If you’ve been vacuuming your floors and running air purifiers around the clock but still have a scratchy throat and dry eyes, the culprit could actually be the humidity level in your home. When indoor air is too dry—a common occurrence during the winter months—you might experience a variety of unpleasant side effects, including dry skin and respiratory irritation. Luckily, the best humidifiers make quick work of dry spaces, adding moisture to the air so you can breathe more comfortably.
There are several types of humidifiers you can buy today, including cool and warm mist models. Cool mist humidifiers, which are most common, release cool water vapor into the air to improve humidity levels, and you can often add essential oils to them to make your home smell nice. On the other hand, warm mist humidifiers give off a heated vapor, which makes them a popular choice for wintertime and alleviating cold symptoms.
As you compare different humidifiers, it’s important to select an option that’s appropriately sized for your space. If you get a humidifier that’s too small, it won’t be able to produce enough mist to raise humidity levels in the room, but a unit that’s oversized may put too much moisture into the air, leading to condensation and potentially mold. For this reason, you’ll want to calculate the size of the room where you plan to use the humidifier and find a unit that can handle the square footage.
Another factor to consider is design. While overall performance is the most important deciding factor, how a humidifier looks and if it fits in with your decor can affect your decision. (The best humidifier should get the job done without being a total eyesore.)
No matter your budget or space, these are some of the best humidifiers to keep your home perfectly comfortable all year-round
- Best Humidifier Overall: Venta LW25 Original Airwasher
- Best All-In-One Humidifier: Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool PH01
- Best Humidifier For Budget Shoppers: AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For Design-Conscious Shoppers: Objecto H3 Hybrid Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For Large Rooms: Levoit 6L Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For Small Spaces: Honeywell Mistmate Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For Essential Oil Users: Everlasting Comfort Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For Sleeping: TaoTronics 4L Humidifier
- Best Portable Humidifier: Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier
- Best Humidifier For The Bedroom: Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best Humidifier On Amazon: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best Easy To Clean Humidifier: Canopy Humidifier
Best Humidifier Overall
A Filter-Free Humidifier With An Extra-Large Water Tank
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 13 inches
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 2 gallons
While it is on the more expensive side, this humidifier from Venta outperforms other humidifiers in several key areas. It comes in three sizes that can be used in different room sizes, ranging from 300 to 600 square feet, and in addition to adding humidity to your living space, the Airwasher also helps remove indoor air pollutants. The humidifier maintains a humidity level between 40% and 60%, and it has a large two gallon water tank that can be filled with regular tap water.
One of the best things about the Venta Airwasher is that it doesn’t use any filters, making it easier to clean and maintain. Instead, you simply need to disassemble and rinse the housing every few weeks. This humidifier has three power levels and an automatic shutoff if it runs out of water, and it’s extremely quiet during operation, as well.
Best All-In-One Humidifier
A High-End Model That Humidifies, Purifies And Cools Your Home
- Dimensions: 36.4 x 8.6 x 11 inches
- Weight: 18.28 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: One gallon
As sleek as they come, this Dyson humidifier is also an air purifier and a cooling fan all in one—which may or may not justify the steep price tag. But it’s worth it, considering the Dyson brand reputation and the premium performance of this multi-use appliance, which automatically detects temperature, humidity levels and pollutants in a room.
With 10 speed settings, multiple modes (including breeze mode, fan mode and night mode) and continuous humidification, the Dyson Pure Humidify and Cool PH01 works to circulate purified, humidified air throughout your whole space so it’s never dry or stale. And it also has a very convenient deep clean cycle that cleans the machine at the touch of a button.
Best Humidifier For Budget Shoppers
A Lightweight Option With A Rotating Nozzle To Direct The Mist
- Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 0.6 gallons
This compact humidifier is a budget-friendly option to put in your bedroom or compact living space. It can hold up to 0.6 gallons of water at a time, and it’s virtually silent during operation, meaning it won’t disturb your daily activities. The unit has a 360-degree rotating nozzle that lets you direct its cool mist, and a knob dial adjusts the mist output. The humidifier doesn’t use a filter, making it easier to clean, and it’s compact and lightweight in case you want to move it around your home.
Best Humidifier For Design-Conscious Shoppers
A Sleek And Simple Humidifier That Looks Like A Piece of Decor
- Dimensions: 8 x 12 x 8 inches
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 0.5 gallons
Your guests will likely think the Objecto H3 Hybrid Humidifier is a vase or decoration, thanks to its sleek modern form. However, the unit can hold up to a half a gallon of water, and it will release a stream of cool mist for up to 18 hours before automatically shutting off when the water tank is empty. It comes with an aroma tray where you can place essential oils, if desired, and despite its compact design, the humidifier can be used in rooms up to 350 square feet.
Best Humidifier For Large Rooms
An Oversized Humidifier That Offers Warm And Cool Mist
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 7 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Warm and cool mist
- Capacity: 1.6 gallons
Offering both warm and cool mist settings, the Levoit Humidifier is one of the most versatile and largest options in this roundup. If you’re looking to humidify a big room—up to 750 square feet—and want a humidifier that can run for up to 30 hours before you have to refill it, the Levoit humidifier is a fine choice. The humidifier is extremely easy to clean, and it works with essential oils to make your room smell better.
