I compared the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG and Levoit Core 300 air purifiers, two popular and frequently compared devices among users.
IKEA, a globally recognized brand and one of the largest furniture manufacturers, recently expanded its product range to include air purifiers. Levoit, on the other hand, is a less widely known company that focuses solely on air purifiers.
In terms of build quality and design, my preference is for IKEA. I believe it blends more easily into almost any environment, especially if you have modern furniture. Although Levoit is also a modern and well-designed device, I find IKEA’s design slightly more attractive. Both devices are available in black or white.
Can IKEA compete with a brand like Levoit and come out on top in this comparison? Which brand produces the better air purifier? Which one do I prefer?
In this article, you’ll find answers to these questions and many more, along with detailed information on their specifications, performance, noise levels, and operating costs.
Our Verdict
Frankly, this wasn’t a particularly challenging comparison, and I believe the winner here is quite clear.
Considering its superior performance in tests, higher-quality filters, plenty of advanced features, and lower maintenance costs, the Levoit Core 300 is undoubtedly the better choice.
The IKEA air purifier is a budget-friendly option. However, by investing a bit more upfront, I’m sure you’ll get much more with the Levoit in the long run.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave a comment below.
Specs: IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Levoit Core 300
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | IKEA | Levoit |
| Model | FÖRNUFTIG | Core 300 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 18.1 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches (46.1 x 31 x 10.9 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 7.84 lb (3.56 kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 70 CFM (130 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. | 108 sq. ft. (10 m²) | 219 sq. ft. (20 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, HEPA Filter and Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 4-6 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. | 19W | 45W |
| 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 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 – Sleep Mode, 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. | No | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | No | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Smart Plug | Display LockDisplay OffTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.2 – 58.2 dBA | 40.7 – 64.9 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 Low Energy Cost Small Spaces Quiet Operation | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms |
| Warranty | No (US) | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG | Levoit Core 300 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
The first factor I considered before moving on to performance tests was room coverage. The IKEA FÖRNUFTIG covers rooms up to 108 sq. ft. (10 m²), while the Levoit Core 300 covers rooms up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²).
The Levoit Core 300’s ability to cover larger spaces and its higher-quality filters contributed to its superior performance in the tests.
Although we tested these devices in different room sizes, I believe the most relevant results for many users would be from a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Levoit Core 300 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In this room, we ran separate tests for each air purifier. The Levoit Core 300 reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 83.8 to 5.8 µg/m³, achieving a 93% improvement in air quality.
In the same test, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG improved air quality by 89%.
While both devices performed well, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG was slightly less efficient, making the Levoit Core 300 the higher-ranked device in particle removal.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
This test clearly demonstrates how a higher CADR and better filter options can significantly improve the smoke removal rate.
Despite being a smaller device, the Levoit Core 300 performed much better in this test.
It took only 20 seconds to remove all the smoke, whereas the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG required 44 seconds to achieve the same result.
Please note that I also installed the pellet-based activated carbon filter in the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG, but it didn’t help it achieve better results.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
In all my tests, air purifiers with more fan speed tend to be quieter overall and usually come out on top in noise tests. This is primarily due to the range of fan speeds, allowing the device to be easily adjusted to personal preferences.
In this case, the Levoit has four, while the IKEA has three fan speeds. At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 300 is much quieter. It produces a sound of 40.7 dBA, while the IKEA produces a sound of 42.2 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Levoit Core 300 air purifiers.
However, when comparing noise levels at maximum speed, the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has a slight advantage, producing 58.2 dBA, while the Levoit Core 300 produces 64.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 300 (dBA) | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.7 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 46.4 dBA | 42.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 52.9 dBA | 49.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 64.9 dBA | 58.2 dBA |
Overall, although the IKEA is a bit quieter at maximum speed, it is slightly louder at the lowest speed, resulting in both devices being nearly equal in the noise level test.
