Winix 5500-2 Review

[@marmoleriaalba7018]

If you’ve never used an air filter these are great. kzbin.infoUgkx_dppjvjF8BYEmPSDTcgCUdRsgWYLXNHN I ended up with three after starting out with one. The noise level depends on the 1-3 settings with how hard you want the machine to work. You can also upgrade the filters and get one better for pet hair and smells which is a must have in my home. I noticed the air seemed lighter and easier to breathe when running the machine for the first time. Works great every time. Highly recommended!

[@mr.ahmedisac]

This guy is a reason why internet is better than school.

[@spiritfox6066]

I've learned so much from people like him on KZbin. I'm very thankful for people like him sharing their knowledge.

[@diedforurwins]

I’m really thankful for the internet and people like you when it comes to making a decision on a product like an air purifier. You’re clearly passionate about this very niche subject and are the most informed and detailed reviewer on the subject I could find. I just ordered my Winix thanks to your review.

[@diedforurwins]

@@lizedery3302 I have athsma and I just mine a few days ago. I have not had sleep like this in so long. I 100% recommend this thing. I have a dog and the hair and dust this thing has picked up is incredible. I saw a lot of videos of this thing where people went to clean the filter and it was basically clean. Mine is full of dust and hair after just a few days I had to clean it!

[@isoinsignia7540]

@@lizedery3302 The Plasmawave function is what controls the ionizer. Just turn that feature off if you don’t want it.

[@darleneenters5306]

@@diedforurwins l"loll""..".,l9liikklllk buy uku I,,kkyy6¡ lkkko

[@LokimonWasHere]

@@darleneenters5306 what the fuck?

[@LokimonWasHere]

@@isoinsignia7540 what does the ionizer do?

[@zero450571]

this is an awesome review. I love how you discuss the competitors and and the downfalls. great review. i'll sub.

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you and welcome!

[@harveydoherty6995]

He's missing one important thing,air quality tests etc Did he do any? Why not show air quality tests!.

[@ericrouthier4799]

Thank you so much for this review. I have smokers to the left and right of my condo, and was getting a ton of secondhand smoke coming through the outlets. This review made my pull the trigger on this unit, and it essentially fixed the problem. It really is insanely efficient for cigarette smoke and stifling the smell. THANK YOU!

[@consumer-analysis]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@ericrouthier4799]

@@EphesianRose hey! Effective in both modes honestly. It may be slightly more effective in plasma mode - not sure. Works either way

[@Alvan81]

Thanks for the fair, educational and straightforward review! My family and I have owned 8 of these and they have made a huge improvement in Quality of Life for asthma or other Lung disease sufferers to say nothing of the odor elimination. I ran one unit 24/7 for several years, and it never failed or wavered. Tips: Run at Turbo overnight when Electricity is cheaper then turn down during the day or when you are actually in the room to reduce noise. Never set your unit on the carpeted floor or near the floor. You will quickly clog/use up your filters with debris, that would be better-handled with a high quality vacuum or sweeper. Clean the Pre-Filter often(outdoors🙂) and you'll extend the life of the more expensive, HEPA component by far. Don't vacuum the pre filter with y oi it home vaccum: you'll just transfer the dust from one source to another. I go outside and use an old beater shop vac outside to clean my pre filter and charcoal filters every couple months. Run on Turbo Mode while vacuuming to clean any airborne dust exhausted from vaccum cleaner

[@consumer-analysis]

Thanks for the comment. These are great tips!

[@hgray7917]

Where do you suggest putting the purifier? I want mine in a hallway upstairs, should I place it on a table? Can it be mounted on a wall?

[@eugeniayau]

Alvan, thanks so much for taking the time to post the very helpful tips....reminded me that I should clean the pre-filter in my units (I've had them for several months now). I'm in my 70's and first-time air purifier user. What is the vac that you use to clean the filter outside?

[@francinegiasson7118]

We have had this unit for a week now, and we are very pleased with it. It works perfectly for our bedroom at the low setting. Thanks for your comments and your recommendations for this unit. - Merci beaucoup. 💐

[@consumer-analysis]

You are very welcome!

