The 12 Best Humidifiers, Tested by BHG

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Banish dry throat and chapped lips with our top picks.

Jessica Comstock is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens with over 5 years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content. She currently covers home and garden products, specializing in cleaning products, small appliances, and more.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Whether you are dealing with a common cold, dry skin, or want to keep your houseplants happy, a humidifier is a small yet helpful appliance that can help with all of it.

"Humidifiers can have benefits for several dermatologic conditions, including dry skin and eczema, and conditioning the nasal passages and throat when the air is dry," says Dr. Erum Ilyas, MBE, FAAD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.

But before purchasing a humidifier, you'll want to consider a few key differences to make the right choice for your home. One of the most important factors is the type of humidifier. Ultrasonic models, which are some of the most popular on the market, utilize vibrations to release visible mist into the air. These tend to be easy to use and care for, but can create a white dust on surrounding surfaces. On the other hand, evaporative humidifiers use a wick filter to release moisture without visible mist or layers of dust. However, they tend to require more upkeep with filter replacements.

We also recommend considering which features will be most useful in your daily life. In our tests, we found app connectivities, timers, auto modes, and internal hygrometers to be some of the most helpful, but you may also value features like nightlights or warm mist settings.

To find the best humidifiers, we tested 50 models in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa and in our own homes. We evaluated each option based on six categories: setup, effectiveness, design, size, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

To learn more about how we tested humidifiers, check out our testing process below.

This humidifier is effective, quiet, and easy to use.

The instruction manual overcomplicated the setup process.

After testing 50 models, the Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier is our best overall choice. During lab testing, we worked near the humidifier and noticed a significant difference in the air’s humidity after just 30 minutes. After three hours on the high setting, the humidity in the 186-square-foot room increased by 42%, one of the biggest increases we measured. Our nose felt less dry and the essential oils we added filled the room with a pleasant—not overwhelming—scent.

The instruction manual includes a diagram that made the setup appear more complicated than it turned out to be. Setting up the device took us less than five minutes and just a few steps to complete.

We were pleased that the device was quiet, even on the high setting. The device doesn’t have a nightlight and we found the amount of mist it released to be minimal, so we’re confident it won’t be a bedtime distraction.

While this humidifier doesn’t have a standout design, we appreciated the clear water tank that makes it easy to keep track of when it’s time to refill. The flip-top design makes it simple to fill with water and add essential oils, and the small size allows it to fit under most bathroom faucets for easy cleaning and filling. The reservoir doesn’t have any small crevices for buildup to hide, and we were pleased that there wasn’t any limescale after letting water sit in the tank overnight.

The humidifier continued to be effective and easy to use after six months of regular use. The water tank lasted us two nights on a medium low setting, and refilling was easy as it fit in our bathroom sink. With proactive weekly cleanings, we haven't noticed any mineral buildup, despite using tap water.

Three washable parts—lid cover, water tank, and oscillating arm—eliminate the need for disposable filters.

There is no indicator light or tank visibility to show when the water level is low.

The Carepod One is a sleek, almost stylish pick with a few special features that make it worth the splurge. Developed by a doctor, this option puts special emphasis on sterilization for better air quality. It has a very simple, intuitive design that puts it above other humidifiers we tested.

Instead of a disposable filter, it features a removable oscillator, water tank, and lid cover—the oscillator can be washed by hand with soap and water, and it’s recommended to soak the other pieces in boiling water to sterilize them. While the humidifier is certainly on the expensive side, we appreciate that it saves on filter costs down the line. We found no bacteria cultures present after testing, which impressed us considering the rooms we tested in had not recently been deep cleaned.

We detected a noticeable difference in the room’s moisture level in as little as five minutes, and though there was a vapor cloud, we didn’t find it to be as cold as some other cool mist models. The Carepod is also very quiet, with no discernible sound from the mist, though we did pick up on a steady drip that might be distracting if you’re using it in your bedroom.

Operation is simple, with just three buttons for power, mist, and the timer. The humidifier automatically turns off when the water level is low, though there is no visual indication of how much water is left in the tank without lifting up the lid to look inside—a detail we would have appreciated, especially considering the price.

