If you’re someone who enjoys smoking, you know how arduous it can be to get rid of the smell of smoke. This is especially true for marijuana smokers more so than cigarette smokers since weed smoke tends to be a lot more potent than tobacco.
What you need to get rid of marijuana smoke and its odor is an adequate air purifier. That said, in this article, we go over the most effective air purifiers for weed smoke, so you may want to stick around for a while.
Best Air Purifier for Weed Smoke:
- SilverOnyx Air Purifier (Editors Choice)
- GermGuardian AC5350B
- Levoit LV-H132
- Alen BreatheSmart
- Coway Mighty
- RabbitAir MinusA2
- Hamilton Beach TrueAir
- Winix 5500-2
The 8 Best Air Purifiers for Weed Smoke in 2021
1. SilverOnyx Air Purifier - Best Overall
Starting off our list of the best air filters for weed smoke is the highly popular SilverOnyx Air Purifier, with its powerful 5-stage filtration system and incredible coverage. It’s also a compact device that can be moved around with ease, and it won’t really set you back much, price-wise.
The SilverOnyx Air Purifier is equipped with a mesh pre-filter that helps capture larger particles like pet dander and hair before passing the air to the attached HEPA filter. The HEPA filter, on the other hand, helps filter out smaller particles that are smaller than 0.3 microns such as dust and allergens. It flaunts an efficacy percentage of around 99.97%, so it’s a True HEPA filter.
Next, we have a layer of activated carbon, which does an excellent job of neutralizing odor and smoke, making the SilverOnyx Air Purifier one of the best air purifiers for weed smoke. The unit is also equipped with an ionization filter that further ensures that smaller airborne particles and allergens are eliminated. The ionization functionality features a dedicated on/off switch.
The vast majority of air purifiers feature either an air ionization or a UV-C feature. This purifier, on the other hand, features both functionalities. The UV-C functionality enables this unit to get rid of contaminants such as germs and mold with the aid of a photocatalyst and a UV-C bulb.
Design-wise, the SilverOnyx Air Purifier flaunts a cylindrical design that measures around 10.5 x 10.5 x 16.5 inches and weighs only 4 pounds, so it’s a pretty compact and lightweight unit. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the air intake grill is found on the back of the device, so make sure the air inlet isn’t blocked by a wall or any sort of object.
The device adopts a bottom-to-top airflow system, which is by far the most efficient method to circulate air using an air purifier. Coverage-wise, the manufacturer claims that this is on of the best air purifier for large rooms up to 500 square feet. However, we recommend basing your purchase decision on the purifier’s CADR rating rather than its advertised coverage.
The CADR rating for this device is 83 cfm, which is somewhat reasonable but not high enough to cover larger spaces quickly. Yes, the SilverOnyx is able to cover spaces as large as 500 square feet, but it’ll take hours to get rid of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
As far as noise, the SilverOnyx is one of the quietest air purifiers for smoke on the market today, as it operates at around 25dB. It’s not exactly a whisper-quiet device, but it’s quiet enough that it can be used in the bedroom without disturbing anyone’s sleep. This unit's highest noise level is around 56dB, which is still quite reasonable.
Pros:
- Offers a lot of value for the price
- Powerful 5-stage filtration system
- Doesn’t emit a whole lot of noise
- Equipped with an H13 HEPA filter
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
- CADR rating isn’t the best available
- Takes hours to cover larger spaces
2. GermGuardian AC5350B - Runner-Up
The GermGuardian AC5350B is yet another reliable air purifier that can be used to get rid of any type of smoke, whether it’s weed smoke, cigarette smoke, or wildfire smoke. This can very well be regarded as the best air purifier for smoke, but it offers less functionality than the SilverOnyx at an almost similar price point, which is why it’s our runner-up.
Like many of the products on our list, the AC5350B utilizes a 4-stage filtration setup consisting of a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated charcoal filter, and an optional UV-C light feature rather than an air ionization functionality. Please note that the existence of a UV-C light feature makes this a non-Ozone-free unit, so it’s not recommended for those who suffer from asthma.
