The Winix 5500-2 was one of the quietest air purifiers we tested. It also performed well for its price range, killing 99.97 percent of airborne pollutants in testing, with only minimal improvement when we installed Winix’s optional HEPA filter.
The 5500-2 can be set to auto mode, where it will automatically adjust fan speed based on the quality of the air. The remote control is one of the best we tested, with an intuitive interface and large buttons that are easy to use while you’re lying in bed.
The 5500-2 has a few extra features that make it stand out. First is the option to buy replacement carbon filter packs—a first in our testing. We don’t know how much they cost, but we do know that it’s unusual to have to replace an air purifier’s filter every three months.
The second unique feature is that the 5500-2 includes a washable pre-filter—something our previous testing showed was better at trapping large particles than HEPA filter alternatives. On top of that, it’s quieter than most other purifiers in its class.
