ReviewFinder Air Purifiers

Winix 5500-2

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21 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [21]

91
Total expert reviews: 21
  • with a score: 9
  • without a score: 12
Highest score by airpurifierfirst.com
96
Average score based on 21 reviews
91
Lowest score by US News & World Report
76

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is highly praised for its effective four-stage filtration system, quiet operation, built-in air quality sensor, and energy efficiency, making it a recommended choice for improving air quality in medium to large-sized rooms.

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is highly praised by experts for its effective four-stage filtration system, which includes a pre-filter, AOC carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology. The True HEPA filter is highly efficient at removing pollutants and allergens from the air, capturing particles as small as 0.

3 microns. It is particularly effective at filtering out mold spores, allergens, dust, bacteria, smoke, and even particles as small as 0. 003 microns. The pre-filter captures larger particles, while the carbon filter helps with odor reduction. The PlasmaWave technology further neutralizes pollutants in the air.

The filter needs regular replacement, with the True HEPA and AOC Carbon Filters needing to be replaced approximately every 12 months.

The Winix 5500-2 is designed to effectively clean the air in rooms up to 360 square feet, making it suitable for medium to large-sized spaces. It has adjustable fan speeds, allowing users to manually set the fan speed based on their preferences and needs. The purifier has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 246 for dust, 243 for pollen, and 232 for smoke, indicating its effectiveness in rooms up to 360 square feet.

It is also described as very quiet at the lowest setting or sleep mode, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or quiet rooms. At the highest speed or turbo mode, the noise level increases but is still relatively quiet compared to other air purifiers.

The Winix 5500-2 features a built-in air quality sensor that continuously monitors and tracks indoor air quality in real-time, allowing the purifier to adjust the fan speed accordingly. The LED Smart Sensor displays the current air quality status in the room with three different colors.

While it does not have a smartphone app, it still offers all the necessary features for effective air purification.

The Winix 5500-2 is praised for its energy efficiency, featuring an energy-saving mode that activates when the room gets dark. It is Energy Star certified, meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want an air purifier that can effectively clean the air while minimizing energy usage.

Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is highly recommended for its effective filtration system, suitable for reducing allergy symptoms, removing odors, and improving overall air quality in medium to large-sized rooms. It is also praised for its quiet operation, built-in air quality sensor, and energy efficiency.

Filtration

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier features a four-stage filtration system, including a True HEPA filter and PlasmaWave technology, making it highly effective at removing pollutants and allergens from the air.

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier features a four-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, AOC carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology. The True HEPA filter is highly effective at removing pollutants and allergens from the air, capturing particles as small as 0.

3 microns. It can filter out mold spores, allergens, dust, bacteria, smoke, and even particles as small as 0. 003 microns. The pre-filter captures larger particles, while the carbon filter helps with odor reduction. The PlasmaWave technology further neutralizes pollutants in the air.

The filter in the Winix 5500-2 requires regular replacement, with the True HEPA and AOC Carbon Filters needing to be replaced approximately every 12 months. The cost to replace the filter is approximately $79. 99 for a yearly replacement pack. Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is highly praised by experts for its effective filtration system, making it suitable for reducing allergy symptoms, removing odors, and improving overall air quality.

What type of filtration system (HEPA filter, ionization, UV, etc.) does the Winix 5500-2 use?

The Winix 5500-2 uses a four-stage filtration system. It includes a pre-filter, an AOC carbon filter, a True HEPA filter, and Winix PlasmaWave technology. The pre-filter captures larger particles, the carbon filter helps with odor reduction, the True HEPA filter removes small particles as small as 0.3 microns, and the PlasmaWave technology helps to further neutralize pollutants in the air. The True HEPA filter is the primary filtration stage in this system. According to experts on consumeranalysis.com, airpurifierfirst.com, Gadget Review, moaablogs.org, allergypreventions.com, homeairguides.com, and airfuji.com, the True HEPA filter of the Winix 5500-2 is capable of filtering out particles like mold spores, allergens, dust, bacteria, smoke, and even particles as small as 0.003 microns.
Based on 20 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

If the Winix 5500-2uses filters, what filter types does it use?

