The Best Humidifier
1. Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
Ultrasonic cool mist technology
Moisturises the air for up to 16 hours
Pure enrichment mistaire
Automatic shut-off feature and high/low settings
360’ adjustable spray nozzle
1.5-liter water tank
Our best humidifier choice for an all-round awesome machine based on performance and value is this compact yet powerful model from Pure Enrichment. Featuring the latest ultrasonic cool mist technology, you can safely moisturize the air in your medium-sized room for up to 16hours with the 1.5-liter water tank. Utilize the high/low-speed settings and set the optional nightlight for a soothing glow in the nursery. With a 360’ mist nozzle, you can direct the flow of mist to the areas that need it most and away from sensitive spaces such as electronic outlets, plants, or pets. What’s more, this cool mist humidifier also incorporates an automatic shut-off feature that will switch the machine off when the water levels are running low or the tank is removed.
Pros
Easy-fill water tank
Can be filled directly from the faucet
Hassle-free assembly
Easy to clean and maintain
Includes all accessories and essentials
Various power settings; quiet
Cons
‘On’ light may be too bright for sleeping
Can leak
Tricky to clean the seals
2. LEVOIT Humidifier for Large Room
Key Features
1.5-gallon tank capacity
Built-in smart sensor, adjustable settings, remote control and timer options
Warm and cold mist options
Up to 36 hours continuous run time
Ultra-quiet operation and display-off function for night time
Utilizing the best technologies, our premium pick for the best humidifiers is this smart option LEVOITs’ Humidifier for Large Room that also offers the perfect balance between bacteria-killing warm mist with a cool-mist option to keep your sinuses and skin hydrated all year long. With an ultra-quiet operation and a display-off feature that allows you to sleep soundly with the humidifier on, the built-in sensor is able to gauge humidity levels and automatically adjust to the perfect settings or switch itself off when the tank runs out of water. With a mist output of up to 500ml/hr and also a tank capacity of up 1.5-gallons, you can enjoy up to 36 hours of continuous air moisture from this best humidifier option. If that’s not enough, the convenient remote control allows you to manually adjust the humidifier settings from anywhere in the room or you can set the 12hr max. timer.
For other smart home improvement appliances, why not check out our buying guide for the best smart air conditioners to cool your home as well as moisturizing the air?
Pros
Easy to clean
Responsive remote control
Easy to adjust settings
Quiet operation
Leak-free
Easy to refill tank
Long running time
Smart features
Hot and cold options
Cons
May have a strong plastic smell when taken out the box
Warm mist can be too hot for children/pets
3. Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier
Key Features
500ml tank
Two spray modes: 12 hours continuous spray or 18 hours intermittent (every 2 seconds)
Built-in water level sensor with automatic shut-off
Charges via USB
Optional night-light and quiet operation for running overnight
Coming in at under $20, Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier is one of the best overall cool mist humidifiers for small rooms. Also, thanks to the super-quiet operation and portable design, it can easily be taken anywhere to keep you well moisturized and comfortable. With two modes including a 12 hours continuous spray or 18 hours intermittent spray and a 500ml tank capacity, plus a convenient USB charger to keep you going, this small humidifier is a powerful model in a compact package. What’s more, the built-in water level sensor will automatically switch off the humidifier when the water levels are running low and the soothing night light is perfect for sleeping soundly as the moisture levels in the air around you are maintained.
Pros
Small yet powerful
Easy to use
Travel-sized
Large reservoir
Quiet operation
Easy assembly
Simple to clean
Cons
Not suitable for use with essential oils/perfumes/distilled water
Cotton filters will need replacing
Tank needs refilling daily
Dense mist may dampen surrounding areas so be wary of using near books, etc.
