Winix A231 vs Levoit Core 300S: Which UK Air Purifier is Right for You?
Choosing an air purifier can feel overwhelming, but for most UK homes, the sweet spot for value and performance sits under the £150 mark. In this competitive space, two models consistently stand out: the Winix A231 (also known as the Zero Compact) and the Levoit Core 300S. Both are excellent choices for small to medium-sized rooms, but they cater to very different user preferences.
This detailed Winix A231 vs Levoit Core 300S comparison breaks down the critical differences in performance, long-term cost, and smart features. Whether you want a device you can set and forget or one that integrates seamlessly into your smart home, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Both models are strong contenders in our guide to the Best under £150 ( standard ) air purifiers, but the right one for you depends on what you value most.
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At a Glance: Head-to-Head Comparison
For those short on time, this table summarises the key differences between the two models. The core choice comes down to the Winix's on-device "smart" auto mode and lower running costs versus the Levoit's full app and voice control capabilities.
The Core Difference: "Set-and-Forget" Auto Mode vs. Full Smart Home Control
The most significant distinction between these two purifiers lies in their definition of "smart." The Winix A231 offers on-device intelligence that works straight out of the box, while the Levoit Core 300S provides a fully connected experience for the modern smart home.
The Winix A231's Value: On-Device Intelligence
The Winix A231's key selling point is its Auto Mode. It has an integrated air quality sensor that constantly monitors the room for airborne dust and particles. When it detects a drop in air quality—such as when you open a window, or a pet walks into the room—it automatically ramps up the fan speed to clean the air more quickly. Once the air is clean again, it returns to a quiet, low-power state.
This "set-and-forget" functionality is its primary smart feature. You can turn it on and trust it to do its job without any further interaction. Crucially, this feature is included at a price point where many competitors, including Levoit's entry-level models, are manual-only. The A231 has no Wi-Fi connectivity, no app, and no voice control; its intelligence is entirely self-contained.
The Levoit Core 300S's Premium: App and Voice Integration
The Levoit Core 300S justifies its higher price by offering a comprehensive suite of connected features. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and is controlled via the polished and user-friendly VeSync app. This unlocks a range of capabilities the Winix lacks:
- Remote Control: Adjust settings from anywhere, whether you're in another room or away from home.
- Scheduling: Set the purifier to run at specific times of day, such as an hour before you get home from work or during peak pollen hours.
- Air Quality History: View graphs of your indoor air quality over time to identify patterns.
- Voice Control: Seamlessly integrate the purifier with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control it with simple voice commands.
For users invested in a smart home ecosystem, or for those who value granular control and data, the Core 300S offers a much more advanced and flexible experience.
Performance & Filtration Deep Dive
While smart features are important, an air purifier's primary job is to clean the air. Here, both models perform exceptionally well, though they take slightly different approaches to filtration.
Cleaning Power: CADR and Recommended Room Size
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is the standard metric for measuring an air purifier's speed and is a direct result of its Guide - air flow and filter efficiency. In this regard, the two models are very closely matched. The Winix A231 has a slight edge with a CADR of approximately 250 m³/h, compared to the Levoit Core 300S's 240 m³/h.
In practical terms, this difference is negligible. Both are officially rated for similar-sized spaces—up to 21 m² for the Winix and 20 m² for the Levoit. This makes them ideal for UK bedrooms, home offices, or smaller living rooms, where they can effectively filter the entire volume of air multiple times per hour.
Filtration Systems: Winix's 4-Stage vs. Levoit's 3-Stage
Both units use a multi-stage process centred around a high-efficiency filter, which is essential for capturing the microscopic particles that trigger allergies. For more detail on the technology, see our Guide - air filter.
The Levoit Core 300S uses a streamlined 3-in-1 filter cartridge that combines:
- A Pre-filter: Captures large particles like dust, lint, and pet hair.
- An H13 True HEPA Filter: Traps at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
- An Activated Carbon Filter: Adsorbs household odours from cooking, pets, and smoke, as well as VOCs.
The Winix A231 employs a more complex 4-stage system:
- A Fine Mesh Pre-filter: Catches the largest airborne particles.
- A True HEPA Filter: Captures 99.97% of particles like pollen and dust mites.
- An Activated Carbon Layer: Reduces odours and VOCs.
- PlasmaWave® Technology: An optional final stage that can be turned on or off.
The PlasmaWave Advantage: An Extra Layer of Cleaning?
Winix's proprietary PlasmaWave technology is a key differentiator. It's a type of ioniser that creates both positive and negative ions, which attach to airborne pollutants at a molecular level. This process helps to break down pollutants like bacteria, viruses, and chemical vapours.
Unlike some older ionisers, PlasmaWave is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to be safe and produce ozone well within established safety limits. For users seeking an additional layer of germicidal protection beyond standard filtration, this gives the Winix a notable advantage.
Long-Term Running Costs: A Clear Winner
An air purifier is not a one-time purchase; the ongoing cost of replacement filters is a crucial factor in the total cost of ownership. In this category, the Winix A231 has a clear and significant advantage over the Levoit Core 300S.
