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To find the best humidifiers, we researched more than 40 of the top appliances on the market before buying 12 of the best for side-by-side testing. We measured the humidifying performance of each unit using a professional-grade humidistat, cleaned them multiple times to appraise their ease of use and maintenance difficulty, and calculated their operating costs. We also lived with each in our homes for multiple days to get a feel for how they worked in real-life scenarios. We found great models in every price range, whether you're looking to humidify a large living space or a small kid's room.
Air quality is a top priority for many households. Tap into the technology of air quality meters to discover how you can best manage the health of your home. You may need an air purifier to remove particulates, a fan to circulate air, a space heater for cutting the winter chill, or an air conditioner to provide some relief from the heat of summer. Whatever your needs or budget, our in-depth reviews cover some of the best kitchen and home appliances available today.
Editor's Note: We updated our humidifier review on November 30, 2024, to share alternate recommendations in our award section.
Limited settings, so-so output, no standout feature
Lacks a sleep mode and humidistat
Poor controls, overpriced
Fill port is too small, missing carry handle, suboptimal one-button operation
Lacks key features, small fill port, unresponsive touchscreen
Bottom Line
This affordable humidifier is easy to clean, but its low output means it'll need to run for longer
A super effective humidifier with a straightforward, minimalist design, but we feel that additional features would have further justified the cost
This model stood out thanks to the sleek design, high-end functionality, and sheer convenience of operation
This exorbitantly priced humidifier showcases super quiet operation and is easy to clean while delivering superb humidifying power
This unit defies the notion of affordability versus quality, impressing us with both its output and functionality, all while maintaining a budget-friendly price
Extensive controls, smart home integration, and easy operation provide a trouble-free humidifier experience
If you desire a no-frills experience, this affordable and capable humidifier is worth a look
This model is a decent choice for its budget-friendly price point and performs moderately well
A unique humidifier built to blend into any kids room, but it's output isn't the best considering the price
A decent choice for small bedrooms, but there are better options in the same price range
Offers a compact design and quiet operation, but its underwhelming performance and limited features aren't for those seeking reliable humidity control
While aesthetically pleasing and boasting decent humidity output, this model comes at a premium despite its lack of features and finicky interface
The Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart takes the throne with relative ease thanks to its ease of use, intuitive design, and pure humidifying power driven by the novel but effective dual-nozzle dispersion. It offers a host of smart features accessed through a comprehensive app, and to top it all off, it is super easy to maintain. This model was our favorite pick among many solid, similar-ranked contenders, like the Honeywell HUL430 and the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart, because of the previously mentioned factors along with thoughtful additions like the 'Plant Care' mode that enables users to set up an ideal humidity environment depending on the plants they maintain. In addition, this model lets you create a custom watering schedule to remind you when to water your plants. “This is a great feature if you own plants and are forgetful (like me)”, one tester said. The collective performance across the board impressed us enough to consider it the one humidifier to rule them all.
The only real drawbacks are the overall runtime when using the highest mode and the inefficient warm mist mode. In our tests, it lasted a relatively meager 9 hours, which would cover a good night's rest at least. Fortunately, with the high output, most folks shouldn't need to run its highest setting all night. If this is a major downside for you, there are higher-performing humidifiers in this department, namely the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool or the Vornado Lucerna 2 Alchemy Ultrasonic, both of which can last well over double the time of the Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart. However, they're not as effective.
The Dreo Smart HM311S offers a winning blend of effectiveness, effortless maintenance, and convenience. With these attributes, we consider it the premier choice among smart humidifiers. Equipped with a built-in humidistat, it diligently monitors ambient humidity levels and adjusts its operation accordingly in auto-mode. All you need to do is select your desired humidity setting, power it on, and let it work its magic until the water reservoir is depleted. Testers described using these controls as a “standout experience”. Also, refilling is a breeze thanks to the generous tank opening, ensuring minimal hassle. Cleaning the Dreo is also a cinch, with ample access to every part of the device and precise instructional videos located in the app. A notable rarity in its price bracket, the tank also features a handy light indicator that displays the current humidity level. This one is tough to top, considering its affordability.
Our biggest complaint has to do with accessing all of the features. While we found during testing that the display and controls offer responsive and satisfying operation, you must use the app to utilize the Dreo to its full potential. If the idea of fussing around with app connectivity isn't for you, the Vornado Lucerna 2 Alchemy Ultrasonic is a simple, stripped-down humidifier with good humidity output and stunning looks. Plus, it doesn't require an app for operation.
