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
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 Image | ||
Manufacturer | Winix | Levoit |
Model | 5500-2 | Vital 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)
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. | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) | 380 sq. ft. (35 m²) |
Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (76 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 | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
Filter Life | up to 12 months | about 12 months |
Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 76 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 70W | 50W |
Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (76 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, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode | 5 – Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, High, and Turbo |
Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 76 air purifiers tested, only 37 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 76 air purifiers tested, only 38 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 76 air purifiers tested, only 23 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 76 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
Other Features | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer | Light DetectionDisplay OffDisplay LockTimer |
Noise Level (low – high) | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA | 41.0 – 62.2 dBA |
Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (76 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 | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs | Pets Living Rooms Bedrooms Kitchens Allergies Dust Smart Home Integration |
Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
In-Depth Review | Winix 5500-2 | Levoit Vital 200S |
Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check 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.
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 Mode | 40.6 dBA | 41 dBA |
Speed 1 (Low) | 42.7 dBA | 44.4 dBA |
Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.9 dBA | 45.7 dBA |
Speed 3 (High) | 50.3 dBA | 57.9 dBA |
Speed 4 (Turbo) | 66.4 dBA | 62.2 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) |
---|---|---|
Standby | 1.2W ($0.11) | 1.4W ($0.12) |
Sleep Mode | 3.7W ($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.
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