The 18 Best Humidifiers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorite is the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier

Alyssa Brascia is a commerce writer PEOPLE, covering beauty, fashion, home and lifestyle products. She has previously written commerce content for Dotdash Meredith brands such as InStyle, Shape, Southern Living and more during her time as the E-Commerce Editorial Apprentice while she was an undergraduate fashion student at Iowa State University. Her passions include fashion and beauty writing as well as makeup artistry and styling. You can find her on Instagram to follow along on her creative journey.

Cai Cramer is a Commerce Writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. Previously, Cai worked on the Digital Platforms team at PEOPLE after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. Cai loves to spend time outdoors no matter the weather, and she'll try any craft twice.

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PEOPLE / DERA BURRESON

If you've got a stuffy nose, sore throat, or parched skin, dry indoor air could be the culprit. Luckily, there's a simple solution. Enter: the humidifier, a device that draws on a tank of water to release a moisturizing mist into your space.

"Humidifiers can help soothe nasal passages and airways when [the air is] very dry," says allergist and immunologist Purvi Parikh, MD, of Allergy & Asthma Network. Ideally, indoor humidity levels should be somewhere between 40 and 50 percent, so when your furnace cranks out warm, dehydrated air in the winter months, a humidifier can add moisture back into the air.

We took our time testing over two dozen humidifiers in our lab to see which ones were worthy of the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval. We narrowed it down to those that were user-friendly, easy to clean, not an eyesore, and of course, moisturized the air appropriately.

These are the 18 best humidifiers PEOPLE Tested.

Amazon

This humidifier can be used in large spaces up to 500 square feet.

The noise level was so quiet that we could barely hear it at all.

It has smart capabilities, including a connected app and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home.

It’s user-friendly and has an easy-to-clean design.

The app controls aren't very helpful.

After trying nearly 30 models in the lab and at home, Levoit Classic 300S was a clear winner. Earning perfect scores in all our tests, this humidifier was easy to set up and incredibly user-friendly. You don't have to assemble anything — just fill the tank, turn it on, and you're good to go. We appreciated that the reservoir fills from the top, unlike others that you have to flip upside down, which can lead to spills.

This humidifier calls on ultrasonic technology to create an ultra-fine cool mist while making very little noise. So little noise, in fact, that we couldn’t even detect the faint hum of a fan — every light sleeper’s dream. The vapor appears immediately after pressing the power button. You can adjust how much comes out and tilt the nozzle in the direction you want it to flow. After letting it do its thing for a little while, we didn't notice any leakage or consequential condensation.

With a 6-liter tank, the Classic 300S can humidify spaces as large as 500 square feet — roughly the size of a small apartment or an entire great room — and run for up to 60 hours on the lower setting. Despite its generous capacity, the relatively compact design fits on a shelf, countertop, or desk and can be easily stored in a closet during the warmer seasons. It was also really easy to clean compared to others we tried.

This smart humidifier can be controlled remotely through a mobile app or with Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands. While we appreciate these forward-thinking features, the digital control panel on the device might actually be more convenient. Plus, the display shows your indoor humidity level and can be set to turn off automatically when it reaches a certain percentage.

Its modern and minimalistic design was a draw, too — we don’t love a clunky piece of machinery sitting out on our nightstands. All things considered, we think the price is more than fair and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this humidifier to just about anyone in the market for one.

How It's Held Up:

We continued to test the Levoit Classic 300S for an additional six months and continued to be impressed with the consistent stream of misty air and easy-to-fill water reservoir. As we’ve continued to use this humidifier, we realized that the touch screen might not be as easy of a feature to use as we once thought — we had some trouble knowing which settings to press to give us the results we wanted, especially when attempting to adjust the machine at night while we were feeling groggy. But, overall, we’d undoubtedly continue to recommend this humidifying machine as a consistent, high-quality device that hasn’t lost steam over time (pun intended).

Price at time of publish: $79.99

Dimensions: 13.5 x 9.5 x 7.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 6 liters | Coverage Area: 500 square feet

People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

Amazon

This is one of the best values for a humidifier compared to the rest that we’ve tested.

