5 Best Air Purifiers For Cigarette Smoke – Breathe Easy!

Whether you’re an active smoker or not, you’ll likely agree that cigarette smoke smells unpleasant. Even if the smell doesn’t bother you, it’s important to be aware of the harmful particles it contains and take action to remove them.

Over the years, we’ve been asked many times about this topic. However, people often look for fast and cheap solutions to neutralize cigarette smoke. While an air purifier can significantly reduce smoke odors and harmful particles, combining it with other strategies will produce the best results.

One of the most common strategies is opening a window while smoking indoors and then using an air purifier to neutralize any remaining smoke particles.

The harmful particles in smoke are one reason we developed our unique smoke test, in which we measure how fast an air purifier can remove all the smoke from the glass box (I will touch more on this later in the article).

Before we dive deeper, it’s crucial to highlight that filtration technology is the most important feature to consider when choosing an air purifier. Cigarette smoke particles range in size from 0.1 to 1.0 microns. An air purifier with a True HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

However, cigarette smoke also contains gases that a True HEPA filter alone can’t capture. This is why the activated carbon filter is equally important. The more carbon in the filter, the better its performance. A pellet-based carbon filter is a must!

With all this in mind, I’ve made a list of the five best air purifiers for smoke. These models feature high-quality HEPA filters paired with pellet-based carbon filters. Each one has been thoroughly tested and evaluated, demonstrating excellent performance in neutralizing cigarette smoke.

Top 5 Air Purifiers For Smoke

I must point out that nearly every air purifier fights cigarette smoke differently, and each device has its own challenges and limitations when it comes to neutralizing smoke.

In my opinion, the biggest issue is that filters exposed to smoke tend to get dirty very quickly. As a result, air purifiers with smaller filters become less effective over a short time compared to those equipped with larger filters.

To make it easier for potential buyers to find the best air purifiers for smoke, I’ve compiled a list of the best five options among all the air purifiers we tested.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause immediate harm and lead to health issues such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Winix 5510 – Best Budget Air Purifier For Smoke

Our previous best budget air purifier, the Winix 5500-2, has now been replaced by the new and upgraded Winix 5510. I made a change because the Winix 5500-2 will no longer be available for purchase (at least in the US).

Overall, these are two very similar air purifiers, both featuring identical activated carbon filters, but with some specification differences. I’ve written an in-depth comparison between the Winix 5500-2 and the Winix 5510—check it out to learn more.

The Winix 5510 is one of the best air purifiers we have tested. It uses high-quality four-stage filtration technology, has a CADR of 253 CFM (430 m³/h), and includes plenty of smart features.

In our tests, it delivered outstanding results. In a 320 sq. ft. room, it improved air quality by 96% in just 60 minutes while running at maximum speed the entire time.

Additionally, it performed very well in our smoke removal test, clearing all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds.

Moreover, the Winix 5510 has a built-in air quality sensor that detects odors in real time, making it perfect for spaces with smoke and for people who want to rely on auto mode.

In my opinion, the Winix 5510 is the best budget air purifier for smoke you can get.

IQAir HealthPro Plus – Superior Smoke and Particle Filtration

The IQAir HealthPro Plus (250) is one of the best air purifiers I have ever tested. Even after decades on the market, it remains a premium, reliable choice and one of the top options available today.

What I particularly like about it is its high-quality filtration technology, which is why I included it on the list of the best air purifiers for smoke.

Its V5-Cell Gas & Odor Filter contains 5 lb (2.3 kg) of carbon pellets, providing advanced smoke adsorption. Meanwhile, the HyperHEPA Filter is among the most effective HEPA filters on the market, delivering outstanding airborne particle removal capabilities.

These two filtration layers make the IQAir an excellent option if you want a complete solution for both airborne particle removal and smoke neutralization.

I recommend it for rooms up to 406 sq. ft. (37.7 m²), though it can also handle slightly larger spaces if the indoor air isn’t heavily polluted.

Although it lacks smart features, it does come with a remote control and timer. However, there is an upgraded version for the US market, the IQAir HealthPro Plus XE, which includes a dedicated air quality sensor and smart app feature.

In our performance tests, it achieved outstanding results. In a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, it improved air quality by 96%.

The only complaints I have are its large footprint, somewhat noisy motor at maximum speed, high power consumption, and outdated design.

In summary, if you’re looking for an air purifier that effectively captures airborne dust, pollen, and mold particles while also providing excellent performance in neutralizing smoke, VOCs, and odors, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is a perfect choice.

P.S. The smart version of this model is called the IQAir HealthPro Plus XE, while the European version is marketed as the IQAir HealthPro 250.

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. – Best Option For Heavy Smoke

Among all the air purifiers we’ve tested so far, the Austin Air HealthMate Junior stands out for having the most carbon pellets inside its filter—approximately 6.5 lbs of carbon pellets.

If you think the compact size of the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. may not be sufficient for your needs, you can always opt for one of its larger models, which contains even more carbon pellets, up to 15 lb.

The biggest drawbacks of the Austin Air HM Jr. are its relatively small CADR and outdated design. It’s suitable for rooms up to 185 sq. ft. (17 m²).

This model lacks advanced features such as air quality sensors or remote control functionality. It’s a simple, plug-and-play air purifier.

Another potential concern is its higher price. However, I found an article on the Austin blog explaining how you can get an Austin Air purifier for free if you’re in the US and have health insurance. For more details, check out the article on their blog.

