Sometimes, no matter how much you clean, a room still feels stale. Opening windows and trying to get some fresh air seems to help but really just brings in dust and pollen. For those looking for an efficient way to clean the air in your home, the best solution is an air purifier, especially one from Winix.
The Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2 have multi-layers of air filtration and all of the latest technology. Today, we will compare the two, highlighting their features in a side-by-side chart and including some pros and cons. We will finish up with our final verdict.
There are a huge number of similarities, so we will start here.
Winix 5300-2 vs 5500-2 – Similarities
HEPA Filtration
Both the Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2 have a true HEPA filter. This filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants, including things like dust mites, pet dander, smoke, pollen and others, as small as 0.3 microns.
Fan Speeds
There are 4 fan speeds with the Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2; low/sleep, medium, high, and turbo. Adjusting the speed of the fans doesn’t mean it will blow out colder air. The faster the fan the more air it filters.
PlasmaWave
The PlasmaWave technology that the Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2 come with, acts as a permanent filter that safely breaks down odors, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants without causing harm to the environment.
Smart Sensors
The Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2 air purifiers have Smart Sensors. These will intelligently gauge the air in a room and automatically adjust the fan to the best setting. This is particularly useful for the sleep mode. When a room becomes darker, the air purifiers will adjust the fan mode and the brightness of the indicator lights.
LED Indicators
On the top of the Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2, you will find all of the control buttons for the fan mode, speed, PlasmaWave, and a timer. There is also an LED indicator for when the filter needs to be replaced.
The Air Purifiers in Use
The Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2 are designed for rooms of up to 360 square feet. They are incredibly quiet at just 27.8 dB.
Side by Side Comparison
Winix 5300-2
- Size: 14.9 x 7.8 x 23.6 inches
- Weight: 18lbs
- Color: Grey
- Fan Speeds: 4
- HEPA filtration: Yes, 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
- Other filtration: Odor absorbing carbon filter, pre-filter
- PlasmaWave: Yes
- Smart Sensors: Yes
- LED Indicators: Yes
- Room Size: 360sq ft
- Noise level: 27.8 dB
- Remote Control: No
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Winix 5500-2
- Size: 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches
- Weight: 15.4lbs
- Color: Black
- Fan Speeds: 4
- HEPA filtration: Yes, 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns
- Other filtration: Washable AOC carbon filter to absorb odors, pre-filter
- PlasmaWave: Yes
- Smart Sensors: Yes
- LED Indicators: Yes
- Room Size: 360sq ft
- Noise level: 27.8 dB
- Remote Control: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year limited
Differences Between Winix 5300-2 and Winix 5500-2
Appearance
Both air purifiers are sleek, compact, and will blend into your home décor. There are a couple of slight differences in how they look.
Winix 5300-2
This unit is grey with a black control panel. It is 14.6 x 7.8 x 23.6 inches and weighs 18lbs.
Winix 5500-2
This is all-black. The dimensions are very similar at 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches. It weighs quite a bit less at just 15.4lbs.
The Winner Is- The Winix 5500-2
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Filtration
They both come with the true HEPA filter and a pre-filter, however, in between, they have an additional filter.
Winix 5300-2
Between the HEPA filter and the pre-filter, there is an odor-absorbing carbon filter.
Winix 5500-2
In the middle of the two filters, there is a washable AOC carbon filter. It is made from activated carbon granules that will remove household odors.
The Winner Is- The Winix 5500-2
Remote Control
Remote control adds convenience and another way to control the air purifiers.
Winix 5300-2
There is no control with the Winix 5300-2.
Winix 5500-2
There is a remote control with a power button, turbo and auto buttons, and fan speed buttons.
The Winner Is- The Winix 5500-2
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Value for Money
The average price for an air purifier can begin at around $100 and be as much as $800. It is worth looking at all of the features to determine what is good value for money.
Winix 5300-2
The price is fantastic for all of the features, right at the lower end of average. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Winix 5500-2
It costs approximately $30 more than the Winix 5300-2. It also comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Pros and Cons
The Winix 5300-2 and the Winix 5500-2 are so similar, it might all be down to the pros and cons.
Winix 5300-2
Pros:
- It’s very energy efficient and you will hardly notice a difference in your bill
- Great for those who love to cook with strong smells
- The auto mode is so accurate
Cons:
- Sleep/ mode is no good if you want more circulation at night, but there is no way to override the smart sensors
Winix 5500-2
Pros:
- Will work in the toughest homes- out in the countryside and with pets
- The panel is easy to remove, as are the filters
- The sound it makes would be classed as white noise
Cons:
- You don’t really need the remote if you are going to use auto mode
The Final Verdict
At first, we were impressed by the washable AOC carbon filter that comes with the Winix 5500-2. After trying both of the air purifiers, we didn’t notice that much of a difference, especially not when the star of the show is the HEPA filter.
Many of the features like the PlasmaWave and Smart Sensors were the same, as were the fan speeds and the LED indicators. The size was not noticeable enough and while we preferred the Winix 5500-2 for its color, it wasn’t enough to gain the advantage. Today’s winner is the Winix 5300-2. It has amazing features, works incredibly well and cleaning the air of a good-sized room and we loved the price.