Winix 5520 review

Jul 23, 2026Mar 20, 2026 by Danny Ashton

The Winix 5520 was released alongside the 5510 around the same time the highly popular Winix 5500-2 was discontinued.

But can this new model deliver the same powerful air cleaning performance as its predecessor? And is it better or worse than the Winix 5510? I bought a 5520 with my own money, so that I could put it through all the tests we perform here at HouseFresh in order to find out.

The overall score for the Winix 5520 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for ‘Winix 5520’ to see where it ranks, based on its air cleaning performance and value for money. You can also filter results to easily compare models in the same price range.

The pros and cons of the Winix 5520

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The Winix 5520 is the predecessor to the highly popular Winix 5500-2, but it comes in a smaller and better looking package. It has smart features and app support, and the running costs are fair, too.

Air cleaning performance is very good and matches what we saw with the Winix 5510 – but only when running at top speed.”

Danny Ashton HouseFresh — Danny Ashton
HouseFresh Founder
& Lead Tester

CONS

It only has one fan speed below 45 decibels (speed 1) and its performance is weak (106 cfm) compared to the sub-45 dBA performance of the Winix 5510.

The Winix Smart app is quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit, Xiaomi and Philips.

It comes with a gas sensor rather than a particle sensor, so it will respond to VOCs in the air but not to particulate matter.

PROS

It offers solid performance at top speed, matching what we saw with the Winix 5510 and the Levoit Vital 200S.

It has a smaller body than the Winix 5500-2, so it will fit in tighter spaces.

The filter replacements are fairly priced ($79.99) and can last up to 12 months.

You get app support via the Winix app, which has a clean UX and is easy to use.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 106 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 40.4 dBA Speed 2: 45.8 dBA Speed 3: 50.9 dBA Speed 4: 64.9 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.14 watts Sleep mode: 3.49 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 6.89 watts (7.13 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 10.63 watts (10.92 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 16.77 watts (16.75 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 55.31 watts (55.6 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	Thailand

Filtration technology

Three separate filters for particle and VOC filtration.

The Winix 5520 offers three layers of filtration: a pre-filter for larger particles, a True HEPA filter for small particles, and a pelleted activated carbon filter for gases and odors.

The pre-filter is removable, making it easier to vacuum and clean to remove pet hair, fluff, and large dust particles that accumulate before they block airflow.

As with other Winix air purifiers, the 5520 comes with PlasmaWave, Winix’s trademarked bipolar ionization technology. This feature is meant to supercharge air cleaning performance by releasing electrical charges that make particles easier to remove from the air.

The bipolar ionization process may introduce new chemicals into the air, such as ozone. Winix makes this feature optional, so you can simply deactivate PlasmaWave by pressing the P button if you don’t want to use it.

Design, controls and app features

A stylish, medium-sized air purifier with app support.

I know looks are subjective, but I really like the look of the 5520, with its black design and patterned cover.

It’s smaller than the older Winix 5500-2, standing at 22.17 inches (56.31 cm) and weighing 13.3 lb (6 kg).

The controls are simple: a power button, a speed button (including Sleep and Auto Modes), and a button to engage PlasmaWave.

You don’t get a child lock or a timer button, which are common features you will find in other mid-sized air purifiers.

It has a gas sensor that informs the air quality indicator light at the front, which changes from Blue (good) to Amber (poor) to Red (bad).

It also has a light sensor at the top, which will react to changes in ambient light, switching the air purifier to low-light in the dark.

You can connect the 5520 to your smartphone via the Winix Smart app, which is available on both iPhone and Android.

The app has a clean design and a good UX, with no major issues. It lets you adjust fan speeds remotely from your phone, monitor filter life, and track air quality data from the sensor.

After using other apps from different manufacturers, I found the Winix Smart app pretty bare – it misses features that are common in apps from brands like Xiaomi and Levoit.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Winix 5520 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 5520 needed 24 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 249 cfm.

This makes the Winix 5520 powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in medium-sized rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

As you can see from the chart, the 5520 matched the top speed performance of its sibling (5510), the popular Levoit Vital 200S, and the pricier Coway Airmega 250S:

Winix 5520 HouseFresh Particle Removal Chart

This is a good result for a medium-sized air purifier in the sub-$200 price range.

BUT, as I always say, air purifiers running at full power are usually too loud for everyday use, so we must account for noise levels…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Winix 5520 range from 40.4 dBA to 64.9 dBA — which is louder than other mid-sized air purifiers from Levoit, Coway and Blueair.

I used our BAFX sound meter to measure how much sound the 5520 generates at each of its fan speeds at 3 ft away:

Reaching 64.9 dBA at top speed, the 5520 is one of the loudest mid-sized air purifiers on the chart, second only to the Winix 5510 and its 67.2 dBA when running at full power.

Running at speed 1, the 5520 reached 40.4 dBA and completed our particle removal test in 55 minutes. This is the only fan speed under the 45 dBA limit we set for quiet performance tests.

I repeated the test with the 5520 running at speed 2, and it cleared our test room in 44 minutes while generating 45.8 dBA of noise. That is not much louder than our 45 dBA limit, so if you don’t mind the extra noise, you could have the 5520 running at speed 2, and it would clean the air five times per hour in spaces up to 200 sq. ft.

Long-term running costs

Running a Winix 5520 will cost you $146.51 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the 5520 pulls at each fan speed and while on standby.

Winix 5520 Energy Consumption HouseFresh

At top speed, the Winix 5520 draws 55.31 watts, so if you were to leave it running at full power 24/7 for a year, it would add $66.52 to your energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price as of March 2026.

However, electricity consumption is not the only long-term cost you should budget for when buying an air purifier… The biggest expense tends to be the filter replacements.

According to Winix, you need to change the filter in your 5520 every 12 months. The set with one True HEPA and one carbon filter costs $79.99, so you can expect to spend that much each year on filter replacements alone.

When we add this to energy costs, we can work out that it will cost you $146.51 to run a 5520 for a year. Let’s compare it with other models:

Because the 5520 is a tiny bit more power-hungry than the Winix 5510, you can expect to spend more each year on running costs, even though both units use the same filter replacements.

Bottom line: Should you get a Winix 5520?

Our data showed that the 5520 offers performance comparable to that of its sibling, the Winix 5510, BUT it comes with a higher price tag and a more power-hungry fan motor.

The 5520 is a solid mid-sized air purifier with similar particle removal performance to that of many popular models in the segment, such as the Levoit Vital 200S, the Smart Air SA600, and even the more expensive Coway Airmega 250S.

Considering its affordable price at $189.99, this makes it a good choice for those looking for a good performing air purifier for rooms up to 373 sq. ft. that also comes with app support, an onboard air quality sensor, and auto mode.

That said, it’s hard to recommend it over the Winix 5510…

Both devices look nearly identical, offer the exact same features and share the same Winix filters:

However, when it comes to air filtration, you will get better performance from the 5510 at quiet fan speeds. Plus, the 5510 costs less to buy and run, because the 5520 has a slightly higher price tag and consumes more electricity.

You will save some money upfront and in the long run with the 5510:

That is why I wouldn’t recommend buying the 5520 over the 5510 unless you really like its front cover design – that is the main design difference between the two.

If you’re looking for a cheap air purifier to help with dust, mold, or pollen allergies, I suggest checking out the AirFanta 3Pro. For $165, you’ll get better particle removal performance in rooms as large as 529 sq. ft., thanks to a higher CADR of 353 cfm (vs the 249 cfm in the 5520). The downsides are that the $165 version doesn’t come with carbon (which you won’t need if you’re trying to tackle dust, mold, and pollen), and that the 3Pro is a PC fan-powered unit without a fancy touchscreen display or onboard sensors you’ll find in a traditional air purifier.

BUT if you like the look of the 5520 and are happy to pay the $189.99 price tag, then you will be buying a good air purifier with smart features that will help remove both particles and odors from the air.

If you decide to get yourself a 5520, please use this link to help support the work we do at HouseFresh. When you buy through that link, we will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We don’t run any ads and have no partnerships with air purifier brands, so we rely on those small commissions to continue buying and testing air quality products.

And if you’re still unsure, you can try using our air purifier comparison tool to see how the Winix 5520 stacks up against units with similar prices:

If you have any questions about the 5520 or about Winix air purifiers in general, please drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you personally as soon as I can.

Winix 5510 review

Oct 25, 2026Feb 20, 2026 by Danny Ashton

The Winix 5510 is the much-anticipated successor to the incredibly popular Winix 5500-2, which has been one of my most recommended air purifiers since I first tested it back in 2023.

We received MANY requests to review the 5510, so I’m happy to share the results of our tests with you today.

