Best Budget Air Purifiers Under $150 – Top 5 Picks & Reviews

Best Budget Air Purifiers Under $150 – Top 5 Picks & Reviews

I get it—clean air shouldn’t cost a fortune. That’s why I’ve handpicked the top five air purifiers under $150 that actually do the job. These little champions are perfect for sprucing up bedrooms, home offices, or any spot where you want fresher air—from trusted names like GermGuardian and Levoit to newer gems like the Winix A231 and Levoit Vital 100S. Let’s walk through what makes each one unique so you can choose the one that fits your life best.

Quick Feature Comparison

Feature GermGuardian Levoit Core 300 Blue Pure 311i+ Winix A231 Levoit Vital 100S
Coverage Area 167 sq. ft. 219 sq. ft. 161 sq. ft. 230 sq. ft. 219 sq. ft.
CADR (Smoke / Dust / Pollen) 125 / 130 / 125 141 / 145 / 141 125 / 120 / 120 147 CFM 134 / 146 / 186
Filtration True HEPA + UV-C + Carbon True HEPA + Carbon HEPA + Carbon + Washable Pre-filter True HEPA + Carbon + PlasmaWave Pre-filter + HEPA + Carbon
Smart Features UV-C light, Night light 3 Fan Speeds, Timer Energy Star certified Auto-sensor, No app App + Air quality sensor
Noise Level 40–60 dBA 24–50 dBA 32–56 dBA 40–66.5 dBA 37.5–53.8 dBA
Price Under $100 Under $100 Under $150 Around $80 Around $110
GermGuardian Air Purifier

1. GermGuardian

Meet the GermGuardian—small but mighty. It’s perfect for bedrooms or nurseries and combines HEPA, UV-C, and carbon filtration in one compact package. It’s gentle on your wallet and takes care of the basics without drama. Ideal if you need something quiet, effective, and under $100.

✅ Pros

  • HEPA + UV-C + Carbon filtration
  • Compact and quiet
  • Affordable under $100

❌ Cons

  • Small coverage area
  • UV-C effectiveness is limited

For a deeper look, see my full review, or peek at its current Amazon price.

Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier

2. Levoit Core 300

The Levoit Core 300 is wildly popular for a reason. It quietly handles dust, smoke, and common irritants—perfect for small rooms. With a timer and three fan speeds, it’s simple to use and blends right into most spaces. Good performance under $100? Yes, please.

✅ Pros

  • Strong CADR for small spaces
  • Quiet and energy-efficient
  • Portable and budget-friendly

❌ Cons

  • Not ideal for larger rooms
  • No app or smart control

Check out the in-depth review or see what it’s selling for on Amazon.

Blue Pure 311i+ Air Purifier

3. Blue Pure 311i+

The Blue Pure 311i+ keeps things clean and low-maintenance—HEPA, carbon, and a washable pre-filter that saves you money. If you want reliability with a minimalist vibe and up to $150 wiggle room, this is a solid pick for smaller spaces.

✅ Pros

  • HEPA + Carbon filtration
  • Washable pre-filter saves money
  • Compact and user-friendly

❌ Cons

  • Best for small rooms only
  • Louder on max speed

Want more details? Read the full Blue Pure 311i+ review or view it on Amazon.

Winix A231 Air Purifier

4. Winix A231

Say hello to the Winix A231—a little powerhouse that flew under the radar. Around $80, it’s got auto mode, PlasmaWave, and a solid HEPA + carbon combo. According to testing, it cleared a room faster than the Core 300 and earned high marks for performance and value. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

✅ Pros

  • Auto-sensor reacts to your air
  • Great value around $80
  • Strong filtration + PlasmaWave

❌ Cons

  • No Wi-Fi or app support
  • Filters may cost a bit over time

Read the Full Review Here: or view it on Amazon.

Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier

5. Levoit Vital 100S

If you’d like something compact and smart, the Levoit Vital 100S is a great newcomer to the budget team. Priced around $110, it has app control and a built-in air sensor—features normally found in pricier models. Testing shows it outperforms the Core 300, making it a smart pick for small rooms in 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

✅ Pros

  • Smart app + air quality sensor
  • Better cleaning than Core 300
  • Compact and efficient

❌ Cons

  • Still best for smaller rooms
  • Filters need periodic replacement

Want more details? Read the full Review or view it on Amazon.

Which Budget Air Purifier Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick, friendly guide:

  • General value and quiet operation: Levoit Core 300 is your reliable all-rounder.
  • Smart and modern: Levoit Vital 100S adds app control and sensors without breaking the bank.
  • Extra germ protection: GermGuardian with its UV-C light is your low-cost germ-fighting friend.
  • Best performance for the price: Winix A231 clears rooms quickly and packs lots of features for under $100.
  • Long-term savings: Blue Pure 311i+’s washable pre-filter saves money and effort over time.

Still browsing? Feel free to browse all budget-friendly air purifiers on Amazon for even more options.

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