The Levoit Core 300S is a compact air purifier. It's effectively a lightly upgraded version of the older Levoit Core 300. The main differences lie in the addition of convenience features; the 300S features an air quality sensor that allows for fully automatic operation, with support for voice controls and integration with the VeSync smartphone app, allowing you to remotely set operating schedules or adjust the fan speed. It also features an 'optimized' motor that draws less power than its predecessor, though it does use the same three-stage filtration system.
Our Verdict
The Levoit 300S air purifier is only an okay choice for pet owners. Its motor's low airflow results in a slow air cleaning rate, and it has a relatively hard time removing the smallest particles, like cat dander. On the upside, it's pretty feature-rich, with an onboard air sensor that allows for automatic fan adjustment, support for remote scheduling through its companion app, and voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
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Wide assortment of convenience features.
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Quiet operation.
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Middling air filtration performance.
The Levoit 300S is good for bedrooms. It operates quietly, even at higher fan speeds, and it features a 'Night' mode that turns off its display indicators, so you won't have to cover up any bright lights if you leave it running overnight. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in even the smallest bedrooms. Its overall performance is nothing special: it's a little slow to purify larger spaces, and its ability to trap especially fine debris lags behind some alternatives.
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Wide assortment of convenience features.
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Compact size.
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Display light shutoff.
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Quiet operation.
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Middling air filtration performance.
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Wide assortment of convenience features.
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Quiet operation.
-
Middling air filtration performance.
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Wide assortment of convenience features.
-
Quiet operation.
-
Middling air filtration performance.
- Updated Jun 25, 2024: Following user feedback, we've updated the text in the 'Filter Configuration' section 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 only available in one color, 'White.'
Let us know in the comments if you come across another variant of this air purifier.
Compared To Other Air Purifiers
This is a compact air purifier intended for small to medium-sized rooms. While its wide assortment of features (including support for voice commands, remote scheduling via its companion app, and automatic fan adjustment) result in a pleasant overall user experience, its relatively low-powered motor results in worse overall filtration performance compared to alternatives, like the older Levoit Core 300 or larger, pricier Levoit Core 400S.
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.
Test Results
The ring of lights around the power button changes color based on current air quality:
- Blue: Very good
- Green: Good
- Yellow: Moderate
- Red: Bad
This air purifier has a three-stage filter system comprised of a pre-filter, a primary filter stage, 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.
Throughout repeated testing, the Levoit Core 300S exhibited consistently inferior performance to the otherwise similar Levoit Core 300, being slower to clean the air and doing a worse job of trapping the smallest particles despite using the same filter system. The reason for this disparity could lie in power: the newer 300S' more efficient motor results in a draw of 26W, while the 300 draws 45, resulting in lower overall airflow through the device.