[@Anonymous-is1iv]

This was the video that convinced me to get this filter. Thank you! Btw I’ve been researching for literal weeks looking at dysons and other much more expensive products but to me this is a superior filter compared to anything else on the market- unless you want to spend a literal thousand dollars $ on some industrial / hospital filter that takes up an entire room to provide filtration.. this price for this product is unbeatable.

[@shuriken204]

How has it been?

[@jsperos]

Excellent review! I bought a second WINIX and have been very happy with its ability to filter and purify the air. It’s virtually silent at night in Sleep mode. Great air purifier and this review is highly accurate. Well done!

[@ehern87]

I just bought a couple of these. They actually have a 2 year warranty now. Have found the auto mode to be suprsingly good, turns up it's fan exactly when I'd expect. Great video btw, was really helpful in my air purifier buying decision.

[@jolujo5842]

How much to replace the carbon filter and hepa filter? A unit in the sub $200.00 range, it would be a serious downside if replacement filters were $100.00 + This is a serious consideration in deciding to purchase. Just like the color printer companies that sell an awesome printer to us. Then we find out that replacement color cartridges cost more than the actual printer!

[@MarySieczkowski]

😅should you vacuum the charcoal filter. If you did is it no longer good

[@JohnSmith-tz7iy]

I wish every youtube video had this level of thought put into it. Very well done video, thank you.

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@gwmattos]

After testing and using the 5500-2 Winnix for 3 years, plus the iQ Air, plus the Blue air 205, plus the Enviroklenz, l prefer the Winnix 5500-2 in my small bedroom as it is so quiet plus in hot nights it moves the air that promotes better sleep. I vacuum the pre-filter and wash the charcoal filter plus, replace the hepa filter as required. With allergies l have found this unit to work nicely in all seasons. My second choice is the Classic Blue Air 205. Going to give my iQ Air to a Charity as it, at my age is difficult to move from 1 floor to the next when needed plus the filters are expensive. Next fall or winter l will give my Enviroklenz to a charity, as it is made of steel and difficult to move on 3 flight of stairs. It needs to be placed in a dental office or school room. Your reports and reviews are the best on KZbin. Thanks for sharing them with us out here.😊

[@goinghigher7349]

My wife and I really appreciated the thorough analysis of this air purifier. Your expertise is apparent and you are a true asset to any organization. We just bought 2 Winix 5500-2 Air Purifiers. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I really appreciate it!

[@jhvghjgjkhlihli]

just ordered this from amazon. thanks for the review. can't wait to get it. my days of suffering shall be over.

[@consumer-analysis]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@atoessandoh_]

Check out wayfair.com. A bit cheaper than amazon

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

@@atoessandoh_ I got one for 45 percent off on wayfair. I got a supervisor to give me a quote via email with 35 percent off and added promo code to the quote to get it another ten percent off.

[@tisurmaster]

check the suction of air from the front, you can remove the front while it's still on... it's not that great.

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

@@tisurmaster Yeah, compared to my alen air and my two austin air units it doesn't push much air. I'll see how my germguardian 5000e units do, I got them coming mostly for the uv-c lights.

[@diedforurwins]

I just got mine thanks to this review. It is incredible. I have fans in my house that used to be covered in dust and hair. I cleaned them all and they have remained clean. I have been cleaning the pre filter in the Winix every couple of days because it is COVERED in dust and crap from the air.

[@eddier9571]

great review, explanations were professionally done. what I like about your video clip, there was no clowning around.

[@anthonyanzalone]

I've had this unit for over 6 months and I absolutely love it. It's very well built, the motor and fan are extremely well-balanced and the does not vibrate, at all. All I hear is the airflow and I keep mine on 3 (out of 4). As far as the lights. I covered most of the air quality LED with electrical tape. Fixed..

[@powerhitter033]

lol I do this with my electronics in my room also!

[@TonyBSyr]

Just bought one of these from Amazon. Had to wait nearly a month, but the instruction booklet says it now has a two year warranty. An interesting thing is what makes the light color of the air quality sensor to change. Normally it is on blue but two things make it turn to yellow and that is cooking something in the oven and farts. Yes, if you let one go near it the color changes to yellow after a few minutes as the gas enters the machine and depending on the strength goes back to blue in usually about ten minutes unless you let go another one. Not joking, it works every time unless the discharge is very small. Kind of funny when you think about it.

