Winix Air Purifier Reviews: Compare The Best Deals 2023

Design - A worthy replacement to the ever-popular 5300 air purifier. Entry-level Winix 5300-2 is a good place to start if you are new to the brand. Sharing a dark theme with 5500-2, the console's 15 x 23.6 x 8.2 inches dimension is safe and well fitted with classic bottom-to-top air circulation. While the design is not as minimalist as some modern units like Airmega, it stands at a solid 15.4 lb weight; you can effortlessly carry it to different rooms simply by grabbing it on the back handle. Suitable for multi-location use for those with a single unit, though getting more than one air purifier would make better sense.

Functionality - Winix 5300-2 angled control panel space is occupied by five operational buttons and a central air quality indicator bar. The AQI light will illuminate blue when air quality is good and only change to yellow or red when the indoor air quality level drops. Controls are nicely labeled and angled for better standpoint visibility. You can cycle between the 4 fan speeds or enable auto mode, which sets the proper speed based on surrounding air quality. You can also set the run time between 1, 4, 8 hours preset timer or reset the filter indicator after changing to a new filter set. There is also a dedicated PlasmaWave button that will disable the function (on by default). Sleep mode activates automatically based on ambient light to reduce noise and LED light brightness levels. Perfect for leaving the air purifier on all night while you enjoy a good night's sleep.

Overall, the Winix 5300-2 build quality is sturdy, despite the lack of premium materials. You will not find loose parts and off-gassing issues with this Korean-made air purifier. We do miss the classic clicky button type more than the touch button, but that's just petty nitpicking.

Coverage - With the capacity to cover 360 square feet of room space, Winix 5300-2 air purifier is excellent at removing household pollutants in the air. The airflow delivery rate is abundant at 35.3 cfm to a maximum of 240.1 cfm, more than most air purifiers of its category. Tally with that is the AHAM verified CADR at 232 cfm (dust), 246 cfm (pollen), and 232 cfm (smoke). Safe to say that anything that passes the 200 cfm benchmarks will do well against common irritants. It is suited for all-day purification and ideal for medium to large rooms, e.g. a bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, basement garage, walk-in wardrobe, office, or studio.

4-stage HEPA filtration with 360 sq. ft. and 232+ CADR.

Filtration - Winix 5300-2 is a conventional HEPA air purifier that utilizes a 2-in-1 odor-control carbon pre-filter, True-HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology. How it works is simple. The first-stage fine mesh pre-filter traps large airborne particles like dust, hair, and debris from damaging the HEPA and carbon filter. The second stage carbon filter removes smoke odors from cooking, pets, and hazardous fumes e.g. VOCs, asbestos, formaldehyde, and benzene. Like the pre-filter, the carbon filter will protect and prolong the HEPA filter usage life. The True HEPA filter removes 99.99% of ultrafine allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spore, mildew, and pollen as small as 0.003 microns. Lastly, the optional PlasmaWave Technology releases harmless Hydroxyls (OH) to sanitize chemicals, bacteria, and viruses like Influenza A; an essential natural water vapor production suitable for indoor use. While Winix 5300-2 guarantees clean air with no harmful byproducts, PlasmaWave will generate a very low amount of ozone emission (under 0.01 ppm) that complies with FDA and CARB ozone-safe emission standards.

Noise and power - Winix 5300-2 Noise level is on the lower side, between whispering 27.8 dB to a max 60+ dB when running at turbo speed. With auto/ sleep mode, you can enjoy work, leisure, or nighttime use without much distraction, even when the air purifier is placed close to you. Comparable to smaller units from the likes of Levoit and Honeywell. Power-wise, Energy Star certified Winix 5300-2 air purifier is meant for 24x7 operation and thus will not add much burden to your electric bill. Power usage is only at 5 watts at low speed and up to 70+ watts at turbo speed. With a standard 12 hours operation, the average electric cost will be $0.05 per day, $1.6 a month, or 19 dollars a year. Auto mode plays a key role in energy management and reasonable airflow capacity. Just leave it to the air purifier to detect the right mode while you go on with the daily chores.

