Winter air isn't just cold: it's dry, too. Dry air inside is well-known to cause itchy skin and dry throats, but it can also increase the amount of germs and viruses in your home. The best humidifiers bring moisture into the air to the optimal level — between 30% and 50% — to keep everyone in your home happy and healthy.
After testing almost 30 humidifiers in our homes and talking to experts, the Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier is our top pick. It combines impressive humidification with an intuitive design that's easy to fill and clean. Our budget pick is the Dreo HM311, an affordable humidifier with a 32-hour runtime.
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Top picks for the best humidifiers
Best overall: Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier - See at Amazon
Best budget: Dreo HM311 - See at Amazon
Best for bedrooms: Levoit Classic 300S Humidifier - See at Amazon
Best for large rooms: Levoit Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier - See at Amazon
Quietest: Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier - See at Amazon
Best for plants: Pure Enrichment MistAire Humidifier - See at Amazon
Best for travel: Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier is easy to use, long-lasting, and humidifies extremely quickly and efficiently.
What we like
What we don't like
This Honeywell model is our long-standing best overall pick. The Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier continues to hold its position as the the best humidifier overall because it worked so quickly and efficiently on its highest setting in smaller bedrooms and offices that we worried about over-humidifying.
It raised the humidity levels by 29% in just four hours. This level of humidity increase was a feat most humidifiers we tested couldn't even accomplish after eight hours. Luckily, the settings are highly adjustable via an easy-to-use scroll knob, so you can set the humidifier to a lower level once your desired humidity has been reached.
The Honeywell is incredibly easy to use and clean. Setup took mere minutes. It has a simple, wide removable tank that you fill up and then slip back in. Plug it in, and you're ready to go. The humidifier also alerts you with a refill light when the water levels are low and automatically shuts off when empty. On the lowest settings, it can last a full day on one tank. This model is easy and quick to clean and doesn't require changing a filter. As a bonus, the sleek look is far more aesthetically pleasing than many other humidifiers on the market, and it can easily fit on most desks, nightstands, and shelves.
There is an occasional dripping noise that may annoy some. It's quiet enough that you won't hear it over a fan or background music. While it worked well in smaller spaces, you may want to use a fan near it for bigger rooms to help better disperse the vapor stream.
You can use essential oils, but avoid if you have respiratory issues. While the Honeywell humidifier has an essential oils feature, one pulmonologist recommended against diffusing essential oils if you have respiratory issues. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology also cautions against it.
We also recommend a Vornado model if you need a large tank. The Vornado UH200 Ultrasonic Humidifier is a close runner-up. It features a larger tank (1.75 gallons versus 1.25), a built-in fan for dispersing water vapor, and warm mist humidification. The Vornado performed similarly to the Honeywell in our humidification tests, but it costs twice as much. Still, it's a solid choice if you require a larger tank design.
Best budget
The Dreo 311 Humidifier holds up to four liters of water for a maximum run time of 32 hours. It’s also compatible with essential oils, features a nightlight, and has a small footprint that nestles nicely on a nightstand. It’s a great value at under $40.
What we like
What we don't like
Our favorite budget humidifier is just under $40. A great humidifier doesn't have to cost a fortune — with its intuitive design and extra features, the Dreo HM311 was one of the best I tested, and it's only $40. While less powerful than pricier options in our guide, it still noticeably raised the humidity, increasing the humidity in a small room 18% in a small room after four hours on high speed.
Top-fill humidifiers are easy to fill and clean. The Dreo HM311 is a top-fill humidifier, providing easy access to either add water with a pitcher or pop the tank off the base and fill it in the sink. I appreciated how easy it was to add water with the large basin instead of worrying about filling the tank via a small hole. Plus, the design lends itself to easy cleaning, since the lid and tank can be popped off for easy scrubbing. The tank lid is topped with an adjustable spout, so you can change the direction of the steam.
It has an impressive run time for the price. There are three speeds, ranging from low to high, and a full tank can last up to 32 hours on the lowest setting. This capacity was much larger than the maximum run time of other budget humidifiers I tested, which could run for just over 24 hours.
It's energy efficient but a little loud. It ran at 16.6 watts, meaning that it would cost about seven cents to run for 24 hours. It was a little louder than other humidifiers, measuring at 45 decibels on high, similar to a running refrigerator. I didn't mind the noise, but it could be bothersome if you're planning on using it in your bedroom and you're sensitive to noise while you sleep.
