Winix A231 vs Winix 5500-2
Winix’s compact purifier vs its larger carbon-filter model.
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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 We have not tested these products hands-on, and we do not publish invented test results, scores or star ratings.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 A231 and Winix 5500-2 both have switchable PlasmaWave ionizers; the 5500-2 is bigger and adds a washable carbon filter and a sensor. 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 A231 for bedrooms up to 246 ft². Choose the 5500-2 for larger rooms, odors and auto mode.
Check Winix A231 price (opens in a new tab)Check Winix 5500-2 price (opens in a new tab)
Winix A231 vs Winix 5500-2: specs side by side
| Spec | Winix A231 | Winix 5500-2 |
|---|---|---|
| CADR (dust) | 149 CFM | 243 CFM |
| Rated room size | 246 ft² (4.8 ACH) | 360 ft²* |
| Filtration | See Winix | Pre-filter, washable AOC carbon, True HEPA |
| Sensor / auto | Not listed | Air quality sensor; auto mode |
| Fan speeds | 4 | 5, incl. Sleep and Turbo |
| Lowest noise | 25 dB | 27 dB |
| Rated power | 55W | 70W |
| Dimensions | 9.5 × 9.5 × 14.6 in | 15 × 8.2 × 23.6 in |
| Weight | 6.75 lb | 14.8 lb* |
Pros and cons
Winix A231: pros
- Compact
- Quieter low
Winix A231: cons
- No sensor listed
- Smaller room rating
Winix 5500-2: pros
- Washable carbon
- Auto mode
- 2-year warranty
Winix 5500-2: cons
- Bigger
- 70W
Who should buy which
Room size and odors decide it.
Choose the Winix A231 if…
- Bedroom or office
- You want a small unit
Choose the Winix 5500-2 if…
- Living room
- Cooking or pet odors
How we compared
We compared manufacturer-published specifications. See how we research.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn off PlasmaWave?
Yes, on both.
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 A231 review
A compact, no-app purifier rated for slightly bigger rooms than its Levoit rival.
Read the comparison ReviewAir PurifiersWinix 5500-2 review
A no-app air purifier with separate CADR ratings, a washable carbon filter and a 2-year warranty.
Read the comparison Head to headAir PurifiersLevoit vs Winix air purifier: Core 400S vs Winix 5500-2
Both are rated for a roughly 360 ft² room at 4.8 air changes an hour. One is an app-connected tower, the other a button-driven box with a washable carbon filter.
Read the comparison