I paid $459.65 in total, including import fees and shipping, to get the Winix 5510 delivered to me in the UK, based on a list price of $249.99. However, as of May 2025, you can find the 5510 on Amazon for $179.99 and on the Winix America store for $199.99.

The overall score for the 5510 incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for ‘Winix 5510’ to see where it ranks, based on its air cleaning performance and value for money. You can also filter results to easily compare models in the same price range.

The pros and cons of the Winix 5510

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

“The 5510 looks good, doesn’t take up too much space, and can clean the air as fast as the Levoit Vital 200S, the Philips 3200 Series and the Smart Air SA600.

So if you’re looking for a mid-sized air purifier that offers excellent air cleaning performance and you value smart features with app support, then the 5510 is definitely worth your consideration.”

CONS

The 5510 is louder at top speed than similarly-sized air purifiers from Winix and other brands.

Its air cleaning performance drops when running at sub-45 dBA fan speeds.

The app is still quite bare and lacks features you see in apps from Levoit and Xiaomi, but this is expected as it’s very new for Winix.

PROS

It has a better-looking design compared to every other rectangular Winix device I’ve tested.

When running at top speed, its air cleaning performance is on par with the SA600, the 5500-2 and the Rabbit Air A3.

The Winix app is intuitive and has no annoying ads like the ones we see in other apps.

Its body is compact and has a smaller footprint compared to the older Winix 5500-2.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 248 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 125 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 252 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	True HEPA filter with pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	372 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.9 x 11 x 25.2 in (40.3 x 27.9 x 64 cm)
Weight:	13.03 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.2 dBA Speed 1: 36.8 dBA Speed 2: 40.8 dBA Speed 3: 51.6 dBA Speed 4: 67.2 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.65 watts Sleep mode: 3.51 watts (3.77 with PlasmaWave) Speed 1: 4.59 watts (4.87 with PlasmaWave) Speed 2: 6.58 watts (6.89 with PlasmaWave) Speed 3: 15.68 watts (15.98 with PlasmaWave) Speed 4: 52.62 watts (53.94 with PlasmaWave)
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	South Korea
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

Design, controls and app features

A good-looking air purifier with smart features and app connectivity

The body of the 5510 is smaller than that of the now-discontinued 5500-2 and other mid-sized Winix air purifiers.

After reviewing the T810 and now the 5510, it has become obvious to me at this point that Winix is focusing heavily on the aesthetics of their devices with their new generation of air purifiers.

It has a gas sensor that triggers auto mode and a light sensor that puts it to sleep mode when detecting darkness.

The control panel is intuitive and easy to navigate. You also get an air quality indicator in the form of an LED light that changes color (from blue to red) depending on the quality of your air.

You can connect it to your smartphone via the Winix app, which is available on both iPhone and Android.

The app has a clean UX, works well, and allows you to control the 5510 remotely from your phone. It’s bare-bones compared to other air purifier apps, but it does the job without any issues.

Filtration technology

True HEPA filtration with activated carbon and optional bipolar ionization via PlasmaWave.

The 5510 comes with three separate mechanical filtration layers: a removable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA particle filter.

This means that once the carbon runs out (and starts getting smelly), you can just take it out and keep using the True HEPA filter till you can replace the carbon.

I reached out to Winix for more information and they confirmed that the 5510 comes with 226 grams of carbon – same as the older 5500-2.

As with other Winix devices, the 5510 comes with PlasmaWave, a bipolar ionization process that electrostatically charges particles, making them easier to remove. You can disable it if you prefer to avoid ionizers.

The 5510 uses a different type of filter set, Filter Q — 1712*0123-00, which works with the 5510 and 5520 models but is too small for the 5500-2, the 5300-2 and other older rectangular Winix devices.

Winix 5510 VS 5500 2 Filters — The filters in the Winix 5510 (left) are smaller than those in the Winix 5500-2 (right)

Air cleaning performance

We tested the 5510 in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

First, we tested the Winix 5510 running at top speed with PlasmaWave enabled. According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, the 5510 needed 24 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room, which matches what we expected based on its CADR report:

Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, I estimate a top speed PM1 CADR of 249 cfm. This is powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 373 sq. ft.

Winix 5510 HouseFresh Performance Data scaled

As you can see from the table, the 5510 compares very well against some of the best mid-sized devices we have tested when looking at raw performance at top speed, but considering it is a new model, I was hoping it would be at least a little quicker than the older 5500-2.

our air cleaning tests in isolation won’t tell us the full story…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Winix 5510 range from 35.2 dBA to 67.2 dBA — considerably quieter than every single large air purifier we have benchmarked it again.

The reality is that if an air purifier is too loud, then someone will turn it off eventually.

That is why I used my sound meter to measure how much noise the Winix 5510 generates from 3 ft. away at each of its fan speeds, including sleep mode:

Be aware that our background noise is 35 dBA, so the 5510 running at speed one (1) and in sleep mode is likely to be quieter if you could measure sound levels in a silent room.

When running at top speed, it reached 67.2 dBA, which is considerably louder than other air purifiers with a similar clean air delivery rate.

Winix 5510 HouseFresh Performance VS Sound Data scaled

At speed 2, it reached PM1 zero in 47 minutes while generating 40.8 dBA, which is under our 45 dBA limit for daily use.

Winix 5510 Quiet Performance Test HouseFresh

Long-term running costs

Running a Winix 5510 will cost you $141.20 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

At its top speed, the 5510 draws 53.84 watts. If you had to leave your 5510 running 24/7, it would cost $61.21 in energy costs for a year.

But let’s look at the other main factor affecting yearly running costs: filter replacements.

According to Winix, you can expect to change filters every 12 months, and you can buy a new filter set for $79.99, so you can expect to spend around $80 each year on filter replacements.

We can now combine energy and filter replacement costs with the list price to calculate how much you will spend on the first year of owning a Winix 5510, and compare this to what you’d pay with other similar performing air purifiers:

The 5510 has a list price of $179.99, but you could find it as low as $149.99 during Prime Day or Black Friday:

Bottom line: Should you get the Winix 5510?

Now that the Winix 5500-2 has been discontinued, the 5510 is the best next thing from Winix.

I hate to say this, but the Winix 5510 offers less powerful air cleaning performance at louder operation than older mid-sized Winix models. Sadly, I can’t recommend the 5500-2 or the 5300-2 anymore, as they have both been discontinued.

But does this mean that the 5510 is a bad investment? Well… not really.

In our air-cleaning performance tests, the Winix 5510 running at top speed is just 1 minute slower than the older 5500-2. And this level of power comes in a much more compact body and smaller filters, which explains why it is louder, as the fan has to work harder.

Plus, the 5510 looks more high-end than the 5500-2 and the 5300-2 AND it comes with smartphone connectivity through the Winix app, which has a good UX and no annoying bugs. So you get some good features that you wouldn’t get access to with the older models.

However, if you are sensitive to sound and prefer to run your air purifier at low, quiet fan speeds, then I suggest you look into the Winix T810. The T810 offers similar performance at top speed to the 5510, but you will get better air cleaning power at quiet fan speeds. Plus, it also comes with smartphone connectivity through the Winix app.

If you are a big fan of app support but are not too bothered about getting a Winix device, then I recommend looking into air purifiers from brands like Levoit and Xiaomi, as their apps are much more polished and feature-rich.

Devices like the Levoit Vital 200S or the Xiaomi Pro 4 will offer air-cleaning performance similar to that of the 5510.

And if you are in the UK or Europe and like what the 5510 has to offer, you’ll be disappointed to hear it’s not available in your region yet.

Two good comparable models would be the Philips 3200 Series (for those who want a smart unit) and the Smart Air SA600 (for those who don’t want smart features).

If you decide to buy a 5510, please make sure to use this link to support the work we do here at HouseFresh. We will get a small commission on the sale at no extra cost to you, and this will allow us to continue to buy and test air purifiers in the future.

Are you still unsure about whether the Winix 5510 is the right air purifier for you? Just drop me a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Or email me if you would rather discuss in private 🙂

Levoit Core 600S review

Aug 29, 2026Nov 9, 2025 by Danny Ashton

If you’ve been shopping around for a new air purifier, you will no doubt have come across Levoit.

Having emerged on the scene in 2017, they’ve become one of the most popular manufacturers on the market, with an array of air purifiers to suit different needs and budgets.

Levoit’s Core line has sold millions of units thanks to impressive performance at affordable prices. The Core 600S is the largest and most powerful unit in the range, with a particle and gas filter capable of providing five air changes per hour in spaces up to 562 sq. ft.

I have been using my 600S at home since 2022. But after over a hundred air purifier tests, is it still a top contender all these years later?

