Levoit LV-PUR131 Review
Pros: Good air cleaning performance, quiet operation
Cons: Lifetime cost similar to better performing models
Manufacturer: Levoit
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Levoit LV-PUR131 | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $180 List $179.99 at Amazon | $250 List $239.90 at Amazon | $140 List $139.99 at Amazon | $100 List | $100 List $99.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Good air cleaning performance, quiet operation | Exceptional air cleaning performance, very quiet operation, simple user experience | Small footprint, minimalist design, good performance for its size | Budget friendly, compact, great performance | Quiet, low operating costs |
| Cons | Lifetime cost similar to better performing models | Expensive operating cost | No timed settings, lacks air quality sensor | Loud, doesn't have an automatic air sensor | Mediocre power, few settings |
| Bottom Line | An easy to use, decent performer, but can get better performance elsewhere | Excellent, high quality air cleaning performance from a quiet and convenient appliance | Small, powerful, and inexpensive — a great pick for those wishing to filter air in a smaller space | A budget-friendly and space-efficient model that gets the job done but is a little underpowered for large spaces | An inexpensive, decent overall machine with few notable qualities |
| Rating Categories | Levoit LV-PUR131 | Winix 5500-2 | Blueair Blue Pure 411 | Levoit Core 300 | Pure Enrichment Pur... |
| Air Cleaning Performance (40%) | |||||
| Noise (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Operating Cost (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Levoit LV-PUR131 | Winix 5500-2 | Blueair Blue Pure 411 | Levoit Core 300 | Pure Enrichment Pur... |
| Dimensions | 14.5 x 7.25 x 18.5 | 8.2" × 15" × 23.6" | 16.7" x 8" x 8" | 8.7" x 8.7" x 14.2" | 10.8" x 6.9" x 12.1" |
| Weight | 11.4 lbs | 15.4 lbs | 5.3 lbs | 7.5 Ibs | 6.5 lbs |
| CADR | 135 CFM | 246 CFM | 120 CFM | 135 CFM | 80 CFM |
| True HEPA (99.97%) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Estimated Lifetime Cost (5 years) | $549 | $660 | $337 | $455 | $279 |
| Airborn Particulate Reduction After 1 Hour (%) | 99.30% | 99.99% | 99.72% | 96.33% | 93.58% |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Air Cleaning Performance
With a CADR (clean air delivery rate) spec of 135, it has enough power for 200 square foot rooms. This is average amongst our fleet.
This is likely enough for most bedrooms, but may be a little on the weak side for a living room. It achieved an 86.7% reduction in airborne particles after half an hour in our testing room. This was about average, as the top models had broken the 99% threshold by the half-hour mark. After an hour, it reached a 99.3% reduction — only about a half a percentage point off of the top scorers. This performance makes the Levoit great for a pollen allergy sufferer with a bedroom less than 200 square feet. In terms of odor reduction, the Levoit was middle of the pack, though we wouldn't consider any of the models we tested decent in that regard.
Noise
The well-designed fan and noise dampening body of the Levoit made it one of the quietest models we tested. On high, it produces a low pitch that is as inconspicuous as that of the Coway. You would likely be able to read without being disturbed by it at all. The Levoit is even quieter but noticeable on low and medium, whereas the Coway is essentially silent.
Ease of Use
The Levoit was one of the best performers in our ease of use testing. It features a simple set of buttons to adjust settings and only has three fan speeds, but it also has a sleep mode for the quietest operation and an automatic off timer. It includes an auto mode that automatically uses a built-in air quality meter to adjust settings based on the current conditions. However, like most models with such a feature, we found it inconsistent in our testing. You're probably better off just turning on the highest setting that doesn't annoy your ears. It has a rail that you can grab onto when you want to move it around, and at 11.4 pounds, it is fairly easy to do so.
Operating Cost
Though the Levoit's energy usage is quite low (0.015 kWh per hour of operation or about $7.88/year), its estimated lifetime cost was still right around average at $589. It lists for $180 upfront, and its filters last six months and cost $35.
Value
The LV-PUR131's list price may seem enticing compared to other larger capacity models, but in the long run, it ends up costing around the same as models like the Coway. This makes the Levoit lower value for most users.
Conclusion
While the Levoit LV-PUR131 had decent performance across all of our testing metrics, other machines are a better value when you consider the price. You likely won't be disappointed with the Levoit but can find a better value elsewhere.
— Buck Yedor, Max Mutter, and Steven Tata
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