Levoit Vital 200S Review: Powerful, Quiet, and Worth It?

Full Review

Levoit has finally expanded its Vital series with new models, introducing advanced features, a refined design, and enhanced build quality—all of which define the new Levoit Vital 100S and 200S.

In this review, I’ll take a close look at the Levoit Vital 200S. Positioned in the mid-size category, this air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 380 sq. ft. (35 m²). It features three-stage filtration technology and plenty of smart features.

While the Vital 200S keeps the basic shape of the earlier Vital 100 model, it quickly becomes clear that almost everything else has been upgraded. In fact, the Vital 200S feels like a completely different class of device.

Frankly, it’s the best Levoit air purifier we’ve tested to date.

I’ve used this air purifier in my home for some time. What it’s like, how well it performed, and whether it’s worth buying—these are just some of the questions I’ll answer in the detailed review that follows.

How We Tested the Levoit Vital 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 Vital 200S in two separate performance tests, one in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and the other in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Levoit Vital 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 Vital 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 Vital 200S has a CADR of 245 CFM (416 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 380 sq. ft. (35 m²). In a space of that size, it can clean the air approximately 4.8 times per hour.

Its coverage is similar to the Levoit Core 400S, and interestingly, both devices delivered nearly identical results in performance tests.

The Vital 200S not only excelled in our test rooms but also proved its effectiveness in everyday use. I had used it in my home for some time, and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance.

It easily neutralizes dust, handles kitchen odors with ease, and thanks to its well-optimized motor and noise levels, it’s a great fit for bedroom use.

It checks all the boxes of a high-quality air purifier.

So, without further delay, let’s dive into the performance tests we performed on the Levoit Vital 200S.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

We tested the Levoit Vital 200S in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, using a Temtop laser particle meter to measure how effectively it could improve air quality over a 60-minute period.

Running continuously at maximum speed, the Levoit Vital 200S reduced the PM2.5 concentration from 106 to just 4.1 µg/m³, which is an overall improvement of approximately 96%.

As shown in the presented chart, several top-rated air purifiers achieved similar results in this test. For instance, the Winix 5510 also improved air quality by 96%, while the Blueair 511i Max reached around 90%.

Testing in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) Room

In the second test, we placed the Vital 200S in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, which is significantly larger than the recommended coverage for this device.

Even at this size, running at maximum speed, it improved air quality by an impressive 92%. That’s an outstanding result for an air purifier with a CADR of 245 CFM (416 m³/h).

Once again, the Vital 200S exceeded my expectations and delivered exceptional performance.

Some of Levoit’s much larger models, such as the Core 600S, achieved only slightly better results—about 4% better.

This further highlights the quality of the Vital 200S and the effectiveness of its filtration technology.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

We tested the Levoit Vital 200S in our smoke removal test, measuring how quickly it could clear smoke from a glass box.

It took just 15 seconds to remove all the smoke—an impressive result that further confirms its outstanding performance.

For comparison, the Alen FLEX needed 32 seconds to complete the same task, while the Coway AP-1512HH took about 18 seconds.

Overall, the Levoit Vital 200S performed exceptionally well in this test.

The Vital 200S comes with five fan speeds and an auto mode. We measured its noise levels at each speed using a professional noise level meter.

Overall, it’s a well-optimized device. At the lowest speed, it produces just 41.0 dBA, which is an excellent result for an air purifier with such a high CADR.

At the highest speed, it reaches 62.2 dBA, which makes it one of the quietest air purifiers in its class at maximum output.

For comparison, the Levoit Core 400S, offering a similar CADR, produces 42.1 dBA at its lowest speed. You can refer to the chart for a full comparison with other similar models.

In general, the Levoit Vital 200S is a quiet air purifier, especially at lower speeds, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and other quiet environments.

When analyzing operating costs, I always take into account motor power, electricity consumption, and the price of replacement filters.

What pleasantly surprised me about the Levoit Vital 200S is its well-optimized 50W motor. At maximum speed, it consumes around 48.2W, which is quite efficient, especially considering the strong airflow it delivers.