The overall score for the Levoit Core 600S incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency, and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

Search for the 600S (or any other model you are researching) to see where it ranks:

The pros and cons of the Levoit Core 600S

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier, following our methodology.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

“The Core 600S is the biggest air purifier in Levoit’s Core range, with an estimated PM1 CADR at top speed of 375 cfm that matches the newer, fancier Levoit EverestAir. The main difference? The Core 600S costs less than $300.

I have been using my 600S since 2022 without any issues. In 2025, I re-tested everything about it and found that it still is a good option for those who want an air purifier with smart features and excellent raw air cleaning power at a low initial price.”

CONS

It’s loud at top speed (62 dBA) and, at speed 1, it makes an annoying whirring sound that might bother you if you’re sensitive.

The filter isn’t HEPA as initially advertised when I bought it in 2022. This won’t affect performance for most pollutants, but it’s not good.

Its air cleaning performance at quiet fan speeds lags behind more modern large air purifiers like the Coway Airmega ProX.

It has a bonded filter, so you’ll have to replace the entire thing when the carbon runs out, even if the particle filter has life in it.

PROS

The raw air cleaning performance at top speed (375 cfm) is fantastic for the price (less than $300).

It comes with a laser sensor that reacts quickly to airborne particles and doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly.

Despite its size, it remains lightweight and easy to move around thanks to its deep handles at each side of the unit.

The app’s customisable auto-modes are a game changer, letting you tailor its performance to your exact needs.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 398 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 37.9 dBA Speed 1: 44.4 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dBA Speed 4: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.3 watts Sleep: 4.33 watts Speed 1: 7.46 watts Speed 2: 10.7 watts Speed 3: 20.29 watts Speed 4: 48.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

Filtration technology

The Core 600S comes with a 3-in-1 cylindrical filter that captures particles and helps reduce mild odors.

The large cylindrical filter has three layers: an outer pre-filter mesh, a particle filter, and a layer of pelleted activated carbon on the inside.

Be aware that using a bonded filter means you will need to replace both the particle and carbon filters, even if only one needs replacing — usually the carbon, as it will likely fill sooner than the HEPA.

When it’s time to replace your filter, you can choose the standard filter or upgrade to the Pet Allergy, Smoke Remover, or Toxin Absorber.

The specialized filters all come packed with 360g of activated carbon instead of the 160g you get in the Standard filter.

When I bought my Core 600S in 2022, Levoit advertised it as a HEPA H13 filter. Today, you won’t have ‘H13’ mentioned anywhere. The change in marketing occurred in 2023, when Levoit discontinued HEPA claims for its products following a Better Business Bureau challenge brought by Dyson.

The bad news is that Levoit seems to have misrepresented the grade of their filters. The good news is that, HEPA or no HEPA, the particle filtration of the 600S is excellent.

Installing and replacing the filter on the Core 600S couldn’t be easier. Twist the body and slot in the filter with the tabs facing up. Check out our video below to see just how easy it is.

Design, controls and app features

A large cylindrical air purifier with smart functions that is lightweight and easy to move around the room.

It is the largest in the Levoit Core range, which includes the 200S, 300S, and 400S.

It weighs 13.7lbs (6.2 kg) but is easy to move around thanks to handles on each side.

It comes with Levoit’s Airsight Plus, which is a laser dust sensor on the side of the device.

It is quicker to react to PM2.5 particles than optical sensors, and doesn’t need to be cleaned every few weeks.

The LED ring on top changes color based on your air, from blue (very good) to red (bad).

Inside the ring, you get real-time PM2.5 particle readings in micrograms per cubic meter.

When I first tested the Core 600S back in 2022, the VeSync app worked well, but it was pretty simple compared to what it is now.

Levoit has clearly invested in its app in the last few years, and all improvements have been rolled out across old models. The most exciting change in my view is that I can now adjust the auto-mode settings on my old 600S 🙂

Standard auto-modes often cap the air purifier to a set speed threshold, which is usually below the top speed. This makes regular auto-modes less efficient, as they don’t reach top speed even when air pollution levels are high.

Now, Levoit allows you to customize your auto-mode, offering choices for Default, Quiet, Eco and Efficient. My preference is the efficient mode, as you can set the size of your room, and the air purifier will reach full speed to provide a full air change before returning to the default auto-mode.

I can also see the sensor and the Core 600S in my Home Assistant app, which is good news for those who want to integrate their air purifier with Home Assistant.

The warning covers 900 toxins and carcinogens that, if exposed to, can result in adverse health effects. The 1986 act now covers any goods sold in California, which has enforced labels on everything, from bread to Starbucks coffee.

Regarding the 600S, and air purifiers in general, the warning usually relates to the electrical components inside, with solder known to contain chromium and circuit boards often found to contain lead. These are trace amounts and won’t pose any danger through normal use. The Core 600S is FCC-compliant and CARB-certified, ensuring compliance with federal and California health and safety standards.

Air cleaning performance

We tested the Core 600S in our 728 cubic ft. test room, tracking how fast it removed all PM1 particles from the air after we filled the space with incense smoke.

When running at top speed, our PurpleAir Zen sensor shows that the 600S needed 16 minutes to reach PM1 zero. Based on the natural ventilation of our test room, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm.

This makes it powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in large rooms up to 562 sq. ft.

When we compare this against other similarly priced and similar performing air purifiers, you see what a good deal you get with a 600S:

The only cheaper model that matches the top speed performance of the Core 600S is the AirFanta 3Pro, with its four PC fans and four E11 filters that you can buy for less than $160.

We repeated our particle removal test three times across all available fan speeds, which allowed me to estimate PM1 CADR at each fan speed:

BUT air cleaning performance alone won’t tell us the full story…

Sound levels

The sound levels of the Core 600S range from 37.9 dBA to 62.3 dBA — considerably louder than popular large air purifiers like the Winix 9800 or the Levoit EverestAir.

Here’s the thing: if your air purifier is too loud, you will turn it off eventually. That is why we use a sound meter to measure how much noise in decibels the Core 600S generates at each fan speed from 3 ft. away:

But I know that sound can be subjective, so please have a listen for yourself:

The Core 600S runs loud, hitting 62.3 dBA at top speed.

Every other air purifier I’ve benchmarked it against is quieter than this, with the loudest one of the pack being the Xiaomi Elite (61.5 dBA).

Levoit Core 600S Performance VS Sound scaled

The 600S generates 44.4 dBA at speed 1, so I repeated the particle removal test at this speed, and it took 38 minutes to reach PM1 zero.

We estimate a PM1 CADR of 156 cfm, based on the natural ventilation of our test room.

Levoit Core 600S Performance VS Sound 45dB scaled

When we compare this to other similarly priced devices, you can see that the 600S offers generally low performance at low fan speeds compared to other large units — with the exception of the Blueair 211+, which took much longer to clean the air.

Long-term running costs

Running a Levoit Core 600S will cost you $173.30 per year, combining energy and filter replacement costs.

We used our energy meter to record how much electricity the 600S pulls at each fan speed and also while on standby.

At top speed, the Core 600S pulls 48.1 watts, so if you were to leave it running 24/7, it will add $53.32 to your yearly energy bill, based on the average U.S. electricity price as of September 2025.

When comparing against other similarly powered and similarly priced devices, it becomes clear that the 600S is one of the most energy efficient high CADR traditional air purifiers.

But let’s look at the other main factor affecting yearly running costs: filter replacements.

According to Levoit, you need to change the filter in your Core 600S every 6-12 months. As always, I will take the lowest estimate for my calculations here. The original standard 600S filter is available for $59.99. That means that you can expect to spend $119.98 each year on filter replacements alone.

We can add this to energy costs to work out the total yearly cost and compare it with the other devices I’m benchmarking the 600S against:

The Levoit Core 600S sits right in the middle of the comparison here — it isn’t the most expensive, but it’s also not the cheapest to run in the long term.

Bottom line: Should you get a Levoit Core 600S?

After re-testing everything about this air purifier, I can confidently say it still holds its own against newer models — especially given its price.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

I calculated how much money you can expect to pay on year 1 of owning a Core 600S and it goes to show how good a deal you get, considering its raw air cleaning power.

And this is based on the list price of $319.99, which is usually higher than what you can find the 600S selling for online.

Now, it doesn’t come without its downsides:

It is loud at top speed hitting 62 decibels.

Its only sub-45 dBA fan speed is speed 1 and at that speed it is not as powerful at cleaning the air.

It comes with a bonded filter so you will need to replace it once the carbon is full, which might happen sooner than the particle filter needs replacing.

But if you’re not too bothered about noise and are looking for a powerful unit under $300 that comes with smart features and smartphone connectivity, then the Levoit Core 600S is a solid choice.

I have mine running in a corner of the basement, as I don’t care about noise down there, it is a hardy unit and I can set automations so it only comes on when it detects particles in the air.

