Levoit Core 200S Vs Xiaomi 4 Compact – A fair fight (2023)

In today’s article, I will compare two, at first sight, almost identical air purifiers. I will talk about the Levoit Core 200S and the Xiaomi 4 Compact. Cylindrical shapes characterize them both; they have controls on the top and filters on the bottom.

The build quality is excellent on both devices. The Levoit is available in several colors, while the Xiaomi is available only in white. Both are small and adorable devices that, I believe, will fit into almost any ambiance. 

As for the filtration technology, these two air purifiers use a three-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter (Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter), and an activated carbon filter. And guess what? They produced almost identical results in performance tests. 

Then, you are probably wondering why I’m comparing these two if everything related to them is almost identical. It’s not! The Xiaomi 4 Compact has an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and many other features that aren’t built-in in the Levoit Core 200S.That’s what makes this comparison much more enjoyable. So, please keep reading and find out which one performed better, which is quieter, which is more affordable for maintenance, and which is a better buying option overall.

Specs: Levoit Core 200S Vs Xiaomi 4 Compact

Features Overview

When deciding to buy a home appliance, we all look for those who can offer more for the price. Oftentimes, more means numerous features available, options you can use to make your life easier and even more fun. This comparison is the perfect example of the struggle that goes on in every buyer’s mind when facing an appliance loaded with features. Let the battle begin. 

Control Panel

With Control panels on top, both Xiaomi 4 Compact and Levoit Core 200S have easy access to control buttons. Xiaomi’s panel seems like a simplified version, with just a few relevant buttons, as opposed to Levoit’s. The most important thing is that the buttons on both air purifiers are equally sensitive and precise, reflecting the high-end background technology.

In addition to manually setting the appliance, you can connect Xiaomi 4 and Core 200S to each one’s Smart app. That way, you will be provided with additional and more precise features, but we will talk more about it in this comparison. 

Air Quality Sensor and Air Quality Indicator

The first thing that caught me by surprise is the lack of an Air quality sensor along with the Air quality indicator within the Levoit Core 200S. Xiaomi 4 Compact, on the other hand, has both features. It is the IR particulate matter sensor collecting the data on the real-time amount of PM2.5. Positioned at the back side of an air purifier this sensor runs even when in standby mode. There are two ways you can monitor the air quality. One is by the light indicator on top of the device, which starts changing colors depending on the air quality. The other way is to use the Mi Home app to get a more precise answer.  

Auto Mode

There is no Auto mode available at Core 200S, as opposed to Xiaomi 4. This mode relies on the data collected by the IR sensor. Once you turn ON the Auto mode, it will automatically adjust the air purifier’s motor to a certain speed level based on the current air quality. You can just turn your back and continue with your to-do list because the purifying process will always be on the highest level.

Sleep Mode

One of the rare common things between Xiaomi 4 and Core 200S is the Sleep Mode. The great thing is it comes with a stand-alone fan speed. Both appliances are quite silent while in this mode, so you won’t have to doubt whether you should leave them in your bedroom during the night. 

Manual Mode

A Manual mode is another feature reserved only for Xiaomi air purifiers. The only catch is you can only use this mode through the Smart app, by adjusting its settings based on how you want the Xiaomi 4 Compact to run. Once you make adjustments within the App, all it takes is to press the Manual mode button on the control panel, and there you go. 

Filter Change/Exhaustion Indicator

One of the most useful features an air purifier can have is an indicator that notifies/warns of filter wornness. With Xiaomi 4 Compact, you can use this feature in two forms. One is a widely spread feature in form of an indicator straight on top of the device, and the other is throughout the smart app which gives you a bit more details. Since Xiaomi’s filter can last from 6 to 12 months, you might expect the indicator to light up once or twice a year. 

The Core 200S, on the other hand, has a filter change indicator lighting with a red notification light. As opposed to Xiaomi’s, this filter will need to be replaced more often. Approximately between 6-8 months. 

