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Humidifiers are a great addition to your home, as they promote good health and can be easily incorporated into your bedroom routine. It's essential to keep in mind the fundamental type, whether you prefer cool or warm mist, the size and capacity, as well as the health and safety features and warranty.
Doctors and aestheticians alike recommend humidifiers for your home. Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross says, “To understand the importance of humidifiers, it is important to understand how air humidity can affect skin. When humidity is low or air is dry, moisture is drawn out of the top layers of skin. This can leave your skin red, dry, and flaky. When you raise the air humidity levels, you can improve how much moisture is pulled from the skin. Regardless of the air humidity, you should be using a moisture-barrier building moisturizer—this will help your skin retain moisture no matter the humidity level.”
Beauty expert Zak Heath, recommends a warm mist humidifier with essential oils to keep your skin moisturized. "It’s hard to believe a little pot of rosemary oil can energize you; however, blowing the hot steam of an essential oil in my face when using my humidifier and simultaneously doing my skincare ensures I can start the day off right. A humidifier is often a skincare afterthought; however, now appreciative of the long-term effects, it’s my skincare staple."
To help you add moisture to your home's air, I have researched some of the best humidifiers available and the top 12 you can purchase right now. Read on to find out which humidifier is the best for you.
What to consider when buying a humidifier
Effectiveness
Choose a humidifier that meets your needs without being too big or too heavy. Effectiveness is based on goals and space, so check how powerful the unit is for your specific needs. Make an informed decision and choose the right humidifier for you.
Room size
Humidifiers come in different shapes and sizes, which affect their performance. The water holding tank determines the size and capacity of a humidifier, the amount of water released per day, and the room size. Each of my listings suggests the maximum room size for the humidifier, so check your square footage before purchasing a humidifier.
Functionality
Your home humidifier needs to fit its functionality. Humidifiers have many advantages for your health, including the prevention of respiratory illnesses and relief from dry skin. However, it is crucial to give safety the top priority when choosing a humidifier. The features that impact health and safety when using a humidifier should be taken into account, as they can significantly affect your decision to buy a particular model.
Upkeep
Select a humidifier based on your current needs and future costs and upkeep. While some humidifiers need filters replaced every four weeks, many can last nine months, and some are even filter-free. A humidifier only works effectively when it is kept to its factory standards, so ensure you are choosing a humidifier you can keep up with.
Style
When choosing a humidifier, it's important to select a style that matches the personality and color scheme of your room. Also, keep in mind its versatility and durability if you plan on moving it from room to room. By doing so, you can ensure that your humidifier will complement various spaces within your home.
Our top picks for the best humidifiers
Best humidifier for plants: Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier
Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier - Cool Mist, Essential Oil Pads and Built-In Timer, 7-Color Night-Light, White
Once, after nearly killing a $150 snake plant (I know!), I stole my humidifier from my bedside and donated it to said plant. If you also treat your indoor plants like your children, the Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier might be for you. This ultrasonic humidifier works great for plant care and small spaces. It can increase humidity levels without overpowering your space and includes a demineralization cartridge to keep it clean. It's highly effective in reducing dryness while providing timer settings and a seven-color nightlight. Best yet? The humidifier will alert you to clean it after every 40 to 60 hours of usage.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 4/5
- Room size: 373 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic, diffuser
- Capacity: 0.5 gallons
- Run time: 25 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: White and gray
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
- Price on publish: $35.99
What we like:
- Self-timer that reminds you to clean
- Includes demineralization cartridge
What we don’t like:
- Some shoppers say it’s difficult to clean the mist nozzle
The bottom line
An excellent choice for maintaining your houseplants' health.
Get it here: Homedics TotalComfort Humidifier
Best humidifier for the bedroom: Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier
The Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier is small, holds 0.6 gallons of water, and can increase humidity in the room by almost 15%. The color-changing night light is a fun feature, as it helps you see the water line and adds a nice touch of mood lighting. The humidifier also doubles as a diffuser, but many shoppers found the included VapoPads too strong. Essential oils might work better with this humidifier. The tank needs to be refilled daily if you run it on high all night, and it's slightly louder than some other models, but still packs a punch.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 250 square feet
- Type: Vaporizer, ultrasonic, diffuser
- Capacity: 0.6 gallons
- Run time: 24 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: White
- Warranty: None listed
- Price on publish: $42.79
What we like:
- The size
- Ability to use VapoPads or essential oils
What we don’t like:
- Must refill every day
The bottom line
This compact model produces a remarkable amount of mist, considering its size.
