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Walking into your home to stale air is unwelcoming and potentially unhealthy. Our efforts to open windows and get fresh air circulating around rooms may not be enough. Investing in an air cleaner can make the difference you need. Winix is a well-known brand for air cleaners with excellent technology.
Today, we will compare the Winix 5300 vs 5500. We will look at all of their different features such as the filtration technology, design and settings. Once we have gone over the specifications, we will include a comparison chart for a recap and then some pros and cons. Finally, we can decide which is the better buy.
The Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 are incredibly similar. Let’s start with those features that are actually identical.
Winix 5300 vs 5500 – SImilarities
Appearance
Side by side, you wouldn’t see a difference between the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500. They are both metallic silver with a control panel on the top. They measure 16.3 x 8.5 x 21.7 inches and weigh 15 pounds.
Filtration Levels
Both the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 have 3-stage filtration, capturing up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
PlasmaWave Technology
PlasmaWave technology generates positive and negative ions that create plasma clusters. These clusters neutralize bacteria and viruses in the air as well as chemical vapors and odors. The Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 come with PlasmaWave technology.
Air Quality Sensor
The Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 have a smart sensor on the control panel. These sensors can detect the quality of the air and then automatically adjust the fan speed accordingly when set on auto mode.
Read next – Winix C535 vs C555: Which Air Cleaners are Better?
Controls
There are 4 fan settings with the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500. On auto mode, the fan speeds adjust depending on the quality of the air in a room. On sleep mode, the noise is reduced as is the energy consumption.
LED Lights
The LED indicators on the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 will let you know when the filters need to be replaced. The air quality bar will indicate the quality of the air based on the sensor. You can also see whether they are in sleep or auto mode.
Room Size
The Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 are suitable for room sizes up to 350 square feet.
Warranty
There is a 1-year warranty on the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500.
Side by Side Comparison
The side-by-side chart below gives a quick overview of the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500.
Winix 5300 | Winix 5500 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Size | 16.3 x 8.5 x 21.7 inches | 16.3 x 8.5 x 21.7 inches |
| Weight | 15lbs | 15lbs |
| Color | Metallic Silver | Metallic Silver |
| Filters | True HEPA and activated carbon filter | Washable True HEPA, activated carbon filter |
| Filter Capture | 99.97% as small as 0.3 microns | 99.97% as small as 0.3 microns |
| PlasmaWave Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Filtration Levels | 3-stage | 3-stage |
| Air Quality Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | 4 fan speeds, sleep mode, auto mode | 4 fan speeds, sleep mode, auto mode |
| LED Lights | Changes based on real-time air quality, filter replacement indicator | Changes based on real-time air quality, filter replacement indicator |
| Remote Control | Yes | No |
| Room Size | 350sq ft | 350sq ft |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price |
There are a couple of differences between the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 and they are quite significant.
Differences Between Winix 5300 and Winix 5500
The Filters
The carbon filter helps to capture dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, odors, and bacteria. They also help to prolong the life of the True HEPA filters, which are slightly different.
Winix 5300
It is recommended that the HEP filter is changed every 6 months.
Winix 5500
While you still need to change the True HEPA filter every but it is washable and so you can save on buying more filters.
The Winner Is- The Winix 5500
Read next – Winix 5500 vs 5500-2: Which Air Cleaners are Better?
Remote Control
It doesn’t sound like a big deal, especially if you plan to use the auto mode. But the remote is related to one other feature.
Winix 5300
This air cleaner doesn’t come with remote control.
Winix 5500
You will receive a remote control. From the remote control, you can turn the PlasmaWave technology on or off. This is important because there isn’t an on/off button on the units. Some people worry about the impact of PlasmaWave Technology on the environment, so it is nice to have the option to be able to turn it off if you are concerned.
The Winner Is- The Winix 5500
Read next – Winix C535 vs 5500: Which Air Cleaners are Better?
Pros and Cons
As the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 are so similar, the following pros and cons may provide a little more insight.
Winix 5300
Pros:
- It is effective for those who suffer from allergies
- It’s a little bit cheaper and great value for a 3-stage air cleaner
- The lower settings are quiet
Cons:
- Some people have noticed an annoying sound with the PlasmaWave technology
Winix 5500
Pros:
- The dust the filters collect is impressive
- It does a good job at removing different smells
- The filtration system is better
Cons:
- It’s a shame there isn’t a timer
The Final Verdict
In terms of design, there is no difference. Both the Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 are good sizes and not too heavy to move from one room to the next. The air quality sensors and auto setting make these air cleaners ideal if you just want to leave them to do their jobs. And they do an amazing job at purifying the air and removing smells. There is no difference in their cleaning abilities as they both are 3-stage with HEPA and carbon filters.
Today’s winner is the Winix 5500. Despite costing that little bit more, the washable filter means you can save money in the long run. It’s also a little more convenient in case you forget to buy more. The other bonus was the remote control. Not only can you use it to switch the PlasmaWave technology off but it’s another thing that adds to the convenience of this air cleaner.