Pricing - At under $150 after discounts, Winix 5300-2 online price is surprisingly cheaper than the predecessor 5300, given the all-around improvement. Within its mid-range category, it is an absolute bargain and a "genuine" best bang for the buck air purifier if and IF, you disregard 5500-2. Filter availability is plentiful, and the annual replacement cost is not overly high, at around $80. The Filter A package comes with 4 carbon sheets and 1 HEPA filter that will last you about 12 months under normal circumstances. Note that both Winix 5300-2 HEPA and carbon filters are non-washable, so never attempt to clean them. You are only required to wash the fine mesh pre-filter.

Drawbacks - The same old, nitty-gritty complaint we have is the carbon sheet's short 3 months lifespan. You will have to replace the carbon filter every quarter, which is a big hassle for some folks. It makes more sense to use a better carbon filter that can last throughout the year, like the one in 5500-2. As a lower range model to 5500-2, you lose a physical remote control. If you can spare a few extra dollars, save the trouble and go with the higher variant.

On the whole, Winix 5300-2 is a well-equipped, true HEPA air purifier with a solid track record. It is the best budget air purifier to reduce allergies and asthma symptoms due to bad air quality. It loses out on a few features found in 5500-2, but the general filtration performance is still the same. If you are happy with the previous 5300 model, this replacement model will suit you well.

Design - Back by popular demand. The beautiful, best-selling Winix 5500-2 air purifier is a significant upgrade over 5500 in almost every department. The most apparent changes are the updated black design and a more informative display. You will instantly feel it is much more premium than the price would suggest. In a typical console fashion, you have the air inlet at the front and sides while the air outlet is at the top. The well-ventilated exterior stands at a reasonable size of 15 x 23.6 x 8.2 inches in dimension with 15.4 lb of weight. Not as compact as you will find in a Germ Guardian model; however, placement is never an issue, even in a limited room area. For those with a single unit at home, there is a back handle slot you can grab onto when moving Winix 5500-2 room-to-room purifying. A convenience but often overlooked attribute.

Functionality - Let's focus on Winix 5500-2 air purifier's easy-to-use control. You have a front air quality indicator bar that illuminates real-time data depending on the room air quality between blue (good), amber (fair), and red (poor). Close to it is the adjustable 4 fan speeds that cycle between Low, Medium, High, and Turbo. You can skip the manual adjustment for the Auto mode that relies on the Smart Sensor to detect and determine the best speed based on nearby air pollutants. Another sensor-dependent Sleep mode activates when all lights are out with low fan speed and reduced LED light brightness. It keeps the air purifier running all night without causing any disruption to your sleep. The center-dedicated PlasmaWave button activates or deactivates the Hydroxyls function (more on this later). There is also a 1, 4, 8 hours preset timer that shuts down the air purifier at a preferred time. Lastly, a filter indicator light is present to alert users when worn out. Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds after changing the filter set. As the cherry on the cake, Winix 5500-2 exclusive remote control allows changes in the comfort of the bed. Something a 5300-2 could do with.

Overall the build quality is tight, with no visible gap and generous premium finish plastic materials. No off-gassing is detected during our course of ownership.

Coverage - Like 5300-2, Winix 5500-2 air purifier slightly improves the air purification coverage and CADR over its predecessor. With an ample airflow delivery rate between 53 cfm to 226 cfm, it will cover 360 square feet of air-cleaning space. Aligned with the airflow output, AHAM-certified CADR is at an impressive 243 cfm for dust, 246 cfm for pollen, and 232 cfm for smoke. If your home air quality is unhealthy, switch it to Turbo mode and let Winix 5500-2 air purifier run for 10-20 minutes. AQI will drop swiftly from 100+ to under 10, with more than 99% of airborne particles removed. You can and should leave the Winix 5500-2 air purifier on 24x7 for continuous air cleaning. Ideal for mid to large room sizes like a bedroom, living room, kitchen, basement, and garage.

