Winix 5500-2 review
A no-app air purifier with separate CADR ratings, a washable carbon filter and a 2-year warranty.
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The Winix 5500-2 is a rectangular three-stage air purifier with a True HEPA filter, a washable AOC carbon filter and an optional PlasmaWave stage. This review is based on the manufacturer’s published specifications and manual plus aggregated owner reviews; we did not test it ourselves.
Our verdict
If you want a straightforward purifier without Wi-Fi, with smoke, dust and pollen CADR figures listed separately and a washable carbon filter, the 5500-2 is a well-specified choice for rooms around 360 ft². It draws more power than the Levoit Core 400S and is bigger and heavier.
Winix 5500-2 key specs
| Spec | Winix 5500-2 |
|---|---|
| CADR | 232 smoke / 243 dust / 246 pollen CFM |
| Rated room size | 360 ft²‡ |
| Filtration | Fine-mesh pre-filter, washable AOC carbon filter, True HEPA (Filter H, 116130) |
| Ionizer | PlasmaWave, can be switched off |
| Fan speeds | 5, including Sleep and Turbo |
| Sensor | Air quality sensor with color indicator; auto mode |
| Lowest noise | 27 dB |
| Rated power | 70W |
| Filter life | HEPA and carbon rated for up to 12 months |
| Dimensions | 15 × 8.2 × 23.6 in |
| Weight | 14.8 lb‡ |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Separate smoke, dust and pollen CADR
- Washable carbon filter
- 5 fan speeds plus auto and sleep
- 2-year warranty
- No app needed
Cons
- 70W rated power
- PlasmaWave ionizer, if you prefer to avoid one (it can be turned off)
- Larger and heavier
- No remote control from a phone
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Good fit
- Rooms around 360 ft²
- People who don’t want Wi-Fi or an app
- Smoke, dust and pollen concerns
- Buyers who want a 2-year warranty
Look elsewhere if
- Anyone who wants app control
- Those who want no ionizer hardware at all
- Tight floor space (23.6 in tall, 15 in wide)
What to know before you buy
- PlasmaWave: the ionizer stage can be switched off from the control panel.
- Filters: Winix rates the HEPA and carbon filters for up to 12 months; the carbon filter is washable.
- Room size: Winix materials list 360 or 370 ft², so treat it as a medium-room purifier.
Compare it with the Levoit Core 400S.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn off PlasmaWave on the Winix 5500-2?
Yes. Winix says PlasmaWave can be switched off.
How often do you replace the Winix 5500-2 filter?
Winix rates the HEPA and carbon filters for up to 12 months.
Does the Winix 5500-2 have Wi-Fi?
No. It has an auto mode and an air quality indicator but no app.
Did you test it?
No. This review uses manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner reviews. See how we research.
Sources
Specifications were checked against the manufacturer pages, manuals and spec sheets below in October 2026. Makers revise specs and sell regional variants, so confirm the exact model number before you buy. We do not list prices because they change daily; use the retailer link to see the current price.
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