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If you did no more than look at a photo you might not see any difference between the Winix FresHome P450, the P300, and the P150. In fact, while they house substantially similar technology, they offer equally substantial differences in specs and air purifying power.

Basic Specs

The basic case design of all three models – the Winix P450, the P300, and the P150 – is very much the same. That’s why it’s easy to be fooled by a photo. Each is a modified black-striped white rectangle with the panel on the top. But even in this area the differences become clear with a closer look.

• The P450 measures: 18.9″ wide x 25.6″ high x 11.8″ deep, while
• the P300 measures: 16.3″ wide x 21.7″ high x 10.4″ deep, and
• the P150 measures: 13.8″ wide x 18.5″ high x 9.1″ deep.

Those figures might give you the impression that the P150 and P300 are just scaled down versions of the P450, and in a way that’s right. After all, the weights go from:

• P450 = 19.40 lbs
• P300 = 13.95 lbs
• P150 = 11.15 lbs

But size (and weight) can be misleading. The difference in case volume and mass signal far more than just corner space required or ease of movement. Inside, where it counts, there are considerable differences in the three models.

Air Power, Coverage, and CADRs

Far more significant than mere size variations in the latest Winix air purifier models are the differences in how much air they can cleanse and how quickly. You see that right away in the air processing volume spec for each model, the CFM (cubic feet per meter) of air each one pumps. The figures vary for each model, naturally, depending on fan speed. Here they are:

• P450 – 50 (Quiet), 110 (Med), 175 (High), 290 (Turbo)
• P300 – 40 (Quiet), 90 (Med), 140 (High), 195 (Turbo)
• P150 – 25 (Quiet), 45 (Med), 70 (High), 99 (Turbo)

You can see at a glance that the differences are not trivial and far from gradual. Even on the lowest speed, for example, it jumps 60% from the P150 to the P300. Similarly, the jump from the P300 to the P450 at the highest speed is almost 50%.

Looked at that way, it’s not surprising then that the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) numbers follow a similar pattern.

• P450 – 298 (Dust), 291 (Smoke), 343 (Pollen)
• P300 – 197 (Dust), 197 (Smoke), 214 (Pollen)
• P150 – 98 (Dust), 98 (Smoke), 103 (Pollen)

We can see here just how weak is the P150 in comparison to the other two FresHome models. That difference alone suggests that model really isn’t a worthwhile choice except possibly to purify the smallest of rooms. That hint is confirmed when we look at the area ratings for each model.

• P450 – 450 square feet (~21 ft x 21 ft)
• P300 – 300 square feet (~17 ft x 17 ft)
• P150 – 150 square feet (~12 ft x 12 ft)

Keep in mind, all ratings assume a standard ceiling height of 8 feet.

So, it might seem that the P150 would be a good choice for an ordinary home office, and it might well be. But bear in mind also that the actual area purified is usually a little less in real-world use than these ratings state. So, unless you have a very small room, and it can be kept purified continually with only very modest effort, the P150 simply isn’t going to have enough ‘oomph’ to do the job.

Well, at least it’s not hard to see where the Winix models get their names.

3-Stage Filtration Systems

Fortunately, despite their considerable and important differences, the technology each Winix model uses is still very much present in each one.

Stage 1 consists of a carbon pre-filter that helps remove the largest particles. That performs an important air cleansing function all its own – besides hair and lint, it filters out many household odors, for example. But it has an equally important purpose: to help the later stages work more efficiently.

Stage 2 is critical, since that one houses the True HEPA filter that makes all these air purifiers more than simply room fresheners. A True HEPA has to filter out at least 99.97% of particles no larger than 0.3 microns in size to qualify for the label. The special material and thousands of folds are what scour out pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne allergens.

Stage 3 is where the real differentiator of a Winix resides, though. This is the company’s proprietary PlasmaWave technology. It’s far more than just a marketing buzzword. For a more detailed explanation of how it works read the Winix P450 review.

Noise Levels

One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is noise level. That’s because it really doesn’t matter much here. True, the P150 puts out only 52 db on Turbo but the P450 is only moderately louder at 60 db. The P300 comes in at 55 db.

