Levoit Core 300 Vs Smartmi P1 – Purefection Duel (2023)

Not once in a lifetime have we been victims of preconceptions. Sometimes it had to do with the people we surround ourselves with, but sometimes it was just us making the wrong call. Especially as customers. 

No matter how much we think we know the market, we should always make room for sweet surprises. This is more than applicable to today’s two brands, showing up with a palette of products created to make your life according to your needs.

Those brands are most definitely Levoit and Smartmi, with their Core 300 and P1 air purifiers which are at the center of my newest comparison. These air purifiers share almost the same construction and dimensions, and they both use a 3-stage filtration process to improve the air quality in your living or working area. Still, it wouldn’t be much of a comparison if there hadn’t been any differences whatsoever. 

For starters, Levoit Core 300 is designed for a 219 sq. ft. area, while Smartmi P1 can cover up to 230 sq. ft. (21 m²). Also, Smartmi P1 boasts plenty of advanced features such as auto mode, air quality sensor, compatibility with a smart app, etc. 

As I already mentioned, both air purifiers share the same shape and “looks.” However, the metal construction of Smartmi P1 gives it a qualitative and sophisticated high-tech appearance than the plastics the Core 300 is made of. I am also aware that, with the ECO leather handle, designers tried to make Smartmi P1 more handy and adjustable for relocation. Somehow, I still like that plain white color of Levoit Core 300, adaptable to almost any decorating style. 

With both devices, we get two colors to choose from. A basic black and white version of Levoit Core 300 is available, while Smartmi P1 can be either black or silver. 

Join me in today’s comparison to see what is so special about these two air purifiers.

Specs: Smartmi P1 Vs Levoit Core 300

Levoit Vs Smartmi Features

As always, the things that make the difference are the features that the comparing devices own. Sometimes it can be one significant difference, but sometimes it’s a whole bunch of them. In this case, Smartmi P1 holds the advantage as opposed to Levoit Core 300. 

What I am referring to are several features that reflect the “smart” tag of this air purifier. Options like connectivity to a smart app or compatibility to a HomeKit are just one of Smartmi’s features worth mentioning. 

On the other hand, the Core 300 is no smart appliance at all, but it does have features that will make him pretty useful. It’s the Sleep Mode, Display Off, Child Lock, and Timer that will help you bring the best out of this air purifier. 

Now, let’s see all the features that both of these air purifiers have to offer. 

Air Quality Sensor and Indicator

Having the Air Quality Sensor and Indicator is certainly one of the most useful features that an air purifier can have. Too bad that the Levoit Core 300 does not come with this option installed. But, patience please, because the following model Core 300s has all the smart features that an air purifier from this series deserves to have. 

The rival in this comparison, Smartmi P1, uses an advanced laser particle meter that can detect real-time particles. Being connected to multiple Smartmi features throughout the purifying process, this feature inevitably enables complete automatization and control over this smart appliance. 

The interesting part is that there are several ways of getting insight into the current air quality. 

First of all, simply by checking your Smart App. Second, straight along the air purifier’s display, you can read off the values of PM2.5 particles. As for the third way, if you take a closer look at the Smartmi’s display, you’ll notice that the Indicator keeps switching colors. Each color represents the real-time pollen concentration. As always, green stands for perfect, red color for the unhealthy, while yellow and orange signify good/moderate concentration of particles. 

Auto Mode

One more feature that the Levoit is missing is the Auto Mode, but on the other hand, Smartmi P1 has this feature working simultaneously with the Air Quality Sensor. The Auto Mode will keep switching Smartmi’s operating modes depending on the real-time air quality. 

What you can do is to leave your air purifier working all alone, without monitoring, and rest assured that the air you inhale will be of high quality.  

Smart APP

Connectivity to a smart app is almost like a must-have nowadays, but still, many appliances are missing this option. However, it doesn’t lessen their value, like in the case of the Levoit Core 300. 

As opposed to Levoit, the Smartmi P1 is expected to have this option by default. Otherwise, it would have that smart prefix. This practically means that you can connect this air purifier to a Smart APP on your Android or iOS device. Of course, this is not an obligatory thing to do, but it does bring some new features that Smartmi is missing. For example, I personally liked how you can keep track of the filtered air through hourly, daily, and monthly statistics. I also liked how I was able to monitor the air purifier through the app, having a complete insight into filter usage. 

There are so many reasons to like this Smart APP connectivity and these are just some of them. If you want a bit more detailed description, you can find it on this website in separate reviews. I suggest you give it a look. 

Filter Reset Indicator

One of the first common features that both air purifiers in this review have is the Filter Reset Indicator. With this option, you will be notified of the exact time the filters need to be replaced. It practically means there’s nothing for you to do, but a simple replacement. 

You can find this Indicator lighting on the upper side of Levoit Core 300 in due time. 

However, it’s a bit more complex situation with the Smartmi P1, but nothing you can’t handle. For starters, you’ll have to connect your air purifier to a Smart App, after which you will find all the details you need, written at the bottom section of your App. Stats like filter usage and filter replacement time will be available at a glance. 

Timer

If you feel like keeping your air purifier under control and running only when desired, then the Timer option will be more than helpful. Both Levoit Core 300 and Smartmi P1 have this feature. You can set the Timer on Levoit to run continuously for 2h, 4h, 6h, and 8h after which it shuts down.

Speaking of Smartmi, this feature can only be used through the App, and it’s a slightly upgraded version of Timer. That means you can set it just like you do with the Alarm feature on your smartphone. Even so, I still think it’s a pity this feature is not available outside the App. Your air purifier must be connected to your smartphone for the Timer feature to work. 