4-stage HEPA filtration with 360 sq. ft. and 232+ CADR.

Filtration - The dependable 4-stage PlasmaWave filtration that you can count on. Winix 5500-2 works precisely as how a mechanical HEPA air purifier should. When air is drawn in via the fan motor, The pre-filter blocks large particles like dust, lint, pet fur, and hair from passing through while protecting the inner filter. The Advanced Granular Carbon filter (AOC) neutralizes 93% of odors and toxic gases like VOCs, asbestos, formaldehyde, benzene, and tobacco smoke within its proximity. For non-smoke particles, the True HEPA filter trap 99.99% of microscopic particles as small as 0.003 microns, like pet dander, mold, mildew, and pollen. Finally, PlasmaWave Technology diffuses Hydroxyls to break down the hydrogen bonds of bacteria and viruses before releasing purified air. While there is an insignificant level of ozone byproducts generated with PlasmaWave, it still falls under ozone-safe by CARB as the water vapor and oxygen ion-bonded Hydroxyls emitted are safe to breathe. For those with susceptible lungs, you can disable PlasmaWave technology if you're not comfortable with it. Winix 5500-2 replacement filter set will last for 12 months (non-washable); only the permanent pre-filter can be vacuumed and reused.

Noise and power - Winix 5500-2 can be a silent air purifier with auto/ sleep mode enabled. The noise output is subtle at around 26.6 dB when running at a lower speed to a white noise 60+ dB territory at turbo speed. Safe to say you can read, work, watch movies, and sleep peacefully with Winix 5500-2. Being an Energy Star rated model, energy usage is low at only 5 watts minimum to 90 watts max. With a standard 12 hours daily runtime, the electric cost will be around $0.05 per day, $1.6 monthly, and $19 a year. The Auto/ sleep modes help optimize energy efficiency by only using higher speed when the indoor air quality drops. If you have no issue with the previous Winix 5500 noise and power consumption, Winix 5500-2 PlasmaWave air purifier will also serve you well.

Pricing - On a good day, Winix 5500-2 air purifiers can be yours for under 150 dollars after applying online discounts. An absolute bargain compared to Levoit, Honeywell, and GermGuardian, considering the specification you will get as standard. In fact, the pricing can sometimes be cheaper than 5300-2 with the extra bundled. As for the maintenance, the Filter H set costs around $80 with a high-quality True HEPA filter and activated carbon filter. Reasonable but not the lowest. Consider Levoit Core 300 or other under 100-dollar air purifiers if you want something more manageable. Filter availability is good, as the filter H set is compatible with a few other Winix models.

Drawbacks - Budget-friendly Winix 5500-2 is pretty much the go-to air purifier for most people, other than 2 neglectable downsides. The occasional sensor hiccup might slow the reaction of gaseous pollutants before the higher speed kicks in. Warranty is only 2 years whereas competitor model e.g. Honeywell HPA300 offers up to 5 years.

To conclude, Winix 5500-2 is our best value air purifier, with the positives clearly outweighing the negatives. Its excellent 4-stage PlasmaWave filtration and completer features go well with the low price tag. Get this if you want an affordable yet powerful air cleaner.

Design - A new era smart air purifier from Korea. Winix AM90 is a WiFi-enabled yet inexpensive, high-performance air cleaner for its segment. It is hinted as the successor to The perfect 5500-2, although the current lineup suggests otherwise. The clean and modern exterior stands at a conventional 15.1 inches in width, 23.5 inches in height, and 8.7 inches in thickness. Not the biggest in its class, so there is no problem placing it in a tight area as long as you keep it on the ground. Weight is good at 16.5 pounds which will ease the movability. Just grab the back handle to move it around from room-to-room air purifying. Build quality is solid, as expected from Winix Brand. The fitting is practically flawless compared with most budget air purifiers mass-produced in China. A 5-10 years operational lifespan is easily achievable on everyday use.