The GermGuardian AC5350B has a CADR rating of 108 for smoke, 127 for pollen, and 114 for dust, so it’s suitable for small and medium-sized rooms. To be more specific, this device is only suitable for enclosed spaces up to 180 square feet.
Equipped with a True HEPA filter, The GermGuardian AC5350B is able to get rid of particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. This means that you can say goodbye to all dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, bacteria, and, of course, smoke.
The activated carbon filter also works in unison with the HEPA system to eliminate any lingering odors, whether it’s a result of smoking weed or cigarettes. It also incredibly works well with vape smoke, kitchen odors, and other things of that nature.
One of the strongest selling points of this device, which can also be regarded as a negative, as already established, is the UV-C light functionality. When activated, this feature helps eliminate lingering mold, germs, and other airborne contaminants. It also does an excellent job of getting rid of VOCs, as it’s laced with titanium dioxide.
As with any filtration system, the pre-filter is responsible for capturing larger particles like dust and pet hair so that they don’t end up jamming the HEPA setup, which ensures long-lasting performance.
Many air purifiers tend to have 3 or 4-speed settings at most, whereas the GermGuardian AC5350B features 5 different speed settings for customized purification. There’s also a timer function that enables you to schedule purification hours from a few minutes up to 8 hours. In addition, there’s a dedicated controller for the UV-C light feature for optional use.
That’s not all, though, as this device also has a filter replacement indicator that helps you keep tabs on the filter’s condition so that you replace it on time. As you can see, the AC5350B is an extremely user-friendly device.
The device is backed by an excellent 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. The unit is also Energy Star-rated and certified by the AHAM, and it’s compliant with the CARB standards.
Pros:
- Energy Star and AHAM certified
- Flaunts a host of smart features
- Many speed settings to pick from
- UVC light for thorough purification
- Backed by a solid 5-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s unable to purify larger spaces
- LED light is too bright for bedrooms
3. Levoit LV-H132 - Best Ozone-Free Filter
Air ionization and UVC light features might be extremely effective when it comes to getting rid of airborne allergens, but these functionalities release their own air pollutant called Ozone. This is an air pollutant that’s harmful to those who have asthma. It’s also bad for children.
Okay, so what exactly does the Levoit LV-H132 filtration system consist of? It’s a 3-stage system that consists of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a layer of premium activated carbon.
The pre-filter does a superb job of trapping larger particles before the air enters the HEPA filter. This helps elongate the lifespan of the HEPA filter, as it’s only designed to deal with particles as small as 0.3 microns only, and any larger particles can malfunction its operation. The HEPA filter deals with particles such as mold, dust mites, and weed smoke.
The layer of high-quality activated carbon also aids in removing smoke as well as eliminating its odor. Note that all of the units listed on our list are capable of purifying the air from all types of smoke, be it cigarette, weed, or even wildfire smoke.
The Levoit LV-H132’s filtration system is designed for long-lasting operation. However, like any filtration system, there will be a time where you need to replace the filters. When the time comes, the manufacturer recommends using genuine Levoit replacement filters to ensure ideal operation.
As far as coverage, this air purifier for smoke is able to tackle enclosed areas up to 129 square feet. This might not be as expansive as some of the other options on the list, but it’s incredibly effective. It’s so effective that it’s able to purify the air in the room over 4 times in a single hour.
The Levoit LV-H132 is also a very quiet filtration unit, as it operates around 25dB. You can use it in a small bedroom without having to worry about it disturbing your sleep. It’s also worth noting that the device features a Night Light feature that enables you to choose between 2 brightness levels at night. You can also turn the light off completely to ensure a good night’s sleep.
The LV-H132 is equipped with a smart filter change indicator that helps remind you whenever it’s time to change filters. The manufacturer recommends changing the filter every 6-8 months. Keep in mind that the frequency of changing the filter boils down to how intensively you use it and the air quality.
This air purifier measures around 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches and weighs around 6 pounds, so it’s fairly compact and portable. Lastly, the Levoit LV-H132 is certified by the CARB and FCC. It’s also ETL-listed for safe use.
