Levoit Core Mini Vs Levoit Core 200S – Hands-on Comparison!

You’ve probably noticed that many air purifier brands have different product lines or series. Usually, each series is defined by specific design principles, unique filtration technology, and, of course, a characteristic price range. Levoit is one such company, primarily focused on producing air purifiers.

In this article, I compare two models from Levoit’s Core series — the Levoit Core Mini and the Levoit Core 200S. At first glance, these two air purifiers might seem almost identical, but believe me, there are quite a few differences.

As the name suggests, the Core Mini is truly minimalistic. It’s designed for small spaces of up to 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²) and is very affordable to maintain.

The Core 200S, on the other hand, is a smart air purifier equipped with advanced features and a stronger motor, and covers rooms up to 183 sq. ft. (17 m²).

In terms of filtration, both devices use the classic three-stage system you’ve seen in many of my previous Levoit reviews.

Keep reading to discover which of these two models performed better in my tests, which one operates more quietly, costs less to maintain, and ultimately — which one is the better buy.

Specs: Levoit Core Mini Vs Core 200S

Performance Test – Comparison

These are two truly small air purifiers, with low CADRs, small filters, but surprisingly good performance.

We tested their efficiency in our airborne particle removal tests, where we measured performance using a Temtop laser particle meter.

In the first test, performed in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, the Levoit Core Mini improved air quality by 91%, while the Levoit Core 200S achieved a 93% improvement.

In the second test, performed in a slightly larger room, the Levoit Core Mini improved air quality by 89%, and the Levoit Core 200S by 91%.

It’s clear that the Levoit Core 200S outperformed the Core Mini in our tests. Moreover, it proved more effective at neutralizing unpleasant odors, thanks to its superior carbon filter.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

We tested both air purifiers in our unique smoke test. The procedure is simple: we place an air purifier inside a glass box, fill the box with smoke, and then measure how long it takes for the purifier to remove all the smoke.

The Levoit Core Mini needed 74 seconds to clear the smoke, while the Levoit Core 200S took only 32 seconds.

It’s clear that the Levoit Core 200S was much faster in this test, which was expected, given its larger filter and higher CADR.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

When testing the “Mini” versions of devices, you never quite know what to expect — a smaller air purifier can turn out to be surprisingly good or surprisingly disappointing.

As for the Levoit Core Mini, its three fan speeds correspond to three distinct noise levels. It operates very quietly on the first speed, producing a pleasant 41.8 dBA.

The Levoit Core 200S, on the other hand, has four fan speeds, includes a sleep mode, and produces just 42.1 dBA at its lowest setting.

At maximum speed, the difference is minimal: the Levoit Core Mini measures 53.6 dBA, while the Core 200S measures 53.9 dBA.

Considering its higher CADR and the fact that both models produce nearly identical noise levels across speeds, I’d say the Levoit Core 200S is better optimized for quiet operation.

Operating Costs – Comparison

Pointing out the obvious difference in motor wattage is a must. With only a 7W motor, the Levoit Core Mini is over five times weaker than the 37W motor found in the Levoit Core 200S.

This means that if you ran the Core Mini at maximum speed nonstop for an entire month, your electricity cost would be around $0.63.

On the other hand, the more powerful Core 200S would cost about $2.16 under the same conditions.

When it comes to overall expenses, it’s almost a tie. Yes, the Levoit Core 200S consumes slightly more electricity each month, but its filter typically needs to be replaced only once or twice a year.

The Core Mini, while cheaper to run, uses a filter that costs nearly the same as the 200S’s but needs to be replaced about three times a year.

Ultimately, it depends on your perspective and priorities as a user — but in my opinion, the Levoit Core 200S is more cost-effective to maintain over the long term.

Features Overview

Devices with a Mini suffix are usually poor on advanced features. They are mostly made as a basic version, good enough to satisfy the end user, and big enough to keep up and serve their purpose right. All of this could be applied to the Levoit Core Mini air purifier, a plain air purifier version with just a pinch of distinction called Aroma pad. 

As for its opponent, the Levoit Core 200S, there is much more to accentuate. You could say that this air purifier is overloaded with features. Naturally, more features mean more expectations. Different settings like Timer, Sleep Mode, Display off, etc., make this member of the Levoit family attractive to a potential buyer. 

Sometimes our first-look assumptions can be wrong, so let’s go through this comparison together to find out.

Timer

Being the basic version of an air purifier, Levoit Mini doesn’t come with the Timer option, but its opponent Levoit 200S does. The main purpose of this feature is to control the running time of your device, even in your absence. With this option turned ON, you can set it to 2h, 4h, or 8h of continuous purifying. But here comes the catch, and it’s a good one.

