I always get the same question: “Should I buy a Levoit Air Purifier or a PuroAir Purifier?”
It’s a valid question. Both of these brands are hands down the leaders in the very crowded consumer air purification market, each committed to delivering clean, healthy air through very different approaches. Although I have lived with and tested multiple Levoit and PuroAir products in the last 2 years through tests in real-world conditions, like wildfire smoke, seasonal allergies, pet dander, and renovations, I have been in this space long enough to provide feedback on air quality solutions.
In this article, I will lay out everything you need to know about how each brand filters air, how much noise each device makes, how well it is designed, app controls and smart technology for both devices, and how well each device performs when tested. By the end of the article, I hope to illustrate the correct brand for your specific purpose, regardless of whether you are purchasing a purifier for asthma or allergies, or simply for the health of your home from harmful particulate.
Why Compare Levoit and PuroAir?
Both Levoit and PuroAir are seen more or less routinely in the top of virtually every air purifier roundup—and with good reason:
Levoit has become one of the biggest consumer names in the air purifier space and are accommodation stylish, affordable and effective units.
PuroAir sells itself as a clinical-grade brand, engineered in the US full and complete with serious HEPA credentials and laboratory performance.
If you were looking up air purifiers to help improve the indoors for health purposes, I almost guarantee that you saw these two brands first. Although both are good, they have starkly different strengths—and weaknesses—that will either make your experience or break your experience depending on your priorities.
Brand Background: Levoit vs PuroAir
Levoit: Affordable Everyday Innovation
Founded: 2017
Location: California, USA
Parent Company: VeSync Co., Ltd. (also owned Cosori and Etekcity)
Mission: To provide technology for the modern lifestyle that promotes wellness
Target Market: Health-oriented homes, small to mid-size rooms
Certifications: CARB, ETL, FCC, Energy Star
Speedy growth for Levoit has been provided through product design, good reviews on Amazon, and being budget-friendly. It has a number of different brands; the Core and Vital air purifiers have provided strong marketplace strength, particularly with small apartments and bedrooms. As an ozone-free purifier, smart home adoption is growing quickly, the Levoit product line offers simplicity in aesthetics.
PuroAir: Medical-Grade Air Quality with Science
Founded: ~2020
Location: USA
Mission: To provide commercial-grade purification in residential environments
Target Market: Allergy sufferers, asthma sufferers, parents, schools
Certifications: True HEPA 14, CARB, Intertek, Energy Star
PuroAir markets itself as providing science-lab tested, medical-grade air filtration. In terms of medical-grade filtration, their flagship products use True HEPA filters 14. PuroAir is less readily available, especially retail; however, it has developed a loyal following within the wellness and health communities, as their sole focus has been to provide the purest air possible.
Filtration Technology
Levoit
Levoit uses a 3-stage filtration system for almost all of its models:
- Pre-filter: removes larger particles (hair, lint, dust, etc.)
- True H13 HEPA: captures 99.97% of particles above 0.3 microns
- Activated Carbon filter: reduces VOCs, smoke, and odors
Some of Levoit’s more advanced models (e.g., the Core 600S) include ARC Formula™ carbon filters for better VOC absorption and laser sensors to provide real-time air quality information.
If you are concerned about ozone, another plus for Levoit is that it does not feature ionizers or UV-C light.
PuroAir
PruoAir’s most notable feature is its True H14 HEPA filter, which captures 99.99% of airborne particulates down to 0.1 microns, which is above and beyond most consumer units’ True H13 HEPA filters.
Several PuroAir models also include:
- pre-filters to extend filter life
- carbon filters (in some models, optional)
- High-CADR air delivery designed for larger rooms
Overall, for filtering power, PuroAir has a slight advantage – especially for people who suffer from severe allergies or asthma.
Air Cleaning Performance
Levoit
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate):
Core 300: 141 CFM
Core 400S: 260 CFM
Core 600S: 410 CFM
Coverage Area:
219 – 635 sq ft, depending on model
PM2.5 Sensors & Auto Mode: Available in “S” smart models
Tested Performance: Genuine for smoke, mold spores, and pollen in smaller rooms
In my opinion, Levoit is best for small to medium size rooms (bedrooms, nurseries, offices). You can see an improvement in air quality within 20 – 30 minutes, especially with the Core 400S and 600S models.
PuroAir
CADR:
PuroAir HEPA 14: ~313 CFM
Covers an area up to 1,115 sq ft
Real-Time Sensor: Yes
Performance: Excellent particulate removal, noticeable within 10 – 15 minutes in a medium sized room.
PuroAir cleans smoke, dust and allergens faster than Levoit, especially in large rooms.
Certifications & Standards
| Certification | Levoit | PuroAir |
|---|---|---|
| True HEPA | H13 (99.97% @ 0.3μm) | H14 (99.99% @ 0.1μm) |
| CARB (Ozone Safe) | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Star | Select models | Yes |
| ETL / Intertek | Yes | Yes |
PuroAir has a slight advantage with its HEPA 14 rating for medical-grade environments, however, both names are CARB-compliant, and ozone-free, very important for Californians and anyone with respiratory concerns.
