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Thank you! This is really helpful. Like you suggested, I'll likely go with the Winix 9800. I think since it can work to rooms up to 2,420 sq. ft that should be more than enough coverage, and the filters will last me a lot longer. I'm constantly going through filters with the bionaire. I had it right next to the litter box, but it was far too small to keep up. Thank you again! You really know your stuff :)
Winix 9800 its like an upgraded 5510 / 5500-2 (older ver goat) or if you have a costco Winix c909
Have a Winex 9800 on my main floor for a few years now. I got it because I was scared there was going to be wildfire smoke in my area, there wasnt, but i keep it on anyway because it really does make a difference. Just ordered a smaller one for my bedroom and I will probably get another big one for the basement soon!
The c545 doesn’t have an ESP in it. The guide I followed has you add the ESP. Looks like there are quite a few supported models. Winix C610, AM90, HR1000, C909, T800, 5510, and 9800. https://github.com/iprak/winix https://github.com/mill1000/esphome-winix-c545?tab=readme-ov-file
I have been obsessed with finding the perfect air purifier for a while now and after testing a bunch I wanted to share my personal recommendations. # The Top-Tier Powerhouses * [**Winix 9800 4-Stage True Hepa Air Purifier**](https://share.google/1jjIWyLpXnogsfv4a) **- $290** *Pros: A powerful 4-stage purifier with WiFi and PlasmaWave technology. It's designed for very large rooms and has excellent performance.* *Cons: It's expensive and the PlasmaWave feature is a subject of debate for some users.* * [**LEVOIT Vital 200S-P Air Purifier**](https://share.google/OXnn5bvdn7kLFnDFB) **- $190** *Pros: Covers a huge area up to 1875 sq ft and has a washable pre-filter to save on costs. It's smart and has an air quality monitor.* *Cons: It is large and the design is very utilitarian.* # The Mid-Range Workhorses * [**WINIX 5510 Air Purifier**](https://share.google/3bH5sVIAqAo4GL3mq) **- $180** *Pros: A new generation of a classic model. It has a great high-deodorization carbon filter that's excellent for pet odors and smoke.* *Cons: The design is a bit dated compared to newer models.* * [**Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W)**](https://share.google/lFkOJSCOUX4tjRvOc) **- $155** *Pros: The most recommended air purifier for years. It has a smart auto mode that works perfectly and is very effective for its size.* *Cons: The replacement filters can be more expensive than some competitors.* # The Budget Champions * [**LEVOIT Vital 100S-P Air Purifier**](https://share.google/XOmLCvo0PhvfJv4pB) **- $120** *Pros: A fantastic smart air purifier for a great price. It has a washable pre-filter and covers a large area up to 1073 sq ft.* *Cons: The build quality is not as premium as the more expensive units.* * [**LEVOIT Core300-P Air Purifier**](https://share.google/XR8uzjDpQX4ijhNob) **- $90** *Pros: An amazing value for a True HEPA purifier. It's compact quiet and perfect for bedrooms.* *Cons: It lacks a smart auto mode and is best for smaller rooms.* TL;DR: If you want the most powerful option get the Winix 9800. For the best all-around workhorse get the Coway Airmega. For the best value get the LEVOIT Core300-P.
Recently went through these forums regarding how to deal with cat litter smells (mainly poop smell) - main take away is that air purifiers aren't going to solve the cat litter problem on their own, you need something with a lot of charcoal to fight odor and realistically none of the purifiers have enough to do it properly. If it's just the litter smell you may be much better off then my issue though. (check: Oransi TrueCarbon 200c Air Purifier if you only want oder control). Best advice I have seen so far is to change cat litter. I'm experimenting with that now; switched from corn based cat litter to Arm & Hamer Clump & Seal - so far the cats love it and I haven't had any major stinks BUT it has only been two days. (in fact the cats have exclusively choose this litter box other the other with the corn based litter). After much research I did order an Air Purifier as well since I want better air quality and to reduce any cat allergens in the air for cat allergy visitors - got the Winix 9800 coming. Also looked hard at Conway. Let us know how you make out once you get a plan together.
Air purifiers aren't good at reducing *visible* dust, as it's large and heavy compared to "invisible" pollution like PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1. See the [sticky post at the top of the subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AirPurifiers/comments/1jxgjwf/sticky_purifiers_and_dust_reduction/) and entries about dust on our [FAQs wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/AirPurifiers/wiki/index/faqs/). However, if the purifier is very close to the litter box itself this can help pick up the larger bits of litter dust. Most of the brands sold by QVC aren't very good. I would definitely avoid Shark, as they're a low quality brand with misleading marketing. The only good brand is Winix. **I would opt for the** [**Winix 9800**](https://www.qvc.com/winix-9800-4-st-age-true-hepa-a-ir-purifier-wit-h-wifi-plas.product.H478504.html?sc=srch)**, as it has Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADRs) in the 300s CFM range.** CADRs are a measure of cleaning effectiveness. A few notes: * Winix is a mid-grade brand. We occasionally see reports of whining, whirring, or clicking noises after the 2 years mark, which are usually bad motor bearings. * The Winix 9800 will be fairly loud on the highest setting ("Turbo"). The Decibel X Android app claims the Winix C909 (basically the same purifier in terms of performance as the Winix 9800) is 60 dBA. * The 9800 uses PlasmaWave, a bipolar ionizer. While it is CARB certified for low ozone emissions, you may wish to turn this off since you have a cat. * The 9800 uses 95 W on the highest setting, so it uses more energy than other purifiers with similar CADRs. * CADRs apply to the highest airflow speed/setting *only*. Lower settings have lower CADRs, which means reduced cleaning performance. That being said, the 9800 is oversized for 150 sq. ft. (which is a good thing). * You can buy replacement filters for the 9800 at [The Home Depot for $27.99](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Winix-True-HEPA-4-Filter-Activated-Carbon-Replacement-Filter-A-115115/202034412).
No problem. 😎 Small FYI: the big coverage figures are marketing spin. The 2,420 sq. ft. coverage is at 1 Air Change per Hour (ACH) only. Generally you need a minimum of 4.8-5 ACH. Even then, Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADRs) are more important.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Car and vehicle use

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TEQOYA - Nomad
Best for Construction dust mitigation

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CleanAirKits - Corsi-Rosenthal Box
Best for Heavy smoke and odors

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Coway - Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
Best for Homes with shedding pets

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Winix - 5500-2
Best for Large open rooms

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Coway - Airmega 400
Best for Quiet bedroom use

Top pick
Coway - Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty





