Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 300 – Hands-on Comparison!

I measured the strengths of two totally different air purifiers: the Coway AP-1512HH and the Levoit Core 300, to determine which one is a better option.

At first glance, the Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 might look like oversized Bluetooth speakers. But these aren’t party accessories. They’re air purifiers designed to clean the air you breathe, and while they do the same thing, they’re actually quite different devices. Let me break down what sets them apart.

The Levoit Core 300 comes from a popular brand and features a simple, compact design. Weighing just 7.5 lb, it covers up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) and is ready to work straight out of the box.

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Vs Levoit Core 300 - Comparison
The Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 – Side by Side. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

If the Coway AP-1512HH has caught your eye, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Beyond its neat, elegant design, this air purifier is packed with features that earned it the “Mighty” nickname. I’m talking about essentials like an air quality sensor, auto mode, and eco mode. It covers the larger rooms of up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²).

And if you’re torn between their aesthetics, both models are available in black and white versions. Levoit backs the Core 300 with a 2-year warranty, while Coway offers 3 years on the AP-1512HH.

Our Verdict

Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 300 - Hands-on Comparison
Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

After testing both purifiers extensively, my initial instinct proved correct.

The moment I saw the features the Coway AP-1512HH offers, I thought it would outperform the Levoit Core 300, and the tests confirmed it.

Features like the air quality sensor, Eco Mode, and Auto Mode are just some of the reasons why I believe the Coway AP-1512HH is the better choice, making it the winner of this comparison.

However, if your space is too small for a purifier like the Coway, don’t hesitate to go with the Levoit Core 300. It’s a solid performer that won’t disappoint you in smaller rooms.

Whichever you choose, one thing is certain: cleaner air means better health for you and your family.

Coway AP-1512HH – $229.99 $154.99 at Amazon
Price as of 5:00 AM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Video Comparison

Specs: Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 300

Product ImageCoway AP-1512HH33% offLevoit Core 30015% off
ManufacturerCowayLevoit
ModelAP-1512HHCore 300
Dimensions (inches / cm)16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm)8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)12.8 lb (5.8 kg)7.5 lb (3.4kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)233 CFM (396 mÂł/h)141 CFM (240 mÂł/h)
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 361 sq. ft. (33 m²)219 sq. ft. (20 m²)
Performance Ratings
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and IonizerPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Replacement IndicatorYesYes
Filter Lifeup to 12 months6-8 months
Power Consumption 77W45W
Operating Costs Ratings
Number of Fan Speeds3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 34 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3
Air Quality Sensor YesNo
Air Quality IndicatorYesNo
Auto Mode YesNo
Smart App NoNo
Voice Control NoNo
Other FeaturesIonizerTimerDisplay LockDisplay OffTimer
Noise Level (low – high)41.4 – 63.5 dBA40.7 – 64.9 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Pets
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Dust
Bedrooms
Small Spaces
Dust
Allergies
Children's Rooms
Warranty3-year2-year
In-Depth ReviewCoway AP-1512HHLevoit Core 300
Price
Prices as of 5:00 AM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Performance Test – Comparison

The thing is that these two air purifiers cover rooms of different sizes, but we managed to test their performance in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m2), which is slightly smaller than the recommended size for the Coway, but also slightly larger than recommended for the Levoit.

Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 300 - Performance Test
I used a laser particle meter when testing these air purifiers’ performance. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Still, they both managed to improve the air quality by over 90%.

Particle Removal Tests - Comparison

We placed the Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.

In just 60 minutes, while working at the maximum speed, the Levoit Core 300 improved air quality by 92%, while the Coway AP-1512HH improved air quality by 96%.

We measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter, and the result here is more or less clear: the Coway AP-1512HH performed better in our airborne particle removal tests.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

Besides the airborne particle removal tests, we also placed these two air purifiers in our smoke removal test.

We placed them in a glass box, filled it with the smoke, and measured how much time was needed for both to remove all the smoke from the box.

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Vs Levoit Core 300 - Smoke Test
Find out which one cleaned all the smoke from the smoke box faster. Photo (GIF): Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Coway AP-1512HH removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 18 seconds, while the Levoit Core 300 needed approximately 20 seconds.

The conclusion: the Coway was better in our smoke test.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

Both purifiers have 3 fan speed levels, though the Levoit Core 300 has a dedicated sleep mode. At their lowest settings, both models run quietly and produce smooth, pleasant white noise without any rattling or crackling.

Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 300 - Noise Test
I tested noise levels at all speeds with a special noise measurement tool. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Coway AP-1512HH produces a sound of just 41.4 dBA, while the Core 300 is even quieter, producing 40.7 dBA.

Noise Levels - Comparison

Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 air purifiers.