[@TonyBSyr]

@vfxardist Too bad you are offended by the facts of life.

[@TacticalNuke321]

On Amazon it says it has a 2 year warranty

[@DrMarkWaller]

I was shopping for an air purifier when your videos popped up in KZbin. Excellent job. Used your link to buy a Winix.

[@ThisGuyCJ]

after watching a few of your reviews, I decided to settle for this one, I hope it'll help keep the dust build up to a minimum if I put it with my PC

[@pxblocked1240]

Has it helped?

[@ThisGuyCJ]

@@pxblocked1240 it works preety well, it's behind my PC & the inside of my PC isn't as dusty as some of the other spots in my room x)

[@John-mu2js]

Whew! I ordered the wrong model. Thanks for the video, I was able to catch it before it shipped. Great review.

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you! Glad I could help!

[@garysforth]

Plasma wav technology is safe method of ionizing air. Wish you would have explained it. This unit is the best.!!

[@MichaelCorleone562]

So it's safe? Lots of reviews warning about ozone output. Thanks

[@pete-m86]

This unit has an uncanny similarity to my Sharp FP-P60CX, right down to the PlasmaCluster... err I mean PlasmaWave LOL. But yea, the washable prefilter, carbon pellet filter, HEPA filter, motor/fan layout, inlets, outlet. I can't help but wonder if they 'borrowed' the design

[@DragonBladeX94]

I would like to thank you for this and other reviews done on air purifiers. As someone doing research on what purifier to purchase, CA has been by far the most clear source of information regarding specific models.

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you very much for the kind words!

[@anders8707]

Mine lasted 3 years and then the motor started making noise. If you look at the long term Amazon reviews these units crap out around the 2.5 year mark. No replacement motors available from Winix. They work great until their planned obsolescence kicks in.

[@frenic]

This review is so comprehensive. It helped me decide what to pick wisely. I ended picking winix 5500-2 for the living room thanks!

[@consumer-analysis]

Thank you for the positive feedback! I really do appreciate it. Would love to know what you think of my latest reviews for cordless vacuums as I've changed up my presentation style quite a bit from these air purifier reviews.

[@lightnoir6914]

Does it produce ions??

[@itsjmack]

Awesome review! Bought this from Amazon after this review. Love it in our room. What are your thoughts about the Plasmawave technology? Is it preferred to have that selected each time we run the unit? Also, I’ve heard mixed reviews about it possibly being dangerous

[@consumer-analysis]

The plasmawave feature is essentially an ionizer. I wrote a full analysis of ionizers here: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/air-ionizers/ Regarding the generation of ozone, it is true that the air purifier can release ozone with its plasmawave feature turned on. But the feature can easily be turned off and left off. And even with it turned on the unit is still completely safe to use: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices

[@zippers2]

well-done review. Drape some dark cloth ( 2" x 14" piece) over the light panel, ( put a little square of two-sided tape on the ends) to cover up just the light panel when you sleep, then you will not see the lights. Simple....

[@drumtro11]

Why didn't you talk about plasma wave?

[@idic5]

