Hands-on Comparison: Levoit Core 600S Vs Winix 5500-2

Recently, we’ve tested several new air purifiers, including the Levoit Core 600S. It’s a smart, highly effective, and very competitive air purifier. In this article, I will compare it with the Winix 5500-2, a well-known model with outstanding filtration technology, and one of the best we’ve tested so far.

The Levoit Core 600S is suitable for rooms up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²), while the Winix 5500-2 is designed for smaller spaces, covering up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²). Not only does the Levoit cover larger areas, but it also boasts a range of impressive features. My favorites include an air quality sensor, auto mode, and smart app.

The Winix also has some excellent features, such as an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, light sensor, remote control, and more.

A key point regarding filtration technology is that both air purifiers use high-quality filters and are CARB-certified. They both use a pellet-based carbon filter and a pre-filter in addition to the main filter. However, the Winix air purifier adds an extra layer with its PlasmaWave technology, providing a fourth stage of filtration.

What do these air purifiers have in common? How do they perform? Which one is quieter? The answers to these and many other questions are coming up, so keep reading!

Specs: Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Core 600S

Performance Test – Comparison

First of all, comparing the performances of such powerful air purifiers was quite challenging. The Levoit Core 600S has a motor power of 49W and is designed to cover rooms up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²).

On the other hand, the Winix 5500-2 has a slightly more powerful 70W motor, yet it’s designed to cover rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).

As you can see, the difference in room coverage is significant. Therefore, it would be unfair to compare the performance of these two devices in rooms of the same size, as that would inevitably favor one of the devices.

To ensure a fair comparison, we tested the performance of these two devices in rooms that best matched their CADR values and compared how efficient they were based on those results.

In the first test, we tested the Winix 5500-2 in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room at maximum speed for 60 minutes. During this time, the Winix reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 108.5 to 3.8 µg/m³, an excellent result with an air quality improvement of an impressive 96%.

We tested the Levoit Core 600S in two rooms of different sizes. This air purifier also ran for 60 minutes at maximum speed. In a 730 sq. ft. (68 m²) room, the Levoit Core 600S improved air quality by an impressive 93%, while in a slightly smaller room of 560 sq. ft. (52 m²), it achieved a 96% improvement.

It is clear that both devices delivered fantastic results in this test, and we can confidently say that both are highly efficient within their recommended room sizes. The Winix 5500-2 would be my top pick for smaller rooms, while the Levoit Core 600S excels in larger spaces.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

We put these two air purifiers to our unique smoke test to determine which one could clean all the smoke from the box faster.

Given that the Levoit Core 600S offers a significantly higher CADR of 410 CFM (697 m³/h), I wasn’t surprised by the results of this test.

The Core 600S needed only 9 seconds to remove all the smoke from the box, making it one of the top performers among all the air purifiers we’ve tested.

On the other hand, the Winix 5500-2, with a CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h), took 20 seconds to clear the smoke. While this is also an impressive result, it doesn’t quite match the performance of the Levoit.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

When it comes to noise, it’s much easier to compare two air purifiers when they have the same number of speed settings—in this case, five.

Both the Levoit Core 600S and the Winix 5500-2 feature three regular speed levels, as well as Sleep and Turbo modes.

In Sleep mode, both air purifiers are quiet enough to be used in a bedroom throughout the night. However, I must admit that the Winix is noticeably quieter, producing only 40.6 dBA compared to the Levoit’s 43.9 dBA.

As the speed increases, both air purifiers become louder, with the Levoit still being slightly noisier than the Winix. At maximum speed, the Levoit reaches 68.5 dBA, placing it among the loudest air purifiers we’ve tested. In contrast, the Winix produces a sound level of 66.4 dBA.

Although these air purifiers are quite loud at their maximum speeds, it’s important to remember that airflow and efficiency are also at their highest in this setting.

I always recommend running an air purifier at maximum speed for the first 10-15 minutes and then switching to a lower (and quieter) speed.

This approach helps maintain excellent air quality in your home without enduring the loud noise of maximum operation.

Overall, the Winix 5500-2 has a better-optimized motor and is generally quieter at all speeds.

Operating Costs – Comparison

Making the right decision about the affordability of an air purifier can often be challenging, as there are many factors to consider.

First, the initial product price usually has a significant impact. The Winix 5500-2 is a slightly cheaper option than the Levoit Core 600S, but the Levoit is a much larger and more powerful device.

Although the Winix is less powerful, it consumes 70W, which is significantly higher than the Levoit’s 49W. If you run each air purifier continuously at maximum speed for an entire month, the Levoit will incur slightly lower electricity costs compared to the Winix—$4.22 versus $5.08.

