In this article, I will compare two air purifiers of very similar construction but with not many other similarities. Levoit Vital 100 and Honeywell HPA100 are devices that come from two popular and reliable companies.
Although almost identical in dimensions, the Vital 100 is slightly stronger in terms of airflow and covers larger rooms, up to 300 sq. ft., which is almost twice as much as 155 sq. ft. how much does the Honeywell HPA100 cover.
Table of Contents
Levoit uses 3-stage filtration, while Honeywell uses 2-stage filtration. This difference in filtration stages is best noticed in performance tests, where Levoit showed better results.
Honeywell reminds me a bit of industrial design, which makes Levoit a little more modern. In addition, Levoit is available in white and gray, while Honeywell is available in black and white. The quality of workmanship and plastic is ok on both devices.
Please keep reading and find out which of these two air purifiers has more exciting features, better performance, which one is quieter at work, and which is my absolute recommendation for buying.
Specs: Levoit Vital 100 Vs Honeywell HPA100
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Honeywell |
| Model | Vital 100 | HPA100 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 inches (32.5 x 16.2 x 40.8 cm) | 13.94 x 22.6 x 13.54 inches (35.4 x 57.4 x 34.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 9.3 lb (4.2 kg) | 8.5 lb |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 130 CFM / 221 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. | 300 sq. ft. (28 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, Activated Carbon Filter, and True HEPA 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. | 55W | 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 | 3 – Low, Medium, and High | 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. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Display OffTimer | TimerDimmer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.9 – 63.4 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 | Small Spaces Dust | Allergies Small Spaces Portable Use |
| Warranty | 2-year | 5-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Vital 100 | Honeywell HPA100 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Features Overview
Regarding features, I want to say that these two devices do not have many advanced features, but they still have enough to make your daily usage easier.
None of them have a smart app, air quality sensor, auto mode, or similar features that would take them to a higher level. Below I will single out and describe the most important features of these two air purifiers.
Timer
A timer is an option that adorns both devices. It is used to set the time for which the air purifier is going to turn itself off.
The timer on these works identically, and they both offer the ability to set the timer to 2h, 4h, or 8h.
Filter Reset Indicator
What I like about the Levoit and Honeywell is that you don’t have to track when it’s time to replace the filter. Why? Simply, because these two air purifiers have a filter reset indicator that will remind you when to replace old filters.
At Levoit Vital 100, this indicator is located on the control panel. It is essentially an indicator that will light up red, after which you should replace the old filters as soon as possible.
Honeywell HPA100 has two different filter reset indicators. The first relates to the replacement of the HEPA filter, while the second relates to the replacement of the pre-filter and carbon filter combination, which changes slightly more frequently than the HEPA filter.
Display Off / Dimmer
Since neither of these two air purifiers has a sleep mode, which is somehow a disadvantage, especially for the Honeywell, which is much louder than Levoit on the first speed, I must say that Levoit’s Display Off and Honeywell’s Dimmer are really good options to have.
Basically, these options are used to turn off or change the brightness of the indicators on the devices. This can be very useful if you are sensitive to light or if you plan to use the device in the bedroom and you want to turn off the indicators.
Airflow
Due to their very similar design, I must say that the airflow in these air purifiers is not that much different.
Both air purifiers draw air through openings at the front, which is then filtered and exits through the grilles at the top.
Warranty
When it comes to warranty, it is where Honeywell is far ahead of Levoit. The reason is that the Honeywell HPA100 comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Levoit comes with a 2-year warranty.
I would recommend registering the product on the manufacturer’s website immediately after purchase in case of both. Registering devices will confirm and secure the warranty.
Filtration Technology
As I mentioned at the beginning of the comparison, the Levoit Vital 100 uses 3-stage filtration, including a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. Honeywell HPA100 uses 2-stage filtration, including a pre-filter and odor-reducing filter combinations and a True HEPA filter.
The filters on both air purifiers are rectangular, with Levoit having slightly larger filters than Honeywell.
The first stage of filtration on Levoit is pre-filter, the second stage is pellet-based carbon filter, and the last stage is True HEPA filter. On Honeywell, the first filtration stage is the pre-filter and odor-reducing combo filter, while the last stage is the True HEPA filter.
The filters on both devices are very high quality, and I really like that they have a True HEPA filter, and I think that’s one significant plus. In my opinion, Levoit has a slightly higher quality carbon filter that is pellet-based, which is the reason for slightly better results in performance tests.
