Winix 5510 Vs. 5520: Which Air Purifier Should You Actually Buy?

As someone who has struggled with seasonal allergies and pet dander for years, I’ve tried my fair share of air purifiers. When Winix released the 5510 and 5520 models, I knew I had to put them side by side to see what the real differences are.

In this article, my goal is to give you a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of both models so you can decide which one (if either) deserves a spot in your home. We’ll cover performance, features, design, and everyday use to help you choose confidently.

Key Differences Between The Winix 5510 And 5520

The truth is, these two models are nearly identical in performance and features. Winix essentially released them as two aesthetic variants of the same machine. Here’s what actually sets them apart:

• Front panel design The 5510 has sleek vertical stripes that give it a contemporary, almost minimalist vibe. It blends beautifully in modern apartments or rooms with clean lines. I placed mine in a living room with neutral tones, and it practically disappears.
• Overall shape and visual style The 5520 goes for a square waffle-pattern grille that feels more traditional and substantial. It has a slightly boxier presence that suits classic decor, wood furniture, or anyone who prefers a bolder statement piece.
• Perceived compactness Some users find the 5510 feels a touch more compact because of the vertical lines, even though the dimensions are almost the same. The 5520 can appear wider at first glance due to the pattern.
• Availability and pricing fluctuations Depending on retailers, one model might be discounted more than the other at any given time, but the MSRP is identical.
• No functional differences Filters, motor, sensors, app, CADR ratings, noise, energy use—everything else is the same. You’re purely choosing which look you prefer.

That’s it. If design doesn’t matter to you, flip a coin or grab whichever is cheaper.

Shared Key Features That Make These Models Stand Out

Both the 5510 and 5520 inherit the strengths that made the older 5500-2 a bestseller, while adding meaningful upgrades. Here are the features I use and appreciate most:

• Four-stage filtration system This is where Winix shines. The washable pre-filter catches hair and larger dust, the pelleted AOC carbon filter tackles odors and gases, the True HEPA grabs 99.99% of tiny particles, and PlasmaWave handles the rest without producing harmful ozone.
• True HEPA filtration Certified to capture particles as small as 0.003 microns—far better than the standard 0.3-micron rating many brands quote. It’s a game-changer for allergy sufferers like me during pollen season.
• Pelleted AOC carbon filter Unlike the fibrous carbon in older Winix models, the pellets here have more surface area and last longer at neutralizing smoke, cooking smells, and pet odors.
• PlasmaWave technology It creates hydroxyls to break down viruses, bacteria, and VOCs at a molecular level. Winix keeps ozone output well below safety limits, so I never worry about leaving it on.
• Smart WiFi and app control The Winix Smart app lets me adjust settings, set schedules, check air quality, and get filter alerts from my phone. It integrates smoothly with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Triple sensor auto mode Dust, odor, and light sensors constantly monitor the room and adjust fan speed automatically. It ramps up when I cook and quiets down at night.
• Sleep mode Dims the lights, drops to the lowest fan speed, and keeps running quietly—perfect for bedrooms.
• Five fan speeds plus turbo Gives precise control. Turbo clears smoke fast; low speed is barely audible.
• Filter replacement indicator Lights up when it’s time to change filters—no guessing needed.
• Energy efficiency Uses less power than a light bulb on lower speeds, keeping electricity costs low.

How These Purifiers Perform In Everyday Life?

I’ve run both models (yes, I own one of each because I couldn’t decide on looks) in different rooms for months. Here’s what I noticed:

During wildfire smoke season, the auto mode kicked into high gear and brought AQI down from 150+ to under 30 in about 45 minutes in a 350 sq. ft. space.

The pelleted carbon really shines with smoke—far better odor reduction than my old fibrous-filter unit.

With two cats, dander and litter smells used to linger.

Now the air feels noticeably fresher within minutes of turning the unit on.

