Levoit LV-H132 Air Purifier Review – Hands On Details & All The Facts

Compact. Solid. Quiet. These are some of the words that come to mind when I think the Levoit LV-H132 purifier I own & tested.

But is it really worth the money? And how does it compare to come of its rivals – including new model like the Levoit Core 300? Find out all of this and more in my detailed, hands-on review of the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier.

There’s a lot of info to cover so let’s get started right away!

Getting to know the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier

Levoit Core 300 vs LV-H132 vs Vista 200 air purifier comparison image

Levoit’s family of air purifiers includes the best-selling LV-H132 and 2 newer models: The Vista 200 and the Core 300. All feature low-noise operation, low height, and a round design with a true HEPA filter.

One of the best-selling air purifiers of all time, the LV-H132 offers a long list of features & air quality functions that have made it one of the most popular products you’ll find. 

Levoit’s line of air purifiers has some unique features not found in others:

  • Compact circular & modern design
  • Electronic touch controls
  • True HEPA filter with 99.97% efficiency for elements down to 0.3 millionths of a meter (0.3 microns)
  • Prefilter with activated charcoal for odor & volatile organic chemical (VOC) absorption
  • Low-noise operation that’s one of the quietest in any purifier available
  • White low-gloss finish
  • Nigh light feature (model-specific option)

The LV-H132 is now a bit more mature & older when compared to the most recent models recently released by the company. However, it’s definitely still a very good choice and a competent air purifier.

Read on to find out why.

Unpacking & first impressions

Packaging

Image of unboxing the LV-H132 air purifier from its packaging

I got my own LV-H132…finally! I carefully took it out of the shipping box. It’s well-packaged and the owner’s manual is placed where it’s easy to find. There’s also a customer service phone number clearly placed where you’ll see it upon opening the box. Well done!

Having owned & tested so many different kinds of air purifiers you’d think this wasn’t a big deal. Just the same, I’ve always been curious to try out the popular Levoit for myself and see what all the fuss is about!

The LV-H132 came well-packaged with soft closed cell foam inserts to hold it steady. Overall my first impressions were good as I’ve come to expect from the company.

Example of a new HEPA filter in bag in the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier

When getting started with your LV-H132 purifier, you’ll need to remove the protective plastic cover from the air filter, already installed inside the unit. There’s also a plastic protective layer covering the controls to remove as well.

After unboxing the purifier I began inspecting the quality, learning the controls & features, setting it up, and testing it.

To set up your new purifier you’ll need to remove the filter from its plastic bag before use.  That’s done to preserve the HEPA filter inside as well as prevent the active carbon filter from losing life before you get it.

Build quality and fit & finish

Close up images of the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier body

The LV-H132 has a nice, modern-looking satin white finish. Parts are tight, aligned correctly, and altogether it looks well-made. That’s one of the characteristics of the company’s line of air quality products.

After opening and unpacking it (which consisted of removing the corrugated cardboard inserts – styrofoam isn’t used with this one) I finally got to check it out and turn it on!

The LV-H132 features an attractive satin white body that looks nice and can fit in just about anywhere you put it. The control panel features a good-looking gloss black inlay with contrasting button symbols.

In the center of the top portion of the unit is a “grill” which is where light is generated when the night light feature is used..+

Overall impressions and manufacturing quality

After giving the purifier a close looking over I’m happy to say it passes with flying colors – absolutely no signs of poor design, assembly issues, or defects. The purifier feels solid and well-made in the hands, weighing several pounds (

It’s definitely not an “el-cheapo” product here – it’s the same great Levoit build quality I’ve experienced while testing the super-selling LV-H132.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that gaps and misaligned parts are a sign of build issues. I’m happy to report you won’t find that here – only a well-made purifier that looks great right from the get-go!

Checking out the controls

Image of Levoit LV-H132 air purifier controls with illustrated text

Diagram showing the Levoit Core 300 touch control functions & features. It’s super-easy to use the purifier: Turn the power on/off, select a fan speed, turn the night light on or off, or optionally turn off all control panel illumination (see below for details).

