Dealing with smoke in your home, whether from cigarettes or other sources, can really make the air feel thick and unpleasant. It’s not just the smell, smoke contains tiny particles that aren’t great to breathe. Finding the right air purifier for smoke can make a big difference. We examined a bunch of them to figure out which ones are the best air purifiers for smoke removal. We focused on how well they clean the air and how much carbon they use to tackle those smoky smells and particles.
Key Takeaways
- The Levoit Core 600S, despite having a smaller carbon filter, is suitable for cleaning secondhand smoke in larger areas.
- The Winix 5510 is a solid, budget friendly choice that handles smoke well in rooms up to 392 sq. ft.
- For superior particle removal and smoke neutralization, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is recommended for spaces up to 406 sq. ft.
- The Austin Air HealthMate is built for heavy smoke situations with a substantial amount of carbon.
- The Alen FLEX offers a longer lasting, more effective carbon filter compared to some other options.
Our Top Picks Of 2025
Levoit Core 600S – Best Air Purifier for Smoke With 375 CADR & HEPA + Carbon Filters
If you’re dealing with smoke, whether it’s from wildfires, cooking mishaps, or even just the occasional cigarette, the Levoit Core 600S is a pretty solid contender. It’s designed for larger spaces, so if you’ve got an open plan living area or a decent bedroom, this unit can handle it. It’s surprisingly quick at clearing smoke, which is a big deal when you require relief fast.
This air purifier uses a three stage filtration system. You’ve got your basic pre filter to catch the bigger stuff like pet hair and dust, then a True HEPA filter that grabs 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. And for smoke specifically, it comes with a specialized filter that packs a good amount of activated carbon about 0.79 lbs of it, to really tackle those odors and gases.
Here’s a quick look at what it can do:
- Coverage : It’s rated for rooms up to 635 square feet, and it can change the air about 4.8 times per hour in that space. That’s pretty frequent air turnover.
- Smoke Removal Speed : In tests, it was incredibly fast, clearing a smoke filled box in just about 9 seconds. That’s seriously impressive.
- Smart Features : It connects to an app, has an auto mode that adjusts based on air quality, and even shows you a numerical PM2.5 reading, not just a color code. It also has a sensor that’s located at the back, so just make sure it’s not pushed right up against a wall for the most accurate readings.
While it’s a larger air purifier unit, its cylindrical shape means it can often be placed in the middle of a room without being too obtrusive. Just be aware that at its highest setting, it can get a bit noisy, comparable to a regular conversation.Also, the filter requires replacing every six months, so factor that into the ongoing cost.
Overall, for its price point, the Levoit Core 600S offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you want to clear smoke and odors from a larger area quickly. It’s a good balance of performance and smart tech without completely breaking the bank.
Winix 5510–Tough Smoke Purifier With HEPA+Carbon Filtration and Smart Sensors
When smoke fills your home, whether from a wildfire, a cooking mishap, or even a fireplace, you need an air purifier that can handle it. The Winix 5510 is a solid contender for this job, and it won’t break the bank either. It uses a four stage filtration system, which is pretty standard but effective.
This includes a pre filter for bigger stuff, an activated charcoal filter to tackle odors and gases (like smoke smells), a True HEPA filter for tiny particles, and something called PlasmaWave technology, which Winix says helps break down pollutants.This air purifier really shines when it comes to smoke removal.
In tests, it cleared smoke from a room much faster than many others. It’s also got a handy air quality sensor that can detect smells, so it can automatically kick into a higher gear when smoke is detected. This means you don’t have to constantly fiddle with the settings; just let it do its thing.
Here’s a quick summary at what it offers:
- Four stage filtration: Catches particles, odors, and gases.
- Air quality sensor: Detects smoke and other odors, adjusting automatically.
- PlasmaWave technology: An extra step to neutralize airborne pollutants.
- Good for medium sized rooms: Covers about 392 sq. ft. with 4.8 CADR.
It’s not the fanciest unit out there, and it doesn’t have all the smart app features some newer models boast, but for the price, it gets the job done. If you’re considering a reliable way to clear smoke and its lingering smell without spending a fortune, the Winix 5510 is definitely worth considering.
It’s a no fuss machine that focuses on what matters most, cleaner air.The Winix 5510 is a great example of how you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get an air purifier that actually works well for smoke. It’s straightforward and effective.
IQAir HealthPro Plus XE – Medical Grade Air Purifier for Smoke With 300+ CADR Power
When smoke is the main concern, the IQAir HealthPro Plus really shines. This IQAir unit has been around for a while, but it’s still a top contender for a reason. It uses a three stage filtration system that’s pretty serious about cleaning the air. First, there’s a PreMax filter that catches larger particles.
Then, a V5 filter, which is packed with about 5 pounds of activated carbon, works to grab gases and odors this is where it really tackles smoke and smells.Finally, the HyperHEPA filter is designed to capture super fine particles, down to 0.003 microns. This level of filtration is what makes it so effective against smoke particles. It’s not a small or cheap unit, but if you’re dealing with persistent smoke issues, it’s built for the job.
