Finding a great air purifier for cigarette smoke is a real challenge. That stale tobacco smell seems to stick to furniture, carpets, and walls. Even worse are the invisible particles that stay in the air long after a cigarette is out. This is often called thirdhand smoke, and it can affect your home’s air quality over time. A real solution needs to do more than just cover up the smell; it has to create a healthier place for you and your family to live.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals. Some are tiny solid particles like tar, and others are gases like formaldehyde. A simple air filter just won’t do the job. To beat cigarette smoke, you need an air purifier with multiple filters. Look for one with a True HEPA filter to grab the tiny particles and a thick activated carbon filter to soak up the smells and gases.
We have spent hours researching and comparing the top models available. This guide gives you a straight-forward look at the 10 best air purifiers for cigarette smoke in 2025. This information will help you pick the right machine to clean up the air in your home, whether you live with a smoker or are dealing with smoke from a neighbor.
Our Top Picks: The 10 Best Air Purifiers For Cigarette Smoke at a Glance
| Product Name | Best For | Coverage Area (Up to) | Check Price |
| LEVOIT Vital 100S-P | Smart Features & Washable Filter | 1,074 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| GermGuardian AC4825E | UV-C Sanitization & Allergen Control | 743 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| BISSELL Air180 | Odor and Gas Reduction | 835 sq. ft. (in one hour) | View on Amazon |
| MOOKA H13 (1200ft²) | Balanced Performance & Aromatherapy | 1,200 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| MOOKA H13 (1250ft²) | Quiet Operation & Large Rooms | 1,250 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| MOOKA KJ190L | Maximum Coverage & Washable Filters | 2,200 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| MOOKA (1076 ft²) | All-Around Value & Simplicity | 1,076 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| LUNINO H13 | Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring | 2,400 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| PuroAir 240 HEPA | Lab-Tested Filtration | 1,000 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
| FULMINARE H13 | Personal Space & Portability | 215 sq. ft. | View on Amazon |
A Detailed Review of the 10 Best Air Purifiers for Cigarette Smoke
Let’s take a closer look at each model. Here you will find what makes them a good choice for fighting tobacco smoke.
1. LEVOIT Vital 100S-P Smart Air Purifier
Best For: Smart Home Integration and Ease of Maintenance
The LEVOIT Vital 100S-P is a modern and user-friendly purifier. Its power against cigarette smoke comes from a three-stage filter system paired with a smart Auto Mode. The first filter is a washable pre-filter that saves money by catching big particles like dust and pet hair. Next, the H13 True HEPA filter traps 99.97% of airborne bits down to 0.3 microns, which includes fine smoke particles. A special activated carbon filter then absorbs the odors and chemicals that cause the tobacco smell.
You can use the VeSync app to control the purifier with your phone. The app lets you see your air quality, change settings from anywhere, and create schedules. Its air quality sensor detects smoke and automatically turns up the fan speed to clear the air. This gives you a hands-free way to deal with a smoke problem. The AHAM Verifide seal confirms that its performance claims for room size and clean air delivery are accurate.
Pros
- Works with the VeSync app and voice commands (Alexa, Google Assistant).
- Washable pre-filter cuts down on future costs.
- Auto Mode has an air quality sensor that adjusts fan speed for you.
- AHAM Verifide for trusted performance.
Cons
- Some people might not need the smart features.
- The highest fan setting can be a little noisy.
Check Price and Reviews for the LEVOIT Vital 100S-P on Amazon
2. GermGuardian AC4825E Air Purifier
Best For: Germicidal Protection and Allergen Control
The GermGuardian AC4825E has been a favorite for a long time. It provides several layers of defense that work well against cigarette smoke. The process starts with a charcoal pre-filter. This part grabs large particles and begins to tackle tobacco smells right away. The True HEPA filter then traps 99.97% of tiny allergens and smoke particles.
A special feature of the GermGuardian is its UV-C light. This light works with Titanium Dioxide to break down any remaining odor molecules, germs, or mold spores in the air. The carbon and HEPA filters do most of the work on smoke, but the UV-C light adds another level of cleaning. This makes it a good option for people who want very clean air. Its tall, thin shape takes up little floor space.
Pros
- UV-C light helps reduce airborne germs.
- Combination filter has a charcoal layer for odors.
- Slim tower shape fits well in most rooms.
- Energy Star certified for low power use.
Cons
- The UV-C bulb needs to be replaced over time, which adds to the cost.
- It covers a smaller area than some other models here.
