On one side, we have the Winix 5500-2, one of the best air purifiers we’ve tested so far. On the other, we have the Mila air purifier, which stands out as the best smart air purifier we’ve reviewed.
What makes these two devices so special? Which one performs better? Which excelled in our tests, and which is the better option for purchase? I’ll answer all these questions in this comparison.
To begin, both air purifiers are impressive in their own way. However, it’s important to note that the Mila’s CADR varies depending on the filter it uses.
For this comparison, I’ll be referring to the Mila air purifier with The Big Sneeze filter, which provides a CADR of 245 CFM (416 m³/h) and covers rooms up to 380 sq. ft. (35 m²). In comparison, the Winix 5500-2 has a CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h) and is designed for spaces up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
Our Verdict
Although this may seem like a tough comparison at first, choosing a winner wasn’t as difficult as it might appear.
If you have a larger budget and don’t mind replacing filters more frequently in exchange for plenty of smart features, then the Mila air purifier is the right choice for you.
However, my pick for the winner of this comparison is the Winix 5500-2. It outperformed the Mila in our performance tests, operates more quietly, and has a better-optimized motor.
While it lacks smart features, it does include an air quality sensor, remote control, and auto mode, which is more than enough for everyday use.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave a comment below the article.
Specs: Winix 5500-2 Vs Mila
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | N/A |
| Model | 5500-2 | Mila |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) | 12 x 12 x 15 inches (30.5 x 30.5 x 38.1 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) | 18 lb (8.2 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 (78 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 | HEPA and Activated Carbon Filter (Option) |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | No |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | about 6 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 78 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 70W | 88W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (78 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 | 10 – Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, Speed 4, Speed 5, Speed 6, Speed 7, Speed 8, Speed 9, and Speed 10 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 78 air purifiers tested, only 39 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 78 air purifiers tested, only 40 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 78 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 78 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer | Carbon Monoxide Detector |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA | 43.2 - 73.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (78 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 | Living Rooms Offices Dust Air Quality Monitoring |
| Warranty | 2-year | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix 5500-2 | Mila |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
The most interesting part of this comparison is undoubtedly the performance test between these two devices.
Since they are designed for similarly sized rooms, we tested both in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Each test lasted 60 minutes, with both devices running at maximum speed all the time.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix 5500-2 and Mila in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
We measured air quality improvements using the Temtop laser particle meter.
The results showed that the Winix 5500-2 improved air quality by 96%, while the Mila air purifier achieved around 92%. Clearly, the Winix delivered a significantly better result in our airborne particle capture test.
Additionally, thanks to its higher-quality carbon filter, the Winix is also the superior choice for neutralizing bad odors.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
What’s interesting here is that both air purifiers performed the same in our smoke test.
The Winix 5500-2 and Mila air purifiers took 20 seconds to clear all the smoke from the glass box.
This is an impressive result for both devices, especially for the Mila, considering its carbon filter isn’t as effective as the one in the Winix 5500-2.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Although the Mila is one of the loudest air purifiers at maximum speed among all we’ve tested, it is still fairly well-optimized for noise.
Why? Because it offers ten fan speeds and is well-tuned at most of them—except for the highest setting.
Noise Level Comparison
Comparing the Winix 5500-2 and Mila noise levels at minimum and maximum speeds.
At the lowest speed, the Mila air purifier produces 43.2 dBA, while the Winix 5500-2 produces 40.6 dBA.
However, the difference is even larger at maximum speeds. The Mila produces 73.5 dBA, whereas the Winix 5500-2 produces 66.4 dBA.
To put it simply, the Winix 5500-2 is better optimized for noise than the Mila air purifier.
Operating Costs – Comparison
What I don’t like about both of these devices is their relatively inefficient motors. In my experience, many air purifiers with lower-powered motors achieve a much higher CADR, resulting in a far better power-to-CADR ratio.
The Winix 5500-2 has a 70W motor, while the Mila uses an 88W motor.
This means that if both devices were run at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $5.08 for the Winix 5500-2 and $6.61 for the Mila.
Power Usage Comparison
Comparing the Winix 5500-2 and Mila power use at minimum and maximum speeds.
Beyond energy costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which is significantly higher for the Mila. Additionally, Mila’s filter has a much shorter lifespan, which is about 6 months, whereas the Winix filter lasts up to 12 months.
Moreover, there are far more third-party filter options available for the Winix than for the Mila, making it more affordable to maintain in the long run.
If we consider all this, it’s clear that the Winix 5500-2 is much more cost-effective to own and maintain on a yearly basis compared to the Mila.
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