Deciding amongst the best humidifiers can be difficult, but getting the right one for your needs can be really important. After all, a humidifier can significantly help improve the air quality in your home, particularly if you live in a hot dry climate. Live Science spoke to Tim Carroll, a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency, who explained that humidifiers work by releasing moisture into the air, often in the form of water vapour, which in turn helps increase the relative humidity in your space.
The result of this increase in humidity can be a game-changer for many people, particularly those suffering from dry skin and nasal congestion. In some cases, it can also ease allergies symptoms and respiratory conditions, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
We have meticulously tried and tested some of the top humidifiers, including best sellers from brands like Levoit and Dyson. Our experts reviewers assessed each model or performance using an industry-grade humidity meter, as well as evaluating them for design, extra features and value for money.
If you would like to know more about our testing protocol, scroll down to the How we test section, while if you would like to know more about humidifiers and how they work before you buy, then read the Humidifiers FAQs section below. We offer general buying advice as well as tips to maintain your humidifier in top working condition.
Of course, if you have the opposite problem and actually need to remove xcess moisture in your home, then you may want to invest in one of our picks of the best dehumidifiers instead.
The quick list
Best overall
The Dreo 713S has it all — excellent performance and good looks, along with extensive and useful smart features. You can use it year-round and it comes in at under $90. It also low maintenance, with a large and easy-to-refull water tank.
Best premium
With superb performance and features, ease of use and stylish design, the Dyson beats all its premium competitors. It even doubles up as a fan. It does, however, come with a premium price tag.
Best on a budget
For less than $46, this ultra-quiet humidifier offers excellent performance and 30 hours of run time. As you might expect at that price, though, it doesn't offer smart features or multiple modes of use.
Best for bedrooms
With it's whisper-quiet noise levels and simple, well thought-out design, the Levoit LV600HH is a great choice for medium to large bedrooms. However, we did find that its auto settings could be more accurate.
Best for easy cleaning
With a connected app to control from your phone, an aromatherapy option and large LED display, this model is easy to use and has a spacious and easy-to-clean tank.
Best looking
The Homedics ultrasonic humidifier is certainly striking, and though tall it is relatively compact. It comes with essential oil tray pads too. We did, however, feel it was a bit flimsy in construction.
The best humidifiers we recommend in 2025: Fully tested by our team with real-world experience
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best humidifier overall
✅ You are looking for a stylish appliance: The design is appealing, sleek and modern.
✅ You want to use it all year round: The models features both warm and cold mist options.
✅ You want to control it remotely: It comes packed with smart features.
❌ You want something durable: This dehumidifier is made largely from plastic.
❌ You are short on space: It does take up a relatively large amount of room.
🔎 Dreo 713S Smart Humidifier: Stylish, easy-to-use and highly effective at increasing relative humidity, this smart-enabled humidifier offers superb value at a reasonable price. ★★★★½
During our Dreo 713S Smart Humidifier review, we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. It strikes the perfect balance between affordable price and premium function, and we think it is one of the best ultrasonic dehumidifier models on the market.
One of the most impressive features is that it is near-silent when in use. When our reviewers measured its operational noise levels, we could not get a reading higher than 14 decibels, which is equivalent to a whisper. When it comes to functionality, it also does a brilliant job in increasing relative air humidity. When run on the highest setting of cold mist for two hours, the moisture levels in the room increased from 59% to 89%. The warm mist setting gave similar results.
As well as the powerful warm and cold mist output, the Dreo 713S features a digital humidistat, auto mode and an array of smart features. It has a great water tank with a massive 1.58-gallon (6 liters) capacity, which means it rarely needs refills, so it is also super low maintenance to run.
Nevertheless, if you do want to move it around a lot, that too is easy, as we did not find it prone to spilling when moved. The semi-transparent design also made it easy to monitor water levels at just a glance. With exceptionally sleek and modern looks, and a price tag coming in under $90, if you are looking for great value, then the Dreo 713S is the model for you.
We also found the Dreo 713S exceptionally user-friendly. It can be controlled manually or via an app on your smartphone, and it features all the settings you would expect from a modern appliance, from timers and humidity controls to reminders to clean the tank.
