Blueair is truly proactive when it comes to releasing new models, especially when speaking of the Blue Pure series.
Since I recently tested the Blueair 511i Max, I’ll compare it in detail with the Levoit Vital 100S in this article.
Both devices are compact and designed for small rooms, with the main differences being their design and built-in features.
The Blueair 511i Max is a minimalist air purifier, but it includes a built-in air quality sensor and auto mode. On the other hand, the Levoit Vital 100S is slightly more advanced, offering a range of smart features that improve the overall user experience.
It’s worth highlighting that both models are compatible with excellent smart apps, which not only enable remote and smart control but also unlock additional features and provide a detailed, accurate overview of current air quality.
Our Verdict
One thing is certain: both the Blueair 511i Max and the Levoit Vital 100S are top-notch compact air purifiers, and whichever one you choose, I’m sure you won’t go wrong.
However, I would give a slight edge to the Levoit Vital 100S.
It delivered better performance, uses a much better activated carbon filter, has a higher-quality pre-filter, and features a more advanced and powerful smart app.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment below.
Specs: Blueair 511i Max Vs Levoit Vital 100S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Blueair | Levoit |
| Model | 511i Max | Vital 100S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.6 x 10.6 x 18.9 inches (26.9 x 26.9 x 48 cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 2.84 lb (1.29 kg) | 7 lb (3.2 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 152 CFM (258 m³/h) | 141 CFM (240 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. | 236 sq. ft. (22 m²) | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (80 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, Activated Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent | Washable Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 9 months | 9-12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 80 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 20W | 35W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (80 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 | 4 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Washable Pre-filter | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.1 – 61.6 dBA | 40.5 – 65.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (80 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 | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Blueair 511i Max | Levoit Vital 100S |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
What I like about these two air purifiers, and what makes this test much easier, is that they cover almost identical room sizes.
The Blueair 511i Max has a CADR of 152 CFM (258 m³/h), meaning it’s suitable for rooms up to 236 sq. ft. (22 m²).
On the other hand, the Levoit Vital 100S covers rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
Taking their coverage into account, we tested both air purifiers in two different rooms to determine which performs better in real-life conditions. Each device ran for 60 minutes at maximum speed.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Blueair 511i Max and Levoit Vital 100S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Blueair 511i Max improved air quality by 92%, while the Levoit Vital 100S achieved a 95% improvement.
In the second test, which is performed in a much larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, the Blueair 511i Max improved air quality by 90%, while the Levoit Vital 100S achieved 94%.
Although both devices delivered outstanding results, the Levoit Vital 100S is the clear winner. It also performed better at neutralizing unpleasant odors, likely due to its superior activated carbon filter.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Regarding noise levels, the first thing to note is that the Levoit Vital 100S has five fan speeds, while the Blueair 511i Max has four.
Both air purifiers also feature auto mode, which means they’re equipped with built-in air quality sensors.
We measured their noise levels at each speed using a specialized sound level meter.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Blueair 511i Max and Levoit Vital 100S air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Blueair 511i Max produced 40.1 dBA, while the Levoit Vital 100S measured slightly higher at 40.5 dBA.
At maximum speed, the Levoit was noticeably louder, reaching 65.4 dBA, compared to 61.6 dBA from the Blueair 511i Max.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (dBA) | Levoit Vital 100S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.1 dBA | 40.5 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.3 dBA | 42.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.1 dBA | 51.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 61.6 dBA | 58.7 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 65.4 dBA |
Although the noise levels vary across speeds, I ranked them equally. That’s mainly because the Blueair 511i Max occasionally makes a strange noise at maximum speed, though not consistently.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Frankly, I’ve gotten used to the smaller air purifiers in the Blue Pure series having no more than 10W of power. However, the Blueair 511i Max uses a 20W motor, which is still very efficient.
For comparison, the Levoit Vital 100S uses a 35W motor, yet it has a slightly lower CADR than the Blueair.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Blueair 511i Max and Levoit Vital 100S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by about $2.66 for the Levoit and about $1.56 for the Blueair.
On top of that, there’s the cost of replacement filters. According to the manufacturers, Levoit’s filters tend to last a bit longer.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (W + $/month) | Levoit Vital 100S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.6W ($0.05) | 1.5W ($0.13) |
| Sleep Mode | 1.9W ($0.17) | 3.2W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 2.5W ($0.22) | 6.5W ($0.57) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 4.7W ($0.41) | 10.5W ($0.92) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 17.8W ($1.56) | 17.6W ($1.54) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 30.3W ($2.66) |
However, even with slightly longer-lasting filters, the Levoit isn’t more affordable to maintain. It’s hard to beat such low power consumption of the Blueair 511i Max.
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