WINIX 5500 vs 5300? Which is the best HEPA + CARBON air filter? What's the difference?

Woah - that carbon difference. I have been using a Winix WAC 9500 (pet model) for 12 years every day non-stop. It's awesome at removing dog smells. its filter setup is as you suggested: prefilter, HEPA, then carbon pellet filter. AND, its carbon filter is completely packed with carbon pellets unlike that 5500 filter which is pathetic. They're obviously cutting corners now and the WAC 9500 is N/A. So, I ordered the 5300 (for another room) and immediately sent it back because I didn't realize they were going to use that pathetic screen-type filter. Wish I watched this video first.

The thing is this: the air particles are attracted to the carbon, so it snatches them when they are close and they stick to the carbon. The designers of this were not dum dums when designing this.

So, if buy a 5300-2 (which is cheaper than the 5500-2 at this moment), source the mesh pre-filter part for a 5500-2, buy the 'Filter H - 116130' to get the activated carbon filter, fit those all together then I would be all set to go and save a few bucks in the process, ja?

Edit: Or if I just cut down those raised ridges maybe that would do the trick?

Also, have you found that Winix's recommendations of when to change the filters is accurate? Also, how do you feel about generic filters maybe you've answered all this and I'm just not putting it all together.

Thanks for showing what happens when you put the 5500-2 filters into the 5300-2.

I was wondering if it was possible to rearrange those filters and you nailed it.
Thanks a bunch for a thorough overview 👍

Thank you furry hat man 5300 it is!!

Awesome ideas!
I wonder if you could buy the 5500 then stack them with the pellets in the back like you said, then use the replacement 5300 filters in front of it. Not sure if that is even worth it at that point though lol.

Hi Engineerable, thank you for doing the comparison for the replacement filters. I purchased a 5500-2 second hand for a good price and I do not necessarily care too much about the carbon pellets. Would it then be OK to purchase just the Filter A for both since I already own a C535. Thanks!

Hi Engineerable, can the unwoven carbon filters on the 5300 be washed or cleaned in any way to extend their life?

Nice insights on these filters. Does that carbon filter on 5300 release small dust particles?? May be that why it's on front of HEPA filter ?

would be nice to see a test comparing both units and how well they filter out smells

Which one is better?