The search for the best humidifier has gained massive attention this year. After spending so much time at home, many of us have realized the importance of making our spaces more conducive to our overall health and wellness. And just like the right mattress or white noise machine can lead to better rest, the right humidifier can also improve your quality of life, from promoting better sleep to relieving allergies.
However, it’s important to keep in mind a couple of key factors like size, capacity, and coverage when searching for a humidifier. And, lucky for you, we took all of these considerations into account when rounding up the 6 best humidifiers. With options suited for small spaces as well as those on a budget, you’re sure to find something on this list that works for you and your home.
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The Best Humidifiers - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Humidifier: Levoit 4L
- Best Budget Humidifier: AquaOasis Cool Mist
- Best Cool Mist Humidifier: Hupro Top Fill Cool and Warm Mist
- Best Humidifier for a Large Room: Levoit Humidifier for Bedroom
- Best Humidifier for the Bedroom: Levoit Humidifier for Bedroom
- Best Humidifier for Small Spaces: Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Overall - Levoit 4L
SPECS
- Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 6"
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Capacity: 4L
- Coverage: 376 sq. ft.
The Levoit 4L humidifier surpassed the field in areas such as ease of use, intuitive operation, and the cost of coverage. For just $50, you can enjoy features like auto shut-off, an essential oil diffuser, and a 40-hour battery life.
Plus, this compact unit can put out up to three hundred milliliters per hour, making it one of the most efficient and powerful units on this roundup.
What We Like
- Compact design
- High output at 300ml per hour
- 2-1 doubles as a diffuser
- Standard kit ships with plenty of accessories
- Has a top handle for easy transport
- Extremely quiet
What We Don't Like
- Difficult to clean
Best Budget Humidifier - AquaOasis Cool Mist
SPECS
- Dimensions: 8.5" x 6" x 9.5"
- Weight: 2.25 lbs.
- Capacity: 2.2L
- Coverage: Varies
The AquaOasis is a budget-conscious option that doesn’t sacrifice quality or effectiveness. It has a 24-hour automatic shutoff function to maximize safe operation.
And don't let its small size fool you—this humidifier packs a punch. With a 360 degree adjustable spout and the near-silent functionality, the AquaOasis Cool Mist is great for those who don’t want to disturb their housemates. Multiple customizable settings allow you to personalize it to your routine and preferences, plus its small size works for a variety of spaces.
What We Like
- Compact design
- 360 adjustable spout
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Dial-based settings adjustment allows for precise control
- Silent
What We Don't Like
- Small water tank
- Water does not last the full 24 hours as stated
Best Cool Mist Humidifier - Hupro Top Fill Cool and Warm Mist
SPECS
- Dimensions: 0.39" x 0.39" x 0.39"
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Capacity: 4l
- Coverage: 400 sq. ft.
Looking for a humidifier that emits a cool mist? You might want to consider the Hupro Top Fill Cool and Warm Mist humidifier. Because it emits both cool and warm mis, it’s able to double as a diffuser.
The Hupro has a powerful auto feature that detects ambient humidity in order to reach the desired humidity setting you want for the room—no more fidgeting with dials and knobs to try and get what you want.
What We Like
- Large capacity water tank
- Remote control for easy adjustment
- Auto function allows you to set it and forget it
- Lasts up to 30 hour on a single tank of water
- One of the quietest units tested
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Can be difficult to clean the essential oil portion
BUY: Hupro Top Fill Cool and Warm Mist
Best Humidifier for a Large Room - Levoit Humidifier for Bedroom
SPECS
- Dimensions: 6" x 8" x 14"
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Capacity: 4L
- Coverage: 376 sq. ft.
We went with this unit from Levoit because of its ability to recycle large amounts of air, ideal for those looking for a humidifier for their bedroom or other large space. The Levoit is able to handle large rooms thanks to a 30ml per hour output and a mist height of forty inches. The extra height allows full room coverage within just a few minutes.
And while it’s more expensive than other options on this list, we think its quality components, clean design, and Alexa compatibility make it worth the premium pricing.
