Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
), no matter the season.
The Spruce
If you’re not sure what the ideal state of the air in your home should be,Dr.
He also adds, “Greater than 50 percent relative humidity can promote mold growth.”
We are currently testing theLevoit Sprout Evaporative Humidifierand will report back soon with our findings.
PHOTO: The Spruce
It also helped my family get through the dry winter and cold and flu season.
Using the easy-to-use VeSync app, I can tap into more advanced features.
Dimensions:11.97 x 10.8 x 6.0 in.
Emptying the Levoit Smart Humidifier requires popping the top and dumping it into the sink—easy.The Spruce
|Water Tank Capacity:4.5 L (1.19 gal.)
Our favorite feature was being able to set the ideal humidity level on our phone via the Alexa app.
Meet the Tester
Daniela lives in a cozy one-story ranch in New Jersey with her pup.
The Levoit OasisMist Smart Humidifier has an easy-to-adjust rotating misting nozzle on the lid.PHOTO: The Spruce
During the winter, she blasts the heating system on high to ward off the cold.
To combat dryness and sinus headaches, she relies on her trusty humidifier for much-needed moisture.
Using the auto feature, we only had to refill the humidifier every few days.
Like our best overall, this humidifier was easy to clean.
We used tap water and only noticed mineral dust under the tank.
Dimensions:11.4 x 6.14 x 13.93 in.
|Water Tank Capacity:6 L (1.5 gal.)
One of my favorite features: the tank is dishwasher-safe!
The app also tells you when to change the filter (which they recommend about every six months).
Dimensions:14.6 x 9.4 in.
|Water Tank Capacity:3.5 L (.92 gal.)
Anna lives in a 100-year-old building in New York City with her dog.
Both experience dry skin year-round that intensifies in the colder months when the radiators are turned on.
It also has a lock, so you might prevent kids from turning it on accidentally if desired.
Dimensions: 16.6 x 8.5 x 20.7 in.
|Water Tank Capacity: 1.75 gal.
|Weight: 10 lbs.
|Room Size: 900 sq.
Dena lives in the Pacific Northwest with her kids and small pets.
She uses the humidifier in their small- to medium-sized bedrooms.
This small but mighty humidifier packs a punch on its highest setting while remaining quiet and limiting water usage.
We also found this humidifier very easy to maintain.
However, we were very proactive with weekly deep cleaning (as suggested).
We also rinsed it out when we refilled it.
Dimensions:8.6 x 8.5 x 8.6 in.
|Water Tank Capacity:2.27 L (0.6 gal.)
To clean, simply pop pop the lid and use the provided cleaning brush with some mild soap.
Dimensions:9.65 x 7.56 x 13.39 in.
|Water Tank Capacity:6 L (1.5 gal.)
For this, I recommend this compact, but value-packed option from Dreo.
However, while testing for three months at home, our favorite feature was the helpful app.
Jenny uses the humidifier in her bedroom, which is also home to 40 houseplants.
The humidifier provides welcome relief.
you’re able to change this reminder to be shorter (or longer), though.
Dimensions: 11.02 x 5.51 x 10.15 in.
|Water Tank Capacity: 4 L (1.06 gal.)
The light on the front indicates the air’s state: orange for dry, green for comfort, and blue for wet.PHOTO: The Spruce
|Weight: 3.13 lbs.
|Room Size: 300 sq.
Jenica lives in a 100-year-old two-family house near the Long Island Sound in New York.
The Dreo Smart Humidifier has a clear but simple control panel and we love its smart features too.PHOTO: The Spruce
The air tends to be cold and damp, so controlling the air quality is a constant battle.
She uses multiple humidifiers (and dehumidifiers) in her home when needed.
Dimensions: 11 x 4.7 x 11 in.
|Water Tank Capacity: 1.7 L (0.45 gal.)
|Weight: 1.7 lbs.
|Room Size: 220 sq.
While weve tested other models with nightlights, this one impressed us with its different color options.
Julia lives in a tiny Brooklyn, New York apartment.
We also loved the diffuser feature on this model, it’s strong, yet not overpowering.
Dimensions: 8.58 x 8.58 x 14.41 in.
|Water Tank Capacity: 1 gal.
|Weight: 2.9 lbs.
|Room Size: 475 sq.
ft.
Final Verdict
After testing 59 humidifiers, theLevoit OasisMist Smart Humidifieris our best overall pick.
This compact cool- or warm-mist humidifier covers wide square footage with multiple smart parameters and silent operation.
Plus, we found it very easy to clean and maintain for over six months of testing at home.
We run each humidifier three times on its lowest setting and three additional times on its highest setting.
