If you’re dealing with dry air in your home and are suffering from itchy skin, irritated sinuses, or respiratory issues, it might be time to invest in a humidifier. The best humidifiers on the market will have a reasonably large capacity, include quality-of-life features like an auto-stop function or integrated humidistat, and be relatively easy to clean.
That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—the best option depends on your budget, space, and whether you want a cool or warm mist unit. We’ve tested 20 humidifiers, and below are our recommendations for the best options based on their performance, price, and feature sets. We’ve also included an FAQ section at the end of the article to answer some basic humidifier-related queries.
Carepod One – Best Overall
The Carepod One is the best humidifier we’ve tested. This high-end ultrasonic cool-mist unit produces more than enough moisture for living rooms and larger bedrooms. However, its main attraction is its easy-to-clean design: there are only five main components to wash, and except for its oscillator, all are dishwasher-safe. Plus, unlike most other humidifiers, there are no tight crevices or hard-to-reach spots. It’s also incredibly quiet and efficient, though this is common for ultrasonic humidifiers.
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that this is a pretty pricey device, especially considering the relative scarcity of extra features. For example, there’s no integrated humidistat that would allow the unit to adjust its mist level in real-time and no Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can’t control the unit while you’re away from home. Its max runtime of approximately 10 hours is also on the shorter end of the scale, though on the upside, it does have an auto-off function that’ll power down the humidifier once its tank is empty.
Levoit LV600S – Best Mid-Range Humidifier
Check out the Levoit LV600S if you want a humidifier with more bells and whistles. Compared to the relatively spartan Carepod One, the Levoit is positively bursting at the seams with features. It has a built-in humidistat, allowing the device to maintain your desired humidity level automatically; Wi-Fi connectivity to control it remotely; support for the VeSync companion app to check air quality; and an essential oils tray for a scented mist. Not to mention, this hybrid ultrasonic and steam humidifier is capable of outputting cool or warm mist, helpful for hot and dry or cold and dry environments, respectively. Its humidification capacity is also higher than the Carepod model’s, allowing it to efficiently add moisture to larger spaces.
That said, the Levoit has one big downside next to the Carepod: its difficult-to-clean design. There are almost 20 different components you’ll have to wash periodically, none of which are dishwasher safe. There are plenty of tight corners and hard-to-reach spots, too, with some requiring a very thin sponge or a thin toothbrush to clean properly.
Vicks V3900 – Best Budget Humidifier
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way of getting rid of dry air in your home, the Vicks V3900 is among the best humidifiers we’ve tested. This compact unit isn’t quite as easy to clean or efficient as the Carepod One or nearly as feature-packed as the Levoit LV600S, but it has advantages that go beyond its budget-friendly price tag. For one thing, this humidifier can run for almost 30 hours with a full tank, and while it lacks an auto-off function, this is long enough that you won’t have to worry about it running out of water too often. You can toggle between three different misting modes, and there’s even a UV light bulb to help minimize bacteria and mold buildup within its water tank. Like many other Vicks humidifiers, you can also add Vicks VapoPads for a scented mist.
This humidifier’s capacity falls behind pricier alternatives, and it might struggle to humidify efficiently, especially in large areas like open-concept apartments or living spaces. It’s still well-suited to most bedrooms, offices, or college dorms, though. If capacity isn’t an issue, but you’re looking for a wider array of features, the Crane Droplet is a good option at a similar price.
Vicks V750 – Best Warm Mist Humidifier
If you’re interested in a warm-mist humidifier but don’t need the added functionality of the higher-end hybrid Levoit LV600S, consider the Vicks V750. This humidifier has an easy-to-clean design; only six components need periodic cleaning, and three of those are dishwasher safe, saving you a bit of effort. Despite its relatively compact footprint, its humidification capacity is impressive, and it’ll do just fine within larger living rooms or open-concept apartments. While it’s a little noisier than the cool-mist units above, it’s still fairly quiet overall and won’t be much of a disturbance if you leave it running while you’re listening to music, watching TV, or even sleeping.
While it lacks a humidistat and Wi-Fi connectivity, it still has a few added convenience features. If you want a scented mist, add Vicks VapoPads to the built-in tray and a liquid inhalant to the medicine cup. This model also has an automatic off function to cut power once its tank is empty.