However, there are just a few downsides to the Dreo 713S. The shape is unusually narrow, which can make it tricky to grab hold of. We found this means you may need more space than you think around it, in order to accommodate this. It does also not feel very robust. This humidifier is made largely of plastic, so it may not be as durable as some of the more premium models. Lastly, its internal components do take quite some time and effort to clean.
- Read our full Dreo 713S Smart Humidifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
| Run time | Up to 60 hours |
| Features | Humidistat, auto mode, app control, warm and cool mist |
| Performance | Ultra-quiet (14dB) |
Best premium humidifier
✅ You are looking for a stylish appliance: Most humidifiers look bulky, but this one boasts classic Dyson good looks
✅ You want a UV sanitizer: This model actually purifies water before releasing as vapor, getting rid of bacteria and minerals.
✅ Your room is on the small side: It works best in spaces up to 172 square feet.
❌ You want to cover large spaces: This Dyson dehumidifier is designed primarily for small rooms.
❌ You are on a budget: It is one of the most expensive models.
🔎 Dyson AM10: Compact, stylish and packed with smart features, this humidifier-fan combo delivers superb performance — but is relatively expensive, and may not be the best model to use in large spaces. ★★★★
This sleek appliance is certainly one of the best humidifiers we have tested. During our Dyson AM10 Humidifier review, were were impressed not just by its design but also ease of use and impressive performance. True, it is one of the most expensive humidifiers on the market, but the Dyson AM10 can give you a good run for the money — and it doubles as a fan so it can be put to good use all year round.
As is often the case with Dyson, this humidifier comes with a premium price tag, but even despite this, we think it’s a superb buy. One of our favourite features is that not only does it of course humidiy the air, but before doing so, it actually purifies the water it uses, getting rid of bacteria with its ultraviolet light. This is particularly valuable if you worry about air quality in your home or live in a partiuclarly polluted area.
The humidifier features 10 levels, is easy to refill and in our tests we found it can be run continuously for 12 hours before requiring a refill. This model, however, is definitely suitable for smaller rooms, functioning best in spaces of up to 172 square feet.
It also has sleep function, and an auto mode where you can chose you preferred humidity level and it will maintain that automatically. Unlike other models we tested, the Dyson AM10 Humidifier doesn’t have multiple mist settings, just this auto mode where you can set humidity levels between 30 and 70 per cent. Our tester also noted that the noise on any level of use was never louder than her air conditioner.
It does, however, have a relatively small water tank at just 3.75 quarts. The Dyson AM10 certainly excels with its stylish modern design, and will look good in any office or living area. The price tag may be premium but this is an investment buy.
- Read our full Dyson AM10 humidifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 172 square feet |
| Features | Remote control, humidity sensor, UV sanitizer, fan, ability to set target humidity |
| Performance | Relatively quiet (up to 45 dB) |
Best budget humidifier
✅ You want something portable: This humidifier is small, light and highly portable.
✅ You want good value for money: It offers great performance for an affordable price.
✅ You are looking for something discreet: Its compact and simple design will easily blend in the surroundings.
❌ You want smart features: There are no connected apps, voice commands, or similar smart features
❌ You need an auto mode: It has no humidistat to monitor your air humidity
🔎 PureGuardian H950AR: This compact humidifier combines affordability with ease of use and impressive performance, offering great value for money. However, it does lack smart features. ★★★★½
The PureGuardian H950AR Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier may cost less than $50, but it punches above its weight, offering a better performance than other appliances in the same price range.Most importantly, it does a great job at increasing relative humidity without causing spills or making much noise. In fact, it is near-silent, and during our PureGuardian H950AR Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier review, we measured its noise levels with a decibel counting app and did not note any more than 15dB — equivalent to a whisper or to leaves rustling in the wind.
The simple design is also pleasing, and easy to use. The compact build and easy to remove lid makes it easy to refill, while its solid white tank means it can blend easily with the surroundings. It does feature only two mist speeds, but we found it delivered great results at both of these settings and we really liked its simplicity.
