You are probably familiar with IKEA and its wide range of consumer goods. The FÖRNUFTIG air purifier is one of the first air purifiers that IKEA has released on the market.
On the other hand, the Levoit Vital 100 has been available for a bit longer — long enough to establish a strong position in the market.
The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is designed for smaller rooms of up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m²). In contrast, the Levoit Vital 100 features a more powerful motor and covers rooms up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²).
Personally, I like the design of IKEA’s air purifier, especially how it reflects the brand’s signature furniture aesthetic. Its Scandinavian-inspired minimalist front lid design allows it to blend easily with almost any interior style.
When it comes to color options, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is available in black and white, while the Levoit Vital 100 comes in white and gray.
We’ve performed several in-depth tests on both air purifiers, evaluating power consumption, noise production, overall performance, and more. If you’re curious to learn which one is the better choice, keep reading.
Our Verdict
To be honest, I’ve struggled quite a bit with this decision. It took me some time to analyze all the data so that I could confidently determine which air purifier is the better choice.
Without further ado, I believe the Levoit Vital 100 is a better buying option than the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, even though it’s generally a more expensive air purifier.
My decision is based on several key factors. The Vital 100 offers more advanced features, superior odor-neutralizing capabilities, high-quality filtration technology, and a higher CADR compared to the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG. It also delivered significantly faster results in our smoke test.
That being said, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is also a reliable air purifier and a much more affordable option. However, the Levoit Vital 100 simply has more to offer.
If you think I’ve missed something or would like more details on this comparison, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
Specs: Levoit Vital 100 Vs Ikea FÖRNUFTIG
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | IKEA |
| Model | Vital 100 | FÖRNUFTIG |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.2 x 40.8 cm) | 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46.1 x 31 x 10.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 9.3 lb (4.2 kg) | 7.84 lb (3.56 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 130 CFM (221 m³/h) | 70 CFM (130 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) | 108 sq. ft. (10 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (80 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 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 True HEPA Filter | Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | 4-6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 80 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 19W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (80 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 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Display OffTimer | Smart Plug |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.9 – 63.4 dBA | 42.2 – 58.2 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (80 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - 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 | Bedrooms Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 2-year | No (US) |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Vital 100 | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
When comparing the performance of two air purifiers, I usually start with the CADR and filtration technology.
I’ll delve into the filtration technology later in this article, but for now, let’s focus on the CADR values of these two devices.
The Levoit Vital 100 has a CADR of 130 CFM (221 m³/h), while the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has a CADR of 70 CFM (130 m³/h). Although the IKEA model is slightly larger, the Levoit Vital 100 features a better-optimized motor, resulting in a higher CADR.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Vital 100 Vs Ikea FÖRNUFTIG in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
To ensure a fair comparison, we tested both devices in rooms of the same size.
In a test performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, both devices delivered decent results, with the Levoit Vital 100 proving to be more efficient.
The Levoit Vital 100 reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 97.5 to 4.9 µg/m³, achieving an air quality improvement of approximately 95%. In comparison, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG improved air quality by 89% under similar conditions.
Additionally, both the IKEA and Levoit air purifiers perform well in neutralizing bad odors, with the Levoit being especially effective.
However, it’s important to note that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG requires an additional activated carbon filter if you want it to effectively eliminate bad odors.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We tested the ability of these two air purifiers to remove smoke from a glass box.
Before diving into the results, it’s important to note that both air purifiers included activated carbon filters. However, while the Levoit Vital 100 includes one by default, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG requires you to purchase it separately.
In the smoke test, the Levoit Vital 100 cleared all the smoke from the glass box in just 33 seconds. In comparison, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG took 44 seconds to achieve the same result.
Despite being a slightly larger device, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG underperformed in this test.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Since both air purifiers have three fan speeds and no sleep mode, I was particularly interested to see how they would perform. Overall, I found that both devices operate smoothly, without any disturbing or annoying noises.
Although I would have preferred them to include a sleep mode, both the Levoit Vital 100 and the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG are much better optimized and quieter at their lowest speeds than some other air purifiers with sleep mode.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Vital 100 Vs Ikea FÖRNUFTIG air purifiers.
For instance, at the lowest speed, the Levoit Vital 100 produces only 41.9 dBA, while the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG operates at a slightly higher 42.2 dBA.
However, at maximum speed, the situation changes. The Levoit Vital 100 reaches a sound level of 63.4 dBA, whereas the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is significantly quieter, producing just 58.2 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100 (dBA) | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.9 dBA | 42.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 51.1 dBA | 49.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 63.4 dBA | 58.2 dBA |
In summary, while the Levoit Vital 100 is quieter at the lowest speed, it becomes much louder at maximum speed. This makes the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG the overall quieter air purifier.
significantly quieter, producing just 58.2 dBA.
In summary, while the Levoit Vital 100 is quieter at the lowest speed, it becomes much louder at maximum speed. This makes the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG the overall quieter air purifier.
Operating Costs – Comparison
If the previous tests didn’t catch your attention or you didn’t notice a significant difference between these two devices, the power consumption test certainly will.
The main reason for this is that the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG features a motor with a power of just 19W, while the Levoit Vital 100 has a motor that’s nearly three times more powerful at 55W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Vital 100 Vs Ikea FÖRNUFTIG air purifiers at all fan speeds.
However, this significant difference in motor power is not reflected in a drastically higher CADR.
