Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsCore 300 is a wise step up from the Vista 200
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2019
For starters, I owned the Vista 200 and really liked how sleek, quiet, and efficient it was. However, there was some things I just couldn’t help but wished were better. Before the Vista 200 I owned the LVH132 which was attractive and compact as well but was irresponsibly designed (terrible air inlet, way too small) and lacked power. The Vista 200 debuted with significant changes that made me happy, a larger 360 degree air inlet, a more design forward HEPA filter, and a better night light (warm as opposed to cool blue toned). But again, was the issue of power and low CADR. The Vista 200 was virtually useless on level 1 despite being incredibly whisper quiet, 2 was shockingly weaker than the mid speed of the H132, and level 3 was an overkill in sound that had a bothersome motor noise.
And then came the Core 300. Keeping the same 360 degree cylindrical design of its 2 predecessors, levoit touts this new model as the strongest and flagship model in their under 100$ range.
After using it, I noticed immediate upgrades. Based off specs alone, with the Core 300 we are getting 135+ CFM in comparison to the Vista 200’s 40. We also have a sq ft coverage of 215~sq ft which is another advancement from the 161 of the Vista. The 200 was tested by third parties to have an ACH rating of 3X and the Core 300 claims 5X. It is also the only model of Levoit so far to be AHAM Verifide! Meaning, this unit has been professionally tested for its Clean Air Delivery Rate (which caps at 140~ for pollen smoke and dust).
In terms of all the specs for a standard good purifier, the Core 300 checks off all the boxes. In performance, it is quieter than the Vista 200 on high, and yet significantly more powerful. You can actually feel the suction and the airflow is blowing much higher than the Vista ever could on all levels. A simple paper towel test showed an improvement in airflow power and suction at the inlet. The Vista couldn’t grip the paper towel snug on any level but 3. The Core 300 held onto the towel on all 3 speeds.
As for the filters, the design is all the same. A cylinder style 360 3 stage true HEPA. Both don a nylon pre filter that is vacuum-able, HEPA, & activated carbon filter. The only difference is size. The Core 300 filter is much larger than the Vista vertically, as the unit overall adds some width and height. The Core is also heavier, due to a better fan system (300 has a centrifugal fan, the 200 has a simple bladed fan)
For just 10$ more, you get a really good purifier with the Core 300, the Vista 200 is a great budget model as well, but unfortunately cuts too many corners. It would be a better investment to go with the Core 300, which sits nicely at 99$ (with regular coupon deals to give u a better bang for your buck) and the filters are only 20$, just 5$ more than the Vista 200 RF and still significantly cheaper replacement cost than competing purifier brands.