The Levoit Core 400S and Coway AP-1512HH are medium-sized air purifiers, both highly reliable and equipped with some exciting features.
Since Levoit released the Core 400S model, I’ve received many questions about whether this air purifier is a better buying option than the Coway AP-1512HH.
In my opinion, the Levoit has a much more modern design, offers advanced features not included in the Coway, and is slightly more affordable to maintain.
But are a modern look, a better price, and cheaper maintenance enough for the Levoit to beat the Coway, or does it need something more to come out on top? Read this article thoroughly to find out.
Regarding room coverage, the Levoit covers rooms up to 403 sq. ft. (37 m²), while the Coway covers places of up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²). With almost identical room coverage, outstanding performance, and many advanced options, these two air purifiers have a lot in common.
Keep reading to find out what makes the Levoit Core 400S better than the Coway, whether the innovations in this model can help it compete with a well-established air purifier like the Coway, and, of course, which air purifier I’m choosing as the best buy.
Our Verdict
To sum up, these are two great air purifiers, and I’m sure that whichever one you choose, you won’t go wrong. However, since the goal of my comparisons is always to pick and recommend a winner, I’ve made my choice.
In my opinion, the winner in this comparison—the air purifier I would choose for myself—is the Levoit Core 400S. I picked it because it can be controlled via the VeSync smart app, has cheaper replacement filters, offers slightly better odor neutralization, and is much more affordable to maintain on an annual basis.
If you have any additional questions about these two products, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 400S Vs Coway AP-1512HH
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Coway |
| Model | Core 400S | AP-1512HH |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 10.8 x 10.8 x 20.5 inches (27.4 x 27.4 x 52 cm) | 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 10.5 Ib (4.8 kg) | 12.8 lb (5.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 260 CFM (442 m³/h) | 233 CFM (396 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. | 403 sq. ft. (37 m²) | 361 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (67 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 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, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and Ionizer |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 12 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. | 38W (24W European Model) | 77W |
| 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 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| 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 | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Display OffDisplay LockTimer | IonizerTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.1 – 59.9 dBA | 41.4 – 63.5 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 | Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration Air Quality Monitoring | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Dust |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 400S | Coway AP-1512HH |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
The Levoit Core 400S and Coway AP-1512HH cover rooms of approximately the same size. The Levoit covers rooms up to 403 sq. ft. (37 m²), while the Coway covers up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²). I have tested both devices in everyday situations in my home and also conducted a few specialized tests in pre-defined room sizes.
During everyday use in the rooms where I spend most of my time, I noticed that the Levoit is more effective at removing bad odors, particularly from cooking and light smoke.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 400S Vs Coway AP-1512HH in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
However, in our test conducted in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, both air purifiers delivered outstanding results, improving air quality by 96%. The Levoit Core 400S reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 101.7 to 4.5 µg/m³, while the Coway AP-1512HH reduced PM2.5 from 113.8 to 4.7 µg/m³.
The tests lasted for 60 minutes, with both air purifiers operating at their maximum speed throughout.
I’m very pleased with the performance of these two air purifiers made in the tests. However, I must point out that due to its better carbon filter, the Levoit showed slightly better performance in neutralizing bad odors.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We tested how fast these two devices could remove all the smoke from a glass box.
Given that both use high-quality filtration technology and considering that the Levoit Core 400S has a CADR of 260 CFM (442 m³/h) while the Coway AP-1512HH has a CADR of 233 CFM (396 m³/h), I expected such a great result from both.
The Levoit Core 400S cleared all the smoke from the glass box in just 15 seconds, while the Coway AP-1512HH took 18 seconds.
Overall, both devices performed outstandingly in this test, but I must note that the Levoit was slightly more efficient.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Whenever I discuss noise levels, I try to consider as many factors as possible, and one essential parameter is the number of fan speeds a device has.
In this case, the Levoit has a slight advantage with five fan speeds compared to Coway’s three speeds.
