Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Which fits your home and lifestyle best?
You’re probably wondering which of these two popular Levoit models to buy.
Both models offer advanced filtration systems but differ in terms of room coverage and performance.
But which one is most effective in eliminating odors and pollutants in the air?
For this article, I used and reviewed both products in our homes and office to compare which is the most effective in purifying the air.
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Overview
Let’s begin with an overview of both purifiers’ specifications.
Levoit Vital 100
The Levoit Vital 100 is intended for rooms up to 300 sq. ft and features a stylish design that will fit well in your living space.
This air purifier is equipped with three-stage filtration and is more powerful than the Core 300 in terms of coverage area.
Some of the specifications and features of the Levoit Vital 100 include the following:
- Coverage Area: Up to 300 sq. ft
- CADR: 130 CFM / 221 m³/h
- Filtration Stages: 3
- Voltage: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Rated Power: 55W
- Effective Range: ≤ 300 ft² / 28 m²
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.4 x 16.1 in / 32.4 x 16.2 x 41 cm
- Weight: 9.3 lb / 4.2 kg
- Operating Conditions Temperature: 14°–104°F / -10°–40°C
- Humidity: < 85% RH
- Noise Level: 23–50dB
- Standby Power: < 0.5W
When it comes to appearance, the Levoit Vital 100 showcases a sleek design with a white body and a black control panel on top.
The air purifier’s size falls under the category of medium, which makes it suitable for various room sizes.
Levoit Core 300
The Levoit Core 300, on the other hand, covers rooms up to 219 sq. ft.
This model is slightly smaller than the Vital 100 and shares the same three-stage filtration system.
The specifications and features of the Levoit Core 300 include the following:
- Coverage Area: Up to 219 sq. ft
- CADR: 135+ CFM; Smoke: 141, Dust: 140, Pollen: 145
- Filtration Stages: 3
- Voltage: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Rated Power: 45W
- Effective Range: 219 ft² / 20 m²
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 14.2 in / 22 x 22 x 36 cm
- Weight: 7.5 lb / 3.4 kg
- Operating Conditions Temperature: 14°–104°F / -10°–40°C
- Humidity: < 85% RH
- Noise Level: 24–50dB
- Standby Power: < 0.8W
The Levoit Core 300 sports a compact design with a cylindrical body, making it a great fit for small or medium-sized spaces.
Its white body color and black control panel on top add a modern touch to its appearance.
The smaller size of the Core 300 makes it easy to move and fit into various room layouts.
Now that we’ve covered each unit’s basic specs and features, let’s discuss my personal observations on both air purifiers.
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Our Review
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Filtration System
When looking at the Vital 100 and Core 300, you’ll notice that both air purifiers have a three-stage filtration system.
- Pre-filter: Captures large particles such as dust, lint, and hair. I noticed a significant reduction in these large particles with both air purifiers, especially my dog’s sheddings.
- True HEPA filter: Both can capture 99.97% of tiny airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes allergens, mold spores, and pollen.
- Activated Carbon Filter: They effectively neutralize the odors and capture various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). I’ve found this to be particularly effective in the kitchen after cooking our meals and near my dog’s crate.
Now, consider the room size if you want to know which one works best for you.
I find Vital 100 more effective when I use it in my kitchen and living room.
My house has an open-space layout, so the cooking odors always reach my living.
It took the purifier about 10 to 20 minutes to filter my air from the smell coming from the kitchen, which is quite impressive if you ask me.
On the other hand, I used the Core 300 in my bedroom of about 100 sq. ft.
My Golden Retriever (who’s a terrible shedder) sleeps with me in the room.
I appreciate that I didn’t notice as much floating pet hair in the air when I woke up after leaving the purifier through the night.
Maintenance and Filter Replacement
Both pre-filters of the Vital 100 and Core 300 are washable.
However, I find it a bit more challenging to clean the Core 300 because of its circular design than the standard square design of the Vital 100.
With that said, if you’re living with a pet, I recommend you clean your pre-filters regularly.
I clean mine at least once every 1 or 2 weeks.
To clean the pre-filter, you can gently vacuum it or wash it with mild soap and water, then let it air dry before reinstalling it into your air purifier.
Just make sure not to wash the HEPA or activated carbon filters, as that can damage them.
The filters for both models have to be replaced periodically, too.
Levoit recommends changing the filter every 6 to 8 months (which is the standard lifespan of any air purifier’s filters.)
But if you’re a pet owner like me, or if you live in an area with poor air quality, like living near the freeway, I recommend you replace them after 6 months.
I liked that both models have a filter reset indicator, making it easier for you to know when it’s time for a replacement.
PRO TIP: When the indicator lights up, simply replace the filters, then hold the filter reset button for a few seconds to turn off the reminder.
In addition to regular filter replacements, you should keep your air purifier’s exterior clean.