The big standout benefit and a big win for existing owners has been the investment that Levoit has made to the app. You now can adjust the way the Auto mode works, which was one of my main bug bears around auto-modes in general.

The fact that you can create automations using just the sensor’s information to switch it on the 600S is a game-changer. Whilst I am sure there are plenty of home automation enthusiasts out there that can do this type of thing, the fact that this works out of the box and is as simple as a few clicks is impressive.

Now, if sound is important to you and you don’t care about smart features, then you should definitely look into the PC fan kits like the AirFanta 3Pro or the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

And if you’re looking for a more traditional air purifier that is quieter than the 600S and does have an auto mode, then the Winix 9800 might be a better option.

However, for those who value app connectivity and raw air cleaning power at a low initial price, then the Levoit Core 600S is well worth considering.

If you decide you like this model and want to support the channel, be sure to use this affiliate link, or the buttons I included throughout this article. We will get a small commission at no extra cost to you that will allow me to continue to buy, test and review air quality products in the future.

Do you have another model in mind and would like to know how it compares to the Core 600S? Use our comparison tool or drop me a comment below and I’ll share my personalized advice as soon as I can.

AirFanta 3Pro review

Oct 21, 2026Sep 17, 2024 by Danny Ashton

If you like the idea of a Nukit Tempest but you worry about the process of building it yourself from scratch with multiple PC fans, parts and screws, then this device by AirFanta might be the perfect option for you.

The AirFanta 3Pro is a creation of Adam Wong, someone who is very active on social media platforms — you might recognize him by his handle: @Engineer_Wong. Wong started his journey developing air purifiers in 2022, right after China left the Covid Zero policy. His beginnings involved assembling Corsi-Rosenthal boxes for friends and family, powered by his engineering background. Over time, he started receiving CR box requests from the local Covid Cautious community. This led to him designing and developing a new kind of DIY box that could be assembled and disassembled easily.

As with all the air purifiers we tested, we paid for the AirFanta 3Pro with our own money to experience the entire customer journey, conduct various tests and write an honest (and unbiased) review. If you decide to buy an AirFanta 3Pro after clicking on a link from this review, you will be supporting our work, as we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The overall score for the AirFanta 3Pro incorporates first-hand data results from our battery of tests, as well as our ratings for customer service, brand transparency and design & UX. Check out the full scorecard below to see the split of categories.

The pros and cons of the AirFanta 3Pro

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

“This is the only high CADR air purifier that you can disassemble and bring along wherever you go inside a backpack or suitcase.

The AirFanta 3Pro blew me away with its air cleaning performance, which is powered by a smart CR box-inspired design and the choice of combining four low-resistance H11 filters with four PC fans.

The market for PC fan air purifiers is booming, and AirFanta has made its mark with a device you can buy for a fraction of the price of its competitors ($160).”

If you don’t want to read my full review, here are the six things we like about the AirFanta 3Pro and the three things we don’t.

CONS

It is louder (56.3 dBA) than other PC fan kits we have tested (>45 dBA) when running at full speed.

Unlike other PC fan kits, the 3Pro doesn’t use standard HVAC (MERV 13) filters — you have to use OEM filters.

Energy costs are similar to traditional HEPA devices when running at full speed.

PROS

The highly affordable price ($159.99).

Its incredible air cleaning performance — it took just 17 minutes to clean our test room, which is two minutes slower than the almighty Smart Air Blast Mini.

It is A LOT easier to put it together than a standard DIY PC fan air purifier kit.

It’s small in size, especially when compared to a Corsi-Rosenthal box.

It can be assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes.

When taken apart, the parts are small enough to fit inside a backpack or small suitcase.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	3.63 volts: 36.1 dB 4.19 volts: 36.9 dB 5.24 volts: 39.7 dB 6.54 volts: 43.3 dB 7.44 volts: 46.7 dB 8.56 volts: 49.1 dB 12.6 volts: 56.3 dB
Electricity consumption in watts :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

The best feature: it fits inside a carry-on bag

This is the only high-CADR air purifier you can bring with you wherever you go.

Adam Wong designed the AirFanta 3Pro to be not only highly powered but also portable. You will not find any other air purifier with a CADR above 400 that you will be able to fit inside a large backpack or small suitcase.

The AirFanta 3Pro from @Engineer_Wong is the only high CADR air purifier you can fit in a backpack 🎒 pic.twitter.com/AAM8663ESW
— HouseFresh (@ThisHouseFresh) July 31, 2024

The 3Pro can be disassembled and reassembled in just a few minutes, making it the best option for those looking for devices they can travel with.

You also get a long piece of cable management Velcro that you can use to wrap all the parts neatly once you have disassembled your AirFanta 3Pro:

My favorite part of that Velcro strip: makes it very easy to pick it up, place into luggage, and remove it from luggage as a single item: pic.twitter.com/9Z3bLhhQQw
— Ocean𓅃Ridge (@RidgeOcean) August 7, 2024

Filtration technology

Four HEPA 11 filters (with the option of activated carbon) with an expected life of 6-12 months. Wong stated that they can last a full nine months before they need to be replaced.

HEPA ONLY FILTERS HEPA + CARBON FILTERS

Unlike actual DIY air purifier kits, you won’t be able to simply pick up some HVAC filters for your AirFanta 3Pro, so you will need to buy the official AirFanta filters. You can choose between EPA 11 filters only or EPA 11 with activated carbon. We have both because we wanted to test the performance of the 3Pro with and without activated carbon.

When it comes to the particle 11 design, AirFanta states they developed a new pleating technology in order to produce powerful filters in such a small package. The 126×11.4“ particle filter material has been pleated eleven times into a much smaller 11.4×11.4×1″ area.

Whether you choose to go with the particle filter only or the particle+gas filter, you will find that AirFanta filters come with an aluminium cover on the outside that protects the air filter and serves as a (sort of) pre-filter for large dust particles.

For those needing to tackle odors and gases, the best option is the carbon filter. It is a bonded filter (similar to those we see in Levoit devices) that combines a 15mm thick HEPA 11 filter with a 10mm layer of activated carbon.

We are currently working on our written review of @Engineer_Wong’s AirFanta 3Pro, including new air cleaning performance data using HEPA + Carbon filters 🤓 pic.twitter.com/vYrDG3eGAm
— HouseFresh (@ThisHouseFresh) September 5, 2024

Tip

Remember to remove the filters from the plastic bag they come in before you switch on your AirFanta 3Pro.

Design and controls

The 3Pro is a small and light with a design inspired by the Corsi-Rosenthal box.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

The AirFanta 3Pro is basically a box with a base at the bottom, one filter at each side and a fan array on top — much like the design of the Corsi-Rosenthal box.

The thing with the AirFanta 3Pro is that it is A LOT smaller than a CR box and that other PC fan kits using large HVAC filters:

Now, while this is not a DIY kit like the Nukit Tempest or the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7, you still need to put the AirFanta 3Pro together, but it’s a lot easier to do compared to the Tempest and the Luggable.

You just need to put the four filters in place on the sides of the base, which are clearly marked.

Once the four filters are in place at each side, you just need to clip the fan array on top.

As I mentioned briefly above, the AirFanta 3Pro has been designed to be cheap and portable: when you take it apart, you will be able to fit it neatly inside a standard carry-on bag. It even fits snuggly inside Gisele’s Osprey Proxima backpack:

In terms of controls, the AirFanta 3Pro comes with a 110-220v AC to 3-12v stepless DC power adapter which will allow you to control the speed of the fans and the noise output.

AirFanta recently launched a new edition of the 3Pro, which is certified by CARB and is the only option if you live in California.

This new edition has an independent speed controller that allows you to control the speed even when it is connected to a power bank of 12v/3A (or higher current) DC 5.5mm x 2.1 mm port.

Something that I really appreciate about AirFanta and Adam Wong is how committed they are to keep improving their devices based on customer feedback.

A few days after we ordered our 3Pro, I saw a tweet from Wong in which he announced the introduction of a handy Velcro strap in response to an idea from @ParentMishmash:

Thanks to the advice from @ParentMishmash
I decide to add a piece of cable management Velcro in the 3Pro package from today.
It would help the installation.
Please note that the batches that already on the way to US and Canada don't contain this. pic.twitter.com/6hkFdoOhhJ
— Adam Wong (@Engineer_Wong) April 18, 2024

As mentioned at the top of this review, you can use this very same Velcro strip to strap the filters + fan array + base together once you have disassembled your 3Pro to ensure all parts fit nicely inside your suitcase or backpack. Simple yet effective!

Air cleaning performance

The AirFanta 3Pro cleared our test room in 17 minutes — it is nearly as fast at cleaning the air as the MUCH larger Smart Air Blast Mini.

