REASONS TO BUY
Good air cleaning performance
Quiet operation
REASONS TO AVOID
Lifetime cost similar to better performing models
Levoit LV-PUR131 Review
An easy to use, decent performer, but can get better performance elsewhere
RELATED: Best Air Purifiers of 2024
Our Verdict
The Levoit LV-PUR131 has decent air cleaning performance and a relatively quiet fan. The high operating costs, however, tank the overall value of this air purifier. The Coway Airmega 1512HH offers better all-around performance for the same lifetime cost, and the GermGuardian AC4825 offers similar performance for less. Most users will be better off with one of these two models over the Levoit. While the upfront cost might be lower than other options, the expensive filters and inefficient electricity usage make this an expensive machine with average performance. See how it fares against competing products in our best air purifier review.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on September 12, 2023, to note there is a smart version of this purifier out now, called the LV-PUR131S. Product specs appear nearly identical, but the revised model has the ability to be controlled from an app even when you're not home. We're linking to the smart version in our review, which is more readily available.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
The PUR131 is an okay contender, but you can find better performance elsewhere - and for a lower price.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
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.
The Levoit was one of the smoothest (quietest) operators in our testing.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
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.
The Levoit's straightforward interface.
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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