Winix 5510 vs 5520: Same Specs, One Better Buy (2026)

Disclosure: CleanAirAdviser participates in the Amazon Associates Program. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We did not physically test these units. This comparison uses Winix documentation, independent test data, current retailer listings, and owner discussions. Read how we review products.

Winix 5510 vs 5520: side-by-side comparison

Feature	Winix 5510	Winix 5520	Winner
AHAM verified room size	392 sq ft at 4.8 ACH	392 sq ft at 4.8 ACH	Tie
Official CADR, dust / pollen / smoke	252 / 247 / 253 CFM	252 / 247 / 253 CFM	Tie
HouseFresh PM1 result at top speed	PM1 zero in 24 min, about 249 CFM	PM1 zero in 24 min, about 249 CFM	Tie
HouseFresh sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR	125 CFM	106 CFM	5510
Filtration	Pre-filter, AOC carbon, True HEPA, PlasmaWave	Same	Tie
Replacement filter	Filter Q, 1712-0123-00	Same Filter Q	Tie
Dimensions	13.59 x 8.27 x 22.17 in	Same	Tie
Weight	13.3 lb	13.3 lb	Tie
Rated power	65 W	65 W	Tie
Maximum measured power	53.94 W with PlasmaWave	55.60 W with PlasmaWave	5510
Top-speed measured noise	67.2 dBA	64.9 dBA	5520, slightly
Quiet-speed efficiency	Stronger below 45 dBA	Weaker below 45 dBA	5510
WiFi and app	Winix Smart	Winix Smart	Tie
PlasmaWave	Included and switchable	Included and switchable	Tie
Front grille	Vertical slats	Square pattern	Personal choice
Warranty	Two years	Two years	Tie

Quick interpretation: do not choose between these models by CADR, room coverage, filter type, or smart features. Those are the same. Compare the current price, grille design, and the quieter-speed test result.

Are the Winix 5510 and 5520 really the same machine?

Winix’s documentation gives a unusually direct answer. The company publishes one user manual for both model numbers. That manual lists a shared set of specifications: 13.59 inches wide, 8.27 inches deep, 22.17 inches tall, 13.3 pounds, 65 watts, Filter Q, and a 392-square-foot verified room size. A note in the manual says the product exterior may differ by model, but performance is the same.

The official 5520 product page lists 252 CFM for dust, 247 CFM for pollen, and 253 CFM for smoke. Winix uses the same CADR set for the 5510. Both provide 4.8 air changes per hour in a 392-square-foot room with an eight-foot ceiling.

This corrects a common weakness in comparison pages. Some articles assign different dimensions, airflow, or room sizes to the two models. The shared manual does not support those differences. When a retailer title says either unit cleans 1,882 square feet, that means one air change in an hour. For repeated particle control, the 392-square-foot AHAM figure is the practical number.

The three differences that can affect your decision

1. Front grille design

The 5510 has a cleaner vertical-slat grille. The 5520 uses a denser square or waffle pattern. This is the most obvious physical difference and the main reason both model numbers exist.

The choice is mostly visual, but cleaning may be a small practical factor. In a recent r/AirPurifiers discussion, one owner recommended the striped version because its grille is easier to wipe. That is an individual experience, not a controlled comparison, but the reasoning makes sense: straight channels give dust fewer corners to collect in. If you expect a lot of pet hair or greasy kitchen dust, the 5510 front may take less patience to clean.

2. Quiet-speed performance

At full speed, HouseFresh found no meaningful difference. Both units brought PM1 to zero in 24 minutes in the same 728-cubic-foot test room, and both produced an estimated PM1 CADR of about 249 CFM.

The gap appeared when sound was limited. HouseFresh estimated 125 CFM for the 5510 below 45 dBA and 106 CFM for the 5520. The 5510 cleared the room in 47 minutes at 40.8 dBA on speed two. The 5520’s only tested setting below 45 dBA was speed one at 40.4 dBA, and it needed 55 minutes.

That does not prove every 5510 will outperform every 5520. Two retail samples can vary, and the fan-speed steps are not identical. It does show that the 5510 sample offered a better balance of sound and airflow. Since most people do not run a purifier on Turbo all day, this is the strongest evidence-based reason to prefer the 5510.

3. Measured electricity use

The shared manual rates both at 65 watts, which is a maximum design specification. HouseFresh’s meter recorded slightly different real use. At top speed with PlasmaWave on, the 5510 drew 53.94 watts and the 5520 drew 55.60 watts. Standby was 0.65 watts for the 5510 and 1.14 watts for the 5520.

The dollar difference will be small in a normal household. Your local electricity rate and fan schedule matter far more. Still, the 5510 was consistently the lower-use sample, so the 5520 offers no efficiency reason to pay more.

Particle removal and room size

A smoke CADR of 253 CFM puts both models in the same useful midrange class. At 4.8 air changes per hour, Winix verifies 392 square feet. HouseFresh uses a five-ACH target and recommends about 372 to 373 square feet based on its independent estimate.

