Best Humidifier: Mistify Your Space & Hydrate Your Skin
Are you in need of humidifiers? The best humidifiers use exciting technologies to moisturize the air and prevent dry sinuses. To ensure you make an informed decision, we have researched the best products so you can pick one that meets your needs or suits your style.
Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier - Premium Unit Lasts Up to 25 Hours with Whisper-Quiet Operation, Automatic Shut-Off, Night Light Function, and BPA-Free
Best overall
The Pure Enrichment MistAire is an ultrasonic air humidifier that dampens dry air for 25 hours. It has a 1.5l capacity for more coverage and activates its auto shut-off feature at low water levels.
Pros
- Ultrasonic cool mist technology for quick air damping
- Up to 25 hours of operation
- 1.5-liter tank capacity for better coverage
- It has an adjustable low-high speed setting
- Shuts off at low water levels
- Night light glow
Cons
- Frequent reports of leakage problems
- It may be a bit noisy
Review
This humidifier is an excellent product from Pure Enrichment. It efficiently reduces air dryness and balances the humidity level in your rooms to prevent sinus issues. To aid this, the product’s design features a mist nozzle that rotates 360 degrees.
This air humidifier employs ultrasonic cool mist technology to quickly dampen dry air wherever it is placed. The product is safe because its body is made from BPA-free ABS plastic.
Its 1.5-liter tank capacity holds enough water for better coverage of your rooms. However, depending on the level of air dryness in your room, you may find it more suitable for small to medium rooms. Further, the tank has an inlet that is wide enough to fill with kitchen or bathroom faucets easily.
It’s a plug-in humidifier, which ensures around-the-clock dry air moisturizing. It typically runs for up to 25 hours. This product also has adjustable speed settings, allowing you to switch from low to high or vice versa, keeping you in control of your room’s humidity level.
We like that it has an auto shut-off feature that turns the device off when the water level is low, and it has a little bulb that glows in the dark. The product is easily disassembled for refills and comes with a cleaning brush for easy maintenance.
Despite this device’s long list of merits, some clients have complained about leakage problems from the tank. Some also found the noisy operation of the motor and gurgling water sounds a demerit. The good news is a 5-year money-back guarantee covers the product to compensate dissatisfied clients.
Altogether, the Pure Enrichment MistAire is the perfect humidifier for small to medium rooms. You are sure to get value for your money with this device.
AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier (2.2L Water Tank) Quiet Ultrasonic Humidifiers for Bedroom & Large room - Adjustable -360 Rotation Nozzle, Auto-Shut Off, Humidifiers for Babies Nursery & Whole House
Runner up
With a 2.2l capacity, this AquaOasis HD-1 promises balanced humidity in your rooms for up to 24 hours. It also offers exciting features like a mist and nozzle adjuster for personalized performances.
Pros
- Ultrasonic humidifier
- 2.2 liters water tank
- Up to 24 hours of run time
- Mist and nozzle adjuster
- Auto shut-off
Cons
- High mist setting only lasts 6-8 hours
- Leakage problems
Review
With a 2.2-liter water tank, the AquaOasis HD-1 makes a good choice for medium to large rooms. It is an ultrasonic air humidifier that utilizes cool mist technology to moisturize dry air in whatever space it is placed in, so you can bank on its effectiveness.
Like most designs, it is filled through an opening below the tank and has a nozzle that distributes cool mist at the top. The nozzle can rotate 360 degrees to set it to your preferred angles via a knob on the product’s base. In addition, the mist level can also be adjusted, further ensuring even distribution of cool mist around the room.
While the manufacturers state the tank doesn’t need a filter, we would recommend you use distilled water regardless. The device’s auto shut-off feature is one you’d like. Whenever the tank is about to run out of water, the feature is activated, and your device shuts down temporarily until the next refill.
If you’re worried about maintenance, there’s a cleaning brush included in the product package for fast and easy cleaning. The makers of this product guarantee a run time of up to 24 hours on a full tank, but some users have claimed it barely lasts 6-8 hours on the lowest and highest mist levels.
Another demerit is that there were several reports of leakage problems from previous users.
Apart from the leakage problems, we think this humidifier is a good option for large rooms and does a great job eliminating dry air.
LEVOIT Humidifiers For Bedroom Large Room Home, 6L Top Fill Warm and Cool Mist for Whole House, Smart Wifi Alexa Control, Customized Humidity, Essential Oil, Sleep Mode, Timer, White,1.58 gallons
Best premium
With a large 6-liter tank, this LEVOIT LV600S is the perfect air humidifier for large rooms. It can run for up to 50 hours on its low mist level and supports voice and app control for seamless use.
Pros
- Voice and app control
- 6-liter tank capacity
- Cool and warm mist
- Up to 50 hours of use
- Quiet operation
- Easy fill from the top
Cons
- Its hygrometer is sometimes inaccurate
Review
The LEVOIT LV600S is an incredibly easy-to-operate humidifier with a large tank capacity that will moisturize your room’s dry air longer. This is the product for people who cherish convenient use and effectiveness.
