Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S: Does CADR Really Matter?

In this article, we put the Coway AP-1512HH and the Levoit Core 600S on a real battle where we compared their performance, noise, power, and specifications.

The Levoit Core 600S and Coway AP-1512HH are among the best air purifiers I’ve tested, and they’ve earned a spot in many buying guides here at Air Purifier First.

In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth overview of the features, specifications, and test results of these two air purifiers, then compare them to determine which is the better buying option.

The Levoit Core 600S covers rooms up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²), more than double the coverage of the Coway AP-1512HH, which handles spaces up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²). The Levoit uses a three-stage filtration system, is 100% ozone-free, and is completely safe to use.

In contrast, the Coway uses a four-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and an ionizer. It’s CARB-certified but does produce ozone in allowable amounts, and only when the ionizer is activated.

The Levoit Core 600S stands out for its more advanced features, including the ability to connect with the VeSync smart app and voice control.

Overall, I’m highly impressed with both of these air purifiers!

Our Verdict

Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S - Hands-on Comparison
Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Choosing a winner isn’t easy, especially with high-end air purifiers like these two. First, I want to highlight that you won’t be disappointed with whichever purifier you choose.

Based on all the tests, the Coway AP-1512HH delivered slightly better performance, though it lacks advanced features. It’s also quieter overall and relatively inexpensive to maintain. In my opinion, performance, noise levels, and operating costs carry more weight than smart features.

While the Coway may be a bit outdated in terms of features, it’s still a slightly better choice than the Levoit Core 600S. However, it’s important to note that small differences determined the winner in this comparison.

That said, if you’re looking for an air purifier for larger rooms beyond the Coway’s recommended coverage, the Levoit Core 600S would be a much better fit.

If you have any questions about these Levoit or Coway air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comment box below the article.

Specs: Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S

Product ImageCoway AP-1512HHLevoit Core 600S
ManufacturerCowayLevoit
ModelAP-1512HHCore 600S
Dimensions (inches / cm)16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm)12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)12.8 lb (5.8 kg)13.7 lb (6.2 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)233 CFM (396 m³/h)410 CFM (697 m³/h)
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 361 sq. ft. (33 m²)635 sq. ft. (59 m²)
Performance Ratings
Filtration TechnologyPre-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and IonizerPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Replacement IndicatorYesYes
Filter Lifeup to 12 monthsup to 12 months
Power Consumption 77W49W
Operating Costs Ratings
Number of Fan Speeds3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 35 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode
Air Quality Sensor YesYes
Air Quality IndicatorYesYes
Auto Mode YesYes
Smart App NoYes
Voice Control NoYes
Other FeaturesIonizerTimerLight SensorDisplay InfoDisplay LockTimer
Noise Level (low – high)41.4 – 63.5 dBA43.9 – 68.5 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Pets
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Dust
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Offices
Allergies
Large Spaces
Dust
Smart Home Integration
Warranty3-year2-year
In-Depth ReviewCoway AP-1512HHLevoit Core 600S
PriceCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Amazon
Levoit Core 400S Vs Coway AP-1512HH Related comparisons

Performance Test – Comparison

Before moving on to the particle removal test results, it’s important to note that the Levoit Core 600S covers rooms up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²), while the Coway AP-1512HH is designed for rooms up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²).

Since their coverage areas differ significantly, we tested them in separate rooms, ensuring that the room size was close to the recommended dimensions for each device.

In the first test, we placed the Coway AP-1512HH in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and ran it at maximum speed. After 60 minutes, it reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 113.8 to 4.7 µg/m³, representing a 96% improvement in air quality.

Particle Removal Tests - Comparison

We placed the Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.

In the second test, performed in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, we tested the Levoit Core 600S. After 60 minutes at maximum speed, it reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 105.2 to 4.6 µg/m³, also a 96% improvement in air quality.

As the tests show, both purifiers improved air quality by 96% in rooms close to their recommended sizes.

It’s rare that I can say two air purifiers performed almost identically, but in this case, the results are a draw.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

Our smoke test clearly demonstrates the benefits of having a higher CADR and advanced filtration technology.

Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S - Smoke Test Comparison
Smoke removal tests. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

I believe the main reason the Levoit Core 600S performed better in this test is its CADR of 410 CFM (697 m³/h), allowing it to remove all the smoke from the glass box in just 9 seconds.

In comparison, the smaller Coway AP-1512HH took 18 seconds to clear the smoke.

In this test, the Levoit is the clear winner.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

When discussing noise levels, the first thing I want to highlight is that the Levoit has five fan speeds, while the Coway only has three. This gives the Levoit an advantage, as it provides more flexibility, making it easier to adjust to your specific needs. The noise-to-CADR ratio is better.

At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 600S produces 43.9 dBA, while the Coway produces 41.4 dBA. However, at maximum speed, the difference becomes more significant: the Levoit produces 68.5 dBA, while the Coway produces 63.5 dBA.

Noise Levels - Comparison

Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S air purifiers.

As you can see in the chart above, the results vary at other speeds, but the fact that the Levoit offers more fan speed options makes it the better choice overall.

Fan Speed Coway AP-1512HH (dBA)Levoit Core 600S (dBA)
Sleep Mode-43.9 dBA
Speed 1 (Low)41.4 dBA46.8 dBA
Speed 2 (Medium)44.6 dBA51.2 dBA
Speed 3 (High)63.5 dBA58.7 dBA
Speed 4 (Turbo)-68.5 dBA

In summary, the Levoit is slightly louder than the Coway, but it’s important to consider that it has a much higher CADR and a larger motor, so this result is to be expected.

Operating Costs – Comparison

When comparing the operating costs of two air purifiers, we always start by looking at power consumption across all speeds. The Levoit Core 600S uses a 49W motor, while the Coway AP-1512HH has a 77W motor.

What surprised me most is that the Levoit has a much better-optimized motor in terms of power-to-CADR ratio. At maximum speed, the Levoit consumes 48.2W, while the Coway consumes 69.1W.

Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison

Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Coway AP-1512HH Vs Levoit Core 600S air purifiers at all fan speeds.

This means that if you were to run both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $4.22 for the Levoit Core 600S and about $6.05 for the Coway.

Additionally, both devices require replacement filters about once a year, though Coway’s filters are slightly more affordable.

Fan Speed Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month)Levoit Core 600S (W + $/month)
Standby0.2W ($0.01)1.2W ($0.1)
Sleep Mode- 4.1W ($0.35)
Speed 1 (Low)3.6W ($0.31)7.3W ($0.63)
Speed 2 (Medium)8.1W ($0.71)10.9W ($0.95)
Speed 3 (High)69.1W ($6.05)20.4W ($1.78)
Speed 4 (Turbo)- 48.2W ($4.22)

Considering both energy consumption and replacement filter costs, we can conclude that the Levoit is slightly more affordable to maintain on an annual basis.

You Can Also Watch Our Video Reviews:

Coway AP-1512HH – Video Review

Levoit Core 600S – Video Review

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