The numbers aren’t linear, so don’t be misled. You can definitely hear the P450 working when it’s running at the highest speed. But even this high-end model working as hard as it can is far from deafening. Keep it across the room from the couch near the TV and you probably won’t mind the noise.

Automation and Remote Control

Other aspects of the P150, P300, and P450 matter even less. They all use essentially the same sensors. All of them monitor the air flow and kick up to the higher speeds automatically, as needed. They all house the same controls to do that manually, if you prefer. They all offer the same fine visual indicators on the top panel.

There is one difference between the P150 and the P300 or P450 that might push some buyers away from the smallest unit, even aside from the room size/CADR issue. The P150 does not come with the remote control unit. How important that is will vary from one person to the next, of course, but for those who have difficulty getting around it can be a dealmaker.

Summary

A careful examination of the specs – and real-world use – of the Winix FresHome P150, P300, and P450 air purifiers shows they differ in much more than just size. Even discounting room area coverage, the P150 comes up short. That leaves the P300 and P450 as viable choices. There, it’s simply the usual tradeoff between price versus performance required. Let your budget and circumstances be your guide.

The Winix 5500 is a newer model than the Winix 5300. Does that make the 5300 obsolete? Should you just automatically purchase the newer model without bothering to look back? Let’s see…

Winix Inc has established a place in a very crowded home air purifier market and maintained it well over the past few years. They’ve done that by offering a lot of value for your money. Good examples are the Winix 5300 and the follow-on model, the 5500, both of which are still produced and supported by Winix.

Similarities

There’s a lot to like about both models.

For example, each offers essentially the same powerful fan that runs at four separate speeds: Quiet/Low, Medium, High, and Turbo. Each runs undetectably quiet on the lowest speed, a bare whisper at medium, and not really annoying at the high speed. Only in Turbo mode does the sound become (possibly) enough to interfere with conversation or hearing the TV easily. As a result of that fan and the filter system, both the 5300 and the 5500 have the same very respectable Clean Air Delivery Rates.

• 252 Pollen
• 248 Dust
• 236 Smoke

But those numbers do you little good unless you understand how CADRs are created. Without going into a lot of technical detail, they essentially measure how much air can be cleared in how much time.

The best thing to do if you don’t already own a home air purifier is compare those numbers to several other models of similar price. Comparing similarly priced models is key because you’ll see models, like the Blueair 503 for example, that list CADRs like 375 for all three categories. But it also costs double that of the Winix 5300 or 5500.

More Similarities – 3 Stage Purification System

The 5300 and 5500 have very similar filter systems. Each is a three stage system.

Stage 1 is a carbon filter. Carbon molecules in a mesh have a very large, chemically reactive surface area. That’s a fancy way of saying a lot of things stick to them and there are lots of places for them to stick. This section clears large dust particles, pet hair, and other room pollutants.

Winix filters offer less carbon than some other manufacturers model’s but they’re decent. In addition, they coat the filter with an antimicrobial compound to zap some microorganisms before they get to the HEPA filter in the next stage. That lengthens the life of the HEPA filter. However, some very sensitive buyers may object to the somewhat insecticide-like smell. It’s subtle, but some users do notice it.

Both models have this same advantage/drawback, so there’s nothing to distinguish them here except that the newer model has a slightly improved version. That is the 5500 filter’s odor is a little harder to detect.

Stage 2 is that previously mentioned HEPA filter and it hasn’t seen any significant change in filtration ability between the two models.

It’s not the equal of ones you’ll see in some high-end models like the awe-inspiring IQAir HealthPro Plus, but it’s good. On the other hand, that IQAir HyperHEPA model is three times or more the price of either Winix unit. The Winix HEPA certainly gets the job done, at least for all but the uber-sensitive. If you are, consider biting the bullet and buying something like the HealthPro.

Stage 3 in each model houses the company’s proprietary Plasmawave technology. That technology is Winix’s adaptation of something invented by Sharp and used in their Plasmacluster models. A plate inside generates positive and negative ions that are then expelled from the unit. They combine with airborne water molecules to produce hydroxyl radicals (negatively-charged OH molecules.

Those hydroxyls then break down VOCs (volatile organic compounds), such as those from cleaning products, gasoline exhaust fumes, and the like. They also zap airborne microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and the like – that can cause disease or generate allergic reactions.