Using the purifier is really easy. In the picture above, you can see the touch controls, each with a symbol:

  • Fan speed button (low, med, and high)
  • Check filter indicator
  • Night light control
  • Power on/off

The controls are nice and work well – they’re not too sensitive but don’t need a hard touch, either.

I found them to be reliable and using them became natural after only a few uses. Obviously, some very good engineering work has gone into this model.

One feature I really like is the setting memory feature. When switching the unit back on after earlier use, the last settings used are restored including the night light. Very nice!

Does the LV-H132 beep?

Yes, touching any of the controls causes a very short beep to show you’ve touched one of the controls. Additionally, the same is true for power up or down when the power button is pushed or when the unit is plugged into an outlet.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to turn off the sound. If that’s a particular issue for you, consider the sibling models the Vista 200 and the even better Core 300 model.

However, the beeps aren’t too loud and aren’t an issue in my opinion.

Fan speeds & modes

The purifier’s fan controls are really very straightforward: Just touch it to rotate through the 3 speeds.

What I like about Levoit purifiers (and that you won’t find on many competitor models) is that they ramp up (or down) gracefully when changing speeds.

There’s no harsh, abrupt “jumping” to a much faster setting. Instead, you’ll hear and feel the fan gently increase or decrease in speed until it reaches the next speed.

Additional features

Image showing examples of extra features on the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier

Reset the filter reminder anytime (for example in the case of early maintenance) by pushing and holding the reminder button. Another nice feature is the all-off illumination control: Push and hold the night light button to turn off all button backlights if you like.

There are a few more features worth noting:

  • Filter reminder: When lit (after around 6 months) it’s time to check your filters and replace if needed. You can reset the reminder by pushing and holding it for 3 seconds. Additionally, you can do so any time so there’s no need to wait until the button lights to carry out filter maintenance.
  • Control lights on/off: Switches off ALL control lighting completely (great for sleeping or light-sensitive people like me!) You can do so by pushing and holding the night light button.

I was happy to find out that if you’re sensitive to light you can switch off all control panel lights by using the night light/dimmer button. That’s a nice option I rarely see on these types of products.

Note: The LV-H132’s sibling the new Core 300 replaces the night light feature with a control lock option. If having a night light is of interest to you be sure to consider this when shopping.

Specifications & CADR ratings

Levoit LV-H132 Specifications
  • Room size rating: 129 sq. ft (small or medium room)
  • 3-speed fan control
  • 2 level night light feature
  • True HEPA filter
  • Activated carbon pellet section
  • Very low noise operation (< 50dB)
  • Prefilter can be cleaned or replaced separately
  • CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) ratings: Dust (110), pollen (110), smoke (110)
  • AHAM Verified, Energy Star Verified, FCC certified, ETL listed, CA PROP 65 certified
  • Electronic touch controls
  • Control lighting on/off feature
  • Memory feature retains last setting used
  • Filter replacement reminder (~6 mos.)
  • Twist-open filter cover with handle
  • Simple filter replacement (drop in)
  • 2 year warranty
  • Replacement filter: LV-H132-RF
  • Power use: 28.3W (max. fan speed)
  • Weight: 5.25 lbs (2.38 kg)
  • Cord length: 6 ft.
  • Control location: Top
  • Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 12.5″ (19 x 19 x 31.75 cm)

If you’re not already familiar with it, it’s helpful to understand more about the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) standard used by the industry. This is a voluntary lab-tested rating of an air purifier’s cleaning ability.

Levoit LV-H132 CADR ratings label

The Levoit LV-H132 CADR ratings are shown here.

The AHAM is an organization that verifies the testing results of home appliances & performs lab testing for appliance manufacturers although it’s not required by law.

In simple terms, it’s a rating used to help you know before buying an air purifier’s effectiveness. The rating numbers mean “higher is better” as they’re lab tested using a series of test to find out their air cleaning effectiveness.

