Eoleaf vs. Winix air purifiers

Winix is a South Korean company specialising in air treatment solutions for home and professional environments. They offer a diverse range of products including air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. How do their air purifiers stack up next to Eoleaf’s? Today, we’ll be taking a look at Winix’s largest, most powerful model, its ZERO Pro, compared to Eoleaf’s largest, most powerful model, our AltaPur 700. Read on to learn more.

Performance

To get started, it helps to compare some of the basic technical specifications of both devices:

	Winix ZERO Pro	Eoleaf AltaPur 700
Room size	120 m2 (1300 sq. ft.)	120 m2 (1300 sq. ft.)
Clean air delivery rate (CADR)	470 m3/h (276 CFM)	670 m3/h (394 CFM)
Filtration technologies	Pre-filter, activated carbon filter, HEPA H13 filter, Winix PlasmaWave technology	Pre-filter, bamboo filter with antibacterial coating, activated carbon filter, HEPA H13 filter, photocatalysis, UVC sterilisation, ionisation
Filter lifespan	HEPA filter – 12 months Activated carbon filter – 3 months	12 months (only one multi-layer filter to replace)
HEPA-certified filter?	Yes	Yes
Fan speeds	5	5

Winix’s ZERO Pro air purifier

According to Winix’s website, their ZERO Pro air purifier model is geared towards extra-large rooms both in homes and offices. It uses a ‘4-stage filtration system’ to filter indoor air pollutants, one of which includes the patented Winix PlasmaWave technology. This model is almost exclusively sold in Europe and Australia. In the North American market, Winix’s air purifiers are currently undergoing some lineup changes with the closest model to the ZERO Pro being the Winix HR900.

Technical specifications provided for Winix air purifiers are limited and basic, including for the ZERO Pro, and the information that is available does not instil great confidence in their performance. For example, the maximum room capacity for the ZERO Pro is stated to be 120 m2 (1300 sq. ft.) with a Clean Air Delivery Rate of 470 m3/h (276 CFM). Considering the size of the room claimed to be covered by the ZERO Pro, we found the CADR to be surprisingly low. The following calculations proved our suspicions to be true.

SEE OUR PRODUCTS

ACH calculations

ACH, or Air Changes per Hour, is a crucial metric when determining whether or not a device is capable of effectively filtering all of the air in your home or professional space. ACH is calculated using the CADR metric of the device as well as the air volume of the space being purified. ACH refers to the number of times that the air in a room is completely replaced by filtered air. Industry standards recommend an ACH rating of 3 to 5 for an air purifier to be considered efficient, meaning that the air is replaced 3 to 5 times per hour. The ACH of the ZERO Pro is as follows:

• ACH = CADR/room volume
• ZERO Pro CADR = 470 m3/h (276 CFM)
• Room volume = maximum room size covered x 2.4 m (8 ft., the average ceiling heights in Europe, the UK, and the US)
• Metric: ACH = 470/(120x2.4)
• Imperial: ACH = (276  x 60 minutes in one hour)/(1300x8)
• ACH = 1.56 (metric) or 1.59 (imperial)

The above calculation shows that the CADR of the ZERO Pro is about 2 to 3 times less powerful than what is required to filter a room of 120 m2, which goes against Winix’s claims. In order for the air in a room of that size to be completely filtered, at least two or three ZERO Pro devices would be required to be installed in that space. With the ZERO Pro on offer at a price of £299 (355€ or $349.99 for the Winix HR900 in North America), purchasing three Winix air purifiers would significantly augment your budget, bringing you up to a price of £897 (1065 € or around $1200).

