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Home / Home & kitchen / Air Purifiers / Winix 5500-2
8.3 Tested Aug 22, 2026 by Team RankingRight

Winix 5500-2 (PlasmaWave) review 2026

A true carbon filter you can wash, 360 sq ft coverage, auto mode and frequent deep discounts — the Coway's closest rival

PriceFrom $249.99 · checked Sep 11, 2026
90% clear, high15 min
Noise on low27 dB

Is the Winix 5500-2 Worth It?

Best for smells and smoke under $250. The Winix matches the Coway on particles and beats it on smells thanks to real carbon. It is a touch louder and its filters cost more; on sale it is the better buy.

Winix 5500-2 Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Granular carbon filter removed cooking smell in our test where thin filters did not
  • Cleared to 90% in 15 minutes
  • Regularly on sale well below $200
  • Auto mode and sleep mode
Cons
  • PlasmaWave ioniser — turn it off
  • Louder on low than the Coway
  • No app

Winix 5500-2 at a Glance

8.3 Editor Score
Particle removalMinutes to cut PM2.5 by 90% in our 400 sq ft room on high, and on the highest setting under 50 dB; AHAM CADR where published.
29/35
NoiseMeasured dB at 1 m on low, medium and high; sleep-mode usability.
12/15
Energy & filter costWatts on medium, replacement filter price and interval — five-year running cost.
16/20
FeaturesAir-quality sensor and auto mode, app, filter indicator, carbon layer for odours and VOCs, build.
9/10
ValuePrice per square foot of rated coverage, plus five-year running cost.
17/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
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Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Particle removal 35 · Noise 15 · Energy & filter cost 20 · Features 10 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

Amazon — $249.99

Best priceSee Price

Winix — $249.99

Also sold atSee Price

Winix 5500-2 specifications

Rated coverage360 sq ft
CADR (smoke/dust/pollen)232 / 243 / 246
True HEPAYes
Carbon filterYes, washable granular carbon
Replacement filter60 USD
Filter life12 months
Power on medium30 W
Noise on low27 dB
Auto mode / appAuto mode with sensor (no app)

Why it scored 8.3

The Winix matches the Coway on particles and beats it on smells thanks to real carbon. It is a touch louder and its filters cost more; on sale it is the better buy.

Where it loses

Noise on low; ioniser.

Still the right pick for

Kitchens, pet homes and smoke.

Winix 5500-28.3 · $249.99
See Price