Top 10 Best Humidifiers in 2022

The best humidifiers

Feeling dry?

The winter season brings with it dry air, which can cause dehydration, nasal congestion, dry skin and more.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to add moisture to your indoor air. One of these is installing a humidifier. These handy appliances kick the unpleasant dryness out, providing a more comfortable place to live in.

Not sure of which humidifier to buy? We’ve got you covered. Outlined below are reviews of highly-rated humidifiers along with a detailed guide to help you find the perfect unit.

Have you been debating whether you really need a humidifier? Well, if you’re not entirely convinced yet, here are several perks you stand to gain from buying one:

Curbs the spread of airborne diseases

Did you know that high humidity levels help to lower the infectivity rates of influenza? That’s right.

Based on a study carried out in 2013, the infectivity rate of this disease ranges from 70 to 77% when the moisture levels are less than 23%. Raising the humidity to more than 43% reduces this infectivity rate to just 14 to 22%.

This proves that the virus responsible for influenza thrives in dry conditions. So if you want to curb its spread, investing in a humidifier is the way to go!

Relieves dry skin

Here’s another fun fact: when the air is overly dry, it starts to draw moisture away from our bodies. This is not too surprising if you account for the fact that 50 to 60% of the human body comprises water.

Once the dry air pulls away moisture, your skin becomes dry, and your lips may become chapped too.

Luckily, installing a humidifier in your space can counter this effect. It increases the amount of moisture present in air; hence, prevents your skin from drying out.

Alleviates allergy and asthma symptoms

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, it’s in your best interest to invest in this handy appliance. Here’s the deal, increasing moisture helps to soothe the tissues in your nose and throat. In doing so, it alleviates the symptoms that would come about if the air was dry.

With correct moisture levels, you won’t have to worry about symptoms such as:

• Runny nose
• Sinus congestion
• A dry and itchy throat
• Coughing
• Nose bleeds

Minimize snoring

If your snoring is usually caused by blocked airways, there’s a good chance that setting up a humidifier can help to correct that habit. This unit aids with loosening the mucus that impedes your airway, and as a result, gets rid of the nasal congestion that causes you to snore.

Best overall

Finding a humidifier that has a nice selection of features without breaking your bank can be somewhat difficult. But the Pure Enrichment MistAire proves otherwise. Not only is it low-priced but it has everything you’d want in such an appliance.

The MistAire is equipped with a 1.5-liter water tank, which is on the smaller side. But it manages to provide a continuous operation for at least 25 hours.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, it’s suitable for use in bedrooms. This is thanks to its night light fixture that emits a soothing glow. And if you don’t like it, you have an option of switching it off.

The one thing you might not like is the mechanism for adjusting its settings. If you wish to switch from low to high, you have to press the dial on the unit twice. This can be difficult to figure out if you don’t have previous experience with such a unit.

Best premium

There are homeowners who are interested in humidifiers with cutting-edge features. If this sounds like you, you’ll be pleased with the design of Hupro 771. From a humidistat to an essential oil diffuser, this unit has it all.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this humidifier has a class, contemporary design. It’s available in a matte black color that’s sure to draw attention to itself. Plus, it comes with a remote, enabling you to control functions from a distance.

Its 6L water tank allows it to moisturize spaces that are up to 500 sq.ft. It’s energy-efficient too thanks to the 12-hour timer that’s included. It means you can set the unit to operate continuously for 12 hours after which it turns off automatically to save energy.

Considering that Hupro 771 offers premium features, it’s not surprising that it has a hefty price tag as well. Luckily, it’s also backed by a 1 year warranty.

Best for baby

Not every humidifier that’s ideal for using in a home is suitable for a baby’s nursery.

For such a space, you’ll want to invest in a unit with a whisper-quiet operation, a 360° nozzle spray, and user-friendly design. The AquaOasis cool mist humidifier checks all these boxes and more.

This humidifier comes with a massive 2.2-liter water tank. This allows the unit to run continuously  for more than 24 hours. The most convenient thing about this feature is that it prevents you from having to walk into your baby’s room in the middle of the night to refill it.

You will also be impressed with the 360° nozzle, which allows you to direct mist in a specific direction. It means you can configure it in such a way that prevents it from directing the mist directly to your toddler’s crib.

However, the manufacturer recommends users to avoid using hard water with the unit. If you have hard water, you’ll have to find a way to soften it before adding it to the humidifier.

Best affordable

One reason homeowners cite for not investing in humidifiers is pricing. But if you look keenly enough, you’ll find some pretty affordable models that don’t skimp on quality.

A good case in point is Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier that’s priced at under $30. Interestingly, it has features that are present in higher-priced models.

For instance, its water tank capacity is 2.2L, which makes it bigger than that of the AquaOasis and Pure Enrichment MistAire.

It also boasts a 360° nozzle along with the capability to adjust the mist output. The fact that it uses ultrasonic technology is another thing you’re sure to love. This enables it to operate quietly even when it’s running on its highest setting.