It can run for 20 hours between fills.

You have the option to add Vick VapoPads into the machine, which could be useful when you’re sick.

There are not many setting options compared to other humidifiers we’ve tried.

You may know Vicks for their classic VapoRub, but did you know their Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier could be just as helpful for stuffy noses and dry winters, too? This machine was one of our favorites due to its small size yet long lasting run time (it can go for up to 20 hours) and made a huge difference in our spaces as the weather cooled off.

We noticed a significant difference in both the moisturization of our skin and the state of our homes after using this humidifier through the fall and winter. Our dry skin was suddenly looking a lot healthier after incorporating this humidifier into our routines, and you have the option to add Vicks VapoPads into the machine if you come down with a seasonal cold or virus.

Though this model lacks bells and whistles (it only has one knob that adjusts the moisture output), it’s extremely effective. For the price, you can’t beat this one.

Price at time of publish: $34.99

Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 9.13 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 1.89 liters | Coverage Area: 538 square feet

Amazon

This humidifier’s portable, cordless design is great for on-the-go or desktop use.

It created a light, fine mist with an almost inaudible noise level.

It’s small enough to fit in a cup holder in the car.

This humidifier is very small, so it will only work for small space such as a desk area.

The cotton stick filter needs to be changed once a month, which felt like a bit of a hassle to us.

Interested in something more wallet-friendly? Check out the Geniani Erie — an affordable humidifier that’s extremely easy to use. Other than filling it with water and keeping the battery charged, there's not much to it. The included USB charging cable is kind of short, but you can use any USB cord with the right connector.

Once we turned it on, it took a minute or so for the mist to appear, and even then, it wasn't very visible and made virtually no noise. At 6 inches tall and about 4 inches in diameter, the super-compact, cordless design can be placed just about anywhere. Even after months of testing, we’ve found ourselves bringing this little machine all over the house with us. It even fits in a cup holder if you want to humidify your car during a long drive.

The Erie was easy to clean, but bear in mind you're supposed to change the cotton stick filter once a month. Since the water tank and coverage area (65 square feet) are really small, we think this is a good option to use on your desktop during your workday or potentially on your nightstand while sleeping.

How It's Held Up:

Over six months, we reached for the portable Geniani whenever we were sick, and it continued to perform as well as the first time we tried it. Throughout our additional testing, we carried the Geniani from room to room with us whenever we needed it and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient, portable humidifier.

Price at time of publish: $21.97

Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 0.25 liters | Coverage Area: 65 square feet

People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

Amazon

This humidifier is compatible with Vicks VapoPads and includes a medicine cup for inhalants to help clear sinuses.

The small, slim design can provide moisture to medium-to-large-sized rooms.

There are only two setting options to choose from.

With winter comes cold and flu season, and you’ll want a humidifier on your side to help combat any germs that you encounter during this time. The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier is your best friend when it comes to seasonal viruses, as the compact machine was made to be used in tandem with menthol vapor pads and includes a medicine cup for inhalants.

Though this machine is slim in size, it’s mighty enough to provide moisture throughout a medium to large-sized room. We didn’t experience any leaks or spills when filling this humidifier and found it easy to both use and store on a countertop due to its compact design. Its simplicity was one of the beauties of it (because really, who wants to mess around with technicalities when they’re sick), but it also could be a drawback for someone wanting to personalize and control the moisture in their space beyond “low” and “high” settings.

We concluded that this would be the one we’d be reaching for if we were feeling under the weather, thanks to its medicine-compatible capabilities and easy-to-use features, which are top of mind for anyone with the sniffles who wants to lay in bed.

Price at time of publish: $39.99

Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.38 x 10.63 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 3.7 liters | Coverage Area: 300-500 square feet

Walmart

It’s available in an assortment of animal shapes and looks adorable in a nursery.

The detachable tank was easy for us to refill.

It comes with two straightforward setting options.

The large design might not fit in smaller spaces.

It doesn’t come with any smart features.