I also appreciated its extra features. The HM311 is full of extra features like a subtle, calming blue nightlight and a sleep mode that dims displays. While you shouldn't add essential oils directly into the basin, it does come with an aroma pad that you can sprinkle essential oils on for a pleasant, soothingly scented steam. Also, for an additional $10, you can get a smart version of the HM311 to adjust mist levels, timers, and ambient lighting via an app or voice control.
Best for bedrooms
The Levoit Classic 300S Humidifer clears dry air quickly, quietly, and effectively. It's also easy to clean.
What we like
What we don't like
It's quiet, small, and perfect for bedrooms. The Levoit Classic 300S Humidifier runs as quiet as ambient noise, has a small footprint, and features a nightlight, making it the best humidifier for bedrooms and the best humidifier for your baby. Don't want a nightlight? No problem. You can turn off the display to achieve darkness.
It aced our humidifying tests. The Levoit Classic 300S Humidifier did an excellent job of humidifying a 100-square-foot office during testing. On a particularly dry winter day, it steadily increased the office humidity by 11% in four hours. We let it run overnight, and the humidity increased by another 11% by morning.
It connects to an app. While the button controls on the unit are intuitive, we especially like that you can monitor and adjust the 300S using the VeSync app (available for iOS and Android.) For instance, the app sends a push notification when the tank needs refilling or cleaning. In tests, the humidifier ran on top mist level for 24 hours before needing a refill.
You can operate the Levoit Classic 300S in manual or auto mode. We preferred manual mode because the built-in hygrometer showed higher readings than the hygrometer we placed on the other side of the room. Thus, it would shut off before areas further from the unit were at the desired humidity level. Cleaning the humidifier was relatively easy using the in-app step-by-step instructions and an included brush.
Best for large rooms
The Levoit Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier is the best humidifier for large rooms because of its massive six-gallon tank, app-connectivity, and impressive humidification performance.
What we like
What we don't like
This is the strongest humidifier we tested. The Levoit Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier delivers outstanding humidification performance and is designed to increase moisture across your entire home. It increased the humidity by 36% in our 100-square-foot test room, blowing away the competition. More notably, it increased the humidity in a drafty 1,000-square-foot room by 7%, another best, earning its position as the best humidifier for large rooms.
It's precise and easy to fill. The unit maintains precise humidity control within 2% of target levels. While it lacks a remote control, the VeSync app interface provides full functionality. The included fill tube and wheel system address the challenge of filling a six-gallon tank, eliminating the need to lift it during refills. And, even if you run it on high, you only need to refill every two or three days.
It was difficult to set up, but it's easy to clean. The initial setup process was somewhat cumbersome. Between tank filling, app configuration, and assembly, it took about 20 minutes and wasn't intuitive. Fortunately, maintenance is straightforward, though you must clean the tank with each refill. The humidifier includes a specialized brush for filter maintenance, and its generously sized openings facilitate easy hand cleaning. A convenient "dry mode" dries the filter when the unit isn't in use to ensure it lasts longer. Despite the complicated setup process, the Levoit Superior 6000S delivers reliable, powerful humidification with thoughtful design elements that simplify long-term maintenance and operation.
It's loud. The Levoit 6000S is louder than most and produces noticeable background noise, operating at 51 decibels on its high setting — roughly as loud as a quiet office.
Quietest
The Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier is a powerful machine with nearly silent operation, which makes it a good fit for larger bedrooms and very light sleepers.
What we like
What we don't like
This humidifier has near-silent operation. When you first turn the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier on, you'll hear some trickling — but once it gets going, you won't hear much. This humidifier remains extremely quiet on all cool mist settings, though it gets slightly louder when producing warm mist.
It's quiet but powerful. Beyond being the quietest humidifier, this machine operated efficiently, with no noticeable condensation leakage. Two nozzles rotate 360 degrees so you can aim both mist plumes in any direction. We tested it in a room of roughly 230 square feet, and the humidity shot up by 8% within just one hour. If your room is any smaller than 215 square feet — the brand's recommended lower range — this option may end up over-humidifying your space.
If you like smart features, this humidifier comes well-equipped. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Voice, and you can use VeSync app to control the humidifier's settings, check the humidity in the room, set it to auto mode, or schedule shutoff. The humidifier will also shut down automatically once the tank empties.
It's bulky, but you won't have to refill it frequently. The large tank means this humidifier takes up more space in your room. But that could be a plus since a bigger tank can run longer between refills: After 24 hours of testing on medium and high operation, some water remained in the tank. If you keep the humidifier on low, it can run up to 45 hours. Another bonus of the large tank is a smoother cleaning process. Moreover, the entire top of the tank comes off, making it very easy to scrub.
