The Coway AP-1512HH and Winix 5500-2 are among the best-selling, most reliable, and longest-lasting air purifiers on the market.
Both devices have a large base of buyers and many satisfied customers.
In this article, I will do my best to help potential buyers decide which of these two devices to buy.
Both air purifiers use an ionizer, which can be turned on or off as needed.
The Coway AP-1512HH is inteded for rooms up to 361 sq. ft. (33 m²), while the Winix 5500-2 covers rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
The Coway is available in black and white, whereas the Winix is only available in black.
In this article, I will compare their specifications and test results and, based on that, determine which of these two products is the better purchase.
Our Verdict
This was one of the toughest comparisons I have ever made, mainly because the Winix 5500-2 and Coway AP-1512HH are very similar air purifiers.
While both devices delivered outstanding results in our airborne particle removal tests, the Winix 5500-2 performed better in odor removal, offers slightly more features, and, in my opinion, is better optimized for noise.
For these reasons, I would declare the Winix 5500-2 the winner of this comparison.
However, I would also recommend reading our review of the Winix 5510, which is a newer and upgraded version of the Winix 5500-2.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please feel free to ask in the comments section below the article.
Specs: Coway AP-1512HH Vs Winix 5500-2
| Product Image |  35% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Coway | Winix |
| Model | AP-1512HH | 5500-2 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 12.8 lb (5.8 kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 233 CFM (396 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. | 361 sq. ft. (33 m²) | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (101 products) 9.9 - Best Score (1 products) 1 - Worst Score (1 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-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and Ionizer | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 101 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 77W | 70W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (101 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 1.7 - 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 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 51 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 52 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 30 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 101 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | IonizerTimer | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.4 – 63.5 dBA | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (101 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 7.6 - 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 | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Dust | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs |
| Warranty | 3-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Coway AP-1512HH | Winix 5500-2 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
One advantage is that these two air purifiers have nearly identical CADR values and room coverage.
Because of this, we tested both devices in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and measured their air quality improvement using a Temtop laser particle meter.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Coway AP-1512HH and Winix 5500-2 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
When operating at maximum speed for 60 minutes, both air purifiers improved air quality by 96%.
The Coway reduced PM2.5 levels from 113.8 to 4.7 µg/m³, while the Winix 5500-2 reduced PM2.5 levels from 108.5 to 3.8 µg/m³.
Overall, both air purifiers achieved outstanding results in our airborne particle removal tests, and I would consider this category a draw.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We placed both air purifiers in our smoke test and measured how long it took each device to remove the smoke.
The results showed that the Coway AP-1512HH needed 18 seconds, while the Winix 5500-2 needed 20 seconds.
Although the Coway achieved a slightly faster result, I wouldn’t say that it performs better in odor removal.
This is mainly because it uses a fibrous carbon filter, whereas the Winix uses a pellet-based carbon filter.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Both air purifiers use high-quality motors that are well optimized for noise, especially at lower fan speeds.
One advantage of the Winix 5500-2 is that it has more fan speeds and includes a sleep mode.
The Coway, on the other hand, doesn’t have a sleep mode and has only three fan speeds, though it is still well optimized for noise.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Coway AP-1512HH and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Coway produces 41.4 dBA, while the Winix 5500-2 produces 40.6 dBA.
At maximum speed, the Winix produces 66.4 dBA, whereas the Coway produces 63.5 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5500-2 (dBA) | Coway AP-1512HH (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.6 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.7 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.9 dBA | 44.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.3 dBA | 63.5 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 66.4 dBA | - |
Although the measurements indicate that the Coway is quieter at maximum speed, the Winix’s wider range of fan speeds and strong noise performance at lower speeds make it, overall, the better-optimized device for noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Both devices are slightly higher power consumers, as they use more powerful motors.
The Winix 5500-2 uses a 70W motor, while the Coway AP-1512HH uses a 77W motor.
If you were to run these air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $5.08 for the Winix 5500-2 and about $6.05 for the Coway AP-1512HH.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Coway AP-1512HH and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
However, thanks to its ECO mode, the Coway AP-1512HH can deliver noticeable electricity savings and may also extend filter life.
Replacement filters for both devices are slightly expensive, but they typically need to be replaced every 12 months.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5500-2 (W + $/month) | Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.2W ($0.11) | 0.2W ($0.01) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.7W ($0.32) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6.4W ($0.56) | 3.6W ($0.31) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 8.8W ($0.77) | 8.1W ($0.71) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 13.2W ($1.16) | 69.1W ($6.05) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 57.9W ($5.08) | - |
When calculating power consumption and filter costs, it’s reasonable to conclude that the overall maintenance costs of these two devices are very similar, with no significant difference between them.
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.
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.