Winix 5300-2 vs. 5500-2: Battle of the Best Air Purifiers

When it comes to improving the air quality in your home, you have probably weighed Winix 5300-2 vs. 5500-2 air purifiers.

Both popular models boast excellent performance and high-quality filtration systems, but there are some key differences to be aware of before making your final decision.

In this article, I’ll help you navigate the world of Winix air purifiers and give you a few insider tips from my personal experiences using these products.

As someone who has spent time with both Winix 5300-2 and 5500-2 at the same time, I can tell you that each model has its own standout features.

But before I give my personal review, let’s discuss first the overview of each unit’s features and specs.

Winix 5300-2 vs. 5500-2: An Overview

Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison of each unit’s key features and differences.

Winix 5300-2

  • AHAM Verified Room Size: 360 sq. ft.
  • CADR: Dust 243, Pollen 246, Smoke 232
  • Air Changes per Hour: 5
  • Noise Level: 27db (minimum)
  • 4-stage filtration
  • True HEPA 99.99% (12 months)
  • Activated Carbon (3 months)
  • 3-color LED Air Quality indicator
  • 5 fan speeds
  • Timer
  • Dual Smart Sensors
  • Automatic Sleep Mode
  • Auto Mode
  • PlasmaWave®
  • Filter replacement indicator
  • Weight: 14.8 lbs
  • Dimension: 15 W x 8.2 D x 23.6 H
  • 2-year Warranty
  • AHAM / Energy Star / UL / CARB / Prop65 Certified

Winix 5500-2

  • AHAM Verified Room Size: 360 sq. ft.
  • CADR: Dust 243, Pollen 246, Smoke 232
  • Air Changes per Hour: 5
  • Noise Level: 27db (minimum)
  • 4-stage filtration
  • True HEPA 99.99% (12 months)
  • Washable AOC™ Carbon (12 months)
  • 3-color LED Air Quality indicator
  • 5 fan speeds
  • Timer
  • Dual Smart Sensors
  • Automatic Sleep Mode
  • Auto Mode
  • PlasmaWave®
  • Filter replacement indicator
  • Remote Control
  • Weight: 14.8 lbs
  • Dimension: 15 W x 8.2 D x 23.6 H
  • 2-year Warranty
  • AHAM / Energy Star / UL / CARB / Prop65 Certified

Winix 5300-2 is an affordable air purifier designed for medium to large living spaces like kitchens, bedrooms, or living rooms.

The Winix 5500-2, on the other hand, offers a few additional features, making it slightly more versatile.

The main differences between these purifiers are the remote control and the upgraded washable AOC Carbon Filter in the 5500-2.

It offers improved odor control over the standard activated carbon filter found in the 5300-2.

It’s also washable, making it more eco-friendly than the Activated Carbon offering of 5300-2, which only has a recommended life span of 3 months.

So based on these features, consider your needs and preferences.

If you’re seeking remote control functionality and enhanced odor control, the 5500-2 might be the better choice.

But if not, the 5300-2 could still provide a high-quality air purification experience in your medium to large living spaces.

Winix 5300-2 vs. 5500-2: Our Review

Filtration System & Cost

Both the Winix 5300-2 and 5500-2 air purifiers have a 4-stage cleaning system.

They both feature a pre-filter, True HEPA filter, Deodorizer Carbon filter, and PlasmaWave Technology.

As we’ve discussed above, these units differ in their carbon filter.

I liked that the 5500-2 comes equipped with a washable AOC carbon filter, making it a more eco-friendly option.

However, don’t count out the 5300-2 just yet—I’d say this model is still an excellent choice for maintaining clean and fresh air in your home.

All the air purifiers I’ve used and reviewed in the past mostly contain an Activated Carbon filter.

It hasn’t disappointed so far, including how it works in the 5300-2.

Genuine Winix 116130 Filter Replacement for 5500-2

Cost and Filter Replacement

As for the cost, the 5500-2 is more expensive as compared to the 5300-2.

I bought them on Amazon at a discounted price ($138.99 for the 5300-2 and $145 for the 5500-2) at the time of this review.

However, if you check on Winix’s actual website, they could set you back for $199.99 and $249.99.

But if the time comes that you’ll have to replace the filter already, the washable AOC carbon filter will save you money in the long run because it needs only annual replacement.

The 5300-2, on the other hand, has a non-washable carbon filter that needs replacement at least every 3 months.

I’ve only been using them for a few months, so I haven’t gotten this far.

But currently, the genuine Winix filters cost $42.38 for the 5300-2 and $52.98 for the 5500-2.