4. GENIANI Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
4-litre top-filling water tank
Includes essential oil diffuser
Choose from an intelligent mode with built-in humidity sensor, high, medium, or low power
Able to cover rooms up to 220 square feet
LED night-light can be turned on/off
When it comes to having the best overall air quality, you can’t go wrong with a humidifier that not only releases a cool mist into the air but also freshens your home with pleasant smells, and GENIANI Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier does just that by doubling as a diffuser. Simply add your favorite essential oils to release a burst of fragrance from this ultrasonic humidifier and keep your home as fresh as you deserve. The intelligent top-filling design also means adding more water to the tank is easy and there’s no fiddly cap to remove. The transparent water gauge lets you see how much water is in the tank and the automatic shut-off feature will turn off the machine to prevent burning out when the tank is empty. With 3 manual spray settings, you can stay in control for up to 24 hours on the lower setting.
Pros
Easy to set up and refill
Various settings
Easy cleaning
Doubles as an essential oil diffuser
3 lighting options
Quiet operation
Cons
Diffuser may not emit a strong fragrance for very long
Doesn’t include a fan to disperse mist further
5. Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
1-gallon tank can run for up to 24 hours
Ultra-Violet technology kills up to 99.9% of bacteria (rights reserved)
Wide tank opening can be refilled directly from your faucet
Comes with a humidity monitor and display plus a Protec Cleaning Ball
Effortlessly add cool moisture to even the driest environments with Honeywells’ Germ Free Cool Mist super-quiet and high-performance humidifier. The huge one-gallon tank can run for up to 24 hours, and the ingenious patented Ultra-Violet light technology kills up to 99.9% of bacteria, mold, fungus, and viruses in the water before emitting a cool mist to moisten and refresh the air, helping you breathe better and sleep comfortably. The wide opening allows easy refills and a clear water tank lets you see when your humidifier needs topping up. There’s also an automatic shut-off feature that will turn off your machine should it run out. The 3 comfort settings make it easy to achieve the optimum humidity levels of around 40%-60% and can make your room feel warmer during cold months.
Pros
Requires minimum cleaning
Easy to maintain
Dishwasher safe
Kills bacteria
Quiet performance
Long-lasting
Large tank
Cons
Filter needs regular cleaning/replacement (can be extended by using distilled water)
6. Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
2.2-liter water tank can run for up to 24 hours
Easy-control dial knob changes mist settings
Designed to be easy to clean and refill with a wide opening
Features auto shut-off and red LED display light that notifies a need to refill
Achieve the perfect humidity level with this easy-clean ultrasonic cool mist humidifier from Homasy featuring a 360’ rotating nozzle that evenly distributes fresh air to every corner. With a 2.2-liter tank that can run for up to 24 hours and a super-quiet performance that won’t disturb your work, studying or sleep, this humidifier is great for keeping you comfortable no matter what you’re doing. The specially designed model is incredibly simple to clean and refill thanks to the 3.25” wide opening and also features an arc-shaped handle with anti-slip groves so you can effortlessly carry the humidifier around. A dial-knob control for the mist settings makes it easier to change the humidity level in your home and an auto shut-off feature will safely turn the machine off when running low.
Pros
Super quiet performance
Easy to adjust settings
Compact design
Adjustable nozzle
Leak-free
Wide neck for easy cleaning/refilling
Cons
LED lights are very bright; needs regular refilling on higher settings
7. Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
1-gallon tank can run for up to 24hours
Filter-free with an anti-microbial material to reduce bacteria/mold growth by up to 99.96%
Detachable bottom fill tank, water level sensor, and cap for easy cleaning/refills
Variable control output with 360’ lid
Available in a range of colors and featuring variable speed settings, Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier features an adjustable 360’ lid to spread the mist in any direction and can handle rooms up to 500 square feet for a comfortable and fresh feeling all day long. The whisper-quiet operation makes this a great machine for studies or bedrooms and also incorporates anti-microbial material to reduce mold and bacteria growth by up to 99.96% without you needing to worry about changing or cleaning a filter. The 1-gallon tank easily fits under a kitchen or bathroom sink and the machine features an easy-carry handle at the top. On the lowest settings, this humidifier can run for up to 24hours and includes a safety automatic shut-off feature to prevent the ultrasonic humidifier running dry.
