For first-time air purifier buyers, deciding on the perfect device for their needs is almost always challenging. In this article, I will compare two small air purifiers from Levoit, the Core 300S and the Core Mini.
What’s common to these two models is their build quality and affordability. However, everything else is totally different. The Levoit Core 300S is a smart air purifier packed with useful features, and covers larger rooms.
On the other hand, the Core Mini is a smaller device designed for smaller rooms and lacks advanced features but offers an innovative aroma pad.
It’s best to use the Levoit Core Mini in rooms of up to 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²), while the Core 300S is suitable for rooms of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
At their recommended room sizes, both air purifiers will clean the air approximately 4.8 times per hour, which aligns with AHAM’s recommended standards.
The Core Mini is also quieter and more suitable for bedrooms or similar small spaces, and it consumes significantly less power. For a quick visual comparison and a more detailed features comparison, scroll down a bit to view the comparison table.
Our Verdict
Frankly, right from the start I pretty much knew what the result of this test would be.
It’s not really realistic to expect that an air purifier like the Levoit Core Mini can match the much bigger and more powerful Core 300S model.
In all the most important tests, the Levoit Core 300S came out on top as the absolute winner of this comparison.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, leave them in the comment section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 300S Vs Core Mini
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Core 300S | Core Mini |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) | 2.2 lb (1 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 mÂł/h) | 46 CFM (78 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) | 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (102 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 | Pre-filter, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | 4-6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 102 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 26W | 7W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.8 - Average Score (102 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 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 51 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 52 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 30 have smart app functionality. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Aroma Pad |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.4 – 65.2 dBA | 41.8 – 53.6 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (102 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 | Low Energy Cost Portable Use Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 300S | Levoit Core Mini |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
When it comes to performance, the two most important things are the CADR and the filter size, and the Core 300S is better in both.
Not only does it have a bigger filter, but it also has a CADR of 141 CFM (240 mÂł/h), more than 3 times higher than the Levoit Core Mini’s CADR of 46 CFM (78 mÂł/h).
We tested the performance of these two devices in several rooms of different sizes, as you can see in the chart below.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 300S and Levoit Core Mini in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Still, in my opinion, the most important test is the one in the 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room.
In just 60 minutes of operation, at max speed, the Levoit Core 300S improved the air quality by 94%, while the Levoit Core Mini improved the air quality by 89%.
This is clear proof of how much more efficient and powerful an air purifier the Core 300S is. Not only that, but it also achieved a better result in the bad odor removal tests, which overall makes it the better performer in this test compared to the Levoit Core Mini.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
To get a broader picture of how loud these two devices are, we tested the noise levels using a special noise measurement tool.
First of all, I want to say that the Levoit Core 300S has four fan speeds, while the Core Mini has three.
At the lowest speed, the Core 300S produces a sound of only 41.4 dBA, while the Core Mini produces a sound of 41.8 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 300S and Levoit Core Mini air purifiers.
However, at maximum speed the situation is quite different. The Levoit Core 300S is noticeably louder, producing a sound of 65.2 dBA, while the Core Mini produces a sound of 53.6 dBA. It’s worth noting that the Core 300S has a much higher CADR at max speed.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (dBA) | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.8 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 46.5 dBA | 54.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 53.6 dBA | 65.2 dBA |
It’s obvious that the Levoit Core Mini is better optimized for noise and is a quieter air purifier during operation, but it should also be kept in mind that the Core 300S is more powerful and delivers better overall performance.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to power use, it’s expected that the Levoit Core Mini uses a smaller motor, especially since it’s a much smaller air purifier overall.
It uses a 7W motor, while the Levoit Core 300S uses a 26W motor. If you were to use these two devices at max speed, 24 hours a day, for a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $2.01 in the case of the Levoit Core 300S, and by about $0.63 in the case of the Levoit Core Mini.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 300S and Levoit Core Mini air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Again, the relative difference is huge, but it’s worth remembering that the Levoit Core 300S has a much higher CADR.
There’s also the cost of replacement filters to consider, which need to be changed on average up to twice a year in the case of the Core 300S, and up to three times a year in the case of the Levoit Core Mini.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 1.1W ($0.09) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.8W ($0.33) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 1W ($0.09) | 6W ($0.52) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 2.8W ($0.25) | 10.4W ($0.91) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 7.2W ($0.63) | 23W ($2.01) |
Still, the fact that the Levoit Core Mini’s replacement filters are pricier than I expected makes it generally somewhat more expensive to maintain on a yearly basis than the Core 300S.
I needed this, thanks!