We continued testing the Carepod in our bedroom over six months and we’re still happy with its effectiveness and ease of use. While we haven’t had the chance to use the device daily as we’ve been testing it at home during the spring and summer, we found the unit especially helpful when we caught a cold: our throat felt less scratchy and dry after using the humidifier overnight.

We also appreciated that the water lasted multiple nights so we didn’t have to regularly refill the tank. However, we did need to place the device on a shelf 10 feet from the bed as we found it too powerful for a nightstand humidifier.

This was by far one of the quietest humidifiers we tested.

A decorative cover adds an extra layer you need to remove when refilling the tank.

The best cool mist humidifier is the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier 6L. With a capacity of 1.5 gallons, it’s a great option for a larger room (up to 500 square feet) and, during our tests, it easily ran for a full 8 hours on the highest setting without needing a refill.

While it isn’t our fanciest pick, the humidifier gets the job done without much fuss, and it doubles as a diffuser thanks to an essential oil tray—always a nice feature to have. It’s also super quiet, especially for such a big model, one of the quietest humidifiers we’ve tried. The humidifier didn’t increase the humidity levels quite as dramatically as some models, but we still felt a noticeable difference in moisture level and temperature.

A dial mechanism makes it easy to switch settings, while an LED light can double as a night light. Since it’s only cool mist, expect to feel the room get a bit colder after it’s been running for a little while, which could be a positive or a negative depending on the user. There’s no filter, so you only have to worry about cleaning the water tank and the base.

One complaint we had about the design revolves around the decorative cover that goes over the top. In order to refill the tank, the water reservoir needs to be flipped upside down, and since the decorative cover does not lay flat, the tank won’t stand up unless that part is removed. We found it a bit clunky. There was one small bacterial colony (smaller than a pinky fingernail) found during the bacterial culture test, which was not unusual, but does emphasize the importance of regularly cleaning your humidifier.

Throughout our six months of testing the humidifier at home, we felt it helped to prevent dry skin and sinuses. We used the device in two bedrooms and found that the device, even on its lowest setting, was almost too powerful for the room. When using the humidifier on the medium to high settings, the air felt too moist and we found some items feeling damp. Because of this, we think the humidifier is best suited for larger and more open rooms, like a living room.

Besides its strength, we haven’t had any troubles with the humidifier. Even when we used tap water instead of the recommended distilled water, we didn't notice any limescale. However, we did test the black model, which made it more difficult to spot buildup.

Control the humidifier remotely by connecting it to your smart device, and use the app to take advantage of extra features.

This humidifier held on to more bacteria during our tests than any other model.

Techies will appreciate the smart features available with the Levoit OasisMist. Not only is there a free app that lets you operate the humidifier remotely, it’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa. Use the app or voice controls to set timers, change the settings, and turn the machine on and off.

For such a tech-focused humidifier, we found it very easy and intuitive to operate. We especially appreciated the simple-to-use display panel. The humidifier is definitely clunkier than some others we tested, but we still found it to be relatively slim and attractive in person. It earned high scores for ease of setup, overall effectiveness, design, and value.

Cleaning wasn’t difficult—there are a few removable parts that can be cleaned separately and the tank is wide enough to reach into and wipe clean—but we did find that it held on to the most bacteria of any other model we tested. To keep it as clean as possible, we recommend wiping down the tank and other parts between each use and changing out the filter about once per month.

One of the coolest app features is geared specifically toward plant care. Create watering and fertilizing schedules, use the plant identification feature, and set reminders so you’ll never forget to give your plants some TLC again. This pick also lets you alternate between warm and cool mist, which is a nice option.

Overall, this option is full of special features without being overly complicated for the average user (though you do need a secondary device, like a smartphone or Alexa, in order to access them).

We used the humidifier once a week for six months and every time we turned it on, it felt like going to the spa. The quiet operation continued to impress us throughout the long-term testing period, and we were impressed with the water to vapor ratio. When filled to the top, the device can last nearly 12 hours, enough for a full night’s rest. We haven’t had any trouble cleaning the tank, and even though a bit of film forms around the base, it’s easy to wipe away.

We were impressed with how much water was still left in the tank after hours of use.

It was more difficult to disassemble and clean than other models we tested.