Pros
Compact
Aesthetically pleasing
Assembles/disassembles easily
Good output
Quiet
Anti-microbial
Cons
Can make the surrounding area a little damp
Auto-off feature isn’t overly reliable
8. TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Babies
Key Features
360’ nozzle and smooth dial control to adjust mist
Low noise level – just 32dB!
Smart LED indicator and auto shut-off feature
1.8-liter capacity
Capable of running for up to 20hours in rooms up to 215 square feet
One of the best humidifiers available for noise levels, TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Babies is designed to seamlessly integrate into any room or lifestyle. With a space-saving design, the intelligent air inlet and 360’ nozzle minimizes noise levels and offers a thorough, comfortable enrichment mistaire that’s great for nurseries or light sleepers. The dial knob control makes changing the ultrasonic humidifier settings easy with a smart LED indicator to keep you informed at all times. The auto shut-off feature will intelligently turn the machine off if the reservoir runs low or you lift the tank for easy cleaning/refilling and the FCC-Certified and BPA-free machine can even help with providing temporary relief from coughing, congestion, colds, and allergies.
Pros
Easy to assemble/use
Variable knob control to adjust spray
Easy cleaning
Effective performance
Quiet
Attractive/space-saving design
Instant mist
Cons
Be careful not to block air intake at the base
Cannot be used with essential oils
9. TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Large Bedroom
Key Features
Run for up to 30hours in large rooms up to 100-320 square feet on lowest setting
4-liter capacity
LED display and built-in humidistat can be turned off for a peaceful
night
Automatic shut-off feature protects from dry running
Offering up to 30 hours of continuous mist with a large 4-liter water tank and variable mist settings, this TaoTronics’ whisper-quiet mist humidifier features an intelligent LED display and built-in humidistat. The LED screen can be switched off for a peaceful night and the automatic shut-off feature keeps you safe from overheating. The microporous cartridge filters keep out micro-organisms and bad smells, so you know you’ll only ever be breathing the freshest air with TaoTronics’ enrichment mistaire ultrasonic humidifiers. The 360’ nozzle lets you spray warm and cool air where you need it most and can be used in rooms up to 320 square feet.
Pros
Washable filter
Ability to turn down LED lights
Automatic shut-off and notification to refill
Long-lasting, large water tank
Stylish appearance
Quiet
Built-in humidistat
Cons
Small opening makes cleaning tricky
Can experience mineral build-up (distilled water recommended)
Not suitable for use with essential oils
10. Miroco Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
Smart features with low-water warning
Optional nightlight
6-liter capacity can run for up to 60 hours!
Variable vapor settings
Under 26dB noise levels
Designed specifically to help you sleep, this ultra-quiet model from Miroco reduces noise to as little as 26dB with their (patient pending, rights reserved) special design. With over 1.6gallons capacity, this mist humidifier can last for up to 60hours and has been created to effortlessly add moisture to the air in large rooms up to 430 square feet! The 90mm water inlet is large enough to make refilling/cleaning easy whilst smart features intelligently notify you when water levels are running low and automatically switches off the machine if they drop below a certain level. With an optional night-light and variable mist output that’s controlled with an easy-use dial knob, this is one of the best humidifiers you can get if you’re looking to improve your sleep.
Pros
Adjustable settings
Long-lasting; powerful
Ultra-quiet with patented silence
Stylish design
Huge water capacity
Nightlight; great for large rooms
Easy cleaning/refilling
Cons
No warm mist option
Water can respell when replacing tank after filling
Water gauge can be hard to see
Needs to be carefully positioned as can make surrounding areas damp
11. LEVOIT Humidifier for Bedroom and Babies
Key Features
BPA free, FCC Certified, ETL listed, CA65 Tested and ROHS Compliant
Can turn off LED display or use an optional blue nightlight
Patented silencer means humidifier runs at 24dB on the lowest setting
2.4-liter tank runs for up to 24hours.
