Both of these companies are well-known and reliable air purifier manufacturers. Today, I will compare the Winix 5500-2 and the Blueair Blue Pure 411.
These are well-made, reliable, and powerful devices. Both use a four-stage filtration technology but with one significant difference. The Winix has an ionizer that can be turned off, while the ionizer on the Blueair is always on.
The Winix 5500-2 covers rooms of 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), while the Blueair 411 covers rooms of up to 161 sq. ft. (15 m²). Both clean the air 4.8 times per hour in the recommended room sizes.
The Blueair is a portable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-maintain air purifier. On the other hand, the Winix is a more robust device, harder to move, but also much more powerful.
Even with the huge difference in room coverage, many customers are still confused about which one of these two to choose. That’s why I wrote this in-depth comparison, which answers almost every question you may have about these two air purifiers.
Our Verdict
After comparing the specifications, test results, filtration technology, and everything else related to these two devices, I came to a very obvious conclusion: the Winix 5500-2 is a much better purchase choice than the Blueair 411.
The Winix has better performance, is more effective at neutralizing bad odors, uses higher quality filters, has many more advanced features, and has a much higher CADR. All of this makes it a far better option than the Blueair 411.
The only aspect in which the Blueair showed slightly better results than the Winix was in the power use test, which was expected given that it uses a much weaker motor. However, another surprise was the identical result in the smoke test.
If you have any questions regarding these two devices, feel free to ask in the comment section below.
Specs: Winix 5500-2 Vs Blueair 411
| Product Image |  41% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Blueair |
| Model | 5500-2 | Blue Pure 411 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) | 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) | 3.35 lb (1.52 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 232 CFM (394 m³/h) | 105 CFM (180 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) | 161 sq. ft. (15 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (80 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 | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | 6-8 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 80 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 70W | 10W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (80 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 | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer | Smart Plug |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA | 40.6 – 67.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (80 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 | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix 5500-2 | Blueair Blue Pure 411 |
| Price |
Particle Removal Test – Comparison
These two air purifiers are intended for different room sizes. The Winix 5500-2 covers rooms of 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), while the Blueair 411 covers much smaller rooms of 161 sq. ft. (15 m²).
Accordingly, we have tested them in rooms that best suit their recommendations.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix 5500-2 and Blueair 411 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, we placed both purifiers in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. We measured the initial air quality using the Temtop laser particle meter and let them work at max speed for 60 minutes. Afterward, we measured how much they improved the air quality. The Winix 5500-2 managed to improve the air quality by about 96%, while the Blueair 411 made a slightly lower improvement of about 90%.
Additionally, we tested the Blueair 411 in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. In this test, the air purifier improved the air quality by 95%, which is an incredibly good result.
Frankly, the small Blueair can’t compete with the powerful Winix, at least in terms of performance. The Winix 5500-2 not only has better performance in particle capturing but is also much better at odor neutralization.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The smoke test was really interesting. I couldn’t have imagined that these two air purifiers could achieve identical results in this test, especially considering that the Winix has a much higher CADR and a much better carbon filter.
However, the reality is that both the Winix 5500-2 and the Blueair 411 removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
The first thing I noticed when testing the noise levels of these air purifiers is that they are very loud at their maximum speeds. I’m sure some people may find that noise annoying.
I expected the Winix to be loud at max speed, considering its CADR. However, the Blueair surprised me, especially as it also produces some strange noise at maximum speed. It reminds me of a jet engine sound.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix 5500-2 and Blueair 411 air purifiers.
The Winix 5500-2 produces a sound of 66.4 dBA at max speed, while the Blueair 411 is even louder, producing a sound of 67.5 dBA.
What’s also interesting is that they both produce exactly the same noise at their lowest speeds, 40.6 dBA.
Please refer to the table below to see how they compare at every speed.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5500-2 (dBA) | Blueair 411 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.6 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.7 dBA | 40.6 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.9 dBA | 54.5 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 50.3 dBA | 67.5 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 66.4 dBA | - |
Frankly, I couldn’t imagine that the small Blueair 411 would be overall a louder air purifier than the Winix 5500-2.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Believe it or not, the Winix 5500-2 uses seven times more power than the Blueair 411. This also means it will cost you much more to operate than the Blueair.