Basically, when shopping for a purifier it’s helpful to have an air cleaning performance rating to compare different models. In the case of the CADR rating, just remember that higher is better.

The LV-H132 purifier’s CADR rating is not the highest in its class, but that’s a trade-off due to the lower fan speed used for low-noise operation (more about that later). You’ll find that some competitor models, as well as the larger LV-H133 model, offer a higher airflow rate.

This comes with a cost, however: Larger size, louder operation, and sometimes higher cost too.

Comparing the Levoit compact purifier vs tower models

Image showing the height of a Levoit LV-H132 air purifier measurement

It’s very short unlike some popular competitors like the GermGuardian AC4825 that’s 22″ tall. Measuring only 12.5″ tall in height (31.75 cm), it’s compact and can fit into many smaller areas. It’s also tip-over resistant, too, unlike much taller models.

At only 12.5″ in height, it’s fairly compact. Although most “tower” air purifiers tend to be rather tall at 22″ or even more (for example the popular rival competitor, the GermGuardian AC4825 purifier) it’s a nice change in that it opens up more options for floor or shelf placement.

There’s another advantage there, too: It’s nearly impossible to tip it over by accident. In my experience, tall tower purifiers are easy to bump into and knock over accidentally sometimes.

Much like any other purifier, you shouldn’t place it very close to walls or other large objects.

You’ll need to give it enough room for airflow (about 15″ from each side) as it needs space to circulate air efficiently. You don’t want to restrict airflow in your room as circulation is important for proper air cleaning.

Weight

At about 5.25 lbs (2.38 kg) in weight, it feels solid in my hands and doesn’t have a light, cheap feel like with other brands I’ve tested.

Because of the weight, however, you’ll have to avoid placing it on frail surfaces that can’t support a few pounds of weight.

Carrying the purifier

One thing that’s lacking is a carrying handle. That’s not unique to the LV-H132 though as the other Levoit models don’t offer it either.

Unlike some models from rival companies Honeywell and GermGuardian, there isn’t a built-in carrying area to put your hand in. You’ll need to use 2 hands in this case which makes it slightly less convenient when carrying it.

Not a big deal in my experience since it’s pretty small but it’s something to be aware of.

Levoit LV-H132 power use measurements

Levoit LV-H132 air purifier power use measurements images

Pictured: I measured power use in Watts for all 4 settings (3 fan speeds + the off state).  I recorded power meter readings both with and without control lighting switched on and I wasn’t able to measure any noticeable difference. It’s an efficient air purifier and you won’t have to worry about driving up your power bill – even if you let it run all day, every day! In fact, it uses less power than the newer Levoit Core 300.

How many watts does the LV-H132 use?

Like many other products out there, although the owner’s manual specifies the power use on the highest setting, it doesn’t say anything at all about power use for the other fan speeds.

To get accurate, real numbers I measured power use in Watts for all speed settings with and without the lighting switched on.

(Note: There’s so little power used in standby (off) mode my meter was not able to record it very well. See my notes below.)

Levoit LV-H132 power use table

Mode Power (Watts)
Off 0-0.8
Low 11.8
Med. 19.3
High 28.3

As you can see the power draw is very low – in fact, these are some of the lowest measurements I’ve seen yet! Levoit recommends using the high-speed setting for a period of time when air cleaning needs are demanding then switching to a lower fan speed.

Low and medium settings are what most people are likely to use as they’re far quieter than the high speed.

However, despite being a bit louder, high still draws about 1/2 the power at a similar setting when compared to rivals like the GermGuardian AC4825 at about 55W.

For all power measurements recorded, I switched the control lighting off as well. The difference was so small it couldn’t be measured.

Lighting power draw

When switching the night light on and off power draw was very small! So much so that the lowest brightness could not be measured by me instrument:

  • Night light 1st setting (bright): 0.1W
  • Night light 2nd setting (low): ~0.05W

Likewise, switching off the control panel backlighting doesn’t offer any worthwhile power savings as LEDs are used to provide light. In case you weren’t aware, LEDs use only a fraction of the electrical power compared to traditional bulbs.

