet
- Fan speeds & timer
- Five speed settings
- Four-stage filtration
- Optional ionizer
- Advanced HEPA filter
- Excellent sleep mode
- Filter reminder wheel
- Scandinavian design
- Effective three-stage filtration
- Eco-friendly
- Medical-grade HEPA filter
- Large but compact
- Durable material and construction
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
FAQs
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.