I’ve been really keen to test the AirFanta 3Pro because there has been a lot of hype around it — especially after it was independently tested by Rob Wissmann and David Elfstrom. These are the results of their CADR tests:

CADR: at 13V: 436 CFM
CADR at 12V: 413 CFM
CADR at 9V: 328 CFM
CADR at 6V: 213 CFM

I’m happy to report that the hype is completely warranted. Let me walk you through how the 3Pro performed in our tests.

According to our PurpleAir Zen sensor, the AirFanta 3Pro needed 17 minutes to achieve PM1 zero in our 728 cubic ft. test room running at top speed (12.6v). We estimate a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm, which would allow the 3Pro to provide five air changes per hour in rooms no larger than 529 sq. ft.

Swapping the filters for the HEPA + activated carbon option added three more minutes to the test, bringing the time to clean all traces of PM1 smoke pollutants to 20 minutes:

This matches the incredible CADR score tests performed by David Elfstrom and Rob Wiss, and compares quite favorably with other air much more expensive air purifiers.

As you can see in the table below, the AirFanta 3Pro is not only affordable but also incredibly fast at cleaning the air:

Our air cleaning performance test showed that at its highest fan speed (12.6v), the AirFanta 3Pro is as powerful as devices costing upwards of $450 and more effective at removing particles from the air than much more expensive air puriifers like the Dyson BP06.

Sound levels

In our testing, the sound levels of the 3Pro ranged from 36.1 dBA to 56.3 dBA. It is much quieter than the new Winix T810 (62.5 dBA) and the Coway AIrmega 200M (64.3 dBA)

The second most important thing to look at when choosing an air purifier is the amount of sound it generates. A device that is too loud is unlikely to be used regularly or, even worse, is likely to be switched off.

That is why we record (from 3 ft. away) the sound levels generated by every air purifier we test running at each fan speed in the same location (our basement).

The AirFanta 3Pro comes with an AC-to-DC power adapter, which includes a dial for adjusting the voltage and the sound level generated by the air purifier. Here are the results at each fan speed we measured:

VOLTAGE	SOUND LEVELS (decibels)
3.63 v.	36.1 dBA
4.19 v.	39.7 dBA
5.24 v.	36.9 dBA
6.54 v.	43.3 dBA
7.44 v	46.7 dBA
8.56v	49.1 dBA
12.6 v. (top speed)	56.3 dBA

At top speed, the AirFanta 3Pro reaches 56.3 dBA, which is quieter than most mind-sized popular traditional air purifiers available on the market today:

However, you may be wondering how this compares to other devices, especially other PC fan-powered air purifiers. Check out our table below:

PC FAN KIT	SOUND AT TOP SPEED (decibels)
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 [Cooler Master SickleFlow 120]	38.8 dBA
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7 Ultra [Cooler Master Mobius 120]	47.2 dBA
Nukit Tempest	41.8 dBA
NorthBox Systems 6XL [ARCTIC P14 Max]	50.2 dBA
Nukit Tempest Euro	50.5 dBA
NorthBox Systems 6XL [Noctua P14s Redux]	45.1 dBA
AirFanta 3Pro	56.3 dBA

Compared to other PC fan devices from Nukit, CleanAirKits and NorthBox Systems, the AirFanta 3Pro is much louder at its highest fan speed. However, it’s still in line with the top-speed sound levels of the traditional retail HEPA devices we have tested.

However, sound levels at top fan speeds are not as important as air cleaning performance at lower fan speeds.

That is why we always identify a fan speed where the air purifier generates less than 45 dBA of noise to assess its quiet performance. In the case of the AirFanta 3Pro, we repeated the particle removal test multiple times across different voltages:

My recommendation is to go for 6.54V for top performance at sub-45 dB noise levels. Running at this speed, the 3Pro generates 43.3 dB of noise while still being able to clean our test room in 28 minutes.

When we account for sound levels, we see the performance of the AirFanta 3Pro getting beat by the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7, which managed to clean our test room in 23 minutes even when running at only 38.8 dBA. However, the Luggable XL-7 costs upwards of $200 (plus filters), so considering the low cost of the AirFanta 3Pro ($159.99 including filters), I am super impressed.

What impresses me the most is how incredibly well the AirFanta 3Pro compares to the shop-bought HEPA air purifiers I have tested. At its top speed, it is faster and quieter than most of the devices we have reviewed here at HouseFresh.

Tip

If you’re considering getting an AirFanta 3Pro, I suggest experimenting with the voltages to find a sound level that works for you. Personally, I have stuck to having my 3Pro running at the 8-volt mark as I find it offers an excellent performance-to-sound ratio.

Long-term running costs

Running an AirFanta 3Pro will cost you $165.76 per year, combining energy consumption costs ($47.76) and filter replacement costs ($118).

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

As always, I calculated the long-term costs associated with running your AirFanta 3Pro all day, every day at its top high speed for a full year — an unlikely scenario as you’ll probably want to have it running at a lower fan speed, but it’s a good baseline for running costs.

I started by using our energy meter to measure how much electricity the 3Pro uses at different voltages and, when running at top speed (12.6V), it pulled 43.23 watts.

VOLTAGE	ENERGY CONSUMPTION (watts)
Standby	0 watts
3.63 v.	2.19 watts
5.24 v.	5.02 watts
6.54 v.	8.98 watts
7.63 v.	13.31 watts
8.56 v	17.46 watts
12.6 v. (top speed)	43.23 watts

This means that if you had to leave your 3Pro running 24/7 at top speed, it would cost $47.76 in energy costs for a year, using average U.S. energy rates as of July 7th, 2025.

Considering you need to replace the filter every six months and that the replacement costs $59 (HEPA only), you can expect to also spend $118 per year on filters.

When compared to other similar-performing air purifiers, the 3Pro has low energy consumption costs but it’s the OEM filter replacement costs that drive the yearly running costs up.

At 43.2 watts, the AirFanta 3Pro is more energy-efficient than many popular units, such as the Winix 5510 or the Levoit Vital 200S. However, compared with another PC fan-powered air purifier like the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits, it’s clear that the 3Pro consumes more electricity at its maximum speed of 2900 RPM.

That said, running costs for the 3Pro are similar to those of standard HEPA retail devices, but you do get much higher performance levels especially when you consider the much lower initial purchase cost.

Tip

For a more efficient operation of the AirFanta 3Pro, I recommend going for 6.54V.

At this fan speed, the 3Pro consumes just 8.97 watts, so it will just add 10 bucks to your energy bill in a year while still being able to clean the air effectively as Levoit Core 400S or the IQAir HealthPro Plus running at full speed.

AirFanta’s creator, Adam Wong, explains how this big drop in energy consumption is possible:

“The power consumption of a fan is proportional to the cube of its RPM, while the airflow is proportional to the first power of the RPM. So higher RPM will result in less efficient of electricity consumption. The fan in the AirFanta 3Pro has a maximum speed of 2900 RPM, which is much higher than other PC-fan-based air purifiers, making it look less energy-efficient.

In fact, running it at 9V or lower would significantly improve energy efficiency. It still has a quite good CADR at lower voltage.”

— Adam Wong, Founder of AirFanta

All AirFanta products come with a 1-year warranty. AirFanta will send you a new 3Pro and you won’t need to return the faulty device.

If you experience issues with your AirFanta 3Pro, all you need to do is email the AirFanta team at airfanta@air-fanta.com.

Make sure to include photos and/or videos of the issue you are experiencing.

Bottom line: Should you get the AirFanta 3Pro?

It’s totally worth it. This is the only air purifier with a a high CADR that you can travel with.

Here’s the thing: if you were to have come to me selling an air purifier with a CADR of 353 cfm for $159.99, I would have assumed it was some sort of a scam. The sheer power of such a device would surely cost a lot more, right?

Adam Wong says no.

The AirFanta 3Pro can provide large rooms with multiple air changes for a price that is three times cheaper than what you normally pay for a standard, shop-bought HEPA air purifier. That is an incredible achievement that goes to show how brilliant Wong is and how much he actually cares about creating truly affordable solutions to clean the air.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

While the 3Pro is not totally plug-and-play (as you need to fit the filters and put the fans in place), it is MUCH easier to put together than all the other PC fan-powered DIY air purifier kits I have tested. That said, the 3Pro is also louder than all of them, so that is something to keep in mind.

For those looking for an air purifier they bring along when traveling or to events, there isn’t anything on the market right now that matches the high CADR of the AirFanta 3Pro. You can simply disassemble the device and pack it in your suitcase or backpack just to reassemble it wherever you need it.

For those wanting a quiet and energy-efficient air purifier, they can leave running in the background even when having work calls or meetings at the office, then a PC fan kit like the Luggable XL by CleanAirKits or the Tempest by Nukit will be a better choice — just know that they will both cost over $100 more than the 3Pro.

