Levoit LV-H135 Air Purifier Review: Solid Performance with One Major Catch

Looking for an air purifier that can handle smoke, pet dander, and everyday dust in larger rooms? The Levoit LV-H135 has been a consistent bestseller, and after using it for over two years, I understand why.

The Levoit LV-H135 is a console-style air purifier designed for large rooms up to 1,577 square feet. It features a three-stage filtration system with HEPA filtration and an activated carbon filter for odor removal. What sets it apart is its wheeled design for easy portability between rooms.

I’ve tested this air purifier through California wildfire season, daily use with pets, and overnight bedroom runs. It’s been my primary air quality solution for everything from smoke infiltration to seasonal allergies.

The short answer? It delivers solid performance with some caveats worth knowing about before you buy.

What I Liked

The Levoit LV-H135 impressed me in several key areas during extended testing. Here’s what stood out.

Three-Stage Filtration System

The LV-H135 uses a comprehensive three-in-one filter design. The outer nylon pre-filter catches larger particles like hair and dust. The middle HEPA filter removes 99% of particles including dust mites, pollen, and mold spores. The innermost activated carbon layer tackles odors from smoke, cooking, and pets.

This layered approach means the HEPA filter stays cleaner longer since large debris gets caught early. In practical terms, I noticed visible improvements in dust accumulation around my home within the first week of use.

Large Room Coverage

Levoit rates this air purifier for rooms up to 1,577 square feet with one air change per hour, or 463 square feet with 3.4 air changes per hour. The CADR rating of 212 puts it solidly in the mid-range for console purifiers.

I use this in my combined living room and kitchen area. Both rooms get noticeably cleaner air without any problem. The sensor accurately detects when cooking odors or dust levels increase and adjusts accordingly.

Ultra-Quiet Sleep Mode

The sleep mode operates at just 26 decibels. At this level, you genuinely cannot hear the fan running. I run this overnight in my bedroom, and it never disrupts sleep.

Even the medium fan setting at around 40 decibels blends into background noise during normal activities. Only the highest speed becomes noticeable, which makes sense given how much air it moves.

Wheeled Portability

The built-in wheels are a standout feature. Most air purifiers in this size class are stationary by design. Being able to roll the LV-H135 from my living room to bedroom each evening takes seconds.

The wheels roll smoothly on both hardwood and carpet. For anyone who wants whole-home coverage without buying multiple units, this portability is genuinely valuable.

Excellent for Smoke and Odors

Living in Northern California, wildfire smoke is a regular concern. During fire season, this purifier handled smoke infiltration remarkably well. I’d set it to high speed for 10 minutes before entering a room and could immediately notice the air quality difference.

The activated carbon filter specifically targets volatile organic compounds and odors. Pet smells, cooking odors, and smoke all get neutralized effectively. For households dealing with any of these issues, the odor elimination alone justifies the purchase.

Intuitive Air Quality Indicator

The color-coded LED ring provides instant air quality feedback. Blue indicates excellent quality, green means good, yellow signals moderate quality, and red warns of poor air conditions.

The auto mode uses this sensor data to adjust fan speed automatically. When I’m cooking and particles increase, the unit ramps up without any manual intervention. It’s a simple feature that works reliably.

What Needs Improvement

No air purifier is perfect, and the LV-H135 has several limitations worth considering.

The most significant concern involves long-term durability. Consumer reports indicate a pattern of power supply failures occurring around the two-year mark. Multiple users have reported their units suddenly stopped working after approximately 24 months of use. This coincides with the end of Levoit’s warranty period, leaving owners without recourse. While my unit has continued working past two years, this documented pattern is concerning.

Filter replacement costs add up over time. The LV-H135-RF replacement filter costs between $70-84 and needs replacing every six to eight months with regular use. That translates to roughly $100-200 in annual filter costs depending on your usage and air quality. For a purifier in this price range, that’s a substantial ongoing expense.

The highest fan speed gets noticeably loud. At maximum speed, noise levels reach around 54 decibels. While this makes sense given the air volume being moved, it’s not suitable for work or relaxation. I typically only use the high setting for quick 10-minute purges before entering a room.

Unlike newer Levoit models, the LV-H135 lacks WiFi connectivity or smart home integration. You cannot control it via app, schedule it remotely, or integrate it with Alexa or Google Home. For users who want those features, the Core 400S or Vital 200S are better choices despite similar pricing.

How It Compares

The mid-range air purifier market is crowded with options. Here’s how the LV-H135 stacks up against the competition.

vs Levoit Core 400S

The Core 400S covers up to 1,900 square feet with WiFi connectivity and app-based smart controls that the LV-H135 lacks. It operates at 38 watts with similar energy efficiency and offers voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant.

The LV-H135’s advantage is its wheeled portability and larger physical footprint that moves more air volume. If you want smart features and don’t need to move your purifier between rooms, the Core 400S is the better choice. If mobility matters more than app control, stick with the LV-H135.

vs Levoit Vital 200S

The Vital 200S delivers nearly identical filtration performance while offering WiFi connectivity at a similar price point. RTINGS rates it as the best mid-range air purifier they’ve tested.

Honestly, if you’re buying new today, the Vital 200S makes more sense. You get equivalent air cleaning with modern smart features. The LV-H135 only wins if you specifically need the wheeled design or find it at a significant discount.

vs Coway Airmega AP-1512HH

The Coway Airmega is the top-rated air purifier on Reddit with proven long-term reliability. It covers similar room sizes and includes an air quality indicator like the LV-H135.

The Coway’s main advantage is documented longevity. While the LV-H135 has reported power supply failures around the two-year mark, the Coway has a stronger reputation for lasting. If reliability is your top concern, the Coway is worth the investment.

Final Verdict

The Levoit LV-H135 is a capable air purifier that does its primary job well. The three-stage filtration system effectively tackles smoke, dust, allergens, and odors, while the wheeled design offers genuine convenience for multi-room use.

I’m giving it a 4.0 out of 5.

The rating reflects solid everyday performance offset by real concerns. The documented pattern of power supply failures around the two-year mark is troubling, and the lack of WiFi connectivity feels dated compared to newer Levoit models at similar prices. Filter replacement costs of $100-200 annually also add up.

Bottom line: If you find the LV-H135 on sale and prioritize portability over smart features, it remains a solid choice. For new purchases at full price, the Levoit Vital 200S offers better value with modern connectivity. Either way, the air cleaning performance itself is not in question.