Made of BPA-free materials and designed with babies in mind, this LEVOITs’ humidifier is FCC-Certified, ETL-Listed, CA65-Tested, and ROHS-Compliant to be one of the safest and best-performing humidifiers available. Incorporating high-quality whisper-quiet technology with a patented silencer, this humidifier emits as little as 24dB noise, perfect for sleeping babies, and also comes with an optional nightlight in a soothing blue color. The LED display can be switched off entirely and the auto-off feature allows you to sleep soundly. The model can run for up to 24hours with a 2.4-liter reservoir and a 360’ nozzle that allows you to spray cool mist where you need it most.
Pros
Compact design, virtually silent
Easy to assemble/fill/clean
Easy to remove/reattach knob dial
No leakage
Optional nightlight or you can turn the entire light display off
Cons
Spillages possible when refilling; no filter (this is a pro for some people)
12. BAYKA Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
4-liter tank can run for up to 28hours
3 mist level settings
Deep Sleep Mode – turns lights off and reduces noise levels
Comes with Aromatherapy Box
BAYKA Cool Mist top-filling humidifier has been specifically designed to improve the quality of your life and make cleaning/refilling simple. Choose from 3 possible mist levels and control the direction of the vapors with the touch of your finger. A large 4litre tank is designed to fit under most faucets and can run for up to 28hours with an automatic shut-off feature to turn the machine off should water levels run low. An intelligent sleep mode utilizes ultrasonic vibrating diaphragms to force tiny droplets of water into the air incredibly quietly and the nightlight can be turned on/off with a tap. There’s even an aromatherapy box to add your essential oils and receive a burst of fragrance.
Pros
Easy assembly/cleaning/refilling design
Quiet
High-performance
Aromatherapy options
Adjustable mist settings
Touch-screen controls/display
Cons
Small aromatherapy capacity
Strong cool mist can be cold if you’re too close
13. Homech Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
Quiet operation as low as 26dB
4-liter tank capacity able to run up to 50hours
360’ rotating nozzle with 2ft mist hight
Low water warning and automatic shut-off feature
Designed to provide the quietest possible operation over the largest space, Homech Cool Mist Humidifier emits just 26dB and offers a large 4litre capacity that can perform for up to 50hours. With a large 95mm inlet, refilling/cleaning is easy and spill-free while the 360’ nozzle allows you to direct the vapor spray exactly where you need it most for a thorough, even spray that starts high enough that you don’t need to worry about damp surfaces. With a convenient dial knob to adjust settings and visible water gauge, this machine has been designed to be easy in every way.
Pros
Easy to handle/assemble/clean/refill
Compact design
Adjustable settings
Quiet
Cons
Can be smoky if filled with hard water
Inconvenient to carry
14. TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom
Key Features
6-liter capacity wide-opening water tank
Able to run for up to 60 hours on low setting
Adjustable vapor settings with dial knob
360’ nozzle
With a huge 6litre capacity and 360’ nozzle, you can enjoy up to 60hours of 1m high mist in rooms up to 430 square feet with TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom. The wide water inlet allows for easy cleaning and refilling whilst the dust-proof cotton protects the air inlet from dust. If that’s not enough, the in-built nightlight creates a relaxing atmosphere and low noise levels are perfect for studying, working, or sleeping soundly with an automatic shut-off feature to make the machine as safe as possible.
