Modern Castle is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Levoit Core 400S Review

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

360° air purifier with HEPA filter

moderncastle-fs-table__image

Levoit Core 400S

The Levoit Core 400S is a medium sized air purifier with 403 sq. ft. of coverage. During our tests, it reduced the PM2.5 to 0.1 and the PM10 to 0.3. Additionally, it improved the AQI to 2. It offers great performance with an auto mode and features that are designed to make using the device even easier. It has touch screen controls, real time air quality monitoring, and in app controls.Buy at Amazon

Pros

  • Good performance reducing PM2.5 to 0.1
  • Real time air quality information
  • Auto Mode for automatic air purification
  • App connectivity with scheduling and Smart Scenes

Cons

  • Most expensive Core air purifier
  • Not the largest coverage in comparison to its size

Scoring

3-in-1 HEPA automatic air purifier
  • Design - 95%
    95%
  • Performance - 97%
    97%
  • Quality - 94%
    94%
  • Usability - 97%
    97%
  • Value - 95%
    95%
96%

Summary

The Levoit Core 400S is easy to set up and simple to use. The touch screen controls are intuitive and the app connectivity offers more options to control the air purifier. The HEPA filter showcased great performance by improving the PM2.5 by 97.3% and reducing the air particulates from 839 to 44. The automatic features the device offers makes it a device you could set up and forget about.

Purification Test

To test the Levoit Core 400S we set up the air purifier in a medium sized room in our office. I took a baseline measurement before starting the test to measure the current air quality.

Then, I let the 400S run on the highest setting for 1 hour and then measured the air quality to get another set of measurements.

Levoit Core 400S
Levoit Core 400S

We can then compare the difference between the starting baseline and the post-run data to determine the performance of the Core 400S.

Starting Baseline

  • PM2.5 – 3.7
  • PM10 – 6.5
  • Particles – 839
  • AQI – 15

After 1 Hour

  • PM2.5 – 0.1
  • PM10 – 0.3
  • Particles – 44
  • AQI – 2

Within the 1 hour test, the Core 400S removed 94.8% of air particulates from the medium-sized room we tested in (~14’x10’).

The 400S improved PM2.5 air quality by 97.3%, reducing PM2.5 to 0.1.

Air Quality Testing meter
Electronic testing meter we use to measure particulates and air quality

In order to get these measurements, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S+ professional air quality detector. This device allows us to get precise air quality readings before and after the test. 

Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. 

air quality index - PM 2.5 particulate matter index

The Levoit 400S is the best performer out of the Core series (see our Core 200 Review and Core 300 Review). It did slightly better than the 300S, but the 400S has a larger coverage area. Overall, great performance from the Core 400S. 

The Filters

The Levoit 400S uses a 3-in-1 HEPA filter to purify the surrounding air. Here are the different parts of the filter:

  • Pre-filter
  • HEPA filter
  • Carbon filter

The pre-filter catches larger particles such as lint, hair, and pet fur.

Levoit Core 400S filter
Levoit Core 400S filter

Next, the HEPA filter is the main part of the filtration system. It filters smaller airborne particles like dust, pet dander, and pollen.

Finally, the carbon filter neutralizes the smoke, fumes, and other odors.

Noise Test

In addition, we also tested how loud the air purifier was while running. We perform this test by having the air purifier run on the three different modes and use a sound meter to measure noise level. We tested the Levoit from about 3’ away. 

Our results showed the following decibel levels from each mode.

Fan SpeedNoise Generated
Sleep16.7 dB
Low21.8 dB
Normal25.4 dB
High31.8 dB
Max45.3 dB

Usability Test

It was simple to use the Levoit Core 400S. Unlike the others in the series, it has handles on the side that make it easier to move around. It doesn’t come with many accessories, but that makes it easy to set up and use. 

Levoit Core 400S parts
Levoit Core 400S parts

Here is what is included in the box:

  • Levoit Core 400S air purifier
  • HEPA filter
  • User manuals

Set-up

The 400S is easy to set up. You simply need to remove the plastic covering from the pre-installed HEPA filter. Then, you can plug in the device and turn it on.

