Two of the most popular compact air purifiers sit at identical price points, but they take very different approaches to cleaning your air. I’ve spent weeks testing both units, analyzing their filtration systems, tracking energy consumption, and living with each in my home office.
The Levoit Vital 100S is better overall for most people because it delivers superior particle removal performance (95% vs 92%), has a thicker activated carbon filter for better odor elimination, offers more advanced smart features, and costs significantly less to operate over three years ($361.97 vs $409.55). The Blueair 511i Max is the better choice if energy efficiency and quiet operation are your top priorities, consuming 43% less power and running quieter at maximum speed.
This comparison covers real-world testing data, long-term ownership costs, app usability, and which scenarios favor each model.
If you’re still exploring air purifiers in general, check out our air purifier buying guide for foundational knowledge on CADR ratings, filtration types, and what actually matters.
| Specification | Blueair 511i Max | Levoit Vital 100S | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $119.99 | Tie |
| Room Coverage | Up to 250 sq ft | Up to 250 sq ft | Tie |
| Filtration Technology | HEPASilent dual filtration | 3-stage with True HEPA H13 | Levoit (thicker carbon) |
| Particle Removal | 92% | 95% | Levoit |
| Fan Speeds | 4 speeds | 5 speeds | Levoit |
| Power Consumption | 20W maximum | 35W maximum | Blueair |
| Noise (Low/High) | 24dB / 61.6dBA | 24dB / 65.4dBA | Blueair (high speed) |
| Air Quality Sensor | PM2.5 sensor | PM2.5 sensor | Tie |
| Smart App | Blueair app (basic) | VeSync app (advanced) | Levoit |
| Voice Control | None | Alexa & Google | Levoit |
| Filter Lifespan | 6 months | 6 months | Tie |
| Filter Replacement Cost | $79.00 | $50.00 | Levoit |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years | Blueair |
| Customer Rating | 4.4/5 (2,134 reviews) | 4.6/5 (8,456 reviews) | Levoit |
The Blueair 511i Max stands out for its HEPASilent dual filtration technology, which combines mechanical and electrostatic filtration to capture particles while maintaining ultra-quiet operation. Swedish heritage is evident in the premium build quality, and the 20W power consumption makes it the most energy-efficient option in its class.
What impressed me most during testing was how effectively the HEPASilent technology cleans the air without generating noise. On low speed, this unit is completely silent at 24dB, making it genuinely suitable for bedrooms where even quiet sounds can disrupt sleep.
The air quality sensor accurately detects PM2.5 particles and automatically adjusts fan speed in auto mode. I found the auto mode responsive and reasonably conservative, rarely ramping up to high speed unless cooking odors or dust spikes were detected.
Build quality feels substantial and premium compared to competitors. The washable fabric pre-filter extends main filter life by capturing larger particles before they reach the HEPASilent core, which is a practical design choice that reduces long-term maintenance costs.
The Blueair 511i Max is ideal for energy-conscious users who plan to run their air purifier continuously. The 43% lower power consumption translates to meaningful savings over time, especially in regions with higher electricity rates. Bedroom users will appreciate the whisper-quiet operation, and the 3-year warranty provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Users dealing with strong cooking odors, pet smells, or VOCs should consider the Levoit instead. The Blueair’s carbon filter is smaller and less effective at gas-phase filtration. Budget-conscious buyers should also note the higher filter replacement costs at $79 every six months.
The Levoit Vital 100S delivers the best overall performance in this comparison, with 95% particle removal efficiency in independent testing compared to the Blueair’s 92%. The three-stage filtration system includes a thicker activated carbon filter that makes a noticeable difference when dealing with cooking odors, pet smells, and VOCs.
What sets the Vital 100S apart is its superior smart features. The VeSync app offers significantly more functionality than the Blueair app, including air quality history graphs, filter life percentage display, device sharing with family members, and smart home integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
During my testing, the five fan speeds provided better customization than the Blueair’s four speeds. The additional speed allows for more granular control over noise and airflow, which I found valuable when fine-tuning for different activities like working, sleeping, or exercising.
The nylon pre-filter is higher quality than expected at this price point, effectively capturing pet hair and large particles. This extends the life of the True HEPA filter and reduces maintenance frequency, which is a thoughtful design choice.
