For a long time, Coway and Winix weren’t major players in the small air purifiers category, mainly because both brands focused on medium to large-sized models.
However, with the introduction of the Coway Airmega 100 and the Winix A231, that has started to change.
In this comparison, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of their specifications, performance, noise levels, and power usage to help determine which one is the better buy.
At first glance, these models look almost identical; they’re similar in size, and both have filters positioned at the bottom, but the Winix features a four-stage filtration system, while the Coway uses a three-stage setup.
Our Verdict
I have to admit, this was an extremely tough comparison, and choosing a winner was anything but easy.
While the Winix A231 achieved slightly better results in the airborne particle removal test and has a higher CADR, I believe the Coway Airmega 100 is the better choice overall.
Why? Because it performed better in the smoke test, operates more quietly, is significantly more affordable to maintain, and still delivered excellent results in the particle removal test.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave a comment below.
Specs: Winix A231 Vs Coway Airmega 100
| Product Image |  24% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Coway |
| Model | A231 | Airmega 100 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) | 8.7 x 8.7 x 15.6 inches (22 x 22 x 39.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 147 CFM (250 m³/h) | 109 CFM (185 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. | 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) | 169 sq. ft. (15.7 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 | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Deodorization 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. | 55W | 25W |
| 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 | 4 - Sleep Mode, Low, Medium, and High | 4 - Sleep Mode, Speed 1, Speed, and Speed 3 |
| 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. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 80 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Sleep ModePlasmaWave | Night LightDisplay LockTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.2 – 66.5 dBA | 40.3 – 60.9 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 | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms | Bedrooms Small Spaces Dust Allergies Children's Rooms |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix A231 | Coway Airmega 100 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
We tested the performance of these two air purifiers in rooms of identical size and measured air quality improvements using a Temtop laser particle meter.
But before diving into the results, let’s compare their CADRs. The Winix A231 has a CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h), making it suitable for rooms up to 230 sq. ft. (21 m²).
In contrast, the Coway Airmega 100 has a CADR of 109 CFM (185 m³/h), covering spaces up to 169 sq. ft. (15.7 m²).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix A231 Max and Coway Airmega 100 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, we placed both air purifiers in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and ran them at maximum speed for 60 minutes.
The Coway Airmega 100 improved air quality by 93%, while the Winix A231 achieved a 95% improvement.
In the second test, performed in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, the Winix again outperformed the Coway. It improved air quality by 92%, while the Airmega 100 achieved a 91% improvement.
Overall, the Winix A231 delivered slightly better results in our airborne particle removal tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
Frankly, I was impressed by the performance of both devices in the smoke test, but the Coway Airmega 100 stood out as more efficient.
It took just 21 seconds to remove all the smoke.
In comparison, the Winix A231 took 25 seconds to do the same.
Even though the Winix A231 has a higher CADR, the Coway somehow managed to deliver a better result in this test.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What makes it easier to compare the noise levels of these two models is that they both have four fan speeds.
We measured the noise levels at all speeds using a specialized tool that records sound on the dBA scale.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix A231 Max and Coway Airmega 100 air purifiers.
At the lowest speed, the Winix A231 produces 40.2 dBA, while the Coway Airmega 100 registers 40.3 dBA.
However, the difference becomes more noticeable at the highest speed: the Winix reaches 66.5 dBA, whereas the Coway stays significantly quieter at just 60.9 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Coway Airmega 100 (dBA) | Winix A231 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.3 dBA | 40.2 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 41.9 dBA | 48.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 50.3 dBA | 54.3 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 60.9 dBA | 66.5 dBA |
When comparing noise levels across all speeds (see chart), it’s clear that the Coway Airmega 100 is much better optimized for noise than the Winix A231.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The situation is similar when it comes to power usage—having the same number of fan speeds makes this comparison much easier.
The Winix A231 uses a 55W motor, while the Coway Airmega 100 features a much more efficient 25W motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix A231 Max and Coway Airmega 100 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
However, it’s worth noting that the Winix A231 has higher CADR, which somewhat justifies its more powerful motor.
For example, if you ran both air purifiers 24 hours a day for an entire month, the Coway Airmega 100 would add about $1.95 to your electricity bill, compared to around $3.56 for the Winix.
| Fan Speed | Coway Airmega 100 (W + $/month) | Winix A231 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0.3W ($0.03) |
| Sleep Mode | 2.7W ($0.24) | 9.9W ($0.87) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 5.2W ($0.46) | 29.2W ($2.56) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 9.2W ($0.81) | 31.3W ($2.74) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 22.3W ($1.95) | 40.6W ($3.56) |
In addition to power consumption, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which typically last about a year for both devices.
Since Coway’s replacement filters are more affordable and the unit consumes less power at every speed, it’s easy to conclude that the Airmega 100 is significantly more cost-effective to maintain than the Winix A231.
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