If you're searching for the best possible humidity output, you can't go wrong with the Honeywell HUL430. It's a stripped-down device with pure humidifying power in mind, offering a total of four power modes to choose from, as indicated by a small light. Our test team found it easy to fill and maintain, and we love the night light. The unit is operated with a simple but smooth mechanical dial that works flawlessly. Despite its high output, it's relatively efficient, so it won't cost you in the long run regarding operation costs either. When adding essential oils to the machine, testers commented that the aroma was “present and enjoyable but not overpowering,” whereas with other machines, the scent was often undetectable. If you don't want to fuss with an app, yet you need all the humidifying power you can get, this is the ticket.
The lack of smart features didn't bother us, but we do wish it had a lower price point to balance out the overall value. Given its simplicity, one might expect it to be more affordable, but unfortunately, that's not the case. If you're hoping to save more than a few bucks and some space, the Crane Drop is a good value, and it doesn't cost as much to operate month-to-month.
We chose the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart as a great pick for kids because of its quiet operation on high settings and the inclusion of a nightlight, making it a great addition to a kid's room or nursery. Our testers found this model incredibly easy to use, thanks to the included humidistat, refined display, plethora of smart features, and useful additions like 'Plant Care,' which helps refine your green thumb by supplying the perfect amount of humidity in a room to feed specific species of plants. While we consider it one of the best choices for kids we tested, it's also a solid performer overall, boasting high humidity output and a straightforward design.
If you want to improve the humidity level in your home, the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart is a terrific pick. With that in mind, it does have a couple of sharp corners that can be troublesome during cleaning maintenance. Luckily, the manual provides detailed instructions for conducting regular cleanings, which can help mitigate this issue. If you're shopping for a humidifier for a kid's room or nursery, and the Levoit Classic doesn't fit the bill, consider the Crane Adorables. It is available in multiple kid-friendly designs to blend seamlessly into a nursery setting. We tested the Hippo model, and the testers loved the cute aesthetic, but it couldn't match the performance levels of the Levoit Classic.
Parents will appreciate the Levoit Classic 300S's night light and whisper-quiet design for their little ones.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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We put each humidifier through a series of rigorous tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test Humidifiers
After extensive online research, our test team settled on 12 of the best humidifiers available today to test. This review represents over 200 hours of controlled testing. The cornerstone of our humidifier testing involved closing the forced air heating vent on the ceiling, setting the localized heating unit in the room to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and maintained this temperature throughout testing, ensuring that any swings exceeding 3 degrees prompt a test restart. After stabilizing the temperature, we noted the room's native relative humidity (RH), and following each humidifier test, we promptly activated the vent and dehumidifier until the room's RH returned to its native level at 70 degrees. We tested each humidifier on high, starting the humidifier and Extech RH tracker simultaneously, and let the test run for 1 hour. Once completed, we calculated the results to find out the exact effectiveness of each device.
We also ran each model through the normal paces of use, cleaning each at least five times and adjusting all the possible settings, searching for anything that made the machines more difficult to use or clean. We measured each model's energy usage with a wattage meter, then used that data to calculate their estimated monthly costs of ownership. Our experts conducted more than 93 individual tests to help you find the best humidifier to match your needs and budget.
We performed our in-depth humidifier testing using five performance metrics:
Effectiveness (40% of overall score rating)
Ease of Cleaning (25% of overall score rating)
Convenience (20% of overall score rating)
Run Tme (10% of overall score rating)
Operation Cost (5% of overall score rating)
Why Trust GearLab
Sentry Kelly and Ryan White have spent countless hours researching, using, and testing a variety of home appliance products. Spanning the worlds of the best air purifiers, best food dehydrators, and many other household items, they have put dozens of models to the test. Sentry has spent several years as an engineer and brings sharp attention to detail and a value for objective testing to the table. The testing team also lives in the arid climate of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where ambient humidity levels rarely rise above 30%, necessitating a humidifier lest you wake with a scratchy throat and parched lips.
We cleaned each and every tank.
The tools used in our testing.
We measured the sound of each unit on their various settings.
Analysis and Test Results
We categorized our tests into five separate testing metrics and weighted them according to their importance, ultimately assigning scores in each metric for all of our models. This allowed us to find the best humidifier for every situation, from mist-breathing dragons that can keep large rooms from getting too dry to smaller, more budget-friendly models that are perfect for apartment-sized bedrooms.
What's the Best Value?
We understand that most shoppers prioritize price as much as performance. The Honeywell HUL430 performs exceptionally well, but lacks smart functionality and comes at a higher cost. Another top-performing model, the Miro NR07G, offers outstanding performance but also commands a high price. In contrast, the Dreo HM311S delivers solid performance at a substantially lower cost and includes all the smart features you could want in a compact package. The Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart is another well-valued option. It was our favorite overall model, with a price point falling between budget models and devices like the Honeywell HUL430, yet providing much more value in terms of functionality. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs. We hope our comprehensive testing methods provide more than enough information to help you make an informed choice.
