This time, I will write about two slightly older but still great and highly competitive air purifiers: the Winix 5500-2 and its larger counterpart, the Levoit LV-H134.
Before diving into the comparison, we can easily notice that the most significant difference between these two air purifiers is in room coverage. However, there are many other differences, and each device has its advantages and disadvantages.
The Winix 5500-2 covers rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) and offers many advanced features, including an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, auto mode, and remote control. The Levoit LV-H134, on the other hand, covers slightly larger rooms, up to 492 sq. ft. (45.7 m²). It also has an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode but doesn’t have a remote control.
Regarding filtration technology, both devices use extremely high-quality filters. The Winix uses a 4-stage filtration system, while the Levoit uses a 3-stage filtration system.
All in all, these are two very efficient air purifiers, as confirmed in the table below, where I have compared the results of all tests.
Our Verdict
Although the Winix 5500-2 performed better in all the tests, this battle wasn’t easy, especially because these two air purifiers have nearly identical performances.
However, better odor-neutralization performance, a superior pre-filter, a quieter and better-optimized motor, and, of course, a better price are the reasons I declare the Winix 5500-2 the winner and the better buying option.
The Levoit LV-H134 is also a very good air purifier, but I believe the Winix offers more.
If you have questions about these two air purifiers, please leave a comment in the box below the article.
Specs: Levoit LV-H134 Vs Winix 5500-2
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Levoit | Winix |
| Model | LV-H134 | 5500-2 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 12.8 x 12.8 x 29.2 inches (32.6 x 32.6 x 74.2 cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 18.6 lb (8.44 kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 312 CFM (530 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. | 492 sq. ft. (45.7 m²) | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (71 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 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 | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-8 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 71 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 45W | 70W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (71 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 | 4 – Sleep Mode, Low Mode, Medium Mode, and High Mode | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 33 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 34 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Display OffTimer | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.8 – 70.3 dBA | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - 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 Allergies Large Spaces Dust | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Levoit LV-H134 | Winix 5500-2 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
Considering that the Levoit LV-H134 covers rooms up to 492 sq. ft. (45.7 m²), significantly larger than the Winix 5500-2’s coverage of 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), we tested these two devices in rooms of different sizes.
Although we can’t directly compare their performance in the same room, I believe these tests are valid because they show how each air purifier behaves in a room approximately the size of their recommended coverage.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Levoit LV-H134 and Winix 5500-2 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
We tested the Levoit LV-H134 in a room of 560 sq. ft. (52 m²), and after 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, it improved air quality by about 94%. The Winix 5500-2 was slightly more efficient, improving air quality by about 96%, but this device was tested in a smaller room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²).
In addition to these tests, I used both devices at home for some time, mostly in the living room and kitchen, where I easily concluded one thing: the Winix 5500-2 is much better at neutralizing bad odors. I believe this is primarily due to its better-activated carbon filter, which contains more pellets than the Levoit filter. All in all, we can say that both devices delivered fantastic performance.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
I believe that the smoke test is the most sought-after test on the Air Purifier First website and YouTube channel.
We have tested almost every air purifier in the smoke test; perhaps only a few haven’t been tested for specific reasons.
Regarding these two air purifiers, I must say that the Levoit LV-H134 achieved one of the fastest results in this test. It removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 12 seconds, which is 8 seconds faster than the Winix 5500-2.
Although the Levoit is faster in this test, I must say that both devices performed exceptionally well, especially considering that I classify any air purifier that clears the smoke from the glass box in less than 21 seconds as a high performer.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
I expected the Levoit LV-H134 to have more fan speeds, but the reality is different. It has only four, while the Winix 5500-2 has five fan speeds.
We tested noise levels at all speeds and found that the Winix 5500-2 is quieter at every speed except the fifth speed. At the lowest speed, it produces a sound of 40.6 dBA, while the Levoit LV-H134 produces a sound of 41.8 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Levoit LV-H134 and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers.
However, at the maximum speed, the situation is much more different. The Winix produces 66.4 dBA at the max speed, while the Levoit produces 70.3 dBA. You can refer to the chart above or the table below (if you prefer tables) to see how they compare at other fan speeds.
| Fan Speed | Levoit LV-H134 (dBA) | Winix 5500-2 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 41.8 dBA | 40.6 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 45.7 dBA | 42.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 56.4 dBA | 44.9 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 70.3 dBA | 50.3 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 66.4 dBA |
My conclusion is that the Winix 5500-2 is definitely a better-optimized and quieter air purifier overall.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When speaking of operating costs, I must say that I’m shocked that the Levoit LV-H134 uses a better-optimized motor than the Winix. It uses a motor of just 45W, which is amazing for such a large CADR.
The Winix, on the other hand, uses a significantly higher-powered motor of 70W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Levoit LV-H134 and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to run these two air purifiers at max speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electric bill would increase by about $5.08 for the Winix 5500-2 and by about $4.43 for the Levoit LV-H134.
The advantage here is on the side of the Levoit.
| Fan Speed | Levoit LV-H134 (W + $/month) | Winix 5500-2 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.1W ($0.27) | 3.7W ($0.32) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6.7W ($0.59) | 6.4W ($0.56) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 14.3W ($1.25) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.5W ($4.43) | 13.2W ($1.16) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 57.9W ($5.08) |
However, if we add to this calculation the price of the replacement filters, keeping in mind that you would need to change the filter on your Levoit twice and on your Winix once per year, the Winix 5500-2 comes out as a slightly more affordable air purifier for annual maintenance.
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