i see nothing here , nor in your review, on plasma wave function. per the manufacturer, it produces ozone, which is a problem for , paradoxically, air purity. I read from the manufacturer that it is the plasma wave function that cleans viruses, so turning it off , turns off this very important function. curiously, your thorough approach in your writing and in your video presentation does not mention this. The amazon review mentioned in another comment of mine that was a recommended unit, but he had asthma , and so he turns it off because when it is on all the time ( which is what you are supposed to do), there is a distinct ozone smell that aggravates his asthma - which is quite wild for an air purifier. your video did not mention the fact that the winix does not remove certain vocs like formadelhyde and paint because of the nature of carbon - that i learned in your written review and which I had confirmed in other reviews. here is the amazon review I cited in a few comments here ' Works good for allergies! By LL on July 12, 2022I bought this particular unit and the Winix C535 about 3 years ago. If you're looking for it to remove major VOC's and formaldehyde forget it. I primarily use it for allergies, dust, lite cooking odors and the plasma wave kills bacteria floating around in the air during covid. The Winix 5500-2 comes with a carbon filter which has a really weird odor to it so I don't even use it I just purchase extra filters for the C535 model and use them in both units it's a cheaper option considering the smell of the carbon is horrible. As far as the plasmawave I don't run it for longer than 24 hours because it also produces a slight ozone odor and with me having asthma it seems to agitate it. Both models even though I vacuum the outer filter once a month and I change the thin carbon filter every 90 days and the HEPA filter once a year both machines are now having motor issues. I called Winix to see if this is normal and they told me just to throw the machines away! But then again what do you expect when you pay under $200!It's great for allergies it really does eliminate a lot of dust out of my house but if you're looking for something to remove paint smells you're going to be paying a lot of money!'

[@PhilomathBret]

Thank you for the great review. The only suggestion I have to improve it is to run the product at different settings so we can see for ourselves how loud it is.

[@CrazyElectoneSteven]

The warranty is now listed on their website as 2 years.

[@CrazyElectoneSteven]

@Brian Rodriguez I recently bought from Amazon (as seller), and the included instruction manual is identical to that found on Winixamerica.com that states a 2-year warranty.

[@GEORGE-jf2vz]

I got mine on 9/27/21 and it has a 2-year warranty and moves 360 cubic feet per minute.

[@turtlepowersf]

The pet hair filters are helpful. They catch most of the dust, making it unnecessary or extremely easy to wash the prefilter.

[@swraman]

you convinced me to buy 2-3 of these instead of an Airmega 400. Thanks for making these videos!

[@fightingblindly]

This one is on sale for $118 at Target. The 5300-2 is $123 at Target.

[@hakunamatata3336]

I have a question that I’ve been desperately searching for. Upon doing research products such as this create ozone. From what I’ve learned is that ozone breaks down slowly which leads to buildup. I live with asthmatics and excessive ozone can be counterproductive on what I intended on buying this machine for. Now from what I’ve seen from your video is that upon disabling the plasma wave light it disables plasma wave(the harmful uv). If I keep this feature off 1.) Do I lose any accessibility besides the light. 2.) Will it still produce even if plasma wave is off. I’ve watched hours of videos on what purifiers are best and I keep coming across this one.

[@consumer-analysis]

Turning plasmawave off turns the ionizer off. It's impossible for the unit to generate ozone with the ionizer turned off. Note that even with the ionizer turned on it has been tested to be safe to use: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices

[@TheAngiepangie424]

I tape over the LED lights in my house with electrical tape.

[@shaunspellman2856]

I actually have the winix C545 and C535!

[@lindarandles2106]

I have this one , about 3 years now . Runs all day . No issues

[@davidwilliamson8569]

Fantastic review. Really great detail and appreciate that you broke it down into your top 3 air purifiers. Thank you for making this video.

[@itslobo]

god.. just..... thank you.

[@gamefreakQ77]

great video, just ordered one of these because my upstairs neighbors love chain smoking cigarettes, how long will the filters last before I have to replace them?

[@consumer-analysis]

The manufacturer claims that both the carbon and HEPA filter should last up to 1 year although YMMV depending on the exact conditions in your home.

[@schong8402]

Excellent comprehensive review! Thank you for saving me from buying the very expensive and less effective Dyson!

[@maureendavis8863]

Your reviews are extremely helpful. Thank you. I ordered using your link!

[@stevelinscome728]

Thank you. I watched your air purifier review last night. I had heard for a couple of days the Coway was great. So, I looked for it everywhere but they're sold out. Seeing your reviews last night, I saw the Winnix as another option. I bought it. I'm so looking forward to it and am glad the Coway was sold out. Each year my sinuses get messed up. A couple of days ago, I was noticing all the particulates blowing around while the sun was coming through my window in my small apt. while the fan was blowing. Wow, alot of dust(not to mention the fire smoke/ash in my area). I decided I could benefit from a filter/purifier. One more week until it arrives! Again, thanks.

