Winix 5500-2: Is It Still the Top Air Purifier Pick?

Full Review

I’ve often said that the Winix 5500-2 is an amazing air purifier. It’s equipped with a high-quality True HEPA filter, boasts plenty of smart features, and is one of the best-selling air purifiers Winix has ever made.

Staying at the top of the market for years is challenging for many air purifiers, but not for the Winix 5500-2. What sets it apart is its great price, outstanding filtration technology, and the high level of trust it has earned from users over the years.

In this review, I’ll cover all its pros and cons, showcase and compare its performance and smoke test results, and share my opinions and recommendations about this air purifier.

So, keep scrolling to see how it performed in our tests!

How We Tested the Winix 5500-2?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Winix 5500-2 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Winix 5500-2 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Winix 5500-2 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

The Winix 5500-2 is one of the best air purifiers we’ve ever tested—it’s a device I would use every day.

When it comes to performance, I have nothing but praise. The high-quality True HEPA filter, combined with the pellet-based carbon filter, creates a combination that can’t go wrong.

In a room of the recommended size, 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), the Winix produces outstanding results, improving air quality in just a few minutes.

In addition to the standard tests we run on every device, I’ve used this Winix in my home for some time, and I’m extremely satisfied with its performance.

This air purifier removes airborne dust particles within minutes, almost instantly eliminates cooking odors (depending on where you place the device), and effortlessly neutralizes bad odors.

The only drawback I find with this Winix in terms of filtration is that it uses an ionizer (PlasmaWave). However, you can easily turn this feature off if you prefer not to use it.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room – Turbo Mode

In the first test, we placed the Winix 5500-2 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and measured how much it would improve air quality over 60 minutes while operating at maximum speed.

This air purifier needed only 7 minutes to reduce the AQI below 50, which is good air quality.

In one hour, it reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 108.5 to 3.8 µg/m³—an incredible result, meaning an air quality improvement of about 96%.

Not many air purifiers achieve such outstanding results in this test, but there are a few. For instance, the Levoit Vital 200S and Coway AP-1512HH both matched the Winix in this test.

Overall, a 96% improvement in air quality is an exceptional result and a confirmation of why the Winix 5500-2 is one of the best air purifiers we’ve tested.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room – Auto Mode

In the second test, we placed the Winix in a room of the same dimensions and let it operate in Auto Mode.

It improved air quality by about 93%, which is an impressive result, especially considering that the air quality sensor on the Winix 5500-2 detects only odors, not airborne dust.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

The Winix 5500-2 is one of the top-performing air purifiers we’ve tested. It uses high-quality filtration technology, and what’s most important for the smoke test is its high-quality pellet-based activated carbon filter.

It removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds, which is a fantastic result and one of the best among the air purifiers tested.

However, compared to some similar and larger air purifiers (see the chart), there are a few faster options. For example, the Levoit Core 400S removed all the smoke from the box in just 15 seconds, while the Blueair 211+ was even faster, taking only 11 seconds.

Overall, the Winix 5500-2 is a fantastic option for everyday odors commonly found in homes. However, for more challenging odors, VOCs, or heavy cigarette smoke, I would recommend considering the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. air purifier.

Personally, I like it when an air purifier has more than three fan speeds. The Winix 5500-2 air purifier’s five different speed settings make it a highly user-friendly device, allowing consumers to easily adjust the fan speed to suit their specific needs.

In sleep mode, it is very quiet. With a noise level of 40.6 dBA, it’s actually one of the quietest air purifiers at the lowest speed in its class. Among all the compared air purifiers (see the chart), only the Xiaomi Mi 3H produces similar but slightly louder noise at its lowest speed, 40.9 dBA.

I would use the Winix in the bedroom, but only if the bedroom is a bit larger, and I would stick to using it in sleep mode. The other speed settings are a bit too loud for bedroom use.

