Levoit Core 200S Air Purifier Review: Small but Efficient

Full Review

The Levoit Core 200S is another air purifier from Levoit that I’ve reviewed and analyzed in detail. What initially drew me to this model were the impressive features packed into such a compact device at a very affordable price.

The Core 200S is one of the smallest models in the Levoit Core series—significantly smaller than the Core 300S or Core 400S, which I’ve also tested. I’ve always been a fan of the Core series, especially the models equipped with smart features.

Among its many features, the one that stands out most to me is the ability to control the purifier via voice commands and connect it to the VeSync smart app. In fact, this is the most affordable smart-enabled air purifier I’ve tested so far.

What makes the Core 200S even more appealing is its well-optimized motor, which keeps noise levels low, along with its strong performance and low maintenance costs.

I recommend using this air purifier in rooms up to 183 sq. ft. (17 m²). It uses a three-stage filtration technology, is completely ozone-free, and, in my opinion, ranks among the best small air purifiers currently available.

In this article, I’ll go through the full specifications of the Core 200S, share the results of my performance, noise, and energy consumption tests, and explain where this purifier fits best.

How We Tested the Levoit Core 200S?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Levoit Core 200S in two separate performance tests, one in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and the other in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Levoit Core 200S run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Levoit Core 200S in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

The Levoit Core 200S is a compact air purifier designed for rooms up to 183 sq. ft. (17 m²), where it can clean the air up to 4.8 times per hour.

We tested its performance in two rooms, one smaller and one larger than the recommended size. To my surprise, it delivered solid results, with efficient filtration technology despite its small filters and relatively small CADR.

In addition to our standard testing, I also used the Core 200S in my kitchen for a while. While it performed reasonably well, I found there are better options in the same price range if the kitchen is your primary concern.

Overall, I would recommend the Core 200S for use in bedrooms, small living rooms, children’s rooms, offices, and even smaller kitchens.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, which is slightly smaller than the recommended size, the Levoit Core 200S improved air quality by an impressive 93% in just 60 minutes.

Even though the room was a bit smaller, this result is fantastic, and the Core 200S truly performed exceptionally well here.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m2) Room

In a test performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, which is slightly larger than the recommended size, the Levoit Core 200S also delivered solid performance.

Running at maximum speed for 60 minutes, it improved air quality by 91%, reducing PM2.5 levels from 99.7 to 8.8 µg/m³.

For comparison, the Levoit Core 300S achieved a 94% improvement, while the Bosch Air 2000 improved air quality by 93% in the same test.

Overall, this is a very good result, even if it’s slightly weaker than some competing models in its class.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

We tested the Levoit Core 200S in our specialized smoke removal test, where we placed the purifier in a glass box, filled it with smoke, and measured how long it took to clear the box completely.

Despite its small filter and small amount of carbon pellets, the Core 200S performed surprisingly well. It needed just 32 seconds to remove all the smoke, which is a result comparable to some much larger and more expensive air purifiers.

For instance, the Levoit Vital 100 needed 33 seconds to complete the same test.

Overall, the Core 200S produced a very impressive result in this test.

As for the noise level, I want to start by pointing out that this is one of the air purifiers I often recommend to users looking for a device suitable for bedrooms up to about 200 sq. ft.

The Core 200S is also one of the smallest air purifiers I’ve tested. At the lowest fan speed, it produces just 42.1 dBA, while at the maximum speed, it reaches 53.9 dBA.

As shown in the chart, no other device is better optimized at maximum speed. The closest competitor is the Shark HP102, which produces 56.5 dBA at its highest setting.

Another feature I like about the Levoit Core 200S is its sleep mode and the warm yellow night light, both of which are very practical for bedroom use. Even Speed 1 is impressively quiet, producing only 44.9 dBA, which is just slightly louder than in sleep mode.

When compared with similar devices, such as the Winix A231, the advantage is even clearer. The A231 produces 66.5 dBA at maximum speed yet doesn’t offer a significantly higher CADR than the Core 200S.

Without a doubt, this is a very quiet air purifier, whether you use it in sleep mode, at maximum speed, or anywhere in between. Levoit’s engineers have done an excellent job, and their VortexAir technology has proven to be a real success.

This air purifier uses a 37W DC motor, which, based on its CADR, could be a bit better optimized.

That said, the Core 200S isn’t a large power consumer. If you ran it at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by only about $2.16. That’s not much, especially considering you won’t be using it at full speed all the time.

When compared with similar air purifiers under the same conditions, the Levoit Core 200S ranks among the higher power consumers. For example, the MOOKA B-D02L would cost just $1.32 to run, almost half as much.

On the positive side, the Core 200S is Energy Star certified.

Of course, there’s also the cost of filter replacements, which need to be changed about twice a year. Fortunately, the filters are quite affordable.

