Levoit LV-H126 Vs Levoit Vista 200 – Hands-on Comparison

Levoit stands out as a prominent name in the air purifier industry, and in this article, I will compare their two small models: the Levoit LV-H126 and the Levoit Vista 200.

Generally, these two air purifiers share several similarities, but the LV-H126 is a much more minimalistic device. Both air purifiers cover rooms of about 161 sq. ft. with 4.8 air changes per hour.

The Levoit Vista 200 is available in white, whereas the LV-H126 comes in white with a blue fabric front, along with other fabric color options. It’s important to note that the Vista 200 is the more recent of the two models, offering advanced features that aren’t available on the LV-H126. Conversely, the LV-H126 is marketed as a more basic air purifier with just one mechanical button for control.

Specifications

Below is a complete list of important specifications and features included on the Levoit LV-H126 and Vista 200 Air Purifiers:

Features Overview

Both of these devices have three-speed settings, yet the Vista 200 is further enhanced with a sleep mode. This mode slows down the motor to conserve energy during periods of inactivity, aligning with times when your breathing rate decreases.

The Levoit Vista 200 and the LV-H126 both use a three-stage filtration technology and are ozone-free.

Controls

Ease control of an air purifier is crucial, and I’m impressed with the Vista 200’s user-friendly control panel. Its touch buttons are well-positioned and straightforward, allowing most users to operate the device easily.

In contrast, the LV-H126 adopts a more traditional approach, lacking digital control panels or buttons. Instead, it has a mechanical wheel for adjusting fan speeds.

Night light

The Vista 200 features a warm, yellow night light that creates a soothing ambiance as you drift off to sleep. You can select between dim, intense, or setting.

What I really like is that you can use the night light feature without even turning your air purifier on. But it must be plugged in!

The Levoit LV-H126 lacks a night light feature.

Sleep mode

This is another feature that is characteristic only of the Vista 200. When activated, sleep mode reduces the fan speed to its lowest setting and turns off all LED indicators.

If you prefer, you can switch the night light on.

Filter replacement indicator

The Levoit Vista 200 has a filter replacement indicator, which will light up when it is time to replace the filter. This is a catchy feature that will help you monitor the time when your air purifier’s filter is being replaced.

Conversely, the Levoit LV-H126 lacks this indicator, requiring manual wheel adjustment each month to check the filter. This is a very outdated feature, and I believe many people (myself as well) would rather use their smartphones and set up reminders than use a mechanical wheel on an air purifier.

Airflow

The Levoit Vista 200 is cylindrical in shape, with air inlets located on the bottom, a full 360° around it. The entered air is filtered and exits through the fan grilles on the top.

In contrast, the Levoit LV-H126 takes air from the rear, filters it, and then ejects it through the front. This results in horizontal air movement.

Filtration Technology

Although both models use a three-stage filtration technology, there are some differences in their filtration layers. For example, the Levoit Vista 200 uses a pellet-based carbon filter, while the LV-H126 uses a fabric filter coated with carbon.

The Vista 200 is equipped with a 3-in-1 filter that includes a True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a nylon pre-filter. This pre-filter is designed to capture large particles before they reach the more delicate and costly components of the system. It’s especially effective against pollen and allergens.

Conversely, the Levoit LV-H126 has a carbon pre-filter and a 2-in-1 particle and gas filter, which includes a HEPA filter (not a True HEPA like on the Vista 200). 

How to Replace the Filters on These Two Air Purifiers?

In this aspect, the Levoit Vista 200 is less advantageous, as its filter requires replacement every five to six months, in contrast to the Levoit LV-H126, which needs a new filter every six to eight months, depending on your home’s air quality.

However, it’s important to note that the LV-H126’s pre-filter must be changed every two or three months. 

For more detailed information on filter replacements, I highly recommend reading in-depth explanations of the replacement process in individual reviews. Please find the links below:

Noise Test

Noise is a significant factor to consider when buying an air purifier. An overly noisy air purifier can annoy you and “reduce” the benefits of its efficiency. The Levoit Vista 200 operates more quietly than the Levoit LV-H126, adding a significant point of comparison in the Levoit LV-H126 vs. Levoit Vista 200 evaluation.

Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the Vista 200’s sleep mode reduces motor speed and noise, making it quieter than the LV-H126 on the lowest speed setting. This is particularly important for light sleepers and if you plan to use your air purifier mainly in a bedroom.

For a visual comparison of the noise levels for each device, please refer to the table below:

Performance Tests

I tested both air purifiers under various conditions to verify if their specifications aligned with reality and to assess their efficiency. Each test lasted 60 minutes, with the devices operating at max speed in identical rooms. This approach provides a fair comparison since both the Levoit LV-H126 and the Levoit Vista 200 are designed for rooms of the same size.

In a room of 194 sq. ft., the Vista 200 improved air quality by just 68%. On the other hand, the LV-H126 enhanced air quality by just 85%.

In the next test, I placed these two air purifiers on two separate tests in a 120 sq. ft. room. The Levoit LV-H126 improved the air quality by about 85%, while the Vista 200 improved the air quality by just 74%.

Based on these results, the Levoit LV-H126 clearly outperforms its counterpart, making it a much better option performance-wise.

Operation Costs

So, which device will cost you more in the long run? The LV-H126, it turns out, as it’s a 35W air purifier. Operating at speed three for a month will consume approximately $3 of your budget, while the Vista 200, a 15W air purifier, will only cost you about $0.50 each month, which is far cheaper.

These calculations are based on the average energy rates in the USA, which stand at $0.12 per kWh. However, it’s important not to be misled by these figures alone. The overall cost of using these devices also includes expenses for filters and pre-filters. Considering these additional costs, the Levoit Vista 200 remains the more budget-friendly option despite its lower energy consumption.