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The 6 best Levoit air purifiers we have tested

Love them or hate them, Levoit produce the most affordable high performance air purifiers on the market today
By
Updated on November 14, 2023
Written by
Teddy Booth
Teddy joined HouseFresh in 2019 as a senior content producer, producing written content as well as product photography and YouTube videos. He supports Danny as a product tester and is our lead how-to writer.

Our verdict

  • Our overall favorite Levoit air purifier is the EverestAir. It surpasses the competition with its cleaning power and looks good doing it.
  • If your budget is limited, check out the Core 300. This smaller unit still has plenty of power and features without the high price tag to match.
  • For large spaces, consider the Core 600S. It’s packed with features and a cleaning performance that will rival units that cost twice the price.

Levoit has established itself as one of the most popular air purifier brands worldwide. Winning many awards along the way. Levoit air purifiers are widely preferred due to their attractive designs, zero ozone emissions, low costs and high-grade filtration.

When it comes to air purifiers, we have different needs and wants and use them in various-sized rooms. Levoit knows this, so they have built many units to meet our demands. With their Core range being the most popular, from the Core Mini to the Core 600s, Levoit covers all bases.

Whether you suffer from allergies, smoke weed, cigarettes or cigars, are plagued by mold or wildfire smoke or simply want to remove funky cooking odors from your home, Levoit has a unit for you.

But with all those Levoit air purifiers, which one is right for you? 

As no two spaces are the same, I have assembled a range of different Levoit air purifiers to suit varying needs. Whether you’re looking for a unit to target smoke or dust, for use in an open-plan space, to sit on a desktop, or perhaps you’re looking for a purifier with the latest smart features, I’m sure I’ve got something for everyone on this list.

  1. In our home lab of 728 cubic feet, we light an incense stick to generate particle pollution and VOCs.
  2. We set up our trusted Purpleair Indoor Sensor with the latest Bosch gas sensor to track levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10ug/m3 and VOCs in the air.
    purpleair
  3. We switch the air purifier to its highest speed and measure how long it takes to get our room air quality down to PM1 level to 0.
  4. We use an energy meter to measure precisely how much electricity is used when running the unit at the lowest and highest fan speed settings.
  5. We track sound levels emitted by the air purifier at different fan speeds with the help of a commercial sound meter.
    sound meter

By collecting data from our performance tests, I was able to compare our Levoit air purifiers side-by-side to pick the best units for your needs. I wanted to include air purifiers to match different criteria when compiling this list:

  • Cleaning Performance – I’ve chosen air purifiers with a range of CADRs (Clean Air Delivery Rates) suited to various room sizes so that you can find the right unit for your space.
  • Budget – Depending on the size, performance and features of an air purifier, the price tags can be vastly different. I chose units at a range of $$$ so that you can find one to match your budget.
  • Features – From timers to air quality sensors, auto mode to app connection, air purifiers can come with an array of features. I’ve chosen a selection of air purifiers with different features so you can decide which suits your needs.

Staff picks: Top 3 Levoit air purifiers

Out of my selection of six best Levoit air purifiers, three shine out as my overall favorites:

👑 BEST OVERALL💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES
Levoit EverestAirLevoit Core 300Levoit Core 600S
AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡13 minutes40 minutes15 minutes
CADR 👩‍🔬360 CFM (612 m3/h)145 CFM (246 m3/h)410 CFM (697 m³/h)
FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨3-Stage Filtration3-Stage Filtration3-Stage Filtration
MAX ROOM SIZE 📏558 sq. ft.219 ft²635 sq. ft.
WEIGHT ⚖️20.7 lbs (9.38 kg)7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
OUR REVIEW 🔍Levoit EverestAir ReviewLevoit Core 300 reviewLevoit Core 600S Review
PRICE 💵$189.99$99.99$748.99

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Now that you’ve seen my top three, check out the rest of my recommendations for the best Levoit air purifiers available today.

1. Best Levoit unit overall: Levoit EverestAir

The fastest Levoit unit at cleaning our home lab of incense smoke pollutants AND the best-performing air purifier we’ve tested so far.

As soon as we unboxed the Levoit EverestAir, we knew it would be special. Not only does it look like something Apple might produce, it has all the features you need from an air purifier and a cleaning performance that blew us away.

It may not be the cheapest unit in our selection, but you get what you pay for. The EverestAir doesn’t look like your typical Levoit air purifier (compared to the Core 600S and Core 300); its metallic colors and rounded ages will complement any modern home.