Of course, any of these winners could be used in children’s rooms, but if you can make your humidifier cute, why wouldn’t you? The Crane Adorables Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier comes in the shape of an elephant, featuring a trunk as the nozzle and “feet” on the base. Other animal shapes are available as well — including a frog, monkey, sheep, and penguin. With its playful look, this machine is sure to blend in seamlessly with your child’s bedroom or playroom decor.

The humidifier came assembled, making our lives easier, and the tank detaches from the base to allow for easy refills without dragging the whole machine to the sink. We found that it’s a bit big to sit on a nightstand or shelf, but we think it could be great for a floor model or cribside stool. But no matter where you place it, you’ll get the soothing effects of the cool mist that it emits from its “trunk,” especially with its adjustable moisture levels — meaning you can turn the knob up for more mist, or down for a more subtle stream.

Though these are the humidifier’s only two settings (there’s no smart features, which means this is as technical as you can get), we figure that we don’t need as many flashy settings for a child’s humidifier. For the adorable look, effective functions, and reasonable price point, we think this is a great addition to any kid’s room.

Price at time of publish: $44.09

Dimensions: 12.8 x 6.38 x 10.63 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 3.7 liters | Coverage Area: 300-500 square feet

Amazon

This humidifier’s small, removable water tank was incredibly easy for us to refill.

It was so quiet while running that we almost forgot it was on.

The tank retains a considerable amount of condensation.

If you’re looking for a small, sleek humidifier that you can easily tote from room to room, the Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier is our top pick for you. During testing, we found that the tank was extremely easy to remove from the base and fill, in part due to its smaller stature. We appreciated the steady stream of mist that this humidifier consistently emitted, and it ran for a full 24 hours, as promised. However, its tank does seem to create and hold onto condensation during use, so this might cause problems in the long-term.

But even after a few months of use we’re still happy with the machine, especially on particularly dry days when that extra dose of moisturization is needed. We’d recommend this sleek model for smaller spaces because of its size and modern, black design — because if it’s going to sit out all day, you want it to look nice.

Price at time of publish: $19.98

Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.83 x 7.83 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 2.5 liters | Coverage Area: Not listed

Amazon

The 360-degree dual nozzles can be aimed in any direction to control mist flow.

It’s so quiet that we almost forgot it was on.

The modern, clean-lined design looks great sitting out on our counter.

The warm setting is not very warm — more like room temperature.

Some areas of the tank were a bit tricky for us to clean.

This modern option from Lasko is an excellent choice for those who like warm and cool mist. It was simple to set up and produced visible vapor as soon as we switched it on. And though the warm setting wasn't immediately noticeable (it's more like room temperature), it does feel different than the cool mode.

We like that you can set the mist intensity to low, medium, or high and point the 360-degree dual nozzles in any direction. It's also whisper-quiet and doesn't leave any dew on the surrounding surface. But unfortunately, this humidifier isn't the easiest to clean, as the corners and recessed edges are tricky to access — at least without special tools.

Still, we are big fans of the clean lines and high-tech appearance. And the 600-square-foot coverage area is among the largest of all the models we tested. All things considered, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a friend.

Price at time of publish: $81.98

Dimensions: 14.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 5 liters | Coverage Area: 600 square feet

Amazon

It has dishwasher-safe parts, so it’s easy to clean.

It’s very quiet on low and medium settings.

It includes an app so you can control the unit from another room with your phone.

This is one of the priciest options we tried.

It might be too large for shelf placement.

Interested in a device that cleans your air while moisturizing it? Check out the Boneco H300. With simple setup and a leak-free design, this air purifier-humidifier hybrid was a hit in the lab. Though it doesn't create visible mist, we could feel and hear the purified vapor come out of the top and sides. It's pretty quiet on the low and medium settings, but you can hear it more on the higher modes.

This air-purifying humidifier covers up to 540 square feet of space. Its rounded, boxy design has a modish, pared-down appeal and illuminates for nighttime use. The Boneco H300 is almost too large for shelf placement, but at 18.5 inches tall, it could work as a floor unit.

This was one of the easiest humidifiers to clean because of the wide tank mouth and dishwasher-safe parts, a huge plus in our book. However, the price is undoubtedly steep. If you see it on sale, we say go for it, but if not, it’s still worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $399.99

Dimensions: 18.5 x 11 x 11 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 4.5 liters | Coverage Area: 540 square feet

Walmart

The removable top can be filled with essential oils.

