Duel of Air Purifiers: Winix 5500-2 vs. Winix 5300-2

Written By: Dr Fahad Yasin

In the arena of air purification, two gladiators step forth, identical in design, equipped with a 4-stage cleaning system, ready to battle for supremacy. But in this clash of the Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 air purifiers, beneath the surface, significant distinctions lurk.

It is incumbent upon the discerning buyer to unravel these intricacies before making a fateful choice. In this article, we shall delve into the depths of data and draw comparisons between these two contenders, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and the ultimate victor.

Table Of Content

Quick Comparison

  •  Both Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 boast a 4-stage cleaning system.
  •  The primary difference lies in the carbon filter – only the Winix 5500-2 features a washable AOC carbon filter.
  •  The Winix 5500-2 offers the convenience of a remote control, allowing operation from any corner of the room.
  •  Shared features include identical designs, auto and sleep modes, fan settings, and room coverage.

Comparison Chart

Below is the comparison chart between Winix 5500-2 vs Winix 5300-2.

Winix 5300-2Winix 5500-2
Dimensions:15” X 8.2” X 23.6”15” X 8.2” X 23.6”
Weight:14.8 pounds14.8 pounds
Power:70 W70 W
CADR:141 CFM / 240 m³/h260 CFM / 442 m³/h
Area Covered:360 Sq Ft.360 Sq Ft.
Smart Controls:Via VeSync app, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant™Via VeSync app, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant™
Remote Control:YesYes
Smart Sensors:YesYes
Auto Mode:YesYes
Sleep Mode:YesYes
Air Quality Indicator:YesYes
Filter Replacement Indicator:YesYes
ACH:55
CADR:Dust - 243

Pollen - 246

Smoke - 232
Dust - 243

Pollen - 246

Smoke - 232
4-Stage Cleaning System:YesYes
Washable Fine Mesh Pre Filter:YesYes
Washable AOC Carbon Filter:NoYes
True-Hepa Filter:YesYes
Wi-Fi Connectivity:NoNo
Voice Control:NoNo
Timer:YesYes
Price:Check PriceCheck Price

Pros And Cons Of Winix 5300-2 Air Purifiers

The pros and cons of Winix 5300-2 are as follows:

Winix 5300-2

Experience clean air with the latest technology of the Winix 5300-2 air purifier:

Pros

  • Low price, as compared to 5500-2 purifiers.
  • Powerful 4-stage air filtration system.
  • Suitable for medium and large rooms up to 360 sq ft.
  • Auto mode with odor smart sensor.
  • 4 fan settings: low, medium, high, and turbo.
  • Sleep mode for ultra-quiet operation.
  • Air quality and filter reset indicators.
  • Timer feature.
  • Plasmawave Technology.
  • Modern and sleek design with light weight.

Cons

  • No remote control.
  • Carbon filter does not have carbon pellets which are more advanced for odor control.

Pros And Cons Of Winix 5500-2 Air Purifiers

Without a doubt, Winix 5500-2 has more benefits than its counterpart. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the air purifier.

Winix 5500-2

Experience clean air with the latest technology of the Winix 5300-2 air purifier:

Pros

  • Remote control for controlling the purifier from anywhere in the room.
  • 4-stage air filtration system with advanced odor control and Plasmawave technology for clean deodorized air.
  • Washable carbon and pre-filter. 
  • Auto mode, sleep mode, and fan speeds are equipped similarly to 5300-2.
  • The quiet operation even at the highest fan setting.
  • Both air purifiers are Energy Star, AHAM, and CARB certified.
  • Control panel buttons, indicators, and features are identical to 5300-2.

Cons

  • Costlier than 5300-2 purifiers.
  • The washable AOC carbon filter needs cleaning every 3 months.

Winix 5500-2 And Winix 5300-2: Differences

Until now, we have only scratched the surface of the differences between Winix 5500-2 vs Winix 5300-2.

Keep reading to know about each difference in detail.

Filtration System

Both contenders, the Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2, flaunt a 4-stage filtration process, purging the air of dust, hair, smoke, odor, VOCs, pet dander, and harmful particles.

The four filters are as follows:

1- Washable Fine Mesh Pre-Filter

  •  Captures large particles like hair, pet dander, and dirt, ensuring optimal performance.
  •  Requires cleaning every two weeks but doesn’t necessitate replacement, resulting in cost savings.

2- Carbon Filter

  •   Winix 5500-2: Boasts a washable AOC carbon filter, featuring honeycomb-shaped compartments filled with carbon pellets, effectively absorbing odors and deodorizing the air. Requires cleaning every three months and replacement every 12 months.
  •   Winix 5300-2: Features an activated carbon filter, a thick sheet of carbon for reducing VOCs and odor. Requires replacement every three months, but its design ensures efficient airflow, reducing strain on the HEPA filter for enhanced longevity.

It is where Winix 5300-2 air purifier wins the case.

3- True HEPA Filter

True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of the airborne pollutants up to 0.3 microns in size and releases clean air. It captures minute dust particles, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses.

