Humidifiers · Head-to-head
AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800) vs Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS)
The short answer
Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS) comes out ahead overall with 8.1/10 against 6.9/10 for the AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800). Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS) is stronger on hygiene & ease of cleaning, humidifying performance, quiet & sleep-friendly, ease of use and value. At current verified prices, the AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800) costs about $50.00 less.
- Choose the AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800) if: Living rooms where a humidifier has to look like furniture and run for days on its own using tap water.
- Choose the Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS) if: Open-plan homes and big living areas up to ~3,000 sq ft where you want tap water, low white dust and very few refills.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800) | Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS) |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene & Ease of Cleaning | 7.0Evaporative with an antimicrobial-treated wick, but tap water crusts it and it needs frequent replacement. | 8.3Evaporative wicks (lowest EPA dispersal type); Bob Vila rated cleaning 5/5; wicks need replacing on schedule. |
| Humidifying Performance | 8.2Held 51% RH for 3 days in Bob Vila's test; rated 2,400 sq ft. | 8.6Held ~50% RH in Bob Vila testing; the 3,000 sq ft and 72 h figures are untested manufacturer claims; single-publisher evidence. |
| Quiet & Sleep-Friendly | 5.3Bob Vila found the fan loud on high; lower speeds are available. | 8.0About 28–45 dB in Bob Vila testing; has a sleep mode. |
| Health, Safety & Materials | 8.0Evaporative, so no white dust or burn risk. | 8.2No white dust or steam burn risk and no CPSC recall found, but tank material and BPA status are undisclosed. |
| Ease of Use | 6.5Remote, digital humidistat and casters, but Bob Vila found it hard to move. | 8.8Wheels, fill hose, app and auto humidistat; heavy and tall when full. |
| Value | 6.0$199.99 from a third-party seller, plus frequent wick purchases. | 6.8$249.99 upfront; 30 W draw and tap water keep running costs low; wick 4-pack is $39.99. |
Specifications
| Spec | AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800) | Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS) |
|---|---|---|
| Humidifier type | Evaporative (wick) pedestal | Evaporative (wick) |
| Tank capacity | 13.2 L | 22.7 L |
| Max runtime per tank (manufacturer) | — | 72 hours |
| Rated room coverage | 2,400 sq ft | 3,000 sq ft |
| Noise (manufacturer-rated or lab-measured) | — | 28 dB |
| Top-fill tank | No | — |
| Requires replaceable filter/cartridge | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in humidistat / auto mode | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in night light | No | No |
| Built-in white-noise / sound machine | No | No |
| Mist temperature | Cool (evaporative) | Cool (evaporative) |
| Wi-Fi app / voice control | No | Yes |
| White dust / mineral dispersal risk (per EPA type guidance) | Low (evaporative) | Low (evaporative; tap water OK per Levoit) |
| Wick replacement interval / cost | — | 4 wicks; 4-pack $39.99 (Levoit); owner replaced every 3–6 months depending on buildup (The Gadgeteer) |
| Antimicrobial / UV measures | — | Dry Mode dries wicks to limit mold (Levoit) |
| Warranty | — | 2 years |
AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800)
Pros
- Held 51% RH for three days unattended
- Furniture-style cabinet
- Digital humidistat, remote and nine fan speeds
- Evaporative, so tap water works and little white dust
- Rated for 2,400 sq ft
Cons
- Loud fan on high
- Hard to move despite casters
- Wick crusts with tap water and needs frequent replacement
- Tank is not top-fill
A good fit for living rooms where looks matter and noise is tolerable. It is cheaper than the Superior 6000S but less quiet and less convenient.
Full AIRCARE EP9800 (EP9 800) review →Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS)
Pros
- Largest tank in the group, with hose refill and wheels
- Held target humidity without dampness in testing
- Quiet range of about 28 to 45 dB
- Low 30 W power draw
- Works with tap water and avoids white dust
- Smart app control and auto mode
Cons
- Expensive upfront
- Tall (26.8 in) and heavy when full
- Replacement wicks add running cost
- Independent testing comes from a single publisher
The best option for open-plan homes and big living areas. It costs the most of the evaporative picks, but low refill frequency, easy cleaning and low energy use justify it for large spaces.
Full Levoit Superior 6000S (LEH-S601S-WUS) review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Humidifiers for Large Rooms of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.