The 12 Best Humidifiers for Getting Rid of Dry Winter Air (2024)

What We Tested

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: Up to 400 square feet | Capacity: 0.6 gallons | Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.5 x 8.6 inches | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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.

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 500 square feet | Capacity: 4 liters | Dimensions: 10.14 x 10.72 x 9.2 inches | Run Time: 30 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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.

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 500 square feet | Capacity: 1.5 gallons | Dimensions: 11.42 x 6.69 x 13.27 inches | Run Time: 50 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: Not listed | Capacity: 6 liters | Dimensions: 6.14 x 13.93 x 11.4 inches | Run Time: 60 hours | Mist Temperature: Up to 133°F

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.

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 250 square feet | Capacity: 0.6 gallons | Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.15 x 8.23 inches | Run Time: 24 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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.

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.

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 290 square feet | Capacity: 3 liters | Dimensions: 7.2 x 8.1 x 11.6 inches | Run Time: 25 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

If you’re looking for an option that will complement, not detract from, your decor, 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.

How It Performed After Six 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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 600 square feet | Capacity: 600 milliliters | Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.5 x 4.7 inches | Run Time: 24 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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.

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: N/A, meant for a small area | Capacity: 11.3 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 7 inches | Run Time: 8 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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.

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Evaporative | Room Size: 400 square feet | Capacity: 1 gallon | Dimensions: 9.3 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches | Run Time: 24 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

If you’re looking for a humidifier to add moisture in a larger bedroom or living area, 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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 426 square feet | Capacity: 1.47 gallons | Dimensions: 7.09 x 20.94 x 7.09 inches | Run Time: 70 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

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).

How It Performed After Six Months

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.

Product Details: Type: Ultrasonic | Room Size: 430 square feet | Capacity: 4.5 liters | Dimensions: 10.8 x 6.0 x 11.97 inches | Run Time: 45 hours | Mist Temperature: Cool

The Better Homes and Garden Team Tests Humidifiers