4- Plasmawave

Winix air purifiers have a patented Plasmawave technology. Plasma wave releases charged ions into the environment. These ions attach to harmful particles and change their molecular structure. Plasmawave technology reduces viruses without producing harmful ozone.

You can turn it on or off using the Plasmawave button on the panel.

Filter Replacement Annual Cost of Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2

The annual filter replacement cost for both purifiers remains similar, as follows:

1 x HEPA Filter + 1 x Washable AOC filter for the Winix 5500-2 = 1 x HEPA Filter + 4 x Activated carbon filters for the Winix 5300-2

While the washable AOC filter necessitates annual replacement and the activated carbon filter requires four replacements annually, the costs align closely. Nevertheless, keep an eye out for discounts offered by the company, potentially reducing the financial burden further.

You can check the actual cost of filters replacement for Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 here:

Filters

1 x HEPA Filter + 1 x Washable AOC filter for the Winix 5500-2:

1 x HEPA Filter + 4 x Activated carbon filters for the Winix 5300-2:

But the good news is that the company often offers discounts, so you can get the filters for an even lower price.

Who is the winner – Winix 5500-2 air purifier.

Noise Levels Of Winix Air Purifiers

Both gladiators sound a clarion call upon activation, but their true valor lies in their hushed operation. A noise level of 27 dB marks both the Winix 5500-2 and 5300-2, ensuring they function discreetly, sparing their owners any cacophonous intrusion.

Cadr Ratings And Area Covered

Both purifiers lay claim to a room coverage of 360 sq ft, rendering them suitable for medium and large spaces. With an ACH (Air Changed Per Hour) rating of 4, they stand ready to purify the total airflow of a room four times an hour.

The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 is as follows:2

  • Dust: 243
  • Pollen: 246
  • Smoke: 232

A higher CADR indicates efficient air purification, and both contenders stand toe to toe in this respect.

Remote Control

A remote control enables you to control the air purifier remotely.

In the quest for control, the Winix 5300-2 yields to its counterpart, the Winix 5500-2. While the former relies on manual operation via control panel buttons, the latter offers a remote control with a radius of 20 ft, affording command from any strategic vantage point within the room.

Air Quality Indicator

In their vigilant guardianship of air quality, the Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 bear a similarity – both feature air quality indicators on their control panels. A colored LED light reveals real-time air quality, with red signifying poor air quality, amber denoting fair, and blue indicating good.

Design

The design battlefield hosts no great skirmishes, with both contenders parading similar exteriors. Air intake grilles grace their fronts, while air outlets crown their tops, flanked by control panels.

The sole divergence lies in their colors – the Winix 5500-2 veiled in stark black, the Winix 5300-2 adorned in gentle grey. 

In dimensions and weight, they mirror each other:

  • Dimensions: 15” x 8.2” x 23.6”
  • Weight: 14.8 pounds

Which One To Choose – Winix 5500-2 vs Winix 5300-2?

In the final throes of this epic duel, the victor remains veiled in individual preferences and priorities. A concise summation of compelling reasons to select each air purifier follows:

Buy Winix 5500-2 if you:

  •  Covet remote control prowess for air purification from afar.
  •  Seek advanced odor control with the washable AOC carbon filter.
  •  Prefer the convenience of washing the carbon filter over periodic replacement.
  •  Yearn for a whisper-quiet operation that grants you undisturbed serenity.
  •  Grapple with allergies, demanding potent air purification to banish allergens.

Buy Winix 5300-2 if you:

  •  Crave a more affordable air purifier that still delivers powerful filtration.
  •  Don’t require an advanced odor control filter for your living space.
  •  Find comfort in replacing the carbon filter instead of washing it.
  •  Are content operating the air purifier using its control panel.
  •  Strive to combat allergy symptoms with a robust air filtration system.

Frequently Asked Questions 

No, the Winix 5300-2 does not produce ozone emissions. It uses Plasmawave technology which produces charged ions to naturally remove harmful viruses and bacteria from the air.5500-2

Yes, you can leave your Winix air cleaner on all the time. The auto mode will adjust the fan speed with the help of its smart sensors like dust and light sensor.
Winix 5500-2 filters last about 12 months, except for the pre-filter, which can be cleaned and reused permanently. The washable carbon filter needs cleaning every three months and replacement every 12 months. The true HEPA filter is unwashable and needs filter replacement every 12 months.
No, Winix 5500-2 does not have an ionizer. The air purifier has a Plasmawave technology which is different from an ionizer.

Conclusion

As the dust settles and the air clears, the Winix 5500-2 emerges as the frontrunner, donning the mantle of the victor. With its remote control and advanced odor control filter, the 5500-2 claims the crown.

For those conscious of budgetary constraints, the 5300-2 remains an admirable contender, wielding its powerful filtration system. The choice, ultimately, rests with the consumer’s heart and home.

May these insights empower you to make an informed decision in your pursuit of purified air.

guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments