The Levoit Core 300 is a basic air purifier with a three-stage filtration system. Its compact size and relatively inexpensive price point make it a compelling option if you want to purchase several units to set up in multiple rooms within your home. However, it lacks niceties like an air quality sensor for fully autonomous, set-and-forget usage.
Our Verdict
The Levoit Core 300 air purifier is decent for pet owners. The air purifier's standard filter does a satisfactory job of trapping the smallest airborne particles, like those from cat dander. However, a more specialized 3-Stage Pet Allergy Filter is available from the manufacturer. Its air cleaning rate is also fairly good, especially for such a compact machine, though you might want to buy more than one for especially large homes. It also isn't too loud, even when set to its highest fan speed, which is great if your pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises.
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Compact size.
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Good overall filtration performance at higher fan speeds.
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No air quality sensor for fully autonomous operation.
The Levoit 300 is a good option for bedrooms. Its compact size makes it easy to set up wherever you may need it within your room. It also features a separate 'Night' mode setting that reduces the fan speed and, therefore, operating noise to a low murmur. Unfortunately, using this setting has a significant adverse impact on its overall filtration performance, which is otherwise quite decent when set to its highest fan speed. The air purifier also has a display shutoff, so you won't have to contend with any bright lights shining in the periphery of your vision while trying to get some rest.
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Display light shutoff.
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Compact size.
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Good overall filtration performance at higher fan speeds.
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Poor filtration performance when set to its 'Night' mode.
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No air quality sensor for fully autonomous operation.
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Compact size.
-
Good overall filtration performance at higher fan speeds.
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No air quality sensor for fully autonomous operation.
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Compact size.
-
Good overall filtration performance at higher fan speeds.
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No air quality sensor for fully autonomous operation.
- 7.7 Pets
- 8.1 Bedroom
Performance Usages
- 7.1 Particle Filtration Rate
- 9.6 Particle Concentration
- Updated Jun 25, 2024: Following user feedback, we've updated the text in the 'Filter Configuration' section of the review to remove any mention of HEPA filtration, as the manufacturer no longer advertises this unit's main filter as being HEPA-rated.
- Updated May 13, 2024: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This air purifier is available in two color variants: 'Black' and 'White.' We tested the 'White' model.
Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant of this air purifier.
Compared To Other Air Purifiers
This is a basic air purifier. The Levoit Core 300's compact design, relatively quiet operation, and impressive particle filtration performance make it an ideal fit for smaller dwellings. That said, if you're looking for the last word in terms of a hands-off user experience, you'll want to spend more on an alternative with an air quality sensor and smartphone app integration.
On paper, the Levoit Core 300S should be a straightforward upgrade of the standard Levoit Core 300, delivering the same performance with the addition of a particle sensor and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for automatic fan speed adjustment and full remote operation through its VeSync companion app. In reality however, things are a little more complicated; the 300S features a power-optimized motor that draws less power than the one in the older 300. While this would seem to be a net benefit, this actually results in a vastly lower clean air delivery rate.
The Levoit Core 300 and Levoit Core 200S each have their own advantages. The Core 300 is the bigger, more powerful machine that's a little more efficient in larger spaces. Meanwhile, only the Core 200S has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to make remote settings adjustments or set operating schedules.
Test Results
This device has a three-stage filter system comprised of a pre-filter, a primary filter layer, and a High-Efficiency Activated Carbon filter. You'll only need to clean the pre-filter with a soft-bristle dusting brush or a vacuum periodically, but make sure not to damage any other parts of the filter system when doing so.
You'll need to replace this filter assembly every six to eight months, and you can find a replacement here.
The manufacturer also offers several replacement filters intended for more specific kinds of particles:
- 4-stage Smoke Remover Filter: The manufacturer advertises this filter to provide additional protection against dust, smoke particles, pollen, and pet dander. You can buy this filter here.
- 3-Stage Toxin Absorber: The manufacturer advertises this filter to cut down on odors from smoke and smog, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cigarettes, cleaning products, or paint and glue can emit. You can buy this filter here.
- 3-Stage Pet Allergy Filter: This filter is designed to better trap pet dander and cut down on pet odors. You can buy this filter here.
Running the Levoit Core 300 in its 'Night' mode significantly adversely impacts its overall filtration performance. It's expected, as this setting reduces the fan speed to its lowest possible level to reduce operating noise.