Pros:
- Super quiet operation around 25dB
- Compact and lightweight construction
- Very aesthetically appealing design
- Doesn’t emit any Ozone whatsoever
- Filter change indicator functionality
Cons:
- Cannot purify the air in large spaces
- Lacks a UVC or air ionization feature
4. Alen BreatheSmart - Premium Option
You can’t have a list of the best air purifiers for weed smoke without an Alen product since the brand has been putting high-quality air purifiers for many, many years. The BreatheSmart sits right in between the budget-friendly FIT50 and the premium 75i as far as functionality and cost. It’s not the most budget unit out there, but it’s very effective.
The Alen BreatheSmart utilizes a unique 3-stage filtration system that’s centered around a True HEPA filter. You can choose 1 of 4 unique variants of this HEPA filter. The first variant is the HEPA Pure filter, which is the standard with most Alen products. It can tackle particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, such as dust mites and pollen, with a 99% efficiency.
The second variant, the HEPA Fresh filter, is basically a HEPA Pure with activated carbon, so it does an excellent job of removing odors, whether cooking or smoking. It’s also a very effective filter when it comes to eliminating VOCs.
Thirdly, we have the HEPA Silver filter, which incorporates antimicrobial silver-ion threads to get rid of bacteria and mold spores in the air. And lastly, we have the HEPA OdorCell, which is the ultimate HEPA filter from Alen. It features the proprietary Molecular Conversion Powder, which does an outstanding job of eliminating all types of odors on a molecular level.
Of course, each filter tier is more costly than the other, with the HEPA OdorCell being the most expensive, so make sure you choose wisely. Please keep in mind that these aren’t permanent HEPA filters, meaning you’ll need to replace them every 2-3 months.
Apart from the HEPA filter, the BreatheSmart is also equipped with a pre-filter that obstructs all larger particles so that they don’t end up clogging the HEPA filter, malfunctioning its operation.
The Alen BreatheSmart might not be the most budget-friendly air purifier, but it’s one of the few units that can actually purify larger spaces up to 1100 square feet with great efficiency. This is a unit that you can use to purify an entire one-story home, assuming all doors are opened.
The Alen BreatheSmart has an ACH (Air Changes/Hour) of 2x to 5x. This basically means that if you use it for an 1100-square-foot room, it’ll be able to purify it entirely twice an hour. Of course, if the room is smaller, the device will be able to purify it more times per hour.
This is one of the best air purifiers for smoke because it features a CADR smoke rating of 256 cfm, not to mention a rating of 279 for dust and 300 for pollen. As far as the noise level, the unit operates at around 56dB at the highest setting and approximately 41dB at the lowest level, which is pretty low, considering how powerful this unit is.
Pros:
- Can cover larger spaces with ease
- Quiet operation at around 41dB
- Outstanding CADR rating for smoke
- Different HEPA filters to select from
- Perfect for filtering dust and pollen
Cons:
- Not the most budget-friendly option
- Requires frequent filter replacements
5. Coway Mighty - Best for Auto Filtration
Coway is another excellent brand of air purifiers, with the Coway Mighty being the brand’s most popular offering. This unit has a CADR rating of 233 for smoke, 246 for dust, and 240 for pollen. It can cover medium-sized spaces of up to 351 square feet with ease, so it’s definitely ideal for use in living rooms, bedrooms, and other similar-sized areas.
The Coway Mighty flaunts a 4-stage filtration setup that consists of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a Vital Ion functionality for air ionization. The HEPA filter is great at eliminating smaller particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency.
Before the air enters the HEPA filter, however, it passes through the pre-filter to eliminate pet hair, dander, and other larger particles so that they don’t clog up the HEPA layer.
The odor layer, which consists of activated carbon, eliminates the smell of smoke and VOCs. The Vital Ion functionality is also a vital part of the filtration process, as it does an excellent job of eliminating airborne allergens, particulates, and contaminants.
However, the incorporation of an air ionization function means that this device isn’t Ozone-free. So if you have children in your household or suffer from asthma, we don’t recommend any air purifier that utilizes a UVC or an air ionization functionality.