What we really like

Levoit has done something new with the design of this unit
The app is intuitive and easy to navigate
It has unrivaled cleaning performance — cleaned our test room in 13 minutes; it took the Core 300 40 minutes
Its controls are bright and clearly labeled

What we think could be better

The price tag is a jump up from the Core 600S, which cleaned the air two minutes slower than the EverestAir
The wheels only move sideways
Filter costs are higher but do last longer than cheaper Core series units — up to 15 months

Not only does it come with features commonly found in Levoit units like a timer and sleep mode, but it also comes with a turbo mode, the ability to change the angle of its output vents and an auto mode. Plus, you can control all of these features and monitor your air quality through Levoit’s VeSync app, available on iPhone and Android phones.

On the control panel, you’ll notice a color display and numerical data display showing the air quality in your room (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air) and how long the filter has left before it needs replacing. 

Under the hood, the EverestAir shows off its thick, high-quality main filter with honeycomb sections packed with activated carbon pellets. 

SPECS & FEATURES

This beast cleared the simulated contaminants from our performance room in 13 minutes, making it the fastest Levoit unit for cleaning performance and the best-performing air purifier we’ve tested so far.

HouseFresh Rating:★★★★★
Time to clean our test room:13 minutes
Air purifier technology:3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses)
Recommended room size:558 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):360 CFM (612 m3/h)
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):20.7 lbs (9.38 kg)
Noise level (low – high):24 – 56dB
Filter life:12-15 months
Warranty:2 years
Estimated energy consumption:$87.25 per year
Country of manufacture:China

2. Best for large spaces: Levoit Core 600S

For just under $300 you get a powerful air purifier with a CADR rating of 410 CFM (697 m³/h) that can learn large rooms of up to 635 sq. ft. 

If you have a large room to clean of pollutants, you need an air purifier that is up to the task. That’s why I recommend the Core 600S, with its impressive cleaning performance that is maximized in rooms around 635 sq. ft. 

Before we were privy to the cleaning prowess of the EverestAir, the 600S was at the top of our performance table. The Core 600S cleared all of the simulated airborne contamination from our testing room in 15 minutes, beating off units that cost twice the amount.

What we really like

Its high-performance motor and fan
Energy efficient, pulling just 6.2 watts in sleep mode
At 13.7 lbs, it’s easy to move between rooms
High CADR for its price tag

What we think could be better

It looks a bit basic, especially compared with the EverestAir
The pre-filter can’t be removed to clean

With this unit, Levoit has stuck to a more “traditional” white box design, so it doesn’t really stand out from the crowd in that respect. But it more than makes up for it with the included features and large circular main filter with activated carbon.

As with all of the Core S range, you can monitor and control the 600S using Levoit’s VeSync app. The features include a timer, sleep mode display lock and the option to turn the display lights off to help you sleep. It also has an AQI (Air Quality Indicator) that displays the state of your air in both numerical form and a color-coded light wheel.

SPECS & FEATURES

Right up until the release of the EverestAir, the Core 600S was the best performing air purifier we had ever tested after it cleaned our home lab in just 15 minutes.

HouseFresh Rating:★★★★★
Time to clean our test room:15 minutes
Air purifier technology:3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses)
Recommended room size:635 sq. ft. 
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):410 CFM (697 m³/h)
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level (low – high):26 – 55 dB
Filter life:6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:2 years
Estimated energy consumption:$51.51 per year

3. Best budget option: Levoit Core 300

The best performing air purifier you can buy for $100 if you don’t care about smart functions such as auto-mode.

If budget is on your mind, the Levoit Core 300 will give you plenty of bang for your buck. Perfect for spaces up to 219 sq. ft., this compact air purifier cleared our performance testing room in 40 minutes. The 300 is small and lightweight, ideal for kitchen tops or in your bedroom.

With its 3-stage filtration, including pre-filters, a main filter for airborne particles and a layer of activated carbon, the 300 will remove microscopic airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and mold spores and remove odors for those who toot in the night.

What we really like

CARB-approved, AHAM-certified, and Energy Star-certified
Low long terms running costs, both in terms of filter replacement and energy consumption
Compact design with touch controls
Excellent air cleaning performance per $ spent

What we think could be better

We’d like to see an auto-mode 
Due to its circular design, it will need adequate clearance from a wall for it to operate most efficiently

The other factor that makes this our top choice for the budget-conscious is its running costs. The filter replacements will only set you back around $60 a year and its energy-efficient motor means it only costs around $50 annually to run*.