Functionality - Winix AM90 is blessed with many features that greatly enhance its usability over other brands. You have the standard top buttons layout, plus an air quality indicator that changes from Blue (good), Amber (fair), to Red (poor), depending on the room air quality. Powered by the dual Smart Sensor, You'll have the variable 5 fan speeds that allow precise adjustment. Better yet, choose the auto mode that only uses higher fan speed when detecting a large concentration of air pollutants. Sleep mode activates automatically when all lights are off for a quiet, all-night operation. PlasmaWave technology is optional that can be turned off when not in use. You will also find a standard filter change indicator right next to it. To reset the filter indicator, continuously hold the reset button for 5 seconds after changing the HEPA filter.

The highlight feature of Winix AM90 is WiFi-enabled support. By downloading Winix Smart App via Google Play or App Store, you can remotely control the air purifier in any part of the world via your smartphone. Besides managing the air purifier's operation, you can check filter usage life and order filter prior to depletion. You can also access air quality data and other helpful information to determine how healthy is the indoor air. Additionally, the Winix AM90 air purifier supports voice commands from Amazon Alexa devices, like changing the fan speed, turning it on/ off, and other simple tasks. Handy stuff, indeed.

4-stage HEPA filtration with 360 sq. ft. and 230+ CADR.

Coverage - With its strong airflow distribution, Winix AM90 room air purifier delivers fresh air in 30 minutes or less within an AHAM Verifide 360 sq. ft. of room size. While nothing ground-breaking compared with other Winix cleaners, it is still suited for medium to large spaces like a bedroom, living room, kitchen, garage, basement, small apartment, or nursery home. If you are not an asthmatic or have hypersensitive allergies, you can increase the room coverage to 1,740 sq. ft. at 2 air changes per hour or every 30 minutes. The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is equally impressive at 233 cfm for dust, 240 cfm for pollen, and 230 cfm for smoke. It is the same output as 5500-2/ C545/ AM80. We highly recommend leaving the Winix AM90 air purifier on all the time for a continuous supply of clean air.

Filtration - Winix AM90 4-stage air cleaning system is nothing short of amazing, working flawlessly in supplying an endless flow of clean air. Dirty air is drawn in from the front, where the fine mesh pre-filter traps large particles like dust, dirt, and hair from clogging the HEPA filter. For air that manages to pass through, the activated carbon filter absorbs chemicals, smoke, and odors from cooking, pets, diapers, food, and cigarettes via chemical absorption. Next, the True HEPA filter capture 99.999% of allergens in the air as small as 0.003 microns e.g. mold, pollen, mildew, and pet dander. Lastly, PlasmaWave Technology releases Hydroxyls to neutralize bacteria and viruses e.g. Influenza A. The dual polarity ions (oxygen + hydrogen) safely remove hydrogen from air pollutants' molecular structure rendering it harmless. Don't worry about any side effects on the purification, as Winix AM90 is 100% ozone-safe (approved by CARB and FDA). It does not rely on ozone emission to clean the air like an ozone generator.

Noise and power - The low noise level is another strong suit of the Winix AM90 air purifier. In sleep mode, it will run silently with a noise level of just 27 dB (whispering equivalent). Perfect for all-night use when you're trying to get some shut eyes or work. Even in turbo mode, the fan noise is bearable for the most part. Power consumption is at the Energy Star rating tier of at least 40% efficiency. Under normal circumstances, it will cost you at most 1.6 dollars monthly. You can run Winix AM90 all day without any major spike in your monthly electricity bill.

Pricing - For shy of 200 dollars after discounts, Winix AM90 packs everything you need from a modern-day air purifier. You'll get the familiar AHAM Verifide performance plus WiFi features that can be a game-changer for those considering C545 or 5500-2 and don't might a little top-up. Maintenance-wise, expect an annual fee of 80 dollars for the bundled filter pack. The filter set includes a True HEPA filter and 4 activated carbon filter that will last about 12 months before replacement. Both HEPA and carbon filters are not washable and must be appropriately disposed of. As the name suggests, the permanent pre-filter is the only reusable filter when it is adequately maintained.