Still, some buyers feel that it lacks advanced features like the ability to produce a cool and warm mist. For the price though, the Magictec humidifier is a worthy buy.

Best for bedroom

If you’re looking to install a humidifier in your bedroom, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better unit than Geniani.

Right out of the gate, you can tell that this humidifier has a top fill design. This is a handy feature to have as it enables you to refill easily without spilling.

The fact that it has a night light fixture is another aspect that makes it suitable for a bedroom. It emits a soft glow, helping to reduce eyestrain.

This appliance also has a generous water tank capacity of 4 liters. However, its runtime is rated as 18 hours, which some homeowners find to be short.

On a more positive note, Geniani is one of the few humidifiers that’s equipped with an intelligent sensor. This element is designed to detect the moisture levels and adjust the settings accordingly.

Best for large rooms

Do you reside in an area that experiences a very dry climate? If you do, you’ll need to purchase a humidifier that can service an entire home or large-sized spaces.

In that regard, Elechomes SH8820 is the most suited humidifier for this application. It’s equipped with a giant 5.5L water tank, allowing it to provide a coverage of up to 755 sq.ft.

The best part is, it utilizes advanced ultrasonic technology, which produces very little noise. The unit even has a screen-off mode, which is ideal if you plan to set it up in your bedroom.

Contrary to other humidifiers that only produce cool mist, Elechomes SH8820 can produce a warm mist as well. This makes it well-suited for using all-year-long.

However, you’ll need to pay a premium price for its investment. Its price hovers around the $100 mark, making it quite expensive.

Best for allergies

Whether you’re struggling with a cold or some serious allergies, one thing that can aggravate your condition is dry air. To combat this, consider purchasing a high-quality humidifier like Levoit LV600HH.

Like Elechomes SH8820, this one also boasts a gigantic tank with a capacity of 6 liters. This enables it to provide a continuous operation for up to 2 ½ days. Better yet, it can service spaces as big as 753 ft².

Another similarity it shares with Elechomes is that it generates either a cool or warm mist. This means you can choose your preferred mist depending on the climatic conditions in your surroundings.

Unfortunately, this humidifier costs a fortune. It’s just slightly cheaper than Elechomes. So before purchasing it, examine your needs and determine whether a high-priced humidifier like LV600HH will benefit you.

Best portable

Looking for a compact but powerful model that you can carry with you wherever you go? Check out Movtip Mini Humidifier.

It measures 3.74 by 5.07 inches, meaning it’s small enough to travel with it. Despite its size, this unit is not too limited in what it can do. It comes with a 500mL water tank, providing a runtime ranging from 6 to 12 hours.

One area where the unit truly shines is in being user-friendly. It has a single button, making it incredibly easy to operate. Pressing the button once gets it to run for 6 hours whereas pressing it twice keeps it running for up to 12 hours. There’s even an automatic shut-off feature for maximum safety.

The only deal-breaker with this unit is that it cannot service larger rooms. Due to its size and water tank capacity, it’s best used in a small space.

Best for dry air

Want to invest in a humidifier that will work hard to counter the effects of dry air? Look no further than Levoit Classic 200 Ultrasonic Humidifier. While it’s not as versatile as the LV600HH we looked at earlier, it has a couple of impressive features.

First off, this unit is small, and compact making it easy to set up in tight spaces. Better yet, you’ll have the freedom to choose between a blue and gray version, so you can find one that blends nicely with your decor.

More importantly though, this humidifier is super easy to clean. Its 4L water tank has a large opening, which makes it easy to refill and clean. You will also love the color changes that notify the specific mode it’s operating in.

One area that requires a bit of improvement entails the level of moisture it adds to air. According to some buyers, it has a tendency to over saturate a room so you’ll have to monitor it closely to prevent this.

Best for dry nose

One of the greatest benefits of a humidifier is that it helps to relieve nasal congestions. The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist  is not only good at this job but it also manages to look good while doing so. It has one of the most aesthetically appealing designs, making it a superb addition to any space.

There are a few other features you’ll love about this unit, such as its 6L water reservoir. Thanks to this, it’s estimated to last a whopping 50 hours. In terms of coverage, it’s designed to service a 500 sq. ft. space.

Another standout feature of Everlasting Comfort entails its whisper-quiet operation. Its noise level is 30dB, meaning it operates very quietly. Furthermore, it’s filterless so you’ll never have to worry about the cost of replacing this element.

The only flaw in this unit is the lack of handle that would otherwise make it very easy to carry around.

What to look for in a good humidifier

Humidifiers aren’t created equal. As such, not every unit will be suitable for your home or a given space. If you’re struggling to narrow down your options, here are a few points you should consider:

Type of humidifier

The first thing you should figure out is the type of humidifier to go for. In that regard, there are four main varieties:

Warm mist vs. Cool mist

Warm mist humidifier:

As implied in the name, this unit releases moisture into the air in the form of warm steam.

Usually, the steam is noticeable, and it’s not any different from the steam that is released when boiling water.

