The GermGuardian AC4825 was one of the top-selling air purifiers until brands like Levoit entered the market. In this comparison, I’ll be evaluating the Levoit Core Mini and the GermGuardian AC4825 air purifiers. While these two devices are quite different, I noticed that many people are interested in comparing them, so here we are.
Both of these air purifiers are minimalistic in design, offering no special features but being extremely simple to use.
The Levoit Core Mini is a small air purifier designed for rooms up to 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²). It lacks advanced features but includes a filter reset indicator and an aroma pad.
On the other hand, the GermGuardian AC4825 covers larger rooms, up to 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²), making it more powerful than the Levoit. Like the Levoit, the GermGuardian AC4825 doesn’t have any advanced features but does come with a filter reset indicator.
When it comes to filtration technology, the GermGuardian AC4825 uses a three-stage filtration system, which includes a Pre/Charcoal Filter, True HEPA Filter, and UV-C Light. The Levoit also uses a three-stage filtration system, consisting of a Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter.
We performed several tests on these two air purifiers, compared their specifications, and analyzed their performance to determine the better buying option.
Our Verdict
As you’ve probably noticed, the GermGuardian AC4825 is a much more powerful air purifier. It’s larger, takes up more space, and would be ideal for a living room, office, kitchen, or similarly sized rooms.
On the other hand, the Levoit Core Mini is better suited for smaller spaces like a desk, office desk, or nightstand.
After analyzing all the specifications, performance test results, noise levels, operating costs, and other characteristics of these two air purifiers, I pick the GermGuardian AC4825 as the winner in this comparison.
It delivered much better results in performance tests, features a UV-C light as part of its filtration technology, and uses a True HEPA filter, which the Levoit doesn’t. These factors make the GermGuardian AC4825 a much better buying option than the Levoit Core Mini.
I would only recommend the Levoit if you plan to use it in a bedroom or other small space. Additionally, you might want to consider the Levoit Core 300S, which is more powerful than either of these models but still reasonably priced.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please feel free to use the comment box below the article.
Specs: GermGuardian AC4825(E) Vs Levoit Core Mini
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Guardian Technologies | Levoit |
| Model | AC4825(E) | Core Mini |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9 x 5.5 x 22 inches (22.9 x 14 x 55.9 cm) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 8.5 lb (3.86 kg) | 2.2 lb (1 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 99 CFM (168 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. | 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²) | 72 sq. ft. (6.7 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 | Pre/Charcoal Filter Combo, True HEPA Filter, and UV-C Light | Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 6 months (HEPA) | 4-6 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. | 55W | 7W |
| 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 – Low, Medium, and High | 3 – 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 | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 34 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| 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 | UV-C Light | Aroma Pad |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 46.7 – 54.2 dBA | 41.8 – 53.6 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 | Small Spaces Mold | Low Energy Cost Portable Use Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Guardian Technologies AC4825(E) | Levoit Core Mini |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
When it comes to performance, I was genuinely surprised by the results.
What surprised me the most was that the Levoit Core Mini, despite being a very small device, performed much better than I expected.
Before diving into the test results, it’s important to note that the Levoit Core Mini is designed for rooms up to 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²), while the GermGuardian AC4825 is suitable for rooms up to 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Levoit Core Mini in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Although we tested these two air purifiers in several different rooms, I want to highlight the tests performed in a room measuring 194 sq. ft. (18 m²). In this space, at a maximum speed over 60 minutes, the Levoit Core Mini improved air quality by an impressive 89%, while the GermGuardian AC4825 improved air quality by about 92%.
In essence, the GermGuardian is a much larger, more powerful, and more efficient air purifier, so I honestly expected it to outperform the Levoit. However, I must say that the Levoit Core Mini exceeded my expectations and positively surprised me, even though the GermGuardian was better.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The GermGuardian AC4825 is more than twice the size of the Levoit Core Mini, is significantly stronger, uses a larger filter, and has a higher CADR. Given this, I expected it to perform better in the smoke test.
The GermGuardian cleared all the smoke from the glass box in just 38 seconds, while it took the Levoit a surprising 74 seconds.
However, neither of these devices excels at neutralizing bad odors, VOCs, and similar pollutants, although the GermGuardian is still a slightly better choice in those situations.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Both of these devices have three fan speeds. Neither has a sleep mode, but the Levoit Core Mini is well-optimized at the lowest speed.
At its lowest speed, the Levoit Core Mini produces only 41.8 dBA, while the GermGuardian AC4825 is much louder at 46.7 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Levoit Core Mini air purifiers.
However, at their maximum speeds, the noise levels are almost identical. The Levoit Core Mini produces 53.6 dBA, while the GermGuardian produces 54.2 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (dBA) | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.8 dBA | 46.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 46.5 dBA | 50.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 53.6 dBA | 54.2 dBA |
In my opinion, both devices could benefit from additional fan speeds or at least a sleep mode, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Levoit’s motor is much better optimized and quieter than the GermGuardian’s.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When comparing the motor power and energy consumption of these two air purifiers, simply take a look at the chart below, and everything will become clear.
The Levoit Core Mini is several times more energy-efficient than the GermGuardian, which isn’t surprising considering it uses a motor with just 7W of power—almost eight times less than the 55W motor of the GermGuardian.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Levoit Core Mini air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to use both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, the Levoit Core Mini would cost you about $0.63, while the GermGuardian would cost around $3.42.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (W + $/month) | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0W ($0) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 1W ($0.09) | 30.8W ($2.7) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 2.8W ($0.25) | 34.8W ($3.05) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 7.2W ($0.63) | 39W ($3.42) |
When you factor in the price of replacement filters, which are more expensive for the GermGuardian, as well as the cost of the UV-C light, it’s easy to conclude that the GermGuardian AC4825 is much more expensive to maintain annually compared to the Levoit Core Mini.
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