The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and the Levoit Vital 100S are two budget air purifiers, but they have completely different characteristics.
On one hand, there’s the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, a minimalist air purifier with no advanced features, designed for rooms up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m²).
On the other hand, the Levoit Vital 100S covers larger spaces of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), offers far more features, and includes an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and even smart app support.
Both devices use three-stage filtration technology. However, it’s important to note that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG doesn’t include an activated carbon filter, you’ll need to purchase it separately.
Our Verdict
Things are pretty clear here: the Levoit Vital 100S delivered much better performance, uses higher-quality filters, has more features, and has a more efficient motor.
On top of that, it has a higher CADR and covers larger rooms than IKEA.
These are the key reasons I chose the Levoit Vital 100S as the winner in this comparison.
However, I wouldn’t call the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG a bad option, it might still be worth considering if you’re on a very tight budget.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave a comment below the article.
Specs: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Levoit Vital 100S
| Product Image |  |  14% off |
| Manufacturer | IKEA | Levoit |
| Model | FÖRNUFTIG | Vital 100S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46.1 x 31 x 10.9 cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.84 lb (3.56 kg) | 7 lb (3.2 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 70 CFM (130 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. | 108 sq. ft. (10 m²) | 219 sq. ft. (20 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, HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter | Washable Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 4-6 months | 9-12 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. | 19W | 35W |
| 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 | 3 – 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 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 | Smart Plug | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.2 – 58.2 dBA | 40.5 – 65.4 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 | Bedrooms Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Quiet Operation | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | No (US) | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG | Levoit Vital 100S |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
We tested these two air purifiers in several different rooms, but for this comparison, I believe the test in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room is the most relevant.
As mentioned earlier, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has significantly lower room coverage than the Levoit. Its CADR is 70 CFM (130 m³/h), while the Levoit Vital 100S has a CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and Levoit Vital 100S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
This means the Levoit is roughly twice as powerful as the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG.
In our tests, the IKEA improved air quality by 89%, while the Levoit achieved an impressive 95%.
As expected, the Levoit delivered much better results and stands out as the better buying option compared to the IKEA air purifier.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
In addition to airborne particle removal tests, we also conducted a smoke test to see which air purifier could clear all the smoke from a glass box faster.
It’s worth noting that for this test, we put the activated carbon filter in the IKEA air purifier.
Even so, the IKEA took about 44 seconds to remove all the smoke, while the Levoit Vital 100S managed to do it in just 20 seconds.
This is yet another test where the Levoit demonstrated superior performance.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing to compare here is the number of fan speeds: the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has three, while the Levoit Vital 100S offers five.
We measured their noise levels at all speeds and compared the results.
At lower speeds, the Levoit is better optimized, producing just 40.5 dBA compared to the IKEA’s 42.2 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and Levoit Vital 100S air purifiers.
However, at maximum speed, the IKEA is quieter, generating 58.2 dBA, while the Levoit reaches 65.4 dBA.
It’s important to note that the Levoit has a much higher CADR, which likely explains its louder noise at the highest setting.
| Fan Speed | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (dBA) | Levoit Vital 100S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 40.5 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.2 dBA | 42.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 49.3 dBA | 51.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 58.2 dBA | 58.7 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 65.4 dBA |
If we looked only at these noise measurements, we might conclude that the IKEA is better optimized for sound.
However, noise levels aren’t the only factor to consider. When you account for the Levoit’s higher CADR and its performance across all fan speeds, I’d consider the Vital 100S the better-optimized device overall when it comes to noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to operating costs, the IKEA uses a more energy-efficient motor rated at just 19W.
By comparison, the Levoit Vital 100S has a 35W motor.
If you were to run both devices 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $2.66 for the Levoit and about $1.16 for the IKEA.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and Levoit Vital 100S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
However, replacement filter costs are notably higher for the IKEA, especially if you include the activated carbon filter in the price.
On top of that, the Levoit Vital 100S’s filters last longer, and its pre-filter doesn’t need to be replaced, it simply requires periodic cleaning.
| Fan Speed | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (W + $/month) | Levoit Vital 100S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 1.5W ($0.13) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.2W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 1.2W ($0.11) | 6.5W ($0.57) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 5.5W ($0.48) | 10.5W ($0.92) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 13.2W ($1.16) | 17.6W ($1.54) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 30.3W ($2.66) |
All things considered, I’d say the Levoit Vital 100S is more cost-efficient overall than the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG.
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