There are many small air purifiers on the market, and choosing the right one in this category can be particularly challenging.
In this comparison, I will put the Winix A231 and the Philips 800 Series air purifiers side-by-side. I’ll provide a detailed overview of their specifications, performance, noise levels, power consumption, and other key aspects to determine which one is the better choice.
At first glance, these two models seem quite similar in design, filter shape, and built-in features. However, there are numerous differences that aren’t immediately obvious.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Winix A231 is identical to the Winix A230 and the Winix Zero (which is the model designed for the European market).
Our Verdict
All in all, this is a comparison between two very similar air purifiers, especially when looking at their specifications and test results.
However, the Winix A231 outperformed the Philips 800 Series overall, making it the better choice. It offers more features, uses a True HEPA filter, has a wider range of third-party filter options, and delivered better results in both airborne particle removal and smoke tests.
On the other hand, the Philips 800 Series is slightly more affordable to maintain.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, feel free to leave a comment below the article.
Specs: Winix A231 Vs Philips 800 Series
| Product Image |  24% off |  |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Philips |
| Model | A231 | Series 800 |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm) | 14.4 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches (36.7 x 25 x 25 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) | 5.3 lb (2.4 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 147 CFM (250 m³/h) | 112 CFM (190 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) | 176 sq. ft. (16 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, NanoProtect HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon 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 | 20W |
| 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 | 3 – Sleep Mode, Auto Mode, 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. | 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 | Sleep Mode |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.2 – 66.5 dBA | 41.8 – 62.8 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 Allergies Low Energy Cost Small Spaces |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix A231 | Philips Series 800 |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
When it comes to performance, the first thing to note is that both devices achieved excellent results in our airborne particle removal tests.
Interestingly, despite the Winix A231 having a slightly higher CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h), it did not significantly outperform the Philips 800 Series, which has a CADR of 112 CFM (190 m³/h).
We tested both models in two different room sizes. In the first test, performed in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Winix A231 improved air quality by 95%, while the Philips 800 Series achieved 93%.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Winix A231 and Philips 800 Series in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the second test, carried out in a larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, both models again delivered impressive results. The Winix improved air quality by 92%, while the Philips reached 91%.
Both devices operated at maximum speed throughout the tests, each lasting exactly 60 minutes.
Overall, the Winix A231 demonstrated slightly better performance in removing airborne particles.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We tested the performance of both devices in a smoke test.
The Winix A231 cleared all the smoke from the test box in just 25 seconds, while the Philips 800 Series took slightly longer. It needed 33 seconds.
I believe the Winix A231’s superior performance in this test is primarily due to higher CADR.
Although the Philips 800 Series uses a pellet-based carbon filter, which is generally more effective than the filter in the Winix, it still couldn’t achieve a better result in the smoke test.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
What gives the Winix A231 a significant advantage in the noise level test is having more fan speeds.
The Winix has four fan speeds, while the Philips 800 Series has only two. Additionally, both devices feature auto mode.
We measured the noise levels of both models at all fan speeds. At the lowest speed, the Winix A231 produces 40.2 dBA, while the Philips 800 Series produces 41.8 dBA.
Noise Level Comparison
Comparing the Winix A231 and Philips 800 Series noise levels at minimum and maximum speeds.
At maximum speed, the results differ slightly. The Winix A231 is a bit louder, reaching 66.5 dBA, whereas the Philips 800 Series produces 62.8 dBA.
Overall, both devices are well-optimized for noise, except when running at maximum speed. However, I think the Winix A231 is slightly better optimized overall.
Operating Costs – Comparison
The Philips 800 Series consumes less electricity than the Winix A231, but it also has a slightly lower CADR.
The Philips 800 Series operates with a 20W motor, while the Winix A231 is equipped with a significantly more powerful 50W motor—more than twice as strong.
To compare their electricity usage at maximum speed, we calculated the cost of running each device 24 hours a day for one month. The Winix A231 would add $3.56 to your electricity bill, while the Philips 800 Series would cost only $1.53.
Power Usage Comparison
Comparing the Winix A231 and Philips 800 Series power use at minimum and maximum speeds.
Since the filters for both devices last approximately one year on average and replacement filters for the Philips are slightly cheaper, we can conclude that the Philips 800 Series is significantly more affordable to maintain than the Winix A231.
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