Now, is sound is a concern but your budget can’t stretch beyond $160, then remember you can run your AirFanta 3Pro at lower fan speeds. It will be much quieter and still outperform the standard retail HEPA air purifier you can find online, costing you less upfront and in the long run.

I really love this device, so I expect you will find it across many of our lists of recommended devices.

One last thought before I leave you: I believe everyone living outside the U.S. will really benefit from the AirFanta 3Pro, especially those living in places like the UK, where finding box fans and HVAC filters to build your own Corsi-Rosenthal box is virtually impossible. As if that wasn’t good enough, the 3Pro has a much smaller footprint than the standard CR box, is definitely quieter and offers much more adjustable fan speed options.

Do you have any questions about this device that I didn’t cover in my review? Drop a comment below, and I’ll reply right away.

Winix 5500-2 review

Jan 24, 2026Feb 21, 2024 by Danny Ashton

The Winix 5500-2 is an upgraded version of their super popular Winix 5300-2, which we reviewed in 2021. It’s a device that has many fans online, from the team from NYtimes Wirecutter to the Redditors over at r/AirPurifiers.

Winix is one of the OG air purifier manufacturers, producing air quality devices since 1973. They are a South Korean company known for creating budget-friendly products that still perform effectively. It’s worth also mentioning that all Winix devices are made in Korea rather than China (the usual manufacturing country of most air purifier brands).

Another highlight of Winix is that they send all their devices for independent testing with AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) Verifide, which means that a third party has confirmed the unit’s CADR results.

As always, let me clarify that we bought the 5500-2 with our own money and have no relationship with Winix. We do this because we want to be as unbiased as possible, letting our first-hand data guide us. That is why my review focuses on how this unit performed in our set of tests, including its air cleaning performance, long-term costs, energy usage and sound generation.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

A few weeks ago, we started hearing rumors about the 5500-2 being discontinued so we reached out to Winix America for confirmation.

Unfortunately, the rumors are true: both the Winix 5500-2 and the 5300-2 will be discontinued in the U.S. and in Canada once their inventory comes to an end.

The lowdown on the Winix 5500-2

“I am pleased to see that Winix made some major improvements with the 5500-2, including a new type of activated carbon filter and a remote, but the best thing about it is its air cleaning performance: I ended up testing this device a few times as I didn’t expect it to clean the PM1 pollutants as quickly as it did.

It was disappointing to learn that Winix has discontinued the 5500-2 in favor of the newer Winix 5510, but depending on where you live, you might still be able to find a 5500-2 and there are lots of OEM and generic filters still available.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Lead Tester

What we really like

With PlasmaWave enabled, the 5500-2 cleaned our test room in 23 minutes — without the ionizer, it still managed to clean the air in 24 minutes

A great price-to-CADR ratio, with 1 CADR cfm costing 74 cents!

Improved activated carbon filter that uses pelleted carbon instead of the impregnated fabric we saw in the older Winix 5300-2

Affordable filter replacements, with genuine filters available for $50 and generic filters for $15 per year

It comes with an auto-mode and timers, so you don’t have to continually adjust the settings — you also get a remote control for adjusting the settings from afar

AHAM Verifide, so it has been tested by a third party to confirm CADR scores and has an EnergyStar rating

What we think could be better

Energy usage is fairly high due to this being an older model

No memory setting, so if you lose power, you lose your current settings — including the PlasmaWave function, which could generate ozone without you knowing if you don’t switch it off

HouseFresh rating:	★★★★★
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	23 minutes (with PlasmaWave)
Air purifier technology:	PlasmaWave, removable pre-filter, washable activated carbon filter and True HEPA filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	360 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 243 CFM Smoke: 232 CFM Pollen: 246 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / cm):	15W x 8.2D x 23.6H inches (38W x 21D x 60H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	14.8 lbs (6.7kg)
Filter life:	12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 38.8 dB Speed 2: 42.5 dB Speed 3: 47.5 dB Speed 4: 58.9 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 0.34 watts Speed 1: 6.5 watts Speed 2: 9.11 watts Speed 3: 14.80 watts Speed 4: 53.46 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$161.53 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$0.66
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 year
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

The best feature: it comes with an ionizer that can be disabled

It may seem like a small thing, but unfortunately, there are many air purifiers on the market that come with hidden ionizers that cannot be turned off.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a bipolar ionization technology called PlasmaWave, but you can switch it off and still use the air purifier without this ionizer function. This is great to see because not everyone wants to use this type of technology due to the potential risks associated with it, such as ozone generation and the potential for it to introduce VOCs into the air.

Now, this is the point where Winix would correct me and say that I shouldn’t use the word ‘ionizer’ because, unlike normal ionizers that generate negative ions, their PlasmaWave technology produces both negative AND positive ions. However, even bipolar ionization technology can potentially introduce unwanted chemicals into the air.

The good news is that the Winix 5500-2 has been certified by the California Air Resource Board, meaning that this unit meets the ozone emission concentration limit of 0.050 parts per million (50 ppb). That being said, some people report negative reactions to PlasmaWave, which is why it is great to have the option to disable it.

Timeless style that fits anywhere

The twin brother of the 5300-2 for those who prefer black over grey.

While the older 5300-2 is gray, the 5500-2 is black. I prefer this color as it doesn’t stand out as much, but then again I have a black phone, black car and black laptop — so I must really like black.

I’m a fan of the dark color but if you prefer lighter colors, the C545 could be worth a look as it’s a very similar device but in white.

Whilst it’s not a small device, its design means that it doesn’t take up too much floor space.

But apart from the color, the 5500-2 looks very similar to its predecessor and has the same product dimensions and floor space requirements.

Like the 5300-2, the 5500-2 keeps the useful removable pre-filter, which makes it super easy to remove to clean as you can quickly vacuum it or rinse it under the tap. Winix recommends you do this every three months to remove particle build-up and keep the unit running smoothly. Data from CleanAirStars has shown that HEPA particle removal efficiency can drop up to 40% when you fail to keep the pre-filter clean.

Another thing worth mentioning about the pre-filter in the 5500-2 is that it is much better than the fitted pre-filters seen on the Levoit Core devices, which are part of the main filter.

The control panel is similar to the 5300-2 with a button for auto mode and sleep mode, a button to switch on PlasmaWave, a button to cycle through the 4 fan speeds and a timer button to set 1 hour, 4 hours or 8 hours running time. There is a light underneath the buttons that adjust color depending on the current air quality levels.

One annoying thing about the older unit was that when you lost power, it would default back to using the PlasmaWave even if you had switched it off before. Sadly, the 5500-2 still has this issue, so you must adjust the settings again whenever you lose power. We have seen that Alen has managed to build in a setting memory, so it would be great to see this in place for future Winix devices.

One little thing I think is cute is the sound it makes when you switch it on and off. It seems to be a thing with Korean devices as my LG washing machine also does the same thing.

One benefit over the Winix 5300-2 is that the Winix 5500-2 comes with remote control, so you have that as an option:

Be aware if you have small children that the batteries used in these remotes can be deadly if ingested.

Three-stage air cleaning filter system

The 5500-2 comes with three separate filters, including a washable pre-filter, a washable pelleted activated carbon filter and a True HEPA filter.

Following the big issue of Levoit removing HEPA from their marketing after Dyson complained to the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD), I am definitely wary of manufacturers’ claims of HEPA.

One reason to trust the Winix 5500-2’s performance is that it’s been independently tested by AHAM as part of their Verifide process.

AHAM is the gold standard when it comes to air cleaning testing and I really like that Winix always sends their devices for a CADR test and the results for the 5500-2 are impressive.

Dust CADR of 243 cfm
Smoke CADR: 232 cfm
Pollen CADR 246 cfm

Based on these results this device will provide 4.8 air changes per hour in spaces up to 360 square feet. So if you have a large space you might need a larger device or need to use multiple units.

Winix states that their True HEPA filter can remove 99.99% of particles of 0.3 microns. This is a big claim, but Winix brought receipts: their True HEPA filter has been tested by a third-party lab, so I am not worried that they are not using the filters they say.

One of my biggest issues with the older Winix was the material they used for the activated carbon filter. Winix chose to use impregnated carbon fabric, which is much cheaper and fine for light-duty issues with odors and gasses. However, ASHRAE recommends that granular media filters are better for medium-duty issues, which most homeowners will face.

I am glad to report that the 5500-2 has removed the impregnated media-infused carbon filter in favor of the granular type with activated carbon pellets.

I asked Teddy to take a close-up shot of the filter so you can clearly see the activated carbon pellets:

Tip

Winix states that you can clean these new activated carbon filters every three months by running them under water and then making sure to let them dry completely before putting them back into the device.

