Today’s comparison will be a true battle between the two great yet very different air purifiers. You might get caught in the constant switch of pros and cons among the Alen FLEX and the Winix 5500-2. At first, you’ll see Alen and think, “Oh, so elegant,” but then you’ll notice the features of Winix and think, “Oh, wow.”
At the very first touch, I realized that the Alen BreatheSmart FLEX has a better plastic quality. In addition, you can select one of six different lid shades; espresso, graphite, oak, brushed stainless, weathered grey, or white. That way, you can easily adjust it to any interior style.
Table of Contents
At the same time, the Winix 5500-2 comes only in black color, with a bit poorer plastic quality and with not that elegant design.
Both appliances do have an almost identical CADR, which resulted in similar air cleaning performances.
Do me a favor and please don’t rush on your decision, and stay true to your curious mind while continuing to read.
- Alen FLEX – is a modern air purifier intended for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. It uses a high-quality filter with extremely good activated carbon filters. This air purifier has the possibility of getting a lifetime warranty.
- Winix 5500-2 – is a large air purifier that covers rooms up to 360 sq. ft. It uses a four-stage filtration technology and has an ionizer. This air purifier uses a washable pre-filter and carbon filter and made outstanding results in performance tests.
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Specs: Alen FLEX Vs Winix 5500-2
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Alen | Winix |
| Model | BreatheSmart FLEX | 5500-2 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.5 x 15 x 25 inches (21,6 x 38,1 x 63,5 cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 187 CFM (317 m³/h) | 232 CFM (394 m³/h) |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 300 sq. ft. (28 m²) | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (67 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Filtration Technology | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 9-12 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 67 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 50W | 70W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9.1 - Average Score (67 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 8 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Number of Fan Speeds | 4 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 31 have the air quality sensor. | No | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | No | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 32 have auto mode functionality. | No | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 67 air purifiers tested, only 20 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Control Panel LockTimer | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.2 – 53.7 dBA | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (67 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Best Suited For | Living Rooms Bedrooms Kitchens Allergies Neutralizing VOCs Dust Mold Quiet Operation | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs |
| Warranty | 1-year to Lifetime | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Alen BreatheSmart FLEX | Winix 5500-2 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Vs Winix 5500-2 Features
Some basic options like a Timer are common for both of the appliances.
With the Alen FLEX, you can set the timer to 2hrs, 4hrs, or 12hrs, while the Winix 5500-2 allows setting a timer to 1hrs, 4hrs, or 8hrs. So, this feature will provide you with the possibility to set the time for which the air purifier will shut down.
Considering the price of the Alen FLEX, I expected it to be equipped with more advanced options. But that’s not a big deal.
On the other hand, Winix turned out to be quite a surprise. An Air Quality Sensor, Remote Controller, and Auto Mode are just some of the many features Winix has.
Smart Sensor and Air Quality Indicator
OK, this is something I was talking about in the previous section. I’m a bit disappointed with the fact that the Alen FLEX doesn’t have Smart Sensor and Air Quality Indicator features.
When it comes to Winix 5500-2, its sensor can only detect odors. You can spot it at the right corner, below the Smart Sensor indicator.
The Air Quality Indicator is immediately below the PlasmaWave indicator, and as long as the light is blue, your air is good. Keep an eye on it before it turns out red if you want your face muscles free from grimaces.
Yet another helpful feature is Auto Mode, which controls the speed of your air purifier depending on the current air quality.
Despite the fact that the Smart Sensor can’t detect dust particles, I honestly think it makes Winix very competitive.
Filter Reset Indicator
If you took a look at the comparison table at the beginning of the article, I’m sure you have noticed that both these air purifiers have a Filter Reset Indicator.
This feature will inform you when it’s time to replace your air purifier’s dirty filter.
With Alen FLEX, you get something like traffic lights. As long as the Filter Reset Indicator light is green, you’re good to go. As soon as it turns yellow, you’ve been warned that the time of replacement is soon to come. The red light of the indicator means you should STOP and replace the filter ASAP.
Winix does it in a far less complicated way. The minute the indicator lights up, the filter is ready to be replaced.
Now I wonder which one would you prefer!?
PlasmaWave
In the Air Quality Indicator section, I mentioned that Winix 5500-2 has something called PlasmaWave.
It is actually the fourth stage of filtration or so-called Ionizer, which Alen FLEX doesn’t happen to have.
It is a good option to have, but the one thing that bothers me is that the PlasmaWave is turned ON by default the minute you start your purifier. Of course, you can always press the button and turn it OFF, but I really think, as an extra feature, it should be left optional to the user whether to use it or not.
Luckily, the Winix is CARB certified air purifier, which assures it won’t be producing illicit amounts of ozone.
Lock
Here’s an interesting feature that you can use on your Alen FLEX purifier, that Winix is missing.
Almost like a child-lock on your laundry machine, you get to lock all the other buttons on your appliance. You have to press and hold your finger for 5 seconds on the “Lock” button, and it will immediately do its job, enabling your air purifier to work fluidly without the possibility of something or someone interfering.
Airflow
Since both units are rectangular, it is not surprising that their filters are set in the front.
They both draw in the air through the openings on the front, which is then filtered and exit through the grilles on the top of devices.
Warranty
Let’s talk about what type of coverage you get for purchasing one of these appliances.