It also comes with features that make your life easier, like a child lock, four timer settings, and three levels of fan speed. You can also switch off the display lights to ensure a sound night’s sleep.

*Calculated using the average cost of energy in the USA at the time of writing.

SPECS & FEATURES

A lightweight air purifier that is powerful enough to clean the air in rooms of up to 219 sq. ft.

HouseFresh Rating:★★★★☆
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):40 minutes
Air purifier technology:Pre-filter, non-HEPA grade particle filter, and activated carbon pellets
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):219 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):Dust: 131 cfm
Smoke: 126 cfm
Pollen: 154 cfm
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
Filter life:6 – 8 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):Speed 1: 37.1 dB
Speed 2: 48.5 dB
Speed 3: 50.2 dB
Top speed: 54.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):Standby mode: 0.1 watts
Sleep mode: 17.3 watts
Speed 1: 19.7 watts
Speed 2: 24 watts
Top speed: 35.5 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:2 years
Estimated energy consumption:$47.30
Country of manufacture:China

Tip

The Core 300 doesn’t come with an auto mode or app connectivity. If you want these features, Levoit has released the upgraded Levoit Core 300S that includes both if you can afford the extra $$$.

 4. Cheapest smart option: Levoit Core 200S

A more compact option compared to the Core 300 (above) with smart functions such as auto mode and smartphone app connectivity.

The Levoit Core 200S provides a compact yet powerful option for the urban home or apartment that will transform the air in your space. With Levoit’s 3-stage filtration plus VortexAir fans, this unit boasts an impressive 118 CFM all for under $100.  

Levoit’s Core S line of products comes stacked with smart features that enhance the usability of the purifier. With sleep mode and timer, this unit can operate with minimal fuss whilst providing maximum protection from pollutants. Plus, it can be connected to the Levoit app, your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for remote or voice control operation.

What we really like

It comes with smart features that are not usually found in this price range 
Impressive CADR for a small unit
8-month filter lifespan saves you money in the long run
Whisper quiet on the lowest fan speed 

What we think could be better

We’ve seen other small Levoit units that are more energy-efficient
It doesn’t come with AirSight Plus, so cannot get real-time feedback on air quality 

As one of the smaller units within the Core range, the 200S possesses a cute aesthetic that won’t look out of place in your living space. Plus, thanks to its lightweight design at just 3kg, this purifier is easy to move from room to room, allowing you to maintain excellent air wherever you are within the home. 

SPECS & FEATURES

I wouldn’t recommend the Core 200S for large spaces but this unit earned a spot on this list thanks to its impressive 118 CFM for under $100. 

HouseFresh Rating:★★★☆☆
Time to clean our test room:61 minutes
Air purifier technology:3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses)
Recommended room size:183 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):118 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):12.6H x 8.07W x 8.07D inches (32H x 20.5W x 20.5D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away):Speed 1: 39.6 dB
Speed 2: 43.7 dB
Speed 3: 49.1 dB
Filter life:6 – 8 months
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour):Standby mode: 1.1 kWh
Speed 1: 19.3 kWh
Speed 2: 22.6 kWh
Speed 3: 28.4 kWh
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements):$82.46 per year
Manufacturer’s warranty:2 years
Country of manufacture:China

Tip

Torn between the Core 200S and 300S? We compare the two side-by-side in our guide, Levoit Core 200S vs. Core 300S.

5. Best portable option: Levoit Core Mini

A solid portable air purifier that you can use in an RV or have on top of your desk, but not a good option for medium-sized or large rooms.

For many users, portability is a key consideration when buying a purifier. Levoit has nailed this concern with the Core Mini. Even though it’s small enough to sit on top of a desk or bedside table, it comes with 3-stage protection, including a pre-filter, airborne particle filter, and activated carbon filter, guaranteeing that 97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns will be removed from your space. 

As well as providing effective protection against harmful pollutants and VOCs such as fumes and odors, this unit allows you to transform your environment thanks to its aromatherapy function. By adding essential oils, the unit will emit pleasant aromas of your choice throughout your space.

