Winix T810 Air Purifier: Is It Worth the Price?

Full Review

Winix refreshed its air purifier lines with some astonishing, well-designed, and well-performing devices.

This time, I will do an in-depth overview of the Winix T810, a cylindrical air purifier equipped with four-stage filtration technology and plenty of smart features.

It has a CADR of 270 CFM (459 m³/h), meaning it covers rooms of up to 419 sq. ft. (39 m²).

We tested its performance, noise levels, and power use, and compared the results to dozens of similar air purifiers in this price range, but also with some way more expensive and also way cheaper devices.

How We Tested the Winix T810?

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 T810 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 T810 run at maximum speed.

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

4. We tested the Winix T810 at every fan speed using the AirGradient ONE air quality monitor in a 1377 ft³ (39 m³) room. Before each test, we burned incense to raise PM1 levels to 190–200 µg/m³. We then turned on the purifier at the selected fan speed and measured how long it took for the PM1 reading to drop back to 0 µg/m³. By repeating this process at every fan speed, we were able to compare how effectively the Winix T810 removes fine particles across its entire operating range, not just at maximum speed.

5. Next, we placed the Winix T810 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

We tested the airborne particle removal performance of the Winix T810 air purifier through two different tests.

In the first test, we tested the Winix T810 in a room of approximately the recommended room coverage size, while in the second test we measured how quickly this device brings PM1 down to 0.

In addition, for some time I used the Winix T810 in my home, as I have with every air purifier tested so far.

In essence, the T810 holds up very well against many of the best air purifiers we have tested, especially when it comes to airborne particle removal.

However, for smoke removal, I believe there are better solutions on the market. For example, the Winix 5510 demonstrated better performance in smoke removal tests.

PM1 Time to Zero Test

In this test, we used the AirGradient One air quality monitor to measure how quickly the Winix T810 can bring PM1 down to 0, across different fan speeds. What is an interesting conclusion from this test is that, based on the results, the T810 ranks among some of the best air purifiers we have tested.

As you can see in the chart below, at Speed 1, the Winix T810 needed just 63 minutes to bring PM1 down to 0, while at Speed 4 it took around 27 minutes.

In the chart above, you can see how this air purifier performed in the PM1 test, but you also have a built-in comparison tool, where you can easily see that, for example, the Winix T810 performs very closely to the Levoit Vital 200S air purifier, which is one of the best air purifiers we have ever tested.

All in all, this test is proof of just how efficient the Winix T810 is, and how well it ranks in comparison to similar air purifiers.

Testing in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) Room

We tested the Winix T810 performance in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room using the Temtop laser particle meter. In this test, we placed the Winix in the room, measured the air quality values, and left the device running for 60 minutes at max speed.

During that time, the Winix T810 reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 103.1 to 5.6 µg/m³, which is an overall air quality improvement of an impressive 95%.

For comparison (see the chart), the Winix T810 ranks among the best air purifiers. For example, the Winix 5510 improved air quality by 96% in the same test, while the Levoit Vital 100S improved air quality by 94% in the same test.

All in all, the Winix T810 is a top-tier air purifier that delivered fantastic performance in our tests.

Using a specialized noise measurement tool, we tested the Winix T810 at all fan speeds. This air purifier has five fan speeds.

At the lowest speed, it produces a sound level of 40.1 dBA. Compared to the competition, for example, the Levoit Core 400S produces a sound level of 42.1 dBA.

At maximum speed, the situation is somewhat different, and the Winix T810 is louder than I expected, producing a sound level of 66.7 dBA. Compared to the competition, the Winix T810 ranks among the loudest air purifiers at max speed.

What is also interesting when it comes to noise is that at Speed 1 (low), the Winix T810 produces a sound level of 41.6 dBA, and in our PM1 to Zero test, this air purifier brought PM1 down to 0 in 63 minutes. By comparison, the Winix 5510 needed 70 minutes at a sound level of 41.5 dBA, while the Alen FLEX needed as many as 108 minutes at 41.2 dBA.

When comparing to other air purifiers, one interesting thing stands out: the Winix T810 reduced PM1 to zero in just 48 minutes on speed 2 (medium), while producing only 48.5 dBA of noise. The Coway Airmega 100, on the other hand, took 50 minutes to reduce PM1 to zero at maximum speed, while producing 60.9 dBA of noise. This shows the real power of the Winix T810: it achieved a faster result, at a lower fan speed, with far less noise.

