Today’s review is all about the Levoit Core 300 and the Blueair 411 air purifiers. These two are very contrasting air purifiers.
On the one side, we have a Levoit Core 300 that is equipped with plenty of advanced options, uses a three-stage filtration, and is one of the best-selling models on the market. While, on the other side we have the Blueair 411, a minimalistic air purifier, with just one button for control.
Table of Contents
The first difference I want to talk about is the room coverage, which is up to 219 sq. ft. for the Levoit Core 300, and up to 161 sq. ft. for the Blueair 411. These values are not noticeably different, and I’m sure you won’t feel much distinction if you put any of these air purifiers in a room of 200 sq. ft., for example.
I did various tests on these air purifiers, which I will show off and compare in the following article. In the end, I will decide which one is our absolute buying suggestion. So, keep reading!
- Levoit Core 300 – is a small air purifier intended for rooms up to 219 sq. ft. It uses a three-stage filtration consisting of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter.
- Blueair 411 – is an air purifier that covers rooms up to 161 sq. ft. It uses a three-stage filtration and a HEPASilent technology. This air purifier is minimalistic, without advanced features and options.
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Specs: Blueair 411 Vs Levoit Core 300
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Blueair | Levoit |
| Model | Blue Pure 411 | Core 300 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 inches (22 x 22 x 36 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 3.35 lb (1.52 kg) | 7.5 lb (3.4kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 105 CFM (180 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. | 161 sq. ft. (15 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 | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and 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. | 10W | 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) | 40.6 – 67.5 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 Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Blueair Blue Pure 411 | Levoit Core 300 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Features Overview
Before I dive any deeper, let’s check the features of each air purifier. As already stated, Blue Pure 411 is a minimalistic air purifier, while Core 300 has tons of features. The good news is that both air purifiers are ozone-free.
Control Options
Blueair 411 is as simple as it gets. It has only one button. Having only one button basically means you can control fan speed and nothing else.
On the other hand, Levoit Core 300 has many options and has a control panel on the top, which has a lot of control buttons and LED indicators built-in.
Timer
Obviously, Blueair 411 does not have a timer, while the Core 300 has one.
This means that Levoit Core 300 allows you to set up the time for which the air purifier will turn of. You can pick from 2, 4, 6, and 8h after that time is up the air purifier will shut down.
Sleep Mode
While on sleep mode, Core 300 will reduce fan speed, and the device will minimize noise output. In return, you can sleep uninterrupted. Blueair 411 does not feature sleep mode, but its first fan speed is silent enough.
Child Lock
Children love to push buttons; with this feature, you can lock the touch panel. All the settings you set will be locked, and even if kids touch the panel, they will not change the settings. Blueair 411 does not have a child lock because there is nothing to be locked since it lacks buttons.
Personalized Pre-filters
Blueair 411 fits better in your home thanks to personalized filters. Pre-filter is changeable, and you can choose from different colors: Dark Shadow, Diva BlueBuff, Yellow, Crystal Pink, or Lunar Rock.
Washable Pre-filter
Another advantage for Blueair 411 is that these personalized filters are washable, and you can wash them and make them clean and fresh whenever you want.
On the other hand, Levoit Core 300 has a pre-filter that is changed along with the primary filter, which means you can’t take it out and wash it. But, you can clean the pre-filter on the Core 300, and I advise doing that at least once per month.
Blueair 411 Vs Levoit Core 300 – Video Comparison
Filtration Technology
When talking about filtration technology, I want to say that both devices use a 3-in-1 system.
Levoit Core 300 uses a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. Blueair 411 uses the same method but without the True HEPA filter. Instead, it uses only the HEPA filter.
Also, as I already mentioned, the pre-filter is washable in Blueair 411, while Core 300 does not feature that.
How to Replace Filters?
Replacing the filters in these two air purifiers is a straightforward job. Both air purifiers will give you a signal when the filter needs to be replaced.
In Blueair 411, the pre-filter does not need replacement because you can wash it. Filters usually last between 6 to 8 months on both devices. For more details about how to replace filters on these air purifiers, check airpurifierfirst.com or YouTube Channel.