The Dreo HM311S proved to be super effective at an affordable cost.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Effectiveness
Effective humidification is all about finding the right balance. You need a machine that can efficiently add humidity to the air without causing excessive condensation on the walls. In our first performance test, we focused on the power of each model, evaluating how quickly and consistently they could achieve a target humidity level and maintain it. Models equipped with humidistat controllers that monitor and adjust to the room's humidity levels performed much better in this regard. All our tests were conducted in a 150-square-foot room, roughly the size of an average bedroom.
The Honeywell HUL430 is the overall top performer in this test and had a difference in humidity levels of 27% within an hour. Without a built-in humidistat, though, it does fall short of other models in terms of consistency since it can't self-regulate, so you'll need to keep an eye on it if you don't want droplets all over your walls. In terms of pure power, though, this particular model excelled. If you live somewhere where the ambient humidity is higher (20-30%) or prone to fluctuations, a humidistat is a nice feature to have on your humidifier.
We tracked each humidifier over an hour to see how effectively they changed the relative humidity in a 150 sq/ft room.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
Preventing Over-Humidification
We tested these models in a 150-square-foot room and offer general recommendations based on those results. Please keep in mind that other factors can influence humidification performance and cause the results to vary. In your home, ambient humidity, temperature, and ventilation all play a role. Whenever you buy a new humidifier, it's best to start on a lower setting and slowly move until you find a good humidity level, rather than starting on the highest setting and ending with damp surfaces.
The chart above shows the difference in humidity levels for each model over the course of an hour.
The Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart boasts significant humidifying power. It managed to change the humidity in our room up to 26%, which is further enhanced by its built-in humidistat, allowing for better output regulation. However, if you can do without the self-regulation feature, the Miro NR07G is also a strong contender, leveling up the humidity of the test room from 34.80% to 59.60%. That's a humidity difference of about 25%. Meanwhile, the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart remains consistently impressive, achieving a 25% difference. Though the Vornado Lucerna 2 Alchemy Ultrasonic disappointed us in other aspects, it did surprisingly well in this test, changing the humidity by 18% over the course of an hour.
Humidifiers that aren't cleaned regularly can become a breeding ground for bacteria and do more harm than good. Therefore, if a model is so hard to clean that you neglect it, it's not worth purchasing. Most machines will require basic scrubbing and soaking in a vinegar or bleach solution to eliminate mold. We cleaned every model multiple times and kept careful notes on how laborious the process was for each one.
The Honeywell HUL430, AquaOasis Cool Mist, and the Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart earned high marks in both of our ease of cleaning tests. These models had a large tank lid opening that let you fit your whole hand inside, a huge bonus for cleaning. The Honeywell stood out for its cylindrical tank design; without any crevices or sharp corners, it was easy to access all parts of the tank.
Some units, like the Crane Adorables, don't allow easy access to the tank.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Miro NR07G also deserves a mention here. This unit stands out from others due to its design, disassembling into eight cleanable pieces compared to the usual three or fewer found in similar models, yet everything remains easily accessible, and the disassembly process is straightforward.
The wide opening of the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool allows for easy cleaning.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Verging into 'oh crap, this thing needs cleaned' territory are the Crane Drop and Pure Ultrasonic. These products have smaller openings, and the internal construction is more crowded, making both accessing and scrubbing every surface more difficult. You can do it, but it requires some hand yoga and maybe even sacrificing a toothbrush to the cleanliness deities. The Vornado Lucerna 2 Alchemy Ultrasonic was difficult to clean; the tank opening was small, so using anything other than a bottle brush was futile, which was not included. That said, you can always soak a difficult-to-clean humidifier in a white vinegar solution, but it's not as efficient.
Convenience
Humidifiers, while typically straightforward, can vary in design, turning their use into either a breeze or a cumbersome task that leaves you wondering about your indoor air quality. Whether it's a spacious water tank opening or a remote control allowing adjustments from bed, opting for a well-designed model can spare you the hassle of dealing with unnecessary logistics often associated with modern appliances.
Thanks to its smooth, intuitive, highly responsive, and easy-to-read touchscreen display, the Dreo HM311S took the top spot in our convenience testing. It also offers a companion app that grants access to a comprehensive set of functions, including scheduling, timers, and a maintenance guide featuring in-depth cleaning tutorials. Adding to its appeal, the Dreo features a nightlight that changes colors based on current humidity levels: yellow indicating dry, green denoting ideal, and blue signaling damp conditions, making it easy to gauge at a glance.