However, this also means that this PureGuardian humidifier is stripped of the key features typical of more premium models. For example, it does not have a built-in humidistat, so it is not be able to measure relative humidity in the room and adjust accordingly in an auto mode. The H950AR also can't be connected to an app or operated remotely. What it does have, however, is an essential oil tray. With just a few drops, this humidifier can add a pleasant and not overbearing scent to your home.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 320 sq ft (30 sq m) |
| Features | Two mist speeds, essential oil tray, no smart features |
| Performance | Ultra-quiet (up to 15 decibels) |
Best humidifier for bedrooms
✅ You want an ultra-quiet appliance: It will not distract or wake you up at night.
✅ Your bedroom is on the large side: It works best in spaces between 430 to 753 square feet.
✅ You want to switch between warm and cool mist: It can sense and adjust according to the temperature in your room.
❌ You want to cover large spaces: This dehumidifier is designed primarily for small rooms.
❌ You are on a budget: Although it offers good value for money, it is not the cheapest option.
🔎 Levoit LV600HH: It is whisper-quiet and easy to clean, and it does a great job at increasing relative humidity in medium to large spaces, making it a great option for bedrooms. ★★★★½
Easy to use, extremely quiet, and packed with features, the Levoit LV600HH is an excellent option for large bedrooms or studies. This sleek-looking humidifier includes three mist settings, an essential oil diffuser for aromatherapy, and a dual nozzle that twists 360 degrees.
Despite its size, the Levoit humidifier is capable of holding a lot of water, so it can be run for up to 36 hours continuously. It is also ultra-quiet.
The built-in water tank is see-through, which is useful as it means you can tell how much water is left at a glance. It is a little tricky to fill up, but also highly portable, able to sit on your worktop or just be tucked under a table. It's also ready to use straight out of the box, requiring no set up except to be filled with water.
With a small LCD display on the front, it has various buttons enabling you to control the mist level, humidity and how long it will run for. The mist function has three settings, from low to high, while the humidity button enables you to change your desired percentage of humidity in the air.
During our Levoit LV600HH humidifier review, we found that even on the highest mist level, the humidifier didn’t need a refill until the next day, running for more than 17 hours. Meanwhile, the nifty remote control means that you can control the humidifier from up to 16 feet away. This humidifier is great for larger rooms that measure between 430 to 753 square feet.
- Read our full Levoit LV600HH humidifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 753 square feet |
| Features | Remote control, humidity sensor, ability to set target humidity, essential oil diffuser |
| Performance | Whisper-quiet (up to 31 dB) |
Best humidifier for easy cleaning
✅ You want a low-maintenance appliance: Its top-fill design and transparent tank make it easy to clean and refill, and it can run for up to 60 hours.
✅ You want smart features: It comes with a handy app.
✅ You like aromatherapy: It features an essential oil diffuser.
❌ You have a small room: This dehumidifier is designed primarily for rooms between 215 and 505 square feet.
❌ You need to place it close to a wall: Its humidity sensor may not work properly.
🔎 Levoit Classic 300S: Thoughtfully designed and jam-packed with smart features, this low maintenance sleek humidifier performs well. ★★★★½
The Levoit Classic 300S is a great option for those who want a hands-off device that they don't need to be monitoring constantly or spend hours cleaning. It is compact, easy to use and has multiple smart features. It connects to the VeSync app, which enables you to control mist levels and which also notifies you when it needs cleaning.
During our Levoit Classic 300S humidifier review, we found that this humidifier is easy to maintain. The clear water tank that sits on the top on the device means you can instantly see how much water is left. The humidifier does need some assembly out of the box, but it is not complicated.
It features a large LED display which clearly indicates the current humidity level, with buttons for mist levels, night mode and desired humidity levels sit around this. Connecting to the app is easy, connecting via WiFi. Once you’ve downloaded it, you can use the app to switch quick;y between manual, auto or sleep modes, and you can also set timers or change humidity levels on the app.
This humidifier is easy to clean and its humidity levels perform well on both the high and middle mist setting, climbing to a 68% level within two hours on the highest setting. Another quiet model, it will last for 19 hours on a high setting, but 60 on a lower setting. However, we did find the built-in humidity sensor to be quite sensitive, and that the model does need to be cleaned regularly to avoid bacteria getting into the water.
The aromatherapy option is a nice touch — with six drops of tea tree oil added to the aroma pad, we created a beautifully scented air that lasted in our room for hours. However, we should point out that six drops is more than the recommended 2-3 drops.