Check Price and Reviews for the GermGuardian AC4825E on Amazon
3. BISSELL Air180 Air Purifier
Best For: Robust Odor and Gas Reduction
BISSELL is a trusted name in home cleaning, and its Air180 purifier is built to get rid of odors. Its 3-stage filtration is a great fit for homes with cigarette smoke. The system includes a fabric pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. The key part is the large activated carbon filter. It is made to absorb the gases and chemicals that produce the tobacco smell.
The Air180 is simple and effective. It has an automated CirQulate® System that uses a particle sensor to check the air quality and change the fan speed. It will power up to clear the air quickly when it senses smoke. A color-coded light on the front panel gives you a simple, at-a-glance look at your air quality. This machine is a straightforward, set-it-and-forget-it choice that does its job very well.
Pros
- Great at absorbing odors and gases with its large carbon filter.
- Automated CirQulate® System with a particle sensor.
- Very quiet on its lowest setting.
- Filter is easy to access from the front.
Cons
- The square shape is a bit bulky.
- Replacement filters can be pricier than some others.
Check Price and Reviews for the BISSELL Air180 on Amazon
4. MOOKA H13 True HEPA Air Purifier (1200 ft²)
Best For: Mid-Sized Rooms and Adding Pleasant Scents
This MOOKA model gives you a nice mix of performance, features, and room coverage. It is a flexible pick for apartments or larger rooms. It uses a standard and effective 3-stage filter system: a pre-filter, an H13 True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. This setup removes dust, pollen, pet dander, and the fine particles and smells from cigarette smoke.
One unique part of this model is the fragrance sponge. You have the option to add a few drops of an essential oil to the sponge. The purifier will then spread a light, pleasant scent around the room. This can be a nice way to replace a stale smoke smell with something fresh. With strong air cleaning power for up to 1200 sq. ft., it’s a capable and affordable way to improve the air in a large part of your home.
Pros
- Covers a good area for large living spaces.
- Aromatherapy tray lets you add essential oils.
- H13 True HEPA filter offers high-efficiency cleaning.
- Has a clean, modern look.
Cons
- Does not have an auto mode or air quality sensor.
- The aromatherapy option may not appeal to everyone.
Check Price and Reviews for the MOOKA H13 (1200ft²) on Amazon
5. MOOKA H13 True HEPA Air Purifier (1250 ft²)
Best For: Quiet Operation in Bedrooms and Living Rooms
This MOOKA air purifier is a top choice for people who need a quiet machine. It covers an impressive 1,250 sq. ft., making it great for master bedrooms, living rooms, or studio apartments. Its main benefit is its quiet performance. A special sleep mode dims the lights and lowers the fan speed to a soft whisper.
This model also has a strong H13 True HEPA filter that catches 99.97% of airborne particles. It works very well against smoke, dust, and allergens. The activated carbon layer removes odors from cigarettes, pets, and cooking. It also comes with an aromatherapy slot if you want to add a nice scent to your clean air. The combination of wide coverage and quiet operation makes it a great pick for a calm and healthy room.
Pros
- Super quiet sleep mode is perfect for bedrooms.
- Large coverage area for open rooms.
- Effective 3-stage filtration for smoke and smells.
- Optional aromatherapy function.
Cons
- No smart controls or air quality sensor.
- The control panel is basic compared to other models.
Check Price and Reviews for the MOOKA H13 (1250ft²) on Amazon
6. MOOKA KJ190L Air Purifier (2200 ft²)
Best For: Maximum Coverage in Very Large or Open-Concept Homes
The MOOKA KJ190L is the machine you need for a very large area. It can handle up to 2200 sq. ft., so it is built for open-concept homes, big basements, or combined living and dining rooms. Its power is what makes it so good at clearing smoke. It can cycle the air in a big space more often, which helps remove smoke before it can settle.
A big plus for this model is its washable pre-filter. This part helps the main H13 HEPA and activated carbon filter last longer, which can save you money. For such a powerful machine, it keeps the noise at a reasonable level and has a sleep mode for night use. This is an outstanding choice for a serious smoke problem across a big part of your house.
Pros
- Huge coverage area for very large rooms.
- Washable pre-filter lowers maintenance costs.
- High air cleaning rate for fast purification.
- Includes aromatherapy and sleep mode.
Cons
- Its larger size might be hard to place in a smaller home.
- Uses more power on high settings because of its strong motor.
