The Levoit Core 600S and Winix 5510 are two outstanding air purifiers, but they are designed for different room sizes.
The Levoit Core 600S is one of the most powerful air purifiers I’ve tested. It has a CADR of 410 CFM (697 m³/h) and covers rooms up to 635 sq. ft. (59 m²).
The Winix 5510 has a CADR of 253 CFM (430 m³/h) and is suitable for rooms up to 392 sq. ft. (36 m²).
Both are smart air purifiers, both have built-in air quality sensors, auto mode, five fan speeds, and app connectivity.
However, there are significant differences in filtration technology, performance, noise levels, and power efficiency that make one of these two a better choice.
Our Verdict
After comparing all the test results and specifications, the Levoit Core 600S is the winner of this comparison.
The main reason is simple: it’s considerably more powerful.
Its CADR of 410 CFM is about 62% higher than the Winix 5510’s 253 CFM, and it covers rooms up to 635 sq. ft., compared with 392 sq. ft. for the Winix. What makes this even more impressive is that the Core 600S uses a lower-powered 49W motor, while the Winix uses a 65W motor.
The Core 600S needed only 19 minutes to reduce PM1 to zero at maximum speed, while the Winix 5510 needed 29 minutes. In the smoke box test, the Levoit cleared all the smoke in just 9 seconds, compared with 20 seconds for the Winix.
However, there are a few things I actually prefer about the Winix. It uses a rectangular filtration system, and personally, I generally prefer this type of filter over cylindrical filters. I also like that the pre-filter, carbon filter, and True HEPA filter are separate pieces. This makes maintenance more practical, and the carbon filter can be removed independently when needed. The Winix also uses a clearly specified True HEPA filter.
In addition, I would give the Winix a slight advantage when it comes to neutralizing light household odors.
But neither of these is what I would recommend primarily for strong odors or heavy VOC problems. For that, something like the Austin Air HealthMate Jr., with approximately 6.5 lb of activated carbon, is in an entirely different league.
Specs: Winix 5510 Vs Levoit Core 600S
| Product Image |  10% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Winix |
| Model | Core 600S | 5510 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm) | 13.6 x 8.3 x 22.2 inches (34.6 x 21.1 x 56.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 13.7 lb (6.2 kg) | 13.3 lb (6 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) | 253 CFM (430 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. | 635 sq. ft. (59 m²) | 392 sq. ft. (36 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (102 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, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 102 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 49W | 65W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 8.8 - Average Score (102 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 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode | 5 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Speed 4 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 51 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 52 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 30 have smart app functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 102 air purifiers tested, only 29 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Light SensorDisplay InfoDisplay LockTimer | PlasmaWaveLight Sensor |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 43.9 – 68.5 dBA | 40.2 – 65.7 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.2 - Average Score (102 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 | Living Rooms Kitchens Offices Allergies Large Spaces Dust Smart Home Integration | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit Core 600S | Winix 5510 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
This is where the Levoit Core 600S starts to pull away.
We tested the Core 600S in a 560 sq. ft. (52 m²) room, where it improved air quality by an impressive 96% after running for 60 minutes at maximum speed. It reduced PM2.5 from 105.2 to 4.6 µg/m³.
We tested the Winix 5510 in a smaller 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. It also achieved a fantastic 96% improvement, reducing PM2.5 from 104.9 to 4.7 µg/m³.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit Core 600S and Winix 5510 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
At first glance, both achieved the same percentage improvement. However, these results aren’t directly comparable because the Levoit was tested in a room that was 240 sq. ft. larger.
The Core 600S managed to achieve essentially the same particle reduction percentage while cleaning a much larger volume of air.
The CADR numbers tell the same story. At 410 CFM, the Core 600S has significantly more airflow than the Winix 5510 at 253 CFM.
PM1 Time to Zero Test
I tested both air purifiers in the same 1,377 ft³ (39 m³) room using the AirGradient ONE air quality monitor.
Before each test, I raised the PM1 concentration to approximately 190–200 µg/m³ and then measured how long it took the air purifier to bring PM1 all the way down to zero.
At maximum speed, the Levoit Core 600S needed just 19 minutes.
The Winix 5510 needed 29 minutes.
That’s a 10-minute difference, which is quite significant in a test like this.
I have currently tested the Core 600S at every fan speed, while I have only completed the low and maximum speed tests for the Winix 5510, so I don’t think it would be fair to compare their entire fan-speed range yet.
Still, the maximum-speed result tells us a lot.
The Core 600S simply moves much more air, and its extremely high CADR translates directly into faster particle removal.
This is one of the strongest results I’ve measured in the PM1-to-Zero test so far. The Levoit Core 600S is the clear winner in performance.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We also tested both air purifiers in our glass smoke box.
In this test, we fill the chamber with smoke, turn the air purifier on at maximum speed, and measure how quickly it removes all visible smoke.
The results were again clearly in favor of the Levoit.
The Core 600S needed only 9 seconds to clear the smoke from the box, making it one of the fastest air purifiers we’ve tested. The Winix 5510 needed 20 seconds.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When it comes to noise, the Winix 5510 has the advantage. In fact, this is one of the areas where I think the Winix is particularly well optimized.
At its lowest speed, it produces just 40.2 dBA, while the Levoit Core 600S produces 43.9 dBA.
At maximum speed, the difference is smaller, but the Winix is still quieter: 65.7 dBA compared with 68.5 dBA for the Levoit. The Winix is quieter at every fan speed.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit Core 600S and Winix 5510 air purifiers.
For example, at Speed 2, the Winix produces only 43.2 dBA, compared with 51.2 dBA for the Levoit.
The Core 600S is particularly loud at maximum speed, and this has always been one of my biggest complaints about this model. However, there is another side to this.
The Levoit has a CADR of 410 CFM, so it’s moving significantly more air. Even at Speed 3, where it produces 58.7 dBA, it delivers a tremendous amount of airflow.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5510 (dBA) | Levoit Core 600S (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | 43.9 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.5 dBA | 46.8 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 43.2 dBA | 51.2 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 52.7 dBA | 58.7 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 65.7 dBA | 68.5 dBA |
Still, if noise is one of your main priorities, especially if you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom, I would choose the Winix 5510.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The Winix 5510 uses a 65W motor, while the Levoit Core 600S uses a significantly lower-powered 49W motor.
Considering how much higher the Levoit’s CADR is, this is impressive. Our actual power measurements make this even more interesting.
At maximum speed, the Core 600S draws 48.2W, while the Winix 5510 draws 53.4W.
If you ran both devices at maximum speed 24 hours a day for one month, with electricity priced at $0.12 per kWh, the Levoit would cost approximately $4.22, compared with $4.68 for the Winix.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit Core 600S and Winix 5510 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
At lower and middle speeds, the Winix generally consumes less electricity. But maximum speed tells a different story.
The Levoit consumes less power while delivering a CADR that is about 62% higher.
This is much more impressive than simply looking at wattage on its own. It shows how well optimized the Core 600S motor is.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5510 (W + $/month) | Levoit Core 600S (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.1W ($0.01) | 1.2W ($0.1) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.7W ($0.32) | 4.1W ($0.35) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.1W ($0.36) | 7.3W ($0.63) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 7.2W ($0.63) | 10.9W ($0.95) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 16.3W ($1.43) | 20.4W ($1.78) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 53.4W ($4.68) | 48.2W ($4.22) |
Both air purifiers use filters that can last approximately up to 12 months, although actual filter life will always depend on usage and air quality conditions.
Overall, I would give the Levoit the advantage in this category, primarily because of its outstanding airflow-to-power ratio.
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