Controls

The controls on the Levoit are robust and easy to navigate. The touch screen allows you to control a majority of the functions the device offers.

Levoit Core 400S controls
Levoit Core 400S controls

It also has air quality indicator rings and a numeric display showing the current PM2.5 in the surrounding area. 

The Core 400S has 5 different fan speeds you can choose from:

  • Sleep
  • Low
  • Normal
  • High
  • Max

Additionally, the 400S has an auto mode that uses the sensors to determine which fan speed is best.

App

If you are looking to control the device remotely, you can connect the Core 400S to the VeSync app. The app has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. 

It gives you information on the current air quality in the area around the Levoit, as well as lets you control various settings of the device itself. 

Levoit Core 400S logo
Levoit Core 400S logo

Additionally, you can set a custom timer for the device to shut off. The touch screen controls have predetermined timers of 2, 4, or 8 hours. Within the app you can set up a custom time between 1-24 hours. 

The VeSync app also allows you to set up a custom schedule, which lets you determine:

  • Fan Speed
  • Fan On / Off
  • Display On / Off
Levoit Core 400S
Levoit Core 400S

The most unique feature of the app is the ability to set up Smart Scenes. These allow you to set up custom conditions and actions for the 400S.

For example, you could have the device turn on when the surrounding air quality reaches a certain point, and then turn off once it has improved. 

Through the app, you can also connect the Core 400S with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Maintenance

Maintaining the Levoit 400S is easy with only two pieces that will need your attention.

Levoit Core 400S removing filter
Levoit Core 400S removing filter

The most common item of maintenance will be cleaning the pre-filter. Levoit recommends doing this every 2-4 weeks, but it may be different depending on the surrounding air quality and run-time of the device. 

You can either use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to quickly clean the pre-filter.

Levoit Core 400S filter housing
Levoit Core 400S filter housing

The HEPA filter will also need to be replaced periodically. Levoit recommends replacing it every 12 months. The device itself and the VeSync app will also notify you when the filter needs to be replaced. You can find replacement filters here.

Replacing the filter is a simple process:

  • Unplug the device and remove the twist the bottom cover off. 
  • Remove the old filter and clean the interior of the device with a microfiber cloth or a vacuum. 
  • Place in the new filter, shut the lid, and plug in the device.

Size & Dimensions

The 400S is the largest of Levoit’s Core air purifiers. However, I would still consider it a medium sized device. There are certainly larger purifiers (see the massive Oransi mod).

Levoit Core 400S
Levoit Core 400S

Here are the exact dimensions of the Core 400S:

  • Length – 10.8”
  • Width – 10.8”
  • Height – 20.5”
  • Weight – 14.12 lbs.

The Core 400S covers up to 403 sq. ft. This is also the largest coverage area of the Core series. Here’s how the Core 400s compares to the other Levoit Core series.

Levoit Core 200 vs. 300 vs. 400 Coverage

  • Levoit Core 400 – 403 Square Feet
  • Levoit Core 300 – 219 Square Feet
  • Levoit Core 200 – 183 Square Feet

Should you buy the Levoit Core 400S?

I would recommend the Levoit Core 400S if you’re looking for the following features:

  • Good Purification Performance: In our tests the 400S reduced airborne particulates by 94.8%. It also improved the PM2.5 to 0.1 and PM10 to 0.3. Based on our testing data, it was the best performing air purifier of Levoit’s Core series. 
  • Real Time Air Quality Information: Whether you are looking at the device or want to check on the app, the on-board sensors can give you information on the current air quality. It will also show you the current PM2.5 in the surrounding air. 
  • Want app controls: The app allows you to quickly change a setting on the device remotely. Additionally, it allows you to set up a custom schedule or Smart Scenes, which makes the device more hands-off.
  • Automatic purification: With the auto mode, you can turn the Core 400S on and let it do the work. The internal sensors will monitor the surrounding air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly. It is a great choice if you want a device that doesn’t require a lot of attention.

For more information and to purchase the Levoit Core 400s please click here.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.