It’s small in size and runs very quietly, which was great for our bedside table while we slept.

This humidifier has three mist levels.

The tank and bottom are not attached, causing spills if not held correctly.

The water tank can develop a film if cleanings are skipped.

With its compact, minimalist design and effective functionality, we found ourselves keeping the Levoit 1.8 Cool Mist Humidifier close by while we slept. Its 7-inch surface is great for popping onto a nightstand for an extra dose of hydration, and it even has a space for essential oils to help lull you into relaxation mode. It has three mist levels and is whisper-quiet.

The humidifier’s removable top can be filled like a diffuser (we love to throw a few drops of essential oils in, at night). And the “cool mist” aspect makes it a great choice for year-round use.

However, we found out the hard way that the chamber underneath the tank retains water, even when empty. So be sure to grab the machine from the bottom when relocating and cleaning it (and be sure to clean it regularly, as the base will develop a film inside if not). Aside from this balancing act, we were fairly happy with this chic humidifier.

Price at time of publish: $59.99

Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 10.6 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 1.8 liters | Coverage Area: 107-260 square feet

Amazon

It noticeably increased the moisture level of our air overnight.

The tank remained full after eight hours of use on the highest setting.

It has seven pastel color options to illuminate the room.

It makes a slight humming sound that some might find bothersome (but we found it akin to peaceful white noise).

A few tablespoons of water refused to empty from the tank, so you might need to stuff a towel inside to clean those last few drops.

This little humidifier is surprisingly powerful and raised the humidity levels in our room to be noticeably more comfortable during our cold winter testing period. The humidifier produces a low hum while working that resembles white noise, so we think it would actually be pretty soothing to sleep with it on the bedside table. And, after running this humidifier all night, the water tank still had most of the 8 cups of water it holds left in the reservoir.

One of the features that make the Vicks Sleepy Time humidifier stand out from the rest that we’ve tried is the customizable night-light feature, which allowed us to choose from seven pastel color modes that softly illuminate the room — a fun option for little kids or anyone afraid of the dark. You also have the option to put essential oils in this tank so that it becomes a diffuser for your favorite scents.

Another thing that we loved about this model is that it was very easy to clean with a vinegar-water mixture. We found it slightly difficult to completely empty the water reservoir, and even when we completely turned it upside down over a sink, a few stubborn tablespoons of water remained in the rounded base. That felt like a small price to pay for a three-in-one device that performs all three of its promised functions exceedingly well.

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: 8.23 x 8.6 x 8.15 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 2.3 liters | Coverage Area: 100-300 sq. ft.

Amazon

The compact design can fit easily on shelves, nightstands, and countertops.

It releases substantial steam and can work on rooms up to 250 square feet despite its smaller size.

The unit’s design isn’t aesthetically pleasing.

Humidifiers are essential in some notoriously dry (and small) rooms like dorms, hotels, or even some bedrooms, which makes the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier ideal for places a bit short on space. But don’t be fooled by its pint-sized stature — this 9-inch tall machine can moisturize up to 250 square feet of air (making it a great size for a bedroom or small living room).

Not only did this teardrop-shaped humidifier help inject some hydration into our spaces, but it also helped our skin during dry seasons and battles with seasonal allergies. Our plants reaped the benefits, as well. Its small but mighty 1.7-liter reservoir was able to produce a consistent stream of air, helping somewhat dry spaces in our homes feel more pleasant throughout the day, which is great for us and our plants.

If aesthetics aren’t high on your list of priorities, then you’ll be happy with this effective humidifier — but if you’re looking for something a bit more luxe, then you may want to go a different route

Price at time of publish: $49.99

Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 9 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 1.7 liters | Coverage Area: 250 square feet

Amazon

The humidifier has options for both warm and cool mists.

It covers up to 750 square feet of space.

It’s very quiet while running.

The essential oil compartment is somewhat hard to open.

The water tank has to be filled from the bottom.

