Levoit Core 400S-P Review

Our Levoit Core 400S-P Experience

We also love the Core's full suite of features that made everyday use that much more convenient. It has an air quality indicator that kept tabs on our air in real time and an auto mode that automatically adjusted the fan as needed. There's also a sleep mode and a light dimmer for distraction-free sleep. And the child lock was a game-changer for us, keeping our sanity with curious toddlers.

The “S” in 400S means it's “Smart” and can be controlled using the VeSync app. Though we think the app is a great, convenient touch, we didn't love the constant ads. It's easy enough to scroll past them, but we wish the VeSync app took a cleaner, more streamlined approach, like some competitors'.

In the end, we think the Core 400S-P is a great fit for anyone who wants powerful, low-effort air cleaning. It's especially well suited for families, pet owners, and everyday users who want cleaner air without relying on ionizers or creating unnecessary byproducts.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Air Cleaning Performance

The Levoit Core 400 is a powerful air cleaner—and it does so without an ozone-generating, performance-enhancing ionizer. Its generously sized, 360-degree particle filtration system purifies the air faster, and its high-density pelleted carbon filter removes more VOCs, odors, and fumes than most competitors.

In our controlled smoke tests, the Levoit's particle filter quickly got to work, clearing over 70% of fine soot (PM2.5) and coarse ash (PM10) in just 10 minutes. And by the half-hour mark (37 minutes to be exact), our 200 ft² room was free of 99% of pollutants, which is to say, this thing works fast! The filter isn't officially HEPA-certified, but Levoit claims it works just as well, trapping 99.97% of contaminants down to 0.3µm, including mold, bacteria, and pet dander.

Many competitors use an ionizer to achieve air-cleaning speeds this rapid, but not the Core. Ionizers make pollutants stickier and easier to trap, but they also create ozone and even formaldehyde as byproducts, which we eco-minded folks like to avoid because of their harmful health impacts. With the Levoit, that's one less thing you have to worry about.

In addition to the particle filter, we found the carbon filter was highly effective at removing odors from our home. Kitty litter boxes, lingering cooking smells, and trash day funk were all noticeably reduced. With 240 grams of pelleted carbon, the 400S-P packs enough filtration to tackle more stubborn fumes than most competitors. But if you want an extra carbon boost, you can upgrade to the Smoke, Pet, or Toxin filter for a few extra bucks.

For the best results, we suggest using the Core 400 in living rooms, master bedrooms, and large offices that are around 320 ft². In rooms of this size, the Levoit can continuously cycle the air several times each hour, so pollutants never build up. Our measurements show you can use this unit in apartments and open-concept spaces up to 1500 ft², but it'll take longer to purify the air and may not keep up with heavier pollution loads.

Noise

Unfortunately, with all that cleaning power comes a bit of extra noise. As such, the Levoit scored slightly below average in our noise metric.

The Core 400 has 4 fan speeds: sleep, low, medium, and high. On its lowest setting, it's barely audible (29 decibels), with a slow, subtle rhythmic whir that easily fades into the background. However, on high, it's slightly louder than most competitors, about the level of a moderate rainfall (54 decibels). Given the vast range of sound, we think the Levoit is still a great choice for noise-sensitive individuals who don't need to run it at top speed. But if you always plan to run your unit on high, this one may be too loud for your taste.

Ease of Use

The Levoit 400 scored very well in our ease-of-use metric, boasting all the premium features we could ask for, like an app, a hands-free auto mode, a light dimmer, and a child lock. We also like that filters don't require frequent changes and are very easy to install when the time comes. The main drawbacks are that the app is somewhat spammy and the handles feel too shallow to be very useful.

If you're someone who's too busy to constantly adjust settings, the Levoit Core 400 is a great option. Its air quality indicator always lets you know precisely how polluted the air is, and its auto mode kicks the fan up or ramps it down to keep things clean and energy-efficient. It has a memory function, so you can just plug it in wherever you need it, and it'll automatically load your last used setting. Prefer the lights out and a low fan speed, it can do that. Or, need to lock the screen so your youngins' keep their paws off, it can do that, too. Plus, with a 12-month filter life, it's easier on your wallet and the planet.

We love that 400 comes with an app, so you can turn it on while your away from home or dim the lights and fan if you're already in bed. There's also a nifty option to customize the auto fan function so that you minimize noise or maximize power. While we appreciate the convenience of the app, we didn't like the constant ads. Whether tempting us with a new vacuum or upgraded filter, it felt like a constant sales pitch.

At 10 pounds and 21 inches tall, the Levoit isn't exactly compact, but we were still able to get it up and down a flight of stairs without breaking a sweat. Pro tip: Rather than using the uber-thin handles, we found it much more comfortable to carry it from the bottom.

Operating Costs

Thanks to a lengthy 12-month filter life and low energy usage at most fan speeds, the Levoit scored above average in operating costs. However, on high, it sapped quite a bit of power, which kept it from earning a top spot.

Unless you need continuous heavy-duty cleaning, most people will run it on auto or medium, where it remains incredibly energy-efficient. This, combined with its long filter, makes the Levoit one of the more environmentally conscious choices in its class. At an estimated $85 a year in electricity and filter fees (when running 24/7), the 400S-P is cheaper to run and maintain than most competitors.