Above you can find the myriad of helpful features offered by the Levoit app.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Not to be outdone, the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart and Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart assert their value with their smart functionality and user-friendly operation through an app and touch screen buttons. Catering to plant enthusiasts, both models offer a 'Plant Care' feature, allowing users to select their plants and receive recommended humidity levels tailored to their specific needs. We also love that this feature provides reminders for watering.
The Dreo comes with an incredibly intuitive smart app.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Another favorite, without extra bells and whistles, is the Honeywell HUL430. This model has a straightforward design that is easy and intuitive to use: a single control dial and ergonomic tank features left us with no complaints. All the above appliances are also incredibly simple to refill with water.
Large tank openings similar to the Dreo HM311S are essential for easy refills.
The Vornado comes with a less convenient bottom-fill design.
Refilling should be a breeze, like on the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool.
We found that top-fill designs are more convenient than bottom-fill.
Run Time
How long your chosen humidifier will run on a full tank is an important consideration, especially if you don't want it shutting off in the middle of the night, particularly in arid climates. While most humidifiers will last through the night without issue, some may need to be topped off to last 8+ hours. It's essential to consider your usage patterns here, as you may prefer to set it and forget it for as long as possible.
Consider that humidifiers with higher output may have shorter run times compared to those with lower output. For instance, while the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool ranked somewhat low in our effectiveness test, it stands out as one of the top performers in overall run time, lasting over 28 hours on the highest setting. If you want to run your humidifier around the clock and prefer less frequent refills, this model is an excellent choice.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
In stark contrast, the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart ranked among the lowest in terms of run time but has one of the higher humidity output scores. It also has a built-in humidistat which will help it better regulate the desired humidity levels in your space whereas the Levoit Dual 150 does not. Basically, there is no perfect solution here. Higher run times don't exactly equal less hassle, but if overall run time is a big concern for you, consider one of the higher performing models like the AquaOasis Cool Mist, Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart, or even the Crane Adorables.
The Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool will last 28+ hours on a single refill on the highest setting.
Not only is the Levoit 450s one of the top performers in humidity production, it's also one of the most cost effective options - until you turn on heated mist.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
Finally, a win for the Pure Ultrasonic as it will cost you a meager $1.02 for an entire tank on the highest output mode. The costs for this model are somewhat negligible. The AquaOasis Cool Mist had a similar result, costing $1.42 per month. The Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart and the Crane Drop are also incredibly cost-effective at $1.50 and $1.89 respectively.
Plugging in the Kilowatt reader to the Levoit Oasis Mist 450S Smart in order to calculate overall operation costs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Choose a Humidifier
With so many different options on the market from smart to sonic to evaporative, with a myriad of additional features, it can be confusing to figure out which is the best. Read below to see what features you should be looking out for. For a more comprehensive guide, see our humidifier buying advice article.
Why Humidistats are Helpful
A humidistat shows you the percentage of humidity in your room, and you may even find one on your home thermostat. A built-in humidistat not only gauges the relative level of humidity in your room, but typically allows you to set it to your desired range and then turns off once it's reached that target. If you have a desired range and don't want to set yourself a reminder to turn off your humidifier, we highly recommend purchasing a model with a humidistat included.
Easy Cleaning
Where there's moisture, there is often mold. In order to prevent your humidifier from accumulating mold, it's important to routinely give it a thorough cleaning, as using a humidifier after mold accumulation has built up over time can be toxic. So, being able to clean with ease is essential when purchasing a humidifier.
To keep mold and buildup at bay, use distilled water. Mold can still accumulate with this method, but you won't need to clean it as often.
Ultrasonic vs. Evaporative
We found that these two types of humidifiers are both acceptable options with different pros and cons. Sonic humidifiers work by rapidly juddering the water in the tank to create water vapor, while evaporative humidifiers utilize a fan to lift the water vapor into the air. We've found that sonic humidifiers tend to be popular due to their low price and maintenance, but they can produce dust from the minerals in the water. Evaporative models come with a wick that filters out the minerals, but you will need to replace them from time to time. If you don't replace the wick, they will accumulate mold. They also tend to be much louder than ultrasonic humidifiers, but if you enjoy the white noise of the fan, then this shouldn't be a problem.
Conclusion
A humidifier can enhance the comfort of your home and minimize many of the adverse side effects of dry climates and parched winter air. If you've never owned one before, you'll be amazed that you can wake up after a hot, dry summer night with dewy, fresh skin or without chapped lips and a scratchy throat after running the heat all night in the middle of winter. Any humidifier, however, requires diligent cleaning and maintenance, and not all are created equal when it comes to the convenience of this upkeep. We hope our detailed testing results have led you to a powerful and user-friendly model for all your needs while fitting into your budget.
