This will be a slightly more unusual comparison, mainly because I’m comparing two devices that use completely different filtration technologies.
The Honeywell Air Genius 5 uses a washable filter, which, according to the manufacturer, never needs replacing. But, it’s slightly less effective than the filter used by Levoit.
The Levoit Core 400S, on the other hand, uses a three-stage filtration technology. Its filter isn’t washable and typically needs to be replaced once a year.
In addition to having a slightly higher-quality filter, the Levoit also offers far more advanced features and, frankly, looks much more modern.
Keep reading to find out which of these two devices performs better in our tests and which one is my top recommendation and the winner of this comparison.
Our Verdict
After considering all the key factors, the decision is that the Levoit Core 400S is a much better buying option.
Although it doesn’t have a washable filter, it’s easy to maintain, works very quietly, and—most importantly—delivered significantly better performance results in our tests compared to the Honeywell Air Genius 5.
If you have any unanswered questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment in the section below the article.
Specs: Honeywell Air Genius 5 Vs Levoit Core 400S
| Product Image |  |  21% off |
| Manufacturer | Honeywell | Levoit |
| Model | Air Genius 5 | Core 400S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.97 x 9.92 x 26.81 inches (25.3 x 25.2 x 68 cm) | 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches (27.4 x 27.4 x 52 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 13.05 lb (5.91 kg) | 10.5 Ib (4.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 161 CFM (274 mÂł/h) | 260 CFM (442 mÂł/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. | 250 sq. ft. (23 m²) | 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (91 products) 9.9 - Best Score (1 products) 1 - 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 | Pre-filter and ifD Particle Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | Lifetime | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 91 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 58W | 38W (24W European Model) |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (91 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 | 5 - Sleep, Germs, General, Allergen, and Max | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 44 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 45 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Night LightOscillation | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 45.2 – 51.1 dBA | 42.1 – 59.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (91 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 Allergies Dust Long Filter Life | Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration Air Quality Monitoring |
| Warranty | 5-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Honeywell Air Genius 5 | Levoit Core 400S |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
Before diving into the detailed performance comparison, I’d like to point out that the Levoit Core 400S is designed for rooms up to 403 sq. ft. (37 m²), while the Honeywell Air Genius 5 is suitable for rooms up to 250 sq. ft. (23 m²).
I tested both models in spaces suitable for their coverage, but for the purpose of this comparison, I believe it’s best to focus on the results from slightly smaller rooms than recommended for either device.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Honeywell Air Genius 5 and Levoit Core 400S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Honeywell Air Genius 5 improved air quality by about 89%, whereas the Levoit Core 400S improved air quality by around 96% in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.
It’s clear that the Levoit performed significantly better in the airborne particle removal test and also showed slightly better results in neutralizing bad odors.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Interestingly, both air purifiers come with five fan speeds. However, only the Levoit features an auto mode option.
We tested their noise levels at all speeds using a professional noise measurement tool that measures noise on the dBA scale.
At the lowest speed, the Honeywell Air Genius 5 produces a noise level of 45.2 dBA, while the Levoit Core 400S was slightly quieter at 42.1 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Honeywell Air Genius 5 and Levoit Core 400S air purifiers.
However, the Honeywell was better optimized at maximum speed, producing just 51.1 dBA, compared to the Levoit Core 400S, which produces 59.9 dBA.
Overall, even though the Honeywell performed slightly better in this test, its motor noise felt a bit odd, and the Levoit has a more pleasant sound that is less intrusive during use.
| Fan Speed | Honeywell Air Genius 5 (dBA) | Levoit Core 400S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 45.2 dBA | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.8 dBA | 43.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 48.5 dBA | 47.8 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.5 dBA | 55.4 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 51.1 dBA | 59.9 dBA |
So, if noise is the deciding factor, I’d prefer the Levoit Core 400S.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to power consumption and motor strength, I have to say that the Levoit is much better optimized—primarily because it’s a newer and more modern air purifier.
The Levoit Core 400S uses a 38W motor, while the Honeywell Air Genius 5 is equipped with a 58W motor.
This means that if you ran both devices 24 hours a day for a full month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.06 for the Levoit and around $3.16 for the Honeywell.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Honeywell Air Genius 5 and Levoit Core 400S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In addition, there’s the cost of replacement filters. Levoit’s filters need to be replaced regularly, making them more expensive, whereas the Honeywell uses a permanent filter.
| Fan Speed | Honeywell Air Genius 5 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 400S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.2W ($0.02) | 0.9W ($0.07) |
| Sleep Mode | 17.4W ($1.53) | 3.3W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 17.8W ($1.56) | 5.8W ($0.5) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 19.5W ($1.71) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 24W ($2.1) | 16.1W ($1.41) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 36.1W ($3.16) | 35W ($3.06) |
However, due to the Honeywell’s higher power consumption and the fact that its filter is difficult to clean—especially after exposure to smoke or similar particles, meaning it may still require eventual replacement—I’d say the Levoit Core 400S is slightly more affordable to maintain on a yearly basis.
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