Honeywell and Levoit are two of the most popular air purifier brands. In this article, I will compare the Levoit Core 200S and Honeywell HPA100 air purifiers in detail.
These are two small devices. The Levoit covers rooms up to 183 sq. ft. (17 m²), while the Honeywell HPA100 covers rooms up to 155 sq. ft. (14 m²). The room coverage of these two models isn’t much different, but they are different in terms of advanced options.
The Levoit Core 200S is a smart air purifier with various features and extras, such as control via a smart app. The Honeywell HPA100, on the other hand, doesn’t have many advanced options. It only has basic options like a filter reset indicator, timer, and display off.
Regarding design, I want to say that I prefer the Levoit Core 200S ones. Additionally, I think the Core 200S plastic is of slightly better quality than the plastic on the Honeywell.
Keep reading to find out if the newer Levoit Core 200S can match the already-proven Honeywell HPA100 air purifier.
Our Verdict
I have to say that this wasn’t a very doubtful comparison, even though they have many similarities. The Levoit Core 200S is deservedly a better choice.
As reasons for my decision, I would single out its better performance, cheaper maintenance, much quieter work at almost all speeds, and many more advanced options.
I hope this article helped your decision. However, if you have any questions, please leave a comment in the comments box below the article.
Specs: Levoit Core 200S Vs Honeywell HPA100
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Honeywell |
| Model | Core 200S | HPA100 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.6 inches (20.5 x 20.5 x 32 cm) | 13.94 x 22.6 x 13.54 inches (35.4 x 57.4 x 34.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.6 lb (3 kg) | 8.5 lb |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 118 CFM (200.6 m³/h) | 100 CFM (170 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. | 183 sq. ft. (17 m²) | 155 sq. ft. (14 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/Odor Reducing Combo, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 12 months (True HEPA); about 3 months (Pre-filter/Carbon) |
| 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. | 37W | 50W |
| 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 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 4 – Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| 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. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Night LightDisplay LockDisplay OffTimer | TimerDimmer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 42.1 – 53.9 dBA | 48.2 – 58.5 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 | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Quiet Operation | Allergies Small Spaces Portable Use |
| Warranty | 2-year | 5-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 200S | Honeywell HPA100 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
As they cover almost identical room sizes, we managed to test them in two rooms of the same size.
Both devices were tested separately. The testing procedure involves measuring the current air quality in the room and then letting the air purifier run at its max speed for 60 minutes. The last step is to measure its air quality improvement (we use the Temtop laser particle meter for this).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 200S and Honeywell HPA100 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room, they performed exactly the same, improving the air quality by about 93%. The Levoit Core 200S reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 93.2 to 6.4 µg/m³, while the Honeywell HPA100 reduced the PM2.5 from 99.4 to 5.7 µg/m³.
In the second test, which was in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), slightly larger than the recommended dimensions, both performed well, but the Levoit Core 200S did slightly better. It improved the air quality by 91%, while the Honeywell HPA100 improved the air quality by 89%.
After analyzing all the results, we can conclude that the Levoit Core 200S showed better performance in the performance tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Interestingly, these two air purifiers have almost identical CADR and very similar filters, which lead to equal performance in many tests.
Specifically, they perform almost the same in the smoke test. The Levoit Core 200S removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 32 seconds, while the Honeywell HPA100 needed 33 seconds.
This is an okay result, and when compared with all the other air purifiers we tested, it is better than average.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I want to touch on before moving to noise levels is the number of fan speeds. They both have four fan speeds but with one difference: the Levoit Core 200S has a sleep mode, which drastically affected the result of this testing.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 200S and Honeywell HPA100 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Levoit Core 200S produces a sound of 42.1 dBA, while the Honeywell HPA100 produces a sound of 48.2 dBA. A difference of about six dBA is truly significant, especially at the lowest speeds.
This is why I would recommend using the Core 200S in the bedroom but not the Honeywell. Please refer to the chart above for a comparison of the noise levels at all speeds.
At the maximum speeds, the difference in noise level is almost identical. The Levoit Core 200S produces a sound of 53.9 dBA, while the Honeywell HPA100 produces a sound of 58.5 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 200S (dBA) | Honeywell HPA100 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 42.1 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 44.9 dBA | 48.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 48.5 dBA | 50.4 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 53.9 dBA | 54.3 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 58.5 dBA |
Overall, the Levoit Core 200S uses a much better-optimized motor for noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
However, it’s not just that the Levoit Core 200S is better optimized for noise level; it also uses a much better-optimized motor for power use. The Levoit uses a 37W motor, while the Honeywell uses a 50W motor.
This means that if you were to use these two devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, over a period of one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $2.16 for the Levoit Core 200S and about $2.87 for the Honeywell HPA100 air purifier.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 200S and Honeywell HPA100 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Obviously, the Levoit is more energy-efficient. But, besides the electricity costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters. Replacement filters for the Levoit are much more affordable, but they last approximately between 6 and 8 months, while the filters for the Honeywell last up to a year.
What’s good is that if you want to save even more, there are many third-party filters available for both devices, and they are much cheaper than the original ones. However, I always strongly recommend using the original filters for the best performance.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core 200S (W + $/month) | Honeywell HPA100 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.6W ($0.05) | 0W ($0) |
| Sleep Mode | 12.7W ($1.11) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 16.8W ($1.47) | 16W ($1.4) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 19.5W ($1.71) | 18.1W ($1.59) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 24.6W ($2.16) | 21.3W ($1.87) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 32.7W ($2.87) |
All in all, although Honeywell filters last a bit longer, they are still more expensive, and this air purifier consumes more energy. This is why I think the Levoit Core 200S is much more cost-effective to maintain on an annual basis.
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