I was surprised to find out that the Alen FLEX offers you a lifetime warranty. What you need to do, to comply with the lifetime warranty is to register on the Alen website and subscribe to a regular filter replacement. Keep in mind that if you at least register your purchased product on the Alen website, you will get a 5-year warranty.
Even though I’m not a fan of a buyer being conditioned in any kind, I do think this is the way to ensure the long-lasting of your appliance.
Although Winix does not ask you to register the product or to buy replacement filters regularly, it does come with a significantly shorter, 2-year warranty.
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Vs Winix 5500-2 Video Comparison
Filtration
If you’ve read carefully, then you are familiar with an extra filtration stage that Winix 5500-2 has, and that is the PlasmaWave.
This extra feature is what differs the two devices, since both of them have the same prior three stages, such as pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and an Activated Carbon filter. The pre-filter and the activated carbon filter are washable in the case of Winix 5500-2.
A bit smaller yet 0.7 inches thicker filter is the point where Alen FLEX is different from Winix. Also, you get to buy 3 different versions of carbon filters, whereas they come in various weights. The heaviest carbon filter contains over 2 lbs of carbon which is great because, the more carbon it has, the more odors it can adsorb.
The fact that these air purifiers use carbon pellets makes them so efficient, both in practical usage and in testing results.
How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices?
This is the part where you get to be your own handyman. If you want your purifier to last long, you will need to check up on filters as instructed. As you can see, filter life is approximately the same for both Alex FLEX and Winix 5500-2, which is about 9 to 12 months.
I would recommend cleaning the pre-filters regularly, at least once per month. By keeping it clean you not only prolong the longevity of other filters but also keep the level of filtration at its highest.
Noise
Here is another extra feature that Winix 5500-2 has, aside from the regular 4 levels of a fan speed. A Sleep Mode, which produces about 40.6 dBA, and is very good, in my opinion.
Still, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the noisiness that Winix creates at higher speeds. It turns out that the Winix’s motor is far louder than the Alen FLEXes while working at the maximum speed.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Alen BreatheSmart FLEX | 41.2 – 53.7 dBA |
| Winix 5500-2 | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
Yet, even though Alen doesn’t have Sleep Mode, it is SleepScore certified, which means you can easily leave it in your bedroom while sleeping. It will be working smoothly like a cat purring, and that is why it’s been rated as a Pink Noise air purifier.
Performance
At the beginning of this section I would like to point out that, even though these purifiers are designed for completely different room sizes, both of them have hit the skies with total performance.
Just a slight advantage goes in favor of Alen FLEX due to a bit better gas filtration (possibly thanks to a better carbon filter).
While Winix is designed for spaces up to 360 sq. ft. Alen FLEX is meant to cover almost twice the size, up to 300 sq. ft. This is the reason why I decided to test them separately in different-sized rooms.
320 sq. ft. Room Test
In this test, I put the Winix in the 320 sq. ft. room.
The size of the room is not that smaller than the maximum that Winix 5500-2 can cover. Still, I left the purifier working for a full hour at peak speed, and the end result turned out to be 96% cleaner air.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 108.5 | 3.8 |
| PM 10 | 151.9 | 5.4 |
| Particles | 157413 | 5625 |
| AQI | 141 | 5 |
560 sq. ft. Room Test
Testing Alen FLEX in a 300 sq. ft. space would be a bit too demanding for me, so I decided to shrink it up a bit.
I performed the test in a 560 sq. ft. room. As it turns out, 94% cleaner air felt like a piece of cake for this air purifier.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 96.3 | 5.7 |
| PM 10 | 134.8 | 8.1 |
| Particles | 139680 | 8399 |
| AQI | 126 | 8 |
Operating Costs
Given the general performance of both Alen FLEX and Winix 5500-2, I was wondering about the costs they create.
Alen BreathSmart FLEX uses a 50W motor, and if you decide to use it continuously for a whole month 24/7, it will cost you only 2.1$.
On the other hand, the Winix 5500-2 uses an motor of 70W, which will leave you with a total cost of 5$ if you use the full capacity in the same amount of time as with Alen.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Alen BreatheSmart FLEX | 0.4 – 24.3W |
| Winix 5500-2 | 1.2 – 57.9W |
Considering that the prices of filters are pretty much the same, it turns out that Alen FLEX is far cheaper to use than Winix.
Which One Does It Better?
I must admit I was expecting a clash of the titans when I first started testing these purifiers.
Somehow, the Winix 5500-2 kept convincing me it had a lot more to offer than Alen FLEX. Thigs such as plenty of features, air quality sensor, washable pre-filter, washable AOC carbon filter, auto mode, outstanding performances are what really had me convinced that Winix 5500-2 is a better buying option.
On the other hand, the Alen FLEX has some things to offer such as a lifetime warranty, a silent motor, great performance, and low maintenance costs. All this brings that Alen is not a that bad option, and I think you won’t regret whichever of these two you choose.
Update Log
October 12, 2021 – I embedded the video review of the Alen FLEX Vs Winix 5500-2.
Actually the Allen markets their flex to clean 700 ft², but in 30 minutes. The Winix shows 435 ft² in 15in. So in reality the Winix cleans 870 sq ft in 30 min, more than the Allen. I noticed when shopping Allen markets all of their square footage in 30 minutes. Most other companies go by 15 minutes or even by 5 changes an hour. So they always appear much lower.