If you’re looking for a humidifier with a warm mist setting, we recommend the Dreo Humidifier 713S. This ultrasonic pick can switch between cool and warm mists up to 133°F at the touch of a button. We appreciated that the display changed color to indicate which mode it was operating on, which makes it easy to view at a glance. The warm mist created a cozy atmosphere, but it wasn’t extremely hot to the touch. We had to place our hand fairly close to the mist to feel the warmth.

The generous 6-liter water tank is plenty to last a full night. We were impressed by how much vapor the device emitted without needing a refill. Even after running on its high setting for three hours, the humidifier only lost five cups of water, leaving just over 20 still in the tank.

The humidifier has a modern design is one of the most sleek we’ve tested, and we appreciated that the water tank was clear for easy monitoring. While the vapor cloud was much more visible on this model compared to others, we didn’t notice it leave any residue on the table it sat on. There are lights on the display panel, but a sleep mode shuts them all off to provide a completely dark room before bed.

While operating the humidifier was easy, disassembly and cleaning did prove to be more challenging than other models we’ve tested. There are many parts: a top cover, water basin, a tall tube, and a drawer for the aromatherapy pads. The base also had multiple nooks and crannies and we were worried there were spots we couldn’t reach and missed.

When we cleaned the humidifier, it had only been on for a few minutes, but some parts were surprisingly warm to the touch. Because of this, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit after extended use before cleaning.

While using the humidifier at home, we appreciated the auto mode, which allowed us to set our preferred humidity. Compared to our external hygrometer, this device's internal reading was accurate. A full tank lasted us a couple of days, but this will depend on your home's humidity and the setting you choose.

We did have some mineral buildup occur between the tank and the base, but it was easy to wipe down between uses. The app notified us when it was time to clean the device, and we cleaned it about once a week. We enjoyed using the app to monitor and adjust the humidity level when we weren't home.

This small model puts out an impressive amount of mist given its size—we felt and saw the difference immediately.

Essential oils worked better (and smelled nicer) than the included VaporPads.

Our favorite humidifier for the bedroom is the Vicks 3-in-1 SleepyTime Humidifier. Given its size (it only holds 0.6 gallons or approximately 8 cups), we found that it increased the humidity in the room almost 15% on the low setting over three days. It would be the perfect choice for a nightstand or end table.

A few other features make this our pick for use in bedrooms. Number one is the color-changing night light, which would especially appeal to kids, but could also be nice for adults who like some visibility and mood lighting at bedtime. As a bonus, the night light made it easier to see the water line and assess how much was left in the tank.

The humidifier doubles as a diffuser and can be paired with essential oils or the included VaporPads. We found the VaporPads scent to be way too strong (they give off your classic medicinal Vicks scent) and preferred using essential oils—just three or four drops lasted all day without being overpowering. Even if you do like the scent of the VaporPads, the humidifier only comes with one, although you can buy additional pads.

Since the humidifier is one of the smaller models we tested, expect to have to refill it daily if you run it on high for a full night’s sleep. There were seven very small bacterial colonies found on the sample we took from inside the tank but no visible mold or buildup. While it’s slightly louder than some others we tested, we didn’t find the noise level to be disruptive.

While testing this device in our home, we didn’t find ourselves needing the humidifier every day. Luckily, this model isn’t one we would want to use daily anyway. Because of its small size, it has to be refilled every day and it didn’t last through the night when we set it on high. The small size was appreciated, though, since we could easily fill it in our bathroom sink instead of the bathtub like models we'd used in the past.

We think the humidifier is best suited for pulling out and placing on the nightstand when you or a family member are dealing with a cold. The device is still whisper quiet, and we think it would be a great pick for a nursery or kid's bedroom.

A night mode turns the digital display off completely, making this a great pick for light sleepers.

The remote control wasn’t as responsive as we’d like.

A quiet humidifier is important for a good night’s sleep, especially in a child’s bedroom or nursery. While the average decibel reading across the humidifiers we tested was 47.6 dBA, the Crane Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier measured just 40.1 dBA on its high setting. The lights in the conference room we tested the device in were louder than the humidifier.

Setting up the device was straightforward, and we found the instructions to be very clear and well-organized. Keep in mind, there is a ceramic ball filter you’ll want to clean and air dry before the first use, which can take up to six hours.

