Levoit LV-H128 Vs GermGuardian AC4200W – Comparison (2022)

Levoit LV-H128 and GermGuardian AC4200W are two small air purifiers ideal for office desks, small bedrooms, or some other smaller rooms.

Levoit covers rooms up to 64 sq. ft. (6 m²), while GermGuardian covers slightly smaller rooms, of up to 105 sq. ft. in size. GermGuardian uses a 2-stage filtration technology, while Levoit uses a 3-stage filtration. The biggest difference between these two devices, in addition to filtration technology, is that Levoit can be used in combination with essential oils.

When it comes to devices’ quality, I have to say that both devices are made of very high-quality plastic. However, Levoit is a bit more adorable, and I think it will easier fit into almost any home.

In this article, I will make a detailed comparison between GermGuardian AC4200W and Levoit LV-H128 air purifiers. I will compare their performance, operating costs, noise, specifications, and other features, and in the end, I will announce the winner.

Specs: Levoit LV-H128 Vs GermGuardian AC4200W

Levoit and GermGuardian Features

Levoit LV-H128 and GermGuardian AC4200W don’t have advanced options such as air quality sensors, air quality indicators, auto mode, and the like, but they have quite enough options for optimal everyday use.

Basically, these are two minimalist air purifiers that will surely satisfy most of your needs in terms of features.

Filter Reset Indicator

One of the most useful options on these two devices is the filter reset indicator. It is an LED indicator that will light up red when it is time to replace the filter.

This is a very useful feature because you don’t have to keep track of when it’s time to replace the filter, and I’m sure everyone will really like this option.

Aroma Pad

As I mentioned at the beginning of the comparison, the Aroma Pad is an option only available on the Levoit LV-H128 air purifier, and it is an option that highlights this air purifier as opposed to GermGuardian.

In essence, it is a hole located on the upper side of the device, in the middle, into which you can pour essential oil. When the air purifier is turned on, the smell of essential oil is dispersed by circulating the air around the room.

Timer

The timer option only adorns the GermGuardian AC4200W air purifier. In essence, the timer is used to set the time you want the device to turn itself off.

The timer on GermGuardian can be set to 2h, 4h, or 8h.

Airflow

Due to the different construction and filters position, the airflow on these two devices is different. Levoit has filters arranged on the sides, which means that the device draws in air from the sides, which is then filtered and exits through the grilles on the upper side.

GermGuardian has a cylindrical filter, which is located on the lower half of the device, which means that this air purifier draws air on the lower side through openings arranged on all sides. The air is then filtered and exits through openings in the upper side.

Warranty

What I like about the GermGuardian is that they give a generous 3-year warranty on the AC4200W model.

The situation with Levoit is different, as the Levoit LV-H128 comes with a 2-year warranty. I would advise everyone to register the LV-H128 on the Levoit website immediately after purchasing the device.

Filtration Technology

The filtration technology is also different between these two devices. The first difference is that the Levoit LV-H128 uses 3-stage filtration technology, while the GermGuardian AC4200W uses 2-stage filtration technology. In addition, Levoit can boast of the fact that it uses two filters placed on the sides.

The first stage of filtration at Levoit is pre-filter, the second stage is True HEPA filter, and the third stage is activated carbon filter.

At GermGuardian, the combination of carbon and pre-filter is the first stage of filtration, while the True HEPA filter is the second stage of filtration. I wouldn’t say I like GermGuardian’s tiny filter.

Although the filters on these two devices are of different shapes, they are difficult to measure, but it seems to me that Levoit’s filters are a little bigger.

What makes me especially happy and what I really like about these two models is that they both use the True HEPA filter.

Both devices are CARB certified, do not produce ozone, and are completely safe to use.

How to Replace Filters?

The Levoit LV-H128 and GermGuardian AC4200W do not use a washable filter, which means you need to change them periodically. With the LV-H128, the filters last on average about 6-8 months, while with the AC4200W, the filters last on average about 6 months.

Fortunately, as I mentioned before, these two devices have a filter reset indicator that will notify you when it’s time to replace the filter.

The process of replacing the filter on both devices is simple and does not require any advanced steps. I have described in detail the process of replacing the filters for both devices, and you can find them at the links below.

Noise Tests

I have to say that I was surprised at the noise test and that I expected GermGuardian to be quieter than it is, especially since it has 4 fan speeds. However, the situation is different than expected, and the GermGuardian AC4200W produces sound at around 49.3 dBA at the first speed, which is much more than the 42.4 dBA produced by the Levoit LV-H128.

Levoit, although it has only 3 fan speeds, is a very quiet device, and it is definitely one of the quietest ones that I have had the opportunity to test so far.

What is interesting is that the LV-H128 is very quiet at all speeds, even at max speed, where it produces a sound of only 49.3 dBA. It’s interesting here that GermGuardian is just as loud on first speed.

Levoit is definitely quieter than GermGuardian, and without a doubt, I would rather use Levoit than GermGuardian in a space like a bedroom.

Performance Tests

When it comes to performance, the first thing I would like to emphasize is that I tested both devices in rooms of the same dimensions. This helped me to determine the differences in performance in much more detail and precision and to announce the winner more easily.

I have to say that the GermGuardian AC4200W surprised me a lot, especially since it made a slightly better performance than Levoit, even if it is intended for slightly smaller rooms.

After all, keep reading and see how these two devices performed in performance tests.

120 sq. ft. Room Tests

In the first test in a room of 120 sq. ft., in 60 minutes of operation at max speed, the Levoit LV-H128 improved air quality by about 88%, while GermGuardian improved air quality by about 92% under identical conditions.

I must say that I am a bit surprised that GermGuardian made better results than Levoit, especially since it is intended for smaller rooms.

194 sq. ft. Room tests

In the second test, this time in a room of 194 sq. ft., which is much more than the recommended dimensions for both devices, in 60 minutes of operation, at max speed, Levoit improved the air quality by about 82%, while GermGuardian improved the air quality by about 90%.

Although GermGuardian surprised me in the previous test, I must say that I was even more surprised here and that I did not believe that GermGuardian would do better than Levoit in this test as well.

Operating Costs

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a chance to match the 6W motor of the Levoit LV-H128, especially when considering that the GermGuardian AC4200W uses a 26W motor.

Leaving both devices running at max speed, 24 hours a day, for a period of one month, Levoit would increase your electricity bill by about $ 0.5, while GermGuardian would increase your electricity bill by about $ 2.7, which is almost 6 times more.

If we add the price of replacement filters to the consumption of electricity, which is also cheaper in the case of Levoit, then without a doubt, the Levoit LV-H128 is much more affordable for maintenance.