
Diwali, the festival that fills our homes with light, laughter and the irresistible smell of sweets, also marks the not-so-fun beginning of smog season in Delhi. Every year, once the diyas fade and the crackers
settle, the city wakes up under a blanket of thick, grey haze. Between fireworks, stubble burning and good old dust, the air turns into a cocktail of pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, tiny particles that can make breathing feel like a workout. For kids, elderly people, and anyone who already struggles with allergies or asthma, this time of year can be downright miserable. That’s exactly why an air purifier isn’t just another fancy gadget anymore, it’s a lifeline. A good purifier can drastically improve the air you breathe indoors, especially when the AQI outside looks like a bad joke. When you’re shopping for one, keep an eye out for models with HEPA filters, which capture even the smallest dust and smoke particles and activated carbon filters, which help tackle odours and gases. If you’re in Delhi (or anywhere nearby) and looking for a solid yet affordable option, here are five great air purifiers that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.1. Honeywell Air Touch V1 (Amazon Price: Rs 4,999)The Honeywell Air Touch V1 removes 99.99% of airborne pollutants and allergens, making it ideal for small rooms up to 235 sq. ft. The purifier uses a three-stage filtration system, a pre-filter, H13 HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, to clean the air every 12 minutes.2. Philips AC0920 (Amazon Price: Rs 7,999)The Philips AC0920 Smart Air Purifier covers spaces up to 300 sq. ft. and has a 2-layer HEPA filtration system that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.003 microns. Its smart sensor scans the air 1,000 times per second and automatically adjusts fan speed based on real-time AQI readings. 3. Sharp AIOT Air Purifier (Amazon Price: Rs 13,990)The Sharp AIOT Air Purifier (FP-S42M-L) combines HEPA I filtration with Sharp’s patented PCI technology, which removes bacteria, viruses, mold, and VOCs. The purifier supports Wi-Fi and voice control, offering convenience alongside its 4-stage filtration system. It’s suitable for rooms up to 330 sq. ft.ALSO READ: Buying Guide: Planning To Buy Air Purifier To Survive Delhi Pollution This Winter? This Guide Will Help You4. Coway Airmega AIM (AP-0623B) (Amazon Price: Rs 12,499)The Coway Airmega AIM comes with the brand’s patented anti-virus HEPA filter, designed to capture and neutralise up to 99.99% of pollutants, including germs and fine dust. Its 3-in-1 filtration system, comprising a pre-filter, HEPA filter and deodorisation filter, ensures clean and odour-free air. It covers areas up to 355 sq. ft., making it great for medium-sized rooms.5. Eureka Forbes AP 355 Room Air Purifier (Amazon Price: Rs 9,999)The Eureka Forbes AP 355 comes equipped with a True HEPA H13 filter and an activated carbon filter, offering a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 355 CMH. Designed for larger spaces up to 480 sq. ft., it uses 360-degree air intake technology for faster purification. The model also includes touch controls, air quality indicators and a timer function.