Levoit Vital 200S Vs Winix 5500-2 – A Top-Notch Comparison!

Which air purifier is better: the Levoit Vital 200S or Winix 5500-2? I compared performance, noise, and maintenance to make the right choice.

What makes this comparison interesting is the fact that the Levoit Vital 200S and Winix 5500-2 are among the best air purifiers we’ve tested and are definitely devices I mostly recommend to consumers.

Although it might not seem so at first glance—mainly due to their design differences—these two air purifiers share more similarities than differences.

In fact, the Levoit Vital 200S is a much more modern air purifier, featuring plenty of smart features and generally offering more options than the Winix.

However, both devices use highly efficient filters, washable pre-filters, air quality sensors, auto mode, and air quality indicators.

On top of that, both delivered fantastic performances in our tests.

Our Verdict

Levoit Vital 200S Vs Winix 5500-2 - Hands-on Comparison
Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

After thoroughly comparing the specifications and test results of these two air purifiers, I believe the Levoit Vital 200S is a slightly better buying option.

In addition to being more elegant and attractive, the Levoit Vital 200S performed better in the smoke removal test, is more cost-effective to maintain, has a slightly higher CADR, lacks an ionizer, and doesn’t produce ozone. Moreover, it comes with plenty of advanced features, including the ability to connect to the VeSync smart app.

However, if for any reason you prefer the Winix, don’t hesitate—it’s also an excellent air purifier and is ranked just below the Levoit Vital 200S.

If you have any questions about these two devices, please leave a comment in the comment section below the article.

Specs: Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Vital 200S

Product ImageWinix 5500-2Levoit Vital 200S
ManufacturerWinixLevoit
Model5500-2Vital 200S
Dimensions (inches / cm)15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm)15.6 x 8.5 x 19.8 inches (39.6 x 21.7 x 50.2 cm)
Weight (pounds / kg)15.4 lb (7 kg)13.2 lb (6 kg)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)232 CFM (394 m³/h)245 CFM (416 m³/h)
Coverage (4.8 ACH) 360 sq. ft. (33 m²)380 sq. ft. (35 m²)
Performance Ratings
Filtration TechnologyWashable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA FilterPre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter
Filter Replacement IndicatorYesYes
Filter Lifeup to 12 monthsabout 12 months
Power Consumption 70W50W
Operating Costs Ratings
Number of Fan Speeds5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode5 – Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, High, and Turbo
Air Quality Sensor YesYes
Air Quality IndicatorYesYes
Auto Mode YesYes
Smart App NoYes
Voice Control NoYes
Other FeaturesPlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimerLight DetectionDisplay OffDisplay LockTimer
Noise Level (low – high)40.6 – 66.4 dBA41.0 – 62.2 dBA
Noise Ratings
Best Suited For
Pets
Living Rooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Smoke
Dust
Neutralizing VOCs
Pets
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Kitchens
Allergies
Dust
Smart Home Integration
Warranty2-year2-year
In-Depth ReviewWinix 5500-2Levoit Vital 200S
PriceCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Amazon

Performance Test – Comparison

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, these two air purifiers have very similar CADR ratings and cover rooms of similar sizes.

The Levoit Vital 200S has a CADR of 245 CFM (416 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 380 sq. ft. (35 m²). On the other hand, the Winix 5500-2 has a slightly lower CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h) and covers rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).

Particle Removal Tests - Comparison

We placed the Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Vital 200S in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.

Both devices will clean the air 4.8 times per hour in rooms of their recommended dimensions.

Based on their CADR ratings, we tested these two devices in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²). We performed two separate tests and used a Temtop laser particle meter to measure their efficiency.

Both devices ran for 60 minutes at maximum speed, and both improved air quality by an impressive 96%, an excellent result that places them at the top of the list as some of the highest-rated air purifiers.

We can conclude that the Winix and Levoit delivered an equal performance in the efficiency test.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

The Winix 5500-2 is considered one of the best budget air purifiers for neutralizing bad odors. However, Levoit surprised us in the smoke test and achieved a slightly better result.

Levoit Vital 200S Vs Winix 5500-2 - Smoke test
Levoit Vital 200S Vs Winix 5500-2 – Smoke test. Photo (GIF): Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Levoit Vital 200S took only 15 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Winix 5500-2 needed 20 seconds to do the same.

It’s clear that the Levoit delivered a slightly better performance, which could be attributed to its higher airflow.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

I love it when the devices I compare have the same number of fan speeds, and that’s exactly the case with these two.

In addition to auto mode, which is included in both devices, they each have an impressive five fan speed. I must say that considering their CADR, they are very well optimized for noise levels.

Noise Levels - Comparison

Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Vital 200S air purifiers.

At the lowest speed, the Levoit Vital 200S produces a sound level of 41 dBA, while the Winix 5500-2 produces a sound level of 40.6 dBA. This demonstrates how well their motors are optimized.

At other speeds, the situation is very similar, as shown in the chart above.

However, at maximum speed, Levoit takes the lead. It produces a sound level of 62.2 dBA at maximum speed, while the Winix is slightly louder at 66.4 dBA.

Fan Speed Winix 5500-2 (dBA)Levoit Vital 200S (dBA)
Sleep Mode40.6 dBA41 dBA
Speed 1 (Low)42.7 dBA44.4 dBA
Speed 2 (Medium)44.9 dBA45.7 dBA
Speed 3 (High)50.3 dBA57.9 dBA
Speed 4 (Turbo)66.4 dBA62.2 dBA

The result is that the Winix is better optimized for noise at all speeds except max speed, which gives it a slightly better ranking than the Levoit Vital 200S.

Operating Costs – Comparison

When it comes to operating costs, my biggest criticism of the Winix is its motor, which consumes an astonishing 70W—a clear area for improvement for this model.

The Levoit Vital 200S, on the other hand, uses a motor with a power consumption of just 50W, yet it still achieves a slightly higher CADR than the Winix.

If you were to use these two devices at maximum speed, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $5.08 in the case of the Winix and about $4.22 for the Levoit.

Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison

Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Vital 200S air purifiers at all fan speeds.

For a cost comparison at all speeds, refer to the chart above.

Interestingly, the Levoit is a larger energy consumer only at the third speed. However, it’s worth noting that at this speed, the Levoit has a much higher CADR than the Winix.

At all other speeds, the Levoit is better optimized for energy consumption.

Fan Speed Winix 5500-2 (W + $/month)Levoit Vital 200S (W + $/month)
Standby1.2W ($0.11)1.4W ($0.12)
Sleep Mode3.7W ($0.32)3.5W ($0.3)
Speed 1 (Low)6.4W ($0.56)5.8W ($0.5)
Speed 2 (Medium)8.8W ($0.77)7.9W ($0.69)
Speed 3 (High)13.2W ($1.16)26.3W ($2.3)
Speed 4 (Turbo)57.9W ($5.08)48.2W ($4.22)

If we also factor in the cost of replacement filters—which last about 12 months for both devices—we can conclude that the Levoit Vital 200S is more cost-effective to maintain annually.

You Can Also Watch Our Video Reviews:

Levoit Vital 200S – Video Review

Winix 5500-2 – Video Review

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