I really like that the Levoit Core 400S has a sleep mode, which is extremely quiet and makes it ideal for use in the bedroom.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 400S Vs Coway AP-1512HH air purifiers.
While it would be nice if the Coway had a sleep mode as well, it’s not a significant drawback, as the Coway is almost as quiet at its first fan speed as the Levoit is in sleep mode. The Coway produces a sound of 41.4 dBA at its lowest speed, while the Levoit produces 42.1 dBA.
However, at maximum speeds, the situation is quite different. The Levoit produces 59.9 dBA, while the Coway produces 63.5 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Coway AP-1512HH (dBA) | Levoit Core 400S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.4 dBA | 43.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.6 dBA | 47.8 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 63.5 dBA | 55.4 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 59.9 dBA |
Overall, the Levoit offers more fan speeds and is generally a much quieter air purifier than the Coway AP-1512HH.
Operating Costs – Comparison
These are mid-sized air purifiers, so it’s not surprising that the Coway AP-1512HH has a 77W motor. However, I’m quite surprised that the Levoit Core 400S has a motor of only 38W.
This means that if you were to run these two air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.06 with the Levoit and about $6.05 with the Coway.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 400S Vs Coway AP-1512HH air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Additionally, the replacement filters for the Levoit are cheaper.
| Fan Speed | Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 400S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.2W ($0.01) | 0.9W ($0.07) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 3.3W ($0.28) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 3.6W ($0.31) | 5.8W ($0.5) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 8.1W ($0.71) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 69.1W ($6.05) | 16.1W ($1.41) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 35W ($3.06) |
If we sum up the cost of replacement filters and electricity consumption, we can easily conclude that the Levoit Core 400S is a much more cost-effective air purifier than the Coway AP-1512HH for annual maintenance.
Filtration Technology
When it comes to filtration technology, I would like to say that these two air purifiers use 3-stage filtration, plus an ionizer, which is an additional filtration stage on Coway.
Fortunately, both devices are CARB certified, which means that they do not produce unallowed amounts of ozone.
The first stage of filtration in both devices is pre-filter, the second stage of filtration is fibrous carbon filter in Coway, and True HEPA filter in Levoit. In contrast, the last stage of filtration in Coway is the True HEPA filter and activated carbon filter in Levoit.
The filters are of different shapes. With Coway, it is rectangular, while with Levoit, it is cylindrical. I really fancy the fact that both devices use a True HEPA filter, and I would like to commend the pellet-based carbon filter at Levoit, which is much more effective than the fibrous carbon filter at Coway.
All in all, these two air purifiers use very high-quality filters, which have been proven in performance tests that you can see if you scroll down a bit.
How to Replace Filters on These Air Purifiers?
The Levoit Core 400S and Coway AP-1512HH use non-washable filters, except the pre-filter on Coway, which means you need to change them from time to time. I would like to suggest cleaning the pre-filter on both air purifiers at least once a month. In that way, you will prolong the life of the True HEPA filters and improve the air purifier’s efficiency.
Fortunately, these two devices have a filter reset indicator that will notify you when it’s time to replace the filter.
The replacement process is straightforward, and if you don’t feel soo comfortable doing it, I explained in detail how to change the filters on these two air purifiers in individual reviews. You can find the explanations on the links below.
Features Overview
Many advanced options such as air quality sensors, air quality indicators, auto mode, timers, and the like are mutual for both devices. In addition, Levoit boasts a smart app option, while Coway boasts a unique ECO mode option.
A filter reset indicator is also built in on both. However, some options adorn only one of the devices, which makes that device special, and I will explain these in more detail below.
Controls
When speaking of controls, I would like to emphasize that both air purifiers have a control panel located on the top.
Levoit’s control panel has touch buttons, indicators, and a display built-in, while Coway has a control panel consisting of buttons and indicators.
I like the layout of the buttons on both devices and in my opinion, they are straightforward to use. When it comes to controls in general, I’m giving a slight advantage to Levoit because it can connect to a smart app and be controlled remotely.