The washable pre-filter saves money by trapping fur before it clogs the HEPA.

In the bedroom, sleep mode keeps noise around 27 dB—quiet enough that I forget it’s running. On turbo, it hits about 55 dB, which is acceptable for quick cleanups but not for sleeping.

The app has been reliable. I schedule it to run high while I’m at work and drop to low before I get home. Air quality reports are a nice bonus for tracking trends.

Filter life has been solid—around 12 months for the HEPA/carbon set with moderate use. The pre-filter just needs occasional vacuuming or rinsing.

Also Read: Comparison of Winix C535 And C545 Air Purifiers.

Pros And Cons of The Winix 5510

Pros

• Sleek, modern vertical stripe design The front grille with vertical lines gives it a clean, minimalist appearance that fits perfectly in contemporary homes. In my open-concept living room with modern furniture and neutral colors, it almost disappears into the background. It looks more like a stylish tower speaker than an air purifier, and I’ve gotten compliments on how it doesn’t clash with the decor.
• Outstanding 4-stage filtration performance The combination of washable pre-filter, pelleted AOC carbon, True HEPA, and PlasmaWave works incredibly well. It captures pet dander, dust, pollen, and even fine smoke particles with ease. During high pollen days, my allergy symptoms (sneezing, itchy eyes) drop noticeably within an hour of running it on auto.
• Superior odor elimination with pelleted carbon The upgraded pelleted carbon filter absorbs cooking smells, pet odors, and VOCs far better than the older fibrous sheets in previous Winix models. After frying fish or using strong cleaning products, the air clears much faster—no lingering smells the next morning.
• Quiet operation, especially in sleep mode On low and sleep settings, it’s whisper-quiet at around 27 dB. I run it in the bedroom every night and never wake up from fan noise. Even on medium speeds, it’s quieter than my refrigerator.
• Reliable smart features and app control The Winix Smart app is straightforward—check air quality, adjust fan speed, set timers, or turn it on remotely. Voice control with Alexa works flawlessly for hands-free operation when my hands are full.
• Effective auto mode with triple sensors The dust, odor, and light sensors react quickly. When I vacuum or cook, it ramps up automatically and settles back down when the air is clean. This saves energy and keeps performance consistent without constant tweaking.
• Fast room coverage for medium to large spaces With strong CADR ratings, it cleans my 350 sq. ft. living room thoroughly in under an hour. Turbo mode is great for quick refreshes after guests leave or during wildfire smoke events.
• Low operating and filter replacement costs Annual filter costs are reasonable, and the washable pre-filter extends the life of the main set. Electricity usage is minimal—I barely notice any increase on my bill even running it 24/7.
• Solid build quality and easy maintenance The unit feels sturdy, filter changes are tool-free and take less than two minutes, and the replacement indicator removes all guesswork.

Cons

• Turbo mode can get noticeably loud At maximum speed (~55 dB), it’s comparable to a box fan—fine for daytime cleaning but too loud for conversations or TV watching if you’re noise-sensitive.
• Vertical stripes show dust accumulation more visibly Dust settles on the grille lines and becomes slightly noticeable after a few weeks, requiring more frequent wiping compared to textured designs.
• No numeric air quality display on the unit The colored LED indicator (blue/green/yellow/red) gives a general sense of air quality, but I sometimes wish for an actual PM2.5 number readout like some competitors offer.
• App occasionally requires re-authentication After phone OS updates or long periods of inactivity, I’ve had to log back in or reconnect the device—minor annoyance but not a dealbreaker.
• Slightly taller profile limits placement options At over 25 inches tall, it doesn’t fit under some low shelves or consoles, so placement planning is needed in tighter spaces.
• PlasmaWave cannot be fully disabled in some modes While ozone output is minimal and safe, a few users prefer the option to turn it off completely in every mode—currently it stays on in auto and sleep.

Also Read: Is Winix C610 Air Purifier Worth It?