You can see the difference between the carbon filters in the Winix 5300-2 compared to that of the Winix 5500-2 in the image below:

Comparing Carbon Filters Winix 5500 VS Winix 5300

As with many air purifiers, the filters for the Winix 5500-2 come inside plastic packaging that must be removed before use. If you don’t remove the plastic bags, the air purifier will move dirty air around your room without cleaning it, potentially worsening allergies.

Removing filters for the Winix 5500-2 is super easy once you have removed the pre-filter from the tabs. Be sure to always put the activated carbon filter in first and then the True HEPA filter.

The Winix 5500-2 cleaned our test room in 23 minutes

The Winix 5500-2 has one the best bang for your buck when it comes to top speed air cleaning performance

Testing air cleaning performance at top speed

For our test, I used the PurpleAir Zen sensors with an additional BM680 gas filter, which allows us to track PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and VOC levels continually.

I first filled our 728 cubic feet test room with smoke from burning an incense stick and then switched on the Winix 5500-2 in its highest mode with PlasmaWave enabled.

We tested the Winix 5500-2 in the same area where we tested 90 other air purifier models, all of which do the same job of removing particles from incense smoke.

By testing every air purifier in the same room doing the same job we make it much easier to compare performance across different brands and models.

We have a program that connects to Purple Air air quality sensors and creates a graph showing the levels of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10.

One of the main questions we see online is how well the Winix 5500-2 can clean the air without using the PlasmaWave ionizer function.

We decided to test this ourselves and were pleased with the results as it was still able to clean our test room of PM1 particles in 24 minutes without the PlasmaWave, which is three minutes faster than Wirecutter’s top recommended air purifier: the Coway AP-15122hh Mighty (with its ionizer enabled).

I created a table to compare how the Winix 5500-2 compares with other air purifier models we have benchmarked:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO AT FULL SPEED	LIST PRICE
AirFanta 3Pro	17 minutes	$159.99
Levoit Vital 200S	23 minutes	$189.99
Winix 5500-2 (with ionizer)	23 minutes	$249.99
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	23 minutes	$299.00
Smart Air SA600	24 minutes	$279.95
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH (with ionizer)	26 minutes	$229.99
PuroAir 400	30 minutes	$249.00
Corsi-Rosenthal Box	32 minutes	$85.00

Testing air cleaning performance at sub-45 dB

Since we first published this review, we have received many requests for information on air cleaning performance at low fan speeds. This makes sense, as the top speed is unlikely to be used regularly, as most people will find it too loud. We used the 45 dBA limit that CleanAirStars sets for noisy classrooms.

For the Winix 5500-2, fan speed 2 is under 45 dBa (42.5 dBA). When we tested the Winix 5500-2 using Plasmwave at clearing incense smoke from our 728 cubic feet test room at speed 2, it needed 45 minutes to achieve PM1 zero, according to our Purpleair Zen sensor.

If you were wondering the effect Plasmwave had on the air cleaning performance, we tested again at Speed 2 with Plasmwave disabled it managed to achieve PM1 zero in 46 minutes so only 1 minute slower.

Noise level test results

The last test is to see how much sound is generated when using the purifier, especially at its highest and lowest fan speeds. The quieter an air purifier, the more likely you will use it, which will mean cleaner air in your home.

Here are the sound level results from 3ft away:

Mode	Sound Level
Speed 1	38.8 dBA
Speed 2	42.5 dBA
Speed 3	47.5 dBA
Speed 4	58.9 dBA

Check out how this compares to other air purifiers we tested in the table below:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (dB)	TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII	56.3 dB	15 minutes
Levoit EverestAir	57.8 dB	16 minutes
Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty	60.1 dB	25 minutes
IQAir Healthpro Plus	61.2 dB	28 minutes
Winix 5500-2	58.9 dB	23 minutes
AirDoctor 3000	63.6 dB	20 minutes

We know the sound is highly subjective, so be sure to listen to the sound test we produced after testing the Winix 5500-2:

The cost to run a Winix 5500-2: $137.81 per year

1. Electricity costs = $57.82 per year

At the lowest fan speed, the Winix 5500-2 only pulled 6.5 watts per our energy meter and reached a maximum of 53.46 watts on its turbo speed with Plasmawave enabled.

Assuming energy prices of $0.174/kWh, running the 5500-2 continuously 24 hours per day for every day of the year would add $57.82 to your annual electricity bill. Most people will find that they will use the unit for less time than in our scenario, but others with issues with allergies might need to keep it running continuously.

Fan speed	Energy consumed (ionizer enabled)
Standby	0.34 watts
Sleep	3.43 watts
1	66.5 (7.1) watts
2	9.11 (9.2) watts
3	14.80 (15.00) watts
4	53.46 (53.8) watts

2. Filter costs = $79.99 per year

The genuine True HEPA and activated charcoal filters will need replacing every 12 months and have an RRP of $79.99 but are regularly available for close to $50 with sales and discounts. When I wrote this review, you could buy filters from Winix for $49.99 and Amazon for $43.99.

There are plenty of generic filters that bring the price down even more, with a year’s worth of filters costing close to $15 per year if you buy in a pack of four or $19 for a pack of two.

In the table below, we compare running costs with other similar performing air purifiers we have tested:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ESTIMATED ELECTRICITY COST (per year)	FILTER REPLACEMENT COST (per year)	YEARLY MAINTENANCE COST
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	$12.22	$45.94	$58.16
Levoit Vital 200S	$46.83	$49.99	$96.82
Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty	$83.64	$39.99	$123.63
AirFanta 3Pro	$46.56	$78.67	$125.23
Levoit Core 400S	$27.44	$99.98	$127.42
Winix 5500-2	$57.82	$79.99	$137.81
PuroAir 400	$77.75	$89.00	$166.75
Smart Air SA600	$56.55	$141.47	$198.02

Bottom line: Is the Winix 5500-2 worth it?

The 5500-2 impressed me with its improved performance and use of pelleted activated carbon instead of the fabric we saw in the 5300-2.

The 5500-2 comes with an ionizer via its PlasmaWave technology that helps deal with odors and gases. However, it still offers great air cleaning performance even without using this function, as it removed all PM1 in our test in under 23 minutes without PlasmaWave enabled.

Filter prices are fair, considering the use of activated carbon pellets. Due to the device’s popularity, there are many choices for generic filters if you want to save more money in the long term. I much prefer the 5500-2’s removable pre-filter, which makes it much easier to clean and vacuum, than Levoit Core devices like the 400S and the 600S, which have the pre-filter integrated into the main filter.

It is worth mentioning that this air purifier doesn’t have app support, but it does have auto-mode. Just remember to keep the sensor clean of dust to ensure it works effectively.

For the price, the Winix 5500-2 is one of the top air purifiers – especially considering the amount of pelleted activated carbon it comes with. It offers excellent air cleaning performance, relatively low long-term costs and minimal noise generated. If you prefer different colors, you may be interested in the Winix C545, and if you don’t care about the particle filters, you can save a little money with the grey Winix 5300-2, which is usually sold cheaper but has a less effective gas filter.

It is unfortunate to learn that Winix has decided to discontinue this air purifier as it was one of my top recommendations due to the incredible value for money that it offers. If you like what the 5500-2 has to offer, make sure to check out the Winix 5510 (left).

This new model from Winix packs the same air cleaning power as the 5500-2 in a smaller and better-looking package, with app connectivity and an on-board air quality sensor. Read my full review of the 5510 to find out more.

If you have the Winix 5500-2 or have any other questions I haven’t covered, be sure to let me in the comments section below.

SOURCES

We calculated the yearly costs associated with running the Winix 5500-2 for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, utilizing the latest average energy prices reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.17/kWh as of November 2024.

Levoit Vital 200S review

Oct 7, 2026Dec 15, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Levoit is probably the best-selling air purifier brand in the United States. That fact will not surprise you if you, like me, have used Levoit air purifiers in your home.

Their product range includes top-end devices like the Levoit EverestAir, which is one of the fastest air purifiers we have tested, reaching PM1 zero in a swift 16 minutes. Levoit also produces budget-friendly air purifiers like the trusted Core 300, which managed to clean our room in 54 minutes.

So, we were excited to finally get a chance to test and review the Levoit Vital 200S. It has a more traditional look than the EverestAir or the Core series, and is aimed at medium-sized rooms up to 400 square feet.

We bought the Vital 200S with our own money so we could test it following the same methodology we have used to test over 100 air purifiers since 2020. In this review, I will share the results of our tests and my experience after having this device at home for well over two years now.

The pros and cons of the Levoit Vital 200S

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“A super efficient fan combined with a high-quality particle and activated charcoal filter results in a powerful air purifier.

Retailing at $189.99, the Levoit Vital 200S gives you plenty of bang for your buck.”

