Best Air Purifier for Weed Smoke

Even though more states have legalized recreational use of cannabis, for most people the lingering smell isn’t something you want in your home.

Whether you smoke indoors or are exposed to secondhand smoke coming from a neighbor or guest, the smell is hard to get rid of once it gets onto clothes, fabrics, and upholstery. Indoor air in itself is actually more polluted than the outdoors, and with added smoke and strong odors, it can cause problems for people with respiratory conditions. An air purifier can help not only remove smoke odors, but also other allergens that may be causing health problems.

To effectively remove smoke odors from the air and other items in the room, you need a high-powered air purifier specifically armed for odor removal. Compared to tobacco smoke, weed smoke is even more potent. To ensure effective filtration of smoke and odors, you need to look for an air purifier that comes with True HEPA filters as well as activated carbon filters. Below we’ll talk about these essential features you need to look for when choosing an air purifier. Meanwhile, here are our top seven picks you can choose from to make the task even easier for you.

Top 7 Best Air Purifier for Weed Smoke 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 28 inches
  • Filters: H13 HEPA, Carbon (Pure, Fresh, Odor, Smoke)
  • Max. Coverage: 800 sq ft.
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  • Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 20.4 inches
  • Filters: Fabric pre-filter, HEPASilent Tech
  • Max. Coverage: 1170 sq ft.
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  • Dimensions: 28.5 x 12.8 x 12.8 inches
  • Filters: Nylon Pre-filter, H13 HEPA, Activated Carbon
  • Max. Coverage: 1170 sq ft.
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  • Dimensions: 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches
  • Filters: Pre-filter, Carbon, HEPA, PlasmaWave
  • Max. Coverage: 870 sq. ft.
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  • Dimensions: 10.5 x 11 x 22 inches
  • Filters: Pre-filter, H13 HEPA, Activated Carbon
  • Max. Coverage: 840 sq. ft.
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  • Dimensions: 22.83 x 22.68 x 10.08 inches
  • Filters: Pre-filters, BioGS HEPA, Activated Carbon, Negative Ion
  • Max. Coverage: 815 sq. ft.
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  • Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.69 x 27.56 inches
  • Filters: Pre-filter, charcoal, HEPA, UV-C light
  • Max. Coverage: 405 sq. ft.
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Review of the Best Air Purifiers For Weed Smoke

Alen BreatheSmart 45i

Alen BreatheSmart 45i

First on our list is the Alen BreatheSmart 45i from a top-rated air purifier brand that excels in almost every aspect. Firstly, it has a good CADR rating of 245 for smoke, and on the highest of four speeds, the airflow is 215 CFM. It has a coverage area of 800 square feet at 2 ACH or about 320 square feet at 5 ACH. This coverage is perfect for medium to large rooms, including living rooms and other areas in your home where you might enjoy a smoke. 

The Alen BreatheSmart air purifier series is designed to operate quietly. Air purifiers of this size can go up to 65 decibels, but the Alen 45i produces only 49 decibels on the highest setting and 23 decibels on the lowest. This makes it a perfect choice even for bedrooms. 

To ensure its efficiency, this air purifier comes with medical-grade H13 HEPA filters that catch 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. You also have options to target specific air contaminants: Pure filter for most allergens, dust, mold, and germs; Fresh filter for allergens, cooking odors, smoke, and VOCs; OdorCell filter for allergens, pet dander, and pet odors; and Heavy Smoke filter with an added layer of activated carbon to absorb smoke and chemicals. To remove any lingering smells of marijuana smoke, it’s recommended to get Alen’s Heavy Smoke HEPA filter. Alen features a smart sensor with an LED ring that changes color to indicate air quality. 

To give you more confidence, Alen provides a Forever Guarantee for registered products. You can also get a filter subscription and save on future filter replacements, although not by much since the filters alone are quite pricey. Overall, the Alen BreatheSmart 45i with a heavy smoke filter is a worthy investment for those who smoke indoors.