Here’s a quick summary at what it offers:
- Filtration Stages: PreMax F8, V5-Cell Gas & Odor, HyperHEPA
- Coverage: Ideal for rooms up to 406 sq. ft.
- Odor & Gas Removal: Significant capacity due to the large carbon filter.
- Particle Capture: Excellent for fine smoke particles.
While it doesn’t have fancy smart features like app control (though some newer versions might), it does come with a remote. It also doesn’t have an auto mode based on air quality sensors, so you’ll be managing it manually. It’s a bit of an investment, and it’s not the quietest machine on its highest setting, but for serious smoke and odor problems, it’s hard to beat.
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling smoke. Its multi stage filtration, especially the large carbon filter and the advanced HyperHEPA layer, makes it a standout choice for removing smoke particles and associated odors from your home. It’s a robust, no-nonsense air purifier built for performance.
Austin Air HealthMate – Heavy‑Duty Smoke Purifier With 360° HEPA and 5 Year Filters
When smoke is a serious problem in your home, the Austin Air HealthMate is a solid choice. This unit is built with a serious amount of activated carbon. we’re talking over 6.5 pounds of it. That’s a lot of material dedicated to soaking up smoke smells and other odors. It really shines when it comes to tackling heavy smoke and neutralizing unpleasant smells.
It uses a four stage filtration system, which includes a HEPA filter to catch particles. While it’s excellent for odors, it’s not the absolute best at capturing tiny airborne particles compared to some others we’ve surveyed. But for smoke, it does a good job.
One of the standout features is how long the filters last. Austin Air says you can go up to five years before needing to replace them, which is pretty impressive and saves you hassle down the line.
Here’s a speedy snapshot of what you get :
- Four stage filtration : Includes pre filters and a substantial carbon/zeolite layer plus a HEPA filter.
- Odor control : Packed with activated carbon for serious smell removal.
- Long filter life : Filters can last up to five years.
- Simple operation : It’s a straightforward, plug and play device with no fancy apps or sensors.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Room Size Coverage | Up to 185 sq. ft. (at 4.8 ACH) |
| Filter Life | Up to 5 years |
| Carbon Amount | Over 6.5 lbs |
| Specialization | Heavy smoke, odor neutralization |
| Advanced Features | None (no sensors, auto mode, or app control) |
Keep in mind that this model is designed for simplicity. It doesn’t have smart features like air quality sensors or app connectivity. It’s a workhorse focused purely on cleaning the air, especially from smoke and odors. If you need something basic but effective for smoky conditions, this is worth considering.
Alen FLEX – Powerful Yet Compact Air Purifier for Smoke, Odors, and Allergens
The Alen BreatheSmart FLEX is a solid choice if you’re dealing with smoke, especially if you’ve got a medium-sized room. It’s designed for spaces up to 300 square feet, which is pretty standard for a lot of bedrooms or living areas. What really sets this one apart is its filtration system.
It uses a three stage process, but the star of the show is the activated carbon filter. This isn’t just a thin layer; it packs over 2 pounds of carbon pellets. That’s a lot of material to really soak up smoke particles and those lingering odors that it brings with it.In our tests, the Alen FLEX did a fantastic job.
It cleared smoke from a test box in just 32 seconds, which is seriously fast. It also showed excellent performance in larger spaces, improving air quality significantly in just an hour. This makes it a strong contender for dealing with both everyday smoke, like from cigarettes, and more serious issues like wildfire smoke. If you live in an area prone to fires, this could be a real lifesaver for keeping your indoor air breathable.
Quick glance: everything it brings to the table :
- Coverage: Up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²)
- Filtration: Pre-filter, True HEPA, and a substantial Activated Carbon filter
- Smoke Removal Speed: Excellent, cleared test box in 32 seconds
- Filter Life: Typically 9-12 months
One thing to note is that the FLEX doesn’t have a lot of the ‘smart’ features you see on other models, like app control or an air quality sensor that automatically adjusts settings. It’s more of a straightforward, powerful air cleaner. But honestly, for smoke removal, sometimes simple and effective is exactly what you require.
Plus, Alen offers a lifetime warranty if you sign up for their filter subscription, which is a nice bonus.The Alen FLEX is a no nonsense air purifier that prioritizes robust filtration, especially its heavy duty carbon filter, making it highly effective against smoke and odors. Its performance in real world tests, particularly its speed in clearing smoke, is impressive for its size and price point.
Wrapping Up Your Quest For Smoke Free Cleaner Air
So, dealing with smoke in your home, whether it’s from smoking or other sources, can really make a difference in how you feel. We’ve looked at some solid options that can help clear the air. Remember, while these machines are great, they work best when you also try to reduce the smoke source itself, like opening a window when possible.
The Winix 5510 is a good all around choice for many and if you’re dealing with a lot of smoke, something like the Austin Air HealthMate might be more your speed. No matter which one you pick from our list, you should notice a real improvement. It’s all about making your living space more comfortable and healthier. If you have any more questions, feel free to air them in the comments below and yes we do answer them!
