Levoit is a company that releases new air purifiers almost every few months, the one I have tested lately is the Levoit Core 200S. In this article, I will compare their new model with one of the best-selling Levoit air purifiers, the Core 300.
Has Levoit improved the Core series with models such as Core 200S, and whether those improvements are enough to beat an air purifier such as the Core 300 is? I will give answers to these questions in the following article.
Table of Contents
The Core 300 is currently available in white or black, as well as the Core 200S. There is not that much difference when speaking of built quality, as they are both well-built air purifiers with good-quality plastic. Besides, they are cylindrical and look almost the same.
In this comparison, I will analyze new features implemented in the Levoit Core 200S and compare them with the Core 300 model. Besides, I will compare the filtration technology, performance, noise, and operating costs. In the end, I will declare the winner and the one I would suggest buying.
Specifications
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| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Core 200S | Core 300 |
| Dimensions | 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.6 inches (20,5 x 20,5 x 32 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) |
| Room Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 183 sq. ft. | 219 sq. ft. |
| Performance Ratings | ||
| Filtration Technology | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Longevity | 6-8 months | 6-8 months |
| Power | 37W | 45W |
| Operating Costs Ratings | ||
| Fan Speeds | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor | No | No |
| Smart App | Yes | No |
| Auto Mode | No | No |
| Display Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Display Off | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Levels | 42.1 – 53.9 dBA | 40.7 – 64.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings | ||
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 200S | Levoit Core 300 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Features Overview
If you took a closer look at these two air purifiers, you probably wouldn’t notice any difference as they are almost identical design-wise. But, it wouldn’t make sense to release a new, practically identical model if it hasn’t some improvements or at least new features.
Luckily, Levoit is great at innovating and improving their devices, so every new air purifier they release comes with at least one exciting feature. The Core 200S is maybe one of the cheapest air purifiers out there that has the possibility to connect with the smart app.
What else do these air purifiers have, what do they have similar, and which one is equipped with more exciting and useful features? You will find out answers to all these questions in the following sections.
Filter Reset Indicator
The filter reset indicator is a must-have feature that, luckily, they both have in common. Simply, this is a small led indicator located on the control panel that will light red when it is time to replace the old filter.
Having a feature like this one helps you not worry about how much time has passed since the last filter change.
VeSync Smart App
The Levoit enhanced the Levoit Core 200S air purifier with the possibility of connecting with the VeSync smart app. The Core 300 doesn’t have this option.
This opens many advanced options available only through the app, such as more detailed info on filter wear, advanced timer options, remote control, etc. The VeSync app is available for Android and iOS devices.
What you need to know about the VeSync is that it is not just an app for remote control. It is somehow a social network for people keen on a healthy lifestyle, so there is a community section in the app where you can share your opinions, ideas, images, and other similar stuff.
What is missing here is the air quality sensor, which would fit perfectly into this small air purifier and raise it to an entirely new level.
Sleep Mode and Night Light
Since the day I started reviewing air purifiers, I think I have used them in my bedroom. That is why, according to my criteria, sleep mode and night light are options without which an air purifier cannot be complete.
You probably assume I like these two devices and that I probably have used or still use them in my bedroom, mainly because they both have a sleep mode option.
What makes the Levoit Core 200S a bit more competitive is the night light which can be used as ambient light or as a replacement for the night lamp in your bedroom. Please keep in mind that you can use the night light even if the air purifier is turned off.
Display Lock
Display Lock is an option that allows you to lock the touch screen and thus prevent accidental switching of default commands.
This is very useful if you have small children and do not want them to press a button and disrupt the settings accidentally.
With the Core 200S, this option can be turned on remotely using the VeSync app.
Display Off
Display Off is another handy option that allows you to turn off all LED lights on the device.
This is very useful if you want to use the device in a bedroom, even more if any light bothers you and you want to turn it off.
This option is common to both devices.
Timer
A timer is a great option that allows you to set the time you want the air purifier to turn itself off.
The timer is available on both devices. On the Levoit Core 300, you can set the timer to 2h, 4h, 6h, or 8h, and after that time has passed, the device will turn off. With the Levoit Core 200S, you can set the timer to 2h, 4h, or 6h, while with the VeSync app, you have additional timer settings.
Warranty
Levoit offers the same warranty for all their products. That means the Levoit Core 300 and Core 200S come with a 2-year warranty.
Airflow
As I said at the beginning, these air purifiers are almost identical, which means they have similar construction and identical airflow as well.
They both draw air in at the bottom through the holes arranged on all the sides. The air is then filtered and exits through the openings on top.
Filtration Technology
Levoit hasn’t improved or changed the filtration technology on the new Core 200S model, which means they both use a standard Levoit’s three-stage filtration technology.
The filter on both is cylindrical, hollow through the middle, and consists of a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. The only difference in filters is in size, whereas the Core 300 filter is a bit bigger.
The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration, it is nylon mesh on both, and its purpose is to prevent large particles from accessing the True HEPA filter, and in that way, it prolongs the True HEPA filter’s life. The second stage of filtration is a True HEPA filter, while the last filtration stage is a carbon filter.
Levoit air purifiers don’t use an ionizer or any similar unhealthy filtration technology, so they are 100% ozone-free and safe to use. Also, they are CARB-certified.
Frankly, I’m delighted with the filter’s quality, especially after performing the performance test, where they showed outstanding efficiency and performance.
How to Replace Filters?
