Winix HR950 Review: Is WiFi really all that Important?

The non-Wi-Fi verison to the excellent 5-stage HR1000. If your requirement comprises of an air purifier with all the purifying goodies, this is it. Winix HR950 is what majority of the asthmatic impacted patient would only need. An air purifier with decent airflow distribution in addition with the adjustability. What attributes would this PlasmaWave machine shine and how reliable is the filtration? Head over to our detail review below.

Winix HR950 Specification

Product	Winix HR950

Dimension	16.3 x 23.6 x 9.6 in (41.4 x 59.9 x 24.4 cm)
Weight	18.7 lb (8.5 kg)
Fanspeed	4
Coverage (up to)	400 sq. ft. (37 m²)
Airflow speed	56.5-286 cfm (96-486 m³/h)
Dust free (CADR)	264 cfm (449 m³/h)
Pollen free (CADR)	301 cfm (511 m³/h)
Smoke free (CADR)	258 cfm (438 m³/h)
Filtration	5-stage
Pre-Filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($)	Pre-filter Permanent
HEPA filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($)	True-HEPA filter 1 year
Carbon filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($)	Coated Deodorization (CD) Carbon Filter 1 year
Ionizer/ Technologies	PlasmaWave Technology
UV-light/ PCO	UV-C Light 20,000 hours
Other filter	Anti-microbial coating
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($)	Filter J 117130 Replacement Filter 1 year +- 99.99
Optional/ Addon	Winix Ultimate Pet Filter U replacement pack (12 pack) 12 months+- 19.99
Noise level	26.4 - 60 dB
Timer/ Scheduler	1, 4, 8 hours
Sensors	Particle, VOC Sensors (Air quality)
Auto mode
Air qualityAQ indicator
Filter change indicator
More color options
Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth
ENERGY STAR
Remote control
Child lock
Warranty	2 years
Email/ Phone support

Report incorrect information

Key features

Pet approved 5-stage with PlasmaWave™ Technology
Washable pre-filter
Coated Deodorization (CD) carbon filter
Anti-microbial True HEPA filter
4 fan speed (Sleep, Low, Medium, High, Turbo) with Auto mode/ Sleep mode
Particle + VOC sensors
Child lock
Built-in timer (1, 4, 8 hours)
2 years warranty

Winix HR950 review

5-stage filtration with PlasmaWave™ Technology.
Effective True HEPA filter coated with Anti-microbial protection.
Coated Deodorization (CD) carbon filter that will remove most indoor smoke and odors.
High CADR output supported with 4 speed plus Auto mode/ Sleep mode.
Sensitive dual sensors (Particle, VOC) with color based air quality indicator.
Child lock feature that prevents children from meddling on the setting.
Built-in timer with 3 pre-set setting (1, 4, 8 hours).
2 years warranty.

Online pricing is rather close to HR1000 that offers additional WiFi support.
Filter replacement is on the high side and has to be done on a yearly basis.
In sleep mode, the indicator light does not dim down enough to prevent a slight glare disturbance.
A remote control would be nice as it is available in some of the lower end models.

The starters

Dimension

16.3 x 23.6 x 9.6 in

(41.4 x 59.9 x 24.4 cm)

Weight

18.7 lb (8.5 kg)

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

Purifying coverage

400 sq. ft. (37 m²)

Airflow speed

56.5-286 cfm (96-486 m³/h)

Fanspeed

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.

Dust CADR

264 cfm (449 m³/h)

Pollen CADR

301 cfm (511 m³/h)

Smoke CADR

258 cfm (438 m³/h)

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.

With the combination of 400 square feet coverage and 264 cfm dust CADR, no dust, hair or furball is too big for HR950. Adding True HEPA in the filtration, it is effective in removing smaller-scale particles. This includes irritants like dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. On coping with smoke particles, you have the deodorization carbon filter standing by. It can remove chemicals like VOCs, ammonia, radon, diaper odors, and cigarette smokes.

Keep it down

Noise level

26.4 - 60 dB

Power consumption

11 - 83 W

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

MRSP/ RSP**

+- 329

Annual Filter Cost

+- 100

^ Replacement filters/ estimated 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.

Most Winix air purifiers' price goes down during seasonal sales or after a certain period of time. Regularly monitor and do your pricing comparison online is highly recommended. For pricing research, Amazon is the best place to compare prices along with free shipping. Alternatively, Winix official website also offers seasonal discount plus free shipping. The downside is you do have to register a new account to keep track of the delivery. Other retailers like Walmart, Target, BestBuy, HomeDepot might also carry Winix HR950. Do check them out.

Winix HR950 VS the challengers

Winix HR1000

Not necessarily more expensive after online discount. Winix HR1000 on paper is identical in every way bar the Wi-Fi enabled feature. An excellent backup option even if you have no use of the Wi-Fi support.

Winix 5500-2

Despite coming from the same stable, 5500-2 is the cheaper but poorer spec version. You also lose out on CADR, airflow, and less filtration. What you still have is HEPA filter as standard and lower annual filter replacement cost.

Bionaire BAP756-U

Discontinued model, Bionaire BAP756-U has a cheaper price tag yet a better coverage. The downside is the poorer filtration system compare with Winix HR950.

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty

Much lower cost of ownership but falls short on other aspects. Coway Mighty still has impressive CADR and coverage cater for large purifying group.

Good to know

Levoit LV-PUR131 3-stage filtration and 322 sq. ft. purifying applicable area is vastly effective on large airborne pollutants such as dust, hair, pet hair. The 135 cfm pollen CADR might not be the most impressive stats, when pit against dust mites, mold, pet dander, and bacteria, the HEPA filter will do its job. As for smokes and odors, it is probably the least impressive filter to handle chemicals like ammonia, VOCs, radon and tobacco smokes.

Final thoughts on Winix HR950

Winix HR950 is essentially HR1000 without the Wi-Fi enabled feature. We liked HR950 and so does 86% of the Amazon verified purchasers. Many reviewers that gave it 4 - 5 stars like how capable the air purifier is when dealing with irritants. Users also complimented on the functionality and the design. A big jump from conventional air cleaners. Around 11% of the 1 - 2 star reviewers are dissatisfied about the HR950 reliability. Most of their unit stops working within a couple of months. There are also few that doubted the filtration strength, but the numbers are far too low to consider. In the end, both Wi-Fi (HR1000) and non Wi-Fi (HR950) models can't do any wrong. Ultimately, the decision falls back to you.