Blueair Blue Signature vs Winix XQ
Two of the large-room air purifiers in our best large-room air purifiers: coway, blueair, levoit, winix, iqair & more comparison, lined up spec by spec. Every figure comes from the manufacturer pages linked below, and the scores use the same published formula as the full ranking.
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Best for: 455 CFM from a 13.2 lb side-outlet unit
Check price at AmazonBest for: Winix's dual-filter large-room model, 461 CFM smoke
Check price at AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.
| Spec | Blueair Blue Signature | Winix XQ | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke CADRSmoke is the hardest of the three AHAM CADR tests, so we use it when listed. Levoit lists one headline CADR, and we use that. Shark, Honeywell, Molekule and IQAir don't publish an AHAM CADR, so those cells are blank and score at the lowest published value in the category. | 455 CFM | 461 CFM | 40% |
| CADR per wattComputed by us: smoke CADR divided by the maker's rated or maximum power. Higher means more clean air for the electricity, which matters for a machine that runs all day. | 10.8 CFM/W | Not listed | 15% |
| Quietest settingThe lowest listed noise level, usually sleep mode. Makers measure at different distances, so treat differences of 1–2 dB as a tie. | 23 dB | 27 dB | 10% |
| Loudest settingNoise at top speed, which is what you hear when you run it hard for smoke or cooking. Left blank when the maker lists only the minimum. | 55 dB | Not listed | 10% |
| Carbon or odor stage includedYes when the filter in the box includes an activated-carbon or deodorization stage, per the maker. HEPA alone traps particles but not odors or gases. | Yes | Yes | 10% |
| Main filter lifeThe maker's 'up to' figure for the main HEPA filter. Makers assume different daily run times (noted on each product), so this is a rough guide to running costs. | 12 months | 12 months | 15% |
| CADR (smoke / dust / pollen) | 455 / 434 / 450 | Not listed | info |
| Recommended room | 705 ft² (4.8 ACH) | Not listed | info |
| Filter | Particle + carbon | Dual 4-stage: True HEPA + CD carbon | info |
| Filter life | Up to 1 year (RealTrack) | HEPA 12 months; carbon 12 months | info |
| Noise | 23–55 dB | Not listed | info |
| Power | 3.5–42 W | Not listed | info |
| Weight | 13.2 lb | 30.86 lb | info |
| CADR (dust / pollen / smoke) | Not listed | 482 / >450 / 461 | info |
| AHAM room size | Not listed | 714 ft² | info |
| Maximum coverage | Not listed | 3,427 ft² (1 ACH) | info |
| Minimum noise | Not listed | 27 dB | info |
| AirPick score | 7.3/10 | 6.0/10 | 100% |
Where each one comes out ahead
Blueair Blue Signature
Better published figure on: Quietest setting.
What we like
- 10.8 CFM per watt, the best here
- 455 CFM at 13.2 lb
Watch out for
- 55 dB at top speed
Winix XQ
Better published figure on: Smoke CADR.
What we like
- 461 CFM smoke CADR
- Carbon and HEPA both rated 12 months
Watch out for
- Power and top-speed noise not listed
- 30.86 lb
Verdict
On published specs, the Blueair Blue Signature scores higher (7.3 vs 6.0). Specs don't capture sound character or feel, so weigh the pros and cons above too.
- Choose the Blueair Blue Signature if this sounds like you: 455 CFM from a 13.2 lb side-outlet unit.
- Choose the Winix XQ if this sounds like you: winix's dual-filter large-room model, 461 CFM smoke.
- Blueair Blue Signature: Blueair: Blue Signature
- Winix XQ: Winix: XQ