What We Like
- High-capacity water tank
- Mobile app controls
- Alexa compatible
- Ultra low noise
- Has a lights off noise for undisturbed sleep
What We Don't Like
- Smart home and Alexa setup can be difficult to set up
- Unclear warranty claim instructions
BUY: Levoit Humidifier for Bedroom
Best Humidifier for the Bedroom - Levoit Humidifier for Bedroom
SPECS
- Dimensions: 6" x 8" x 14"
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Capacity: 4L
- Coverage: 376 sq. ft.
Making a second appearance on our list, the Levoit is the ultimate bedroom humidifier for adults and children alike. From the ground up, these humidifiers were designed to provide the ultimate environment for sleep and recovery.
You'll first notice its ultra-quiet operation, making it the perfect product solution for baby rooms and light sleepers. For those that need absolute darkness when sleeping, the “no light” mode helps keep the ambient light down while still putting out a steady mist.
Aromatherapy can be a great addition to anyone's sleep practice. A built-in essential oil diffuser makes incorporating restful scents incredibly easy.
What We Like
- A high-capacity water tank for all-night operation
- Mobile app for easy control and setting adjustments
- Best in class quiet operation
- Aromatherapy feature
- High capacity output
What We Don't Like
- Users report having trouble with Alexa and smart home setup
- Customer service for repair and warranty claims can be hard to get a hold of.
BUY: Levoit Humidifier for Bedroom
Best Humidifier for Small Spaces - Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier
SPECS
- Dimensions: 4.7" x 4.7" x 11"
- Weight: 1.98 lbs.
- Capacity: .45 gallons
- Coverage: 395 sq. ft.
High output mist in a space-saving design makes the Raydrop Cool Mist the best humidifier for small spaces. This humidifier is just as appealing on the floor or a table, thanks to its sleek, tall construction. With a simple knob control and easy access water tank, the Raydrop makes operation and maintenance stress-free.
Quiet misting means you benefit from humidity control without distracting loud noises. Even though it carries a smaller water tank, most users can get up to 9 hours of operation on a single tank.
What We Like
- Easy to clean
- Simple, intuitive controls
- High output in a small package
- Modern, minimalist aesthetic
- Extremely quiet
What We Don't Like
- Power cord is on the short side
- Water tank is on the small side
- Limited functionality
BUY: Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier
Benefits of a Humidifier
Humidifiers are great devices that can improve your quality of life. How? Prolonged use of a humidifier may provide benefits such as:
- Reduced risk of illness
- Alleviation of allergy symptoms
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced stress
What to Look for in a Humidifier
Coverage
Consider the size of your space and ensure that the unit's coverage area matches your needs. Keep in mind that the more extensive the coverage, the more expensive the unit will likely be.
Capacity
Larger capacity humidifiers mean fewer trips to refill the reservoir. This doesn't matter if you live in a smaller space where a water source is only a few steps away. However, if you occupy a larger space, a larger water tank may help.
Size
Be sure to consider what size would interact with your space the best. The last thing you want is trip over a humidifier that’s simply too large.
FAQs About Humidifiers
Is it good to sleep with a humidifier?
Humidifiers can be beneficial for anyone, including those that live in drier climates, suffer from allergies, struggle with snoring or simply desire better air quality during the night. Several humidifiers offer additional features like essential oil diffusion and air filtration that can help tremendously for sleep.
Which is better: cool or warm mist humidifier?
Since both are highly effective at delivering humidity, the choice comes down to personal preference. Those who like to utilize aromatherapy tend to opt for warm mist humidifiers as they do a better job at dispersion.
What type of humidifier is best for winter?
The best humidifiers for all weather conditions operate using ultrasonic technology. These units are efficient at processing warm and cold air and producing a consistent stream of mist.
Where should a humidifier be placed in a bedroom?
Although humidifiers can be placed in various locations, it is important to avoid putting them in corners or flush with a wall. Doing so can drastically reduce the life of your humidifier and even result in overheating and possible damage to the space. The ideal location is on a table or nightstand.
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