You can’t go wrong with this, but I like wiping them with a damp cloth.
During my time using the Levoit Vital 100 and Core 300, I found the maintenance and filter replacement process for both models to be relatively easy and hassle-free.
By keeping up with filter replacements and pre-filter cleaning, you can ensure your air purifier continues to perform at its best for a cleaner and healthier living environment.
So, depending on your room size and air purification needs, either model can provide you with efficient and user-friendly air purification.
RELATED: How Often to Change a Levoit Air Purifier Filter [Complete Guide]
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Performance Comparison
In this section, I will provide a comparison of the performance of the Levoit Vital 100 and Core 300, mainly focusing on their coverage and CADR rating, noise levels, and power consumption.
As someone who has used both air purifiers, I will also include my personal experience with the devices.
Coverage and CADR Rating
As advertised, the Levoit Vital 100 perfectly covered my open space kitchen and living room, which it did for about 10 to 20 minutes.
The Core 300, on the other hand, was better suited for smaller spaces.
What I noticed with the Core 300, while it’s smaller in size, it cleans the air faster than the Vital 100 because of its higher CADR.
Noise Levels
At 23 and 24 db, both purifiers are relatively quiet when on low settings.
I don’t find them distracting in any way, even when I’m sleeping or working from home.
However, you’ll know they’re operating at the fastest setting because of the sound.
Some might find this an effective white noise, especially at night, but not for me since I’m a light sleeper.
What I do is I turn them on the highest speed setting when I’m not in the room, then just turn them back down for when I want peace and quiet.
Power Consumption
The power consumption of an air purifier should be taken into account, as it has an impact on energy usage and costs.
While Levoit said that the Vital 100 would only cost as little as $1.60 per month thanks to its 55 W consumption, it is not Energy Star certified.
The Core 300, however, is Energy Star certified and only uses about 22 W per month (under normal circumstances.)
My take on this is if it gives you healthy, clean air to breathe at home, it’s worth paying a couple of extra bucks.
But if this is a deal breaker for you, then the Core 300 slightly edges out the Vital 100 in this regard.
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Features and Ease of Use
Control Panel
You’ll find the control panel of both purifiers at the top part.
I like this because they’re convenient and easy to use.
Unlike the other air purifiers, I don’t have to crouch down just to adjust the setting.
They’re both user-friendly, which means you’ll easily figure out what the buttons are for, even without consulting the manual.
My initial confusion was about the lights, but I got it sorted out after some reading.
RELATED: LEVOIT Air Purifier Troubleshooting Guide: Common Problems with Solutions
Timer and Sleep Mode
Both models come with timers and sleep modes that make it easy for you to customize their usage according to your needs.
The Core 300 has a dedicated Ultra-Quiet Sleep Mode, but the Vital 100 doesn’t.
However, upon using both, I don’t see much difference as all you need to do is use them at the lowest fan setting (which is only around 23 and 24 dB.)
I also liked that both have a Display OFF option.
As I said, I’m a light sleeper. It’s important for me that there are no unnecessary noise or light when I’m sleeping.
You’ll find this useful too if you’re the same.
As for the timer mode, the Core 300 has more options.
You can set it for 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours, while the Vital 100 for 2, 4, and 8 hours.
This isn’t a big deal for me, but it might be for some, so that’s worth mentioning.
Child Lock and Display Off
An essential safety feature for homes with kids is the child lock.
Fortunately, the Core 300 has this feature.
All you need to do is press the child lock button on the control panel for 3 seconds, and it should work.
If you have a toddler at home, this feature will come in handy because it can prevent any accidental changes and mishaps with your device.
Unfortunately, the Vital 100 doesn’t have this feature.
What I did, though, when my nephew visited the house, is I activated the Display OFF feature of my Vital 100.
Since there were no lights to get his attention, it was enough to prevent him from playing with the air purifier.
Smart Sensor and Automatic Mode
A caveat on both Levoit purifiers is both lack a Smart Sensor and an Automatic Mode.
Nowadays, appliances and devices like air purifiers are Wi-Fi enabled and are equipped with smart sensors.
This was a bummer because I prefer my purifiers with air quality sensors so they can automatically adjust the fan speed depending on the air quality.
But with how both devices effectively cleaned the indoor air in my house, this was just a small letdown.
Price and Value for Money
When it comes to price, both the Levoit Vital 100 and the Core 300 are affordable options for an air purifier.
You’ll find that they are generally in the same ballpark.
Remember that the exact pricing may vary depending on where and when you’re shopping.
I got mine on Amazon for $99.99 for the Core 300 and $119.99 for the Vital 100 (at the time of this review.)
As for value for money, let’s break it down a bit.
One thing to consider is the operating costs.
When you leave both devices running continuously for a month, you’ll get about $5 for the Vital 100 (at least that’s what I incurred) and $3.8 for the Core 300.
