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It’s not just those who have pets or suffer from allergies that need clean air in their homes. More and more people are choosing to buy an air cleaner for their health and the health of their families. But how do you know which air cleaner to choose?
We are going to look at two from the popular brand Winix, the Winix C535 vs 5500. We will focus on all of their features including size, air cleaning technologies, controls and value for money. We will add a comparison chart and some pros and cons before our final verdict.
Let’s start with what the Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 have in common.
Winix C535 vs 5500 – Similarities
Filtration
The Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 have the same three-stage filtration system. It comes with a True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The HEPA filters are washable. They also have activated carbon filters that help to capture odors from things like smoke and cooking odors as well as bacteria, mold, pet dander and pollen. The carbon filter helps to prolong the carbon filter lifespan.
PlasmaWave Technology
The third stage of cleaning is the PlasmaWave Technology. The Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 generate positive and negative ions that create plasma clusters that neutralize viruses and bacteria.
LED Lights
The Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 have a LED indicator that lets you know when the filters need replacing. They also have LED indicators to show the quality of the air. The Winix C535 has a light that changes color to show the air quality and the Winix 5500 has a bar. The air quality is detected by the real-time sensor on the top of the units.
Remote Control
For ease of use, the Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 come with a control panel and remote control.
Side by Side Comparison
Let’s recap the specifications of the Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 in the following comparison chart.
| Winix C535 | Winix 5500 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Size | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches | 16.3 x 8.5 x 21.7 inches |
| Weight | 14.8lbs | 15lbs |
| Color | White | Metallic Silver |
| Filters | Washable 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 |
| AHAM Verified | Yes | N/A |
| PlasmaWave Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Rest Easy | Yes | N/A |
| Filtration Levels | 3-stage | 3-stage |
| Controls | 5 fan speeds, sleep mode, auto mode, timer | 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 | Yes |
| Room Size | 360sq ft | 350sq ft |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| Price |
The next section will focus on how the Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 differ.
Differences Between Winix C535 and Winix 5500
Appearance
They are rather similar in size; however, the design is different.
Winix C535
This is a white air cleaner and with a sleek control panel on the top. It measures 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches and weighs 14.8 pounds.
Winix 5500
The metallic grey is a nice color. It is 16.3 x 8.5 x 21.7 inches and weighs 15 pounds.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Winix 5300 vs 5500: Which Air Cleaners are Better?
AHAM Verified
The AHAM is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
Winix C535
It has been verified by the AHAM to clean the air 5 times per hour.
Winix 5500
There is no information about this model being AHAM verified.
The Winner Is- The Winix C535
Read next – Winix C535 vs C555: Which Air Cleaners are Better?
Modes and Controls
It’s great to know that both air cleaners have a range of controls to suit different environments.
Winix C535
There are 5 fan speeds. On auto mode, the smart sensor will detect the air quality and adjust the fan speed accordingly. There is also a sleep mode that reduces noise and energy consumption. You can set a timer or what is quite funky is that you can use Rest Easy mode. This will automatically switch to and from auto and sleep mode depending on the light in the room. You can turn the PlasmaWave feature on and off.
Winix 5500
There are 4 fan speeds that will also adjust automatically depending on the quality of the air. You can switch to sleep mode but there is no mention of Rest Easy mode. You can turn the PlasmaWave off if you want.
The Winner Is- The Winix C535
Read next – Winix 5500 vs 5500-2: Which Air Cleaners are Better?
Room Size
There isn’t that much of a difference but worth a mention.
Winix C535
It is suitable for room sizes u to 360 square feet.
Winix 5500
At just a little less, you can use this in rooms up to 250 square feet.
The Winner Is- The Winix C535
Warranty
The price is very similar, but the warranty is different.
Winix C535
There is a 2-year warranty on this air cleaner.
Winix 5500
The warranty is only for 1 year.
The Winner Is- The Winix C535
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons will help give a full overview of the two air cleaners from Winix.
Winix C535
Pros:
- It comes with enough filters for approximately 2 years of use
- It doesn’t take long to make a difference in air quality
- The sleep mode is especially quiet
Cons:
- Some might find the LED lights too bright at night
Winix 5500
Pros:
- It’s great for collecting dust
- Works well on odors
- The overall design is a little more modern
Cons:
- There is no timer
The Final Verdict.
We loved the Winix C535 and the Winix 5500 for their excellent air cleaning abilities. Both worked incredibly well and there was a great difference in how clean the air was and the dust that was collected in the filters. Both did well at removing odors too.
As there can only be one winner, we felt that the Winix C535 was the better buy. The price was similar, but you get a much longer warranty. When you add on the fact that you have 5 air cleans per hour, the timer and the additional Rest Easy mode, the Winix C535 is a better value for money.