There are also models that can ionize incoming particles, which are then sucked in by metal plates or other treated substances. Where the 300S differs is with its range of advanced smart features that will enable the user to operate the unit in new ways and learn more about your environment’s air quality. Perhaps the best smart feature comes from Levoit’s AirSight™ Plus technology. This enables the purifier to monitor the surrounding air and provide real-time air quality updates through its color-coded display and more detailed feedback through the Levoit app. The next test was to see how well the Levoit purifier absorbed smoke and odors. The air quality monitor quickly climbed to indicate unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
It also has a filter replacement reminder that pops up to let you know when it’s time to order new filters, a convenient feature that ensures you never go without clean air. Some suffer from allergies, some have pets that shed, and others want to get rid of odors such as smoke. Whatever your reason, the Core 300 is also compatible with several filter options to help customize your system based on your needs.
This all-in-one unit removed 99 percent of airborne pollutants in 10 minutes when set to the highest mode in our test. While it lacks the bells and whistles, such as app control and voice activation, our tester noted how easy it was to set up and use right out of the box. The touch control panel allows you to switch between three fan settings, adjust display lighting, and set a timer for specific run times. By following these simple steps, you can keep your Levoit air filters running efficiently and provide clean air for your home. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the performance of the air purifier and ensure that you are breathing fresh and healthy air. Still, if you are unable to the air purifier, you can reach out to a professional cleaning service- Weekend Maids to get the cleaning done.
Over the course of five years, its running costs may be as much as 1.5 times the operating costs of a machine like the AP-1512HH. That still may feel manageable on a monthly basis, and the Core 300’s low up-front purchase price is easier to swallow than most of the other options. To clean the air in a small space—a bedroom, office, or dorm room up to about 200 square feet—it’s a solid choice.
At a level 3 setting, we found that the purifier absorbed 99.8% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 99.6% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns, and 100% of particles smaller than 10 microns. At a level 4 setting, we found that the purifier absorbed 99.9% of particles smaller than 0.3 microns, 99.9% of particles smaller than 2.5 microns, and 100% of particles smaller than 10 microns. One of the biggest draws of Levoit’s range of products is that they are all 100% ozone free. By simply using high-grade mechanical filters (rather than Ionizer or UV technology), Levoit offers excellent purifier performance without running the risk of emitting harmful ozone. Branded as a purifier to specifically neutralize nuisance pet dander and odors, this unit is essentially a Core 300 with a different filter and colorway.
After nine years, during which we’ve tested more than 50 different air purifiers, we believe that the exceptional Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is the best among them—as we have since 2015. That said, as strong as the Mighty is, its performance is not as singular as it once was, and in recent years many other air purifiers have closely approached our high standards. If you prefer the looks, cost, or other features of our also-great picks, know that they match this Coway model in purifying performance. The Levoit Core 400S is both a smart and high-performance air purifier that can easily clean up a space of up to 1005 sq ft twice in an hour, making it ideal for large rooms. Its three-stage filtration process involves using an H13 True HEPA filter that gets rid of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns in size and a fine pre-filter that captures large particles such as pet fur lint and dust.
When I ran the Levoit on Low, it was even quieter—registering just 20 decibels on my tester. In fact, the sound on Low was similar to a sleep machine I own that generates white noise. Users might even find it soothing unless they’re especially
sensitive to sounds. The GermGuardian CDAP4500 is a small-space unit that usually costs $150 or so—more than our pick in that category, the Levoit Core 300—mostly because it offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which isn’t useful or necessary.
Purifier manufacturers typically recommend annual replacement, but check the manual to be certain; some call for less frequent or more frequent replacement. In 2017, we tested the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link HP02 for particulate performance in the lab and in our real-world New York apartment. It offers two distinct fan functions—diffuse and focused—and we tested it on both functions in the lab and in the real world. John Holecek further tested it for VOC removal in the lab, considering that Dyson had implemented an upgrade of its VOC filter since our 2016 test of its predecessor. In every case the HP02 offered disappointing performance relative to our top pick.
We noted that it does a great job of purifying the air, runs quietly, and can conveniently be attached to a wall. You can choose to control this air purifier via the digital display, the included remote control, or the compatible app and that the digital display’s lights automatically dim when it gets dark. We tested this air purifier in a home environment, using this purifier regularly at three-hour intervals during the day,
and we appreciated its minimal and sleek design. Our only critique was this model does not have an air quality indicator to automate the system and shut it off after reaching a certain purity level. After using this air purifier in a home for three months, we found that it eliminated a damp smell in the home’s entryway. We tested moving it from room to room, and it left the air feeling noticeably cleaner in each space.
During our tests, this unit only used 6.4 watts of power, even running at its highest speed. This minuscule amount of power relates to approximately $15 expenditure over a year, making it one of the most energy-efficient purifiers we’ve come across. 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. The Levoit air purifier comes preassembled, which is nice; however, users must remove the plastic covering from the internal air filter.