REASONS TO BUY
Quiet
Low operating costs
Small footprint
REASONS TO AVOID
Only suitable for small spaces
Middling cleaning performance
Levoit LV-H132 Review
This unit is quiet, well designed, and relatively inexpensive, but is suitable for smaller room sizes
Credit: Levoit
RELATED: Best Air Purifiers of 2024
Our Verdict
The Levoit LV-H132 comes in at a decent price and is ideal for small spaces. What surprised us was how quiet this device is across all settings, making it perfect for a kid's room. The compact size is ideal for folks with limited space or for placing it on a nightstand or in a corner nook. However, the projected coverage of this model is pretty low at 129 square feet, so we wouldn't recommend it for anything outside of a small bedroom. Unfortunately, the overall air-cleaning performance of this model leaves something to be desired. We can only recommend it for pure cleaning power if you plan to use it in the aforementioned small spaces. If you want some recommendations for larger spaces, take a look at the best air purifiers review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product Levoit LV-H132 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Value for a Smart Air Purifier |  Best Air Purifier for Most | Best Value for Small Rooms | ||
| Price | $90 List Check Price at Amazon | $220 List $219.99 at Amazon | $230 List $229.99 at Amazon | $100 List Check Price at Amazon | $100 List $88.91 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | It boasts a low price and silent operation and excels in smaller room sizes | This app-compatible model is user-friendly and comes with an assortment of programmable features | It's tough to find an air purifier that can do it all, but rest assured that this one can | An affordable, high performing option that is ideal for smaller spaces | This air purifier doesn't take up much space and cleans the air with ease, as long as you don't mind the lack of features |
| Rating Categories | Levoit LV-H132 | Levoit Core 400S | Coway Airmega 1512HH | Levoit Core 300 | GermGuardian AC4825E |
| Air Cleaning Performance (40%) | |||||
| Noise (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Operating Cost (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Levoit LV-H132 | Levoit Core 400S | Coway Airmega 1512HH | Levoit Core 300 | GermGuardian AC4825E |
| Measured Annual Cost | $84.79 | $148.14 | $110.16 | $96.81 | $105.27 |
| Airborne Particulate Reduction After 1 Hour (%) | 95.30% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 99.92% | 99.90% |
| CADR | 40 (Smoke) 40 (Dust) 40 (Pollen) |
Sleep: 59 Speed 1: 88 Speed 2: 118 Speed 3: 177 Speed 4: 260 *Per Levoit, their stated CADR ratings for this product are the same for Smoke, Dust, and Pollen but differ for fan speeds |
234 (Smoke) 248 (Dust) 232 (Pollen) |
141 (Smoke) 140 (Dust) 145 (Pollen) |
99 (Smoke) 118 (Dust) 125 (Pollen) |
| Measured Dimensions | 7.9" x 7.9" x 12.6" | 10.8" x 10.8" x 20.5" | 9.6" x 16.8" x 18.3" | 8.7" x 8.7" x 14.2" | 10.3" x 6.8" x. 22" |
| Measured Weight | 5.4 Ibs | 10.4 Ibs | 13.1 lbs | 7.3 Ibs | 8.3 Ibs |
| Measured Cord Length | 5' 10" | 6' 3" | 6' 6" | 6' 3" | 6' |
| True HEPA (99.97%) | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Estimated Lifetime Cost (5 years) | $423.93 | $740.70 | $550.81 | $484.03 | $526.33 |
| App Control | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Air Quality Sensor | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Measured Decibels | 46.1 | 51.8 | 55.9 | 52.3 | 51.2 |
| Energy Star Certified | Not Listed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Listed Coverage | 129 sq. ft | 1560 sq. ft | 1,748 sq. ft | 219 sq. ft | 743 sq. ft |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
The Levoit LV-H132 was a bit of a letdown in terms of pure cleaning power, but if you have a smaller space it could still be worth consideration.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Air Cleaning Performance
When we filled our 150 square testing room with smoke, it took the LV-H132 30 minutes to remove over half of the airborne large particles, and after an hour, it achieved a reduction of 95.30%. Despite the results on paper, the room remained very smokey for the first half of the test and this little air purifier couldn't clear out the odor that was left over either.
The smoke test is highly effective in determining the efficiency of each air purifier.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
This means that the LV-H132 is really only cut out for smaller rooms of around 100 square feet. If your bedroom is on the smaller side, this machine would be a decent option.
Noise
The LV-H132 excels in this area; we found its noise level to be nearly imperceptible on the lowest setting. On medium and high, it produces a noticeable hum, but the sound has a white noise quality similar to a standard fan. On its highest setting, it registered 46.1 decibels. We measured 41.9 decibles on medium. On low, it didn't make any noise that would register on our decibel reader. We don't anticipate many complaints regarding its noise.
The noise levels emitted from the Levoit LV-H132 were pleasant.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
The LV-H132 is a no-frills model with a straightforward control panel: a power button, a fan speed selector with three settings, a button for the LED nightlight, and an indicator light for filter changes. While these features cover the basics, it lacks additional conveniences such as a remote control or an automatic off timer. On the plus side, it's compact and lightweight, weighing just 5.4 pounds, which makes it easy to move. However, its cylindrical shape can make it a bit challenging to grip, and it lacks handles or indentations for easier handling.
The Levoit is small and light.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Operating Cost
The LV-H132 does pretty well here. Despite its small size and modest power output, it's surprisingly efficient in terms of electricity usage. The real standout is the affordability of its HEPA filters, which are significantly cheaper compared to those used by its peers. This results in a low overall lifetime cost for running the device of $424 (including the list price), making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
The HEPA filters for the Levoit LV-H132 cost $23 and need to be changed every six to eight months, depending on your usage.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Coway Airmega 200M?
The LV-H132 offers a decent overall value. You will want to weigh its relatively mediocre air cleaning performance alongside its low level of noise, ease of use, and price tag. If you're searching for an air purifier for a smaller room size, it may be just what you're after.
What Other Air Purifiers Should You Consider?
If you can catch the Winix 5500-2 on sale, it offers similar pricing but excels in almost every aspect, although it is considerably larger. If the size is a concern, consider the Honeywell PowerPlus HEPA, which fits comfortably on a nightstand. For those willing to invest in a higher-end model, the Alen BreatheSmart 45i stands out as one of the best air purifiers available, offering exceptional cleaning power and ease of use.
—
Genaveve Bradshaw, Max Mutter, and Ryan White
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