We put our hand over the warm mist to test its temperature and were pleased that it wasn’t dangerously hot. It took about 15 minutes for the mist to warm, but once it did we measured a noticeable difference in the room’s temperature.

The vapor cloud was unnoticeable on the low setting, and while we could see it on the higher settings, we didn’t see any mist settling on the surrounding surfaces. The mist cap rotates 360 degrees to adjust the direction of the mist, a feature we didn’t see on every device. The lights on the unit weren’t distracting, and there is a night mode to dim all the lights if you’re a light sleeper. However, we wish the light came with additional color options instead of just one.

The humidifier comes with a remote control, which we were initially excited to see. However, the remote wasn’t as responsive as we would have liked and we had trouble changing the settings from the remote, even when we were just a few feet away from the unit.

In our regular at-home use, the humidifier has continued to perform well. We haven't noticed any mineral buildup as we've kept up with cleaning. It is on the larger side, but the tank's handle makes it easy to carry to the sink. It only fit in our kitchen sink, not our bathroom's, so if your bedroom is far from the kitchen, you may want to use a pitcher to fill the tank.Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 500 square feet | Capacity: 1.2 gallons | Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 9.5 inches | Run Time: 24 hours | Mist Temperature: Warm and cool

This model exceeds its claims of a 25-hour runtime—even on the high setting, you should only have to refill every couple of days.

This humidifier works noticeably better on the higher setting.

Our favorite humidifier with an essential oil diffuser is the Levoit Dual 150 Cool Mist Humidifier. It doesn’t have many fancy features but functions well as both a diffuser and humidifier, creating a nice atmosphere for a bedroom, living room, or home office.

Setup for this model took only seven minutes from opening the box to getting it up and running with water and essential oils. We didn’t notice much change in the room’s humidity levels after eight hours on the low setting, but when we tested it on high, the impact was immediately felt.

Some humidifier/diffuser combos treat the second part as an afterthought, but the Levoit humidifier was equally effective at aromatherapy as well. Ten drops of peppermint essential oil lasted all day without becoming overpowering. The minty smell lingered inside the tank until we deep-cleaned the unit with vinegar, but we found no visible buildup of limescale or mold.

The water tank holds 3 liters, which is about 12 cups; during testing, we found that it lost only about 5 cups after eight hours on the high setting. The frosted glass of the water tank makes it a bit harder to see the water line, but we didn’t have much problem telling how much was left when we got up close.

We used the humidifier in a fairly large bedroom that measures 25 x 15 feet and found it effective over months of long-term testing. When running the device on its highest setting for 9 to 10 hours every night we only needed to fill the tank every two to three days. Lastly, cleaning the unit once a week was an easy task to keep up with thanks to the top-filling design.

This stylish humidifier has five mist settings, allowing you to customize the experience to a greater degree than other models.

While the water bucket is dishwasher-safe, the base has to be washed by hand.

If you’re looking for a humidifier to add moisture in a larger bedroom or living area, the Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist is a great choice. It comes in three chic, muted neutrals—dove gray, oat, and white—and is suitable for rooms up to 600 square feet.

This cool mist humidifier is compact and intuitive, with touch-sensitive buttons that illuminate when selected so you can see what mode it’s on at a glance. An adjustable mist spout rotates a full 360 degrees, allowing you to customize the flow, and there are five mist output settings.

While the brand boasts up to 24 hours of runtime, we did find that the water ran out much faster on the high setting. The humidifier automatically switched to the low setting to conserve water; while we appreciate the efficiency of this detail, we would’ve liked to see a full tank last a bit longer, especially considering that it’s a more expensive pick.

Details like a night mode that turns off all lights and a removable water bucket help this model stand out. Though the bucket is dishwasher safe, we found it easier to wash it by hand with soap and water, since the base needs to be cleaned this way anyway. The tank and filter showed no signs of buildup after three days of use, though it should still be regularly washed, and the filter changed every three months.

After six months of testing the humidifier in our home, we’re confident that it’s worth the investment. Despite its small footprint, we continue to be impressed with its vapor output. Throughout our testing, it ran overnight without any interruptions and we found that our sleep quality improved while using it. We did notice some residue on the tank, but not enough to warrant concern, especially because we weren't always careful to rinse the tank between every single use.