Get it here: Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier
Best budget humidifier: AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier {2.2L Water Tank} Quiet Ultrasonic Humidifiers for Bedroom & Large room - Adjustable -360° Rotation Nozzle Auto-Shut Off Humidifier
This high-quality ultrasonic humidifier has over 100,000 Amazon reviews with an average 4.3-star rating. Priced at $29.97, it offers a cool mist for better sleep, a customizable flow direction, and a 2.2-liter water tank that can last over 24 hours on a single fill. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 4.5/5
- Room size: 400 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Capacity: 0.58 gallons
- Run time: 24 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: Blue and white
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Price on publish: $29.97
What we like:
- Filter-free
- Great price point
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers mention low durability
The bottom line
A great economical option for people who want a powerful humidifier with auto shut-off.
Get it here: AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier
Best humidifier for a large room: Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier
Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier
The aesthetically pleasing Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist is a compact and chic humidifier suitable for rooms up to 600 square feet. It has touch-sensitive buttons, an adjustable mist spout, and five mist output settings. The model has a night mode that turns off all lights and a removable water bucket that can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. The tank and filter need to be cleaned regularly, and the filter should be changed every three months. One Amazon reviewer said, “Beautiful, effective, worth every penny.”
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 600 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Capacity: 0.158 gallons
- Run time: 24 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: Dove (gray) or White
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Price on publish: $199
What we like:
- Chic design
- It comes in two colors
What we don’t like:
- The elevated price point
The bottom line
Although this chic and modern humidifier is more expensive, its effectiveness and lifetime warranty make up for it.
Get it here: Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier
Best cool mist humidifier: Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
Everlasting Comfort 6L Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom Filterless Quiet with Essential Oil Tray (White)
The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is an excellent choice for larger rooms of up to 500 square feet. It's a straightforward and efficient model that blows cool mist and can also be used as a diffuser. The humidifier is very quiet, easy to switch between settings, and has auto shut-off. Since it only produces cool mist, you can expect the room to feel cooler after running it for a while. Cleaning is also straightforward since it doesn't have a filter.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 4/5
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic, diffuser
- Capacity: 1.58 gallons
- Run time: 50 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: Black or White
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
- Price on publish: $48.99
What we like:
- Filter-free
- Great for large space
What we don’t like:
- Some say it only lasted one season
The bottom line
This humidifier meets all my criteria for style and function and can power a room up to 500 square feet.
Get it here: Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
Best warm mist humidifier: Dreo 6-Liter Smart Humidifier
Dreo 6L Smart Humidifier, Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom, Top Fill, 60Hr Runtime, High Precision Humidity Sensor and Indicator Light, Large Room, Nursery, Plant, Works with Alexa, HM713S
The Dreo 6-Liter Smart Humidifier is perfect for those who prefer a humidifier with a warm mist option. The 6-liter water tank lasts through the night, and the device produces a considerable amount of mist without needing a refill. As bonuses, it can switch to a cool mist mode and the Dreo app can send you cleaning reminders. While the humidifier has a modern design and is easy to operate, some reviewers mention a challenging cleaning process.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 550 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Capacity: 1.58 gallons
- Run time: 60 hours
- Mist temperature: Warm and cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Price on publish: $79.99
What we like:
- Huge tank
- Best in the warm mist humidifier category
What we don’t like:
- A little hard to clean
The bottom line
With a 60-hour run time, three modes, and an app, this is the best of the best in warm mist.
Get it here: Dreo 6-Liter Smart Humidifier
Best humidifier for baby: Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
PUR Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier, Small Room–For Vapors 2 Ways –Works with Vicks VapoPads and VapoSteam, White
The Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier is a top-rated humidifier loved by thousands. The device is quiet, straightforward to set up, and easy to clean. The transparent water tank and flip-top design make it easy to refill and add essential oils, which makes it a top pick for a humidifier for a baby.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 4.5/5
- Room size: 250 to 400 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic, vaporizer
- Capacity: 0.6 gallons
- Run time: 24 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: White
- Warranty: None listed
- Price on publish: $61.74
What we like:
- Easy to refill
- Reviewers mention its high-quality
What we don’t like:
- Some said it was hard to clean
The bottom line
An excellent cool mist baby humidifier with a flip-top lid for easy refilling.