Display Off and Display Lock

Sometimes the name of the feature speaks for itself, and this time both Display off and Display Lock features are available only within Levoit Core 200S. If you are planning to use this air purifier during the night time, you can easily turn on the Display off feature, and it will instantly dim the lights of all the indicators that could interfere with your sleep. 

In addition, turning on the Display lock feature will prevent any intentional or unintentional interference with your preferable air purifier operating mode.  

Lock Screen/Child Lock

Similar to the previous Levoit feature, Child lock is namely available only in Xiaomi 4 Compact. This feature can be used only through the Mi Home app, which is a Xiaomi Smart App. The main purpose of this feature is to protect your air purifier from any type of interference that might affect its work. 

Timer

Oddly as it may seem, Xiaomi 4 Compact does not have the Timer option. This is why Levoit Core 200S has a slight advantage with such a simple feature. Manually, you can set the timer in between 2h, 4h, or 8 hours. However, in case that’s not enough for you, the VeSync app comes in and helps by allowing you to pick any time between 1-24h.  

Night Light Vs. Light Adjustment

One of the cool features available in Levoit Core 200S is the Night light. This is one of those features that enables you to create a special atmosphere with the use of ambient lighting. Even more so if you plan to use the air purifier in your bedroom through the night. Good to know that you can also use this option while the device is off.  

On the other hand, Xiaomi 4 Compact has a Light adjustment button. This feature also enables you to use the air purifier in your bedroom during the night. What you can do with it is to gradually adapt the level of brightness by dimming the indicators on the appliance. 

VeSync App Vs. Mi Home App

If you ever owned any type of Xiaomi home appliance, then you should be well familiar with the Mi Home app. Quite a helpful app, available for Android and iOS users, this app will give you more than you’d expect. Some features that Xiaomi 4 Compact has are available only through this app, which is a producer’s way of attaching you to its brand by giving you more options to use.

As for the VeSync app, it will give you so much more options to make the most out of your air purifier. By simply connecting your cell phone with this app you will be able to use some features that are not available manually. 

Smart apps are a great way to remotely control your air purifier. 

Airflow

As with most others cylindrically shaped devices, both Xiaomi 4 Compact and Levoit Core 200S air purifiers have filters placed on the bottom part, with air inlets dispersed within 360 degrees. That means both air purifiers collect the air downwards, put it through a filtration process, and then release it through the grills up above. 

Warranty

As much as you think that great producers always provide great service, you’d be surprised to see how tricky things can get once you buy the product. By things, I am referring to a 1-year warranty provided by Xiaomi for a device that doesn’t come cheap. I find this unnecessary for such a brand. 

Contrary, with the Levoit family, you will be covered with a 2-year warranty if you register on their straight upon the purchase. To make it easier, Levoit has provided an option to follow the registration process through the VeSync app. 

Filtration Technology

Regarding the filtration technology, you can spot the similarity between Core 200S and Xiaomi 4 straight at first sight. Being cylindrically shaped, both air purifiers have equally shaped filters within.

The other thing that is in common is the type of filters available. Starting with the pre-filter, relying on True HEPA (Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter), and with a finishing touch of activated carbon filter, these two devices will not be easy to compare. 

Pre-filter (Primary filter)

The pre-filter also named the primary in the Xiaomi family, is sort of a safety net that traps all the large particles such as pet hair, dust, and pollen, thus preventing them from penetrating the True HEPA filter. That way it can certainly prolong the durability and maintain the quality of the True HEPA filter. 

Keeping it clean by dusting or vacuuming once or twice a month will be just enough to push your air purifier to its best performance.

True HEPA Filter (Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter)

Regardless of the second place in the filtration process, the True HEPA filter (Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter) is the most important and meritable. By capturing 99.97% of airborne pollutants in the 0.3-micron size, it can withhold allergens such as tiny dust, pollen, smoke, mold spores, and much more.

The Xiaomi 4 Compact combines fusion-blown PP fibers with electrostatic technology, thus enabling more air to come through the fibers. I will be writing more on Levoit Core’s performances later on, but I must point out that it’s exactly the H13 True HEPA filter that gets most of the credits for the outstanding Core 200S performance. 

