Dry air can lead to flaky, itchy skin and wreak havoc on allergies and respiratory issues. But there’s a simple way to put moisture back into the air — humidifiers. The best humidifiers have humidistats, easy to clean tanks, and are the right size for your space.
Humidifiers work well in a living room, bedroom, or a baby’s nursery. Many models include a nightlight so you don’t stumble in the dark. You can often adjust the mist to spray in different directions as well as add as much moisture as you need into the air.
We’ve reviewed six of the best humidifiers on the market. These models rise above the rest in their performance and ease-of-use. We’ve also included a guide to help you find the best model for your home.
6 Best Humidifiers of 2024
Best Humidifier Overall
TaoTronics 4L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Wi-Fi connectivity, quiet operation, and a large capacity tank are some of the top features of this reliable humidifier. It also includes access to an app that lets you check the humidity from anywhere.
$69.99 from TaoTronics.comBest Humidifier Overall: TaoTronics 4L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Budget Humidifier: Pohl Schmitt Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best Cool Mist Humidifier: Miroco Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Warm Mist Humidifier: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Best Dual Mist Humidifier: LEVOIT LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best Humidifier/Diffuser Combo: Everlasting Comfort Humidifier
Best Humidifier Overall
TaoTronics 4L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Wi-Fi connectivity for remote humidity monitoring
- Large 4L tank with up to 30 hours of running time
- Memory function to save preferred settings
The TaoTronics 4L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier contains almost all of the top humidifier features in one model. It’s designed for rooms between 107 to 322 square feet, making it large enough for most bedrooms, offices, or nurseries. The 4L tank holds enough water to last all night long. In fact, on the right setting, it can continue to humidify for up to 30 hours. The carrying handle on the tank makes it easy to move for cleaning or when it’s full.
A built-in humidistat tracks the room humidity so you can adjust the settings accordingly. This model has an automatic mode in which you set the humidity level. Once the humidity reaches that level, the humidifier shuts off. You can also manually adjust the three mist levels if you don’t want to rely on auto mode.
This model connects to an app on your smartphone via Wi-Fi so you can monitor the humidity from anywhere. You can save your favorite settings, use the humidifier as a nightlight, and have automatic shut off when water levels get too low.
“The TaoTronics 4L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier includes a water filter that removes impurities for a cleaner mist.”
Best Budget Humidifier
Pohl Schmitt Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Quiet operation for less nighttime noise
- Automatic shutoff when the water level gets low
- Compact size and optional night light feature
The Pohl Schmitt Ultrasonic Humidifier is whisper-quiet and can operate from the corner of the room without anyone noticing. Its small, compact size works perfectly in nurseries or bedrooms. There’s also a nightlight option with a soft blue glow.
It holds 1.5L of water, which on the lowest setting can last up to 16 hours. That’s more than enough for nighttime relief from allergies and dry air. It filters the water as it humidifies and comes with a replacement filter.
Automatic shut off acts as a safety feature. Once the water levels get too low, the humidifier turns off, and there’s no worry about burning out the motor.
Best Cool Mist Humidifier
Miroco Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Money-saving filter-free design
- Large 6L tank for fewer fillings
- Highly visible water level light
The Miroco Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier’s large 6L tank appeals to owners who don’t want to mess with frequent refills. Depending on the setting, a single tank should last 20 to 60 hours. However, when it does come time to clean the tank, it includes a cleaning brush to reach into tight spaces on the base.
The Miroco humidifies up to 430 square feet, which covers large bedrooms or a mid-sized living room. A transparent water gauge makes it easy to check the water level from across the room, and a nightlight illuminates the water gauge when it gets dark.
The last two standout features are the filterless operation and automatic shutoff. You’ll save money on the lifetime cost of this humidifier because you don’t have to replace any water or dust filters. And, automatic shutoff protects your investment by turning off the motor once the water level gets too low.
Tip: You can extend the life of your humidifier by using distilled or purified water.
Best Warm Mist Humidifier
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
- Wide tank opening for easy cleaning
- Option to create medicated mist with VapoPads or VapoSteam
- Creates a 99.9 percent bacteria-free mist
Warm mist humidifiers keep the room temperature comfortable while relieving coughs. Vicks takes that to a new level with a humidifier that includes a medicine port and holder for medicated tablets. You can moisturize while getting a healthy dose of medicated mist to further relieve cold symptoms.
The tank is easy to manage with a wide opening that makes both filling and cleaning fast and simple. Once the tank gets low, a water indicator light lets you know that it’s time for a refill. Designed for mid-sized rooms between 250 to 400 square feet, the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier lasts up to 24 hours on the lowest setting.
Best Dual Mist Humidifier
LEVOIT LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Warm or cool mist option
- Auto mode uses built-in humidistat to adjust room humidity
- Compatible with essential oils
From the bright display that shows the room’s humidity level to the large 6L tank, this hybrid model impresses in performance and features. It can be used for warm or cool mist. You essentially get a two-in-one machine with optimal controls.
Three mist levels let you adjust the humidity yourself, or you can set it to auto mode, wherein a built-in humidistat turns the machine off once the humidity reaches the set humidity level. You also get onboard control or remote control for twice the convenience. Finally, the 12-hour timer lets you set the LEVOIT to run on a regular schedule without you making adjustments.
Best Humidifier/Diffuser Combo
Everlasting Comfort Humidifier
- Essential oil tray for optional diffusion
- High mist output for rooms up to 500 square feet
- Filter less design saves money on the cost of filters
Essential oils have been shown to impact mood, digestion, anxiety, and many other health-related issues. A humidifier like the Everlasting Comfort that combines humidification with the diffusion of essential oils adds extra health benefits to the usual list.