All in all, while the Winix T810 could be somewhat better optimized for noise, at least when it comes to max speed, I still think it is generally well optimized.

When it comes to operating costs, the first thing I want to mention is power consumption. The Winix T810 uses a 45W motor.

If you were to run this device at max speed, 24 hours a day, over the course of a month, your electricity bill would increase by around $3.75, which is a fairly good result for the CADR this device offers.

Compared to similar air purifiers, it ranks somewhere in the middle (see the chart). For example, the Blueair 311i Max would cost you around $2.42 in an identical situation, while the Coway AP-1512HH would cost you around $6.05.

In addition to this cost, there is also the cost of replacement filters, which need to be changed on average once a year, or even slightly more frequently, depending on the environment in which you plan to use the air purifier.

All in all, taking into account the cost of replacement filters and power consumption, I would say that the Winix T810 is reasonably well optimized for maintenance on an annual basis.

Filtration Technology

The Winix T810 uses a cylindrical filter located on the bottom of the device, taking up just over half of it.

This filter is a 3-in-1, meaning you can’t separate the pre-filter or carbon filter from the True HEPA filter.

Overall, the filter on the Winix T810 proved to be very effective, as you could see from the performance tests.

Pre-filter

The first filtration stage is the pre-filter, which is essentially a nylon mesh attached to the main filter.

This stage serves to capture large airborne particles such as pet fur, hair, large dust particles, and similar debris.

Although not as efficient as a True HEPA filter, this stage still contributes significantly to the overall filtration, not only by improving efficiency but also by extending the lifespan of the True HEPA filter.

True HEPA Filter

The most important filtration stage is the True HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.

This stage will remove fine airborne particles such as dust, mold, pollen, and even smoke, making the air in your space much more pleasant.

This is especially important for people who are prone to allergies to dust, mold spores, or other airborne allergens.

Carbon Filter

The third filtration stage is the carbon filter, which is responsible for neutralizing household odors and VOCs from cooking, pets, and smoke.

However, the Winix T810 doesn’t use a pellet-based carbon filter, but a fibrous filter coated with carbon, which automatically means somewhat weaker performance and less effective neutralization of bad odors.

That is why I would always recommend an air purifier with a pellet-based carbon filter, such as the Winix 5510, or if you want truly advanced neutralization of bad odors, I would recommend the Austin Air HealthMate Jr.

PlasmaWave

PlasmaWave is Winix’s plasma/ionization-style active technology, which essentially creates positive and negative ions that react with water vapor in the air and form hydroxyl radicals.

These short-lived reactive molecules can help break down or neutralize some pollutants, especially odors, VOCs, bacteria, viruses, and chemical compounds, according to Winix and its distributors.

PlasmaWave technology is turned on by default, but can easily be turned off if you do not wish to use it, with just a single press of the “P” button on the control panel.

How to Replace the Winix T810 Filter?

As I have already hinted at in the review, the filters on the Winix T810 are not washable, which means they need to be replaced from time to time.

The 3-in-1 filter should generally be replaced once a year, but possibly even more frequently depending on the environment in which you use the device.

In addition, I would recommend cleaning the pre-filter at least twice a month. This can be done with a dry cloth, or carefully with a vacuum cleaner, but never with a wet cloth, and you should never wash the filters.

Setup and Installation

As for the setup before first use, the Winix T810 doesn’t require any advanced preparation.

All you need to do is unbox the air purifier, remove the filter from the device, unpack it, place it back, and that is it.

The next step is to place the device in your desired location, making sure not to block the airflow, and that is it, you can turn on your Winix.

Design

Definitely, the Winix T810 is the best-looking Winix air purifier I have tried. It looks modern, stylish, and pretty well built.

Compared to some older models, such as the Winix 5500-2 or Winix C535, the T810 is a huge upgrade in terms of design.

It’s a cylindrical air purifier, with a filter placed inside the bottom part of the device and the controls located on the top of the device.

What I like is that it has a carrying slot on the back, which is used for easier moving of the device from place to place.

It’s a silver air purifier with black and white details, but there is also a T830 version, which is dominated by a blue color.

Overall, I would say that the Winix T810 is a good-looking air purifier that will fit easily in almost any home.

