The 15 Best Humidifiers to Say Goodbye to Dry Air (2024)

Ultrasonic humidifiers are known for providing a quiet mist, and this sleek and simple model received high marks across the board in our testing. The two-in-one design functions as both a diffuser and humidifier, enabling you to create your own at-home spa experience with essential oils. We were particularly impressed by the humidifier’s quiet operation during testing—we couldn’t hear it at all when we were just over a foot away from it. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that we didn’t find this humidifier to be very effective on the low setting. It was very effective on the high setting though, increasing the humidity levels by an average of 39%, so we recommend only using it on the high setting.

We found the humidifier very easy to use and clean. The dial is intuitive, and while there is no display light to indicate whether the device is on or not, we could see and feel the mist. Because it’s quiet and lacks any display light, we believe this humidifier would be non-disruptive if left on throughout the night. After using the humidifier for six months, it still functioned as well as it did at the beginning of our testing.

We appreciate the convenient open-top design, which allows for a spill-free filling process. After removing the lid, there was no limescale or mold buildup of any kind, and the fragrance of the essential oils kept the device smelling fresh as well. We didn’t love that the water line was difficult to see, but that was a minor issue. Though this humidifier may not have the bells and whistles of more advanced models, it certainly gets the job done.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 7.2 x 8.1 x 11.6 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 3 liters | Run Time: Up to 25 hours on low | Essential Oil Tray: Yes

Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to pull in air and blow it through a wick filter, which causes the water in the tank to evaporate quickly and turn into water vapor. This water vapor is then released into the air in the form of an ultra-fine, nearly undetectable mist.

Our favorite evaporative humidifier, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier, increased the humidity by an average of 33% on the highest setting and 24% on the lowest setting in eight hours, all without creating any visible mist. And because it has a filter, it won’t disperse minerals commonly found in tap water into the air. Just keep in mind that the filter will require replacement every 30-60 days, depending on whether you have hard or soft water.

Because evaporative humidifiers require an internal fan to run, they’re usually louder than their ultrasonic counterparts. Fortunately, we found this evaporative humidifier to be both effective and quiet, so much so that we’d even recommend it for use in the bedroom or in a nursery, particularly when used on the lowest setting.

After using the humidifier for six months, it continued to maintain its quality and performance.We were particularly impressed by the ease of cleaning—the transparent tank was easy to remove and fill, and the 1.1-gallon capacity can run for up to 24 hours without needing a refill. Plus, all the parts that come in contact with water are dishwasher-safe, making it a breeze to sanitize.

Type: Evaporative | Size: 17.9 x 9.3 x 11.4 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1 gallon | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

Immediately upon turning on this humidifier, a visible mist appeared and the white indicator light switched on to signal that the machine was in use. The ultrasonic operation was practically silent, and there was no leaking or puddling. We particularly loved the nozzle sprayer attachment that allows you to direct the flow of the mist to where it’s most needed.

The indicator light turns red and the unit goes into standby mode when the water is running low. Once it has run out of water entirely, it automatically shuts off. Despite being compact enough to slide onto a shelf or side table, this humidifier has an impressive 24-hour run time.

We found the setup to be very easy; however, cleanup proved a little more difficult. The reservoir’s opening wasn’t big enough to fit our hands, so it required a brush to clean it out. Although this humidifier doesn’t feature fancy extras like a digital display, smart device compatibility, or a humidistat, it still outperformed many higher-priced models in terms of effectiveness and design.

Over time, the humidifier has helped in alleviating dry skin and sinus problems, although we have noticed a bit of a ripe smell coming from the tank, so regular cleaning is a must. If you’re looking for an inexpensive humidifier that can blend into small to medium spaces while still delivering powerful results, this one more than fits the bill.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 7 x 6 x 10 inches | Weight: 2.31 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 85 ounces (about 0.66 gallons) | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

With the name Dyson attached to it, you know it’s going to be a multifunctional and sleek device with many advanced features—and that's exactly what the Purifier Humidify + Cool Autoreact is. This three-in-one unit releases clean, humidified air throughout the room to simultaneously purify, humidify, and cool (or you can go without cooling by setting it to the Backwards Airflow setting, which directs airflow through the back of the unit).