Best for plants
With impressive energy efficiency, compact size, and auto shut-off, the Pure Enrichment MistAirer is the best humidifier for keeping houseplants from drying out or wilting.
What we like
What we don't like
Adequate humidity is the key to healthy plants. Especially in the winter, your beloved houseplants are probably begging for more moisture in the air. While the ideal humidity for inside your home is between 30-50%, houseplants usually thrive in 70-80% humidity. They'll survive in lower humidities, but for truly healthy plants and vibrant green leaves, higher humidity is a plus.
It only humidifies a small area, so it'll treat your plants without over-humidifying your entire home. The Pure Enrichment MistAire is the best humidifier for plants because it offers subtle humidification that shouldn't impact your entire house with a compact and energy-efficient design. It raised the humidity in a large room by just 6% in four hours, but the space directly next to the humidifier increased by 28%. The slight increase in whole-room temperature but notable increase in small-space temperature indicates that it's best suited for small, precise areas and affects its direct surroundings. When placed near houseplants, it gives an extra boost of moisture to your beautiful blooms.
It has a no-frills design. This humidifier is also small, so finding a place for it next to your plants shouldn't be a difficult task. Plus, it's energy efficient, running at about 8.8 watts, costing about four cents to run for 24 hours. It's not terribly loud, either, measuring at 42 decibels, about the volume of a quiet conversation. Otherwise, it does have a nightlight and low and high speeds. Since there's only one power button on the front of the base, I found it difficult to toggle through each mode.
The tank holds 1.7 liters. To fill it, I detached the tank from the base and filled it at the sink via a small hole at the bottom. On low, the water lasts for 25 hours. Once it runs out of water, it shuts off automatically. This humidifier is a great set-and-forget option, so you won't add too much extra work to your usual plant care routine.
Best travel
The Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier is a small but powerful humidifier that may work well in cars, offices, and smaller rooms. When fully charged, it can run for up to seven hours without a water refill.
What we like
What we don't like
This is our pick for humidity on the go. Travel humidifiers have less range than their larger counterparts, but their smaller size makes them easy to bring when you travel or to move throughout your home as needed. The Hey Dewy humidifier is the best travel humidifier because of its larger 11.3-ounce tank size, powerful mist, and long-lasting charge.
It has a small range. It didn't pump up the overall room humidity quite as much as the traditional humidifiers we tested, but it still helped add plenty of moisture to the room, especially at close range. After seven hours, it raised the humidity by 6% in a four-foot range and 13% in a two-foot range. So, it may be a good option to set your humidifier on your desk or park it next to your indoor plants.
It's not silent. While this humidifier doesn't make much noise, you can hear it running from across the room. When set to the continuous mist option, the sound worked well as gentle white noise — but the on-off sound of the intermittent spray could be distracting at bedtime.
It runs for about six hours, and you'll neede to replace the filter. The humidifier's filter needs to be replaced at least every six months. However, this may not necessarily be a drawback since the filter means you can use tap water instead of distilled water. The unit comes pre-assembled with the filter in place, and once charged, it will run wirelessly for about eight hours. However, the water may run out before the unit needs recharging. In testing, we found that a full tank of water only lasted about six hours with a continuous mist spray. The Hey Dewy humidifier is also available in a plug-in wired version, though we haven't tested it yet.
What to look for in a humidifier
Consider important features like room size, filter, and mist temperature when shopping for a humidifier. Here are some more details to guide your shopping.
Room size: Determine your room's square footage and make note whether the brand recommends the humidifier you're considering for small, medium, or large spaces, and if it is compatible with your room size.
"If you buy a model that is designed for a larger space, the room will be uncomfortably humid and create an environment that could encourage mold and mildew growth," says Sydney Rexroad, communications associate at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. "If the model is too small, it won't generate adequate humidity for the space."
Filter versus filter-free models: Your choice here may depend on a few factors since one isn't necessarily better. "Filtered humidifiers are evaporative and use a fan to humidify the air. Filter-free models will put a mist directly into the air," Rexroad says. Additionally, filter-free models have a higher risk of bacteria or allergens getting into the air, so be sure you can clean it thoroughly at least once a week. On the other hand, filters need to be replaced, which adds cost you may not want to take on. Filter models are often noisier, too.
Cold mist versus warm mist: According to all three experts we spoke with, this is entirely based on personal preference. Depending on your main use for the humidifier, you may want to consult your healthcare provider before making a choice.
Small versus large humidifiers: Generally speaking, larger humidifiers have bigger tanks, meaning they can run longer between refills. Smaller humidifiers are easier to move throughout your house or take with you when you travel, but some may not last an entire day or night when set to high. That said, if the room you want to humidify is on the smaller side, a larger humidifier may add too much moisture to the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor humidity should never rise about 60%. This is because too-high humidity can lead to mold growth. You can check the humidity in your room with a hygrometer.
