XQ

How big of an area will it be used in? I know many reviews have stated issues with them dying, but I've had 2 Winix tower xq's for several years and they have been great. They are almost $1k normally so the Costco price is great. And if you have any issues just return it for a new one.

I literally just picked up some winix models (c545 and xq) been running them for less then a day and can already feel the difference in Phoenix. The air quality is so bad here that I couldn’t take it anymore and caved yesterday. I chose winix because of wifi capability, but I’m sure anything will be an improvement with our air here. I was looking at levoit and blue air as well. The usual advice is go multiple units (I.e. one per room to share the load) especially in rooms that are heavily used (bedroom, living room etc)

Both of my Winix air purifiers started smelling like smoke, they are different models, cleaned weekly and filters changed regularly, I don’t recommend them.

I have the Winix. No issues to date. I don’t use the plasma wave feature.

Definitely recommend Winix. Australian and comes out top of various tests. (If you haven’t been warned- don’t buy Dyson) Super sensitive to more than just particulates and has a ‘pet filter’ that is changed monthly that goes around the main filter and prevents it getting clogged with dust. Helps to prolong its life if you have pets

I say about 1/3rd of my Winix's have a bit of a smell that dissipates quite quickly.

If you're in north america, use the buying guide and grab whatever is cheapest. I recommend going oversizing twice the AHAM/size rating - as purifiers are rated at max speed and most people are unlikely to run it at that speed. I'm partial to Winix (as they tend to be the cheapest both new and open box from Winix/resellers), but anything on the guide will be fine. If you're going for the bedroom, go as big as you can afford - larger fans typically can be run slower and quieter while providing more airflow than a smaller fan. There's more to sound than volume and size, but its a good starting point since sound quality and levels are poorly documented and are difficult to compare across models. Purification is always the last step - vacuuming, good HVAC (good central air filter), and washing sheets/textiles properly is essential. Do not neglect the other steps first; as they're likely to make more profound impacts than the purifier. I have a dust mite allergy, and no amount of purification would ever compensate for regular sheets washing in hot water (and appropriate detergents, ty r/laundry) and clothes washing.

AVOID DYSON AT ALL COSTS!!! They look cool but are RIDICULOUSLY overpriced for what you get. Spent $500+ on one and my cheaper Winix outperforms it by a mile. Total marketing scam.