• Up to 250 sq ft: generous capacity, with more opportunity to stay on quieter speeds.
• 250 to 375 sq ft: the best fit for everyday dust, pollen, dander, and smoke-particle control.
• 375 to 500 sq ft: workable when you accept more high-speed operation.
• Above 500 sq ft: choose a higher-CADR machine or use two purifiers placed apart.

Top speed is loud on both. HouseFresh measured 67.2 dBA for the 5510 and 64.9 dBA for the 5520. The 5520 technically wins that row, but neither result is quiet. If you need rapid cleanup after frying food, vacuuming, or opening a smoky door, either can move a lot of air for a short period. For a bedroom or office, the 5510’s stronger output around 41 dBA is more relevant.

Filters and odor control

Both models use the same four-stage arrangement:

1. A removable fine-mesh pre-filter for hair, lint, and larger debris.
2. A separate AOC carbon filter with carbon pellets for routine gases and odors.
3. A True HEPA particle filter.
4. Optional PlasmaWave bipolar ionization.

The carbon and HEPA layers are physically separate, and HouseFresh says Winix confirmed 226 grams of carbon in the 5510. Genuine Filter Q is sold as one complete HEPA-plus-carbon set, and Winix recommends replacing both main filters together at about 12 months or when the indicator calls for replacement. Both models share Filter Q, SKU 1712-0123-00, so replacement cost and availability do not distinguish them.

Winix estimates approximately 12 months for the HEPA and AOC carbon filters, while noting that the interval varies by environment. The latest manual says to inspect the permanent pre-filter every 14 days and also describes cleaning every one to two months as optimal, depending on the room. It can be vacuumed or rinsed without detergent, then left to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstallation. For exact compatibility, current OEM pricing, and reset instructions, read our Winix 5510 and 5520 Filter Q guide.

PlasmaWave and ozone: same controls on both

Both models include Winix PlasmaWave, a bipolar ionization feature. It has a dedicated button, so you can switch it off while the purifier continues to use the fan, pre-filter, carbon filter, and HEPA filter.

Winix’s manual says both units comply with the maximum allowable ozone concentration of 0.050 parts per million over a 24-hour period. The current 5520 product page reports an eight-hour time-weighted average of 0.22 parts per billion in a 30-cubic-meter chamber. Those statements are not the same as saying the ionizer produces zero ozone.

If you prefer mechanical filtration only, press the PlasmaWave button and confirm its indicator is off. The manual says Sleep Mode disables PlasmaWave automatically, although you can turn it back on. This behavior is the same on the 5510 and 5520, so it does not create a reason to choose one model.

Sensors, Auto Mode, and the Winix Smart app

The control panels and smart functions are effectively identical. Both connect to the Winix Smart app for remote control, filter tracking, and air-quality monitoring. Both have an air-quality indicator, Auto Mode, a light sensor, and automatic Sleep Mode.

The manual says the smart sensor needs about four minutes after startup before normal detection begins. In Auto Mode, the fan moves between low, medium, and high according to the detected air quality. When Sleep Mode activates, the indicator light turns off and the fan drops below low speed.

HouseFresh found the app clean and easy to use but less feature-rich than apps from Levoit and Xiaomi. That assessment applies to both models. If app schedules and remote control do not interest you, you can still operate either purifier entirely from its physical buttons.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the Winix 5510 if:

• The two models cost the same or nearly the same.
• You plan to run the purifier beside a bed, desk, or television.
• You want the stronger tested clean-air output below 45 dBA.
• You prefer straight grille slats that may be easier to wipe.
• You want the slightly lower measured power draw.

Choose the Winix 5520 if:

• Its total checkout price is meaningfully lower from a reputable seller.
• You prefer the square-pattern front grille.
• You expect to use Turbo for short cleanups and value its slightly lower measured maximum noise.
• The 5510 is unavailable while the 5520 is in stock.

Do not pay extra for the 5520 because a listing calls it a larger-room model. The official manual gives both the same 392-square-foot verified area and the same physical specifications. Also do not buy the 5510 expecting a major difference in top-speed cleaning. HouseFresh measured the same 24-minute result.

Before you order: a 60-second buying checklist

1. Compare the final checkout prices. A coupon on one listing can change the winner. Include delivery cost rather than comparing the headline price alone.
2. Confirm the model number. The listing title, product images, and cart should all say 5510 or 5520. Do not confuse either with the discontinued 5500-2 or the white 5530.
3. Check what is in the box. A new unit should include the pre-filter, AOC carbon filter, True HEPA filter, manual, and WiFi setup guide. The filters may arrive sealed in plastic inside the machine.
4. Look at the seller and return terms. These can matter more than a small price gap if the purifier arrives damaged or develops fan noise during the initial return window.
5. Budget for Filter Q. Both models have the same replacement cost, so a cheap purifier price does not create a long-term filter advantage. Avoid listings that imply Filter H fits these models.
6. Choose a realistic location. Winix instructs users to leave 12 to 18 inches around the unit. A purifier squeezed behind a sofa cannot circulate air as effectively, regardless of its CADR.