Since these air purifiers don’t use washable filters, you have to change old filters from time to time. That period is usually every 6 to 8 months for both.
Apart from changing filters, I suggest cleaning the pre-filter on both at least once per month, but twice per month would be ideal.
Please keep in mind that you don’t need to check filter wear manually, as they both have the filter reset indicator, which will let you know when to replace the filters.
If you feel awkward with changing filters, I wrote an in-depth how-to in individual reviews, which you can find on the links below.
Noise Test
I already said that I fancy it when an air purifier has a sleep mode, which is one reason I like these two. Apart from the sleep mode, they both have 3 more speeds, so you shouldn’t have any problems adapting speeds to your needs.
When performing the sound test, I use a special noise measurement tool to measure noise levels at all speeds. What’s great about these two is that they are very quiet on sleep mode and the first and second speeds.
The third speed is a bit problematic on the Levoit Core 300, as it produces a sound of 64.9 dBA at that speed, which is much louder than 53.9 dBA, which is the sound Levoit Core 200S produces at its max speed.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Levoit Core 200S | 42.1 – 53.9 dBA |
| Levoit Core 300 | 40.7 – 64.9 dBA |
Overall, if we compare noise levels at all speeds, the Levoit Core 200S is a quieter air purifier. Actually, the Core 200S is one of the quietest air purifiers I have tested so far, and that’s why I use it very often in my bedroom.
Performance Tests
When speaking about performance, this is where the legendary Levoit Core 300 showed its best and performed slightly better on all the tests.
Since I have performed only one test in the same room size, I will use that one as a reference point when deciding which one performed better.
194 sq. ft. Room Tests
In this test, in a room of 194 sq. ft. I tested both air purifiers for 60 minutes, working at the max speeds. Tests were separated, but the conditions were almost the same.
The Levoit Core 300 improved the air quality by about 93% in just 60 minutes, while the Levoit Core 200S performed slightly worse and improved the air quality by about 91%. Even though the difference is not too big, I must say that the Core 300 performed better and showed why it is such a popular and reliable air purifier.
194 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
Don’t get me wrong, they both made outstanding results, and I don’t have any objections to either.
Operating Costs
To be honest, I have expected that Levoit would improve power usage with new models, which is not the case with this one. Even though they lowered the power usage on the Core 200S, that’s not enough, in my opinion.
The Core 200S uses a motor of 37W, while the Core 300 uses a motor of 45W. So, if you left them working at the max speed, 24 hours daily, for one month, your electric bill would be increased by about $2.2 in the case of the Core 200S and by approximately $3.8 in the case of the Core 300.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Levoit Core 200S | 0.6 – 24.6W |
| Levoit Core 300 | 0.8 – 43.5W |
If we add the price for replacing filters in calculations, which is slightly higher for the Core 300, I must declare the Core 200S as a somewhat more affordable device for maintenance annually.
Levoit Core 200S Vs Core 300 – Video Comparison
Which One Does It Better?
Rating the top performing air purifiers, such are the Levoit Core 200S and Core 300, is not such an easy task to do. But, I literally enjoy making comparisons like this one and like determining winners in tough battles such as this one.
After analyzing the specifications, test results, and other aspects, I declare the Levoit Core 200S as a better buying option. Simply, the time has come for a new device to replace a legend like the Levoit Core 300.
What I like more about the Core 200S is its noise, operating costs, possibility to connect to the smart app, and a bit cheaper filters. Besides that, it performed exceptionally in the performance tests and showed why it is a suitable replacement for the Core 300 air purifier.
If you have any questions about these two, suggestions, or anything else you want to ask me, please find the comment box below the article.
Hello, does the carbon filter in the Levoit Core 200S work against VOCs? I am thinking about getting one for my kitchen. Thanks!
Any carbon filter will adsorb some VOCs, but the effectiveness largely depends on how much carbon pellets manufacturers put into the filters. In the case of the Levoit Core 200S, it doesn’t contain a sufficient amount of carbon pellets to effectively combat VOCs on a daily basis. Therefore, I would recommend exploring alternatives such as the Alen FLEX or similar air purifiers.
Also, I wrote an article on the best kitchen air purifiers, which I strongly recommend reading to get a better view of what an air purifier for a kitchen needs to have.
Thank you! You have helped me choose to get the core 200s.
Cheers from Vancouver Canada
Hi Kornel.
I’m glad my article helped!
Can I use a 300 filter in the 200S model?
The Core 300 filter is larger, so it wouldn’t fit in the Core 200S model.
Why are you reviewing the 200s and 300 instead of the 300s?
I have the 200s, 300s, and 400s units. The 200s is actually the least energy efficient by far for some reason. If you hook these up to a unit that measures the wattage being used the 200s uses almost 3x the electric as the 300s and 400s. On the lowest setting, the 200s uses about 14w, 300s about 4w, and the 400s about 5w. You can’t just look at the total wattage of the unit, you have to use a device to measure the electric output while it’s running to determine the energy efficiency.
I haven’t tried the Levoit Core 300S yet, that will be my next investment. Thanks for the suggestions!
Hi Milan, could you share you thoughts/review about Levoit CORE 300S (is it the same as 300 plus some smart functions or there are other differences)? Thanks!
Hi Kamen, thanks for writing.
I haven’t tested it yet, but based on specifications, it uses less power and has much more features of which I like the air quality indicator, smart app, and auto mode the most.