Drawbacks - While Winix AM90 shares better perks as a solid air purifier, it lacks a physical timer and remote control that the Winix SMART app replaces. Not a deal-breaker, but for an old-timer, it is best to consider something more "primitive." We are also not a big fan of the lower-grade carbon filter and quarterly filter change, which is a chore for some. Luckily, the affordable filter replacement cost remains untouched. The WiFi connectivity could be more intuitive, but we are nitpicking at this point.

On the whole, Winix AM90 is a reliable WiFi air purifier that delivers more than most would expect. We highly recommend this model if you want a reasonably priced WiFi air purifier.

Design - A sign to behold. Korean-imported Winix AM80 HEPA air purifier is the new addition to the lineup mirroring AM90. The gray exterior and modern design stand out from the boring AP crowd at a semi-large 15.1 inches width, 23.5 inches height, and 8.7 inches depth framework. Without losing its versatility, the front air inlet draws in much air at one go, while the top air outlet quickly disperses clean air. You can also effortlessly remove the front panel for an easy filter change. Weight is not the lightest at 16.5 lb, but the back handle eases the process of carrying the air purifier. Overall, it is a tried and tested design that one will appreciate its subtleness.

Functionality - Like AM90, Winix AM80 WiFi air purifier is easy to use with many dedicated buttons. You can select the 5 fan speeds for manual adjustment or leave it in no-frills Auto mode. In auto mode, the air purifier will only run at a higher fan speed when an increased concentration level of airborne contaminants is detected. Sleep mode activates automatically when there is no light source. It will set the fan speed to the lowest, disable PlasmaWave, and only revert to the previous setting when there is a light source; ideal for all-night use. Passive features include the top AQI that illuminates Blue when air quality is good, Amber when fair, and Red when air quality is poor. The filter change indicator will alert you to replace the HEPA/ carbon filter once it is dirty. After changing to a new filter, you can reset the filter indicator by pressing the reset button for around 5 seconds. The only thing missing here is the timer, which is only available via the Smart app.

Coverage - Enjoy instant clean air with a continuous 1 hour of operation. Winix AM80 air purifier can cover a familiar AHAM Verifide 360 square footage of room space. Toning down to 2 air changes per hour, it can clean the air of up to 1,740 sq. ft. every 30 minutes, 580 sq. ft. every 20 minutes, or 435 sq ft every 15 minutes. You can leave it on 24 hours a day for medium to large room sizes, including the bedroom, living room, kitchen, basement, office, and nursery home. In a control testing environment, the Clean air delivery rate is measured at 233 cfm for dust, 240 cfm for pollen, and 230 cfm for smoke. A marginal improvement over its predecessor model and good for everyday use as with most Winix models.

4-stage HEPA filtration with 360 sq. ft. and 230+ CADR.

Filtration - Let's touch on how Winix AM80 air purifier 4-stage advanced PlasmaWave Technology works. Using the common 3 filters setup, the first-stage fine mesh pre-filter traps large airborne particles like dust, hair, and lint while protecting the HEPA/ carbon filter from clogging. It is fully washable, so you will need to clean it periodically to extend its usage life. The second-stage activated carbon sheet absorbs chemicals, fumes, and odors from cooking, pets, diaper, cigarette, VOCs, radon, asbestos, and formaldehyde. It will also prolong the HEPA filter usage life by removing smoke particles. The True HEPA filter capture 99.999% of ultrafine particles in the air as small as 0.003 microns e.g. mold spore, pollen, pet dander, and germs. Finally, PlasmaWave Technology produces Hydroxyls, a reactive molecule that removes hydrogen from the molecular structure of allergens, odors, bacteria, and viruses. It is 100% safe as the discharged dual polarity ions are natural and harmless to our health. Winix AM80 PlasmaWave does not emit a high ozone level like an Ozonator and is ozone-free certified by the FDA and CARB.