Speaking of convenience, this device supports voice and app controls. You can download the VeSync app for free and sync it with your humidifier to control it from anywhere in the house or pair it with a third-party voice assistant like Alexa for voice control.
The app also allows you to personalize your device use; you can program it to work at a particular setting for your activities like home exercise or even night sleep.
With this product, you get dual mist settings; you can use the warm mist setting to warm up your space to prevent catching a cold or use the cold mist setting to dampen the air to prevent coughs.
With its 6-liter tank capacity, you are guaranteed a long operation time of up to 50 hours at the lowest mist setting. Unlike most tank designs, this product’s tank is easy to refill from the top. Considering its large size, we like that there’s a cleaning brush included in the package to reach the nooks and crannies of the product.
Our favorite feature of this device is its quiet mode of operation, and many users have attested to that fact. However, some users have complained about the inaccurate hygrometer readings, saying it sometimes reads less than the room’s humidity level.
For some extra money, this would be a great purchase that will not only deliver outstanding results but you will also enjoy how convenient it is to use with its smart controls.
GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifiers 250ML - USB Desktop Humidifier for Plants, Office, Car, Baby Room with Auto Shut Off & Night Light - Quiet Mini Humidifier (Black)
Best for home office
The GENIANI Humid-016 is a compact, budget-friendly air humidifier with an impressive design. Its 25ml tank is adequate for small areas and uses ultrasonic technology to dampen dry air in rooms.
Pros
- Bargain price
- 250ml capacity
- Dual mist modes
- Portable design
- Auto shut-off
Cons
- No 360-degree nozzle
- Leaves dust wherever it is placed
Review
For a low price, you can get this sleek, portable humidifier manufactured by Geniani. It has a simple yet impressive design that could pass off as a nightstand decor; it also has a night light, making this even more fitting.
In terms of efficiency, it works in ultrasonic mode, dampening the air in your rooms. At first glance, its 250ml tank capacity appears on the low side, but remember, it is a portable device best suited for small spaces. For instance, you can place it in your car’s cup holder or work table to humidify those areas.
This device has a run time of up to 8 hours, which is pretty okay considering its tank size. It is corded and uses a USB cable for fast recharges.
You will find a button on its right side for switching mist levels from continuous to intermittent mode. We like that these two modes allow you to regulate the humidity distributed to the room based on the level of air dryness.
As expected, its tank is easily refilled by turning the black upper part clockwise to unfasten it. And the product is designed to cut off operations when it detects low water levels, all courtesy of the auto shut-off feature.
Citing some user reports, the product leaves covered in white or gray dust wherever it is placed. Likewise, some have complained about the nozzle’s lack of a 360-degree feature, which has them manually placing it in their preferred directions.
Overall, this is a good low-cost product that offers you more than its price, and we think it would be an excellent addition to your nightstand.
50-Hour Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers for Bedroom (6L) - Quiet, Filterless Humidifiers for Large Room w/ Essential Oils Tray - Small Air Vaporizer for Baby, Kids & Nursery - Everlasting Comfort
Our last choice
For long-lasting operations, this Everlasting Comfort Humidifier is the way to go. You are guaranteed a run time of up to 50 hours with a 6-liter tank and a fragrance oil tray for a sweet smell.
Pros
- Run time of 50 hours
- 6-liter tank
- Fragrance oil tray
- Adjustable mist distribution
Cons
- Some reports of tank leaks
- The tank has to be turned upside down for refills
Review
The Everlasting Comfort Humidifier is a good option for people who don’t have time for frequent tank refills. The device’s 6-liter tank can last up to 50 hours with a single refill and covers room sizes up to 500 sq. ft.
The device is constructed using plastic and employs ultrasonic technology to reduce the air dryness in the spaces in which it is placed. That’s not all. The product has a fragrance oil tray that combines with the cool mist to make your space smell nice while humidifying it at the same time.
Its near-silent operation is one to love as it allows you to get a good sleep and can be used in nurseries. Furthermore, there’s an auto shut-off feature that cuts operation at low water levels preventing noise and damage to the device.
As for the controls, there’s a knob to turn the device on/off and adjust the mist levels. If you like having a night light in your room, it emits a little blue light at the proper brightness.
In terms of maintenance, the device is filterless, which saves you the cost and stress of replacing filters, and is easy to clean. However, some users claim refilling the tank is not convenient as the tank has to be unscrewed and turned upside down. There were also some complaints about leakages from previous users.
Regardless, we think the Everlasting Comfort Humidifier is a product that works well and will be a good investment if you seek long operation hours.
Humidifier buying guide
Humidifiers play a vital role in dampening dry air in your rooms during any season. To make certain you make the best decision while shopping for one, we have provided features to look for, how it works, maintenance, and more in this buying guide.