There’s no major change between the two models because there was no need. That said, manufacturing quality has possibly improved a bit because there are many fewer complaints about the crackling noise from the ionizer. The 5300 has a noise that bothered some buyers; the 5500 seems to have improved on this.

Differences – Hepa Filter

The differences between the 5300, beyond improvements in quality control, are few and subtle, but may be important to some potential buyers.

First and foremost is the HEPA filter change between the two. The two filter the same but the HEPA filter in the 5500 is washable. That might not sound like much but it can be a big deal. HEPA filters are pricey and, despite what some manufacturers claim, do have to be changed sooner or later.

The one in the Winix 5300 was recommended to change about once per year. That will vary depending on room size and pollutant levels, of course, but it can only be stretched so far. By contrast, the HEPA in the 5500 can last the rated 2-3 years with proper care. Wash it well about every three months (when you change the carbon filter) and it will keep working at near-new capacity. That decreases your annual maintenance costs by two-thirds on this component.

One qualifier though. Washing, per se, doesn’t decrease the effectiveness. HEPA filters work as they do chiefly because of their physical characteristics, not any chemical coating. But no matter how well you wash them there will always be some material that doesn’t get removed and eventually the tiny ‘channels’ do get (at least partly) plugged.

More Differences – Remote Control

The other difference between both models is the remote control. The former lacked one but the 5500 has one. Whether that’s important to you is strictly a personal choice. Some owners barely use a remote for their home air purifier; others would suffer greatly without it.

The remote on the 5500 isn’t fancy but it is sufficient. It lets you set the fan speed manually and turn on/off the Plasmawave ionizer as well as the unit as a whole.

That said, both models are highly automatic. The sensor detects when to shift the fan speed. The sensor in the 5300 was an odor detector but the one in the 5500 is a particle detector. The difference is subtle and which works better is a matter of some controversy but both work well. So, whether you will feel the need for a remote control, even if you have limited movement ability, is an open question.

Summary

The Winix 5300 and the Winix 5500 are almost identical units. The differences are few and subtle. Both are fine mid-range home air purifiers. Which one is best for you, if either, only you can decide. Suffice to say, you can’t go wrong with either one if your room is not too large nor your nose, eyes, and lungs too sensitive. If they are, I recommend a higher end unit instead.

The Winix 9300 and 9500 home air purifiers are both fine units. In fact, they’re so similar in so many respects it can be hard to choose between them. Let’s take a closer look to see if there’s anything in the details to help decide between them…

Filter System – 5 Stages

The Winix 9300 model is slightly older than the 9500 but even then had pretty much the same fine filter system. This 5-stage system consists of:

Stage 1: Treated pre-filter. This removes large dust particles, pet hair, and much more from the airstream. That lets the filters later in line do a much better job of getting the small stuff. Apart from the usual improvements in quality control of later models, in this case slight to non-existent, there’s really no difference between the two here. Each models’ filter is coated with the same anti-microbial compound.

Stage 2: Washable HEPA filter. Unlike the Winix 5300 the HEPA filter in the 9300 and 9500 is washable. Here again, no difference. Both effectively remove smoke, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and more.

Stage 3: Nano-silvered anti-microbial mesh filter. The buzzword “nano” aside (essentially meaningless here), this filter really does add value. Silver has the ability to kill a wide range of microorganisms. Here again though there’s no difference between the two models. Any 9300 sold today will carry the same filter as the newer 9500 – unless it happened to have been manufactured a year ago. That’s something to watch for in any case. Filters that sit unwrapped inside the unit will inevitably decay slightly over time. Their effectiveness is reduced by passively absorbing material from the air while still inside the box. It’s slower than ordinary use, but it does reduce the initial filter’s lifetime.

Stage 4: Washable advanced odor control (AOC) carbon filter. Differing from the Stage 1 filter, this is designed to remove smaller particles, including those tiny ones that come in the form of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). That reduces unpleasant odors but also improves room air by reducing noxious compounds. Those are a particular concern of chemically sensitive users – a large portion of the home air purifier market. But in this case, too, the 9300 carries exactly the same filter as the 9500.

