Best Air Purifier for Smoke (Reviews) in 2023 + Buying Guide
Even if you’re a smoker, you probably don’t want to deal with the residue smoke can leave behind in your home which can prove harmful to your health. However, using an air purifier will go a long way towards refreshing the air in your home, allowing you, your family, and guests to breathe easier. It can also help to trap airborne allergens released by pets, remove unpleasant odors, neutralise smoke, trap dust, remove airborne bacteria, and help to combat seasonal allergies.
Since you only want the best option to help keep your household safe and comfortable, we’ve put together a guide of the best air purifiers for ridding your home of smoke.
We’ll review the pros and cons of each unit in an effort to help you decide which is best for your particular needs. Towards the end of the page, you’ll find an overview of the essential features any air purifier must have, plus our FAQs.
Top Air Purifier for Smoke (Reviewed)
The marketplace is crowded with options, but don’t let that scare you off from doing some comparison shopping. Below, we review what we have found to be the best 9 air purifiers to clear your home of smoke and its residue. We aim to give you a clearer idea of which features are the best fit for your home and budget.
1. Pro Breeze 5-in-1 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter
We rank Pro Breeze 5-in-1 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter the best overall due to its array of features and excellent price point. The 5 main selling points alluded to in this unit’s name refer to its tandem system including a pre-filter, true HEPA filter, cold catalyst, activated carbon filter, and negative ion generator. Together, these filter out 99.97% of airborne particles and pollutants, which include smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, viruses, and other irritants and allergens.
If that weren’t enough, the Pro Breeze 5-in-1 boasts an incredible CADR of 218 cubic metres per hour, which will effectively scrub the air of even your largest rooms. This performance comes in a portable package that sits comfortably and attractively in any space in the home. It’s even got a sleep function for quiet, light-free operation during the night.
Who Should Buy This?
This air purifier is great for just about anyone, especially at its price point. It boasts superior filtration that will make smokers’ homes much more livable without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Exceedingly quiet so you won’t have to be worried about being woken up by it at night
- The unit itself is small and slim, but still powerful enough to be used in larger rooms
- Blue light within the unit is not obtrusive
Cons:
- Some customers mention it emits a slight odour when turned on, though unoffensive
2. RIGOGLIOSO Portable Air Purifier for Home with True HEPA Filters
RIGOGLIOSO’s Portable Air Purifier is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a great value. While it is the cheapest air purifier on our list by a fair margin, it still manages to scrub up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, and other irritating VOCs as small as 0.3 microns from the air within its stated operational area.
While it won’t do as well in rooms larger than 10 square metres, that’s not really its intended use-case. Instead, you’ll find the RIGOGLIOSO most at home in bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices and parlours, where its lightweight frame may sit unobtrusively guarding your health from bad air. This unit produces negative ions, which charges your air with a negative electrical charge to boost immune function, eliminate free radicals, along with a host of other proven health benefits in addition to air purification.
It’s dead simple to operate, and will automatically power off after 8 hours for greater energy efficiency. There’s a warm blue LED night light emitted from the air purifier, and it also comes with a micro USB charging cable.
Who Should Buy This?
It’s great for anyone looking for a smaller air purifier, and it’s also incredibly easy to operate. The first push of the button will help turn on the unit with a high-speed setting, and the second button will change the fan speed to sleep mode. The light on the top also dims so you can sleep soundly without any disturbances.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Easy to use
- Portable and compact in size
Cons:
- Due to its small size, you really won’t be relying on this in larger rooms
3. Levoit Air Purifier for Home Bedroom with True HEPA Filter
Levoit offers a lot of performance in an affordable package. You’ll pay well under a hundred pounds, but still get a powerful 3-stage filtration system consisting of a fine preliminary filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter for odours. Whether it’s smoke, pollen, mould, or pet dander, you can comfortably rely on Levoit to take care of them in any small or medium-sized room.
