Levoit Vs. Shark Air Purifiers: In-depth Differences

The air in our homes can get surprisingly dirty. Dust, dander, mold – it’s enough to make anyone reach for an air purifier. But with so many models on the market, how do you choose? Let’s take a close look at two popular brands: Levoit and Shark.

We’ll break down the key features and performance of their most popular models side by side so you can determine which is best for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Levoit	Shark
Price	More affordable, under $100	$150+
Noise Level	Lower speeds, quieter	Has turbo settings, can be loud
Room Capacity	300 sq ft for popular models	Up to 500 sq ft
WiFi Connectivity	Lacks in some models	Yes, can connect to app
Filter Cost	~$80-100 per year	~$60 per year
Estimated Lifespan	5+ years, some up to 10 years	Unknown, likely comparable
Performance on Odors	Better based on user testing	OK but not as strong
Performance on Allergens	Good but not as thorough	Excellent per user testing
Aesthetic	Compact cylindrical	Slim tower

Key Takeaways:

• Both Levoit and Shark offer high-quality HEPA filtration at 99.97% efficiency and compact designs. Performance on removing dust, allergens and other particles are pretty comparable.
• Levoit air purifiers tend to be cheaper both upfront (under $100) and long-term with replacement filters. They value quiet operation and affordability.
• Shark invests in premium features like WiFi/app connectivity, filters with extra layers, and automated functions. But their upfront and maintenance costs are almost 2X a comparable Levoit.
• Make sure to match room size, noise tolerance, and any “smart” requirements before choosing between the brands. Levoit works better in small, quiet rooms on a strict budget. Shark has flexibility for larger, public spaces needing automation.
• I tested both brands firsthand and was very satisfied with the purification improvements. While I ultimately kept the Shark model, you can’t go wrong with either company for cleaner indoor air. It just comes down to aligning performance with your budget and needs.

A Real User’s Experience with Levoit and Shark

As someone who has used both Levoit and Shark air purifiers in my small downtown apartment, I feel qualified to do a thorough comparison.

I first purchased the Levoit Core 300 based on rave reviews I saw online for its performance, design, and price point.

I used it for over a year in my living room and was pleased with how it seemed to reduce dust.

When I moved to a new apartment though, I decided to switch things up and bought the Shark Air Purifier 6.

The tower design took up less floor space in my even smaller place. After trying it out for several months, I did notice some differences from my old Levoit model. Below I’ll go through my real world testing on factors like effectiveness, features, price, and more.

Purification Power and Effectiveness

The most important aspect of any air purifier is how well it actually cleans the air. Both companies claim their models can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

As a user rather than a scientist, I couldn’t effectively measure if those lab test numbers held up in my home. What I did notice though was:

• Levoit Outperformed on Odors – My Levoit Core 300 did better at reducing strong cooking smells from my tiny kitchen as well as masking my roommate’s cat box aroma. The activated carbon filter and bigger room capacity gave it an edge.
• Shark Edge on Allergens – The Shark seemed more effective at catching dander, dust, and other allergens. My roommate noticed her seasonal allergy symptoms weren’t as bad which she attributed to the Shark. The double HEPA filters likely helped.
• No Clear Winner – Overall it was hard to declare one model a definitive winner on air purification power. Both make impressive claims backed up by tech like H13 HEPA filters and activated carbon. My real world tests showed strengths and weaknesses for both.

Features and Functionality

Beyond just cleaning performance, air purifiers come packed with extra features that help them better suit your needs. Let’s explore how Levoit and Shark compare.

• Noise Levels – A quiet purifier is key for bedrooms and offices. My Levoit Core 300 had lower fan speeds and was almost silent which I preferred. The Shark Air Purifier 6 has turbo settings that improve cleaning but were too loud for small spaces in my opinion.
• Room Capacity – My open concept apartment barely reached the 300 sq ft coverage limit of my Levoit which is their most popular model. The Shark Air Purifier claims up to 500 sq ft which gives it more flexibility for larger rooms.
• WiFi Connectivity – The Shark takes the lead here with the ability to connect to an app that monitors air quality and remotely control the device. Levoit has some WiFi enabled models but the Core 300 lacks this. Being able to start my Shark before getting home to clean up pet smells was convenient.
• Design Aesthetic – With these appliances sitting out in my living spaces, looks certainly matter and it’s a subjective choice. I liked the cylindrical shape and neutral colors of my Levoit Core 300. But the Shark tower took up less floor space which was helpful.

For me the Shark did have a functionality edge thanks mainly to its WiFi integration and bigger cleaning capacity. But there wasn’t a major difference and Levoit’s strengths balanced things out.

Cost Breakdown and Value

A key selling point for both brands is an affordable price for the technology you get. Let’s see how pricing shakes out:

• Upfront Cost – My Levoit Core 300 was $100 while the Shark Air Purifier 6 cost me $170. All Shark models are $150+ while Levoit offers more budget-friendly options under $100.
• Filter Replacements – This ongoing cost needs accounting for. Shark’s filters run about $60 per year. Levoit tends to be pricier with filters at roughly $80-100 annually.
• Estimated Lifespan – How long these appliances last factors into the value proposition. Users report getting 5+ years out of Levoit purifiers with some reaching 10 years. My 1 year old Shark is going strong but long term reliability reports aren’t available yet.
• Paying for Features – The Shark’s higher starting price does deliver extras like WiFi, bigger capacity, and performance monitoring that Levoit can lack at cheaper prices. You potentially get what you pay for.

Levoit gives more affordable entry points while Shark offers premium features at an almost 2x price. That better tech still may balance out in the long run though if Shark purifiers prove to operate reliably for 5+ years. It’s a call each buyer will have balance for their budget.

I was content with what the Levoit Core 300 offered for just $100. But the Shark’s connectivity and intelligence justified the price jump for me. You really can’t go wrong either way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Air Purifier Comes Out on Top?

So when all is said and done, which brand makes the better air purifier?

For budget shoppers – Levoit can’t be beaten with reliable models under $100 that still pack proprietary filtration technology, compact sizes, and whisper quiet operation.

For smart functionality – Shark takes the lead by adding app connectivity, air quality sensors, and autosensing filters to an attractively modern, tower-shaped design.

As an actual user of both the Levoit Core 300 and Shark Air Purifier 6, my experiences exposed strengths and weaknesses for both products. In my small downtown apartment, the Shark’s bigger cleaning capacity, high-tech features like WiFi controls, and performance on allergens ultimately outweighed negatives like slightly higher noise.

But your priorities may be different. If budget, compact size, or whisper quiet operation are critical – you’ll prefer Levoit. I’d enthusiastically recommend either though be sure to pick a model that best aligns with your needs.

I don’t think you can go wrong choosing between these two innovative purifier brands empowering people to breathe cleaner air.