Levoit LV-PUR131 review

A good choice for those who want a Levoit unit with separate particle and carbon filters — but look at newer models if you want better air cleaning performance.
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Our verdict

The Levoit LV-PUR131 is now quite outdated and way too expensive, considering its poor air cleaning performance and high noise levels generated.

 

In our particle removal test, it took a full hour for the LV-PUR131 to clear all PM1.0 pollutants from burning an incense stick in our small 728 cubic ft. test room. This is a full 40 minutes slower than the popular Winix 5500-2, 42 minutes slower than the newer Levoit Vital 200S, 27 minutes slower than the trendy Coway Airmega 150, and a full 35 minutes slower than the much MUCH cheaper Corsi-Rosenthal Box you can build yourself at home.

Levoit has been making waves in the air purifier market since they first arrived in 2017 thanks to the quality of their air purifying technology at an accessible price. Levoit’s air purifiers perform at the level of much more expensive units from older, more well-known brands.

Levoit changed my view on “cheap” air purifiers with their Core 300, so I was VERY excited to test a larger unit: the LV-PUR131. 

At $180, the Levoit LV-PUR131 seems like an excellent option for cleaning the air in a medium-sized room with a unit that includes features like automatic mode, which are normally only found on units that cost well over $200. After seeing glowing reviews for this unit on Amazon, I decided it was time to test it.

As with all our reviews here at HouseFresh, we bought the Levoit LV-PUR131 with our own money to make sure we would be free to give our unbiased opinion.

We also bought the unit so we could test its air cleaning performance in our home lab. That’s right, unlike the vast majority of air purifier reviews you will read from ‘reputable’ lifestyle magazines or even tech sites, I actually tested the LV-PUR131 as opposed to just describing it based on the marketing materials from Levoit.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

This is to say that you can rest assured that this review is impartial and that you will read an accurate account of the unit’s pros and cons. 

The lowdown on the Levoit LV-PUR131

“At this point in the history of Levoit, there are better options than the Levoit PUR131.
The LV-PU131 is underpowered, it pulls a lot of energy (which will add to long-term costs), and I have received reports from readers who explained various issues they experienced with this unit outside the warranty.
My Levoit PUR131 hasn’t broken yet, but it lives in my basement, so it doesn’t get used as often as other units I’ve got in my home.”
— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

Don’t want to read the full review? If you can find the Levoit PUR131 in stock and have a room size of 500 sq. ft, this is the best performance air purifier you can get without spending more than $180.

What we really like

The simple touchscreen control panel is easy to understand and use.
It comes with an on-board air quality sensor and an LED air quality indicator (but it will only work when on auto mode).
It’s light and easy to move around the house.
It is one of the few Levoit units you could find today with a separate set of filters — the particle filter is separate from the activated carbon filter.

What we think could be better

It is underpowered compared to other more modern Levoit devices, such as the Levoit Vital 200S.
It doesn’t come with a pre-filter for capturing larger particles. This is unfortunate as pre-filters extend the life of main particle filters.
Something small, but that matters to me as I have two young children in the house: the controls don’t include a child lock.

HouseFresh rating:★★☆☆☆
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):60 minutes
Air purifier technology:Main particle filter and activated carbon filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):152 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):Dust: 102 CFM
Smoke: 98 CFM
Pollen: 138 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):18.5H x 14.6W x 7.2D inches (47H x 37.1W x 18.3D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):11.22 lbs (5.1 kg)
Filter life:6 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):Sleep mode: 37.5 dB
Speed 1: 39.9 dB
Speed 2: 45.2 dB
Speed 3: 50.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):Standby mode: 1.9 watts
Speed 1: 11 watts
Speed 2: 18.8 watts
Speed 3: 29.7 watts
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements):$108.58 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):$2.89
Manufacturer’s warranty:1 year
Country of manufacture:China

A boxy and dated design from Levoit

When it comes to design, the LV-PUR131 is more of a plain Jane than a showstopper. 

The LV-PUR131 is a simple-looking, white and boxy air purifier that stands just under half a meter tall and has oversized branding across the top corner. It certainly looks like what most people probably think of when they think of an air purifier.

It isn’t the worst-looking unit I’ve seen but it definitely looks plain and boring compared to the Smart Air S, which combines different materials, design lines and textures.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 has an easy-to-navigate touchscreen control panel on top of the unit. Each button has a clearly labelled icon, so you will quickly figure out how to operate the air purifier straight out of the box with little instruction.  

You can turn the machine on/off through the control panel and cycle through its three fan speed settings:

For use during the night, you can hit the Display button to turn off the LED lights and press Sleep to switch the fan speed to its lowest fan speed, which only emits a whisper-like sound at 27dB. 