[@jimsprojects7777]

Excellent Review! I heard things on here that I haven't heard in other reviews. The thing you didn't mention is, you can also clean the carbon filter. According to the instructions, you clean it every three months. So you clean the pre-filter every two weeks. The carbon filter every three months and you change the Hepa filter once a year under normal use. I surmise that you get all three filters when you buy a new Hepa after the year is up.

[@shiznoes]

I have read reviews saying that this unit produces a lot of ozone with its 'plasmawave.' Have you read into this at all?

[@Weesson]

Yes exactly. I’ve heard that ionize feature is pointless and could be harmful.

[@consumer-analysis]

The 5500-2 can only release ozone with its plasmawave feature (ionizer) turned on. And this feature can easily be turned off and left off. Though even with it turned on the unit is still completely safe to use: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices

[@3AsianBoi]

I heard that this machine plasmawave gives off ozone?

[@Juniper155]

You heard correctly and for some reason he doesn’t address that very important fact.

[@GreatDrums.]

you can turn if off apparently

[@solowolf023]

Thank you for your comprehensive review!

[@rigobertoalvarez9164]

Does this unit produce ozone? Read a low review on Amazon about it producing ozone.

[@sythonslays]

It follows California's laws of safety and produces no Ozone according to the manufactures website however they are allowed to state this since the Ozone output is so low its not harmful. i think i read somewhere that it's .05 ppm (parts per million) which is almost nothing.

[@consumer-analysis]

See here for more information: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices

[@You-Toober]

@@consumer-analysis Thanks!!

[@pksangavaram]

thanks for your wonderful review. ordered it. after moving to Pasadena CA from NJ, my little yorkie and I are suffering from all the allergens. hoping this helps us!

[@dianejimenez3440]

Outstanding, information. I've spent hours over 3 days doing my own research and have learned more in your video than the many hours of my own. Thank you.

[@consumer-analysis]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching!

[@ashsar2408]

Hi. I''m going to purchase an air purifier in the very near future. Actually I have a Honeywell 300 in my cart now, chosen by my husband. I notice you did not mention anything about the cost of the filters for Winx 5500-2. They are pretty expensive and you are not allowed to purchase the hepa filter separately from the washable carbon filter. There are many more options for the Honeywell. Any thoughts on this?

[@consumer-analysis]

Replacement filter prices tend to fluctuate quite a bit. It looks like prices for the genuine replacement filters for the Winix 5500-2 are a bit high right now but those same filters can be had for a discounted price quite frequently (I recommend setting price alerts). Compared to the Honeywell HPA300, the Winix does require you to buy both the HEPA and carbon filter together while the Honeywell unit does not. The reason is this: the Winix's pellet based carbon filter lasts much longer than the Honeywell's fibrous carbon filter. So long, in fact, that the Winix's carbon filter tends to last just as long as its HEPA filter - hence why the two are sold together. The Honeywell's carbon filter doesn't last nearly as long. It also tends to last for a much shorter period of time than the unit's HEPA filters which is one of the reasons why the two filter types are sold separately - you'll have to buy carbon filters more frequently than you'll have to buy replacement HEPA filters. Don't forget also that the Honeywell unit requires a total of three HEPA filters while the Winix only requires one. Once you total up the cost of three HEPA filters plus more replacement carbon filters over time the Honeywell's filter replacement cost is actually higher than that of the Winix.

[@ashsar2408]

@@consumer-analysis Thanks for your speedy reply. Will take you information into consideration.

[@chrisr.2410]

I wish you talked a bit more about the "plasma wave" feature. How does it work, is it effective, and is it safe (no ozone)?

[@bobsmith-nm2ms]

I posted this above to someone with the same question. This link is to both Winix and others who answer your question. I've had mine for two years. Purchase on for my son and father. www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=is+the+winix+plasmawave+a+ionizer

[@daveward1484]

I'm wondering about the cost of operation over a year. How often is a replacement Hepa filter needed?

[@an6el1022]

You replace the Hepa filter once a year. I had mine for a year and just changed that and the carbon filter. I vacuumed the carbon filter (before the yearly change) and pre filter every 3 months. I love this air purifier!