We love the Levoit for its particularly hushed operation at just 25dB on the quietest setting. You can feel good about putting this air filter in your bedroom as well, as it produces no harmful ozone. To top it off, a handy built-in replacement indicator lets you know about when it’s time to replace your filter, so there’s never any guesswork.
Who Should Buy This?
This is another great budget buy that is both powerful and portable. We recommend it for bedrooms in particular for its silent operation, easy-off nightlight, and ozone-free filtration.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Doesn’t purify the air with ions or UV lights
- Doesn’t make noise while operating
- Activated carbon filter helps to absorb any unpleasant odors
Cons:
- There are some complaints that the air purifier starts to get louder after constant use
4. LEVOIT Smart WiFi Air Purifier For Home Large Room
Another entry from Levoit, this Wi-Fi capable air purifier is the perfect choice for those looking for seamless integration into their smart home network. From the VeSynch app, you can easily programme the timing of your device for the most efficient operation; monitor the air quality and change the mode accordingly; plus configure Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT pairing. The full array of settings is available to you remotely, so you can always maintain full control over the purity of the air in your home.
As far as filtration goes, Levoit has equipped this device with a Honeycomb activated carbon HEPA filter, which offers superior filtering performance and speed up to 30% better than standard alternatives–even in smoke-heavy households. It has the capacity to filter the air 4.5 times each hour, in a room up to 48 square metres in size–a perfect companion for most rooms in the home. What’s more, it does all this with a mere 23 dB noise output, which is literally as quiet as a whisper.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone looking for a truly smart device that can be fully configured remotely, with on-the-fly updates on indoor air quality and remaining filter life.
Pros:
- Easily access functions through the app
- Compatible with a range of other devices
- More efficient than other air purifiers in filtering the air
- Relatively quiet air purifier
Cons:
- Some customers complain that it’s not as effective on pet dander
5. PARTU Air Purifier with True HEPA & Active Carbon Filter
Another budget-friendly pick, the PARTU Air Purifier is an ideal choice for scrubbing noxious smoke and residue from the air of small to medium sized rooms. Despite its smaller size, you’ll find its 3-in-1 filtration system (consisting of pre-filter, True HEPA, and high-efficiency activated carbon filter) equal to the task of removing airborne irritants like bacteria, dust mites, pet dander, noxious odours, and more. It operates at three different speeds for optimal air circulation, yet runs at just 25 dB so you can sleep in peace at night.
It’s also a fairly striking unit, with a smart space-age chassis and attractive 7-colour illuminated display, which can easily be turned off when you prefer dark. We love the 45 degree angle, which pushes the air up head-high and makes for superior circulation. There’s a handy filter change reminder that alerts you with enough time to ensure uninterrupted service. For easy configuration, there’s a memory function that stores your preferred settings. PARTU clearly understands that usability begets safety and efficiency.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone looking for an easy-to-use air purifier that won’t break the bank. It also looks great, boasting attractive modern design.
Pros:
- Incredibly easy to use
- Filter indicator so you know when it’s time to be cleaned or replaced
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
- Has three different speeds along with a colour change function
Cons:
- Not a good fit for larger rooms or heavier air pollution
6. Honeywell HPA710WE Premium Air Purifier
If you’re planning on investing a little more, Honeywell’s HPA710WE is the way to go. It’ll capture 99.97% of microscopic particles and allergens, while reducing unpleasant odors with its powerful True HEPA filter. Where the premium value comes in is with its 5 different settings, labeled “whisper silent, germs, general, allergens, turbo”; this means that no matter how specific your use-case, Honeywell has the ideal configuration to purify your air.
Clean air delivery rate is 187 cubic meters per hour, which is appropriate primarily for medium-sized rooms but with some capacity for larger spaces as well. If you need help determining your starting air quality, you can rely on Honeywell’s responsive multi-colour air sensor to help you dial in the appropriate settings to combat smoke, pollen, dust, dander or whatever else ails you.
Who Should Buy This?
Those looking for a reputable brand that produces a high-quality product. The true HEPA filter means that particles as small as 0.3 microns are captured, and is great at helping to fight against allergies, asthma and more.
Pros:
- High quality product from a premium brand
- Has an ioniser setting with a true HEPA filter
- Has a smart LED air quality sensor
Cons:
- Light sleepers may be bothered by the bright air quality indicator light
7. Philips AC2889/60 Series 2000i Connected Air Purifier
Hardly a budget pick, the Philips AC2889/60 Series 2000i does a lot to justify its premium price tag. First, if you’re looking for a device that just does its job without asking you to fuss over it, Philips’ device demands a second look. Its AeraSense function both monitors your air purity and automatically adjusts to the best settings to compensate. At its best, the AC2889’s multi-stage active filtration system scrubs over 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns small from your air. Indeed, it has 3 automatic modes tailored to address allergens, bacteria and viruses, and more general cases such as smoke and odours.
If you prefer some manual control, there are 5 different speed settings ranging from the whisper-quiet sleep mode to the all-powerful Turbo Speed mode for heavy duty. Even better, you can control this unit from anywhere via the handy Air Matters mobile app. There’s even Alexa integration, so you can hook your Philips air purifier directly into your smart home system for superior convenience and efficiency.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone looking for a premium device with powerful filtration in larger rooms and a plethora of configurations. We love the smart integration with Alexa and remote app control, as well.
Pros:
- Plenty of automatic and manual settings
- Visible air quality air indicator
- Smart home connectivity
Cons:
- Its sleep mode may not be the quietest on this list
8. Winix Zero Air Purifier with Extra Free Filterset
The Winix Zero provides a tonne of value for its price-tag. Built with efficiency in mind, you’ll find a responsive automatic sensor that self-adjusts for optimal usage depending on the changing quality of air. We also love the washable pre-filter, which allows you to spare some expense in replacements. Combined with activated carbon and True HEPA filters, the Winix effectively scrubs 99.97% of all particles from the air, including smoke, fungi, pollen and more. Add to the mix PlasmaWave technology, which produces virus- and bacteria-neutralizing Hydroxyl molecules, and you’ve got a highly effective air purifier for almost any home.
The Zero Air Purifier has garnered certifications from AHAM, ECARF and Allergy UK, and received the Reddot Design Award for superior form and function. It’s not the cheapest unit on this list, but you get a lot for your investment.
Who Should Buy This?
Anyone looking for an aesthetically pleasing, efficient air purifier for medium-sized spaces.
Pros:
- Plasma wave technology that neutralizes both viruses and gases without releasing ozone
- Sleep mode to ensure that you have a good night’s rest
- Comes with a full set of replacement filters
Cons:
- Some individuals mentioned that the air flow isn’t as strong as the other models
9. Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000
Whether you’re cohabitating with a smoker or simply live in an area with heavy smog, Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic P1000 is equal to the task of cleaning up your air. At just 14kg, it installs easily into any room, though it serves best in large rooms up to 102m2.
It sports premium HEPA Sliver Carbon filtration technology, which scrubs your air in four stages to rid it of up to 99.9% of harmful particulate. As well as smoke, the P1000 is an effective solution to mould, VOCs, pollen, common household chemicals, dust, and virtually anything else that ails you.
But that’s only the half of it; the BreatheSmart Classic delivers on its namesake with a truly intelligent sensor system which constantly monitors the health of your air. When it senses a dip in quality, it kicks the fan on to one of four speeds to match the level of pollution, promptly ridding your home of smoke or other irritants.
Did we mention it’s whisper quiet? The slowest speed produces just 42 dBA, while the fastest runs at a polite 56 dBA. Moreover, the quality of sound is a pleasant pink noise which is scientifically proven to enable a more restful night’s sleep.
