Winix 5300-2 Vs 5500-2: 3 Major Differences You Must Know Before Buying
At first glance, you will not be able to spot any difference between Winix 5300-2 vs 5500-2 due to their identical designs and 4-stage air cleaning system. But there are significant distinctions. You must be aware of them before making a buying decision. Let’s dive into the details!
Quick Comparison
Both Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 have a 4-stage cleaning system. The main difference between the two air purifiers is the carbon filter. Only Winix 5500-2 has a washable AOC carbon filter.
Additionally, only Winix 5500-2 has a remote control to operate the air purifier remotely from anywhere in the room. Besides that, both air purifiers have identical designs, auto and sleep modes, fan settings, and room coverage.
I will share a detailed comparison between these two Winix air purifiers. Hopefully, it will help you select the one best for your needs. Let’s first look at the comparison chart.
Comparison Chart
Below is the comparison chart between Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2.
Without a doubt, Winix 5500-2 has more benefits than its counterpart. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the air purifier.
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Winix 5500-2 And Winix 5300-2: Differences
Until now, we have only scratched the surface of the differences between Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2.
Keep reading to know about each difference in detail.
Filtration System
Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 air purifiers have a 4-stage filtration process. It cleans the air of dust, hair, smoke, odor, VOCs, pet dander, and harmful airborne particles.
The four filters are as follows:
Washable Fine Mesh Pre-Filter
The pre-filter captures large particles like hair, pet dander, and dirt. Due to this, it often gets clogged up with debris and needs cleaning every two weeks for optimal performance. You do not need to replace pre-filters ever. Regular maintenance is all they need.
Carbon Filter
Carbon filter reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the air and clear out unwanted odor from cooking, smoking, or pets. Winix 5500-2 and 5300-2 have different carbon filters. We will go through that in a moment.
True HEPA Filter
True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of the airborne pollutants up to 0.3 microns in size and releases clean air. It captures minute dust particles, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses.
Plasmawave
Winix air purifiers have a patented Plasmawave technology. Plasma wave releases charged ions into the environment. These ions attach to harmful particles and change their molecular structure. Plasmawave technology reduces viruses without producing harmful ozone.
You can turn it on or off using the Plasmawave button on the panel.
Carbon filter – Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2
Winix 5500-2 and 5300-2 have different carbon filters. Let’s see what the difference is.
Winix 5500-2
Winix 5500-2 has a washable AOC carbon filter, look out for its features:
This advanced filter has honeycomb-shaped compartments filled with carbon pellets.
Pellets absorb bad odors and deodorize the air.
Unlike Winix 5300-2, the carbon filter in Winix 5500-2 is washable.
It needs cleaning every three months and filter replacement every 12 months.
Note: Washing does not revive the carbon pellets’ ability to trap odor. It only cleans the dust that accumulates in the filter over time.
Caution: One vital point most miss out on is when the filter is vertical, only the lower half of the compartment is filled with carbon pellets. The upper half remains empty. It means a certain percentage of air remains unfiltered. It causes the burden to fall on the HEPA filter, which might wear out sooner than expected.
It is where Winix 5300-2 air purifier wins the case.
Winix 5300-2
Winix 5300-2 has an activated carbon filter, let’s check its features:
It is a thick sheet of carbon for reducing VOCs and odor. It is not as effective against odor control as the washable AOC carbon filter in the 5500-2 air purifier.
It is not washable. It needs filter replacement every three months.
Unlike Winix 5500-2, complete airflow passes through the dense filter sheet. Hence, the added burden does not fall on the HEPA filter, and it works efficiently for a longer period.
Filter Replacement Annual Cost of Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2
The annual filter replacement cost for both Winix air purifiers is the same. It is because – the price of:
1 x HEPA Filter + 1 xWashable AOC filter for the Winix 5500-2 = 1 x HEPA Filter + 4 x Activated carbon filters for the Winix 5300-2
Since the Washable AOC filter needs to be replaced once a year and the activated carbon filter four times a year, the annual filter replacement cost for both air purifiers almost adds up to the same amount.
You can check the actual cost of filters replacement for Winix 5500-2 and Winix 5300-2 here:
Filters
Price
1 x HEPA Filter + 1 x Washable AOC filter for the Winix 5500-2:
But the good news is that the company often offers discounts, so you can get the filters for an even lower price.
Who is the winner – Winix 5500-2 air purifier.
Winix 5300-2 Video Review
Here is a comprehensive video review of the 5300-2 Winix air purifier.