At maximum speed, the situation changes. Producing a sound of 66.4 dBA, the Winix 5500-2 ranks as one of the loudest air purifiers at maximum speed. One of its main competitors, the Coway AP-1512HH, produces a sound of 63.5 dBA.

Many people may find the noise at the highest speed irritating. On the other hand, sleep mode is remarkably quiet, as are the first and second speed settings.

Considering that the Winix 5500-2 has been on the market for over ten years and was designed to meet the needs of that time, we can say that this is an exceptionally well-optimized air purifier—better optimized than some newer, more modern models.

My biggest complaint about the Winix 5500-2 air purifier is its use of a 70W motor. In my opinion, this is somewhat too much, and I believe the engineers at Winix could have put more effort into optimizing the motor.

While it only consumes 6.4W at the lowest speed, it draws a significantly high 57.9W at maximum speed. This means that if you were to run the device at maximum speed 24 hours a day for a month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $5.08. This is quite a significant cost, especially for a device with a CADR rating like the Winix.

Compared to the competition, the Winix 5500-2 ranks among the highest in power consumption at maximum speed. What surprised me, however, is that the much smaller and less powerful Levoit Vital 100 consumes nearly the same amount of power at maximum speed, resulting in similar costs under identical conditions.

In addition to electricity costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters. The Winix uses a washable pre-filter that doesn’t need to be replaced and an activated carbon filter that is also washable, meaning you only need to replace the filters approximately once a year.

Considering that the filters are long-lasting and that you won’t always run the Winix 5500-2 at maximum speed, we can say that the maintenance costs for this model are reasonable. However, there is still room for improvement in reducing these costs further.

Filtration Technology

I recommend buying the original Winix filters because only then you can be sure the air purifier will provide optimal performance.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a four-stage filtration technology that is consisted of a pre-filter, AOC carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology.

The first three stages of filtration are must-use, but the last one, the PlasmaWave, can be switched on/off. I especially like the fact that the Winix 5500-2 uses a True HEPA filter and that the overall quality of its filters is very high.

Washable Pre-Filter

Pre-filter is the first level of filtration, which means all large particles such as dust particles, hair, pet hair, and similar are caught on it. 

This filter looks like a mosquito net, it gets dirty fast and requires regular cleaning. It is suggested to clean it every two weeks. Regular vacuuming of the pre-filter will keep the efficiency of the air purifier on a high grade and will also prolong the life of the True HEPA filter.

Washable AOC Carbon Filter

The Winix 5500-2 uses a large carbon filter, which is made of carbon pellets. This filter is the most deserving for a fabulous performance on removing odors. When talking about carbon filters, air purifiers usually come with fibrous filters coated with carbon or with pellet-based carbon filters. The thing is that the more carbon the filter has, the more efficient it is. 

The pellet-based carbon filter can adsorb more odors than the fibrous filter. So, that’s what makes the Winix 5500-2 a very good choice for reducing odors. Additionally, it is washable, so you can basically wash it and refresh it in that way.

True HEPA Filter

I have talked about the True HEPA filter many times. True HEPA is a powerful filter that removes 99.97% of airborne particles from the air larger than 0.3 microns.

This filter is the third stage of filtration, and it is the most significant part of Winix’s filtration process. This filter helps you get rid of allergens, virus particles, pollen, mold, and fungi particles. 

Keep in mind that the True HEPA filter is not washable!

How To Replace the Winix 5500-2 Filters?

The True HEPA and ACO Carbon Filters need to be replaced approximately every 12 months. Since Winix 5500-2 air purifier has a filter indicator, you will know precisely when to replace filters. Replacing the filter is as simple as the first startup setup.

If you have any trouble or feel uncomfortable replacing the filters on Winix, follow the guide I prepared below. 

Depending on the environment where you use the air purifier, the filters can get dirty much faster and require replacement much earlier than recommended 12 months.

Total time: 10 minutes.

