Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Core 300 – Trusted Comparison!

I don’t often compare air purifiers that differ significantly in size. However, given the Levoit Core 300’s huge popularity and its excellent performance in our tests, I believe it can be a worthy competitor to the Winix 5500-2.

Both the Winix 5500-2 and Levoit Core 300 use three-stage filtration technology, with the Winix adding an extra layer of protection called the PlasmaWave technology. Both models are CARB-certified and are safe to use.

One key difference for this comparison is that the Winix is designed to cover much larger rooms than the Levoit.

Additionally, it has more advanced features such as an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and an auto mode.

Specs: Winix 5500-2 Vs Levoit Core 300

Performance Test – Comparison

If you’ve been reading this article from the beginning, you probably have some assumptions about their size, power, and potential performance.

The Winix 5500-2 has a CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h), making it suitable for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²). In comparison, the Levoit Core 300 has a CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h), making it suitable for rooms of up to 219 sq. ft. (20 m²). Both air purifiers clean the air 4.8 times per hour in their recommended room sizes.

We tested their performance in a few different rooms, but the most interesting for this comparison was a test performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. This size is slightly smaller than the Winix’s recommended coverage but slightly larger than the Levoit’s.

In just 60 minutes at maximum speed, the Winix 5500-2 reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 108.5 to 3.8 µg/m³, achieving an impressive air quality improvement of 96%.

The Levoit Core 300 also performed very well, improving air quality by 92% under the same conditions.

In conclusion, as expected, the Winix 5500-2 delivered superior results in this test, demonstrating significantly better performance overall.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

I never would have imagined that a compact air purifier like the Levoit Core 300 could match the performance of the Winix 5500-2 in our smoke test.

Both devices cleared all the smoke from the glass box in just 20 seconds while operating at maximum speed.

This is an exceptional result—expected from the Winix, but entirely unexpected and a pleasantly surprising performance from the Levoit.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

The overall noise level produced by air purifiers is often related to the number of fan speeds. In this case, the Levoit Core 300 has four fan speeds, while the Winix 5500-2 offers five.

Both models have a sleep mode, which is exceptionally quiet. The Winix produces 40.6 dBA in sleep mode, while the Levoit produces 40.7 dBA. At these noise levels, you’ll hardly notice either air purifier working, making them both ideal for use in bedrooms.

However, the situation changes significantly at maximum speed. To be clear, both air purifiers are quite loud at their highest settings. The Winix 5500-2 reaches 66.4 dBA, while the Levoit Core 300 measures slightly lower at 64.9 dBA.

While higher fan speeds generally mean higher airflow, I would still prefer less noise, especially in the case of the Levoit.

At maximum speed, the Levoit Core 300 achieves a CADR of 141 CFM (240 m³/h), compared to the Winix 5500-2’s CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h).

Interestingly, despite their similar noise levels at maximum speed, the Winix 5500-2 demonstrates far better optimization for noise-to-CADR, making it a more efficient and balanced choice.

Operating Costs – Comparison

First, let me point out an obvious difference: the Winix 5500-2 is significantly larger than the Levoit Core 300. Naturally, it also houses a much bigger motor, which consumes more power but delivers stronger airflow.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a 70W motor, while the Levoit Core 300 operates with a smaller 45W motor. This results in differing energy consumption levels.

If both devices were run at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, the Winix would add approximately $5.08 to your electricity bill, while the Levoit would increase it by around $3.81.

I find it remarkable that the difference in energy consumption is so small, especially as the Winix is a much larger air purifier.

In addition to energy costs, there is also the cost of replacement filters. The filters for the Winix are slightly more expensive but last longer.

Overall, we can conclude that the Levoit Core 300 is somewhat more affordable to maintain.

However, it’s important to remember that the Levoit is smaller, has a less powerful motor, and a lower CADR, so this outcome is unsurprising for this comparison.

Features Overview

While comparing features owned by Winix 5500-2 and Levoit Core 300, it might seem they’re equal, in terms of numbers. But I find that it’s the quality and functionality that counts. Let’s see how good these competitors are. 

Air Quality Sensor And Air Quality Indicator

Unfortunately, the Levoit Core 300 doesn’t come with a built-in sensor or indicator. However, Winix has both. But, it is important to know that Winix 5500-2 has a built-in air quality sensor that can only detect odors. This means you will get the most out of it if you use it in or near the kitchen space or if you place it in a smoking area. 

Still, the sensor will keep track of real-time pollution and send data to the Air quality indicator. Depending on the pollution level, the Indicator lights up in 3 colors: Blue, Amber Fair, and Red. 

Auto Mode

What Winix air purifier has is a bit restricting Auto mode that relies on an Air quality sensor. But since sensors can only detect odor particles, this feature will suit you best if you like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen or if you are a smoker.

Though it is called Auto Mode, it still needs to be turned ON in order to be used. You can find the button on the Control Panel. 

Filter Reset Indicator

If you feel like keeping track of whether filters are worn out would be too much for you to handle, then you should know both air purifiers have a filter reset indicator.

The indicator will start switching colors, and once it turns red you will have to do the replacement. It takes around 6-8 months before the Levoit Core 300 filter replacement and about 12 months in the case of the Winix 5500-2 air purifier. 

Note: once you replace the Winix filter, you should press the reset button with a needle before you continue using the air purifier again. 

Night Mode

The Night Mode comes as an extended hand of Sleep Mode within Winix 5500-2. If you set the air purifier to Auto mode, the appliance will switch to a super-sensitive machine that detects the level of light in the room. It means that in case the room is very obscure in light or completely dark, the Auto mode will switch the Winix air purifier into Sleep mode. This will make the appliance more than adequate for your sleep. 

The Core 300 doesn’t have this feature, but it does have the Sleep mode. More about it in the following section.

Sleep Mode

Now, here’s a real struggle between Winix 5500-2 and Levoit Core 300 air purifiers. Both devices have a built-in Sleep Mode, and both have a stand-alone fan speed. The best thing is both Levoit and Winix are extremely quiet while in this mode. This means you can use them in your bedroom without being cautious if either one will wake you up. 

There is only one slight difference between these two modes. The minute you set Winix to Sleep Mode, all the lights will turn off immediately, except for the sleep mode indicator. Still, Levoit will not turn off the indicators but set them to the low light setting. 

Display Lock / Display Off

Display Lock is the feature that locks down the panel with a single 3-seconds button press. This way, the air purifier will lock all its functions, except for the power button and display light button in Core 300.

The Display-off feature that the Core 300 has assures a complete blackout of the display. None of the lights will be present if you decide to put this device in your bedroom. 

As you can see, these two features are available only within Levoit Core 300.

Timer

The Timer is one of those features that both Winix 5500-2 and Levoit Core 300 have in common. Once you turn this option ON, you have to set a purifying time interval. Winix allows you to choose between 1h, 4h, or 8h. On the other hand, Levoit gives you 2h, 4h, 6h, or 8 hours of uninterrupted air purifying. 

PlasmaWave Technology

If you take a closer look at the Control panel of Winix 5500-2, you will see a PlasmaWave indicator. PlasmaWave stands for technology used in the air purifying process. Once you turn this option ON all harmful particles will be continuously removed.

Once it is activated, the indicator will light up. No worry for those of you ozone concerned, because Winix is CARB certified, which means the amount of emitted ozone is below the danger line. 

Remote Control

If you decide to buy Winix 5500-2, the remote control comes along. It is small, simple, and easy to navigate, and the best thing is you can use it to control almost every feature on your air purifier. 

There is no remote control for the Core 300.

Filtration Technology

Probably one of the best yet basic filter combinations is when you have a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and a carbon filter. Well, these two air purifiers have it, each in its own way. The Winix 5500-2 has the AOC carbon filter as the second filter in a row. As it turns out, this filter schedule works just fine for Winix. A pre-filter looks more like a mosquito net that prevents all of the large particles from penetrating deeper into the device. Now, it would be nice of you to clean it at least once every two weeks, and you can do it either by washing it or by gently vacuuming. 

As for the AOC carbon filter I mentioned before, you have to know this is an extraordinary filter. It is pellet-based, which means it can trap so many more particles than a fibrous filter. Plus, it is a great odor-neutralizer. Whether you like to cook or smoke a lot, this filter will be your best friend. Before you replace it, which happens at least once a year, try to wash it occasionally. 

The third-in-a-row filter, a True HEPA filter, is like a gentleman amongst filters. It catches all those tiny and mischievous particles that are the main cause of allergies and respiratory problems. 

The Levoit Core 300 has this 3-in-1 combination too with a carbon and a True HEPA filter in reversed order. The carbon filter is a pellet-based activated carbon filter, which is also a great ally in neutralizing unpleasant odors. One of the advantages and great deals Core 300 can offer you are additional filter packages, created for more specific customers’ needs. I am talking about Pet allergy, Toxin absorber, and Mold bacteria filter packages. More details on packages in Levoit Core 300 individual review. 

How To Replace Filters On Both Devices? 

Replacing filters, whether Winix 5500-2 or Levoit Core 300, should not take more than 5-10 minutes. You simply remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. Levoit has an even easier replacement since all filters are a part of a single pack. You will probably need to do this process every 6-8 months, depending on how often you use the Core 300 air purifier. 

A Winix owner will have a little more time before the filter replacement. That means about a year. 

Since both appliances have filter replacement indicators, you won’t have to keep track of time. 

A reminder: often vacuuming and a good shower (if washable) will definitely prolong the life of your filter, hence the air purifier.  

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