The verdict in 10 seconds
Best Shark
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAXA quiet, low-upkeep purifier for big rooms, with a few gapsSuits you if
- You have pets and want to cut down on dander and hair in the air
- You have a larger living room or open space to keep clean
- You hate buying and swapping filters and want something low-maintenance
Best Winix
Winix 5500-2A quiet, capable all-rounder that clears dust and dander fastSuits you if
- You want a medium-sized bedroom or living room cleaned of dust and dander
- You share your home with pets
- You prefer simple controls and a remote over apps and Wi-Fi
The short version
Winix is the stronger brand for air purifiers right now. The best single model of the two is the Winix 5500-2, which suits you if you want a medium-sized bedroom or living room cleaned of dust and dander.
We researched 7 expert reviews, analyzed 3,829 owner ratings and comments across 11 sources for every Shark and Winix model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
See the evidence
Brand scoreboardAverage score 69 vs 77 · reliability 78 vs 61
| Shark | Winix | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 69 | 77 |
| Experts | 72 | 78 |
| Owners | 62 | 83 |
| Reliability | 78 | 61 |
| Models scored | 1 | 1 |
| Most reliable model | Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX | Winix 5500-2 |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Quick answers
Which is better, Shark or Winix?
Winix, on balance. Its models do better overall.
Based on: Average Product Review score 69 for Shark vs 77 for Winix.Which brand is more reliable, Shark or Winix?
Shark. Its models are less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Average reliability 78 vs 61.What is the best Shark air purifier?
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier MAX. It suits you if you have pets and want to cut down on dander and hair in the air.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Shark models (69).What is the best Winix air purifier?
The Winix 5500-2. It suits you if you want a medium-sized bedroom or living room cleaned of dust and dander.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Winix models (77).