The Hey Dewy humidifier is wireless, meaning you can use it at the office and in the car—or wherever you need a moisture boost.

It can be hard to tell whether the intermittent or continuous setting is selected because there’s only one button.

If you work in a super dry office environment or simply want something you can take on the go, the Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier is the best portable humidifier. At 3 inches wide and 7 inches tall, it’s even smaller than some travel coffee mugs. Naturally this means you have to be sitting near the humidifier (2–3 feet away seems to be the sweet spot) to feel its effects.

This humidifier is extremely user-friendly. It’s totally wireless, plugs in to charge (it took about four hours to fully charge and has an eight-hour battery life), and there’s only one button to power it on and switch between the intermittent and continuous settings. Our one complaint is that it can be hard to tell which setting is selected because of the single button—we needed to wait to see if the mist would pause in order to tell.

While looks aren’t everything, we especially love the cute profile and distinctive color range of the Hey Dewy. A silicone base helps stabilize the humidifier on various surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over, whether it’s on your desk, nightstand, or even in a car’s cup holder. It’s easy to clean (we used a cleaning brush inside the tank), with a replaceable filter that can be purchased online in packs of three or five. No bacteria was detected during the culture test.

The mini humidifier proved useful for occasional needs throughout our long-term testing, like unexpected nosebleeds or colds. We liked that the device was just powerful enough for one person, especially for use in an office or with a partner who doesn’t want the extra humidity. When we weren’t using the device, we were able to stash it in our nightstand drawer, another perk that comes with the small size.

The only issue we faced during our six months of testing was an occasional clog in the nozzle, which took us a few minutes to unclog each time it happened. The device can also run while charging, but if it dies completely, we found it will take a few minutes to get power and start up again, similar to a phone or computer. Despite the few hiccups, we still think the humidifier is worth it, especially for travel or at a desk.

An incredibly quiet operation with the added benefit of a white noise effect makes this a great choice for a bedroom or baby’s nursery.

Special features are limited—there’s no automatic shutoff or timer settings.

Our top pick for the best evaporative humidifier, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier, earned high scores for design, effectiveness, and ease of setup and cleaning. It’s incredibly quiet, especially on the lowest setting, with a soft fan-like white noise effect that makes it a great choice for a bedroom or even a baby’s nursery.

Within the first hour of use, we noticed a two percent change in the humidity level in the room on the low setting, which steadily increased over three days of testing. There was no detectable vapor cloud, making this an extremely unobtrusive option that shouldn’t damage or warp any artwork or furniture placed nearby. Set-up is simple, thanks to clear instructions and a removable tank—aside from adding the water, it was pretty much ready to use straight from the box.

During our test, we appreciated how little water it used over the course of 8 hours—it only needs to be refilled about once every 24 hours on the low setting, though it conserved water well on the highest setting also. A transparent tank on the side allows you to see at a glance when the water level is low. Cleaning is also a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-friendly components. We noticed no limescale or mold buildup on the tank, though we still suggest cleaning the tank between uses.

While we were certainly impressed with the function of this humidifier and how quickly the humidity level of the room shot up (even on the low setting), it’s not the fanciest model. There are no special features like lights, automatic shutoff, or even a timer. But for ease of use, it really can’t be beat.

After its standout performance in our testing lab, we took this humidifier home to test in the real world and we’re still impressed after six months of regular use. During the dry winter months, we ran the humidifier every night in our kids’ room to help combat their nosebleeds.

The device proved effective as we noticed an uptick in nosebleeds whenever our kids spent the night in a room without it. Their sleep was never disrupted by the minimal noise produced by the device, and we loved the ability to pop most of the parts in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

We found the humidifier easy to clean, despite it’s larger size.

There isn’t a way to check how much water is left in the tank without taking the top cover off.

If you’re looking for an option that will complement, not detract from, your decor, the Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe Large Room Ultrasonic Humidifier is a solid pick. The device has an attractive design, and despite being larger than most of the models we tested at 20 inches tall, is still compact enough to fit comfortably on a side table.

Setting up the device was simple and took us less than two minutes. Once we began using the device, it was hard to notice a difference on the low setting, especially while sitting right next to the machine. After three hours, our hygrometer measured only a 4% increase in the room’s humidity.