Noise and power - Good as always. In sleep mode, the Winix AM80 air purifier runs at a whispering 27 dB that you will barely hear a thing, even when placed right next to you. Perfect after a long working day, where you need absolute serenity. Turbo mode is loud but tolerable for a short period of time. As an Energy Star model, Winix AM80 energy usage is equally as impressive and will cost you less than $0.05 per day or $1.6 monthly with daily operation. For better energy management, leave it in auto mode and let the air purifier decide the appropriate speed to work on.

Pricing - At around +-200 dollars after a generous discount, Winix AM80 is a well-priced air purifier that brings more value than its price point would suggest. However, it is often sold higher than Winix AM90 despite the exact specification and performance. Make your due diligent comparison before purchasing one. Likewise, it shares the same Filter A 115115 set as 5300-2 and AM90 with an 80 dollars annual filter replacement cost. Filter availability is good for the long-haul.

Drawbacks - There are a few minor things in AM80 that we are not a big fan of. As mentioned earlier, pricing is too similar to AM90 or even 5300-2, making it redundant in some cases. The lack of remote control and timer can be a big deal for those that rely heavily on both features. The short 3 months carbon filter lifespan requires quarterly change, which can be annoying at times. Still, None of the setbacks are damning to the air purifier's performance and overall value.

In short, Winix AM80 air purifier is accessible and perfectly maintainable for everyday folks. If you can snatch a good deal, you can't go wrong with the AM80 or AM90. Consider 5300-2 if you want the black color option and have zero intention of utilizing the remote access feature.

Design - Our most well-received Winix reviews of the bunch. The U.S. exclusive Winix C545 is a well-built, high-performance, 4-stage PlasmaWave Air Cleaning machine that ticks all the right boxes. This highly functional air purifier stands at a boxy 13.7 x 20.5 x 8.4 inches dimension, supported by a large air inlet and a top air outlet. The white exterior gives it a sense of belonging in any modern home without occupying much space. Moving it around for room-to-room purifying is also not cumbersome, thanks to the reasonably light 11.5 lb weight. The grippy handle is well-placed and deep enough for an ergonomic grip. Overall, build quality is exactly what you will find in AM90/ 5500-2. A reliable and quality air cleaner from Korea.

Functionality - Continue exploring the usability. Winix C545 air purifier dual Smart sensors monitor and maintain room air quality impeccably. Using a familiar Winix setup, You can set the 5 variable fan speeds or leave it on the Auto mode that runs intelligently based on the nearby air contaminants. Sleep mode disables PlasmaWave, locks the fan speed to the lowest, and dims all indicator lights. It will enable automatically (around 30 seconds) when all lights are out. Best used during nighttime after a long day. You can also disable PlasmaWave manually by holding the buttons for more than 3 seconds. The sensor-dependant top AQI will also switch from Blue when air quality is good, Amber when moderate, and Red when air quality is poor. Finally, the compulsory filter change indicator will turn red when it is time to change the filter. After changing to a new filter, press the reset button until the red filter indicator light switches off.

The big upgrade for Winix C545 over C535 is the WiFi-enabled feature. You can now control the air purifier remotely outside e.g. office, shopping, or on the comfort of your couch via the Winix Smart App. Everything can be done in real-time, from speed management, checking filter life and usage logs to monitoring indoor/ outdoor air quality. For added convenience, there is also voice command support from Alexa and tips to help you better operate Winix C545 air purifier. We are a big fan of turning on/ off the air purifier through Alexa. Once you have the taste of the sheer convenience, you will not return to a brand that lacks one.

Coverage - Delivering the constant clean air that you deserve. Winix C545 can cover an AHAM Verifide 360 square footage of room space at 5 air changes per hour. It is the same as 5500-2/ AM90/ AM80. The air cleaner will fit well in the living hall, master bedroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and even a small apartment unit. For those with no breathing trouble or asthma, you can drop the air changes per hour to 4 (every 15 minutes) for 435 square feet of coverage or 2 air changes per hour (every 30 minutes) for 1,740 square footage of air cleaning. While 8 hours of runtime a day is the bare minimum, we highly recommend you keep Winix C545 on all the time to prevent pollutants from returning. CADR ratings are the same as other Winix air cleaners. Expect a consistent 243 cfm for dust, 246 cfm for pollen, and 232 cfm for smoke.

