Budget-Friendly Smart Air Purifier
Levoit Core 600s
The Levoit Core 600s is a medium sized air purifier with a medium-to-large coverage area of 635 sq. ft. It comes with a variety of user-friendly features that make using the device incredibly easy. In addition, the app connectivity further enhances usability. In our air purification test, the 600s reduced PM2.5 by 87.1% and removed 89.4% of airborne particulates. While that performance wasn’t perfect, it still is a solid air purifier overall.
Pros
- App connectivity – control the purifier, set a schedule, and monitor filter status
- Good value consider the price vs. performance / coverage level
- Auto mode allows the unit to be hands off once setup
Cons
- Wasn’t able to reduce PM2.5 to 0.1 (which is the target we like to see for most high-performance purifiers)
Scoring
Great usability; budget friendly
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Design - 97%
97%
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Performance - 93%
93%
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Quality - 95%
95%
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Usability - 98%
98%
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Value - 98%
98%
Summary
The Levoit Core 600s had solid performance across all of our tests. It reduced PM2.5 down to 0.4 and brought the airborne particulates down from 649 to 69. Where it really shines is the usability. The touch screen display provides information and a large degree of control directly from the device. While app connectivity further increases the ways in which you can interact with it. If you are looking to save a few bucks, the Levoit Core 600s is a great option that can provide good performance.
In This Review
Purification | Filters | Noise | Usability | Size | Specs | Summary
Purification Performance
Our purification test sets the Levoit Core 600s in a medium sized room (~14’x10’) in our office and studio space. Before running the test, we take a baseline measurement of the current air quality using the Temtop LKC-1000S+, a professional air quality detector.
Next, we ran the 600s on the max fan speed for 1 hour and then took another measurement of the air quality after the test. We then compared the baseline and post-test data to determine the performance of the Levoit Core 600s.
Starting Baseline
- PM2.5: 3.1
- PM10: 4.9
- Particles: 649
- AQI: 12
After 1 Hour
- PM2.5: 0.4
- PM10: 0.4
- Particles: 69
- AQI: 2
During the 1 hour test, the 600s was able to remove 89.4% of air particulates and reduced PM2.5 by 87.1%.
Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. Simply stated, the lower the number the better.
Overall, the purification performance was good, but not perfect. In general, we want to see the numbers get as close to zero as possible, with the best air purifiers reducing PM2.5 to 0.1.
Regardless, a PM2.5 of 0.4 is still solid performance.
The Filters
The Levoit Core 600s uses a 3-stage filter to purify the surrounding air. These include:
- Pre-filter
- HEPA filter
- Activated carbon filter
The pre-filter traps larger debris floating through the air like hair or fur.
Next, the HEPA filter does the majority of the work, capturing airborne particulates as small as 0.3 microns.
Finally, the carbon filter neutralizes VOCs, smoke, and odors.
Noise Test
For the noise test, we ran the Levoit Core 600s on each power mode and measured the generated noise with a noise meter app. We measured from about 3’ away and recorded the results.
Here’s what we found:
Low
30.2 dB
Medium
38.1 dB
High
48.5 dB
Turbo
51.4 dB
Our testing showed the Levoit Core 600s to have a noise range from 30-51 dB. It has a sleep mode, which will set it to the lowest setting and turn off the lights. At its quietest, it is similar to the sound of whisper.
Common noise levels:
- 20 dB – rustling leaves
- 30 dB – whisper
- 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
- 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
- 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
- 70 dB – traffic, showers
- 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone
Usability Tests
Usability for the Levoit Core 600s is excellent. It has an auto mode, sleep mode, is easy to set up, use, and maintain. Additionally, it even has app connectivity with a variety of features.
Setup
Setup took 1 person 5 minutes to complete. This is largely due to the few accessories included with the 600s.
Here is what is in the box:
- Levoit Core 600s
- 3-stage filter
- Manuals
The only required steps before your air purifier is ready to run is to remove the packaging from around the filter, which is pre-installed. From there, you can plug it in and turn it on.
Controls & App
On top of the device is a touch display, which you use to control the device. The display is informative giving information on the current air quality and various settings that are turned on / off.
With the physical controls you can access quite a few features, adjusting fan speed, turning on/off night mode, or turning on a timer. But full control of the 600s happens through the VeSync app.
Connecting to the app takes some additional setup, by simply following the in-app instructions, it happens quickly.
From there you get access to all the same controls that are on the top of the device, and much more.
- Air quality information
- Fan speed
- Auto mode
- Auto mode settings
- Sleep mode
- Custom scheduling
- Custom timers
- Voice commands
- Smart scenes
Whether you control the Core 600s physically or wirelessly, it is quite intuitive.
Maintenance
Maintenance is fairly straightforward, only requiring you to wipe the sensors clean, and replace the filter.
On average, HEPA filters need to be replaced every 6-12 months.
Size & Dimensions
I would consider the Levoit Core 600s a medium sized air purifier. It can cover a 635 sq. ft. area with a CADR of 410 CFM.
Here are the exact dimensions of the Levoit Core 600s:
- Length – 12.3″
- Width – 12.3”
- Height – 23.6”
- Weight – 13.7 pounds
On the side of the device are two indents that act as handles for assistance in moving the air purifier.
Specifications
Specifications | |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Levoit |
Model | Core 600s |
Width | 12.3″ |
Height | 23.6″ |
Weight | 13.7 pounds |
Filters | Carbon, HEPA |
Wifi Compatible | Yes |
Room Coverage | 635 sq. ft. |
CADR | 410 cfm |
Returns | Varies by retailer |
Warranty | 2 years |
Price | Check Price |
Should you buy the Levoit Core 600s?
I would recommend the Levoit Core 600s if you’re looking for the following features:
- Great Usability: Across the board, usability was fantastic for the Levoit Core 600s. The setup was incredibly simple, controls are intuitive, and maintenance is infrequent. Additionally, the VeSync app grants the user access to a wide range of features and wireless controls.
- Budget-friendly good performance: While performance wasn’t perfect, the Levoit was able to reduce PM2.5 to 0.4. In addition, it removed 89.4% of airborne particulates. Overall, I would consider this performance good, especially considering the asking price.
For more information or to buy the Levoit Core 600s, click here.