At the maximum speed, the Levoit Core 300 produces 64.9 dBA, while the Coway produces 63.5 dBA.

Fan Speed Levoit Core 300 (dBA)Coway AP-1512HH (dBA)
Sleep Mode40.7 dBA-
Speed 1 (Low)46.4 dBA41.4 dBA
Speed 2 (Medium)52.9 dBA44.6 dBA
Speed 3 (High)64.9 dBA63.5 dBA

However, the thing is that the Coway has a much better Noise-to-CADR ratio, making it overall a much better optimized air purifier for noise.

Operating Costs – Comparison

The “Mighty” nickname isn’t just for show. The Coway AP-1512HH runs on a powerful 77W motor, which translates to about $6.05 per month if you leave it running continuously at the maximum speed. That’s a high operating cost, especially when you factor in the price of replacement filters.

Levoit Core 300 and Coway AP-1512HH - motors comparison
This image shows the size difference between the motors of these two air purifiers. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

What’s particularly interesting is the energy consumption difference between speeds. Running the Coway on Speed 3 uses approximately 9 times more energy than Speed 2. While that might sound extreme, Speed 3 delivers noticeably better airflow when you need it. The good news is you can use Eco Mode to automatically optimize energy consumption and keep costs down.

Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison

Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 air purifiers at all fan speeds.

However, the Levoit Core 300 has a clear advantage when it comes to operating costs. Its 45W motor costs only $3.80 per month to run continuously.

Fan Speed Levoit Core 300 (W + $/month)Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month)
Standby0.8W ($0.07)0.2W ($0.01)
Speed 1 (Low)29.4W ($2.58)3.6W ($0.31)
Speed 2 (Medium)31.4W ($2.75)8.1W ($0.71)
Speed 3 (High)43.5W ($3.81)69.1W ($6.05)

Combined with its lower initial price and cheaper annual maintenance, the Levoit is the more budget-friendly option overall.

Features Overview

In spite of how it may seem at first, these two purifiers actually do share a lot of features. One of the most useful features is surely the Filter Reset Indicator, which lights up to inform you that you should replace the filter. The difference is that while Levoit has only one indicator, Coway has two of them. One shows the replacement time of the True HEPA filter and the other of the Carbon filter. 

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Vs Levoit Core 300 - Control Buttons
Levoit and Coway have the controls and indicators on the top. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

With its numerous extra features, the Coway AP-1512HH promises to deliver one more, it will seamlessly fit into your lifestyle. On the other hand, Levoit Core 300 ensures less power consumption while providing lower costs of purchase and maintenance. 

I will be giving you a detailed comparison of other features in further lines.

Air Quality Sensor

As the title itself already says, Coway Mighty uses a very sophisticated and precise smart sensor, able to detect only particles in the air, but not the odors. The sensor can be easily adjusted to three levels, thus completely coherent with your needs. 

The air quality sensor on the Coway AP-1512HH
Coway AP-1512HH’s air quality sensor in detail. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Air Quality Sensor has been programmed to collect data in real-time. Based on that data, the Air Quality Indicator, placed in the top right corner of the Coway purifier, lights up in different colors depending on the detected air quality. 

Air Quality Sensor is something that Levoit Core 300 doesn’t have. But that shouldn’t discourage you since its successor Levoit Core 300s, has this and many more other features that could easily stand up to Coway AP-1512HH

Auto Mode and ECO Mode

Do you remember that color-switching I mentioned while talking about Air Quality Indicator? Well, putting Coway AP-1512HH into Auto Mode means the purifier will change in a way that depends on the air quality. For instance, if the air quality is satisfying, the purifier will automatically be switched to Speed 1. On the other hand, if the air is extremely polluted, the purifier will speed up to the 3rd level.

Speaking of ECO Mode, I think of it as an advanced version of Auto Mode. Basically, they do work and are used for the same purposes, but ECO Mode differs because it kind of saves resources by keeping the appliance OFF when necessary. That means it will put the Coway purifier into standby mode if the quality of air was satisfying for the last 30 minutes. The minute it estimates that the air is polluted more than allowed, it turns the purifier ON. 

Levoit Core 300 is missing both of these options. 

Vital Ion System

Another feature that the Levoit Core 300 is missing is Ionizer, which Coway Mighty uses as an extra filtration stage. What this bipolar Ionizer produces is actually an electrochemical response that reduces air particles, but the thing I really like is that Coway keeps the Ionizer OFF, letting you decide whether you want to turn it ON. 

Coway AP-1512HH has a CARB certificate making it safe for use without fear of creating prohibited amounts of ozone. 