The Austin Air HealthMate Junior is an excellent choice for heavy cigarette smokers. Its carbon filter is large enough to neutralize unpleasant odors over a long period, and it also features a high-quality HEPA filter to effectively capture airborne particles.

Alen FLEX – Great Option With a 2 lb+ Carbon Filter

What I like about the Alen FLEX is its sleek design, high-quality filtration technology, and the minimalistic aesthetic that sets it apart.

The Alen FLEX features a three-stage filtration technology, but for this specific situation, the standout feature worth mentioning is its pellet-based carbon filter, which contains more than 2 lbs of carbon pellets. It also includes a high-quality True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

In our performance tests, the Alen FLEX delivered exceptional results. During the particle removal test in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, it improved air quality by 94% within just 60 minutes.

In the smoke test, it removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 32 seconds.

This air purifier has a CADR of 187 CFM (317 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²). However, based on our test results, I’m sure it can perform well in slightly larger spaces as well.

Not only is the Alen FLEX an excellent choice for homes where cigarette smoke pollutes the air, but it’s also highly effective against wildfire smoke. If you live in California or any area prone to wildfires, this is a must-have device to combat smoke.

Overall, the Alen FLEX is a top-performing air purifier featuring a high-quality activated carbon filter and one of the quietest motors I’ve ever experienced. Thanks to its True HEPA filter and pellet-based carbon filter, the Alen FLEX not only removes smoke particles but also successfully eliminates unpleasant odors from the air. It’s the perfect option for tackling cigarette smoke!

Levoit Core 600S – Great Option For Large Places

The Levoit Core 600S is a budget-friendly air purifier with excellent airborne particle removal efficiency and a decent amount of carbon in its filter to handle cigarette smoke effectively.

However, I primarily recommend it for secondhand smoke or smoke entering from outside, such as through walls or from neighbors.

With a CADR of 410 CFM (697 m³/h), this air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²). To maximize its efficiency in smoke removal, I highly recommend using the smoke remover filter, which contains approximately 0.79 lbs of carbon pellets.

In our smoke removal tests, the Levoit Core 600S achieved remarkable results, clearing all the smoke in just 9 seconds—one of the best performances among all the air purifiers we’ve tested.

In addition to its high-quality filtration technology, this air purifier has a range of advanced features, including an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, smart app compatibility, and more.

The Core 600S not only delivered outstanding performance but is also exceptionally quiet at low speeds, user-friendly, and energy-efficient, offering an excellent power-to-CADR ratio.

While it is a larger device, its cylindrical shape allows it to be placed in the center of a room, enabling it to cover very large spaces effectively.

The combination of high CADR and superior filtration technology makes it an ideal air purifier for cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke, and other unpleasant odors.

Breaking Down My Testing Procedure

Testing an air purifier requires in-depth research of the device, thorough preparation, proper testing equipment, and a well-structured process.

We’ve been testing air purifiers for nearly a decade, developing innovative testing methods and the most efficient rating system in the process.

Every air purifier we test undergoes a rigorous evaluation procedure. When it comes to cigarette smoke removal, the most insightful test is the smoke removal test. In this test, we place each air purifier in a glass box, fill the box with smoke, and measure how quickly the air purifier removes all the smoke.

Below is a chart featuring some of the fastest air purifiers we’ve tested in this category.

As shown in the chart, there are many air purifiers that have managed to remove all the smoke within 20 seconds. The average smoke removal time across all the air purifiers we’ve tested is 41 seconds.

To maintain transparency, we include a smoke test video in every review on the Air Purifier First YouTube channel, as well as in every standalone review on our website.

In addition to the smoke removal test, I perform specific tests to evaluate how air purifiers perform in various scenarios, such as absorbing the smell of a match, neutralizing cooking odors in a kitchen, and other similar conditions.

You can read our detailed testing procedure by clicking here. Feel free to reach out with any questions about the testing process, air purifiers for smoke, or any other concerns.

For this article, and to determine the best air purifier for smoke, I also tested the devices in a real-life setting—the room where smoking takes place. For this test, as with many others, I used my parents’ house. They allow smoking in the living room, where someone smokes almost daily.

This provided an excellent opportunity to evaluate air purifiers in a realistic environment, gather feedback from my parents, use a laser particle counter, and ultimately identify which air purifiers are most effective at neutralizing smoke.

I should also mention that in addition to testing air purifiers in their living room, my parents always use at least one air purifier daily to effectively neutralize smoke and odors.

Side-by-side Comparison of the Best Air Purifiers for Cigarette Smoke

Scroll or swipe left/right to view the whole table.

FAQs on the Best Air Purifiers for Smoke

Final Conclusion

Cigarette smoke is a significant issue in many households. Whether you are an active smoker or dealing with secondhand smoke, neutralizing it will believe me, improve your daily life in countless ways.

Solutions like opening windows, using scented candles, or similar products are often ineffective, and if quitting smoking isn’t an option, investing in an air purifier that can effectively absorb smoke is a smart choice.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best air purifiers, with the Winix 5510 standing out as the best budget option and the Austin Air HealthMate Junior as the top choice for heavy smoke.

I strongly recommend avoiding small air purifiers. Regardless of what brands and marketing materials may claim, they are typically not effective against cigarette smoke. To truly remove smoke, you’ll need an air purifier with as many carbon pellets as possible.

In summary, whichever device you choose from the list, you won’t go wrong—they will all help to significantly reduce cigarette smoke in your space. If you have any questions about this topic or the devices, please feel free to leave a comment below.