Winix and Coway are major players in the air purifier market, offering exceptional products that are difficult to match.
In this article, I will compare the Winix C535 and the Coway AP-1512HH, two mid-sized air purifiers suitable for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. (33 m²).
These air purifiers use four-stage filtration technology, which includes three primary filtration layers and an optional ionizer stage. On the Winix, this stage is called PlasmaWave, while Coway refers to it as the Ionizer.
The build quality, size, and specifications of both air purifiers are nearly identical. They feature controls on the top, an air quality sensor, and an air quality indicator, as well as an auto mode.
One advantage of the Winix is its remote control, though it would be even better if both models could be connected to a smart app.
Our Verdict
Before deciding on a winner, I want to highlight that the Winix C535 and the Coway AP-1512HH are among the best air purifiers we have tested so far. You can’t go wrong with either one.
But which air purifier is better? While both the Winix C535 and the Coway AP-1512HH are top-tier models, the Coway has a slight edge, in my opinion. It performed slightly better in our performance tests, was faster in the smoke test, has an ECO mode, and its air quality sensor detects PM2.5 particles—unlike the Winix, which only detects odors.
If you have any questions or comments about these products, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
Specs: Winix C535 Vs Coway AP-1512HH
| Product Image |  |  10% off |
| Manufacturer | Winix | Coway |
| Model | C535 | AP-1512HH |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches (38 x 20.8 x 60 cm) | 16.81 x 9.65 x 18.30 inches (42.7 x 24.5 x 46.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 14.8 (6.7 kg) | 12.8 lb (5.8 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 232 CFM (394 m³/h) | 233 CFM (396 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. | 360 sq. ft. (33 m²) | 361 sq. ft. (33 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.3 - Average Score (83 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 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, Odor Absorbing Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter | Pre-filter, Deodorization Filter, True HEPA Filter, and Ionizer |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 12 months | up to 12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 83 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 70W | 77W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (83 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 Turbo Mode | 3 – Speed 1, Speed 2, and Speed 3 |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 41 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 42 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 26 have smart app functionality. | Yes | No |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 83 air purifiers tested, only 25 have voice control functionality. | Yes | No |
| Other Features | PlasmaWaveLight SensorRemoteTimer | IonizerTimer |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.8 – 63.2 dBA | 41.4 – 63.5 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (83 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 Allergies Dust | Pets Living Rooms Kitchens Allergies Dust |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
| In-Depth Review | Winix C535 | Coway AP-1512HH |
| Price |
Performance Test – Comparison
What makes the particle removal test particularly interesting is that these two devices have almost identical CADR ratings.
The Winix C535 has a CADR of 232 CFM (394 m³/h), while the Coway AP-1512HH has a CADR of 233 CFM (396 m³/h). This means that both devices can cover rooms of about 360 sq. ft. (33 m²), which greatly simplifies our testing and performance comparison.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Coway AP-1512HH Vs Winix C535 in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
We tested these two air purifiers in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), which is slightly smaller than the recommended dimensions. In just 60 minutes of operation at maximum speed, the Winix C535 improved air quality by about 95%, while the Coway AP-1512HH was slightly more efficient, improving air quality by around 96%.
Overall, the Coway AP-1512HH is slightly better in terms of performance and is generally rated as one of the most efficient air purifiers, so it’s no surprise that it won this test.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The Winix C535 and Coway AP-1512HH are major rivals, and every test we performed on these two devices makes this comparison even more interesting.
In the smoke test, both devices showed fantastic performance. Despite using a similar carbon filter and having the same CADR, the Coway achieved slightly better results.
The Coway AP-1512HH removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 18 seconds, while the Winix C535 took 21 seconds to do the same.
Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with these results, which only confirm that these are two top-notch air purifiers.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Although they are nearly identical in almost every feature, the Coway AP-1512HH and Winix C535 have different number of fan speeds. The Coway has three fan speeds, while the Winix C535 has five.
What makes the Winix different is its sleep mode, where it produces a sound level of just 40.8 dBA. On the other hand, the Coway AP-1512HH produces a sound level of 41.4 dBA at its lowest speed.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Coway AP-1512HH Vs Winix C535 air purifiers.
Although the Coway doesn’t have a sleep mode, it is relatively quiet at its lowest speed. However, when we compare the results at maximum speed, the situation is somewhat different.
The Winix C535 is slightly louder, producing a sound level of 63.5 dBA, while the Coway produces a sound level of 63.2 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Winix C535 (dBA) | Coway AP-1512HH (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Mode | 40.8 dBA | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.4 dBA | 41.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 44.2 dBA | 44.6 dBA |
| Speed 3 (High) | 47.1 dBA | 63.5 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 63.2 dBA | - |
Overall, a significant advantage of the Winix C535 is that it has more fan speeds, a sleep mode, and is generally a quieter air purifier.
Operating Costs – Comparison
Honestly, one of the biggest drawbacks of these two devices is their high energy consumption, which is somewhat understandable given that they both were first released over 10 years ago.
The Winix C535 uses a 70W motor, while the Coway AP-1512HH uses a 77W motor. However, in our power usage tests, the Winix proved to be slightly more energy-efficient. At maximum speed, it consumes around 54.1W, while the Coway consumes about 69.1W.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Coway AP-1512HH Vs Winix C535 air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you were to use these two devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $4.74 for the Winix and about $6.05 for the Coway.
In addition to this cost, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which is very similar for both devices.
| Fan Speed | Winix C535 (W + $/month) | Coway AP-1512HH (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 1.2W ($0.11) | 0.2W ($0.01) |
| Sleep Mode | 3W ($0.26) | - |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 6W ($0.53) | 3.6W ($0.31) |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 7.7W ($0.68) | 8.1W ($0.71) |
| Speed 3 (High) | 11.4W ($1) | 69.1W ($6.05) |
| Speed 4 (Turbo) | 54.1W ($4.74) | - |
When we sum up all the costs, we can conclude that maintaining these two devices will cost about the same, but still, the Winix C535 is slightly more affordable to maintain on an annual basis.
HI,
Does the coway has a dust sensor or laser PM 2.5 sensor?
i need one to quickly remove PM 2.5 in air when I am away from home.
It uses a particulate matter sensor.