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier uses multiple filter types. According to the product reviews in our database, it features a four-stage filtration system. The first stage includes a pre-filter, followed by an AOC carbon filter in the second stage. The third stage consists of a True HEPA filter, and the fourth stage utilizes PlasmaWave technology. The pre-filter captures larger particles, while the carbon filter helps remove odors and gases. The True HEPA filter is designed to capture tiny particles like allergens, dust, and mold spores. Lastly, the PlasmaWave technology helps to neutralize pollutants.
Based on 12 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

How effective is the filter in the Winix 5500-2 at removing pollutants and allergens?

The filter in the Winix 5500-2 is highly effective at removing pollutants and allergens from the air. According to experts in the ReviewFinder database, the True HEPA filter in the 5500-2 can remove 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns in size. This includes ultrafine dust, allergens, pet dander, bacteria particles, mold spores, smoke, and even tiny airborne particles like pollen. The three-stage filtration system, which includes a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and True HEPA filter, ensures that the air is thoroughly cleaned. The HEPA filter is particularly praised for its ability to capture small particles, making it an effective solution for reducing allergy symptoms and preventing the spread of illness.
Based on 14 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Do the filters in the Winix 5500-2 require regular replacement? If so, how often?

Yes, the filters in the Winix 5500-2 air purifier do require regular replacement. According to the experts at airpurifierfirst.com, the True HEPA and ACO Carbon Filters should be replaced approximately every 12 months. However, the actual replacement frequency may vary depending on how dirty the air is in your house. The Winix 5500-2 has a filter indicator that will let you know precisely when it's time to replace the filters.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How much does it cost to replace the filter in the Winix 5500-2?

According to the information from various sources, the cost to replace the filter in the Winix 5500-2 is approximately $79.99 for a yearly replacement pack that includes a True HEPA filter and a carbon filter. This cost is mentioned in reviews from Breathe Quality and allergypreventions.com. It's important to note that the True HEPA filter cannot be washed and needs to be replaced every 12 months, along with the carbon filter.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Room Size

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is designed for medium to large-sized rooms, has adjustable fan speeds, and is relatively quiet, making it suitable for various activities and environments.

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is designed to effectively clean the air in rooms up to 360 square feet, making it suitable for medium to large-sized spaces. It has been AHAM-certified for medium-sized rooms of this size with 5 verified air changes per hour. The purifier comes with adjustable fan speeds, including low, medium, high, and turbo settings, allowing users to manually set the fan speed based on their preferences and needs.

While the Winix 5500-2 does not have specific settings for different room sizes, experts recommend adjusting the fan speed according to the size of the room. For smaller rooms, a lower fan speed can be chosen, while larger rooms may require a higher speed for efficient air purification.

The purifier has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 246 for dust, 243 for pollen, and 232 for smoke, indicating its effectiveness in rooms up to 360 square feet.

In terms of noise level, the Winix 5500-2 is described as very quiet at the lowest setting or sleep mode, with a noise level of around 26. 6 to 28 decibels (dB). This makes it suitable for use in bedrooms or quiet rooms. At the highest speed or turbo mode, the noise level increases to around 60+ dB, which some reviewers find to be apparent fan noise but still relatively quiet compared to other air purifiers.

Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is considered to be a relatively quiet air purifier, especially at low to medium speeds, making it suitable for activities like watching movies, working, or reading without being disturbed by excessive noise. However, it is recommended to switch to a lower setting if the noise becomes unbearable or if it is being used in a quiet office environment.

What is the maximum room size that the Winix 5500-2 can effectively clean?

According to multiple sources, including airpurifierfirst.com, moaablogs.org, homeairguides.com, Breathe Quality, allergypreventions.com, Gadget Review, and Tom's Guide, the Winix 5500-2 air purifier is designed to effectively purify the air in rooms up to 360 square feet. This makes it suitable for medium to large-sized spaces. It has been AHAM-certified for medium-sized rooms of 360 square feet with 5 verified air changes per hour.
Based on 15 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Winix 5500-2 have adjustable fan speeds or settings that can be optimized for different room sizes?

