In this article, I will compare two small yet impressive air purifiers from the RENPHO and Levoit brands. I will place the RENPHO RP-AP088W face-to-face with the Levoit Core 200S, comparing their specifications, characteristics, test results, and more.
What is interesting about these two devices is that they have almost identical dimensions, weigh nearly the same, look similar, and cover rooms of similar sizes.
The RENPHO RP-AP088W covers rooms of up to 220 sq. ft. (20 m²), which is slightly more than 183 sq. ft. (17 m²), which is the coverage of the Levoit Core 200S. So, these air purifiers will ideally fit small rooms such as bedrooms, offices, small kitchens, or similar spaces.
Regarding filtration technology, the RENPHO overcomes the Levoit with the number of filtration stages. Officially, the RENPHO has a five-stage filtration technology, but as there are only four effective stages, I declared it a four-stage filtration air purifier. On the other hand, the Levoit Core 200S uses traditional Levoit’s three-stage filtration filter, which has proved itself in many performance tests.
Our Verdict
After carefully comparing all the specifications of these two units, I declare the Levoit Core 200S as the winner and a better buying option.
The Core 200S is overall a much better option than the RENPHO AP-088W for several reasons: better performance, cheaper maintenance, more features, quieter operation, and higher reliability.
If you have questions about these two air purifiers, please don’t hesitate to use the comment box below the article.
Specs: RENPHO RP-AP088W Vs Levoit Core 200S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | RENPHO | Levoit |
| Model | RP-AP088W | Core 200S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.5 x 8.5 x 14.25 inches (21.6 x 21.6 x 36.2 cm) | 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.6 inches (20.5 x 20.5 x 32 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.85 lb (3.1 kg) | 6.6 lb (3 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | - | 118 CFM (200.6 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. | 220 sq. ft. (20 m²) | 183 sq. ft. (17 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, Intercept Coating, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 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. | 32W | 37W |
| 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 – 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 | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Night LightDisplay LockTimer | Night LightDisplay LockDisplay OffTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 43.6 – 65.4 dBA | 42.1 – 53.9 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 Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Quiet Operation | |
| Warranty | 1-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | RENPHO RP-AP088W | Levoit Core 200S |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
When testing performance, we always tend to test air purifiers in rooms that are almost identical to the recommended room sizes. However, sometimes, we challenge air purifiers by testing them in larger rooms than recommended.
What’s great about these two air purifiers is that they cover almost identical room sizes, which greatly eases this comparison.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the RENPHO RP-AP088W and Levoit Core 200S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
We tested them in two different-sized rooms and compared the results. In the first test, in a room of 120 sq. ft. (11 m²), the Levoit Core 200S improved the air quality by about 93%, while the RENPHO AP-088W improved the air quality by about 91%. Both devices worked at maximum speed for 60 minutes.
In the second test, this time in a slightly larger room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), the Levoit Core 200S again showed better performance by improving the air quality by 91%, while the RENPHO improved the air quality by about 89%. Again, both air purifiers worked at maximum speed, and the tests lasted for 60 minutes.
Overall, the Levoit Core 200S showed better performance in both tests, confirming it as an overall better-performing air purifier.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Regarding the smoke test, the results were interesting, especially because these two air purifiers had almost identical results.
We filled a glass box with smoke, placed an air purifier inside, set it to the maximum speed, and measured how long it took to remove all the smoke. We performed this test separately for the Levoit and RENPHO air purifiers.
The Levoit Core 200S removed all the smoke in just 32 seconds, while the RENPHO AP-088W was even faster, clearing the smoke box in just 31 seconds.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Before we move on to the noise level testing results, I want to mention that I really like that these two air purifiers have four fan speeds. What makes me even happier is that both devices have a sleep mode.
After testing the noise levels at all the speeds separately, we found that the Levoit Core 200S is quieter at all speeds.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the RENPHO RP-AP088W and Levoit Core 200S air purifiers.
It produces only 42.1 dBA in sleep mode, while the RENPHO AP-088W produces 43.6 dBA. At maximum speed, the situation is similar; the Levoit produces 53.9 dBA, while the RENPHO produces 65.4 dBA.
| Fan Speed | RENPHO RP-AP088W (dBA) | Levoit Core 200S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 43.6 dBA | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 47.4 dBA | 44.9 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 53.9 dBA | 48.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 65.4 dBA | 53.9 dBA |
It’s more than obvious that the Levoit Core 200S is much quieter, especially at maximum speed, where the difference is most significant.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The power use test is actually the only one in which the RENPHO showed better results. It uses a 32W motor, while the Levoit Core 200S uses a 37W motor.
However, even though they use similar power motors, the RENPHO consumes significantly less power at maximum speed.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the RENPHO RP-AP088W and Levoit Core 200S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you run these two air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a period of one month, your electrical bill would increase by just $0.92 for the RENPHO AP-088W and by about $2.16 for the Levoit Core 200S.
Apart from this cost, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which need to be replaced about twice per year for both devices.
| Fan Speed | RENPHO RP-AP088W (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 200S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0.6W ($0.05) |
| Sleep Mode | 0.8W ($0.07) | 12.7W ($1.11) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 3.3W ($0.29) | 16.8W ($1.47) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 6.3W ($0.55) | 19.5W ($1.71) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 10.5W ($0.92) | 24.6W ($2.16) |
However, the replacement filter for the RENPHO is much more expensive, making it much more expensive overall to maintain than the Levoit Core 200S on an annual basis.
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