Design

The Winix 5500-2 is a well-designed air purifier made of high-quality material. Many consumers find this air purifier design a bit outdated, but for me, it’s acceptable. The simple design with neutral black color allows positioning this air purifier in almost any room.

The air intake is on the front panel and also on each side. The good thing is that the air, once filtered, is released on top of the device. This feature is beneficial because air will not flow directly into you if you stand in front of it.

On top of the front of the air purifier is situated the control panel, which features many options and will grant you ultimate control. Above the control buttons, there are LED indicators, which indicate what features are active at the moment. Also, there is a very long LED indicator just below the PlasmaWave Button, and its purpose is to light in different colors, depending on the current air quality.

Behind the control panel is a handle for more effortless transport. Winix 5500-2 is also easily transported because it is not too heavy.

Control Panel – Initial Operations

The Control panel uses buttons instead of the touch panel. In other words, that means you will need to push a button, and just putting your finger on a button will not work. 

However, the buttons are easy to press, and that will not present any problems for you to control the Winix 5500-2 air purifier.

As soon as you plug it in, all the lights on the device will light on for a few seconds, and you will hear a sound. Now you know the air purifier is ready to use.

There are five main buttons that can be used to control the device:

Power Button

Pushing the Power button will either turn the air purifier on or off.

Mode Button

You can switch between auto mode and sleep mode by pressing the Mode button.

PlasmaWave

There is also a PlasmaWave button, and once it is on, there will be a light saying so.

Fan Speed Button

Pressing the Fan Speed button will turn on manual mode, and then you will be able to choose the desired fan’s speed. Each press on a button will change the fan speed.

Timer

To choose how long you want the 5500-2 to work, you need the Timer button. You can choose a different time, and the air purifier will automatically shut down after the picked time passes. This Winix allows you to set the timer to 1h, 4h, or 8h. 

Size and Dimensions

Winix 5500-2 is a light air purifier; it has only 14.7 lb. Its handle is quite helpful when transporting it from room to room. Regarding its size, it’s a pretty large air purifier with dimensions of 8.2 x 15.0 x 23.6 inches.

Such a giant air purifier may present a problem finding a sweet spot in the room. Just make sure it is 12 – 18 inches away from the TV, Radio, and other electronic devices, and move it at least 4 inches from the wall.

What’s in the box?

When buying the Winix 5500-2 air purifier, you get an air purifier, a pre-filter, AOC Carbon Filter, a True HEPA filter, remote control, and a user manual in the package box.

Setup and Installation

Before the first startup, you need to prepare the device and install the filter. Filters are inside the air purifier wrapped in a plastic bag that needs to be removed. If you fail to do so, you may damage the device.

Firstly, be sure that the air purifier is unplugged from power. Remove the front panel by grabbing it at the top and gently pulling it forward. Once removed, you will see a bag with filters. Take them out and remove the plastic bag.

Now you can carefully install filters. They need to fit inside perfectly in proper order. First goes True HEPA filter, then AOC Carbon filter, and at the end, a Pre-filter.

Additionally, you have to prepare the remote controller by pulling out the plastic protection that keeps the battery safe from wearing.

Features Overview

Winix 5500-2 air purifier is full of advanced features that I rarely find in other tested air purifiers. It is not a smart air purifier and can’t be connected to the app, but it has all the other features that a modern air purifier should have.

I particularly like the air quality sensor, auto mode, and remote controller.

Auto Mode

Not all air purifiers have the auto mode. This mode requires sensors to detect pollution, allowing the air purifier to switch fan speed according to the pollution levels. Auto mode can simply be turned on by pressing the “Mode” button.

Winix 5500-2 smart sensor detects only odors, so you will find the auto mode most practical option if you regularly cook or smoke in the room.

PlasmaWave

Winix PlasmaWave is an advanced technology that helps remove harmful airborne pollution. PlasmaWave will start automatically at the first startup. But you can control it with the PlasmaWave button on the control panel. If you hear a chirping or buzzing sound while PlasmaWave is on, that is absolutely normal and a sign that large particles pass through it.

