Levoit Vital 100 Vs Levoit Core 300 – Which One to Choose?

Today’s comparison is all about keeping it in the family. We’re looking at two air purifiers from Levoit: the Vital 100 and the Core 300.

This promises to be an unusual and challenging comparison—not because of their performance but because these models are part of Levoit’s “old school” lineup.

The Levoit Vital 100 and Core 300 have earned their popularity among consumers thanks to their proven efficiency and reliability. They are perfect examples of how a product can be effective without relying on advanced features, smart app connectivity, or other bells and whistles.

The Vital 100 is designed to cover spaces up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²), while the Core 300 is suited for areas up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²). While the difference isn’t huge, it could be a deciding factor depending on your needs.

Aside from their differences in shape, both models are available in white, with black as an alternative option for the Core 300 and dark gray for the Vital 100. Some might see these as minor, aesthetic details and say, “It’s like debating tomato versus tomato.” Fair enough, but let’s focus on what really matters. Stick with me.

Specs: Levoit Vital 100 Vs Core 300

Performance Test – Comparison

Testing the performance of air purifiers has never been a boring process—at least not for me. After all, it’s the core purpose of these devices.

Testing these Levoit products was particularly intriguing. While I’ve already covered their respective coverage areas, let’s focus on the real test results.

We tested the Vital 100 and Core 300 in two different rooms, measuring how much they improved air quality over 60 minutes at maximum speed.

In the first test, conducted in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Levoit Vital 100 improved air quality by 95%, while the Levoit Core 300 achieved an improvement of about 93%.

In the second test, performed in a larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room—beyond the recommended coverage for both models—each managed to improve air quality by 92%.

In conclusion, the Levoit Vital 100 demonstrated slightly better performance in our particle removal tests.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

We tested the performance of these two air purifiers in removing smoke from a glass box.

Despite being a much smaller device, the Levoit Core 300 managed to remove all the smoke significantly faster. It took just 20 seconds, while the Levoit Vital 100 required 33 seconds to achieve the same result.

Both models are equipped with high-quality pellet-based carbon filters, but the Levoit Core 300 demonstrated superior efficiency in this test.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

Typically, traditional air purifiers offer three fan speed settings. This is true for both models, with one exception—the Levoit Core 300 includes an additional sleep mode.

At the lowest speed, both air purifiers are very quiet. The Levoit Core 300 operates at 40.7 dBA, while the Levoit Vital 100 generates 41.9 dBA.

At maximum speed, the situation shifts slightly, with the Core 300 being somewhat louder. It produces 64.9 dBA, compared to the Levoit Vital 100’s 63.4 dBA.

In general, the Core 300 is slightly louder at all speeds except when running in sleep mode.

Most importantly, neither of these models produces unusual noises or buzzing, making them excellent choices for use in bedrooms.

Operating Costs – Comparison

Frankly, these two Levoit models consume slightly more power than I expected, especially considering their CADR values.

The Levoit Vital 100 is equipped with a 55W motor, while the Core 300 uses a smaller 45W motor.

If you were to run these air purifiers at maximum speed 24 hours a day for an entire month, the Core 300 would add approximately $3.81 to your electricity bill, whereas the Vital 100 would increase it by about $5.08.

In addition to power consumption costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which are priced similarly for both models. These filters typically last six to eight months.

Given that the filter costs are equal, the lower power consumption tips the scale in favor of the Levoit Core 300 as the more cost-efficient option.

Features Overview

As previously mentioned, you can’t observe these air purifiers through the search loop of ‘’nowadays-must-have’’ options. Leave it to their successors. Things like Air Quality Sensor or a Smart App are not to be found at both Vital 100 or Core 300. 

However, don’t dismiss these air purifiers just like that, because I assure you that many users still find satisfaction in the simplicity and effectiveness that these products offer. 

Filter Reset Indicator

The Filter Reset Indicator is one of the common options for both Levoit Vital 100 and Levoit Core 300. It is one of those very useful options that will give you a hand with filter management. Looking like a button on a control panel, it will light up in red color if your air purifier’s filter needs to be replaced. 