We note unique features or quirks that the humidifiers have while monitoring their mist output throughout the eight-hour periods.
We collected a bacteria culture from each water tank after testing was complete.
The bacteria cultures helped indicate how often each humidifier model should be cleaned after our six-day testing period.
Which Humidifier Is Better: Warm-Mist or Cool-Mist?
Warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers add moisture to the air equally effectively, based on the way they operate.
Warm-mist humidifiers are a great option for warming your bedside at night while adding moisture to your breathing air.
Cool-mist humidifiers can be comfortably used year-round, whereas warm-mist humidifiers are better for cooler months.
However, this advice is not a one size fits all solution.
Just watch that humidity and see to it you don’t have condensation on your window the next morning.
Noise levels are different for each key in.
However, cool-mist humidifiers contain fans, which produce noise that warm-mist humidifiers dont.
We have several humidifiers on this list that offer both warm and cool mist, including ourbest overall.
Sometimes they can be smaller, with dimensions similar to a water bottle.
Note that these types of humidifiers have limited water tanks, meaning you gotta refill them more often.
These products have increased-capacity water tanks that require less frequent filling than portable humidifiers.
Whole-house humidifiersattach to your homes ductwork and add humidity throughout your home.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Theyre best for adding moisture on a large scale and can handle spaces greater than 1,000 square feet.
Because thistype of humidifierconnects to your homes plumbing, you also dont need to refill the tank.
Water Tank Capacity
The water tank capacity is closely related to the humidifier size you choose.
We liked being able to pour water directly into the top of the BlueAir InvisibleMist Humidifier without having to remove a lid.The Spruce
Look at the manufacturer’s estimated run time to see how often you oughta refill the tank.
Bigger tanks need frequent emptying because all the water is seldom used up.
Humidistat
For an optimal humidity level, look for a model with a built-in humidistat.
The BlueAir InvisibleMist Humidifier just took a few minutes to set up and connect to the app.PHOTO: The Spruce
And you’re able to tell whether the humidity of that gear is accurate.
This feature takes some guesswork out of operating a humidifier.
It can also prevent excess moisture in the air from fogging windows or creating a musty odor.
Zacharek suggests cleaning a humidifier every third day of use, if you plan to keep it running non-stop.
You should not use soap when cleaning your humidifiers filter.
Our best design pick, theBlueAir InvisibleMist Humidifierhas a filter that they recommend replacing every six months.
Warranties
Because most humidifiers are considered small home appliances, warranty coverage is generally limited.
Many models include one-year limited warranties that cover defects in manufacturing.
Some more advanced models, including some ultrasonic humidifiers, increase the warranty period to three years.
Warranties for professionally installed whole-house humidifiers vary considerably when compared with portable models.
Some models offer five-year warranties.
Humidifiers are appliances that add moisture to the air by producing and releasing mist or steam.
They help maintain a set humidity level in your home and prevent the air from getting too dry.
However, all humidifiers take in air from their surroundings and add moisture to them.
Typically, a fan disperses the air into the room to increase the humidity level.
In short, no.
Essential oils can clog and erode cool-mist humidifiers, which will cause them to malfunction and stop working.
Be sure to consult your humidifier’s owner’s manual to confirm whether essential oil drops can be added.
For best results, its recommended that you place your humidifier about 3 feet away from a bed.
It should also be situated away from walls and electrical appliances that the mist could settle on.
The mist nozzle should also be situated toward the center of the room.
Some larger units will need to be placed on the floor near your bed.
Why Trust The Spruce?
I’m also testing theBlueAir InvisibleMist Humidifier(a new favorite) in my bedroom.
Our Experts:
The Food and Drug Administration.Use Caution When Giving Cough and Cold Products to Kids.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.A Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture And Your Home.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We love that the Vornado Ultrasonic Humidifier has a remote— you can control it across a large room.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
We found the Vicks EasyCare+ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier was easy to take apart and clean.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
We love the large display and water tank capacity of the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Dreo 4-Liter Smart Humidifier has a top-fill tank for easy filling and cleaning.PHOTO: The Spruce
Though the controls are basic, they’re extremely easy to understand, especially if this is your first humidifier.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier doesn’t have an adjustable mister, but its small enough to keep close by.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Clorox Ultra Clean Cool Mist Air Humidifier has a basic control panel that can be dimmed at night.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Spruce
The Spruce
The Spruce
The Spruce
The Spruce
The BlueAir InvisibleMist Humidifier has a built-in humidistat and displays the humidity level.The Spruce
Be mindful of bacteria growth with a warm-mist humidifier, and routinely clean the tank once a week.The Spruce