The Coway Mighty is equipped with a host of smart features for a user-friendly experience, one of which is the air quality indicator. Basically, this feature gauges the air quality with the aid of a smart sensor and puts it on display so that you can make adjustments accordingly.
A timer feature also enables you to schedule the hours of use using 1, 4, 8, or 12-house intervals. There are 3 operation speeds that you can switch between manually based on how intensive you want the purification process to be. There’s also an automatic mode that adjusts the speed of purification based on the air quality.
The Coway Mighty also features an Eco mode that reduces energy consumption if the level of pollution in the room is low. As far as the noise levels, the device operates between 24.4 and 53.8dB, so it’s definitely one of the quietest air purifiers for smoke elimination.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage and CADR rating
- Flaunts manual and automatic use
- Eco mode ensures energy efficiency
- Robust 4-stage filtration configuration
- Reduces odors and VOCs effectively
Cons:
- Comparatively expensive price tag
- Vital Ion functionality emits Ozone
6. RabbitAir MinusA2 - Another Premium Pick
The RabbitAir MinusA2 is another premium air purifier that offers everything from an effective air filtration process to a wide range of useful features and an aesthetically pleasing design. It’s not the most wallet-friendly option on the list, but you definitely get your money’s worth with this unit.
Before we discuss this product’s performance, we feel the need to point out that RabbitAir is an industry leader since 2004 and a lot of people place their trust in this brand. The BioGS 2.0 was arguably the most popular RabbitAir device, but the MinusA2 is the new and improved replacer.
The MinusA2 is available in 3 different variants: SPA-700A, SPA-780A, and SPA-780N. The first variant is able to cover spaces up to 700 square feet while the second and third models are for spaces up to 815 square feet, with the difference between them being that the third flaunts Wi-Fi functionality. Of course, all three variants vary in terms of pricing, so choose wisely.
The MinusA2 might not be the most compact air purifier in terms of width and height (19x21.4 inches), but it’s definitely one of the slimmest options on this list (7 inches). It’s lightweight so that you can mount it on the wall without any problems.
Moving on to the most important aspect, which is the filtration setup, this device features an ultra-powerful filtration setup that consists of 6 different stages. First, you have a pre-filter that does an outstanding job of capturing large particles. It’s also washable and permanent, so you don’t have to worry about changing it every few months.
Next, we have a “medium filter” that helps trap small particles that are able to bypass the first filtration stage, such as dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander. Then, we move on to RabbitAir’s advanced BioGS HEPA filter, which is basically a True HEPA filter that can eliminate smaller particles as small as 0.3 microns, including fungi, mold, virus particles, and pollen.
The next stage is the “customized filter,” which is basically a 4-in-1 filter that enables you to choose which mode of filtration you’d like to apply. You can choose between Odor Remover, Germ Defense, Toxin Absorber, and Pet Allergy. Each mode is pretty self-explanatory.
The fifth stage is the activated carbon filter, which eliminates odors, chemicals, vapors, and smokes. And lastly, we have the Ion Generator filter, which basically makes it easier for the filter to trap airborne contaminants. This functionality has a dedicated on/off switch for optional use.
The RabbitAir MinusA2 is probably the quietest air purifier on our list, operating at noise levels ranging from 20.8 to 45.6dB. And to sweeten the deal even more, the device is backed by an outstanding 5-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Remarkable 6-stage filtration setup
- Arguably the quietest unit on the list
- Can cover larger spaces with ease
- Available in a Wi-Fi enabled variant
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Not the most budget-friendly option
- Fan power could use improvements
7. Hamilton Beach TrueAir - Best for Budget
Breathing fresh, clean air doesn’t have to set you back hundreds of dollars. The Hamilton Beach TrueAir promises effective air filtration at a budget-friendly price tag of under $100. This purifier is a real bargain considering the amount of value it has to offer for the price.
You’d expect such an inexpensive air purifier to utilize a standard filter, but the TrueAir actually utilizes a genuine HEPA-grade filter that effectively gets rid of airborne particles smaller than 0.3 microns. The CADR rating for this device isn’t provided by the manufacturer, but expect it to do an excellent job covering spaces that are 160 square feet and under.