[@AnimalBasedInYourFace]

I wish you would review the Winix units for larger spaces.

[@leninmercedes926]

Excellent insightful through review. Non bias review . Thank you so much. I would be purchasing the Winix. Thanks again for your informative review. Keep up The great work.

[@consumer-analysis]

Really appreciate the kind words! Thank you!

[@leninmercedes926]

Consumer Analysis no...... thank you my friend.... you are doing a great service. Especially in these trying times.

[@overratedprogrammer]

I would like to see ozone/radiation production. Especially compared to something like the austin air

[@sammalama]

Did you test the plasmawave to see if the levels of ozone it produces are toxic? Does that lower its ability to filter?

[@dushooter]

Thank you. Excellent review. Helped with my purchase decision.

[@JM-fi7uc]

Do you know if this is functionally the same as the Winix C545 for sale on Costco? They look almost exactly the same.

[@consumer-analysis]

The only major difference is the gas filter. The C545 has a fibrous carbon filter while the 5500-2 has a pellet-based carbon filter.

[@zodiacfml]

still pricey for basically a sealed fan and a hepa filter. for warmer climates, the blowing fan/wind is wasted which Dyson took as an opportunity to their air purifiers.

[@bennorton4831]

Great review and very informative! I appreciate your work in making this video...it really helped me decide on which air purifier to get! :)

[@consumer-analysis]

Glad I could help!

[@janetmariemccoll4098]

Thank you for your sharing.

[@janetmariemccoll4098]

Helped me decide. Thanks and God bless you.

[@ManjitSandhu]

Any thoughts on using non branded replacement filters. I just tried my first non branded and I loved it. I found it to work very well. Your thoughts please.

[@kimlalee5524]

Where is the best place to put the filter in a room? I usually try to hide it behind a door or between two chairs.

[@consumer-analysis]

My testing showed it doesn't really matter where you place the air purifier in the room. Where you're placing it right now will work fine.

[@gerrygalvan7313]

Nice review. Would you say that the Costco C545 is a good unit as well?

[@toxicteabaging]

What a great and actually informative channel, keep up the great work!

[@fyaerwe]

Please explain the plasma technology that this has! What does it do? Does it help at all in reducing VOC gases?

[@consumer-analysis]

It's an ionizer. I wrote a guide on the topic here: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/air-ionizers/

[@dannywalker6279]

What exactly is the plasma setting and can you turn it off thanks

[@consumer-analysis]

It's an ionizer, and yes, it can very easily be turned off and kept off. I talk more about air ionizers here: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/air-ionizers/

[@xxCablexx]

great review, but did I miss it? there was nothing said about the PlasmaWave technology?

[@consumer-analysis]

"PlasmaWave" is the name for the unit's ionizer. It comes down to personal preference whether you would like to use it or not (as it can easily be turned on/off). With it on, it is possible for the unit to generate ozone. In larger spaces this shouldn't be a problem (since the ozone generation is in such low concentration) but in a smaller confined space this may be an issue for some users. As such we recommend, turning it on/off depending on your application. As to what it does and whether you might want this functionality or not, we do have an article written on this exact subject. Note that the inclusion of this "technology" has no impact on our recommendation of the air purifier itself. We recommend it based on its output, filtration quality, etc. Not whether it has an included ionizer or not. Our article on ionizers: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/air-ionizers/

[@xxCablexx]

@@consumer-analysis oh, ok cool, thanks for the info, great stuff on your site

[@consumer-analysis]

@@xxCablexx No problem at all. Thank you for the positive feedback.

[@PrefectTaco]

This guy gave a really good review. We bought two for the house and are happy with the purchase. The bright lights are a nuisance if in your bedroom.. But they are easy to cover up with black tape.

[@yumpinyiminy963]

LED sensitive? Really. Look at the latest desktop PC's Their LED crazy. Just sawing the LEDS will not light up your room. Also the carbon filter can be washed up to 2 times before replacing. I find mine is actually quieter than my PC in all modes other than turbo. The 1st 3 fan speeds go from ~ 42db to 50db. Turbo kicks it up to 64db (a bit load) but cleans 3.5 times as fast.

