A few months ago, Winix released the Winix 5510 air purifier as an upgrade and replacement for one of their most popular models — the Winix 5500-2.
As soon as the Winix 5510 hit the market, I bought it and ran all the standard tests we perform on every air purifier we review.
In this comparison, I’ll thoroughly evaluate the Winix 5510 and the Winix 5500-2. I’ll cover every detail, from the smallest design differences to key aspects like performance, power consumption, and noise levels.
Keep reading to find out which of these two models is the better choice.
Our Verdict
Although the Winix 5510 looks much more modern, uses a smart app, is smaller, and has a higher CADR, the Winix 5500-2 performed better in some areas.
The older model uses a slightly larger filter and features a washable carbon filter. However, a potential concern in terms of long-term investment is that Winix has discontinued production of the Winix 5500-2 (in the US only), meaning it will only be available while supplies last. I got this info from Winix America support.
Does that also mean Winix will reduce or stop producing replacement filters? Not necessarily, but I do believe they’ll shift their full focus to newer models like the Winix 5510.
Frankly, I would get the Winix 5510, even though the Winix 5500-2 may be a better buying option and better value for the money, according to our data.
If you have any questions about these two models, feel free to leave a comment in the section below.
Specs: Winix 5510 Vs 5500-2
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Winix |
| Model | 5510 | 5500-2 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 13.6 x 8.3 x 22.2 inches (34.6 x 21.1 x 56.4 cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38.1 x 20.8 x 59.9 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 13.3 lb (6 kg) | 15.4 lb (7 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 253 CFM (430 m³/h) | 232 CFM (394 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. | 392 sq. ft. (36 m²) | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (91 products) 9.9 - Best Score (1 products) 1 - Worst Score (1 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 | Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True HEPA Filter, and PlasmaWave | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 91 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 65W | 70W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (91 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 Speed 4 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 44 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 45 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 91 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | PlasmaWaveLight Sensor | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.2 – 65.7 dBA | 40.6 – 66.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (91 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 Kitchens Allergies Smoke Dust Neutralizing VOCs |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix 5510 | Winix 5500-2 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
Before jumping into the airborne particle removal test results, I’d like to mention that the Winix 5510 has a CADR of 253 CFM (430 m³/h), making it ideal for rooms up to 392 sq. ft. (36 m²), while the Winix 5500-2 has a slightly lower CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h), suitable for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
We tested both air purifiers in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and measured their air quality improvement using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In just 60 minutes, while running at maximum speed, both air purifiers improved air quality by an impressive 96%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix 5510 and Winix 5500-2 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
According to Winix support, the Winix 5510 and 5500-2 use the same amount of carbon pellets in their filters. The only difference between the activated carbon filters is that the one in the Winix 5500-2 is washable, but both need to be replaced roughly once a year.
Based on our tests, I’d say there’s no significant difference in performance when it comes to neutralizing bad odors between these two devices, even though the 5510 model has a slightly higher CADR.
Overall, we can say that the performance of these two air purifiers at maximum speed is nearly identical, and both are top-notch devices equipped with highly efficient filters.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What I like about these two Winix models is that they both offer five fan speeds and include an auto mode.
If you take a look at the chart where I compared their noise levels at each speed side by side, you’ll see that they produce almost identical noise across all speeds. The biggest difference is observed at Speed 3 (High Mode).
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix 5510 and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Winix 5500-2 produces 40.6 dBA, while the Winix 5510 produces 40.2 dBA.
At the maximum speed, the Winix 5500-2 is also slightly louder, measuring 66.4 dBA compared to the 5510’s 65.7 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5510 (dBA) | Winix 5500-2 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | 40.6 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.5 dBA | 42.7 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 43.2 dBA | 44.9 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 52.7 dBA | 50.3 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 65.7 dBA | 66.4 dBA |
I’d say they are similarly optimized for noise, but I’d give a slight edge to the Winix 5500-2 due to its quieter performance at Speed 3 (High Mode).
Operating Costs – Comparison
To be honest, I expected Winix to significantly upgrade the motor in their new air purifiers.
However, I can’t say that’s entirely the case. The Winix 5510 actually uses a slightly weaker motor than its predecessor, 65W, compared to the 70W motor in the Winix 5500-2.
That said, we could argue that the Winix 5510 is slightly better optimized, as it has a higher CADR at maximum speed while consuming less power.
If you were to run both air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electricity bill would increase by about $5.08 for the Winix 5500-2 and about $4.68 for the Winix 5510.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix 5510 and Winix 5500-2 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
For a detailed analysis of power consumption and a comparison across all speed levels, check out the provided chart.
