Has it ever crossed your mind that the indoor air might be more polluted than the outdoors? To clear the air, you may want to invest in an air purifier. What an air purifier does is removes harmful and dangerous particles like viruses, bacteria, contaminants, allergens and dust. While they can be pricey, it’s still possible to get one for less than a grand. Check out our list of affordable air purifiers for a cleaner home!
Check out our video for another great air purifier alternative (if you have the budget!)
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
Top 11 Affordable Air Purifiers in Malaysia (below RM500)
Why it's our top pick?
If you can't decide which air purifier to use or what you want it for specifically, you can go with the Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C. It's designed to tackle your generic concerns, such as getting rid of cigarette smoke, airborne dust, mould and spores, as well as germs and viruses.
Overview
The Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C utilises a True HEPA filter to eliminate 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. It has a good area coverage of up to 106m2/h (1140 square feet) and airflow of 320 m³/h, so rest assured that performance will be on par in terms of delivering numbers.
Its operating sound also shouldn't bother most people, as it can go as low as 30.5db.
Details
- Rate Power: 29W
- CADR: 320 m³/h
- Noise level: 30.5 - 61db
- Filter: True HEPA Filter
- Coverage: 106m2/h
- Filter recommended usage duration: 6 - 12 months
Who is this for?
Xiao Mi is one of the prominent brands in the line of air purifiers offering various user-friendly tech applications and voice-integrated controls for its products. If you’re someone who is interested in getting your first value-for-money air purifier then the Xiao Mi Air Purifier 3C might be your best choice.
Overview
Keep your bedroom free of harmful air particles with the Samu Giken Home Air Purifier AP661, now with multilayer filters to purify the surrounding air quality. It has a non-woven cloth, HEPA filter, and comb carbon filter to ensure your sleep is uninterrupted by dust and other potential airbourne allergens!
Another reason why this air purifier is suitable for the bedroom is the sleep mode function, which keeps the operation quiet with slow air flow. Paired together with the air detection from the dual smart sensor, you can rest assured knowing your indoor air quality is well-maintained.
Details
- Rate Power: 40W
- CADR: 300 m3/h
- Noise Level: 25dB
- Filter(s): HEPA filter, Photocatalyst Filter, Activated Carbon Filter
- Coverage: 31 - 40m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 1 year
Who is this for
This air purifier is great for those who live in areas that are dust-prone and are particularly sensitive to allergens in the air, as it can maintain the air quality inside the bedroom without disrupting your sleep cycle.
Overview
With convenient features like app control and a filter replacement indicator, the AP807 is seemingly a good buy for its price of below RM250. It utilises a HEPA filter, Photocatalyst Filter and Activated Carbon Filter, all of which work together to remove 99% Haze, Smoke and PM2.5 particles as well as absorb formaldehyde and kill germs.
A feature that'll benefit the mindful and concerned homeowner would be the purifier's Intelligent PM2.5 Sensor which will monitor air quality and detect harmful substances in the air. The other highlight would be the purifier's ability to release Anions bind which helps with clearing smoke particles and smell.
Details
- Rate Power: 40W
- CADR: 220m³/h
- Noise level: 24 - 50 dB
- Filter: 3 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 30㎡ -50㎡
- Filter recommended usage duration: 3000 hours
Who is this for?
The one reason to go for a smart air purifier is if you are set on clearing out the bad air right away before it's too late. Well, the Samu Giken Home Air Purifier AP807 has a smart sensor to keep you alert. Plus, it's not more than RM250, which is more than a bargain for the list of features that most new purifier users would appreciate.
Overview
If you want a simple air purifier for your home without breaking the bank, try PerySmith’s. Keeping it simple yet practical, this device has a digital control panel that displays information such as temperature and air quality index as well as features a PM2.5 indicator.
It also has 4 stage-purification that includes a pre-filter, a medium filter, an activated carbon deodorization filter, and an H12 0.3 micron HEPA filter. Additionally, there’s a UV light feature that kills up to 99.9% of various bacteria, pathogens, and viruses.
What makes this purifier even more unique despite the cheap price is the AURORA Intelligent A12 sensors. With this built-in air quality indicator, it automatically adjusts its settings in response to the current air quality hence, explaining why this air purifier is a standout amongst others in its field.
Details
- Rate Power: 45W
- CADR: -
- Noise level: 25dB
- Filter: 4 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 20m2 - 40m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 3 - 6 months
Who is this for?
Featuring a sleek and modern design, its LCD touchscreen is responsive and that it operates quietly. According to reviews, it effectively removes odour and cigarette smoke. For a no-fuss device, this is for you. It is also safe for newborns to fall asleep peacefully due to its responsive Silent Operation mode.
