Winix is a company that makes air purifiers that are designed in Korea. As one of the most popular air purifier manufacturers both in Europe and in Asia, it has built a strong presence in the United States, as well. Winix air purifiers sit in the middle ground between entry-level and ultra-high-end brands, so most homeowners will likely find something that suits them from their lineup of options. Curious about the best Winix air purifiers out there? Read on!
Top 5 Winix Air Purifiers
| Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
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1. Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet
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2. Winix 5500-2
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3. Winix NK100
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4. Winix QS
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5. Winix AM90
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Winix Air Purifier Reviews
1. Winix HR900 Ultimate Pet
Designed primarily for pet owners, the HR900 captures pet dander, hair, and odors in your home, as well as other common pollutants like dust, smoke, and pollen. It has a True HEPA filter, an Advanced Odor Control (AOC) Carbon filter, and PlasmaWave technology—just like many other Winix models. PlasmaWave, by the way, is an ionizing function that can be turned on or off depending on your preference. But more than these, the HR900 also has the Ultimate Pet pre-filter.
It uses dual sensors that monitor the level of particles and odor in the room and adjust the air purifier’s cleaning level as needed while on auto mode. There’s also an air quality indicator, a filter change indicator, and a child lock option on the control panel. Lastly, the HR900 doesn’t miss out on typical convenient features like a timer, adjustable cleaning levels, and a sleep mode. Truly, it’s an all-around and convenient model whose appeal is only limited by cost-related concerns.
Pros
- Uses a True HEPA filter and a special Ultimate Pet pre-filter
- Has dual smart sensors and an air quality indicator
- Comes with a filter change indicator
- Four cleaning levels
- 1/4/8-hour timer
- Control panel child lock
Cons
- Pricey upfront
- Costly replacement filters
2. Winix 5500-2
The Winix 5500-2 was designed to capture airborne dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and household odors lurking inside your home. This it does using a True HEPA filter, an Advanced Odor Control (AOC) Carbon filter, and PlasmaWave technology.
Convenience-wise, the 5500-2 packs quite a punch, as well. It has smart sensors that monitor air quality, which then automatically adjust fan speed according to the detected pollution level. Its control panel is intuitive, easy-to-use, and features a light sensor that adjusts the brightness of the panel lights according to the amount of ambient light in the room. It also has a programmable timer, a filter change indicator, four cleaning levels, and a remote control.
While many consumers have pointed out that the 5500-2 can be loud while on the Turbo setting, it has a dedicated sleep mode for instances where noise can be detrimental. Its replacement filters are also a bit on the pricey side, but the unit itself is priced reasonably.
Pros
- Uses a True HEPA filter
- Comes with a filter change indicator
- Uses an air quality sensor and indicator
- Has an auto mode and a sleep mode
- Four cleaning levels
- 1/4/8-hour timer
- Remote control included
Cons
- Expensive replacement filters
- Loud on turbo setting
3. Winix NK100
The NK100 from Winix combines a fine mesh pre-filter to remove medium to large particles, a True HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, a carbon filter to neutralize odors and VOCs, and PlasmaWave technology to remove bacteria, odors, and gases from the air. Like the models mentioned above, it banners an air quality sensor that automatically adjusts the fan speed according to the detected level of pollution in your home, as well as a filter replacement indicator and four speed options.
The Winix NK100 tends to be loud while on the highest speed setting, but a sleep mode is available if you plan to use it during bedtime. This mode will also turn off indicator lights to minimize light pollution at night. It’s quite reasonably-priced considering the multitude of features that it offers, but its replacement filters could rack up a pretty penny in the long run.
Pros
- Uses a True HEPA filter
- Comes with a filter change indicator
- Uses an air quality sensor and indicator
- Has an auto mode and a sleep mode
- Four cleaning levels
- 1/4/8-hour timer
Cons
- Expensive replacement filters
- Loud on turbo setting
4. Winix QS
The Winix QS uses four technologies to clean the air. First, a pre-filter removes hair and larger particles, and then a carbon filter deodorizes the air and removes smoke and VOCs. A True HEPA filter then traps finer contaminants like smaller dust and pollen to protect you from allergens. Lastly, the Winix-signature PlasmaWave technology releases hydroxyls into the atmosphere to neutralize bacteria, VOCs, odors, and gases.
But more than these technologies, the QS mainly boasts two 8-watt JBL speakers with Dual Passive radiators that “maximize bass.” This makes it a versatile appliance for music lovers, which is also great if you’re looking to save some space. Its other specs and features are similar to the other models listed here in that it has a two modes (auto and sleep), four speed settings, smart pollution sensors, an air quality indicator, and a filter replacement indicator.
While the replacement filters required for the Qs are a bit expensive, users get the consolation of having to replace the filter only once a year. It’s also a rather pricey unit, but this is not surprising given its robust array of technologies, features, and the inclusion of the speaker.