That said, when aiming to achieve the industry standard of an ACH rating of 3 to 5, what size room would this device cover? Let’s take another look:

• ACH = CADR/volume
• ZERO Pro CADR = 470 m3/h (276 CFM)
• ACH = 4 (the average industry standard recommendation)
• Volume = x
• 4 = 470/x
• x (room volume) = 117.5 m3 (4,149 cubic ft.)
• Knowing that average ceiling height is 2.4 meters (8 ft), this gives us a room/house surface area of 47 m2 (500 sq. ft)

According to our calculations, the maximum space size that the Winix air purifier ZERO Pro is capable of filtering is 500 sq. ft. (47 m2). However, information provided on the Winix USA website is conflicting. The same device, marketed as the HR900 in the United States and designed for pet owners rather than professional spaces, claims to only be able to filter spaces of up to 300 square feet (a mere 28 m2). These contradictions create great confusion for the buyer and, frankly, lack credibility on Winix’s part.

Filtration technologies

Winix devices offer a 4-step filtration method (5 steps in the United States and Canada with an added pet filter, as seen in the diagram below). This includes a pre-filter, a pet filter (United States and Canada only), a HEPA-certified H13 filter for fine particles (like those generated by allergens like pollen and dust, road traffic, and smoke), their patented PlasmaWave technology, and an activated carbon filter. As briefly mentioned above, in general, Winix’s website provides minimal technical specification to consumers. A short description of the Winix PlasmaWave technology is provided, but there is no explanation or visual diagram of how it works, simply stating that ‘our technology effectively cleans and eliminates all types of pollutants and is especially useful in reducing viruses and bacteria from your indoor air’¹. Another website describes the Winix PlasmaWave technology as being initiated through bipolar ionisation, applying high-voltage electricity and forming hydroxyl radicals to combat harmful substances².

The pet filter, only available in North America, seems redundant given that their devices already come equipped with a pre-filter. Pre-filters are already designed to capture coarse particles larger than 10 microns, including human and pet hair, but this information, of course, does not apply to the European market.

The germ question

UVC sterilisation is an essential technology. In fact, every air purifier, regardless of brand, requires at least some form of sterilisation technology in order to sterilise its filter(s). The purpose of a filter is to trap pollutants, including germs. Once captured, germs must be destroyed to minimise the risk of spreading and to keep the device sterile. This is particularly crucial given that a saturated air purifier (when the user forgets to change the filter for too long, a practice that is strongly discouraged) can recirculate the captured pollutants back into the air. Eliminating germs from inside your device also prevents your air purifier from becoming a breeding ground for pathogens. However, Winix devices do not contain any sterilisation technologies, ultimately posing danger to the user. In contrast, Eoleaf devices all use UVC lamps. These lamps are located in the center of the cylindrical filter, allowing for the sterilization of every nook and cranny.

Source ³

Eoleaf’s AltaPur 700 air purifier

ACH calculations

When comparing the above information with the technical specifications of Eoleaf’s AltaPur 700 there is simply no competition between the two. Our AltaPur 700 air purifier boasts a CADR of 670 m3/h (394 cfm), proving it to be significantly more efficient in a room, home, or professional space of 120 m2 (1300 sq. ft.). Let’s run our own technical specifications through the same calculations above for transparency:

• ACH = CADR/room volume
• AltaPur 700 CADR = 670 m3/h (394 cfm)
• Room volume = maximum room size covered x 2.4 m or 8 ft. (the average ceiling height in Europe, the UK, and the US)
• Metric: ACH = 670/(120x2.4)
• Imperial: ACH = (394 x 60 minutes in one hour)/(1300x8)
• ACH = 2.33 (metric) or ACH = 2.27 (imperial)

We never make general claims regarding ACH on our website. This is a metric that should be calculated on a case-by-case basis catering specifically to your needs, taking into consideration your desired usage of the device (which fan speeds you intend to use) and the exact size of your space. Using the calculation above, with an ACH of 2.33 in a space of 120 m2, it would be recommended to purchase at least two AltaPur 700 devices to properly cover such a large space. What is the ideal room size for just one AltaPur 700, then? Find out below:

• ACH = CADR/volume
• AltaPur 700 CADR = 670 m3/h
• ACH = 3-5 (the minimum industry standard recommendation)
• Volume = x
• 3-5 = 670/x
• x (room volume) = 134-233 m3, equivalent to a space of 580 sq. ft to 1000 sq. ft (54 to 93 m2)

