Winix c545 vs c555

Choosing the right product from the best air purifiers in the world can be very confusing. More often than normal, people seem muddled whether they should go for the smart features of the C545 or the durability and medical-grade filters of the C555. This Winix C545 vs. C555 comparison includes details that will help you decide which product you should get.

 

Introduction:

Winix C545 is the perfect budget air purifier for all sorts of use. It performs well in all the aspects like fan power, performance, quality, durability, and extra features. The Winix c545 4 stage air purifier with WIFI & plasmawave technology is suitable for modern smart homes and tech enthusiasts.

The success of every Winix C-series product calls for a new launch every year. Winix C555 air cleaner with plasmawave technology is the latest device yet. The C555 is suitable for health-conscious people because it provides non-stop safety which is hard to find in other products of this category.

About the manufacturer:

Winix has been home to some of the finest air purifiers in the world for the past 50 years. They manufacture all sorts of appliances such as air purifiers, water purifiers, and other related products. The half-century experience enabled them to produce a product for every price range. For instance, you can find a high-end luxury air purifier like the Winix True HEPA 6300-2 to the budget Winix C535 air purifier in their catalog. As a result, Winix always stands out in the Winix vs. GermGuardian comparison.

Quick overview

Most of us don’t like to read lengthy articles that’s why here is an overview of this article after an intense search we have found that Winix C545 is a major upgrade from C535 and still a better option than C555 for the price. It provides all the modern features that you expect from a premium air purifier but with an affordable price tag. Here is a link to both for you.

 

 

Features & Specifications Comparison

CADR RATING

 

Winix air purifier C555 vs C545 detailed review

Design and Size:

The recent few Winix air purifiers generations are design-oriented. The build quality of Winix purifiers has become stronger, durable, and more robust now than ever. The main casing of the air purifier is made from heavy-duty plastic, while metallic parts are used where necessary. It ensures that your air purifier remains safe from environmental hazards like mold and corrosion.

The C545 features an enriched color tone to blend in with most wall colors of the room. However, C545 is a much more elegant device with a beautiful pure white color in all parts than the C535. It means that you can create your own contrast with the combination of a white air purifier and the room color. Moreover, the white control panel doesn’t catch dust as fast as the black one. As a result, you don’t have to service the air purifier as often.

In the case of the Winix C555 air purifier, the design and color are a mix of both its predecessor models. At first glance, it is hard to spot a difference between Winix c535 vs. c555. It is because both these devices have a pure white body with a black contrast control panel on the top. However, the control panel design of the C555 matches the C545 with a few improvements.

Overall, the design of both Winix C545 and C555 is classy and elegant. It offers a minimalistic approach to aesthetics while maintaining true beauty and elegance. At first glance, you won’t be able to identify whether it’s a high-end luxury device or a budget air purifier. In short, both these devices can amaze your friends and anyone who visits your place.

Stages of filtration

The efficiency of any air purifier depends on the number of air filters used in the device. Nowadays, most air purifiers use either one or two different stages of air purification. Some of the high-end devices even go to a three or four-stage purification system, and Winix C545 is one of those devices.

On the contrary, the Winix C555 air purifier takes filtration to another level. It offers medicated 5-stages of filtration with active ant-bacterial treatment. This feature is only available in the C555 and no other purifier.

Pre-filter:

The first level of filtration consists of a basic mechanical filter. It contains more than 2000 micro holes to filter out any solid pollutants from the air like dust, soil, and pet dander. It is a permanent filter which means you can wash it every month instead of buying a new one.

HEPA filter:

The second stage of the air purifier is the most effective one. No modern air purifier can be efficient without having at least one type of HEPA filter in it. This filter catches particles as small as 0.3 microns without getting clogged for several months. However, it is a disposable filter, and you need to replace it as soon as the indicator tells you.

Active-carbon filter:

The third stage of the air purifier comes after the HEPA filter. The air is free from most solid particles, but it still contains fumes, VOCs, odor, and smoke. Therefore, the active-carbon filter acts like a magnet to attract any carbon-containing compound from the air.

PlasmaWave:

In most air purifiers, the filtration stops at the active-carbon filter, and the air is released back into the room. But what about germs, bacteria, and viruses? Therefore, Winix takes a step further than most other air purifiers of its category. They use an ultraviolet bulb to rupture the DNA of all the harmful micro-organisms in the air and disintegrate them.

