Winix A231 (A230) Air Purifier – Detailed Review & Test Data

Full Review

Winix is a well-known brand in the air purifier industry, and it’s recognized for producing some of the best and highest-quality devices on the market.

However, what is special about Winix is that, until now, they haven’t offered a small air purifier. That’s why I decided to purchase the Winix A231, which could potentially be a serious competitor in the crowded small/compact air purifiers market.

This small air purifier is cylindrical, with the filter located in the lower part, while the motor and control buttons are on the top. Frankly, it’s nothing revolutionary in terms of design.

Yet, the Winix A231 demonstrated excellent performance in all tests. It’s reliable and a device I would gladly recommend for small spaces.

How We Tested the Winix A231?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Winix A231 in two separate performance tests, one in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room and the other in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Winix A231 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Winix A231 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

Overall, the Winix A231 demonstrated excellent performance in all our tests, as I’ve already mentioned a few times at the beginning of this review.

It has a CADR of 147 CFM (250 m³/h) and a room coverage of 230 sq. ft. (21 m²), which is why we tested it in two rooms that best match its coverage.

However, before we move on to the particle removal test results, I want to mention that I’m not completely satisfied with the Winix A231’s performance in neutralizing bad odors.

I’ve used it in my home for some time, and I noticed that its ability to neutralize odors decreased each day, even though I only used it in my kitchen and not for cigarette smoke or other heavy gases.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the first test, performed in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), this air purifier delivered outstanding results.

It took only 60 minutes, at maximum speed, to reduce PM2.5 particulate matter from 105.6 to 5.5 µg/m³, representing a 95% improvement in air quality.

This result places the Winix A231 among the top air purifiers in the class we tested (refer to the chart below).

The only other device with a comparable result is the Levoit Vital 100S; all the other air purifiers performed slightly or significantly worse in this test.

For instance, the Levoit Core 300S improved air quality by 94%, the Shark HP102 by 92%, and the Aroeve MK01 achieved a much lower 82%.

Overall, the Winix A231 has proven in this test why it’s a top-performing air purifier and one of the best in its class.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

In the second test, we placed the Winix A231 in a room slightly larger than the recommended size. We tested it in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room and measured how much it would improve the air quality in 60 minutes at maximum speed.

It achieved a 92% improvement in air quality, which is an excellent result and demonstrates that it can be effective in a room slightly larger than recommended.

The first thing I noticed when I started the Winix A231 for the first time was that it produces a very pleasant sound.

However, during testing, it turned out to be somewhat louder than I expected. At the lowest speed (sleep mode), the Winix A231 produces a sound level of 40.2 dBA, making it one of the quietest small air purifiers and an ideal option for use in bedrooms.

Many other models I compared it to are louder—for instance, the Blueair 411 Auto produces a sound level of 41.6 dBA at its lowest setting.

On the other hand, the Winix A231 is quite loud at maximum speed. In fact, among all the similar devices I compared, it’s the loudest at the maximum speed, producing a sound level of 66.5 dBA, while other devices are significantly quieter, with some being more than 10 dBA quieter.

Overall, although it is somewhat louder at higher speeds, the Winix A231 produces a calming and not too annoying sound, so it’s generally not considered too loud. Considering its excellent noise optimization at the lowest speed, it’s fair to say that the Winix A231 is relatively well-optimized for noise.

When it comes to operating costs, I must say that the Winix A231 uses a much larger motor than I expected.

With a motor of 55W, I think it could be much better optimized, especially after comparing its power-to-CADR values with some competitive devices.

At maximum speed, it consumes 40.6W, which is high, but it’s also a huge power consumer at lower speeds as well. Please refer to the table below to see a detailed power use at all the speeds.

If you were to use this air purifier at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for a month, your electricity bill would increase by about $3.56, which is a significant cost.

If you look at the chart below, you’ll see this is the highest electricity cost compared to some similar air purifiers I picked.

However, what I like about this model is that it uses a filter that lasts up to 12 months and isn’t very expensive, which helps reduce the overall maintenance costs of this air purifier.

All in all, I believe Winix could have optimized the power-to-CADR ratio better for this model. However, thanks to the affordable and long-lasting filter, I wouldn’t say it’s not affordable nor too expensive to maintain.

Filtration Technology

Regarding the filtration technology, the first thing I want to mention is that the Winix A231 uses a cylindrical filter located in the bottom part of the device.

The filter consists of three filtration layers, with PlasmaWave technology as a fourth filtration layer, which is integrated into the device.

The filter lasts approximately 12 months, but proper maintenance is required to reach that lifespan; otherwise, it may need to be replaced sooner.

Pre-filter

The first stage of filtration in the Winix A231 is the pre-filter, which is a nylon mesh attached to the HEPA filter.

Its primary purpose is to capture large particles such as pet hair, large dust particles, and similar debris. This helps protect and extend the life of the main filtration layer, the HEPA filter.

It’s important to note that the pre-filter should be cleaned approximately every two weeks to maintain the air purifier’s performance and keep the air in your place perfectly clean.

True HEPA Filter

The True HEPA filter is the second filtration stage, which is the most important filtration layer here and the one that helped Winix perform so well in our tests.