Filtration technologies

Our 8-step filtration method is one of the most thorough purification methods on the market. Each one of our technologies targets a different type of pollution, ensuring that your space is left pollutant-free. Our technologies are as follows:

• Pre-filter
• Bamboo filter and antibacterial coating
• Medical-grade HEPA-certified H13 filter (for fine particles generated by allergens like pollen, dust, smoke, and road traffic)
• Activated carbon filter (for chemical pollution like ozone, carbon monoxide, and VOCs)
• Photocatalysis
• UVC sterilisation
• Ionisation (negative ions) (certified ozone-free!)

Eoleaf devices remove 99.97% of all air pollutants down to 0.01 microns in a single pass, guaranteeing air purifier performance and effectively capturing and filtering all types of indoor air pollution. This includes allergens (pet hair and dander, pollen, mould and spores, dust and dust mites), germs (bacteria and viruses), particle pollution (PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1), and chemical pollution (like carbon monoxide, ozone, and VOCs), smoke, and unpleasant odours.

Usability and connectivity

Winix’s ZERO Pro air purifier

The ZERO Pro air purifier does not come equipped with smart features. It is not Wi-Fi equipped, is not compatible with a smartphone app, does not offer voice commands or gesture control, nor does it come with a remote control. It weighs 8.5 kg but does not have handles or wheels for easy portability. However, it does have an Automatic mode, a Sleep mode, and a timer.

Eoleaf’s AltaPur 700 air purifier

Eoleaf devices are both efficient and modern, offering a seamless user experience that makes both using the device and tracking your air quality straightforward. Our devices have Wi-Fi and smartphone compatibility (Tuya Smart app), and we facilitate a hands-free experience by offering smart features like voice commands and gesture controls. Our devices also come equipped with a Bluetooth remote control that contains PM2.5 and chemical pollution sensors (for detecting VOCs), allowing you to view your indoor air quality at a glance. Weighing in at 9.4 kg, the AltaPur 700 comes with wheels for easy movement.

Like the ZERO Pro, our devices all have an Automatic mode and a Night mode, but our timer goes a step further: create smart scenarios and automate functions for your Eoleaf device. Simplify improving your indoor air quality by having your device turn on/off and increase/decrease fan speed at the same time every day. This is particularly practical for professional spaces like medical practices: an example may be having the device turn on as patients arrive, increase the fan speed during fallow time to clear the room of pollutants before the next patient, and shutting off when the office closes for the day.

Maintenance and warranty

Winix’s ZERO Pro air purifier

The Winix air purifier model ZERO Pro has two filters that require regular changing: its HEPA-certified H13 filter and its activated carbon filter. The HEPA filter requires changing once per year. However, Winix recommends changing the activated carbon filter every three months, or four times per year. Winix’s device reviews report problems with the carbon replacement filter such as:

• Winix replacement filters are often out of stock, forcing customers to purchase knock-off filters from third parties (which, then, render their devices no longer covered by the Winix air purifier 2-year limited warranty)
• Once replacement filters are installed, it sometimes causes their device to emit a burnt smell
• Replacement filters lack in quality compared to original filters (see below)

Replacement carbon filter quality

Compared to the original carbon filters that are contained within the ZERO Pro device upon purchase, many customers report that carbon replacement filters (that target chemical pollution like VOCs and odours) severely lack in quality. Winix uses carbon pellets in its activated carbon filter which has led to issues for customers, some claiming that the screen on the filter that holds in the carbon pellets is fragile and the pellets have come tumbling out. Others have taken pictures to show the differences between the original carbon filter and the replacement carbon filter in regards to carbon quantity as seen below:

The first picture shows the original ZERO Pro carbon filter with each ‘honeycomb’ filled to the brim with carbon pellets. The second picture shows a replacement carbon filter with honeycombs only half full of carbon pellets. Carbon filters using activated carbon in pellet form is a rarity in the industry and is likely much less effective at absorbing VOCs and chemical pollution (read more about this in the section below).

