At first glance, you might think that the Levoit Vital 100S and Core 300S are almost identical devices, especially after comparing specifications and test results; however, the real situation is somewhat different.
Although there are small differences between these two air purifiers, one is slightly better, and in this article, you will find out which one. The Levoit Core 300S and Vital 100S cover rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), both air purifiers are equipped with many advanced options and use three-stage filtration technology. The Levoit Vital 100S uses a washable pre-filter, but it also has an inferior air quality sensor compared to the sensor on the Core 300S model.
In performance tests, both have made excellent results. Both are relatively quiet, easy to use, and even easier to maintain.
Our Verdict
I’m aware that the Levoit Core 300S is one of the best small devices currently available. Its non-smart variant, the Core 300, is the best-selling Levoit and perhaps even the best-selling air purifier on the market.
However, I believe that the Levoit Vital 100S has more to offer and is a better choice for purchase. It features slightly better performance in neutralizing odors, a better design, quieter operation, and a more affordable price.
In any case, whichever of these two Levoits you choose, you won’t go wrong, but I would definitely give a slight advantage to the Vital 100S.
Specs: Levoit Vital 100S Vs Core 300S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Vital 100S | Core 300S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.3 x 41 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7 lb (3.2 kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 141 CFM (240 m³/h) | 141 CFM (240 m³/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. | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) | 219 sq. ft. (20 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.6 - Average Score (67 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - 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 | Washable Pre-filter, Main Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 9-12 months | 6-8 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 67 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 35W | 26W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9.1 - Average Score (67 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 8 - 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 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Auto Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 31 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.5 – 65.4 dBA | 41.4 – 65.2 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (67 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 Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Vital 100S | Levoit Core 300S |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
We placed these two air purifiers in rooms of the same size and tested how much they improved the air quality in just 60 minutes while operating at maximum speeds all the time.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Vital 100S and Levoit Core 300S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
The results are almost identical. In the first test, in a 194 sq. ft. room, the Core 300S improved the air quality by about 94%, while the Vital 100S improved it by about 95%.
In the second test, in a room larger than the recommended size for both, which is 320 sq. ft., they also delivered outstanding results. The Levoit Vital 100S improved the air quality by about 94%, while the Core 300S improved it by about 92%.
Apart from these tests, I must say that I noticed the Vital 100S dealt better with cooking smells and bad odors overall.
Even though the differences aren’t huge, the Levoit Vital 100S showed better performance.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
In our smoke box performance test, both devices showed outstanding speed and removed all the smoke from the box in just 20s.
This is a relatively good result for such small air purifiers, which is way above the competitors.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
We tested the sound levels of the Core 300S and Vital 100S using a specialized noise measurement tool that measures noise levels on the dBA scale.
The first difference you can notice on the chart below is that the Vital 100S has one more fan speed than the Core 300S, allowing you to adjust it to your needs more easily.
As you can see in the chart, the trend is that the Levoit Core 300S is a bit louder at all fan speeds. This is very obvious at the third speed, where the Core 300S produces 10% more noise than the Vital 100S.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Vital 100S and Levoit Core 300S air purifiers.
Besides, the Vital 100S produces noise of just 65.4 dBA at the fourth speed (Turbo Mode), which is just 0.2 dBA louder than the Core 300S at its third speed.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100S (dBA) | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.5 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.7 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 51.6 dBA | 54.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 58.7 dBA | 65.2 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 65.4 dBA | - |
Overall, the Levoit Vital 100S is a better optimized and more quiet air purifier.
Power Usage Test – Comparison
The comparison of power consumption produced slightly different results than the sound level tests. As you can see on the chart below, the results are somewhat mixed across the different speeds.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Vital 100S and Levoit Core 300S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
The Levoit Vital 100S is much better optimized at the third speed, where it will cost you almost $0.5 less per month than the Core 300S. However, if we compare the consumption at maximum speeds, and if we take into account that both devices have identical CADR at the highest speeds, we can easily conclude that the Core 300S is slightly better optimized for electricity consumption.
The Levoit Core 300S will cost you almost $0.64 less per month at maximum speed compared to the Vital 100S.
Please note that the measurements were performed using a special tool for measuring power usage, and we used the reference price of electricity as $0.12 per kW/h.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Vital 100S (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.5W ($0.13) | 1.1W ($0.09) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.2W ($0.28) | 3.8W ($0.33) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6.5W ($0.57) | 6W ($0.52) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 10.5W ($0.92) | 10.4W ($0.91) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 17.6W ($1.54) | 23W ($2.01) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 30.3W ($2.66) | - |
In conclusion, we can say that the Levoit Core 300S is slightly better optimized for power consumption. However, don’t forget that we also need to add the cost of replacement filters, which significantly changes the maintenance costs of both devices.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When comparing operating costs, we summarize power usage and replacement filter costs.
As we have seen in the charts above, the Levoit Core 300S is a slightly lower-power consumer. The same is true for the replacement filter price, but the filters on the Vital 100S are much more durable, and they use a washable pre-filter.
Although with proper cleaning and maintenance, you could probably prolong the life of the Vital 100S filter and thereby reduce its maintenance costs, I believe the Core 300S is slightly cheaper for annual maintenance.
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