So, when you add up electricity usage and filter costs, the Levoit Core 200S stays a very affordable air purifier to maintain annually.

Setup and Installation

Before starting the Levoit Core 200S, you need to prepare the device for operation. The preparation process is straightforward. The first thing you need to do is unpack the device. Then turn the device upside down, open the cover from the bottom, and remove the filter outside. Then remove the filter from the plastic bag and return it to the device. You are now finished preparing the Core 200S air purifier.

The next thing you need to do is place the unit in the desired location, ensuring that you do not block the airflow and that the device is at least 15 inches (38 cm) away from the wall or other objects, plug it in, and turn it on.

You can connect the Levoit Core 200S to the VeSync app, which is mandatory.

Design

The Levoit Core 200S is a small, beautiful air purifier with a cylindrical shape similar to all the other Levoit air purifiers in the Core series.

This air purifier is made of plastic, which is of very high quality, and the build quality is top-notch.

It consists of two parts, the air inlet and filter openings at the bottom, the motor at the top, and the control panel right at the top of the unit.

I really like that this is a portable device that you can easily move from room to room. It is currently available in white and black color. Personally, I prefer white. The power cord is long enough, just long enough to plug it anywhere you like.

Basically, the Levoit Core 200S is a small, cute, and modern air purifier that I am sure fits easily into almost any environment.

Control Panel

The control panel consists of touch buttons and indicators. It is located on the top of the device.

The buttons on the control panel are Power, Fan speed, Sleep mode, Timer, Night light, Display lock, and Display off. These buttons also act as indicators, so they light up when active. In addition, some of the buttons have indicators above them to indicate the currently active options. For example, on the top side of the control panel, you can find indicators for the fan speed. On the bottom side, you can find indicators for the timer option.

In addition, there are WiFi indicators and a filter replacement indicator. I very much like the layout of the buttons on the screen, which are also sensitive and extremely precise, which in many ways makes it easier to operate the device.

Airflow

The Levoit Core 200S is circular, with filters mounted on the underside. The device draws air through the openings on the bottom, arranged 360 degrees (on all sides). The air is then filtered and exits through the grilles on the top side of the device.

Size and Dimensions

The air purifier weighs 6.6 lb (3 kg). The dimensions of the device are: 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.6 inches (20,5 x 20,5 x 32 cm).

The Levoit Core 200S is a practical and small air purifier easy to transport, although it does not have a carrying handle. I am sure you will have no problems carrying it from room to room.

What’s in the box?

You will receive an air purifier, 3-in-1 filter, and user manual when you buy the device. I would recommend everyone to read the installation and setup instructions I wrote right at the beginning of the review before starting the device for the first time.

Features Overview

Although the Levoit Core 200S is very small, it is richly equipped with advanced features. The options I like most about this model are the ability to connect to the VeSyc app, which allows control from a remote location, as well as the sleep mode and night light options.

It is a pity that this air purifier does not have an air quality sensor, which I am sure would have been a great addition and would have taken this air purifier to an even higher level.

VeScyn Smart App

The Levoit Core 200S uses Levoit’s VeSync app, which allows you to control your smart devices. The app is available for Android and iOS devices, works seamlessly, and is very practical.

I’ve written more details about connecting to the app and the app itself in the “VeSync Smart App” section.

Timer

A timer is an option that allows you to set the time for which you want the device to switch itself off. On the Core 200S, you can set the timer to 2h, 4h, or 8h.

However, if you connect the air purifier to the VeSync app, you get the option to set the timer between 1 and 24 hours. This is another reason not to avoid connecting your device to the VeSync app!

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is another handy option that adorns this air purifier. In sleep mode, the Levoit Core 200S reduces the fan speed to its lowest and dims all the indicators on the air purifier.

This is a beneficial option if you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom or similar room that requires silence.

The Night Light

The night light is another option that can be useful for using the device in the bedroom and in some other rooms. The Levoit Core 200S has a comfortable LED light that can be used as ambient light and can further create an atmosphere in the room where the device is located.

I would like to mention that the night light can also be used when the air purifier is switched off.

Display Off and Display Lock

These two features are also very useful, and I think the name of the options themselves tells you their purpose. Display Off is used to dim all the indicators on the device, which can be helpful if you are bothered by the intense light on the indicators, and you don’t want to use the sleep mode, which also dims the lights on the indicators.

Display Lock has another purpose; this option is used to lock commands on the device and thus prevent accidental switching of commands and interfering with the device’s operation.

Filter Change Indicator

The filter change indicator is another handy option on the Core 200S.

Basically, this indicator will let you know when to change the filter by blazing up a red light.

When you see the indicator light up, you need to replace your old filters with new ones as soon as possible. This is a very useful option to help you keep track of filter wear.

Warranty

Levoit provides a 2-year warranty on the Levoit Core 200S.