Stage 5: PlasmaWave technology. This section holds Winix’s proprietary ionizer. Unlike older methods that use ozone, it generates positive and negative ions that combine with airborne water molecules to create OH ions (hydroxyl radicals). Those degrade airborne pollutants and kill many microorganisms that don’t make their way into the purifier. In this case, there is a slight difference between the two units. The design is the same in each case but Winix has improved on quality control. There are now many fewer buyers who complain about the low crackling noise the older unit use to sometimes emit during operation.

Operation, Performance, and Stats

At last we start to find some significant differences between both Winix air cleaners.

The Clean Air Delivery Rates between the two models show a notable difference. The CADR values for the 9300 are 142/138/145 (Dust/Smoke/Pollen) and 182/183/194 (Dust/Smoke/Pollen) for the 9500. Without going into a long, technical explanation it’s enough to say that the 9500 really outshines the 9300 in this important area. It clears more air faster.

That said, these numbers have to be approached with caution when comparing to other manufacturers’ models. Different brands list these numbers for two, four, or six air changes per hour. Winix lists theirs for two per hour. So, when you see a model with different numbers it may well be because they are measuring for six per hour. That’s good, an indication of a superior model. However, those typically cost two to three times as much. You get what you pay for.

Sometimes you get a little more than you pay for, however. The 9500 covers a larger area (up to 284 square feet) than the 9300 (up to 213 sq ft), and yet costs only a little more. It’s listed as 50 more on the official Winix site but sells for only about 10 more at Amazon, currently.

Part of the difference between the two is no doubt explained by the difference in size. The 9500 is a little bigger – 16.5″ W x 21.9″ H x 8.9″ D vs the 9300’s 13.8″ W x 18.5″ H x 9.1″ D. It’s also moderately heavier, 18.8 lbs (9500) vs 13.7 lbs (9300).

Offsetting that advantage marginally, the 9300 uses a little less electricity on the highest setting – 50 watts vs 70 watts (9500). That tiny difference in monthly running cost won’t sway many buyers, who will happily pay a few cents extra for much cleaner air. That extra juice no doubt drives the Turbo speed a little higher, contributing to those better CADR numbers.

Speaking of costs… when it comes to filter replacement, the 9500 is also a bit more expensive. The 9500 requires the Winix all-in-one filter kit #119110. The 9300 requires the Winix all-in-one filter kit #119010.

Sensors, Indicators, and Controls

The sensors and indicators in the two units are pretty much the same. The replace filter light tells you when to replace the filter unit – on average once every year and a half or so. Whether this is 12 months or 18 months or 2 years or something in between heavily depends on your air quality and hours of operation, of course.

Each houses fine odor and particle detectors, along with a light sensor to automatically downshift the fan speed when you turn off the room light. That sensor/switch also dims the panel lights to allow you to sleep more easily.

Each comes with a remote control to manually adjust the fan speed, if desired. You can also use it to turn off/on the ion generator or the whole unit. Each offers the same array of air quality lights, fan speed indicator, and so on.

Summary

The Winix 9300 is a fine, mid-range home air purifier. If you can pick one up at a steep discount you will probably be quite satisfied. However, for my money, the better numbers (translating into better air quality) on the Winix 9500 make the choice easy. Still, you may prefer a smaller, lighter unit even if it clears a slightly smaller room.

It’s difficult to find a truly impressive home air purifier at a mid-range price. Often, the truly sensitive have to swallow hard and layout a 1000 to get something that will effectively tackle room air. The Winix 9500 manages to surprise and delight by doing that for less than 300.

Filter System – 5 Stages

One of the key aspects of any good air purifier is the filter system, obviously. The 9500 offers a 5-stage design that is much more than just a number. Each stage does an important job and does it well.

Stage 1 is a pre-filter that extracts the largest particles – dust, pet hair, and the like – from the air stream. You can see firsthand that it’s doing the job by letting the unit run for a month or so then opening up the unit for cleaning. Unless you live in an electronics manufacturer’s cleanroom you’ll easily spot a lot of material to vacuum off the filter.

That pre-filter is washable for even better removal of material. It’s also treated with an antibacterial compound that reduces the microorganisms the later stages have to deal with. However, some especially sensitive people might dislike the odor so this can be a mixed blessing.