When the unit arrives, remove every filter from its protective bag, reinstall the layers in the order shown in the manual, and close the front panel securely. Let the smart sensor complete its startup cycle before judging Auto Mode. If you do not want ionization, switch PlasmaWave off and verify the indicator. These steps apply equally to the 5510 and 5520.

When neither model is the best fit

If your main goal is quiet bedroom operation, the Levoit Vital 200S matched the Winix units’ top-speed test performance while HouseFresh measured 57.7 dBA at maximum, much lower than either Winix sample. It has no ionizer and a better-developed app, but its particle and carbon layers are bonded together.

If you already own a Winix 5500-2, do not assume either new model is an upgrade. The older purifier uses a different, larger Filter H set and includes a remote. Our Winix 5510 vs 5500-2 comparison explains why keeping a working 5500-2 often makes more sense. For a full look at one of the current models, see our Winix 5510 review.

winix 5510 vs 5520: final decision

Use this winix 5510 vs 5520 guide to match the option to your room, usage, and maintenance needs.

A sound winix 5510 vs 5520 decision accounts for real-world fit, ongoing costs, and the limits of the product category.

When comparing choices, keep this winix 5510 vs 5520 goal in view rather than relying on a single headline claim.

This winix 5510 vs 5520 guide is designed to support a practical choice, not replace source control or the manufacturer instructions that apply to your model.

The Winix 5510 vs 5520 are the same air purifier in the ways that matter most. They share the same verified room size, CADR figures, dimensions, power rating, Filter Q replacement set, controls, sensor system, WiFi app, and optional PlasmaWave feature. Winix even puts both models in one manual and states that the exterior design may differ while performance is the same.

So why do two model numbers exist? The visible difference is the front grille. The 5510 uses vertical slats, while the 5520 uses a square-pattern grille. Independent testing found equal top-speed particle removal, but the 5510 delivered more clean air at a quieter setting and used slightly less electricity.

Bottom line: buy the 5510 when the prices are close. Buy the 5520 only when it is cheaper or you strongly prefer its grille. There is no performance reason to pay a premium for the 5520.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the Winix 5510 and 5520?

The front grille design is the main official difference. The 5510 has vertical slats and the 5520 has a square pattern. Winix gives them the same dimensions, filter, power rating, room size, and performance specifications.

Do the Winix 5510 and 5520 use the same filter?

Yes. Both use Winix Filter Q, SKU 1712-0123-00. It contains the True HEPA and AOC carbon replacement layers. It is not the same as Filter H used by the older Winix 5500-2.

Is the Winix 5520 more powerful than the 5510?

No. Their official CADR values are the same, and HouseFresh measured both at about 249 CFM with an identical 24-minute PM1 clearance result. The 5510 performed better in HouseFresh’s quieter-speed comparison.

Which model is quieter?

The answer depends on the setting. HouseFresh measured the 5520 slightly lower at maximum speed, 64.9 versus 67.2 dBA. Around 41 dBA, however, the 5510 delivered more clean air and cleared the test room faster.

Can PlasmaWave be turned off?

Yes. Both models have a PlasmaWave button that enables or disables the ionizer while mechanical filtration continues. Sleep Mode disables PlasmaWave automatically unless you turn it back on.

Which is better for pets?

Performance and filters are the same, so neither has a meaningful pet advantage. Both have a removable pre-filter for hair and an AOC carbon layer for routine odors. Choose by price and clean the pre-filter regularly. See more options in our best air purifiers for pets guide.

Sources and research notes

• Winix America: Winix 5510 official product page and Winix 5520 official product page. Product claims, features, CADR, room size, certifications, and current manufacturer pricing.
• Winix America: shared Winix 5510 and 5520 user manual. Dimensions, rated power, Filter Q, controls, maintenance, warranty, PlasmaWave operation, and Winix’s statement that exterior design may differ while performance is the same.
• ENERGY STAR: shared 5510/5520 certification record. Certified room size, CADR, energy, network, filter, and ozone data.
• HouseFresh: Winix 5510 independent review and Winix 5520 independent review. Purchased units tested in the same room for particle removal, noise, energy use, and quiet-speed performance.
• Reddit r/AirPurifiers: owner discussion about the 5510 and 5520 differences. Used to identify shopping questions and cleaning concerns, not as controlled performance evidence.
• Amazon: Winix 5510 listing and Winix 5520 listing. Used for current availability and merchant details. Prices were not treated as permanent facts.

Research completed August 13, 2026. We will update this comparison if Winix changes specifications, Filter Q compatibility, firmware behavior, or warranty terms.