Looking for something that'll help your houseplants thrive? This Levoit humidifier might be your best bet. Its sizable water tank has to be filled from the bottom, which isn't the most convenient, though it didn't spill or leak during our tests. Plus, you only have to fill it every couple of days, and it covers up to 750 square feet of space.

You can choose from warm or cool mist and three intensity levels, and even on the highest setting, it's nearly silent. The warm mode is especially great for tropical plants and flora. This humidifier is easy to control using the digital panel or included remote. You can also add essential oils for a dose of aromatherapy, though we found the tray tricky to open.

After using it for a month, we noticed a difference in recovery time from seasonal allergies and a soothing effect during minor coughs. Even if you don't have indoor foliage at home, this humidifier is a solid choice for large spaces.

Price at time of publish: $77.66

Dimensions: 11.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 6 liters | Coverage Area: 750 square feet

Amazon

This sleek, compact humidifier would fit well in small spaces.

It runs quietly while emitting visible vapor.

It’s easy to fill and adjust.

Regularly cleaning the tank may be time-consuming.

It emitted a slight odor on the first run.

If you plan to leave your humidifier out on most days during the chilly season, it's worth getting something that's not an eyesore. In terms of appearance, our favorite is the Honeywell Designer Series, a sleek and sophisticated device with a user-friendly design and standout features.

The tank was easy to fill, and was super quiet (we actually forgot it was on), and we could even see the cool vapor as soon as we turned it on. Though there was a slightly unpleasant smell at first, it went away quickly. You can adjust the intensity using the dial and see how much water is left through the narrow opening on the front. If you want an aromatherapy boost, add a few drops of essential oil to the pull-out tray.

This compact humidifier easily fits on a countertop, shelf, dresser, or even a nightstand. And despite the polished exterior, it has a surprisingly heavy-duty feel. Cleaning isn't difficult per se, but it calls for a mixture of vinegar and bleach to remove mineral buildup, which could get time-consuming. In the end, we think the price is reasonable and would recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-sized model.

Price at time of publish: $63.99

Dimensions: 13 x 9 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 6 liters | Coverage Area: 500 square feet

Amazon

This humidifier can automatically adjust the humidity levels in a room based on your preferences.

The connected app allowed us to schedule when and for how long the humidifier ran.

It’s surprisingly cost-effective and a great value compared to the other comparable humidifiers that we’ve tested.

This humidifier produced more bacteria in our swab test than others that we tried, so it may require more frequent cleaning.

For how high-tech this humidifier is, we were pleasantly surprised by how little it costs. The Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier compares to the more expensive humidifier models that we’ve tried, with a touch-screen display and a connected smart app that allowed us to schedule when and how long the humidifier would run.

The Levoit water tank is easy to fill, with a wide opening that holds a whopping 4.5 liters of water. The large water capacity allows this humidifier to run for long periods without depleting. We also love that it offers a smart mode, which automatically adjusts its mist output to balance the air’s moisture to your specifications.

When it came time to clean the various bits and pieces of this humidifier, we found that it was pretty easy to wipe down, and no visible mold or scale inhabited the innards of the machine. One important downside that we found in our testing process was that a swab from the Levoit OasisMist 450S humidifier ultimately showed more bacteria in our petri dish tests than any other humidifier that we tested, so this one might need more frequent sanitizing than others on our list.

Price at time of publish: $90

Dimensions: 10.8 x 6 x 11.97 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 4.5 liters | Coverage Area: 430 square feet

Amazon

The small design fits well on countertops or in corners.

This humidifier’s ultra-quiet, ultrasonic misters sense and adjust to the room’s humidity.

The tank is mold and mildew-resistant.

It’s not the most attractive device (definitely looks like a humidifier).

We all know the struggles of dry skin in the winter, but did you know that serums and moisturizers can only do so much without the help of a humidifier? Enter: the Pure Guardian Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, a floor model that features a large water tank (good for overnight run times) and soothing results.

This humidifier includes a mold and mildew-protected tank, so that you can make sure your air is as pure as possible while you inject some moisture into it. To our pleasant surprise, the Pure Guardian is whisper-quiet, thanks to its ultrasonic technology, incorporating smart mist sensors that adjust to the level of humidity in the room for a customized experience.

