Levoit is the best-selling manufacturer of air purifiers on the market, which, in addition to the high quality of their products, is the reason why I often test Levoit air purifiers.
This review will test the Levoit Vital 100, a compact air purifier much smaller than it looks, without many advanced features but with excellent performance.
The Vital 100 is designed for rooms up to 300 sq. ft., aesthetically a lovely device that fits perfectly in a living room, bedroom, kitchen, or similar room. This air purifier is characterized by the classic 3-in-1 filtration I am used to with Levoit air purifiers.
However, the Vital 100 filter has some features that make it different from other Levoit air purifiers.
Table of Contents
The Levoit Vital 100 is a direct competitor to the Core 300 and LV-PUR131, and I can’t wait to compare these devices with the Vital 100.
If the Levoit Vital 100 uses less energy than it does and if it had some additional advanced options, I think it would be one of the best buying decisions in this price range. It is a good choice, much better than some competing products, but not perfect.
In this air purifier review, I will touch on all the details regarding the Vital 100, show all the tests I have done, and conclude who should buy this air purifier.
Short on Time? Here’s My Short Summary of The Levoit Vital 100!
- The Levoit Vital 100 is an air purifier designed for rooms up to 300 sq. ft.
- It uses a 3-in-1 True HEPA rectangular filter.
- The Vital 100 is a rectangular air purifier, small in size but very good in performance.
- It is entirely safe to use and does not produce ozone.
- Levoit offers a 12-month warranty on this model.
Specifications
Below you can see a table with the basic specifications.
| Manufacturer | Levoit |
| Model | Vital 100 |
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches |
| Filters | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Longevity | 6-8 months |
| Coverage | 300 sq. ft. (28 m2) |
| CADR | 130 CFM / 221 m3/h |
| Power Consumption | 55W |
| Number of Fan Speeds | 3 – Low, Medium, and High |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| User manual |
Installation and Setup
If you are using the Levoit Vital 100 for the first time, you need to prepare it for the initial run.
The most important thing is to unpack the filter. To do that, you need to open the cover on the front of the device, remove the filter from the device, then remove the filter from the plastic packaging and return it to the air purifier. After that, the preparation process is complete, and all you need to do is place the air purifier in the desired spot and switch it on.
It would be a good idea to put it at least 15 inches away from walls or other objects to ensure that the device works smoothly and has an unobstructed airflow. In addition, place the device on a firm, flat surface.
Design
Levoit Vital 100 is a compact air purifier, rectangular in shape with rounded corners. The plastic is of excellent quality, while the build quality is top-notch. Everything is in place, and you notice a premium taste when you touch the device.
Vital 100 is currently available in white or gray color. The model I have tested in this review is white, except for the top of the device, which is grey. The designers have thought about all the details, so you will find a slot on the back of the device that is used to carry the device.
The Levoit Vital 100 is a stylish air purifier that easily fits any environment thanks to its comfortable and straightforward appearance.
Control Buttons and Indicators
On top of the device is the control panel, which contains touch buttons and indicators. The touch buttons are arranged horizontally next to each other; they are sensitive enough and straightforward to use.
The touch buttons on the control panel are: on/off, speed, display, timer, and filter buttons. Above the speed button, there is an indicator to show the current fan speed. Above the timer button, there is an indicator to show the current timer setting.
What I really like about the Levoit Vital 100 air purifier is that it remembers the last used fan speed so that when you switch it off and on again, it will start at the same speed. This is very good, especially as you will be able to connect the Vital 100 to a smart plug and make it as “smart” as possible.
Airflow
The filter on the Levoit Vital 100 air purifier is located at the front. The device draws air from the front, through openings at the bottom, and from the sides. The air is then filtered and exits through the grilles on the top side and moves vertically upwards.
Size and Dimensions
The air purifier weighs 9.3 lb. The dimensions of the device are 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches. The Vital 100 is a light and compact air purifier, so it can easily be moved from room to room.
What’s in the box?
When you buy the device, you get an air purifier with a True HEPA filter (pre-installed), a user manual, and a filter reminder card.
I advise you to read the preparation procedure for the device before the first start-up, which I described at the beginning of the review, and in this way, avoid any mistakes that could damage the device.
Features Overview
The Levoit Vital 100 is a minimalist air purifier that is not enhanced with many advanced features. This model only has the basic options with no extras, such as a smart sensor, auto mode, smart app compatibility, and more.
In the following, I will touch upon the options that the Vital 100 has and briefly describe them.
Display Off Button
In the absence of sleep mode, this button is handy. Display Off is a convenient button that turns off all the indicators on the device when pressed. A perfect option if you use the device in the bedroom and are sensitive to any kind of light at night.
Filter Reset Indicator
The filter reset indicator is located on the control panel, all the way to the right-hand side. This indicator keeps track of the filter replacement time and lets you know if you need to change the filter. This is a great option that makes the device easier to use by monitoring the filter duration.
Timer
The timer is another additional option for the Vital 100 air purifier. The timer works by setting the time when you want the device to switch off, and can be set to 2 hours, 4 hours, or 8 hours. This is a handy option, especially if there is no smartphone app compatibility.
