The Levoit Core 400S and Blueair 311i Max are very similar in terms of specifications.
They have almost identical CADR values: the Core 400S has a CADR of 260 CFM (442 mÂł/h), while the Blueair 311i Max has a CADR of 250 CFM (425 mÂł/h).
Additionally, both models feature a cylindrical design, include smart features, and performed very well in all of our tests.
But which one performed better and, in my opinion, offers the better value?
Our Verdict
I love comparing air purifiers that look almost identical and have nearly identical specifications.
This is exactly the case with these two devices.
Although the competition was extremely tight, I believe the Levoit Core 400S is a better buy overall.
It offers higher efficiency, uses a better carbon filter, is better optimized for noise, and includes more smart features.
However, if for any reason you prefer the Blueair 311i Max, you can choose it, and be 100% sure you won’t be making a wrong decision.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 400S Vs Blueair 511i Max
| Product Image |  17% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Blueair |
| Model | Core 400S | 311i Max |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches (27.4 x 27.4 x 52 cm) | 19 x 12.5 x 12.5 inches (48 x 32 x 32 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 10.5 Ib (4.8 kg) | 7.8 lb (3.56 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 260 CFM (442 mÂł/h) | 250 CFM (425 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. | 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) | 387 sq. ft. (36 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (93 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 | up to 12 months | 6-9 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 93 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 38W (24W European Model) | 30W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (93 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 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode | 4 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 93 air purifiers tested, only 46 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 93 air purifiers tested, only 47 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 93 air purifiers tested, only 28 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 93 air purifiers tested, only 27 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Washable Pre |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.1 – 59.9 dBA | 40.2 – 59.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (93 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 | Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration Air Quality Monitoring | Living Rooms Offices Low Energy Cost Large Spaces Dust Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 400S | Blueair 311i Max |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
As mentioned earlier, these two air purifiers have almost identical CADR values. The Blueair 311i Max is rated for rooms of up to 387 sq. ft. (36 m²), while the Levoit Core 400S covers rooms of up to 403 sq. ft. (37 m²).
We tested their airborne particle removal performance using a Temtop laser particle meter in two rooms of the same size.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 400S and Blueair 311i Max in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, both air purifiers improved air quality by an impressive 96%.
However, in a larger 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, the Levoit Core 400S performed slightly better, improving air quality by 91%, while the Blueair 311i Max achieved an 89% improvement.
Although the difference is not huge, the fact that the Levoit Core 400S was slightly more efficient overall and uses a significantly better carbon filter, which results in better odor neutralization, leads me to conclude that it’s the more efficient option overall compared to the Blueair.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Speaking of noise, the first thing to mention is that the Levoit has five fan speeds, while the Blueair has four. The good news is that both air purifiers include an auto mode.
We tested their noise levels using a specialized noise measurement tool that measures noise on the dBA scale.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 400S produces 42.1 dBA, while the Blueair 311i Max produces 40.2 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 400S and Blueair 311i Max air purifiers.
At maximum speed, however, things become more interesting. The Levoit Core 400S produces 59.9 dBA, while the Blueair 311i Max reaches 59.5 dBA.
However, the Blueair 311i Max produces an unusual noise at maximum speed, which can be quite annoying.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 311i Max (dBA) | Levoit Core 400S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.5 dBA | 43.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 48.9 dBA | 47.8 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 59.5 dBA | 55.4 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 59.9 dBA |
Because of this and the very similar noise levels at other speeds, I would consider the Levoit Core 400S the winner and the better optimized device in terms of noise performance.
Operating Costs – Comparison
I must say that both air purifiers are very well optimized for power consumption, and both offer an excellent CADR-to-power ratio.
The Levoit Core 400S uses a 38W motor, while the Blueair 311i Max uses a 30W motor.
If you were to run them at maximum speed for 24 hours a day over one month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $3.06 for the Levoit Core 400S and about $2.42 for the Blueair 311i Max.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 400S and Blueair 311i Max air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In addition to electricity costs, there is also the cost of replacement filters. Both models require filter replacement roughly once per year, although the Blueair filter typically needs to be replaced slightly more often, at around every nine months.
The replacement filters are priced similarly.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 311i Max (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 400S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.4W ($0.04) | 0.9W ($0.07) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.3W ($0.29) | 3.3W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.8W ($0.42) | 5.8W ($0.5) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 12.7W ($1.11) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 27.6W ($2.42) | 16.1W ($1.41) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 35W ($3.06) |
Considering that the Blueair filter is less durable while costing nearly the same, I would say that the Levoit Core 400S is slightly more affordable in terms of annual maintenance.
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