** 3-week update **
After a few weeks a clicking noise developed in the fan when running on the sleep (lowest) speed. Looking at the fan it appears there maybe an imbalance that over the weeks developed into a motor shaft tapping. Make sure to inspect your unit for a balanced fan. I just issued a replacement on the 5500-2 so we'll see what happens.
** Original **
I spent weeks comparing units on Amazon and elsewhere. I didn't want to spent > 200 on an overbuilt fan, or be stuck buying overpriced filters. I ended up buying the Winix 5500-2 and Renpho AP002 and first impressions with the two units are that they both appear well built, quiet, and have the automatic mode I really wanted.
TL;DR;
Winix 5300-2 - Quieter w/Smarter hands off Automatic technology & Ionizer - Set and Forget!
Winix 5500-2 - Identical in Black w/Remote & washable carbon filter
Renpho AP001 - Incredible unit, Amazing filters, Low cost ownership!
Renpho AP002 - Almost identical, slightly more air volume
FILTERS
The Renpho filter has a price and feature advantage over the Winix. Both units have H13 Hepa filters, both have the honeycomb active carbon filters (for capturing VOC), and both have a washable pre-filters for catching large particles. The Renpho however has 2 bonus layers, a microbial coating on the Hepa filter, and an additional charcoal filter sitting before the carbon filter to collect larger particles. The Winix does claim the active carbon filter is washable - Renpho does not make this claim, however both appear similar so it maybe purely marketing. The Renpho filter is shorter and fatter - if you ran the numbers they both likely have similar surface area, thought the Winix is CADR rated for 360 sqr/ft while the Renpho is 330 sqr/ft. They are close.
Renpho OEM filters sell for $25 for a full replacement. Winix OEM filters sell for $50 for a full replacement. Renpo claims the filter should be changed every 6 months, Winix claims every 12. I assume this is reflected in their price strategy, however since the filters are so similar, I doubt both claims can be true - and this all depends on how dirty your air is! So cost of ownership is likely less with the Renpho.
AIR IONIZATION
The Winix comes with an Ionizer (called Plasmawave) and Renpho does NOT. The Ionizer charges any particles passing through the unit so they are heavier and will float to the ground and out of air. If you're concerned about Ozone gasses, then this is a feature you can disable and is not a feature on the Renpho.
SOUND
This is a real issue for me - I am sensitive to sound and like the home quiet at night. Deciding on a unit for my children makes this even more important, and I don't want to force them into a white machine for air filtration. In Sleep mode the Winix is significantly more quiet at (advertised) 26dB where the Renpho is at 35dB. With the Winix 10ft from the bed I can just barely hear it. The Renpho is noticable but not "loud". The Winix appears to have 5 speed modes, Sleep, Low, Med, High, and Turbo. The Renpho has just 3 modes, Low, Med, High, with Sleep mode being the Low mode with lights off. Here's the rub however - outside of Sleep mode, the Winix sounds "louder" having a higher pitched whine while the Renpho is more of a hum. If I was going to just set this on High in a corner and forget it, then Renpho is the winner. For a quiet bedroom the Winix appears the winner.
AUTOMATIC MODE
This was a huge feature for me and the Winix is a much "smarter" unit. Both units have a similar Automatic feature, sensing the air, bringing the fan speed up or down according to the readings. Both have light(s) indicating the current air quality reading. The Winix however had a light sensor that, when the unit is in Automatic mode, will place the unit in Sleep mode when the lights go out (for more than 1 min). In the morning the unit goes back into Automatic mode. This is huge if you appreciate how quiet the unit is. You can set the Winix to Automatic mode and not touch it until your next filter cleaning. If you wish to use the Sleep mode on the Renpho you will need to push the Speed button to cycle through the speed options back to Sleep - and then again in the morning cycle back to Auto. In reality you maybe better covering the lights with black tape and leaving it in Auto or just leave it in Sleep mode permanently.
