Our Verdict
Shark HC502 Wins

It offers slightly higher CADR smoke (133.33 vs 122.88) and better AHAM coverage (208 sq ft vs 192 sq ft). Choose Winix for Wi-Fi control and a dedicated carbon filter for odors.
Bottom Line: Shark HC502 is the better choice. It offers slightly higher CADR smoke (133.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Cadr Smoke
9% moreCoverage Sq Ft
9% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Shark
- Cadr Smoke: 9% higher (133.33 vs 122.88)
- Coverage Sq Ft: 9% higher (208.33 vs 192.0)
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy Shark if...
Shark HC502 3-in-1 Clean
If you seek a versatile solution to manage your indoor climate and air quality, the Shark HC502 is ideal. This buyer prioritizes the convenience of a 3-in-1 device, offering air purification, heating, and fan functions for areas up to an effective 208.33 sq ft. They value advanced filtration (capturing 99.98% of particles) and smart sensors that auto-adjust to air quality, justifying its higher price for comprehensive home comfort.
Buy Winix if...
WINIX 5510 Air Purifier
The Winix 5510 suits buyers prioritizing dedicated, high-performance air purification within a moderate budget. This individual needs effective removal of pet allergies, smoke, and odors, valuing the True HEPA filter (capturing 99.99% of 0.01 micron particles) and a separate carbon filter for VOCs. They appreciate modern conveniences like Wi-Fi enabled app support and a washable pre-filter for extended main filter life, for rooms up to an effective 192 sq ft.
Spec Comparison
6 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $320 | $222 |
| Rating | 4.3(678) | 4.6(30.6k) |
| Cadr Smoke | 133.33 | 122.88 |
| Coverage Sq Ft | 208.33 | 192 |
| Filter Type | Nanoseal HEPA | True HEPA |
| Model Number | HC502 | — |
| Smart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | — | Yes |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Shark HC502 3-in-1
- Offers air purification, heating, and fan functions.
- Exceeds HEPA standards; captures 99.98% of particles.
- Auto-adjusts power based on PM1/2.5/10 air quality.
- Heats rooms while simultaneously purifying air.
- Covers only 208 sq ft for effective 5x hourly air changes.
- Requires periodic replacement of specialized Nanoseal filter
Winix 5510 Air
- Cleans 1881 sq ft in 1 hour for quick air turnover.
- True HEPA captures 99.99% of 0.01 micron particles.
- Washable pre-filter extends main filter lifespan.
- Carbon filter reduces VOCs and common household odors.
- AHAM verified effective coverage is only 192 sq ft.
- CADR smoke of 122.88 is low for large room claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which purifier is better for combined air purification and room heating?
The Shark HC502 is explicitly designed as a 3-in-1 unit, offering air purification, heating, and fan functions. This makes it ideal if you need a versatile appliance that can heat a room while simultaneously cleaning the air.
What is the main difference in their effective room coverage?
The Shark HC502 provides AHAM-verified effective coverage of 208 sq ft, slightly more than the Winix 5510's 192 sq ft. Both are suitable for medium-sized rooms, but Shark covers a marginally larger area.
Which product offers better filtration for extremely small particles or odors?
The Winix 5510 captures 99.99% of 0.01 micron particles and includes a carbon filter for VOCs and odors. The Shark HC502 uses Nanoseal HEPA, capturing 99.98% of particles, and also purifies effectively.
For smart features and connectivity, which is the better option?
The Winix 5510 offers Wi-Fi enabled app support, allowing for remote control and monitoring. While both have smart sensors for auto fan adjustment, Winix provides superior connectivity features.
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