The Everlasting can be used with or without essential oils. Either way, its quiet performance and filterless design make it a pleasure to have in your home. The 6L water tank provides over 50 hours of operating time, and you save money with the filterless design. Finally, it’s got an automatic shutoff that prevents motor burnout, protecting your investment.
Tip: Do not use essential oils in a humidifier unless it is designed to do so. Essential oils can corrode and otherwise ruin models not designed for their use.
Types of Humidifiers
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Of all the humidifier types, cool mist humidifiers are the most common. They’re used to reduce swelling in the nasal passages due to illness or allergies.
Cool mist humidifiers come in two types — evaporative and ultrasonic. Evaporative models have a wick over which a fan blows air. As the air passes over the wick, it picks up moisture. The wick on evaporative humidifiers needs to be replaced. Check to see how easy it is to remove and take note of the price of replacement wicks. Evaporative models tend to be louder than ultrasonic models because of their fan, but both evaporative and ultrasonic models effectively add moisture to the air.
Ultrasonic models contain a vibrating diaphragm called a nebulizer that creates the mist. They’re quiet but may have a filter that needs to be replaced on occasion.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist models have a heating element that boils the water to make mist. It takes more energy to run this kind of humidifier, and they’re not recommended to relieve cold symptoms because the warm air can cause swelling in the nasal passages. If you have children, you want to avoid this type of humidifier because while they run, they contain hot water that can cause burns if the tank gets spilled.
However, if you live in a cold climate or get cold easily and you need a humidifier purely to add moisture to the air, a warm mist humidifier is a good option for you.
Dual Mist Humidifiers
Dual mist humidifiers have settings to create either cool or warm mist. These models cost more but provide twice the options. Dual mist units often have larger tanks and higher-end features like Wi-Fi, memory functions, and a remote control.
Whole House Humidifiers
Whole-house humidifiers utilize forced-air heating systems to deliver humidity throughout the entire house. They get water from your home’s water supply and use the existing air ducts to deliver mist. They’re a worthwhile investment if you live in a dry climate. But if you only need to humidify the air for a couple of months out of the year, a portable or console model will do.
Features to Consider in the Best Humidifier
| Ease of Use | The humidifier should be relatively easy to move. Models with handles are convenient to transport, especially after they have a full tank of water. Bright LCD displays, backlit buttons and controls, and remote controls add to the overall ease of use. Models that show the water level and include low-level warnings are helpful as well. |
| Cleaning Ease | Humidifiers need to be cleaned after each use to prevent the development of mold, mildew, or bacteria. Look for a tank with a wide opening so you can reach your hand into the tank to scrub and dry it. Some humidifiers include brushes or sponges to clean the base and/or tank, making it easier to do regular cleanings. |
| Size/Coverage | All humidifiers include the square footage they’re designed to cover. And, in general, large humidifiers cover large rooms up to 1,000 square feet, while small tabletop models work for small rooms less than 100 square feet. Keep in mind that if you get a humidifier that’s too big, it can cause condensation on windows and furniture. It’s better to have one that’s too small than too big. Even if you have a larger room, you’ll want a humidifier that covers an area slightly smaller than the total room size. Remember that you’ll have to refill humidifiers with a small tank more often. So look for a model that’s appropriate for your room size but has the largest tank possible. |
| Humidistat | Room humidity levels should fall between 40 to 60 percent. Humidifiers with a built-in humidistat monitor and display the room humidity. Many of these models include an auto mode, wherein you set the humidity level, and once the humidity reaches the preselected level, the humidifier turns off. |
| Cost of Filters | Not all humidifiers have filters. In fact, many new designs are filterless. However, if you have hard water, you’ll need a model that filters out impurities. If you get a model with a filter, check on the price of replacement filters. Over time, replacement filters add up, and you may save money by spending more on a filterless model than one with expensive replacement filters. |
| Sleep Mode | Sleep modes reduce noise and light. Many minimize sounds so as not to disturb your sleep. |
| Run Time | Tank size isn’t the only factor that affects the humidifier’s run time. Models with multiple mist settings allow you to reduce mist levels, which gives you more hours of continuous use. If you want nighttime humidity, make sure the humidifier has at least an eight to ten-hour run time. |
| Aromatherapy Diffuser | If you love essential oils, humidifiers that double as essential oil diffusers cut down on the number of devices in your home, but still deliver the humidity you need and the essential oils you love. |
Humidifier Maintenance
Humidifier maintenance is essential to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from filling the tank and getting released into the air. After each use:
- Drain the tank
- Wash and rinse the tank
- Completely dry the tank
On a weekly basis, you’ll need to disinfect the tank and base. You can use white vinegar to disinfect the base, making sure to remove any buildup or slippery residue. In the tank, add one tablespoon of bleach to a full tank of water. Shake the tank to make sure the bleach touches everywhere. Then, drain the water and rinse the tank until there’s no more bleach odor. Finally, make sure you completely dry the base and tank.
Humidifiers can help with allergies, relieve cold symptoms, and prevent dry, chapped skin. If you’re a tech whiz, a model that’s Wi-Fi capable may be perfect, but if you want to move the humidifier from room to room, one of the small portable models makes a good choice. Think about your personal preferences and circumstances to decide which features are most important in determining the best humidifier for you. Once you do, a humidifier can be a great way to add comfort to your home.