Yes, the Winix 5500-2 does have adjustable fan speeds. According to the product experts, it comes with four-speed settings: low, medium, high, and turbo. This allows you to manually set the fan speed based on your preferences and needs. As for optimizing the settings for different room sizes, while the Winix 5500-2 does not have specific settings for different room sizes, you can adjust the fan speed according to the size of the room. For smaller rooms, you may choose a lower fan speed, while for larger rooms, you can opt for a higher speed to ensure efficient air purification. It's important to note that the Winix 5500-2 has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 246 for dust, 243 for pollen, and 232 for smoke, which makes it suitable for rooms up to 360 square feet. So, if you have a room within this size range, the Winix 5500-2 can effectively purify the air.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do experts say about the noise level of Winix 5500-2?

According to the experts, the noise level of the Winix 5500-2 air purifier varies depending on the fan speed. At the lowest setting or sleep mode, it is described as very quiet, with a noise level of around 26.6 to 28 decibels (dB), which is considered to be reasonably quiet and suitable for use in a bedroom or any other quiet room. At the highest speed or turbo mode, the noise level increases to around 60+ dB, which some reviewers find to be apparent fan noise that might not be bearable for some users. However, it is important to note that this noise level is still considered fairly quiet compared to other air purifiers on the market. Overall, the experts agree that the Winix 5500-2 air purifier is relatively quiet, especially at low to medium speeds, making it suitable for activities like watching movies, working, or reading without being disturbed by white noise in the background. However, it is recommended to switch to a lower setting if the noise becomes unbearable or if you are using it in a quiet office environment. Please note that noise perception can vary from person to person, so it is always a good idea to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing an air purifier.
Based on 10 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Air Quality Sensors

The Winix 5500-2 is a highly recommended air purifier with a built-in air quality sensor that continuously monitors and adjusts the fan speed to improve air quality and save energy, although it does not have a smartphone app.

The Winix 5500-2 is a highly recommended air purifier that features a built-in air quality sensor. This sensor continuously monitors and tracks indoor air quality in real-time, allowing the purifier to adjust the fan speed accordingly. This not only helps improve air quality but also saves energy.

The LED Smart Sensor on the front of the unit displays the current air quality status in your room with three different colors.

The air quality sensor in the Winix 5500-2 uses a Smart Sensor to detect changes in air quality. It provides feedback on the current air quality status using three different colors on the LED Smart Sensor: blue for good air quality, amber for fair air quality, and red for poor air quality.

This allows users to easily monitor and understand the air quality in their room.

While the Winix 5500-2 does not feature a smartphone app, it still offers all the necessary features of a modern air purifier. It is not a smart air purifier that can be connected to an app, but it does have a reliable Smart Sensor that helps detect changes in air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly to save energy.

Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is a highly recommended air purifier for those looking to improve their indoor air quality. It offers a built-in air quality sensor that continuously monitors and tracks air quality in real-time, allowing for efficient purification and energy-saving capabilities.

While it may not have a smartphone app, it still provides all the necessary features for effective air purification.

Does the Winix 5500-2 have a built-in air quality sensor?

Yes, the Winix 5500-2 does have a built-in air quality sensor. According to various product reviews, including Breathe Quality, moaablogs.org, and A Fresher Home, the 5500-2 is equipped with a smart air quality sensor that continuously monitors and tracks indoor air quality in real-time. The sensor helps detect changes in air quality and allows the purifier to adjust the fan speed accordingly, saving energy in the process. Additionally, the LED Smart Sensor on the front of the unit displays the current air quality status in your room with three different colors.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What feedback method is used by the air quality sensor in the Winix 5500-2?

The air quality sensor in the Winix 5500-2 uses a Smart Sensor to detect the change in air quality. According to the product review on Breathe Quality, this sensor helps adjust the fan speed according to the real-time air quality, which in turn helps save energy. The sensor provides feedback on the current air quality status in your room using three different colors on the LED Smart Sensor: blue for good air quality, amber for fair air quality, and red for poor air quality.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Winix 5500-2 feature a smartphone app?

No, the Winix 5500-2 does not feature a smartphone app. According to the reviews, it is not a smart air purifier and cannot be connected to an app. However, it has all the other features that a modern air purifier should have, such as a good Smart Sensor to detect changes in air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly to save energy.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Energy Efficiency

The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is praised for its energy efficiency, featuring a sleep mode that conserves energy while still providing air purification, and is Energy Star certified.