Many people are not familiar with the PlasmaWave option, therefore skeptical and avoid using it. Actually, you shouldn’t be worried because the Winix is CARB certified and absolutely safe to use.

Air Quality Sensor

An air quality sensor is an advanced technology that detects air quality in real-time. Thanks to this sensor, the air quality indicator can change lights according to the pollution in the air, and auto mode can switch between fan speeds.

Unfortunately, a smart sensor only detects odor pollution and is basically an odor sensor. It can not detect other types of pollution, such as dust, pollen, and other neutral smell pollution. I recommend the Winix 5500-2 to those customers who are looking for an air purifier that will help them fight against the odors like wildfire or cigarette smoke.

Air Quality Indicator

Air Quality Indicator will visually show you the quality of the air in the room, as long as the air purifier is on, you will see a LED line that will emit light according to the level of pollution.

If the air quality is good, the Indicator will light blue; amber light indicates fair air quality; however, a red light means air is poor.

Sleep Mode

You can switch to this mode by pressing the Mode button. In sleep mode, the air purifier becomes exceptionally silent. In fact, you will not be sure if it actually works. 

An additional and significant feature of the Auto mode is that it detects light in the room and, if there is darkness, the air purifier will switch to sleep mode immediately. 

While in sleep mode, all the lights will be shut down except the sleep mode indicator, which will emit low light to make sure you know sleep mode is on but, at the same time, will not disturb the sleep.

Remote Control

Almost all options this air purifier has, you can control with remote control from a fair distance. Batteries are included in the package, as well as a wall mount.

The remote control is a helpful addition to this air purifier. It allows you to control almost all options this air purifier has.

With a remote controller, you can turn on/off the air purifier, change fan speeds, switch to Turbo or the Auto mode in one press.

Filter Replacement Indicator

The True HEPA filter needs to be replaced every 12 months. Thanks to the filter replacement indicator, you undoubtedly know when it is time to replace the filter.

Once you replace the filter, you need to reset the filter replacement indicator by pressing the reset button with a needle.

Winix 5500-2 has many advanced features, and that’s what puts it above the competition.

Washable Filters

Both pre-filter and carbon filters are washable and need to be periodically cleaned. I suggest cleaning the pre-filter every 2-3 weeks and a carbon filter every three months. 

Also, you should replace the carbon filter every year because it loses its efficacy over time.

Room Coverage

It is optimistic because the Winix 5500-2 air purifier can be used in small and large rooms. However, it is intended for a 360 square feet room. In that room, it will be most effective.

CADR scores for dust are 243, pollen 246, and smoke 232. CFM score in sleep mode is 35.31, low speed 70,63, medium speed 91.82, high speed 123.60, and turbo mode is 240.14.

These scores show effectiveness at different speeds. You have noticed that the air purifier is seven times more effective on turbo mode than on sleep mode. This result suggests that you should always start an air purifier in turbo mode and let it run for some time (let’s say 10 minutes) at that speed. After that, you can turn on auto mode or manually choose a lower speed.

Customer Service and Warranty

​​Winix is a reliable company that provides adequate after-sales service and support. I had many questions regarding the Winix air purifiers, and because of that, I have contacted them many times. The first thing worth mentioning is that I received replies quite fast and always got in-detail answers to each question.

I found its Facebook page as an easy way of contacting them, and recently, it has integrated chat support on its website. 

I got my pre-filter damaged, and as there was no place to buy it separately, I contacted Winix to see what to do. They immediately offered to send me a replacement pre-filter free of charge.

The Winix 5500-2 comes with a 2-year warranty. What’s more, the Winix doesn’t have its service so, if you ask them for a breakdown repair, they will send you a replacement device instead of repairing it.

FAQ on Winix 5500-2