Overview
Although pretty cheap, the One Home Air Purifier doesn’t feel so with its varied benefits. It has a couple of sleep modes and 3 wind speeds: sleep, purifies, smoke-free, with noise levels of not more than 28dB. The 8H scheduled shutdown is also useful for saving electricity if you forget to turn it off earlier.
This purifier has a 3-in-1 filtration system that traps PM2.5 particles, composed of a melt-blown cloth filter screen, a HEPA filter, and a honeycomb activated carbon filter. In essence, the features make the One Home Air Purifier efficient against dust and odour.
Details
- Rate Power: 35W
- CADR: -
- Noise level: 28dB
- Filter: HEPA Filter
- Coverage: 40m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 12 months
Who is this for?
This has helped users reduce night coughing. Despite its low price, it does not lag behind its more expensive counterparts in terms of suction speed, according to reviewers.
All in all, it is an air purifier below RM100 that can help you achieve better air quality.
Overview
Your baby is technically more sensitive to bacteria and pollutants in the air, so why not protect them with the Haier Smart Air Purifier HA-HAPA3B?
Rest assured that PM2.5 and pollutants such as gas particles and microorganisms will be removed thanks to its multi-stage purification. It also has a child lock, making it appropriate for use as your child gets older.
One can also conveniently control it via remote or app apart from the usual touch control, and keep track of the PM2.5 level too.
Details
- Rate Power: 43W
- CADR: 200m³/h
- Noise level: 18.8dB
- Filter: HEPA Filter
- Coverage: 14m2 - 24m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 24 months
Who is this for?
The dust collection filter lasts up to 2 years, much longer than its counterparts. In addition to its silent operation, this air purifier has a high CADR rating, making it a good choice for living with a baby.
Overview
Pet dander can cause allergies despite you having lived with them for a while. To not worsen any allergy situation, you should consider getting an air purifier such as the Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier FPJ30LB.
This device stands out due to its unique shape but will blend well into any living space. It has powerful suction and unique airflow to pick up dust and remove mould, viruses, allergens, odour, and static electricity.
A notable feature is Sharp’s Plasmacluster® Ion Technology which can deodorise surfaces and objects and reduce static electricity. It is also able to eliminate airborne microbes and mould. As such, the function is useful for pet owners.
Suitable for small areas of up to 23m², it features a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. It also has a Haze mode, and you’ve got the choice between a 4 or 8-hour timer.
Details
- Rate Power: 50W
- CADR: 180m³/h
- Noise level: 44dB
- Filter: 2 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 23m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 24 months
Who is this for?
A popular model, reviews say it brings a difference in the air quality and effectively collects a lot of dust and pet dander in a matter of days. It is not noisy and also helps relieve symptoms of sinus and asthma.
Even if you don’t have pets, the purifier has a Haze mode, which would come in handy if the 2016 Malaysian haze makes a recurrence, to effectively capture haze particles and keep the indoor air clean and fresh.
Overview
The Midea MAP-28BD features 5 stages of purification at a rate of 380m³/h—the highest purification rate on this list. The layers comprise a pre-filter, anti-bacterial PET layer, activated carbon layer, and True HEPA Filter, followed by a nylon mesh filter. In fact, the air purifier can effectively deodorise tobacco smells too.
Of course, it also removes bacteria and viruses, pet dander, pollen, dust, and more in the air.
Ideal for rooms of up to 43m² in size, there are 4 timer options: - 1H, 2H,4H or 8H that you can set. Its noise level is as low as 32dB on Silent mode, and it also features a filter replacement indicator.
Details
- Rate Power: 50W
- CADR: 380m³/h
- Noise level: 32dB
- Filter: 5 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 43m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Who is this for?
Based on a review, it effectively filters odour and the smell of vape. Opinions on the air quality indicator are varied. One says it can even detect kitchen fumes. On the other hand, it's not very accurate according to another.
All in all, users can expect an efficient performance as it notably works without a hitch and air quality has been said to feel better after use.
Overview
Maintaining air quality within the confined space of a car is made easy thanks to the Trapo Premium Motion Sensor Car Air Purifier, designed to keep you and your family safe from external air pollutants. With just the wave of a hand, you can efficiently control the portable air purifier!
Additionally, the screen displays not only the air quality, but also the temperature, humidity, and air volume. This air purifier comes chock full of useful features and at a reasonable price point, all while fitting inside your cup holder for a maximum space saving experience!