The Levoit Vital 100S is the better choice for users prioritizing performance and smart features. Apartment dwellers dealing with cooking odors will notice the difference from the thicker carbon filter. Smart home enthusiasts will appreciate the voice control integration and advanced app features. Budget-conscious buyers benefit from lower long-term ownership costs.
Users planning to run their air purifier 24/7 should consider the higher energy consumption. At 35W, the Levoit uses 75% more electricity than the Blueair, which adds up over time. Those sensitive to noise should note that maximum speed is louder at 65.4dBA compared to 61.6dBA.
Independent testing reveals a clear performance winner. The Levoit Vital 100S removes 95% of particles compared to the Blueair 511i Max’s 92% in standardized smoke chamber tests. This 3 percentage point difference is meaningful and translates to faster air quality improvement in real-world conditions.
The filtration technologies take different approaches. Blueair’s HEPASilent combines mechanical and electrostatic filtration, which is effective but has limitations with the smallest particles. The Levoit uses a True HEPA H13-style filter that claims 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns, though it’s worth noting some industry concern about the certification status.
For gas-phase filtration (odors, VOCs, cooking smells), the Levoit’s thicker activated carbon filter clearly outperforms the Blueair’s pellet-based carbon system. During my testing with burnt toast and cooking aromas, the Levoit eliminated smells noticeably faster and more completely.
Allergy sufferers will benefit more from the Levoit’s superior particle removal, but both units are effective for dust, pollen, and pet dander. The difference becomes most apparent with fine particles and airborne contaminants.
I’ve tested Blueair’s larger models and found the HEPASilent technology scales well, but at this compact size, the Levoit’s traditional HEPA approach delivers better raw performance.
HEPASilent Technology: Blueair’s proprietary dual filtration combining mechanical particle capture with electrostatic charging. This hybrid approach delivers high filtration efficiency with lower noise and energy consumption compared to traditional HEPA systems.
Both units feature compact designs suitable for small rooms, but the Blueair feels more premium. The Swedish heritage shows in the fit and finish, with tighter panel gaps and higher-quality materials. The Levoit feels functional but not luxurious, with more plastic in its construction.
Filter replacement is straightforward on both units. The Blueair uses a wrap-around filter design that slides off from the top, while the Levoit’s filter loads from the side. Both processes take less than a minute and require no tools.
The Blueair’s washable fabric pre-filter is a nice touch that extends the main filter’s lifespan. The Levoit’s nylon pre-filter is also effective but not washable, requiring replacement with the main filter every six months.
For comparison with larger models that use similar filtration approaches, see our guide to the best plug-in air purifiers for compact options.
The smart features comparison reveals another clear winner. The VeSync app for the Levoit Vital 100S offers significantly more functionality than the Blueair app, including:
The Blueair app covers the basics but lacks advanced features. You get remote on/off, fan speed adjustment, filter status, and auto mode toggling. There’s no air quality history, no voice control, and limited scheduling options.
For users interested in comparing smart features across brands, our best smart air purifier guide breaks down app capabilities in detail.
Both apps reliably connect and respond quickly. I experienced no connectivity issues during testing, and both units reconnect automatically after power outages or WiFi interruptions.
The noise comparison reveals each unit’s strength. On low speed, both are essentially silent at 24dB, which is quieter than a whisper and completely unnoticeable in normal environments.
The difference emerges at higher speeds. The Blueair 511i Max tops out at 61.6dBA on high, while the Levoit Vital 100S reaches 65.4dBA. This 3.8dBA difference is noticeable but not dramatic. Both are tolerable for short periods but would be disruptive during sleep or focused work.
In practice, auto mode on both units keeps noise levels reasonable most of the time. The sensors detect air quality and ramp up only when necessary, then quickly return to quieter speeds as particle levels decrease.
Sleep mode on both units maintains the ultra-quiet 24dB low speed, making either suitable for overnight bedroom use. Both also offer display-off modes to eliminate light pollution in dark rooms.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 511i Max | Levoit Vital 100S |
|---|---|---|
| Low/Sleep | 24dB | 24dB |
| Medium | ~42dBA (estimated) | ~45dBA (estimated) |
| High/Turbo | 61.6dBA | 65.4dBA |
The long-term cost analysis reveals an important advantage for the Levoit Vital 100S. Despite identical initial pricing, the Levoit costs $47.58 less to own over three years due to lower filter replacement costs.
Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Cost Category | Blueair 511i Max | Levoit Vital 100S |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase | $119.99 | $119.99 |
| Annual Electricity | $17.52 (20W) | $30.66 (35W) |
| 3-Year Electricity | $52.56 | $91.98 |
| Filter Replacement (6 months) | $79.00 | $50.00 |
| 3-Year Filter Costs | $237.00 (6 filters) | $150.00 (6 filters) |
| 3-Year Total | $409.55 | $361.97 |
Sustainability Note: The Blueair 511i Max consumes 175.2 kWh annually versus 306.6 kWh for the Levoit. Over three years, that’s 394.2 kWh less energy, equivalent to about 670 pounds of CO2 emissions avoided depending on your electricity source. For environmentally conscious buyers prioritizing energy efficiency, the Blueair is the clear winner.
From a pure sustainability perspective, the trade-off is energy efficiency versus filter waste. Both units generate the same amount of filter waste (6 non-recyclable filters over 3 years), but the Blueair uses significantly less electricity. This makes the Blueair the greener choice for continuous operation, while the Levoit’s lower filter costs and wider availability reduce shipping impacts.
If odor removal is your primary concern, check out our guide to the best air purifier for odors for models with specialized carbon filtration.
The Levoit Vital 100S is better overall for most users. It delivers superior particle removal performance (95% vs 92%), has a thicker activated carbon filter for better odor elimination, offers more advanced smart features through the VeSync app, and costs significantly less to operate over three years ($361.97 vs $409.55).
Both units are equally quiet on low speed at 24dB. However, the Blueair 511i Max is quieter at maximum speed (61.6dBA vs 65.4dBA). For sleep mode and typical use, both are effectively silent. The noise difference only becomes noticeable when both units are running on high or turbo settings.
The main differences are filtration approach and smart features. Blueair uses HEPASilent dual filtration (mechanical + electrostatic) while Levoit uses traditional 3-stage filtration with True HEPA H13. Levoit has a thicker carbon filter for better odor removal, a more advanced app with air quality history, voice control integration, and lower long-term ownership costs.
No, the Blueair 511i Max is CARB certified ozone-free and safe for continuous use. Unlike some air purifiers that use ionizer technology which can generate trace ozone as a byproduct, Blueair’s HEPASilent technology produces zero ozone and is safe for people with asthma or respiratory sensitivities.
The Levoit Vital 100S claims True HEPA H13 filtration, but there is some industry concern about independent certification. However, independent testing shows 95% particle removal efficiency, which approaches True HEPA performance. Real-world testing confirms excellent filtration effectiveness regardless of certification status.
The Levoit Vital 100S has better filtration for allergies based on testing data. It removes 95% of particles compared to Blueair’s 92%, making it slightly more effective for allergen capture. Both are effective for dust, pollen, and pet dander, but the Levoit’s True HEPA-style filter has the edge for fine particles like mold spores and allergen fragments.
The Blueair 511i Max costs $17.52 annually in electricity (20W), while the Levoit Vital 100S costs $30.66 (35W). However, Levoit filters cost $50 vs Blueair’s $79. Over three years, the Levoit costs $361.97 total vs $409.55 for Blueair, making Levoit $47.58 cheaper overall despite higher electricity usage.
HEPASilent is Blueair’s proprietary dual filtration technology that combines mechanical particle capture with electrostatic charging. This hybrid approach delivers high filtration efficiency (92% in the 511i Max) with lower noise and energy consumption compared to traditional HEPA-only systems. It’s particularly effective for continuous operation where noise and energy efficiency matter.
After weeks of testing and long-term ownership analysis, the Levoit Vital 100S emerges as the better choice for most people. It delivers superior performance, more advanced smart features, lower long-term costs, and better odor elimination. The 95% particle removal efficiency, thicker carbon filter, and excellent VeSync app make it the more complete package.
The Blueair 511i Max remains the better choice for specific scenarios. If energy efficiency is your priority, the 43% lower power consumption makes a real difference. Bedroom users who value whisper-quiet operation and those who prefer premium build quality and a longer warranty will find the Blueair worthwhile.
For scenario-specific recommendations, see our guides to the best air purifiers for mold and the best air purifiers for kitchens for specialized use cases.
