Choosing between Winix C545 vs 5500-2 is challenging due to the blurred borderline of differences, but each model is unique in how they help with air purification. So, we did an in-depth review of these Winix air purifiers to clear the likely confusion one may face when deciding which product to choose.
Let’s go!
Quick Comparison
The C545 vs 5500-2 Winix air purifiers are excellent for improving indoor air quality. The C545 is smaller and suited for compact-sized areas, while the 5500-2 works best in larger rooms.
Each Winix air purifier uses a multi-stage filtering method to rid the air of impurities – dust, pet dander, and harmful pollutants. They use washable carbon filters for easy cleaning and replacement to enhance the air quality.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate of the 5500-2 has a higher CADR 146 rating, perfect for removing smoke from the air.
Keep reading to find what differentiates C545 and 5500-2. See the reviews below to make an informed decision and learn about replacement filters.
Comparison Chart of Winix Air Purifiers
Here is a comparison chart for the Winix C545 and 5500-2 air purifiers:
Winix C545 | Winix 5500-2 | |
Photo: |  |  |
Size: | Medium (13.7x20.5x8.4in) | Large (15x23.6x8.2 in) |
Suitable for rooms up to: | 360 sq. ft. | 360 sq. ft. |
True HEPA filter: | ||
Washable pre-filter: | ||
Activated carbon filter: | ||
PlasmaWave technology: | ||
Deodorizer: | ||
Antibacterial: | ||
Timer option: | ||
Fan speed: | 4 levels | 4 levels |
Power consumption: | 65 W | 70 W |
Price: | Varies | Varies |
Air quality indicator: | ||
Smart sensors: | ||
Sleep mode: | ||
Auto mode: | ||
Air Changes per hour (ACH): | 4x | 4.8 |
Min. noise level: | 25 dB | 54.8 dB |
Warranty: | 3 months to 1 year | 3 months to 1 year |
Rating: | ||
Price: |
Winix C545 Air Purifier
The Winix C545, capable of cleaning air contaminants up to 99.99%, is a Wi-Fi-enabled air purifier is a 4-stage air filtration that dispels odor and makes air breathable. Check the pros and cons of The Winix C545:
- Best for medium-sized spaces
- Available connecting and controlling from the Winix Smart app
- High CADR rating
- Energy star certified
- True HEPA filtration system
- Washable prefilter
- Every 3 months the AOC™ filter should be changed
- No Auto Mode function
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
The Winix 5500-2 uses True HEPA, PlasmaWave, and pre-filter technology with a quality sensor to remove 99.97% of particles and neutralize harmful contaminants. Look out for the advantages and disadvantages of The Winix 5500-2:
- Best for large rooms
- True HEPA filtration system
- Washable filter
- PlasmaWave technology
- Additional features (remote control and smart sensor)
- Limited color options
Detailed Reviews of Winix C545 and 5500-2 Air Purifiers
The world health organization identified air pollution as the world’s biggest environmental problem. This position fits into the goal of this Winix air purifier review, helping to decide the best air sanitizer.
In this section, we tested the two Winix air purifier models for our best opinion of both gadgets.
Our tests considered four functionalities of the Winix air purifiers, including Air Indicator and Cleaning, Ease of use, Air filtration, and User experience. Take a look!
Test #1: Air Quality Indicator and Cleaning
Our objective for this test is to see how both air purifiers meet the claim of fast and efficient air freshness.
We tested the 5500-2 and C545 air purifiers in different 360 sq. ft. room sizes.
- With windows closed, both rooms had smoke pollutants, and the air purifiers turned on.
- The air quality indicators turned RED.
- About five minutes later, the light indicators changed to orange.
- About 15 minutes later, we noticed indicator lights turned BLUE.
- Indoor air was free of odor and sweet to breathe.
Our Verdict for Test #1:
Both air purifiers passed.
Test #2: Ease of Use
Our goal for ease of use is to test how easily a new user without prior knowledge of both gadgets can operate them.