What is a humidifier?
A humidifier is a device that eliminates or reduces air dryness by introducing moisture into the air. This device is handy for preventing skin or nasal dryness and irritation during any season, especially winter. It also helps to relieve symptoms associated with cold or flu, such as cough, runny nose, or blocked nose.
Humidifiers’ work differ based on the type. An ultrasonic air humidifier, for instance, works by using high-frequency vibrations to convert water in its tank (usually distilled water) into cool mist, which is then released into a room through its nozzle. Some humidifier nozzles have a 360-degree feature, allowing even distribution around the room.
What are humidifiers used for?
You can use humidifiers to relieve the following:
- Blocked or bloody nose
- Dry cough
- Dry or sore throat
- Dry throat and skin
- Cracked lips
Types of humidifiers
There are five main types of humidifiers, which all provide the same results but in different ways. They are detailed below.
Steam vaporizers
Steam vaporizers are powered by electricity and operate by heating and cooling water before blowing it into the air. Due to their portable sizes, they can be bought in neighborhood stores and are very affordable. However, they are only suitable for adult rooms because the boiling effect makes them hot and may cause burns if touched.
Impeller humidifiers
Impeller humidifiers work by using high-speed rotating disks to dampen dry air. Unlike steam vaporizers, they are affordable and can be used in children’s rooms as they do not cause burns.
Central humidifiers
This humidifier type is designed to humidify a whole building. This is achieved by incorporating the humidifier into a building’s heating or air conditioning system. Central humidifiers are very expensive to buy, install, and maintain.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibration to produce cool or warm mist. They are primarily portable and suitable for single rooms. The humidifier’s tank size determines the space you can place it in; a small tank size would go in a small room and vice versa.
Evaporators
Evaporators use fans to distribute moisture via a wet filter, belt, or wick. However, they may sometimes over-moisturize the air, increasing the possibility of mold growth, which may be an issue for asthmatic people. They are relatively cheaper than central humidifiers.
What should you consider before buying a humidifier?
The essential features and factors you should consider before purchasing an air humidifier are described below.
Tank capacity
The ideal humidifier tank capacity depends on your needs, room size, or preference. The tank capacity determines how much water it can hold, the volume of moisture it can send into the air, the room size it can cover, and how often you would have to refill.
Portable devices like ultrasonic humidifiers can range from 250ml to 6-liter tank size, while central humidifiers can hold up to 23 liters. If you don’t have time for frequent refills, a considerably large tank will be your best bet. However, make sure the tank capacity is not too big for your room size as this may cause condensation on windows and walls which can invite mold growth.
Run-time
The run-time of an air humidifier depends on its tank capacity. The bigger the tank capacity, the longer its run-time. You can get between 24-50 hours of run time with a 6-liter tank, while a 2-liter tank can get you up to 24 hours of run-time.
Another contributing factor is the mist setting. A low mist setting will typically last longer than a high mist setting. A product’s run time is usually stated in its description, so you can easily check that.
Cold mist vs. warm mist
Cold mist humidifiers are more commonly used than their warm mist counterparts. The former is used to humidify the air and has better efficiency than the latter. However, the decision is based entirely on your needs. If you want to heat your room during cold weather, you can opt for warm mist units. Some products also offer both options, so if you want both, these types of products are your best bet.
Adjustable mist level
The device you’re looking at should offer adjustable mist levels, so you have options. This is particularly important because air dryness changes depending on the weather or season, so you should be able to adjust the mist level to balance the room humidity. This factor is also important because a high mist level may not be suitable for a small room and vice versa. Being able to adjust the mist levels keeps you in control of your room’s humidity.
Manual vs. smart control
A manual control air humidifier typically uses knobs or buttons to turn the device on/off or adjust the mist settings from low to high. A smart control, however, allows you to do these via an app or voice control. That way, you can be several feet away from your device and still be able to control it.
Quiet operation
You should ensure the product works quietly or near-quiet, especially if you’re getting it for your bedroom or baby’s nursery. Most ultrasonic humidifiers work silently, so be on the lookout for that when shopping.
Safety
The device should be constructed with safe, non-toxic materials. If it is made from plastic, check to ensure it is BPA-free and FDA-approved. Likewise, the device should have an auto shut-off feature that cuts off operation at low water levels to prevent accidents or damage to the device.
How to clean and maintain a humidifier
Following these steps, you can regularly clean your portable air humidifier to prevent mold growth or bacteria:
- Unplug the device
- Empty the tank and use the cleaning brush (most units come with one) and hydrogen peroxide solution or vinegar to scrub it clean. Rinse thoroughly and leave to dry.
- Wipe the body clean with a towel soaked in vinegar and again with a wet towel. Finally, wipe with a dry towel.
To maintain your device, make sure to
- Always use distilled water
- Avoid extremely high humidity levels to prevent mold growth
- Place in a dry area
- If it uses a filter, replace it regularly.
