The Levoit Core 300S and Core 400S started the evolution of the Levoit brand. Released in 2021, their improved controls, additional features, air quality sensors, and smart app control are what set them apart.
In this comparison, I will evaluate the performance, coverage, filtration technology, and additional features of these two air purifiers to determine which offers better value for money. But first, let’s compare their basic specifications!
Regarding filtration technology, both models use Levoit’s classic 3-in-1 filtration system, but the filter in the Core 400S is nearly double the size of the Core 300S filter.
When it comes to features, there isn’t much difference; both models contain the AirSight Plus air quality sensor and are compatible with the VeSync smart app. Overall, these air purifiers are innovative, high-quality ones and certainly worth considering.
Our Verdict
To summarize, the Levoit Core 300S and Core 400S are among the best Levoit air purifiers and top sellers on the market.
Choosing between the two can be challenging. However, the Levoit Core 400S showed better performance, works more quietly, uses longer-lasting filters, and offers a better power-to-cost ratio. Therefore, I would recommend the Core 400S as the better option and absolute buying recommendation.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t overlook the Levoit Core 300S, especially if you’re looking for an air purifier for smaller rooms under 219 sq. ft. (20 m2) In such cases, the Core 300S could be more cost-effective than the Core 400S if used correctly.
Jump to: Performance Test | Smoke Box Test | Noise Test | Operating CostsSpecs: Levoit Core 300S Vs Core 400S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Core 300S | Core 400S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) | 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches (27.4 x 27.4 x 52 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) | 10.5 Ib (4.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 m³/h) | 260 CFM (442 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) | 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (71 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 | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 71 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 26W | 38W (24W European Model) |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (71 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 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 33 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 34 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.4 – 65.2 dBA | 42.1 – 59.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (71 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 Smart Home Integration | Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration Air Quality Monitoring |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 300S | Levoit Core 400S |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
The first thing I want to highlight before we move to the performance testing results is the CADR and room coverage of these two air purifiers.
The Levoit Core 400S covers 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) rooms, while the Levoit Core 300S covers rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m2). In the recommended room sizes, both devices will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour.
Keeping in mind that these two air purifiers use almost identical filter media and that the Core 400S has a much larger CADR, I somehow expected it to provide a higher efficiency, as it can clean more air in one hour.
So, for this comparison, I will compare the test in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, which is much smaller than the recommended one for the Core 400S and larger than the recommended one for the Core 300S.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 300S and Core 400S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
They both worked at the max speed for 60 minutes in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. The Levoit Core 400S improved the air quality by an incredible 96%, while the Core 300S made a slightly worse result by improving the air quality by about 92%.
Not only that, the Levoit Core 400S also showed slightly better performance in neutralizing bad odors. But, to be honest, if odor removal were my main concern, I would rather go with the Levoit Vital 200S, which uses a much better pellet-based carbon filter than these two.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Apart from the particle removal test, we also ran a smoke test. In this test, we placed these two air purifiers in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke, and measured how long it took them to remove all the smoke from the smoke box.
Frankly, this test surprised me, especially as the Levoit Core 300S needed only 20s to remove all the smoke from the smoke box, which is among the best results in this test. The Levoit Core 400S was slightly faster, it needed 15s to remove all the smoke from the glass box.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When comparing noise levels, I use a special noise measurement tool to measure noise levels at all speeds.
The Core 400S has five fan speeds, one more than the Core 300S, so you would probably adapt it to your needs much easier.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 300S and Core 400S air purifiers.
However, what surprised me the most was that it was quieter than the Core 300S at all speeds except sleep mode. It produces only 59.9 dBA at the max speed (turbo mode), while the Core 300S produces a sound of 65.2 dBA at the max speed (high mode).
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) | Levoit Core 400S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 41.4 dBA | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.5 dBA | 43.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 54.6 dBA | 47.8 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 65.2 dBA | 55.4 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 59.9 dBA |
I’m truly positively shocked at how well Levoit optimized the Core 400S motor, especially considering its CADR on the max speed. Well done, Levoit!
Operating Costs – Comparison
I was shocked not only when comparing noise levels but also when comparing the power usage.
As you can see on the chart provided, the Levoit Core 400S uses less power at every speed than the Core 300S. The Core 300S uses a motor of 26W, while the Core 400S uses a 38W power motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 300S and Core 400S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
When it comes to operating costs, the Core 400S is slightly more expensive than the Core 300S if run at the max speed. If both are run at their maximum speeds for a month, 24 hours a day, the Core 300S will cost you about $2.01, while the Core 400S will cost you about $3.06. However, it’s important to note that the Core 400S covers twice the area of the Core 300S, which could potentially offset the higher power use.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 400S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.1W ($0.09) | 0.9W ($0.07) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.8W ($0.33) | 3.3W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6W ($0.52) | 5.8W ($0.5) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 10.4W ($0.91) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 23W ($2.01) | 16.1W ($1.41) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 35W ($3.06) |
If we add the replacement filter cost to the power cost, which is indeed more expensive for the Core 400S but also requires filter replacement less often, we can conclude that the Levoit Core 400S is a bit more affordable for maintenance.
Hi! Quick question: You say “But, to be honest, if odor removal were my main concern, I would rather go with the Levoit Vital 200S, which uses a much better pellet-based carbon filter than these two.”
I have the 300s and it is also pellet based. So is the 400s filter I think. Or do you mean that there is more activated carbon in the Vital 200s Filer?
Hi!
That’s a good question, thanks. The Levoit Vital 200S has more carbon pellets inside the filter, meaning it can adsorb more odor over time.
The thing is that the carbon filters on the Levoit Core 300S and Core 400S wear out much faster than the carbon filter on the Vital 200S.