Pros
• Amazing performance rating
• Quiet operation (22 to 49 dB noise levels)
• With four options for True HEPA filters
• Clean, stylish design
• Lifetime warranty with filter subscription
Cons
• High-end price
• Costly filter replacements

Blueair Blue Pure 211+

Blueair Blue Pure 211+

Blueair is another top-performing brand of air purifiers we recommend for smoke and other air pollutants. The Blue Pure 211+ comes in a simple, elegant cube-like design that easily blends with any decor. The fabric cover serves as a pre-filter and is available in six colors including Dark Shadow and Diva Blue that the unit comes with. 

The Blue Pure 211+ can cover rooms up to 540 square feet at 4.8 ACH. This wide coverage is perfect for most large rooms in the house. It has the highest CADR among our picks, with a rating of 350 CFM for smoke.

The washable fabric pre-filter effectively captures large particles from smoke. The main filter employs Blueair’s HEPASilent technology, which uses electrostatic filtration to remove up to 99.97% of air contaminants. The combination of particle and carbon filters is highly effective against airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, dander, mold, and bacteria, as well as household odors from smoking and cooking. 

What’s really unique about Blueair’s Blue air purifier series is the foolproof one-button control. This can be found at the center between the pre-filter and top of the unit, while it’s located on top of smaller models. This button is all you need to control the operation. One push and the unit will turn on at the recommended speed for energy efficiency. A second push will go on medium speed, and a third will go on high speed. In case the power is cut off, the unit will auto-restart to its last setting once the power comes back. The light indicator will turn yellow to remind you to buy a new filter. After another month or so of use, the indicator will turn red.

The Blueair Blue Pure 221+ has an excellent CADR rating, a powerful fan, and easy-to-use controls, all of which make it a perfect choice if you just want a smoke. If you want smart features, timers, or elaborate displays, then this isn’t the best unit for you. Make sure to check and wash the pre-filter and replace the HEPA filter accordingly to avoid unpleasant smells.

Pros
• High CADR and powerful airflow
• Large coverage for a small unit
• User-friendly one-button control
• Washable fabric pre-filter
• Energy efficient operation
Cons
• No air quality display
• Some users complain about bad smell

Levoit LV-H134

Levoit-LV-H134

Levoit is a trustworthy mid-range brand of portable air purifiers and humidifiers under the Vesync company of home appliances and electronics. While Levoit continues to improve the air purifiers they offer, our current top pick is the flagship unit LV-H134. While the 312 CADR isn’t particularly special, it is still a step up from other Levoit air purifiers. This large air purifier covers up to 1170 square feet at 2 ACH or 468 square feet at 5 ACH. 

The LV-H134 uses a three-stage filtration system composed of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a carbon filter. The pre-filter catcher large contaminants to protect the main filter, then the HEPA H13 filter removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Lastly, the activated carbon filter reduces odor, smoke, fumes, and VOCs. 

This model features a laser dust sensor to measure the air and automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the air quality. The LED ring light wraps around the control panel and changes color according to the air quality level. The panel also features a filter life indicator, a 12-hour timer, and the PM2.5 value. 

While this Levoit unit is a great air purifier to remove most common air pollutants, it is also highly energy efficient. It is Energy Star certified and runs on 45 Watts, reducing your energy use and saving money in the long run. Its design is also another advantage to this unit. The 360-degree airflow provides quicker and more efficient air filtration throughout a large room. Although it’s quite tall, it’s light and it features built-in wheels for easy movement and transport. At a low 24 decibels noise output on Sleep mode, you can even use it in a bedroom.

Overall, while the LV-H134 is powerful enough for many different purposes, it’s not equipped to handle particular chemicals that contribute to the smell of weed smoke. Also, the unit comes with a two-year warranty, when most other brands offer up to five years.

Pros
• Large room coverage
• Good CADR rating for smoke
• Low energy consumption
• Easy-to-use controls
• Very quiet operation
• Budget-friendly price
Cons
• Below average CADR for its size
• Two-year warranty

Winix 5500-2

Winix 5500-2

Another air purifier with a remarkable fan power and CADR rating is the Winix 5500-2. Like the Alen units, it has a well-balanced airflow to CADR ratio. With a smoke CADR of 232 CFM, it is AHAM-verified to effectively filter the air in rooms up to 360 square feet. At 2 ACH, it can cover a maximum area of 870 square feet. Similar to most other air purifiers we’ve recommended, the Winix 5500-2 features a three-stage filtration system that consists of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a carbon filter. 

