Lately, I’ve tried the Shark HP102 air purifier, which stands as a direct competitor to the Levoit Core 300S. Why? Because they share similar construction, filtration technology, and several built-in features.
However, despite their nearly identical sizes, the Levoit Core 300S covers rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²), nearly double the coverage of the Shark HP102’s 124 sq. ft. (11.5 m²). Both use three-stage filtration technology, including a pre-filter, a main filter, and an activated carbon filter.
Levoit’s filter lasts about 6-8 months, while the Shark’s is slightly more durable, lasting about 6-12 months. However, the replacement filter for the Shark is noticeably more expensive than the one for Levoit.
What I also like about both units are their air quality sensors, air quality indicators, and auto mode features. Additionally, the Levoit Core 300S has a smart app feature (VeSync app).
For a more comprehensive understanding of any specific test result, I recommend checking out individual reviews. Trust me, it’s worth reading them!
Our Verdict
This was a tough battle. The Shark HP102 is a significantly better option for bedrooms or similar spaces due to its remarkably quiet motor.
However, it’s quite expensive and performed slightly less impressively in performance tests compared to the Core 300S.
On the other hand, the Levoit Core 300S not only outperforms its counterpart but also boasts plenty of advanced features. It can be connected to the excellent VeSync smart app and covers much larger rooms. These are all reasons why I would always choose the Levoit Core 300S over the Shark HP102 air purifier.
I would buy the Shark only if I planned to use it in a bedroom.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please leave a comment in the comment section below the article.
Specs: Shark HP102 Vs Levoit Core 300S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Shark | Levoit |
| Model | HP102 | Core 300S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.6 inches (22 x 22 x 37 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 5.85 lb (2.65 kg) | 5.95 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 80 CFM (136 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. | 124 sq. ft. (11.5 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 | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-12 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. | 24W | 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 | 4 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Speed 4 | 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. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | ECO ModeDisplay BrightnessDisplay LockTimer | Display OffDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.7 – 56.5 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 Children's Rooms Portable Use | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Shark HP102 | Levoit Core 300S |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
What’s interesting about these two air purifiers, the Shark HP102 and the Levoit Core 300S, is that they are almost identical in size but have different CADR ratings.
The Levoit Core 300S has a much better-optimized motor, giving it a higher CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h). In contrast, the Shark HP102 has a CADR of 80 CFM (136 m³/h). This means the Shark is suitable for rooms up to 124 sq. ft. (11.5 m²), while the Levoit is ideal for slightly larger rooms, up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
Based on their CADR values, we tested these two devices in several different rooms, but I think the most interesting test was in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Shark HP102 Vs Levoit Core 300S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In this room, while running at maximum speed the entire time, the Shark HP102 improved air quality by an impressive 92% in just 60 minutes, while the Levoit Core 300S was slightly more efficient, improving air quality by about 94%.
It’s clear that the Levoit performed better in this test, but it’s important to note that this room was smaller than the recommended size for the Levoit and slightly larger than the recommended size for the Shark.
All in all, the Levoit Core 300S delivered fantastic results in other tests as well, which you can see in detail in the standalone review.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
When it comes to small air purifiers like these two, any result under 30 seconds is considered very good.
This means that both performed excellently in the smoke test. The Shark HP102 took about 29 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Levoit Core 300S did it in just 20 seconds.
This is an impressive result and confirms that these two air purifiers can compete with, and even outperform, some much larger devices.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The Shark HP102 and Levoit Core 300S have the same number of fan speeds, with one difference: the Levoit has a sleep mode.
However, if we compare the noise levels at the lowest speeds, we’ll see that the Levoit isn’t much quieter than the Shark. The Levoit Core 300S produces a sound level of 41.4 dBA at the lowest speed (sleep mode), while the Shark HP102 produces a sound level of 41.7 dBA, which isn’t a significant difference.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Shark HP102 Vs Levoit Core 300S air purifiers.
Although the Shark doesn’t have a sleep mode, it is very quiet at the lowest speed, which is why I would say that both devices are suitable if you plan to use them in bedrooms.
However, when it comes to maximum speed, the situation is somewhat different, as expected. The Shark HP102 produces a sound level of 56.5 dBA, while the Levoit produces a sound level of 65.2 dBA. This result is expected because the Shark uses a weaker motor and has a lower CADR.
| Fan Speed | Shark HP102 (dBA) | Levoit Core 300S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.7 dBA | 46.5 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.8 dBA | 54.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 48.9 dBA | 65.2 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 56.5 dBA | - |
Not only that, but the Shark HP102 is also among the quietest air purifiers we’ve had the chance to test. What’s important for this article is that the Shark is quieter in operation than the Levoit Core 300S.
Operating Costs – Comparison
What surprised me is that despite having a lower CADR, the Shark HP102 uses a motor that is only 2W weaker than the Levoit’s.
It uses a 24W motor, while the Levoit Core 300S uses a 26W motor. If you were to use these two devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $1.80 for the Shark HP102, and by about $2.08 for the Levoit Core 300S.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Shark HP102 Vs Levoit Core 300S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
However, energy consumption isn’t the only cost associated with these two devices. There are also replacement filters, which last slightly longer in the case of the Shark, but at the same time, this device uses much more expensive replacement filters than the Levoit.
| Fan Speed | Shark HP102 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 300S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 1.1W ($0.09) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.8W ($0.33) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.8W ($0.42) | 6W ($0.52) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 6.5W ($0.57) | 10.4W ($0.91) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 11.3W ($0.99) | 23W ($2.01) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 20.5W ($1.8) | - |
If we analyze all the costs, we see that the price of replacement filters is the most powerful factor, and the much more expensive filters for the Shark make the Levoit Core 300S much more affordable to maintain on an annual basis.
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