In this article, I will compare two mighty air purifiers from Levoit’s Vital and Core series: the Levoit Core 400S and Vital 200S. Levoit favors its Core series a bit more, which is why there are more devices in Core than in the Vital series.
However, things changed a bit with the introduction of the new Levoit Vital 200S. This outstanding air purifier boasts high-quality filtration technology and a very good price, making it highly competitive. Additionally, its rectangular design distinguishes it visually from any device in the Core series.
Both the Levoit Vital 200S and Core 400S use a three-stage filtration technology, don’t use ionizers, and are 100% safe to use. There is, however, one slight difference: the Vital 200S has a mesh pre-filter that is washable and doesn’t require replacement, only regular cleaning. This feature makes it ideal for households with pets.
If you’re considering which one to use for different room sizes, the good news is that they cover nearly identical room sizes: 380 sq. ft. (35 m²) for the Vital 200S and 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) for the Core 400S. Thus, both are suitable for medium-sized rooms.
It’s also worth mentioning that these air purifiers come with plenty of advanced features, such as an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and a smart app. I’ve compared their specifications and features in the table below, which I strongly recommend reading.
Our Verdict
As a huge fan of Levoit air purifiers, I’ve rigorously tested almost every model they offer and sought to evaluate each new release. The Core 400S stands out as one of the best air purifiers I’ve tried so far. It has all the features an air purifier should have.
However, its rival in this comparison, the Vital 200S, is equally (even more) impressive: it has outstanding performance, has plenty of features, and is available at an attractive price. It also has a slightly better filter with the addition of a washable pre-filter, which, in combination with all the other mentioned features, makes the Levoit Vital 200S a better buying option than the Core 400S.
The Levoit Core 400S is also a fantastic air purifier, and you won’t go wrong if you choose it instead.
If you have questions about these two air purifiers, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below the article.
Specs: Levoit Vital 200S Vs Core 400S
| Product Image |  16% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Vital 200S | Core 400S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 15.6 x 8.5 x 19.8 inches (39.6 x 21.7 x 50.2 cm) | 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches (27.4 x 27.4 x 52 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 13.2 lb (6 kg) | 10.5 Ib (4.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 245 CFM (416 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. | 380 sq. ft. (35 m²) | 403 sq. ft. (37 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, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | about 12 months | up to 12 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. | 50W | 38W (24W European Model) |
| 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 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, High, and Turbo | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Light DetectionDisplay OffDisplay LockTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.0 – 62.2 dBA | 42.1 – 59.9 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 | Pets Living Rooms Bedrooms Kitchens Allergies Dust Smart Home Integration | Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration Air Quality Monitoring |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Vital 200S | Levoit Core 400S |
| Price |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
Levoit air purifiers usually deliver outstanding performance and almost always achieve great results in our tests. However, the Levoit Vital 200S and Core 400S are even more exceptional.
These two are among the best air purifiers we have tested and are perfect for almost any situation. They cover almost identical room sizes, making them perfect to compare.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Vital 200S and Levoit Core 400S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), they both improved the air quality by about 96% in just 60 minutes while running at maximum speed.
In the second test, in a room of 560 sq. ft. (52 m²), the Levoit Vital 200S showed 1% better performance, with an air quality improvement of 92%.
In general, we can say that the results of these tests are almost identical. However, I found that the Vital 200S performs better in homes with pets, especially because of its high-quality, permanent/washable pre-filter.
The Vital 200S also showed slightly better performance in neutralizing bad odors, particularly when used in the kitchen. Overall, the Levoit Vital 200S is a slightly better performer than the Core 400S.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Next is our unique smoke removal test, which confirmed two previously mentioned points:
- The Levoit Vital 200S and Levoit Core 400S have almost identical performance.
- They are among the fastest air purifiers in our smoke box performance tests.
It took only 15 seconds for both air purifiers to remove all the smoke from the smoke box.
Not many air purifiers have achieved such a good result in our smoke tests, but if you are curious, the Blueair 211+ and Levoit Core 600S are some that did.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I noticed while comparing the noise levels of these two air purifiers is that they both have five fan speeds. I always favor air purifiers with more fan speeds because they are easier to adapt to my needs.
As you can see from the chart provided, the Levoit Vital 200S is quieter at sleep mode and at the second speed (medium mode).
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 400S and Vital 200S air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Vital 200S produces a sound of 41 dBA, while the Core 400S produces a sound of 41.2 dBA. However, at maximum speeds, the situation is very different. The Levoit Core 400S is about 2.3 dBA quieter than the Vital 200S.
Refer to the table below for a detailed analysis of the noise levels these air purifiers produce at all speeds.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 400S (dBA) | Levoit Vital 200S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 42.1 dBA | 41 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 43.6 dBA | 44.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 47.8 dBA | 45.7 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 55.4 dBA | 57.9 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 59.9 dBA | 62.2 dBA |
Overall, the Vital 200S is a bit louder, which is something I expected due to its more powerful motor.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When comparing operating costs, we always measure power usage and replacement filter costs. The Levoit Core 400S uses a motor of just 38W, while the Vital 200S uses a more powerful 50W motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 400S and Vital 200S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you used these two air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours daily, for a period of one month, your electrical bill would increase by about $4.22 for the Vital 200S and by about $3.06 for the Core 400S.
Regarding replacement filters, you will have to pay an identical price for both air purifiers’ replacement filters.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 400S (W + $/month) | Levoit Vital 200S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.9W ($0.07) | 1.4W ($0.12) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.3W ($0.28) | 3.5W ($0.3) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 5.8W ($0.5) | 5.8W ($0.5) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 8.8W ($0.77) | 7.9W ($0.69) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 16.1W ($1.41) | 26.3W ($2.3) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 35W ($3.06) | 48.2W ($4.22) |
Accordingly, power consumption determines the winner of this part of the comparison. Since the price of replacement filters is the same, and the Levoit Core 400S has slightly lower power consumption, I declare it as slightly more affordable to maintain.
Hi! I’m really torn between these two. I live in a one bedroom apartment. The 400s would honestly be more attractive in my living room, but I did make broccoli over a week ago and it took days for my Vital 100s to clear the smell. I also have two pets. Is the Vital 200s going to be super noticeably more improvement in odor removal?
The Vital 100S is much smaller compared to the Core 400S and Vital 200S.
However, the Levoit Vital 200S is the most superior one among these three, but if you need to deal with heavy odors, then I would recommend something like the Winix 5500-2, Alen FLEX, or maybe the Austin Air.
I’m confused on which one would be best for me. My home is 1439sq ft and one whole side of my house which has my living room, dining room, and kitchen is completely opened up so I need it to cover a large area. On the Amazon listing it says the vital 200s covers up to 1800sq ft and the Core 400S it says covers up to 1980 sq ft. But in your article it shows that one covers 380 sq. ft. (35 m²) for the Vital 200S and 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) for the Core 400S. I have a large dog and cat so I want the one that would be the best option for pets and dust. Please help, Thanks! Jessica
According to industry standards (AHAM), an air purifier must clean the air in a room at least 4.8 times per hour to be considered efficient. However, some brands use marketing strategies to present higher data than what’s recommended.
For example, the Levoit Vital 200S may clean the air once per hour in a room of 1,800 sq. ft., but trust me; it wouldn’t be able to completely remove pollutants or even maintain the good air quality in that space, even if worked at the maximum fan speed all the time.
While you can theoretically use an air purifier in spaces much larger than recommended, I wouldn’t recommend it—especially in dusty environments, homes with pets, or areas with significant pollution (from cooking, smoke, etc.). Still, don’t be afraid of using it in a slightly larger space (e.g., 50-100 sq. ft. larger).
Check out this article I wrote about the best air purifiers for large rooms.
Is noise difference at the lowest speed noticeable when listening at night?
Great question! While the Levoit Vital 200S is slightly quieter at its lowest speed, the noise difference is minimal and hardly noticeable at that setting.
The bearing on the core models mostly has some whining / high pitch which is noticeable at night. Maybe they improved it for the Vital series, but I don’t know. Milan, would it be possible to measure the frequency chart of each mode of each purifier? For PC Fans that is common in reviews because it really shows the sound signature and reveals frequency peaks.