Controls and Indicators

At the top of the device, there is a control panel that includes indicators, controls, and a small display showing PM2.5 particles in the air.

On the control panel, you will find all the necessary controls, such as power, fan mode switch, auto mode, plasmawave, and others.

But, for a more advanced use of this device, I would definitely recommend connecting it with the Winix smart app.

Also, this model doesn’t come with a remote, which is a feature of some older Winix air purifiers. I would say controls and indicators are well-positioned and easy to use.

Airflow

The Winix T810 is a cylindrical air purifier that has openings for drawing air in placed on the bottom part of the device, through all the sides.

It gets air through these holes, which is then filtered and exits through the fan grilles on the top.

Size and Dimensions

The dimensions of the Winix T810 are 11.3 × 20.4 × 11.3 inches (28.7 × 51.8 × 28.7 cm), and it weighs 10.2 lbs (4.6 kg).

Although it’s a bigger unit than you probably think, it has a carrying handle on the back and is easy to move from place to place.

What’s in the box?

When you buy the Winix T810, you will get the air purifier, a pre-installed filter, and a user manual.

Features Overview

With several of its recent air purifier series, Winix has put a lot of work into smart features, so it comes as no surprise that almost every new model they release works with the Winix smart app.

In addition, newer models almost always come with air quality sensors and much more advanced controls.

Air Quality Sensor & Indicator

On the back of the device is an air quality sensor that measures PM2.5 particles in the air. Don’t be confused by Winix’s claim of having a dual sensor, as they count the Light Sensor as the Air Quality Sensor on the device. I will say more about that later in the review.

This sensor works in combination with some other features on this device. As I already mentioned, it will display the current amount of PM2.5 particulate matter directly on the display, and the ring around the display will also light up in different colors depending on the current air quality.

According to the user manual: blue for 0–35 µg/m³, green for 36–55, orange for 56–150, and red for 150+ µg/m³. The display measures fine particles down to PM2.5, according to the manual.

In addition, you will be able to monitor this data in even more detail and more easily through the Winix smart app.

The air quality sensor can become dirty over time, which can affect the accuracy of the displayed data, which is why I recommend occasionally cleaning the air quality sensor.

Auto Mode

Auto mode is another feature that works in combination with the air quality sensor. When in auto mode, the air purifier will adjust the fan speed based on the current air quality in the room.

This means that if the air quality is poor, the air purifier will increase the fan speed to max, and if the air quality is good, the air purifier will reduce the fan speed.

This is a very useful feature for anyone who wants to automate the Winix T810.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is another feature worth mentioning. Although performance in this mode is the weakest, when in this mode, the device will switch to silent operation and dim all indicators on the device.

In addition, the Winix also has a light sensor. This means that when switched to auto mode and it detects that there is no light in the room (that it is dark), the device will automatically switch to sleep mode.

This is an ideal feature if you plan to use the air purifier in bedrooms.

Light Mode

Use the light button to set the desired display brightness.

You have the option to set the screen brightness to 100%, 70%, 30%, or to dim the light completely.

Warranty

The Winix comes with a 2-year warranty.

Winix Smart App

One of the biggest upgrades the Winix T810 brings over many older Winix air purifiers is smart connectivity. It connects to the Winix Smart App, which lets you control the device from your phone, monitor the current air quality, check the filter status, and change operating modes without touching the control panel.

Through the app, you can turn the T810 on or off, adjust the fan speed, switch between Auto and Sleep Mode, and keep an eye on the air quality in your room. This is especially useful if you keep the air purifier in a bedroom, office, or living room and want to control it remotely.

What I like most is that the app doesn’t feel like a required part of the experience. The Winix T810 works perfectly fine without it, and all essential controls are available directly on the device. In other words, the app is a convenient extra, not something you have to use every day.

I also like that the T810 supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home, which makes it easier to integrate into a smart home setup. However, I wouldn’t say the smart features are the main reason to buy this air purifier. They are a nice addition, but the T810’s strongest points are still its strong CADR, modern design, auto mode, and real-time air quality display.

Overall, the Winix Smart App makes the T810 more convenient to use, especially for users who like remote control and air quality monitoring. Still, if you prefer simple manual controls, you can completely ignore the app and use the air purifier just like any standard model.

FAQ on Winix T810