Second, filter price is another important factor. Assuming the replacement rate is the same (about every 12 months for both), and you’ve maintained your air purifier well, replacing the filter on a Levoit Core 600S will cost you less annually than replacing the filter on a Winix 5500-2.

Considering all these factors and the fact that the Levoit Core 600S offers more power, I would say it’s a more cost-effective option in the long run than the Winix.

Features Overview

Control Panels

The two comparing air purifiers have opposing ways of utilizing the control board. On one side, Winix 5500-2 has five main buttons that actually need to be pressed to start/set the desired function. There are Power, Mode, PlasmaWave, Fan Speed, and Timer buttons that enable you to use your air purifier the way you want.

On the other side, Levoit Core 600S has touch screen buttons by which you can completely control your air purifier, even though at times it can be challenging to recognize the function due to the silver color of the control panel. At the same time, you will most probably be using the VeSync app so the Control panel won’t be a problem.

Air Quality Sensor and Indicator

The thing that distinguishes the Levoit Core 600S air purifier from the Winix model is a built-in AirSight Plus laser particle sensor. It is positioned on the back side of the unit, detecting the real-time quantity of PM2.5 particles. As air pollution changes, the air quality indicator switches colors. Going from blue, to green, orange, and red, it displays various colors pointing to the current air pollution level. 

Contrary to what many users might expect, Winix 5500-2 does not have a regular type of air quality sensor. No traces of dust, pollen, or any other pollutant can be detected. However, this air purifier’s sensor can only detect odor pollutants like fire or cigarette smoke. As for the Air quality indicator, it will inform you of the real-time pollution by turning from blue to red color and vice versa, all depending on the current pollution status.

Another important feature that distinct Levoit from Winix is the ability to connect the Core 600S to the VeSync smart app, so you can monitor the air quality at any time and get more precise information.

Auto Mode

As I mentioned previously, the Winix air purifier has much simpler air quality monitoring. Thus, it is no surprise that the Auto mode works jointly with the air quality sensor and indicator. With a simple press of the Mode button, you can turn on the Auto mode. In case you really like to cook, or are a heavy smoker, simply turn this mode ON and enjoy the magic.

Working jointly with the AirSight Plus air quality sensor, the Auto mode within Levoit Core 600S is far more complex. Once the Auto mode is ON, the air purifier will be set to a specific fan speed depending on the current pollution rate. If the pollution is high, it will increase the speed to the maximum, but never to a Turbo fan speed. In addition, if you connect your device to a VeSync app, you will be provided with more auto-mode settings. By settings, I am referring to Quiet, Efficient, and ECO versions of Auto mode. In case you wish to know more about it, go and check it out in my in-depth Levoit Core 600S review.

Sleep Mode

Having a Sleep Mode can be of great help if you wish to use the air purifier in your bedroom during the nighttime. Both air purifiers have this feature and you can set it manually on the control board. While Levoit Core 600S has a Sleep Mode button, the Winix 5500-2 has one button for setting different modes.

By pressing the button on Levoit, the sleep mode will activate within 6 seconds. As for the noise, you won’t have any trouble falling asleep, because the device will not produce too much noise while in this mode.

However, the Sleep Mode that the Winix has is equally easy to set, but even more quiet. So much, you won’t even notice it’s running. That being said, turning ON this air purifier will most definitely interfere with your sleep.

Light Sensor

Now, this is the feature that only Winix 5500-2 owns, and it works jointly with the Auto and the Sleep Mode. Here is how it goes. This sensor activates once you switch the air purifier into Auto mode.

Once the room gets dark, the sensor triggers the sleep mode, and all of the sensors on the front panel turn off. The room atmosphere turns to ultra-quiet, perfect for a good sleep.

Screen Off / Lock Screen

One of the features that Winix is missing, and Levoit owns, is the screen lock. For whatever reason it may be, you can lock the screen with a single button press, and you will be sure that nothing nor anyone will interfere with your air purifier operating normally.

Also, Screen off is reserved only for Core 600S, and it serves to dim all the sensors on the air purifier. Practically, you get the same results as if you activated the Sleep mode. 

Filter Reset Indicator

Having a reminder in your daily life is always a good thing. Well, a filter reset indicator is just that, a reminder that your old filter is running out of function and needs to be replaced. You will find this indicator on both Levoit and Winix air purifiers. It takes about 12 months before it lights up.

The only difference between these two products is that once you replace the filter within Winix 5500-2, you will need to reset the indicator with a needle. Not a hard thing to do. 

Timer

Nowadays all kinds of appliances have pre-designed smart app connectivity, which is why many users rely strictly on this type of use of all the available options. Such as the Timer. Still, you can use this feature the old-fashioned way, by setting it to a desired time interval.

