In a market saturated with innovation and smart technology, we rarely meet minimalistic devices that aren’t loaded with smart options but still perform their intended job at the highest level.
One such device is the Blueair 211+, a minimalist air purifier without many advanced options, but it is highly efficient and reliable.
On the other hand, we have the Levoit LV-PUR131, a slightly more futuristic air purifier with a few advanced/smart features that simplify daily use.
Both devices use high-quality filtration technology, consisting of a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. The Blueair additionally has HEPASilent technology, which is a fourth filtration stage. Besides that, the only other significant difference is the much larger coverage: up to 540 sq. ft. (50 m²) for the Blueair 211+, compared to 152 sq. ft. (14 m²) for the Levoit air purifier.
In this article, I will compare the specifications, test results, efficiency, and all other parameters of these two air purifiers.
Our Verdict
What I liked about the Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifier is that it’s quieter during operation, slightly more affordable to maintain, and has a smart air quality sensor.
However, the Blueair 211+ performed much better, scored higher in the smoke test, and, most importantly, is much stronger (higher CADR) and covers larger rooms. These are the reasons why I picked the Blueair 211+ as a better buying option than the Levoit LV-PUR131.
If you have any questions regarding these two devices, leave a comment in the comment box below the article.
Specs: Blueair 211+ Vs Levoit LV-PUR131
Product Image | ||
Manufacturer | Blueair | Levoit |
Model | 211+ | LV-PUR131 |
Dimensions (inches / cm) | 20.5 x 13 x 13 inches (52.2 x 33 x 33 cm) | 14.6 x 7.2 x 18.5 inches (37 x 18.3 x 47 cm) |
Weight (pounds / kg) | 15 lb (7 kg) | 11.49 lb (5.21 kg) |
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 350 CFM (595 m³/h) | 98 CFM (167 m³/h) |
Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 540 sq. ft. (50 m²) | 152 sq. ft. (14 m²) |
Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (71 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
Filtration Technology | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
Filter Life | 6 months | 6-8 months |
Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 71 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 61W | 40W |
Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 1.7 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
Number of Fan Speeds | 3 – Speed 1 (Low), Speed 2 (Medium), and Speed 3 (High) | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 33 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 34 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
Other Features | Smart Plug | Display OffTimer |
Noise Level (low – high) | 43.9 – 59.7 dBA | 41.6 – 59.3 dBA |
Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
Best Suited For | Living Rooms Offices Allergies Large Spaces Dust | Living Rooms Kitchens Dust Odors |
Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
In-Depth Review | Blueair 211+ | Levoit LV-PUR131 |
Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
When it comes to performance, things get more interesting, and these two devices showcase their true capabilities.
Both air purifiers use three-stage filtration technology, with the Blueair 211+ utilizing HEPASilent as an additional fourth filtration stage. Additionally, the Blueair has a much higher CADR, which, in my opinion, resulted in much better performance in all tests.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Blueair 211+ and Levoit LV-PUR131 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, performed in a room size of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), both devices performed excellently, but the Blueair was slightly better. It improved the air quality by about 96%, while the Levoit improved it by about 92%. Both devices were operating at maximum speed for 60 minutes.
Besides this test, we tested the Blueair 211+ in a room of 560 sq. ft. (52 m²). In this test as well, the Blueair pleasantly surprised me. In 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, it managed to reduce the PM2.5 particulate levels from 108.6 to 9.7 µg/m³, which is an overall air quality improvement of about 92%.
Moreover, the Blueair showed outstanding performance in capturing airborne dust, pollen, allergens, and other particles, making it significantly better and more efficient than the Levoit.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
I think the result of the smoke test is realistic and completely expected, especially if we compare the room coverage of these two air purifiers.
The Blueair 211+ cleared all the smoke from the glass box in just 11 seconds, which is one of the best results ever. On the other hand, the Levoit LV-PUR131 took about 26 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box.
Again, this is an expected result, especially because the Blueair is a much larger air purifier with a stronger CADR, bigger filters, and larger air intake openings.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first difference between these two products is that the Levoit has four fan speeds, while the Blueair has three. Additionally, the Levoit has an extremely quiet sleep mode, making it suitable for use in bedrooms.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Blueair 211+ and Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit produces a sound level of 41.6 dBA, while the Blueair is slightly louder at 43.9 dBA. The difference of 2.3 dBA is enough for me to say that I would not recommend the Blueair for use in bedrooms.
When it comes to the sound level at maximum speed, I have to say that I am very surprised by the sound levels these devices produce. The Levoit LV-PUR131 produces a sound level of only 59.3 dBA, while the Blueair 211+ is slightly louder at 59.7 dBA. Honestly, these are some of the best-optimized air purifiers at maximum speeds.
Fan Speed | Levoit LV-PUR131 (dBA) | Blueair 211+ (dBA) |
---|---|---|
Sleep Mode | 41.6 dBA | - |
Speed 1 (Low) | 46.1 dBA | 43.9 dBA |
Speed 2 (Medium) | 53 dBA | 51.2 dBA |
Speed 3 (High) | 59.3 dBA | 59.7 dBA |
All in all, the Levoit uses a somewhat better-optimized motor, making it quieter. However, it should be noted that the Blueair has a much higher CADR, which is why I must say that this air purifier also uses a very well-optimized motor.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Considering that the Blueair 211+ is a much larger device, it is somewhat expected that it consumes more electricity. This air purifier has a 61W motor, while the Levoit LV-PUR131 uses a 40W motor.
It is clear that the Blueair is a much larger consumer of electricity at all speeds. For example, if you were to use these two devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, over a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.02 for the Levoit and by about $4.29 for the Blueair.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Blueair 211+ and Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
A similar situation occurs at the lowest speeds: the Levoit would cost you around $0.32, while the Blueair would increase your electricity bill by about $1.31.
In addition to these costs, there are also the costs of replacement filters, which last approximately six months for both devices. However, the price of replacement filters is somewhat more affordable for the Levoit.
Fan Speed | Levoit LV-PUR131 (W + $/month) | Blueair 211+ (W + $/month) |
---|---|---|
Standby | 0.7W ($0.06) | 0.2W ($0.01) |
Sleep Mode | 3.6W ($0.32) | - |
Speed 1 (Low) | 9.5W ($0.83) | 15W ($1.31) |
Speed 2 (Medium) | 18.1W ($1.59) | 36W ($3.15) |
Speed 3 (High) | 34.5W ($3.02) | 49W ($4.29) |
When we sum up the costs of power use and replacement filters, we can easily conclude that the Levoit LV-PUR131 is much more affordable to maintain than the Blueair 211+.
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