Honeywell and Winix are two well-known brands in the air purifier market. In this article, I will compare two compact models from these brands: the Winix A231 and the Honeywell HPA100.
Although the Winix A231 is slightly smaller, it has a higher airflow. It has a CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h), whereas the Honeywell HPA100 has a CADR of 100 CFM (170 m³/h).
Neither model includes smart features, but the Winix A231 offers some advanced features, including an air quality sensor and auto mode, which I find particularly useful.
We tested their performance, noise levels, and power consumption, and in this article, I will break down the results and compare their specifications in detail.
Our Verdict
Overall, this comparison wasn’t quite challenging, and the results are fairly clear.
The Winix A231 is the better buying option compared to the Honeywell HPA100. It outperformed the Honeywell in our tests, offers more features, has a higher CADR, and operates more quietly at low speeds.
If you have any questions about these air purifiers, feel free to ask in the comments!
Specs: Winix A231 Vs Honeywell HPA100
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Honeywell |
| Model | A231 | HPA100 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) | 13.94 x 22.6 x 13.54 inches (35.4 x 57.4 x 34.4 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) | 8.5 lb |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 147 CFM (250 m³/h) | 100 CFM (170 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) | 155 sq. ft. (14 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (79 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/Odor Reducing Combo, and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 12 months (True HEPA); about 3 months (Pre-filter/Carbon) |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 79 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 55W | 50W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (79 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 – Low Mode, Medium Mode, High Mode, and Turbo Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 39 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | No |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | No |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 40 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | No |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 25 have smart app functionality. | No | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 79 air purifiers tested, only 24 have voice control functionality. | No | No |
| Other Features | Sleep ModePlasmaWave | TimerDimmer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.2 – 66.5 dBA | 48.2 – 58.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (79 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 | Allergies Small Spaces Portable Use |
| Warranty | 2-year | 5-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix A231 | Honeywell HPA100 |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
Before diving into the performance test results, I’d like to briefly discuss their coverage.
Both the Winix A231 and Honeywell HPA100 have a room coverage of 230 sq. ft. (21 m²) and can clean the air 4.8 times per hour in the recommended room size.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix A231 and Honeywell HPA100 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
Following these specifications, we tested both air purifiers in two different rooms. However, I believe the most interesting test is one we did in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room.
After running at maximum speed for 60 minutes, the Winix A231 improved air quality by 95%, while the Honeywell HPA100 achieved an 89% improvement.
The Winix demonstrated significantly superior performance, which I believe is due to its higher CADR and more efficient filtration system.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The Winix A231 features a pellet-based carbon filter and a higher CADR, which are the key reasons it outperformed the Honeywell HPA100 in our smoke test.
The Winix A231 took just 25 seconds to completely remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Honeywell HPA100 needed 33 seconds.
It’s clear that the Winix delivered superior results in this test, making it also the better choice for neutralizing bad odors.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Both air purifiers offer the same number of fan speeds, with one key difference: the Winix A231 includes a sleep mode, while the Honeywell HPA100 doesn’t.
We measured noise levels at all speeds using a specialized noise measurement tool.
At the lowest speed, the Winix A231 operates at 40.2 dBA, while the Honeywell HPA100 is noticeably louder at 48.2 dBA.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Winix A231 and Honeywell HPA100 air purifiers.
However, at maximum speed, the situation is much different. The Winix A231 is louder, producing 66.5 dBA, whereas the Honeywell HPA100 operates at 58.5 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (dBA) | Honeywell HPA100 (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.2 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 48.2 dBA | 48.2 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 54.3 dBA | 50.4 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 66.5 dBA | 54.3 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 58.5 dBA |
Although the Winix A231 is louder at maximum speed, it’s quieter at all other speeds, especially at its lowest speed. For this reason, I consider it the quieter air purifier overall.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Let me be honest, neither of these air purifiers uses a well-optimized motor. The Honeywell HPA100 is equipped with a 50W motor, while the Winix A231 uses a 55W motor.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Winix A231 and Honeywell HPA100 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
Considering the power of their motors, I expected them to deliver a much higher CADR.
If you were to run both air purifiers at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electricity bill would increase by $3.56 for the Winix A231 and approximately $2.87 for the Honeywell HPA100.
Additionally, both models require a replacement filter every 12 months.
| Fan Speed | Winix A231 (W + $/month) | Honeywell HPA100 (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.3W ($0.03) | 0W ($0) |
| Sleep Mode | 9.9W ($0.87) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 29.2W ($2.56) | 16W ($1.4) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 31.3W ($2.74) | 18.1W ($1.59) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 40.6W ($3.56) | 21.3W ($1.87) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | - | 32.7W ($2.87) |
When summing up power consumption and filter replacement costs, these two air purifiers are relatively equal in terms of operating costs.
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