REMOTE
Winix has one, Renpho not - for my needs this is a non-issue.
CHILD LOCK
Renpho has one, Winix does not - this is a great feature if young kids are around!
APPEARANCE
Personally I think the Winix looks clean, modern, and the black color blends well into a corner near furniture. The Renpho AP002 like the Renpho AP001 have their signature funky look which is fine but not as refined. It's an air purifier, so who cares, but it is also a visible piece of equipment in your home.
For us the Winix seems more appropriate for a bedroom, the Renpho for a living room. Winix higher cost of ownership justified by the features and sound levels, Renpho for lower ownership cost.
If the Renpho unit was QUIETER (ahem - hint hint Renpho) then I would just go that route - save on upfront and ownership cost.
SIMILAR MODELS
The Winix 5300-2 and Winix 5500-2 are the exact same physical unit in different colors with different filters. The 5300 is gray, the 5500 is black. Only the 5500 has a remote. The 5500 has their "advanced" AOC Washable Active Carbon filter, while the 5300 has a disposable active carbon. The 5300 Hepa filter is slightly thicker (good) and you get 4 disposable filters with each replacement. If you buy the 5500 and don't like the washable filter it comes with you can buy the 5300 replacement pack and use them instead. For $23 more we went with the Winix 5500-2 to test the AOC filter, and for the black aesthetic. Currently you can get the 5300-2 for $129 (Amazon) and when I purchased the Winix 5500-2 for $152 (now listed at $159 on Amazon).
The Renpho AP001 (often found as RP-AP001 or AP-001) and Renpho AP002 are very similar products, both using the exact same filters, having different aesthetic designs, and with the AP002 having more airflow (for supposedly the same sound levels) and covering 30 sqr/ft more space. The AP001 has a dedicated Sleep button while the AP002 Sleep mode is the first option on the Speed cycle button - more daily button work for you. Currently the AP001 sells for $99 (Renpho direct) while the AP002 for $137 (Amazon). I bought the AP002 thinking the newer model maybe more quiet than advertised. If we get another Renpho it will be the AP001 for $37 bucks less.
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter Medium
4.7
| 39,139 ratingsPrice: 179
Last update: 12-07-2024
About this item
True-HEPA filter captures 99. 97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as small as 0. 3 microns.
Washable AOC Carbon Filter, made from activated carbon granulars for removal of household odors.
PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants - with no harmful ozone.
Smart Sensors gauge the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed; with a sleep mode for silent night-time operation.
CADR rated for 360 sq. ft. room size. Suitable for medium and large rooms; kids bedrooms, family rooms and kitchens.
Washable AOC Carbon Filter, made from activated carbon granulars for removal of household odors.
PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants - with no harmful ozone.
Smart Sensors gauge the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed; with a sleep mode for silent night-time operation.
CADR rated for 360 sq. ft. room size. Suitable for medium and large rooms; kids bedrooms, family rooms and kitchens.
Product information
Color | Charcoal Gray |
---|---|
Brand | Winix |
Product Dimensions | 8.2"D x 14.9"W x 23.6"H |
Floor Area | 360 Square Feet |
Specification Met | UL Certified, AHAM Certified, Energy Star Certified, CARB Certified |
Noise Level | 27.8 dB |
Particle Retention Size | 0.01 Micron |
Controller Type | Hand Control |
Wattage | 70 watts |
Global Trade Identification Number | 08809154399167 |
Manufacturer | Winix |
Item Weight | 14.74 pounds |
ASIN | B01D8DAYII |
Country of Origin | Korea, Republic of |
Item model number | 5500-2 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
39,139 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,349 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #12 in HEPA Filter Air Purifiers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Care instructions | Change filters every 12 months |
Assembly required | No |
Number of pieces | 1 |
Warranty Description | Two year limited mfg. Warranty. |
Batteries required | No |
Included Components | unit and filters |
Import | Imported |