Air cleaning ability & performance

Comparison of Levoit Core 300, LV-H132, and Vista 200 HEPA purifier filters

Comparing the Levoit true HEPA filters for 3 models including the Core 300. While the LV-H132 offers a better odor-capturing prefilter containing carbon pellets at no extra charge, its HEPA filter size is less than half that of that found in the Core 300. Right: The lower model, the Vista 200, has a very similar filter design but is smaller. 

While the LV-H132 uses a very compact filter with real carbon pellets for trapping additional odor and volatile organic compounds (VCOs) from the air, it’s total filter size is considerably smaller than the newest additions to the product line the Vista 200 and Core 300.

Despite that, one advantage of buying the LV-H132 is that you’ll have better odor control performance at no extra cost. While the Core 300 does offer upgraded filter option with a better odor control prefilter section, that’s an added expense and you’ll have to find the filter (Core 300-RF-TX) too.

Levoit LV-H132 square feet coverage and room size

Recommended for up to 129 square feet size rooms, it’s well suited for medium-sized rooms but it’s well-suited for small rooms too.

129 sq ft is roughly a 12.9 x 10 ft room. Bear in mind that this is an approximate size used – it doesn’t have to be used in a room exactly that size.

The thing to remember is that air purifiers work by cycling air in a room; it takes time to cycle & filter the entire room’s air.

Filter ability

LV-H132 used dirty prefilter and HEPA filter examples

Shown: My purifier’s prefilter did a great job of trapping nasty, bothersome dust in the air. As you can see, after some use the HEPA filter had built up a fair amount of microscopic particulates which shows up as a slightly darkened area between in the filer folds. The filter’s capable of excellent filtering ability and works well. It can trap nearly 100% of all particulates in its airflow down to 0.3 microns in size!

The high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter worked very well for removing the most common air quality issues (especially those that cause allergies and even sickness!)

However, the more limited airflow rate means it took longer to complete a full circulation & filtering of the room’s air when compared to other models with stronger fan speed.

Here are some of the most troublesome problems the filter can help with:

  • Pet dander
  • Pet hair (thanks to the pre-filter)
  • Dust mite allergens
  • Pollen
  • Dust
  • Home construction particles
  • Smoke residue
  • Smoke odors
  • Chemical and organic odors
  • Chemical vapors

What is the 3-stage filter?

Illustrated diagram of the Levoit LV-H132-RF 3 stage HEPA filter

Levoit’s true HEPA filters use a 2-stage filter assembly made up of 2 major sections with 3 functions: The pre-filter/activated carbon filter, an activated carbon filter coating, and the HEPA filter.

The pre-filter section is a less dense & thin section covering the active carbon filter. Its job is to trap larger items in the air like pet hair, dust, and so on. This helps extend the life of the larger HEPA filter and provides a way to clean out the larger airborne particulates collected.

The active carbon filter coating traps odors and other chemical substances in the air like chemical vapors or pet smells.

Finally, the HEPA filter captures a whopping 99.97% of particles passing through it down to 0.3 microns in size. That’s less than 1 millionth of a meter in size.

It’s made of an extremely dense fibrous material that prevents microscopic particles from escaping as they’re carried in the air passing through.

How effective is it?

In my testing I found the air cleaning ability to be good. Due to the limited airflow rate (because of the low-noise design) it does take longer to effectively clean a room than other products, however.

While I didn’t get the high fan operation as some competing models have, it’s much more pleasant to use on an everyday basis because it’s so darn quiet!

I have a huge problem with dust where I live and the purifier started capturing a large amount immediately. It did well for light odors too.

Odor control

As I mentioned earlier, the main advantage of the LV-H132 is that you’ll get better odor & airborne chemical vapor absorption.