Let’s break down the numbers: if you were to run the Vital 200S at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by only about $4.23. That’s a very reasonable cost for an air purifier of this size and performance.

For power usage at other fan speeds, refer to the table above.

In comparison, the Coway AP-1512HH would cost you approximately $6.05 under the same conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the Coway has a significantly lower CADR than the Vital 200S.

In addition to its low power consumption, the Vital 200S uses an affordable filter with an average lifespan of 12 months.

Considering all these factors, the Levoit Vital 200S stands out as one of the most cost-effective air purifiers I’ve tested in terms of ongoing maintenance.

Filtration Technology

The Levoit Vital 200S uses the standard 3-stage filtration technology that’s characteristic of almost every Levoit air purifier. However, what sets the Vital 200S model apart is the washable pre-filter, which is something new in Levoit air purifiers.

This air purifier doesn’t include an ionizer or any other filtration stage that might produce ozone, making it entirely safe to use. Moreover, it’s CARB-certified, meaning it can be sold in California and comply with rigorous California regulations.

What’s different, aside from the washable pre-filter, when compared to the previous Vital 100 model, is the order of the filters. In the Vital 200S the filters are placed in this order: washable pre-filter, True HEPA, and then the activated carbon filter. In contrast, the Vital 100 model has the activated carbon filter in the second position.

Overall, the Levoit Vital 200S uses exceptionally high-quality filtration technology, which is proven in performance tests.

Pre-Filter

The first filtration stage in this air purifier is the pre-filter, designed to capture large particles such as dust, lint, fibers, hair, and pet fur.

By doing so, this filter not only extends the lifespan of the HEPA filter but also contributes to the overall quality of filtration.

Because the pre-filter is the first line of defense, it’s recommended to clean it at least twice a month, perhaps even more frequently if used in places with pets.

What’s good to know is that Levoit specifically targeted pet owners with this pre-filter, which is why this filter is washable and easy to clean.

True HEPA Filter

The True HEPA filter is the second filtration stage and is undoubtedly the most important stage in this device. This filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including fine dust, smoke particles, pollen, and pet dander.

This is an exceptionally high-quality filter, and I honestly don’t have any shortcomings to point out regarding it. After all, Levoit has earned a reputation for having affordable and quality HEPA filters.

Activated Carbon Filter

The activated carbon filter is the final filtration stage and is primarily responsible for neutralizing bad odors.

What I really like about this filter is that it’s pellet-based, which is based on many testings much more reliable and efficient than fibrous filters coated with carbon.

In essence, this filter physically absorbs smoke, odors, and fumes by adsorbing compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and VOCs.

I’d also like to highlight that I tested the Levoit Vital 200S in my kitchen for some time, and I strongly believe that its exceptional performance in removing cooking odors can be attributed to this pellet-based activated carbon filter.

Setup & Installation

Before you start using the Levoit Vital 200S for the first time, you need to make some preparations. Once you’ve unpacked the air purifier from the shipping box, remove all protective straps and start the filter preparation.

Open the front cover of the device, remove a pre-filter, and take out the main filter. Next, unwrap the main filter from the plastic wrapping and place it back into the device. Also, place the pre-filter as it was, and close the front cover. With these steps, you’ve completed all the necessary procedures to prepare the Vital 200S air purifier for the first use.

Lastly, place the air purifier in your desired location, plug it in, and turn it on. Thanks to its rectangular shape and specific design, you can easily place it even against the wall. However, ensure that you do not block the airflow vents under any circumstances.

Design

The Vital 200S is characterized by a rectangular design, somewhat unusual for Levoit, but not as uncommon for the Vital series, especially since its predecessor, the Vital 100, also features a rectangular design.

The build quality is outstanding, with solid plastic construction, everything in its place, and there are no deviations. In fact, it even seems that the build quality surpasses some premium devices. This model is available only in white, though not entirely white, as it’s adorned with some black details. The control panel is black, as well as some details on the sides of the device and under the front cover.

Another unique design feature is that the Vital 200S has improvised carrying handles, making it very easy to move from room to room.