Pros And Cons of The Winix 5520

Pros

• Classic waffle-pattern grille hides dust better The textured square design camouflages dust buildup much more effectively than smooth surfaces. I can go longer between cleanings without it looking grimy, which is convenient in high-dust areas.
• Identical high-performance filtration to the 5510 Same excellent 4-stage system with True HEPA capturing 99.99% of particles down to 0.003 microns and pelleted carbon tackling odors aggressively. It handles pet hair, pollen, smoke, and cooking smells just as effectively.
• Exceptional quiet performance in daily use Sleep mode and low speeds are virtually silent—perfect for bedrooms or quiet offices. I often forget it’s running until I notice how fresh the air feels.
• Intuitive and reliable WiFi/app integration Remote control, scheduling, and air quality history via the app make it easy to manage from anywhere. Integration with Google Assistant and Alexa is seamless for voice commands.
• Responsive auto mode with accurate sensors Dust, odor, and light sensors adjust fan speed intelligently. It ramps up instantly when someone sprays perfume or opens a smoky jacket and calms down quickly afterward.
• Strong cleaning power for its size Covers up to 392 sq. ft. efficiently with high CADR numbers. In real-world use, it brings down indoor AQI dramatically during poor outdoor air quality days.
• Cost-effective long-term ownership Reasonable filter prices, washable pre-filter, and low energy consumption keep annual costs down. Genuine replacements are widely available.
• Durable construction and straightforward maintenance Solid plastic housing, easy-access filter compartment, and clear indicators make upkeep simple. It feels built to last several years of daily use.
• More traditional aesthetic appeal The boxier, waffle-front look suits homes with classic or eclectic decor better than ultra-modern designs. It has a substantial presence without feeling bulky.

Cons

• Waffle design can appear bulkier in minimalist rooms The textured grille and slightly wider visual profile make it stand out more in sleek, modern spaces compared to smoother designs.
• High-speed noise is the same as other models Turbo mode produces the same ~55 dB white noise—effective for quick cleaning but distracting if you’re nearby and want quiet.
• Lacks on-unit numeric PM2.5 readout Only color-coded air quality lights are available directly on the device; for exact numbers, you must check the app.
• Occasional app connectivity hiccups Similar to the 5510, reconnection or re-login is sometimes needed after software updates or WiFi changes.
• Weight and shape make it slightly less portable While not heavy, the boxier build can feel a bit more awkward to move frequently between rooms compared to slimmer towers.
• No option to completely disable PlasmaWave in all modes Same limitation as the 5510—some users want full control to turn it off regardless of selected mode.

Maintenance And Long-Term Ownership Thoughts

Both units are low-maintenance champions. Vacuum the pre-filter every couple of months, rinse if it gets grimy, and replace the main filter set once a year. Genuine Winix filters run about $70–$90 annually, which is reasonable for this level of performance.

I appreciate that Winix sells universal replacement sets for both models—same part number, no confusion. Third-party filters exist, but I stick with OEM for guaranteed fit and performance.

Energy use is low—around 5–10 watts on low speeds, up to 70 watts on turbo. My electric bill barely notices it.

Build quality feels solid. The plastic is thick, controls are responsive, and the fan motor shows no signs of wear after heavy use.

Also Read: Is Winix C909 Air Purifier Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

After living with both the Winix 5510 and 5520 for an extended period, I can say with confidence that you really can’t go wrong with either. They deliver clean, fresh air reliably day after day, tackle allergens and odors effectively, and bring modern smart features without unnecessary complexity.

If you’re trying to decide between them, step back and ask yourself which design you’d enjoy looking at every day. That’s honestly the biggest factor here.

You deserve to breathe easy in your own home. Whether you pick the sleek 5510 or the classic 5520, you’re getting a top-tier purifier that will serve you well for years.

Whichever you choose, I’m certain you’ll notice the difference in air quality—and that’s what matters most.