Best Air Purifiers Under RM500 to Fight the Haze in Malaysia – Plus What to Look Out For
Haze season is back to put us in a daze. At the time of writing, the air pollutant index scores in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have soared into the 150s, indicating unhealthy levels that could worsen in the coming days.
In fact, the editor is writing this with a stuffy nose and scratchy throat, wishing he had turned that air purifier on sooner rather than later. On that note, here’s a reminder to put your air purifier to good use. However, if you don’t have one, we’ve got some recommendations that won’t break the bank.
Before we get to that though, since we’re talking specifically about combating haze, it’s best we walk you through the features to look out for before you cash in.
What to look out for in an air purifier
When choosing an air purifier to combat haze, it’s important to focus on features that specifically target fine particulate matter, or PM2.5 — the main pollutant during haze events.
According to an interview conducted by Channel NewsAsia, a good purifier should effectively filter particles around 0.3 microns in size, which covers most harmful airborne pollutants.
Look for models with true HEPA filters, as these are proven to remove a significant percentage of fine particles from the air. Another key factor is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which measures how much clean air a purifier can produce; for effective haze protection, the smoke CADR should be at least five times the volume of the room.
Additionally, rather than relying on a single large purifier, it can be more effective to use two or more smaller units to improve coverage and reduce noise.
We’ve shortlisted a few air purifiers that fit the bill — all of which can be purchased for under RM500 in Malaysia.
Best Air Purifier in Malaysia under RM500
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact; RM299
At just RM299, the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact punches well above its price point. Designed for bedrooms, children’s rooms, and study areas, its compact size means it won’t clutter your space — but don’t let that fool you. With a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 230m³/h, it offers strong filtration performance in smaller rooms.
What sets it apart is Xiaomi’s advanced HEPA filter, which combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration to remove 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 micrometers — effectively targeting PM2.5, dust, and allergens. The built-in air quality indicator gives you real-time feedback, while the Xiaomi Home app allows remote control, air quality monitoring, and customized settings — all from your phone.
Energy-efficient and whisper-quiet, it runs on just 27W and can operate at a near-silent 20dB, making it ideal for restful sleep or quiet work. For users seeking smart, effective haze protection in compact spaces, this purifier is a strong contender.
Purchase the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact on Shopee and Lazada
Philips 600i series Air Purifier; RM445 – RM519
Retailing between RM445 – RM519, the Philips 600i Series packs advanced air cleaning into a compact, energy-efficient unit. Its 2-layer NanoProtect HEPA filtration system captures 99.97% of ultra-fine particles as small as 0.003 microns—far beyond the standard for haze protection.
What makes it stand out is its electrostatic-charged fiber technology, which not only traps airborne pollutants but actively pulls them in using static attraction, making it up to twice as effective as traditional HEPA H13 filters in cleaning air.
Powered by VitaShield, it also removes aerosols, germs, and is lab-tested to eliminate H1N1 and 99.99% of HCoV-E229 viruses. With a CADR of 170m³/h, it’s ideal for rooms up to 44m², while remaining highly energy-efficient (as low as 12W) and whisper-quiet in sleep mode (19dB).
You’ll also get smart control via the Philips Air+ app, plus filter monitoring and a replacement indicator—making this a solid choice for clean, safe air year-round.
Purchase the Philips 600i Series Air Purifier on Shopee, Lazada, and Harvey Norman
Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier; RM456 – RM529
Priced between RM456 – RM529, the Levoit Core 300 offers solid all-around performance for medium-sized rooms. It features H13 True HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, and comes with a High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter to neutralize odours and smoke, making it a great choice for haze season.
Powered by VortexAir Technology and 360° air intake, it can clean up to 547 ft² (approx. 50 m²) in just 30 minutes, with a CADR of 135m³/h.
While its QuietKeap Technology keeps noise levels as low as 24dB—not the quietest on this list—it still ensures peaceful operation, even during sleep.
Purchase the Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier on Shopee and Lazada
PerySmith Air Purifier Aurora Series H13; RM349 – RM399
The PerySmith Aurora Series H13 offers impressive value with a 4-layer Anti-H12 HEPA filter that removes up to 99.5% of particles larger than 0.3 microns—ideal for tackling haze, viruses, and fine dust. For even higher filtration, you can upgrade to the Anti-H13 Smoke Free Charcoal HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of 0.3-micron contaminants.
Its activated carbon filter effectively neutralizes odours and airborne pollutants, while a built-in Aurora UV light (10–400nm) boosts germicidal performance, helping to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
Covering up to 40m² (430ft²), it’s suitable for living rooms and open areas. The LCD control panel includes a PM2.5 air quality indicator, giving you real-time feedback on air conditions. A solid choice for those seeking whole-room coverage with added UV protection—without breaking the bank.
Purchase the PerySmith Aurora H13 Air Purifier at Watsons and Superbuy
Samu Giken AP661; RM109 – RM160
The Samu Giken AP661 is the most affordable option on this list — and it delivers solid essentials without unnecessary extras. Its sleek, minimalist design houses a multilayer filtration system, including a HEPA filter, Photocatalyst filter, and Activated Carbon filter, effectively removing 99% of haze, smoke, and PM2.5 particles.
Despite its low price, it features Dual Smart Sensors that monitor air quality continuously and a surprisingly strong CADR of 300m³/h, covering areas between 31m² and 40m². Operating as quietly as 25dB, it’s an ideal pick for those who want reliable air cleaning on a tight budget.
If you are looking to arm your home with more than one air purifiers, a few units of the Samu Giken AP661 would keep you in good stead against the choking haze.
Purchase the Samu Giken AP661 Air Purifier at Samu Giken’s official website, Shopee, and Lazada
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