Winix is one of the most popular air purifier brands on the market, offering many high-quality models. Recently, I bought and tested the Winix A231, which is currently the smallest Winix model and a direct competitor to many similar small devices.
In this review, I’ll compare the Winix A231 and Levoit Core 300 air purifiers. They might not seem like very similar models, but trust me, they have more in common than it appears.
To start, they have nearly identical CADR ratings. The Winix A231 has a CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h), meaning it covers rooms up to 230 sq. ft. (21 m²). On the other hand, the Levoit Core 300 has a CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h) and covers rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
Both devices use a three-stage filtration technology, with the exception of PlasmaWave technology as an optional extra stage on the Winix.
The Levoit Core 300 doesn’t have any advanced features, while the Winix does have an air quality sensor and auto mode.
Our Verdict
In summary, these are two excellent air purifiers, and I can only say they are perhaps the best devices in this class.
In terms of room coverage, the Winix has a slightly higher CADR, performed better in performance tests, and is a bit quieter when operating in sleep mode.
Additionally, it comes with an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode features, making it a better buying option than the Levoit Core 300.
However, even if you pick the Levoit, you won’t go wrong, as the differences between these two air purifiers are minimal.
If you have any questions about the Winix A231 and Levoit Core 300 air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 300 Vs Winix A231
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Winix |
| Model | Core 300 | A231 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 m³/h) | 147 CFM (250 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) | 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (79 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, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 79 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 45W | 55W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (79 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, Low, Medium, and High |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 39 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 40 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Display LockDisplay OffTimer | Sleep ModePlasmaWave |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.7 – 64.9 dBA | 40.2 – 66.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (79 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 |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 300 | Winix A231 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
Because these two devices have nearly identical CADR ratings, we tested them in two rooms of the same dimensions.
This approach is beneficial as it accurately illustrates the exact performance of these two models.
In the first test, conducted in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), both devices delivered excellent results. In just 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the Winix A231 improved air quality by an impressive 95%, while the Levoit improved air quality by around 93%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 300 3H Vs Winix A231 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the second test, this time in a somewhat larger room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), the result was surprising. The Winix, after 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, reduced PM2.5 particulate matter levels from 101.7 to 6.6 µg/m³, achieving an air quality improvement of 92%. The Levoit Core 300 achieved the same result in this test, also improving air quality by 92% under identical conditions.
All in all, both devices performed very well in airborne particle removal tests, but the Winix A231 showed slightly better results.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What dramatically simplifies testing and comparing the noise levels of these two devices is the fact that they have the same number of fan speeds.
If you look at the chart where I compared noise levels at each fan speed, you’ll see that the Winix A231 is generally a bit louder at all speeds except the lowest.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 300 3H Vs Winix A231 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Winix A231 produces a sound level of 40.2 dBA, while the Levoit Core 300 produces 40.7 dBA.
However, at maximum speeds, the situation is slightly different: the Winix produces a sound level of 66.5 dBA, while the Levoit produces 64.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (dBA) | Levoit Core 300 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | 40.7 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 48.2 dBA | 46.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 54.3 dBA | 52.9 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 66.5 dBA | 64.9 dBA |
Although the Levoit generally showed better results in this test, I must say that I would use both devices in a bedroom without hesitation, though they are much louder at max speeds than I expected from such small devices.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to operating costs, the first specification I want to compare is power use, which is honestly much higher than expected for such small devices.
The Winix A231 uses a 55W motor, while the Levoit uses a slightly less powerful 45W motor.
If you were to use these two devices at max speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.56 for the Winix and about $3.81 for the Levoit.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 300 3H Vs Winix A231 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In terms of electricity consumption, they are very similar at all other speeds as well, which you can see in the chart above.
In addition to electricity costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which need to be changed on average twice a year for the Levoit and approximately once a year for the Winix.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.8W ($0.07) |
| Sleep Mode | 9.9W ($0.87) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 29.2W ($2.56) | 29.4W ($2.58) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 31.3W ($2.74) | 31.4W ($2.75) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 40.6W ($3.56) | 43.5W ($3.81) |
However, it’s questionable whether the filter on the Winix can really last a full year without replacement. Adding to this the fact that it uses a bit more expensive filter than the Levoit, we can still say that the Levoit Core 300 is somewhat better optimized and more affordable to maintain annually than the Winix A231.
Leave a Reply