Best Humidifier

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Humidifiers are essential for maintaining comfortable indoor air quality, adding moisture to dry air to help alleviate issues like dry skin, irritated sinuses, and even damage to furniture. A good humidifier keeps the air at an optimal humidity level, improving overall comfort in your home. There are various types available, including ultrasonic, evaporative, and steam vaporizers, each with its pros and cons—ultrasonic models are quiet and energy-efficient, while evaporative units prevent over-humidification, and steam vaporizers provide soothing warm mist. When choosing a humidifier, consider factors like room size, noise level, and ease of cleaning. We tested numerous models to find the best options for different needs and budgets, focusing on effectiveness, ease of use, and maintenance.

  • LEVOIT Classic 160 Humidifier

    10

    We recommend the LEVOIT Classic 160 for its easy-to-use design and quiet operation, making it a great choice for bedrooms and nurseries.

    10

    We recommend the LEVOIT Classic 160 for its easy-to-use design and quiet operation, making it a great choice for bedrooms and nurseries.

    Pros

    • Easy top-fill design
    • Very quiet operation
    • Large 2.5L tank capacity

    Cons

    • No essential oil compatibility
    • Lacks advanced features
    • May require frequent cleaning

    We tested the LEVOIT Classic 160 and found its top-fill design to be a standout feature. No more flipping tanks or spilling water – we simply removed the lid and poured water in. This made refills quick and hassle-free.

    The 2.5L tank lasted us through the night on low settings. We liked that it ran for about 25 hours before needing a refill. The unit was whisper-quiet too. At 26-28 dB, it didn’t disturb our sleep at all.

    Cleaning was pretty straightforward thanks to the wide opening and simple base design. We appreciated the included brush for reaching tight spots. The 360-degree rotating nozzle let us aim mist where we needed it most.

    While it lacks fancy features like a humidistat or night light, we found the Classic 160 did its main job well. The auto shut-off worked as expected when water got low. We felt the BPA-free construction was a nice safety touch, especially for use around kids.

    One small gripe – you can’t use essential oils with this model. But for basic humidification in bedrooms or nurseries, we think the LEVOIT Classic 160 offers good value and performance in an easy-to-use package.

  • Dreo Cool Mist Humidifier

    9.7

    We think this Dreo humidifier is a top pick for most bedrooms due to its large capacity, quiet operation, and versatile features.

    9.7

    We think this Dreo humidifier is a top pick for most bedrooms due to its large capacity, quiet operation, and versatile features.

    Pros

    • 4L tank lasts up to 32 hours
    • Very quiet at 28dB
    • Easy top-fill design

    Cons

    • May be too large for small spaces
    • Needs regular cleaning
    • Essential oils sold separately

    The Dreo Cool Mist Humidifier impressed us with its thoughtful design. We found the 4L tank easy to fill from the top, which meant no more awkward flipping or spills. It ran for over a day on a single fill, perfect for uninterrupted use.

    We loved how quiet it was. At just 28dB, it’s barely noticeable even when sleeping. The mist output is impressive too. It creates a tall 40-inch mist that spreads evenly, quickly adding moisture to the air without wetting surfaces.

    The extra features were a nice touch. We enjoyed the soft night light and the option to use it as an aroma diffuser. The touch controls are simple to use. While it works great out of the box, we like that you can add special cartridges to reduce mineral buildup or create cleaner mist.

  • LEVOIT Smart Humidifier

    9.5

    We think this LEVOIT humidifier is a great choice for most people looking to add moisture to large rooms.

    9.5

    We think this LEVOIT humidifier is a great choice for most people looking to add moisture to large rooms.

    Pros

    • Large 6L tank runs for up to 60 hours
    • Smart app control for easy adjustments
    • Quiet operation and customizable modes

    Cons

    • May be overkill for small spaces
    • App setup can be tricky for some
    • Needs regular cleaning to prevent mold

    We tested the LEVOIT Smart Humidifier in a large bedroom for several weeks. Its 6-liter tank meant we only had to refill it every few days, even when running constantly. The top-fill design made refills quick and mess-free.

    The smart features impressed us. We could check humidity levels and adjust settings from our phones, which was handy when we were away or in bed. The auto mode kept our room at a comfortable humidity without any fuss.

    At night, we loved how quiet it was. The sleep mode dimmed the lights and kept noise to a whisper. We also tried the aroma diffuser feature, which worked well to spread essential oil scents. While it’s pricier than basic models, we think the LEVOIT’s features and performance make it worth the cost for most people.

  • Homvana Cool Mist Humidifier

    9.4

    We recommend this versatile 3-in-1 humidifier for its quiet operation, easy maintenance, and useful extra features.