Noise Tests
The noise level that these devices produce is not that much different. Since they make a similar noise level, this factor will not be relevant when choosing the best air purifier.
Core 300 is quieter in sleep mode than at other speeds. However, Blueair 411 on first speed will make an identical noise as Core 300 on sleep mode. At the max speeds, they both are a bit louder, but also the most efficient.
You can check in the noise table more about the noise pollution these devices create.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Blueair 411 | 40.6 – 67.5 dBA |
| Levoit Core 300 | 40.7 – 64.9 dBA |
Performance Tests
I have tested both devices in a real-time environment to see, which is better at cleaning the air.
I tested them in 194 sq. ft. as well as 320 sq. ft. room. Both devices were excellent in both rooms, and the difference between them is not significant. However, while working longer, Core 300 did a slightly better job.
In the room of 194 sq. ft. Blueair 411 improved air quality by 95% in 1 hour. In the same period, Levoit Core 300 improved air quality by 93%. In the bigger room tests are identical, and you can see all the tests in detail in the table below.
194 sq. ft. Room
320 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
Operating Costs
Blueair 411 uses less energy than Core 300. Blueair 411 uses only 10W while Levoit Core 300 needs 45W. Blueair 411 will cost you less than 1$ for a whole month’s work 24/7. In the same period, the Core 300 will cost you 3.8$ if we calculate the electricity price in the USA, which is 0.12$ per kW/h.
Check out the table below for more details about energy usage.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Blueair 411 | 0.3 – 7.6 W |
| Levoit Core 300 | 0.8 – 43.5 W |
Which One Does It Better?
Although almost entirely different, both products will offer you excellent performance and much cleaner air. For people who are fans of minimalism or for people who prefer a large number of advanced features, this decision will be easy; you will not go wrong with whichever product you choose.
Blueair 411 offers personalized pre-filters to combine the design and color of the device with the environment. The design of the Core 300 is also superbly reflected, which is confirmed by the iF Design Award.
The Blueair 411 is slightly better in terms of both power consumption and noise pollution by the motor. Although I could easily declare this fight a draw, I still chose the Levoit Core 300 as the winner, because of the slightly better performance, better filtration, and because it has some fantastic features.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please feel free to ask in the comment box below.
Hi!
Thank you for this. I do have a question: the Blueair is said to filter down to .1 microns, while the Levoit only filters to .3. So I am curious why you say the Levoit has better filtration…?
Thank you!
Jan
Hi Jan, I can’t confirm that the Blueair 411 filters particles down to 0.1 microns in size as it is only stated on Amazon. Besides that, the Levoit showed better performance in my tests, especially when combating smoke, cooking odors, and similar conditions in which the Blueair 411 is way behind it. Thanks.
Love the concept of the site, but need more clear comparisons.
* When you compare operation costs, is that at the same speeds?
* What about cost of ownership comparisons showing cost of filters multiplied by frequency of recommended filter replacement? If the Levoit is $50 cheaper to purchase but $100 more expensive within a year…
* What about Time to Maintain? Is one an easy, 3-minute task while the other takes 30 minutes?
* How are the CADR metrics affected by the “quiet” (sleep) setting? Does one of them essentially shut down to a crawl and produce no benefits at the slowest, more ‘silent’ speed while you spend the most time with it (8 hours/night)?
What about cost comparisons from the point, Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto has WASHABLE filters, and the Core 300 does not.
The Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto does not use washable filters, it just has a fabric pre-filter that is washable. HEPA and Carbon filters are requiring replacement over time.
Very clear comparison and it help, thank you …
Thank you for the great review, I was looking at the Levoit and I am trying to read as many reviews as possible. I have a question when estimating electricity usage, the core 300 appears to have 4 settings (1,2,3 and sleep), which one is the one shown for the $3.8 a month?
Thanks for your comment. That is a calculation based on monthly expenses when the device runs at the highest speed all the time (speed 3 in this case).
Thank you for doing this comparison as I was undecided before reading this review. You’ve helped me make my purchase decision!
I’m glad it helped.