top three budget air purifiers

The 3 Best Budget Air Purifiers Under $100: Clean Air on a Shoestring

If you’re shopping for budget air purifiers, these three under $100 offer real value. The LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom is compact and moves air well for small rooms, with true HEPA filtration. The LEVOIT Core Mini-P Black variant mirrors the same performance in a sleeker look. The FULMINARE H13 True HEPA model adds carbon for odors and stays quiet on low speed. Curious how they compare in your space?

Key Takeaways

  • LEVOIT Core Mini-P is ideal for bedrooms or desks under $100 with 255 sq ft coverage and a 3-in-1 filter.
  • FULMINARE H13 True HEPA offers robust filtration up to 215 sq ft and quiet sleep mode for budget-conscious buyers.
  • For best value, prioritize true HEPA or H13 plus multi-stage filtration (pre-filter, carbon) within $100.
  • Check noise levels (ideally ~24–30 dB) and 4–6 ACH targets for effective, quiet overnight use.
  • Expect ongoing filter costs (~$10–$80 per cartridge) and plan replacement every 3–6 months.

Best Budget Air Purifier Picks

LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for BedroomLEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for BedroomBedroom Scent PurifierFiltration: 3-in-1 (Pre-filter + Main HEPA + Activated Carbon)Coverage: Up to 255 sq ftNoise (operation level): 25–45 dBVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom BlackLEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom BlackAroma-Ready PurifierFiltration: 3-in-1 (Pre-filter + Main filter + Activated Carbon)Coverage: 255 sq ft (AHAM Verifide)Noise (operation level): 27–45 dBVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
FULMINARE H13 True HEPA Air PurifierFULMINARE H13 True HEPA Air PurifierUltra-Silent PurifierFiltration: H13 True HEPA (true HEPA) with dual-channel techCoverage: Up to 215 sq ftNoise (operation level): ~24 dB (sleep mode)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom

    LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom

    Bedroom Scent Purifier

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    If you’re shopping under $100, the LEVOIT Core Mini-P suits bedrooms, thanks to its 3-in-1 filter and fragrance sponge.

    You’re getting a compact purifier designed for small spaces, covering up to 255 square feet with a 0.1 micrometer particle capture. The unit blends a pre-filter, a main HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter with a fragrance sponge, so smoke, odors, dust, and pet dander are filtered efficiently. It runs quietly at 25–45 dB and uses just 7 watts, making it easy to leave on overnight. The device ships with a pre-installed filter and a stored power adapter, and it’s ETL-certified for basic safety. Replace filters with genuine Core Mini-RF for best results, for steady, reliable air quality.

    • Filtration:3-in-1 (Pre-filter + Main HEPA + Activated Carbon)
    • Coverage:Up to 255 sq ft
    • Noise (operation level):25–45 dB
    • Size / footprint:6.5 × 6.5 × 10.4 in
    • Power / power source:7 W; Power adapter inside unit; 100–240V input
    • Control type:Button control
    • Additional Feature:Aromatherapy-capable
    • Additional Feature:Fragrance sponge included
    • Additional Feature:Auto-off sleep display
  2. LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom Black

    LEVOIT Core Mini-P Air Purifier for Bedroom Black

    Aroma-Ready Purifier

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    The LEVOIT Core Mini-P is a compact, budget-friendly option that fits under $100 while still delivering real air-cleaning power. You get AHAM-verified performance for rooms up to 255 sq ft in 60 minutes, and it purifies a 53 sq ft space about 4.8 times per hour. It runs quietly, at 27–45 dB, with a 7 W rating and a 0.3 micron filter, plus a three-stage system and a fragrance sponge for essential oils. Light controls are simple, and no assembly is needed. Weighing 2.2 pounds, it suits bedrooms, offices, or dorms. Compact, reliable, and easy to maintain over time.

    • Filtration:3-in-1 (Pre-filter + Main filter + Activated Carbon)
    • Coverage:255 sq ft (AHAM Verifide)
    • Noise (operation level):27–45 dB
    • Size / footprint:6.5 × 6.5 × 10.4 in
    • Power / power source:7 W; Power adapter inside unit; 100–240V input
    • Control type:Button control
    • Additional Feature:AHAM Verifide certified
    • Additional Feature:Built-in fragrance sponge
    • Additional Feature:Portable for multiple rooms
  3. FULMINARE H13 True HEPA Air Purifier

    FULMINARE H13 True HEPA Air Purifier

    Ultra-Silent Purifier

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    Experience a practical, budget-friendly clean-air option with the FULMINARE H13 True HEPA Air Purifier, designed for rooms up to 215 ft². Its H13 True HEPA filter captures particles to improve indoor air quality, while dual-channel technology and a 360° outlet refresh air up to 5× per hour. This unit covers as much as 215 ft² (about 20 m²) and stays quietly near-silent at ~24 dB in sleep mode. You get a soft independent night light, five timer settings (2, 4, 8, 10, 12 hours), and a compact, portable design. Remove filter packaging before use; replace filters every 3 months.