The unit also comes with a programmable 12-hour timer so you can leave the unit to run without worrying about switching it off again. 

While the Auto setting utilizes the inbuilt air quality sensor to monitor for pollutants and automatically adjust the fan speeds for minimal fuss and maximum peace of mind. 

Three stages of filtration

The LV-PUR131 is one of the few Levoit units with separate particle and gas filters. We wish they did this for more devices.

Before purchasing an air purifier, it is important to know what filters the unit uses and what effect they will have. The LV-PUR131 comes with a main HEPA-like particle filter and a large pelletized activated carbon filter.

The primary filter will capture ultra-fine particles commonly found indoors, such as dust, pollen and mold spores. It is worth mentioning here that Levoit has removed all mentions of HEPA from its advertising and marketing materials after Dyson complained to the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division.

As I briefly mentioned above, the LV-PUR131 also comes with an activated carbon filter. This layer of filtration will tackle volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chemical fumes, smoke, and household odors. 

My favorite thing about the filters in the LV-PUR131 is that they are two separate filters, which means that you won’t need to throw away both filters if you only need to replace one. Most other Levoit units come with bonded filters, where you get one chunky filter with one side for particles and another for gasses. The biggest issue with this is that activated carbon filters generally have a shorter lifespan, so in many cases with units like the Levoit Core 400S or the Vital 200S, you will need to get rid of the entire thing, even when the particle filter might still be effectively removing particles.

All this to say, the filter setup in the LV-PUR131 is definitely a pro.

Tip

At the risk of stating the obvious, we always like to remind readers that the filters will come in plastic wrapping that needs to be removed before using the air purifier. As the filters usually come delivered pre-fitted, this often trips users up as they think they are ready to use. 

Simply remove the filters, remove any packaging and re-fit, and then you’re good to go.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 cleared our test room in 60 minutes

This was impressive when we first tested it, but four years later, the air cleaning speed of the LV-PUR131 is not good enough.

To put an air purifier through its paces, we utilize our home office, which measures up to 728 cubic ft, so it is roughly the same as a small to medium-sized bedroom. 

We burn incense sticks to fill the room with airborne pollutants and measure how quickly the purifier can remove all PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3, and PM10.0 ug/m3 particles using our indoor sensor from Purpleair

We keep these conditions the same for each test, allowing us to compare and contrast different purifiers and see which unit performs the best in a home setting against common pollutants. 

Let’s see how the LV-PUR131 did:

Once the incense had finished burning at 12:15pm, we recorded the number of pollutants in the room, with levels reaching:

  • PM10.0 – 1847.99 ug/m3 
  • PM2.5 – 1577.53 ug/m3
  • PM1.0 – 581.41 ug/m3

We then fired up the LV-PUR131 at its highest speed, allowing it to tackle the airborne pollutants head-on. 

Within 60 minutes, each particle reading had reached 0.0, showing that within one hour, the unit had performed three air cycles and removed all traces of pollutants.

Air cleaning performance, compared

When comparing these results to alternative purifiers within a similar price range, we found the Levoit eradicated all pollutants faster than the Blueair Blue Pure 411, which took 1 hour and 8 minutes and the GermGuardian AC4825, which took 1 hour and 44 minutes. 

However, the Levoit Core 300 (which is $100 cheaper than the LV-PUR131( completed the same test in just 40 minutes, proving that there are other better alternatives. The one I would suggest is the Levoit Vital 200S, which is being sold for the same price as the LV-PUR131, yet it can clean the air A LOT faster as our air cleaning speed shows (the Vital 200S completed the test in just 18 minutes).

Noise levels, compared

Alongside purifying performance, it’s essential to gauge how loud this unit is when operating on its various fan speeds. 

When cycling between the three standard fan speeds, this unit runs between 52.2 – 65.6 dB, which is louder than most of the other air purifiers we have tested. However, when set to the Sleep setting, this comes down to a much more tolerable 27 dB. 

Check out our sound guide below to hear the LV-PUR131 for yourself. 

The cost to run a Levoit LV-PUR131: $108.58 per year

1. Electricity costs = $32.59 per year

Many of us are feeling the pinch as soaring energy prices affect the cost of living. So it’s a good idea to figure out what you’re likely to pay across the lifetime of your air purifier. 

We used the Department of Energy’s appliance energy calculator to estimate how this unit might impact your electricity bill to save you the headache of doing the math. 

This unit uses 30.5 watts of power on its highest speed setting, which is pretty efficient. If we imagine you run the air purifier on this setting 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the LV-PUR131 will set you back $32.59 a year. 

Bearing in mind as you’re more likely to run the unit on its lowest speed for around 8 hours a day, it won’t cost much at all to operate this air purifier. 