4-stage HEPA filtration with 360 sq. ft. and 232+ CADR.

Filtration - Winix C545 air purifier uses the renowned 4-stage advanced PlasmaWave Technology that works wonderfully well in cleaning indoor air. The permanent mesh pre-filter traps large particles in the air, like dust, hair, and finer lint, from passing through. It is the only filter you can wash to extend the usage life. Next, the activated carbon filter absorbs smoke and odors from cooking, pets, diapers, and cleaning products like chemicals e.g. VOCs, radon, asbestos, and formaldehyde. The carbon filter also protects the HEPA filter from being damaged by smoke particles. The True HEPA filter captures PM2.5 particles in the air, like mold, mildew, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Lastly, PlasmaWave Technology safely disperses Hydroxyls, a reactive molecule of oxygen + hydrogen that neutralize odor, bacteria, and viruses. While there are insignificant byproducts during the cleaning process, it does not emit harmful ozone and is certified safe for home use by CARB. To maintain performance and longevity, ensure the filter change is performed according to the schedule.

Noise and power - Winix C545 is also perfect for bedtime use with its silent 27 dB operation, similar to whispering. Even without relying on sleep mode, you can keep the noise level down by running at the lowest speed during work or leisure time. The same story goes for power efficiency. Energy Star certified Winix C545 uses between 5 to 70 watts of electricity depending on the operating speed. It will cost you less than 20 dollars of electricity bill annually when you leave it on 24x7.

Pricing - On paper, the Winix C545 air purifier is the perfect model for ordinary folks like you and me. It has an autonomous mode, strong airflow, dual sensors, and is WiFi-enabled for less than 200 dollars. For context, AM80 is in the same price bracket without WiFi support. The Filter cost also favors Winix C545 at only 60 dollars annually for a HEPA filter and 4 sets of carbon filters. The HEPA filter will last 12 months, while the carbon pre-filter will only last 3 months. Both True HEPA and activated carbon filters are not washable. You should pack the used filters in the bag before tossing them away to prevent captured particles from escaping. Filter set A is also inter-swappable with other Winix models; you can freely swap between your other compatible Winix air cleaners to save costs.

Drawbacks - Following the same theme as AM80, the minor drawback of the Winix C545 are the lack of a built-in timer (replaced with the app). We prefer a quick set straight from the control panel, but that's how the way it is. The hassle of quarterly filter changes doesn't help the usability either. Setting up the WiFi pairing can be tricky, especially for a new beginner. Thankfully is a one-off thing where you can set and forget.

If you are truly interested in getting one, be quick to do so, as availability is scarce. Most stores do not carry the model anymore. Most stores do not carry the model anymore, and you will be better off with a Winix AM90 that offers identical specifications and performance at around the same cost.

Design - Introducing the affordable, conical-shaped Winix A231 tower air purifier that packs a punch. One of the unique Winix air purifier that This dual-color tone, compact air cleaning device is comparatively small at only a 9.5 inches diameter and 14.6 inches height. While not the smallest, Winix A231 will fit nicely on the working table, kitchen tabletop, bedside, and TV cabinet without occupying much space. The portable form factor also makes it a bliss when you need to carry the air cleaner into the room at night. Despite its undersized framework, it is well-made with no signs of leakage or cutting corners. It is as sturdy as other Winix's bigger lineup. After all, they all are developed and produced by the same factory in Korea.