Additional features: A common humidifier feature is essential oil diffusion, but we warn against using this. If you do so, pick a model explicitly for that dual purpose. For example, some humidifiers have essential oil trays beneath the tank where you can add a drop or two of your chosen oil. Never put the oil directly into the machine. "Essential oils, medications, or other substances can damage the humidifier's mechanical parts," Rexroad says.
How we test humidifiers
We tested 25 popular humidifiers for this guide. What you need from a humidifier will depend on the size of your space, how frequently you want to use it, and your main goal for humidifying. However, some universal factors make for a good humidifier. Here's what we looked for while testing and choosing our top picks:
Humidity increase: This is the most obvious and most important factor. If a humidifier doesn't raise the humidity levels of your space to the EPA-recommended 30% to 50%, it doesn't serve its main function. We used a hygrometer to definitively test the humidity levels of our space before, during, and after using each humidifier. We tested the levels right near the humidifiers and across rooms of various sizes.
Ease of setup and use: If a humidifier is hard to figure out, a pain to fill up, or doesn't last a full day or night on one tank, chances are you won't want to use it very often. Most of our picks take five minutes or less to set up, are easy to fill, and last at least 10 hours on one tank. Some can even last days on a single tank.
Ease of cleaning: Without proper cleaning, humidifiers can grow mold or bacteria that can then be dispersed into your home. We deep-cleaned every humidifier we chose and found it to be easy for all of our recommendations.
Extra features: Some humidifiers come with fancy extras that range from simple night-light settings to app and voice control. These extras were considered to discern if they provided additional value and ease of use.
Longevity: We've tested most of these humidifiers for about two months and have not encountered issues with the top choices. We will continue to test to ensure they hold up over time and no serious problems arise, such as mold growth.
Humidifier FAQs
Are humidifiers good for the lungs?
According to Dr. Purvi Parikh, an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, dry air can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. Humidifiers moisten the air, which can help protect your lungs from irritants. That said, you'll need to frequently clean your humidifier to avoid harmful mold and bacteria buildup.
Also, use distilled water in your humidifier unless the model says you can use tap water. Tap water has been known to release minerals into the air, and experts don't know the long-term health effects of breathing in these particles.
Is a cool mist or warm mist humidifier better?
Cool mist and warm mist humidifiers are both excellent options for adding moisture to the air, so both Rexroad and Parikh recommend choosing a model based on your personal preferences. You can also check with a healthcare professional for their recommendation if they've suggested you use a humidifier. Either way, don't use warm-mist humidifiers around babies and children, since they post a risk of burns.
Which humidifiers are best for winter?
Christine Kingsley, APRN, the health and wellness director of the Lung Institute, said that using a humidifier during the winter is helpful because heating systems can dry out the air. "Humidifiers add moisture to the air, alleviating symptoms of dry skin, dry throat, and sinus congestion," she said.
Some prefer a warm-mist humidifier during the winter, since they disperse vapor by heating water and adding warmth to cold rooms. But Kingsley cautioned that warm mist can create an extremely humid environment, which could lead to mold and bacteria growth.
Do I need an air purifier and humidifier?
Air purifiers and humidifiers have different functions. An air purifier removes pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air, said John Landry, licensed registered respiratory therapist and founder of Respiratory Therapy Zone. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which soothes dry skin, sinus congestion, and respiratory issues. You may benefit from an air purifier if you have seasonal allergies or asthma, while a humidifier may offer relief if you live in a drier climate or have dry skin.
Which humidifiers are safe for children and babies?
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers cool mist humidifiers the safest option for babies and young children. Warm mist humidifiers work by producing steam, which can be hot enough to burn a curious toddler who tries to touch it. Whichever type of humidifier you choose, always set it somewhere out of reach of children and pets. Another important part of humidifier safety is only using distilled water, which is free of minerals that may evaporate into your household air, and cleaning the unit regularly with vinegar.
How often do you need to clean a humidifier?
The EPA advises cleaning your humidifier every third day with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. You can also clean your humidifier with vinegar. To clean your humidifier properly, unplug the unit and then use a scrubbing brush to clean all surfaces that touch water. If you use any chemicals to clean your humidifier, rinse it with clean tap water several times before using it again. You can check the instruction booklet that came with your humidifier for additional cleaning instructions specific to your unit. If you don't intend to use your humidifier for a while, it's a good idea to clean it out and allow it to fully dry before you store it.
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