Pros
Easy to assemble/clean/refill
Long-lasting
Optional nightlight
Quiet
Large capacity reservoir
Cons
Cannot be used with essential oil
Tricky to replace reservoir without spilling a little
15. Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier
Key Features
2.5-liter capacity can run for up to 24hours on medium setting
Discrete mist and quiet performance
360’ adjustable nozzles with various vapor settings
Automatic shut-off feature
Designed to improve sleep, this humidifier features the latest technology to reduce mist noise and avoid needing to wake up to refill the reservoir. Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier offers up to 24hours running time with a 2.5-liter capacity, 360’ nozzles, and adjustable mist outlet settings. Using ultrasonic technology and a ‘discrete mist’ setting, you can sleep soundly free of cracked lips or chapped skin and even combat colds and flu. Made of the finest durable ABS materials, this machine was designed to last and will regulate your humidity levels for longer.
Pros
Easy assembly/refill/cleaning
Efficient performance
Long-lasting
Quiet
Large capacity
Improves sleep
Stylish design
Cons
No aromatherapy option
Water refills from the bottom
Features To Consider With Humidifiers
Now that you've taken a look at our picks for the top 15 best humidifiers, check out our list below for some key features to look out for when shopping for your air humidifier.
Size
Naturally, the size of your space and of the humidifier itself should affect your decision making. Most humidifier manufacturers will state the square footage their product can humidify on the packaging or label.
Noise
If you want to run your humidifier overnight or while you're working from home, you won't want a noisy machine disturbing you. Generally, humidifiers with built-in fans will be noisier than without. Look for humidifiers with auto-shut-off or night modes if you must have the fan but don't want the noise.
Cold Mist vs. Warm Mist
Another feature you'll notice when shopping for humidifiers is that some will expel cool mist whilst others incorporate a heating element that burns away bacteria and expels warm moisture. Whilst warm moisture might be appealing, humidifiers with a heating element aren't recommended for children or pets due to burning risks.
Run Time
If you don't want to be refilling the water tank constantly, look out for running times and tank capacities. Humidifiers with an auto-shut-off feature are great if you have a smaller tank or running time as these won't waste energy powering the humidifier when it's out of water.
Tank Design
When considering the tank design of the best humidifiers available, you're going to want to think about a few aspects: firstly, how easy is it to remove/replace the tank? Is there a wide opening for refills/cleaning? Is it easy to get in and clean the tank to clear away any bacteria, mold, or minerals?
Ease Of Use
Similarly to the above, think about how easy it will be to use/maintain your humidifier. Some come with a useful display panel so you can easily keep an eye on how your humidifier is doing, while a clear tank is great for you to check the water levels without having to take the thing apart. Remember, a humidifier is meant to improve the quality of your life, so you're not going to want one that takes hours out of your life.
Maintenance
Again, think about how easy it will be to maintain your new humidifier. For example, if your humidifier comes with an air filter, how frequently will this need to be changed? Whilst warm mist humidifiers tend to stay cleaner for longer as they boil off of some bacteria, all humidifiers need regular cleaning. The manufacturer instructions should include details on how to clean and maintain your humidifier.
If you're concerned about unwelcome particles being released into the air, you might also want to consider picking up an air purifier to remove these nasty visitors. You can check out the best air purifiers here.
Other Features
In addition to the above considerations, there are some bonus features you might want your humidifier to offer. Things like a humidistat will allow you to monitor the humidity levels in your home (a safe and comfortable humidity level is usually between 30-50%). Some will also offer additional benefits such as air filters, UV light filtration, or a demineralization cartridge to help you minimize the amount of maintenance required and improve the overall air quality while adding moisture.
Types of Humidifiers
There are a few different types of humidifiers to look out for, and the type that's right for you will vary between households.
Evaporative
An evaporative humidifier is a type of cool mist humidifier that uses a filter to pick up water from the reservoir beneath it. A fan then blows air over the filter which picks up moisture as the water evaporates. The mist is then propelled from the humidifier, producing a cool-mist across your home. These types of humidifiers do require regular cleaning of the filter and reservoir as bacteria and minerals from the water can build up on the surface and you should also replace the filter periodically.
These are usually cheaper than warm mist humidifiers, but you should also consider the cost of replacing your filters and additional noise from the fan.