Overall, the Levoit Vital 200S is a modern air purifier that I’m sure will fit almost any environment!

Controls and Display

This air purifier offers two options for control. The first option, which I’ll touch on in this section, involves direct control through the control panel on the upper part of the device, while the second option for controlling the device is through the VeSync smart application, which I’ll describe later in the review.

When it comes to the physical controls, they are touch-sensitive, responsive enough, and very well-arranged. 

On the control panel, you’ll find buttons for Auto Mode, Sleep Mode, Fan Speed, Power, Timer, Display Lock, and Display Off. Each button has its own indicator, and some, like Fan Speed, even have an indicator above them to display the current option status.

In addition to the controls, there’s an air quality indicator and a WiFi indicator in the middle part of the control panel. What I can also say is that I really like how buttons are arranged on the panel, but I personally prefer control via the smart application. This is why I hardly use the controls on the air purifier itself.

Airflow

The Levoit Vital 200S is rectangular in shape, with air intakes on the front side.

The air drawn in through these openings is then filtered and released through grilles on the top of the device. What I would suggest to everyone is never to obstruct the airflow in any way, as doing so could potentially damage the device.

Size and Dimensions

My general impression of the Levoit Vital 200S is that this air purifier falls into the middle range when it comes to size: 15.6 x 8.5 x 19.8 inches (39.6 x 21.7 x 50.2 cm).

The same is true with the weight of just 13.2 lb (6 kg); it doesn’t seem too heavy. Add to that the carrying handles for moving it from room to room; it’s an easy-to-move device.

What’s in the box?

When you purchase the Levoit Vital 200S, you get 1x air purifier, 1x True HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter, 1x Washable Pre-filter, AC adapter, and user manual.

Before the first use, you must unpack the filters and prepare them for operation. I explained the procedure in detail at the beginning of the review.

Features Overview

The Vital 200S is a smart air purifier equipped with plenty of advanced features. Even though it’s not as feature-rich as some other premium Levoit air purifiers, it has enough features to meet the basic needs of the average user.

Below, I will describe all the key features that this air purifier has. I strongly recommend paying attention to each feature, as there might be something you haven’t noticed/ or have missed (like tricks, tips, or hacks).

Air Quality Sensor & Indicator

The Levoit Vital 200S uses the AirSight air quality sensor, just like other smart Levoit air purifiers, but with one significant difference: in the Vital 200S, this sensor is an infrared dust sensor, while in many other Levoit air purifiers, it’s a laser sensor (a more reliable one).

The difference between these sensors is huge. The sensor in other Levoit devices, like the Core 300S or Core 400S, is far more reliable and provides more accurate data. While the infrared sensor in the Levoit Vital 200S is slightly less precise and visually resembles the one in the Coway AP-1512HH air purifier.

This also implies that with the Levoit Vital 200S, you can’t directly check the current concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air or any other precise air readings. 

The only way to assess the current air quality on this device is through the display on the control panel and via the VeSync smart application. Essentially, the Vital 200S indicates the state of the air quality but not the exact level of pollution.

For instance, if the air quality indicator is blue, it means the air quality is excellent; if it’s green, it’s good; if it’s orange, it’s moderate; and if it’s red, the air quality in the room is extremely poor.

It’s important to note that the air quality sensor continues to operate even when the air purifier is in standby mode. This means you can continuously monitor the current air quality through the smart application, even when the air purifier is turned off.

All in all, while this sensor might not be as powerful as those in some other Levoit air purifiers, it’s still useful and is well-integrated with other features.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is another feature besides the air quality indicator that works in combination with the air quality sensor. Essentially, if the device is in auto mode and the air quality in your room is poor, the device will automatically increase the fan speed.

Conversely, if the air quality improves, the device will decrease the fan speed.

In the table below, you can see how the air purifier, when in auto mode, determines which speed to switch to based on the current air quality.

Color	Air Quality	Auto Mode Fan Speed
Blue	Very Good	Sleep Mode
Green	Good	Low
Orange	Moderate	Medium
Red	Bad	High

It’s important to note that the Vital 200S never switches to turbo fan speed when in auto mode. 