That’s because while most products on the market use an activated charcoal (carbon) coating on the prefilter section, the Levoit LV-H132 uses real, solid miniature carbon pellets for the most effective odor & vapor absorption.

Does the Levoit LV-H132 produce ozone?

As it’s a traditional filter-based air cleaning purifier it can’t create byproducts that are released into the air for you to inhale. The LV-H132 is perfectly safe and healthy as it does not produce any ozone. 

There’s no need to worry about it unlike other products on the market today (no very high-quality air purifier should be producing noticeable ozone, anyway!)

Filter replacement indicators & maintenance costs

Replacement indicator light

Example of the filter reminder light on a Levoit LV-H132 air purifier

Example image showing the filter replacement feature which lights after 6 months.

About every 6 months the filter check reminder will light to let you know it’s time to check both the prefilter and HEPA filter. It’s also a great opportunity to clean the prefilter as you can brush off or vacuum dust and hair buildup to extend its life and keep the cleaning efficiency up if you like.

However, note that the company recommends you replace the filter sooner under especially heavy use – the filter reminder serves as a general guideline. The manufacturer recommends replacing the filter assembly every 6-8 months.

The ability to clean the prefilter is an especially good one because the HEPA filter typically far outlasts the prefilter – so you don’t want to have to replace it sooner than necessary.

After checking the filters you’ll want to reset the reminder indicator by pushing and holding the button for 3 seconds. The timer will reset and the light will turn off.

Filter life, replacement options, and cost

LV-H132-RF replacement HEPA filter example image

Replacement filters can be bought separately for the purifier in packs of 1, 2, and 4. One thing I like about this model is that the replacement cost is very reasonable.

The company recommends replacing the filter after about 6-8 months; however, this depends greatly on use.

For example, if you’re a smoker or have indoor pets you should expect to replace the filter sooner. On the other hand, if you have much less demanding needs the filter will take longer to build up particulates, dust, and other nasty particles.

Getting the most life out of your filter

For lighter use, the life can be extended even further and you might be able to exceed 8 months, although I’d still recommend replacing it after 6 to 8 months of use. You’d be surprised how much nastiness the filter will trap and that will build up quickly!

Always check the filter periodically to see if you’ll need to clean the prefilter.

Note: The HEPA filter cannot be washed so don’t submerge it in water. You may vacuum it if desired but never expose it to water.

Maintenance costs

Replacement filters cost about $15 or so for a single filter replacement pack. You can also order packs of 2 and 4 as well. They’re very reasonably priced in my opinion.

Unfortunately, while the new Core 300 from the company offers 2 more upgraded filters you can buy there’s no such option for this model.

The good news is that there are aftermarket companies who sell replacement filters so you’ll get an even better deal when shopping for a new filter (for example less than $20 for a 2 pack, which is a really good deal).

How hard is it to replace the filter?

Image showing filter removal for the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier

Removing & replacing the filter is super easy and one of the simplest I’ve seen yet. You’ll need to turn the purifier upside down then unlock the cover by twisting it. Next, remove the prefilter screen then pull the HEPA filter assembly out by one of the tabs provided.

Filter replacement is a breeze and takes just a moment, just like their other products I’m very happy to say.

It’s just a few simple steps:

  1. Turn the purifier upside down (be careful to avoid scratching it).
  2. Twist open the cover using the handle. The cover will unlock.
  3. Remove the prefilter mesh material then pull the filter assembly out by one of the 2 tabs provided.

Replacement is the exact reverse and just as fast, too. Most air purifiers are easy to work but it’s one of the easiest I’ve used yet.

Owner’s manual quality

Levoit LV-H132 owners manual example pages

The owner’s manual is clear, easy to read, and full of helpful instructions anyone can understand. It’s an excellent example of a well-done instruction manual and one of the best I’ve come across. (Click to enlarge)

After unboxing my new purifier I reviewed the instructions and found the owner’s manual to be very clear, helpful, and it really helps you get started quickly.