Wondering how it works? Well, a warm mist humidifier always includes a heating element, which is responsible for boiling the water added to the tank.

Such a humidifier doesn’t need a fan since the resulting generates enough pressure to force the mist out and into the atmosphere.

Warm mist humidifiers are the best choice for homeowners who suffer from colds, and sinus congestions. However, they’re not the safest to use for households with kids. According to Mayo Clinic, the steam poses a scalding risk if a toddler were to get too close to the appliance.

Cool mist humidifier:

With this type of humidifier, the kind of mist emitted into the air is either at room temperature or slightly cool.

It’s the best humidifier to use if you live in an area with hot, arid climatic conditions. It’s also suitable if you have young kids who require relief from stuffy noses.

Important to note is that a cool mist humidifier doesn’t have many parts to it. This makes it cheaper to purchase and run. So if you’re looking to buy a humidifier on a budget, look for a cool mist model.

Ultrasonic vs Evaporative cool mist humidifiers

If you thought the only decision you have to make is between a cool and warm mist, you thought wrong. If you’ve settled on a cool mist version, you’ll also need to decide between ultrasonic and evaporative designs.

The difference between these two lies in their working mechanisms. An ultrasonic model employs a vibrating element to produce water droplets.

The vibrating part generates vibrations at a high ultrasonic frequency. It is these vibrations that are responsible for breaking the water molecules apart and turning them into a fine mist.

A big advantage of an ultrasonic humidifier is that it lacks a fan. This allows it to operate quietly, meaning it’s suitable for light sleepers.

Meanwhile, an evaporative model comprises three key parts: a water tank, wick and fan. As soon as you add water to the reservoir, it’s absorbed by the wick, which pulls it in an upward direction.

Noise

While it’s not the first factor you’ll consider, it’s just as important as the type of humidifier.

If you’re looking for a unit that will barely make any noise, your best options are warm mist and ultrasonic varieties. Cool mist and evaporative tend to be on the louder side because they utilize fans when blowing moisture into air.

So before making the decision to purchase a given humidifier, inquire about its noise level. Alternatively, you can go to a brick and mortar store and have it tested.

Water tank capacity

Another feature you’ll want to keep in mind entails the capacity of the water reservoir. This will have a large impact on how long the unit can run before requiring a refill.

At the small end of the scale, we have small humidifiers equipped with ¼ to 1 ½-liter water tanks. Most of these units are compact enough to fit in an auto cup holder and feature a USB plug-in power connection. The longest they can operate on a single fill is about 12 hours.

On the other end of the scale, we have humidifiers whose tank capacities range from 5.5 to 6 liters. These provide the longest runtime with some being capable of running for up to 3 days on a single fill.

Coverage

Apart from the water tank capacity, another metric you should look for is the recommended coverage.

Humidifiers with mid-tier prices are designed to tackle rooms with an area of 200 to 500 sq.ft. These should be adequate for moisturizing a bedroom or living space.

Meanwhile, the more expensive, and bigger-sized units are best suited for large homes, preferably, those with open-concept layouts to facilitate proper airflow.

Now, the best way to approach this is to measure the dimensions of the specific space where you’re looking to install the appliance.

This way, you won’t end up buying the wrong sized unit for your space. If you pick one that’s too small, it may not be competent at moisturizing your entire space. However, if you pick one that’s too big, you risk the growth of bacteria and mildew in your setting.

Ease of cleaning & maintenance

Staying on top of your humidifier’s cleaning and maintenance schedule is imperative to ensuring that it works effectively.

Unfortunately, not every unit is easy to clean. Some have quirky designs, making it difficult or impossible to access certain spots when cleaning.

This issue is particularly common among tear-shaped humidifiers. Though they’re aesthetically appealing, they can pose a challenge when it comes to cleaning. Want to know whether a given humidifier is easy to clean? Read reviews from other customers.

On the same note, confirm whether the humidifier is one that uses filters. If so, check whether these filters are easily available and how difficult they are to change.

Safety features

For the best performance, it’s also crucial to check whether the unit has the necessary safety features.

There are two key safety elements. One is an auto shut-off feature and the other, a humidistat. The first is meant to shut off the unit automatically once it runs out of water. This helps to prevent a potential breakdown.

A hygrometer, on the other hand, determines whether your space has reached the preferred moisture levels. Once it does, the humidifier shuts off to avoid over saturating the air.

Diffuser

If you want to enjoy the perks of aromatherapy, a humidifier that’s equipped with a diffuser could benefit you. This component will help to disperse essential oils throughout your home while also adding moisture at the same time.

FAQ

Final verdict

Before purchasing a humidifier, there are a few points you should consider. For one, you should decide the specific type of humidifier to go for. Choose between warm mist, cool mist, evaporative and ultrasonic.

You should also think about the water tank capacity, the size of your room/home, ease of cleaning, safety features and budget. In our post, we’ve reviewed the best humidifiers that meet different needs, to help you find the perfect one for you.