Best Humidifier For Small Spaces
An Easy-To-Fill Option With Adjustable Mist Output
- Dimensions: 26.6 x 20.7 x 20.7 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 0.5 gallons
You can keep a small bedroom or office at the perfect humidity level with this compact humidifier from Honeywell. It produces a fine cool mist that will keep humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and its half gallon water tank can run for up to 20 hours per filling. There’s a dial on the front of the humidifier that allows you to adjust the mist output, and a wide tank opening makes the unit easy to refill and clean. Plus, there’s no filter required, decreasing long-term maintenance costs.
Best Humidifier For Essential Oil Users
A Sleek Model That Can Make Your Home Smell Great
- Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 13 inches
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 1.6 gallons
Another large-capacity option, the Everlasting Comfort Humidifier comes with a 1.6 gallon tank that can humidify a room for up to 50 hours before it needs to be refilled. The device, which comes with cool mist support, is also designed to work with essential oils so it’s a great option for those who enjoy aromatherapy. Users said they were pleased with the device’s performance, but cautioned it’s not as quiet as they would’ve liked.
Best Humidifier For Sleeping
A Super-Quiet Unit With A Built-In Nightlight
- Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 12 inches
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 1.1 gallons
The TaoTronics 4L Humidifier is designed for use at night when you’re sleeping. It operates at just 38 dB, which is about the noise level of a quiet library, meaning it won’t distract you when you’re trying to rest. Aside from that, the TaoTronics humidifier works in rooms of up to 300 square feet and can continuously run for 30 hours before it needs to be refilled. It also doubles as a nightlight, if you so please.
Best Portable Humidifier
A Cute Mini Option That Comes In Several Colors
- Dimensions: 3.74 x 5 x 3.74 inches
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 0.13 gallons
If you travel frequently, this portable mini humidifier is just 5 inches tall, making it a convenient option to pack in your suitcase. It comes in a variety of fun colors, and you can choose between two operating modes—the first sprays cool mist continuously for up to six hours, and the second sprays intermittently for up to 12 hours. It’s easy to operate with just one button, and it charges via a USB cable, making it convenient for use on the go. The unit is extremely quiet during operation, and it puts off a warm soothing light that will make any hotel room feel a little more cozy.
Best Humidifier For The Bedroom
A Quiet Humidifier With A Tray For Essential Oils
- Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.8 x 13.2 inches
- Weight: 6.44 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 1.25 gallons
Many people like to run a humidifier in their bedroom, as it can help improve air quality, and this mid-size model from Honeywell is a top choice for next to your bed. It’s virtually silent during operation, and its 1.25-gallon water tank can run for up to 24 hours per fill. The sleek unit comes in white or black exteriors, and you can easily adjust its mist output to suit your preferences. There’s a small essential oil tray at the bottom in case you want to use lavender (or another soothing scent) at bedtime, and the water tank has a large recessed handle and wide opening that make it easy to refill and clean.
Best Humidifier On Amazon
A Top-Rated Amazon Product That Can Run For 24+ Hours
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 9 inches
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Cool Mist/Warm Mist: Cool mist
- Capacity: 0.4 gallons
This cool mist humidifier is one of the top-rated options on Amazon, thanks to its reasonable price and reliable operation. The teardrop-shaped unit can hold around 0.4 gallons of water at a time, which allows it to run for up to 25 hours. There are high or low mist settings, and a 360-degree nozzle allows you to direct the mist in any direction. The plastic construction is BPA-free, and it has an optional night light that glows a soft blue color.
Best Easy To Clean Humidifier
A Mold-Resistant Model That Can Be Cleaned In The Dishwasher
- Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Capacity: 0.5 gallons
It’s important to regularly clean your humidifier to prevent mold growth, and this sleek model from Canopy is particularly easy to clean. Not only does it have anti-mold technology that stops unwelcome growth, but its pieces are also dishwasher-friendly, making it extremely easy to wash.
This humidifier has a half-gallon water tank, and an embedding UV light that’s designed to kill 99.9% of bacteria in the water. The unit can be used in rooms up to 500 feet, and it can run for up to 36 hours per fill. Smart sensors help the humidifier maintain optimal moisture levels throughout the day, and Canopy offers a filter subscription to ensure you always have the necessary replacement parts on hand.
Humidifier FAQs:
Looking to add a humidifier to your space this winter? Here are a few factors to keep in mind before you hit checkout.
How Do You Choose The Perfect Humidifier For Your Space?
For a humidifier to work optimally, it needs to be used in an appropriately sized space. Most models state how many square feet the unit can cover or at least what size room they should be used in. If you plan to use your humidifier in a room that’s particularly dry or in between two sizes, you may want to opt for a model with higher mist output.
How Are Humidifiers Helpful?
When the air inside your home is dry and lacking moisture, you may experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including dry skin, cracked lips, nose irritation, dry coughing and more. Humidifiers raise the levels of moisture in the air to a more comfortable range—usually between 30% and 60%—which helps to alleviate these symptoms, and they may also help ease the symptoms of colds or allergies.