However, we were impressed with the device’s performance on its high setting. The vapor cloud was noticeable, but i t didn’t add any condensation to the table the unit sat on. After three hours, we measured an over 45% increase in the air’s humidity two feet from the device and a 24% increase 10 feet away from the unit.

Cleaning the unit was simple thanks to its top-fill design. However, we wish there was a way to see how much water is left in the tank without lifting the lid. The operation was quiet on both settings we tested, so we’re confident this could be used in a bedroom without compromising sleep.

We used the humidifier nightly throughout the winter, and we immediately noticed a difference in our nasal dryness and nosebleeds. We recommend cleaning all humidifiers regularly, but this model especially required it, as we noticed a slime-like residue appear between uses. The device's cleaning reminder can sense when it needs to be cleaned, and it wouldn't allow us to start the humidifier if there was excess residue.

During our long-term test, we dropped the humidifier's tank which caused a small crack in the wall. While it didn't cause any leakage and is still usable, the thinner plastic side isn't the most durable option on our list.

For ease of use and simplicity that doesn’t sacrifice quality, the Vicks EasyCare+ Top Fill Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier is our top pick for the best humidifier. It’s quiet enough to use in a bedroom, simple to operate, and easy to clean.

We began testing humidifiers in March 2022 and have since spent almost 200 hours testing 50 different models at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We’ve also spent thousands of hours testing our top picks in our own homes to assess their value as long-term investments.

In the lab, we set up each humidifier and timed ourselves assembling the products based on the included instructions. From there, we used a predetermined methodology to score each humidifier between one and five in six categories: setup, effectiveness, design, size, ease of cleaning, and overall value. The final rating was determined by averaging each pick's scores across categories.

To measure the humidity change in the room, we used two hygrometers—one at 2 feet from the humidifier and one at 10 feet. We recorded the humidity level in the room on both hygrometers prior to turning the humidifier on, and then checked the results at one hour, four hours, and eight hours. This process was repeated on both the low setting and high setting for each model. We also performed a bacteria culture test on each model, collecting swabs from the inside of the tank at the beginning of the second day of testing on the high setting and leaving it to culture for 48 hours, then examining the sample.

After testing the humidifiers in our lab, we took the products home to test in our own homes over the course of six months. While testing the devices in our everyday lives, we noted their effectiveness in different room sizes and across seasons and temperature changes. We followed the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and noted any buildup or difficulties reaching into nooks and crannies. Lastly, we tested out the device's smart features, when available, to see if they added convenience to our routines.

We will continue to test our top picks at home and are regularly testing new and updated models in our lab. We will keep this article updated with our findings.

While shopping for a humidifier for your home, you may notice that humidifiers are typically classified in two categories: ultrasonic and evaporative.

Ultrasonic humidifiers use vibrations to create water vapor which release into the air. Typically, ultrasonic humidifiers do not have any heating element and provide a cool mist. This operation style is extremely quiet, which makes them great picks as a bedroom humidifiers or for use in a quiet office

Almost all ultrasonic models work without a filter, which means the cost of upkeep is less and cleaning the tank is typically easier since there are less parts. However, the lack of filter means the humidifier can release bacteria and allergens from the water into the air, so it’s best to use distilled water in these units. Some ultrasonic humidifiers, like the Crane Warm & Cool Mist Top Fill Humidifier, do include a filter to catch allergens. The Carepod One, our Best Splurge pick, is an ultrasonic unit that uses a removable oscillator to sterilize the water before it’s turned into vapor.

Evaporative humidifiers work by utilizing a fan to blow water through a wick filter. This process evaporates the water and pushes the mist into the air. Because evaporative humidifiers have more parts than ultrasonic models, they tend to be larger and trickier to clean.

Wick filters typically need to be replaced at least every three months, but if your home has hard water, you’ll need to change the filter more regularly. Our Best Evaporative pick, the Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier, recommends a filter change every 30 to 60 days.

A humidifier's tank capacity refers to how many liters (or gallons) of water the tank can hold. The amount varies by unit, with the average being anywhere from 2 to 6 liters. Those with higher tank capacities will also have longer running times, a detail to keep in mind if you want to use your humidifier for long periods of time, such as overnight.