Ultrasonic
The quietest humidifier type available, ultrasonic models use a vibrating disc to evaporate water molecules and release them as a mist into the air. Some may include a fan to help propel the mist further, but this may make them noisier when running.
One of the major benefits of an ultrasonic option is that they don't have any filters that need changing/replacing so they're a really low maintenance choice.
Impeller
An impeller works similarly to an evaporative humidifier as it works by using a rapidly spinning disc that sends water to the in-built diffuser. Here, water is transformed into moisture droplets that are dispersed into the room as mist.
With no filter, you don't need to worry about replacements and there's less to clean. You should be wary of bacteria however and use distilled water.
Steam
Also known as warm mist humidifiers, this option heats up the water to the boiling point and expels steam. By boiling the water first, a warm mist humidifier is great for reducing bacteria and microbes, ensuring only healthy moisture is released.
Heating elements tend to use more electricity than cool mist humidifiers and they aren't recommended for use around children or pets.
Whole House/Central
Finally, if you don't want a portable humidifier, you might want to consider having a whole-house or central system professionally installed. There are three types of whole-house humidifiers: flow-through, reservoir, or steam, and an installation professional should be able to help you establish which is best for your home.
These are the lowest maintenance option and can deliver moisture to every area of your home. The downside is the considerable expense associated with the installation and you should be sure to check the warranty.
If you do go for this option, you might also want to consider giving some other aspects of your home an upgrade. Why not check out our buying guides for the best carbon monoxide detectors or the best through wall air conditioners while you're at it?
Humidifier FAQ
Q: How can I check the current humidity level of my home?
Many humidifiers come equipped with humidistats that allow you to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home. Alternatively, you can purchase air quality monitors separately. Check out our buying guide for the best air quality monitors here.
Q: Should humidifiers run all night?
If you intend to run your humidifier overnight check the reservoir is full to avoid burn-out, otherwise it’s 100% safe to run overnight and can help improve your sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling fresher and free from congestion. Keep an eye out for models with an auto-shut-off that will switch off the machine automatically if the reservoir runs dry.
Q: Do humidifiers kill airborne viruses?
Humidifiers can be really effective in fighting viruses and flu by improving humidity levels and air quality. By keeping your throat and nasal passages hydrated, you may also notice reduced congestion and sinus inflammation. Features such as UV light filtration or air filters are particularly useful as they ensure only the cleanest vapors are released into the air.
Q: Which is better, warm or cool mist humidifier?
Both warm and cool mist humidifiers are equally effective when it comes to adding moisture to the air. As we’ve mentioned already, a warm mist humidifier shouldn’t be used around children but they can be better for reducing bacteria and require less maintenance.
Q: Is it safe to use tap water in a humidifier?
Because tap water contains mineral deposits that can promote the growth of mold and bacteria, even if your tap water is safe to drink it’s not recommended to use it in a humidifier. For best results, use distilled, demineralized, or purified water and clean the tank regularly.
Q: Is a humidifier good for the lungs?
Dry air is awful for your skin and respiratory systems, so adding a humidifier to your home is great if you experience problems such as dry skin, allergies, coughs, nose bleeds, sinus headaches, or cracked lips, among other issues. By adding moisture to dry air, you can open up the airways, making breathing easier and more comfortable.
You must be careful to clean out your humidifier frequently, however, as a dirty humidifier can expel bacteria, minerals, and even mold into the air, which will cause problems for your lungs and body. That said, as long as your machine is properly maintained you should experience a wonderfully clean feeling right down into your lungs almost as soon as you plug it in!
Q: How easy is it to maintain a humidifier?
Generally, humidifier maintenance is pretty easy, although it can become more difficult if the water tank has been badly designed or if you leave it too long between cleanings.
Humidifiers should always come with maintenance instructions from the manufacturer which will let you know how and how frequently to clean your machine for the best effects, as well as how often the filter (if one is included) will need to be changed under normal circumstances.