 

Difference:

The different stages of filtration are pretty similar for both C545 and C555 air purifiers. However, the key difference lies in:

• Washable Carbon filter: Winix C555 offers a washable active-carbon filter with active odor cancelation (AOC). It is a permanent filter rather than the C545’s disposable carbon filter and lasts for several years than the rest.
• Anti-bacterial HEPA: Winix C555 includes an improved true-HEPA filter. The disposable HEPA is covered with a special anti-bacterial layer that catches and any micro-organisms from the air without producing ozone. On the contrary, the Winix C545 only comes with the traditional HEPA filter.

 

Controls

The control panel of all the air purifiers of the C-family, such as C535, C545, C555, are all the same except for a few minor changes. The top portion of the machine is designated for the control panel. All the button functions are the same as any other Winix product, but the button combination is different.

The First button in the panel is the auto-mode selection button. When pressed, the machine switches from normal mode to auto, overriding all user settings. The fan speed and filtration rate are adjusted according to the air quality as detected by the sensor. Next comes the air quality indicator display. This rates the current air quality of your room and provides constructive feedback as to whether you should slow the machine or turn on the turbo. The fan speed button is located next to the air indicator. You can choose from three-speed settings and a bonus turbo setting. The amount of power consumed by the air purifier depends on your fan speed. The lower fan speeds decrease the rate of filtration but increase power efficiency and vice versa.

The sleep mode button is next in the panel. It turns the fan speed to low or medium to reduce noise. Moreover, the lighting of the device is also dimmed, and an air quality sensor is enabled. The check filter light provides information when it is time to replace the HEPA and active-carbon filter with a  new one. You need to reset the filter settings every time; the reset button is located next to the check light. The last three buttons are the most useful in the control panel. The first button is the power button to turn the machine on or off. The next is the PlasmaWave button to make the device ozone-free and turn off the ultraviolet filter. Finally, the WIFI switch is the last in the panel.

Difference:

• The buttons are better labeled on the C555 than C545.
• The power button of the C555 is located on the left end, while C545 has its power button on the right end.
• Winix C545 includes a WIFI connection switch and a WIFI connection indication display, while the C555 has none.
• Winix C545 has a pure white control panel, while C555 has a black digital control panel.

 

 

CADR and ACH:

In terms of fan power, the C545 can handle medium to large-sized rooms very easily. The average CADR of C545 is 240.33CFM, while C555 has a 234.33CFM CADR. Both these values are more than enough to spread the air throughout the room. Moreover, you will also experience a slightly chilled breeze when sitting near either of the air purifiers. Similarly, the ACH rating of both these air purifiers is 4x. It means that the machine runs four times in one hour to circulate fresh air in the room. The fans will start every 15 minutes to ensure that fresh air quality is maintained all the time.

 

Additional features

Winix C545 is not only famous for its high performance but also for the modern features it provides. Similarly, the C555 is famous for its latest features and anti-bacterial filtration.

The review won’t be complete without mentioning these popular features that made this air purifier a hit.

The Common Features

Sleep mode:

When you activate the sleep mode, the device switches to silent settings, it produces a sound as low as 28 decibels. For your information, the minimum range of human hearing is 20 decibels. It means that the noise produced during the night mode is equivalent to an undetectable whisper. Such a low noise is achieved by turning the fan speed to low or medium, dimming the lighting, and lowering the suction motor power.

Auto mode:

The auto mode of the air purifier works in the same way as the C535. It relies on the air quality sensor. If the sensor detects a higher level of pollution in the room, the fan speed is increased to high or turbo. The purifier remains in this setting till the air quality sensor detects a safe environment. Similarly, when the sensor detects a lower pollution level, the air purifier will reduce fan speed to save power consumption.

 

Unique features

WIFI capability:

Most of the modern houses are shifting towards a smart home. Basically, all the appliances of the house are connected to a single network. You can control all the devices from a single device, let’s say, your smartphone. The C545 also comes with WIFI compatibility to complete your smart home project.

However, the Winix C555 purifier doesn’t feature a WIFI connection.

