I want to start today’s article by emphasizing how important it is to buy products from reliable companies with extensive experience. There’s nothing worse than investing your money and time in a product that ends up being mediocre.
Fortunately, in the world of air purifiers, there are many reputable companies that people trust and love. Today, I will be discussing the Winix 5500-2 and GermGuardian AC4825, two extremely popular, reliable, and efficient air purifiers.
Both devices have their pros and cons, but what they have in common is their presence in the market for over 20 years.
The Winix covers rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), while the GermGuardian AC4825 has a room coverage of 167 sq. ft. (15.5 m²).
They both use four-stage filtration technology and performed well in our tests, but only one stands out as the better buying option.
Our Verdict
You may have already noticed that the Winix 5500-2 caught my attention due to its larger number of features and higher CADR. Even if you didn’t, I assure you, I would choose it over the GermGuardian AC4825.
The Winix 5500-2 delivered better results in our performance tests, uses superior filters, has a higher CADR, offers more advanced features, and is overall a much better and more reliable option than the GermGuardian AC4825.
However, if UV filtration is something you’re interested in trying, or if you’re looking for a less powerful and more affordable device, then the GermGuardian AC4825 might be worth considering.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment in the section below the article.
Specs: GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Winix 5500-2
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Guardian Technologies | Winix |
| Model | AC4825(E) | 5500-2 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9 x 5.5 x 22 inches (22.9 x 14 x 55.9 cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 8.5 lb (3.86 kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 99 CFM (168 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. | 167 sq. ft. (15.5 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/Charcoal Filter Combo, True HEPA Filter, and UV-C Light | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 6 months (HEPA) | 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. | 55W | 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 | 3 – Low, Medium, and High | 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 | UV-C Light | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 46.7 – 54.2 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 | Small Spaces Mold | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Guardian Technologies AC4825(E) | Winix 5500-2 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
We placed these two air purifiers in our particle removal test, where we measured how much each device would improve air quality over 60 minutes while operating at maximum speed.
The Winix 5500-2 has a CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h), whereas the GermGuardian AC4825 has a CADR of 99 CFM (168 m³/h).
Although the Winix is a much more powerful device, we tested both units in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room.
In this test, the Winix improved air quality by 96%, which is one of the best results we’ve ever recorded. It reduced the PM2.5 particulate matter from 108.5 to 3.8 µg/m³. The GermGuardian AC4825, on the other hand, showed slightly lower efficiency, reducing PM2.5 from 59.4 to 6.1 µg/m³—an air quality improvement of 90%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Winix 5500-2 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In addition, we tested the GermGuardian in a smaller 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, where it improved air quality by 92%.
Not only did the Winix outperform the GermGuardian in particle removal, but it also excelled in odor neutralization and smoke removal, primarily due to its high-quality activated carbon filter.
Overall, the Winix 5500-2 demonstrated superior performance and is a much more efficient air purifier than the GermGuardian AC4825.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The Winix 5500-2 definitely has a superior carbon filter compared to the GermGuardian. The Winix uses a pellet-filled carbon filter, whereas the GermGuardian features a fibrous filter coated with carbon.
Despite this, both performed well in our test.
As expected, the Winix delivered better results, removing all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds.
In contrast, the GermGuardian AC4825 took 38 seconds, which is notably slower. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the GermGuardian has a much lower CADR and a less effective carbon filter.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The noise level an air purifier produces is a crucial factor for many people, especially light sleepers.
Unfortunately, the GermGuardian AC4825 doesn’t have a sleep mode. It offers only three fan speeds and is generally loud, even at the lowest speed.
The Winix, on the other hand, has five fan speeds, is better optimized, and is significantly quieter, at least on its lowest setting.
At the lowest speed, the Winix produces only 40.6 dBA, while the GermGuardian AC4825 emits 46.7 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Winix 5500-2 air purifiers.
At maximum speed, the situation changes slightly. The Winix reaches 66.4 dBA at full speed, compared to 54.2 dBA for the GermGuardian.