In the owner’s manual you’ll find:

  • How to best use your purifier
  • The control panel operation
  • Filter maintenance and replacement information
  • Basic specifications and square feet coverage
  • Troubleshooting for various performance or functional problems that could arise

It’s very well done and makes using the purifier an easy task, unlike some lesser brands & products I’ve tested. I’m pretty darn happy with it, honestly.

Noise levels during use

The company advertises it as having low noise operation and without a doubt it’s true. Hands down the LV-H132 is one of the quietest units I’ve had the pleasure to own.

  • Sleep mode is incredibly quiet – so much so you can’t tell the fan is running
  • Low speed (#1) is extremely quiet and not easily detectable to the human ear
  • Medium (#2) is very quiet and has a very low operational noise with a very pleasant light white noise tone
  • High (#3) has a fair amount of sound but is still easily covered by the sound of the radio, TV, or music in many cases

The high setting is especially helpful for the quickest cleaning of contaminated air.

According to the owner’s manual when air quality is poor it’s ideal to run it at the high setting for a while then turn it back to the low or medium setting.

When compared to other models from GermGuardian (like their best-selling AC4825 and AC500) or Honeywell there’s a big difference in the noise volume. Also other products have a far less “gentle” sound when running than the Levoit model.

Volume measurements

dB noise level meter measurement image

I measured volume levels using a No products found. at 1 meter (3.28 ft) from the purifier.

Measurement Volume (dB)
Off (room noise) 39.3
Low 40
Medium 43
High 48

On the lowest setting it’s nearly impossible to even know it’s running – that’s how quiet it is! Medium is also very pleasing at only 43 decibels which is barely noticeable. 

When set to high, at only 48 dB it’s a good 10dB less than the GermGuardian AC4825. 10dB is a significant amount in terms of volume. The “tone” of the airflow produced by the fan is less harsh in my opinion as well.

If sound levels are a worry for you (like they are for me, as I’m a light sleeper) this one’s a great choice.

Night brightness

Example images of Levoit LV-H132 air purifier night light in a dark room

I tested the night light feature in a dark room and found it to be very good. 2 brightness settings are provided, with enough to dimly light a room or enough to let you see your way to the bathroom at night.

I’m a light sleeper so the light produced by electronics can be a concern for me. One thing I always do is test products in the dark as well so I can report to you what I found.

Ultimately, here’s my experience with the purifier’s light brightness:

  • The control lighting isn’t too bright, but that’s not really an issue since there’s an all-off option
  • The night light low setting is a light glow and is probably good for most people
  • The highest night light setting is enough to light the ceiling and is good for making your way to the restroom etc.

All in all, I’m pleased with it and don’t have any complaints.

Levoit LV-H132 vs Core 300

Levoit LV-H132 vs Core 300 comparison image

The Levoit LV-H132 (left) is an all-time best-selling purifier that’s been copied but never duplicated. It shares many similarities with the Core 300 but has a few differences you’ll want to know about when shopping.

While you can think of the recently introduced Levoit Core 300 as an improved version of the LV-H132, that’s not exactly the case in all areas. There are a few things you’ll want to know before deciding on one vs the other.

Here’s a simple comparison chart to help:

Image
LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Home, HEPA Filter for Smoke, Dust and Pollen in...
LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier, white
Model
LV-H132
Core 300
Night light
Sleep mode
Control beeps
Auto-off timer
Filter type
3-stage HEPA
3-stage HEPA
Prefilter
Real carbon pellet
Activated carbon coating
Room sq ft
129
215
Warranty
2 years
1 year
Current price
$89.99
Price not available
Image
LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Home, HEPA Filter for Smoke, Dust and Pollen in...
Model
LV-H132
Night light
Sleep mode
Control beeps
Auto-off timer
Filter type
3-stage HEPA
Prefilter
Real carbon pellet
Room sq ft
129
Warranty
2 years
Current price
$89.99
Image
LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier, white
Model
Core 300
Night light
Sleep mode
Control beeps
Auto-off timer
Filter type
3-stage HEPA
Prefilter
Activated carbon coating
Room sq ft
215
Warranty
1 year
Current price
Price not available