Timer

Neither of these two appliances has some sort of advanced smart app control available for the end-user, but the good thing is they both have a Timer option. This option can be used in order to set the time when the purifier shuts down. The timer that Coway AP-1512HH has can be set to 1h, 4h, or 8h, while Levoit Core 300 can adjust its timer to 2h, 4h, 6h, and 8h. 

Sleep Mode

Unlike Levoit, which has Sleep Mode, Coway doesn’t have this option. I think this is a great feature and here is why. If you turn on Sleep Mode, the purifier will not only be more silent, but it will put to the minimum all of the lights that come out of the appliance. This way, the purifier can easily be placed in your bedroom during the night, without getting distracted.  

Airflow

As far as the airflow goes, it mostly depends on the shape of the purifier. You’ve already noticed the square shape of the Coway AP-1512HH. This purifier has its filters taking the major part of the surface and the way it works is that the polluted air enters the purifier from up to five sides: frontally, both left and right side, downside, and centrally. The air is being filtrated and released through the upper side of the purifier. 

Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 on the office desk - side by side
The Coway AP-1512HH and Levoit Core 300 positioned side by side on an office desk for comparison. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Meanwhile, the Levoit Core 300 is roundly designed in a way that the air is being suctioned from the bottom part of the purifier, then goes through the filtration process, and is finally released into the room through bars on top. 

Warranty

I’ve already mentioned the warranty feature in this article, but let me be more specific. If you buy Levoit Core 300, you will receive a 1-year warranty with an extra year of coverage if you register on their website straight upon purchase. So, it’s totally of two years of warranty. But if you buy Coway AP-1512HH, you will be generously given a 3 years warranty.

Levoit LV-PUR131 Vs Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Levoit Vista 200 Vs Levoit Core 300 Xiaomi Mi 3h Vs Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Related comparisons

Filtration Technology

I’ll start by saying that both appliances have a three-stage filtration, but they do vary. 

If you’ve seen any of my previous reviews on Levoit products, it will be no news to you that this Core 300 version also uses a 3-in-1 filtration system, with a bit smaller cylindrical filter that is hollow on the inside. Stages of filtration are simply divided into pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and Activated Carbon Filter.

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Vs Levoit Core 300 - Filtration Technology
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Vs Levoit Core 300 – Filtration technology comparison. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Coway Mighty uses the pre-filter at first, which is washable by the way, making it easier to clean the purifier. The second stage belongs to the Carbon filter, with the True HEPA filter as the third stage of filtration.

What I would strongly recommend is for you to clean the pre-filters at least once a month, and trust me, it will extend the performance and durability of the True HEPA filter, which is pretty important, let us agree. 

How To Replace Filters on These Air Purifiers?

If you maintain your Coway AP-1512HH the right way, by washing its pre-filter regularly, you can most definitely rely on its durability for up to 12 months

On the other hand, given the fact that Levoit Core 300 does not have an option to wash its pre-filter, you can expect the filter to be ready for replacement in around 6-8 months

How to replace Coway AP-1512HH Mighty filters? How to replace Levoit Core 300 filter? Filter replacement

6 responses to “Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 300 – Hands-on Comparison!”

  1. Michael

    For the price of a Coway you can get two Levoit units. That’s important, because studies have shown more purifiers in small spaces work better than one large capacity purifier in a main room.

  2. Patrick Jr.

    This is exactly the review I needed! Your efforts show… thank you!

    • Milan Antonic

      I’m glad it helped! Feel free to ask if you have additional questions. Thanks!

  3. Elizabeth Allen

    Thanks and yes i have washed blanket. Also have new bed and storage bed frame and new sheets. The dust also shows up in my kitchen on my all black stove and all black fridge doors. Its awful. I saw that apartments get really dusty but this is too much for me. I will look into and try out your ideas. Thank you very much for taking the time out to message back.

  4. Elizabeth

    I live in a one bedroom apartment its about 730sq ft i think. I have swept my all wood like floor apartment repeatedly and dust just continues to show up within minutes of sweeping. In my bedroom i can move my hand and see dust in the air no matter where im at in my room as long as the sun is shining through the blinds. I have very bad allergies and cant even sleep in the room because all the dust gets all over my new bed and sheets. I sleep in the living room which is better. I need help on how to get the dust out of my apartment. Tempted to mop walls ceilings and floors but thought maybe you could help me figure out which air purifier would pull the dust from the air the best or there is something else i should be doing. Please help. Thank you.

    • Milan Antonic

      Have you tried changing your blanket? It could be the reason for having that much dust.

      If the problem is that big, then try all the things you can. That means, use an air purifier, mopping floors regularly, etc.

      An air purifier will definitely help and will reduce dust without a doubt. The one I can suggest for that size room would be the Blueair 211+, as it has the most powerful airflow of all the air purifiers I have tested till now. The Alen BreatheSmart FLEX would also be a good choice.

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