Winix HR950 Review: Is WiFi really all that Important?

Last updated on December 7th, 2020

The starters

Nothing but praises coming from our side. Winix HR950 is the latest air purifier that comes with a minimalist exterior. At 16.3 x 23.6 x 9.6 in/ 18.7 lb weight, it is not too bulky to move around the house thanks to the back carrying handle. Above the back handle, you will find a top air outlet while air inlet is located at the front. Continue with the front, there is an air quality indicator that will light in blue when air quality is good. Yellow when air quality fair, and red when is poor. Fitting is top-notch and well-assembled, expect zero off-gassing even on constant use.

Control panel is at the typical top spot where buttons are aligned for easy navigation. Starting from the left you have the Smart Sensor that detects nearby air quality. Below is the light sensor that measure ambient light and adjust the brightness level. Next is the Child Lock button that will activate/ deactivate the child Lock function. Mode button aka fan speed, will cycle between the 4 speed (Low, Medium, High, Turbo plus Auto, and Sleep mode). Smack right at the center, you have the Power button that does what it does. PlasmaWave button is as the name suggested, activate/ deactivate the PlasmaWave feature. Finally to the most right, Timer button will cycle between 1, 4, 8 hours and no timer. Press and hold for at least 3 seconds will activate/ deactivate the front Air Quality light.

Let’s quickly run through the features again. You have a 5-stage PlasmaWave filtration including Anti-microbial coating. 4 fan speed plus Auto/ Sleep mode. Smart/ Light sensor, air quality indicator, and Child lock. Finally, AHAM, Ozone-safe by CARB, UL listed, ENERGY STAR and 2 years warranty.

Airflow, speed, and CADR

Winix HR950 400 sq. ft. coverage can cater to large-size room like living hall, storeroom, and bedroom. The 56.5-286 cfm airflow delivery rate is consistent with a high degree of volume at 2 or 4 air charges per hour. Powered by the 4 fan speed, there is also Auto mode and Sleep mode that can be selected. Both rely on the sensitive Smart sensor (Particle + VOC) to perform autonomous purifying. Parallel with airflow delivery, CADR is great although not the strongest in its class. Dust CADR is at 264 cfm, Pollen CADR is at 301 cfm and Smoke CADR is at 258 cfm. It's safe to say that Winix HR950 key strength is on microscopic filtration. On dust and smoke pollutants, the above 200 cfm output shows the air purifier is equally capable to the task.

What’s inside count

The main highlights of the bunch. Winix HR950 5-stage ultimate filtration is a godsend for pet owner. First and foremost, you have the pre-filter that great in trapping large pollutants. Secondly, the deodorization carbon filter would focus on odor and gases particles. Thirdly, the True HEPA filter would now focus on removing allergens down to 0.3-micron. Fourthly, the anti-microbial treatment on the HEPA filter prevents the growth of microbes. Lastly, Winix trademark PlasmaWave Technology would create Hydroxyl that neutralizes any nearby particles.

Keep it down

Winix HR950 26.4 - 60 dB noise level is marginally lower than the market standard. You should however, treat it as how a normal air purifier would sound. At low speed barely any noise can be heard. Expect minimal to loud fan noise when you gradually move up the speed. PlasmaWave plays little part in the noise level so you can pretty much ignore it. As for power consumption, at low-speed energy usage is relatively low to a high 83 Watt at Turbo speed. The same air purifier rule of thumb applies. The higher the fan speed and longer operating hours, the higher the power consumption it will be. Again Auto mode and Sleep mode is here to better manage the airflow distribution.

At what cost

Not the most expensive air purifier for its high purifying group. Winix HR950 is a very compelling option that ticks all the necessary requirement. The omitted Wi-Fi feature might save you on selling price, but not so much for the filter set. The bundled HEPA + carbon filter replacement set still requires annually change. A more brighter note is some store carry the filters separately. You could change either one of the exhausted filter (HEPA or carbon filter). Before you click on the BUY button, do compare with HR1000 as sometimes the Wi-Fi version is only a little bit pricier.

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