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Winix 5500-2 Video Review
Here is a detailed video review of the 5500-3 Winix air purifier.
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Noise Levels Of Winix Air Purifiers
Both the Winix air purifiers play a sound on turning on or off, or when the settings are changed. This sound is troublesome for many users.
Besides that, Winix models are praised for their quiet operation by users. There is no difference in noise level between Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2. They both operate at 27 dB, which is considerably low.
Who is the winner – Draw.
Cadr Ratings And Area Covered
Winix 5500-2 and 5300-2 both have a room coverage of 360 sq ft. They are suitable for medium and large rooms.
Their ACH (Air Changed Per Hour) rating is 4. It means they clean the total airflow of a room 4 times an hour.
The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for Winix 5500-2 and 5300-2 is as follows:
Dust: 243
Pollen: 246
Smoke: 232
A higher Clean Air Delivery Rate indicates that the air purifier efficiently cleans the air.
Who is the winner – Draw.
Remote Control
A remote control enables you to control the air purifier remotely.
Winix 5300-2
Winix 5300-2 does not have a remote control. It can only be controlled by using the buttons on the control panel.
Winix 5500-2
Winix 5500-2 has a remote control. You can control it easily from anywhere within a radius of 20 ft.
The remote control comes with the following functions:
Power button: To turn the air purifier on or off.
Auto mode: To turn the Auto mode on or off. The auto mode automatically adjusts the fan speed using its smart sensors.
Fan Speed (+ and -): To manually change the speed of the fan as per your need.
Turbo: To turn on the Turbo mode. Turbo is the highest fan setting.
Who is the winner – Winix 5500-2.
Air Quality Indicator
Both Winix 5500-2 and 5300-2 air purifiers have a similar air quality indicator on the control panel. The LED light indicates the real-time air quality.
Red light is for poor air quality, amber for fair, and blue for good.
The air quality indicator keeps you updated about the quality of the air you breathe.
Who is the winner – Draw.
Design
Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2 designs do not have any significant distinction between them.
The air intake grille is at the front of the air purifier. The air outlet is at the top, along with the control panel.
The only difference is their color. While Winix 5500-2 is stark black, Winix 5300-2 has a grey exterior. They have identical dimensions and weights as well.
Dimensions: 15” x 8.2” x 23.6”
Weight: 14.8 pounds
Who is the winner – Draw.
Which One To Choose – Winix 5500-2 vs Winix 5300-2?
In order to make your choice easier, I’ve selected compelling reasons why you should choose a particular product.
Buy Winix 5500-2 if you:
Want a remote control to operate the air purifier from anywhere in the room.
Are looking for a filter with advanced odor control against unwanted household odors.
Do not want to replace the carbon filter every three months. You prefer a washable filter instead.
Want an air purifier with a quiet operation that does not cause any disturbance.
Are an allergy sufferer, and want the air clean of dust and other allergy-triggering particles.
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Buy Winix 5300-2 if you:
Want a more affordable air purifier.
Do not need an advanced odor control filter.
Do not want to clean the carbon filter every three months. Instead, you prefer replacing it.
Have no problem operating the air purifier using the control panel only.
Are looking for an air purifier with a powerful air filtration system to fight against allergy symptoms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Winix 5300-2 Produce Ozone?
No, the Winix 5300-2 does not produce ozone emissions. It uses Plasmawave technology which produces charged ions to naturally remove harmful viruses and bacteria from the air.
Should I Leave My Winix On All The Time?
Yes, you can leave your Winix air cleaner on all the time. The auto mode will adjust the fan speed with the help of its smart sensors like dust and light sensor.
How Long Do Winix 5500-2 Filters Last?
Winix 5500-2 filters last about 12 months, except for the pre-filter, which can be cleaned and reused permanently. The washable carbon filter needs cleaning every three months and replacement every 12 months. The true HEPA filter is unwashable and needs filter replacement every 12 months.
Does Winix 5500-2 Have Ionizer?
No, Winix 5500-2 does not have an ionizer. The air purifier has a Plasmawave technology which is different from an ionizer.
Conclusion
Winix 5500-2 has a remote control and washable carbon filter for advanced odor control. If you want these features, buy the Winix 5500-2. But if you are price sensitive, go for the Winix 5300-2 which has lesser features.
I recommend buying Winix 5500-2 as you get the added benefit of a remote control and advanced odor control filter for just a small additional amount.
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I hope this Winix 5500-2 vs 5300-2 comparison guide helped you decide which air purifier to buy. Which feature in the Winix air purifiers is your favorite? Please comment below.
Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!