Functionality - It's not all about looks. Winix A231 air purifier's modern design approach is equally functional thanks to its 360° air ventilation. It allows airborne pollutants to be captured at all angles, which is possible with a conventional back-to-front setup. Supporting usability is the easy-to-use control panel Winix is known for. You have a top air quality indicator that shows Blue when AQ is good, Amber when fair, and Red when AQ is poor. You can cycle between the four fan speeds or choose Auto mode, which uses a higher speed when there is an increased density of contaminants in the air. The all-night sleep mode works manually (auto for AM90) by disabling PlasmaWave, the indicator light, and locking the fan speed to the lowest. You can also disable PlasmaWave by holding the buttons for more than 3 seconds. Last but not least, the filter change indicator turns red when the filter is dirty or requires replacing. After changing the filter, press the reset button to restart the filter life countdown timer.

Coverage - Perhaps the best "compact" air purifier release this year. Through its 360-degree ventilation, Winix A231 can pull in airborne particles at every corner of the room. Clean air can be delivered up to 230 square footage of room size at AHAM Verifide 5 air changes per hour. If you need to cater to a bigger room, drop the air changes to 2 for an extended 555 square footage. As such, Winix A231 air purifier is suited for small bedrooms, offices, playrooms, kitchens, studios, and apartments with limited living areas. In any case, you should leave Winix A231 on day and night for continuous flow of air purification. The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is impressive at 149 cfm for dust, 154 cfm for pollen, and 147 cfm for smoke. A minimum compromisation of its smaller body.

4-stage HEPA filtration with 230 sq. ft. and 147+ CADR.

Filtration - Winix A231 air purifier uses the same 4-stage PlasmaWave filtration as the rest of the pack consisting of a pre-filter, HEPA, and carbon filter. It works faultlessly by capturing large airborne pollutants with the mesh pre-filter, preventing dust, hair, and dirt particles from passing through. The chemical adsorbent activated carbon filter neutralizes tobacco smoke, rotten food smell, VOCs, pet odors, and toxic fumes such as radon, asbestos, and formaldehyde. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of the remaining allergens as small as 0.3 microns, like mold spores, pollen, dust mite, and pet dander. Lastly, the optional PlasmaWave diffuses natural dual polarity ions Hydroxyls to deactivate bacteria and viruses. The technology is 100% ozone safe, certified, and approved by California Air Resources Board (CARB). The air cleaning cycle will continue, and you will enjoy a continuous stream of clean air as long as Winix A231 is kept running.

Noise and power - With its smallest form factor, Winix A231 is the most silent air purifier listed here, even though you can hardly tell the differences in real life. Running under 25 decibels at the lowest speed, you will not hear any noise, and you can confidently place the air cleaner right next to you during work, relaxation, or snoozing (with Sleep mode). It is a crucial consideration for a light sleeper. As for energy efficiency, the Energy Star certified Winix A231 power is explicitly designed for all-day operations with its low wattage. Expect an efficient electric cost of a mere 1-2 dollars monthly with 12 hours of daily operation. Keep it in auto mode if you want to maximize its efficiency.

Pricing - Here's the best part of owning the Winix A series. There are 2 variants of Winix's most compact air purifiers: A231 and A230. Both costs around 70 to 100 dollars, depending on sales and promotion. It is the cheapest Winix air purifier to date, with little differences besides the color. You're getting the convenience of a smaller air purifier that, at its core, is still a Winix. Maintenance-wise, anticipate a low 50 dollars annual filter replacement with the whole PlasmaWave treatment and 2 years manufacturer warranty. The all-in-one filter cartridge consists of a fine mesh pre-filter, a true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter that will last up to 12 months. While the cartridge is non-washable and should be thrown away properly in a secured bin, it is easy to replace by popping out the top part of the air purifier. Without a shadow of a doubt, Winix A231 is the perfect starter air purifier for all.

Drawbacks - Let us define what Winix A231 is and what it isn't. It is a proven, compact, 4-stage PlasmaWave air purifier that improves indoor air quality. You should always pick Winix A231 over other small air purifiers out there. However, it is the least powerful model under Winix and should not be a direct replacement for your console air purifier. You will have to settle for weaker airflow output, smaller filters, no timer, and smart features. The manual sleep mode activation can be a deal-breaker for those used to how Winix air purifier works.