This filter captures 99.7% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander.

Activated Carbon Filter

The activated carbon filter is the third filtration stage. It is a fibrous filter coated with carbon, meaning there are no carbon pellets inside.

The primary purpose of this filter is to neutralize unpleasant odors and VOCs, such as cooking odors, pet odors, and smoke.

However, I found it less effective in these situations, and there are many better options available. For example, its larger counterpart, the Winix 5500-2, performed much better in neutralizing bad odors, cigarette smoke, and cooking smells.

The Winix A231 simply lacks the power and the right amount of carbon in the filter to effectively handle such pollutants.

PlasmaWave

The final filtration stage is the PlasmaWave technology, which is the only optional filtration stage on this air purifier.

This feature is activated automatically when you turn on the air purifier, but it can be easily turned off by pressing the PlasmaWave button.

PlasmaWave cleanses the air by creating a short electrical discharge that produces both positive and negative ions. These ions attach to airborne pollutants, breaking them down into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide.

How to Replace the Winix A231 Filter?

This air purifier doesn’t use a washable or permanent filter, so you will need to replace it periodically.

Typically, you would need to replace it about once a year. The good news is that you don’t have to track the timing manually, as there is a filter reset indicator that lights up when it’s time for a replacement.

The replacement process is straightforward and involves just a few simple steps.

Setup and Installation

This small air purifier requires no special or complicated preparation before first use. However, there are a few steps you need to follow before turning it on for the first time.

The first thing you must do is prepare the filter. To do this, open the bottom cover, pull out the filter, unwrap it from the plastic packaging, and place it back into the device.

Once this step is completed, your Winix A231 is ready to go!

Place it in your desired location, but make sure it’s at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from walls and other objects to ensure proper airflow.

Plug it in, and turn it on!

Design

The Winix A231 has a cylindrical design, which is common for small air purifiers such as this one. There are hundreds of air purifiers on the market with similar design principles.

It’s made of high-quality plastic, with everything well-constructed and in place, giving it an overall excellent build quality.

This model has two main parts: the bottom part, which houses the filter, and the top part, where the motor and control panel are located.

It comes in two colors: black and white. One downside is the lack of carrying handles, but it’s still portable enough to be easily moved from room to room.

Overall, this is a modern and attractive air purifier that I’m sure will fit well in almost any environment.

Controls and Indicators

At the top of the Winix A231 is a control panel consisting of touch controls and LED indicators.

Here, you’ll find the power button, arrows for adjusting fan speed/working mode, auto mode, sleep mode, and PlasmaWave buttons.

Each button also functions as its own indicator, and there are additional indicators for the current fan speed, air quality (shown by a ring around the control panel), and a filter reset indicator.

The control panel is simple, the touch buttons are responsive, and the controls are generally easy to use.

One improvement I would like to see is the addition of remote control functionality, which would be a great benefit and a huge plus for this device.

Airflow

This cylindrical air purifier has air intake openings located at the bottom, covering the entire device’s bottom.

The air is then filtered through the four-stage filtration system and exits from the top.

Size and Dimensions

This air purifier weighs 6.75 lb (3.1 kg) and has dimensions of 9.5 x 9.5 x 14.6 inches (24.1 x 24.1 x 37.1 cm).

While it doesn’t have a carrying handle, it’s lightweight and compact enough that moving it from room to room shouldn’t be an issue.

What’s in the Box?

When you buy the device, you will get a Winix A231 air purifier, a 3-stage filter (pre-installed), and a user manual.

Features Overview

Although it’s a small air purifier without smart app functionality, the Winix A231 offers some interesting and advanced features that will surely make your everyday use of the device easier.

Air Quality Sensor and Indicator

The Winix A231 has a smart sensor that detects the current air quality in real time. This sensor is located at the back of the device and works in combination with other features.

Firstly, it displays the current air quality through the air quality indicator, which lights up in different colors based on the detected air quality. Refer to the table below to see what each color represents.

Indicator Color	Air Quality
Blue	Good
Orange	Fair
Red	Poor

What I like about this sensor is that it works always, even when the device is in standby mode. However, this feature would make more sense to me if the Winix A231 had smart app functionality.

The air quality sensor on the Winix A231 detects only odors.

Also, keep in mind that after turning on the air purifier, the smart sensor will take approximately four minutes to detect the current air quality.

Auto Mode

This is another feature that works in combination with the air quality sensor.

The air quality sensor sends real-time data to the auto mode, which then switches the fan speed based on the current air quality.

The fan speed will switch to low when the air quality is good, medium when the air quality is fair, and high when the air quality is poor.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is a catchy feature that allows you to set the air purifier to the lowest possible speed and turn off all the display indicators with a single press.

This is ideal if you plan to use the device in a bedroom or similar place.

Additionally, when sleep mode is activated, the PlasmaWave feature and air quality indicator automatically turn off.

Light Sensor

The light sensor is a great feature that helps further automate your Winix.

This sensor monitors the light levels in your room, and if the room becomes dark, it will automatically switch the air purifier to sleep mode.

Warranty

The Winix A231 comes with a 2-year warranty.

FAQ on Winix A231