The Coway AP-1512 and Winix 5500-2 are big rivals. These devices are very similar in terms of specifications and capabilities. Both devices are trendy and have a lot of satisfied customers.
Both devices use an Ionizer, which can be turned on or off as needed.
Coway AP-1512HH is designed for 361 sq. ft. rooms, while Winix 5500-2 is designed for 360 sq. ft. rooms. As you can see, the devices are designed for rooms of almost identical dimensions.
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Coway comes in black or white options. On the other hand, Winix is only available in black.
Due to the popularity and similarity, many buyers doubt which of these two devices to buy. In this article, I will compare the necessary specifications and results of tests and, based on that, conclude which of these two products is the better purchase.
- Coway AP-1512HH – is an air purifier intended for rooms up to 361 sq. ft. It uses a four-stage filtration, has many advanced options, and comes with a 3-year warranty. Its air quality sensor detects particles.
- Winix 5500-2 – is one of the best air purifiers I have ever tested. It is intended for rooms up to 360 sq. ft., uses a four-stage filtration, and has plenty of advanced features. The Winix has an air quality sensor that can detect only odors.
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Coway Vs Winix Specifications
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| Manufacturer | Coway | Winix |
| Model | AP-1512HH | 5500-2 |
| Dimensions | 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches |
| Room Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 361 sq. ft. | 360 sq. ft. |
| Performance Ratings | ||
| Filtration Technology | Pre-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and Ionizer | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Longevity | up to 12 months | up to 12 months |
| Power | 77W | 70W |
| Operating Costs Ratings | ||
| Fan Speeds | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode | Yes | Yes |
| ECO Mode | Yes | No |
| Remote Controller | No | Yes |
| Smart App | No | No |
| Noise Levels | 41.4 – 63.5 dBA | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings | ||
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Coway AP-1512HH | Winix 5500-2 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Features Overview
The Coway AP-1512HH and Winix 5500-2 possess many identical options.
Both devices use a timer, which is an excellent option if you want to set the air purifier’s working time.
In addition to the timer, the devices’ standard features are an ionizer, filter rest indicator, and air quality indicator.
Controls
The control buttons and indicators are located on the top. The buttons are arranged horizontally and give a signal when pressed. The buttons on both devices are intuitive and react without problems to pressure.
The Coway AP-1512HH uses three fan speeds, while the Winix 5500-2 uses four fan speeds and sleep mode.
The Winix 5500-2 can be controlled using the remote controller that comes with the device.
Ionizer
Both devices have an ionizer. With the Winix 5500-2, it’s called PlasmaWave. The ionizer is turned on by default. However, it can be turned off by pressing the PlasmaWave button if you do not want to use it.
The Coway AP1512HH also uses an ionizer, the so-called Vital Ion System. The Vital Ion System is turned off by default, and you can turn it on as needed.
I prefer the Coway system better because it does not force you to use an ionizer. If you want to turn it on, you can simply click the button. On the other hand, with Winix 5500-2, you may forget to turn off the ionizer and use it without knowing it.
Smart Sensor
Both devices use the smart sensor, which works in combination with some other options on the devices.
The sensor works in combination with auto mode, which changes the fan speed based on reading the current air quality. Also, the air quality indicator glows a specific color based on the sensor’s signal that reads current air quality.
I don’t like Winix because the sensor only detects odors, which means it’s actually useless for particles and other pollution.
The Coway AP-1512HH uses a far more powerful sensor. Users can change the sensitivity of the sensor and thus adjust the operation of the Coway air purifier. However, the main difference between these two devices’ sensors is that the Coway sensor detects dust particles. The Winix sensor detects only odors.
ECO Mode
This is an option that is only available on the Coway AP-1512HH model. ECO mode is an excellent option for saving electricity while keeping the device’s efficiency at a high level.
ECO mode monitors the air quality in the room. If the air quality is excellent in the last 30 minutes, the device automatically shuts off. However, it continues to monitor air quality, and if the air gets lousy again, the device turns on immediately.
I really like ECO mode, and that’s one option I would single out on this model.
Filter Reset Indicator
Both devices have a filter reset indicator feature that will notify you when it is time to replace the filter.
The difference is that Coway displays two indicators, one for the true HEPA filter and the second for the carbon filter. This is so that the true HEPA filter needs to be changed every 12 months and the carbon filter every 6 months.
The Winix 5500-2 filter reset indicator refers to the replacement of a complete filter.
Airflow
In essence, the airflow of both devices is identical. Both devices draw in air from the front, which is then filtered through 3 stages of filtration and through the ionizer if it is turned on.
The filtered air comes out on the upper side of the device, moving vertically.
Filtration Technology
The Coway AP-1512HH has a four-stage filtration system. The first stage of filtration is the pre-filter, then the Carbon filter, and finally, the True HEPA filter. Besides, there is an ionizer as the fourth stage of filtration.
The Winix 5500-2 also has four-stage filtration. Just as it is with Coway, the first stage is pre-filter. The second stage of filtration is an activated carbon filter, the third stage of filtration is a true HEPA filter, and the last stage of filtration is an ionizer.