Who Should Buy This?
If you’re looking for an air purifier to combat smoke in larger spaces like living rooms, studio apartments, or offices, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 deserves your consideration.
The price point may be a barrier for some, but with minimal maintenance (just replace the filter once a year), a lifetime warranty and an Energy Star efficiency rating, you’ll end up saving a bundle in the long run–not to mention saving your lungs!
Pros:
- Smart sensor technology automatically adjusts performance to match current air pollution
- Lifetime Warranty from a trusted US-based manufacturer
- Relatively compact and easy to move
- Superior HEPA Silver Carbon filtration banishes smoke fast
Cons:
- It ain’t cheap, and you’ll probably need to import replacement filters from the US
What to Look For in an Air Purifier for Smoke?
If you’re looking to continue your comparison shopping beyond our list of recommended air purifiers, here are some factors to consider in narrowing down the market:
Filters
Your air purifier should most definitely have an HEPA filter. Either than that, you should look for an air purifier that also has an activated carbon or charcoal filter. That helps in trapping gases and odors and will also help to neutralise smoke.
Portability
The last thing you want is to be lugging a heavy, unwieldy air purifier around. Having a portable air purifier means that you can shift it within rooms whenever necessary.
Room Size Listed
Most air purifiers will state the recommended room size that it’s suited for. Hence, you’d want to get an air purifier that’s suited for that particular room size. The last thing you want is to have an accidentally bought an air purifier that’s actually meant for a smaller room, when you wanted one for a bigger room.
PlasmaWave Technology
Inferior air purifiers release ozone into the air to neutralize viruses and bacteria, but you can have your cake an eat it, too with PlasmaWave technology. This method ionizes the air with only harmless water vapour as a byproduct.
Other Features
Energy consumption is a pretty big deal when it comes to air purifiers as they need to run continuously to keep the air clean and purified. Hence, before you purchase an air purifier it’s a good idea to take a look at the amount of energy that’s required. It’s better to find an air purifier that has a higher energy star rating, so you know it’s using the least amount of energy possible.
Noise level is another feature
You wouldn’t want an air purifier that’s going to keep you awake at night so it’s worth investing in an air purifier that has quiet mode or settings that help to keep the noise at bay.
You may also consider smart controls such as remote apps or Alexa/Google Assistant integration. After all, to get the most out of your air purifier, you’ll need an easy interface you’ll actually use.
FAQ
Can air purifiers remove smoke?
Yes, air purifiers can most definitely help in removing smoke odors. If you have an air purifier at home that’s of premium quality, activated carbon will help in removing both cigarette smoke and odor. While eliminating the source of smoke is your best bet, True HEPA air purifiers go a long way towards physically removing smoke particles from the air.
Can air purifiers help with second-hand smoke?
Yes, air purifiers with a HEPA filtration can usually help in removing chemicals and gases in smoke. Cheaper models tend to only have a few ounces of activated carbon, so you may want to invest in a more expensive model to really be able to clean up the second-hand smoke.
Which air purifier on this list is best for smoke?
The Honeywell air purifier is overall the most effective for smoke as it’s not only a reputable brand, the product itself is also of premium quality. The Honeywell air purifier also comes with a true HEPA filter so particles as small as 0.3 microns are captured. It’s not the cheapest or necessarily the best value, but in absolute metrics, it wins out for eliminating smoke residue and odours.
Conclusion
There you have it, everything you need to know about air purifiers for smoke. Having the right air purifier can really help in neutralizing the smell and purifying the air within your home.
We hope that you enjoyed this article, and that you were able to find a product that best works for you. Whether you’re looking for a more inexpensive air purifier, one with technological features, or something a little more premium, there’s sure to be a unit on the list for you. Otherwise, we’ve provided some tips to guide your own comparison shopping.
Which features do you value most highly in an air purifier? Do you personally struggle to manage smoke in your home? Let us know your situation in the comments below.