The pre-filter catches large airborne impurities while the AOC (Advanced Odor Control) carbon filter neatralizes odors from weed smoke. Both these filters are washable, so you simply need to check from time to time and rinse them out. The Winix True HEPA filter captures 99.99% of air pollutants including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other ultrafine particles as small as 0.3 microns. Winix also employs the PlasmaWave technology, which works as an ionizer to help reduce airborne allergens. However, ionization may release ozone, which can be harmful to asthmatic people. 

The Winix 5500-2 is equipped with a smart sensor that detects odors and measures air quality. The indicator light changes color according to the air quality detected, then the unit automatically adjusts the fan speed. The odor sensor is definitely an advantage to this budget-friendly air purifier. In the presence of strong smoke odors, the unit will work harder to ensure quick air purification. It also features automatic Sleep mode, so when the room it’s dark it will automatically activate quiet operation. 

Running on 70 Watts, it’s certainly not the most energy-efficient air purifier of its size. The HEPA filter will need to be replaced every year, and replacements aren’t cheap. Also, this unit only comes with a two-year warranty. 

Pros
• Excellent CADR rating for smoke
• Features smart dual sensors
• Ionization feature for effective filtration
• Budget-friendly price
Cons
• Filter replacements are expensive
• Not very energy efficient

Medify MA-40

Medify MA-40

Although still a young company, Medify Air produces some of the best high-powered air purifiers with a good price value. Their best-sellers are the extra large room air purifier MA-112 and the smaller yet equivalently powerful MA-40 unit. While not as strong as its big brother, this mid-size air purifier has a good smoke CADR of 206 CFM and a large coverage of up to 840 square feet at 2 ACH.

The MA-40 consists of three filtration stages: pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and carbon filter. The first filter catches large particles in the air to ensure efficiency and prolong the life of other filters. Then, the H13-grade HEPA filter captures up to 99.99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, even smaller than the usual 0.3 micron capacity of most HEPA air purifiers. Lastly, the activated carbon filter targets strong odors and VOCs. Additionally, this model offers options for UV light and a higher grade H14 HEPA filter.

The MA-40 features some standard settings like Night Mode, and a Timer to schedule the time off after one, two, four, or eight hours. It also includes Child Lock to avoid children or pets from changing the current settings. Lastly, the LED indicator reminds you when you need to replace the filter. Although there are many cheaper air purifiers, the Medify MA-40 is very affordable considering its filter performance. Medify Air also offers a Filter Club subscription, so they’ll send your replacement filters on time with discounts and free shipping.

While it’s a great choice for a number of purposes, Medify air purifiers may not be perfect for those looking for a quiet unit. This smaller model can be quite noisy at 65 decibels on the highest setting. Also, it runs on 68 Watts, costing about $0.2 per 24 hours of operation. Overall, the Medify MA-40 is a good investment if you want to tackle indoor air pollution in your home.

Pros
• Uses medical-grade HEPA H13 filter for better efficiency
• Good smoke CADR rating
• Reliable brand of air purifiers and filters
• Has a budget-friendly price for its performance
• Filter Club subscription
Cons
• Above average noise levels
• High power consumption

RabbitAir MinusA2

RabbitAir MinusA2

For superior filtration of all kinds of airborne allergens, nothing will top the six-stage filtration system of the RabbitAir MinusA2 air purifier. While it has a low CADR (only 180 CFM for smoke), its overall excellent performance gives you great value for its (high) price. It covers up to 815 square feet at 2 ACH, but for thorough filtration, it’s recommended for 400 square feet areas at 4 ACH. 

Unlike most other air purifiers of its capacity, the RabbitAir MinusA2 appears slim and wide with control buttons on the side, an air intake around the front panel, and an air outlet going upwards at the back. It can stand on its own or even mounted on a wall to save space. The panel also comes in different colors and designs to fit your style. 

