Winix 5500-2 vs Coway Airmega 250
Two popular mid-to-large purifiers with washable pre-stages.
Affiliate disclosure: PickedHouse is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links (including Amazon links), and we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, PickedHouse earns from qualifying purchases. Commissions never decide which products we include or how we rank them. How we make money.
How this page was made: our picks are based on manufacturer specifications (product pages, manuals and spec sheets, all linked below) and aggregated owner reviews. We have not tested these products hands-on, and we do not publish invented test results, scores or star ratings. Read our methodology.
The Winix 5500-2 and Coway Airmega 250 are both popular choices for living rooms. This page is based on manufacturer-published specifications and manuals plus aggregated owner reviews; we did not test the products ourselves.
Short answer
Choose the Winix for a washable carbon filter, PlasmaWave (switchable) and a lighter body. Choose the Coway for higher dust CADR (261 vs 243 CFM), a quieter 22 dB low and lower 64W power.
Check Winix 5500-2 price (opens in a new tab)Check Coway Airmega 250 price (opens in a new tab)
Winix 5500-2 vs Coway Airmega 250: specs side by side
| Spec | Winix 5500-2 | Coway Airmega 250 |
|---|---|---|
| CADR (dust) | 243 CFM | 261 CFM |
| Rated room size | 360 ft²* | 465 ft² at 4 ACH |
| Filtration | Pre-filter, washable AOC carbon, True HEPA | Washable pre-filter + Max2 (carbon + True HEPA) |
| Ionizer | PlasmaWave, can be switched off | None listed |
| Lowest noise | 27 dB | 22 dB |
| Rated power | 70W | 64W |
| Weight | 14.8 lb* | 20.5 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | See Coway |
Pros and cons
Winix 5500-2: pros
- Washable carbon filter
- Lighter
- 2-year warranty
Winix 5500-2: cons
- Louder low setting
- Ionizer, if you prefer none
Coway Airmega 250: pros
- More output
- Quieter low
- Lower power
Coway Airmega 250: cons
- Heavier
- Room size at 4 ACH
Who should buy which
Close on output; the Coway is quieter on paper.
Choose the Winix 5500-2 if…
- You want a washable carbon stage
- You want lighter
Choose the Coway Airmega 250 if…
- Your room is larger
- You sleep nearby
How we compared
We compared manufacturer-published specifications. See how we research.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn off PlasmaWave?
Yes, per Winix.
Did you test it?
No. This page 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.
Keep reading
Winix 5500-2 review
A no-app air purifier with separate CADR ratings, a washable carbon filter and a 2-year warranty.
Read the comparison ReviewAir PurifiersCoway Airmega 250 review
A larger Coway for open-plan rooms, with a washable pre-filter.
Read the comparison Head to headAir PurifiersCoway vs Winix: Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH vs Winix 5500-2
Two no-app purifiers rated for almost exactly the same room. The differences are filters, shape and power draw.
Read the comparison