Activated Carbon Filter

As I mentioned earlier both air purifiers have this filter in third place. It is pellet based and, even though the amount of pellets isn’t that enormous, I can’t complain about its efficiency. It does the perfect job of neutralizing unpleasant odors and vapors and, trust me, you will have nothing to complain about. 

How to Replace Filters on Both of These Devices?

One of the most important things you must remember is that none of the filters in both Xiaomi 4 or Core 200S are washable. But that doesn’t mean you should just leave it until the replacement is the only solution. Keeping the pre-filter clean by vacuuming or wiping it with a dump cloth will be just enough. Even though each air purifier has a filter reset indicator that will warn you on time, you should know that the average replacement time of Xiaomi’s filters is between 6-12 months, while Levoit has a little shorter time between 6-8 months. 

Another great thing is that you can also keep track of the filters by simply monitoring through the Mi Home app and VeSync app. 

Noise Test

The Noise section is probably the part where the Xiaomi 4 Compact and Levoit Core 200S differ the most. To bring it closer to you, I’ll remind you that Xiaomi 4 has only two-speed modes, while Core 200S has three of them, plus the Sleep mode as a stand-alone mode. 

Since Xiaomi 4 doesn’t come with a standard fan speed switching option, I had it tested in both modes. The Sleep mode turned out to be quite a surprise with its pleasant and barely there noise of only 41.3 dBA. This makes the Xiaomi 4 air purifier more than welcome in the bedroom during the night. As opposed to it, the Core 200S has slightly more noise with the 42.1 dBA, but it is still quiet and tolerable. 

However, when it comes to the level of noise each air purifier produces while at maximum speed, I must say that Levoit does a better job. It produces around 53.9 dBA, which makes it more silent and pleasant than Xiaomi’s 60.4 dBA.

Even though the numbers tend to overemphasize the actual noise level, I have to admit both air purifiers are pleasantly quiet and comfortable to be around, whether you wish to keep it in living, working, or sleeping space.  

Performance Tests 

Sometimes a more powerful motor doesn’t have to mean better performance. Such as in this case. Levoit Core 200S can offer 37 watts of motor power, as opposed to Xiaomi 4 Compact which has only 27 watts.

This is one of the reasons why I do various tests to see the real deal. To be able to do it properly, I had both of them tested separately for a whole hour while running at max speed.  

120 sq. ft. Room Tests

This area was far below the manufacturers’. Still, I had only Levoit tested in this room size. As it turned out, the 93% of improved air quality is fairly good for this air purifier. 

194 sq. ft. Room Tests

To be able to truly compare Xiaomi 4 and Core 200S, I had them both tested in the same room size. Even though it was just a little bit over the limit, Levoit turned out to be quite good by improving the air quality by 91%. 

At the same time, it was completely blown away by the Xiaomi 4, which managed to raise the bar by 94%. This is more than a good test result.   

320 sq. ft. Room Test

As you might guess, I only had Xiaomi 4 Compact tested at this room size. According to the manufacturer, Xiaomi 4 Compact can cover up to 206 sq. ft. This is why a 91% air quality improvement rate got me stunned. 

Given the results above, I think you would agree with me and give Xiaomi 4 Compact a fair advantage in performance tests. 

Operation Costs

Though it may seem that a larger device would have a stronger motor, this is not such a case. With only 27 watts, Xiaomi 4 is far less powerful than Core 200S, which has 37W. 

While testing, I found out that the Xiaomi 4 uses only 24.4W at maximum speed. That way, if you leave it running 24 hours a day, for a whole month, by the end of the month your electricity bill would increase by only $2.1. I don’t find this that big of a deal, and you?

On the other hand, Levoit Core 200S is a bit more powerful, yet it increases the electricity bill by 2.2$, under the same circumstances as Xiaomi. This makes me give a slight cost-effective advantage over Levoit.