To keep it simple, the biggest differences are:

  • The LV-H132 has a room size coverage of 129 sq feet vs the 215 sq ft you’ll get with the Core 300.
  • The LV-H132 offers a 2-level night light option. The Core 300 does not.
  • The Core 300’s HEPA filter has a larger surface area for more filter life & better performance.
  • The LV-H132 provides a prefilter with real carbon pellets (better) for odor absorption while the Core 300 uses a standard activated carbon coating (better filters are optional)
  • The Core 300 provides 3 fan speed + an ultra-quiet Sleep mode. No sleep mode is provided with the LV-H132 (3 speeds only)
  • No auto-off timer on the LV-H132
  • Controls on the LV-H132 produce a beep while the Core 300’s controls are silent.
  • 2 yr warranty (LV-H132) vs a 1 yr warranty (Core 300) provided.
  • The Core 300 offers more effective air cleaning with both a larger true HEPA filter, higher CADR rating, and slightly better fan rate.

When looking at the big picture when comparing, when offered at the same price the Core 300 is a better value. However, the LV-H132 is still a solid choice and you won’t regret purchasing it – especially if you prefer the night light option.

Additionally, the better odor control prefilter is included and replacement filters are affordable.

You can always upgrade the filter in your Core 300 for better odor control (Core 300-RF-TX option) for a few dollars more, plus it’s simply a better purifier altogether.

Which should you buy?

You should pick the LV-H132 over the Core 300 when you’re considering several reasons:

  • When the LV-H132 costs less/you’d like to save money
  • You need better odor control performance without the need to pay for an upgraded filter like the Core 300 requires
  • The night light feature is important to you
  • Prefer an included 2 yr warranty vs the 1 yr for the Core 300
  • You’d like an extra color choice

All in all, it’s a good choice and won’t let you down. I do personally prefer the better cleaning power of the Core 300 myself, but it comes with compromises like a weaker activated carbon prefilter section.

Levoit LV-H132 black model

The LV-H132 is also now available in a black version as well. The Core 300 currently is not.

One of my long-standing complaints about the LV-H132 was the lack of an alternate color. Fortunately, the company released a new black version of the model as well. At this time Core 300 doesn’t offer a similar buying choice.

Levoit LV-H132 Vs GermGuardian AC4825

Levoit LV-H132 Vs Germguardian AC4825 comparison image

Both models look very different from the outside but in fact share a lot of common features, performance, and build quality. Obviously, there are significant size & styling differences to consider. But not to worry – both are great at what they do! I’m sure one will find a great place in your home.

As far as air purifiers sold today go, two of the best-selling are without a doubt the LV-H132 and the popular GermGuardian AC4825. both occupy one of the most popular price segments over at Amazon and normally sell for under $100.

Both models are HEPA filter-based models that work with a pre-filter and active carbon filter to trap air contaminants, odors, and dust and hair. 

Functionally they’re very similar but have some differences in terms of features and how they work. Additionally, both are really easy to use so there’s no noticeable difference there either.

Measurement/Speed LV-H132 Vol. In Decibels (dB) AC4825 Volume (dB)
Off (room noise) 39.3 39.3
Low 40 42.5
Medium 43 50.5
High 48 58

As you can see, the LV-H132 is considerably quieter than the GermGuardian. That’s one of its strong points – although it can’t match the fan speed of the AC4825 you’ll get much quieter operation. (A whopping 10dB of difference on high in fact).