Details
- Rate Power: -
- CADR: -
- Noise Level: -
- Filter(s): HEPA-13 Filter
- Coverage: -
- Filter recommended usage duration: 5 months
Who is this for
If you constantly struggle with odours in your car, this nifty and tiny device will quickly help in dispelling any lingering smells, which also includes second-hand smoke and formaldehyde.
Overview
A clean working environment can be vital to productivity, and your office workspace is no exception. With the Levoit Core Mini Portable Desktop Air Purifier, it’s a 2-in-1 device that can simultaneously keep your air clean and fresh smelling with the use of your favourite essential oils.
Not only does it work as an aromatherapy device, it utilises 3 stage filtration to keep the air quality surrounding your work area at healthy level. And despite it’s powerful technology, it has a low noise level, meaning it won’t affect your work even during operation!
Details
- Rate Power: 7W
- CADR: 78 m3/h
- Noise Level: 25 dB
- Filter(s): Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter
- Coverage: 17m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: 4 - 6 months
Who is this for
At it’s price point, this mini-sized air purifier is both portable and powerful, making it a great addition to your office desk (or home office) to keep your environment clean and your focus clear.
Overview
Paranoid about lingering bacteria and such? The Electrova iPure Series Ionic Air Purifier ET-AP01 utilises lab-tested UV lighting to get rid of them! Other than that, it utilises a medical grade H13 Hepa filtration system which traps debris with up to 99.98% efficacy, 0.3 microns small.
Besides the basic must-haves, this air purifier is worth getting for its convenient features, such as an air quality indicator which will be helpful for sensitive souls to detect possible allergens in the air and such. Even if one can't check on the air quality right away, the air purifier has a dual-smart sensor system that'll work to change the best purification mode when necessary.
Details
- Rate Power: 40W
- CADR: 220 m³/h
- Noise level: 30dB (Sleep mode)
- Filter: H13 Medical Grade HEPA Filter
- Coverage: Up to 50m²
- Filter recommended usage duration: -
Who is this for?
Aside from the smart sensors and medical grade filtration system, the air purifier also has built-in ionizers which are believed to be able to promote a positive setting to the room it's situated in. Whether it's for school or for the family, this air purifier does well in spaces with a moderate amount of movement activity.
FAQs
- Are cheap air purifiers worth it?
Yes, especially for targeted areas of the house ranging from 15 to 50m². Clean air need not be a luxury.
While you may be tempted to go for notable brands like Coway and Cuckoo. High-end air purifiers come with monthly instalments that can come up to RM2800.
Though it does include free monthly maintenance, the more affordable air purifiers nowadays are easy to maintain at little to no cost. Hence, “cheap” air purifiers are great value for money.
- What is the best inexpensive air purifier?
When it comes to looking for air purifiers that are the best bang for your buck, consider the long-term costs and what entails owning one. For example, HEPA filters trap particles and are considered to be the best filter, but it needs to be replaced regularly, every 3 to 12 months, depending on the manufacturer.
With all the technical terms and the variety of options out there, things can get confusing. Here’s a roundup of affordable air purifiers with good reviews from brands such as Levoit, Philips, Sharp, Midea, and Xiaomi.
- Do air purifier machines really work? How?
- Allergens and air pollutants like dander, dust, smoke, and moulds could originate from both outsides and inside of homes.
- If a person's health isn't immediately affected by a single or repeated exposure to these pollutants, the effects may become evident in a few years.
- Therefore, the best way to increase the ventilation rate in your home is to eliminate polluting sources by getting yourself an air purifier.
- Behind the science of how they work is that it consists of a fan that draws in air.
- When airflow through a purifier’s filters, which are often made of paper and fibres such as fibreglass or a mesh, it would catch and neutralise any pollutants or particles when air flows through them. Clean air is then recirculated into the living space.
- How to choose an air purifier?
- Before getting one, ask yourself, where will I put them? Check whether they’ll fit in the designated spot. And if they don’t, you can always keep browsing on the internet to find the one that fits.
- Besides that, look for specific pollutants in your home or health needs. For instance, tobacco smoke, pollen, pet dander, mould and mildew.
- Apart from that, Look out at the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ratings, which will give you an idea of how rapidly the air purifier can clean the air.
- Also, do remember to choose air purifiers that use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) as allergens and air pollutants like dander, dust, smoke, and moulds. Keep in mind that HEPA filters need to be changed often so as not to cause any blockage or possible buildup in the filter.
- Furthermore, check the product specifications for the noise levels, which are usually given in dB, as you would want a more quiet unit for your air purifier depending on the environment in which you plan to use it.
- Last but not least, determine how much it will cost to operate and maintain the air purifier in addition to the amount of money you will spend on the services.