CONS

It has a bonded filter, so once the carbon runs out (which usually happens within 6 months), you’ll have to replace the whole thing, even if the particle filter still has life in it.

The air quality sensor is an optical sensor, so you need to keep it clean for it to report accurate readings.

I would like to see an independent test that could offer a filter grade after Levoit removed all mentions of HEPA from their marketing.

PROS

It offers a high level of air cleaning performance to $ ratio, completing our particle removal test as fast as units double its price.

You get smart features and smartphone connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app.

It remembers settings and modes, so if you unplug it and plug it back in, the Vital 200S will still remember what it was last doing.

There are a ton of generic filters available that keep long-term costs low.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

In August of 2023, Dyson officially challenged Levoit’s use of ‘True HEPA 13 filters’ in their marketing and advertising through the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD). As a result, Levoit removed all mentions of “HEPA H13” in their marketing materials for all their air purifiers (including the Vital 200S).

Now, it’s worth mentioning that a higher grade HEPA is not required to clean the air of even the tiniest particles, as lower grade filters still pick up these small particles in multiple passes. Still, we don’t appreciate manufacturers not being transparent about technical specifications.

Design and smart features

A rectangular design that houses a powerful fan, a bonded filter and an air quality sensor.

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Rather than use the cylindrical design we see with the Levoit Core series, the Vital 200S is a standard rectangle that pulls air from the front and pushes it out of the top.

Compared to the Levoit air purifier range, it shares a closer resemblance to the premium Levoit EverestAir, although I have to say I prefer the look of the pricier EverestAir — do you blame me? Have a look at it:

You will need to clean the infrared sensor every two months to ensure it continues to be accurate when using the device on auto mode.

I would prefer a laser sensor, as it’d be more accurate and it wouldn’t need cleaning.

From right to left you get an auto-mode button, a night mode button, the fan speed button, the power button, a timer button, a child lock button and lastly a button to turn the lights on and off. The power button is surrounded by an LED ring that changes color depending on indoor air quality.

The Vital 200S comes with app connectivity through the VeSync app, which is the app used by a range of Levoit gadgets and is well-rated across Android and Apple ecosystems.

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The app uses Vesync, which is the app used by a range of Levoit gadgets and is well-rated across Android and Apple ecosystems.

I tested the Apple app, and it was easy to install and add the Vital 200S quickly. You can adjust the air purifier’s settings via the app and also see what the current indoor air quality rating is in the room where it’s set.

The main app screen has internal ads for different Levoit products, which I would prefer it didn’t, but once you go into the air purifier, there are no ads shown.

One feature that I haven’t seen in other Levoit air purifiers is a light detection mode that allows the device to switch off the display and run extra quiet when low light is detected. This is a great feature for those wanting to use it in a bedroom.

Filtration technology

An all-in-one particle filter with pelleted activated carbon. You will need to replace both filters even if only one of them needs replacing.

Levoit initially stated that the Vital 200S uses HEPA H13, which is medical grade and can remove 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns. But as you know, Dyson’s challenges Levoit’s claims through the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) and as a result, VeSync removed all mentions of ‘HEPA’ from their marketing materials.

It comes with a bonded particle and gas filter that performed very well in our particle removal test.

Levoit Vital 200S Activated Carbon Filter

The gas filter uses pelleted charcoal that is much better than the impregnated fabric we see with some manufacturers.

It comes with a removable pre-filter which is much easier to clean than the pre-filter in the cylindrical Core 300/300S.

While you do get a good amount of activated carbon in the Vital 200S, if you have serious issues with VOCs and gasses, you should look for an air purifier with a much bigger filter with lbs of activated carbon such as the Alen BreatheSmart 75i, the IQAir HealthPro Plus and the Austin Air HealthMate.

Remember that most air purifier filters will arrive in a plastic bag, so be sure to remove the filter from the bag before you switch it on; otherwise, it will make your air quality worse!

When the time comes to change the filter in your Levoit Vital 200S, you’ll find that the process is simple and straightforward.

Air cleaning performance

The real-world performance of the Levoit Vital 200S matches reported CADR scores.

Running at full speed, the Vital 200S brought the levels of PM1ug/m3 to zero in 23 minutes. That makes the Levoit Vital 200S one of the fastest units we have tested under $200.

The Levoit Vital 200S was able to complete our particle removal test faster than the popular Winix 5510 but without using an ionizer function.

As the table shows, the AirFanta 3Pro offered a higher clean air delivery rate for a cheaper price. This goes to show the power of PC fans compared to retail HEPA air purifiers.

Sound levels

In our testing, the sound levels of the Vital 200S ranged from 38.3 to 57.7 dBA

As I always say, air purifiers that are too loud, get turned off eventually. That is why we used a sound meter to measure how much sound the Levoit Vital 200S generates from three feet away. We did this across all four fan speeds:

FAN SPEED	SOUND LEVEL
Speed 1	38.3 dB
Speed 2	41.9 dB
Speed 3	53.8 dB
Speed 4	57.7 dB

We can now compare the air cleaning performance and sound level at top speed against data from other air purifiers in the same price range:

As you can see from the table, the sound generated by the Vital 200S at top speed is quieter than that of most other air purifiers with a similar clean air delivery rate.

Running at the Vital 200S at speed 2 generates 42.5 dBA of sound, which is below the 45 dB(A) limit we have set for our quiet performance tests.

So I repeated the particle removal test with the 200S running at speed 2, and it managed to reach PM1 zero in 46 minutes.

As you can see from the table, the Vital 200S offers more powerful air cleaning performance at sub-45 dBA fan speeds than popular devices such as the Winix 5510 and the Coway Airmega 250S.

However, it is still no match to PC fan-powered air purifiers such as the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits and the AirFanta 3Pro.

But sound can be very subjective, so we recorded a video of the air purifier running at different fan speeds:

Long-term running costs

Running a Levoit Vital 200S will cost you $99.47 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

As always, we used our energy meter, we recorded a maximum of 44.55 watts consumed by the Vital 200S when running at full speed. This equates to $49.48 per year if you were to keep it running 24 hours per day at its highest speed.

Here are the full results for each fan speed:

MODE	ENERGY USAGE
Standby	0.97 watts
Sleep mode	3.21 watts
Speed 1	5.71 watts
Speed two	8.01 watts
Speed 3	31.96 watts
Top Speed	44.55 watts

This tells me that the Levoit Vital 200S has a very efficient fan that can move a lot of air without excessive energy usage. It’s great to see that newer models of air purifiers can perform well AND be energy efficient.

Considering you need to replace the filter every 12 months and that the replacement costs $49.99, you can expect to also spend $49.99 per year on filters.

When we combine the estimated electricity costs with the filter replacement costs, you can see that the Vital 200S offers great value in the long term as well:

Regarding the filters themselves, you have other options in addition to the original filter: one aimed at those looking to deal with pet allergies, a smoke remover filter, and one that includes toxin absorbers. The price of these filters ranges from $49 to $65 dollars, so they are not cheap but they are also not super expensive.

If you want to reduce yearly running costs further, you will be happy to hear that there are many generic filters available for half the price of the genuine filters from Levoit – it’s worth mentioning that performance will vary:

Bottom line: Is the Levoit Vital 200S worth it?

With a list price of $189.99, it offers excellent value for the money, with air cleaning performance that matches units that cost twice the price.

If you want to get the best air cleaning for $ ratio and want to avoid ionizer technology, the Levoit Vital 200S is definitely worthy of consideration.

It includes many smart features that are normally only found on more expensive models but still manages to clean the air as effectively as we’ve seen from units like the iconic Winix 5500-2 but without the use of an ionizer.

Those with larger spaces will want to look at bigger units like the Levoit Core 600S ($299.99), but for those with a space between 400-500 square feet, the Vital 200S is a great choice as it will be able to keep your air clean for an affordable price.

Noise levels associated to the Vital 200S are lower than the average and it comes with a sleep mode and the possibility of turning off the lights of the display (not to disturb your sleep), making it a very good option for a medium-sized bedroom.

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Due to the lack of a True HEPA H13 filter, I don’t recommend this device for medical settings. However, as our in-house test showed, the Vital 200S can clean all tiny particles of 1 micron in 23 minutes. Air cleaning performance nearly three times as fast as the Levoit Core 300 ($99) and is only one minute slower than the larger Levoit Core 600S ($300).

For those who want to keep a medium-sized room clean of tiny particles and don’t want to spend more than $190, then the Levoit Vital 200S is well worth checking out. And if money is tighter, do check out the PC fan-powered AirFanta 3Pro.

If you decide to buy a Vital 200S and want to support the work we do at HouseFresh, please use this link so we can earn a commission at no extra cost to you. And if you have any questions about this device or about Levoit air purifiers in general, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll reply as soon as I can.