Eoleaf’s AltaPur 700 air purifier

Eoleaf devices contain all 8 filtration technologies within one, easy-to-change filter block. The filter block is changed once per year, and the filter change can be performed by anyone in just one minute. Not only does this replacement filter block simplify the need to create a filter change schedule every three months like with Winix, but it eases your filter replacement budget, too. Eoleaf devices are all covered under a 3-year warranty.

Replacement carbon filter quality

As experts in the field, we have rarely seen carbon filters using activated carbon in pellet form like those used by Winix. We find this to not only be peculiar but can guarantee reduced effectiveness as compared to activated carbon filters that use activated carbon fibres (like those used in Eoleaf devices). It is impossible for carbon pellets to contain as much carbon as carbon fibre filters. The heavier a carbon filter is, the more efficient it is at capturing and retaining chemical pollution like VOCs, carbon monoxide, ozone, and odours. The AltaPur 700 contains a whopping 1.28 kg of activated carbon in its activated carbon filter!

Choose Eoleaf for transparency and optimal air purification performance

Here at Eoleaf, we value making all performance criteria readily available to our customers. Our goal is not to trick you into purchasing a sub-par product: we aim to help you protect your health from the dangers of air pollution. In addition to our highly-detailed technical specifications, we have also included third-party studies of the efficiency of our devices on our website. Feel free to reach out to our (human!) air purification experts for help in choosing the right device for your needs, and refer to our in-depth Buying Guide for more information on how to choose the right air purifier for you.

Frequently asked questions

Do Winix air purifiers produce ozone?

The Winix PlasmaWave technology, which is simply bipolar ionisation, does release some ozone. Some users have reported negative effects like a sore throat and mucus production when the Winix PlasmaWave technology is switched on, symptoms which stop once the PlasmaWave technology is switched off.

What is the operating noise level of Winix air purifiers?

The Winix ZERO Pro claims not to exceed 55 dB. However, some users have claimed that the device is loud. This may be caused by placing the device in a room that is too large for its capacity: the ZERO Pro is unable to completely filter the air in rooms larger than 47 m2.

How much does it cost to replace the filters in a Winix air purifier?

Winix products in Europe are not available on their website. Instead, they can be purchased either through a distributor or on Amazon. A set of two filters (HEPA + activated carbon) can be purchased on Amazon at a price of £69 on Amazon UK (they are not available on Amazon US). Winix carbon filters require replacing every three months, and their HEPA filters require replacing once per year (we were unable to find carbon filters sold individually which is likely why many customers have resorted to purchasing third-party filters that result in voiding the Winix warranty).

Are there any known problems with Winix air purifiers that use PlasmaWave technology?

PlasmaWave technology is simply bipolar ionisation. Whilst generally safe, the PlasmaWave technology does emit some ozone. Some are more sensitive to ozone than others. This is why Eoleaf devices are certified ozone-free.

Are Winix air purifiers useful in open areas or big rooms?

Despite claims on the Winix website, the Winix ZERO Pro, Winix’s largest model available in Europe, can cover spaces of up to 47 m2 (according to our calculations above).

 

Resources

¹ Air Purifier winix zero pro: Cadr 470 m3 and up to 120 m2. WINIX Europe. (2023, May 24). https://winixeurope.eu/air-purifiers/winix-air-purifier-zero-pro/

² Williams, E. (2024, February 2). Understanding PlasmaWave technology in Air Purifiers - WINIX Innovations. Air Purifier FAQs. https://airpurifierfaqs.com/knowledge/basics/understanding-plasmawave-technology/

³ Arvan, A. (2024, May 28). HR900 Ultimate Pet Air Purifier. Winix America Inc. https://www.winixamerica.com/2019/08/07/hr900-ultimate-pet-air-purifier/