Solid filtration with PlasmaWave tech, washable filters, and a quiet night mode that doesn’t break the bank.
I grabbed the Winix 5520 after dealing with too much dust and pet hair in the house. Setup was simple—plug it in, pull the plastic off the filter, and it was good to go. Within the first couple hours, I could already feel the air was fresher. It’s one of those devices that you stop noticing until you realize you’re not sneezing as much or smelling last night’s dinner in the morning. Quiet enough at night, but powerful enough to handle cooking smells and the occasional burst of smoke from outside.
The neat thing about the 5520 is how it kind of takes care of itself. The auto mode kicks in when needed, like when my dog decided to shake off his fur right in front of it—it spun up for a few minutes and then settled back down. I don’t babysit it at all, it just does its thing. The washable carbon filter is a nice touch too, since replacement costs on other purifiers add up fast.
*Manufacturer coverage claims vary by ACH (air changes per hour). See Buyer’s Notes below.
At a Glance
Why We Like It
- Powerful enough for bedrooms and living rooms without being bulky.
- Auto mode and sensors adjust on the fly without fuss.
- Washable carbon filter saves money over time.
- Quiet sleep mode that doesn’t disturb rest.
- PlasmaWave feature for added odor and VOC control.
Keep in Mind
- No app or voice control—remote only.
- The design is a little plain compared to sleeker purifiers.
- PlasmaWave can be turned off, but some folks debate if it’s necessary.
Key Features & Real-World Performance
Four-Stage Filtration (Pre/HEPA/Carbon/PlasmaWave)
The pre-filter grabs pet hair and lint, the true HEPA takes care of fine particles, the washable carbon helps with odors, and PlasmaWave breaks down VOCs and other stuff you don’t want floating around. For me, the washable carbon alone makes it worth it—no more stressing over buying new filters every few months.
When cooking, I’ve noticed smells clear out in under 15 minutes. During allergy season, it’s been great for keeping dust and pollen from building up inside. Some people debate if PlasmaWave is just marketing, but in my case, I’ve definitely noticed the air feels “lighter” after it runs for a while.
Auto Mode + Sensors
Auto mode is honestly my favorite feature. If the air gets funky (pets, vacuuming, cooking), it kicks up on its own and then chills out once things clear. I don’t think about it much, which is exactly how it should be.
Noise & Night Use
On low, it’s barely noticeable—like soft white noise. Sleep mode is quieter than my ceiling fan, and the display lights can be turned off, which is a big win for the bedroom. On high, it moves air like crazy, but it’s not a constant roar—it only ramps up when needed.
Remote Control
Not as fancy as app-connected purifiers, but the remote does the job. I mostly use it to switch between modes when I’m on the couch. No Wi-Fi, which some people might actually prefer for privacy reasons.
Dimensions
- Size: ~15″ × 8″ × 24″
- Weight: ~16 lbs
- Coverage: ~400 sq ft at 4–5 ACH*
- CADR: Smoke/Dust/Pollen ~240–250 CFM
- Power: Energy efficient; low draw on auto/sleep
*ACH = air changes per hour. A larger room or higher ACH target reduces the coverage number.
What’s in the Box
- Winix 5520 unit
- HEPA filter + Washable carbon filter (pre-installed; remove plastic first)
- Remote control
- User manual
✅ Pros
- + Washable carbon filter saves money over time.
- + Strong at handling everyday odors and pet dander.
- + Auto mode and sensors make it hassle-free.
- + Sleep-friendly with dimmable lights and quiet operation.
- + PlasmaWave option adds another layer of cleaning.
❌ Cons
- – No smart app or voice control, just remote.
- – Design isn’t as sleek as some other brands.
- – Replacement HEPA filters still add up long term.
- – PlasmaWave feature can be controversial; not everyone wants to use it.
Winix 5520 ⭐ Ratings
What Others Are Saying
Most people who own the 5520 rave about how much cleaner the air feels within a day or two of running it. Pet owners especially love how well it handles dander and odors. The washable carbon filter gets called out as a money-saver compared to models that need full replacements every 6 months. Criticism usually comes down to the lack of app features and the fact that it’s not the most stylish design. PlasmaWave also sparks debate—some swear by it, others switch it off.
On Amazon, many reviewers say they noticed less dust on furniture after a week, and quite a few mention it’s quiet enough to run in the bedroom all night. A few picky users wish the sensors reacted faster, but overall, feedback leans very positive.
Winix 5520 Alternatives
| Model | Best For | CADR (CFM) | Filter Type | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit Core 400S | Smart app features | ~240–260 | HEPA + Carbon | App + voice control, compact footprint | View |
| Winix 5500-2 | Budget-friendly | ~232 | HEPA + Washable Carbon | Similar performance, lower price, no PlasmaWave | View |
| Blueair Blue Pure 211+ | Large spaces | ~350+ | Particle + Carbon | Simple controls, powerful airflow | View |
Users often compare filter costs vs features. The 5520 saves money with its washable carbon, Levoit appeals to those wanting app control, and Blueair excels in bigger spaces.
FAQ
How often should I replace the filter?
The HEPA filter usually lasts 12 months, sometimes less if you’re in a high-dust or pet-heavy household. The carbon filter is washable, which cuts down costs compared to other models. Some folks still replace carbon yearly for best results.
Will it help with wildfire smoke?
Yes. True HEPA captures smoke particles, and the carbon filter helps with odors. During heavy smoke events, expect to run it on higher speeds and maybe replace the HEPA more often. Some prefer purifiers with thicker carbon layers for long smoke seasons.
Where should I place the purifier?
Best in a central, open spot—away from walls and corners. I keep mine near the living room entry and it seems to cover the whole area well.
Does PlasmaWave produce ozone?
Winix says it meets safety standards for ozone and you can turn it off if you prefer. Some users feel better leaving it off, while others swear it helps with odors. Totally optional.
Final Verdict
The Winix 5520 hits a sweet spot if you want solid performance without constant filter costs. The HEPA + washable carbon setup is great for pet owners, and auto mode makes it a “set and forget” machine. It doesn’t have smart app controls, but honestly, the remote is enough for me. Quiet, effective, and affordable in the long run.
In short, it’s a great choice for bedrooms, apartments, and living rooms where odors, dust, and dander are the main headaches. For wildfire-heavy areas or giant open layouts, you may want multiple units or something with more CADR. But as an everyday workhorse, the 5520 is hard to beat.
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Buyer’s Notes
- ACH matters: “Up to X sq ft” assumes a specific number of air changes per hour. For allergies, target 4–5 ACH; for smoke, higher is better.
- CADR is your friend: When comparing models, look at CADR for smoke/dust/pollen—it’s a clearer measure than marketing terms.
- Filter strategy: Clean and wash the carbon filter regularly, and mark a reminder for HEPA replacements so performance doesn’t dip.