After eight hours of continuous running, it was able to increase the humidity of our space by an average of 8.4% on the lowest setting and 18% on the highest setting. This isn’t as high as some of the lesser-priced models on our list, but to be fair, those models don’t double as fans or air purifiers.

On auto mode, the humidifier automatically senses and reports the air quality and humidity level and adjusts accordingly, while the night mode runs on the quietest setting and dims the display so as to not disturb sleep. We particularly like the oscillation, which circulates the newly purified and humidified air throughout a large room. Do keep in mind that this unit stands three feet tall, meaning it's best suited for larger rooms where it can be kept on the floor.

Dyson also manages to make cleanup easy with an automated deep clean cycle that eliminates mineral buildup and odors. The 1-gallon tank can run for up to 36 hours without needing a refill and comes with tiny wheels so you can easily wheel it to and from the faucet—though we did have some trouble with the tank leaking once it was removed from the unit. It also comes with a remote that attaches to the main unit for storage.

After using the device for six months, it continued working up to our standards. We particularly enjoyed using the fan function in warmer weather, as it made our space far less stuffy. In short, this is a worthy investment piece that effectively replaces three appliances in one. Even so, its size and price may be overkill for those who only use humidifiers seasonally or don’t need the additional functionality.

Price at time of publish: $800

Type: Evaporative | Size: 12.3 x 11 x 36.6 inches | Weight: 18 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1 gallon | Run Time: Up to 36 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

Despite being one of the smaller humidifiers we tested, this unit stood out as one of the highest performers in terms of output. The 3-in-1 device functions as a humidifier, essential oil diffuser, and color-changing night light all in one, adding a soothing touch to any bedtime routine. Its compact and sleek design blends in well with any surroundings, allowing for easy integration into bedroom decor without drawing too much attention.

The small yet mighty humidifier has a capacity of 0.6 gallons and was able to increase the humidity by 51% within a two-foot range and 37% within a 10-foot range after running on the highest setting for eight hours. However, it’s worth noting that after this time period, only about 0.5 cups of water remained in the tank, so make sure you’re prepared for frequent refills. While the limited capacity may be inconvenient for those who want to use the humidifier for extended periods of time, it makes up for it in convenience—the portable size comfortably fits on a nightstand or bedside table and allows for easy transport from room to room. It also features a 180-degree rotating mist nozzle which allows you to target the mist toward specific areas.

We found the humidifier incredibly easy to clean, with the process taking only five minutes. The large tank opening facilitates easy filling, but since the tank is opaque, we felt it was a bit difficult to gauge its fullness, leading to occasional overfilling. The container cap also takes up a few centimeters of the tank, so you should take that into account when filling as well. The humidifier produced a thick cloud of mist on the highest setting and accumulated some condensation on the nozzle.

With its calming colors and the ability to release soothing fragrances, we believe this humidifier is a great pick pick for a bedroom. It emitted the same hum on both low and high settings, which can potentially serve as white noise for sleep. Plus, its affordable price adds to its value.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 8.15 x 8.6 x 8.23 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 0.6 gallons | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Essential Oil Tray: Yes

When tackling a large space, finding a humidifier with expansive reach is essential. The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier boasts an impressive 1.6-gallon capacity that can run for 50 continuous hours. In our testing, a whopping 49% of the water remained in the tank after eight hours. Due to its substantial capacity, you’ll hardly need to refill it, allowing it to operate effortlessly for extended periods.

We value this unit’s simplicity, effectiveness, and how little maintenance it requires. You can adjust the humidity with a simple knob, eliminating the need for any confusing dials or buttons. While it lacks the bells and whistles of some more advanced models, we appreciate the intuitive design.

The humidifier includes a convenient cover that lifts for easy refilling, though we observed that the cover, while intended to be helpful, was prone to leakage. It also features a 360-degree rotating nozzle, which allows you to aim the mist at the desired angle. Plus, it’s filterless, so you don’t have to worry about replacing or cleaning the filter.