For me personally, the lack of a sleep mode is a major deal-breaker. Having used the GermGuardian at night, I noticed a significant difference in the noise and buzzing, which makes the Winix a clear favorite in my opinion.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5500-2 (dBA) | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.6 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.7 dBA | 46.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.9 dBA | 50.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.3 dBA | 54.2 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 66.4 dBA | - |
So yes, while the Winix 5500-2 might be slightly louder than the GermGuardian overall when considering all fan speeds, the presence of a sleep mode, combined with more fan speed options, makes the Winix stand out as the better optimized for noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Let’s address the elephant in the room – the overall price-to-quality ratio. I was a bit surprised by the numbers, as they are slightly higher than usual in my other calculations, but we must consider that more powerful devices tend to cost more in terms of electricity.
The GermGuardian AC4825 is a 55W device, and its UV-C bulb adds another 5W. Running it at the highest setting for a month will add about $3.42 to your electricity bill.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the GermGuardian AC4825 Vs Winix 5500-2 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In contrast, the Winix 5500-2 is a larger, more powerful device at 70W, which means it will cost more to operate. In fact, it will add about $5.08 to your monthly bill.
While these costs might not seem too significant, it’s important to consider the additional cost of replacement filters. The GermGuardian’s filters need to be replaced more frequently, making it more expensive over the course of a year.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5500-2 (W + $/month) | GermGuardian AC4825(E) (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.2W ($0.11) | 0W ($0) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.7W ($0.32) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6.4W ($0.56) | 30.8W ($2.7) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 8.8W ($0.77) | 34.8W ($3.05) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 13.2W ($1.16) | 39W ($3.42) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 57.9W ($5.08) | - |
Additionally, with the GermGuardian, you’ll also need to replace the UV-C light periodically, which is another added expense.
Filtration Technology
Again, we meet a certain similarity between the two devices. Both of these air purifiers use three-stage filtration with some additional options you can turn on and off. They both use a True HEPA filter, but it’s worth mentioning that the Winix 5500-2 uses a better carbon filter with activated carbon pellets. These have been proven as more effective due to their shape and design.
The Germ Guardian AC4825 uses a pre-filter and a carbon filter as the first two stages of filtration. After that comes the True HEPA filter, and then you get to choose whether you want additional UV-C bulb filtration or not. By now, you must be wondering what this technology does, so let me explain it briefly.
UV-C is a special technology that combines the work of Titanium Dioxide and UV lights. These two, when combined, kill germs and remove odor from your air. We’re not talking just about the stale smell, but cooking odor, pet odor, as well as smoke! It’s a great feature for those who like to fry or grill a lot!
The Winix 5500-2, as mentioned before, has a prefilter stage, and then the activated carbon filter. The third stage is the True HEPA filter, a common filter amongst air purifiers, but the Winix also offers PlasmaWave technology. I was quite excited to see a novelty in the world of purifiers, so let me explain what it’s all about.
This technology removes odors, possible chemicals, pollutants, and even allergens from your air. It’s also quite important to mention that it doesn’t create ozone and that it only works with positive and negative charges that transform the molecules of water.
How to replace the filters on these two air purifiers?
I like that most air purifiers nowadays have a filter reset indicator, including these two, so you don’t have to bother with calculating the right time to switch things up. Here we’ll have another really clear GermGuardian AC4825 Vs. Winix 5500-2 comparison when we find out the replacement time difference between two devices.
The GermGuardian model will have you buying new filters after 6 to 8 months of usage, while the Winix filters last as long as 12 months. The replacement process isn’t complicated for filters per se, but the UV-C bulb replacement can be a bit tricky.
I have written about the GermGuardian AC4825 filter replacement in greater detail in the product review, and I talked a lot about the bulb itself, so make sure to check that out to see whether the process is a little bit too complicated for you.
Features Overview
I noticed that the Winix 5500-2 and the GermGuardian AC4825 have different general ideas behind them. One would think that all air purifiers are similar, but this is not the case for these models. Some things might be the same, but when we look at the big picture, especially when we discuss performance later, we will see a great difference.
These devices have a filter reset indicator, a useful feature that notifies you when you have to replace your filter. They also both use three-stage filtration, which is a great way to make sure that your air is getting as clean as it can. There is a small difference, as the Winix model has an additional ionizer, which the manufacturer refers to as the PlasmaWave technology. On the other hand, The GermGuardian has a UV-C light bulb.