While most air purifiers have a basic three to four stages of filtration, RabbitAir consists of six stages, including two pre-filters to trap larger air pollutants. Then, the BioGS HEPA filter reduces 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and reduces the growth of bacteria and viruses to prolong filter life. For customized purification, RabbitAir gives you four options for the next filter: Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Odor Remover, or Toxin Absorber. For weed smoke, you can benefit from the Odor Remover filter. After, the granular activated carbon filter also reduces odors and chemicals in the air. Finally, the negative ion generator produces ions to weigh down airborne particles and catch them more easily.

RabbitAir features a lot of buttons and indicator lights on the side but the controls are not too hard to understand. You have the standard three fan speeds and the Auto and Sleep modes. This unit also features an air quality indicator and odor sensor to automatically adjust the speed setting. 

Since it has six stages, in which only two are non-replaceable, the replacement filter kits are quite pricey. Although, you only need to change filters at least after two years. The unit comes with a warranty of five years. You also have the option for Wi-Fi controls or voice commands with this model.

With all its high-quality features and innovations, RabbitAir is definitely a high-end air purifier with high-end pricing. In fact, this unit is the most expensive on this list. However, the low fan power can be attributed to the more thorough filtration. 

Pros
• Unmatched performance with extremely thorough air filtration process
• Well-built with high-quality materials
• Impressive design and structure for flexible use
• Efficient, long-lasting filters
• With smart features
• Five-year warranty
Cons
• Low fan power with 180 smoke CADR
• Very high price for unit and filters

Germ Guardian AC5350B

Germ Guardian AC5350B

The Germ Guardian AC5350B is another low-cost yet extremely effective air purifier against any type of smoke. With a CADR of 108 for smoke, this unit is only suitable for small rooms up to 167 square feet for maximum filtration (or 405 square feet at 2 ACH). Unlike the rest of the units on this list, this GermGuardian air purifier is built tall and slim to occupy less floor space and save it for more important items.

Like most of our picks, the GermGuardian AC5350B consists of four stages of filtration including a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, charcoal filter, and an optional UV-C light in lieu of an air ionizer. The HEPA filter catches 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Then, the charcoal filter works to eliminate traces of odors from weed or cigarette smoke and even wildfire smoke. Lastly, the UV-C light helps reduce VOCs, mold, bacteria, and viruses using titanium dioxide. Although, note that this optional feature releases another air pollutant called ozone. 

With its compact footprint, it still manages to include some important basic functions. On top of the unit is the control panel where you can choose from the five speed settings, set a timer for up to eight hours, and activates the UV light. It also includes a filter replacement indicator to remind you to replace the HEPA filter on time. Although, there is no option to turn off the LED lights, which can be too bright at night. Overall, it’s a good, low-priced air purifier you can rely on. To guarantee your confidence in the product, the AC5350B is backed by a five-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. 

Pros
• Effective filtration system
• Easy to use controls
• Compact footprint
• Budget-friendly price
• Five-year warranty
Cons
• Low CADR rating
• Small coverage

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

The main purpose of an air purifier is to reduce pollutants in the air, including dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even tinier particles from gases and chemicals. If you smoke marijuana for health benefits, to relax, or to socialize, or maybe anyone in your home—or even your neighbor—smoke indoors, then you know how difficult it can be to completely get rid of the smell. Good thing an air purifier catches air pollutants and maintains indoor air quality.

An air purifier has a filter, or multiple filters, and a fan that draws and circulates air through the device. Air flows through a filter system that traps particles and the clean, purified air is exhausted back into the room. The cycle repeats to continuously clean the air.

Some models even include an ionizer, which charges the particles so they stick to a nearby surface instead of floating in the air. A UV light function has the same purpose to eliminate remaining bacteria and viruses in the air. However, these features release ozone to the air, which can be harmful to the environment and also to people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier

When buying an air purifier, you need to look at some essential features to make sure it can effectively target smoke and the smell it leaves in your house. These include the CADR, filter types, area of coverage, and the construction of the unit. 

CADR Rating

The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is the first consideration to make when looking at air purifiers. CADR measures how quickly and efficiently the air purifier can reduce pollutants from the air, namely dust, smoke, and pollen. These three most common indoor air pollutants can range from 0.3 to 10 microns in diameter. Most manufacturers indicate the CADR for each of these air pollutants. 