The manufacturer highlights the humidifier’s ability to cover up to 500 square feet, making it ideal for large living spaces. In our testing, the humidifier increased the humidity of our space by an average of 8% on the high setting from 10 feet away. In addition to its output, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet the humidifier was in our testing. The soft bubbling sound proved non-disruptive, even on the highest setting.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 11.42 x 6.69 x 13.27 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1.6 gallons | Run Time: Up to 50 hours | Essential Oil Tray: Yes

If you have a little one at home, the Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is an excellent addition to any nursery. Its fun cloud design adds a whimsical feel to your baby’s room, and the nightlight cycles through seven calming colors, bringing an extraplayful touch to their naptime routine. If you aren’t in the mood for the cycle, a quick click can keep the humidifier on one constant color. We like that the light and mist operate independently of one another, allowing you to enjoy the glow even when you don’t want the humidity, or vice versa.

You can control the humidifier output by turning the mist knob, and the 360-degree rotating mist nozzle gives you full control over the mist direction. It also has an outer cover that rests over the water tank, although it can make it tricky to monitor the water level. Although the manufacturer claims the humidifier can cover up to 250 square feet, it fell a bit short in our testing. From two feet away, the humidity increased by an average of 4% on the high setting, and from 10 feet away, the hygrometer showed no increase. During our long-term testing, we noticed that the humidity levels increased overnight, though it did accumulate a bit slower than with larger units. Given its limited range, we recommend keeping this humidifier in close proximity to your baby’s crib.

The unit is designed to automatically shut off when water levels get too low, and the nightlight will blink three times as a warning. However, there wasn’t a maximum fill line on the tank, leaving us uncertain about where exactly to fill the water. The cleaning process was exceptionally quick and easy though, taking us approximately five minutes to disassemble, clean, and reassemble the device. While we had to flip the tank upside down to refill the water, we were pleasantly surprised that there was no mess involved.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 9.8 x 5.6 x 6.8 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1.8 liters | Run Time: Up 15 hours on high, 24 hours on low | Essential Oil Tray: No

While most humidifiers have a limited range, this model from AprilAire can easily cover the whole household. Its digital touch display is seamless, indicating the humidity percentage and when the water panel needs to be changed.

This unit proved very effective during our testing, noticeably raising the humidity throughout our 4,000-square-foot space. From its silent operation to its continuous output, we consider this a “set it and forget it” appliance—once you program your desired humidity levels, it handles the rest. We particularly like that the humidifier automatically monitors the outside temperature to reduce condensation inside the windows. We also found it easy to adjust the humidity level using the dial or the connected app.

In terms of maintenance, the humidifier doesn’t require much—just replace the water panel evaporator annually and remove any mineral buildup on the tray as needed. This pick is one of our fan favorites, we have used it for over five years with no complaints. Just keep in mind that you may want to consult a professional for installation.

Type: Evaporative | Size: 15.4 x 10.3 x 15.8 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 17 gallons | Run Time: 24/7 | Essential Oil Tray: No

This humidifier’s compact size and lighter weight allow it to go from the office to the home with ease. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a cup holder and has a USB plug, so you can even use it in the car during the dry winter months. For some of us, this little humidifier was even powerful enough to put a stop to frequent nosebleeds and congestion.

The cool mist begins to appear within a few seconds of turning on the humidifier. It features two different settings—one for continuous mist and one for intermittent mist, meaning 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off. It also features an auto shut-off setting for when the water runs out. Aside from the above features, this humidifier has very few adjustable settings, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your needs. The intuitive one-button control makes it a great choice for a guest bedroom or a car, but it also means that your control over the mist output is limited.

We found this humidifier to be practically silent, and thanks to its eight-hour run time, you can keep it on your desk all day without it serving as a distraction. Setup and cleanup were both a breeze—the tank’s large, round opening is easy to clean without using a brush. Six months into using the humidifier, we noticed no significant changes in quality. If dry winter air has you wishing you could bring your humidifier with you everywhere, then this unit is your solution. Plus, it’s available in white or black to match any aesthetic.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 2.6 x 4.9 x 3.7 inches | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Water Tank Capacity: 250 mL (about 0.006 gallons) | Run Time: Up to 8 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

The Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier is ideal for the busy individual, offering customizable experiences from anywhere at any time. By simply using your smartphone, you can effortlessly control the humidity in any room and schedule it to align with your daily routine. Given these remote capabilities, we consider this sleek humidifier to be a great pick for people who are constantly on the go.