Pros
- Comes with integrated JBL speakers
- Has a filter replacement indicator and a child lock feature
- Runs an auto mode that uses smart sensors
- With an air quality indicator
- Adjustable speed
- With a sleep mode and a light sensor
Cons
- Pricey
- Expensive replacement filters
5. Winix AM90
The Winix AM90 boasts a user-centered design that banners Wi-Fi connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an accompanying app called Winix Smart app. The app lets users change the air purifier’s settings from their smartphones.
Performance-wise, the AM90 isn’t too different compared to the other Winix models that made it to this list. It uses a combination of a pre-filter, True HEPA, PlasmaWave technology, and a deodorizing carbon filter to clean the air. It also doesn’t miss out on smart sensors, an auto mode, and an air quality indicator. Moreover, it has a sleep mode that senses the amount of ambient light in the room, adjusts the fan’s speed level, and dims the indicator lights to avoid disturbing your sleep.
While the AM90 may not be for elderly users—given that the integration to Alexa and the app is reportedly a bit complex—it will be a treat for the tech-loving, smart home-dwelling crowd.
Pros
- Adjustable speed
- Wi-Fi enabled and works with the Winix Smart app
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Has smart sensors and an air quality indicator
- Has a sleep mode and an auto mode
- Filter replacement indicator
Cons
- Loud on highest speed setting
- Tricky to connect and integrate to Alexa
Buyer’s Guide:
Winix Air Purifiers
Signs you should get an air purifier
Dust, allergens, smoke, and VOCs can harm your health and make your home less inviting. But how can you tell if the pollution levels in your home are high enough to merit an air purifier purchase? Here are some signs:
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Your house is home to someone with asthma or allergies
People suffering from asthma or allergies are very sensitive to triggers like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Having an air purifier can minimize these triggers and make your home a healthier place to live in.
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You sneeze and deal with a stuffy nose frequently
The presence of dust and pollen triggers bouts of sneezing. This isn’t only embarrassing especially when you have guests over, but it affects your productivity throughout the day, as well. Having an air purifier running in your home will reduce the presence of these particles.
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You live with a smoker
Regardless of whether they smoke inside the house or not, living with a smoker takes a toll on the quality of air in your home. Tobacco smoke has a tendency to linger and its smell is a pain to get rid of, but air purifiers will help speed up this process.
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The air feels stale or smells funky
When particle pollutants like dust linger in your home, the air will eventually feel stale, making breathing difficult for you and your loved ones. The presence of odors will also make your home smell funky. Using an air purifier that will remove all sorts of airborne contaminants like odors and dust will surely help a lot.
Things to look for when buying an air purifier
With the sheer volume of air purifiers on the market that are vying for your attention, choosing the perfect model can be challenging. That said, here are the most important factors that you have to consider when shopping for an air purifier:
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Capacity and coverage
Different air purifiers are designed to handle different room sizes. Before buying, check if the model you’re eyeing is appropriate to the area of the room you’re planning to treat.
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Filters and technology
The filters and technology offered by an air purifier should match your needs. HEPA filters are great for particle reduction while carbon-based filters are for odor, smoke, and VOC concerns.
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CADR ratings
CADR ratings will tell you how fast an air purifier delivers pollutant-free air. The higher the number, the faster the air purifier can get the job done.
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Maintenance schedule
Most air purifiers have filters that need to be replaced and/or cleaned. Those with extra technologies like UV lamps will likely need extra replacement parts, as well.
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Features
Many air purifiers come with features like timers, remote controls, air quality monitors, and special modes that make the user experience more pleasant. Decide which features are non-negotiable and which ones are just bonuses.
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Upfront and long-term costs
Of course, you also have to weigh the value given by a model in exchange for the price that it demands. Also, look at the long-term costs (usually filter replacements) and not just the price tag of the unit itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PlasmaWave technology do?
Should I keep on buying the same filter as replacement?
For most air purifiers, it’s best to buy only the same filter as a replacement. For one, the air purifier was probably designed to work best with that particular filter in the first place. Also, using a different filter will usually void the model’s warranty. Of course, there are exceptions, as is the case of air purifiers with customizable filters. These models, however, are not as common.
Where should I place my air purifier?
Air purifiers are best placed as close to the middle of the room as possible. This gives it the best access to all the corners of the room, which enables it to perform optimally. Of course, we know that this isn’t always possible. And if that’s the case, you have to at least make sure that the air purifier’s inlet and outlet vents are unobstructed by walls, appliances, and other objects.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Winix HR900 wins our hearts the most. Its set of pollutant-fighting technologies is simply the most versatile, and both pet parents and non-pet owners will likely find it a great addition to their homes. However, if the HR900 is a bit too pricey for your taste and you’re looking for something with a bit more coverage, the 5500-2 is a classic model that’s affordable and promising, as well.
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