Since Levoit Core 200S has a VeSync app available, you can easily connect your Timer with the app and choose for how long you want our appliance to work, between 1 and 24h.

Sleep Mode

Along with the other three fan speeds, Levoit Core 200S also has a Sleep Mode available, while the Levoit Core Mini doesn’t. As always, this feature is pretty convenient if you wish to use your air purifier in the bedroom. The fact that it dims all the lights to a minimum and that it runs in an almost total silence regime makes this air purifier a real gold. 

Night Light 

Along with the Sleep Mode, the Night Light is one favorable feature available with Levoit Core 200S. Since this is the LED ambiance light, you can use it to create a cozy home atmosphere and turn your Saturday night into a movie night. 

Display off and Display Lock

Another convenient feature in a row, Display Off comes in handy if you dislike when the air purifier lights up like a luna park. Even if you put the air purifier to top speed, it won’t mind. You can still dim the lights with a simple press of the Display Off button. 

As for the Display Lock feature, you can surely never be too precautious. If you have guests coming over, or you want to protect it from children’s curiosity by pressing this button, you will lock all other buttons on this appliance. That is until you unlock it. 

Smart App

As you may have noticed in one of the previous sections, I have mentioned a Smart app that is available only with the Levoit Core 200S. Simply called the VeSync App, it is Levoit’s original brand app. This way you can connect some of Levoit’s air purifiers and gain control over your appliance. Not to forget, it is both Android and iOS compatible. 

Filter Reset Indicator

One of the most common features of many air purifiers is the Filter Reset Indicator. This is the case where both Levoit air purifiers have this useful option. It is one of those preferred reminders of what needs to be done.

Filters will need to be replaced at some point, and this Indicator will help you with that. When a little red light flashes, you will need to replace filters as soon as possible. 

Aroma Pad

For starters, I must point out that only Levoit Core Mini is entitled to this feature. This is one of those features you didn’t know you needed. Right on top of the Levoit Mini, you’ll find a small Aroma box with a pad. Sprinkle just a few drops right on this pad, close the box and turn on your air purifier. Soon you’ll be blown away by a beautiful fragrance spreading all over the room. 

Airflow

As you can see for yourself, both Levoit Core 200S and Levoit Core Mini have cylindrical shapes with filters placed at the bottom part. Air inlets are arranged all around the appliances. Once the air goes through filters, it gets spread upwards through the openings on top of the air purifier. 

Warranty

In both cases, Levoit as a manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty. No matter if you buy Core Mini or Core 200S, if you want to obtain full warranty coverage, I suggest you register on their website right after the purchase. 

With Levoit Core 200S, you get to do this through the VeSync App once you pair it with your air purifier. 

Filtration Technology

There is not much of a difference between the Core 200S and Core Mini when it comes to filtration technology. Both air purifiers have a 3-stage filtration system, with a pre-filter and an activated carbon filter on the first and the third place. A minor difference exists in the fact that Levoit Core 200S has a True HEPA filter, while Levoit Core Mini has only a HEPA filter. 

Pre-filters in both air purifiers are well designed to hold all the large particles like dust, fibers, pet hair and dander, lint, and so on. Also, a forever-protecting role keeps the HEPA or True HEPA filter safer, thus prolonging its life. 

Maintenance of the pre-filter is easy; all it takes is to wipe or vacuum it once or twice a month, and you’re good. 

A True HEPA filter that Levoit Core 200S is the main “culprit” for the outstanding performance of this air purifier. This filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants, which makes it a reliable alley in your home. 

The HEPA filter that Levoit Core Mini uses captures around 97% of airborne pollutants, which makes it fall behind any air purifier with the True HEPA filter. However, I can’t deny the good results that Core Mini showed while subjected to various tests. I will write about it more in the following lines, so stay with me. 

As the third and final filtration stage, the Activated carbon filter serves to neutralize the odors, mostly the unpleasant ones. This is a pellet-based filter that serves its purpose within both Levoit air purifiers. 

How to Replace Filters on Both of These Devices?

Replacing the filter itself is not a complicated method. The more important thing is when to replace it. Now, since both of these air purifiers have a Filter Reset Indicator, you don’t have to worry about keeping track. 

However, neither Core Mini nor Core 200S have washable filters, so it would be a good thing to keep the filters clean by simply mopping or vacuuming them, once in a while. 

With proper maintenance, Levoit Core Mini filters can last up to 4-6 months, while Levoit Core 200S is even longer, 6-8 months.

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