In Levoit’s Core series, I find the 3xx models to be the most interesting. This series includes three very similar models: the Core 300, Core P350, and Core 300S. Although they look identical and produced almost the same results in our performance tests, there are some differences among them.
In this review, I will compare the Levoit Core 300 with its successor, the Levoit Core 300S. At first glance, these air purifiers seem to be exactly the same. However, when you dive a bit deeper, you’ll discover several differences.
The most significant difference is the better-optimized motor and smart controls, which are only available on the Core 300S model.
Aside from that, everything is nearly identical. Both the Core 300 and 300S cover the same room sizes of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) and use the same filter, meaning the Core 300 filter fits perfectly into the Core 300S.
Our Verdict
I’m a huge fan of Levoit’s Core 300 model, and among all the air purifiers tested, this is the one I’ve used in my home for the longest time. I have nothing negative to say about this model.
However, as a lover of new technology, I was immediately drawn to the Levoit Core 300S when it was released. I knew it would replace my old Core 300 air purifier, and the same applies to the outcome of this comparison!
Even though they look identical and use the exact same filter, I chose the Levoit Core 300S as the winner. It simply offers much more than the basic Core 300 model.
With a better-optimized motor, plenty of smart features, voice control compatibility, integration with a smart app, an air quality sensor, and an auto mode, the Core 300S is a clear winner.
If you have any questions about these two Levoit air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment, and I will respond as soon as possible.
Specs: Levoit Core 300 Vs Core 300S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Core 300 | Core 300S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 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. | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (80 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-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | 6-8 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 80 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 45W | 26W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (80 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 | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Display LockDisplay OffTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.7 – 64.9 dBA | 41.4 – 65.2 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (80 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 Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 300 | Levoit Core 300S |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
The Core 300 and Core 300S are almost identical air purifiers. They have the same CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h), cover rooms of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), and use a three-stage filtration technology.
We performed two tests to determine how effectively these Levoit models capture airborne particles.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 300S and Core 300 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, conducted in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Levoit Core 300 improved air quality by approximately 93%, while the Core 300S improved it by 94%. Both air purifiers operated at their maximum speed for 60 minutes.
In the second test, this time in a much larger room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), both models delivered fantastic results, improving air quality by 92%.
To summarize, both performed exceptionally well in the tests, but the Levoit Core 300S was slightly better.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Not only did the Levoit Core 300S and Core 300 achieve identical results in the particle removal tests, but they also performed the same in the smoke removal test.
Both devices took 20 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box.
This isn’t surprising, considering they have the same CADR, the same filter, and are essentially the same device.
I must say, this is a fantastic result, placing these two models among the best air purifiers we’ve tested in the smoke test.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
These two Levoit models have the same number of fan speeds, but the Levoit Core 300S also features an auto mode, which automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the current air quality in the room.
If you look at the chart below, you’ll see that the difference in noise levels at all speeds isn’t very significant, but the Levoit Core 300S is slightly louder overall.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 300S and Core 300 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 300S produces a sound of 41.4 dBA, while the Core 300 produces 40.7 dBA.
At the maximum speed, the Core 300S produces 65.2 dBA, while the Core 300 produces 64.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 300 (dBA) | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.7 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.4 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 52.9 dBA | 54.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 64.9 dBA | 65.2 dBA |
In essence, these two air purifiers are almost equally loud, though I would give a slight advantage to the Core 300 model.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to energy consumption, Levoit has made significant progress with the Core 300S model.
This model uses a 26W motor, which is almost half the power of the 45W motor in the Core 300 model.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 300S and Core 300 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to use these two devices 24 hours a day for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.81 for the Core 300 and about $2.01 for the Core 300S.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 300 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.8W ($0.07) | 1.1W ($0.09) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.8W ($0.33) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 29.4W ($2.58) | 6W ($0.52) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 31.4W ($2.75) | 10.4W ($0.91) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 43.5W ($3.81) | 23W ($2.01) |
Considering the cost of replacement filters, which is identical for both devices since they use the same filters, it’s easy to conclude that the Levoit Core 300S is much better optimized and more cost-effective to maintain than the Core 300.
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