If you decide to use the Control panel, Levoit 600S will allow you to pick any time within a 1-12h frame. However, if you wish to use the App, you will get a 1-24h time range.

On the other hand, the Winix 5500-2 does not have a Smart app connectivity which is why you only get to pick between 1h, 4h, or 8h. 

Remote Control

Some may call it the old-fashioned way, but remote controllers are still a good gadget to have. In this case, only the Winix air purifier comes with the remote control option which makes it so easier to use.

All it takes is a single button press to turn the device on/off or to switch between modes. You can practically use almost all the features that Winix has to offer.

Smart App (Ve Sync)

The Ve Sync smart app, developed by Levoit, is specifically designed to simplify the operation of their air purifiers. This versatile application is compatible with all of Levoit’s appliances, and is available for iOS and Android devices.

At first, you might use it as a remote control app. Once you get used to it, you will start noticing the variety of information and notifications that are available and useful to make your air purifier more approachable.

PlasmaWave Technology

If you took a closer look at the Winix 5500-2 air purifier, I am sure you have noticed a PlasmaWave logo/indicator. It’s an advanced technology that helps remove harmful airborne pollutants and is CARB certified, which means no harm will be done to your health.

It starts automatically once you turn ON the air purifier, but you can also shut it ON or OFF via the control panel. Either way, this is a good feature, but only Winix has it.

Airflow

Although both air purifiers are rectangular, their shapes are very peculiar. The main distinction has to do with the placement of the air inlets. Since Levoit Core 600S has its motor located in the upper section, the air inlets are in the lower part. Actually, all over it. That way air gets drawn in from all sides of the device before it runs through filter layers and gets released through the grills on top.

On the other hand, Winix 5500-2 has air inlets positioned frontally, with suction holes on both sides. Once filtered, the air gets out on top of the device.

Warranty

As a user, there is no place for concern whether you will be protected if you decide to purchase any of these products. Both Levoit and Winix manufacturers offer a 2-year warranty. Trust me, it is a long enough period to assure you of each product’s quality.

Filtration Technology

Levoit Core 600S and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers use a basic three-stage filtration technology, with the additional Winix fourth stage in the form of the PlasmaWave technology. As obvious as it is, different appliance shapes mean different shapes of filters. While Levoit has a cylindrical filter located in the bottom part, Winix has flat filters placed frontally.

It is important to highlight that Winix 5500-2 has washable (pre-filter and activated carbon), while Core 600S has non-washable filters.

Although the filters of both air purifiers are arranged in the opposite order, their purpose is pretty much the same. Let’s get into the details.

The first level of filtration belongs to the pre-filter. While Levoit Core 600S has a sort of nylon mesh attached to the True HEPA filter, the Winix 5500-2 has a filter that looks like a mosquito net attached to a window. The purpose remains the same: to capture all the large particles such as dust, human and pet hair, pet dander, lint, etc.

As mentioned earlier, Levoit pre-filter can only be vacuumed or wiped, while Winix can be washed.

As I said, the order of filters is different with these two air purifiers. That means the Core 600S has a True HEPA filter as a second stage, while Winix has an AOC carbon filter.

By removing 99.97% of airborne particles, such as fine dust, smoke particles, pollen, and so on, a True HEPA filter is one of the main reasons why the Levoit Core 600S has shown excellent results.

As for the Winix 5500-2, the second filter in a row is responsible for remarkable results in removing all types of odors, all thanks to being a pellet-based carbon filter. Also, a great advantage is it can be washed.

Contrary to Winix, the Core 600S has an activated carbon filter as a third stage of filtration. This filter uses exclusive ARC formula that gets the credit for neutralizing cooking and pet odors. Being made of carbon pellets, this filter can neutralize severe compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to the manufacturer.

On the other hand, it is the True HEPA filter that comes as a third stage in the Winix air purifier filtration process.

As an additional filtration stage, Winix 5500-2 air purifier uses PlasmaWave technology which I have previously discussed in this article.

How To Replace Filters on These Devices?

Replacing the filters at any air purifier most of the time isn’t that big of a deal. What matters the most is that you maintain it properly, starting day one. According to the manufacturer, Levoit Core 600S requires a filter replacement between 6 and 12 months of usage. Mainly because its filters cannot be washed, and if used daily, this air purifier will need a filter replacement sooner than expected. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t wipe it off once or twice a month.

On the other hand, Winix 5500-2 has filters that can last up to 12 months, plus you can wash them and subsequently prolong the last.

Needless to say, in each case you will be reminded by the filter reset indicator if it is time to change filters.

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