So far, I have made dozens of comparisons of Levoit products, which isn’t surprising considering that this brand releases several air purifiers yearly.
In this article, I will compare the Levoit Core Mini and Levoit LV-H128 air purifiers.
These are two small devices, almost without any options, completely minimalistic, but with one innovation that adorns both devices. I’m talking about the aroma pad, an addition that allows you to use essential oils with your air purifier. In addition to the Aroma Pad, these two air purifiers only have a filter reset indicator. What’s more, full control of the devices is done with just one button, located on the top of the Core Mini and on the front of the LV-H128.
Both air purifiers use 3-stage filtration technology. The Levoit Core Mini covers rooms of 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²), while the Levoit LV-H128 covers rooms of up to 64 sq. ft. (6 m²). They both clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in the recommended room sizes.
Our Verdict
Despite the Levoit Core Mini being a slightly newer model and, in my opinion, a bit more modernly designed, I have to say that the Levoit LV-H128 performed slightly better in almost all tests (except the performance one). That’s one of the reasons why I chose it as a better option to buy.
The deciding factors when choosing the winner in this comparison were more affordable maintenance, dual filters, and quieter operation.
If you have any additional questions regarding these two air purifiers, you can leave a comment in the comment box below the article, and I will answer all your questions as soon as possible.
Specs: Levoit LV-H128 Vs Core Mini
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Levoit |
| Model | Core Mini | LV-H128 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 10.4 inches (16.4 x 16.4 x 26.4 cm) | 6.7 x 6.7 x 10.4 inches (17 x 17 x 26.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 2.2 lb (1 kg) | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 46 CFM (78 m³/h) | 41 CFM (70 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. | 72 sq. ft. (6.7 m²) | 64 sq. ft. (6 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.6 - Average Score (67 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (1 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, HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 4-6 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. | 7W | 6W |
| 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 | 3 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, and High 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 | Aroma Pad | Aroma Pad |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.8 – 53.6 dBA | 42.4 – 49.3 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 | Low Energy Cost Portable Use Quiet Operation | Low Energy Cost Portable Use Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core Mini | Levoit LV-H128 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
The first thing I want to highlight regarding performance is that if you plan to use either of these two devices to neutralize bad odors, it is better to look at other air purifiers, such as the Levoit Vital 200S or Winix 5500-2.
These two small Levoits don’t have high-quality carbon filters or a CADR, which is enough for effective odor neutralization.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core Mini and Levoit LV-H128 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Regarding the other tests, we evaluated these two air purifiers in two different rooms that best match their recommended dimensions.
In the first room, which is 120 sq. ft. (11 m²), both air purifiers performed excellently, but the Levoit Core Mini was slightly better. It improved air quality by about 91% after 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, while the Levoit LV-H128 improved air quality by about 88% under identical conditions.
In the second test, performed in a slightly larger room, both devices also produced decent results. In a room measuring 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), after 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the Levoit Core Mini improved air quality by about 89%, while the LV-H128 improved air quality by about 82%.
All in all, the results of this test are clear, so I would give the Levoit Core Mini air purifier a slight advantage.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Frankly, neither of these two small air purifiers is the one I would use if I wanted to neutralize bad odors.
However, as we tend to test every air purifier in our smoke box test, we did the same with these two. We placed them both in separate tests, in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke and measured how much time was needed for both to remove all the smoke.
To my general surprise, although it has a lower CADR, the Levoit Core Mini performed better in this test. It took 74 seconds to remove all the smoke from the box, while the LV-H128 took 83 seconds.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
We can say that these two air purifiers have an identical number of fan speeds. The only difference is that the LV-H128 has a sleep mode, but what is interesting is that the Core Mini is quieter on speed 1 (low) than the LV-H128 in sleep mode.
I think we can agree that this is another point showing how similar these two devices are. Both have three fan speeds. At the lowest speed, the Levoit LV-H128 produces a sound level of 41.8 dBA, while the Levoit Core Mini produces a sound level of 42.4 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core Mini and Levoit LV-H128 air purifiers.
At maximum speeds, the difference is somewhat greater. The Levoit Core Mini produces a sound level of 53.6 dBA, while the Levoit LV-H128 is somewhat quieter, producing a sound level of 49.3 dBA.
Overall, I think the Levoit LV-H128 is much better optimized, especially considering the fact that it has a higher CADR and uses a dual filter, which means it draws air from two sides.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (dBA) | Levoit LV-H128 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | - | 42.4 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.8 dBA | 44.8 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 46.5 dBA | 49.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 53.6 dBA | - |
However, these two Levoits are so quiet in operation that I am sure neither will bother you. In fact, I would confidently recommend both of these devices for use in a bedroom. Of course, in a smaller bedroom, perhaps a kid’s room.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Regarding the energy consumption test, I wouldn’t say much more than that these two air purifiers are among the smallest power consumers I’ve had the opportunity to test.
Of course, there are many other competitive air purifiers with similar or lower consumption, such as the Aroeve MK01 or Blueair 411 Auto, which are also low consumers, along with these two Levoit models.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core Mini and Levoit LV-H128 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
The Levoit Core Mini uses a motor with a power of only 7W, while the Levoit LV-H128 uses a motor with a power of only 6W.
If you were to use these two air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $0.63 for the Levoit Core Mini and about $0.46 for the Levoit LV-H128.
In addition to these costs, there is the cost of replacement filters, which you need to change on average between 2 and 3 times for the Core Mini, and approximately twice for the LV-H128. What is interesting here is that the filters for the LV-H128 are slightly cheaper, even though this device uses two filters.
| Fan Speed | Levoit Core Mini (W + $/month) | Levoit LV-H128 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 0.6W ($0.05) |
| Sleep Mode | - | 1.3W ($0.11) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 1W ($0.09) | 2.7W ($0.24) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 2.8W ($0.25) | 5.3W ($0.46) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 7.2W ($0.63) | - |
All in all, we can conclude that the Levoit LV-H128 is somewhat more affordable to maintain on an annual basis.
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