Levoit makes some amazing air purifiers, and I’m proud to say that I have tested almost every device they have made. In this review, I will compare the Levoit Core 400S with an older model, the Levoit Vital 100.
The Core 400S is a cylindrical air purifier; I like to say that it is the bigger brother of the Core 300S, while the Vital 100 is rectangular in shape. In terms of construction, they use differently shaped filters. The Core 400S has a cylindrical filter that is placed inside the bottom part of the device, while the Vital 100 uses a rectangular filter that covers almost the entire front side of the device.
They both use high-quality filtration technology, consisting of a pre-filter, a main filter, and an activated carbon filter. When it comes to differences, the Core 400S uses a nylon mesh pre-filter, while the Vital 100 uses a fibrous one. Additionally, the order of the filters in these two models is also different.
Regarding features, the Core 400S surpasses the Vital 100, offering an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, VeSync smart app, voice control, and many more features.
Our Verdict
Levoit is really well known for offering top-quality air purifiers, and most of their devices that we’ve tested have ranked high.
However, when we compare some older models with some newer ones, as is the case in this comparison, certain differences do become noticeable.
In this comparison, the Levoit Core 400S took a clear victory over the Vital 100.
The Core 400S delivered better performance, has a higher CADR, comes with plenty of advanced features, is smart, and is much better optimized for noise and power use.
However, even though the Vital 100 didn’t manage to beat the Core 400S in this test, I would recommend that you check out some other devices from the Vital series, but especially that you take a look at the Levoit Vital 200S, which is a direct competitor to the Core 400S model.
If you have any questions regarding these two air purifiers, please leave a comment in the comment section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Vital 100 Vs Core 400S
| Product Image |  |  17% off |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Vital 100 | Core 400S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.2 x 40.8 cm) | 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches (27.4 x 27.4 x 52 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 9.3 lb (4.2 kg) | 10.5 Ib (4.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 130 CFM (221 m³/h) | 260 CFM (442 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. | 300 sq. ft. (28 m²) | 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (101 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, Activated Carbon Filter, and Main Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 101 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 38W (24W European Model) |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (101 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 | 3 – Low, Medium, and High | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 51 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 52 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 30 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Display OffTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.9 – 63.4 dBA | 42.1 – 59.9 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (101 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 | Small Spaces Dust | Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration Air Quality Monitoring |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Vital 100 | Levoit Core 400S |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
The Levoit Vital 100 and Core 400S are completely different classes of air purifiers, which is primarily reflected in the CADR and the price of the devices.
The Levoit Vital 100 has a CADR of 130 CFM (221 m³/h), while the Core 400S has a CADR of 260 CFM (442 m³/h).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Vital 100 and Levoit Core 400S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
We tested these two devices in three different rooms, but frankly, I think the most important test is the one in the 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.
In just 60 minutes of running at max speed, the Levoit Vital 100 improved the air quality by about 92%, while the Levoit Core 400S improved the air quality by about 96%.
In addition, the Levoit Core 400S achieved a fantastic result on our PM1 to zero test, where in just 35 minutes at max speed it brought PM1 down to 0, in a 1377 ft³ (39 m³) room.
It’s obvious that the Levoit Core 400S is a much more efficient air purifier than the Levoit Vital 100.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
In addition to the airborne particle removal test, we tested these two devices on our smoke removal test.
We placed both devices in a glass box and measured how much time was needed for them to remove all the smoke from the glass box.
The Levoit Core 400S needed only 15s to remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Levoit Vital 100 needed 33s.
This is yet another test in which the Core 400S showed better performance.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I want to compare when it comes to noise is the number of fan speeds these two air purifiers have. The Levoit Vital 100 has three, while the Core 400S has as many as five fan speeds.
In addition, the Core 400S also has an auto mode, which works in combination with the air quality sensor.
We tested the noise levels on all fan speeds using a special noise measurement tool and compared the performance.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Vital 100 and Levoit Core 400S air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Vital 100 produces noise at 41.9 dBA, while the Core 400S produces noise at 42.1 dBA.
At maximum speed, the situation goes much more in favor of the Core 400S model. It produces noise at 59.9 dBA, while the Vital 100 produces noise at 63.4 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100 (dBA) | Levoit Core 400S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.9 dBA | 43.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 51.1 dBA | 47.8 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 63.4 dBA | 55.4 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 59.9 dBA |
This means that the Levoit Core 400S is not only quieter at max speed, but it also has a much better CADR-to-noise ratio.
All in all, the Core 400S is much better optimized for noise than the Vital 100.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Given that the Core 400S is a somewhat newer model, it was to be expected that it would have a better-optimized motor.
The Core 400S uses a 38W motor, while the Vital 100 uses a 55W motor.
If you were to use both devices at max speed, 24h a day, for a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.06 in the case of the Levoit Core 400S, and by about $5.08 in the case of the Vital 100.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Vital 100 and Levoit Core 400S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In addition to the cost of electricity consumption, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which, according to the manufacturer, need to be changed somewhat more often in the case of the Vital 100 air purifier.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 400S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.2W ($0.01) | 0.9W ($0.07) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.3W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 22.1W ($1.94) | 5.8W ($0.5) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 33.7W ($2.95) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 57.9W ($5.08) | 16.1W ($1.41) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 35W ($3.06) |
All of these are reasons why the Levoit Core 400S is somewhat better optimized and more affordable to maintain on a yearly basis than the Vital 100.
Leave a Reply