Brace yourselves because this time, I’m bringing you an utterly interesting comparison that you won’t want to miss. You may wonder why. Well, mainly because, at first glance, these air purifiers seem completely opposite to one another.
On one side, we have the Levoit Vital 100, made by a company that dominates the air purifier market (though I’m sure you’ve already read that in the standalone review), offering outstanding performance. On the other side, there’s the super affordable Winix C535, packed with so many features and high-quality filtration technology.
Although, at first, the rectangular shape of these appliances might not seem super attractive, they are both affordable and extremely reliable.
If color is important to you, the Levoit air purifier is available in grey or white, while Winix only offers the white option.
If you’ve noticed similarities between the Winix C535 and the Winix Zero, you’re on the right track. The Zero is the European market version of the C535, with slight variations.
Let’s dive in together and explore what makes these air purifiers so interesting when compared side by side.
Our Verdict
Now, you’re probably expecting me to announce a winner and make it easier for you to decide which one to buy. But hold on a second — this hasn’t been easy for me either.
I must say, with no exaggeration, these air purifiers have been quite challenging to compare. Both the Levoit Vital 100 and the Winix C535 are definitely worth buying.
Since I have to choose (otherwise, this comparison would be meaningless), I pick the Winix C535. Why? Better overall performance, slightly larger and longer-lasting filters, and far more advanced features. Simple as that.
So, which one would you choose? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Specs: Levoit Vital 100 Vs Winix C535
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Winix |
| Model | Vital 100 | C535 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.2 x 40.8 cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38 x 20.8 x 60 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 9.3 lb (4.2 kg) | 14.8 (6.7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 130 CFM / 221 m3/h | 232 CFM (394 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) | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.6 - Average Score (66 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - 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 True HEPA Filter | Pre-Filter, Odor Absorbing Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 66 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 70W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9.1 - Average Score (66 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 8 - 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, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 31 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 19 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 66 air purifiers tested, only 19 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Display OffTimer | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.9 – 63.4 dBA | 40.8 – 63.2 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (66 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 | Pets Living Rooms Allergies Dust |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Vital 100 | Winix C535 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
The Levoit Vital 100 is suitable for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²), while the Winix C535 covers up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
Although the Winix covers a larger area, we tested both in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.
In this test, the Levoit Vital 100 reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 94.7 to 7.6 µg/m³, resulting in an air quality improvement of 92%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Vital 100 Vs Winix C535 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
On the other hand, the Winix C535 improved the air quality by 94%, reducing the PM2.5 particulate matter from 80.7 to 4.1 µg/m³.
Both tests lasted for one hour, with each device running at its maximum speed the entire time. As the result, the Winix C535 performed slightly better, showing higher efficiency.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Winix makes excellent air purifiers, especially when it comes to neutralizing bad odors and smoke. However, the Winix C535 uses a fibrous filter instead of the traditional pellet-based one, which is somewhat less effective.
Despite this, the Winix C535 delivered outstanding results in our test, clearing all the smoke from the glass box in just 21 seconds.
The Levoit Vital 100 took 33 seconds to achieve the same result.
It’s clear that the Winix was faster and more efficient in this test, but the Levoit is still a strong contender and has proven to be a worthy competitor to Winix.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
If the number of speeds matters to you, this is where the Winix C535 shines! It offers four initial speed levels plus a sleep mode, effectively giving you five speed options.
The Levoit Vital 100, on the other hand, has three basic speed levels with no additional options.
When it comes to the lower speeds, I must admit there’s not much of a difference, as both appliances are quiet. You can snuggle up in your chair for movie nights without being disturbed by unpleasant sounds.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Vital 100 Vs Winix C535 air purifiers.
The Levoit produces 41.9 dBA at its lowest speed, while the Winix is slightly quieter at 40.8 dBA.
The unpleasant surprise comes at maximum speed, where both air purifiers become quite loud. The sound they produce makes it difficult to stay in the same room with them. The Winix produces 63.2 dBA, and the Levoit is slightly louder at 63.4 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100 (dBA) | Winix C535 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 40.8 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.9 dBA | 42.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 51.1 dBA | 44.2 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 63.4 dBA | 47.1 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 63.2 dBA |
Overall, I find the Winix C535 to be quieter than the Levoit Vital 100, thanks to its wider range of speed settings.
Operating Costs – Comparison
According to the specifications, the Levoit Vital 100 has a 55W motor, while the Winix C535 comes with a 70W motor.
The difference isn’t huge, but I tested their power usage at all speed levels. At maximum speed, the Levoit uses 57.9W, while the Winix uses 54.1W.