Both devices are CARB certified, do not produce ozone, and are entirely safe to use.
How to Replace Filters?
Since these two devices do not use washable filters, it is necessary to change old filters from time to time. Fortunately, both devices have a filter reset indicator that will notify you when it is time to replace the filter.
On Levoit, filters last 6-8 months on average, while on Honeywell, they last up to 12 months (True HEPA), and about 3 months (Pre-filter / Carbon).
In addition to regular filter replacement, I would recommend everyone to clean the pre-filter at least once a month, in the case of both air purifiers.
I have described the detailed process of replacing the filters in the individual reviews, which you can find at the links below.
Noise Test
Honeywell HPA100 has 4 fan speeds, while Levoit has 3 fan speeds. I measured the noise levels of these two air purifiers at all speeds, and I compared the results and determined which device is generally quieter.
I find it interesting that the Levoit is much quieter at the first speed, where it produces a sound of just 41.9 dBA, while the Honeywell HPA100 produces a sound of 48.2 dBA. Based on these tests, I conclude that the lack of a sleep mode option on the Levoit air purifier is not a big minus because it is quieter on the first speed than some air purifiers on sleep mode. On the other hand, Honeywell is too loud on its lowest speed.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Levoit Vital 100 | 41.9 – 63.4 dBA |
| Honeywell HPA100 | 48.2 – 58.5 dBA |
When comparing the volume at max speeds, Levoit is a bit louder than Honeywell. I am delighted that both devices use very high-quality motors, which do not produce strange sounds, no rattling or the like.
To summarize, the Levoit Vital 100 is essentially slightly quieter than the Honeywell HPA100 air purifier.
Performance Tests
In performance tests, I measured how fast these two devices can improve the air quality in specific rooms in 60 minutes of working at max speeds.
Since these two devices are designed for different room sizes, I tested them in different rooms, but I did one test in a 194 sq. ft. room.
In addition to the tests I’ll show below, I’ve tested these two devices in everyday use, and I have to say that the Levoit Vital 100 performed slightly better, especially in neutralizing odors. For example, the Vital 100 neutralizes cooking odors much faster and more efficiently than the Honeywell HPA100. I guess it’s because of the better and higher quality carbon filter.
194 sq. ft. Room Tests
In the first test, in a room of 194 sq. ft., in 60 minutes of operation at max speed, the Levoit Vital 100 improved air quality by about 95%, while the Honeywell HPA100 improved air quality by about 89% within the same time and under identical conditions.
194 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
Although I expected Honeywell to do worse than Levoit, I am still surprised at how much Levoit showed better performance on this test.
Other Tests
In addition to the mentioned test, I tested these two air purifiers in some other rooms that are closer to their recommended dimensions.
So the Honeywell HPA100 improved the air quality in a room of 120 sq. ft. by about 93% in 60 minutes of operation at max speed.
Levoit Vital 100 improved the air quality in 320 sq. ft. by about 92% in 60 minutes, working at max speed all the time.
I have to say that the air purifiers made a fantastic performance on these two tests and that Honeywell did slightly better than on the previous test.
Operating Costs
The Levoit Vital 100 uses a 55W motor, while the Honeywell HPA100 uses a 50W motor. Honestly, I expected these devices to have weaker motors.
At top speed, Levoit consumes about 57.9W, while Honeywell consumes about 32.7W. This means that if you left these two devices running at max speed, 24 hours a day, and so on for a month, your electricity bill would be increased by about $ 5 in the case of Levoit and by about $ 2.9 in the case of Honeywell.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Levoit Vital 100 | 0.2 – 57.9W |
| Honeywell HPA100 | 16 – 32.7W |
In addition to electricity consumption, there is also the cost of replacing filters, which is almost the same for both. Because the filter price is almost equal, the price of electricity consumption, which is slightly lower for Honeywell, is definitely a deciding factor in this section and is what makes the Honeywell HPA100 air purifier a little cheaper to maintain annually than Levoit Vital 100.
Which One Does It Better?
Which One Does It Better?
I compared the specifications and test results of these two air purifiers, and based on that I determined the Levoit Vital 100 as a better buying choice.
Slightly better performance, a higher quality carbon filter, and lower noise at the lowest speed are more than enough reasons to declare the Vital 100 the winner.
If you have any questions, please use the comments box below.
Leave a Reply