2. Filter costs = $75.99 per year

Over time, as your HEPA and Activated Carbon filters work their magic, they will become clogged with pollutant particles and eventually lose efficiency. 

To keep your purifier performing at its peak, you must replace the filters, adding another additional cost to consider before you purchase.  

The LV-PUR131 has two filters that need replacement every 6 months (both the Activated Charcoal and the HEPA filter). They are both available in replacement packs for $45.99 but the 2-pack will set you back $75.99 per year.

However, several filters available from third-party manufacturers on Amazon are cheaper than the official Levoit filters (which are often out of stock across the U.S.)  These alternative filters come with great reviews from fellow users who claim there is no difference in performance when used.

LEVOIT LV-PUR131 Air Purifier Replacement Filter, Activated Carbon Filters Set, LV-PUR131-RF, 1 Pack
LV-PUR131 Replacement Filters, H13 True HEPA Filter Compatible with Levoit LV-PUR131 & LV-PUR131S Air Purifier, LV-PUR131-RF, 2 True HEPA & 2 Carbon Filters
Technology
H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter
2-Pack Replacement H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter
More information
Price
$38.49
$30.99
LEVOIT LV-PUR131 Air Purifier Replacement Filter, Activated Carbon Filters Set, LV-PUR131-RF, 1 Pack
Technology
H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter
More information
Price
$38.49
LV-PUR131 Replacement Filters, H13 True HEPA Filter Compatible with Levoit LV-PUR131 & LV-PUR131S Air Purifier, LV-PUR131-RF, 2 True HEPA & 2 Carbon Filters
Technology
2-Pack Replacement H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter
More information
Price
$30.99

Comparing the Levoit LV-PUR131 to the LV-PUR131S

Shortly after releasing the LV-PUR131, Levoit launched the LV-PUR131S to offer users a purifier with enhanced smart features. 

In addition to the Auto mode found on the original model, the S includes the option to connect your purifier to your phone or smart device such as Alexa. 

This enables the user to operate the purifier remotely using voice activation or at your fingertips through your phone. 

The app also allows you to remotely set timers and create schedules, providing updates on the current air quality in your space.

FeaturesLevoit LV-PUR131Levoit LV-PUR131S
Purifier technology:H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon FilterH13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter
Recommended room size:360 sq. ft. 360 sq. ft. 
Filter life:6 months6 months
Weight (in pounds / in kg):11.22 lbs / 5.1 kg11.22 lbs / 5.1 kg
Energy consumption:$66.26 per year$66.26 per year
Auto Mode
Smartphone Functionality
User reviews
List Price$179.99$189.99

So, should you pay more for the S? 

In reality, these two units are identical. The only difference is that the S is compatible with Levoit’s smartphone app and can be connected to smart devices such as Alexa for voice control. 

At only $10.00 more, it seems reasonable to pay the extra if you feel these additional features will be of use. However, if you can’t see yourself utilizing such features, then why not save yourself 10 bucks?


Bottom line: Is the LV-PUR131 worth it?

A good choice for those who want a Levoit unit with separate particle and carbon filters — but look at newer models if you want better air cleaning performance.

Your particular use case will depend on your situation. The team at Levoit produced a unit with top performance at an affordable price compared to most other air purifiers on the market. 

That being said, the Levoit LV-PUR131 doesn’t have the power to deal with serious air pollutants, such as those from traffic pollution or cigarette smoke. The reality is that there are many other devices that are currently available for cheaper prices that will do a much better job of cleaning the air.

If you like the rectangular look, I suggest you check out the Levoit Vital series instead. The Levoit Vital 200S performed much better than the LV-PUR131 in our tests (cleaning the air in our test room in just 18 minutes), and it costs roughly the same. Alternatively, you can save yourself $60 and go with the smaller Levoit Vital 100S, which still managed the clean the air in our small test room in 28 minutes — that’s 32 minutes faster than the PUR131.

And if you’re not specifically looking for a Levoit unit, then you should definitely check out the Winix 5500-2, which can be found for $159.99 (around $30 less than the PUR131), has separate filters and was 40 minutes quicker at completing our air cleaning performance test.

The Levoit LV-PUR131 doesn’t have the power to deal with serious air pollutants, such as those from traffic pollution or cigarette smoke. And the reality is that there are many other devices that are currently available for cheaper prices that will do a much better job at cleaning the air.


SOURCES

We used the Department of Energy’s appliance energy calculator to calculate yearly costs associated with running the Levoit LV-PUR131 24 hours a day for 365 days. We ran this calculation utilizing the U.S. average utility rate of $0.12/kWh as of May 9th, 2023.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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About the author

Danny Ashton

Danny is the founder of HouseFresh and has been writing about air purifiers since 2010. He is our lead tester and reviewer, and is also the human in front of the camera in our YouTube channel.

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