[@hmmob3956]

Went to the Winix US site and it says that the warranty on the 5500-2 is now 2 years. And of course, thanks for a no-nonsense great review.

[@tc1uscg65]

If these are anything like the C545's WiFi connection and app, get ready for some frustration. I'm having to re-connect my device all the time. I just updated the app and guess what? I have to re-establish the connection and having two, they are a PITA. As far as how they operate? I don't give them very high marks for their size, I expected better. Two running in a 700 sq ft space (basement) and after changing the charcoal filter, they still do not remove any smells. Just blow air.

[@jovpp6386]

Coway made from US and this Winix air purifier is very expensive here in my country Philippines. But coway made in Korea are far more affordable it cost almost 7,000 on a regular basis price, but when there is Online Sale like this coming 8:8 they bring down the price to a more affordable price and im probably 95% planning to buy on it.... Im first time user of Air P. so still thinking of buying this Winix brand because of the Washable filter, Granular carbon filter ang the True hepa filter that saves u money on keeping a replaceable filter..

[@webcomment8895]

This is selling for around $250 now even directly from the Winix web site.

[@robd003]

How does the AM80 compare to the 5500-2? Any difference with the motors? (Filters are identical)

[@Anythingforfreedom]

Can you do water filtration systems next?

[@jdmfh47]

Just ran into this issue with the lights. They are quite bright. And in sleep mode it is completely silent. So somewhat of a downfall that you can't use it as white noise and have no lights.

[@SiliconSurvivor]

This was a great review! Well done, and thank you!

[@AngeloVerona]

Love it that you actually addressed Europe version that super confusing from makers that provides no alternative or some different design or some bogus name

[@Malefabulous]

What a cheap pre-filter.. looks very transparent and thin, seems like it would only capture very large larticles.. I'm looking for an air purifier that has a thicker pre-filter that can trap more medium size dust particle and that's cleanable.

[@consumer-analysis]

The RabbitAir MinusA2 is the closest to what you're looking for. The unit has an extra medium filter (in addition to a pre-filter) but it is replaceable - i.e. it cannot be cleaned. My review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYe3eouXeselj8U.

[@Juniper155]

You didn’t address the fact that this unit releases ozone and that is very dangerous to the lungs!!!! Need to address that VERY IMPORTANT FACT!!!

[@michaelfeliciano5731]

I see on the Winix website that this unit comes with a 2-year warranty. I wonder if they boosted it recently??

[@dcdrummer9471]

Just ordered one but concerned about ozone from Plazmawave.....is it a problem or should I just shut feature off

[@consumer-analysis]

Even with it turned on the unit is still completely safe to use: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices My thoughts on ionizers are here: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/air-ionizers/

[@jandjlink]

Would you recommend the Winix HR 900 instead of the Winix 5500-2 if pets are in the house? Woujld either work just as well?

[@jettdiff8573]

thank you for the review, it's not very easy to search for an analysis on products such as this

[@consumer-analysis]

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.

[@scottbarnhill3774]

Hi Consumer Analysis. I recently purchased the Winix 5500-2 before watching your video. I do like the air purifier as a whole, but I do agree with you concerning not being able to disable the lights without using the Sleep mode, which I'll never use. But below is my main issue -- was hoping you could offer advice concerning an alternative to the Winix 5500-2. For years my wife & I have slept with an older Hamilton Beach HEPA air purifier (on lowest setting) in our bedroom to not only clean the air but also for the WHITE NOISE (emphasis, not screaming). I like this Winix unit but fan settings 1 - 3 are pretty much useless for white noise due to these settings being way too silent. And in general this is a good thing as you explained in your video, but not so much for needed white noise. Fan speed 3 on the Winix is more silent, quite a bit of difference, when comparing to the lowest fan setting of our older Hamilton Beach air purifier. However, the highest setting of 4 on the Winix is WAY too loud for white noise, especially when trying to use the white noise for facilitating sleep (the whole reason we want white noise). The difference between each fan setting 1, 2 and 3 of the Winix do seem consistent (but very silent). But setting 4 is way over the top - no consistency between settings 3 and 4. My issue is that setting 3 on the Winix is too subtle/silent to provide the level of white noise we need for sleeping. But setting 4 is way too loud. To put this in perspective, here is the power usage in watts at the wall: Setting 1 - 6 watts Setting 2 - 8 watts Setting 3 - 11 watts Setting 4 (blast) - 64 watts!!! So is there a comparable air purifier that you are aware of that would provide a louder sound output than setting 3 on the Winix 5500-2, but definitely not as loud as setting 4? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@consumer-analysis]