The AC4825 model has three speed modes, while the 5500-2 has four, as well as a sleep mode. I think that this alone could be a huge deal maker or a deal-breaker, the fact that one has a sleep mode and one doesn’t.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode is such a major function when it comes to air purifiers. After all, we like to have our air purifier on when we sleep as well, right? I personally use this option quite a lot as it saves energy and makes the device quieter, so it’s a huge disappointment that the GermGuardian AC4825 doesn’t have a sleep mode.
The Winix model, as mentioned before, has a sleep mode, and the sleep mode is not only going to make the device slower and quieter, but it’s going to help you keep your air consistently purified without raising your energy bill. Keep in mind, when the device is in sleep mode, it’s also less efficient.
Timer
Another really important and reliable feature that air purifiers can have is a timer. This is especially important for those who are not home all the time but still want to have high-quality air in their homes. The Winix 5500-2 model has a timer, while the GermGuardian AC4825 does not. You can set your Winix timer to go off in an hour, 4 hours, or 8 hours.
PlasmaWave
As mentioned before, PlasmaWave is an ionizing technology that the Winix device has as a feature. Many customers don’t know much about PlasmaWave and ionizers overall, so they avoid them as much as possible. If I’m honest, they’re not completely wrong. Unreliable manufacturers may use ionizers that emit too much ozone, making them unhealthy for you, your family, and the environment.
It’s a really good thing that we trust Winix and their certificates! The PlasmaWave version of ionizing technology has been tested and approved, and it’s important to mention that you don’t even have to turn it on while you’re purifying your air. It’s completely up to you.
Remote Control
The Winix 5500-2 has a remote control, which is handy for quick access and for those who have trouble moving around the house quite a lot. With the remote, you can turn the device on and off, change the fan speed, and switch to the Auto Mode or the Turbo Mode. For most people, this is definitely enough managing power.
Air Quality Sensor
Another additional feature that is exclusive to Winix 5500-2 is the air quality sensor. This sensor can detect various gases, but it can’t do much regarding dust, pollen, and similar particles. It’s really easy to notice whether there’s anything wrong with the air quality as the indicator lights up in various colors.
If you see the light shining in blue hues, the air quality is perfect! If the light is in amber tones, that means that there is room for improvement. However, if the light turns red, you might be in some trouble, and your filter may not be strong enough to properly clean the area that it’s in.
Auto Mode
Again, I have to mention the Winix 5500-2 again as it obviously has another feature that the GermGuardian cannot claim for itself – the auto mode. It’s a feature that gives your device full control over choosing the operating speed according to the room’s air quality.
Also, if the room is dark for a long time, sleep mode will automatically turn on, assuming no people in the room. Don’t worry, you don’t have to use the auto mode if you like to watch Netflix in the dark, but it is a useful feature for some people, that’s sure!
UV-C light
Finally, I can share something different and unique about the GermGuardian AC4825 as well! This device uses a UV-C light that acts as the last filtration stage. Like the auto mode we previously talked about, this option can be turned on and off, which is great because there are no obligations whatsoever!
The UV-C light is on the inside of the device, on the top. We’ll talk more in-depth about it later, though.
Airflow
These two devices have different designs and, therefore, different airflows, making our Winix Vs. GermGuardian discussion quite interesting in this department. The GermGuardian model lets air in on the back, filters it through a prefilter, carbon filter, a True HEPA filter, as well as a UV-C bulb. The filtered air then leaves through the ribs in the front.
The Winix is quite different, as it lets air in through the front. The air travels through the device, getting filtered by a prefilter, an activated carbon filter, and a True HEPA filter. Then it exits through the top of the backside.
Hello,
I want to thank you for all of the information you took the time and effort in giving on the germ guardian and the winix air purifier. I have been back and forth between both of them reading everything about them and finally found someone who gave a great comparison on both, I truly appreciated your time involved in doing it, it helped me make my decision, I am going for the winix 5500-2. Thank you again for your work, it was VERY helpful!
Thank you for such a kind comment!
I’m glad this article helped you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.