If you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $5.08 for the Levoit and only $1.16 for the IKEA air purifier. In other words, the Levoit consumes nearly five times more power than the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100 (W + $/month) | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.2W ($0.01) | 0W ($0) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 22.1W ($1.94) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 33.7W ($2.95) | 5.5W ($0.48) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 57.9W ($5.08) | 13.2W ($1.16) |
On top of energy costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters.
The IKEA air purifier’s filters are more affordable, and when combined with its lower energy consumption, it becomes significantly more cost-effective to maintain on an annual basis.
Features Overview
One of the most important issues I need to underline is that none of these air purifiers are Smart appliances. That means no Air Quality Sensor or Auto Mode nor any outstanding advanced feature whatsoever.
Still, I find that the Levoit Vital 100 is somewhat onward, as opposed to Ikea FÖRNUFTIG, mainly because it has some features that make this appliance easier to navigate and control.
What Ikea FÖRNUFTIG really has is one control button/wheel, that you can mechanically rotate in order to manipulate the appliance. This confirms what I previously said that, besides Filter Reset Indicator, this air purifier does not have any additional upgraded features. However, thanks to this control wheel, the air purifier can be connected to a smart plug and be used as a smart appliance.
Filter Reset Indicator
One of the features that Levoit Vital 100 and Ikea FÖRNUFTIG have in common is the Filter Reset Indicator.
The Indicator will inform you when filters of your appliance need to be replaced. It doesn’t matter if you like to keep things under control, this feature will do you more good than you think. Still, this doesn’t deprive your responsibility to check up on your air purifier every once in a while.
Even more so, if you have a pet wandering around your home or you live in an overly polluted area. All these situations are just an example of all the things that affect the life of an air purifier.
Timer
If you want your air purifier to work for some time and to shut down right after, then Timer is the kind of option you need. Levoit Vital 100 has this option, and you can set it to two, four, or eight hours of continuous purifying. On the other hand, Ikea FÖRNUFTIG doesn’t have this feature. Instead, if you connect this air purifier to a smart plug, you can get the Timer and plenty of other options to use.
DIsplay Off
Having a Display Off feature is for sure a very useful or even idealistic option for some users. It takes a single pressure on the Display Off button to dim all of the indicators available at the Control Panel.
Since Levoit Vital 100 has plenty of indicators and, at the same time, is missing a Sleep Mode, this is one amazing and useful feature that comes along with this air purifier.
The Ikea FÖRNUFTIG hasn’t got this feature, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem. Besides the Filter Reset Indicator, which lights up only a few times a year, the Ikea FÖRNUFTIG doesn’t have any other indicator. Therefore, not having a Display Off option is not much of a loss.
Airflow
Since both Levoit Vital 100 and Ikea FÖRNUFTIG have a similar, rectangular shape, it is to expect that the airflow is pretty much the same.
Apart from having suction holes distributed sidelong and on the bottom part, Levoit Vital also aspirates the air frontally. After the filtration process, the air is released through the grilles on the upper side. As well as Levoit, the Ikea FÖRNUFTIG sucks the air frontally. But, with a minor difference. The front lid of the FÖRNUFTIG air purifier is a fabric that serves as a pre-filter at the same time. Once the air is filtered, it gets released on the upper side of the appliance.
Warranty
Needless to mention how important it is to have warranty coverage of any appliance you bring into your home. Unfortunately, IKEA doesn’t share this opinion. There is absolutely no warranty that covers Ikea FÖRNUFTIG air purifier and it’s a pretty shame. To me, it’s a sign of distrust in its own product and/or its efficiency.
On the other hand, Levoit Vital 100 has a 2-year warranty that gets fully activated only after you register on their website, straight upon purchasing the appliance.
Filtration Technology
Straight at the beginning, I would like to point out that, in general, Levoit Vital 100 uses way better filters than Ikea FÖRNUFTIG. The reason is the True HEPA filter that always brings that extra quality to the air purifier, as opposed to the much less efficient HEPA 12 filter built-in the Ikea air purifier.
The Levoit Vital 100 has a 3-stage built-in filtration system, consisting of a pre-filter, an Activated Carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. The Ikea FÖRNUFTIG, on the other hand, uses a 2-stage filtration system with two primary filters, i.e., a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. However, you can buy the additional Carbon filter if you feel like you need it and have a complete 3-stage filtration. For this comparison, I decided to buy the extra Carbon filter only to be sure the competition between air purifiers is rightful.
As the first stage, both air purifiers have a pre-filter. In Levoit Vital 100, this filter is attached to the Carbon filter, but it is easily detachable. You can also wash it to keep it clean, but I would recommend a good vacuuming instead. The Ikea FÖRNUFTIG air purifier uses its lid as a pre-filter, to prevent all the larger particles from penetrating the system.
It is important to maintain a proper cleaning routine of any pre-filter, no matter the air purifier. By doing so, you get to prolong the duration of your health assistant as well as its efficiency.
The Levoit has an Activated Carbon filter as the second stage, while the True HEPA filter is in the third place. The second place in Ikea’s air purifier system is the HEPA filter, while the Activated Carbon filter is the third.
I was pleased to see that both appliances use pellet-based carbon filters, which are much more efficient in odor neutralization than the fibrous filters, which are only coated with carbon.
How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices?
Since both air purifiers come with a Filter Reset Indicator, you already have a major advantage as a user because you get to be notified by the device itself. All you have to do is to follow the light. I mean, the Indicator light. The Levoit’s filter needs to be replaced every six to eight months, while Ikea’s every four to six months.
You don’t have to worry about the replacement process. Just follow the procedure, and in a few simple steps, you should be able to replace any filter in no time.
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