    9.4

    We recommend this versatile 3-in-1 humidifier for its quiet operation, easy maintenance, and useful extra features.

    Pros

    • Very quiet operation (under 19 dB)
    • Top-fill design for easy refilling
    • Built-in essential oil diffuser

    Cons

    • May be too large for small spaces
    • Light can’t be completely turned off
    • Needs regular cleaning to prevent mold

    When we tested the Homvana Cool Mist Humidifier, we were impressed by how quietly it runs. The SilentSpray technology keeps noise levels below 19 dB, making it perfect for light sleepers or nurseries. We barely noticed it was on during the night.

    The top-fill design is a standout feature. We found refilling and cleaning much easier than with other models we’ve tried. The wide 5.3-inch opening let us fill the tank without spills, and we could reach every part for thorough cleaning.

    We liked the built-in aroma diffuser. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the pad filled our room with a pleasant scent. It’s a nice touch that eliminates the need for a separate diffuser. The color-changing mood light is fun too, though we wish there was an option to turn it off completely.

  • CHIVALZ 6L Cool Mist Humidifier

    9.3

    We think this humidifier is a great choice for most people due to its large capacity, quiet operation, and versatile features.

    9.3

    We think this humidifier is a great choice for most people due to its large capacity, quiet operation, and versatile features.

    Pros

    • Huge 6L tank lasts up to 50 hours
    • Very quiet at 26dB on low setting
    • Works as both humidifier and diffuser

    Cons

    • Needs regular cleaning every 2-3 weeks
    • Filter element requires replacement
    • May increase PM2.5 readings

    We’ve been testing the CHIVALZ 6L Cool Mist Humidifier in our bedroom for the past week, and we’re impressed with its performance. The large 6-liter tank is a standout feature. We only had to refill it once during our testing period, which is great for busy folks who don’t want to top up daily.

    The mist output is strong and adjustable. We found it quickly added moisture to our room, helping with dry skin and congestion. The 360-degree nozzle let us aim the mist where we needed it most. We also liked the aroma diffuser function – adding a few drops of lavender oil made for a spa-like bedroom atmosphere.

    At night, this humidifier really shines. It’s whisper-quiet on the lowest setting, and we barely noticed it running. The optional soft blue night light is a nice touch, though we preferred to sleep in total darkness. One quirk we noticed: our air quality monitor showed higher PM2.5 readings when the humidifier was on. But this seems to be the monitor mistaking mist for particles, not an actual air quality issue.

  • Dreo Smart Mist Maker

    9.1

    We think this Dreo humidifier is a solid choice for most rooms, offering both warm and cool mist options with smart features.

    9.1

    We think this Dreo humidifier is a solid choice for most rooms, offering both warm and cool mist options with smart features.

    Pros

    • Fast, powerful mist output
    • Precise humidity control
    • Convenient app and voice control

    Cons

    • Somewhat pricey
    • Large size may not suit small spaces
    • 5L tank capacity, not 6L as advertised

    This Dreo humidifier packs a punch. We were impressed by how quickly it filled our test room with mist. The 500 mL/hr output is no joke – it tackled dry air fast. We liked having both warm and cool mist options. The warm mist felt cozy in winter, while the cool setting was perfect for summer use.

    The smart features are a big plus. We found the app easy to use for adjusting settings and checking humidity levels. Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant worked well too. The humidity sensor seemed accurate, helping maintain our desired level within 5%.

    One drawback is the size. At nearly 14 inches tall, it’s not the most compact option. The 5L tank lasted a good while, but we noticed it’s smaller than the 6L advertised. Still, we only needed to refill every couple of days with regular use. The dual aroma pad tray is a nice touch for those who enjoy essential oils.

  • AquaOasis Cool Mist

    9

    We recommend the AquaOasis Cool Mist for its quiet operation, large water tank, and adjustable mist settings.

    9

    We recommend the AquaOasis Cool Mist for its quiet operation, large water tank, and adjustable mist settings.

    Pros

    • Silent operation
    • 2.2L tank lasts 24+ hours
    • 360-degree rotating nozzle

    Cons

    • No built-in filter
    • Plastic construction
    • Limited coverage area

    We tested the AquaOasis Cool Mist in our home office and bedroom. The ultrasonic technology made it whisper-quiet, perfect for nighttime use. We slept soundly without any distracting noises.

    The 2.2-liter tank was a standout feature. We filled it once and it ran for over a day on the lowest setting. This saved us time and hassle. The rotating nozzle let us direct the mist where we needed it most.

