I was really excited when Winix released the A231/A230 models, mainly because Winix produces some of the best air purifiers we’ve tested. I truly believed they lacked smaller options and really needed a device like this one.
In this article, I will compare the Winix A231 and Levoit Core 200S air purifiers in depth. Both use three-stage filtration technology, with the Winix featuring the addition of PlasmaWave technology.
One advantage of the Levoit in terms of filtration is its use of a pellet-based carbon filter. On the other hand, the Winix A231 uses a True HEPA filter, which the Levoit doesn’t.
The Levoit Core 200S covers spaces of up to 183 sq. ft. (17 m²), while the Winix A231 covers spaces of up to 230 sq. ft. (21 m²). Both models will clean the air 4.8 times per hour in their recommended room sizes.
Our Verdict
At first glance, these two air purifiers might seem identical, especially when comparing their specifications.
However, the Winix A231 performed better in our tests, is quieter at the lowest speed, features an air quality sensor, and has longer-lasting filters.
For these reasons, I believe the Winix is a much better option than the Levoit Core 200S. The Levoit isn’t a bad choice either; it’s more affordable to maintain and slightly quieter at maximum speed. Plus, it comes with a charming night light feature.
If you have any questions about these two units, feel free to ask in the comment section below.
Specs: Winix A231 Vs Levoit Core 200S
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Levoit |
| Model | A231 | Core 200S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) | 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.6 inches (20.5 x 20.5 x 32 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) | 6.6 lb (3 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 147 CFM (250 m³/h) | 118 CFM (200.6 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. | 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) | 183 sq. ft. (17 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, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 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. | 55W | 37W |
| 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 | 4 - Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, and High | 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. | Yes | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Sleep ModePlasmaWave | Night LightDisplay LockDisplay OffTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.2 – 66.5 dBA | 42.1 – 53.9 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 Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Children's Rooms Quiet Operation |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix A231 | Levoit Core 200S |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
Regarding the performance tests, the first thing I want to point out is that the Winix A231 has a larger CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h), compared to the Levoit Core 200S, which has a CADR of 118 CFM (200.6 m³/h).
We tested both air purifiers in several different room sizes, but one room size best illustrates their capabilities.
The room we tested them in was 194 sq. ft. (18 m²). We performed two separate tests, each lasting 60 minutes, with the air purifiers running at maximum speed throughout.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix A231 Vs Levoit Core 200S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
The Winix A231 reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 105.6 to 5.5 µg/m³, achieving a 95% improvement in air quality. In comparison, the Levoit Core 200S improved air quality by 91% in the same test.
It’s clear that the Winix A231 delivered better results in this test. Additionally, it performed slightly better in the smoke removal test, making it more efficient overall than the Levoit Core 200S.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
My favorite thing about comparing two air purifiers is when they have the same number of fan speeds. This allows me to easily compare their noise levels at each speed and provide a more accurate judgment of their noise production.
If you look at the chart provided, you’ll see that the Winix A231 is slightly quieter at the lowest speed, producing 40.2 dBA, compared to the Levoit Core 200S, which produces 42.1 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix A231 Vs Levoit Core 200S air purifiers.
However, at maximum speed, the situation is very different. The Winix A231 produces 66.5 dBA, while the Levoit Core 200S is significantly quieter, at 53.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (dBA) | Levoit Core 200S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | 42.1 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 48.2 dBA | 44.9 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 54.3 dBA | 48.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 66.5 dBA | 53.9 dBA |
In conclusion, the Winix A231 is slightly quieter at the lowest speed, but for all other speeds, the Levoit Core 200S outperforms it, making it much better optimized for noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The first thing I want to mention regarding the power consumption of these two air purifiers is that the Levoit did a much better job with motor optimization. It uses a motor of just 37W, while the Winix A231 uses a larger 55W motor.
If you ran these air purifiers at their maximum speeds, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electric bill would increase by $3.56 for the Winix A231, compared to $2.16 for the Levoit Core 200S.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix A231 Vs Levoit Core 200S air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In addition to power costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which need to be changed more frequently for the Levoit Core 200S than for the Winix. However, the replacement filter for the Winix is more expensive.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 200S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.6W ($0.05) |
| Sleep Mode | 9.9W ($0.87) | 12.7W ($1.11) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 29.2W ($2.56) | 16.8W ($1.47) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 31.3W ($2.74) | 19.5W ($1.71) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 40.6W ($3.56) | 24.6W ($2.16) |
Considering all these factors, we can conclude that the Levoit Core 200S is more affordable for annual maintenance than the Winix A231.
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