Noise Levels
Levoit:
24–52 dB (Core 300)
26–55 dB (Core 600S)
Whisper-quiet on sleep mode
PuroAir:
21–51 dB across most units
PuroAir quieter than Levoit at similar speeds
In testing, PuroAir ran quieter at higher speeds, while Levoit was virtually silent on night mode. Both options are great for bedrooms; my suggestion is to select PuroAir if you are prioritizing noise between larger and open living spaces.
Design & Build Quality
Levoit:
- Streamlined cylindrical shapes
- Touch controls with LED rings
- Matte white/black finishes
- Compact with no protruding parts or shelves, and perfect for furniture placement
- Levoit beats the competition for aesthetics and space usage, particularly for apartments
PuroAir:
- Boxy and practical design
- Larger footprint (especially HEPA 14 unit)
- Function over design
- PuroAir looks very industrial and purposeful, which is reasonable given a clinical filtration reputation, but unfortunately, they won’t be winning many design awards any time soon.
Smart Features & App Integration
| Feature | Levoit (Smart Models) | PuroAir |
|---|---|---|
| App Control | Yes (VeSync App) | No (manual control) |
| Alexa/Google Assistant | Yes | No |
| Real-Time Air Quality | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling & Timers | Yes | Limited or manual |
I think Levoit is ahead in this category. The VeSync app has real-time PM2.5 charts, filter life tracking, smart scheduling, and remote control!
Right now, PuroAir models do not control from an app – however, they are easy to use manually.
Maintenance & Filter Replacement
Levoit:
Filter life: ~6–8 months
Filter cost: $20 – $60
Easy to find (Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
PuroAir:
Filter life: 9–12 months (HEPA 14)
Filter cost: $50 – $80
Harder to find; mostly direct from brand or Amazon
Both products allow easy, tool-free filter access. PuroAir provides filters that last longer, which can offset the higher price but availability can be limited to direct or amazon purchases.
Price and Value
| Brand | Entry Model | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit | Core Mini ($49) | Core 400S ($219) | Core 600S ($299) |
| PuroAir | PuroAir 400 ($179) | HEPA 14 ($289) | N/A |
Levoit has the clear edge for those of you on a budget, and even have smart features at a more affordable price. While PuroAir is more premium, you will pay a premium price for a better grade of filtration and greater coverage.
Warranty & Customer Service
Levoit: 2-year warranty when registered with the VeSync app, responsive customer support, and more purchasing options.
PuroAir: 1-year warranty, able to call in for support in the US, but less options.
Levoit has access to more infrastructure, app support, and longer warranty!
Comparison Table
| Feature | Levoit Core 400S | PuroAir HEPA 14 |
|---|---|---|
| HEPA Grade | H13 | H14 |
| CADR | 260 CFM | ~313 CFM |
| Coverage Area | 403 sq ft | 1,115 sq ft |
| Smart App | Yes (VeSync) | No |
| Filter Life | 6–8 months | 9–12 months |
| Noise Level | 26–55 dB | 21–51 dB |
| Price | ~$219 | ~$289 |
| Design | Modern / Compact | Industrial / Large |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Pros & Cons
Levoit
Pros:
- Affordable and available everywhere
- Smart features and app
- Quiet and sleek
- Good for bedrooms and small homes
Cons: - Not great in big rooms
- H13 HEPA only (not medical-grade)
PuroAir
Pros: - HEPA 14 filters (clinical-grade)
- Strong CADR and fast purification
- Good for allergies and asthma, smoke
- Long filter length
Cons: - No smart features
- Bulky
- More expensive filters
Which One I Use, and Why
Personally, I use a Levoit Core 600S in the bedroom, and a PuroAir HEPA 14 in the living room.
Why do I use these? Because the Levoit’s smart controls and whisper quiet night mode beats all for sleeping situations. However, in my primary living space, especially during wildfire season, the PuroAir clears smoke and allergens quicker than anything else I’ve tested. It’s a clinical grade workhorse. Love it.
Use-Case Recommendations
- Best for Allergies/Asthma: PuroAir
- Best for Bedrooms: Levoit Core 300S or 400S
- Best for Wildfire Smoke: PuroAir HEPA 14
- Best Smart Features: Levoit 600S
- Best Budget Pick: Levoit Core Mini
Closing Thoughts: What Air Purifier Will You Buy?
If you want convenience, style, and value, Levoit is an exceptional all-around option. Levoit is the home air purifier you want for just about any reason for everyday use in bedrooms, apartments, or with children or pets.
However, if you’re looking to prioritize filtration in your home – especially if you have asthma, live in an area with wildfires, or just need the cleanest air possible – investing in PuroAir is worthwhile.
Bottom-line:
Buy Levoit if you need a smart, feature-rich, quiet air purifier at a great price.
Buy PuroAir if you need the best filtration available and aren’t as concerned with the clinical look.
