Air purifiers · Ranked #5 of 6 · Best value purifier

Winix 5500-2

83
Well liked
Average of 5 professional reviews
4 of 5 recommend it · critics split
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 64–100
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 83.4 · 4 printed, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 88

Winix 5500-2Image: Winix

5 professional reviewers tested the Winix 5500-2, and 4 recommend it. Most praised: air cleaning and app and smart features. Most common complaint: noise on high.

Reviewed by HouseFresh, Air Purifier First, Tom's Guide and 2 more

The catch: It forgets its settings after a power cut, and replacement filters add up.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 100
    HouseFreshHands-on review · 2026

    Excellent value air purifier with fast cleaning, an ionizer that can be turned off and affordable filters.

    Read HouseFresh review
  2. 96
    Air Purifier FirstHands-on review

    Measured tests show excellent particle and smoke removal at a fair price, and the reviewer calls it one of the best purifiers tested.

    Read Air Purifier First review
  3. 80
    Tom's GuideRated 4/5 · Hands-on review

    Called a top-tier, above-average purifier with solid CADR, auto mode and low energy use, held back by pricey replacement filters and a bulky plain design.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  4. 77
    TechGearLabHands-on review · 2024

    Lab tests show very strong particle removal and simple controls, with the high list price and loud high speeds being the main drawbacks.

    Read TechGearLab review
  5. 64est.
    Vacuum WarsNo printed score · Video review · 2022

    The Winix 5500-2 is a highly capable air purifier that excels at removing odors and gases thanks to its high-quality carbon filter.

    Read Vacuum Wars review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

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From YouTube channels we vetted by hand. Videos paid for by the brand are never listed.

What critics praise most

Air cleaning5 of 5
App and smart features2 of 5
Value for money2 of 5

What critics dislike most

Noise on high2 of 5
Price2 of 5

Other air purifiers critics rate highly

Levoit Vital 200SImage: Levoit
Top pick, narrowlyLevoit Vital 200S4 reviews · broad agreement87
Levoit Core 300SImage: Levoit
Best for small roomsLevoit Core 300S5 reviews · broad agreement85
Levoit Core 400SImage: Levoit
If you want an appLevoit Core 400S9 reviews · broad agreement84
Blueair Blue Pure 311i MaxImage: Blueair
Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max5 reviews · critics agree84

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Winix 5500-2 worth it?

Most critics think so: 4 of 5 recommend it. It forgets its settings after a power cut, and replacement filters add up.

Do critics agree about the Winix 5500-2?

Critics split: scores range from 64 (Vacuum Wars) to 100 (HouseFresh), a spread of 36 points across 5 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.

What do critics dislike about the Winix 5500-2?

Noise on high (2 of 5 reviews), Price (2 of 5 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Winix 5500-2?

The Levoit Vital 200S (critic score 87), top pick, narrowly.