Stage 2 offers a HEPA filter that is as good as any around in the mid-range niche. Some truly high-end machines have a HEPA filter that could be used on the space shuttle :). This one doesn’t reach that standard but neither does it need to in order to be effective. It, too, is washable, reducing annual maintenance costs.

Stage 3 houses a mesh that’s coated with silver, which has anti-microbial properties. It can only kill organisms that come in contact with it, so it’s not going to remove all potential disease-causing or allergy-stimulating creatures from your home. But it does help reduce their number considerably.

The washable advanced odor control (AOC) carbon filter in stage 4 goes beyond removing dust, dander, pollen, and other allergens. The carbon it contains removes a lot of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), one of the chief villains that cause chemically sensitive people to suffer.

Neither it nor the purifier as a whole are designed to completely remove all paint fumes and the like after an indoor home improvement project. No mid-range unit is going to do that. But it can effectively remove vapors produced from household cleaning products, along with other common chemicals in low concentrations.

Stage 5 contains the company’s proprietary ion generator, which they call PlasmaWave technology. That fancy name might stretch the definition a bit (ask a physicist) but it’s not a con job.

The unit generates positive and negative ions that enter the air and react with airborne water molecules. That creates negatively-charged OH molecules (hydroxyl radicals). Those hydroxyls then break down indoor pollutants and also kill some of the airborne bacteria, viruses, and more.

Unlike older technology, still in use in some home air purifiers, it produces no ozone (O3 molecules). While the health hazards of indoor, ion generator-produced ozone was sometimes overstated, this method is safer as well as more effective.

Performance and Stats

That excellent filtration system would be ineffective, however, without a good fan and efficient air flow. Fortunately, the design of the Winix 9500 offers all that in abundance.

The unit can push a fair amount of air, thanks to a robust 4-speed motor (Low, Medium, High, Turbo) and an efficient case design (in through the bottom and sides, out through the top).

Surprisingly, the CADR numbers are considerably lower than their less expensive model, the Winix 5500. They are:

• 194 Pollen
• 182 Dust
• 183 Smoke

about 50% lower than the 5500’s ratings. That’s a bit mysterious and there’s reason to wonder if the numbers (or the 5500 model’s) are misstated. However, CADR ratings require interpretation. Ideally, they’re listed for six full air changes per hour rather than the two or four of some manufacturers/models. There’s no way to know in this case.

It’s also odd that they state the 9500 covers up to a maximum of 284 square feet when the 5500 is listed as covering 350 sq feet. It may be that they’re more conservative here or that the extra filters reduce the amount of air it can clear.

Whatever the official numbers say, real-world experience shows that the 9500 does a fine job of clearing a room’s air. Light a cigarette a few feet from the unit, then let it burn for a minute. The 9500 will automatically increase the fan speed to Turbo and clear the smoke in a few minutes to an undetectable level.

Sensors, Indicators, and Controls

One reason the 9500 can do that is the superior set of sensors in this model. Going well beyond the quite-good 5500, this model houses dust and light sensors along with the odor sensor found in the lower-end version.

Those sensors measure particulate concentration in the air stream and adjust the fan speed accordingly. A hint of paint thinner or household cleaning spray in the air kicks the fan up into high. When the unit senses those compounds have dropped below a pre-set threshold, it downshifts into low again for quieter, lower-cost operation.

There is also an Auto-Sleep mode that will lower the fan speed when the room lights are dimmed. You can put it into that mode manually, too.

On the lowest setting, the unit consumes only about 6 watts so you’ll see practically no increase on the electric bill. Even on Turbo the 9500 sucks up only 70 watts so it draws less than the average lightbulb. The unit goes still further by providing a programmable timer to allow you to set it to run for only 1, 4, or 8 hours if you like.

Many of the settings can be set using the supplied remote control.

Conclusion

The Winix 9500 is pretty quiet (except on Turbo), handles a good-sized room, and barely sips electricity while offering fully automated operation. To this reviewer, that’s impressive.

True, it lacks some features of high-end home air purifiers. It doesn’t have a UV germicidal light or an electrostatic filter for example. But unless you are uber-sensitive and require a unit that zaps or removes every last compound, organism, and allergen, you will probably never notice the difference.