- We had two random persons (users A & B) use each product.
- They had the manuals and left them to put the gadgets to use in a suitable environment.
- User A was to test the 5500-2, and user B, C545. They had 20 minutes to turn on the systems.
The Results:
- User A could turn on the Winix air purifier in record time and tested various functions: Smart sensors, auto mode, and sleep mode, during the next 20 minutes of the test.
- User B could turn on the system in record time but could not complete the task in record time due to the inability to figure out the remote control.
Our Verdict for Test #2:
The Winix 5500-2 passed the usability test.
Test #3: Air Filtration
This test aims to determine the efficiency of both models in filtering air pollutants to protect against respiratory health problems.
- What we tested: the 4-stage filtration system with washable carbon filter, HEPA filter, and the PlasmaWave technology.
- We had people sensitive to dust and those with allergy reactions carry out the tests.
- The tests were conducted in suitable 360 sq. ft. rooms.
So, we had shaving powder and aftershave with a strong fragrance used. In addition, we had powder to represent dust used:
- On a good day, our testers would not find breathing easy in such an environment.
- We tested 5500-2 in one room. The second room had the C545 air purifier in place.
- Both gadgets turned on, and the indicator lights went RED.
- We observed the air quality indicator lights gradually tuned prance and to blue.
- Our testers walked into room A, where we had the 5500-2 Winix air purifier. The tester could stay up to 20 minutes without any issues.
- The out tester in room B could stay the same length of time.
- However, we noticed some powdery substance in room B but not in room A.
Our Verdict for Test #3:
The Winix 5500-2 is the Winer and has a score of 10/10.
Test #4: User Experience
The objective of the last test is to know how the users feel about each gadget they use. They are to score each gadget from one to three.
Score one being very fair, two being good, and three being excellent.
- Test #1: C545 – excellent, 5500-2 – excellent. Comment: tie
- Test #2: C545 – good, 5500-2 – excellent. Comment: 5500-2 won.
- Test #3: C545 – good, 5500-2 – excellent. Comment: 5500-2 won.
- Test #4: C545 – excellent, 5500-2 – excellent. Comment: tie.
Overall Verdict:
The 5500-2 air purifier is the Winner!
Differences in Winix 5500-2 vs C545
The same company, Winix, makes the Winix 5500-2 and the C545. When talking about the differences, there is a good reason the manufacturer named Winix C545 and 5500-2 differently.
They both have a rectangular shape, are made of solid plastic, and share common filters with similar coverage capacity and noise levels.
Filters
Our Winix air purifier reviews revealed shared similarities between the 5500-2 and C545 in the types of filters used.
Both air purifiers use the Pre-filter, Activated carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave Technology. Thank this they capture indoor airborne particles and reduce VOCs and odors.
Noise level
The minimum and maximum noise of both systems are the same. Winix 5500-2 and C545 have a minimum of 28 decibels and a max of 58 decibels at the highest fan speed.
Coverage
As mentioned above, these models also share common ground in coverage. However, there are a few striking differences in usage.
- Optimum coverage: Both models cater to about 360 sq ft of room size.
- Cleaning capacity: Both models can clean dust 243 cubic feet, smoke 232 cubic feet, and pollen 246 cubic feet at once.
- Air change rate: Both have a 4X change rate with 15 minutes cleaning cycle.
- Solve wide-ranging respiratory health: These models can clean all types of indoor air pollutants and are best for improving COPD health issues. According to a jwatch.org study, adequate air cleaning coverage improves heart health in COPD patients.
However, they differ in other areas as follows.
Design, Weight, and Dimensions
Both models have a lot of similarities, but the design is an exception. Let’s take a look at both!
Winix 5500-2
The Winix 5500-2 has next parameters:
- Color: Black.
- Weight: 14.8 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15 x 23.6 x 8.2 in.
- Power consumption: 70 watts.