In general, we did find that higher capacity tanks equaled longer run-times, but some humidifiers went through water faster than others. For example, the Vicks 3-in-1 Sleepy Time Diffuser only lost about 1.5 to 2 cups over eight hours of use, making 0.6 gallons (about 9 cups) go a long way.

Think about where you want to use your humidifier and what benefits you’re hoping to get from it. Room size is important, as it will tell you how effective a particular humidifier will be for a certain space. For example, the portable Hey Dewy requires you to be within a few feet to feel the impact, while our Best for Large Rooms pick, the Homedics TotalComfort Deluxe, can add moisture to rooms over 400 square feet large. In our experience, a larger tank capacity corresponds to a larger surface area covered by the humidifier.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Humidifiers run the gamut from extremely basic to packed with features. Most will at least have a high and low setting and sometimes continuous and intermittent mist settings. Other common features include a timer, night light, and essential oil diffuser. More advanced models may include even more options for mist output, additional features like an air purifier or fan mode, and energy-saving automatic shutoff. Some, like the Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier, have apps and are compatible with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa.

For the most part, we found that pricier models come packed with more features. But you don’t need to splurge in order to find one that performs all the standard humidifier duties well—many of our favorites are under $100.

Some humidifiers require more care and attention than others. They should be cleaned according to the instructions on a regular basis, ideally before each use, says allergist Omar Waqar, MD; otherwise, bacteria can flourish in such a moist environment. During our tests, we found the amount of bacterial growth inside the humidifiers varied drastically between models, which could have to do with the air quality in the room at the time, in addition to the humidifiers themselves. Models with filters require a bit more maintenance as the filters will need to be replaced about every three months.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

The Taotronics 4L Cool Mist Humidifier was one of the simplest humidifiers to set up of all the ones we tested—it was essentially assembled right out of the box. We were impressed with how quiet it was on all the settings and how well it increased the humidity in the room. That said, we found cleaning the tank to be a bit more difficult than we would have liked because the hole to access it is quite small.

While this Raydrop humidifier was very easy to set up and to use, it didn’t increase the humidity by much during testing, even on the higher setting. We also found it a bit challenging to clean; there’s a mist inlet that is too small to fit any standard cleaning tools.

If you’re able to splurge, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+ Cool Autoreact performed well and we appreciated that it’s an all-in-one unit with an air purifier, humidifier, and cooling unit. While it was effective, cleaning was bit more complicated than other models and because water collects on the top of the tank, it was impossible to move it without some leakage. While it was a strong performer in our tests, models that cost a fraction of the Dyson’s $800 price tag performed just as well.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

“Humidifiers can be helpful for people who have dry throat, dry nasal passages, even in patients who have dry skin, chapped lips, nose bleeds,” Waqar says. They may help with skin conditions associated with dryness, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), according to dermatologist Alison Ehrlich, MD, FAAD. Generally, the dryer the climate, the more useful a humidifier will be.

While you may be tempted to reach for a humidifier to help deal with allergies, Waqar points out that some common allergens, such as dust mites, actually thrive on humidity, and that a humidifier might make the problem worse.

Most humidifiers are safe to use around children, though Waqar recommends a cool mist humidifier if you have kids or pets to eliminate the chance of burns or injury due to the hot steam or heating element. Some humidifiers on this list, like the Vicks 3-In-1 SleepyTime Humidifier, have features like color-changing night lights and essential oil diffusers that might especially appeal to children.

Cool and warm mist humidifiers have similar benefits, so the best humidifier for you really comes down to personal preference, Ehrlich says. For example, if you run hot you may prefer cool mist, while warm mist might be nice if you have a drafty house. And for homes with kids or pets, warm mist humidifiers pose more of a safety risk due to the hot steam.

Jessica Comstock has been an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens since the spring of 2023 and is our resident humidifier and dehumidifier expert.

To write this article, she reviewed insights from our research and testing team who have conducted thorough lab testing of 50 humidifiers over the past two years. She also consulted Dr. Erum Ilyas, MBE, FAAD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, allergist Omar Waqar, MD, and dermatologist Alison Ehrlich, MD, FAAD to learn more about humidifiers.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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