It’s easy to store, too — the teardrop-shaped machine fits perfectly into corners, keeping it out of the way and out of sight. However, we do wish it was a little more aesthetically pleasing, as the bright blue and white tank won’t be to everyone’s taste. But for this humidifier's ultra-moisturizing effects, we'll consider it a fair trade.

Price at time of publish: $105.26

Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 23.3 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 5.67 liters | Coverage Area: 440 square feet

The humidifier stayed remarkably clean after multiple tests and uses.

It arrived assembled and was easy to use out of the box.

It includes an essential oil dispenser.

This is one of the more expensive humidifiers for the size compared to others on our list.

The small water reservoir opening might require you to use a pitcher to refill.

If you’re a fan of minimalistic or modern aesthetics in your space, then you’ll find favor with the Stadler Form Oskar Humidifier — a no frills, clean-cut square machine that sits atop a silver stand. It came completely assembled, and we appreciated the instant moisturization we felt when this humidifier was turned on. There was a light, fresh scent that seeped into the air upon first use, but you can even customize your scent with the humidifier’s essential oil dispenser for a touch of aromatherapy.

This model is on the smaller side, which means you can easily use it on a coffee table, nightstand, or areas of the house where you need a bit more hydration (and it’ll look much more graceful than your old, clunky humidifiers). While it was easy to fill with a pitcher when the water levels got low, we did find that the opening was small and required a bit of a steady hand when refilling.

However, the standout quality of this model was how very clean it remained throughout months of testing. We’ve tried more humidifiers than we can count but have found that most need to be cleaned and wiped out constantly, and even still, they only last a year or two. This one in particular has remained sparkling clean with the same amount of cleanings across all models, and feels like it will last multiple years — making it a great choice, if you want to invest in a smaller-scale humidifier.

Price at time of publish: $167.99

Dimensions: 9.69 x 9.7 x 11.4 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 3.5 liters | Coverage Area: 540 square feet

Carepod

The humidifier’s stainless steel interior is mold-resistant and easy for us to fill up in the kitchen sink.

The water reservoir was still half-full after eight hours of use on the highest setting, and indicator lights alert you when it needs to be refilled.

We noticed a light dripping noise that might be bothersome for some.

Even on the lowest setting, the Carepod One noticeably increased the moisture levels in our test room in just the first hour of use. On the highest setting, we felt the difference in just 10 minutes. We were impressed with the constituent steam output and well-designed body. The stainless steel interior naturally repels mold and is super easy to remove and fill up in the sink.

One of our favorite features in the smartly designed Carepod One were the indicator lights on the outer casing, which not only told us which setting the device was set to (low, medium, or high), but also alerted us to how full the water tank was and when it needed to be refilled. And, even after using the humidifier on the highest setting for eight hours straight, the tank was still about half-full of water, so we didn’t have to worry about it running out while we slept.

While there was no mold or buildup present on the Carepod One humidifier during our testing, the instructions say that the oscillator should be cleaned weekly with a small brush or toothbrush, and the stainless steel cover and water tank should be cleaned with boiling water. The cleaning itself was simple enough and took us only 15 minutes, but boiling the water and figuring out how to submerge the different parts into it took us longer. The only real qualm we have with this humidifier is that it makes a light dripping noise that feels reminiscent of a fish tank, but that noise isn’t worse on lower or higher settings and overall didn’t detract much from this easy-to-use, effective humidifier.

Price at time of publish: $279

Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 10.6 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 4 liters | Coverage Area: 500 square feet

Dyson

It’s controlled by a magnetized remote, so we could change the settings without needing to stand up.

The self-cleaning option makes this device more low maintenance than any other humidifier we tested.

The wide tank opening was very easy for us to fill.

This is one of the heaviest models we tested.

If you can swing the price and want a sleek-looking, feature-rich design, you should definitely consider the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool. This high-tech gadget was easy to fill up, thanks to the wide tank opening. It began working as soon as we turned it on. And while there was no visible mist and almost no noise, we could feel the cool, moist air coming out.