We suggest you take a look at a detailed video review of the Winix 5500-2 from one of the users:
Winix C545
The Winix C545 has the following characteristics:
- Color: White.
- Weight: 11.5 lbs.
- Dimensions: 13.7 x 20.5 x 8.4 in.
- Power consumption: 65 watts.
Check out one user’s in-depth video review of this model:
Remote Control
The C545 air purifier works with smartphones and Alexa, but the 5500-2 does not.
Smart Sensor
Winix air purifiers’ air quality indicator alerts the user to the presence of pollutants in the air, while the 5500-2 air purifier’s sensor uses the data to automatically adjust the fan speed to keep the air fresh using the following features.
- Auto mode: 5500-2 has smart sensors to adjust the fan in auto mode. The C545 does not.
- Sleep mode: Winix 5500-2 ensures a silent night with the timer option, but C545 requires the user to perform the same manually.
How to Use
In terms of application, both models are quite similar. However, there are a few ways in which they differ:
- Remote control: Winix C545 is Alexa and smartphone compatible, 5500-2 is not.
- Ease of use: 5500-2 is easy to operate, but C545 isn’t.
Price
Winix 5500-2 is pricier, the C545 is lesser. Prices may vary depending on the place of purchase. Check actual prices right now!
Winix C545 | Winix 5500-2 |
How Often To Change Winix Activated Carbon
Filter?
We found that regular changing of filters can improve the efficiency of most air purifiers. You will find the Genuine Winix air purifier one-year replacement filters handy for replacing the Washable Filter and the Carbon Filtration.
Additionally, Winix filters, especially the True HEPA Filter need to be changed once a year. And the Carbon Filter that supports the reduction of unwanted gases and odors and removes dust mites needs replacing quarterly. Following these guidelines, you set your filter to freshen indoor air.
FAQ
What Function Does the Smart Sensor with Auto-Mode Perform?
The Sensor with Auto-Mode function on the Winix 5500-2 air purifier is an advanced feature that allows the device to adjust its settings in response to indoor air quality. It constantly monitors the air freshness and adjusts the fan speed accordingly for optimal air purification. This function provides users with peace of mind knowing the surrounding air is always good to breathe.
How long can Winix 5500-2 filters last?
The lifespan of the filters in the Winix 5500-2 air purifier can vary depending on usage and environmental factors. But the manufacturer recommends replacing the filters every 12 months under everyday use. In this case, the pre-filter, which captures larger particles, including dust and pet dander, needs cleaning or replacing more frequently, depending on usage.
Does Winix 5500-2 release ozone?
No, Winix 5500-2 air purifier does not release ozone. The manufacturer states that 5500-2 uses PlasmaWave technology which neutralizes harmful pollutants, allergens, chemical vapors, and odors in the air, but it does not emit ozone.
Does Winix 5500-2 have an ionizer?
No, the Winix 5500-2 air purifier does not have an ionizer. However, it has a 4-stage filtration system that ionizes air pollutants, causing them to become heavy enough to fall to the ground then adjusts its fan speed to stir up dust particles for optimum cleaning. This, probably, is the reason for considering 5500-2 one of the best Winix air purifiers on the market.
Conclusion
Deciding between C545 vs 5500-2 Winix air purifiers is never a tea party. These models of best air purifiers work perfectly, but both have their unique strengths.
Winix 5500-2 is best for larger rooms and uses a 4-stage filtration system with a reduced noise level and a better filter to sanitize airborne pollutants. The Winix C545, in comparison, is a smaller air purifier ideal for smaller rooms and uses a 4-stage filtration system. However, both have activated carbon and can deliver maximum fan speed.
Our finding shows that the 5500-2 is a better option considering its ease of use and efficiency. The washable AOC carbon filter, among other features, makes Winix 5500-2 a winner compared to other Winix air purifiers in removing household odors.
Have you used the Winix air purifier earlier? What model was it, and what is your experience? Let us know in the comments.
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!