    We liked the simple control dial for adjusting mist output. The auto shut-off gave us peace of mind. But we wished it had a built-in filter to remove impurities. The plastic body felt a bit flimsy, so we handled it carefully. For larger rooms, we needed to refill more often to maintain humidity levels.

  • LEVOIT Smart Hybrid Humidifier

    8.7

    We think this LEVOIT humidifier is a top choice for most homes due to its smart features and versatile mist options.

    8.7

    We think this LEVOIT humidifier is a top choice for most homes due to its smart features and versatile mist options.

    Pros

    • Warm and cool mist options
    • Smart app control
    • Large 6-liter capacity

    Cons

    • Might be overkill for small spaces
    • Needs regular cleaning
    • Higher price point

    When we tested this LEVOIT humidifier, we were impressed by its ability to quickly add moisture to our living room. The warm mist option was great for chilly days, while the cool mist worked well in warmer weather. We liked how it could cover up to 753 square feet, making it perfect for larger spaces.

    The smart features really set this humidifier apart. We used the VeSync app to control settings and monitor humidity levels from our phones. It was handy to set schedules and timers without having to get up and adjust the unit manually. The auto mode was a nice touch, keeping the humidity steady without our input.

    One thing to note is that this humidifier needs regular cleaning to work its best. We found it easy to fill and clean thanks to the top-fill design, but it’s still a weekly chore. The essential oil feature was a nice bonus, letting us add a pleasant scent to the room. While it’s pricier than basic models, we think the LEVOIT’s features and performance make it worth considering for most homes.

  • MistAire Cool Mist Humidifier

    8.7

    We think this humidifier is a great choice for most people looking to add moisture to their home.

    8.7

    We think this humidifier is a great choice for most people looking to add moisture to their home.

    Pros

    • Runs quietly for up to 25 hours
    • Easy to fill and clean
    • Compact size fits well on nightstands

    Cons

    • May need frequent refills in very dry rooms
    • No built-in humidistat
    • Occasional gurgling sounds

    The MistAire humidifier quickly made a difference in our dry test room. Its ultrasonic technology produced a fine, cool mist that spread evenly. We liked how it ran for a full day on one tank fill.

    This unit is very user-friendly. The 1.7-liter tank lifts off easily for refills at the sink. A simple dial controls the mist output. We found the optional night light handy for nighttime use.

    At just 9 inches tall, the MistAire didn’t take up much space on our bedside table. It ran quietly enough that we barely noticed it. The auto shut-off gave us peace of mind if we forgot to refill it. For the price, we think it’s a solid pick for bedrooms, nurseries, or offices.

  • LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier

    8.6

    We think this LEVOIT humidifier is a great choice for most bedrooms, offering quiet operation and easy maintenance.

    8.6

    We think this LEVOIT humidifier is a great choice for most bedrooms, offering quiet operation and easy maintenance.

    Pros

    • Large 3-liter tank lasts up to 25 hours
    • Top-fill design for easy refilling
    • Doubles as an essential oil diffuser

    Cons

    • May need frequent filter replacements
    • Only one mist setting
    • Slightly bulky for small spaces

    We tested the LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier in a bedroom for several nights. The 3-liter tank kept the air moist throughout the night without needing a refill. We liked how quiet it was – we barely noticed it running.

    The top-fill design made refilling a breeze. We just lifted the lid and poured water in, no need to flip the tank upside down. This feature alone puts it ahead of many models we’ve tried before.

    We enjoyed using it as an essential oil diffuser too. A few drops of lavender oil in the base created a nice, relaxing scent. The 360-degree nozzle let us direct the mist where we wanted. One downside we noticed was the single mist setting – some users might prefer more control options.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a humidifier, we recommend considering a few key factors.

Room Size

Choose a humidifier that matches your space. Smaller units work for bedrooms, while larger ones suit living areas.

Tank Capacity

A bigger tank means less frequent refills. We suggest looking for:

  • Small rooms: 1-2 gallon tank
  • Medium rooms: 3-4 gallon tank
  • Large rooms: 5+ gallon tank

Humidistat

This feature helps maintain ideal humidity. Look for units with built-in humidistats for better control.

Noise Level

Some humidifiers can be noisy. We advise checking decibel ratings if you’re sensitive to sound.

Ease of Cleaning

Regular cleaning prevents mold growth. Seek models with removable parts for easy maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Star certified humidifiers use less power. This can save money on electricity bills.

Additional Features

Consider extras like:

  • Automatic shut-off
  • Multiple fan speeds
  • Essential oil diffusers

Type of Humidifier

TypeBest For
EvaporativeLarger spaces
UltrasonicQuiet operation
Warm mistWinter use

We hope these tips help you find the right humidifier for your needs.