Moreover, you can change Auto Mode settings in the VeSync smart app and set it to Efficient or Quiet auto mode. I’ll provide more information about these options in the section where I explain the functioning of the smart application.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode, as the name suggests, is a mode that switches the device to its quietest operation. After pressing the half-moon button, the air purifier will switch to sleep mode after 6 seconds.

In addition to running at its quietest fan speed, producing only 41.0 dBA, this mode will dim all the indicators on the device.

Light Detection

This is one more sensor built-in in this air purifier, which isn’t usually included in many air purifiers. I think the last time I saw such a sensor was on the Winix 5500-2 and perhaps a few other devices.

This sensor essentially monitors the ambient lighting in the room. If the room is dark, the device will automatically dim all its indicators.

Additionally, the high and turbo fan speeds will be blocked if the room is dark and the device is set to auto or sleep mode. However, as soon as it detects light in the room, all limitations will be removed, and the auto mode will continue functioning as usual.

Filter Reset Indicator

The filter reset indicator is another useful feature designed to notify you when it’s time to replace the filters.

Essentially, when this indicator is active (lights in red), it’s a sign that it’s time to change the filters.

The average filter life is about 12 months, so this sensor will light up approximately once a year. Of course, assuming you maintain the filters correctly.

VeSync Smart App

Like many smart Levoit air purifiers, the Vital 200S works with the VeSync app.

In essence, when you connect the Levoit Vital 200S to the smart app, you unlock a range of new possibilities for your air purifier. These include features such as detailed monitoring of the current air quality, auto mode adjustments, remote control, scheduling, voice control, and much more.

I’ll explain this incredibly useful feature in detail later in the review.

Timer

A timer is a feature that enables you to set the duration for which your air purifier will remain operational before automatically turning off. On the Levoit Vital 200S model, you can set the timer for 2, 4, or 8 hours.

However, this physical timer might be unnecessary, mainly due to the advanced scheduling feature available through the VeSync app. 

Also, there’s an advanced timer function within the app that allows you to set a timer for any duration between 1 and 24 hours.

The timer indicator will light blue when it is activated.

Display Off

As the name suggests, this simple option is used to dim all the indicators on the device.

After pressing the display off button, all the indicators will dim unless you press any other button within the next 6 seconds.

It’s important to note that if the filter reset indicator is active, this option won’t affect it.

Display Lock

This is a great feature that allows you to lock the current settings and prevent any changes. It’s particularly useful if you have young children who might accidentally press a button on the control panel and alter the already set settings (fan speed, timer, sleep mode, auto mode, etc.).

To activate the display lock feature, hold your finger on the button for 3 seconds. After that, the device won’t respond to any presses, and you won’t be able to change any settings unless you disable the display off feature.

Warranty

Levoit offers the same warranty terms for all the air purifiers they offer, and the same is for the Vital 200S, which comes with a two-year warranty.

However, to activate and confirm the warranty, it’s necessary to register your device on the Levoit website. I suggest doing so shortly after purchase. 

Keep in mind that registering your air purifier on the Levoit website is the only way to expand your warranty to two years.

Room Coverage and CADR

Room coverage is often subject to data manipulation, which is why I, in every review, strive to clearly explain in detail the room sizes that a specific air purifier can cover. Regarding the Levoit Vital 200S air purifier, it has a CADR of 245 CFM / 416 m3/h, making it suitable for rooms up to 380 sq. ft.

In a room of the recommended dimensions, this air purifier will clean the air 4.8 times (4.8 ACH) within one hour, which aligns with AHAM’s recommendations.

However, the Vital 200S will clean the air 2 times within an hour in a room of 950 sq. ft. and once in a room of 1900 sq. ft.

In essence, this air purifier will be effective even in slightly larger rooms than the recommended dimensions. However, I personally wouldn’t use it in much larger rooms than the recommended ones, especially in highly polluted environments.

FAQ on Levoit Vital 200S