Blueair recently released the Mini Max air purifier, which immediately reminded me of the popular Levoit Core Mini. Not only do they look very similar, but they also have identical dimensions.
Both feature well-optimized motors and interestingly, they both include the word “Mini” in their names.
The biggest difference is that the Levoit Core Mini has an aroma pad feature, allowing you to add essential oils to small pads, providing an additional way to freshen the air.
On the other hand, Blueair stands out with its washable pre-filter and built-in ionizer, known as HEPASilent technology.
Both devices are safe to use and CARB-certified. Although the Blueair model produces ozone, it remains far below the allowed values.
Levoit uses a three-stage filtration system, while Blueair employs a four-stage filtration system. However, neither device uses a high-quality carbon filter, which is why both showed somewhat weaker performance in neutralizing bad odors.
Keep reading and find out the differences between these two devices, their strengths and weaknesses, and, of course, which one is the better option to buy.
Our Verdict
When comparing two nearly identical devices like the Blueair Mini Max and the Levoit Core Mini, the small details usually determine the winner.
That’s the case here as well. These two air purifiers produced almost identical performance, with the Levoit being slightly quieter during operation. Both are also very affordable to maintain.
Although I personally prefer the design of the Blueair Mini Max and like its high-quality pre-filter, I must admit that the Levoit Core Mini produced slightly better results in our tests.
In terms of performance, the results were nearly identical, but the Levoit operates much more quietly, consumes less electricity, is more affordable, features an aroma pad, and doesn’t produce ozone.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below the article.
Specs: Blueair Mini Max Vs Levoit Core Mini
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Blueair | Levoit |
| Model | Mini Max | Core Mini |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches (29 x 17.2 x 15 cm) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 2.8 lb (1.3 kg) | 2.2 lb (1 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 60 CFM (102 m³/h) | 46 CFM (78 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. | 93 sq. ft. (9 m²) | 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.6 - Average Score (66 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (1 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, and Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | about 6 months | 4-6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 66 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 10W | 7W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9.1 - Average Score (66 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 8 - 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, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 31 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 19 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 19 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Child Lock | Aroma Pad |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.4 – 60.3 dBA | 41.8 – 53.6 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (66 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 Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Portable Use | Low Energy Cost Portable Use Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Blueair Mini Max | Levoit Core Mini |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
Regarding performance, the first thing I want to compare is the CADR of these two devices. The Blueair Mini Max has a CADR of 60 CFM (102 m³/h), while the Levoit Core Mini has a CADR of 46 CFM (78 m³/h).
A higher CADR typically means larger room coverage and higher airflow, which is why I initially expected the Blueair Mini Max to perform significantly better in this test than the Levoit.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Blueair Mini Max Vs Levoit Core Mini in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
However, that wasn’t the case. In the first test, performed in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, we ran both air purifiers at their maximum speeds for 60 minutes. The Levoit Core Mini improved the air quality by 91%, while the Blueair Mini Max improved it by 92%, just slightly better.
In the second test, in a larger 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room—exceeding the recommended size for both devices—they delivered identical results, each improving air quality by 89%.
Overall, we could say this battle ended in a draw, although the Blueair achieved a slightly better result.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
As I’ve mentioned several times in this comparison, these two devices are almost identical, including the number of fan speeds, with both offering three.
However, despite having the same number of speeds, similar motor power, and similar CADR, the difference in noise levels is noticeable.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Blueair Mini Max Vs Levoit Core Mini air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core Mini produces a noise level of 41.8 dBA, while the Blueair Mini Max produces 40.4 dBA.
On the second and third speeds, the difference becomes more evident. At the third (maximum) speed, the Levoit Core Mini produces a noise level of 53.6 dBA, while the Blueair Mini Max reaches 60.3 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Blueair Mini Max (dBA) | Levoit Core Mini (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.4 dBA | 41.8 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 49.5 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 60.3 dBA | 53.6 dBA |
Overall, as shown in the presented chart, the Blueair is generally a bit louder than the Levoit, especially at maximum speed, where, in my opinion, it’s much louder than it should be for a device of this size.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The Levoit Core Mini uses a 7W motor, while the Blueair Mini Max uses a 10W motor, making these two air purifiers among the lowest energy consumers of all the devices we’ve tested so far.
This well-optimized motor in both devices means that if you were to use either of them 24 hours a day, at maximum speed, for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by about $0.63 in the case of the Levoit, and around $0.68 for the Blueair.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Blueair Mini Max Vs Levoit Core Mini air purifiers at all fan speeds.
This is a very small expense that I’m sure most of you won’t even notice, especially considering that this cost assumes the device is running continuously at maximum speed, which in most cases won’t be necessary.
In addition to this, there’s the cost of replacement filters, which last around six months on average for both devices, though the replacement filter for the Levoit is slightly more expensive.
| Fan Speed | Blueair Mini Max (W + $/month) | Levoit Core Mini (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.2W ($0.02) | 0W ($0) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 0.9W ($0.08) | 1W ($0.09) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 2.7W ($0.24) | 2.8W ($0.25) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 7.7W ($0.68) | 7.2W ($0.63) |
After analyzing all the costs and test results, we can say that the Blueair Mini Max is slightly better optimized and more cost-effective to maintain on an annual basis than the Levoit Core Mini.
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