What we really like

It comes with Levoit’s staple 3-stage filtration and VortexAir fans 
Small size and super lightweight make it easy to maneuver 
Simple one-button control
Cheap to buy, at only $50 

What we think could be better

We’d like to see some smart features
Low CADR score means the unit would be ineffective in larger spaces

Due to its size, the Mini is extremely energy efficient. I calculated that it would only cost around $6 a year to run annually and even the filters are cheaper to replace than any other unit in our list at around $25 each time.

One surprising yet welcomed feature of the Core Mini is the ability to diffuse essential oils. This is a nice feature for an inexpensive air purifier such as this one that I think many people will want to use.

SPECS & FEATURES

A good portable air purifier that comes with a handy diffuser for those who like essential oils.

HouseFresh Rating:★★★☆☆
Time to clean our test room:1 hour and 53 minutes
Air purifier technology:3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses)
Recommended room size:178 sq. ft.
Clea; you delivery rate (CADR):32 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):10.4H x 6.5D x 6.5W inches (26.4H x 16.4D x 16.4W cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away):Speed 1: 37 dB
Speed 2: 38 dB
Speed 3: 44.5 dB
Filter life:4 – 6 months
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour):Standby mode: 0 kWh
Speed 1: 1.2 kWh
Speed 2: 2.8 kWh
Speed 3: 5.9 kWh
Speed 4: 6.4 kWh
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements):$88.81 per year
Manufacturer’s warranty:2 years
Country of manufacture:China

6. Best option for medium-sized rooms: Levoit Core 400S

As Levoit’s mid-range unit from the celebrated Core range of purifiers, the 400S is the ideal unit for the average home.

The Core 400S is best suited to medium to large rooms. It comes with a pre-filter, a main filter for dealing with tiny airborne particles and an activated carbon filter to tackle smells and VOCs.  

It has an impressive cleaning performance with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 260 CFM, capable of removing pollutants in a 403 sq. ft. space five times every hour. This unit is great for allergy sufferers, eradicating pollen, dust, and pet dander with ease.

What we really like

Powerful performance for a fair price — it cleaned our test room from all traces of incense smoke pollutants in 33 minutes
Sleep mode keeps you protected through the night without distraction
It comes with a range of smart features provides advanced control and air quality feedback
Compatible with Levoit App

What we think could be better

On the larger side, so may look out of place in smaller rooms
It’s not the best-looking Levoit air purifier

This performance is in part thanks to Levoit’s trademarked VortexAir fan system. With 360-degree air intake, curved blades and raised vents, this unit can draw in air rapidly, leading to its enhanced purification whilst remaining energy efficient and capable of creating whisper-like volume levels. 

SPECS & FEATURES

It’s not too big or too small, it doesn’t weight too much to move it around the house, and it boasts excellent air cleaning performance at a good price.

HouseFresh Rating:★★★★☆
Time to clean our test room:33 minutes
Air purifier technology:3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses)
Recommended room size:403 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):260 CFM (442 m³/h)
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):10.8L x 10.8W x 20.5H inches (27.4L x 27.4W x 52H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
Noise level (low – high):24 – 52dB
Filter life:6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:2 years
Estimated energy consumption:$39.95 per year
Country of manufacture:China

Other Levoit units we tested but don’t recommend

  • Levoit Vital 100: Not a bad air purifier, but you get better value for money with the Levoit Core 300 or Core 300S.
  • Levoit LV-PUR131: This is an older Levoit unit that took 60 minutes to clean our test room, so you are much better off choosing the Levoit Core 400S for a similar budget and more features.
  • Levoit LV-H132: A very popular air purifier from Levoit, but even at its low budget, it’s hard to recommend as it took 98 minutes to clean our test room of particles of 1 micron or less.
  • Levoit LV-H128: One of the cheapest Levoit models on the market, but didn’t have enough power to keep even the smallest room clean and took over 2 hours and 43 minutes to clean our test lab room of 705 cubic feet.

What to look for when buying a Levoit air purifier

Air purifiers are the ideal device for removing pollutants from the air in your home. The EPA states that the average American spends about 90% of their time indoors, making you susceptible to the short and long-term adverse health effects of indoor air pollution.

When choosing a Levoit air purifier, you need to ensure it’s the right unit for your home. Looks and cleaning power are all well and good, but other factors must be considered. 

1. How big is your room?

When it comes to air purifiers, size matters; buying a unit that is too small for your room won’t be very effective. On the other hand, buying one that’s too big will be overkill and a waste of energy and money.