Both devices use a true HEPA filter. Also, the pre-filter on both devices is washable. The most significant difference is the carbon filter, which in the Winix 5500-2 is in the form of pellets, is washable, and is a little more efficient than its rivals.
The Coway AP-1512HH uses a fibrous filter coated with carbon that is not washable and is slightly less efficient than a filter at Winix.
How to replace filters on these air purifiers?
With the Winix 5500-2, the filter is changed every 12 months, while the Coway AP-1512HH, the True HEPA filter, is changed every 12 months. The Carbon filter is changed on average every 6 months.
Both devices use a filter reset indicator, so you won’t have to worry about when it’s time to replace the filter. The device will let you know on time.
Noise Test
Both devices have a high-quality motor, which does not produce any unpleasant sound or rattle during operation.
I would like to single out the Winix 5500-2 model because of its sleep mode function. Coway doesn’t have a sleep mode, but it’s quiet enough at first speed, so you don’t even need sleep mode.
The Winix 5500-2 uses multiple speeds, producing more different sound ranges. If we compare the maximum speed with both devices, we can say that the Coway is a bit quieter than the Winix.
At first speed, Coway is quieter. However, Winix, if running in sleep mode, is quieter than Coway when it is running at a first speed.
| Product | Noise Range (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Coway AP-1512HH | 41.4 – 63.5 dBA |
| Winix 5500-2 | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
Honestly, I prefer the sound on the Coway device. With Winix, I don’t like the big difference in volume between 3 and 4 fan speeds. I just couldn’t get used to that change. The table below shows the volume ranges of both devices.
Performance Tests
Due to the identical room coverage, I tested the devices in similar conditions and rooms. I will show the test results below.
320 sq. ft. Room Test
In this room, the Coway AP-1512HH improved the air quality by about 96% in 60 minutes and lowered the AQI from 148 to 6. In 60 minutes, in the same room in identical conditions, the Winix 5500-2 improved the air quality by about 96%, lowering the AQI from 141 to 9.
320 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
Both devices operated at maximum speed. Coway did slightly better on this test. However, both devices did a great job, and I have no objections to either result.
320 sq. ft. Room Test – With Auto Mode
I tested the devices in a room of the same size, but this time the devices worked in Auto Mode. In 60 minutes, Coway lowered the AQI from 134 to 13 and improved the air quality by about 90%. The Winix 5500-2 improved air quality by about 93% in just 60 minutes of auto mode operation.
320 sq. ft. Room
* Data measuring time is 60 minutes.
Both devices did great results, and in this test, this time Winix did slightly better work. It is important to note that the sensors in these two devices are different. Coway air purifier detects dust particles, while Winix detects only odors.
Operating Costs
Both devices are slightly larger energy consumers since they use slightly more powerful motors.
The Winix 5500-2 uses a 70W motor. If you leave the device running for a month at the highest speed, your electricity bill will be increased by about $5.
The Coway AP-1512HH is powered by a 77W motor. If you leave this device running at top speed for a month, your electricity bill will be increased by about $6. However, thanks to the ECO mode, this model will make significant savings considering electricity bills, but it will also save filters.
| Product | Wattage Range (W) |
|---|---|
| Coway AP-1512HH | 0.2 – 69.1W |
| Winix 5500-2 | 1.2 – 57.9W |
The price of replacement filters for both devices is slightly higher, but the filters are changed on average every 12 months.
Let’s take into account the price of replacement filters, as well as electricity consumption. We can conclude that these two devices’ maintenance costs are similar and that there is not much difference.
Using ECO mode daily could contribute to slightly greater savings, so keep that in mind if you opt for the Coway AP-1512HH.
Coway AP-1512HH Vs Winix 5500-2 Video Comparison
Which one is the winner?
This is one very tough fight, primarily because the Winix 5500-2 and Coway AP-1512HH are almost identical devices.
Both devices feature brilliant performance, high efficiency in air purification, a multitude of advanced options, and the trust of many users.
While you won’t go wrong with either of these two devices, in my opinion, the Coway AP-1512HH takes the win in this competition.
The main reasons for this decision are fantastic performances, ECO mode, a better and more accurate smart sensor, and more different options for design and available colors.
Maybe I could suggest Winix 5500-2 just if you plan to use the air purifier primarily in a smoking room or in the kitchen.
The C535 is not the Winix Zero S equivalent as it does not have a pellet based carbon filter. The zero non-S would be the C535 equivalent.
The USA model AM80 would be the closest model to the Winix Zero S as it’s the same chassis and the same filter (Winix filter H). Both the AM80 and Zero S are similar to the winix 5500-2 (slightly different chassis but exact same Winix Filter H).
Would be interesting to compare with new WINIX purifiers as for example Zero S. Thank you for your work!
It is quite similar to Winix C535, which review I already published on the Air Purifier First.
Useful and informed comparison. Thank you.
Thanks Ray!
Hi,
Would either of these be good for pet odors? You pet recommendation page was last updated 4 years ago and I am wonding is any more current purifiers would be a better choice today.
I have tested the Winix 5500-2 in the environment with the budgies and a rabbit, and the results were phenomenal. The Winix 5500-2 did not only neutralized the smell from these animals but also helped me breathe easier while pets were in the same room as I was.