This time, I’m comparing two compact air purifiers with similar sizes and specifications, but noticeably different performance.
The two models in focus are the Shark NeverChange HP152 and the Levoit Vital 100S.
Both devices feature high-quality filtration technology. The Shark uses a four-stage filtration system, while the Levoit relies on a three-stage filtration technology.
I tested them side by side, and in this article, I’ll help you decide which one is the better choice.
Our Verdict
Overall, both of these air purifiers have their pros and cons. The Shark NeverChange stands out for its odor neutralizer and long-lasting filters (though this hasn’t been proven yet), while the Levoit Vital 100S offers more smart features, delivers better performance, and has a higher CADR.
In my opinion, the Levoit Vital 100S has more to offer than the Shark NeverChange, which is why I declared it the winner in this comparison.
However, you won’t go wrong choosing the Shark either, but be aware that you’ll likely spend more on maintenance, especially if the filter doesn’t actually last the advertised five years.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment below the article.
Specs: Shark NeverChange HP152 Vs Levoit Vital 100S
| Product Image |  |  14% off |
| Manufacturer | Shark | Levoit |
| Model | NeverChange HP152 | Vital 100S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.5 x 9.3 x 14.9 inches (26.7 x 23.6 x 37.8 cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.25 lb (3.28 kg) | 7 lb (3.2 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 97 CFM (165 mÂł/h) | 141 CFM (240 mÂł/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. | 150 sq. ft. (14 m²) | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (91 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, Pet Particle Filter, Activated Carbon, and NanoSeal HEPA | Washable Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 5 years | 9-12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 91 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 26W | 35W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (91 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 - Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, and Speed 5 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 44 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 45 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Odor NeutralizationTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.4 – 62.4 dBA | 40.5 – 65.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (91 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 | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Long Filter Life | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Shark NeverChange HP152 | Levoit Vital 100S |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
To be frank, both of these devices fall into the category of small air purifiers. The Shark NeverChange HP152 has a CADR of 97 CFM (165 m³/h), making it ideal for spaces up to 150 sq. ft. (14 m²).
In contrast, the Levoit Vital 100S boasts a higher CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h), making it suitable for rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
We tested both models in two rooms of different sizes to evaluate their efficiency.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Shark NeverChange HP152 and Levoit Vital 100S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Shark NeverChange HP152 improved air quality by 92%, while the Levoit Vital 100S achieved an improvement of around 95%.
In the second test, performed in a larger-than-recommended room, the Levoit improved air quality by 94%, whereas the Shark reached 90%.
We used a Temtop laser particle meter to measure their performance.
Based on these results, it’s clear that the Levoit Vital 100S outperformed the Shark NeverChange HP152 in both tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We also put both air purifiers through our smoke test, where we measured how quickly they could remove all the smoke from a sealed glass box.
The Shark NeverChange HP152 cleared the smoke in 37 seconds, while the Levoit Vital 100S needed just 20 seconds.
This clearly shows that the Levoit Vital 100S was significantly more efficient in the smoke removal test as well.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Both of these air purifiers feature five fan speeds and include an auto mode.
I like situations like this because it’s much easier to compare noise levels when both devices have the same number of fan speeds.
At the lowest speed, the Shark NeverChange HP152 produces 40.4 dBA, while the Levoit Vital 100S produces 40.5 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Shark NeverChange HP152 and Levoit Vital 100S air purifiers.
At the highest speed, the Levoit reaches 65.4 dBA, whereas the Shark tops out at 62.4 dBA.
Overall, the Levoit Vital 100S is just slightly louder than the Shark NeverChange.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (dBA) | Levoit Vital 100S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 40.5 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 40.4 dBA | 42.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 41.3 dBA | 51.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.9 dBA | 58.7 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 56.7 dBA | 65.4 dBA |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 62.4 dBA | - |
However, given its much higher CADR, I’d say the Levoit is better optimized for performance relative to its noise level than the Shark NeverChange HP152.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When it comes to operating costs, the first thing I noticed is that the Shark NeverChange uses a low-power motor rated at 26W, while the Levoit Vital 100S uses a slightly more powerful 35W motor.
Despite the difference in power consumption, the CADR-to-power ratio favors the Levoit. The Shark has a ratio of 3.7, while the Levoit scores 4.0, higher is better.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Shark NeverChange HP152 and Levoit Vital 100S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately:
- $2.66 for the Levoit Vital 100S, and
- $2.24 for the Shark NeverChange HP152.
However, electricity isn’t the only cost. Filter replacement is another factor. The Levoit’s filter needs to be replaced every 9–12 months, while Shark claims its filter can last up to five years.
However, based on my experience, it’s unlikely that the Shark filter will actually last that long, especially with regular use.
| Fan Speed | Shark NeverChange HP152 (W + $/month) | Levoit Vital 100S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 1.5W ($0.13) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.2W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.6W ($0.4) | 6.5W ($0.57) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 5.7W ($0.5) | 10.5W ($0.92) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 10.6W ($0.93) | 17.6W ($1.54) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 16.1W ($1.41) | 30.3W ($2.66) |
| Speed 5 (Max) | 25.5W ($2.24) | - |
Considering both power efficiency and realistic filter replacement intervals, I believe the Levoit Vital 100S could be the more cost-effective option in the long run.
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