Levoit Vital 100: An Older Model Still Worth Considering

Full Review

The Levoit Vital 100 is the first air purifier in Levoit’s Vital series and the first Levoit model with a round design.

I bought this air purifier sometime in 2021 and used it for a while in my home. I even used it during my kitchen renovation, about which I wrote a lot and recorded many videos. However, as Levoit released two new models in this series, the Vital 100S and Vital 200S, the Levoit Vital 100 has somewhat faded into the background, and I now prefer the newer models.

The Vital 100 covers rooms of up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²), with an ACH of 4.8, meaning it will clean the air in such a room 4.8 times in one hour.

It has some advanced features but doesn’t include smart ones or an air quality sensor. Let’s move on to see how well it performed in our tests.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns about this air purifier, please leave a comment in the comments section at the end of the article.

How We Tested the Levoit Vital 100?

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 Vital 100 in two separate performance tests, one in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and the other in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Levoit Vital 100 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 Vital 100 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 Vital 100 is an air purifier intended for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. (28 m²). The CADR for this model is 130 CFM / 221 m³/h, which is reasonable for such a small air purifier.

We tested this air purifier in two different rooms and measured how effective it is at improving the overall air quality over a certain period of time.

What I particularly noticed is that this model is great at neutralizing airborne dust particles, pollen, pet hair, and cooking odors but is a bit less efficient at neutralizing heavy smoke odors, VOCs, and similar gases. This surprised me, especially since it has a pellet-based carbon filter.

However, if you have a pet in your home and are mainly getting an air purifier to deal with pet hair, dander, or bad smells, a much better option would be the successor to this air purifier, the Levoit Vital 200S.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, which is smaller than the recommended dimensions, the Vital 100 achieved outstanding results.

It reduced the PM2.5 particulate from 97.5 µg/m³ to 4.9 µg/m³, which is an air quality improvement of about 95%.

This is an excellent result, even though the room is smaller than the recommended dimensions.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

However, in the test in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), which is similar to the recommended dimensions, the Vital 100 achieved a 3% lower result.

It reduced the PM2.5 from 94.7 µg/m³ to 7.6 µg/m³, which is an air quality improvement of 92%.

Considering its competitors, the Levoit Core 300S achieved the same result in this test (92% air improvement), but the Medify MA-25 performed 1% worse than the Vital 100.

What’s interesting is that its successor, the Levoit Vital 100S, performed much better. It improved the air quality by 94% in the same room size, which is a great score considering that it is designed for smaller rooms than the Vital 100.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

When compared to its top competitors, an even more evident difference is in the smoke test.

The Levoit Vital 100 removed all the smoke from the glass box in 33 seconds, which is much slower than its top competitors.

For example, the Levoit Core 300S and Vital 100S removed all the smoke in just 20 seconds.

Whenever I talk about an air purifier’s sound, I always mention how many speeds the air purifier has and whether it has a sleep mode.

The Levoit Vital 100 has only three fan speeds and no sleep mode. In our noise level test, it performed pretty well, especially at the first speeds.

At the first speed, the Levoit Vital 100 produces a noise level of 41.9 dBA, which is almost in the range of its competitors (refer to the chart).

However, at the maximum speed, the situation is totally different. With a noise level of 63.4 dBA, it’s one of the quietest air purifiers among similar models.

All in all, I don’t think the Levoit Vital 100 is an overall loud air purifier; it’s actually very quiet, but I’m not sure I would consider it for my bedroom. I would rather use this one in a living room or kitchen so I can use its full potential when running at maximum speed.

Regarding the power usage, I must say that I’m a bit surprised. Frankly, I expected this model to have a much lower-power motor.

With a motor of 55W, it will raise your electric bills almost as much as some larger and more powerful devices.

At the maximum speed, it consumes about 57.9W, meaning it will cost you $5.08 if used 24 hours daily for a month at maximum speed. This is comparable to the Winix 5500-2, which has better performance, much more power, and is generally a higher-class device.

Even its main competitors are much better optimized for power use. Please refer to the chart I provided above.

In addition to the electricity costs, the Vital 100 requires filter changes on average twice a year. The price of the replacement filter is in the range of its competitors, but the power usage increases the overall maintenance cost of this air purifier, which is why I think the Levoit Vital 100 could be better optimized for maintenance.

Filtration 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.

Pre-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 Filter?

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.

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

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.

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.

FAQ on Levoit Vital 100