Another thing you should know about this device is that it has been tested by an independent company (Sun-Grun Environment Technology) to ensure optimal performance.
This is the ultimate air purification device for budget-minded consumers, not only because it’s cheaper than the other options on our list, but also because it flaunts a permanent filter, so you don’t need to change it every few months. All you need to do is clean thoroughly every once in a while to ensure that it works properly.
Even though the filter is permanent, Hamilton Beach still offers replacements just in case the filter is accidentally damaged while you’re cleaning it. Their replacement filters aren't that expensive, either.
It’s also worth noting that Hamilton Beach sells activated carbon filters that you can utilize for this device. They’re sold separately, so only buy one if you want to boost the unit’s performance a bit. Please note that activated carbon filters are pretty important for eliminating unwanted odors and smoke in a given area.
The Hamilton Beach TrueAir measures around 8.1 x 10.8 x 16.4 inches, making it one of the most compact devices on our list. It’s also quite lightweight, so you can easily move it around from one room to another without any problems. You can even use it as an air purifier for your car.
The Hamilton Beach TrueAir features 3 different speed levels that you can choose from: ultra-high for intensive air purification, medium for moderate purification, and low for quiet, low-duty performance.
Now, this device isn’t perfect. Its main drawback is the fact that its HEPA filter isn’t resistant to water, so you can’t wash it. You’ll have to use the brush and vacuum to clean it. This shouldn’t be a big deal, considering how cost-effective the device is.
Pros:
- Completely Ozone-free operation
- Compact and lightweight design
- Flaunts notably quiet performance
- Equipped with a True HEPA filter
- Listed at a highly affordable price
Cons:
- Not the most powerful unit on the list
- The filter requires regular vacuuming
8. Winix 5500-2 - Best Value for the Price
The Winix 5500-2 is one of the most impressive air purifiers on the market because it features a handful of advanced features that can only be found in premium, top-tier products. Yet, it comes at a very cost-effective price tag, which is why it’s the best air purifier in terms of value. The unit might not be as affordable as the TrueAir from Hamilton Beach, but it’s definitely within reach.
One of the things we find impressive about this unit is its remarkable fan power. Yes, it requires considerable power, but it certainly offers effective air purification. Premium devices like the RabbitAir MinusA2 can use some improvements in the fan power category.
The Winix 5500-2 features a 3-stage filtration setup that consists of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and Winix’s proprietary PlasmaWave filter. The pre-filter is washable, so you can simply give it a rinse every now and then to ensure effective operation.
The pre-filter is also equipped with a layer of activated carbon that helps absorb and eliminate all unwanted odors as well as VOCs and weed smoke. With that in mind, it’s not unreasonable to view the 5500-2 as a 4-stage filter rather than a 3-stage one.
The Winix 5500-2’s HEPA-grade filter is able to eliminate small particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. This includes virus particles, pollen, mold, and fungi particles. The PlasmaWave filter is basically an air ionization function that further boosts the device’s ability to get rid of airborne pollutants. It has its own on/off button, so it doesn’t have to be activated all the time.
Please bear in mind that air ionization releases Ozone, which can harm kids and those with asthma. Thankfully, with the aid of the on/off button, you can activate this unit’s air ionization feature when the children are at school or when there are no asthmatic people in your household.
The Winix 5500-2 is equipped with an accurate sensor that detects odors and helps gauge the air quality automatically. If the quality of the air isn’t ideal, it automatically adjusts the fan speed to ensure effective air filtration.
Having a sensor that’s capable of detecting odors accurately is a very advanced feature that’s not found in most purifiers within the Winix 5500-2’s price point. Most units in this price range only have a dust sensor.
Coverage-wise, the Winix 5500-2 is able to cover large spaces of up to 360 square feet. It has an excellent CADR rating of 232 for smoke, 243 for dust, and 246 for pollen, so it’s more than capable of employing fast air filtration.
Nevertheless, this isn’t a perfect air filter by any means. Its main drawback is the fact that it consumes a great deal of power, which can spike your utility bill quite a bit. Also, filter replacements for this unit aren’t cheap, and they’re required on a yearly basis.