That’s why we’ve chosen air purifiers to suit a variety of room sizes so that you can find the right unit for your space. Check out our SPECS & FEATURES table to see what size room each unit is most effective in.

You can also use our CFM calculator to see what minimum CADR you would need to achieve 4.8 air changes per hour (which is the rate recommended by the EPA):

2. What is your budget? 

It’s not just the initial cost of the air purifier you need to consider; it’s also the unit’s running costs.

All of these air purifiers need electricity to run and it’s recommended that you run your unit 24/7; this costs money in energy bills. Some air purifiers are more efficient than others, so check their ‘Estimated energy consumption” before making your decision.

Also the HEPA filters that Levoit air purifiers use need to be replaced periodically so that they can remain effective at all times. Replacement filters come at a cost, so check how much they are and how often they need replacing to factor into your budget.

3. What features do you need/want?

In our selection, there are different features that each unit includes (and some are the same). Think about which of these you need/want on your air purifier. Personally, I like units with an auto mode so that I can switch it on and forget about it. I also like air purifiers with app connectivity and those with an AQI so I can monitor the quality of the air at all times.

4. How much noise do they make?

All air purifiers make noise from the motor running and fan spinning, getting louder at high fan speeds. But they don’t all emit the same level of noise. If you’re like me and you work with your air purifier running, you’ll want a unit that’s as quiet as possible.

That’s why we give you noise level data in our SPECS & FEATURES table and as noise is subjective, we record the sound of each unit on all fan speeds so that you can get an idea of the noise it makes. 

Tip

Check out our YouTube channel for all sound tests.

Common questions about Levoit air purifiers

In August, Vesync (the owners of the Levoit brand) have voluntarily stopped using True HEPA in their advertising. While this doesn’t confirm that Levoit didn’t use True HEPA accreditation, it is a little worrying that they didn’t fight their case with Dyson, the company that challenged them via the BBB National Advertising Division.

According to CleanAirStars, Levoit still uses CADR under AHAM AC-1 and those CADR scores are much higher than what we find with Dyson units for $ spent. We also confirmed that Levoit units are much better at removing pollutants in our home lab performance tests, the $99 Levoit Core 300 took 40 minutes to remove particles compared to the Dyson HP04, which took 84 minutes to do the same.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Smart Air stated that this change doesn’t affect the CADR score associated with Levoit units. The post also said, “The Corsi-Rosenthal boxes with MERV filters are proof of fast filtration with non-HEPA filters.”

Levoit is an American-based company with its headquarters located in California. Here, they conduct all the research and development for their range of purifiers, designing them to the highest specification to meet US standards. Once the purifier has been designed, it is then manufactured in China. 

Levoit air purifiers are all 100% ozone-free. By using high-grade mechanical filters (rather than Ionizer or UV technology), Levoit offers excellent purifier performance without the risk of emitting harmful ozone. 

Levoit is a relatively new brand, having launched in 2017. Despite their tender years, they have rapidly gained popularity thanks to their excellent product performance and very reasonable prices. 

Levoit products often rank highly amongst independent product reviews and each unit we’ve tested has impressed us. From gauging customer feedback online, Levoit are often praised for their helpful customer support, with centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. What’s more, Levoit offers special discounts through VerifyPass to active military personnel, veterans, medical staff, first responders, and teachers, which is a big plus from our point of view.  

Wrapping up

If you’re looking for an air purifier to use in your home, Levoit has a vast range for you to choose from. 

Each unit made by Levoit is meticulously engineered to remove pollutants from the air in your home, is easy to use and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to run.

They have units for a variety of room sizes and budgets. Some come with cool features like auto mode, AQI and app connectivity, and some are there for those who like things a little simpler.

Whatever your needs and wants from an air purifier, Levoit has a unit that will suit you and your home.

SOURCES

At HouseFresh, we have been reviewing air quality products since 2010. In all these years, we learned not to rely on manufacturers’ claims and the ever-so-glowing marketing materials. That is why we buy products with our own money, so we can write unbiased reviews after we’ve had enough time to evaluate air quality products in our home lab. Every unit we recommend has been thoroughly tested to assess its performance, energy consumption, and noise levels emitted in real-life environments. If you have any questions about our testing process for different types of air quality products, just drop us an email at hello@housefresh.com.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Teddy Booth

Teddy joined HouseFresh in 2019 as a senior content producer, producing written content as well as product photography and YouTube videos. He supports Danny as a product tester and is our lead how-to writer.