Get it here: Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Best humidifier with diffuser: Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Levoit Cool Mist Humidifier for Room 3L Top-Fill Humidifier for Bedrooms and Baby Nurseries with Aromatherapy Dual 150 White
The Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is an excellent option for those who want a humidifier and an essential oil diffuser. It effectively creates a pleasant atmosphere in your bedroom, living room, or home office and is equally effective for both humidification and aromatherapy. The water tank has a 3-liter capacity, and many reviewers have been impressed with how long the tank lasts.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 290 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic, diffuser
- Capacity: 0.79 gallons
- Run time: 25 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: White
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
- Price on publish: $39.99
What we like:
- Auto shut-off
- Aroma diffuser
What we don’t like:
- Refilling can be difficult
The bottom line
An excellent humidifier and diffuser — one with over 50,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
Get it here: Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best portable humidifier: Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
Hey Dewy Wireless, Rechargeable, Self-Care, Skin-Nourishing, Hydrating, Portable Cool Mist Humidifier (Pearl)
The Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier is an excellent portable humidifier. It is compact, user-friendly, and has a cute profile. It also comes in a distinctive range of colors and has a silicone base to help stabilize it on various surfaces. Additionally, it is easy to clean, and while it’s listed as a facial humidifier, it is strong enough to fill your room.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 4/5
- Room size: Designed for small spaces
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Capacity: 0.08 gallons
- Run time: 8 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Wireless and rechargeable
- Color: Pearl White, Blush Pink, Sage Green
- Warranty: None listed
- Price on publish: $59.95
What we like:
- Cute and compact
- Battery-operated and connected by USB
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers wish it were more powerful
The bottom line
A great mini option (that comes in three cute colors) for those who want a portable humidifier.
Get it here: Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
Best quiet humidifier: Crane Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier
1.2 Gal. Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier with Remote - 1.2 Gallons
A quiet humidifier can be essential for peaceful sleep, particularly for children. The Crane Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier is quiet enough to be used in a baby's room or for light-sleeping spouses. The mist takes around 15 minutes to warm up, and it doesn't get too hot. The mist cap can be rotated 360 degrees to adjust the mist's direction. The lights are not distracting, and you can dim them using the night mode.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic, diffuser
- Capacity: 1.2 gallon
- Run time: 24 hours
- Mist temperature: Warm or cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Price on publish: $74
What we like:
- Adjustable humidity control
- Low-water indicator
- Aroma diffuser
What we don’t like:
- Difficult to clean
The bottom line
A super-quiet, durable humidifier that provides warm or cool mist with the convenience of a remote control.
Get it here: Crane Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier
Best eco-friendly humidifier: Canopy Bedside Humidifier
Canopy Bedside Humidifier
This non-toxic bedside humidifier by Canopy is good for both your health and the air. It moisturizes up to 500 square feet for 36 hours and uses anti-mold and UV sensor tech to ensure clean air. It can also diffuse aromas and is eco-friendly with paper filters.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Type: UV treatment, diffuser
- Capacity: 0.66 gallons
- Run time: 36 hours
- Mist temperature: N/A (no mist)
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: White, Moonstruck, Cream, Lavender, Jade
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Price on publish: $150
What we like:
- Eco-friendly
- Paper filters
- Dishwasher-safe parts
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers mentioned a loud experience
The bottom line
Reviewers say this great eco-friendly humidifier is well worth the price.
Get it here: Canopy Bedside Humidifier
Best humidifier for allergies and respiratory health: Carepod One Humidifier
CarePod 31S Stainless Steel Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier Whisper-Quiet Easy Clean for Large Room 1gal (4liter), Only 3 Washable Parts, Auto Shut-off, Reusable Filter Aroma Diffuser
The Carepod One is a doctor-designed humidifier that emphasizes sterilization for better air quality. Unlike other humidifiers, it features a washable oscillator, water tank, and lid cover, which saves money on filter replacements. It moisturizes rooms quickly and quietly, but lacks a visual water level indicator.
Specifications:
- Effectiveness: 5/5
- Room size: 500 square feet
- Type: Ultrasonic
- Capacity: 1.06 gallons
- Run time: 30 hours
- Mist temperature: Cool
- Setup: Corded electric
- Color: White
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Price on publish: $275
What we like:
- Automatic shut-off
- Easy to clean with three separate parts
What we don’t like:
- The price point
The bottom line
This is an excellent humidifier for those who need allergy coverage and easy cleanability.