Operating Costs – Comparison
In terms of power consumption, let’s start by comparing the power of the two devices. The motor on the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG has a power of only 19W, while the motor on the Levoit Core 300 has a power of 45W. Interestingly, IKEA uses a motor that’s less than half as powerful as Levoit’s.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG Vs Levoit Core 300 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to run both devices at max speed, 24 hours a day, for an entire month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $1.16 for the IKEA and around $3.81 for the Levoit. You’ll likely agree that this isn’t a significant expense.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 300 (W + $/month) | IKEA FÖRNUFTIG (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.8W ($0.07) | 0W ($0) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 29.4W ($2.58) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 31.4W ($2.75) | 5.5W ($0.48) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 43.5W ($3.81) | 13.2W ($1.16) |
However, when you factor in the cost of replacement filters—which need to be changed more frequently for the IKEA—and the added cost, if you choose to buy an extra carbon filter for the IKEA, the Levoit Core 300 proves to be the more affordable for annual maintenance.
Features Overview
IKEA FÖRNUFTIG is a minimalistic air purifier with almost no advanced options. At the same time, the Levoit Core 300 is a much more advanced air purifier and has some exciting and very useful features.
What I would single out on IKEA, which is also a standard option for both devices, is the filter reset indicator. In addition, as it uses a mechanical knob for control, IKEA can work in combination with a smart plug, which could make it a semi-smart air purifier.
Timer
A timer is a useful option only available on the Levoit Core 300. However, if you connect the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG with a smart plug, you could easily enable this option on it as well.
Levoit Core 300 timer can be set to 2h, 4h, 6h, or 8h. Simply, after the set time passes, the device will turn off.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode is another option that is only available on the Levoit Core 300 air purifier.
It is essentially an extra speed, the lowest, which is ideal if you plan to use the air purifier in the bedroom. In addition, the Core 300 dims all indicators when in sleep mode, which further helps if using the air purifier in the bedroom.
Display Lock and Display Off
Display Lock and Display Off are also handy options, available only on Levoit. I think it is clear to everyone from the name of these two options what they are used for.
Display Lock is used when you want to lock the touch screen from accidental presses and possible switching of the previously set settings. In comparison, the Display Off option is useful if you want to dim all the LED indicators on the Levoit Core 300 in one click.
Airflow
Levoit Core 300 is cylindrical, while IKEA is rectangular, so that’s why their airflow is different.
Levoit draws air from the bottom, through openings placed on all sides, while IKEA draws air through the cover on the front (pre-filter).
Interestingly, both devices release filtered air through the openings on the upper side.
Warranty
The first thing I would like to say when it comes to warranty is that I am very disappointed that IKEA comes without a warranty, and I see this as one huge minus.
On the other hand, the Levoit Core 300 comes with a 2-year warranty, but please, don’t forget to register the air purifier on the Levoit website immediately after purchase.
Filtration Technology
When we talk about filtration, the first and essential thing I want to mention is that both devices use 3-stage filtration technology. The difference is that IKEA initially comes only with a pre-filter and HEPA filter, while the third stage, i.e., carbon filter, has to be purchased separately.
Levoit, on the other hand, comes with a 3-in-1 filter, which consists of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
What I like about the IKEA FÖRNUFTIG air purifier is that it uses a washable pre-filter, which is much better and easier to maintain than Levoit’s nylon mesh pre-filter.
However, Levoit has a significant advantage with having a True HEPA filter, which, unlike IKEA’s HEPA H12 filter, traps 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size. Levoit’s True HEPA filter is much more efficient than IKEA’s HEPA filter, which is the reason for better results in performance tests, which you will see below.
As for the carbon filter, I have to say that I am happy with the filters on both devices, mainly because both use pellet-based carbon filters.
How to Replace Filters on These Air Purifiers?
When it comes to the filter replacement process, I must say that neither IKEA nor Levoit filter replacing is overcomplicated.
If you have never changed the old filters before, the first thing I want to emphasize is that you don’t have to track the filter wears manually, as both devices have the filter reset indicator, which will let you know when to replace the old filter. This process is, on average, between 6-8 months in the case of Levoit and between 4-6 months in the case of IKEA.
If you are interested in a detailed explanation of the filter replacement process on these two devices, I suggest you read the tutorials on the links below.
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