Understanding the Challenge of Cigar Smoke and Air Purifiers
Cigar and cigarette smoke are some of the hardest types of pollutants to remove, so I made sure to only include air purifiers that excelled across all our tests. All the devices in this list were capable of completing our particle removal test with glowing results and feature large carbon filters to deal with the many hazardous gases and odors from this type of smoke. According to the CDC, 11.6% of all adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes and 3.7% smoke cigars; if that’s you, then you most likely don’t mind the odor, but that potent smoke can travel far. In fact, cigar and cigarette smoke can enter your home from neighbors or even from one person smoking as they walk by. The smell is pervasive and can make it hard to sleep or spend time in a room where the smoke has invaded. We all know the dangers of secondhand smoke, but smoke particles from cigarettes can even cause thirdhand smoke, a residue of toxic particles that becomes embedded in furniture, carpet, or walls. Thirdhand smoke particles can last for years and remain toxic as long as they are present in your home.
Why Air Purifiers Are Essential for Cigar Smoke
Cigarette smoke particles range in size from 0.1 to 1.0 microns. An air purifier with a True HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. However, cigarette smoke also contains gases that a True HEPA filter alone can’t capture. Activated carbon filters are typically used for reducing odors and other gaseous Pollutants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and minuscule smoke particles. They are made of a layer of porous activated carbon (also called activated charcoal) that absorbs airborne contaminants rather than trapping them as other filters do. The more porous the filter, the more surface area it has, and the more pollutants it can remove from the air.
Top 7 Air Purifiers for Cigar Smoke in 2025
1. Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
Across repeated testing and re-testing, the Coway Mighty has delivered some of the best performances of any purifier we’ve seen, and it has done so with amazing consistency. On its high setting, it averages more than 99% removal of smoke in 30 minutes. On medium, it averages 88%. And it maintains that performance for the entire lifespan of its HEPA filter, which should be replaced annually. We’ve always run our test units 24/7 for at least a year¡ªin one case, for two years¡ªand then retested them using the old filters and compared them with brand-new ones. In every case, there’s been virtually no drop-off in performance for this purifier; in our 2025 test, a Coway unit with year-old filters outperformed all of its competitors, which were running on brand-new filters.
- Pros: Exceptional, consistent performance; relatively quiet; low operating costs.
- Cons: No Wi-Fi connectivity in the base model; basic design.
2. Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max
The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is equipped with a fabric pre-filter that traps larger particles like dust and hair as well as a HEPA filter, and its electrostatic forces help to attract airborne pollutants without relying on noisy fans. We found this design to be very effective. During our Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max review, this air purifier removed up to 100% of airborne particles when we exposed it to smoke. It also did a great job in our ambient air quality tests¡ªthe 411i Max reduced airborne particles by up to 75% after 30 minutes on Auto mode.
- Pros: High smoke removal efficiency; quiet operation; smart features with app control.
- Cons: Higher initial cost; filter replacements can be expensive.
3. Levoit Core 300S
The Levoit Core 300 has a lot to recommend it, and it shows Levoit really getting into its stride. It’s one of the best air purifiers the company has ever made, and this is the only personal air purifier you will need for any smoke and odor problems. This Levoit Core 300 delivers the same 3-stage air filtration system as.Concurrent other Levoit devices. The system can be classic, but it is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for being safe to use.
- Pros: Affordable; compact design; effective for small rooms.
- Cons: Limited coverage area; less effective in larger spaces.
4. IQAir HealthPro Plus
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is big. It needs to be big to make room for three stages of air filtration: a thick pre-filter for large particles and debris, a lab-certified HyperHEPA for fine and ultra-fine particles, and a massive gas filter with activated charcoal and zeolite for VOCs and unwanted smells. Even with such a dense set of filters, it still managed to clean our test room in 28 minutes in our particle removal test.
- Pros: Superior filtration for particles and gases; durable build.
- Cons: Expensive; large footprint.
5. Medify MA-112
Medify M-112 is as close to an industrial air purifier for smoke as it gets. With a 500 smoke CADR rating (H13 Medical-Grade HEPA + Activated Carbon filters), it’s more than capable of removing airborne smoke particles and odors. The combination of advanced H13 HEPA filters, with incredible max. coverage of 2,500 sq ft, makes the Medify M-112 the best air purifier for any kind of smoke (including cigarette and cigar smoke).
- Pros: High CADR rating; large coverage area; powerful performance.
- Cons: Noisy on high settings; bulky design.
6. Rabbit Air A3
The Rabbit Air A3 has the most settings (five) of any model on our list. There’s a lot going for the A3; it has an easy-to-use control panel and RabbitAir app, air quality indicator, filter indicator light, ion generator that can be turned on and off, adjustable auto mode that can be set from low to high sensitivity, 24/7 support, and a five-year warranty.
- Pros: Customizable settings; aesthetically pleasing; wall-mountable.
- Cons: High filter replacement costs; complex setup.
