Levoit Core Mini-P Review

Our Levoit Core Mini-P Experience

The Mini-P may not be the most powerful purifier we've tested, but since 2023, it's impressed us with its money-saving performance and user-friendly design.

We've used this trusty tiny unit in our babies' nurseries to help reduce smoke, dust, and allergens, giving us peace of mind, especially during wildfire season. And we've used it directly on our desk to discreetly clear the smog and musk from a stuffy office space in a bustling metropolis.

What we appreciate most about the Mini-P is how simple it is to use—just one button operates the whisper-quiet fan. Do we wish there were a timer or a child lock? Sure, but at this price, those omissions feel easy to forgive.

Ultimately, we think this unit is a wonderful choice for cramped spaces. With its miniature size and low sound, it tucks almost anywhere while quietly cleaning in the background. Plus, it's so cheap to operate, you might consider buying multiple units to use throughout your home.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Air Cleaning Performance

Most of the purifiers we test are built to handle medium- to large-sized spaces, so compared to bulkier, pricier models, the Mini-P scored below average in air-cleaning performance.

That's not to say it's ineffective at air cleaning; it just can't tackle a large living room, conference room, or apartment on its own and takes several hours to clean smaller spaces. However, compared to similarly sized miniature units, the Levoit is the clear winner, circulating air twice as fast as competitors.

Based on our intensive lab tests, this model works best in rooms under 100 ft², where it can cycle the air several times per hour to keep up with the constant barrage of dust, smoke, and smog. If you already have fairly pure air and only need light cleaning, you can extend the space to just shy of 300 ft², but it'll just take longer to cycle the air.

In addition to the standard three-stage filtration system, the Mini-P also comes with an aroma chamber to add an optional light fragrance as it cleans. The essential oils aren't included, but it's a nice touch if you want that scented boost.

Noise

The Levoit Mini is a standout for its sound, ranking among the quietest models we tested.

On low, it generates only 32 decibels of sound, which is equivalent to a whisper. If you listen closely, you may hear a subtle, periodic rattle, but it easily fades into the background. And on high, it emits only 42 decibels, which is about the level of a quiet refrigerator hum.

Ease of Use

The Mini-P scored slightly above average in ease of use. Its compact frame is ultra-portable and very easy to set up, but because it lacks a timer or air quality sensor, it isn't quite as hands-free as other models we tested.

At just 2.2 pounds, this Levoit model is one of the lightest on our lists, making it easy to carry from room to room. It's also one of the smallest, with a 6-inch-diameter base and an 11-inch height, so it won't take up much space on your desk or nightstand.

There's only one button that powers the unit on/off and cycles through the three fan speeds. This makes it very simple and straightforward to use for users who despise complicated menus. Plus, the lights automatically shut off after one minute, making it ideal for nighttime use.

However, there's no automatic power-on/off mode, so you'll have to adjust it manually as needed. We didn't find this a problem, but some users may miss the convenience of a smarter, set-it-and-forget-it experience.

Operating Cost

The Levoit Mini-P is easily one of the most energy-efficient air purifiers we've tested. With estimated electricity costs of around $5 per year (running 24 hours a day and 365 days a year), this product is amazingly affordable to run.

The downside is that the filters need to be replaced every 6 months, which is more frequent than the 12-month standard used by most purifiers. At $25 a pop, replacements are cheap, but considering you need two each year, that's $50 a year in filter fees. While we wish the Mini had a longer filter life, it's still one of the cheapest models on the market to maintain.