Smartphone app:

So what can you do with the WIFI? The WIFI function of the C545 works in collaboration with the Winix smartphone app for Android and IOS. You can control almost all the features of the air purifier using this application. Moreover, the app also displays various information like the temperature, air quality of the room, and the filter change indicator. You can also set the timer feature, turn the device on/off and even change the current model of the air purifier. You can also control the air purifier with Alexa and Google home devices.

Winix Smart app requires a WIFI connection between the device and the phone as C555 lacks the WIFI feature, so the smartphone app isn’t compatible with it.

Better filters:

Winix C555 focuses more on filtration efficiency rather than smart features. It comes with a permanent active-carbon filter that is washable and reusable, unlike the C545 AOC that you need to change every few months and doesn’t clear the odor from the air as effectively.

Similarly, the true-HEPA filter of the C555 is much improved than the rest. In fact, the anti-bacterial HEPA is a one-of-a-kind HEPA that is hard to find in any other air purifier. Even some doctors recommend the C555 air purifier to their patients due to its effective air processing powers.

Filter replacement:

The great thing about Winix air purifiers is that the filter replacement lasts the longest than any other device. Moreover, the replacement is cheaper than most competitors.

You can change the filter by opening the front perforated case and removing the True-HEPA filter. The filter replacement indicator will start blinking red as soon as it is time to change the filters. Furthermore, the light won’t stop blinking even after you change the filter because you need to reset the device every time.

Winix C545 filter replacement:

You can get the genuine replacement filter for Winix C545 from here.

• The HEPA filter replacement lasts for 12 months.
• The activated carbon filter should be changed every 3-months for optimal performance.

 

Winix C555 filter replacement:

You can get the genuine replacement filter for Winix C545 from here.

• The anti-bacterial HEPA filter replacement lasts for 12 months.
• The activated carbon filter is washable and reusable. It usually lasts for 2-3 years before requiring a replacement.

 

C545	C555
Pros:
WIFI compatible	Elegant design
Winix Smart App	Anti-bacterial HEPA
Alexa Compatible	Washable Carbon filter
Smart sensors	Smart sensors
Cons:
Carbon filter doesn’t last longer	The filter replacement is expensive

 

FAQs:

 

How to configure the Winix Smart app with C545?

• Start by downloading the Winix Smart app from either Google Play or the Apple store.
• Open the app and choose a new unit, select C545 to continue.
• Press OK and enter the password to your 2.4Ghz WIFI router.
• Press and hold the WIFI button on the air purifier till you hear a beep.
• Select next on the smartphone to connect the unit.
• Choose the name and location of the air purifier in your network, and the device is configured.

 

How long does the filter last on the Winix C545?

• Pre-filter lasts for 2-5 years, depending on the usage and maintenance.
• The HEPA filter replacement lasts for 12 months.
• The activated carbon filter should be changed every 3-months for optimal performance.
• PlasmaWave technology lasts as long as the device, and the Winix workshop can repair any damage.

 

Can I control the Winix C545 with Alexa and Google?

Winix C545 is fully compatible with Alexa and Google Home devices. However, users have reported that they can’t control it through Google Assistant and Siri.

 

How to wash the filters of Winix C555?

Winix C555 comes with two washable filters, i.e., pre-filter and AOC carbon filter. First, open the front panel and gently remove both the panels from the device.

• Rinse the carbon filter with room temperature water. Use a brush to scrub the debris off the filter gently.
  • Once cleaned, let it dry for 24-hours or longer.
• You can clean the pre-filter of the C555 using a vacuum cleaner and a soft brush. Avoid rinsing and washing the pre-filter as it can form sticky mud on the filter.

 

Which Model to Buy: Winix C535 vs. C555?

Both C545 and C555 are the best products in their own category. If you want the best air purifier for a smart home, you should choose the Winix C545 4-stage air purifier. Similarly, if you want an air purifier with better features and an efficient filtration system, the C555 is the right product for you.

 

Conclusion

Winix C545 is a major upgrade from C535 and still a better option than C555 for the price. It provides all the modern features that you expect from a premium air purifier but with an affordable price tag. However, some people prefer performance over features. In that case, the C555 is the most effective air purifier against bacteria and all other pollutants. The best device for you depends on your requirements; I hope this article has clarified all the questions in your mind about Winix C545 vs. C555 air purifiers.