This means you won’t have to check up on your air purifier all the time. However, don’t get too lazy. It would be recommended if you could take a look at the filter once in a while. If the filter is messy and dirty, don’t hesitate to replace it even before its expiration time. After all, it’s what adds that healthy prefix to your lifestyle, am I right?

Timer

Another useful and common feature for Vital 100 and Core 300 is the Timer. In case you are the forgettable type, use this feature, and you won’t have that ‘’did I or did I not turn it OFF’’ panic attack. With Levoit Vital 100, you can set up the time to 2h, 4h, or 8h. On the other hand, Levoit Core 300 can offer a 6h setting, in addition to Vital’s options. 

Display Off

As always, sharing is caring. That is why the Display OFF option is what both air purifiers have. Use it to dim all the other indicators if you don’t want to be distracted for any reason. If you are planning to set the device in your bedroom area, for example, this will be a quite useful feature. 

Child Lock

Here comes the crossroad. The child zone. Levoit Vital 100 does not come with this option that is a matter of standard to most other home appliances. At the same time, Levoit Core 300 has a Child Lock feature, and you can use it in the simplest way possible. Just hold your finger on the Child Lock button for a few seconds, and it will automatically lock all the other buttons. The same instruction refers to when you want to unlock the device. 

Having this feature as an option is extremely popular and very handy in family households. You can’t get any better than protecting both your youngest ones and your favorite appliances.

Airflow

Given the fact that Levoit Vital 100 and Levoit Core 300 are profoundly different in construction terms, their airflow also differs. For the Vital 100 and its rectangular shape, it is much easier to process the air that comes in. The suction holes are positioned on the bottom side of the appliance. The air goes through the filtration process and releases on the upper side.

Due to its cylindrical shape, Core 300 has suction holes located at 360 degrees, which means all over the bottom part of the appliance. Once the air goes through the filters, it spreads out evenly through the upper side. 

Warranty

As in many other cases, a Levoit company has predefined warranty coverage for all of its products. You will be entitled to a 2-year warranty in case you buy either Vital 100 or Core 300. 

However, to be fully covered by this warranty, you will need to sign up to Levoit’s website once you buy your chosen air purifier. 

Filtration Technology

The filtration process in Levoit Vital 100 and Levoit Core 300 is almost identical. In both ways, it contains three stages of filtration: a pre-filter, a carbon, and a True HEPA filter. Why almost, you may wonder? Well, due to their order. 

The first stage belongs to the pre-filter in both cases. Still, with a slight difference. In the case of Vital 100, you can easily detach the pre-filter, which is usually hooked on carbon and HEPA filter, and wash it every once in a while. This is the part where a rectangular shape comes in handy because it allows you better maintenance and control over your air purifier. 

On the other hand, due to its cylindrical and hollow shape, Core 300 has its pre-filter inseparable from the two other filters but still easy to clean, with a little help from your vacuum cleaner or a simple cloth.

The carbon filter in both air purifiers is consisted out of carbon pellets, which makes both devices a strong companion in odor and gas neutralization. The only difference is that this filter is positioned as the second stage in Vital 100 and the third one in the Core 300. 

The third stage of filtration, or the second in Core 300, belongs to the ‘’first among equals’’, a True HEPA filter. 

To spice it up a little bit, Levoit Core 300 allows you to purchase custom-made replacement filters, which means they are designed for special purposes and circumstances. 

How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices?

As I’ve mentioned in the previous section, one air purifier comes with a washable pre-filter while the other doesn’t. In both ways, in terms of proper maintenance, the filters are supposed to last between 6-8 months. In most cases, you’ll have to replace them twice a year. 

The replacement process is as easy as it gets. Just pay attention to the Filter Reset Indicator, and you should have no problems whatsoever. If your Vital 100, or Core 300 air purifier, was exposed to overly polluted air conditions, be sure to check up on whether it needs a filter replacement sooner than expected.

I recommend, at least, monthly filter cleaning if you want your air to be clean and safe.  

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