Which is best? Choosing the right one for your needs

Feature Levoit LV-H132 GermGuardian AC4825
 
Room size coverage 129 sq. ft. (small room) 167 sq. ft (medium-large room)
Night light? Yes (2 levels) No
Size 7.5 x 7.5 x 12.5″ (19 x 19 x 31.75 cm) 6.75 x 10.25 x 21.5″ (17.1 x 26 x 54.6 cm)
Filter reminder? Yes Yes
Control type Electronic touch buttons Manual controls (rotary switch)
Germ killing feature? No Yes
Noise levels Ultra quiet Quiet/normal
Warranty 2 years 3 year limited
Current price $89.99 $79.99

As you can probably tell by now it’s not really fair to say one is “better” than the other.  The LV-H132 offers a better activated carbon filter. However, the AC4825 has a larger filter size meaning you’ll get slightly better HEPA performance and filter life.

Additionally, the LV-H132 is more compact and won’t get knocked over by accident like the other one. The LV-H132’s memory feature is one of my favorites too – I just turn it on and it automatically recalls the last settings I used…including the night light!

You should pick the LV-H132 if:

  • You have a small room or office
  • Like the night light feature
  • Prefer a better odor control filter
  • Want almost-silent operation
  • Are ok with electronic controls & beeping on touch
  • Need a more compact air purifier
  • Don’t need a germ killing feature
  • Prefer touch controls

You should pick the AC4825 if:

  • You have a medium to large sized room
  • Want a purifier with higher fan speed/flow rate
  • Don’t mind the tall size (~22″)
  • Want a germ killing feature
  • Don’t need super-quiet operation
  • Want more value (more room coverage for the same price range)
  • Don’t like touch controlst

Review summary & score

After owning & testing the Levoit LV-H132 I can honestly say I like it! It’s well-made, super quiet, and there’s no question why it’s been copied but never duplicated – it’s very good.

If you’re looking for high-speed air cleaning this isn’t what you need. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality purifier that’s well made, offers affordable maintenance, and a good compromise between air cleaning and low noise, it’s a great choice.

Black and white version of Levoit LV-H132 air purifier product examples

Head over now to find out more and read the great buyer reviews at Amazon.

Levoit Core 300 with new product badgeNote: Want the same great quality with more features and better air cleaning performance but don’t need a night light? Check out the new Levoit Core 300 now being sold at Amazon.

Overall
9/10
9/10
  • Quality - 9.4/10
    9.4/10
  • Value - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
  • Ease of use - 9.5/10
    9.5/10
  • Air cleaning ability - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
  • Features - 8.6/10
    8.6/10
  • Noise levels - 9.5/10
    9.5/10

Not the fastest, but one of the best and still a good choice. Quiet quality that's reliable and compact. Often copied but never duplicated!

Even today, the Levoit LV-H132 is still a best-selling compact air purifier that won’t let you down. While the airflow rate is slower than many rival products, it makes up for this with its biggest advantage: super-quiet operation. Controls work well and offer reliable, simple operation. The night light and backlighting off features add great options for those using it overnight.

The activated carbon prefilter section uses real pellets vs the coating on most products for better odor control. Maintenance costs are very low and the filter reminder makes it simple. With a smaller HEPA filter size, it can’t match the filter life & performance of some larger models. (Room air cleaning isn’t as fast) However, for small to medium-sized rooms it’s a smart buy if you want high-quality & quiet operation in a small package. For better performance and overall value, however, the new Core 300 as an option to consider too.

Pros

  • 129 sq ft room coverage
  • Super quiet operation
  • 2 year warranty
  • 2-level night light
  • Electronic touch buttons
  • Setting memory feature
  • Black color available
  • Effective odor control (real pellets)
  • Prefilter material can be cleaned
  • Filter check reminder
  • Affordable replacement filters
  • Easy filter access (very simple)
  • All-off light control feature
  • Compact size won’t tip over

Cons

  • Lower airflow rate/room cleaning than others
  • Touch beep cannot be disabled
  • Smaller HEPA filter size
  • No upgrade filter types available
  • No auto-off timer
  • Carry handle feature not offered
Grant Williams

About the author

Grant is a professional engineer by trade and has experience with both maintenance and do-it-yourself home projects. He enjoys sharing his expertise & ideas with others to help them improve their comfort and quality of life. Read more »

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