- Read our full Levoit Classic 300S humidifier review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 505 square feet |
| Features | App control, humidity sensor, ability to set target humidity, essential oil diffuser, night light |
| Performance | Whisper-quiet (up to 31 dB) |
Runner-up
Best for easy cleaning: Runner-up
The Chivalz 6L Humidifier is a great budget alternative to the Levoit Classic 300s. It is equally quiet, intuitive to use, efficient and easy to clean, but it costs around $30 less. However, the Chivalz humidifier has no auto mode or smart features, and it feels slightly less sturdy than the Levoit Classic 300S.
For
- Low maintenance
- Lasts up to 50 hours
- Affordable
Against
- No humidistat
- No smart features
- Feels somewhat flimsy
Best looking humidifier
✅ You are looking for a stylish appliance: Humidifiers do not tend to win plaudits for good looks, but this is a rare exception.
✅ You want to put it in the bedroom: It is whisper-quiet, and it can run up to 70 hours.
✅ You like aromatherapy: It features an essential oil diffuser.
❌ You need to move it around a lot: This dehumidifier is quite bulky and yet also flimsy.
❌ You want smart features: No connected apps or wide connectivity.
🔎 HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe Ultrasonic humidifier: Stylish, quiet and feature-packed, this top-performing tower humidifier will be a talking point in your home — but it is quite bulky and can be tricky to move. ★★★★½
If looks are important to you and you want a humidifier that seamlessly blends into your home decor, then the HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe is a great option. This stylish, sleek appliance can hold 1.47 gallons of water, has a run time of up to 70 hours, and can cover large rooms up to 426 sq ft.
During our Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe Ultrasonic Humidifier review, we found it to be whisper-quiet measuring in at around 13dB — which is equivalent to leaves rustling in the wind or a whisper in your ear. So you’ll certainly be able to sleep well with it running, or focus entirely on your work. In fact, it also has a built-in nightlight and an auto-shutoff mode for when the tank runs out of water.
The HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe also boasts many useful features. For example, its three cool mist settings let you adjust the output to fit your space exactly how you want it. These can be controlled using the intuitive buttons on the front of the humidifier. There is also the option to set an auto-off timer for four, eight or 12 hours.
However, there are some drawbacks: we found that the humidifier feels a little flimsy, which surprised us for the price, and we also found it did leak a little when we tried to transport it into another room witih water still in the tank. However, it is still a very efficient machine that does a good job of improving indoor humidity - and certainly looks fantastic compared to most of the other options on the market.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Up to 426 square feet |
| Features | Humidity sensor, ability to set target humidity, essential oil diffuser, demineralization cartridge |
| Performance | Ultra-quiet (up to 13 dB) |
Best humidifiers: Comparison
| Product | Rating | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson AM10 | ★★★★ | Compact, built-in fan and UV sanitizer, smart features, excellent performance. | Relatively expensive, not suitable for large spaces. |
| Levoit LV600HH | ★★★★½ | Whisper-quiet, remote control, great performance. | Auto settings may not be accurate, not suitable for large spaces. |
| Levoit Classic 300S | ★★★★½ | Easy to clean, smart features, great performance. | Auto settings may not be accurate, not suitable for small spaces. |
| HoMedics TotalComfort Deluxe Ultrasonic humidifier | ★★★★½ | Whisper-quiet, stylish, great performance. | No smart features, relatively bulky. |
| PureGuardian H950AR | ★★★★½ | Whisper-quiet, compact, easy to clean, great performance. | No smart features, no auto mode. |
| Dreo 713S | ★★★★½ | Whisper-quiet, excellent performance, smart features, humidistat. | Takes up a lot of space, lacks some durability. |
Our expert consultants
We spoke with members of the Environmental Protection Agency to confirm the latest research and findings on humidifiers, as well as advice on how to maintain a humidifier so that it performs smoothly.
Best humidifiers: Frequently Asked Questions
What should the humidity be in your house?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people should keep their indoor humidity below 60%, and ideally between 30% to 50%.
More info
Where should I place my humidifier?