When it comes to replacement filter prices, they are identical on the official Winix website. However, since the Winix 5500-2 is a much older model, you’ll find plenty of third-party filters available on the market for it.
| Fan Speed | Winix 5510 (W + $/month) | Winix 5500-2 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.1W ($0.01) | 1.2W ($0.11) |
| Sleep Mode | 3.7W ($0.32) | 3.7W ($0.32) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 4.1W ($0.36) | 6.4W ($0.56) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 7.2W ($0.63) | 8.8W ($0.77) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 16.3W ($1.43) | 13.2W ($1.16) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 53.4W ($4.68) | 57.9W ($5.08) |
Overall, I’d say the Winix 5510 is slightly more affordable to maintain annually, mainly due to lower power consumption and the identical price of original replacement filters.
I absolutely adore and love this article. It was the exact information I needed. I left a pretty lengthy amazon review. But I’ve had the Winix 5300 and 5500 for years. The 5300 being the oldest buying them in 2020. And the 5500 I had purchased in 2022. They all run pretty much 24/7 on fan speed 3 unless I have the windows open. The 5500s I’ve had the most issues with and the issue is only with the fan motors. Important to note, they have been made in Thailand now and not South Korea anymore. It seems the fan motors coming from Thailand are really just not made as well..
One of them. the fan motor started to make a noise like it was starting to fail after only about a year in use. I had to contact Winix and send them videos/audio of the air purifier and they had replaced one for me. But, at some point their air purifiers used to have a 2 year warranty, then went down to 1 year warranty, and now they seem to be back up to the 2 year warranty.
I had another 5500 with the same issue, but I guess when I had bought that one it was only with a 1 year warranty so they would not do anything for me. Now fast forward today my 3rd 5500 has been having a weird fan noise and this is the one in my bedroom. It’s about 3 years in so past the 2 year warranty so I finally decided to purchase the 5510 and actually set it up today.
I would love to purchase another brand, but I’m just not sure what to get as I am very sensitive to noise. I am used to the Winix 5300 and 5500 and actually found the noise quite pleasant on fan speed 3. After opening the 5510 and setting it to fan speed 3 I did notice an audible difference. Although your data shows it is slightly louder on fan speed 3 which I can confirm, the numbers don’t make it seem that much louder. It’s just the pitch I suppose. The 5500 just had a very calm whir noise on fan speed 3, and the 5510 due to the smaller size, smaller inlet space (which normally means higher static pressure right?) it just seems slightly more pronounced and a slightly higher frequency of a sound. We shall see how I sleep with it.
I wanted to share this feedback as your article described exactly what I was going through and your data and review gave me more information and confirmed my experience. I have been looking at the Alen models, they seem quiet, but I’m just not sure I want to spend that much money. They are also not on the AHAM website. So I have stayed with Winix even though I am really not impressed, it’s just become what I am familiar with and what I have been used to.
If you have any suggestions for one that is efficient, just as quiet or more quiet than the 5500-2 at fan speed 3, filters the same amount of air, then I’d love to hear back from you.
Thanks for doing what you do. I currently own 2-5300s and 2-5500s and now 1-5510 to help filter my whole house.
This is such a truly insightful and detailed read, thanks for taking the time to share your experience! It’s always great to hear from someone who’s used these models for years.
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard about Winix showing excellent customer service, so I’m really glad you mentioned how they replaced your unit when the fan motor started making noise. That kind of support makes a big difference in the long run.
You’re absolutely right about how the type of noise can be more important than the numbers on paper. Some motors produce tones that are just more noticeable to the ear, even if the dBA reading looks fine. For example, the Blueair 511i Max measured quieter than the Winix 5510 at maximum speed in my tests, yet it produced an annoying high-frequency buzz that was much harder to tolerate, so yes, numbers can “lie” sometimes!
As for a quieter alternative with similar or better performance, I’d recommend the Levoit Vital 200S; it’s very balanced and well optimized for noise.
Another option worth keeping an eye on is the Airfanta 3Pro, which I recently tested (review coming soon). It seems like a really interesting model. Alen air purifiers are also excellent and quiet, though I completely understand not wanting to spend that much on one device.
I’m also planning to try the Winix T810 soon, which might be a good replacement in the future — though I can’t comment much until I’ve tested it. Coway is another solid brand, but they don’t offer anything drastically different from what Winix and Levoit already do well.
Thanks again for sharing your story — your feedback adds a lot of value for other readers too!
Clearly, you really like the 5510. Oddly, however, Consumer Reports gives it quite a low score (59), well below many air purifiers in its price range (they’re rated in the 70s and even low 80s). Any ideas about such a discrepancy? I was on the verge of getting the 5510 when I saw CR’s review.
I don’t actually agree with many of Consumer Reports’ reviews, as they often favor some air purifiers that performed poorly in our tests.
As for the Winix 5510, it’s one of the best air purifiers we’ve tested. While it does have a few disadvantages, such as having smaller filters compared to its bigger brother, the Winix 5500-2, it still managed to clean the air with high efficiency. It features a True HEPA filter, a pellet-based activated carbon filter, and a washable pre-filter.
Many thanks for your response, Milan.
How much carbon is in the filter? I can’t find this info anywhere. Thanks.
They both contain approximately 0.5 lb (230 g) of carbon.