AHAM (Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers) verifies the CADR rating, typically measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) or sometimes in CMH (cubic meters per hour). A higher CADR means the unit can clean the air at a faster rate. Since smoke particles are one of the smallest compared to other particles, the CADR for smoke may be lower for some air purifiers.

A good CADR rating must be at least two-thirds of the total area of the room. For example, a room with an area of 150 square feet (10x15ft) will benefit from an air purifier with a smoke CADR rating of at least 100.

Filters

All filters catch air contaminants down to a certain size, but some are more effective than others depending on the air quality. Most air purifiers include multiple filters that remove large particles first, then the finer particles and odors. A pre-filter catches impurities at least 1 micron in diameter, like dust and pollen. Meanwhile, the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter catches air contaminants as small as 0.3 microns, including smoke particles. Make sure to look for a unit with True HEPA filters and not the HEPA-type. 

After the main filter, most air purifiers also include a layer of activated carbon, which can eliminate VOCs (volatile organic compounds), finer smoke particles, and chemicals, and neutralize strong odors from smoke and other household activities. These filters need to be replaced after a certain period depending on the air quality and frequency of usage. You may want to look for a unit with filters that last longer so you can save on replacement costs or you can get bundle deals directly from the manufacturer.

placement filters

RabbitAir MinusA2 replacement filters

Coverage

The room size that your air purifier can handle is also essential before making a decision. A larger space will require multiple units or a larger one with more coverage. Otherwise, your air purifier cannot effectively remove smoke and odors. When sizing an air purifier, another factor to note is the ACH or air changes per hour. This is a measure of the air change rate or the number of times per hour that all the air in the room will be filtered and replaced by the air purifier. The maximum coverage area of air purifiers is measured at 2 ACH, which means the air in the room is changed completely every 30 minutes. However, 5 ACH is recommended for more thorough purification. The higher the ACH, the smaller the coverage, but the higher the effectiveness.

On the other hand, the airflow, measured in CFM, is the rate at which the air is processed, or the volume of air the unit can move per minute. While both airflow and CADR are measured in CFM, the airflow is usually higher than the CADR since the latter also takes into account the efficiency of the filters in removing air contaminants. The maximum airflow is the volume flow of air at the highest fan speed. Further, the airflow can also help determine the total area that an air purifier can efficiently cover. A higher airflow typically means more fan power and more coverage, but it can vary depending on the brand and model.

Safety and Portability

You can find many cheap air purifiers on the market but you can’t guarantee their efficiency, durability, and safety since they are usually not tested or verified by official organizations. Without certifications from CARB (California Air Resources Board), AHAM, or Energy Star, these cheap air purifiers may not be safe for use. Make sure you invest in an air purifier that’s built to high standards and verified for safe use. 

Another thing you want to consider before buying a new air purifier is the design and portability. It’s important to invest in a compact and lightweight unit that is durable enough so you can easily move it from room to room if needed. Larger units are more powerful, but they will take up more space in the room and consume more power, so you should take note of its physical dimensions too.

Other Features

Some other factors you may want to consider when buying an air purifier include the noise output of the unit, especially if you’re using it in a bedroom or a shared area in your house. You’ll also want to look at the energy efficiency of the unit to lessen your worries. Features like the control buttons, air quality sensors, and indicator lights also help to make the unit more convenient and easier to use for anyone who needs it.

Conclusion

There are many ways to remove the odors from smoking weed indoors, but the most effective solution is to use an air purifier. This will eliminate common indoor air pollutants such as dust, but especially smoke and odors, then replace it with clean, filtered air. If you’re looking for an air purifier to help with removing the traces of smoking weed indoors, you may need to invest in a powerful unit with True HEPA filters and activated carbon, like the Alen 45i, Medify MA-40, or RabbitAir MinusA2 units. If your target is smoke and odors coming from outside, then a smaller unit such as the Blueair Blue Pure 211+ may be enough. Always look for certifications and the CADR rating of the air purifier before making a purchase. Take your pick from our list above or use our buying guide to help you find the best air purifier.

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