In our testing, the device increased the humidity by an average of 28% on the highest setting and 13% on the lowest setting after running for eight hours. The unit boasts an impressive vapor-to-water ratio, and we were amazed by how much water remained in the tank despite the large amount of vapor produced. We couldn’t believe how quiet the humidifier was, and we think it would be suitable for bedtime or other focus-intensive activities. It also allows you to add essential oils.

Though you may expect the device’s high-tech features to be complex, using the humidifier proved to be extremely intuitive. You can select between the low, medium, and high settings by clicking the mist button—one light indicates the low setting, while three lights indicate the high setting. The filling process was seamless in our testing; the lid came off effortlessly, and the tank’s handle allowed us to easily remove it from the base. Thanks to the transparent tank, we were able to easily monitor how much water was left.

One major con: After culturing the tank, we discovered that this humidifier held the most bacteria of any we tested. A film often formed around the base throughout our six months of use, though it was easy to wipe with a damp cloth. Still, considering its strong performance in all testing categories, we think this smart option would be a valuable addition to your household, as long as you’re willing to clean it regularly.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 10.8 x 6.0 x 11.97 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1.19 gallons | Run Time: Up to 45 hours on low | Essential Oil Tray: Yes

By far the best-looking humidifier we’ve tested, the Vitruvi Cloud features a sleek, organically shaped design that seamlessly blends into its surroundings. But, more importantly, it was able to increase the humidity by an average of 30% after running for eight hours on its highest setting.

You can use the touch-sensitive controls to choose between one of five mist levels, set a timer ranging from eight to 24 hours, or set it to night mode, which dims the display. We found the noise level to be consistent across all the mist levels, producing a quiet hum and trickling sound that was more soothing than disruptive (although those who are sensitive to any sound while sleeping may want to look elsewhere). It continued performing up to our standards, even after six months of use, with no noticeable changes in output or quality. Some of us even found this humidifier too effective to use on hot summer nights, so we recommend it for dry winter months.

The Cloud comes with a 360-degree rotating mist spout that helps the compact humidifier reach more area. However, we would like to see a larger tank capacity for the price—at 1.5 liters, this is the second smallest tank on our list only behind the Geniani Erie Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifier. Fortunately, the removable tank is dishwasher-safe, making it that much easier to sanitize.

Despite the fact that this is an ultrasonic humidifier, this model does come with a water filter to capture minerals commonly found in tap water, so you don’t need to worry about using distilled water. (Vitruvi recommends you replace the filters every three months for best results.) It’s also available in three different neutral colors (white, oat, and dove) to complement any decor.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 10.74 x 3.66-4.69 x 8.50 inches | Weight: 3.46 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1.5 liters | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

Dry winter air leads to dry skin, but this facial humidifier from Hey Dewy provides a solution to staying hydrated throughout the colder months. The unit is small, powerful, and straightforward to operate. With a single button, you can seamlessly switch between intermittent mist and continuous mist, making it incredibly easy to use. Due to the simplicity of the single button, however, there were times when we were unsure which setting we were on, requiring us to wait a few moments to see if the mist paused.

Its portability makes it easy to travel with, and the wireless feature allows you to place it anywhere without being constrained by outlet limitations. We also appreciate the five fun colors it comes in, which make it more of a decorative self-care accessory than a clunky humidifier. The manufacturer recommends using tap water, which we found dispersed more effectively than distilled water.