Get it here: Carepod One Humidifier
Types of humidifiers
Unless you’re planning to include a central humidifier in your home’s air conditioner unit, you’ll be buying an ultrasonic humidifier. They come in no-mist, cool-mist, or warm-mist and can vary based on your needs.
Humidifier safety tips
Look for a humidifier with safety features you might need for your home. Many come with automatic shut-off and overheat protection to ensure your home stays safe. Humidifiers can create mold, so ensure it’s easy to clean and help prevent excess moisture.
How to use and maintain a humidifier
Maintaining your humidifier is essential to keeping you and your home safe. Mold can quickly build up and spread, especially if there is a mist or diffuser function. Read the humidifier's user manual and replenish the water as stated. Clean it regularly based on the manufacturer’s suggestions, and consider using sterilized water for the healthiest humidity.
How I tested and selected the best humidifiers
While evaluating humidifiers, I considered the different kinds of needs, room sizes, and necessary maintenance. I selected my list of the best 12 humidifiers based on customer reviews, effectiveness, design, and cost.
Customer reviews
Maintaining good health and hydration is essential, and a humidifier can help with that. However, choosing the right humidifier can be challenging as it requires both water and electricity. To select the best humidifier for your home, it's recommended to look for devices that have received high ratings and positive reviews online. I’ve identified a list of brands that consistently receive positive reviews and high rankings from consumers and industry experts alike. These brands have a proven track record of offering high-quality products and services that meet their customers' needs and expectations.
Effectiveness
Like all home devices, a humidifier’s effectiveness is key to your investment. When considering the purchase of a humidifier, I evaluated how effective each recommendation was. This involves carefully assessing how well the device performs its intended function and whether it can meet the specific needs of a dry home. It’s important to ensure that the humidifier you choose can provide the desired level of moisture to the air, effectively combating dry air and improving overall air quality. Additionally, other factors such as noise level, ease of use, maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency should also be considered to ensure that the humidifier you select is the best possible option for your needs.
Design
It's crucial to pay attention to the design of a humidifier, considering that it will be a constant presence in your home, possibly functioning 24/7. The humidifier's visual appeal should blend seamlessly with your home decor while also being practical and user-friendly. A bulky, unattractive, or inefficient gadget occupying a prominent spot in the living space would be undesirable. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the humidifier's design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Cost
Having access to up-to-date technology is top of mind here at TIME. Cost remains a top priority, right under design, ratings, and effectiveness. This roundup emphasizes the value-add of each product, while still offering a diverse range of products at varying prices.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What’s the best humidifier for kids?
The best humidifiers for children depend on their age, nursery or bedroom size, and health goals. As a basic precaution, I suggest choosing a cool-mist humidifier over a warm-mist humidifier. A warm-mist humidifier heats water and can cause scalding if an accident occurs. For older children, you can probably add warm mist or no mist to their bedroom.
Is a cool mist or warm mist humidifier better?
Both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers have the same purpose of adding moisture and humidity to the air. However, warm mist humidifiers differ from cool mist humidifiers in that they produce hot steam. Although they’re not as powerful as space heaters, warm mist humidifiers can still provide some warmth during cold winter nights. Conversely, cool mist humidifiers release cool moisture, making them an excellent option for year-round use, mainly if you reside in an arid climate with minimal rainfall.
What is the most efficient type of humidifier?
An ideal humidifier should provide maximum benefits while being energy-efficient. Other home items like washing machines, refrigerators, and cordless vacuum cleaners take a lot of energy, so choose a humidifier that’s as energy-efficient as possible. A humidifier's energy consumption is determined by its type. An ultrasonic model consumes less energy than a cool-mist humidifier, with a warm-mist humidifier consuming the most.
What type of humidifier is best for sleep?
A humidifier can benefit your sleep health by easing respiratory discomfort, alleviating skin dryness, preventing nosebleeds, and reducing throat pain. It can also produce white noise to promote better sleep. Choose a sound, light, and mist level that works for you to ensure a good night's sleep.
Can I use tap water in the humidifier?
Yes, you can use tap water in your humidifier, but sterile or purified water is always best. Tap water usually has minerals that can cause white dust buildup in your home and scale within the device, which can require more frequent cleaning.
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