Air Quality Sensor and Indicator
Monitoring current air quality is an option mutual for both air purifiers. Levoit and Coway use an air quality sensor that detects dust particles in real time.
The Levoit Core 400S displays real-time air quality on the control panel through an indicator that illuminates a different color depending on the current air quality, on display as a PM2.5 value, and via a smart app. It uses an AirSight Plus laser dust sensor located on the back of the device, which has a built-in motor, which means it can work even when the device is turned off.
The Coway AP-1512HH uses an air quality sensor located on the side. The same as Levoit’s, this sensor detects dust particles in real time. The current air quality can be read on the LED indicator located on the control panel on the far right.
I like that both devices have the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the air quality sensor and that the sensors in both works even when the air purifier is off.
Auto Mode
The air quality sensor works in combination with many options. For example, these two air purifiers have an auto mode that will automatically switch fan speeds based on the current air quality in the room.
Auto mode is a handy option that allows you to leave the device running automatically without setting it up additionally.
In addition to auto mode, which is a mutual feature for both, Coway has an ECO mode option, which works similarly to auto mode. But, ECO mode will turn off the air purifier if the air quality is excellent in the last 30 minutes. Besides, it will continue measuring the air quality and turning the air purifier on if it worsens.
Smart App
The Levoit Core 400S has the ability to connect to the VeSync app available for Android and iOS devices. Coway does not have such a possibility.
The VeSync smart app opens up some additional options for controlling the Levoit air purifier. My favorite is the option that allows complete programming/automation of the air purifier, e.g., you can automate turning the Levoit on if the air quality exceeds a specific value. In addition to this option, I like adjusting the sensitivity of the air quality sensor and the in-detail display of air quality shown by days.
All in all, connecting to a smart app is a great feature, which definitely gives Levoit a slight advantage in this comparison.
Timer
A timer is also an exciting option that adorns both devices. Basically, the timer is used to set a time for which the air purifier will turn off.
The Coway AP-1512HH offers the ability to set the timer to 1h, 4h, or 8h, while on the Levoit Core 400S, you can set the timer between 1-12h.
Filter Reset Indicator
You don’t have to keep track of when it’s time to replace the filter on these two. There’s a filter reset indicator that will glow red as a sign to replace the filter.
Levoit and Coway use a filter reset indicator located on the control panel. At the same time, Levoit additionally has a slightly more detailed presentation of filter wear available through the smart app.
Airflow
Because of the slightly different construction, Levoit is cylindrical, Coway is rectangular, the airflow on these two air purifies is somewhat different.
Levoit draws air through openings in the lower half, on all sides. Then, the filtered air exits at the top.
Coway, on the other hand, draws air in the front, through openings in the sides, bottom, and through small gaps located on the front lid. The air is then filtered and exits through the grilles at the top.
Warranty
Levoit gives a 2-year warranty for the Core 400S, but you must register the device on the Levoit website soon after purchase to activate your warranty.
Coway is a little more generous, so it gives a 3-year warranty for the AP-1512HH.
Thank you for doing the research for me. I almost ordered a Winix on Prime sale but reviews on their warranty and customer service we’re not good. I’m glad I waited. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your kind comment. I hope you are satisfied with your new air purifier.
Amazing, I had these 2 in my cart and could not decide the surplus of different kinds of purifiers has been overwhelming when I dont really know what im looking at and just want to breathe fresh air. Thank you so much!
I’m glad you find this article helpful. If you need any further assistance, feel free to ask here!
Thank you for the in-depth article on the two air filters. It was informative, and it helped me decide which air filter to buy. Moreover, the article was easy to understand.
I’m glad the article helped you choose an air purifier and was easy to understand. Thanks for commenting!
Coway filters particles as small as 0.01 microns. That’s smaller than HEPA.
Actually, its True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
Thanks for your very thorough comparison of specifically these two purifiers. These were the ones that i had narrowed my preferences down to. I had already purchased the Levoit Core 400S, but reading your article reinforced my choice.
I’m glad it helped!