Check Price and Reviews for the MOOKA KJ190L on Amazon
7. MOOKA Air Purifier (1076 ft²)
Best For: All-Around Value and Simplicity
This MOOKA model is a solid “does everything well” air purifier. It provides good coverage for up to 1076 sq. ft., so it’s more than enough for most living rooms or master bedrooms. It uses the trusted 3-stage filtration system (Pre-filter, H13 True HEPA, Activated Carbon) that is the standard for fighting cigarette smoke. It catches the fine particles and absorbs the bad smells.
This model is a great value because it focuses on performance without extra features that raise the price. The controls are simple and it tells you when to change the filter. It also has a soft night light, which is nice for a kid’s room or a hallway. For buyers who want reliable smoke and odor removal without paying for smart features, this MOOKA purifier is a top-notch, budget-friendly pick.
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price.
- Simple, straightforward controls.
- Good coverage for common room sizes.
- Meets California’s strict air quality standards.
Cons
- Does not have an auto mode or air quality sensor.
- The design is functional but not as sleek as some others.
Check Price and Reviews for the MOOKA (1076 ft²) on Amazon
8. LUNINO H13 Air Purifier
Best For: Data-Driven Air Quality Management
The LUNINO H13 is made for the person who wants to see the air quality improve in real time. Its best feature is the clear PM 2.5 display. This screen gives you a number showing the level of fine particles in your air, the same kind found in cigarette smoke. The purifier uses this sensor in its auto mode to adjust the fan speed. It works harder when it detects smoke and saves energy when the air is clean.
This unit covers a huge area of up to 2400 sq. ft., making it a true whole-house option. The H13 HEPA filter and activated carbon layer provide full purification. It also includes an aromatherapy function. For those who like data and want a powerful, automated system for a very large home, the LUNINO H13 is an impressive piece of technology.
Pros
- PM 2.5 display shows you exact air quality numbers.
- Smart auto mode adjusts the fan based on what it senses.
- Very large coverage area for big, open homes.
- Aromatherapy functions to add pleasant scents.
Cons
- The display might show too much information for some users.
- It is a newer brand, so its long-term durability is less known.
Check Price and Reviews for the LUNINO H13 on Amazon
9. PuroAir 240 HEPA Air Purifier
Best For: Lab-Tested Filtration in Large Rooms
The PuroAir 240 is presented as a high-quality air purifier, and its features support this claim. It is one of the few purifiers in its group tested by independent labs to confirm it filters out pollutants like smoke. It covers a large 1,000 sq. ft. area, so it is great for big rooms.
The heart of the PuroAir 240 is its strong filter system. It uses a True HEPA filter, and the machine’s design is built for top performance, a key point when dealing with smoke. It also has a smart auto mode with a particle sensor that finds contaminants in the air and adjusts the fan speed for you. It’s a powerful and reliable choice for people who are serious about removing both the smell and the harmful particles from their air.
Pros
- Tested by a third-party lab for performance.
- Smart sensor finds pollutants and adjusts the fan automatically.
- Covers a large area well.
- Removes up to 99.99% of fine particles.
Cons
- The price is higher than many other models on this list.
- Replacement filters are also more expensive.
Check Price and Reviews for the PuroAir 240 on Amazon
10. FULMINARE H13 True HEPA Air Purifier
Best For: Personal Spaces, Offices, and Small Bedrooms
Not every person needs to clean the air in a giant living room. Sometimes the goal is to make a clean-air bubble in a smaller space like a home office or a dorm room. The FULMINARE H13 is perfect for this. Its small, portable size lets you put it right where you need it, like on a desk or nightstand.
This little machine still has powerful filters. It comes with an H13 True HEPA filter and an activated carbon layer. This makes it fully able to catch smoke particles and odors in a small area. It’s very quiet, especially on its low setting, and it includes a soft night light. It won’t clear the air in a whole apartment, but it’s a very good and affordable way to make sure the air in your personal space is clean.
Pros
- Small and portable design fits anywhere.
- Has a True HEPA filter for good particle capture.
- Very quiet, which is great for a desk or nightstand.
- Low, affordable price.
Cons
- Covers a very small area.
- Works best when it’s placed close to you.
Check Price and Reviews for the FULMINARE H13 on Amazon
How We Picked the Best Air Purifiers
Picking the right air purifier for cigarette smoke means we had to be very specific. We didn’t just choose popular models. We looked at each one based on these key points:
The Filter System
This was the most important factor. We only picked purifiers with a system that has multiple stages.