You can adjust the intensity, select pre-set programs, and run the nighttime mode, all using the included remote, which attaches to the top of the machine via a magnet for convenient storage. This humidifier has a self-cleaning cycle and notifies you when it's time to change the easy-to-replace filter.

At 18 pounds, it's one of the heaviest we tested, but the handle makes moving it around a breeze. This state-of-the-art purifier-humidifier hybrid looks nice just sitting out, too. The price is a bit hard to justify, especially since it's about ten times higher than most other humidifiers. But if it's within your budget, it might be worth treating yourself.

Price at time of publish: $919.99

Dimensions: 36.5 x 12 x 11 inches | Reservoir Capacity: 4 liters | Coverage Area: 400 square feet

People / Dera Burreson

People / Henry Wortock

When shopping around for a humidifier, pay attention to the reservoir (water tank) size. Ranging anywhere from 0.25 to 6 or more liters, the amount of water it can hold will affect how much indoor space it can cover.

For instance, a 6-liter model like the Levoit Classic 300S can moisturize the air in spaces as large as 750 square feet. But a humidifier with a 1.5-liter tank (think the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier) will likely only cover roughly 200 square feet (about the size of a bedroom or home office).

The dimensions of the humidifier matter too. If you plan to place yours on a shelf, desk, or nightstand, a smaller model is ideal. On the other hand, if you imagine it going on a countertop, free-standing cabinet, table, dresser, or potentially the floor, a larger one will work.

While some humidifiers are cordless with rechargeable batteries, most plug into the wall. With this in mind, check the length of the power cord and make sure there's an outlet within reach of where you want to place it. So unless you’re using a portable model like the Geniani Erie Portable Cool Mist Humidifier, you’ll need to position your humidifier close to an outlet.

Cleaning a humidifier is not a fun task, and sometimes the design makes it even more difficult. You'll want to consider the cleaning requirements, which may involve wiping down the tank, soaking the parts, or scrubbing off hard-water scale. Dr. Parikh recommends cleaning your humidifier at least once a week, though some models call for daily cleaning. Additionally, many have replaceable filters, which you'll want to change out about once a month if you use yours daily.

Since humidifiers are most often used during the late fall and winter, you're wise to buy one before the chilly months hit. On the other hand, if you're hoping to score a discount, shop around in the spring or summer when last winter's models are likely to be on sale.

Our editors searched high and low to find the top-rated, best-selling humidifiers on the market, then selected 27 to try first-hand both in the lab and at home. After unboxing them and reading through the manuals, our testers timed how long it took to set them up. Upon filling them up and switching them on, we observed the mist output and noise level and played around with different settings.

We also cleaned the humidifiers according to the directions, as frequent cleaning is a big part of owning one. Finally, we assessed the design, including size, appearance, and durability. Taking testing insights and price into consideration, we narrowed it down to the top 17 models.

People / Dera Burreson

According to Dr. Parikh, using a humidifier can help soothe your nasal passages when your indoor air gets dry. This often happens in winter when your heating system continuously warms cold air from outside and releases it into your home.

Some people also use humidifiers for skincare benefits, as the added moisture can help prevent a parched complexion. And others turn to humidifiers to help their houseplants thrive (like the Levoit Aerapy Warm and Cool Mist Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier).

"Between 30 to 50 percent is good," says Dr. Parikh. Depending on who you ask, you might hear that the most comfortable indoor humidity level is more like 40 to 60 percent. But Dr. Parikh warns that inching toward 60 percent could encourage mold growth and potentially create a breeding ground for dust mites.

Dr. Parikh says to clean your humidifier frequently and change the filter often, especially if you suffer from allergies and asthma. Aim for at least once a week. And if you notice mineral scale, mold, or other buildup, you might want to clean it each time you empty or refill it.

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, recreation, and pet products. For this story, she evaluated insights from our testing team that included short-term, long-term, and bacteria-growth testing to provide a comprehensive and trusted list of the best humidifiers on the market. She also sought expertise from Purvi Parikh, MD, allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network. This story was updated to include the most recent testing results by staff writers Alyssa Brascia and Cai Cramer.

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