And as we mentioned above, the Levoit Core 300 is Energy Star verified, which is a nice bonus.
The filters must be replaced for both purifiers every 6 to 8 months (I recommend 6 for pet owners!)
The Core 300’s replacement filter cost me $54.99 for a pack of 2 which is expected to last for a year.
For Vital 100, on the other hand, a pack of 2 filters set me back about $54.95.
PRO TIP: Remember to buy the genuine filters to ensure the best performance of your air purifier.
So, regarding upkeep, there isn’t a major difference in cost between the two models.
Now, let’s get a bit personal here. I’ve tried both air purifiers, and they are both great devices in their own right.
Some users on Amazon agree too. So, it all comes down to your individual needs.
In the end, the price and value for money will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Pros and Cons
Let’s dive right into the pros and cons of the Levoit Vital 100 and Core 300 air purifiers, so you can decide which might be the best fit for your needs.
Levoit Vital 100
Pros
- Designed for rooms up to 300 sq. ft, which is perfect for larger living spaces.
- Comes equipped with three stages of filtration to ensure optimal air purification.
- Slightly bigger filters when compared to the Core 300, which means longer filter life.
- Power consumption is rated at 55W, making it a fairly energy-efficient device.
Cons
- Despite its many benefits, the Vital 100 is slightly heavier than its counterpart, weighing in at 7.5 pounds.
- Although energy-efficient, it consumes 10W more power than the Core 300.
- No Smart Sensor and automatic fan setting
Levoit Core 300
Pros
- Ideal for medium-sized rooms with coverage up to 219 sq. ft, making it suitable for bedrooms or office spaces.
- Just like the Vital 100, it also has three stages of filtration.
- A bit smaller and lighter than the Vital 100, weighing 8.8 pounds.
- Consumes slightly less power than the Vital 100, with a power rating of 45W.
- Energy Star Certified
- Child-lock feature
- Ultra-Quiet Sleep Mode
Cons
- Offers less coverage than the Vital 100, making it less suited for larger rooms.
- Filters are slightly smaller than those in the Vital 100, which could mean more frequent filter replacements.
- No Smart Sensor and automatic fan setting
FAQs about Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300
What is the difference in power consumption between the two models?
Both models are energy-efficient, but they have different power consumption levels.
The Levoit Vital 100 has a 55W motor, while the Core 300 has a 45W one.
At maximum speed, running each model 24/7 for a whole month would result in a $5 bill for the Vital 100 and a $3.8 for the Core 300.
It’s important to note that the Levoit Core 300 is Energy Star verified.
How do their noise levels compare?
The noise levels for both the Levoit Vital 100 and Core 300 are quite similar.
The Vital 100 produces 23 dB of noise at the lowest fan speed, while the Core 300 generates a slightly higher 24 dB.
At the highest fan speed, both models produce 50 dB of noise.
The lowest noise level is equivalent to rustling leaves and whispers, making both models unintrusive.
Which model has a larger coverage area and better CADR?
The Levoit Vital 100 has a coverage area of 300 sq. ft., which is larger than the Core 300’s coverage of 215 sq. ft.
However, the Core 300 has slightly better CADR ratings, with 140cfm for dust, 141cfm for pollen, and 145cfm for smoke, while the Vital 100 has a CADR of 130cfm.
Which model is better for large rooms?
The Levoit Vital 100 is more suitable for large rooms, as it can cover up to 300 square feet, while the Core 300 is designed for medium-sized rooms.
However, the Core 300 cleans the air faster than the Vital 100, so it offers better performance in terms of speed.
What is the main difference between the two models?
The most significant difference between the Levoit Vital 100 and the Core 300 is their coverage area.
The Vital 100 can cover up to 300 sq. ft., making it ideal for larger spaces, while the Core 300 provides coverage for rooms up to 220 sq. ft.
Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300: Final Thoughts
In comparing the Levoit Vital 100 and Core 300, there are a few key differences to consider.
Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and the size of the room you’ll be using the air purifier.
Before deciding, consider the size of your room and your air purification needs.
If you need an air purifier for a larger space, the Levoit Vital 100 might be the better choice.
For smaller rooms that focus on faster cleaning, consider the Levoit Core 300.
Both models offer a quiet operation and effective three-stage filtration to help you breathe easier in your home.
Personally, if I have to choose between the two models, I’m going for the Core 300.
Although it works best only for smaller spaces, it cleans much faster than the Vital 100.
It has a higher CADR, and you can even customize the filters.
It also has features I like, like the Sleep Mode.
Plus, it’s certified by Energy Star, so you’ll rest assured that it doesn’t consume much energy even when running for long periods of time.
Both these features aren’t found in Vital 100.
So there you have it!
I hope this helps you decide between Levoit Vital 100 vs. Core 300.
Happy Shopping!
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