📷 IMAGE PLACEHOLDER — Cost comparison chart. Alt: Chart comparing the lower annual running costs of the Winix A231 against the Levoit Core 300S. Recommended size: 1200×675.
Replacement Filter Costs
The Levoit Core 300S requires its filter to be replaced every 6-8 months, with official replacements costing around £30. This translates to an annual running cost of approximately £45 to £60.
The Winix A231's filter, by contrast, is designed to last a full 12 months. The replacement filter costs about £40, making its annual expense fixed and predictable. Over the lifespan of the device, the Winix will be considerably cheaper to maintain.
Filter Lifespan and Annual Expense
The longer lifespan of the Winix filter not only saves money but also adds convenience, requiring a filter change just once a year. While more affordable third-party filters are available for the Levoit, using official filters is always recommended to guarantee performance, and on that basis, the Winix is the more economical choice.
Design, Noise, and Day-to-Day Use
Beyond performance and cost, how a device fits into your home and daily life is essential. Both purifiers are compact and well-designed, but they differ in aesthetics and, most importantly, noise levels.
Aesthetics and Footprint
Both models are designed to be unobtrusive. The Levoit Core 300S is slightly more compact, with a clean, cylindrical white plastic body. The Winix A231 has a slightly larger, squared-off design with a grey fabric grille covering the front, which may help it blend in with modern home furnishings.
Noise Levels: How They Compare in a Real Home
For use in a bedroom or office, noise level is a critical factor. Here, the Levoit Core 300S is the undisputed winner. Its lowest 'Sleep Mode' setting operates at a whisper-quiet 24 decibels (dB). In contrast, the Winix A231's lowest fan speed is 35 dB.
While 35 dB is not loud, it is noticeably more audible than 24 dB. For light sleepers or those who require near-silence, the Levoit's quieter operation is a major advantage. To understand more about how these levels compare, read our Guide - noise. At higher fan speeds, the noise levels of both units are more comparable.
On-Device Controls and Usability
Both units feature intuitive top-mounted touch controls. The Winix A231 has a simple interface with buttons for power, fan speed, auto mode, and PlasmaWave. An easy-to-read LED light ring changes colour to show the real-time air quality (Blue for good, Green for moderate, Red for poor).
The Levoit Core 300S has a similar control panel but adds indicators for Wi-Fi status and sleep mode. While its primary usability comes from the app, the on-device controls are straightforward for immediate adjustments.
Our Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After a detailed comparison, the choice between the Winix A231 and the Levoit Core 300S isn't a matter of one being definitively better; it depends entirely on your priorities. Both are excellent performers, but they serve two distinct types of users.
Recommended: Winix A231
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- Best for: Users who want excellent value and effective, hands-off air purification.
- Key features: On-board air quality sensor with Auto Mode, 4-stage filtration with PlasmaWave®, 12-month filter life.
- Performance/Results: Slightly higher CADR than the 300S, cleaning rooms quickly and reacting automatically to changes in air quality. The addition of PlasmaWave offers an extra layer of germicidal cleaning.
- Drawbacks: Lacks app or voice control. Noticeably louder than the Levoit on its lowest setting.
- Ongoing cost/maintenance: Excellent value, with a single £40 filter change required just once per year.
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Recommended: Levoit Core 300S
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- Best for: Smart home users and light sleepers who prioritise remote control and quiet operation.
- Key features: Full smart control via VeSync app, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, ultra-quiet Sleep Mode.
- Performance/Results: Delivers solid cleaning performance for its recommended room size. Its smart features allow for precise scheduling and remote monitoring, enhancing its effectiveness. For those with larger rooms, it's worth reading our Comparison - levoit 300s vs 400s to see if the more powerful model is a better fit.
- Drawbacks: Higher purchase price and more expensive long-term running costs. Auto Mode is only available through the app.
- Ongoing cost/maintenance: Higher than the Winix, requiring filter changes every 6-8 months at an annual cost of £45-£60.
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Full Specification Comparison Table
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Winix better than Levoit?
Neither is definitively "better"—it depends on your needs. Winix offers better value for money with its effective auto mode and lower running costs. Levoit is better for those who want full smart home integration, remote app control, and quieter operation.
Does the Winix A231 have an app?
No, the Winix A231 does not have Wi-Fi or app connectivity. Its "smart" feature is the built-in dust sensor that enables its "set-and-forget" Auto Mode.
What is the annual filter cost for Levoit Core 300S?
The estimated annual filter cost for the Levoit Core 300S is between £45 and £60, as the official filters cost around £30 and need to be replaced every 6 to 8 months.
Is Winix PlasmaWave safe?
Yes. Winix's PlasmaWave technology is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as safe and compliant with ozone emission standards. It can also be turned off if you prefer not to use it.
Which is quieter, Winix A231 or Levoit 300S?
The Levoit Core 300S is significantly quieter on its lowest setting (24dB) compared to the Winix A231 (35dB), making the Levoit a better choice for light sleepers.
Can Levoit Core 300S connect to Alexa?
Yes, the Levoit Core 300S connects to the VeSync app, which integrates seamlessly with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for full voice control.