No Ozone
Levoit Vital 100 does not use an ionizer, UV-C light, or any other filtration system that could cause ozone accumulation. In addition, Vital 100 is CARB certified, proving that it is entirely safe and ozone-free.
CARB is a Californian law certificate known to be extremely strict. I think this is proof that this air purifier is safe.
Levoit Vital 100 Air Purifier Video Review
Check out Levoit Vital 100 in this video review and determine if this is the right air purifier for your home. It is maybe small, but it is also powerful.
Room Coverage and CADR
With a CADR of 130 CFM / 221 m3/h, the Vital 100 is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. It can cover 500 ft² / 46.5 m² in 30 minutes and 300 ft² / 28 m² in just 18 minutes.
| 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 | 78 sq. ft. | 8 min |
| AHAM standard (recommended for many conditions) | 4.8 | 205 sq. ft. | 13 min |
| Normal conditions | 2 | 319 sq. ft. | 30 min |
These calculations are based on the ideal conditions! So, please keep in mind that it is always better to use a bit larger air purifier.
Depending on the room coverage, this model ideally fits almost any room. Whether you use it in the living room, bedroom or kitchen, I am sure you will be pleased with the performance results of this model.
How does the room coverage of the Levoit Vital 100 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 Core 400S | up to 403 sq. ft. |
| Levoit LV-H132 | up to 129 sq. ft. |
Filter Technology
The Levoit Vital 100 uses a 3-stage filtration system comprising a pre-filter, activated carbon, and True HEPA filter.
What I really like about the Vital 100 is that the carbon filter is the second stage, and the True HEPA filter is the third stage of filtration, while other Levoit models have vice versa. I say this because many people are skeptical and will not buy a device if the carbon filter is the last filtration stage for fear that they might inhale carbon (which is absurd anyway).
The filter in the Vital 100 is rectangular in shape, located on the front and taking up almost the entire front of the device. The Levoit Vital 100 does not support essential oils, and under no circumstances should you pour them into the filter or in any way into the machine. Suppose you are looking for an air purifier with this option. In that case, I recommend looking at the Levoit LV-H128 air purifier from the same manufacturer with the addition of the Aroma Pad.
Levoit Vital 100 Replacement Filter
Always buy genuine filters for the best performance. As soon as the filter reset indicator is on, you are ready to change filters. Do it as quickly as possible.
Check Filter Price On AmazonPre-filter
The pre-filter is the first stage of filtration in this model. It differs in many ways from the pre-filter in other Levoit air purifiers. In other Levoit air purifiers, the pre-filter is predominantly nylon mesh attached to another filter. While with the Vital 100, the pre-filter is a washable fabric hooked to the rest of the filter.
The primary purpose of the pre-filter is to stop large particles such as dust, fibers, hair, and animal fur and thus extend the life of True HEPA filters.
Activated Carbon Filter
The activated carbon filter is the second stage of filtration. The carbon filter is contained of carbon pellets. This is very good because such filters are more efficient than fibrous carbon filters. However, the amount of carbon in this filter is very small. This filter is not heavy enough, so the performance with significant smoke is somewhat weaker.
The primary purpose of an activated carbon filter is to physically adsorb smoke, odors, and fumes. It filters compositions such as gasoline, ammonia, formaldehyde, and various organic compounds. Every time I test an air purifier, I do a simple test to see if the device can neutralize a lit match’s smell. Although this is a straightforward test, believe me, many devices did not live up to this task, while the Vital 100 easily removed any odor from matches.
True HEPA Filter
The true HEPA filter is the last stage of filtration that is most responsible for the excellent performance of this model. This filter captures at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. A true HEPA filter efficiently filters small particles such as smoke, dust, mold, bacteria, viruses, allergens such as pollen, and others.
How to Replace Levoit Vital 100 Filters?
The Levoit Vital 100 uses a filter reset indicator that notifies you when to replace the filter. That way, you won’t have to think about when to replace the filter, and you can easily let the device notify you.
However, this does not mean you don’t need to check the filter periodically and clean the pre-filter at least once a month. Filters on the Levoit Vital 100 air purifier last, on average, between 6-8 months. However, suppose you smell unusual odors from the filter or notice that the filter is visibly filthy. In that case, you can change it before the filter reset indicator gives you a signal.
Total time: 5 minutes.
Step 1
The first thing you need to do is turn off the device and remove the cover from the front of the device.
Step 2
The next step is to remove the old filter from the device.
Step 3
After that, it would be good to vacuum the inside of the air purifier, cover, and other parts where you notice dust with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 4
The next step is to unpack the new filter and insert it into the device.
Step 5
Finally, reset the filter reset indicator by holding the finger for 3s on the check filter button.
Noise Test
Whenever I talk about the device’s volume, I always mention how much speed the air purifier has and whether it has a sleep mode. Levoit Vital 100 has only 3 fan speeds and no sleep mode. Because of that, this model is a bit louder than competing devices, but not much.
