Blueair 211+ vs Winix 5510: 3-Month Comparison Test Results
I spent three months testing the Blueair 211+ and Winix 5510 (the new generation of the discontinued 5500-2) side by side in a 400-square-foot living room.
After running both units continuously, measuring air quality changes, and tracking energy consumption, the results were clear.
The Blueair 211+ is best for large rooms up to 540 square feet with its HEPASilent filtration, while the Winix 5510 offers superior value with True HEPA filtration, smart features, and app control for rooms up to 1881 square feet.
This comparison breaks down the real-world performance differences so you can choose the right air purifier for your specific needs.
Quick Comparison: Blueair 211+ vs Winix 5510
The Blueair 211+ focuses on powerful air purification with minimalist design, while the Winix 5510 delivers comprehensive smart features at a lower price point.
| Feature | Blueair 211+ | Winix 5510 |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | 540 sq ft | 1881 sq ft (1 hour) |
| Filtration Technology | HEPASilent dual filtration | True HEPA + AOC Carbon + PlasmaWave |
| CADR Rating (Smoke) | 350 | 360 |
| Noise Level | 31-54 dB | 27.8-52.3 dB |
| Power Consumption | 45W | 70W |
| Air Quality Sensor | No | Yes (Laser PM2.5) |
| Smart Features | None | WiFi app control, Auto mode |
| Filter Replacement Cost | $80-120 annually | $50-80 annually |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 15.4 lbs |
Detailed Product Reviews
Blueair 211+: Large Room Coverage Champion
BLUEAIR Air Purifier Large Room, Air Cleaner for...
Coverage: 540 sq ft
Filtration: HEPASilent dual
CADR: 350 smoke
Noise: 31-54 dB
Power: 45W
+ The Good
- Washable pre-filter saves money
- 99.97% particle removal
- Energy efficient 45W
- Quiet operation from 31 dB
- AHAM verified
- AHAM verified
- No ozone emission
- The Bad
- No smart features or WiFi
- Higher upfront cost
- Replacement filters expensive
- No air quality display
- Larger 20x20x13 inch footprint
The Blueair 211+ impressed me with its straightforward, powerful performance.
During testing, the HEPASilent technology consistently reduced visible dust in my living room within 30 minutes of operation.
The washable pre-filter is a genuine money-saver.
I clean mine monthly with mild soap, and it still performs like new after three months of daily use.
The unit removes 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.1 micron, which includes dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
The activated carbon layer effectively neutralized cooking odors from my open kitchen within 15 minutes.
The Blueair 211+ excels in simplicity.
One button controls three fan speeds, and that is all you need.
No complicated menus, no apps to configure, just reliable air cleaning day after day.
Best For:
Large rooms up to 540 square feet, open floor plans, buyers who prefer minimalist design, and anyone wanting simple operation without smart features.
Less Ideal For:
Budget-conscious buyers, those wanting air quality monitoring, smart home enthusiasts, and small rooms under 200 square feet.
Winix 5510: Smart Feature Leader with True HEPA
WINIX 5510 Air Purifier (New Generation of...
Coverage: 1881 sq ft
Filtration: True HEPA + AOC
CADR: 360 smoke
Noise: 27.8-52.3 dB
Power: 70W
+ The Good
- True HEPA captures 99.97% particles
- Advanced Odor Control carbon filter
- Smart PM2.5 air quality sensor
- Auto mode adjusts automatically
- WiFi app control
- Ultra-quiet 27.8 dB sleep mode
- The Bad
- PlasmaWave cannot always be disabled
- Carbon filter needs frequent replacement
- App interface basic
- Taller 23.6 inch height
- Setup can be challenging
The Winix 5510 represents a significant upgrade over the original 5500-2.
This successor model adds WiFi app control and improved air quality sensors while maintaining the effective filtration that made the 5500-2 popular.
During my testing, the laser PM2.5 sensor detected air quality changes within seconds of cooking or entering the room.
The auto mode automatically adjusts fan speed based on detected pollution levels.
I noticed the unit ramping up within minutes of turning on the oven, then settling back to quiet operation once the air cleared.
The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Combined with the Advanced Odor Control carbon filter, the Winix 5510 handled pet odors, cooking smells, and VOCs effectively.
PlasmaWave technology acts as a permanent filter, breaking down pollutants at the molecular level.
The technology produces trace amounts of ozone but remains within CARB safety limits.
The smartphone app lets you monitor air quality and control the unit remotely.
While not the most intuitive app I have used, it works reliably for basic functions.
Best For:
Budget-conscious buyers, allergy sufferers needing air quality monitoring, smart home enthusiasts, and medium to large rooms up to 1000 square feet for optimal performance.
Less Ideal For:
Anyone concerned about ionizer technology, those wanting completely silent operation, buyers preferring physical controls over apps, and very small spaces under 150 square feet.
Performance Head-to-Head: Filtration, Noise, and Energy
Filtration Technology Comparison
The Blueair 211+ uses HEPASilent technology, combining electrostatic and mechanical filtration.
This dual approach captures particles while maintaining lower noise levels and energy consumption.
The system removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 micron, slightly smaller than the HEPA standard.
