Which is better for a large living room?

The Winix 5500-2. Its 360 sq ft coverage and 246 CADR handle a living room; the Dyson TP4A is rated for only 112 sq ft.

Does the Dyson TP4A work as a fan?

Yes. It is a tower purifying fan with 10 speeds, so it moves air as well as filtering it. The Winix 5500-2 is a purifier only.

The Winix 5500-2 is rated 27-51 dB, with 27 dB on low. Dyson does not publish a noise figure for the TP4A, so a direct comparison is not possible.

Which costs less to run?

The Winix 5500-2. Its washable permanent pre-filter can be rinsed instead of replaced, which stretches HEPA filter life. The Dyson uses replaceable HEPA and carbon filters.

Is the Dyson worth the extra money?

Only if you want the fan function and a slim tower. For pure air cleaning per dollar and per square foot, the Winix 5500-2 wins.

Does the Winix produce ozone?

No. It is listed as ozone free and ozone generation is marked no, even though it uses PlasmaWave ionization.

Dyson TP4A Pure Cool Tower Purifier Fan vs Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier

For most shoppers, the Winix 5500-2 is the better buy. It cleans a 360 sq ft room versus 112 sq ft for the Dyson TP4A, costs far less per square foot, and has a washable pre-filter that lowers filter costs. The Dyson TP4A is a purifier and a cooling fan in one, so pick it only if you want moving air in a small room and are willing to pay a premium for the Dyson name.

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