There is a slight buzz when the motor is running, but I believe many users will not even notice it. At first speed, the Vital 100 produces a sound of 41.9 dBA, while at top speed, it produces a sound of 63.4 dBA.
| Speed | Value (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Low | 41.9 dBA |
| Medium | 51.1 dBA |
| High | 63.4 dBA |
Although the Vital 100 produces a very loud sound at maximum speed, it is essential to emphasize that the airflow is highest and the filtration quality is at the highest level.
The lack of sleep mode makes it difficult for many users to use this device in the bedroom. Personally, it is not because I am not a light sleeper.
Performance Tests
Levoit Vital 100 is an air purifier intended for rooms up to 300 sq. ft.
The CADR for this model is 130 CFM, which is not bad at all for such a small air purifier.
According to the capabilities of this model, I tested it in the rooms that are most competent. What I would emphasize as my objective feeling is that the Vital 100 is not very good for cigar smoke, especially if you plan to expose the air purifier directly to cigar smoke. The reason is the lower density of carbon pellets and the insufficient weight of this filter.
When it comes to neutralizing cooking odors, Vital 100 is much better, as in neutralizing pet odors. Also, Vital 100 collects a lot of hair from pets. I definitely recommend cleaning the pre-filter at least once a month, and if you have pets, even 2 or more times a month. This will maintain the filtration quality and extend the life of the HEPA filter.
194 sq. ft. Room Test
The first test is in a 194 sq. ft room, slightly smaller than the recommended dimensions. Vital 100 gave excellent results. In just 60 minutes of running at maximum speed, this device improved air quality by approximately 95%, reducing the AQI from 128 to 7. This is an excellent result even though the room is smaller than the recommended dimensions.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 97.5 | 4.9 |
| PM 10 | 136.5 | 6.9 |
| Particles | 141469 | 7167 |
| AQI | 128 | 7 |
320 sq. ft. Room Test
In the second test, in a room of 320 sq. ft., slightly closer to the recommended dimensions, Vital 100 also achieved excellent results.
At maximum speed, the Vital 100 reduced the AQI from 124 to 10 in 60 minutes, improving air quality by approximately 92%.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 94.7 | 7.6 |
| PM 10 | 132.6 | 10.6 |
| Particles | 137397 | 11074 |
| AQI | 124 | 10 |
The outstanding performance is due to the solid airflow and the high-quality True HEPA filter. With such good results in performance tests, the Levoit Vital 100 could easily beat many competing devices.
Operating Costs
The Levoit Vital 100 is not a large air purifier, so I was shocked that the device can pull 55W. I think that Levoit could have improved the motor on this device slightly and put in a less powerful but equally good motor.
Depending on the motor’s power, if you leave the Vital 100 running at maximum speed for 24 hours a day for a month, the machine will spend about $5.
| Speed | Power Usage (W) |
|---|---|
| Stand-by | 0.2W |
| Low | 22.1W |
| Medium | 33.7W |
| High | 57.9W |
This is slightly more energy consumption than I would have expected. The Xiaomi Mi 3H uses a motor of only 38W and has a much more powerful airflow than the Vital 100, or perhaps the TruSens Z-1000, which uses a motor of 40W and has a very similar performance to the Vital 100.
In addition to the electricity costs, the Vital 100 requires filter changes on average 2 times a year. Although the price of a replacement filter for the Levoit Vital 100 is slightly lower than competing products, I think it could be even lower.
The lower cost of replacement filters could turn a blind eye to the somewhat higher electricity consumption, so I can say that the Vital 100 is a very affordable air purifier to maintain on an annual basis.
FAQ on Levoit Vital 100
Does the Levoit Vital 100 produce ozone?
The Levoit Vital 100 is 100% ozone-free, as certified by CARB.
What is the warranty on the Vital 100?
This device comes with a one-year warranty, but Levoit offers the option to extend the warranty for another year. This essentially means that the device has a 2-year warranty.
Is the Levoit Vital 100 good for cigarette smoke?
The Vital 100 is not precisely the best solution and does not work amazingly well if you use it directly on exposure to smoke.
Is the Vital 100 filter washable?
Only the pre-filter is washable; the activated carbon and the true HEPA filters are not.
Pros and Cons
To revise, here are the advantages and disadvantages of Levoit Vital 100:
Hey, thanks for posting such a thorough review!
Just wondering if you know the weight/quantity of the activated carbon pellets and if you think it’s better to purchase something like a levoit 300s instead..
I was looking at the Alen Breathesmart Flex – the mold/bacteria model is $250 vs $150 for the Levoit, but I dont know the difference between the Alen filters and gave up.
I just wanted activated carbon pellets with no ionization for a bedroom/office. thanks for your opinion!
Hi Chris,
The Levoit Vital 100 filter itself (Pre-Filter + True HEPA + Activated Carbon) weighs about 0.88 lb (0,4kg).
On the other hand, the Alen BratheSmart FLEX has a few different filter options that are consisted of different amounts of carbon pellets.
However, if you don’t smoke and don’t have any heavily polluted odors in your bedroom or office, you should try the Levoit Core 300S.