7. Winix 5500-2
The Levoit Vital 200S is the best air purifier we’ve tested at a mid-range price point. Its filtration system is simpler than the NuWave OxyPure’s, with no extra ‘BioGuard’ or ozone filters, and it can’t match the clean air delivery rate or particle filtration performance of the NuWave’s more premium offering. However, it still has the goods where it counts, ranking among the best models we’ve tested.
- Pros: Effective odor removal; Wi-Fi connectivity; good value.
- Cons: Average performance in larger rooms; basic design.
Comparison Table of Top Air Purifiers
| Model | Coverage Area (sq ft) | Smoke CADR (CFM) | Filter Type | Noise Level (dB) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coway Airmega AP-1512HH | 874 | 210 | True HEPA, Carbon | 31-39 | $200-$250 |
| Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max | 635 | 240 | HEPA, Carbon | 24-45 | $300-$350 |
| Levoit Core 300S | 219 | 141 | True HEPA, Carbon | 28-45 | $100-$150 |
| IQAir HealthPro Plus | 1125 | 300 | HyperHEPA, Carbon | 36-61 | $800-$900 |
| Medify MA-112 | 2500 | 500 | H13 HEPA, Carbon | 39-52 | $400-$500 |
| Rabbit Air A3 | 815 | 200 | True HEPA, Carbon | 20-51 | $600-$700 |
| Winix 5500-2 | 360 | 232 | True HEPA, Carbon | 27-55 | $150-$200 |
Real Testing Scenarios for Cigar Smoke Removal
Test Methodology
To test air purifiers, we inject smoke and dust particles into a sealed chamber to assess how well each model removes particles between 0.1 and 1 micron. (Human hair has a diameter of roughly 100 microns.) Using a particle counter, we measure the change in particle concentration as the air purifier runs for 15 minutes at the highest speed and then at a lower speed. And because these machines are designed to run day and night, we measure noise levels in decibels at every speed and calculate annual operating costs for filter replacements and energy to run the machine 24 hours a day.
Smoke Test Results
Smoke Source: I used smoke from incense sticks to create a uniform level of pollution. Air Quality Monitor: Positioned at the center of the room to provide real-time feedback on PM2.5 levels. Baseline Reading: Measured the PM2.5 level in the room without the purifier running. Run Time: Operated the air purifier on its highest setting for one hour. Post-test Reading: Recorded the PM2.5 level after the hour. The Blueair Blue Pure 511 air purifier cleared our smoke-contaminated test chamber air back to non-hazardous conditions in less than 20 minutes at its lowest fan setting. The IQAir HealthPro Plus cleaned our test room in 28 minutes, showcasing its powerful fan.
Buying Guide for Air Purifiers for Cigar Smoke
Key Factors to Consider
- Filtration Technology: Look for True HEPA or H13 HEPA filters combined with substantial activated carbon filters for odor and gas removal.
- CADR Rating: The rule of thumb is that the CADR should be at least two-thirds of the area that the air purifier will be cleaning. So if your room is 300 square feet, look for a CADR of 200 or higher.
- Room Size: Ensure the purifier’s coverage area matches your room size for optimal performance.
- Noise Levels: Choose models with low decibel ratings for quiet operation, especially in bedrooms.
- Maintenance Costs:
Consider filter replacement frequency and cost, as well as energy consumption.
Where to Place Your Air Purifier
For best results, place air purifiers as close as possible to the source of pollutants in your home. In the kitchen, for example, position it near the cooktop, where it will help capture odors and fumes. We also recommend keeping an air purifier in the bedroom, close to the bed, where it will filter out contaminants from the air you breathe while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can air purifiers completely eliminate cigar smoke?
No air purifier can completely eliminate all risks associated with cigar smoke, especially in active smoking environments. However, models with True HEPA and activated carbon filters can significantly reduce smoke particles and odors, improving air quality.
How often should I replace the filters?
HEPA filters typically last 6 months to 3 years, while activated carbon filters may need replacement every 3-6 months in heavy smoke environments. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and use filter replacement indicators if available.
Are expensive air purifiers worth it for cigar smoke?
High-end models like the IQAir HealthPro Plus offer superior filtration and durability, making them ideal for heavy smoke environments. However, budget-friendly options like the Levoit Core 300S can be effective for smaller spaces.
Do air purifiers help with thirdhand smoke?
Air purifiers can reduce airborne particles and odors but cannot eliminate thirdhand smoke embedded in surfaces like furniture or walls. Regular cleaning and ventilation are also necessary.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality air purifier is a crucial step toward maintaining a healthy indoor environment, especially for homes affected by cigar smoke. The models listed above, from the reliable Coway Airmega AP-1512HH to the powerful Medify MA-112, offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. By prioritizing True HEPA filtration, substantial activated carbon filters, and appropriate CADR ratings, you can effectively reduce smoke particles and odors in your home. For more information on air quality, visit the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality page.