    • Filtration:H13 True HEPA (true HEPA) with dual-channel tech
    • Coverage:Up to 215 sq ft
    • Noise (operation level):~24 dB (sleep mode)
    • Size / footprint:Compact portable (dimension not specified)
    • Power / power source:Uses external charging/power setup (adapter stored under base)
    • Control type:Button-based controls with timer features (indirectly evidenced by multiple timer settings)
    • Additional Feature:Night light feature
    • Additional Feature:Five timer settings
    • Additional Feature:Dual-channel technology

Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget Air Purifiers Under $100

filter efficiency coverage cost

When choosing a budget purifier, check filtration effectiveness, noise levels, and room coverage to match your space. Compare models by filter replacement costs and energy use, aiming for under $60 per year for filter runs. For a small bedroom, target about 100 sq ft with 2–3 ACH; larger rooms need more CFM and higher wattage.

Filtration Effectiveness

Prioritize units with true HEPA or H13 filters that trap at least 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. Look for a listed capture down to 0.1–0.3 micrometers, which improves smoke, pollen, and fine particulate removal. Verify a multi-stage system—pre-filter, HEPA, and activated carbon—to manage hair, lint, odors, and VOCs. Check CADR or air-change data for your room size and pollutant type; higher CADR means faster reduction of contaminants. Also consider filter replacement frequency and cost; choose models with affordable, widely available HEPA and carbon filters you change every 3–6 months. In practice, compare two or three models side by side using the same room size and target pollutants. A unit rated for smoke and dust with 250 CADR at 200 sq ft performs well under $100.

Noise for Sleep

Quietly efficient matters when choosing budget air purifiers under $100: aim for a low noise rating around 24–30 dB so sleep isn’t disturbed. Check both the advertised decibel range and any explicit low-nocturnal mode numbers, like 24–27 dB, since averages can spike at higher speeds. Remember the trade-off between airflow and noise: a purifier with a higher CADR may filter faster but sound louder, so look for how many air changes per hour it delivers in quiet mode. Make sure there’s a sleep or night setting that dims LEDs and slows the fan. Perceived noise also depends on distance and room acoustics, so note the testing distance used for dB ratings if available. Choose models with clear specs and verified tests for confidence today.

Room Coverage Limits

Room coverage is a practical starting point, so match the unit’s rated area to your room’s size and expectations. Budget purifiers under $100 typically list effective coverage for small rooms, usually 150 to 300 square feet. Aim for at least 4 ACH in bedrooms or living areas to meaningfully reduce particles. Some units claim a 60-minute clean area, so compare how fast they refresh air in your space. Real-world performance drops with ceiling height, furniture, open doors, or a heavy pollutant load. Choose a model with a rated area larger than your room to guarantee adequate airflow. If you face smoke or strong odors, prioritize higher CADR or higher ACH rather than square-foot claims. This approach keeps performance steady as your room changes slightly.

Filter Replacement Costs

When budgeting under $100, plan for filter replacements every 3–6 months, which means annual costs can range from one to four cartridges. Budget purifiers usually use HEPA-style replacements that run about $10–$40 each, with true HEPA or branded filters often $30–$80. Activated carbon adds cost too, typically $5–$30 per replacement or as an add-on, depending on odor control needs. Some units use multi‑stage packs that replace pre-filter, HEPA, and carbon at once, but they’re pricier up front. Always check availability and lead times, because hard‑to‑find filters push you toward aftermarket options or an early unit replacement. Estimate total annual cost by multiplying the number of replacements per year by your chosen filter price, then add 5–30 dollars for any carbon pad refreshes. Plan ahead.

Power and Energy Use

Power and energy use matters when you’re shopping for a budget purifier under $100, especially if you’ll run it daily. Check the rated power (watts): budget models often run on roughly 5–15 W on low and up to 40–60 W on high, and higher wattage means more running cost. To estimate annual cost, multiply wattage by hours per day, then by 365, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, and multiply by your local rate; for example, a 15 W unit at 8 hours daily uses about 43.8 kWh per year. Look for Energy Star or similar efficiency ratings, or low-wattage specs. Consider variable speeds and timers, which cut energy use, and compare CADR per watt to gauge efficiency. and plan ahead for monthly savings.

Bottom Line

Overall, you get solid value with these budget purifiers. For a small room, expect true HEPA filtration and carbon odor control in units around 50–80 watts. The LEVOIT Core Mini-P can cover up to 200 square feet, while the FULMINARE H13 handles similar spaces with quiet operation. Replacements run modestly, and filters typically cost $15–$25. Pick the model that fits your room size and noise tolerance, then monitor filter life, and adjust settings if needed.