This means that if you were to run these devices 24 hours a day for one month, your electric bill would increase by about $5.08 for the Levoit Vital 100 and $4.74 for the Winix C535.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Vital 100 Vs Winix C535 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Now, let’s talk about filter replacement costs. At first glance, it might seem that the Levoit is a much cheaper option, but that’s not necessarily the case. Since the Levoit’s filter needs to be replaced twice a year, the overall cost ends up being about the same as the Winix. So, we can call it even in that regard.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100 (W + $/month) | Winix C535 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.2W ($0.01) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3W ($0.26) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 22.1W ($1.94) | 6W ($0.53) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 33.7W ($2.95) | 7.7W ($0.68) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 57.9W ($5.08) | 11.4W ($1) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 54.1W ($4.74) |
Considering the power-to-CADR ratio, replacement filter price, and filter life, the Winix C535 proves to be slightly more affordable in terms of maintenance.
Filtration Technology
We’ve come to the most important feature of any air purifier. Both Levoit Vital 100 and Winix C535 have a three-stage filtration, with an extra 4th stage or so-called Ionizer that Winix is equipped with.
All three stages are correspondingly present to each purifier: a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. This is where the story ends with Levoit, but continues with Winix’s fourth stage, or the PlasmaWave. I’ve mentioned this earlier, as an optional feature in the PlasmaWave section of this comparison.
What I find most important is the presence of the True HEPA filter. This is the reason why these air purifiers are so good. Another good thing is the ability to wash the pre-filter when needed, so you can extend the duration and improve the performance of your air purifier.
How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices
If you decide to buy Levoit Vital 100, there is one thing you should know: you will need to replace the filter every 6-8 months, as opposed to Winix C535 that will need an annual filter replacement. I said it before and I’ll say it again: pre-filters are washable. Use that information, but don’t try it with other filters. You don’t want to do that, trust me!
It is highly recommended to maintain the cleanliness of your air purifier’s pre-filters. If you do that, not only will you inevitably procrastinate the durability of the HEPA filter but you will keep the efficiency of the pre-filter at its highest level.
Extra advice for those of you who are proud pet-parents: don’t be lazy and give your air purifier one or a few extra cleanings a month. Your lungs will be thankful, as well as your pets’.
Features Overview
If you’re like me, and you already checked out the specifications table, then I’m sure you noticed that Levoit Vital 100 is not as nearly equipped with advanced options as Winix C535 is. But let that not discourage you, because from what I have experienced while testing, Levoit is the kind of air purifier that gets the job done, without making much fuss about it. It is minimalistic and yet with strong performances.
One of the features that I definitely like about Levoit Vital 100 is the Display off feature, which dimes all the indicators on the appliance.
And here’s the show-off, Winix C535 with loads of advanced features, ready to set your fingers on fire. You can read the manual script all day long, but I’ll give you a hint of some features I liked about this air purifier. Air quality indicator, Auto mode and if you’re lucky to be living in the US, you get to have a remote controller.
Timer
A Timer is one of the options that both appliances have. It allows you to set how long you want your air purifier to work. Levoit Vital 100 will let you set the time to 2h, 4h, and 8h, while with Winix C535 you can set the timer for one hour, plus to 4h and 8h, just like with Levoit.
Filter Rest Indicator
Another common feature for Levoit and Winix is the Filter Reset Indicator, highly important for any air purifier. It is supposed to light up in order to inform you of the necessity of filter replacement. Of course, each air purifier has its own way of functioning.
You can rely on this feature, but my suggestion would be that you set yourself a reminder to clean the filter at least once a month. Both Levoit Vital 100 and Winix C535 have their pre-filters separated from others (Levoit even has its filter stuck to a True HEPA filter), so it would be good to be your own reminder once in a while.
Air Quality Sensor
This is the part where these two air purifiers go separate ways. Levoit Vital 100 does not come with Air Quality Sensor, while Winix C535 does. What this sensor does is that it measures the current air quality in the room. The great thing is that data collected by the sensor are shared with some other features that this air purifier owns. It’s quite an interesting feature, so if you want to know more about it, go and check it out in a detailed Winix C535 review.
If you paid close attention to a Winix’s appearance, I’m sure you spotted a LED light, under the Plasma Wave option. This LED light is what shows you the real-time quality of the air you’re breathing. Depending on the air quality, the light will change its color.
As I already mentioned in the intro, Winix has an Auto Mode option which will, when active, take control over the air purifier’s motor depending on the quality of the air.
It’s actually what I previously wrote about data being shared between features that this air purifier possesses.
PlasmaWave
PlasmaWave is another feature that only Winix C535 has and it’s practically an Ionizer or the 4th stage of filtration in this air purifier. Even though this option turns ON by default, it is actually optional, which means you can use it according to your needs.
I want to emphasize the importance of the CARB certificate that Winix C535 owns, which means it is totally environmentally safe due to its controlled ozone production.
Airflow
Speaking of the Airflow, there is not much of a difference between Levoit Vital 100 and Winix C535. They both have frontal air suction, as well as from both sides and the bottom. The air is being filtrated and released through the openings on the upper side of the air purifier.
Warranty
When it comes to a Warranty your appliance is covered with, there is not much to compare. Both air purifiers come with a 2-year warranty. Still, if you want to be fully covered by Levoit’s warranty, you’ll have to register on their website upon purchase. Winix doesn’t require you to do this procedure.
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