The Blueair uses a very small motor of just 10W, while the Winix uses a giant motor of 70W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix 5500-2 and Blueair 411 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
In dollars, the Winix 5500-2 will cost you around $5.08 if it works for one month at maximum speed, 24 hours daily. On the other hand, the Blueair 411 will cost you less than one dollar ($0.67) under the same conditions. We used an electricity price of $0.12 kW/h for the calculation.
At other speeds, the situation is exactly the same; the Winix is a much larger power consumer.
Besides the power cost, there is also the cost of replacement filters that have to be replaced approximately once a year in the case of the Winix, and about twice per year in the case of the Blueair.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5500-2 (W + $/month) | Blueair 411 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.2W ($0.11) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.7W ($0.32) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6.4W ($0.56) | 0.6W ($0.05) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 8.8W ($0.77) | 2.4W ($0.21) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 13.2W ($1.16) | 7.6W ($0.67) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 57.9W ($5.08) | - |
Frankly, the filter price and frequency of replacement don’t make the Winix 5500-2 more affordable to maintain than the Blueair 411.
Filtration Technology
These air purifiers may have the same filtration stages, but the filters’ quality is totally different. First of all, the Winix 5500-2 uses a high-quality True HEPA filter, which is much more efficient than the particle filter in the Blueair 411.
Winix also has a better carbon filter, which is pellet-based, washable, and contains more carbon than a fibrous filter coated with carbon, as on the Blueair 411.
This is why Winix removes odors faster, is better for smoke, and removes VOCs much more efficiently.
What I like about both is their washable filter, which is, in my opinion, much easier to maintain on the Blueair. You can easily wash it in your washing machine.
Overall, I think the filtration technology is much better on the Winix.
How to replace the filters on these two air purifiers?
These air purifiers use replaceable filters, except the pre-filter, which is washable on both.
The Winix 5500-2 requires replacing the filter about every 12 months, while the Blueair 411 filter needs to be changed about every 6-8 months.
The procedure of replacing filters isn’t complicated at all. I actually explained it, all with images, which you can find on the links below.
Features Overview
First, it’s crucial to emphasize that these two air purifiers are almost entirely different, equipped with different features, and offer different filtration technologies.
The Blueair 411, for instance, presents itself as a minimalist device, having just a single button for all operations. On the other hand, the Winix 5500-2 offers plenty of advanced features and characteristics that significantly set it apart from its opponent.
Controls
As I already said, Blueair 411 uses one button to control the device. With this button, you can turn it on or shut it down. You can also change the fan speed and reset the filter reset indicator. That’s about it.
Winix 5500-2 has a whole control board on top. Buttons are working on the pressure; the control board isn’t touch-sensitive but is very easy to use.
However, even with so many buttons, Winix did a great job and positioned them perfectly. You can also use a remote controller to control this air purifier.
Working Mode
Blueair 411 has three fan speeds, while the Winix 5500-2 has four five fan speeds (with sleep mode counted) and an auto mode.
The auto mode will change the fan speed according to the pollution in the room. It gets the air quality data through the air quality sensor integrated into the Winix air purifier.
Furthermore, this air purifier also has a light sensor, so when in auto mode, it will switch to sleep mode when it is dark in the room. Personally, I would like it if the Winix had the possibility of switching the light sensor feature.
Timer
Winix 5500-2 has a timer which you can set to 1h, 4h, and 8h. This is a great feature that will let you set the time for which you want your air purifier to turn itself off.
The timer can also be useful if you like to shut it down during the night automatically—no need to wake up and press the button.
Remote Control
Winix 5500-2 is an air purifier that you can control from the chair using a remote controller. You can turn it off or on, change the fan speed, or turn on auto mode or turbo mode.
PlasmaWave
Winix 5500-2 uses PlasmaWave technology as the last filtration stage. This is actually an ionizer, which releases small amounts of ozone into the air. Luckily, these aren’t huge amounts, which is why this air purifier is completely safe to use. CARB confirms this!
What I don’t like here is that the PlasmaWave is turned on by default.
Airflow
Winix 5500-2 air intake is on the front side and, after filtration, is released at the top of the device. Blueair 411 air intake is from all sides, and 2/3 of the device is taking the air in.
After filtration, the air is also released on the top.
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