The choice between the two will largely come down to whether you prioritize ease of use and environmentally-friendly filters or prefer a more budget-friendly option.

ALSO READ: The 3 Best Air Purifiers with Washable Filters

Design and Dimensions

Regarding design, there’s honestly nothing much to review between both. They look the same, with a slight difference in color.

Because of their sleek grey/black design, both fit perfectly in my living room/kitchen and in my bedroom/home office.

Their dimensions are the same, too, as you may have noticed in our features comparison above.

Both 5300-2 and 5500-2 also have front-mounted control panels for easy access.

Coverage Area and CADR Ratings

These air purifiers are designed for rooms up to 360 square feet and have a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 246 for both devices.

This means they’re capable of cleaning the air effectively in moderately sized rooms.

I notice that they’re effective in purifying my air, although my space runs on the larger size.

As I placed the 5300-2 in my living/kitchen, I noticed that the cooking odors dissipated after an hour when the purifier was open.

The same goes for my bedroom/home office, where my heavy-shedder Retriever also sleeps.

Because they have the same CADR ratings, they’re pretty much comparable with one another.

Noise Level

Both purifiers, when running at the lowest speed, are unnoticeable.

However, when you try turning it up a notch, you’ll immediately notice the soft humming in the background, as I did.

But when I tried turning it on the 3rd and 4th fan speed, that’s when it started becoming too loud for me.

So if you’re like me, who’s sensitive to the slightest of noise, especially when sleeping, I recommend you maintain it at 1-2 fan speed.

Ease of Use

Both air purifiers are relatively easy to use, with front-mounted control panels and simple button controls.

However, the added remote control for the Winix 5500-2 makes it even more user-friendly, giving you the ability to control the device remotely.

Personally, though, this isn’t a big deal since both units have an Auto mode.

I just put them in Auto mode to automatically turn up or turn down when needed.

FAQs about Winix 5300-2 vs. 5500-2

Here are a couple of more questions and answers you may still be asking about both models.

What are the main differences between the 5300-2 and 5500-2?

In terms of design, both models look pretty similar with only a slight difference in color: the 5300-2 has a grey exterior, while the 5500-2 is stark black.

They both have an air intake grille at the front and a control panel at the top.

However, the 5500-2 comes with a remote control system, making it more convenient to operate, while the 5300-2 can only be controlled through the front-mounted control panel.

Another difference, and perhaps the most important, is the deodorization fiilter.

While the 5300-2 has the more common activated carbon filter, the 5500-2 uses a Washable AOC™ Carbon that can last for up to 12 months.

Are the filters interchangeable between the Winix 5300-2 and Winix 5500-2?

Although they share the same appearance and dimensions, the filters aren’t interchangeable between the 5300-2 and 5500-2.

Plus, they have different filters, so that’s a factor to consider too.

According to Winix’s website, the filter model Filter A – 115115 is compatible with air purifiers 6300, P300, 5300, 5500, 5300-2, 6300-2, AM90, C909, 9800 and C535.

While for the 5500-2 and AM80, the Filter H – 116130 works best.

Which is more energy-efficient, the Winix 5300-2 or Winix 5500-2?

Both the Winix 5300-2 and Winix 5500-2 are energy-efficient.

They both have Energy Star certifications, after all.

According to Consumer Report, the 5500-2 has a better energy efficiency when compared to the 5300-2.

Running both on the highest fan speed, the former draws 54.8 watts of power, while the latter consumes 64.4 watts.

Which has a better sensor, the Winix 5300-2 or Winix 5500-2?

Both the Winix 5300-2 and Winix 5500-2 have the same built-in Dual Sensors.

It adjusts the fan speeds for both units, so they pretty much work the same.

However, some customers have reported issues with inaccurate readings on both models.

I haven’t experienced this personally, but this is something you should look out for in case you buy either model.

Winix 5300-2 vs. 5500-2: Final Verdict

Having used both Winix 5300-2 and 5500-2 for a couple of months, I can say both are equally efficient and effective in cleaning the air in my home.

I have a dog, I cook a lot, and I live near a freeway, so I know purifying my house takes a lot of work.

However, if I had to choose between the two, I would lean more on the 5300-2.

Both purifiers pretty much have the same function and features except for the remote control and washable filter.

While others argue that the 5500-2 filters are better, I would say the activated carbon filter in 5300-2 is equally effective in removing the odor.

Not better, but equally effective,

And as I said, I don’t mind much not having a remote control.

But if this is something important to you, then I understand why the 5500-2 could appeal better.

Ultimately, it boils down to your priority: the less expensive unit or the more environmental-friendly one.

I hope this review comparison helps!

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