It seems like every new brand entering the air purifier market is trying to compete with the Levoit Core 300S. Many aim to create something that looks similar, costs less, and hopefully performs even better.
In this article, I’m comparing the Levoit Core 300S to one of the more popular newcomers—the Shark NeverChange HP152.
Each of these air purifiers has features that give it an edge, depending on what you’re looking for, but choosing the better one isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.
Beyond specs, filtration technology, and features, I also tested real-world performance, noise levels, and power consumption to figure out which of these two air purifiers is the smarter buy.
Our Verdict
Frankly, this wasn’t a particularly close fight; the test data speaks for itself.
The Levoit Core 300S was the better performer and a more efficient air purifier in almost every aspect. Its smart features and optimized motor make it the clear winner in this comparison.
However, the Shark NeverChange HP152 is also a great air purifier. But I find it hard to accept the claim that its filter lasts up to five years, especially since replacement filters aren’t yet available.
It’s also significantly more expensive than the Levoit, and I’m not sure it offers enough to justify that higher price tag.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 300S Vs Shark NeverChange HP152
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Shark |
| Model | Core 300S | NeverChange HP152 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) | 10.5 x 9.3 x 14.9 inches (26.7 x 23.6 x 37.8 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) | 7.25 lb (3.28 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 m³/h) | 97 CFM (165 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) | 150 sq. ft. (14 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, Pet Particle Filter, Activated Carbon, and NanoSeal HEPA |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 5 years |
| 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. | 26W | 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 | 5 - Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, and Speed 5 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Odor NeutralizationTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.4 – 65.2 dBA | 40.4 – 62.4 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 Smart Home Integration | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Long Filter Life |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 300S | Shark NeverChange HP152 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
While the Levoit Core 300S is officially rated to cover rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), and the Shark NeverChange is rated for up to 150 sq. ft. (14 m²), we tested them under identical conditions in two separate rooms.
In the first test, which was performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Shark NeverChange improved air quality by 92%, while the Levoit Core 300S improved it by 94%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 300S and Shark NeverChange HP152 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Both air purifiers ran at maximum speed for 60 minutes during the test.
In a second test, in a larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, the Levoit again came out on top, improving air quality by 92% compared to the Shark’s 90%.
These results clearly show that the Levoit Core 300S is more effective at capturing airborne particles, even in larger spaces.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When it comes to noise, there are a few key differences.
The Shark NeverChange HP152 offers five fan speeds, while the Levoit Core 300S has four.
We tested noise levels at all available speeds using a special sound meter.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 300S measured 41.4 dBA, while the Shark came in quieter at 40.4 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 300S and Shark NeverChange HP152 air purifiers.
At maximum speed, the Shark produced 62.4 dBA, whereas the Levoit reached 65.2 dBA.
The Shark is clearly better optimized for noise. However, it’s important to remember that the Levoit delivers a higher CADR at maximum speed, which explains the slightly louder operation.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (dBA) | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.4 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 41.3 dBA | 54.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.9 dBA | 65.2 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 56.7 dBA | - |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 62.4 dBA | - |
So, if you’re after an air purifier that balances performance and noise efficiency, the Levoit Core 300S still comes out ahead.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Interestingly, both devices use 26W motors.
At maximum speed, the Levoit consumes 23W, while the Shark consumes 25.5W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 300S and Shark NeverChange HP152 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If used continuously at maximum speed (24 hours a day for 30 days), here’s how that translates into electricity costs:
- Levoit Core 300S: about $2.01/month;
- Shark NeverChange HP152: about $2.24/month.
Where things get more interesting is in filter replacement costs. While the Shark boasts a filter life of up to five years, there’s currently no replacement available.
On the other hand, Levoit’s filters are affordable and easy to find, but they need to be changed more frequently, roughly every 6–8 months.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 1.1W ($0.09) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.8W ($0.33) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.6W ($0.4) | 6W ($0.52) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 5.7W ($0.5) | 10.4W ($0.91) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 10.6W ($0.93) | 23W ($2.01) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 16.1W ($1.41) | - |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 25.5W ($2.24) | - |
Given its superior power-to-CADR ratio, lower upfront cost, and reliable filter availability, I’d say the Levoit Core 300S ends up being more budget-friendly in the long run.
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