However, you must register the device on the Levoit website immediately after purchase to activate the warranty. You can do the same via the VeSync smartphone app after connecting the app to your device.

VeSync Smart App

Connecting the Levoit Core 200S air purifier to the VeSync app opens up a host of new and advanced features to help you in your daily use of the device.

In fact, the primary function of the VeSync smart app is to remotely control your devices from any location. Unfortunately, this model does not have an air quality sensor, which would allow for much more advanced and exciting possibilities. Personally, I find the remote control option much more helpful than, say, in the Hathaspace HSP001 air purifier.

An option you might like is the integration with voice assistants, which means that the Core 200S can easily connect to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant after connecting to the VeSync app.

Connecting to the App

To connect the air purifier to the VeSync app, you first need to download the app on your Android or iOS smartphone. Then, follow the on-screen instructions on the VeSync app to add the air purifier to the app.

As soon as you turn on Bluetooth and start the air purifier, VeSync will find the Core 200S, and you can begin the process of adding the app to your device with one click.

To connect the air purifier and the app, you need to connect to WiFi, then wait for the device and the app to configure.

Once all steps have been completed, the Levoit Core 200S will successfully connect to the VeSync smart app.

Basic Controls in the App

Immediately after adding, you will see the current filter wear somewhere in the middle of the screen. Just below, you will see the buttons for fan speed control.

Open the panel at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a palette of additional options, including schedule, on/off, and timer buttons. Below are options for display off, night light, and display lock. These options make it easier to manage the device and allow you to use it from any location with internet access.

In addition to these options, clicking the Settings button in the top right corner will open the Core 200S Basic Settings panel.

Room Coverage

The Levoit Core 200S has a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 118 CFM, 200.6 m3 /h. This is a very high figure for this petite air purifier.

It is recommended that the Core 200S be used in rooms up to 183 sq. ft. because, in a room of this size, the Core 200S will clean the air 4.8x in one hour.

Condition	Required minimum Air Changes per Hour (ACH)	Suitable room size	The time it takes to clean the air in the room
Smoke or VOCs	8	110 sq. ft.	8 min
AHAM standard (recommended for many conditions)	4.8	183 sq. ft.	13 min
Normal conditions	2	453 sq. ft.	30 min

The Core 200S is the ideal air purifier for a bedroom, small living room, office, children’s room, small kitchen, and similar spaces.

However, suppose you decide to use this air purifier in a slightly larger room than the recommended dimensions. In that case, this shouldn’t be a problem either, as the Core 200S performed well in performance tests in a larger room than the recommended dimensions.

How does the room coverage of the Levoit Core 200S compare to other Levoit air purifiers?

Device	Suggested coverage (sq. ft.)
Levoit LV-PUR131	up to 322 sq. ft.
Levoit Core 300	up to 219 sq. ft.
Levoit Vital 100	up to 300 sq. ft.
Levoit LV-H134	up to 710 sq. ft.
Levoit Core 400S	up to 403 sq. ft.

Filtration Technology

The Levoit Core 200S uses a 3-in-1 filter that includes a pre-filter, a main filter, and an activated carbon filter. The filter is cylindrical, hollow in the middle, and occupies approximately one slot of the unit. This is the standard air purifying filter design for this air purifier.

The characteristics of Levoit filters are exceptional quality and high efficiency.

The Levoit Core 200S does not use any additional type of filtration, which is why this model is CARB certified, and it is 100% ozone-free and entirely safe for use.

Pre-filter

The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration, essentially a nylon mesh glued to the main filter. This filter aims to stop large particles such as large dust particles, pet hair, and the like. In this way, the pre-filters will help to extend the life of the main filter.

I recommend maintaining your pre-filter regularly and cleaning it at least twice a month. This can be done with a dry cloth or with a vacuum cleaner.

Main Filter

The main filter is the second and basic filtration level in this appliance.

This filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants in the 0.3-micron size, cleaning your environment of dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and more.

The main filter is, in my opinion, most responsible for the excellent results in the Core 200S performance tests.

Activated Carbon Filter

The activated carbon filter is the final stage of filtration, essentially a pellet-based carbon filter that adsorbs odors and vapors.

Although the Levoit Core 200S has a very small filter and not a huge amount of carbon pellets, I have to say that I am pleased with the performance this device has done in tests.

How do I replace the Levoit Core 200S filter?

The Levoit Core 200S does not use washable filters, which means that they need to be changed from time to time. Fortunately, this air purifier uses a filter change indicator to let you know when it’s time to change the filter. This period is usually between 6 and 8 months.

In addition to regular filter changes, I would definitely recommend maintaining and cleaning the pre-filter at least twice a month. I recommend that you always choose original Levoit filters and that when you shop around, you buy the Core 200S-RF.

Total time: 5 minutes.

FAQ About Levoit Core 200S