Yes, there are many options that offer what you're looking for but all of them have some other issue or issues that keep me from recommending them. I list the noise output data for all of the units I tested here: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/quiet-air-purifier/ You could cross-reference this data with my individual model reviews to find a unit that might work for you despite the fact that I don't recommend it for everyone: www.consumeranalysis.com/guides/air-purifiers/best-air-purifier/#reviews

[@scottbarnhill3774]

@@consumer-analysis Thanks for the noise output link concerning brands/models you've tested. Unfortunately, most of the units shown in the links are not ones I'd recommend either based on my own analysis. In my opinion the Winix is a nice silent air purifier, but not a very efficient one compared to other brands/models which are not shown in the lists you've shared. But thanks for responding. Much appreciated.

[@jerrysmigiel7998]

Does this unit go into sleep mode automatically when the lights go out? When I get up for work and it's still dark out it looks to be off.

[@tigeruppercut7]

Psssst. The sensor only detects gases, not particulates. I have confirmed this with Winix. This is very unfortunate for a purifier that excels in particulate filtering but not gas adsorption.

[@geezberry8889]

I need HELP!. I have three of the Winix and my Roku remote when i hit the power button for my TV is activating the Winix at full blast. .

[@jstonecaca]

I’m trying to find out how to get e The black filter out to replace from the Winix 5500

[@buddyhendrie6190]

Would you go w/ the Winik 5500 2 or the Coway Airmega 400?

[@consumer-analysis]

The AirMega 400 is not a bad product by any means but for most applications I would go with the 5500-2 as it's a much better value.

[@erikhendrych190]

Lol Winix has completely different products for the EU market. Some just seem to have different names but this one is unavailable :(

[@jjs777fzr]

Still love this review but what about the plasma wave feature?

[@harperwelch5147]

Does this remove Covid air particles?

[@cromanxx1]

Great review. Winix website shows 2 - year warranty for the above model.

[@CellarDoorWhispers]

Hello, I'm new to air purifiers, so I just had a question. I suffer from a lot of really awful sinus and allergy problems, which has led me here, as I didn't want to buy an ineffective product. I'm on a tight budget for the moment, so I can only purchase one right now, and the 5500-2 is what I'd like to purchase. I live in a medium sized apartment, all one level, with high ceilings, my living room and kitchen are open to one another at about 270 sq ft, and I have two bedrooms directly connected to the living room at 112 sq ft and 95sq ft respectively, as well as a small bathroom. Until I can purchase a second unit to use between the bedrooms, would it be useful to kind of move the unit around to the room I'm in? I've seen people recommend units that cover 700sq ft for my apt size, but I trust your reviews more and think it makes more sense to get two for about the same price. I'm just not sure the most effective way to use one while I'm budgeting for the second one. Any advice?

[@Kazemon916]

From their videos, he says portability shouldn’t be an issue with these models so I think you could just use it for moving it around the rooms. I’m researching a lot about air purifiers, but I don’t know everything either so I’m going off of what I’m seeing Also if you do get the winix, be wary of using the plasma wave function because I’m reading that this function causes ozone gases to be emitted, yet the company themselves claim it doesn’t. It should work just as well without using plasma wave

[@consumer-analysis]

You only need to move the unit to the room you're in if the room can be closed off (by closing the door) from the rest of your apartment - to limit the volume of air the air purifier has to process. In a big open space, the air purifier's proximity to you really doesn't matter.

[@consumer-analysis]

As you mentioned, the 5500-2 can only release ozone with its plasmawave feature (ionizer) turned on. Though this feature can easily be turned off and left off. And even with it turned on the unit is still completely safe to use: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/california-certified-air-cleaning-devices