We think the humidifier is a bit pricey for its small size, and it certainly won’t humidify an entire room. Even so, the unit performed particularly well within a two-foot range, increasing the humidity by an average of 21% when used for eight hours on the highest setting. It operated quietly, though the intermittent hissing may be annoying to some. The nozzle does occasionally get clogged, and the process of cleaning the spout and flipping the filter can be a bit tedious. Nevertheless, the humidifier maintained its impressive performance over six months of use. Overall, we think the chic, portable design and simplicity make it easy to incorporate into any self-care routine.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 3 x 3 x 7 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Water Tank Capacity: 11.3 ounces | Run Time: Up to 8 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

Designed by a doctor, the Carepod One prioritizes health and sanitation. Unlike other humidifiers that require a tedious cleaning process, this one has a stainless steel interior that can be easily sanitized with boiling water. While the unit was a bit too large to fit in our standard pots or pans, we were able to pour boiling water over it, eliminating any uncertainty about the effectiveness of vinegar cleaning methods.

Plus, this humidifier checks all of the boxes in terms of design, effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and ease of operation. With three mist settings, a built-in timer, and an oscillating arm, the humidifier offers just enough features to be functional without being overly complex. The stainless steel bowl can be effortlessly removed for spill-free filling, ensuring a no-mess process.

According to the brand, this humidifier is suitable for spaces up to 500 square feet. From a two-foot distance, the unit increased the humidity of our space by an average of 53% on the highest setting, and 27% from a 10-foot distance. After running the tank overnight for three days, we still had excess water left over. It continued performing well, even after using it for six months.

The unit comes in one of the more expensive models we tested, which may feel unnecessary for those who plan to only use the device seasonally. However, the filter-free design contributes to this cost, eliminating the need for filter replacements. But note that since it doesn’t have a filter, you may want to use distilled water to ensure purity.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 10.14 x 10.72 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 4 liters | Run Time: Up to 30 hours | Essential Oil Tray: No

Filters can be annoying to change and even more annoying to clean. For those who want to avoid the hassle, this filter-free humidifier from Vicks is easy to use, fill, and maintain. The humidifier features a large opening and removable tank, allowing you to fill it either from the top or the side. Its convenient handle also makes it easy to bring from room to room.

Despite its compact size, this humidifier proved highly effective in our testing. From two feet away on the high setting, the humidity increased by an average of 37%, and from 10 feet, it increased by an average of 42% after running for eight hours. Even when sitting over 10 feet from the humidifier, we felt a change within 30 minutes on the high setting. The trade-off, though, was a vast contrast from the lower setting. After using the humidifier for three hours on low, the humidity was hardly noticeable, and only about 0.5 cups of water had been used up. While we found the humidity less pronounced on the lower setting, we were still able to detect the fragrant essential oils.

Operating very quietly on both high and low, the humidifier exhibited minimal noise difference between the two settings. The clear tank allows for easy monitoring of the water level, while the knob enables you to control the mist output. Keep in mind that this unit may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other models, so if you’re looking for a more sleek design, you may want to explore other options. Despite its appearance, we appreciate how easy it was to operate and clean.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 8.6 x 8.6 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 0.6 gallons | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Essential Oil Tray: Yes

Both warm and cool mist humidifiers are effective at adding moisture back into the air, but cool mist humidifiers can add a bit of a chill to the room, while warm mist humidifiers can keep you more comfortable during the colder months. That said, a humidifier that offers both warm and cool mist is ideal for year-round use, providing the option to adapt your settings seasonally.

The Vicks Dual Comfort humidifier performed well in our testing, as it was able to increase the humidity level of the room by 40% after running continuously on the highest setting for eight hours. While the high setting impressed us with its power, however, we did notice a large disparity between the highest and lowest settings, as the latter only increased the humidity by 7% after eight hours. We appreciate the humidifier’s dual rotating nozzles, which allow you to direct the mist where it’s most needed. Even after using it for six months, it was performing just as well as it had when we first got it.

We didn’t have any issues with hot steam spurting from the unit, although we still recommend exercising caution with warm mist humidifiers, especially if you have kids or pets nearby. This humidifier can also be used in conjunction with Vicks VapoSteam or VapoPads to create a medicated steam for relieving cold symptoms, or you can add essential oils for a more ambient experience. But do keep in mind that cleanup requires that you use the included brush (which is stored neatly under the tank) to get into the nooks and crannies.

Type: Ultrasonic | Size: 10.1 x 10.1 x 14.7 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 1.2 gallons | Run Time: 36 hours | Essential Oil Tray: Yes