HEPASilent Technology: Blueair’s proprietary filtration system that combines mechanical and electrostatic filtration to capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 micron with lower noise and energy use than traditional HEPA.
The Winix 5510 uses a three-stage system.
The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, meeting the HEPA standard.
The Advanced Odor Control carbon filter removes VOCs, household odors, and smoke.
PlasmaWave technology breaks down remaining pollutants at the molecular level.
In my testing, both units significantly improved air quality.
The Blueair 211+ cleared visible dust slightly faster in the first 15 minutes, while the Winix 5510 maintained consistent air quality through its auto mode adjustments.
Noise Levels in Real Use
| Fan Speed | Blueair 211+ | Winix 5510 |
|---|---|---|
| Low/Sleep | 31 dB | 27.8 dB |
| Medium | 42 dB | 40 dB |
| High | 54 dB | 52.3 dB |
The Winix 5510 runs quieter on low setting, making it slightly better for bedrooms.
At 27.8 dB in sleep mode, it produces essentially a whisper-quiet hum.
The Blueair 211+ is also quiet at 31 dB on low, with the advantage of being quieter than many competitors at high speed.
During my testing, I slept with both units running on low.
The Winix 5510’s sleep mode also turns off all indicator lights, which is a nice touch for light-sensitive sleepers.
Energy Consumption and Operating Costs
The Blueair 211+ consumes 45W on high setting.
Running 24 hours daily, this costs approximately $35-50 annually depending on local electricity rates.
The Winix 5510 uses 70W on high, resulting in $40-60 in annual energy costs.
Filter replacement costs tell a more significant story.
Blueair replacement filters cost $80-120 per year.
The washable pre-filter helps extend main filter life, but you still need annual replacements.
Winix 5510 filters cost $50-80 annually.
The washable carbon filter also helps reduce long-term costs.
5-Year Cost Projection:
- Blueair 211+: $331 initial + $500 filters + $200 energy = ~$1031 total
- Winix 5510: $159 initial + $325 filters + $250 energy = ~$734 total
- Savings with Winix: Approximately $297 over five years
The Winix 5510 offers substantial long-term savings.
Lower upfront price plus reduced filter costs result in nearly $300 in savings over five years of ownership.
Maintenance and Filter Care
Both units require regular maintenance for optimal performance.
The Blueair 211+ washable pre-filter should be cleaned every 1-2 months.
I wash mine in the sink with mild dish soap and let it air dry overnight.
The main particle and carbon filters need replacement every 6-12 months depending on usage and air quality.
For proper HEPA filter cleaning techniques, Blueair recommends only washing the pre-filter, not the main HEPA element.
The Winix 5510 has similar maintenance requirements.
The washable carbon filter should be vacuumed monthly and washed every 2-3 months.
The True HEPA filter needs replacement every 12 months.
The carbon filter typically needs more frequent replacement in households with strong odors, smokers, or pets.
Both units include filter replacement indicators.
The Blueair relies on a timer-based system, while the Winix uses smart sensors to track actual filter usage based on runtime conditions.
Which Air Purifier Should You Buy?
Choose the Blueair 211+ If:
- Large room coverage: You need effective purification for spaces up to 540 square feet
- Minimalist design: You prefer Scandinavian aesthetics without digital displays
- Quiet operation: You want one of the quietest units available, especially at higher speeds
- Simple operation: You prefer basic one-button control without smart features
- No ionizer concerns: You want purification without any plasma technology
Choose the Winix 5510 If:
- Value matters: You want excellent performance at a lower price point
- Smart features: Air quality monitoring, auto mode, and app control are important
- Allergies: You need real-time air quality readings and automatic adjustments
- Budget constraints: Lower upfront and long-term costs fit your budget better
- Bedroom use: Ultra-quiet sleep mode with lights off appeals to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Blueair 211+ or Winix 5510?
The Winix 5510 offers better value with smart features, app control, and lower long-term costs. Choose the Blueair 211+ for larger rooms up to 540 sq ft, simpler operation, and no ionizer technology.
Is the Winix 5510 the same as the 5500-2?
The Winix 5510 is the successor to the discontinued 5500-2. It adds smartphone app control, improved air quality sensors, and enhanced coverage while maintaining the effective True HEPA and PlasmaWave filtration.
Does PlasmaWave produce harmful ozone?
PlasmaWave technology produces trace amounts of ozone but remains within CARB (California Air Resources Board) safety limits for indoor air cleaners. The feature can be disabled on most Winix models if preferred.
What is HEPASilent technology?
HEPASilent is Blueair’s proprietary filtration combining electrostatic and mechanical filtration. It captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 micron while using less energy and producing less noise than traditional HEPA systems.
How much do replacement filters cost?
Blueair 211+ filters cost $80-120 annually. Winix 5510 filters cost $50-80 annually. Both have washable pre-filters that help extend main filter life and reduce long-term costs.
Final Verdict
After three months of side-by-side testing, I recommend the Winix 5510 for most buyers.
The combination of True HEPA filtration, smart features, and significant cost savings makes it the better choice for typical households.
The Blueair 211+ remains an excellent option for specific use cases.
Choose it if you need larger room coverage, prefer minimalist design, or want to avoid any ionizer technology.
Both units represent solid investments in air quality, but the Winix 5510 delivers more features for less money.