Based on expert reviews, the Winix 5500-2 air purifier is praised for its energy efficiency. It features an energy-saving mode, known as sleep mode, which automatically activates when the room gets dark. In this mode, the fan operates at an even slower speed than the low-speed setting, and the PlasmaWave technology is deactivated, helping to conserve energy while still providing some level of air purification.

The energy consumption of the Winix 5500-2 varies depending on the fan speed setting. At the highest fan speed, it draws approximately 42 watts, but at the standard operating speed, the energy consumption drops significantly to around 5. 2 watts. In standby mode, the power usage is even lower, at only 1.

2 watts.

Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is considered energy-efficient and is Energy Star certified, meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. This makes it an ideal choice for users who are conscious about reducing their energy consumption and want an air purifier that can effectively clean the air while minimizing energy usage.

Does the Winix 5500-2 have an energy-saving mode?

Yes, the Winix 5500-2 has an energy-saving mode. According to reviews from moaablogs.org, the air purifier has a sleep mode that utilizes a light sensor. When the room gets dark, the air purifier will automatically turn on sleep mode. In this mode, the fan works even slower than the low-speed setting, and the PlasmaWave technology gets deactivated automatically. This helps to save energy while still providing some level of air purification.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the energy consumption (in watts) of the Winix 5500-2?

The energy consumption of the Winix 5500-2 can vary depending on the fan speed setting. According to various product reviews, at the highest fan speed, the unit draws about 42 watts. However, at the standard operating speed, the energy consumption drops significantly to approximately 5.2 watts. Additionally, in standby mode, the power usage is even lower, at only 1.2 watts. It is worth noting that the Winix 5500-2 is Energy Star certified, which means it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Best Alternatives

3 best air purifiers in the same price range as Winix 5500-2

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Coway Airmega 200M Levoit Vital 200S BlueAir 311i Max
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Coway Airmega 200M rank #4 out of 100.
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7.7
Good
Reviews
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Levoit Vital 200S rank #9 out of 100. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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10.0
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We don't yet have enough review information for BlueAir 311i Max
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The Coway Airmega 200M is a highly effective air purifier with a 4-stage filtration system that removes pollutants and allergens, making it suitable for pet owners, kitchens, and individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, while also offering energy-saving features.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
More product details More product details More product details
Air Purifiers above are offered because they are in the same price range as Winix 5500-2. To browse more budget and premium air purifiers go to our air purifier ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all air purifiers.

Rank Change Price Air Purifier
CNET
The Spruce Pets
NBC News
WIRED
Wirecutter
This Old House
Forbes
Business Insider
Popular Mechanics
Tom's Guide
1
- $159
Coway AP-1512HH
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1
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6
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1
3
2
- $195
Winix 5500-2
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1
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3
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5
3
- Check price
Honeywell HPA300
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4
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1
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4
4
- $197
Coway Airmega 200M
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1
2
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Show all rows
Best Overall
21 Feb 2024 (2 months ago)
Read article
Strong performance, brutalist design
19 Dec 2023 (4 months ago)
Read article
Best for small rooms
16 Mar 2024 (1 month ago)
Read article

Highest recommended air purifiers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. air purifiers below are at the top of our ranking this April.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the air purifier for more details.
Coway AP-1512HH Winix 5500-2 (this item) Honeywell HPA300 Coway Airmega 200M
Reviews
In comparison:
Coway AP-1512HH rank #1 out of 100. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Winix 5500-2
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In comparison:
Honeywell HPA300 rank #3 out of 100. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.4
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Coway Airmega 200M rank #4 out of 100.
Go to rankings
7.7
Good
Price
The Coway AP-1512HH air purifier is highly praised for its comprehensive filtration system, effectiveness at removing pollutants, adjustable fan speeds, built-in air quality sensor, smartphone app connectivity, and energy efficiency. The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is highly praised for its effective four-stage filtration system, quiet operation, built-in air quality sensor, and energy efficiency, making it a recommended choice for improving air quality in medium to large-sized rooms. The Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Air Purifier is a highly praised and efficient option for improving air quality in larger rooms, particularly for individuals with allergies or asthma. The Coway Airmega 200M is a highly effective air purifier with a 4-stage filtration system that removes pollutants and allergens, making it suitable for pet owners, kitchens, and individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, while also offering energy-saving features.
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