This depends very much on the conditions of each room in your house and what your goal is. For instance, if you struggle with snoring, then it make sense to have a humidifier in your bedroom. However, if you do that, bear in mind that humidifiers in the bedroom should be kept at least three feet away from the bed to avoid disturbing you while you sleep, although you might want it temporarily closer if you’re battling a respiratory infection.
Some humidifiers have LED displays and run louder than others, so you might want to place it somewhere the lights aren’t directly visible from the bed and far enough away that the sound isn’t disturbing.
Remember that humidifiers are releasing moisture, so you also want to keep them at least a foot away from walls, furniture or curtains to avoid causing water damage. You should also direct the mist outlet towards the center of the room to maximise the benefits. If the water is condensing on a surface before it can reach you, the humidifier will be less effective. This one foot rule also applies to floors and carpets; it’s best to keep your humidifier at least one foot above the ground to avoid puddling. Ultrasonic humidifiers are particularly prone to puddling, as they release miniature water droplets rather than evaporating the water. The elevation also allows the mist to reach higher and therefore disperse further within the room.
If you have bought a humidifier for a baby’s room or nursery, then ensure that the humidifier and power cords are kept out of the baby’s reach to avoid accidents.
How to maintain your humidifier for optimum performance
The best humidifiers will boost the air quality and ensure that the humidity levels in your home are kept at the optimum levels for you. There are some best practice guidelines you should follow to ensure they are running at their best, and we spoke to an expert, Tim Carroll, a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency, to get his breakdown of how to care for your humidifier:
• You should empty the tank of the humidifier, wipe all of the surfaces dry and refill the water in portable humidifiers daily. This will help to reduce the growth of microorganisms.
• Try to use water with a low mineral content in order to prevent the build-up of unwanted minerals in the tank. This will also reduce the potential dispersal of minerals into the air.
• Aim to clean portable humidifiers every third day.
• Clean and dry the humidifier thoroughly when storing it, or when it is being used infrequently.
• Do not humidify to relative humidity levels over 50 percent.
• Do not allow the area around the humidifier to become damp or wet.
• Follow any specific manufacturing instructions regarding use, cleaning, and maintenance.
How we tested these humidifiers
How we test the best humidifiers
Our reviewers: We know a good deal about the best humidifiers. Most of our expert reviewers use these appliances on a daily basis, whether to ease nasal congestion, prevent dry skin or to keep their beloved plants alive and well. They have personally tried and tested dozens of humidifiers over the years to find the ones that are truly worth the money. You can put trust in our verdicts.
To be as objective as possible, we tested each humidifier in this guide to the exact same standards, using the same procedures and review protocols.
Design. When evaluating the design of a humidifier, we take into account factors such as the size and looks of the unit, the energy consumption and maintenance costs, the length and conditions of the warranty and the overall ease of use. We check the positioning of the mist nozzle, the portability of the water tank, the length of the cord and the controls on the unit. We also assess how easy it is to assemble and clean the humidifier in question, how intuitive are its controls and whether the unit is easy to move around when filled to the brim with water.
Features. We take a good look at the features to get a good understanding of what the humidifier has to offer. Does it emit cool mist, warm mist or both? How many modes and mist outputs does it have? Can it be operated remotely? Does it come with a humidistat, and if so, can this unit automatically adjust its output to match the humidity in the room? Also, does it have any smart features or other high-tech frills? Once we check all of the features in a humidifier, we give our verdict on the overall functionality of the unit.
Performance. We conduct several performance tests using professional air particle monitors and humidity meters (such as the Perfect Prime AQ9600) to quantify the humidifier's ability to increase relative humidity and to check whether any circumstances impede or speed up the process. We start by measuring the humidity level in an enclosed, middle-sized room. We fill the humidifier’s tank to the maximum and let it run on the highest setting for at least an hour. While the machine is running, we measure its noise level using a decibel-counting app (the Sound Meter app, for example). After an hour, we measure the humidity in the room and make note of any changes to the air quality. This is repeated at the two-hour mark, or when the tank is empty. This process is repeated for each mode the unit has, such as lower mode and night mode. We also note how long it takes to empty the water tank.
What the users say. Finally, we check online user reviews to see what people think about their humidifiers, and we test for any persistent problems or defects that we read about. We also make note of the users' experiences with the company's customer service.
As per our testing policy, we fully disclose all our findings in our reviews.
