Monday, December 2nd
2024 Air Purifier Reviews
Winix
- Pricing: $119.99 - $1,099.99
- Coverage: 230 - 698 square feet
- True HEPA filtration, air quality indicator, auto mode, multiple fan speeds
- Some models: WiFi and Alexa compatible
- Quiet operation
Winix, a South Korean company established over 50 years ago, specializes in developing and manufacturing healthy home appliances. Their product range includes air purifiers, water filtration systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and other comfort-focused devices. Their air purifier lineup includes 16 options.
Standard features across the range
Winix sells air purifiers in three room sizes: small, medium, and large. You'll find some common features in all Winix air purifiers, no matter their size. These include:
- True HEPA filtration (captures 99.97% of airborne particles)
- PlasmaWave Technology (advanced air cleaning, but see our notes below)
- Air quality indicator with LED lights
- Auto mode (adjusts based on air quality)
- Filter replacement indicator
- Multiple fan speeds
Two small models at $120
The small models, A231 and A230, are both priced at $119.99 and work for rooms up to 230 square feet. Users like them because they can be used right out of the box (after putting in the filters) and for how quiet they are.
Medium-sized models offer more features at varying price points
The medium-sized models, including the C535, C545, 5300-2, AM90, and 5500-2, are designed for rooms up to 360 square feet. Prices range from $149.99 to $249.99. Some models, like the C545 and AM90, have smart features like WiFi and Alexa compatibility. The bestseller is the C535, which is also the cheapest model in this size. If the reviews on Winix's website are to be believed, it has an average of 4.7 stars from 132 ratings. Nothing in these reviews jumped out at us - people are generally happy with how this model performs.
Large models cater to bigger spaces with advanced features
For larger rooms, Winix offers the 9800, XLC, and XQ models. These are priced from $329.99 to $1,099.99 and are suitable for rooms from 500 to 698 square feet. All large models feature 4-stage True HEPA filtration, WiFi connectivity, and Alexa compatibility. The highest priced XQ model has the highest Clean Air Delivery Rate ratings (419 for smoke) and includes additional features like a child lock and triple smart sensors. Unfortunately, though, 0 out of its 5 reviewers would recommend it. Apparently, this thousand-dollar air purifier has a tendency to work just past its 2-year warranty and then die. Winix won't budge on the timeframe, either - if it's out of warranty, it's out of warranty.
PlasmaWave Technology: more hype than help
PlasmaWave Technology in Winix air purifiers is a bipolar ion generator that is claimed to neutralize air pollutants. This technology breaks apart water molecules to create positive and negative ions that combine with pollutants. It's essentially an ionizer, which can produce small amounts of ozone. (Ozone in your air purifier? That's a bit like fighting fire with... more fire.) Recent studies have shown mixed results for this technology. Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) decreased, while others increased. If you have asthma or other lung conditions, you might want to be cautious - ozone can trigger symptoms, and many people choose to turn this "feature” off due to potential side effects like nausea and headaches. (To these customers' chagrin, PlasmaWave has to be manually turned off every time you power on your air purifier for most models.) While Winix claims PlasmaWave is safe and doesn't produce harmful ozone levels, some experts suggest it may not significantly improve air quality and could even slightly degrade it. (In other words, it might be more marketing hype than actual help for your air quality.)
Replacement filters are stunningly expensive
Perhaps the most concerning thing about Winix is the markup on their replacement filters. Where most air purifier companies charge around $30 each, Winix's base prices are as high as $80 to $150, depending on the model. One angry customer (who was otherwise satisfied with their air purifier until the filter died 3 months in) rants, "Let's do some basic math. Walmart sells a purifier with 2 filters for $150 or I can come to Winix and buy a filter for $80? That's so dumb. Disgusting what greed does to people."
Bad grade from the BBB
It's a similar story in the "Complaints” section of Winix's Better Business Bureau listing, where they have a "D-” grade. One reviewer hopes "they end up in a class action lawsuit for price gouging.” Another calls customer service "a joke”. According to that reviewer, Winix's customer service agents are neither professional nor polite.
2-year warranty dependent on using Winix filters
Winix offers a standard 2-year warranty for most of their air purifiers, but don't get too excited. While they promise to repair or replace defective parts, the fine print is where things get tricky. You'll need to use only authorized dealers, stick to their manual religiously, and use only genuine Winix filters (which, don't forget, are outrageously expensive). As for returns, you've got 30 days, and you'll be footing the bill for shipping it back. And if you're thinking about getting an extended warranty? Tough luck - Winix doesn't offer them.
Bottom line: Winix air purifiers aren't worth the hassle
The drawbacks of Winix's air purifiers are far more obvious than the benefits. You'll face exorbitant filter replacement costs, questionable customer service, and a restrictive warranty. The touted PlasmaWave technology may do more harm than good. Despite some positive user experiences, the overall value proposition is weak. You're better off exploring other brands that offer similar performance without the (perhaps literal) headaches and hidden costs of Winix air purifiers.
More Air Purifier Reviews
Which Air Purifier is the Best?
Imagine coming home after a long day, only to be greeted by a stuffy atmosphere and a musty smell in your living room. You open the windows, but the outdoor air carries in pollen that makes you sneeze. Sound familiar? An air purifier might be just what you need.
These devices can help remove pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air to make your space cleaner and more comfortable. While not a substitute for other preventive measures, air purifiers with HEPA filters may also help reduce the risk of airborne transmission of viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, by removing particles from the air.
Air Purifier FAQ
Continued from above...
Many people can benefit from using an air purifier. If you have allergies or asthma, an air purifier can help reduce symptoms by removing irritants like pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air. If you live in an area with high pollution levels or wildfires, an air purifier can help filter out harmful particles. Even if you don't have specific health concerns, an air purifier can help improve overall air quality and eliminate unpleasant odors.
There are several types of air purifiers available, each using different technologies to clean the air. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most common. They can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust, pollen, and some bacteria.
Activated carbon filters are great for removing odors and gasses. They work well for getting rid of cooking smells, smoke, and chemical fumes.
UV-C light purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. They're often combined with other types of filters for more thorough air cleaning.
Ionizers release negatively charged ions that attach to airborne particles, making them too heavy to stay in the air. However, ionizers can produce ozone, which can be harmful to your health.
When shopping for an air purifier online, consider the following factors:
- Room size. Make sure the purifier is rated for the size of the room where you'll use it. Each air purifier is designed to clean a specific amount of air, usually measured in square feet. Choosing one that's too small for your space won't effectively clean the air.
- Filter replacement cost. Look into how often filters need to be replaced and how much they cost. Some purifiers have filters that need to be replaced every few months, while others can last up to a year. Factor in these ongoing costs when making your decision.
- Noise level. Consider how loud the purifier is, especially if you'll use it in a bedroom. Air purifiers can range from nearly silent to quite noisy. If you're sensitive to sound, look for models with lower decibel ratings or those with "sleep" or "quiet" modes.
- Energy efficiency. Check the energy consumption to avoid high electricity bills. Look for Energy Star certified models, which use less energy than standard air purifiers without sacrificing performance.
- Additional features. Decide if you want extras like air quality sensors, remote controls, or smart capabilities. These features can make your air purifier more convenient to use but may also increase the price. Consider which ones are truly important to you.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best air purifiers available. We hope this review helps you find the best air purifier for your needs. With the right air purifier, you can breathe easier and enjoy cleaner, fresher air in your home, office, or even car.
Compare Air Purifiers
Select any 2 Air Purifiers to compare them head to head
Trending Air Purifier News
Related Air Purifier Reviews
Since you're interested in Air Purifiers, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