- True HEPA Filter: This was a must-have. A True HEPA filter is proven to catch 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. This is needed to trap the tiny particles in smoke.
- Activated Carbon Filter: This part is key for removing odors. We looked for models with a thick activated carbon filter. This material soaks up the gases and chemicals that create the unique, lasting smell of tobacco.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
CADR tells you how fast an air purifier cleans a room. There are three numbers: one for dust, one for pollen, and one for smoke. A higher smoke CADR shows the unit is better at removing tobacco smoke. We picked machines with a high smoke CADR for their price and size.
Room Size and Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)
The suggested room size from the maker is just a starting point. We also looked at ACH. This tells you how many times the purifier cleans all the air in a room in one hour. For a room with a smoker, 4-5 air changes per hour is best. We chose purifiers that could do this in an average-sized room.
Features and Ease of Use
Good filters are key, but the machine also has to be easy to live with. We looked at:
- Auto Mode & Air Sensors: A machine that can sense smoke and turn up its fan on its own is very convenient.
- Noise Levels: The purifier should be quiet enough not to be annoying, especially in a bedroom. We checked the noise ratings in decibels.
- Ongoing Costs: We looked at the price of replacement filters and how often they need to be changed. Models with a washable pre-filter are a good way to save money.
Buying Guide: Picking the Right Purifier for You
Use this simple checklist before you buy. It will help you get the best model for your home.
Check Your Room Size
Measure the square footage of the room where the purifier will be (length times width). Pick a purifier rated for a room at least that big. A good tip for heavy smoke is to buy a purifier made for a larger room than you actually have. This helps it clean the air faster.
Know Your Filters: HEPA + Carbon is a Must
Don’t settle for less on this point. Any purifier for smoke that is missing either a True HEPA filter or an activated carbon filter will not work well. The HEPA filter gets the particles, and the carbon filter gets the smell. You need them both.
Think About Noise Levels
Look at the decibel (dB) number. Anything under 30 dB is very quiet and good for sleeping. A rating of 50-60 dB is like a normal conversation and is fine for a living room during the day.
Plan for Future Costs
The price of the machine is just the start. Check the cost of new filters and how often you’ll need to buy them (usually every 6-12 months). Models with a washable pre-filter, like the LEVOIT Vital 100S-P or MOOKA KJ190L, can help lower these costs.
Smart Controls or Simple Knobs?
Some people love technology and want to control their purifier with an app. A smart model like the LEVOIT or PuroAir would be a great fit. Others may prefer a simple machine that you just turn on. A manually controlled model from MOOKA could be a better and more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do air purifiers actually work on cigarette smoke?
Yes, but you need the right type. An air purifier with a True HEPA filter will catch the physical smoke particles and ash. An activated carbon filter is also needed to absorb the gases and smelly molecules. The two filters working together are very good at reducing the health risks and the bad smell of smoke.
How long does it take an air purifier to get rid of smoke smell?
It depends on the purifier’s power (its CADR), the room’s size, and the amount of smoke. A correctly sized purifier on a high setting can lower the smell from one cigarette in about 15-30 minutes. Removing the deep, set-in smell from long-term smoking can take several days of the machine running nonstop.
Can an air purifier get nicotine out of the air?
Yes. Nicotine travels on the tar particles in smoke. The True HEPA filter traps these particles. This action removes the airborne nicotine from the room and helps stop it from settling on surfaces as thirdhand smoke.
Where should I put my air purifier for smoke?
Put the air purifier as close to the smoke source as you can. It should also be in a spot with good airflow, not stuck in a corner or behind furniture. This helps it pull in dirty air and push out clean air across the whole room.
What is the difference between HEPA and True HEPA?
A “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” filter captures fewer particles. A “True HEPA” filter is the industry standard. It is certified to capture 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. For the tiny particles in smoke, you should always get a True HEPA filter.
Final Thoughts
Getting one of the best air purifiers for cigarette smoke is a big step toward taking back your home’s air. It’s a purchase that benefits not just how your home smells, but the health of everyone inside.
The main thing to remember is to pick a model with a two-part defense system: a True HEPA filter for particles and a good activated carbon filter for smells and gases. You can dramatically cut down on harmful smoke pollutants by matching the purifier’s power to your room size. Whether you need a smart, automatic machine like the LEVOIT Vital 100S-P or a strong one for a big space like the MOOKA KJ190L, the right choice is on this list.
Breathing clean air in your own home should be normal, not a special treat. The right air purifier can clear the air and make your home a healthier and more comfortable place to be.