Child Lock

Having a child in the house usually means major home safety improvements have to be done. And it’s not only the child that needs protection. Many of today’s appliances need to be properly maintained and used in order to last. That’s where the Child Lock feature performs at its best. While Levoit has this option called “Child Lock“, Smartmi calls it simply “Lock“. 

If you press this option and hold it for a few seconds, you will lock your Levoit air purifier’s control table. Just like with the Timer, if you want to lock your Smartmi air purifier, you will have to do it via Smart App. 

No matter what air purifier you have, turning this feature ON means you can prevent anyone, little less child, from meaningful play with your appliance. No control whatsoever will be available until you unlock this option.

So, as much as a child needs to be protected from the appliances, the appliances also need to be protected from careless children playing. 

Airflow

As I already mentioned at the beginning of this comparison, these two air purifiers share almost the same construction, which means there are no differences in the airflow.

Both devices have filters placed on the lower half with suction holes forming a full angle. Once the air is filtered, it gets released through the holes on the upper side. 

Warranty

No matter how good and reliable your favorite air purifier really is, you always need that extra protection level. The warranty coverage that Smartmi P1 can offer is only one year as opposed to the 2-year warranty that you get for Levoit Core 300. But, if you want your Levoit device to be fully covered, you will need to follow the registration process on Levoit’s website once you purchase this brand’s device. 

Filtration Technology

When it comes to the filtration process, let’s begin with the obvious part. I’m talking about the shape of the filters placed inside each of these air purifiers. Since these air purifiers share almost identical shapes, their filters are also identical, being placed on the bottom part of each appliance. The filtration is a 3-stage process consisting of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter as well as the activated carbon filter. The main difference is in their order.

First comes the pre-filter. As a matter of fact, it’s a nylon mesh pre-filter in both air purifiers. It serves as the first line of defense, preventing all the great particles from penetrating the rest of the filters. That way your air purifiers get to last longer and serve you well. My recommendation would be to keep track of the regular cleaning of this filter, at least once a month. 

In the second stage, Levoit Core 300 uses a True HEPA filter, practically the most relevant filter, that gets all the credit for the outstanding performance of this air purifier. On the other hand, the Smartmi P1 uses a carbon filter as the second stage filter.

The last filtration stage that Levoit Core 300 uses is the activated carbon filter, containing carbon pellets, as opposed to Smartmi P1 which has a True HEPA filter instead. 

Besides the fact that both air purifiers own a must-have True HEPA filter, the rest of the filters are excellent as well. Not to mention Levoit’s pellet-based carbon filter.  

How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices?

If washing the filters is a somewhat annoying task to you, then here is some good news. None of these air purifiers have washable filters. This means you’ll have to replace them entirely at some point. 

When it comes to the duration of filters, producers usually tend to add some extra expiration date. As opposed to Levoit’s 6-8 months, the Smartmi’s produces twice as many months. The truth is, with regular daily usage, each of these air purifiers will last up to 6 months tops. 

The good part is that with the Filter Reset Indicator present, all you will have to do is take a look once in a while to see if this Indicator warns you of an upcoming replacement. 

If you are curious to know how to replace the filters, you can check my reviews on each air purifier, and search for the full tutorial on the website. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Noise Tests

Speaking of the number of speeds one air purifier has, less isn’t always more. The more speeds it has, the more adjustable it will be to our needs. However, you have to reflect on the benefits it will bring to you. In this case, Levoit has that extra speed level, a Sleep Mode, next to three regular ones. On the other hand, Smartmi has a Normal and a Manual mode, besides the Sleep Mode. The Manual Mode is preferable because you get to adjust the speed by using the slider given in the app. 

The good thing is both appliances have a smooth-running engine, which makes them comfortable to be around. Both air purifiers turn out to be a little louder than expected while on maximum speed level. However, considering that max speed results in a maximum outcome, I don’t mind that much. 

Even though I find both devices quite pleasant while running on the lowest speed level, somehow I prefer Smartmi P1 because I think that with manual speed adjustment, you can get clean air in no time and with proven quality.  

Performance Tests

In terms of performance, I must say that both Levoit Core 300 and Smartmi P1 are equally small, and yet, very powerful air purifiers. Since Levoit covers up to 219 sq. ft. and Smartmi a 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) of space, I decided to put them to a daily test to see if they will deliver as promised. To be honest, I was blown away by their performances, and here is why. 

Both air purifiers were tested in separate attempts while running at maximum speed for a whole hour.

194 sq. ft. Room Tests

It was to be expected that in this room size both air purifiers would show great performance. So it was. Both Levoit and Smartmi managed to improve the air quality by more than 90%. Specifically, Levoit had a 93% while Smartmi had a 95% improvement. From this point of view, you would be satisfied no matter which one you choose.

320 sq. ft. Room Tests

This test got me questioning for a second if I performed it the right way. Because, as it turned out, Levoit Core 300 managed to beat Smartmi by one percentage point. And by that, I mean, 92% of improved air quality, as opposed to Smartmi’s 91%. Given the room size, it covers according to the producer, this is a more than satisfying result. 

Operating Costs

First, let me begin with the power these air purifiers are supplied with. If you decide to buy Levoit Core 300 you will get a power of 45W, while with Smartmi P1 you get 30 watts.  

Next, the filters you decide to buy once you’re out of the initial ones will cost you more in the case of the Smartmi air purifier. 

Still, none of these engines are latent energy consumers. Let’s say you leave both air purifiers running for a whole month, 24/7 on top speed level. By the end of the test, you will have 3.8$ more to pay for the use of Levoit Core 300. At the same time, Smartmi will increase your bill by 2.4$. 

Overall, considering energy consumption, as well as the price of replacement filters, Smartmi P1 turns out to be a more affordable choice annually.