Pros:
- Features an advanced odor sensor
- Manual and automatic operation
- Ionization feature for effective filtration
- Able to cover large spaces with ease
- Excellent CADR rating for smoke
Cons:
- Filter replacements are expensive
- Requires a lot of power to operate
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Weed Smoke
Even after learning about the best air purifiers for weed smoke, choosing one can still be quite challenging considering the barrage of specs and features to consider. Don’t worry, though, as we’re about to shed light on the most important factors to take into consideration to ensure the most value for your money when in the market for an air purifier.
Filtration Setup
To ensure effective elimination of smoke and odors, you need to ensure that the unit you’re about to buy is equipped with a True HEPA filter and a layer of activated carbon.
True HEPA filters are able to capture smaller particles that are as tiny as 0.3 microns, so pretty much anything that’s lingering in the air will be captured and eliminated by a True HEPA filter.
On the other hand, the activated carbon filter is dedicated to eliminating smoke and odors. It’s also capable of getting rid of volatile organic compounds.
You’ll find products that implement proprietary filters that are based on UVC and air ionization technology, which are extremely effective at eliminating airborne contaminants. But since we’re talking primarily about eliminating smoke, a True HEPA filter and activated carbon are a must.
CADR Rating
The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating is a measuring unit developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. It’s measured in cubic feet and it’s used to gauge how effective an air purifier is at getting rid of air contaminants per minute.
The higher the CADR rating of an air purifier, the faster it’ll be able to get rid of contaminants in a specified area. To ensure effective marijuana smoke elimination, pick an air purifier with a high CADR rating for smoke.
Ease of Use
Some air purifiers are equipped with a wide range of advanced features that might be difficult to figure initially. If you’re going to buy a feature-rich air purifier, make sure it has a control scheme that’s easy to use.
Some units employ touch controls, others can be integrated with smartphone apps via Wi-Fi connectivity, and quite a few offer basic button controls. Figure out which type of control scheme you’d like to have.
Also, it’s important to note that some units offer manual operation only where you need to keep adjusting the fan speed to ensure appropriate air filtration, whereas other units flaunt automatic adjustment with the air of smart sensors that help gauge the quality of indoor air and make all of the needed adjustments.
Construction
There are a lot of cheap air purifiers on the market. The thing about these units is that they’re not designed to last very long and typically not tested or verified by organizations such as CARB, AHAM, or Energy Star, which makes them unsafe to use.
Make sure you invest in a unit built to a high standard, tested, and certified for safe use by independent organizations.
Coverage
Some air filters are designed to cover small spaces that are around 100 square feet, whereas others are able to cover larger spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Be sure to consider the area the air purifier is able to cover before you buy it.
Portability
Another thing you want to bear in mind when shopping for a new air purifier is portability. It’s important to invest your money in a compact and lightweight product so that you can easily move it from one place to another. If it’s convenient enough, you can even use it in your car.
Some premium devices like the BreatheSmart from Alen and the RabbitAir MinusA1 tend to be bulky because they cover large spaces. Typically, the greater the coverage, the bulkier the unit is going to be, so don’t go around looking for a hand-sized device that can purify numerous square feets.
Noise Level
Last but not least, make sure that you invest your money in a product that offers a quiet filtration process, especially if you intend to use it in your bedroom. Ideally, air purifiers should operate between 24 and 53dB.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the absolute best air filters for eliminating everything from cannabis smoke and second-hand smoke to airborne contaminants and unwanted odor.
The SilverOnyx Air Purifier and GermGuardian AC5350B are, in our opinion, the best products on the list because they strike the perfect balance between functionality and affordability. However, they might not be the best option for purifying larger spaces.
For effective large-space air purification, we recommend opting for the Alen BreatheSmart or the RabbitAir MinusA2, as they’re the most capable devices on the list. They’re not the most affordable, so prepare to shell out the big bucks.
The rest of the air purifiers on our list are just as impressive as our top picks. They’re just more suitable for specific use cases, so be sure to take them into consideration when shopping for a new air purifier.
With the aid of any of the products mentioned above, you can say goodbye to air pollution and hello to clean breathing.
Additional Reading
