Levoit and Blueair are among the largest air purifier brands in the US market. In this article, I will compare two of their small air purifiers: the Levoit Core 300S and Blueair 511i Max.
The Levoit Core 300S has a CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h) and covers rooms of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
On the other hand, the Blueair 511i Max has a CADR of 152 CFM (258 m³/h) and covers rooms of up to 236 sq. ft. (22 m²).
Both have plenty of smart features, including an air quality sensor, an air quality indicator, auto mode, and a smart app.
Our Verdict
After analyzing all the specifications and test results, I would pick the Levoit Core 300S as the better buy.
It has produced slightly better results in our performance tests, is better optimized for noise, and is 100% ozone free.
However, the Blueair 511i Max is also a good air purifier, but I don’t like the fact that it has a built-in ionizer that can’t be turned off, which is one of the reasons I picked the Levoit Core 300S instead.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 300S Vs Blueair 511i Max
| Product Image |  |  29% off |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Blueair |
| Model | Core 300S | 511i Max |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) | 10.6 x 10.6 x 18.9 inches (26.9 x 26.9 x 48 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 mÂł/h) | 152 CFM (258 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. | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) | 236 sq. ft. (22 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (101 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, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and HEPASilent |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 9 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 101 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 26W | 20W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (101 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 101 air purifiers tested, only 51 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 52 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 30 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Washable Pre-filter |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.4 – 65.2 dBA | 40.1 – 61.6 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (101 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 7.6 - 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 Smart Home Integration | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 300S | Blueair 511i Max |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
The fact that these two air purifiers have almost identical CADRs and room coverage is what makes the airborne particle removal testing much easier for us.
We placed them in two rooms of the same size, and measured their efficiency using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 300S and Blueair 511i Max in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), the Levoit Core 300S improved air quality by 94%, while the Blueair 511i Max improved it by 92%.
In the second test, this time in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), which is larger than recommended, the Levoit Core 300S improved air quality by 92%, while the Blueair 511i Max managed to improve it by 90%.
Things are clear here: the Levoit Core 300S has achieved better results in our airborne particle removal tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Besides the airborne particle removal test, we also placed these two air purifiers in our smoke removal test.
The procedure: we placed the device inside the glass box, filled it with smoke, and measured the time needed for the device to remove all the smoke from the box.
The Levoit Core 300S and Blueair 511i Max managed to remove all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds. They have performed exactly the same in this test.
However, in the long run, I would give a slight edge to the Levoit Core 300S, mostly because it uses a pellet-based carbon filter.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
As for noise levels, the first thing worth mentioning is that both air purifiers have four fan speeds built in.
Both devices also have auto mode as an additional fan setting, which will change the fan speed based on the current air quality.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 300S and Blueair 511i Max air purifiers.
We tested their noise level at each speed, using a specialized noise measurement tool.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 300S produces a sound of 41.4 dBA, while the Blueair 511i Max is slightly better optimized, producing only 40.1 dBA.
At the maximum speed, the Blueair showed better performance as well. It produces 61.6 dBA, while the Levoit Core 300S produces 65.2 dBA at the maximum speed.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (dBA) | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.1 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.3 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.1 dBA | 54.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 61.6 dBA | 65.2 dBA |
However, the problem with the Blueair is that it has a strange noise at the maximum speed, which is really annoying, and even though it has produced a better result in the noise test, I would say that the Levoit Core 300S is overall better optimized and more pleasant to use every day.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Both air purifiers use high-quality and well-optimized motors.
The Blueair 511i Max has a motor of 20W, while the Levoit Core 300S uses a motor of 26W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 300S and Blueair 511i Max air purifiers at all fan speeds.
We tested their power use at each fan speed. Suppose you would use these two devices at their maximum speeds, 24 hours a day, for one month. Your electric power bill would increase by about $2.01 in the case of the Levoit Core 300S, and by about $1.56 in the case of the Blueair 511i Max.
Besides, there is a cost of replacement filters, which is acceptable in the case of both devices, but the filter on the Blueair lasts a bit longer, up to 9 months.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.6W ($0.05) | 1.1W ($0.09) |
| Sleep Mode | 1.9W ($0.17) | 3.8W ($0.33) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 2.5W ($0.22) | 6W ($0.52) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 4.7W ($0.41) | 10.4W ($0.91) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 17.8W ($1.56) | 23W ($2.01) |
In the case of the Levoit, you have to replace the filter every 6-8 months.
While we can say that their operating costs are pretty similar, I would say that the Blueair 511i Max is slightly better optimized and more affordable for maintenance.
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