The 5 Best Humidifiers 2023 Review

Quietest Operation: Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier

Key Features

Has a six-liter tank Releases mist for 50 hours Covers 500 square feet Operates below 30 decibels Comes with a two-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers noted that this humidifier made a minimal amount of noise. In addition, reviewers said that it relieved the dry air symptoms that they were experiencing. Unhappy customers criticized this humidifier for leaking water and being difficult to troubleshoot.

Best For Small Rooms: AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier

Key Features

Has a 2.2-liter tank Releases mist for 24 hours Comes with a lifetime warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers praised this humidifier for increasing the humidity level in small spaces. Many also noted that it was easy to use and clean and made minimal noise. Negative reviews pointed out that this humidifier leaked water instead of releasing mist.

Best For Large Rooms: LEVOIT Humidifier

Key Features

Has a six-liter tank Releases mist for 50 hours Covers 753 square feet Operates at 28 decibels Comes with a one-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Many reviewers praised this humidifier’s warm mist setting, stating that they liked it when they were in bed sleeping. They also said that the customer service team helped with any problems or questions quickly. Negative reviews noted that this humidifier had a strong plastic odor and didn’t read the air’s humidity level correctly.

Best Sensor: GENIANI Cool Mist Humidifier

Key Features

Has a four-liter tank Releases mist for 18 hours Covers 220 square feet Operates at 38 decibels Comes with a two-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Customers loved the sleek, minimalistic look of this humidifier. Many also noted that it was quiet and easy to clean. Dissatisfied users didn’t like how little power it had and how often it leaked water.

Best For Medium Rooms: Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier

Key Features

Has a 4.7-liter tank Releases mist for 24 hours Comes with a two-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers praised this humidifier for being easy to use and clean and for offering an essential oil function. Negative reviews criticized this product for smelling like plastic when it was running.

Buyer’s Guide

Noise, filtration, control, diffusion, capacity, and coverage are the main factors you should consider before purchasing a humidifier for your home. Keep reading to learn about each of these elements.

Noise Level

Some humidifiers are loud, while others are silent. If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use your humidifier in a room that requires silence, look for an ultrasonic model that operates at a high frequency that human ears can’t hear.

Capacity

A humidifier’s capacity refers to how much water it can hold, which is usually labeled in liters or gallons. The capacity of your humidifier should match the size of the room you plan to use it in. A humidifier that can hold six or more liters works in large rooms, while a four-liter humidifier is better for small rooms.

Coverage

Similar to capacity, most manufacturers tell you how many square feet their humidifier covers. This allows you to map out where you should place the humidifier to get the most reach out of it.

Filtration

Humidifiers are prone to growing bacteria, mildew, and mold because they have standing water in their tank. To prevent these contaminants from entering the air and your lungs, look for a humidifier with a filter.

Control

Most humidifiers have a dial or display that you can use to control how much mist comes out. Occasionally, a model also comes with a remote control or mobile app.

Essential Oil Diffusion

Some humidifiers have a built-in oil diffuser that can make the air in your home smell like whatever essential oil you put in it. With this function, you’re getting a device that does two jobs for the price of one.

What’s the ideal humidity level for a home?

Most homes sit between 30% and 50% humidity, but you may prefer a home that’s slightly less or more humid.

How do I clean my humidifier?

The owner’s manual should give you instructions on how to clean your humidifier, but here are some general guidelines:

Disassemble the humidifier. Pour one to two cups of white vinegar into the tank. You can use bleach instead of vinegar to kill more bacteria. Place the vinegar-filled tank on its base, allowing it to drain into the reservoir to loosen any mineral buildup. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Empty the tank. Use a small brush to scrub any crevices. Wipe the small components of the humidifier with a clean cloth or vinegar-dipped sponge. Rinse the humidifier. Let it dry.

You should clean your humidifier once a week or once every two weeks. In addition to this thorough cleaning, rinse the tank daily with tap water.

What time of year should I use my humidifier?

You can use your humidifier at any point during the year. However, it’s most useful in the winter and fall when the air is dry.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.