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 |  |  41% off |
| 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: 8.4 - 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 | 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 80 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 (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 Speed 4 | 5 – Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed 2, Speed 3, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 40 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 41 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 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 (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 | 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.
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